Giving Thanks

Hope everyone had an awesome Canadian Thanksgiving holiday.
Lord knows, we all have much to give thanks for....just, many don't even realize it sometimes. It's hard to think about giving thanks when things in life aren't very good.  I know, I've been there too.
But the list really does go on and on of why we should give thanks.
Like my Pastor mentioned on Sunday....we focus on Thanksgiving but many don't even mention who they are actually giving thanks to!!  Smh.

Almighty God....

I certainly am Giving Thanks!!

On Thanksgiving, and Everyday!

My greatest blessings are my two wonderful children and very handsome husband. And then I can't forget to mention my Mom. Love her dearly. Her health has been great the last couple of years and for that I am also very very thankful.

Now, after sharing an awesome Thanksgiving Dinner with some awesome friends..(Thanks so much to them for including us)...I get back to the gym this week. After all, I haven't been doing anything since We Did It! Again!  Yup, I've been a bit lazy. Ok, maybe more than a bit....but that ends now!!  But wait, maybe I am going too far by saying I haven't been doing anything because I have been going to my dance class.

What I'm supposed to wear.

In fact, last Thursday was hilarious because I forgot my shorts that I wear for class. LOL  I accidentally brought two tops.

Lucky for me....I had something in my trunk that I could use. Smh.

What I ended up wearing.
You can laugh!

My daughters old Solo Baton Costume.
I squeezed my butt into it.
Was too funny.
When I told Furman he begged me to please take a picture. hahaha
When I told my daughter she laughed and figured that I must have the biggest wedgie!!  hahaha
Awwww.....it wasn't that bad.
I ended up losing a few stones rubbing up against the pole though.
As I did my thing I heard something hit the floor and made a dash to collect what I could so that I could glue them back on. After all, my big butt shouldn't be in her costume messing it all up...but I was desperate. lol

I got the job done though!  Had a great class and learned how to do the Helicopter!!



Anyways.....I gotta start my day. Thank God it's a short week!  Looking forward to a very busy and exciting weekend. This week, I've gotta start getting used to new neighbors. (You have no idea!)
At work, I've got some ladies that moved in beside me who were previously moved to the office that I will soon be transferred to and who have now been moved back. Must have been some fight! Go figure! Long story! Wish I knew the secret. But I'm not going to start thinking about that upcoming move because my migraines will kick in. Instead, I'll think about other moves that I am excited about. And, enjoy my new neighbors. And remember to keep Giving Thanks!!!

Have an awesome week everyone!!

God Bless!!

We Did It! Again!

Can't believe it!

Really can't!  Lol

So proud of both of us.

So thankful for my husbands awesome support and capturing of our special moments in picture and video....and for that of my FB friends who took the time to post encouraging and congratulatory comments. 

I am blessed.
Sorry it took me several days to blog about it....but I needed some time to recover. lol
 We were completely exhausted!
But not too exhausted to pose up with our BLING!
                                           

Did I mention that I can't believe we did it? lol
What a feeling.  (Song came to mind...I just had to!)

During the run we both felt awesome. Kept checking in with each other to make sure that nobody was having any knee pain or hip pains. When we needed to slow down just a tad, we did so. We are a great team.
The result - A finish time of 2:20!!!
Not bad for our very first Half Marathon. Furman figured we'd finish somewhere around 2:30. Hell, we would have been happy with that too! So, it was nice to make him proud and blow our own minds. lol. When we got down to the last stretch, Catie reminded me that it was time to book it to the Finish Line. Lord knew, I didn't have very much energy left because those last few kms were hard as hell. (Definitely is mind over matter) But....I did my best. Couldn't let Catie finish ahead of me when we stuck together the whole way. Noooo....we had to not only start together, but end together too. And, that's what we did. Grabbing each other's hands and raising in the air as we crossed the finish line.

We've earned these now!!
 Already on my car!!!  Woo Hoo!

And....just when you thought we had enough.......we've already registered for the Ottawa Race Weekend.
Yup....we are going to travel to Ottawa for May long weekend and run another Half Marathon. Go big or go home!!  It'll be a beautiful route that allows us to run through two provinces apparently. We'll be crossing the bridge into Gatineau along with running along the Rideau Canal. I sooo can't wait. Already knew I wanted to run in Ottawa, just never expected that it would be a Half Marathon!!  And guess what.....Furman can run this one with us. Yay!!  He laughs...because while we said we would NEVER run a full marathon...he already knew that we'd sign up for another Half. lol I guess he is right....we got the bug. We are addicted.

But...no gym for me this week. I'm gonna rest up before I get back in gear. In fact....i'm on holidays next week because my husband and I will be celebrating our Second Wedding Anniversary!! Imagine that! My, how time flies. And....I've got a birthday right after.
Oh...and as a treat for my birthday....I will be spending the day with my dear Half Marathon Running Partner (no, not Furman) - Catie.....at St Anne's Resort and Spa. Oh yes....we most certainly deserve to be pampered and get one of those Athletes Massages.  Can't wait. So happy that Catie decided she will be joining me!!  Love her!!

Anyways....I just wanted to make sure and update you all on my Half Marathon.
I FINISHED!!!    
DAMN SKIPPY!!!



Yeah baby!!

Race Kit Pickup

Today was quite the adventure that I had to tell you about it.
Why? Because there was a lesson learned. lol

As I mentioned in my previous post....today was Race Kit Pickup day.
I had to make the trek into the city between 10-2pm to get our kits because yesterdays time for pickup was during rush hour (3-7pm) and that wasn't happening. Especially since I was on a Mental Health Day. So, on a yucky rainy day...I head into the city.
I decided that I would make an adventure of it. How? Well, by parking where I knew so I wouldn't have to hunt for parking near my destination. Parking where I knew was several blocks away which means I would have to make a trek in the rain to my destination.

Although I had an umbrella, I decided I would take an adventure....the Toronto PATH system. An underground network of shopping the connects several buildings for 28 kms. I had this downloaded map on my iphone to help me navigate because while I've lived in this city all my life, I've never successfully navigated through the PATH from one point to another. It's like a maze as the map will show you.

But.....before I could start my adventure, I had to park. That has never been an issue before but it was today because I didn't have my credit card on me, which is what I usually use for the machine. I didn't worry about it because I was pretty sure that there was a change machine on one of the parking levels. I was wrong!!
I swear there used to be one there though. I swear.

So, I started counting my change.

When I found that I was a couple dollars short of the $6 flat rate fee that I needed, I started digging in my car. Moving the seats to check for fallen pocket change. It helped. But not completely. I needed $0.50 more.
Luckily on the fourth level of the parking garage was a section where people are able to vacuum out their vehicles. A car pulled up near me to do so. Soooo.....I went begging. hahahahaha I sure did! Two guys were getting ready to vacuum out their SUV so I sauntered over and asked them if they could spare $0.50. Don't remember my exact words...lol But, I put on the charm. Lucky for me, it worked. They generously donated $0.50 to my cause. So, I went to the parking machine to get my ticket.

Well, I encountered a new issue surprisingly.
As I stood there depositing the loonies (Canadian dollar coins), quarters, dimes and nickels....when the tally got to $5.90 the machine wouldn't take any more change. WTH? Is there a quota as to how many coins you can use to make your $6? Nothing on the machine said so. I tried again. Same problem. So close but yet so far. I couldn't get a darn parking slip so I could be on my way. Smh.

Now....I decided to drive up a level of the parking garage to where I would more likely encounter people because the level I was on was pretty much empty. On that next level I stopped a man that had just parked and asked him if he could give me a loonie in exchange for four quarters. In fact, he gave me two for eight. This should work. So, back to the parking machine I went. It worked!!! I was on my way. Finally. Don't even ask how much time I spent trying to deal with this change issue. lol

After that, I was headed for the PATH. After all, I was on a deadline. Nothing crazy to share about my venture through the PATH. It was just like going through a maze. Turn a corner, reach a dead end, retrace steps and go another way till you find which way you should be going. Look at signs for direction and still not be sure which sign to follow. The map I shared above was a bit helpful. Sooo....I made my way and was so proud of myself. Found my way to my destination to get our race kits for tomorrow.
                                       

This will be us!!

ISLAND GIRLS!!!

Wish us luck!

Say a prayer.

Stay tuned.  Finish line.... Here we come!!

Oh... And lesson learned....parking machines have some kind of quota on how many coins you can use. Lol. Seriously!!

Mental Health Day

Today I took my very first Mental Health Day.

At least I don't recall having ever taken one.  Lol. Days off is not something I'm good at. 

I originally had the day off and decided that I would go ahead and work it.....only to decide to take it off after receiving some absolutely horrible news at work.  I need a moment or three to digest what they just gave us to swallow. They are relocating my team with no ifs, ands or buts. No real good reason, but just because they can. Cohesiveness and Collaboration. Smh. I'll be haunted by those words.

Of course, this news is devastating for all of us for a variety of reasons.
We tried to communicate this before.....when the threat was first uttered. Change is..
Powers that be might as well be wearing these t-shirts.....lol

Myself and another colleague live the farthest from our current office location. We already both drive just over an hour to get to our current location. So travelling to the new office location will be no joke. I've done it before for a week of training and it wasn't fun. The ride home was a definite assault on my patience. Oh my nerves!! Having to do it everyday? OMG. Let me say it again...

o m g!!

But I'm not going to get into my anger because its not going to make me feel better getting it out.  Nope...I digress. I will simmer quietly as I try to figure out how to put together all that this disrupts in my life. The list is long and started coming to mind as I left my dance class last evening. Oh..but let me just say...yes, I am still happy to have a job.

But.....today....I decided to take a day to avoid getting a migraine from the stress of this now pending move. Didn't want to go to work and talk about it. Because you know that would be the topic for the day since it was just announced. There would be no way to avoid it. Ugh! Nope...today I relaxed and happily prepared for another change in my life that is welcome. Oh, uh....more to come.

It'll be a nice long weekend for me. I took Monday off work as well.....you know, to recover from my First Half Marathon. Thought I might need it. Two more days before I can join an elite group of people. So, tomorrow I pick up our race kits and eat some pasta and just relax in general.

On that note....let me get back to my day/evening.
I may not be at work...but I was getting some work done at home. No more slacking off!
It's the weekend baby!!!

Oh....and I want to dedicate this song to my first born with lots of love!!

Keep me in your prayers this weekend.

That I finish my half marathon and with no injury.

Have an awesome weekend.

God Bless!!!

Getting Ready to Run

Excited?

I must say, I'm not exactly there yet.

Concerned is more like it.

15k is one thing.....but a Half Marathon? 

Yup....that's what I'm griping about.  The day is quickly approaching.  It sure is.

I'm not ready for this.  And while I still have several days to get ready....I'm afraid my readiness will never come. Even after I've finished the darn thing. Smh.

Slow and steady wins the race.  Yup....I'm gonna demonstrate exactly what that means. Lol
                                               

Now, we know that I can already run 15k without stopping. Lol

I might forget I can do that next weekend though.  Just sayin!

After completing the Half next weekend, I can't see myself doing another.  Sad, but true. I'm exhausted just thinking about it. But I know, I know....never say never!!  Lol  (Oh, and notice I did say "after completing".

In the meantime, we've started making plans for our winter runs. No lie! Lol I am quite serious...and crazy I might add. (Some of you already know this..lol)

It's all Catie's fault...again!  I swear I wouldn't have thought about running in the cold if it wasn't for her. But, she got me again. I couldn't say no.

Soooo...we are separately registered to do the Resolution Run 5k on New Years Day!  Woo hoo....it's gonna be a cold one.  But, a great way to start the year I'd like to think. Instead of bling we get a nifty race jacket. So you know that's really why I signed up. Lol Got Furman to agree to do it with me too.

Oh, but we didn't stop there!!

We haven't registered yet but we have gotten quite a group together to run the Santa Shuffle! Lol Now that one has some nifty bling. At least I think so. 

But...let me not get too far ahead of myself. Let me conquer this Half Marathon first so I can proudly earn my 13.1mile/21.1km magnet for my car!! So, to do that, I gotta keep running.  Have been running 5k about 3 times a week and doing a long run on the weekend. Was so proud of myself running out and doing a 10k last weekend while Furman was at work. I sooo wanted to slack off....but I just couldn't. This weekend will be no exception! One more week to go!!! 1st 1/2

On that note.....i'm off to start my weekend!!!  Have a great weekend everyone. God Bless!!!

Stole photo from my running partner Catie.....and I totally agree with it!

TODAY IS NOT THAT DAY!!!!

                                          

Did Ya Miss Me?

Ok....so now, this time has actually been the longest break i've had between posts.
Never fear....Mrs White is here!  hahaha
Did ya miss me?
For those who actually may have....I'm sorry.
If you did, then that suggests that you are a regular reader which means that you may actually understand why I've been absent and knew that I would be returning. My last post College or Bust explains quite a bit.
At the same time, you may be a parent with a child returning to school and may have been too busy yourself to read. If that's the case, you didn't miss anything. lol

Soooo....lots have been happening for many. It's that time. We just had Labor Day Weekend which signifies that Summer is over. Done! Caput!
What now? BACK TO SCHOOL! For sooo many. With that, comes a lot of happiness as well as sadness for parents and students. Time for kids to learn more stuff and make new friendships. What's even more sad, is the tale of those children that will no longer have this opportunity. I'm referring to recent tragedies that have been in the news in my town involving youth. Who knows what's similarly happened in your town so I wont list mine. Just have to pray for the families and friends of these children everywhere.

I saw this prayer on Facebook so thought I would share it here too because it's dead on.
                                                     
On that note, I want to wish all those who have children returning to school a safe and wonderful school year.

Anyways....even though I haven't written in a while I can't write long. Got lots to do. Have been covering for people on vacation at work which has been keeping me very busy during the day. Was still helping my daughter get settled in her dorm before classes began...which they now have. AND....I'm still getting to my dance classes too. In fact, I have officially ADVANCED!  (Starting next week actually) Woo Hoo. lol
On that note...just gotta share a couple videos of myself.  So proud. Doing the Corkscrew and the Pretzel. Think you can guess which one is which?  hahaha    Spinbuddies


Well....I'm off for now. But i'm here. Will do my best not to take so long to post. Things will eventually slow down which will give me a moment to update you on whatever. lol

Till then.....Have an awesome week.
Oh....and watch out for the little ones on the road!!
God Bless.

College or Bust

It's been a busy and exciting week.

My youngest is headed for College.

In a way, she's already been there and settled in.

She's been taking advantage of college readiness courses and orientation stuff on campus.  This has helped her get familiar with residence since that's where she will be living. School is too far away from home to travel. (At least she thought so) And, she's been dying to be out on her own.

College or Bust

                                                           
                                                           

Move in - Yesterday!

I remember many years ago when my son was moving into residence at a university out of town. It was quite the experience moving him in to a city several hours away and was hard as hell to say goodbye. Even though, it wasn't really a goodbye, it was more of a see ya later! But, it was still tough. After he was all moved in and it was time to leave he had said goodbye to his move in crew at the car. But, I followed him back to his room for a private moment - the mom speech. Lol When I resigned to the fact that I had to go, I gave him a hug and held on tight. A few moments seemed like forever. My son was leaving the nest. My firstborn. The young man of the house. I was trying my hardest not to tear up at a time I should be celebrating. Lol One less teenager around the house. Hahaha But, when I heard what sounded like my son trying to hold back the tears and probably not doing a great job at it...I had to tell him to stop!  He was gonna make me cry.  You know, like an infectious yawn.  But of course, the waterworks began. I couldn't hold it in knowing that he had become emotional in this moment as well. That said a lot in itself.  It was a beautiful moment I'll cherish forever.

This time....very different. I'm more prepared. My daughter has been helping prepare me along with the experience of already going through this with my son.  Oh....and she won't be as far out of town as my son was. Much easier to visit each other. And, let's not forget that Furman is here now. I won't be alone wondering who I can drive nuts. Haha. I got him!! 

So yesterday she officially moved in to Residence.

                       

This is not our car but you get the idea! Lol

   

On the weekend we put off her packing time by doing some mom and daughter bonding. We went to the beach together.  Mind you, I had a previously scheduled GFS Event to host at the beach for which only one person indicated they could come along with several maybes. So, when we got to the beach we went to the spot I was supposed to meet the others ladies at.  We set up shop to be visible and played frisbee. Lol We both weren't very good at it. Haha. But it was fun. After about an hour, we figured nobody was going to show this time so we headed onto the sand past the many volleyball nets that had been set up with people playing beach volleyball. It was kind of cool.

                                              

Blanket, chairs, umbrella and a small cooler with some drinks.  We were prepared. Found a spot by the water and laid out for tanning. Lol. My daughter just wanted to get her toes wet. Lol Was so cute. Then we started being silly. Taking photos. What's going to the beach without taking the popular beach shot? 

                                                   

And....I had to pose in the beautiful bikini my BFF Miss Caramel had given me as a gift. Had to let Furman know what he was missing while at work on a Saturday. Lol

                                               

After a little while longer, we retired the beach and headed over to Toronto Buskerfest. It was a nice walk through our city streets checking out the different booths and Busker entertainment. Took a few shots and a little video.  I had to capture the Silks performance because those classes are offered at Spinbuddies, but I just haven't been confident enough to try it. Soon!

Anyways....it was a busy weekend and I've gotta start work so I'll quit here. 

Just know that the move went well on Sunday after church (we visited a new church too, Hope For Today Fellowship, to support some awesome people as they prepare to open church doors to a community in need).  My baby is all settled into College now. Furman made sure everything was working as it should be before we left. It was a late night. 

Have an awesome week...and hope you all had an awesome weekend.