Thursday, April 19, 2012

Feet

I don't have a quote for ya'll today. Mostly because I'm tired. Partially because I thought of a good one while I was running today. Not to brag, but I kinda like it.

"Don't look down. Look straight ahead. Trust that your feet know where they're going."

It was weird. Yesterday I was running five miles and I felt like the ground was getting a little weird on me (I was not dehydrated, before anyone asks) and that just popped into my head. And I like it. I mean, when you think about it, it's true. Your feet DO know where they're going. Be it in karate or running or anything. So don't look down, because that means you're second guessing yourself. Look up and enjoy the scenery.

Anyway. Now exiting English Major Mode.

I've been so crazy busy the past couple weeks. I had all sorts of shenannigans going on with school work and stress and a combo of the two making me sick. I actually skipped my 11 mile run on Saturday. Whoops. But instead I stayed in and wrote a paper, so it wasn't a total loss.

Just about a week until the race! Starting to get nervous...but I think I can do it. I have to keep saying that. A week to the race, then about two weeks until Finals. SO. CLOSE.

I'm tired, so this is a shorter post. I did see Clive buzzing around outside, so that was awesome. He's been all over the place this spring!

Song of the Day: Blackbird by The Beatles

<3 Erin

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Insanity

"Running is a mental sport...and we're all INSANE!" - Unknown


Why yes, yes we are all insane. Can't remember if I've posted this or not. I'm under the weather and worried that it's going to get worse. I have no time to be sick!

But yesterday I had to run five miles, and decided that I would have to do it on the indoor track at the rec center. Some of my thoughts over the course of this run:

Oh god, my legs hurt. Maybe I should take tomorrow off.

Why the hell are people using the treadmills if they're only walking? That seems like a waste of a treadmill...just go on the track!

Wait, is that guy wearing jeans? OH GOD WHY? Why would you wear jeans to work out?

On that note, why is that girl wearing yoga pants to run? It's too warm for that! Well, maybe it's against her religion to wear shorts. I shouldn't jump to conclusions.

*Five laps later, near Yoga Pants girl again* Okay, maybe it's not religion because she's rolling them up and HOLY COW. Her calves could cut steel! Jeebus! Why on Earth would she try and hide awesome legs like that?!

Why do people insist on walking in the wrong direction on the track? I'm just more likely to purposely run at you.

Lot of people wearing those skele-toes shoes. I wonder if those feel funny.

It's hard to think about things when I'm running. I know I have lots to do, but I can't focus on it. I wonder if that's the purpose of running...

Oh hey, last lap! I should pick someone to beat by the end.

Target acquired. Target caught. Target surpassed.

I want chocolate milk.

Yeah, my brain is a little ADD when running. No worries. But I'm getting geared up for race day...have an outfit in mind for the half, but I'm just realizing that I've got to pick out one for the 5K the night before. I'll post pics closer to race day. I'm still holding out hope that by the race I will be able to get my hair into a ponytail, but I'm doubting that. Very sad. It's getting longer, which I'm happy about, but not long enough.

Also, shameless plug here, if you're going to come to the marathon to cheer me on, how about a shirt to go with? I'm considering ordering t-shirts, but I need to know how many people will be in on this. Here's the design:


Ideally the words and design would be white on a red t-shirt. If I order 9 shirts, it would come out to about 12$/shirt, but that price goes down the more people we get in on this. The race will be on Saturday, April 27th on the U of I campus and I highly suggest carpooling if you're coming down to Champaign/Urbana. I can house people, but parking is limited. I need to know if you're coming, need housing, or want a shirt ASAP. Deadline will be Friday.

Writing has hit a sort of standstill. I know what I want to write, but it's just finding the time and motivation. I've got a lot of work to do for school (SO MANY FINAL PAPERS!), and I've gotten back into knitting lately. So yay? This Friday the Knit Wits are probably going out to knit at the bars, so keep an eye out for nerds with needles. I think tonight I'll try and find some time to get some writing done...those final three chapters won't write themselves!

And like that, I've run out of time to chat. Class is soon, and I must go.

Song of the Day: Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen

<3 Erin

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Senior

Shepard: Good luck.

Grunt: I don’t need luck! I have ammo.

- Mass Effect 3

So I just registered for classes next semester.

My last semester on campus.

My last semester before student teaching.

My first semester as a senior.

In college.

.....

WHAT.

Where did the time go?? It seems like not so long ago I was leaving for college for the first time, trying to figure out how to live in a dorm. Now I'm in an apartment. I used to be an Undecided major. Now I'm in one of the more specific tracks at the university. Holy cow. It just seems like time went by so fast.

I know last post I sort of touched on the idea that I was becoming an adult and I had a year to figure out what I was doing, but seeing that title kinda hit it home.

SENIOR.

Damn. After this I'll be done with my official academic career. I mean, sure I'll go back eventually for my masters degree, but that's not for a long time. Once I'm out next May, I'll be out for a while. Yes, you can point out I'll ideally be in a school as an educator, but that's not the same. Huge difference between being on one side of the desk as opposed to the other, trust me. Don't get me wrong, I'm still excited for it, but it's just so weird.

I'll be the first one of my siblings to be out of college and in the workforce. In one circle of friends, I'll be the first one out as well and hopefully the first to get a job. I'll be living on my own (ideally) and doing all that super spiffy adult stuff everyone has to do. A good portion of my friends will either still be in school or across the country doing various jobs. I already know one of my good friends is going to be a lab tech with John Hopkins medical in Baltimore, so there is that too.

I guess right now I can't really think about it too much. If I do, I start to panic a little and I have enough to do in the meantime that I don't need to worry about something so far away.

It's too late for much more speculation. I'm tired and have tons to do later.

Song of the Day: "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz

<3 Erin