Memorial Day 5K Complete!

This morning I completed my second 5K and it was a REAL 5K! Streets were closed and there were a lot of runners- REAL RUNNERS! I'd say at least about 2000 participants or so. It was the "American Heroes" run at the Ballpark in Arlington. Camera crews were there, about 5 branches of the military and we even had an Apache Fighter Helicopter fly-over and landing. It was great!

The course was much harder and the sun was out and gleaming. It was beautiful though. When I turned the first curve I saw a sea of people in front of me running and I thought wow this is really beautiful. I should have started doing this years ago! I felt wonderful and accomplished. I'm finally doing something I always wanted to do, something that use to intimidate me. I kept a pretty good pace through-out the race and I sprinted all the hills which really helped my time.

When I made it around the last bend I had one more hill to the finish line. I was getting mentally prepared to sprint in like 45 seconds and all of a sudden I see my husband coming back for me again. He ran beside me clapping and saying words of encouragement I'm sure but I had my iPod on and couldn't hear him. Once I saw the final hill I took off in a sprint. I could see the finish line before me and I saw the clock. I ran quickly but lost a bit of steam right before the finish line but I pushed it a little more. I finished in 38.56 minutes, my fastest official group run time (last one was 42.43)!!! I still have a looooooooooot of work to do but for my second run (and much more challenging of a course) I think I did pretty good.

On to the next one! Woot!

Why can't I be a Naturally Skinny B*tch??!!

So I didn't work-out in the gym at all last week since it was my brother's first week home. I did walk around downtown on Tuesday (that counts as working out right? lol) and we went swimming on Friday.

However no running took place besides doing my first official 5K Saturday morning! So this week I'm back to my schedule trying to run as much as possible. I'm also doing some cross-training (arms, legs, back). I'm feeling pretty good overall.

I tried to increase my pace on Tuesday (first day back) and that bit me in the azz! I was unable to complete the 5K, I was just too drained so I stopped at 1.64 miles. SMH! On Wednesday I was determined to redeem myself so I hit it hardcore, not only was I determined to do the entire 5K at a good pace I was also determined to finish in under 40 minutes. Lord! When I say by the skin of my azz that's exactly what I mean! I finished in 39 minutes and 57 seconds! I was watching the time and pushing myself to beat the 40 minute mark. I did a lot of speed increasing in order to make it. It was so hard I thought I was going to vomit but I felt like a million bucks when I finished. Of course my hubs had came down to the gym and jumped on the treadmill next to me like 5 minutes before I finished. So he was there to share in my triumphant moment. It's funny because we are barely ever in the gym at the same time due to our schedules but he is always there when I need him.

He gave me a fist bump and told me how proud he was of me. He's such a cheerleader! ha ha I love him so much he is definitely the president of my fan club.

Today I did an am work-out because I have nails, pedi and eyebrows after work today. I did 2.16 miles on the treadmill (I wasn't going for 3.10 b/c I wanted to cross train). I finished my work-out with arms, legs and back so it was a very good workout. I have to do it all again tomorrow morning because I have afternoon plans with the hubs and a friend from BBC.

Saturday will conclude the am work-outs my last day of running before my Memorial Day 5K run at the ballpark. Hoping to come in under 40 minutes this time trying to beat last week's 5K time which was 42.43 minutes. Wish me luck!

IVF Consultation

Really!? Seriously?!

I-----------------V------------------F!!! UGH!

So today was the appointment I'd been looking forward to and dreading at the same time. Hmmmmmm to say I'm over-whelmed would be an understatement. I mean really! My doc explained everything in detail with pictures, graphs the whole nine yards but damn! I left with a "what the hell" am I doing bubble in my head. It's just so much! So much emotionally, mentally, physically and FINANCIALLY! I mean I know people pay upwards from 15,000-25,000 for an IVF and my little 10,000 is not much but it kinda is! UGH!

We have to do all new tests; blood test, SA, Pap-

Protocol is as follows:
Birth control
Trial Transfer
Lupron
Baseline Sonogram
Gonal F and Menopur
Sono
Sono
Sono
Sono
Sono
HCG shot
Egg retrieval + mix with sperm for 5 days
Egg Transfer
Blood test to see if PG
Oh did I forget to mention pay 10,000 first! SMH!

The process is like 6 weeks long and I think I see my doc like 20 times during that period! WTH!

I'm just having a dramatic moment right now I guess but geez I just want to have a baby naturally not pay to get pregnant! It pains me to know I may pay all this money and stress myself to death and it still is not 100% guaranteed! I just don't know if I'm strong enough for this.

I have to do this though and at least I'll know that I tried my best to start a family. I just pray for strength and sanity while I'm going through this. God will never put more on me than I can handle. Sigh~

Back to Reality...

Ugh back to work tomorrow. SMH~

My week off was very eventful. My nephew and I picked up my brother on Monday at about 9:30am. It's very good to have him home. A bit over-whelming at first because we had so much to do to get him adjusted.

Monday- lunch, necessity shopping, hair-cut, clothes and shoes shopping. Not to mention I live in downtown Dallas and my parent's house is like 40 minutes away. So I had lots of driving this week.
Tuesday- we went to the courthouse, the driver's license office, got him a new cell phone, went and visited with one of his friends and just running errands in general then I had to take him back to my parents.
Wednesday- was my day of rest while he ran errands with our cousin. I stayed home all day and slept. Literally did not leave the house, I was physically and mentally exhausted.
Thursday-picked up my brother and nephew and we went to the eye doctor, more shopping, visit a friend, visit family members. My husband took him out that night to a jazz club where some of the family were and I stayed home with my nephew. They stayed over-night this time.
Friday-we had friends over and took my nephew swimming and had lunch at the pool-the sun alone was draining! Then later that evening back to my parents' house where we all stayed the night.
Saturday-was my first 5K and then back home where me and hubby napped. Later that evening we went to dinner and to a movie just the two of us.
Sunday-I'm home alone and enjoying my last day of rest before I go back to the office.

Overall everything went well- lots of driving, lots of shopping and lots of family time. I'm very happy that we were able to help as much as we did because starting from square one with wardrobe, shoes, etc is very daunting! My brother is adjusting well- he's great with his son-very loving and very attentive. My nephew's favorite new word is "daddy" and seeing them together is worth all the work we are putting in. This is still very early on but I think he will be OK :-)

In the upcoming weeks we need to figure out his job situation and transportation. My husband and I are going to help as much as possible without over-extending ourselves because we are still getting ready for IVF in the next few months.

Life is a non-stop ride for us right now and frankly I'm just holding on for dear life! Ow!

So many accomplishments, So little time!

I completed my first official 5K this morning! Woot! My time was 42.43 minutes, it was my first time running outside. There were a few inclines which I wasn't expecting but the overall experience was lovely. My hubby ran with me and I told him from the gate don't wait on me just run at your own time I'll be fine. Needless to say that sucker lapped me like I was on crutches or something! SMH! My family came out to support me, even the baby was rooting for his auntie! One of my besties made it as well with her two kids. Shout out to Monkay (our childhood nicknames for each other). I ran the entire thing and was able to push the little inclines without much struggle. When I made it around the last bend there was my husband (who'd already finished 20 minutes earlier! lol) waiting with my family. He ran the last piece with me -rooting me on and pushing me to sprint. He sent me through the finish line by myself as not to steal my thunder! lol It was wonderful and I'm so thankful to have the support especially from my husband who is my biggest fan no matter what I'm doing.

So I'll be racing to beat my time on the next race which will be the "Heroes Run" at Ranger Stadium on May 31st. Ms. Mel told me about this one and she is one of my running inspirations along with Sherry B.! Mel ran the race this morning too-obviously so fast in fact that she came after me ran the entire race, finished and left before I ever saw her! Ha! She's a beast! Only reason I knew she was there was because they called her name for a medal! She obviously kicked some a**! So I'll see you at the stadium Mel! Woot!

On to the next one!

(** on a side-note- the hubs placed 3rd in his age group for his first 5K and won a medal. Way to go sweetie! YOU WERE AWESOME!!)

3:00am! Why am I up! Gasp~

Don't you hate when your mind just takes over your body when you know you should be sleeping!? Grrrrrrrrrrr

I'm getting on the road (w/ my 3 yr old nephew) in exactly 4 hours to go pick up my brother. I'm nervous, excited, anxious and just plain loopy!

I keep waking up every 30-45 minutes due to very vivid dreams. My mind is already living out the day. I've seen us embrace, drive back home to Dallas, shop, eat....all the things I have planned for the day and/or week. My mind is just too excited to let me rest.

I had been having constant headaches for the last week-probably due to stress and over-analyzing. However, yesterday was the first day I didn't have to take Excedrin Migraine which was such a blessing. I just have so much riding on my brother's return and his transition back into society after 4 yrs. I keeping thinking---please don't fail me Dee, the family, yourself...your son. I remember his face when he started to experience and feel failure from his father. That's something I NEVER want my nephew to go through. I've been protecting him for 3 1/2 years as if I were his mother not just his aunt. I don't know how to be any other way.

Somethings are out of my control and I believe my mind and body is finally realizing that. I can only support my brother but I can't live life for him.

I just gotta breathe...

Swagger Wagon ( Rap Video) ~ Hilarious

OMG! For my super-cool peeps who love the "Swagger Wagon" commercials from Toyota. They made an actual rap video! It's not only GREATNESS but also one of the best marketing strategies I've seen in a long time! Big Ups Mini Van Owners~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql-N3F1FhW4

Ummmm...not QUITTTTTE what I had in mind-

Gee-zus! So I did my 2-a-days on Tuesday and Wednesday just fine. By the time Thursday hit it was too brutal for me to handle! lol Instead of the gym on Thursday morning I did Jillian Michael's' 30 Day Shred DVD (hate her!!). I thought I'd do the gym that evening but I had a major headache all day. I came home popped two Excedrin migraine and ended up taking a 2 1/2 hour nap! Needless to say I did not make it to the gym that evening. I was just too tired! This morning I didn't even attempt to wake up early. In fact, I actually slept in and came to work 30 minutes late! WTH?

My legs are sore and my arms hurt to lift--I'm just a wreck. I think my body just bitch-slapped me into reality! Dude I'm not fit enough to do 2-a-days! Hell I can barely do one-a-days! lol So today I'm taking a rest day as well, no gym no DVD-nothing. I do plan on running in the morning though. Pray for me (smh)!

Fresh Fresh Like a Million Bucks!!

This morning was the start of my 2-a-days for this week. I plan on doing AM/PM work-outs Tuesday-Thursday. On Friday and Saturday an AM work-out only.

I told myself last week I would start this then last night I was feeling as though I wasn't ready. I said "if I wake up early on my own, I'll go". Whatta-ya-know at 4:45 I was wide awake. I tried to lie there a bit longer but my body was ready to kick it up so out of bed I went. I got dressed for the gym and hit it hardcore. I felt GREAT first of all and I ran the entire distance on one speed (4.8) and it took me 40 minutes (about 4-5 minutes less than normal)!!! That was my fastest time to date and I was so proud of myself. I felt like SWEEEEEEEEET!!! I can really do this-it IS all mental! My speed and my time are still VERY slow but each minute I shave off or speed I bump up is monumental in my mind.

My plan is to do another 5K this afternoon or evening (running 2.10 miles and walking the last one). That way I'll log 5.2 miles (running) each day that I do my 2-a-days.

The 22nd is fast approaching and I just feel blessed and renewed. Running is something I always wanted to do and I love the feeling of conquering something that use to intimidate me!

I'm feeling something like a Rock-Star right now!

Mother's Day

Feeling a little gloomy today.....a little teary. It's Mother's Day and once again I'm still not a mother, not even pregnant yet. I know my time is coming soon with the help of IVF so I'm happy but it's still a bit bittersweet.

I just sent out like 30 Happy Mother's Day texts and all of a sudden I thought WOW when is this going to happen for me. Sigh~

I hope I can shake this feeling because I don't want it to ruin family day today. I have a lot to be thankful for. I'm an aunt to the most precocious and wonderful nephew on the planet who I was honored to help raise since he was 2 1/2 weeks old. He has brought a tremendous amount of joy in my life and even made me feel like a mom at times. I'm thankful for those little snap-shots of the future. So for now I'll just relish in being the super-cool auntie that I am :-)

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms and for all the ladies still trying as I am, our time is coming...

GOSH "COUTURE" MAKES ME SMILE!

LOVE LOVE LOVE---THAT IS A FABULOUS ALICE AND OLIVIA DRESS. THOSE SHOES ARE HOT HOT HOT (Beckham in the background does not hurt at all)!

My Friend (for ivus31) by TheComi featuring Emilio Pucci shoes

Items in this set:
Multi-panel strapless dress, $345
Scintille sequined blazer, $940
Cutout studded leather sandals, $1,150
John Lewis Elise Beaded Envelope Clutch, Black, 22 GBP
Jewellery - Rings - Appolon Ring, 240 EUR

FUNKY AND NICEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Wouldn't It Be Nice by TheComi featuring Alexander McQueen

Items in this set:
BALMAIN, 795 EUR
Dickens wool-blend jacket, $370
7 For All Mankind Roxanne Skinny Jean - Super vintage nakita, $200
Puzzle patchwork wool-blend skirt, $810
Faithful studded leather glove clutch, $655

SUCH A PRETTY COLOR-I LOVE THE FEMININITY OF THIS ENTIRE ENSEMBLE! FAB!

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The Look by TheComi featuring Zac Posen dresses

Running Buddies- I need your assistance please!

I just finished another 5K on the treadmill. 3 days in a row now! Woot! My goal is to run no less than 5 times a week. I mean it's less than an hour out of my day so no biggie right!

I'm having a few problems:

1. I need a BETTER/STURDIER sports bra! I almost knocked myself out this evening! Ow!

2. My 5K is still ugly as hell-meaning I'm slow! On average it takes me b/t 42-45 minutes to do a 5K even I know that's sad!!! Gasp! Also I feel as though I'm struggling. I increase and decrease my speed a lot and maybe it's b/c I'm on a treadmill and I can't increase/decrease naturally. I just feel like I could be doing better.

3. My knees feel weird sometimes-kind of achy. Is that normal?

4. I need one of those thingees you put your iPhone in while you're running, so I can listen to music. What's it called?

Is there anything else I need for running outdoors? All suggestions/answers would be greatly appreciated.

RUN-ON! WOOT!

Quick Updates!

OK so I found my 5K run for this month! It will be my first since I missed the one on April 11th due to my surgery.

Leah's Legacy 5K run on May 22!!! Woot! I'm very excited-it will be my first official run and outdoor run. Yep I'm a treadmill chick so I hope the pavement isn't too rude of an awakening! Wish me luck guys!


My IVF consultation is on May 20th at 10am! I'm so nervous! I have a million questions and I know I'm going to be bombarded with so much information. I'm going to try not to get over-whelmed so I'm creating a list of questions so I don't forget anything. If you ladies think of any questions I should ask please let me know.

Hmmmm what else.....

The hubs has been super busy at work and a little more stressed than normal. Being the boss "sounds" good but sometimes it is just way too crazy to comprehend. He is a great boss! Very fair, considerate and ETHICAL! I'm very proud of him. We definitely need a vacation so he can relax but that won't happen till after the IVF. Sigh~

Oh my brother will be home in 12 days!!! OMG! I'm freaking! So much is getting ready to change within our family. I just hope this dynamic works out the way it does in my mind.

Relax, Relate, Release......Woo-sahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

For the Love of Running

After making my come-back to running last Thursday. I ran again Saturday morning at like 7:45am because I had a busy day with the kids and I needed to get it in.

I bet my 16 yr old sister that she could not run the 5K non-stop (she could jog as slow as she wanted as long as she didn't walk). Needless to say I wiped the floor with her! ha ha She didn't quite make it half way before she through in the towel. BOW DOWN TO THE QUEEN YOUNGIN! WOOT!

I didn't run on Sunday or Monday but got in a run at 10:45 last night. I was quite proud of myself for at least getting it in before Wednesday.

I want to start 2-a-days next week. A run in the morning and one in the evening. That will give me 6.2 miles a day. I have to be at work by 7:30 and it is hard enough to get out of bed sometimes. I get off at 3:00 so I have plenty of time to run in the afternoon. I just really need to figure out how to make myself get up early enough to get that morning run in. Any suggestions from my fellow runners?

I'm also looking for a 5K for this month so I can finally get a real one under my belt. If you know of any please let me know. I'm going to hit the Run-On site to see if anything sparks my interest. Ow! Wish me luck!

Sometimes You Must Free Your Mind and Your Pocketbook

Femininity is always a crowd pleaser

Chanel: by fashionismylife♥ featuring Chanel

A Bold Print Speaks Volumes
Short and Bold for Summer = FABULOUS

Morena Baccarin by poppy0109 featuring Gucci shoes

Love the shoes and the dress

You're a Doll by

Sometimes I REALLY love my life just the way it is...

The hubby and I had my 3 yr old nephew and 16 year old sister all weekend! Now we reside in a one-bedroom high rise apartment in downtown. It's very trendy and we love it however it's not meant for 2 adults, 1 teenager and a toddler (especially a rowdy boy tot)!

I planned a lot of "get out of my apartment" activities. Kids Expo Saturday morning, lunch with extended family, birthday celebration at BFF's house and grocery shopping. We didn't get back home till almost 9:00. After showers were complete we were all asleep by 10:30! Can you say exhausted?!

Sunday we slept in--I rolled out of the bed at 9am (which is late for me). As soon as I opened my bedroom door I heard a little voice yelling "Aunnie is that you? I'm up"!! Wow, Really?! I hadn't even stepped foot out of my bedroom yet! ha ha Well good morning Pooh-I heard you and I'll be right in there. So I started some laundry, cooked breakfast and we all sat around the table a chatted a bit. We all dressed for the day, packed up the kids' luggage and we went to an outdoor festival all day then dropped them off at 5:30.

It was a very long weekend with lots of noise and lots of patience tested! We had a great time with them as always. I can't lie though it was very nice to drop them off and come back to my quiet oasis. Awwwwwwwwwwww!

I know as a mother I won't be dropping my kids off on Sundays but I also know I would not be residing in a one bedroom apartment either! Space is definitely going to be needed to maintain my sanity! Ha!