Hey,
It has been quite a while since I have written, sorry about that. On my last post, I stated that I was going to be running at the DMZ. I ended up not running the race. I found out I was pregnant right after I signed up for it. This was not going to deter me, but then morning sickness hit. For me morning sickness is 24 hour nausea, and for a month and a half- nothing got done!
Then at the end of October we went to China. We first went to Xi'an. We saw the Terracotta Warriors and a few other interesting things. Xi'an was a interesting. They have less regulation in this city, so the driving was nuts. We have traveled a lot, and besides the south of France/ Italy boarder, and Bulgaria, this was pretty crazy!
Then we went to Beijing. Beijing is nice and with better traffic regulations. I pictured China would be a lot like Korea, and have some pretty dirty areas. I am sure they are around, but China was pretty clean. We never saw trash on the ground. We visited the Great Wall. This was absolutely my favorite part of the trip. We also saw the Forbidden City and Tienanmen Square. The trip was interesting, but with a three year old, it was the most difficult experience of my life. The amount of patience and anger at one time was insane. I also became sick right before the trip. They call it the Korean Crud. It lasted three weeks, and it along with morning sickness made me lose 20 lbs.
Korea has been a great place for us with a child. There are places called kid cafes. They usually have coffee and food, and a large play are for children. The one we take Eva to is a place with large trampolines, and then regular play area stuff. She will jump for about 30 minutes, then go play in the play kitchen the rest of the time. Korea is very child friendly. They understand the need to tire them out and supply coffee to the adults!
We are finally settled in to our apartment. Most of our stuff has its spot. I found a Korean Housekeeper called an Ajima. It is only going to get harder for me to clean the bathrooms, so we decided to hire one. Personally, I am happy about it!!
We found out that our little baby is most likely a little girl. I am excited about this!! I am 17 weeks right now!
We have been trying to go to a new place every weekend, but between being sick and then tired, I just don't have much energy right now. I am hoping the second trimester kicks in soon! I will finish my Bachelor's degree in two days. This will open up some time for me...and not bore me to death while trying to produce the same crap for every class.
Hopefully I have some new stories to tell. Christmas and snow should produce some entertaining writing material!
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Monday, August 18, 2014
So....made it to Korea! Just a few weeks ago we arrived. My husband found us an apartment, and we moved in right away. We live in a town on the outskirts of Seoul called Pyeongtaek. We live within walking distance to the base, the nightlife, restaurants, and shopping. It is a small area, but it is nice. Dirty, but nice! A lot of people asked about the area and how Koreans were before I moved here. Honestly, there are smells and certain things that as Americans we just wouldn't do. But, there are things that we do that they find odd. It is just an adjustment. Korean's love kids, and are always friendly. Especially when I am with my daughter. As long as you are nice and try to communicate in their language, they are helpful and go out of their way for you.
On this note, we also have no idea where our car is or our house hold goods. Our car is most likely gone, just because of the thousands that seem to be missing from this company since they took over the shipping for the U.S. military a few months ago. Ridiculous.
Adjusting has not been difficult, but getting on with everyday things is hard without your stuff. I have to wear the same five things. I have to sit uncomfortably to do my homework. I just miss our bed, really! Air mattresses are great and all, but I don't ever want to sleep on one again! A lot of complaining, I know! But...this move (PCS) has been the worst we have ever dealt with. Everything, truly, has gone wrong. It has been stress after stress. I just hope it will all work out, and soon!! The one thing that has made it better is our great apartment. It really is very nice, and brand new. I love the bathrooms and kitchen, and the size of all of the rooms. Good job Nate!
I signed up for a 10k at the DMZ, so I need to get my butt back to the gym! I also signed up for a trip to the DMZ for a tour. The wives here have been amazing, and helpful. I have already started practicing for a CRUD tournament. CRUD is this random ass game with a pool table, two balls, ten players, running, and blocking. You honestly have to play to understand.
I have Eva signed up for a Korean pre-school, and she loves it. She is already bowing and saying a few Korean words. It is a good age to be in an odd situation. She doesn't really get that it isn't quite normal for a random blonde hair, blue eyed kid to crash a Korean school. She even rides the schoolbus van to and from school.
Well, hopefully I am on here more!
On this note, we also have no idea where our car is or our house hold goods. Our car is most likely gone, just because of the thousands that seem to be missing from this company since they took over the shipping for the U.S. military a few months ago. Ridiculous.
Adjusting has not been difficult, but getting on with everyday things is hard without your stuff. I have to wear the same five things. I have to sit uncomfortably to do my homework. I just miss our bed, really! Air mattresses are great and all, but I don't ever want to sleep on one again! A lot of complaining, I know! But...this move (PCS) has been the worst we have ever dealt with. Everything, truly, has gone wrong. It has been stress after stress. I just hope it will all work out, and soon!! The one thing that has made it better is our great apartment. It really is very nice, and brand new. I love the bathrooms and kitchen, and the size of all of the rooms. Good job Nate!
I signed up for a 10k at the DMZ, so I need to get my butt back to the gym! I also signed up for a trip to the DMZ for a tour. The wives here have been amazing, and helpful. I have already started practicing for a CRUD tournament. CRUD is this random ass game with a pool table, two balls, ten players, running, and blocking. You honestly have to play to understand.
I have Eva signed up for a Korean pre-school, and she loves it. She is already bowing and saying a few Korean words. It is a good age to be in an odd situation. She doesn't really get that it isn't quite normal for a random blonde hair, blue eyed kid to crash a Korean school. She even rides the school
Well, hopefully I am on here more!
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Friday, April 18, 2014
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Sooo.....
I did it! I ran 13.1 miles! I cannot tell you how good it makes me feel to be able to say that. There have only been a few times in my life that I have surprised myself, and that was one of them. I really thought that I was going to hit a mental wall and want to give up. The fact that I never hit the wall is amazing! So, my time for the run sucked though. I ran it in 3 hours. I do have to say that I can take 20 or so minutes off of that due to stupid waiting. I was waiting in the line for the for port-a-potty, and I didn't hear the race start. I never made it, so I took off for the race. I had to run 2 miles before the next port-a-potty, and then still had to wait in line! They mistook the number they needed there, and that girls take FOREVER! I think that I would have had a finish time of 2:40 if I would have used my time more efficiently. I believe that I definitely will be running half-marathons for the rest of my life. I want to do a full-marathon, and mentally I believe that I can. Physically I am not sure. At about mile 10 my hips locked up, and from that point on I was in so much pain. It is now three days later, and I am just now able to walk normal again! I definitely need to train better, but I don't really know what needs to be done to make everything ache so damn much. I know that pain and soreness are normal, but the hip pain would have made me give up on a full-marathon. Maybe just running more, and for longer distances may decrease the stress on my body. I think if I do a marathon I am going to apply to do the Boston, NYC, or Chicago. I want it to be memorable! I think that it will be cool to run a half-marathon in Seoul, hopefully I don't choke to death on the smog! This race was great though. I couldn't have asked for better weather, and if you exclude the bridges it was level!
I did it! I ran 13.1 miles! I cannot tell you how good it makes me feel to be able to say that. There have only been a few times in my life that I have surprised myself, and that was one of them. I really thought that I was going to hit a mental wall and want to give up. The fact that I never hit the wall is amazing! So, my time for the run sucked though. I ran it in 3 hours. I do have to say that I can take 20 or so minutes off of that due to stupid waiting. I was waiting in the line for the for port-a-potty, and I didn't hear the race start. I never made it, so I took off for the race. I had to run 2 miles before the next port-a-potty, and then still had to wait in line! They mistook the number they needed there, and that girls take FOREVER! I think that I would have had a finish time of 2:40 if I would have used my time more efficiently. I believe that I definitely will be running half-marathons for the rest of my life. I want to do a full-marathon, and mentally I believe that I can. Physically I am not sure. At about mile 10 my hips locked up, and from that point on I was in so much pain. It is now three days later, and I am just now able to walk normal again! I definitely need to train better, but I don't really know what needs to be done to make everything ache so damn much. I know that pain and soreness are normal, but the hip pain would have made me give up on a full-marathon. Maybe just running more, and for longer distances may decrease the stress on my body. I think if I do a marathon I am going to apply to do the Boston, NYC, or Chicago. I want it to be memorable! I think that it will be cool to run a half-marathon in Seoul, hopefully I don't choke to death on the smog! This race was great though. I couldn't have asked for better weather, and if you exclude the bridges it was level!
The last mile was up and over the bridge....sucked!!!
Bagpipes at mile 5!!
Mile 7...they didn't post the half-way point, so this is close enough!!
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Hey,
It has been a while! So, this weekend is the half-marathon! I cannot say that I am completely ready. I was well on my way, and then I got sick. For some reason, even though I did not get bronchitis or anything like it, I developed asthma. Since my cold I had in December I have been having a bit of trouble breathing, and then this last month it just took me down. Exercise wise, I feel I am ready to run though. Now, to complain a little bit more...I hurt my damn toe today. I had surgery last year, and they took out a nerve in my foot. This has left my foot numb. I stumble a bit because of it, and I do not feel it if it hits anything. I tripped today and ripped my toenail, ugh! Because the nerves on the top of my foot are not affected by the one that was taken out, I can definitely feel this! Anyway, I am going to do the 13.1 miles, and we will see how it goes.
On another note....We are moving to Korea for two years! We will be leaving in June!! I am really excited about this. I love traveling and learning new cultures. I went to the place we will be moving two years ago, so I know what I am getting into. So, that is my news!! This blog will definitely get more interesting, and have more pictures!
It has been a while! So, this weekend is the half-marathon! I cannot say that I am completely ready. I was well on my way, and then I got sick. For some reason, even though I did not get bronchitis or anything like it, I developed asthma. Since my cold I had in December I have been having a bit of trouble breathing, and then this last month it just took me down. Exercise wise, I feel I am ready to run though. Now, to complain a little bit more...I hurt my damn toe today. I had surgery last year, and they took out a nerve in my foot. This has left my foot numb. I stumble a bit because of it, and I do not feel it if it hits anything. I tripped today and ripped my toenail, ugh! Because the nerves on the top of my foot are not affected by the one that was taken out, I can definitely feel this! Anyway, I am going to do the 13.1 miles, and we will see how it goes.
On another note....We are moving to Korea for two years! We will be leaving in June!! I am really excited about this. I love traveling and learning new cultures. I went to the place we will be moving two years ago, so I know what I am getting into. So, that is my news!! This blog will definitely get more interesting, and have more pictures!
Friday, February 21, 2014
Hi guys!
I am excited about this weekend! It is the Gasparilla 8k in Tampa. My husband just got back from deployment, and things are on the up and up. This Saturday we will go to the expo for the race, and I am looking forward to attending one. I have never been to one before. Afterwards we will hang out and go to dinner. I know this doesn't seem like a big deal, but it is the first time we will have an afternoon alone since he returned.
I just started a new work out and "diet" program. I honestly do not think I will go back to the way I worked out before. I thought I was doing well, but no matter how hard I worked, it wasn't giving me any results. I have only been doing this new work out for a week, and it already feels different. I work out more muscles, can lift more, do more, and I do it until failure. I am sore every time I get home. It feels good, because I know it worked. I have been feeling really down about working out. I am so glad I have this to change it up. For five months nothing was happening, and it is so disheartening when you work out five times a week for two hours.
My food habits have changed too, coinciding with the new work out. I won't go into detail, but the gist is to eat cleaner, healthier, and to better serve my workouts. It has been moderately hard. I love vegetables, so it is not so hard. I just have an issue with eating before 1pm, and I love a snack after dinner. I try to fill up completely on dinner with a full plate of veggies and chicken or fish.
Anyway, this was probably a boring post, but this what's up bro!
I am excited about this weekend! It is the Gasparilla 8k in Tampa. My husband just got back from deployment, and things are on the up and up. This Saturday we will go to the expo for the race, and I am looking forward to attending one. I have never been to one before. Afterwards we will hang out and go to dinner. I know this doesn't seem like a big deal, but it is the first time we will have an afternoon alone since he returned.
I just started a new work out and "diet" program. I honestly do not think I will go back to the way I worked out before. I thought I was doing well, but no matter how hard I worked, it wasn't giving me any results. I have only been doing this new work out for a week, and it already feels different. I work out more muscles, can lift more, do more, and I do it until failure. I am sore every time I get home. It feels good, because I know it worked. I have been feeling really down about working out. I am so glad I have this to change it up. For five months nothing was happening, and it is so disheartening when you work out five times a week for two hours.
My food habits have changed too, coinciding with the new work out. I won't go into detail, but the gist is to eat cleaner, healthier, and to better serve my workouts. It has been moderately hard. I love vegetables, so it is not so hard. I just have an issue with eating before 1pm, and I love a snack after dinner. I try to fill up completely on dinner with a full plate of veggies and chicken or fish.
Anyway, this was probably a boring post, but this what's up bro!
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Hey,
It has been a few weeks since I have written. A lot has happened. I ran the ZOOMA 5k. When they said it was on the beach, I thought on a path, and so did everyone else. Apparently on the beach, literally means on the BEACH!! It was fun though. I received a massage afterward, and went to yoga. Then I drove around Amelia Island, FL for a little bit...very nice!! Next week is a 5k color run near my house, and on the 22nd is the Tampa Gasparilla 8k. The Tampa one should be fun. It is pirate weekend!!!
I haven't increased mileage on my run yet. Still at five miles. I am hoping to get to 7 by the end of February. I have been working on strength and endurance at the gym. I am now just feeling better after being sick, so I feel that the endurance training will help.
I commissioned two paintings this month. One is of the shiny A-10 I posted earlier, and the other is a silhouette of a woman in stilettos. I am so excited to have started off my journey/business/etc. in such a positive way. It definitely makes me happy!!
Anyway, I will post a few pics. One is of the last painting I finished. Another is of the A-10 I have drawn, will be painting soon. Then a few of the ZOOMA 5k.
It has been a few weeks since I have written. A lot has happened. I ran the ZOOMA 5k. When they said it was on the beach, I thought on a path, and so did everyone else. Apparently on the beach, literally means on the BEACH!! It was fun though. I received a massage afterward, and went to yoga. Then I drove around Amelia Island, FL for a little bit...very nice!! Next week is a 5k color run near my house, and on the 22nd is the Tampa Gasparilla 8k. The Tampa one should be fun. It is pirate weekend!!!
I haven't increased mileage on my run yet. Still at five miles. I am hoping to get to 7 by the end of February. I have been working on strength and endurance at the gym. I am now just feeling better after being sick, so I feel that the endurance training will help.
I commissioned two paintings this month. One is of the shiny A-10 I posted earlier, and the other is a silhouette of a woman in stilettos. I am so excited to have started off my journey/business/etc. in such a positive way. It definitely makes me happy!!
Anyway, I will post a few pics. One is of the last painting I finished. Another is of the A-10 I have drawn, will be painting soon. Then a few of the ZOOMA 5k.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Hey!
Sorry I haven't written in a bit. I have been pretty sick this last week. I have my ZOOMA 5K this week at Amelia Island in Florida. I am really excited about it. Not only is is an entire day to myself, it is also a pretty amazing race to do. After the race you get to do yoga, massages, etc. and it is included in the price of the race. I am also looking forward to the metal, it looked really cool online. So, I was up to five miles last week again after Xmas break, but after getting sick this weekend my lungs are very constricted. I feel almost like I have asthma or something. I hate getting sick. It always changes your body for about a month. Not only was I sick this week, I also got sick Xmas day. So, I have been trying to recover, but I feel rundown. So, enough complaining. I know the race will go well, and I honestly am excited for a fun day. This is a new experience for me too. I do not do things like this alone. I think it will give me a boost to my self-esteem!
I was commissioned for a painting this week. It is for an 11x14 of the really neat silver A-10 picture I posted on here a while ago. I am so excited to get started on it. Last week, randomly, I started the same picture for my husband as a 36x36 painting. It took an entire large tube of silver paint to cover the canvas! I love getting commissioned. Now that is a self-esteem booster!!
Sorry I haven't written in a bit. I have been pretty sick this last week. I have my ZOOMA 5K this week at Amelia Island in Florida. I am really excited about it. Not only is is an entire day to myself, it is also a pretty amazing race to do. After the race you get to do yoga, massages, etc. and it is included in the price of the race. I am also looking forward to the metal, it looked really cool online. So, I was up to five miles last week again after Xmas break, but after getting sick this weekend my lungs are very constricted. I feel almost like I have asthma or something. I hate getting sick. It always changes your body for about a month. Not only was I sick this week, I also got sick Xmas day. So, I have been trying to recover, but I feel rundown. So, enough complaining. I know the race will go well, and I honestly am excited for a fun day. This is a new experience for me too. I do not do things like this alone. I think it will give me a boost to my self-esteem!
I was commissioned for a painting this week. It is for an 11x14 of the really neat silver A-10 picture I posted on here a while ago. I am so excited to get started on it. Last week, randomly, I started the same picture for my husband as a 36x36 painting. It took an entire large tube of silver paint to cover the canvas! I love getting commissioned. Now that is a self-esteem booster!!
Monday, January 6, 2014
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Hi,
Wanted to say Happy New Year!
I bought a camera for taking pictures of my paintings. This is so that I can then turn them into prints for sale. The reason I need a large camera is for resolution purposes. This Nikon D3200 has 24 mp. The 55 mm lens that it comes with is awesome. It has vibration resistance so that when you point and shoot, your hand and body movement don't ruin the picture! The problem is I need a 300 mm lens. This is because of the resolution end product too. The more mega pixels and higher resolution from a quality lens, the better outcome of a print one will have. This is like, for instance, when you think you have a great picture and want to make it bigger to print off. Even if you were to leave it alone and print it, the quality alone may just be terrible. Then enlargement would only make that worse. I think it is crazy how large the 55 mm lens is, and I need to get a larger one!
On a different note, I had a great trip out to see my dad. I couldn't have asked for it to have been better. I think it would have been fun for my husband to have been a part of it. A date night would have been nice! Things continually change with the birth of a child. The amazing Christmas my dad gave my daughter was phenomenal.
The change occurred when the house was not my home anymore. I wrote a few weeks ago about how it felt like that. I can still say it has the most familiarity and comfort than any other place I go to, but it just wasn't home. I think the cliche of "home is where the heart is" has always been a little bull. I think that maybe my home is where my daughters memories are taking place. Home is where she is comfortable. Home is where our lives go smoother.
I have to say I am disappointed in myself for not working out the last 9 day. I got ill and just could not run. I was really looking forward to it. I loved running my neighborhood in the past, and I wanted to do it again. I feel like now I am going to have to start from scratch again. I will head in tomorrow and try to run a few miles and lift for a bit. I still don't feel 100%. I have a 5k in a few weeks. I think it is funny now how last year at this time a 5k was daunting. Now, I look at it like a fun run to go enjoy! I like when things like that in life change, and it is something you can smile about and be proud of.
School starts back up for me on the seventh. I look forward to the Christmas break every year because it is the only one you get through online school. Unless you request it, but that just sets you back another month. I only have 6 classes left. Ugh, can you say finally!!!! Anyway, I am enjoying school break. I really needed it.
Wanted to say Happy New Year!
I bought a camera for taking pictures of my paintings. This is so that I can then turn them into prints for sale. The reason I need a large camera is for resolution purposes. This Nikon D3200 has 24 mp. The 55 mm lens that it comes with is awesome. It has vibration resistance so that when you point and shoot, your hand and body movement don't ruin the picture! The problem is I need a 300 mm lens. This is because of the resolution end product too. The more mega pixels and higher resolution from a quality lens, the better outcome of a print one will have. This is like, for instance, when you think you have a great picture and want to make it bigger to print off. Even if you were to leave it alone and print it, the quality alone may just be terrible. Then enlargement would only make that worse. I think it is crazy how large the 55 mm lens is, and I need to get a larger one!
On a different note, I had a great trip out to see my dad. I couldn't have asked for it to have been better. I think it would have been fun for my husband to have been a part of it. A date night would have been nice! Things continually change with the birth of a child. The amazing Christmas my dad gave my daughter was phenomenal.
The change occurred when the house was not my home anymore. I wrote a few weeks ago about how it felt like that. I can still say it has the most familiarity and comfort than any other place I go to, but it just wasn't home. I think the cliche of "home is where the heart is" has always been a little bull. I think that maybe my home is where my daughters memories are taking place. Home is where she is comfortable. Home is where our lives go smoother.
I have to say I am disappointed in myself for not working out the last 9 day. I got ill and just could not run. I was really looking forward to it. I loved running my neighborhood in the past, and I wanted to do it again. I feel like now I am going to have to start from scratch again. I will head in tomorrow and try to run a few miles and lift for a bit. I still don't feel 100%. I have a 5k in a few weeks. I think it is funny now how last year at this time a 5k was daunting. Now, I look at it like a fun run to go enjoy! I like when things like that in life change, and it is something you can smile about and be proud of.
School starts back up for me on the seventh. I look forward to the Christmas break every year because it is the only one you get through online school. Unless you request it, but that just sets you back another month. I only have 6 classes left. Ugh, can you say finally!!!! Anyway, I am enjoying school break. I really needed it.
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