You Can't Slow Me Down!

My previous post I talked all about the wonderful trip to Moab. Moab was wonderful, but also came with a price... i.e, my left foot. After the race I noticed my left foot was a little sensitive. Putting weight on it hurt, therefore walking was kind of uncomfortable. I told the girls, "I think my foot is broken." Assuming that I was over reacting since my body usually always hurts somewhere I hiked around Arches for 2 days and ran around putting the least amount of weight on it as possible. When I got home to my parents house I told my Dad, "I think my foot might be broken" (I fractured my foot about 4 years ago - therefore I thought I MUST know what it feels like). He replied, "You're just in luck! I have 2 walkers here, you can use one! We can walk around in our walkers together." So sweet.

Well, I let a couple days go by walking and running as if nothing was wrong, but still feeling a definite pain and swelling in my foot. Finally, I decided if I was going to have to see a doctor it was going to be the one who helped me with my foot last time. Since he is in Utah I made the appointment. To my demise I have a fracture in my 5th metatarsal (pinky-toe bone) and a tear in one of my peroneal tendons (runs behind the ankle and attaches to the 5th metatarsal). Fabulous! I then got a 30 minute lecture from my favorite doctor about how running is hard on my body, how I have to wear a cast boot for 6 weeks, and REALLY need to take it easy so it will heal. I asked him to specifically list the things I absolutely could not do and those which I could do and was gone wondering how this could have happened - again.

And then I figured it out (well Traci did). I had been running in the same style and brand of shoe for 4 years. I bought a new pair of shoes in January specifically for Moab. I bought a Nike shoe (not the one pictured above) because I wanted to train with Nike plus. I had been running in them for 3 months... and now this! Then to top it all off, Traci, Michelle and I entered the lottery for the Nike Women's Marathon in San Fransisco in October and DID NOT get in! Not only did Nike break my foot, but then they didn't even let us into their marathon! The nerve. So, To Nike: You can't slow me down - in 6 weeks I will be running again and next year you better believe you'll let me into your marathon! (I would like to note that I am not actually blaming this on Nike, however the timing is suspicious :-) I also just bought 2 pairs of Nike workout shorts, so I am not completely black listing them.)

The bad news: I can't run for 6 weeks and I am going crazy - seriously. Also, I didn't get into the San Francisco race which bums me out. Lastly, it's really hard to find shoes the same height as this cast boot, therefore cute shoes for the next few weeks are out of the question.

The good news: Having a boot on your foot makes people everywhere want to talk to you. The running store gave me store credit for the Nike (alleged foot breaker) shoes and I will be able to pick out a new pair. And my dad is also in a similar boot now, yay! Too bad I am not closer so we could get a picture together.

Moab Madness in March

One of my favorite half marathons is the Moab Half in March. This race definitely falls in my top 5 fave runs, after the Ogden Half Marathon and Moab 'Other' Half of course. It's really such a pretty course! This year, living 1,200 miles away from the race I had to make quite the journey to get there. I wanted to drive my car to Utah so I would have a car to take to Moab... I am still undecided as to whether driving to Utah from Oregon is ever a good idea. 12 hours in a car is a long time!

The race was great and the weather was fabulous! Maryn and Ashley made the trip with me and we met up with Traci and Ingrid in Moab who also ran the race. Bryce was nice enough to give up his spot to Ashley, so she was able to do the 5-mile run down the canyon.

In keeping with Moab tradition, we got in trouble the night before the race for being to loud. Traci and I have been asked to quiet down every time we have made the trip. I guess I don't understand why people go to bed at 8pm for a race that starts at 10am? One of life's many questions... I think this is my, "get up off my back it's only 8:00" face.

The night before the race I was having some serious wardrobe anxiety. Typically I would run in a long sleeve and capris in March, but it was 80 degrees! I didn't feel like I hauled the appropriate clothing 1,200 miles for a 13 mile 80 degree run. To ease my mind I tried on all my options for Maryn and Ash. I think really it helped!The day of the race was great, Ashley loved the 5-mile run and did an awesome job.Don't ask me how, but Ashley got a picture of me smiling at the end of the half. It wasn't my best time ever, which was kind of a bummer, but definitely not my worst. All in all a good race.
I was having some serious calf cramping the last 3 miles of the run. When I finished Maryn was so sweet to rub my sweaty calves. Now, that's a real friend! All the runners together... Ingrid, Ashley, Traci and myself . Notice that we're all sitting!
After the race we went to Arches National Park and did some hiking. Ashley and Maryn hadn't been there before so we went all over and took about 14 million pictures! On the hike to Delicate Arch, Maryn decided to bring her huge water bottle. She didn't have anywhere to put it and carrying a 3lb water bottle proved to be annoying. Perfect solution - use it to keep your pants up!

I must explain the picture below... Nicea, from Good Things Utah, was in Moab with her family. Her husband ran the half marathon. We saw them at dinner the night before the race and did the whisper down the table "look at the famous person" thing. The next day we ran into them at Subway and her husband chatted with us while we waited an hour for our sandwhiches. (YES, and hour!) Then, we ran into them hiking up to Delicate Arch and we talked them into hiking all the way down to see the arch. (They were offically stalking us by this time - obviously). They were nice enough to take a couple pictures of us under the arch. As they were clicking pictures they yelled, "Do something cool!" and below is the coolest we could come up with on the spot.... (I think we may need to work on our 'cool' poses). The next day we did even more hiking. I swear you could have a week in that park and never see the whole thing! I decided that Maryn should be a model and I should be her photographer. I really think we have a serious career on our hands.
Ashley and I were going to climb up into that hole, but once we got over there it seemed a little over our heads, if you know what I mean. We opted to just point at the cool hole in the rock.
Thanks for coming girls, it was such a fun trip. The thousands of miles of driving and broken foot was totally worth it, but that's a story for another time.

Welcome To The Rain, Ash!

Ashley was so sweet to come out to Portland to hang out for a weekend and drive to Utah with me. She hasn't been to Oregon since she was a kid so it was almost a whole new adventure! Luckily for her she got ONE day of beautiful sunshine before the sky opened and it poured for the remaining two days.
Ashley loves bridges so we went downtown to walk along the river and look at the bridges that cross the Willamette. We also got manicures at this super cute little nail salon on the river - the one problem - my nails chipped the very next day!! Ugh! The next day we went out to the beach to do a little shopping. It poured the entire time! We kind of expected the rain, so we did our best to ignore the torrential downpour that was soaking through our shoes. Thank goodness for umberellas!We loved Seaside so much we even got matching sweatshirts! Ha - dorky and touristy, I know.
And then to the beach... oh boy was it raining, but I pulled out the camera anyway. If pouring rain on your day at the beach isn't a moment to remember then I don't know what is.
We also braved the elements at Multnomah Falls, which was so beautiful. Ashley better hurry and send those pictures so I can post them... Thanks for coming, Ash!

Happy Birthday Pops!

Exactly one week after my Mom's birthday falls my Dad's. As you know, I love everyone's day of birth... but this year my Dad's is extra special! Today he turns 60 AND had about 60 screws put into his left leg! Big day! It was a bummer that his surgery had to happen today, but he was in too much pain to push it out. The surgery went really well and now it's on to recovery.

I was so glad to be home for his surgery and to be sure that the birthday's are celebrated in their fullness. Here is to crossing our fingers that he is home very soon so we can get the party started!

In effort to keep his hospital pictures private I will refrain from posting pictures of the giant balloons that we brought to the hospital and instead include my most favorite picture with my parents on graduation. Just know, the Get Well/Birthday balloons were awesome.

My dad is such an amazing man... here is a top ten list of my favorite things.
10. When my dad wants to give advice it always starts with, "I know I mess around a lot, but keep in mind..."
9. As per above my Dad jokes about all matters of life. He finds the light in every situation.
8. Dad's know everything and mine is no exception. He will sit on the phone for hours with me trying to explain how something in my house is 'suppose' to work and talk me through how to fix it.
7. My Dad has always taught us to put family first. I remember being 14 on a camping trip with my family and wishing sooo badly that I was home with my friends. He said to me, "One day family will be all you have - make your family most important." I never forgot that.
6. He is such a fighter. He fought for his life in November and has been fighting to recover ever since. Not to mention that he taught me how to be a 'fighter' in junior high school when a girl was threatening to steal my boyfriend. Everyone should know how to throw a punch he says. :)
5. My Dad is lives on 4 major food groups, Coke, Chocolate, Red meat and Coffee... I love it because I can always count on mounds of chocolate when I come to visit!
4. My Dad watches over everyone. He likes to make sure that everyone has exactly what they need. He stands behind you to make sure you're safe. I love that.
3. My Dad doesn't like elaborate holiday's. Simple and meaningful is most important to him.
2. My Dad tells the best stories. He exaggerates just enough to make the story interesting, but not too much so it's unbelievable. I love it! His stories usually start, "I know I mess around a lot, but no joke..."
1. I will never forget the day my Dad sat me down and said, "Amber don't be stuck up. Don't be rude. Be kind to everyone. Your character is one of the most important things you have". Words to remember...

I love you, Happy 60th Birthday Dad!

Happy Birthday to My Lovely Mom!

Today is a holiday for my Mom, her birthday! I love birthdays, I think they should be the most celebrated birthday of the year! It's a day to take time out for yourself and celebrate your life. As a child there is always someone that you hope to grow up and be "just like". I always wanted to be just like my Mom, here is why.

She is a rock. She can, and does, hold herself together in any situation. She has been faced with incredibly challenging trials, but forges through with her head up. She can get through anything and has proved that time and time again. She is an incredible example for our family.

She is kind. My mom would give you the shirt off her back without blinking. She is constantly doing things for others, especially our family. The first thing she did when she came to Oregon was fill my refrigerator with groceries and try to teach me to cook (literally at 10pm after her plane landed). I remember noticing as a child and even more since I have become an adult almost every hour of her day is dedicated to someone other than herself.

She is beautiful. She has a great sense of style, always looks great and can be ready in about 15 mins flat. I don't know why I didn't get those genes!

She is so patient. She loves children. She loves to buy children's books and toys and she gets so excited to give them away. She can teach and calm a child better than anyone I know. I hope to someday inherit that amount of patients.

She is smart. She has an incredible work ethic that has allowed her to climb ladders that are unimaginable to some. She is very well respected and an amazing business woman, one that I could only hope to live up to.

She is all these things and so much more. She is fun and always up for an adventure. She is laid back and never quick to anger. She loves and she shares her love with those around her. She is such an example to anyone who knows her. More than a mom, she is my friend. Thanks for always being there for me!
Happy Birthday Mom!

Got my dreams, got my life, got my love

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a crazy worrier. Most of the things that stew around in my head really are not things that are worth wasting time on, yet... I do it anyway. I had my iTunes on party shuffle today while I was working. Because of course work needs a little party shuffle now and then. Well, Natasha Bedingfield's song, Happy came on. I love this song. I think it's a good reminder to be happy right now, live in this moment, and don't worry about the rest. Sometimes I need to be reminded.

Here are a couple of my favorite lyrics and of course I have included the song below for your listening pleasure.

I wish that I could step away and breathe

This world’s trying to swallow me

Clear away the clouds inside my head

Someone just tell me

That it’s ok now

What are you worried about

Got my dreams, got my life, got my love

Got my friends got the sunshine above

Why am I making this hard on myself

When there’s so many beautiful reasons I have to be happy

Ode To My Shoes

Lately I find myself completely obsessing over shoes. I find myself doing all things shoe related... thinking, day dreaming, coming up with new shoe designs and then spending hours online or in stores looking for that perfect pair that I have imagined in my head. Those who know me know that maybe this is not that far out of the ordinary. The obsessions usually go from shoes to skirts/dresses to jackets and back to shoes. Typically, I have no shame in my obsessions (or love) of beautiful fabrics, textures and patterns but I really have more than enough to choose from. I realize a lot of the problem may be that I don't even know what I have! Now in a perfect world my closet would look like this: I would love to have a big enough space where I could see everything I had. It would really be a good investment because I would probably buy less. If I could see that beautiful pair of patent leather heels in the corner I wouldn't go out and buy a new pair. So instead of obsessing with buying new I am turning to a new obsession - organization.

To be perfectly honest, I always thought my closets were pretty organized, aside from the small pile of clothes off to the side from the 12 outfits I tried on earlier that morning that didn't work out and I didn't have time to put away before I ran out the door. But my closets have always been at least organized by color. The problem is the shoes. When I lived in Salt Lake I had a wonderfully huge closet. All my shoes were set out so I could see them. Now - I have 2 little closets which really works out fine, but I no longer have the space to nicely organize my shoes. So while I work towards the beautiful closet above, I need something to work for now. Here are my options, pros and cons listed below...Pros: I really love the pattern on this one. It is hung over the door and I feel like if you had to look at it every now and then it wouldn't be a huge eye sore.
Cons: It only holds 20 pairs of shoes. I would probably need more than 2 and I really only have 2 doors to hang a shoe rack on.

Pros: Same pattern as above. I could possibly use this in conjunction with the above rack.
Cons: I have no idea how this thing works or where you are supposed to put it!

Pros: This says it holds 50 pairs of shoes. I could maybe even fit more since a lot of my shoes are heels.
Cons: It is a stand alone and you would always be able to see it. Huge eye sore.

Pros: This one also hangs on the back of the door so it wouldn't always be visible. It holds 36 pairs of shoes, I could get 2 and then have room at the bottom of my closet for taller boots.
Cons: The reviews said it's hard to put together and let's be honest the pattern from the first option is really awesome.

I really need help making this decision.