My Next Chapter in Life

In a couple previous posts, I eluded to some changes coming for me and feel like now is the time to share.  I graduated from school almost 3 years ago and felt like I was pretty comfortable with my job.  I enjoy adventure and challenge and was feeling like there was something missing in my life.  I needed something more.  After much thought and prayer I am confident in my decision.

I joined the Army Reserves.

I started talking with a healthcare recruiter back in October and immediately started the paperwork needed so I could have my application ready to go before the annual board in November.  Then, in the beginning of December I found out I had been selected as a med/surg nurse.  I officially commissioned in February as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps.  This weekend will be my first battle assembly with my unit.

Joining the military has been something I thought about, just not seriously, for most of my life.  Two of my uncles served in the Marines for 20+ years.  In high school my thinking was more along the lines of I am going to college so I can't join the military.  Then after college, the first time, I was newly married.  Plus teaching wasn't something I could pursue if I wanted to go into active service.  Reserves wasn't something I had really considered until the last year or so.  The more I looked into it and considered it though, the more interested I became.  I felt like if I didn't thoroughly purse this opportunity I would regret it later on.

I am excited but nervous.  Do I really know what I am getting myself into?  Not completely.  But I am ready for something new in my life and looking forward to all the varied experiences I will receive.  It will be a lot of work and won't always be easy but it is something I feel called to do.

Most of my family and friends now know that I have joined the reserves.  Many think it sounds interesting.  A few think it is a bad decision.  Most would never imagine this as something I would do.  I am someone with varied interests; often different interests than typically seen.  I know this will be a good fit for me.  Over time this will just become a part of who I am.  

So, that is the next chapter in my life.  What are your thoughts or experiences regarding the Army Reserves?

10 Things About Me

 Katie over at Bower Power wrote a post introducing herself to her readers and invited others to join in.  I thought it sounded like a great idea since I am a newer blogger and many won't know much about me. So, here goes...

1. My husband Rob and I have been married for over 11 years.  We were introduced by my sister and brother-in-law.  He and I are opposites in many ways, but it seems to work out pretty good for us generally.  

Our wedding day December 20, 2003

2. I love the Lord with all my heart and seek His will daily!

3. My first real job (babysitting doesn't count) was as a lifeguard at my college's pool.  It was a pretty quiet pool.  I was often on duty when the swim team practiced so I got to do my homework since they didn't really need a lifeguard.  Plus, it was pretty decent money for a college job.    

4. Ever since I graduated from high school I have wanted to move out of Michigan.  I love warmer weather and think I am a southern girl at heart.  But, moving isn't going to happen so I am settling for traveling as much as possible.  

5. I drive a Ford F250 diesel crew cab truck and I love it!!  A truck had been my dream vehicle since high school.  I have driven my truck for almost 10 years and can't imagine not driving a truck for my main vehicle.  I also owned a Grand Prix for a few years that I drove back and forth to school and work because of the better fuel mileage but missed my truck when driving the car.

Me and my truck right after we got it.

6. Even though I'm in my 30's I still eat way too much candy.  Some of my favorites are Swedish Fish, Airhead Bites, Mini Chewy Sweetarts, Reese's Pieces, and licorice.  But in reality there isn't too much candy that I don't like.

In my fridge right now.

7. I love to read.  Quite often I'm drawn to romance novels but I also read my fair share of Christian fiction and nonfiction.  I've been reading a lot of military nonfiction lately.

Books I currently have checked out from the library.

8. Although not a real popular sport around here, I have been in love with the rodeo since high school.  I love going to rodeos when they have them close enough to me.  Unfortunately, that means I typically only see 1 or 2 a year.  I even dreamed of working for the PBR when I was in college and will still watch it whenever I can on TV.  Someday I am going to make it to Vegas to watch the PBR or NFR finals.  I would love to try barrel racing someday as well.

I made sure we could see the college nation finals rodeo the year went
went on vacation to Montana and Wyoming. 

I also made sure we stopped to see the Cody Nite Rodeo that same vacation.
Good thing Rob doesn't mind watching rodeos too much.

9. I am quiet and shy by nature and don't talk a lot when in newer surroundings.  But, if I know you well and am comfortable I talk quite a bit.  

10.  I really don't like talking on the phone.  I don't know why but it has never been something I enjoyed.  I much prefer to email, text, or talk in person.

(Sorry for some grainy pictures.  I took pictures of pictures so the quality isn't great, but it works.)

So that is 10 things about me.  Now I want to learn more about you!  You can post and link up or just put them right in the comments.  

Farming Life

My husband took the week off to hopefully get all of his corn planted.  I thought I would ride with him a little bit this morning while he was discing one of the fields.  

Mornings like today make me enjoy living on a farm.  

Hope you're having a great Wednesday!!

Rural Rush

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend!  I am excited to be done with work until next Wednesday!  Still trying to figure out what I am going to fill my week off with.  Any ideas?

This past Friday I ran the Rural Rush for a Cure 5k this past Friday.  It is a small 5k put on by my high school football team benefiting the American Cancer Society.  It started 15 years ago after a player lost his battle with cancer and has been an annual event ever since.  It takes place in farm country and is a mostly flat looped course.

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The weather was perfect, low 60's, sunny, and calm.  Plus I love evening races since I seem to feel most awake and energized at that time.  I started off strong and felt that I was doing good but I wasn't timing myself so I didn't know how fast I was running.  I had a great PR.  I finished in 26:09 and couldn't be happier.

I placed first in my age group again and even got a $10 gift card to a local running store.  These smaller races are great for boosting my confidence.  But, I am looking forward to a running in a couple larger events yet this summer.  Love how it feels to run with hundreds of other people also.  My goal of running a 5k in under 25 minutes is still a ways off but I'm determined to continue pushing myself to see what I can accomplish.  Any tips on running a faster 5k?

What fun things did you do this weekend?

Happy Memorial Day!

Hope everyone is having a great Memorial Day and enjoying the long weekend!  It's great to have time to celebrate and hopefully spend some time outside.  I am working today and also worked Saturday and Sunday but am looking forward to having the rest of the week off.  No matter what your plans are for today, make sure to stop and remember what we are really celebrating today.  Thank you to all who helped make America what it is today!

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I Did It

I just signed up and committed to my first ever half marathon!  Super excited but nervous at the same time.  

Duo at the Ledge is a small half marathon (just over 100 participants last year) that takes place on the 4th of July.  Seems like a great way to start the day, literally.  The race starts at 6:00 am but the excitement of the race should wake me enough since I am not usually a morning person.

Any training tips for running a half marathon?  I ran 10 miles yesterday so I know I can go the distance but I would love to finish and feel like I did well.  What's your favorite half marathon if you've ever run one?

May So Far

Wow. I can't believe it is already the 20th of May.  The month has flown by!  So what have I been up to the last couple weeks?  Let's see...

Two Saturday's ago I ran my first 10k ever.  The weather was in the low 60's but humid and misted on an off.  But overall I consider the race a great success.  I finished in just under 58 minutes and was able to place 3rd in the 30-39 year old female age group.  It was a rather hilly course but provided good scenery.  I forgot to take any pictures and don't want to pay for the official ones.  I have to get better at remembering the pictures.  Do you take pictures at races if you are by yourself?

Work has been keeping me busy.  That's nothing new though.  I am currently in a 4 day off stretch which I am really enjoying.  Resting up for this weekend.  I have to work Saturday, Sunday, and Monday so no exciting Memorial Day plans for me.  Oh well, they are predicting rain here anyways.

This past weekend Rob and I finally decided to stain our deck after talking about it for the 3 years we have lived here.  I now remember why I don't really like staining decks that much.  SPINDLES.  What a pain!  Still want to add a second coat to a couple parts but overall the transformation is awesome.  Such an improvement and well worth the many hours we spent pressure washing and staining.

Rob is getting ready to wash the deck.

Before pressure washing the deck off.

So much improvement after just the power washing.
Almost looks brand new or like it already has stain on it. 

Too shady but looks so much better.

I really like how the color turned out.

Now can we just get some consistently warm weather here so I can hang our hanging baskets to really make things look nice.  There was a freeze warning here last night and it was only in the 40's during the day.  But it could be worse, it could be snowing.

Currently I am watching my parents' dog Poppy while they are gone for a few days.  She's a pretty calm dog for the most part.  If only she liked my husband more.  She tends to bark at him whenever he comes or goes from the house.   Makes me miss having a dog, just not the dog hair.

Can you believe May is almost over?  Any exciting plans for this weekend or Memorial Day?

Tis the Season

If my yard is any indication, it is planting season here in West Michigan.  It has been a little too wet to get in the fields but my husband has been busy getting ready for when things dry out enough.

Stay tuned, I have a couple new posts planned for later this week.

Time Flies

Like the saying goes, time flies when you are having fun.  This seems to describe my life right now.  I have been enjoying life and this past few weeks have gone by really quickly.  So, what have I been up to?

Several weekends ago I helped judge cheerleading tryouts.  Haven't really talked about cheerleading on my blog, but I cheered in high school and then I also cheered all 4 years while I attended Hope College.  I even coached a high school team for a couple years after graduating from Hope.  Cheerleading was a big part of my life for 10 years and I welcome the chance to get involved again whenever the opportunity arises.

When my coach requested help, I jumped on the chance to help out.  It was great to go watch/judge many current and future Hope cheerleaders.  But, boy do I feel old when I think about how graduated from college 11 years ago!!  My skills might be a little rusty but I think I could jump back in pretty quickly.

Two weekends ago a good friend had a birthday and his wife bought him a new gun. To celebrate, 6 of us went to the gun range to do some shooting.  This was the first time I had ever shot a handgun.  It was a lot of fun and I am looking forward to doing it again sometime.  My husband would love to own a handgun of his own and I would like to get him one sometime, but boy they aren't cheap.  Something else to save up for I guess.

My husband loading the gun.

Looks like I kind of know what I'm doing.

This past weekend I worked so I wasn't able to enjoy the warm West Michigan weather but the rest of this week is looking pretty good.  Plus, it's Tulip Time here in Holland.  If you haven't heard about this festival, Google it sometime.  It's a fun celebration of the area's Dutch heritage.  I'm a Dutch Dancer and enjoy the chance to dance (in wooden shoes) several times over the week.  I've been dancing since I was a sophomore in high school and can't imagine not dancing each May.

Dutch Dancing

I'm in the mostly black costume
on the far right.

I'm a member of the education committee at my church and we had our annual appreciation dinner for all the volunteers on Sunday.  I was at work but I was in charge of the table decorations.  I helped set up for that this past week.  Decorations are simple, but it was still fun to plan.

Other than that it's been mostly normal everyday activities. What have you been up to lately?  Any fun plans coming up?  I am just really excited for warmer weather so I can get outside more.

Never Have I Ever...

NEVER HAVE I EVER....

• Smoked.  I haven't even tried a cigarette.  I have no desire to either.

• Ridden on a motorcycle.  I know a few people who have bikes so maybe someday I will have a chance to tag along on a ride.  I'm sure it would be fun, as long as done safely. 

• Gotten drunk or had a hangover.  Typically I am okay with never having experienced these things, but every once in a while it would be nice to be able to relate to people when they talk about their experiences.  Most people just assume I know what they are talking about and I usually just go along with it.  But, I am not much of a drinker and I tend to be a rule follower and don't like to get too out of control, so drinking too much isn't generally that appealing to me.  

• Been to an all-inclusive resort.  I am really hoping to be able to take this off the list in the next year though.  Rob and I are hoping to go on vacation to Mexico or the Caribbean in early 2016.  Any recommendations of where to go?

• Tried sushi.  It just doesn't sound  appealing and I'm a picky eater.  Maybe if under the right circumstance I would be willing to try it. 

What are some things that you have never done?  Anything you wonder if I have done that is not on my list but think I should try, or maybe not try?

Mountaineer Pi Run

On Saturday I ran my second 5K of the year.  Couldn't have asked for better weather for this time of year!  Upper 50's and sunny.

Bad picture of me from after the race.
I've got to have someone else take one sometime.

I improved my time to 26:41 and managed to again place 1st in my age group!  I'll call that a success. I took almost 45 seconds off my previous time.  Would still love to get my average mile down to closer to 8 minutes though.

The Mountaineer Pi Run was held at an area Christian school  and they had one of my favorite restaurant's provide pie for the runners.  If nothing else, the butterscotch pie made the run worthwhile (although I was happy with how the race went also).

Fun medal I received for placing 1st in my age group.

The course was rather hilly which I still need to work on training for.  All the roads near me are flat so I have to think of some other locations to run at that include elevation changes so that I can be prepared for future hilly courses.

There currently aren't any other runs I'm signed up for but I am hoping to have my summer schedule finalized in the next week or so.  I've got a list going of runs I'm interested in so hopefully soon I'll be able to add more to my calendar.  Looking at doing my first 10K ever in early May.  Super excited but definitely nervous.

What is your favorite 5K if you are a runner?  Any tips for my first 10K?

Lately

• I had to work this past Saturday and Sunday so I didn't really get to enjoy the great weekend weather.  Every third weekend comes way too quickly.  

• This week the forecast shows the highs hopefully reaching the low 60's.  Now if it can only be dry for a few days as well.  It has been raining a fair amount recently which has greened things up nicely.  But it's hard to enjoy the warmer temps when everything is wet.     

• On Saturday I am running the Mountaineer Pi 5K.  Looking forward to running another 5K and also getting free pie from a local restaurant at the finish.  Hoping they have my favorite butterscotch pie.

• I'm trying to line up a few more 5K's for the next couple months and also hoping to try out a 10K or two as well.  Love the runner's high I feel when the race is finished!

• Rob and I camp every year with some of my good friends from high school and their families and I can't wait!  Still trying to find a couple other times to go camping this summer as well.  I'm behind on getting reservations and most of the state parks fill up on the weekends throughout the summer so we'll see what I can find.  I love camping.  Are any of you campers?  If so, where do you like to camp?

Ladybugs

Generally I think of ladybugs as cute little insects.  Pretty harmless in the grand scheme of things so I typically leave them alone.  Well, no more!  At least when they are in my house.

We have ladybugs everywhere in our house and I can't get rid of them.  ANNOYING!  I don't know if this is just a Midwest thing or if it is a problem all over the US.  They have been around for the last couple months but seem to be getting worse the last few weeks.

A couple here and there are tolerable but we have quite a few in our kitchen and a ridiculous amount in one of our upstairs bedrooms.

This is a picture of one of the windows in the bedroom.  The picture doesn't do the amount of ladybugs justice.  Fortunately we don't use the bedroom upstairs for much or I don't know what I would do.  

I vacuum the ladybugs up in the house at least once a day, but it just doesn't last for long.  This afternoon I vacuumed 177 ladybugs up from just the one bedroom!  Unbelievable!

I think I'm going to have to buy some insect spray that is safe for use inside the house because this has to stop.  Do you have ladybugs or some other insect in your house?  How do you get rid of them or prevent them all together?

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!  We're heading to church in the morning and then having 

my family over for lunch.  Hoping you are all able to spend some 

time today with loved ones as well.  

Christ has died, Christ has risen, and 

Christ will come again.

He is not here; he has risen!  Remember how he told you, 

while he was still with you in Galilee: 

"The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of 

sinful men, be crucified and on the 

third day raised again"

Luke 24: 6-7

Eagle 5K

Yesterday I ran my first 5K of the year, the Hudsonville Eagle 5K.  It's a fairly small 5K with a lot of the local elementary kids participating in it.  It was a pretty low-key way to start the race season.  It was sunny but COLD, around 18 degrees, when we started.  Thank goodness I had been running outside throughout the winter and was kind of use to running in the cold or it would have been uncomfortable.  Several times throughout the run I thought to myself that I can't wait for summer races!  I would much prefer to be warm over cold.

All bundled up and ready
to run in the cold.

The course had a couple of hills which made me nervous since all the roads I run at home are flat.  The hills weren't too bad but I do feel like I should probably find some locations to run near me that aren't completely flat to help with future races.    

I ended up running the 5K in 27:25.  Not horrible, but not as fast as I was hoping.  I should have picked up the speed on the last mile for sure but I had been "running" with someone else for most of the race and the pace seemed to be working pretty well so I didn't push it.  Do you ever pick someone else to "run" with during races?  Or, do you find it annoying if others start running next to you?  Anyways, my time was fast enough to place 1st in my age group and 26th overall in the female division.  That makes me feel a little better about my results.

Race bib and small medal I received for
placing first in my age group.

My goal for the next 5K I run is to be under 27 minutes and my ultimate goal for the year is to run the 5K in under 25 minutes.  I know that is quite a bit of time to shave off but I can already run two miles in 16 minutes so I just need to work on pushing myself more during runs and also to build up my endurance by going on more longer runs.  I'm hoping to also add in a couple 10Ks this summer also.  If I can manage I would also love to try a half marathon but that may be pushing it.  Anyone have a favorite training plan they follow?  

If anyone is still reading this post, sorry for the rather long and likely boring recap of my first 5K of the season.  I am just really excited to see how the year goes since I have been so much more committed to running and working out these past 6 months than I have been in many years.  Races are addicting and I can't wait till I run my next one!!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Wanted to write a quick post, but as normal, I'm just not sure what to write about.  So, I thought I would write a bit about what I'm loving right now.  

*I'm loving how it is staying light out longer.  It is light out till around 7:30 pm currently.  I just love these longer days and enjoy being able to go outside after dinner for a quick run if I want.

*I'm loving some of the new spring/summer clothing pieces that are out in stores.  I bought a few cute things that I can't wait to wear, it just needs to get warmer now.  

I bought these super cute shorts from Kohl's the other day and can't wait to wear them!

*I'm loving that my husband and I are getting away for a quick overnight trip to Indianapolis for my birthday.  We don't have anything major planned but it will be nice for it to just be the two of us.  Hoping to have a relaxing 48 hours.  Looking forward to getting a piece of cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory.

So, what are you loving??

Life Lately

I really want to try to update this blog more often but am never sure what to write about.  I feel like my life is pretty boring typically.  I am going to try to be more intentional though in writing about everyday things and documenting my life with pictures.  I rarely take pictures but feel this is also something I am going to work on, even if I just use my camera phone.

So, what has been going on in my life?  It is finally getting warmer here after a loooong winter.  I am trying to get out and run more often.  I ran throughout the winter but am hoping to increase my mileage now that the weather is improving.  I have a goal to run several 5Ks, a couple 10Ks, and hopefully a half marathon this fall.  By running throughout the winter I am actually able to run 5 miles pretty comfortably at this early point in the year.  Normally I have to start completely from scratch since I stop running completely once it gets below the 50 degrees.  (I'm a wimp in the cold).  I'll write more about my race plans in the future - just need to nail my work schedule down so I can get races on the calendar.

I am a nurse and transferred to a hospital that is closer to home this past October.  I cut about 30 minutes off my commute which is awesome.  Plus, I was able to keep the seniority I had earned since I stayed within the same organization.  Overall it is going well and I really enjoy my coworkers.  It's still not my dream job but I am getting a lot of great experience as I continue looking for a job that fits my interests better.

There is one other big change coming that I am really excited about but I'll write about that once a couple of details are nailed down.

What's going on in your life?  Do you ever feel like nothing exciting happens in your life, or is it just me?  Any must do races that I should add to my list for the future?