If you see me running, everything is ok

I made a decision that this year was going to be my year. I had reached a point where I was physically and mentally broken down from working full time, going to school to get my second degree, having a 2 year old, and everything else was leaving me tired and drained. I took the semester off (but I WILL be going back in summer) and am doing a few things to focus on myself. I have changed our eating "lifestyle" again, as the hubby would say, to watching calories, eating protein, and skipping out the junk. Granted, there have been some meals that I better not make again, but for the most part, there has been little complaining- and for those who know my hubby, yes we are talking about the same guy. I am working out with a friend of mine who just opened a gym with her husband, and loving it....more so after the fact because I feel better. And, get this---I have started running. Now, I have NEVER been a runner in any way. In fact, even with all of the swimming, basketball, and everything else I did growing up, I hated it. Yes I did run triathlons as a child, but running was always my least favorite. I am on week 5 of couch 2 5k (c25k.com), and have realized that I am actually loving it..most days. However, I am not looking forward to the 2 mile run (non stop) that I am supposed to do on my 3rd and final run of this week. In fact, I just told my sister today (yep, her and my dad are the runners) that I am dreading it. Her response was that maybe I should bring my son on that one with me, since he is my cheering section. (memories of our last Florida vacation are ringing through my head---It had just started this program and he went with us one day and cheered me on the whole time.)
But, I have no choice of backing out this time. When I decided to do it, my sister and I signed up to do the Color Run together (colorrun.com). This is a 5k (3.1 miles) run that sprays you with color at every k. I am excited about it, but also very nervous. I am looking forward to it, but at the same time...I am trying to get over the mindset of 'every time I run, I hurt myself '. So bring on the shin splints (hey I have them), bring on the sore legs, and bring on the swollen knees (haven't had this yet, but with my knees you never know). I can handle it. There is nothing that a foam roller, ice, and icy hot or biofreeze can't fix.
So, if you see me out running, don't be alarmed. Everything is ok, and there is no 3 headed monster chasing me. And please, ignore the really red face- it will go back to normal in a little while. And, please, don't worry- I really don't need an oxygen tank.....

Why?

I have always been one to roll with the punches, and never really stop and ask myself, or God, why things happen. Well, until now. There has been so much that has gone on in our community within the last 7 days that it feels like an eternity. I will never understand why a baby or child is killed. I will never understand why cancer exists. I will never understand why bad things happen to good people. I have always said that everything happens for a reason and that God doesn't give us more than we can handle, and that He has a plan for each of us- and that the place where we are is exactly where He wants us. I have been struggling this week, and to be honest, for the past month, with why things happen like they do. I understand that some things happen to "wake" us up before things get too out of control and/or to put us on the right path. It just doesn't seem fair. And, yes, I know that life isn't supposed to be fair. But it still doesn't make it feel any better. It doesn't take the hurt away. And it sure as heck doesn't make things easier. I mean, think about this- how would you tell a family that their small child, whom they have been praying for and who has been fighting, is gone? How can you tell someone that they have cancer and that it's inoperable? How can you tell someone that they only have a certain amount of time left? I know that God's has things under control, but I still have trouble finding a reason for cancer to even exist. Not just cancer, but all deadly illnesses. To be honest and quite frank, it SUCKS. Having had a grandfather and an aunt pass away with cancer, I have seen the struggles that it causes. Having had a friend who was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, I have seen the trials she (AND she has a husband and 2 small boys) has gone through. I have watched from near and far as mothers and fathers are trying to find peace with the death of their child. I try not to question God's way, but it's things like this that leave me asking 'Why'?

Just another day

"Just another day, in paradise..." Ok, so while Phil Collins may not have been singing about my life, the song is pretty accurate...Most days. Valentine's just passed, and while there are no special stories, it was still a great day. And, giving more credit to the hubby...What girl doesn't like being told that she looks better than a Victoria Secrets model? Of course, I immediately asked if he was feeling ok or if we needed to have his eyes checked...but still, it was very sweet. He said this after I showed him a sign on my favorite past time...Pinterest...

Not sure if he was trying to get some extra points for something there, but it made me feel good...