Running Like Hell

This post doesn't really have anything to do with our moving, but it's something I've done while Nick's been gone, so I thought I'd post about it anyway.

Yesterday, the cats woke me up about 5am, even though I planned to get up at 6. So I drifted in and out of sleep until my alarm finally went off. I got up and went and opened the porch door to see just how cold it was. I was pleasantly surprised. It was cool, but not too bad at all. Then I got all geared up in my running clothes (including some crazy running tights that my sister let me borrow), ate a couple of waffles with peanut butter, and waited on my mom and Summer.

They got here about 7:30, and after watching the hilarity that ensued when mom attempted to parallel park, we left for the MARTA station. Summer hadn't rode the train before, so we thought it would be fun. It would have been better if the trains hadn't been single tracking up on our end, but we got to the King Memorial station in plenty of time.

I had never been to Oakland Cemetery before, and it was so cool! There were a lot of runners on our train, so we followed everyone else from the train station to the race. There's a cool archway over the entrance to the cemetery, and a cobblestone street. I just never knew that there was a place like this in Atlanta. It's almost like one of those historic graveyards in New Orleans. A lot of huge monuments, extremely old (like, from the 1800s) headstones and mausoleums.

I was so glad mom and Summer came, cause I would have been super lonely by myself. The pre-race email said there were about 650 runners, but there were a ton more at registration. I had forgotten they allowed race day registration for anyone who didn't pre-register.

So I got registered, got my cool t-shirt, and got in line at the start point to get ready to run. I was probably midway through the line of runners, so I couldn't hear the start, I just saw everyone start moving. Then we were off!

Don't mind the ridiculous face I'm making...

Since this was my first 5k, I really don't have anything to compare it to, but it was hard! There were lots of long inclines and a few really steep hills. But I had told myself that no matter what, I would not stop. Probably a little over a mile into the race, I saw the guy who was leading coming back. I didn't know it til then, but the race was sort of a loop. So as I was making my way through, I could see this guy already going back on the other side of the road (we were running on the streets in the Grant park neighborhood). Well, he won the men's overall trophy. With a crazy fast time! Summer was taking pictures at the finish line, and she got a great picture of him as he came in:

Yes, that is his time on that clock. And yes, he ran 5k (3.1 miles!) in that amount of time. You do the math!

I was feeling really good throughout the race because even though there were hills, I have long legs and started taking long strides to make it up the hills. There were many people walking the hills, and it was totally awesome to run by them! My plan of never stopping was foiled when my shoe came untied! So my time probably would have been about 5 seconds faster had that not happened. Oh well...

I totally got tricked though near the end of the race. As we were running back towards the cemetery, I could see the start line. Since we were coming back to it on the same route we left, I assumed the start line would also be the finish line. I was wrong! But I had already started to kick it in and run faster before I realized this. Then I saw that everyone was running through and continuing through the graveyard. I thought I was going to die!

It wasn't much longer to the finish, and there were many people on the pathway cheering us on. That really helped. If you ever get a chance to go watch any kind of race whether it be 5k, 10k, or a full or half marathon, you should go! It really helps the runners so much when there are people cheering. And it's fun! So I finally made it up the last hill, and I could see the finish. Then I saw my mom and Summer there cheering me on. It was so cool!

Here I am coming up on the finish.

And now finishing! Yay!

My official time (from my own watch) was 33 min 15 sec. They started that clock in the picture when the first people started running, but I didn't cross the start line for a few seconds after. They said over a thousand people ran the race, and I got 274th place!

After the race we watched the awards presentation and walked around the cemetery a bit. There's a whole section for confederate soldiers. It's just amazing! If you ever get a chance to go, you definitely should. It's so pretty and there's so much history there. Margaret Mitchell is buried there, but I didn't see her grave.

Well, that's pretty much all about the race. Afterward, Summer and mom and I trolled around underground Atlanta (it's still not very impressive) and then we came home, relaxed a bit, and started packing. It was a great day. I have to say I'm proud of myself. I've never loved running, but I'm glad I started. It's a great feeling of accomplishment to train for something and then follow through with it.

This is a crazy long entry.

Riding the Metro

After a long weekend of trekking all over DC and the metro area, Nick still didn't really find anywhere he thought we should live. I spent a lot of time on the phone with him, looking at google maps and telling him where to go. I still think it was worth it though. He found a couple of areas that we're now going to concentrate on: Petworth, an area pretty much directly North of the city (but still technically in the District), and Rosslyn, a town near Arlington that's near the river. He may or may not continue looking next weekend. That will just depend if he can find someone to take him to and from a Metro station.

Speaking of that, Nick had his first trip on the Metro yesterday. I think he did really well and seemed to know where he was going when I talked to him. He texted me "this is nothing like Marta" when he first got on. I figured it wouldn't be. When I look at the rail map, it's like a giant multicolored spider with all the different lines you can ride. But that's good, because I have no idea how to drive around in the area. We will definitely be living near a Metro station, because Nick gets reimbursed through his job for riding it.

I have a job interview!

I have been applying for a few jobs online, and sending a note along with my resume explaining that I will be relocating at the end of the month. The other day I came across a posting for a part-time administrative position at a florist. The job description was basically typing up quotes and bookkeeping type tasks. At this point, I'm just wanting to find something, so I send in my resume. Yesterday, they called me to tell me I am over qualified for the position, but they want me to interview for a management opening. She told me a little bit about the florist itself. They are one of the largest florists in the DC area, and they do a lot with high profile events like galas, etc. I think they have four or five locations in DC. They also sell home decor at their shops, which is awesome. The job would be for a manager position at either the Georgetown or the Ritz Carlton location. Holy cow! I'm intimidated, but I'll do my best. My interview is the day after Nick's graduation. Wish me luck!

So now the countdown begins. Today is nine days until Nick graduates. The time has passed so quickly! When he left I felt so sad that I wouldn't be seeing him for a whole month. Now my flight to DC is looming over my head because I've got to finish packing!

This weekend I am running a 5k race in Oakland Cemetery. It's called "Run Like Hell" and the entry fee that I paid goes to benefit the cemetery to help them fix the damage they incurred from the tornadoes this past spring. It's my first race...I've been training since July. Though lately, I have been slacking and my run yesterday didn't go so well. My goal is to run it (it's 3.1 miles) in under 30 minutes, but I don't know anything about the course or how hilly it is. I'm nervous, but I'm definitely going to finish no matter what. I hope to continue running races, and work my way up to a 10k, and then a half marathon. I don't know about a marathon though. Maybe one day I will...

On the Hunt

After taking in to consideration many opinions I've gotten about where to live in DC, right now I'm interested in actually living in the District itself. "But what about the crime?" you say. And "It's so expensive!" you exclaim. Well, there are plenty of safe and affordable places, according some people that actually live there. I haven't made up my mind on it, but I do know that I love living in the city. I like the idea of walking places, or riding a bike. I would rather not depend on my car. The roads are crazy! Well, at least to someone who hasn't been there before...

Nick rented a car yesterday so that he could drive into the city today to look for an apartment. He's been very apprehensive about doing this, because it's something so far outside his comfort zone. A) he has to drive into a city he's never been to and find his way around, and B) he has to talk to the leasing agents and property managers about renting and remember all the right questions to ask. In the past, we've done this sort of thing together, and it's worked out well. But, I'm really counting on him to do this so that we can find a place as soon as possible.

He said he would call me this morning, and he did. I expected it to be before he left. But at about 10 o'clock the phone rings.

"Hi!"
"Hi."
"How's it going?"
"I...don't know where I am."

So I got on google maps and turned him around and got him on the right track. He's meeting a friend from high school, Ashley, and she's going with him today. I am soooo grateful! I feel so much better that he has someone to help him out who lives there (even though she's only lived there a week). I wish he had the digital camera with him, but they weren't allowed to bring cameras.

So, everyone cross your fingers that they find something cool today!

Planes, trains, and...boxes?

Considering I should probably have the apartment all packed up before I go to Nick's graduation on the 23rd, I've been trying my best to pack like a maniac. I only have 15 days until I leave! The packing is actually going pretty well though. It must be because I had a lot of practice about 5 months ago...

I am SO excited to fly to Washington. I actually can't believe I'm finally going to be on a plane! Though it was kind of fun being 25 and able to tell people that I'd never flown before (just for the reaction). Nick told me today that they might change his graduation location so that it will actually be in DC instead of Virginia, so that would be great! It would make it so much more convenient coming from the airport, and then later when we want to look at places to live.

Today I mailed Nick his fleece, because apparently, the place is like a freezer! Everytime I talk to him, he's cold. I think the weather there is pretty similar to Georgia, it's just his room and classrooms that are chilly. So while I was at it, I sent him some Twizzlers and Reese's cups. Maybe he'll put on some weight while he's there...but probably not.

It's hard to believe his four weeks there is almost halfway through. He seems to be doing a lot better lately with the social aspect of things. He's also made friends with one of the counselors, and he gives him a lot of information because he used to work at the office that Nick will be in. The food continues to be hit or miss (roast beef=yum, shrimp fried rice=NO.), but they went out for burgers last night which he said was a nice break from the cafeteria food.

The cats are already suspicious of what's going on with the boxes. I think it's because they remember the sound that the tape dispenser makes when I'm taping them up. I feel so bad for them that they're going to be traumatized again so soon, but they'll adjust soon enough after we get there. Here's what happened their first night at our current apartment.


Needless to say, they were a little out of their collective comfort zone. Oh, cats...

Well, I need to get back to packing. Try to contain yourselves until my next riveting post.

First weekend away

Nick is having fun!

I don't want to sound so surprised, but I'm just happy for him. On Friday night, he and some of his classmates went out bowling. I think he broke a hundred on one game! Haha! Neither of us are very good bowlers, so I feel his pain. Afterwards, they went out for ice cream at what sounded like a really cool place. I hope that it's a chain that we can visit later. Apparently, everything is soft serve. They have some sort of machine that coats vanilla soft serve in different flavors as it comes out. AND, they have chocolate and cherry dip. I love cherry dip!

Yesterday, they ventured out to Wal-Mart, which Nick needed, because having set mealtimes for him just doesn't work out. He's always hungry for a snack at weird times, so I'm glad he had the chance to pick up some things. After Wal-Mart, they went to Applebee's for lunch, then came back to play some football. He scored a touchdown! I was so proud of him!

He told me that today they are going to play kickball. I'm jealous. That sounds so fun! He's also excited because on the weekends, they have a waffle bar at the cafeteria, so he's gonna try that out.

I, on the other hand, went to my dad's football game on Friday night. I realized that I'm not going to get to go to very many more. It makes me sad. Going to high school games has been a part of my fall and winter ritual since I was born. It will be weird not to have that anymore.

Yesterday I hung out with my family. I gave Cris and Summer a haircut which was fun. And I made Paula Deen's recipe for macaroni and cheese in the crockpot! It was obviously not very healthy, but soooo good!

Well, the first week of living alone has officially passed, and I'm feeling ok. The cats are still a bit confused, but I'm sure they will stay confused for the next month as week pack everything up and move again. But they keep me sane!

Nearly a quarter of the way

Well, the first week of Nick's month-long training is coming to a close. Since he now gives me less details about things, it's harder to come up with posts. So today's post is just going to sum things up.

Things I've learned this week:

Lesson: High school never ends
Explanation: Some of the "friends" that Nick made earlier in the week are now alienating him. If you know him, you know he's not the type of person to force his presence on anyone. So he's having some lonely lunches and dinners every now and then. I'm hoping that he can make friends with some of the more mature people that are there. Girls are so cliquey!

Lesson: It really is like the movies.
Explanation: I'm not at liberty to elaborate.

Lesson: Everyone has an opinion
Explanation: I've asked many people where we should try to live. At first I had it figured out. But now I keep changing my mind, and I'm getting mixed information on the "best" places to look for housing. It's very difficult when I've never been to DC, so hopefully my visit will help.

Lesson: 3 cats don't equal one person
Explanation: I miss him.

Thanks to everyone who has offered to help in any way, whether it be packing, plane tickets, finding housing, or just keeping me from feeling so lonely. I just keep telling myself how he'll be done with this soon, and then we can start a brand new life! Don't worry, we won't forget about anyone.