St. Jude Marathon

Along with juggling a full time job, going to school, studying for GRE & class, applying for occupational therapy school…I have been training for the St. Jude half-marathon! Andrew has been training along my side as a supporter, coach, and running partner on top of school, rotations, meetings, interviewing candidates, research, & fixing computers! Hence, probably why our lives have not been updated since October ;-)

Training started approximately 10 weeks prior to race day, Dec. 6. I wasn’t exactly nervous, but a little anxious the closer race day was approaching. Us runners were all praying for good weather – not necessarily warm, but clear weather. Last year Andrew and I volunteered for this event and it was well below freezing and cloudy. So cold we only lasted a couple hours passing out water and PowerAde! After an hour, I couldn’t feel my hands and feet! But I was elated to see someone I knew run by…my high school track coach, Coach Kerrick!!!!! I hadn’t seen him since high school…what are the chances?!

This year, the weather was GREAT! It was sunny and 25 degrees! Luckily we live close enough downtown that we decided to walk to the Start line at 6:30am. So that gave me 2 miles of a warm-up. With 15 corrals (waves) I was #9 at the 10 min mile pace…since I didn’t cross the start line until 20 min after the 1st wave…that gave plenty of time for my phalanges (fingers/toes) to freeze up.

Even Elvis ran :)

Before we took off, a little girl (approx. 5) with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia), sang the National Anthem – soooo cute! And her dad, thanked all the runners and people who helped fundraise the 1.7 million dollars (just from the marathon)!! FYI, St. Jude runs on $1.6 mil/day and all the costs of the hospital, state of the art technology, employees, etc. are funded – by not only the people but grants and organizations as well!!

I am a very anxious and impatient person so if you could only imagine me waiting 20 min. to cross over. Andrew walked with me to the start and off I went! Despite my numb feet during the 1st mile…mile 1 came up quick! I was so focused on keeping a pace and watching the spectators cheer us on that I got distracted from thinking about miles into the race. Long distance running is all mental and distraction is a great thing!

As I was approaching mile 3, I started to choke up a little…live bands were playing (some were kids’ bands), people standing out on their balconies playing music or watching us in their PJ’s with a cup of coffee in the 25 degree weather – was all too overwhelming! A guy was even holding a sign that read, “If it were easy, I’d be running.” My primary motive was running for St. Jude and reaching my goal pace time of 10 min miles was only minor. I ran down Beale Street (the street of blues, jazz, and bars), thousands of people lined up on both sides hooting and hollering! Then I saw my hubby, “HONEY!!! Here I am!!!” He got so excited he couldn’t get his camera rolling quick enough. He said he realized he had to make a decision – to cheer, or take pictures.

Between miles 4-5, we ran through St. Jude’s campus and I was AMAZED once again to see the patients lined up bundled up hiding their faces behind their isolation masks and some with their IV poles. Signs, employers, CEOs, and our corporate band – oh my! My favorite sign read, “An IPOD = $150, Running shoes = $100….Saving Children’s Lives = Priceless”. Holy Smokes! These were some good signs! As I ran by, I smiled and some yelled out, “Thank you Heroes” or “Go, Heroes” – FYI, I ran as a St. Jude Hero and helped fundraise $280. This was enough to keep going at a steady pace. After all, I was already a fourth the way through!

As we approached miles 6-7, cars were driving by honking under the bridges, people were standing outside their homes, children were yelling “Go Mommy” or “Go Daddy” and some were yelling, “Thank you for running for St. Jude!” I saw one guy in a wheelchair bundled under a parka coat with what looked like his wife standing behind him. I tear up just thinking about every step I took.

We ran through Overton Park in miles 8-9 and that’s where Andrew’s mom, brother and family, were going to be. It was a good point to have family standing because it means I’m getting closer and it was a good time for extra motivation. Although, I didn’t see them, I pretended they were there :) And they were, I just overlooked them.

Around mile 10 we ran past the Target House, where St. Jude kids and their families stay if they stay longer than a month for treatments (it’s like apartment housing). Again, families, kids, and even people in their cars were yelling for us to keep going.

The full and half marathon runners ran together until around mile 12. By that time, I was getting so excited not only because it was almost over, but my time was under 10 min the entire way (sometimes at 9 min)! Trying not to get too excited, I had to try hard to keep a steady pace. Well, my body didn’t quite listen to my thoughts and picked up around mile 11. I heard the announcer from a distance closer to mile 12.

Between mile 12 & 13, we just had to pass by the Wonder Bread factory. The aroma didn’t quite make me hungry by any means, but I sure did smell a little something of cotton candy around that time as well (I LOVE cotton candy)!! I also ran by a couple runners down being escorted by ambulance or medical personnel so I prayed for them. I continued to pray for strength and knew God paved each step for me.

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As I approached mile 13, I really began to pick up and began sprinting once I entered the AutoZone Park (the AAA baseball stadium). Into crossing the finish line, I threw up my hands and screamed, “Yey, I did it!!!” I was happy especially since I crossed under my goal time at 2:09:44 (that's nearly 20 min faster than my 1st half-marathon!!!!)!! The stadium was packed and I felt like I was a football player in the NFL playoffs! It was AMAZING!

I looked for hubby up in the crowd and he heard my name announced so he began taking random pictures not knowing where I was. He finally spotted my bright pink cap. I actually ran into him once I came up and was so glad to see him. I missed him so much! It was comforting to see him there and stand for over 2 hours in the below freezing temperatures to cheer me on. He was so pumped he said, “honey, let’s do a marathon together next year!” Uh, WHAT?! I just ran 13.1 miles…26.2…seriously?!

We headed home and walked back 2 painful miles (since the trolley was broke down -- of all the days). My feet were in some trouble. I went home to shower, make some mac-n-cheese, visit with his family for dinner, and wanted to party, but Andrew was tired. Needless to say, I didn’t realize how tired I was until he rubbed my feet and gave me 2 Advils. I passed out cold at 9:30p.

This was by far, the most AMAZING race I’ve ever ran! And by amazing…well, words can not describe the experience! I strongly encourage 1st time and regular marathon runners to participate in the St. Jude Marathon. You will walk away feeling like a winner – you’re a part of saving children’s lives, literally!!

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Click here to read the story from our local paper. Click here to check out images of the race on St. Jude's website.

Spook-tacular Weekends

The past couple weekends have been spontaneous and eventful! Mom, cousin Ned and some of the locals in Meade Co. vs. the Harlem Wizards; postponing our Dallas trip and instead...pack in a Zoo visit, Memphis Grizzlies signing and practice, River Art Fest, hot date night, and an AWESOME estate sale that was way beyond our bank accounts!

The estate sale had all items including furniture from the 1800's! Exquisite furniture pieces hand carved! A druggest (aka Pharmacist) bought this house as a 10-year Anniversary gift for his wife!

This dining room table was $15,000 and the silver platter pieces, china, and fancy crystal candle holder - were all at least $600 - $6,000!

I LOVED this antique bassinet...so beautiful, but almost just as much as a car - $10,000!!

A fun free date...a day at the River Art Fest!

Our hot date night (maybe once a month) at one of our favorite Thai restaurants on another discounted gift card we usually get online!

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The Memphis Grizzlies

Last Saturday morning not only started with an early breakfast in bed...but Andrew's buddy from school took us to the Grizzlies signing and practice. Boy, was it an adventure...we're thinking you have to stand in line for the players autographs and Andrew had it all planned out the night before (he's an avid sports collector) -- but only to find out they handed out 5 different colors of paper with section #'s listed. Meaning you only have 1 chance to get 1 autograph per person per player. Andrew and Thai's strategic plan was to go to Office Depot and color copy each slip (we had 3 different colors between the 3 of us and all we wanted was Iverson and Mayo's autograph). Well, come to find out...all that work, Iverson and Mayo were the 2 colors we didn't have but luckily they were able to trade 1 color each. Andrew was please to get Mayo's. We were there from 8:30a-1:30p so it was a long day. In the meantime of waiting, I go out to get Starbucks, get chased down by a woman with a mic (interviewed me for the news on Chris Rock's new movie that I had no idea about), and get put outside for 45 min. to drink my $4 pumpkin spice latte in the cold (they wouldn't let me in with outside drinks)!! NOT worth $4!!!!

On a color copy run...

Andrew found a few colors in the trash, but only the ones we already made copies of - go figure!

This guy, Thabeet -- a rookie, barely had to jump at 7ft 3in!

Since I didn't have a slip to get Iverson's autograph, I at least got a close up shot -- but later heard he was a jerk. So, we're glad we got Mayo's out of all the players ;)

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Meade Co. vs. The Harlem Wizards

Mom practicing her jumpshot during warm-ups.

I cheered loud...I mean LOUD, for my MOM!!!

Mom and cousin Ned.

Once a cheerleader -- playing basketball behind some lipstick. Mom and her 4 minutes of Fame!

Uncle Andrew and Aunt Tiffy

The past couple of weekends we've been able to spend lots of time with our precious nephew -- Thomas Christopher, and his mom and dad! Last night we had our first night of babysitting the 3 month old while Mommy and Daddy ran a few errands. He was so much fun to be with despite a little fuss, change of diapers, and a "burgh..." splat (spit up). I did have a little challenge in the beginning I broke sweat trying to get his teeny shirt off while keeping his limbs attached ;-) He literally is the most precious thing with big, bright blue eyes.

Andrew had his little special time...attempting to giggle and what Andrew says, "he was trying to talk" to him. Thomas had quite a few giggles with silly Uncle Andrew...

I, on the other hand, had to be the one putting him to sleep...Andrew says it's my touch ;-)

Last weekend, we got to take him out with Mommy and Daddy to the Zoo Boo at the Memphis Zoo. I just couldn't wait to get him out. In fact, I've already asked to take him to the Zoo, for walks, and just out and about. I also enjoyed a shopping trip with Thomas and Mommy! Such great times!

The 3 Musketeers :)

Looks like a little porcelain doll

After we had our date night...we had a movie night and play time with Thomas...

My 1st time playing with this little baby pack thing...

AWESOME! What a great way to begin dance lessons ;-)

Today, we got to take pictures of the beautiful family...sneak preview of Christmas pictures!

So precious!

And my favorite candid shot...Chris was actually acting like he was pointing at something horrific and Andrea looked so natural with the expression - so cool!

Paducah Life with the Bohanons

God has blessed Andrew and me with great friendships! We have couple friends and develop stronger relationships with them as we get older. The Bohanons are just one of the few couples we are fortunate to have in our lives!

Andrew and Kent met in their college days at Murray State University. They were the computer nerds and just flat out know how to have a good time! In fact, Andrew often says that he could put a group of his buddies together and create a sitcom. They became best friends and remain close despite their living distances.

Then come along the tall, volleyball playing, blonde from Illinois…Tracy who just so happened to meet Kent while they were on their Disney World of adventures College Internship. They are truly a beautiful and compatible couple (inside and out). They’ve been married for 4 years on October 12!!! To be quite honest…no one could even tell what year they’re on with their newly-wed demeanor :) I remember meeting them for the first time hoping that Andrew and I could be like that after so many years…we’re working on it and hope it keeps burning ;-)
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Kent and Tracy are admirable and now live in their new home, Paducah, KY – where Kent is originally from. Over the weekend we shared how blessed we are with our careers and our spouses who deeply care about us.

We had a BLAST experiencing their Paducah Life (a magazine they were recently featured in). Paducah is much like a historical town with brick roads, murals by the river, and swanky restaurants where all the locals hang. In addition, EVERYONE knows Kent and even his brother-n-law, Todd, who also spent time with us. By the way, Andrew built Todd’s computer back in the college days and he showed us the antique piece (which still works!!) in his office. Todd is an AWESOME magician (on the side) who pretty much hops and entertains around town! If you can only imagine (beyond these pictures) our Paducah Life experience with the Bohanons and Kent’s sister, and brother-n-law!

Wondering why there is Ketchup and Mustard in syringes - it's for your human burgers! We went to a "freaking" AWESOME haunted house - Talon Falls on a Full Moon night!!
We visited Superman's hometown, Metropolis, IL (just next to Paducah, KY) and checked out the Superman shop - for the serious collectors. Anyhow, Andrew and I can never get serious...

Kent & Tracy...the power couple!

Yes!! Finally have the body I've always wanted.

Of course, we can't get by without Andrew and Kent making fun of his "tighty-whities!"

The shop...a little scary. Might not be the place to bring the little ones ;-)

We got to devour into the Dip-n-Dots. Originated in Paducah, KY!

Enjoyed the hometown's local wine shop where we not only tasted the locals wine and beer but I also lit up when they told me about their organic, strawberry beer - so strawberry-licious that you have to pick the seeds out of your teeth. Seriously, is it even legal?! Tracy, the auditor, who made Kent go back in and double check the receipt...they accidentally charged them full price on an item 75% off!! In the end, everyone agreed it was worth the $26 back in the wallet!

Real women...smoke cigars ;-)

At Max's Brick Oven - scrumptious and an AWESOME place to hang with the locals!

All their desserts are homemade...so we couldn't decide on one and shared all 4!! Talk about going home with a full belly!

Re-visiting our mini-honeymoon!

At 11am on Friday, September 25, my husband (just shy of 1 year) picked me up from work to take us off to re-visit our 2-day honeymoon in Nashville! We have both been counting down the days for this weekend – partly, because we knew it was going to be a relaxing weekend. I’m excited and anxious mainly because I don’t know where we are staying and did not plan anything for the weekend. I left it all up to Andrew. I didn’t even do the packing. YIKES!! The entire 3 hours, I was uncomfortable feeling like I might have forgotten something and hoping Andrew got all my things in the car!

Reflecting on 1 year ago…

Andrew had plans to take me somewhere tropical (was planning a year in advanced). However, residency wasn’t going to allow him any time off…he nearly had enough time to get off the day before the wedding!! It was a little stressful in the beginning, not knowing if Andrew was going to get there on time! So, he convinced me he was on call our 1st week of marriage (eeek!), but overall, I was very supportive and told him it’s okay…we’ll take a nicer one later. We’ll even have time to save up money and we can celebrate after he graduates and take a longer honeymoon.

All along, I had NO IDEA he had a trick up his sleeve (I mentioned before, it’s hard for him to surprise me)!! People would ask me all night, “where’s the honeymoon?” My response, “our apartment in Memphis!”

Not only did we stay our 1st night at the modern Hyatt downtown Louisville (surprise #1 – I thought it was the Galt House). Hyatt was much nicer and great service…Andrew got us a room tucked away in a corner where it was quiet and with a GREAT view of the city of Louisville! He even ordered breakfast (1st time we’ve ever tried out room-service!). Then we went to Huber’s Orchard and Winery where we squeezed in our traditional pumpkin picking, wine-tasting, and pumpkin ice cream! Our favorite wine at Hubers, is the Spiced Apple wine – a seasonal wine that comes out only in September until they sell out (which usually only lasts 2 weeks!!!). I wanted to purchase a case of them (discount). I thought a case was 6 bottles until I saw the price…Andrew picked up the box and thought “why is it so heavy?”! They saw our confusion and said it was 12 bottles!!!!! HOLY MOLY!! What are we going to do with 12 bottles and there is literally no room in our car for this! We walked away anyhow since I already swiped my card and gave at least half away as gifts :)

You bet I ate all my french toast on the right!!

Yes!! We got the pumpkins and case of wine packed (the car was crammed with most of my clothes, shoes, etc. - I had to move the same weekend we got married!). The next challenge was getting to the next place without everything falling out! In fact, we had to tell the bellmen several times, "let us put our stuff in the car...every square inch is taken!"

Surprise #2

2 nights in Nashville at Hermitage Hotel (I was told the only 5-star hotel in TN)! I was floored! I just didn’t think he’d get 2 days off! He did get someone to cover his call though…thanks to the Peds Team :) They all help each other out especially if they have special events on their call weekends. Those 2 days were rejuvenating and full of together time with no schedule whatsoever! Whatever we did was out of spontaneity – the Country Music Hall of Fame, walking around for 5-6 hours, and enjoying our FABULOUS room and bathroom!! I couldn’t have asked for a better surprise! Plus, the 1st night, Andrew was trying hard to get me out to grab something to eat by 7p…I just wanted to be lazy but he finally managed to get me out of the room. As we got on the elevator, a bellman walked by with a bag of rose petals. I’m not the romantic type, but I still said, “Awe, someone’s getting rose petals in their room.” Later I found out where the bellman was heading, I saw a heart outside our door after dinner and opened the door to see petals on the floor, bed and soft music playing, chocolate and snacks with water by the bed…oh my, I just didn’t know what to do except blush ;)

Had no idea we'd actually be there for the Playoffs in January!!

Our night dressing up and dining in my new pearls Andrew got me for a wedding gift :)

The Hermitage is so famous that celebrities and even the U.S. presidents have stayed here...this is the #1 bathroom in the U.S. - and we've been to the #2 bathroom in our own city - Louisville, KY at 21c Museum Hotel!

Music Row

The Batman building

Country Music Hall of Fame

Growing up...my favorite was Shania Twain...recorded her videos and had the jean outfit ;-)

Our Bathroom

Surprise #3 of the trip

We had a great view of the Capitol with a beautiful sunset backdrop. Since he splurged on the room, we didn’t use room-service.

Memories of our mini-honeymoon brings smiles on my face and a few giggles. I feel like this is our first time all over again, I got jitters on the way to Nashville. As we pulled into downtown, Andrew was driving around trying to confuse me. He pointed to the Sheraton’s parking garage but kept driving like he was trying to find some street parking. Then, I see us approaching the Hermitage!! Andrew?! Seriously?! He informed me over the summer that we couldn’t go back to our honeymoon hotel, they raised the prices $100 more than last year! Again, I was okay and said it was no big deal.

He got such a good deal this year that he could hardly hold it in…there were several times where he asked if he could tell me. He wanted the same room but said he couldn’t afford it…so they said “how about we throw in the American breakfast and valet parking if we put you in a different room for less than the price of last year?!” They had letters in the room for us that gave the details along with personalized stationary. In addition, Andrew brought the wedding cake!! They put it in the fridge for us and said to let them know when to bring it up. Then, the planning of Andrew came out – he set up the room with our wedding pictures, brought some Reisling, downloaded our 1st dance song on the computer and played it through the room speakers that night. He had a notebook of the weekend events!!! FYI, my hubby hates planning! It drives him crazy when I plan months in advanced for trips or whatnot!

Again, I couldn’t have asked for not only a better weekend but for a better husband!! It was once again, another relaxing and memorable weekend.

Andrew setting up our pictures

"What's on the agenda, Honey?!"

Re-visiting some picture spots 1-year later!

Nightly turn down service - bubble bath and ZZZZZ.

We even got room service for breakfast both mornings. Their service was above and beyond, so we didn’t know what to do or expect. In fact, our 1st morning we ordered, they brought up our tray to the room and asked to come in. They asked where to set it up and I’m thinking we’ll get everything out…nope, they do it all and make sure you’re pleased with it before they walk off and even ask to pour your coffee!!

Friday night into town

Here we watched the UK Wildcats get eaten by the FL Gators in a mountain of bubbles

Had a hard time finding Andrew...

The night Andrew surprised me with some fine dining at a Jazz Restaurant, F. Scotts.

Saturday night at midnight (on our 1 year), they brought our cake…oh my gosh!!!! The guy walked in and said, “Happy Anniversary!” I was astonished and nearly cried! They actually set up the cake for us and decorated it with our flowers and even added fresh rose petals. Delivered it on a silver tray with formal silver ware and a cutting knife!! I think they even smoothed it out for us (my mom was worried the icing would be off - they had an ice-storm and no electricity for a week so the cake completely de-thawed!). Their service is truly phenomenal!!! By the way, the cake was DELICIOUS!! Just a little dry but no taste of freezer burnt…tasted exactly how it did 1 year ago (not even exaggerating)!!

I will never forget the mini-honeymoon or our 1st Anniversary weekend!! Thanks, Andrew for exceeding my expectations!!!