New Running Shoes

I don't know about you but I hate buying new running shoes. I put it off as long as I can. Basically until my current shoes hurt my feet so bad I decide to suck it up and buy new ones. Or until my husband gets tired of hearing me complain about them and makes me buy a new pair.

My last pair of workout shoes were purchased just over a year ago. I went in confident and determined to get a good pair. Perhaps it was partly my own fault from my insecurities but I felt like there was a condescending tone in the employee's voice when she asked me what I planned on using them for. I was more overweight then, than I am now, so I get her disbelief that I would need or even use a pair. She has a lack of interest in helping me or even selling me a pair of shoes. I ended up buying an ugly ass pair of men's shoes. I hated them. But more than anything I just wanted to get a pair and get out of the store. I got home and was so disappointed. They hurt my feet and I get blisters from them a lot. But I've been using them because most to prove to myself that I'm a workout beast.

This past week-end I tried to go in with the determination that I was getting a cute women's pair of shoes no matter what. But the store was CRAZY busy! I couldn't find someone to grab me shoes from the back to try on. And I heard one employee admit they had no idea about this department; they were just helping out. So we left and went to a quieter store where we received assistance right away.

The second pair I tried on felt amazing! I decided to stop thinking about it and just get them. I wore them today for 30 day shred and a short run and they are incredible! They felt like my feet were being hugged by marshmellow clouds! I didn't know shoes could be so comfortable!

I also finally remembered to purchase heavier weights! Bring it on Jillian Michaels!

The Best Intentions

We always have good intentions (as I'm sure most people do) to make the most of our week-ends. This past week-end our focus was on car maintenance. We live a little ways out of town so we try to schedule our appointments when Jon isn't working. It just makes it easier. As it turns out we were only able to have one vehicle done on Saturday and one on Sunday. Our main goal was to get our winter tires off. Where we live it's not unusual to see snow for at least 6 months! The past couple weeks have seen the snow supply shrinking so we figured it would be a good time to switch to summer tires (even though it is recommended to keep winter tires on till April 30th. We're optimistic). Friday it snowed and snowed. 18 inches.

  The roof was clear of snow. That's all one day's worth. I'm usually pretty excepting that snow will go when it's time. But this year I'm over it. Like in February over it. Please send Summer!

  

 I wanted to be grumpy all day and crawl under the blanket like this guy but I got going. The beautiful sun made up for all the snow and soon my grumpiness subsided. 

And as with all good intentions, sometimes uncontrollable things happen. The SUV ended up taking much longer than they thought. Hello 4 1/2 hours. But oh well! It's in perfect condition again and ready for our road trips this Spring! 

An Eccentric Outlook On Life

(I don't like writing posts without any photos. There's still snow covering the ground here so this is my wishful thinking)

One day in elementary school my best friend told me about one of her mom's friends.

"She's eccentric" she said.

I immediately thought to myself "what a great character to have attributed to you! I'd love one day to be thought of as eccentric!"

My friend went on to tell me about the adventure this lady had the previous evening. You might of had to be there but I'll try to set the scene. Picture a short lady,  in her 50-60's. She practically bounced when she walked; she had so much energy. Her hair was short and blonde/white. Though at one time she dyed it a bright neon color. Her hair often had a messy look. Whether it started that way in the morning, I don't know.

Anyways, this particular evening she had run herself a warm bath full of bubbles. She had one of those old tubs with the feet on the bottom. She shut the water off and lifted her leg to get in. When one (or more?) legs went and the entire bath tub tipped; spilling its water and bubbles all over her bathroom floor. She freaked out not knowing what to do next. So she started trying to flush the bubbles down the toilet. This only made more bubbles! I forget how she eventually got it all cleaned up but I remember thinking how she had such a great approach to life. Taking everything as it came with a contagious laugh.

I had the pleasure of meeting this lady on several occasions. And every time she would make everyone laugh with her stories. Her life was one eccentric event after another.

Sometimes I think about how I'd like to be remembered when I'm gone. I don't mean that in a morbid way. But I think it's good to evaluate your life long before it's almost done; so that you can make changes where needed. Among other characteristics, I'd still get a kick out of being thought of as eccentric. Not in the eccentric people you might find on double coupon day at the grocery store, or perhaps riding the city bus-- way. But rather I would hope that it would allude to the fact that I tried to see the positive in any situation and lived with a jolly perspective. I think I'm getting the awkward and quirky aspect of eccentric down. Now to work on the outlook on life.

Easter Recap

We usually prefer very low key holidays. I think it stems from the fact that the first few years of our relationship and marriage we lived far away from family and celebrated holidays with just the two of us.  One of the things we were most excited about moving closer to family was holidays together!

For Easter this year we headed out to my dad's farm for Easter dinner. But first I painted my nails! I have terrible nails from working with wire making jewelry. So I rarely paint them. I saw a tutorial on pinterest for galaxy nails so I gave it my best attempt. 

Reason 256 why I love my husband: He always fuels my vehicle for me. Leaving time for selfies.

Then it was out to the farm we drove. The cows have started calving so we mucked our way out to the corral to see the baby calves. I unfortunately didn't take any photos of them this time. I was busy watching my step-sister's boys who were eager to show us the babies. 

They say you can never go home again. But sometimes it's good for the soul to return home and be reminded of where you come from.