I am going to kick depressions ass this in 2015!!!!!

The last couple of days have been extremely exhausting.  I am trying to get back to where I was, running.  2014 was not nice to me.  Started off with a trip to the VA hospital for severe depression New Years day, broke my tailbone March 10, another trip to the VA hospital for a week for major depressive disorder, pulled my hamstring, lost several toenails, and in October an 11 day stay at the VA hospital.

I had a lot to overcome just to get back to running.  It was not easy and it is a struggle everyday.  Yesterday by the grace of God I made it 20 miles, not a great pace, however my ultimate goal was to hit 20 miles and I did.

Rewarded myself with a venti white chocolate mocha.

It was so cold outside, and I was sweaty so the first thing I did when I got home was of course check on Zachary who was still asleep at noon.  Jumped in the hot shower until the hot water ran out.  Then for the rest of the day I sat on a heating pad.  

Got up this morning, no where near as sore as I thought I would be.  Decided to go for a short run three miles at a 758 pace with a one mile walk at the end.  Not too shabby.  I'll take any progress no matter how small.

I am trying to decide how to ring in this new year.  Champagne, wine, Kinky, fireball?  Lol

My first race of the year is on January 3, 2015 it is an 8 mile run in the Shelby Meeman Forest, the Hill and Dale 8 miler.  My goal is to finish in a respectable time.  

Some New Years quotes, and humor.

As I was typing this blog, I witnessed, a hawk swoop down towards my birdfeeder trying to get lunch.  The birds at the birdfeeder sensed his presence and were able to retreat to safety.  

How are you spending your New Years?  I'll be at home, with an adult beverage.

Have you  made any resolutions/goals?

What have you been doing?

Lots of baking, NUUN ambassador

c Happy first day of winter!!!!

And for my fellow runners

I miss the snow from Pennsylvania, it makes Christmas more fun, just my opinion.  It would be perfect if it snowed from December 21-December 26. That would be just perfect.

Baking was in full swing until the heating element melted, so bummed I was so close to being done, now I have to wait to tomorrow afternoon.  Mind you I have to mail these to family. So far I have made:

  Chocolate chip normal/chocolate white chocolate chips

  Mexican wedding cookies

  Ginger cookies aka "crack cookies"

  Almond sugar cookies

  White chocolate covered pretzel sticks

  Oreo balls

  Peanut brittle 

  Reindeer munch

I have to make vanilla crescents, Italian anise cookies, pfefferneuse and that should be enough!!!!

I was selected by NUUN to be an ambassador. Which basically means I endorse and promote their product and I get free stuff.  I was really praying for this to happen, because I drink LOTS of NUUN. 

This week has been a great week for running, I have surpassed my fifty mile a week goal, by twelve miles.  I am starting to feel confident again, I had seriously doubted if I would ever get back to where I was.  It has not been easy, lots of tears, lots of pain and a lot of kicking my own ass.

I donated so much lately and it makes me feel so good to do it.  First I donated my hair to locks of love, took two bags of puzzles and personal hygiene items to the VA hospital (mental ward)  and last stop was Goodwill with various items.  It makes my heart sparkle when I do nice things. 

Have a great first day of winter!!!!

Do you bake around the holidays? Or all the time?  I bake all the time

How to you donate items?  I do it all the time

Are you ready for Christmas?

Feeling much better, Julia's first recipe completed!!!

Yesterday was a blah day for me, not motivated at all.  With that being said I still managed to run seven miles.  Came home from the gym and just kept wondering why I felt so down.  Then the light bulb came on, Veterans Hospital had not mailed out my meds...

Decided to make artichokes with holandaise sauce.  It was from Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking.  I roasted the artichoke in the oven on 365 for about thirty minutes, peeled it apart and sautéed it in olive oil and garlic.  I really don't know what it so difficult about making holandaise sauce, I personally thought it was quite easy.  It tasted so good, like a cheese sauce.  I really enjoyed it.

I have felt like I have hit a wall running lately, so I have decided to join the Breakaway running group this Sunday, November 16, 2014 for a twenty two mile run.  I run by myself all the time, I'm thinking maybe I am just so lonely?  Do group runs seem more fun/motivating? The only time I have ever run with others is races😳. Kinda excited to meet new people.  Are you guilty of the above quote? Sometimes I make excuses.....

Going to the doctor about some chronic leg pain I have been having.  I hope it is nothing serious. Feels like restless leg syndrome all day long.  It has really been bothering me.  When I leave there I plan on a short quick run lol.  

Then I plan on getting my sparkle on.  I am donating a bunch of puzzles and personal hygiene items to the VA hospital.  I have spent some time there because of depression.  They are not female friendly at all, most of the supplies are men's. I have accumulated tons of lotions, soaps, deodorants so they are going to the ward where the women soldiers stay when they have bouts of depression/PTSD. The puzzles and decks of cards will definitely entertain the people there. I can only relate the VA hospital to "prison like conditions." I have stayed there a couple of times, please don't judge, every privilege is taken away from you. No phone, no computer. Nothing all because you have an illness.  Mental illness has such a negative image.  There are millions who suffer from various mental illnesses.  Imagine going to the hospital for a different illness, for example, the flu, and having every right stripped from you.  Do they not remember that the VA hospital is a privilege that only those who served this country are entitled to? To be treated like prisoners is unacceptable. The workers at the VA, have zero respect for anyone, and are obviously working there only for the paycheck.  Anyway, enough of that.  I plan on doing whatever I can to bring some sparkle to the VA hospital!!!

What do you have planned for this weekend?

Would you be willing to donate items to your local Veterans hospital?

Have you ever had severe leg pain? What caused it?