We are 5k'ers and half marathoner's

Can I just start off and say sunday was such a good day? Because it was.

And can I say how proud I am because my brother ran a 1/2 marathon in 1:42? His first one too!

Sunday I ran in my second 5k for this year and my brother and dad ran the 1/2 marathon in 1:42 and 1:44. Yes, the young guy beat our running the boston marathon in april, dad.

I am on cloud nine right now because I ran a 5k in, get this, 26:53 minutes! 

My time two weeks a go was 28:30, such a big difference!

Almost at the finish line!

Can't wait to continue these little family runs.

Beer and friends

Those two things equal perfection.

I spent saturday evening with a good group of high school friends celebrating Nicole's 20th birthday which is on the 29th (leap year baby!)

Side note: I can't believe that we're all turning 20 this year! So olldddd!

Beer turned into wine (classy, what can I say?!) which turned into dinner.

Dinner turned into chocolate brownie ice cream cake for the birthday girl.

And dessert led into more beer which got us talking about our high school.

Trying to explain to the other girls who didn't go to our high school, that it really isn't that ghetto (so what if a kid was shot and passed away one block away?!) was pretty hard.

This got us sharing our favourite teacher's, which ones loved us and which ones were straight up mean.

This turned into Erin telling us how her and another boy used to light matches and throw them out the window in grade 9 english class and when the teacher ask what the burning smell was? Oh miss, it's the sun burning some matches on the roof.


Ian and Nicole getting away with not wearing the uniform and miranda being one of the few black girls in our school.

Best part? Finding out that a certain boy from high school expressed his love to Erin for the 4th time two weeks ago!


It was so nice to sit back and have a drink (none for me, driving home) and catch up, share our hate for our now former high school and love on our favourite teachers.

I didn't get any pictures (does that mean it didn't happen?!) but that's okay, making memories in my head.

Prom 2010: Ian, Andrew, Carly, Miranda, Me, Erin, Nicole and Meghan

And just for the record. This was after prom, my face wasn't that shiny all evening.

A little post about glee from tuesday *spoiler alert*

*If you haven't watched this past tuesday's episode of glee, (2/21) stop now, this post will ruin it for you*



I take it since you are still here you watched it or didn't because you hate glee *gasp!*

I watched tuesdays episode of glee last night with the bff and boy was it a good one. Glee is such a feel-good show and I love more than anything singing along, which I may or may not pretend I'm in New Directions, being best friends with Tina. 


Another thing I love about glee is how it touches on a lot of really touchy subjects that our world doesn't like to talk about. Like lesbian love, being handicapped but wanting to be a normal teenager, single parent households and so much more.

If you watched it tuesday than you know two things happened, things that are scary and real. Things that I felt it was needed to be written and try to help someone out there.

First: we saw David Karofsky try and take his own life as the result of bullying. To sum it up really fast, he basically came out of closest to Kurt and and a jerk head of a classmate overheard and spread it all over facebook and text. Karofsky goes to school the next day to find "fag" written on his locker. Horrible. Just horrible. He then goes home and hangs himself and thank god his father found him before it was too late.

At this point, I had tears streaming down my eyes. I can't imagine ever being in that place where I wanted nothing more than to dead.

But it happens. Happens every day, every moment, someone out there is being picked on because they are different and has the thoughts of killing themselves.

I know glee is just a show, and I know it's fake. No teenagers burst out in song every 2.4574854 minutes. At least not the ones I went to school with. But glee makes story lines from real situations like being a gay teenager.

So here it is: Picking on someone because they are different or because of who they find attractive is just plain wrong. You may not support gay rights but every one deserves to be treated the same and with kindness and love.
~

The other situation on glee? Was the texting and driving one. This one is my biggest pet-peeve and it's just plain stupid.

I can't tell you how many times I see on twitter people tweeting "only halfway home and have hit every red light." -That right there tells me you are not just texting but tweeting while driving!  And really? Do your followers need to know that while you are driving? Is it smart to put your life in danger for a tweet?  I didn't think so.

I can't tell you how many times I have yelled at my own family members who call me while driving (why didn't you call me before you started the car?) or have taken out the phone at a red light (you're still driving!)


It is so dangerous. How can you watch the road and type away while looking down? Answer: you can't. We might think we can but we can't!

So please? Put down the phone. The text can wait. If it can't, then pull over to a safe spot on the side of the road and send it.

Your life and the others on the road is not worth risking getting in an accident because you were texting.


*stepping off soapbox*
:)

Good-bye trashy music

Today marks the first day of Lent. I'm actually surprised I knew this because every year without fail I forget when Lent starts.

I'm not a catholic so my church doesn't make a big deal about Lent at.all. 

And since I forget when it starts, I forget to cut something out of my life for 40 days.

The only way I know Lent has started is when friends on facebook post something along the lines of


"no meat around here-for 40 days"

or

"see ya later facebook, see ya in 40 days. email me at johnsmith@gmail.com if you need something"

And then I remember.

And since Lent had started, I wouldn't give up something. It's for 40 days not 35.

And just last week I went to my good friend google, and he told me that the first day of Lent was Wednesday (today.)

I knew that I really wanted to give up something in hopes of spending more time with God.

I knew I had to make a change in my walk with God. I'll be honest and say that I would do days without reading my devo's or even praying. It wasn't working and I knew Lent would be great time to make a big change.

Problem was? I had no clue what to give up.

Coffee? No. Not when Lent goes on during the last weeks of school which means all-nighters and stress. No, can't give up coffee.

Sweets? I don't really eat that many sweets so I thought this was wouldn't have such an impact.

Facebook? Maybe. But then I remembered that facebook is how myself and the other bridesmaids plan showers and parties for the wedding, I can't cut off facebook.

So, I thought and prayed about this for a while. Read: last week. 

One of the things that came to mind was only listening to Christian music not to trashy music. You know, the top 20's.

I tried saying no to this one because listening to the top 20's while running helps me! I can't run faster or make it up that hill while listening to a slow song. Nope I can't.

With this being said, I am allowing myself to listen to country music. Not 100% the same but it's something.

Day 1 is going well. My radio in my room is switched from my favourite top 20 station to a country one and while I type 94.5 Faith FM is playing.

Let's see how I do on my 5k this sunday while listening to worship music. Hopefully hearing god is good 38949x helps me run another 28 minute 5k :/

What are you giving up? If you are.

Pictures from the weekend

 

Being sick sucks! I've been fairly lucky this winter and haven't caught any of the sickies that have been flying around. Not even a little cold. But on saturday after coming home from picking out some paint choices for my room, ::bam:: I caught something fast. 

I'm thinking my brother brought it as he came in for the afternoon...what a nice surprise that was. 

I spent mostly all saturday reading, finally finished  the hunger games...really good btw and watched the movie courageous. Also, really good. 

Sunday I felt fine enough to attend church and again this sickness came on fast... again. It was like right after the second hymn that I felt like I needed a bucket, ya know, to do some business in there. Thank goodness I made it thru church. 

   And you guessed it, sunday was spent on pinterest, sleeping and watching the amazing race. Not doing a bit of homework and going for a run. Stupid sickies. 

Grateful Monday-7

I truly believe being grateful in life is so utterly important. It's important to be thankful for this beautiful world we live in. Thankful for the roof over our heads and food in our bellies. Because we know, many, too many people, don't have that. They don't have the food in the bellies or even in the fridge or a home.

I have something to confess. The past twoish weeks I have totally slipped up on this. On being greatful. There are days where I come home from work and have no clue what to write down. Once this week I actually missed a day and had to think long and hard about the pervious day. What happened? What made me happy? And only then did I know what to write.

With that being said: I need to keep doing this journal. And I need to keep sharing with y'all. I know, from my stats that this isn't a popular post for people to read and comment on but comments and page views is not why I am doing this. Not at all. But please, comment away! I love hearing from each and everyone of you.  I am doing this because it keeps me going-knowing that I have to blog about this every sunday evening keeps me inline-keeps me writing down things.

So here is what I was grateful for this week.

Monday Feb 13th: my family sitting down for dinner
Tuesday Feb 14th: an hour study break at work
Wednesday Feb 15th: an amazing mid-term study session
Thursday Feb 16th: being on reading week!
Friday Feb 17th: losing weight again this week
Sat Feb 18th: watching the movie Courageous
Sunday Feb 19th: an afternoon to rest---and my brother's 25th birthday! Happy day Ry!




Hope y'all have a great week-I plan to be around much this week!
p.s get those birthday cards ready-it's a month till my golden birthday!

Friday Randoms

Hope everyone is having a great day and looking forward to the long weekend. It's been a crazy week here, I had two mid-terms this week. I won't apologize for not blogging much because I don't want blogging to all I do and run my life.

• First off, my heart is heavy today as one of my bloggy friends Jenn is at the hospital visiting her very sick gramma. Jenn wrote a great post explaining just how sick she is with stage 4 lung cancer. For all those prayer warriors out there, please include Jenn's Gramma in your prayers tonight. And pray for Jenn and her family as they need comfort.

• I'm on reading week! So looking forward to having a week off. My plans? Sleep and homework. Sleep to get rid out the dark bags under my eyes. And yes, I should do some homework, get those assignments out of the way.

• Things for my brothers wedding is coming a long nicely. Right now, Danielle's sisters and I are planning the Jack and Jill which is on March 24th. I've never been to one but from what Danielle tells me, it's a big party with prizes. I am beyond excited for this wedding!

• Wanna knows what sucks? Getting a bleeding nose during my run this morning. Nothing like standing in the middle of the sidewalk gushing blood. Thank goodness I had a Kleenex in my back pocket! #closeone!

A trip to Ikea, a 5K and a happy moment

You could say this is a weekend update but it is wednesday and closer to the next weekend than the one that just passed so we won't call it that. 

Saturday was a good day all around- I finally got to my 10% goal. Losing 10% of my weight was my next goal I have been working on and I'm so happy I earned it this week. Only a few more pounds till my goal. 

After Ladies Class, my parents and I went to Ikea to grab me a new dresser that I've had my eye on for a while.

Sunday I ran another 5k, can't believe I've run 4 in 3 years. It was a super cold day, and the course was horrible. Nothing was shovelled which made it so hard to push off from the ground. Even with those conditions I'm happy to say I ran 28:28! Ya, a little over my goal of under 27:59 but I'll take it.

My dad came with me and on our way home I said I'll run a new personal best in 2 weeks when I run another 5k. 

A letter to my future husband

Dear future husband,

Where are you?! Seriously you can stop hiding and come out, I'm ready to meet you. 


I've been ready for a while if you want me to be honest.

I am tired of seeing happy couples around me. I want to be a happy couple.

I am tired of being lonely.

I am tired of being asking me if I have a boyfriend and always answering not yet.

I can't wait to meet you someday, hopefully soon. 

I love that I'm blogging, and documenting my life. I'm ready to document us.


I'm ready to introduce to the blog world.

I'm ready to share our story. 

I am ready to date you.

To share life with you.

Husband: I am ready to love you. I am ready, please hurry.

I can't wait to go on dates with you.

To get all dolled up or even take off my make-up and watch tv with you.

I can't wait for you to meet my family. Warning you now: they will bug you about us dating but it's all in love and fun.

I can't wait to meet yours. I can't wait to bake cookies and bring them to your mom when we first meet.

I can't wait to fall in love with you.

To kiss you.

I can't wait to go to church with you.

To pray with you and for you.

I can't wait to celebrate anniversaries with you.

I can't wait to go running with you. Hopefully you run. 


I can't wait to be engaged. To plan our wedding.

To have cute babies with you.

I can't wait to meet you, husband.

~

Husband: How about this? Let's make a deal. This time next year I want you to be taking me out for a romantic valentines dinner. I'll pay for dessert. Sound good? Deal.

Valentines Swap

I'm linking up with Meg, Tara and Celia for the Valentines gift swap I participated in.

My partner was Katie from Katie Potaters and boy, did she spoil me!

Thank you Katie! The window stickers are up on my front door already!

Grateful Monday's-6

Monday Feb 6th: Hearing Romans 10:17.
Tuesdays Feb 7th: petting a puppy, being called heathly
Wednesday Feb 8th: my day ending at 3pm
Thursday Feb 9th: catching up on my devo's
Friday Feb 10th: a normal 35 minute commute only taking 20 minutes today
Saturday Feb 11th: Reaching my 10%
Sunday Feb 12th: A new PB in my 5k.

What made you stop and think this week?

Friday Randoms

How about some randoms from Sarah's head to start your morning? Grab a cup of coffee and sit back :)

• This time next week I'll be on reading week! Thank goodness for a week off. I plan to start my many assignments that are due in march and I'm going to placement on the wednesday!

• I am getting so excited for my brother's wedding in may! Our invitation came on wednesday and most of my family has gotten theirs too.

• My mom and I are having a bridal shower for Danielle on March 10th. The theme is spring and our colours are pink and coral. We are so excited!

• I'm running another 5k race on sunday. I want to finish in under 28 minutes. That is do-able for me but I'm getting nervous because the weather is supposed to be really cold with 1-3cm of snow!

• Can I tell you how much I love thursday evenings? Getting home by 5pm and watching grey's anatomy at 9pm is something I look forward to every week. A good change from rushing to work and watch grey's the next day.

• I went to Starbucks after my first class yesterday to study and grab a Vanilla Rooibus Latte, and I  didn't get those new valentines day cups! Talk about a sad Sarah.

• My mom got facebook over the weekend. Yes, the women who at least once a week bashes it saying people should talk face to face or facebook is stupid. 5 days in and she already hates it. And if she's anything like my dad on facebook then I won't be accepting her anytime soon. The man comments on everything!

• Wish me luck on my race! Please pray to the snow gods that it doesn't snow or be cold!

Things I can't say out loud.

I'm human okay? And with being a human, I hear things that make me say WTF? That make me cringe and these things make awesome venting posts. Enjoy.

Dear friend,
Please stop starting emails with "generous hellos" and ending with "calmness and understanding".

Sincerely, who does that?!
~

Dear person(s),
Don't ask for my mailing address because you really want to send me a card and never send it!

Sincerely, thanks for getting my hopes up.
~

Dear family member,
I understand you hate your job but please stop coming home and taking it out on me.

Sincerely, find another job.
~

Dear person,
When you say "so glad we have a SUV now, its only Christmas eve and the car is full!" it makes you sound so spoiled.-actual convo. 

Sincerely, no one cares
~

Dear cousin,
You are 5'6 and 110 pounds with wet hair. And when you make comments such as "your mom has skinny legs, I have fat ones" or the classic "I'm fat" it makes me feel like shit crap. Please stop looking for attention.

Sincerely, 5'3 and *not telling my weight...right now*
~

Dear close friend/classmate,
It bugs the crap out of me when you sit in class and complain how tired you are, or that you didn't have time to make a lunch today. You have placement in May, meaning you have 2 days off this semester. Please stop saying all those things!

Sincerely,
You try waking up at 6am everyday for placement and going to school 3x a week for all day classes.

This is why I love blogging, its nice to get some stuff off my chest. 
Yes, I know some of these were from Christmas but I just remembered them.

Grateful Monday's-5

This whole looking for things to be grateful for is starting become second nature. There are some days where I could write 20 things I am grateful for, which is awesome. That, is why I'm doing this.
Here we goooo.

Monday Jan 30th: Walking past a person who is eating cinnamon hearts. Love this time of year.
Tuesday Jan 31st: The weather. +7 that day!
Wednesday Feb 1st: Doing this for an entire month! Bible studies that speak to me.
Thursday Feb 2nd: catching the new subway trains with no one in it. Being called healthy.
Friday Feb 3rd: "Pinning" and listening to country music.
Saturday Feb 4th: Getting almost most of my homework done by noon.
Sunday Feb 5th: Spending time with my grandparents.

What were you thankful today?

January photo a day.

If you follow me on instagram  (lifeofsarahh) then you know I did the #janphotoaday challenge.

It was super fun and even more fun to follow others who were doing it.  

Excuse the last photo. I was up at 5:30 am and this is how my hair looks like after placement.

I'll be back for February's photo challenge!