Race Day Draws Near...

My graduation race is Sunday! I'm so excited about completing a 5K and actually running it. But, before we get to that...let me fill you in on what's been going on. My computer crashed the last week of June and I finally purchased a new one! Very exciting, but definitely money I wasn't planning on spending. That's why no pictures will accompany today's post:(

Summer school ended! Thank Goodness!! WOOOHOOO!!

July 4th was great. Love that holiday. I got to hang out with family and friends and watch some fireworks. The very next day Cynthia and I went to Chicago and saw U2 at Soldier Field. Awesome concert. I must say, I'm not a huge U2 fan, but they put on a great show! We literally ate our way through Chicago the next day. Chicago Style Hot Dogs, Chicago Style Pizza from Gino's East, Garrett's Popcorn, and Ghiradelli's. Seriously a lot of good food!

My friend Maeve had her baby shower this past weekend. So excited that she's having a boy! Beth and I knew it (of course!).

Before race day, I am seeing NKOTBSB in concert tomorrow! It's gonna be amazing. I'll feel like I'm a teenager again. Then, I'm heading to Wrigley to catch and Cubs game with my parents. We received free tickets that are 1st row behind the dugout. Seriously good seats. I'm excited to celebrate my mom's birthday with a Cubs win!

Then it's back to St. Louis for my race. I'm getting nervous already about how slow I'm going to be and that I'll finish last. I just need to be confident in my progress from the beginning of this No Boundaries training program. I would have never been able to run 3.1 miles 10 weeks ago. My breathing has gotten better and my stride has improved. Hopefully I will rock this Opening Act 5K.

One Year Later....

Here we go again! Maybe someday I keep with this blog thing. Hopefully this summer. This summer has proven to be sort of difficult for me. I usually enjoy my summers off (one of the lovely benefits of working in a school)! This year I decided to teach summer school so I could pay off my student loans. It's really not that bad, but I do NOT like getting up early. Oh well....one week left:) I can handle that!




In other news, my nephew Noah turned 1 on June 19th. That is crazy! This year has flown by so quickly. He is becoming such a BOY! Loves balls and books and it talking up a storm already! Happy Birthday to my favorite little guy!!







On a more personal note, I started training for a 5K. I joined a program through Fleet Feet after much persuasion from my good friend Beth. I'm already 6 weeks in and I must say that I am really starting to enjoy myself. I am still really really slow, but I have come so far from where I started. Who knows...when I look back next summer I might actually enjoy running and be running on a regular basis. At least I am getting some great clothes from this hobby.

It's definitely not a cheap hobby, that's for sure!

Hopefully I'll get into blogging a little more. I have a lot going on right now and I'm really enjoying where my life is headed. Stay tuned....it's gonna be a great ride!

Here We Go.....Again

Seriously, I gotta do something. So, I'm gonna start getting up at 6 before work and walk. That'll be good for me and get my blood pumping before work! My friend Emily is running in the St. Jude's Half Marathon in Memphis in December and wants me to walk it as well. I figure if I start walking in the morning, I'll get myself prepared for that. My first half marathon even though I'll be walking most of it!

My Chance to Dance....

I'm watching this show on CMT called "Your Chance to Dance" and I feel like it was made for me and my friends. You learn dances to popular songs. I've already seen Backstreet Boys and N'Sync on the show. I love it!!! Nothing like wasting your Friday night away in front of mindless TV.

In other news...I've started using my exercise ball that I bought. I've done the abs, arms, and legs exercise 1 time each. Much harder than I thought. My friend Hannah said I should videotape myself because of the stories I was telling her. Oh well.

I'm back to work now. Time for a new year and new outlook. My verse for the year is Phillipians 2:14: Do everything without complaining or arguing.

I leave you with a few pictures of the cutest baby I can think of:) I love this picture of my brother and his son.

Hot in Here....

Well, St. Louis that is. It has been crazy hot in St. Louis. Softball and volleyball games have been almost unbearable, but that does not stop me from going to the pool. Obviously:)

My lovely little nephew is already 1 week old. It does not seem possible. I promised some pictures, so here ya go:)




Seriously, how cute is this child??? He will definitely be spoiled by me:)

If you want to check out my other pictures from the summer I have a website: http://hdurall.shutterfly.com/. Feel free to follow my life through pictures!

This past week has been awesome. Spent a lot of time with the Stulls this week. Went to the Muny to see Beauty and the Beast. I loved it of course and then went to El Maguey after church on Wednesday. Christina and I hit up Trainwreck on Friday and I actally really enjoyed the band. Thank goodness, cause the band on my birthday was just horrible. Always have a good time with those girls!

My friends and I finally booked and nailed down our trip for July. So excited! It is just gonna be a relaxing beach vacation in Florida. Should be a really good time.

On a more serious note, I really enjoyed the service yesterday at church. The worship was amazing...great songs. I'm a sucker for worship songs. I feel like its the way I relate and communicate with God the best. Yesterday the songs were just for me...at least that's what I thought:) Pastor Ron is doing this amazing series on prayer. Yesterday hit home for me. Just the reminder of praying without ceasing and waiting on the Lord to answer prayers. God has perfect timing and sometimes it is hard for me to remember that. But, I will serve Him and worship Him while I wait. Love that!

Noah

My nephew has arrived!!

Noah David Durall was born on June 19th at 6:28 p.m. He has been in the NICU since he was born, but he gets to go home today with this parents! Yay!!

Everyone goes home today and I'm sure I'll have pictures up soon!

Sum sum summertime

This summer has been absolutely great so far. It started out with my 28th birthday bash with my friends. So much fun at Kobe Steakhouse and then chillin at Westport. The band at Trainwreck was horrible, but at least the rest of the night was great. Here's a picture of Cynthia, Emily, and I at my birthday!



That weekend I also went to Pittsfield to visit my grandparents. I'm glad I went that day because that week, we had to put my grandpa in the Alzheimer's unit of a nursing home. It was a very hard decision for my family, but I think this is best for him.



Memorial Day was eventful. We went to a service for my grandpa that the funeral home put on. It was a very nice service, but ever since then I just haven't been able to stop thinking about my grandpa. Such a strong, determined, Christian man. You are missed every single day Grandpa.

That night my parents, brother, sister-in-law, and grandma went out for my birthday at McCormick's and Schmicks. Great food and great company. Love that the head chef there is a parent of one of my students.

Beth and I left for San Diego for her to run her 3rd marathon. So proud of my friend Beth. We had an awesome visit and stayed with a friend from college. We went to the beach, Mt. Soledad, and downtown. It was a great relaxing vacation. Here are some pictures from the vacation.





When we returned, Maeve and I went to Columbia for Beth's 30th birthday and enjoyed some Shakesphere's Pizza and frozen yogurt. Good stuff:)


Lastly, my friend Lacey and her family are moving away today. All the girls from church got together and had a great goodbye dinner. It was awesome hanging out with everyone. Love ya Lacey and I'll miss you!!



That's my summer so far. So excited for things to come. I'm back on track with my workout and eating healthy. Possibly another trip with my girls to a beach. The best thing.....my newphew should be here soon!! Due date is the 26th. I'll keep ya posted!