Over the past couple of weeks I have thought of at least 10 ideas to blog about. But because of limited time and motivation to actually sit down at the computer and blog, I haven't done one of them. But as I just completed one of the greatest accomplishments of my life, thus far, I decided that I would write about that.
Last Thursday I traveled with my brother and sister to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The sole purpose of the trip: Complete the Goofy Challenge.
We signed up for this challenge back in January of last year. At the time it seemed like a good idea. But as the training began to be more intense and my knees wanted to function less and less, I began to wonder what I'd been thinking when we signed up for the race.
In October I hurt my knees in an 8 mile run. This preceeded to put me back BIG TIME on my training. When we left for Florida I had only trained up to 12 miles. The least you should for a full marathon is 18. And I was about to attempt 39.3 miles in 24 hours. I wasn't ready. But I was ready. I felt great after my 2 twelves that I ran and I was optimistic for the race.
After spending all of Friday walking around The Magic Kingdom, the nervousness for what I was about to do set in. Saturday morning we arose at 3 am and went through the pre-race motions. The race began, and we began strong.
We somehow missplaced my sister after mile 6 (she thought we kept going when she stopped for the bathrooms when we really had stopped, but she just booked it out of there to catch up). So Tom and I completed the 13.1 mile race in 2 hours and 45 minutes or so. We felt great! We even enjoyed Epcot the rest of the day, and retired early as we had a marathon in the morning.
So again, Sunday morning we arose at an incredibly early hour to run yet again. Though this day, was not the ease the 13 miles gave the day before, but this day was a long 26.2 miiles that had to be endured. And endure it we did. We did enjoy the stopping for photos with Disney Characters throughout the parks. The miles did wear on me a bit. I was ready for the race to be done about 13 miles before it was. =) With about 8 miles to go it was only the thought of finishing the race and getting the Goofy Medal that kept me going. I actually cried each time I thought about the medal. I wanted it so bad!! And you know what!? I got it! As we finished the 25th mile and were finishing the .2 that were left, I sprinted when I saw the FINISH line. I had to slow down to be able to have Tom and Teresa at my sides as we crossed the finish line. And finish we did! Yes, it did take about 6 hours and 4 minutes, but we did stop and take many a photo to document our race. We all hugged and cried and were overjoyed that we were going to be getting our Goofy Medals. So we hurried over to be awarded with the coveted medals. And now am a proud owner of One Donald Duck Medal (for completing the half) One Mickey Mouse Medal (for completing the full) and One Goofy Medal (for completing both....that's 39.3 miles in 24 hours!!)!
We finished the trip with a few days at Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. I can't say I was walking so great. Getting onto the rides was a chore, but it was a good time. Other than the fact that my husband was back at home, the trip was great! We enjoyed the magic of Disney and completed the race that was the reason for the trip.
I came home to a surprise! My sister and parent deviously planned to have Timothy pick us up from the airport. I was so thrilled to see him! The poor man was so bored without me, we are now the proud owners of Battlestar Galactica due to his boredom. =)
It's good to be home again, and its good to be done with the race. I enjoyed sleeping in on this fine Saturday morning for the first time in a long time.
Races have saturated my blood and I can't seem to stop running them.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Misunderstood Tradition Just Wanting To Be Understood
We all know the song, "The 12 Days of Christmas". We've recognized it since infancy, it's quite the catchy tune, that ultimately people know what "My True Love gave to me" for at least most of the days. However, often, if not always, this tradition is completely misunderstood, misinterpreted and miscelebrated. I remember my mother doing the 12 Days of Christmas for family members or friends, always beginning on the 14th of December and going to Christmas Day. I saw no problem with this, as this is how everyone celebrated it.
It wasn't until the Christmas of 2005 that a dear friend of mine, Cassandra, opened my eyes and educated me on the origin of this tradition and when it truly should be celebrated. She was quite passionate about it, and I have too become quite passionate about educating all the world of the TRUE tradition of the Twelve Days of Christmas. This event BEGINS on the evening of Christmas Day (December 25) and goes through January 6, which is Twelfth Night (ever heard of a play by William Shakespeare?). This period of the 12 days is known as Christmastide. The 12 days has its origins in the pre-Christian Scandinavian Winter Solstice, in which the Midwinter Feast lasted at least twelve days, hence the twelve days of Christmas. Currently, the 12 days and nights are celebrated in widely varying ways around the world. For example, some give gifts only on Christmas night, some only on Twelfth Night, and some each of the 12 nights. To me this all makes more sense for the 12 Days of Christmas. We get to celebrate the greatest holiday of the year for much longer, and we get to hav some sort of a holiday in January. And this is how I shall celebrate it from here on. Just like Cassandra, I like it better that way.
It wasn't until the Christmas of 2005 that a dear friend of mine, Cassandra, opened my eyes and educated me on the origin of this tradition and when it truly should be celebrated. She was quite passionate about it, and I have too become quite passionate about educating all the world of the TRUE tradition of the Twelve Days of Christmas. This event BEGINS on the evening of Christmas Day (December 25) and goes through January 6, which is Twelfth Night (ever heard of a play by William Shakespeare?). This period of the 12 days is known as Christmastide. The 12 days has its origins in the pre-Christian Scandinavian Winter Solstice, in which the Midwinter Feast lasted at least twelve days, hence the twelve days of Christmas. Currently, the 12 days and nights are celebrated in widely varying ways around the world. For example, some give gifts only on Christmas night, some only on Twelfth Night, and some each of the 12 nights. To me this all makes more sense for the 12 Days of Christmas. We get to celebrate the greatest holiday of the year for much longer, and we get to hav some sort of a holiday in January. And this is how I shall celebrate it from here on. Just like Cassandra, I like it better that way.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Wearing A Mask
Yesterday, the festivities of Halloween was upon us. Many of us dressed up as a character of some sort, participated in a party, went Trick or Treating or performed some other form of celebration. It's always fascinating to see people's imagination or lack there of with costumes. That perhaps is my favorite part of Halloween...the costume. There is something enjoyable about putting on a mask, or clothing that makes you someone (or something) that you are not.
Some of my favorite costumes this year included:
Eric's: Chuck Norris
Cassie Pickle: Juno
Sheena and Blake Hendriksen: Wendy and The BK King
Cassie: Giselle from Enchanted
Me: The Morton Salt Girl
Seems like the imagination for costumes is going to pot...that was about all for this year. Be more creative next year folks...and those who were creative this year, congrats and I look forward to your creative ideas next year.
Some of my favorite costumes this year included:
Eric's: Chuck Norris
Cassie Pickle: Juno
Sheena and Blake Hendriksen: Wendy and The BK King
Cassie: Giselle from Enchanted
Me: The Morton Salt Girl
Seems like the imagination for costumes is going to pot...that was about all for this year. Be more creative next year folks...and those who were creative this year, congrats and I look forward to your creative ideas next year.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Reminiscing
Well, I had my birthday last week (I turned 26!!!), I got married the week before, and so with such events happening in my life, I decided that I would actually do some blogging.
Sixteen days ago I married Timothy Day. It was quite the fantastic day. Though the festivities and the memories began a few days before. Therefore I cannot talk about the day, without mentioning all that led up to it.
Tuesday (Sept. 23) We were busy moving things into our new home. And then I was nervous about meeting Tim's parents...but I had nothing to be nervous about, they were quite wonderful (as is the rest of his family which I discovered over the next couple of days).
Wednesday (Sept. 24) I decided to pamper myself and I had my eyebrows and my eyelashes tinted by Cassie (I owe much of the success of my day to her. Well, she is the one who set me up with Tim in the first place...and she was such a great support during all of the events leading up to the wedding, and on the wedding day!!! I can never appreciate her enough).
Then one of my oldest and dearest friends, Tara, arrived from Michigan and she and I went and had a pedicure and caught up on our lives. It was so wonderful. Tara is one of those friends that you may not frequently talk to, but when you do its almost as though no time has passed at all. I love it. And it meant so much to me to have her there on my wedding day!
The rest of the day was mayhem...with trying to pick up everything, and set up everything for the wedding and reception. I was a little stressed, but by the end of the day, things were going well.
Thursday (Sept. 25...THE BIG DAY) I awoke quite early (4:30am) after only a couple hours of sleep (I stayed up late with my younger brother/friend, Eric...and am so glad I did. How I love that man. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love him). My good friend, Sheena, was so kind as to do my hair at 5:30 and my dear friend, Cassie, was wonderful and came and did my makeup at 6:15. I have such great friends. They were heaven sent.
Then a little after 7 I rushed off to pick Tim (I decided that we had to ride together so that way I knew he was going to show up), and then head to the Salt Lake Temple.
As I arrived, I was the first bride/marriage of the day, so all the sweet little ladies at the temple were focused on me and helping my mother and me get ready. It was one of the most wonderful occasions of my life, to have my mom be there with me as I put on my dress in the bride's room and prepare for my sealing. How I love my mom...she is so absolutely wonderful. I love her so.
I then met up with Tim and we entered the Sealing Room and greeted our families/friends that were in attendance. It was a beautiful ceremony and I shall never forget the feeling that was there as I was married.
We then had millions of pictures taken with family and friends. Enjoyed a luncheon (in the which a semi jellybean fight ensued. It was classic to see Charlie pegged square in the forehead by my roll. =)
The reception that evening is pretty much a blur. We arrived and again, my dear friend, Cassie helped me get ready, including re-enacting a scene from "27 Dresses" (he he he). We had some family pictures, then greeted our guests for a couple of hours. As far as I could tell the reception was beautiful, I have to keep asking those in attendance how it was, because I honestly don't remember. I hope everyone enjoyed it.
We then cut the cake, threw the bouquet and garter, said our goodbyes, and rode away in style on a 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan. It was awesome.
The day was long, but it was the PERFECT day, therefore I loved that it was a long day. The weather was perfect and all the events went smoothly.
It was the best day of my life, to go with the cliche of it all. But it was the being able to share the day with my Tim, my family and friends that made it the day that it was. And I loved it.
Now I have been married a couple weeks already, and I absolutely love it.
-Maren Day
Sixteen days ago I married Timothy Day. It was quite the fantastic day. Though the festivities and the memories began a few days before. Therefore I cannot talk about the day, without mentioning all that led up to it.
Tuesday (Sept. 23) We were busy moving things into our new home. And then I was nervous about meeting Tim's parents...but I had nothing to be nervous about, they were quite wonderful (as is the rest of his family which I discovered over the next couple of days).
Wednesday (Sept. 24) I decided to pamper myself and I had my eyebrows and my eyelashes tinted by Cassie (I owe much of the success of my day to her. Well, she is the one who set me up with Tim in the first place...and she was such a great support during all of the events leading up to the wedding, and on the wedding day!!! I can never appreciate her enough).
Then one of my oldest and dearest friends, Tara, arrived from Michigan and she and I went and had a pedicure and caught up on our lives. It was so wonderful. Tara is one of those friends that you may not frequently talk to, but when you do its almost as though no time has passed at all. I love it. And it meant so much to me to have her there on my wedding day!
The rest of the day was mayhem...with trying to pick up everything, and set up everything for the wedding and reception. I was a little stressed, but by the end of the day, things were going well.
Thursday (Sept. 25...THE BIG DAY) I awoke quite early (4:30am) after only a couple hours of sleep (I stayed up late with my younger brother/friend, Eric...and am so glad I did. How I love that man. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love him). My good friend, Sheena, was so kind as to do my hair at 5:30 and my dear friend, Cassie, was wonderful and came and did my makeup at 6:15. I have such great friends. They were heaven sent.
Then a little after 7 I rushed off to pick Tim (I decided that we had to ride together so that way I knew he was going to show up), and then head to the Salt Lake Temple.
As I arrived, I was the first bride/marriage of the day, so all the sweet little ladies at the temple were focused on me and helping my mother and me get ready. It was one of the most wonderful occasions of my life, to have my mom be there with me as I put on my dress in the bride's room and prepare for my sealing. How I love my mom...she is so absolutely wonderful. I love her so.
I then met up with Tim and we entered the Sealing Room and greeted our families/friends that were in attendance. It was a beautiful ceremony and I shall never forget the feeling that was there as I was married.
We then had millions of pictures taken with family and friends. Enjoyed a luncheon (in the which a semi jellybean fight ensued. It was classic to see Charlie pegged square in the forehead by my roll. =)
The reception that evening is pretty much a blur. We arrived and again, my dear friend, Cassie helped me get ready, including re-enacting a scene from "27 Dresses" (he he he). We had some family pictures, then greeted our guests for a couple of hours. As far as I could tell the reception was beautiful, I have to keep asking those in attendance how it was, because I honestly don't remember. I hope everyone enjoyed it.
We then cut the cake, threw the bouquet and garter, said our goodbyes, and rode away in style on a 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan. It was awesome.
The day was long, but it was the PERFECT day, therefore I loved that it was a long day. The weather was perfect and all the events went smoothly.
It was the best day of my life, to go with the cliche of it all. But it was the being able to share the day with my Tim, my family and friends that made it the day that it was. And I loved it.
Now I have been married a couple weeks already, and I absolutely love it.
-Maren Day
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Under Contract
Well, we did it. We found a condo that we love and the seller wasn't a pain in the rear. In fact, this place we found came on the market 30 minutes before we went and looked at it, mostly with the intent that we would use it as a bargaining chip to get the seller of the other condo we were looking at to not be so stingy. But, we walked in and I was sold. The condo had new paint and carpet and looked lovely.
Our realtor (Jason ROCKS!!! He is THE best realtor EVER) called the seller that moment and made our offer, he said, "write me up an offer!" We did, and he accepted and within 48 hours, we were under contract to purchase it and are attempting to close by next Thursday at the latest! I am going to be a homeowner!!! Hooray!
But I don't recommend waiting until the month before you get married to decide you are going to buy a home...try to take care of that months in advance....too much stress. =)
Wedding plans are going well, we are trying to finalize everything. Final payments are being made, and things are falling into place. My mom is even making cute little red bow ties for all my nephews (and Tim's...the ones that are coming).
Oh, and if you haven't had a chance, go check out my bridal pictures, if I do say so myself...they are BEAUTIFUL! Just follow the directions from my last blog, and you're there!
Beijos! (That means 'kisses')
Our realtor (Jason ROCKS!!! He is THE best realtor EVER) called the seller that moment and made our offer, he said, "write me up an offer!" We did, and he accepted and within 48 hours, we were under contract to purchase it and are attempting to close by next Thursday at the latest! I am going to be a homeowner!!! Hooray!
But I don't recommend waiting until the month before you get married to decide you are going to buy a home...try to take care of that months in advance....too much stress. =)
Wedding plans are going well, we are trying to finalize everything. Final payments are being made, and things are falling into place. My mom is even making cute little red bow ties for all my nephews (and Tim's...the ones that are coming).
Oh, and if you haven't had a chance, go check out my bridal pictures, if I do say so myself...they are BEAUTIFUL! Just follow the directions from my last blog, and you're there!
Beijos! (That means 'kisses')
Friday, August 8, 2008
Engagement Photos Have Arrived Take 2
ALL of the engagement photos are now available on www.pointedigital.com. Select "Wedding Website", then "Proofing" on the upper right side. Select "Maren and Tim" then the password is "larsen"
Enjoy!!! =)
Enjoy!!! =)
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
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