Memorial Day Blog

Happy Memorial Day everyone!
Well, mom and I didn't make it to the beach after all. When we got in the car to go this morning, it was thunder and lightning, so we ended up staying in town. We fell back asleep for a little bit then we went to Golden Coral for a brunch. Then we saw Alice Through the looking Glass at Live Oak theater. Then we went swimming in our neighborhood pool, and had dinner. Now we're both settling in for the night, getting ready to go back to work tomorrow. I am wondering if I really have to go back to work. It would be nice just to have days like the one I had today all the time.
Oh well. It's nice to know days like today can happen every now and then. Even though I didn't make it to the beach, we still got to swim around for a little bit. In a world where we have to get things done quick and fast, it's nice to just float every now and then. :0)

Still not the brightest crayon in the box...

Well folks,
I was hesitant. But I guess the old saying is true-what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
Scott can tell you I was nervous about having to take two buses to work Rivercity rockfest today because I don't have my phone. I know I have taken the bus before. But at least I had my phone. Meaning I could call if I was running late, or see in real time when a bus should be at the stop I was at.  But I made it like any other time I have had to go to work at the AT&T center.
So while I need to work on keeping track of my cell phone , I can at least get to work on time.
Now I am at my moms house relaxing before we head to the beach tomorrow morning.
Love you all
Donna

I cant adult today..

Happy Sunday everyone. Here's to the weekend. I just paid some end of the month  bills- joy.   Friday I had to work at Southpark mall from 11-3:30. Then I went for a quick run. Then  Scott headed for Boozehounds. I ended up staying at home because yesterday I was scheduled to work from 10-6 at Six Flags. Unfortanetly. my cell phone went missing. I know go Donna right?  It must have dropped or something on my way to the bus yesterday morning because I noticed I didn't have it when I was on the bus. But, anyway after I got back home from work, I called Cricket, and now I will have a phone if not on Tuesday I will on Wenesday.
Still it wasn't until yesterday that I realized how much we rely on it. On top of the usual talking and texting, I have to clock in and out of work with my phone everywhere I am at. Plus, I have my bank of america app so I know how much money I have in the bank, my fitness pal to help me track my exercise and food intake, uber -in case I need a ride somewhere, and my two most important apps-angry birds and candy crush.
I just hope I don't go too crazy while I have no phone. I know I'll have to ask coworkers to let me clock in and out with their phones, and I am hoping I will be able to find our booth at Rivercity Rockfest ok without a phone. *hehe*
Anyway, love you all
-Donna

Summer is here...

Hello everyone!
The start of summer is here. Six Flags is now open all week , and I am back to debating if I need to find a place to put a cot at the park, since I know I will be there alot. *hehe*Tuesday I was there from 10-6 and I felt like it was an employee day.  I saw a few of my co workers who had the day off  wandering around the park. I should have just gone on the rides with them. But I know my bright orange shirt would have given me away. haham Today we actually had a staff meeting and our marketing director talked about staying positive and not complaining about things that are not in our control.
Aside from getting ready to being in the heat, it's been pretty tame at home. Scott is watching the  Penguins hockey game on television, and working.  I am starting to work on speed exercises for Rock n Roll San Antonio in December.
Mainly I am just looking forward to going to the beach on memorial day with my mom. Were going to leave early Monday and just spend the day there. After running around San Antonio like a chicken with my head cut off, I just  need to float and see where the tide takes me.
Love you all.

My weekend

Well its Sunday. That means tomorrow its the start of the work week ahead of us.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I've been at Six Flags working, or pretending to work.
Friday, Scott and I went to BoozeHounds with some of our tribe for a littlle bit. I needed the night out. It has been a couple of weeks since I have been out with everyone so it was time to play catch up.  Saturday night after work, I ended up going out for chinese with my mom.
She told me it is her dream that I make enough money that I can call her and say I can afford to tour Europe on me. I know I need someone pushing me, or I don't do anything.  But, as much as I need a push, it's nice to know I have a tribe of people who remind me that I work hard, and I am beautiful as is.

Where we are vs. where we should be

Hello everyone!
Well everyone turned out to be a pretty good day.  I ended up having lunch with a couple of my friend at Grimaldis for some pizza.  Yeah for pizza, and girlfriends! We ended up talking about how we're not where we're expected to be at our age. You know, married (or at least engaged, or in a serious relationship), and in a "serious" career.
One of my friends is hoping to find something more permanent, full time so she can do the things she has always wanted to do. My mom is wanting me to find something aside from what I do at Silverleaf. Another is currently has three jobs , so we are all doing what we can.    Unfortunately, when it comes to things like love and jobs, it's a little bit of both hard work, and who you know. We are all victims of circumstance in some way or another. All we can do is the best with what we have. I know no matter what happens, I am fortunate to have friends , and family that want me to be the best I can be.
Aside from that, I got a run in today, and worked out with Scott. So, I got to have lunch with my girlfriends, and work out with my boyfriend. While I know I still have a long way to go in every aspect of my life, I still had a good day, and I know everything I need will come in its own time. :0)

Weekend blog

Hello everyone! It has been a really random weekend. Friday,  I went to the gym, and then had to work. After work, my mom picked me up and we went to H-E-B so she could get shampoo. Then we stopped by my moms friend Lydias house because Lydia made some lasagna to give us. mm lasagna. *hehe* While Scott was at BoozeHounds, I  took over the television and watching chick flicks. I caught the last part of Sleepless in Seattle and Uptown Girls.
Last night my mom invited me to a party one of her friends threw who likes to cook.  The spread was nothing short of amazing. We had Texas  red and white wine, cheese, chicken satay, jalepeno sasguage with gouda cheese, almonds, sharp cheddar cheese, bleu cheese, pork tenderloin with bacon, assorted salami slices, assorted chocolates, cream cheese with rasberry, pepper steak croustini with bleu cheese sauce, and brownies. Now I need to get back to the gym to work off all the rich food.
After going to a party like that, dancing with Scott and the rest of our gang to Texas Radio, and being the girl who has literally spent her weekends gaming with friends, I have to say  it's not the activity as much as the people that matter. ( Really, I am one of those people who's happy just catching up over coffee with you.)  I think that I am blessed to have a good crew no matter where I am, or end up doing.
I love you all.
-Donna

Back to reality...

Hello! Well,  since I got back from Washington state it's been back to work (I know, do we have to? Darn having bills to pay. lol)  Monday- Wenesday I worked, and worked out to work off the mud pie I split with Melanie.  I am off today so, I ran an errand, and  I am just relaxing at home the rest of the day. Now, I have a Jennifer Aniston movie on while Scott is mowing the lawn. As always, it was sad to leave, but it also feels good to get back into my routine.
After traveling for a race, and running my local city marathon, I have to admit there are things I like about both.  The advantage of running in your city's local marathon is you don't have to worry about unusual terrain, don't have to worry about catching a plane to get there, wonder where you are going to stay, and you know when the race is done, you get to relax in your own home.
When it comes to traveling  for a race, you get a new city to run in and explore. But I would definitely say  make sure you get to where you're running in time to rest the night before. My moms flight came in at midnight the night before we had to run in Tacoma. Keep in mind though, she is a seasoned runner.
I am also currently figuring out where I want to go next in every aspect of my life. So we'll see what's beyond the next horizon...
 Love you all
-Donna

Washington Day 7 and the trip home

Well folks,
I am back in San Antonio.  My last day in Washington- Teddy and I woke up at 4 in the morning to take mom to the airport so she could catch her flight back.  Teddy, Melanie and I spent the rest of the morning going through boxes of my old stuffed animals and childhood books to see what can be thrown away, donated, and what Melanie could take home to Yakima with her for anyone there.
I was surprised to see that my mom even saved my old homework, and workbooks. Perfect attendance awards, and things like that I get. But, I didn't get why she saved assignments I didn't even get an A on. Mothers really do save everything.
There still is a box of photos that I still need to go through, but at least Teddy does not have 5 boxes of stuff that she is wondering what to do with now. After we sorted  through my stuff, we just walked around Albert Dock. It was a perfect day just to walk around, so we went further than we thought. We went to Shenanigan's, a seafood place you can eat right on the dock for some lunch. We saw a seagull trying to get some leftover food from a table not too far from us until a waitress shooed the bird away. After our meal, Melanie decided she wanted desert, so we ended up splitting a mud pie. It was a good thing Melanie and I split it because four people could have easily split that and still got plenty of chocolate in their bellies. :0) After lunch, we went to Point Defiance until a bee drove us back to the car.  From there, the three of us went to the Almond Roca store , and got some candy there , and after getting our fill of chocolate, it was time to go back to Teddy's house.
Melanie headed back to Yakima not too long after that. Then I printed out some photos to send to grandpa, and a project I worked on for mom as part of her mothers day gift. The next morning it was time to head back to Texas. I just read on the flight back. I was able to read "The Martian" from start to finish. I liked what it said about human nature at the end- that we never leave anyone behind. Like when a hiker gets lost on the trails, we try to find them,ect. I like the fact we can rally together like that in times of need.
Today my mom and I went to Shoneys for brunch, and then we watched "The Boss." Now I am home, unpacked and relaxing before it's time to start working again.  To everyone in Washington, thank you for your kindness and hospitality while I was there. It's definitely not goodbye, it's see you later. :0)

Washington Day 4,5,and 6

These past three days have been crazy ,and full of nothing but a reminder I really do have people that care about me here. Monday,Teddy, Teddys friend Don, mom, and I drove from Tacoma to Yakima. We brought Jimmy John sandwiches to the house for everyone. Then after mom ,  Teddy ,and Don went back to Tacoma, Devi and Melanie came over.  Not too soon after that we ended up going to see Becky and shortly after, we went to  Red Robin for dinner.  Aside from the new businesses and houses in the area, it was like I never left.
Tuesday, Melanie and I ended up at Northtown coffee with Beckys daughter Penny while Becky was at an appointment. Then we got dad and had lunch at Mel's Diner.  Later on that evening we went to the Appletree Golf course with Devi. Then Devi treated me to baskin Robbins ice cream, and I ended up watching the Mariners baseball game at home.
Yesterday, I ended up getting a tour of the community television station here in Yakima. Dad was supposed to film a show, but the guest never showed up so the hosts of the show just interviewed Melanie and I for fun off camera.
I am convinced now Melanie needs a camera . Melanie can talk intelligently about any subject she is passionate about ,  has a good personality,  and can talk as long as you need or want her to. That's all you need.😊
After the t.v. station, we ended up taking a quick trip to the Yakima museum because Melanie's family has an exhibit there for having three generations of military service. After the museum, Becky and Carol came over for a little bit. Dad and I ended up joining them at Mel's diner. After dad and I got back, my dad , grandpa, and uncle talked for a little bit. We ended up talking about what we liked for breakfast. Next thing I knew, my Uncle Richard got out a box of bananna nut muffin mix and  funfetti. We made the muffins together , so now we have bananna nut muffins waiting for us in the morning -yeah! 😃
All this fun makes it hard to leave. 😔   But I know, I need to get back to my life in San Antonio. It's time to get back to Scott, my job , and everything else. I am just glad this time I came here on a better note, and I got to let my grandpa, dad and everyone here finally see where I am on my fitness journey.  It means a lot they are proud of where I am now especially since they lived with me before I even started my journey, and it definitely can't be years between visits. But I am glad to know that everyone here loves and supports me no matter where life takes me.  I am blessed everyone  I saw here during my quick time in Yakima is part of my life.

Washington Day 2 and 3

Hi everyone!
OMG it has been a crazy two days. But I have learned that I am stronger than I think I am. I have completed two full marathons in two days. Saturday, I ran the Ghost of Tacoma City marathon , which is a low key marathon on a level course. Today, I  ran the Tacoma City Marathon.  It started at Gig Harbor , went through Point Defiance ,and ended at downtown Tacoma. It was hilly for 19 miles, and my legs are still tired from all the running I did. After running a low key marathon, and a big city marathon back to back I have learned that
A. I am crazy.  While yes, I already knew I was crazy - but, more like but crazier than I thought.  Also,when running at least, I still work best when everything is clearly marked . When I ran on Saturday, my mom had to remind me to do one more run up and down Albert dock street to fully complete the course.
B. You really will be suprised what you can do when you really put your mind to it. I never imagined being able to do something like completing two full marathons in two days. All you can do is try.
C. Running on 52 .4 miles of Tacoma was an interesting way to see the city.  I forgot how pretty Tacoma can be.  On Saturday and Sunday, the weather was perfect for running, and  I loved seeing the docks on Saturday. Today on the narrows bridge, I loved the view I got of Mount Rainer, and I enjoyed seeing the Japanese tea garden in Point Defiance. When I got there, it was tempting just to hang around there for a while.
But aside from that, I got to catch up with Teddy, our family friend here, Prince Edward (Teddys cat), and my friend from college Danielle. It has been so much fun talking about her wedding, and all the random stuff we did when we where in college- like buying beer on a Monday night, and  making  crowns with duct tape and q -tips. Saturday Danielle came over and we talked in Teddys backyard, and tonight  when Danielle came over again we walked around Wapato park with mom and Teddy. Then we all ate at Old Coutnry Buffet.
Tomorrow mom, Teddy and I are going to Yakima to see everyone down there.  I can tell already it's going to be hard to say goodbye to everyone when I leave on Saturday. I think after this trip, Scott and I will just have to rotate going to the east coast and west coast , so we can both continue to see our families when we can. After all, when it comes to family and friends, it definitely can't be too long between visits.