Before and after.
7 sweaty miles before church and work at Corky this afternoon.
Then, look! I CAN clean up alright! Success!
This will be my last “long” run for the Manitoba half next Sunday. Life has gotten in the way and that’s ok. I’ll be fine. It may not be a PR, but I’ll live.

I Got those shorts when I went shopping on memorial day. I think they’re adorable.

Anywho, happy Sunday friends!

That spot I’m pointing to is the only dry spot on my shirt today. This was a humid and strange run this morning.

  • I woke up at 5:10am and could not go back to sleep. I laid there until 5:40ish and then decided to start the day. As a result I was out the door by 6:10 for my run. Normally I’m on my way by 6:45. 
  • So I decided to run 5 miles before work this morning! Hooray!
  • All the sweat ensued. 
  • But it was a gorgeous morning. And I’m working at Corky tonight so I already consider today a success!
  • My right lymph node is sore/swollen. My nurse mother thinks that I’m either getting sick or fighting an infection. Ain’t nobody got time for that! Sleep and Vitamin C are my friends. I have a Vacation and Half Marathon next weekend! Get with the program body!
  • I get to sleep in tomorrow. I’m stupid happy about that.
  • My bestie’s birthday is Sunday. We are celebrating tomorrow. I still don’t know what to get her. Crap. 11th hour present time. I hate that! Any good ideas?

Happy Friday!!

someone can be madly in love with you and still not be ready. they can love you in a way you have never been loved and still not join you on the bridge. and whatever their reasons you must leave. because you never ever have to inspire anyone to meet you on the bridge. you never ever have to convince someone to do the work to be ready. there is more extraordinary love, more love that you have never seen, out here in this wide and wild universe. and there is the love that will be ready.

nayyirah waheed   (via indieless)

My lunch break.

Not pictured: a bowl of oatmeal. 

I know, I know. Lame lunch is lame. But I was uninspired and low on food. And eating copious amounts of watermelon is ALWAYS a good choice.

This Book you guys. Read it. I bought it Monday night and have managed to devour it in the evenings since then. I’m reading on any downtime I have a work, after work, lunch, before bed, while waiting for my nephew’s baseball game to start. I’m reading it at a frenzied pace. If you like “The Fault in Our Stars” then you’ll like this. Truth be told: I wasn’t a huge fan of that book, but the premise of this one caught my eye.

Also, thank you for all the nice comments on my hair yesterday you guys!! I haven’t had highlights in YEARS so I have to say it still startles me to see it when I get up in the morning. But I really like it. Change is good, right?

Tonight I have dinner plans with my college roomie. I haven’t seen her in months. Should be a good time.

Happy Friday Eve friends! 🙂

Happy National Running Day friends!

I got out there for some miles this morning! All the sweat ensued. It was not pretty, but such a perfect way to start my day.

The second picture is not me trying to be dramatic, but to show you my new hair do! When I get it colored my hair lady usually does 1 allover color. This time, she told me she had been thinking and how did I feel about ombre?

I said I did not feel good about it. We discussed it, and this was the end result: painted in caramel highlights that start several inches down my head so that regrowth isn’t weird. Sorta ombre, sorta not.

I dig it. It looks red in the sun. But it’s not too obvious, which I also love.

In other news:

  • A girl I used to babysit when she was 2-years-old turned 21 yesterday. Ooof. That one hurt.
  • Did I tell you I ended things with New Guy (who, consequently was 26-years-old! Sorry I’m not sorry?! :)) the other day.  It was just not working. I was not feeling it. So I very nicely ended things in a text. He was cool about it. Whew! Glad that one is over!
  • For the first time since January I’m not dating anyone. I kind of like it. I need some Melissa time this summer.
  • I get to see Brooke next week!! Oh yeah, and run another Half Marathon too! (My first International One!)

Happy Hump Day friends!!

5 Positive Things I Like About Myself

I was tagged by Ryan and I like lists so here goes nothing!

  1. I am a good listener. From people that I’ve just met to friends that I’ve known forever, they all tell me their deepest secrets and feelings. I like to think I can empathize and sympathize with them. I also try to listen with the intent to hear, not reply. There’s a big difference.
  2. I’m funny. My friends say I’m the funny one! I’m always quick with a joke to lighten the mood. Days are better spent laughing.
  3. I’m observant. I notice the details of things that most people miss. The hidden melodies in songs, the small details in pictures, things like that.
  4. I’m kind, caring and compassionate. I worry about my friends and family.
  5. I’m organized and punctual. You can’t do daily newscasts if you’re not! 🙂

I’m tagging Lindsay, Erin, Holli, Victoria & Brooke

“Patience is the art of hoping.” -Luc de Clapiers

Recently I’ve determined that my entire life is an exercise in patience. I’m being taught how to be patient in every single aspect of my life. For example:

  • I want to make more money/find a better paying job. I’ve had so many interviews where I’ve been told that I’m the 2nd choice. That stings a little. Patience, Melissa.
  • Dating. I have dated so many men and it hasn’t worked out for all of those relationships. So when will I meet “him”? The one? No freakin’ clue. Just be patient I’m told. Easier said than done people.
  • Weight Loss. Even that has required a certain amount of patience in my life. It took me 5 years to lose 150 pounds. I plateaued. I struggled. It was hard. But so worth it. But the key in all of it? I had patience. 

They say good things come to those who wait, and that patience is a virtue.  One of my best friends told me that I “have many amazing qualities, but patience isn’t one of them." 

What can you do but lean on your faith, family and friends when you want something with your entire being and you are currently being told to wait. You may even have a bit of a vague timeline, but each hour and day that passes with no news can make a person crazy! Especially one like me who tends to overthink. I replay conversations, text messages, emails. As much as I want to think positively, hope dwindles as times passes. I wish, hope, and pray for the best news possible and until I get it, I have to have faith.

That’s all I can do.

abitofsilliness said: Gracious girl, have you lost MORE weight? you are looking so tiny!

Sarah, I have not actually lost any more weight–the funny thing is, I’m still up a few pounds–but I actually think it’s because I’m doing squats, lunges and push-ups. I’m trimming down but gaining muscle weight. Either way-Thank you!! You made my day! 🙂

thatsminethankyou said: You look great! That shirt is awesome! Also, I’d like to have your legs. kthanks! 🙂

Ryan, I have NEVER been told that someone would like my legs-in fact I’ve never been happy with them. So thank you for making me see them for what they are-strong, healthy and pretty great legs! You’re the best, lady!

getittogetherg said: You are so pretty!!!

Ginni- I adore you. You are too kind. It’s all smoke and mirrors my friend! 🙂

deanaisfindinghergroove said:Super cute!!

Deana, Thank you! I never would have looked at that top style before, but I love it now!