Friday, July 11, 2014

Things that sucked then, but made me stronger today

Happy, Happy Friday!!

I started my day off bright and early with a 5:30 a.m run. I did about 3 miles and I'm very proud of myself for waking up early these past two days to do this. Now, I'm not the fastest runner yet, but I'm doing it and that's all that matters.



I also have been walk at least 10,000 steps per day. Because of my run, I was more than halfway to my goal before 6:30 a.m.



The reason I love running is because it's the only time where I really am to myself and my thoughts. I was thinking today while I was running about why I am the person I am today. Why do I feel the need to wake up at 5:00 in the morning to run? What do I have to prove?

I am who I am today because of what I struggled through in the past.

  • I grew up with an older brother. He is 4 years older than me. I am a strong person who takes criticism lightly because of how often my brother would call me names. I am also literally a stronger person because of how often we got into wrestling matches. Drew will tell you today that he thinks I could definitely take out a guy if needed.
  • I remember trying out for the volleyball team in middle school. I didn't make the cut. I think the coaches thought I was too out of shape and had no self-control because of how big I was. So I became the manager. I remember one practice none of the girls were getting their serve's over the net. Coach said "If Renae makes her serve over the net, she is on the team and taking one of your starting positions." And guess what, I made it over the net. Why? Because I worked hard, because I wanted it so bad. My coaches later named me one of the MVP's. What I learned from that experience is that sometimes people are quick to assume that you're not good enough. I've learned to not let things get me down, but instead learn how to grow from those experiences. I've learned that not one person can tell me that I'm not good enough for something, because I can and will prove them wrong. I'm a hard-worker and strive for success because of this volleyball experience.
  • I remember always wanting a boyfriend but because I was a big girl and in middle school/high school, guys we're very shallow and therefore, didn't want to date me. Instead I was every guys best friend. Once I lost weight, I got a lot of attention from those guys that didn't dare date me when I was big. So now, I won't just say yes to any guy. They have to earn my trust. I have to see what kind of person they are and they need to see what kind of person I am. I need to know that they love me for who I am not how I look. And that is why I'm with the love of my life, Andrew. He accepts me for me. He loves who I am inside and out. 
  • In band I sometimes felt picked on by the director. I also felt that he didn't take me serious because of my weight. I walked into band class late one day. He was talking to the entire band about me, I didn't know that until later. So when he asked us not to wear jewelry to the parade, what did I do? I freakin' work the earring to my tragus piercing. And of course he saw it, and hated it, and thought I was being rebellious. And guess what! I was being rebellious. No one is going to walk all over me, treat me like a horrible person and then try to tell me what I can't do. If you tell me I can't do something, then I will do it. I don't take crap from anyone, especially when I didn't deserve it in the first place.
  • When I was in middle school, my home flooded. My family does not have a lot of money so this was especially devastating to us. We didn't know what to do or how we were going to start rebuilding.  The thing that we lost that hurt the most was our pictures...our memories. I now make sure to cherish things I love each and every day, you never know when you will lose them.
  • I lost my best friend to a tragic accident a few years ago. I've learned to live and love life. She was so bright, optimistic, full of energy, and loved to live life like it was her last day. I've learned to not take things so seriously. I've learned to truly embrace the things life has to offer and to take advantage of each and every day. Again, you never know when it's your time to go, so make sure you are happy and at peace when that time comes.

And this is why I love running. Where have these thoughts been hiding all of this time?

I can't wait to discover more about myself through running.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Thinking Out Loud #7 - Summer Edition

My Thursday has been amazing so far. I'm trying this new thing where I wake up at 5:00 a.m. with Drew so that we can see each other in the morning. He leaves the house between 5:30 and 5:45 so after he left I got changed into my workout clothes and went for a run. It was so nice. No Texas sun beaming down on you, not many cars you have to keep an eye on, just you and the pavement. I loved it and can't wait to do it again.
I ran 2.5 miles this morning. I'm just now starting back up so I am pretty sore in the hip area just from that mileage. I can't wait to increase my distance. 

Today I thought would be the perfect day to complete this survey. I'll actually use it as my Thursday Thoughts Post hosted by Amanda at running.with.spoons.
The one thing I am most looking forward to this summer is:
The Cruise to Cozumel that Drew and I have booked. It will be our second cruise together! Can't wait.
The most annoying person I know is: 
 Actually, I think it would have to be my dog Kujo. He is little and annoying and mean, but I love him.

 
I would like to meet________ this summer.
I would like to meet my goal weight this summer. I think it's do-able. Definitely
 
After a long day, there is nothing better than...
 Relaxing, having a beer or margarita and making something tasty.  
 
The most embarrassing summer work uniform I ever had to wear was...
I never had to wear an "embarrassing" work uniform but I guess the H.E.B Grocery shirt kind of sucked to wear.
 
When I hear my alarm clock go off, I...
Grunt, then hit snooze at least once, unless I'm 
 
My favorite form of summer exercise is
Swimming, Duh!

When the ice cream truck comes I always
try to scrounge up my change to get an ice cream.
 

The oldest article of summer clothing I own is
A couple of swimsuits from past years...or maybe a summer dress. I have no idea. 
 

My favorite summer outdoor activity is 
Tubing! I love tubing it's part of life here in Texas.
 
My favorite thing to grill is
Bacon wrapped Jalapeno poppers. They are so easy to make and cheaper than the store bought ones.
 
The worst summer date/romance I had was
When I was very young I had a little date at my summer Art camp. First of all, I suck at art, and secondly my brother was there so we had to be very discreet.
 
My favorite summer drink is
Miller Light
There are times when I just wish summer 
Would not be so hot. especially here in Texas.
The best song on the radio right now is 
Umm... I never remember these kinds of things. I just love music in general.
 
Jimmy Buffett is
in Margaritaville.
  
My best summer vacation ever was   


When Drew went on a cruise with me. I have been a couple of times but the best time was when he finally went. 
 

4th of July is too ____and not enough ______.


Too short and not enough fireworks.

After I’m done reading/commenting here, I’m going to


Maybe actually start working? I don't know though, that doesn't sound to fun.

It's not summer until


You can go tubing, wear dresses and shorts all day long, sweat like a cold glass of water, and go to Schlitterbahn.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Good things and Goals

Hey you all!

I took a little break from the blog because I wasn't really in a place that I wanted to discuss how I have been feeling lately. I haven't enjoyed the way I have been treating my body or myself as a whole.

So I'm not gonna sit around and cry about it any longer. I'm gonna do something about it. Set some goals and better myself and my relationship with Drew. I've at least figured out that you can't have a happy relationship if you aren't happy with yourself.

I've also learned that it's a lot harder on yourself when you forget to think about the good things you do for yourself and others. So I'll start with that then go on to goals.

  • I've been really good at helping my Mom through her surgery and post-surgery. Dad is also out of work currently so I've been sure to make them dinner and to visit them often.

  • I have helped to take care of Drew's Grandparents house while they were away on vacation. I even made them a care package for their road trip.

  • I've made sure to keep in touch with friends. Not only does that help me get through my days a whole lot easier, but I'm sure it puts a smile on their face when they know that I'm thinking about them and care about them.

  • I'm the captain at work for coordinating races. I'm in the process of getting everyone signed up for the Austin ROC race. We are at a team of 28 so far and the race isn't until September. I'm so happy with the results and it definitely puts a smile on my face that I've encouraged this many people at work to participate in running and being healthy.

  • I donated 2 large trash bags full of clothes to Goodwill. They were all very nice, decent clothes and I'm just glad that I can pass them along to others that really need them.

  • I volunteered at the food bank recently. It was the best 3 hours spent. We helped feed over 2,000 families with the amount of work we did in 3 hours.

Goal Talk

  1. Stop biting my nails! I've started this goal already and haven't bitten my nails in over a week. I just keep applying nail polish to them and this is definitely helping.
  2. Make time for myself. Read a book, go to the gym, pamper myself a bit, take long showers, tell Drew to go out and let me have the house to myself, go for a walk/run, go downtown and explore the shops... I think this is a really important part of not losing who you are. It can be difficult in relationships to not just do what the other person is doing. It's very important to do things that make you happy.
  3. Sign up for a race and actually make it. The past two races that I signed up for I did not attend. One was explainable, the other was because I had too many drinks the night before, which leads me to my next goal...
  4. Stop drinking during the week. It is not that important. It bogs you down, you don't feel good, and why do you feel the need to drink anyways? I understand that I am young and like to go out, so I can save drinking for the weekends, not really sure why I feel the need to drink during the week.
  5. Instead of drinking during the week, go do something active. Go sweat. Do anything that gets your blood flowing.
  6. Drew asked me to start waking up with him at 5 a.m. He says that he would love to see me in the mornings helping him out the door. I was also thinking it is the perfect opportunity to get in a nice run before the Texas sun comes out. I WILL start this goal next week.


I love when my mind and my heart are in the same place. That's when I have the most motivation and determination.







Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Samsung Galaxy S5 Phone Dumping and What to Gift for a Road Trip

Today does not need an introduction, I'm just phone dumpin'.




The friend and I taking a bathroom selfie at a club. The entire restroom was covered in graffiti. 




D.O.G wanted to play, he brought me a "toy" except it wasn't a toy it was a half eater squirrel.
DISGUSTING!




Drew's grandparents took a road trip to the Grand Canyon. I made sure to gift them with some of the best road trip items you could ever want.

  • Beef Jerky
  • Ghardettos 
  • Twizzlers
  • 100 Calorie Packs of Walnuts and Almonds
  • Deep Eddy Vodka Shots (Cranberry and Ruby Red)
  • Carmex
  • Chapstick
  • Crossword Puzzles
  • Sudoku Puzzles 
  • Wet Ones Wipes    



The hospital is doing great with their landscaping. I'm planning on getting these beauties and planting them in my parents yard. 





Drews little sister had a cowgirl/boy party. They made Drew wear this hat the entire time. He was thrilled. 





I am now a very proud, very happy #SweatPink Ambassador!! Woot Woot! More details to come.