Call it a bday gift to myself

On a brighter note... I decided to run a half marathon in 3 weeks.  It's totally out of the blue.  Kinda. It's one that I have been wanting to do and I think about often.  I told myself in November, if it wasn't sold out I would sign up.  I didn't sign up.  Then I told myself that same thing aftermy 2 pay days. Finally I did sign up after talking to my sister Jess about really wanting to do it.  I haven't trained.  It's on my bday weekend and if I run that one and another in May, then I get another cool medal because I complete this challenge. I know it's ridiculous that I would pay up the wazoo to run, but I guess there are worst things to spend my $ on. Plus, I notice I am happier when I work out.  I have been making small goals here and there.  My most recent one is to run 8 miles within 60 mins.  Yesterday, I came close to my goal and that made me smile. 

 



Life after college

I've been bummed lately. I was hoping to find a full-time job with great benefits right after graduating. I started applying to government agencies a few months before my last quarter. Unfortunately, for government jobs there are tons of people who apply and some job postings are open because the agencies has to run the position even though they might be hiring within. I am getting a lot of reject letters that the position has been filled, canceled or I was not selected to move forward. I miss the days when getting an interview was much easier. I am used to being a shoe in after the interview, but nowadays it feels impossible to get my foot in the door.

I went to a test a few months for this one position. At the test they said the anticipated an opening in 6 months, so this test was just to have an eligibility list ready to go for quicker selection process if the opening occurs. I thought that was extremely inconsiderate! I had my hopes up high and so did so many others for a possibility half a year later?

I really, REALLY want to pursue working in a crime lab or investigating crimes as a forensic technician. If I get into that I want to become an entomologist. Knowing the insect life cycles and being able to determine time of death based on insects fascinates me. However, I don't want to jump into taking a bunch more classes just to end up in a non-related field.

Today I took another test for another position. I walked away feeling hopeful...

I also went to an interview about 3 weeks ago. I had just finished a graveyard shift and wasn't feeling my best. I literally was dragging my feet to go because the bed seemed to be calling my name. I went through and did okay. Surprisingly, I received a letter that I was going to the next level and was currently ranked #1. That did boost my spirits which needed much boosting.

I'm now having a regret. I didn't apply for the full-time position at my work. The reason I didn't apply was because it's a position working for the State. We are having a huge budget crisis and employees here get a raise every 6-8 years. Two other part-timers were applying and I knew they wanted to work here and would be here for quite some time. Me on the other hand would be here for a short period and would be unhappy about my pay. Hindsight, I could've worked on a second Bachelors or my Master's degree. The state allows for college tuition assistance in the CSU system. But I wasn't thinking of what is best for me; instead I was thinking what was best for my co-workers and employer. *shoot me*

Nothing I can do about it now. Only think "well it wasn't meant to be!" Another door will open.

Friends with enough crazy in them as me

It was cold, early and raining, but the excitement was in the air.  It was our first triathlon.  Seriously it was the best feeling to be a part of this team.  We cheered each other on and shared funny and inspiring stories as we waited for each other.

As always... my family were our #1 fans!  I can always count on them to show their support and love.

Annual sister run

 

Another great run in the books.  Personal record this race 2:11!

Run thru my alma mater

I stayed around campus after work today waiting for a co-worker to arrive so we could go for a run.  The goal was to run this 5K route so I can see what I am in for on an upcoming race.  The race honors a student who was fatally hit by a car on campus.  His family created this race in his honor and to provide scholarships to students as well. 

I know it's silly, but I literally had this fear of running this particular hill at my alma mater. I think I have too many memories of walking from class to my car which is at the top of this hill and being out of breath from just walking!  The race takes you from the BOTTOM of this hill and I wanted to conquer it before race day. 

My co-worker and her cousin ran the route and I ran the hill in it's entirety, then ran down to where my co-worker was and ran it up with her.  Then, together we ran down and gave much encouragement to her cousin and ran up this hill with her.  I conquered this hill and ran the steepest part THREE times!  I'm feeling pretty good about this.

The rest of the run was beautiful as we ran the back roads, thru campus and along horses.  I have to add, at times the horses would run up to us thinking we had food and then continue to run along side us.  Definitely a run I want to do more often.  Why didn't I ever take advantage of this while I was going to school there?

Twitterpated

Life has been on the right path for some time now.  It feels great to be happy. I have an awesome husband who cracks me up, understands me and super supportive in so many ways.  I was just going through memory land and thought "wow, I am lucky!" I find myself having this internal dialog a lot lately and especially about my husband.  I want to remember this feeling and not let it go.  I don't want to be one of those people that constantly talks about how it used to be. So here's to us and always remembering the love that brought us together and the love that makes us a strong couple!

Shoes

My sister describes friends as shoes.  "Some are stilettos" and while they are fun you can only have them on for a little bit and then have to put them back in the closet. Others are a comfy pair of sneakers or slippers and you can have all the time.  Then there are those that are your favorite pair.  The ones you will never give away and are made of the best quality.  Every shoe has a purpose.

It made me think of some of my friends and the surprises they have given me. 

I was mentioning to my niece and sister last night that I wish I had more friends like me.  What I meant by that is someone who will drive to see me and who is reliable (I can do without the anal part haha). If I hear a friend say they want to do something or dream about some thing, I want to be a part of it.  I'll normally look up the event or activity and get the ball going.  I rarely cancel.  I drive to many of my friends house because they think I live in another country. I guess I just want people to also go out of their way too.

The other day my friend Debbie called.  I was coming back from Laguna Hills from a training and she had asked me to go have dinner with her.  Honestly, I didn't feel like driving back to the O.C. and then she offered to drive up to my area.  When I told her I was shocked that she would go out of her way to drive to see me and I explained that I generally have to drive to see my friends she said it was B.S. and friendship goes both ways.  It made me feel special and understood. 

The conversation with my sister and niece ended with laughter as we started thinking about the nerdy talks a twin me and I would have.