On Sunday, devastating tornadoes went through central IL.
Central IL is my home, and though all disasters break my heart, this one has been especially difficult. Thankfully, my hometown was spared. Normal experienced a lot of wind damage (e.g., trees and electrical poles down), but that is nothing compared to the devastation in Washington and Pekin.
When we moved back from AL (where I was born), we lived in Peoria, IL. My first memories are from there. My grandfather, great aunt, and other extended family still live in the Peoria/Pekin/Washington area. I know a teacher that works for the high school in Washington.
Maybe that's why this is tugging at my heart so much. Maybe it's strange that hearing about this hurts my heart more than hearing about the tornadoes in Joplin and OK. Maybe it's normal. I don't know.
All I know is, I felt compelled to do SOMETHING.
So I bought a shirt - from hopefully a reliable place that will actually get the money to the Peoria Red Cross, like they claimed.
So I donated a monetary gift through my university. I LOVE that they are taking collections to donate directly to the Peoria United Way.
So I will be donating cat and dog food to the drive at school because my heart is BREAKING for the animals. Dan says my priorities are messed up, but I don't think so. I can't imagine losing everything in a tornado, but losing my irreplaceable dog would make the whole ordeal 100xs worse.
So I will be donating some school supplies to my home parish, as they are collecting for a catholic school in Washington.
It isn't much. But it's what I can do to try and help. I encourage you all to see what you can do.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Prayers for the precious Brenna Bug!
If you are unaware, being an aunt is my favorite role that I have had in life. It is such a blessing! I have two beautiful nieces. Aidan will be 7 in December, and Brenna is 4 months old! They are absolute joys.
Aidan can talk my ear off, which I LOVE. There is nothing in this world better than a big Aidan smile, hearing her say "Aunt Trisha!" and getting a huge hug from her. Her and I have a special bond, I think, and I hope that we can continue to stay close as she gets older. I pray that she always sees me as someone she can depend on and confide in. I love that girl more than words!
Brenna, or Bug as her daddy has got us all to call her, is SO MUCH LIKE her big sister. She is one of the sweetest, happiest babies I have ever known. Cuddles with that girl make everything else that sucks in the world just disappear. Even though I never want her to get any bigger than she is now, I can't wait to see her personality come out even more. It will be so fun to watch her learn all about life and to see what she has in common with Aidan and what is dramatically different.
I tell you this because that sweet, 4 month old, baby has been in the hospital for 18 hours hooked up to an IV! She has been vomiting excessively, unable to keep any milk down, and is severely dehydrated. So far, nothing has been determined as a cause, and though I am sure it is just a stomach bug, "just a stomach bug" is so bad for a little baby! Currently, it seems all they can do is continue to pump her with fluids, even though I am sure the baby needs some nutrients/fuel to fight off whatever is making her sick.
I am not concerned that she won't make a full recovery quickly, but I do ask that you keep her, my brother, SIL, and precious Aidan in your thoughts and prayers, as I am sure this is scary for all of them.
Aidan can talk my ear off, which I LOVE. There is nothing in this world better than a big Aidan smile, hearing her say "Aunt Trisha!" and getting a huge hug from her. Her and I have a special bond, I think, and I hope that we can continue to stay close as she gets older. I pray that she always sees me as someone she can depend on and confide in. I love that girl more than words!
Brenna, or Bug as her daddy has got us all to call her, is SO MUCH LIKE her big sister. She is one of the sweetest, happiest babies I have ever known. Cuddles with that girl make everything else that sucks in the world just disappear. Even though I never want her to get any bigger than she is now, I can't wait to see her personality come out even more. It will be so fun to watch her learn all about life and to see what she has in common with Aidan and what is dramatically different.
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| my favorite girls! |
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| Bug at 2 months old! |
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| with her moo cow from Aunt Moo! |
I am not concerned that she won't make a full recovery quickly, but I do ask that you keep her, my brother, SIL, and precious Aidan in your thoughts and prayers, as I am sure this is scary for all of them.
Monday, November 11, 2013
motivation! (or lack thereof)
I am falling off the motivation wagon, people. Barely hanging on at all!
I just don't care about what I am eating right now. At all. Since the beginning of Oct, it has been a huge struggle. Then 2 weeks ago, I went a week and a half without working out. Even Dan was all "I am pretty sure this is the longest you have gone without working out since January." Called. Me. Out. And with the exception of our honeymoon, homeboy is right.
I feel worse when I don't work out. I am grouchy. I am tired. Blah blah blah. People say that it takes ~21 days to develop a habit. For over 10 months I have worked out 4-6 days a week, and it is NOT a habit yet. What the heck?! There have only been a handful of times that I really WANTED to work out. I can't understand why this is still such a struggle for me.
The other day, I stepped on the scale. The number is starting to creep back up. SHOCKING! (just kidding, obviously). My 4'10 frame shows every one of those added pounds, too.
Hopefully I can find some motivation soon. Maybe when the Halloween candy is finally gone, things will start to move in the right direction. In the meantime, if anyone has any spare motivation, I will take it!
I just don't care about what I am eating right now. At all. Since the beginning of Oct, it has been a huge struggle. Then 2 weeks ago, I went a week and a half without working out. Even Dan was all "I am pretty sure this is the longest you have gone without working out since January." Called. Me. Out. And with the exception of our honeymoon, homeboy is right.
I feel worse when I don't work out. I am grouchy. I am tired. Blah blah blah. People say that it takes ~21 days to develop a habit. For over 10 months I have worked out 4-6 days a week, and it is NOT a habit yet. What the heck?! There have only been a handful of times that I really WANTED to work out. I can't understand why this is still such a struggle for me.
The other day, I stepped on the scale. The number is starting to creep back up. SHOCKING! (just kidding, obviously). My 4'10 frame shows every one of those added pounds, too.
Hopefully I can find some motivation soon. Maybe when the Halloween candy is finally gone, things will start to move in the right direction. In the meantime, if anyone has any spare motivation, I will take it!
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
chugging right along
Well, it has been a hot minute since I took some time to talk about life on here. I have been just a smidgen busy. School is crazy (which is what I always say...because it SO is!) I am just trying to get through each day and make it to Thanksgiving. After Thanksgiving, it will be 2 short weeks until Christmas break, and I will be able to remember all the things I enjoy about life.... ;) Over that break, I will be graduating! Which is pretty crazy. I won't be done, yet, but you better believe I am going to rock that MS hood and pretend that I am done forever for about a month. And I am going to LOVE it!
Since I am such a negative nancy, here are a few things that have made me smile over the past few weeks!
So there's that. Life isn't all bad. Only school is bad. It's just unfortunate that it takes up so much of my life. I am in the home stretch, though, and the end goal is worth it! In the mean time, I need to look for these little things that can bring me more smiles :)
Since I am such a negative nancy, here are a few things that have made me smile over the past few weeks!
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| a wonderful visit from a wonderful friend! It involved a winery, a haunted house, and lots of laughter! |
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| a birthday dinner with my family! It involved snuggles from an adorable almost 4 month old, hugs from my favorite 6 year old, and lots of laughter |
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| a new light fixture in our entry way! I have hated that paper towel-looking light since we viewed the house! 2.5 years later (I think...) I convinced Dan that this fixture that was on sale is GOOD ENOUGH and SO MUCH BETTER! I win. |
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| my Jeep entered semi-retirement. we had our problems, but home girl struggled through nearly 50k in less than 3 years. she never left me stranded, so I appreciate that. she will be sticking around for snowy days and dirty jobs ;) |
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| but most of my time will be spent in this new-to-me Equinox! PEOPLE. I have NEVER driven a car this nice/upgraded. I am feeling so incredibly blessed/spoiled, and loving every minute of it |
Monday, October 21, 2013
A Quarter of a Century
Yesterday, I turned 25. I won't bitch go into too much detail about how I spent my entire birthday grading the 1st years' assessment administrations. But I did. And it was one of the lamest birthdays to date.
BUT! As I was looking through pictures to post, I realized that even though yesterday was lame, I had a pretty good weekend ...
I'm not sure, yet, how I feel about 25. Ten years ago, I expected life to be pretty different than it is now. ... I think. I guess I don't really remember being 15...haha.
I think I am OK where I am, though. It feels weird realizing I'm closer to 30 than 20, but life keeps getting better. Before 30, I will be DONE with school, getting a big girl job, and starting a family, and I am ready for that stage. ...
Just have to struggle through25 the rest of grad school ;)
BUT! As I was looking through pictures to post, I realized that even though yesterday was lame, I had a pretty good weekend ...
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| Went to The Post to watch the Cards beat LA |
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| Headed to the Casino...where I made $3.52 off Dan's $20. So really I made $23.52. Boom. |
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| For my birthday Dan made me pancakes! And got me flowers. And a card with a cow. |
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| My family spoiled me. |
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| I got lovely texts all day :) |
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| I convinced Dan that I NEEDED a cookie dough blizzard for having such a sad birthday. ;) |
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| We ended the day cuddling with this cute dog. |
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| And this morning I got myself a venti from sbux. Because when you get a free birthday drink, you take advantage. |
I'm not sure, yet, how I feel about 25. Ten years ago, I expected life to be pretty different than it is now. ... I think. I guess I don't really remember being 15...haha.
I think I am OK where I am, though. It feels weird realizing I'm closer to 30 than 20, but life keeps getting better. Before 30, I will be DONE with school, getting a big girl job, and starting a family, and I am ready for that stage. ...
Just have to struggle through
Friday, October 18, 2013
home?
I moved to St. Louis in August of 2007, when I began undergrad at SLU. The summer after my freshmen year was spent back in BloNo, but with the exception of those 2.5 months, I have been a St. Louisian for 6 years. Since I moved here, there have been MANY things that I have quickly fallen in love with. How can you NOT love a city that has so much to do? If you're bored here, it's because you aren't trying. The zoo is FREE. During the summer, there are FREE concerns at the Botanical Gardens on Wednesday nights. The city museum is a blast. There is pretty much always some sort of concert/show going on. Forest Park is a gorgeous place to spend a day, and it's common for some sort of event to be going on here. Food Truck Friday was my newest love this summer in Tower Grove Park.
BUT! There is also a lot that I hate. Driving here gives me the most ridiculous anxiety. Besides the fact that MO doesn't make kids take drivers ed, which still makes absolutely NO sense to me, the lanes throughout much of the city are freaking SKINNY! Like, my jeep just fits, skinny. I also don't love how everything is spread out. I am used to everything being 10 minutes from my house, but that's just not how things are here. Dan and I both have to commute about 30 min in opposite directions every day. If we lived in BloNo, that would not be the case.
Most importantly, I really dislike being 3 hours from my family. After we graduated, I wanted to move back home. I wanted to raise kids in the same town as their grandparents. Mostly for the free babysitting, but also because I have wonderful memories of weekly visits with my mom's parents. The Mr. was a rockstar, though, and got a wonderful job while he was STILL in college that has transformed into the perfect job for him now that he is done. He would not be happy giving that up and working for "the Farm" at home.
On Fridays, I have to drive through/around downtown to get to the city my practicum placement is in. Sometimes it still amazes me that this is my home. First of all, I can't believe that I can actually drive on 70 without hyperventilating. That was my biggest fear when I got here, and even though I get stressed, I manage ;) But mostly driving by the arch and seeing Lumiere and the stadium, etc.... It's nice. Dare I say that today, it felt like home?
It may have taken 6 years, but I can feel my roots digging in here. I feel like I may be OK with raising a family here. I think I may be falling even more in love with the city that took me from home, and I am OK with that.
Right now, I'm grateful I took a big chance and moved to STL without a single person I knew. But I am extra grateful that Dan chose SIUe and that we have both found our place in this city :)
BUT! There is also a lot that I hate. Driving here gives me the most ridiculous anxiety. Besides the fact that MO doesn't make kids take drivers ed, which still makes absolutely NO sense to me, the lanes throughout much of the city are freaking SKINNY! Like, my jeep just fits, skinny. I also don't love how everything is spread out. I am used to everything being 10 minutes from my house, but that's just not how things are here. Dan and I both have to commute about 30 min in opposite directions every day. If we lived in BloNo, that would not be the case.
Most importantly, I really dislike being 3 hours from my family. After we graduated, I wanted to move back home. I wanted to raise kids in the same town as their grandparents. Mostly for the free babysitting, but also because I have wonderful memories of weekly visits with my mom's parents. The Mr. was a rockstar, though, and got a wonderful job while he was STILL in college that has transformed into the perfect job for him now that he is done. He would not be happy giving that up and working for "the Farm" at home.
On Fridays, I have to drive through/around downtown to get to the city my practicum placement is in. Sometimes it still amazes me that this is my home. First of all, I can't believe that I can actually drive on 70 without hyperventilating. That was my biggest fear when I got here, and even though I get stressed, I manage ;) But mostly driving by the arch and seeing Lumiere and the stadium, etc.... It's nice. Dare I say that today, it felt like home?
It may have taken 6 years, but I can feel my roots digging in here. I feel like I may be OK with raising a family here. I think I may be falling even more in love with the city that took me from home, and I am OK with that.
Right now, I'm grateful I took a big chance and moved to STL without a single person I knew. But I am extra grateful that Dan chose SIUe and that we have both found our place in this city :)
Sunday, October 13, 2013
workouts as of late
I have been struggling in the motivation department, lately. And the food department. So I haven't weighed myself in 2 weeks (I typically weight myself once a week). I don't see a reason, currently, to confirm what I know. If I keep at it, I will be packing on some holiday weight before any holidays start!
Tracking my workouts has continued to help me, though. I put a workout "task" on my google calendar for each day at the beginning of the month, and my current goal is to work out 4 days a week. Because really, what excuse do I have? From Jan-May, I worked out 5-6 days a week, so I can handle 4, dangit! For me, checking off each workout feels good, and I like looking at the week and month view to see how successful I have been.
This week (10/6-10/12), I worked out 5 days!
Sunday - treadmill intervals and some dumbbell work
Monday - the sworkit app (it's my lazy workout...but it's a workout!)
Tuesday - off
Wednesday - treadmill
Thursday - bootcamp! Which I have been LOVING!
Friday - off
Saturday - treadmill intervals to 2.25 miles and some dumbbell work
I also got a head start on this week and did some sprints on the treadmill today before working arms on the total gym and finishing with some squats.
I am not too interested in switching up my food right now. So many things sound WAY too wonderful, so if I want them, I am pretty much giving in. Hopefully I am burning enough calories to at least stay pretty stable and not pack on the weight before Christmas. I am currently about 15 lbs lighter than I was in last year's Christmas pictures, so I would like to keep it that way!
Tracking my workouts has continued to help me, though. I put a workout "task" on my google calendar for each day at the beginning of the month, and my current goal is to work out 4 days a week. Because really, what excuse do I have? From Jan-May, I worked out 5-6 days a week, so I can handle 4, dangit! For me, checking off each workout feels good, and I like looking at the week and month view to see how successful I have been.
This week (10/6-10/12), I worked out 5 days!
Sunday - treadmill intervals and some dumbbell work
Monday - the sworkit app (it's my lazy workout...but it's a workout!)
Tuesday - off
Wednesday - treadmill
Thursday - bootcamp! Which I have been LOVING!
Friday - off
Saturday - treadmill intervals to 2.25 miles and some dumbbell work
I also got a head start on this week and did some sprints on the treadmill today before working arms on the total gym and finishing with some squats.
I am not too interested in switching up my food right now. So many things sound WAY too wonderful, so if I want them, I am pretty much giving in. Hopefully I am burning enough calories to at least stay pretty stable and not pack on the weight before Christmas. I am currently about 15 lbs lighter than I was in last year's Christmas pictures, so I would like to keep it that way!
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