2010...101 in 1001

I found this as an unpublished and unfinished post that I started in January of 2010. It is amazing to see that 30 months into the 32 month "project", many of my goals have been met. Let's see....

Education/Work
. Graduate with my Masters Degree DONE
. Start classes toward my 2nd Masters Degree or PhD
. Change grade levels
. Have a student teacher DONE
. Become a mentor
. Become the school representative on a district committee DONE
. Teach a district course

Physical
. Run a 5K DONE
. Run a 10K DONE
. Run a 1/2 marathon (Going to start training)
. Start swimming (buy a Speedo, cap, and goggles) DONE
. Fit back into my wedding dress
. Weight 140 lbs. for more than 1 day
. Start biking
. Go rock climbing

Family
. Have a child DONE
. Get another dog
. Talk to my brother and father on the phone more often (Do text messages count? In progress)
. Visit my deceased relative's graves at least once a year
. Foster pets up for adoption

Financial

. Pay off my car DONE

. Buy a new house (Starting the process)

Home
. Paint the basement DONE
. Landscape our front yard
. Buy new bedroom furniture DONE
. Grow grass and end the swamp in our backyard DONE
. Change our guest bedroom into a nursery DONE
. Hang pictures in our living room DONE
. Vacuum more often DONE
. Paint/Redecorate upstairs bathroom DONE 
.Garden/plants for the side yard DONE


Organization
. Develop pictures DONE
. Start new photo albums DONE
. Organize my clothing
. Organize guest bedroom closet DONE
. Start a filing system DONE

Travel
. Visit Italy DONE
. Visit California DONE
. Visit New York DONE
. Go hiking somewhere outside of Missouri DONE
. Visit Greece
. Visit Spain
. Go skiing somewhere other than Hidden Valley
. Visit Mexico DONE
. Visit a winery in California
. Ride a mo-ped
. Ride on a train DONE

Arts
. See at least 1 new musical each year DONE
. Take a photography class
. Photograph a wedding DONE
. Photograph a friend's baby
. Photograph a friend's engagement
. Take a dance class
. Take voice lessons

Self
. Read 3 adult books each year DONE
. Start volunteering
. Donate my hair to Locks of Love

Crazy
. Go skinny dipping
. Jump off a cliff into an ocean
. Get another tattoo
. Go to a shooting range

St. Louis
. Go to Crown Candy
. Go to Black Thorn Pizza
. Take a segway tour downtown
. Visit the Planetarium

Soooo, I never finished making this list and there were only 65 items on it.  But man, I've done A LOT of those things.  Kind of fun to see what my "to do list" was at the age of 26 after only being married for a year and a half.  Definitely want to continue checking things off of this list but lots of new things should be added.  Maybe a new list will be created some day.  You know this girl loves her lists :)

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Random April Thoughts

How is tomorrow May 1st?  Ohhhhh, May...it has always been my favorite month because it is my birthday month.  But now, it is the month of Ethan's birth, which is much more exciting and important.

-We have been planning Ethan's 1st birthday party.  It is a carnival/circus theme and I'm having fun getting ready.  Thank goodness for Pintrest...I really don't know what I would do without it.  Here is an inspiration picture:

-My buddy took his first steps last Thursday.  Then about 10 minutes later, he said "ball", as clear as day.  Now, we have balls everywhere throughout the house so we can hear him say "ball, ball, ball" all of the time.  It is absolutely adorable and so incredibly exciting.  This is the ball that started it all:

-I've decided to stop getting down on myself about my weight.  I'm focusing on the 5K that I have been training for and will be running on May 12th.  I'm on week 8 and this week will be running 27 minutes without stopping.  I'm going to continue to try to make good choices with food and hopefully it will translate to a weight loss.  I've lost a total of 7 pounds and I'm now only 4 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight.  I'm down a pants size and only have 1 more size until my "regular size".  I'll get there...I know it.  My goal is to lose another 10 by the end of summer.

-Motherhood is the most incredible journey.  The love a mother has for her child is indescribable and it is a feeling that can be overwhelming at times.  Watching Ethan grow each day has been such a joy and I feel so lucky to be able to experience it.  Nothing makes you appreciate your life more than looking down into those beautiful, brown eyes.  I just love him so much. 

-I only have 18 days of school left until summer.  To say that I'm excited is an understatement.  I can't wait to be a "stay at home mom" for 10 whole weeks with my little buddy.  I can't wait to take him to the pool!  I can't wait to bring lunch and have picnics with Daddy.  I can't wait to take him to parks and music festivals and outdoor concerts.  Most of all, I can't wait to relax and enjoy our days together.

-We are going to start house hunting.  Honestly, it is a bit heartbreaking.  We LOVE our location right now.  Our area has a "small town" feel where we are able to walk to local shops and restaurants, parks, and the pool.  But we have outgrown our little house and need more space.  We live in an expensive area and larger houses are out of our budget.  I also can't stand all of the traffic and driving back and forth from work.  We are going to start looking in the area where both of our parents live and is near my work.  It is sad but we are also excited about "moving on up".  I swear, I'm on Zillow and Realtor.com all day!

-May is an exciting month with Mother's Day, Ethan's birthday, last day of school, my birthday, fun parties with friends, and an amazing trip with Mike.  Bring it on, May!

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More things I'm loving

I'm loving....

Target Flannel Sheets

H&M blazer

my new iPhone cover

Lose It app

My NEW Glycerin Brooks Running Shoes

Texas Caviar (can of corn, can of black beans, and pico de gallo)

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Things I'm Loving

In no particular order...








And of course, this little guy :)

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Anyone out there?

Hi! My name is Lauren. Long time, no talk.

June flew by with 2 posts. Yikes! I've watched my post decrease and decrease over time and I can't say that I have thought about quitting the whole blogging thing all together. Why do I keep blogging? Is it for myself? Well...I do often look back to find old recipes or even look at puppy pictures of Mia. Is it for my family and friends? I know they read although they don't comment. Maybe just to keep them posted on what's going on in our lives. Or, do I blog for the online community? To say that bloggers don't blog for comments is just a lie. I love getting comments! And to think about how my running posts inspired people to try Couch to 5K or when people asked how we did our DIY wedding projects. I guess I blog for all of those reasons.

I have a lot to blog about. This month, we went to Italy AND Mexico. We have celebrated new engagements and pregnant friends. We have had some really fun times...why am I not blogging.

I am definitely going to blog about Italy. I think I have some great tips to share and I know how much I appreciated reading other blogs before our trip. So, hopefully there are still people out there that are reading. Hum...I just checked Google Analytics and 121 people looked at my blog yesterday. Strange, huh? Actually, between 50-100 people have checked my blog everyday since June 19th.

More to come soon...I promise!

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Long time, no blog

Hello, my trusty blog readers. Thanks for sticking around and being patient with me.

On Tuesday night, I posted about a lost dog that my friend found. You (my awesome readers) posted my blog all over the internet (Facebook, blogs, Twitter, etc.) and helped find the doggie his forever home. On Wednesday, my blog was viewed a whopping 237 times. My girl, Jenn, stepped up to foster "Dozer" or "Walter" and through the wide world of Twitter, Jenn found him a home. This all happened within a few days! Huge thanks to Kate, Jenn, and all of YOU who helped to try and find this guy's parents and/or a happy home.

In other news, the big run is coming up. This Sunday, Mike will be running the GO! St. Louis 1/2 marathon and I will be running the marathon relay (6 miles). We wanted to put in our last long run this weekend but I only lasted 3 miles and Mike did 5. We were pretty disappointed compared to running 5.5 and 10 miles respectively last weekend. I had to stop because I was in A LOT of pain. My left hip hurt so much and I think I was compensating too much on my right side because I got a terrible shin splint at about 1 mile. Honestly, I can't believe that I made it to 3 miles. It makes me REALLY nervous for the run this weekend. But then I just think about my friends that are running the full and half and realize that I can do it. I won't die. (I tell myself that over and over while I am running.)

I know I am behind in my 12 weeks To Better Photography. I will get back on it this weekend and catch up. Mike is completely booked up on photo sessions for the spring and I get so happy to see how excited he is to start shooting. After the race, you will be seeing a lot of new sessions on the blog.

Weight loss hasn't been going so hot. Still holding strong at about 7.5 lost. I really want to hit 10 lbs in the next few weeks at at least -13 by the end of school. I guess that means that I need to get strict again on my points. Dear lord, why do I love to eat (and drink) so much?

The countdown to summer vacation has officially begun. Graduation. Italy. Mexico. NO SCHOOL. It is all on the horizon, my friends.

Because I don't like posts without pictures, here's one from Mike's birthday at Fast Eddies!

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No Phone Zone

Today, I finally took Oprah's "No Phone Zone" Pledge. I have Oprah set on my DVR and at the end of every episode, she mentions making your car a no-phone zone. I don't really know what I have been waiting for or why I didn't pledge sooner. This morning, I promised to stop texting in my car. As embarrassing as it is to admit, I have definitely texted while driving. It is careless and dangerous and I am not going to do it anymore. On Oprah's website, you can choose what level you would like to pledge. You can choose one of 3 no-phone zone promises:

Thank you for signing the pledge! Click here to learn more about Oprah's new mission.

There has been an error submitting your pledge.

Please enter valid email address.

Please enter valid city.

Please select state.

I will not text while I am driving

I will not text while driving and will use only handsfree calling if I need to speak
on the phone while I am driving.

I will not text or use my phone while I am driving. If I need to use my phone, I will
pull over to the side of the road.

I am hoping to give the handfree device a shot in the future too. Go ahead and take the pledge right HERE! Have a great weekend and enjoy this beautiful weather.

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Dear Winter,

I am sorry to say, it is time for you to move on. You have graced us with your presence for quite a while now but you have overstayed your welcome. March is here, which means it is time to pack your bags and leave.

Thank you for the good times you gave us this year. Mia enjoyed her first snow. We thought it was hilarious that she would pee on our deck, porch, and driveway because she forgot where the grass was. I also appreciated the 3 snow days that you gave us. That was nice.

I am hearing rumors about 59 degree weather this weekend. I think Spring might be trying to push you out. Don't be stubborn, just go. I promise that if you leave, I won't even complain about the loss of an hour for Daylight Savings Time. I promise that I will walk my dog outside more often. I even promise to start running in the mornings again.

Goodbye, Winter. See you next year!

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Bad blogger

I have been so bad at blogging lately :( In the last 3 months, I've only blogged about 30 post (I used to be able to do that in a month!).

What have I been doing? I don't even know. I guess when life is pretty normal, there isn't much to blog about.

Here's where I stand as of now:
Mike- Definitely focusing a lot on photography and loving it. We were even invited to a photographer party that was organized by the amazingly talented Clary. We had a great time and Mike met a lot of other St. Louis photographers. Gotta love networking!
Mia- She is still battling the lip infection that I blogged about here. Luckily, it isn't bleeding anymore but it is still there. I just want it go to away. Nothing makes me feel worse than not being able to help her. Other than that, she is awesome. I am really realizing that I am obsessed with her. Love her so much. Lately, she started sleeping under the covers with us. Never thought I would let a dog do that but she is too darn cute!
School- 1 class left and my administrative internship starting after break. Graduating in May!
Work- Keeping my busy, as usual! Getting a little nervous about my internship next year. I will be teaching full time while fulfilling the administration hour requirement too. Yikes!
Friends and Family- Great and great. I am really lucky to have such wonderful people in my life. I love this time of the year when I am able to spend more time with everyone.
Running- Wellllll....not going so well. I am going to run the Go! relay in April and I want to start training now. I am just not a big fan of the winter so I think we are going to wait a little longer to start. Mike is wanting to run the 1/2 marathon so we probably need to start training in January. Don't think it will be warming up by then:(

Everything is pretty status quo for us right now. (Not complaining about that!) Looking forward to a nice, relaxing winter break after working Monday-Wednesday this week. Off to cuddle with the pup and watch a movie with the hubby.

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Feeling thankful

Sometimes....at totally random times...when the house is quiet and I am sitting here alone...I feel thankful. It is so easy to become wrapped up in the stress of the work week. But right now, I am staring at my sleeping puppy and feel totally thankful.

I am thankful for my family. My beautiful sister. My kind brother. My amazing parents. I feel so lucky to have the relationships that I do with each one of them. I always look forward to when we are all together and always enjoy our time shared.

My friends. I am grateful for my friends. At this time in my life, I can honestly say, I have the most friends than I have ever had before. High school friends, college friends, work friends, internet friends. Not everyone has wonderful people in their lives that they can count on. I have so much love and support and consider myself lucky.

And my little family. My wonderful husband and darling puppy. They make my world go round. I need them. It is so nice to know that you have someone on your side at all times to support you, cuddle with you, or give you a kiss (or lick). My heart feels so full right now.

I love quiet Sundays and moments like right now. Where I can sit and reflect, feel thankful for the life I live, and appreciate what is coming my way down the road.

I hope everyone had a great weekend :)

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What time do you go to bed?

Random question, I know. I get so tired, so early and wonder if other people around my age are the same way. I feel like I could go to sleep at any given time, any day. My bedtime used to be 10:30. Then it changed to 10:00. Over the past couple of weeks, I have started getting into bed at 9:30. Part of it has to do with the running and waking up at 5:15 every other day. (Speaking of running...thank you SO much for the encouragement and advice! Mike and I are going to Fleet Feet to get new shoes on Saturday.)

When I go to bed at 9:30 and get up at 6:00, I get 8 1/2 hours of sleep! Isn't that a little much???
How much sleep do you get?

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Rain, rain, go away...

Dr. Mother Nature,
Please give it a rest. This rain is just ridiculous! You chose sunny weather on the days I am busy and rain on all of my open days. I bought a summer pass to the pool and haven't been in 2 weeks. I would love a sunny weekend too! Friday night is Zoofari and Saturday is the Pub Crawl for Cancer. Thank you for your cooperation.

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Blah...

Blah blah blah...why do I feel so blah? I am still feeling tired and I definitely get enough sleep. I think I am just itching for summer. Today was beautiful and I am starting to get anxious for warmer weather and sunshine.

Here are my random thoughts/feelings for today:
-I am sick of my schedule being so far off of Mike's. I get up at 6, he wakes up at 8. I go to bed at 10ish and he goes to bed after midnight. He has been working late every night this week and I am ready to get into bed when he gets home. It really is getting old!

-Today, a co-worker told me that we only have 27 more days with kids until summer. 5 more weeks! I LOVE my class this year but everyone always looks forward to summer break!

-Someone I know (who has asked to remain nameless) is undergoing surgery in a few weeks. This person is a breast cancer survivor of almost 18 years, and she finally decided that she would like reconstruction surgery. In a couple of weeks, this special someone will undergo a mastectomy on her other breast. I am nervous about this surgery because I love this person very very much, but I know she will do great and she deserves the best. After a few weeks of healing, she will go back for her second surgery to get her implants. Very exciting, but nerve-racking as well. I love you, "someone"!

-I am actually surprised that the American Idol judges saved Matt tonight. I wonder who will go home next week. Hopefully not my favorites (Allison, Kris, or Danny)!!!

-This weekend is Mike's Easter. The Greek Orthodox religion doesn't celebrate Easter until Passover is finished. We will go to church on Friday night and Saturday night. The service Saturday night (or should I say Sunday morning) is from midnight until 3 am. SERIOUSLY?! This Jewish girl is going to be TIRED!

-I have 2 friends that are having babies soon. JUNE and JULY! I am so excited to meet these two little guys :)

-Mike and I are also deep into the doggie search. If you know about any available boxer puppies up for adoption or sale, please let me know!!! We aren't ready for a pup yet but would love to have her by June.

-I should be getting my wedding proofs soon! Yehaw!

Night night...(oye...it is only 9:20)!

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In a rut

I feel like I am just stuck in a rut right now. Wake-up. Work. After school activity. Dinner. Computer/TV time. Sleep. Repeat. I am so bored with this routine! And...it has helped me gain back 10 pounds. I love having DVR but seriously, I can watch TV for hours. Before, if I was busy then I missed my show. Now, they are all recorded and I will sit down for countless hours catching up. Not good.

I want to figure something out to do after school. Last night, I decided that I am going to do Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred each night before Mike gets home from work. That way, I don't feel like such a lazy bum!I know that I need to join a gym. This has been on my to-do list for a while now. I keep thinking that when the weather gets nice, I will spend more time outside...maybe walking our future dog?

I want Mike and I to find something fun to do together in the evenings (other than watching TV). Maybe a puzzle? Some type of game? I don't know. Any suggestions?

I just feel so blah....I am always so tired. I get 7-8 hours each night so I think this is because I haven't been working out. I am sure that getting active will make everything feel better. A change in the weather will probably help too.

Ok...I am done complaining now. I need to stop talking the talk and start walking the walk.

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Uck...

I feel like cancer is affecting so many people around me. My family, my friends' families...I feel like everyday or two I hear about someone else. I hate cancer and all of the pain it is bringing to those I love. Vent over...good night.

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Did you see this shot?

NCAA Tourney: Top Plays, 3/26 @ Rivals Video

GO MIZZOU!!!

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I have a date tonight...

with the Mizzou game, Domino's pizza, Bud Light, and a lot of papers to grade. Jealous?

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M-I-Z

Z-O-U!

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Spring Break has begun!

Today is my first day of spring break! So far, I have:
-caught up on my DVR'ed shows (Greys, Brothers and Sisters, Idol, and Oprah)
-eaten 2 tamales (a lady at my work makes them and I bought some for my week off)
-organized my new shoes
-washed the dishes/emptied the dishwasher

There are so many thing that I want to get done this week...and #1 is to clean and get organized! I feel like I have crap everywhere in this house!

Sunday is Mike's birthday and we will be celebrating until next Wednesday! Tonight we are going to El Scorcho in Maplewood, tomorrow I am taking Mike out for his birthday dinner, Sunday we have a family party, Tuesday we will go to Dogtown for St. Pats, and Wednesday his parents are taking us out for a fun night! Busy busy!

AND...I still have a headache from last night's events.

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Brrr....

so. cold. I. hate. winter.

Just got an email from my district's superintendent about tomorrow's weather. Apparently, if the windchill drops below -20, school will be canceled. The thought behind this is that students cannot wait at bus stops.

Honestly, I want to have school. We get of for MLK Jr. day on Monday and I would rather have a snow day with actual snow. It always snows in February and I would hate for us to use all of our snow days on days without snow!

We will see!

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