My Thanksgiving Break :)

To start my Thanksgiving break off, I went to my boyfriend Joshua's house for four days. We packed up his car and left at 3:30 PM on Friday. We arrived to the little town of Ossian where his parent's house was around 4:45 PM. His dad was already home watching football on TV and we unloaded and waited around until his mom got home so we could eat dinner. We ordered pizza from Caseys and chilled the rest of the night. Nothing too exciting happened at his house because we took these four days to just relax from school and the cross country season. Saturday morning,  Josh and I woke up to watch our women's team run at nationals online. It was a disappointing day because our girls were ranked in the top 5 without our number one girl running and we ended up getting 11th! I do not know what happened and I am planning on asking what happened because only one girl on the team ran like she should have. Everyone else had an extremely bad race. I hope this never happens again and we can win a national title next year!
   That Sunday was Josh's dad's side Thanksgiving! There were about 30 to 40 people at this gathering and everyone brought a dish and dessert of some sort. There was so much food that I ate way more than I should have. On Monday Josh and I went to Decorah to see the new Hunger Games movie, "Catching Fire". It was really good, but the ending was a cliff-hanger. We both wanted to see this movie and "Delivery Man", but we both don't really have the time or the money. Tuesday we ate Happy Joe's pizza before leaving to drive back to Wartburg to get my car. We switch all our stuff in my car and I drove to my house that night.
   It took about an hour and a half before we got to my house around 9 PM. My dogs were ecstatic to see me and the new person I brought home.
    The next day, Josh and I slept in, made pancakes for breakfast and just chilled until I had to go to work at 5. I was scared of leaving him all alone with my family especially with my sister Chloe because she can be a lot to handle. After I got home from work, I saw him sitting on the couch looking upset. Chloe was way to much to handle and was constantly picking on him, bugging him or asking him questions.  I was really upset about this especially because I wanted him to stay here at my house.
   Thursday, Thanksgiving day, my mom and I cooked all morning. We were just going to eat our meal as a family this year and not go to anybody's house. This whole day we just ate and chilled around. Usually I run the 7.5 mile Turkey Trot in Dubuque, but I have a stress fracture in my knee so this is the first year in 5 years where I have not won my family a turkey. I was pretty upset about this, but everything happens for a reason.    Thursday night, Josh and I went Black Friday shopping in American Eagle and Target and then went to IHOP for pancakes. When we got back to my house we sat in the Soft tub (smaller, cheaper version of a hot tub).  Friday, My family, Josh, and I volunteered at the Rescue Mission and then went to East Dubuque to cut down our tree for Christmas. It is a tradition in my family every year to do this. Afterwards, we shopped at TJ Maxx for Christmas gifts and went home to relax.
    Saturday, I woke up and worked 12-8 so Josh just hung out with my family. When I got home we chilled around and did some homework and went to bed. We plan on coming home tomorrow early so we make brunch, but who knows!
 

Pet Peeves

Here are some of my biggest pet peeves and why they are so annoying/disturbing to me....

1. When people eat with their mouth open
      - First off, why would people do this? Wouldn't the people feel awkward?
   Further into this one..
2. When people eat with their mouth open AND talk to people
     - Would you not see the people looking at you in disgust and wonder first, what the heck are you saying and second, can you please not do that ever again.
3. When people use the expression " Oh that's too bad"
     - I know that most people don't mean any harm by this, but it drives me crazy because the sarcastic tone in it.
4. When all people do is talk about themselves
    - How selfish are people these days? Occasionally,  it is alright to share stories and such, but when others share stories and  the person relates it back to them or a story THEY went through it becomes annoying.
5.  People with poor work ethic or when life is handed to them
   -  I believe in the long run that people with strong work ethic they will achieve more and grow bigger as a person. They will achieve more in life and know what accomplishment is.
6. Being rushed!
   - I do like to do some things fast like run or work( as in Pancheros), but I cannot stand when people rush me to get ready or rush me to go somewhere. I don't like just running through life and when I am rushed I get high anxiety and frustration.

My Bucket List

Bucket Lists seem kind of foolish sometimes, but they keep me motivated to check some off each year.

BUCKET LIST

1.  Qualify for the Boston Marathon
2.  Ride the tallest AND fastest roller coaster in the word (with it being safe of course!)
3.  See John Mayer in concert
4.  Go scuba diving
5.  Marry the perfect guy for me
6.  Land a successful job and love doing it!/ Be my own boss
7.  Be an All -American in college cross country and track and field
8.  Write a book and have it published
9.  Have a small, relaxing wedding on a beach or in nature
10. Climb Mt. Everest
11. Run on the Great Wall Of China
12. Go Whale Watching
13. Travel to Africa to help the kids with Aids, malnutrition, and serious diseases
14.  Book a ticket and just leave
15.  Have a bonfire on a beach
16. Own my own bakery someday
17. Donate time to a wildlife Sanctuary
18. Send a message in a bottle on one of the oceans
19. Stand where you can be at 4 states at once
20. Cliff jump
21. Go on a camping trip with all my friends
22. Move in with the one I love
23. Learn a new talent

The Trips Back Home

   This weekend would mark the second time I have come home since I have been in college. It doesn't really feel like a home to me anymore which is weird though. I'm so use to coming into a warm house with the aroma of sweet pumpkin spice from my moms Sensie floating around the air in our small cottage home. I feel as though I am growing up too fast and my life is soon going to be over in a blink of an eye. I don't really enjoy this feeling because I still want my home to feel like well..home.
   It is weird to think how in high school I never was close to anyone, but my close guy friend and training buddy Dallas. When I come home now though it seems like the whole world wants to hang out with me. I don't really understand it and in all honesty I came home for three reasons. One, to see my family and Oksana, my baby sister who is growing like a weed. Two, to see my crazy dogs who I miss so much, and three, to work because I cant afford to attend this school or pay my bills if I don't work.
   I wish I could have the money to do fun things all the time like go out to eat and see movies and go on trips and to water parks in the summer and whatever else kids like to do these days. In all honesty though, I sometimes don't wish I had the money for these things. I would not be as much of a hard working individual if I had life handed to me. Even though it causes much stress in my life, I am learning to handle it. I know I will be rewarded in the future for my hard work.
   In my free time, I like to do free things. When I am home I enjoy watching Netflix with my family or sisters, cook meals or bake desserts, crafts, talking the dogs on a walk or going on a short run as I push my baby sister Oksana in the stroller. I simply love just laying out sometimes too or sitting on the porch with my mom and having funny conversations with her. When I am here what I like to do with my free time is.....lets be serious, I have no free time. Well I have some, but usually I am sleeping because I don't get enough sleep as it is. Waking up at 4:25 everyday sure gets the best of me.
  Overall I just want to say that I miss home. I miss all the free time and seeing my family, dogs, and just laying in my bed back home and cuddling with Maggie, my black pug. I miss being young again and not having a care in the world.  I cannot wait to go home for Thanksgiving break!

  

What I Am Thankful For

This is a list of a few things that I am thankful for. When times get rough sometimes you just have to think about the small things in life to get you by. This is what I am thankful for....

I am thankful for....

My life- it is a precious thing.
My mother- even though she is crazy sometimes, she always makes me laugh.
My job- If I didn't have a job, I would not be going to school here right now. Also back home I love rolling those burritos at Pancheros ;)
My health- even though I was hurt at the end of the cross country season, my health could be so much worse.
My hair- It's somewhat long, its bleach blonde naturally, and it is straight so I usually never have to do anything with it.
My baby sister Oksana- She shows me really what love is.
My other sister Chloe- Even when she picks on me, I still love her because I know how much she looks up to me.
My education- I am the first out of my mom and dad to go to college right after high school.
The money I DO have- Even though my family does not have much, we make by with what we have. Matters could be much worse.
My xc team- They push me everyday to be the best I can be. They are also very supportive and loving. I did not have a team like this in high school.
My ability to be fast at running- I work my butt off day in and day out and I am always rewarded by my hard work. I was blessed to be somewhat fast.
God- He gets me through life when my life seem to be tumbling down.
My stepdad Mike- Ever since I was 8 Mike has been in my life. He has provided me with more than I could ever want and has helped me tremendously with everything from show choir fees to getting a car.
My roommate- I could have had bad luck and got a terrible roommate, but instead I got a roommate who is becoming my best friend. I love her and am so happy I got to meet a girl like her.
The roof over my head- Even though my house back home is tiny, it sure is cozy and warm with our wood stove fire.
My boyfriend Joshua- In the beginning, I thought he was a little too crazy for me, but I love his personality and sense of humor now. He can brighten my dad when I feel like my day will not get any better.
Pancakes!- I LOVE them! They will forever be my favorite food.
The chances I got to travel the country- I have been to almost every state but some on the east coast.

The four weeks a year I get to become fat!

Since I am a full cross country and track runner here at Wartburg College, I get about two weeks after each season where I do not run and I do not exercise. This is the two weeks where it is a chance for runners bodies to recover from the long seasons and the countless miles we run each week. Our bodies have adapted to the hard work and the pounding of the pavement on our legs, but that does not mean we do not need a break.
   Everybody is different, but my body NEEDS the two weeks completely off. If I do not take those two weeks off, I will burn out during the following season or hurt myself. Some people can easily take their two weeks "off" where they still run almost everyday, but instead of running for 80 minutes they will run for 30 mines each day. I simply cannot do this. My body is not made to recover so quickly.
   Without having cross country practice everyday anymore at four o' clock for three hours, I have more time to get into the trainers room to fix the knee issues I have been having and also get some stuff done I usually am not able to do like clean my room and talk on the phone to my mother. I also get the chance to eat almost whatever I want! This is my favorite part actually!
   I am a sucker for sweets, especially chocolate. Anything and everything chocolate is what I like. I also enjoy going out to eat. So for this first week I have definitely been taking advantage of this. I went to Pancheros, where I work back home, but in Waterloo. I usually get a salad or tacos, but instead I got a burrito WITH queso. Queso is fattening, but it is okay to indulge every once in awhile. Saturday, a group of friends and I went to HuHot in Ankeny after the ISU game. I got two platefuls and did not feel guilty. Afterwards, I also enjoyed myself some red velvet homemade ice cream.
   Now I have to admit, I do start to feel guilty after the first week because that is when it starts to sink in that maybe I am gaining a few pounds. Every runner goes through this phase. I tend to look past it though because I need to enjoy myself these two weeks. If I don't, I get depressed throughout my training how I never get to eat the things I love the most.
   The toughest part is getting back on track after the two weeks off. Your legs feel dead and huge. You feel like you have not ran a day in your life and you have to stop eating like a cow all the time! Now many people assume that "oh you run like 8 miles a day, you can eat whatever you want!" Yes we may get to eat more, but not technically anything we want. A runner has a very sensitive stomach and that is why before each race every runner is racing to the porta potties. So if runners ate whatever they want, they might not have as great of workouts or the most enjoyable runs of their life unless they like a different kind of runs if you know what I mean ;)

How Am I Surviving?

These past two weeks were probably considered the most stressful two weeks of my entire life. I know when you come to college you expect to have less class time, but more homework. I was ready for all that. What I was not ready for was getting threating emails about if I do not pay my finances for this semester off by November 15th my winter term classes will get canceled. Or the fact that I would have to work every day during the week waking up at 4:20 AM to clean the Clinton building. As an athlete, especially a runner, you need optimal sleep to recover from your workouts. If you start skimping on sleep, You're body will not recover and you will get hurt. This is what happened to me. I try so hard to stay on top of my studies, getting everything I need done each and every night. I try my hardest everyday at practice and do the best to my ability. I was so excited because I have been in contention to being an alternate for our national championship team. That is huge for a freshman! Considering I got hurt though for studying and finishing all my assignments each night and waking up super early everyday I hindered my performance and eventually hurt myself to the point where I could barely run. My knee has a sharp tingling pain and my conference meet went nothing how I hoped. I dragged myself to the finish line crying and wishing I could finish the season on a good note. If only I could have enough time to do everything so I could get enough sleep so I wouldn't get hurt. Also on top of THAT, The week before conference and this past week the financial and business off has been harassing me still with emails so I finally went in and talked to my coach balling because I know I cant afford this school and I really want to stay here and run still. I am doing the best I can. I got a job on campus so the financial aid office would take $2500 off my semester fee. I wake up every morning that early just so I can stay at this school. I work every day when I go home and all that goes to my tuition as well. All my earnings from this coming summer will be going to my tuition next year if I am still able to be enrolled here at Wartburg.  Consider I don't know where I am suppose to get almost $5000 before November 15th, I also tried for a loan that would cover at least this semesters costs. After having my father tell me that he is not helping me one penny and how he showed me my whole life he has never truly been my father or never wants to even help me a little, I decided I don't need him in my life anymore. It makes me so miserable how I have to listen to my mom cry and suffer because we got denied the loan because my mother and step-dad do not make enough money to support me in this loan and my dad does upsets her. She hates my dad now because he always gets to enjoy the little and the big stuff in life while we are here suffering. After talking to a financial advisor and determining that my loan got denied the chances of me getting to stay at this school are slim. There are only a few loan choices left, but they will not cover me for the full four years here. My heart breaks into a million pieces every single day because I love it here so much and I don't mind school and cross country or working everyday as long as I get to stay here. I know how successful this school makes people and I don't want to have to suffer my whole life because I can not afford the school that I want to go to.
    When I do something, I put 100% effort into it and when I struggle with all these financial issues and constant emails and  pressures I cannot give 100% to my school work or cross country. I simply do not have the time at the moment and this is so difficult for me because I AM a hardworking student and I AM a hard working athlete. I know what I want and I will do whatever it takes to get that and its so difficult sometimes when you cannot handle everything at once because of stupid things like money. How come they never give the people who have a heart in something a chance. I may not be the brightest color in the Crayola box, but I sure as hell will do whatever it takes to become that bright one!

The End to my XC Season

   With Wartburg's Cross Country team being National runners-up last year and contending to be national champions this year it is very difficult to be on the varsity line up. As a freshman, I know I should not even consider myself to be on varsity, but growing up in a small town of Epworth, Iowa I was the number one varsity runner on the team. Coming here, I am the top JV runner. I strive to be the best I can be and my goals will not change since the season is over for me. MY freshman season may be done, but my views for track still follow. Become varsity! Running is my passion and to be anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift, as Steve Prefontaine would say.
     This season was a long, but short one at that. It was just as long as it was in high school, but we have less meets. They also fall on Saturdays which in high school they were usually during the week with the exception of two we would run on Saturday mornings. Going through the season, I was potentially ranked between 9th and 10th on the team. My roommate and best friend now, Jaclyn, would be close behind me and occasionally would beat me when I fell apart during a race. There were also two senior girls, Debbie and Bekah, who would push me out of the top ten at some meets. We haven't been running our two top girls, so its difficult to see where I need to be in the top ten so I could at least be an alternate for Nationals.
   With this past week starting off, my excitement soar because the conference meet was this Saturday. All my hard work and training will pay off if I just believe! Then there was the previous Sunday workout after fall break. I felt wonderful running and after the workout I felt a slight pain in my knee. I made no big deal about it, and pushed it to the back of my mind. Then the next day I woke up and could barely walk up and down the stairs with it. I took the day off and talked to coach who adjusted the rest of my workouts that week. This was a mental block because I was so ready to race at conference and be an alternate for Nationals.
   Driving to Pella, Iowa for Conference on Saturday, I stayed calm and relaxed, but I knew deep down my knee was going to bother me. I brought tape to tape it up and hold my kneecap in place, but that can only do so much. My team started to do our 20 minute warm-up on the course and I followed along. I tried so hard to not think about the pain, however it crept into my mind every second. Starting the race, I went out with two girls that are usually way ahead of me. I felt so good and my body felt so great except for my knee. Then there were the down hills. One of my teammates told me to use the downhill and I tried but the pounding on my knee grew bigger. I slowly started fading after the first mile and started feeling sorry for myself. Why did I put myself through this? I stopped a couple times, planning on just dropping our of the race, but my coach would not let me. He said I was finishing this race no matter what! I limped in pain and cried myself to the finish line nearly a minute slower than my race personal record.
   People knew what was wrong from the moment I crossed the finish line and teammates came over to help me. They encouraged me that I will be okay and that I just needed rest and recover so my knee could heal, but as a competitor, that is the last thing I would like to hear. I want to be the best and when my injuries come at the most inconvenient times, its so hard on my mind. I took a deep breath and reminded myself that it is only my freshman year. Even though I will not be an alternate for this years team, I am planning on scoring for the team next year because I am one tough cookie:)