3. Go on a Charity Run

One thing I wanted to do to challenge myself a bit was to go on a charity run, which also meant that I needed to start running. I spent the last month or so going jogging approximately 3 times a week and pushing myself a little bit more each time. I would go to the park across the street from my house which I think is really pretty and peaceful (even with the construction that has been happening there this summer). About 4 years ago a few of my roommates, other friends and I spent a summer going jogging together, and I have gone on my own periodically since. There are some things that I like about running with other people but I think I mostly enjoy running on my own.  

I decided to run the 53^rd annual Turkey Trot in support of the United Way. The Turkey Trot is organized through the University of Alberta and has a 4k route or 8k route. I ran the 4k. I chose to run the Turkey Trot for a few reasons: It’s on a Saturday, there are quite a few people from my church who also do this run (we run under the name Chimichanga), I support the goals of the United Way and I ran the Turkey Trot 3 years ago and thought it would be fun to try again.

Compared to my last experience I didn’t think there was as much excitement this year. It could be that I am not a student at the U of A anymore so I wasn’t exposed to the pre-Turkey Trot excitement/ advertising. It could also be because 3 years ago was the 50^th annual Turkey Trot so it was an anniversary celebration as well.

I didn’t run as well as I had expected but I was still ok with my time. My time was 27:19. The good thing about that time is that it was over a minute faster than my last time.  The bad thing about that time is that I know I could have been faster, I kind of wimped out between 2k and 3k. However, I mainly went for the experience and overall it was a good experience, I am glad I did it.

I plan to continue my running routine, well as long as the weather stays nice and it’s not dark by the time I get home from work. J

Surprise Party!

Last weekend my friend Barb told me that she wanted to take me out to Red Robins for a belated birthday dinner. I thought it was nice of her to want to take me out for dinner and I do like Red Robins. While we were out last night I had no idea that my roommates and other friends were at my house preparing for a party. When I walked into the house, I was definitely surprised ... in fact, I am kind of embarrassed by how I screamed. 

Looking back there were some clues but they weren’t odd enough that it would have made me think. Including my one roommate saying that on Saturday night she was staying home in her pajamas with a bowl of popcorn; I even invited her to come out with me and Barb. It was a good surprise though.

It was a fun party decorated with pink streamers, Disney princess cups and cupcakes topped with strawberries. We played “Do you love your neighbour” and a few of us watched “Snow White” (which is actually part of a 10 part goal on my list). On a side note, my roommates and I took a “Which Disney Princess are you?” quiz and I came out as Snow White. We also took the “Which Disney Prince should you marry?” quiz and mine was the Prince from Snow White, so it seemed fitting that we watched this movie last night.

In the past couple of weeks I have been working on a few of the things on my list and will continue to update this blog as I complete them.

 

The friends who came to surprise me (Yes, they made me wear a princess sash)

Princess poses

Remembering my Grandma

One year ago today I was in Scotland celebrating my Grandma’s 90^th birthday. She always wanted to have a surprise birthday party and last year her children planned one for her. It was so much fun and she was definitely surprised. My uncle and his wife told her that they were taking her out for dinner for her birthday but on the way they had to “stop by” the church. She walked into the cultural hall with family and friends waiting to wish her a happy birthday. She kept saying things like “I thought we were going for a meal” ... it was great!

My Grandma passed away on June 21 of this year and I was really sad that I missed the funeral but if I could  choose to be at my Grandma’s funeral or at her 90^th birthday party, I would choose to be there for her party and I was there. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

I feel blessed that I was born less than 2 weeks before my Grandma’s birthday, she has always been a wonderful example to me of faith, following Christ and serving others. She always told me that I was special because I was named after her (my middle name is Elizabeth). Although, when I started researching the family history I discovered that my Grandma's name is actually spelled Elisabeth so when my little sister was born, she was given Elisabeth as one of her middle names.

One of the things my Grandma loved was the birdie dance so we made sure to do the dance at her party, with a little variation. I love the memories this video brings to me!

2. Eat at a restaurant I haven’t eaten at before

On Friday my friend Kristine and her husband (who is also my friend) took me out for dinner at The Urban Diner. What they didn’t know at the time is that they actually helped me check something off my list. I had heard that The Urban Diner had been featured on the food Networks show “You Gotta Eat Here” so I had high expectations. I ordered the lasagna and it did not disappoint.      

Kristine and Taylor also gave me a box of "Cookies by George". My favourite was the lemon! I am grateful to have them as my friends; it’s nice to know that people care about you.  

1. Can Something

I have made and canned jam and applesauce before but it had been awhile since I have canned something so I made that one of my goals. I spent Wednesday evening making and canning cherry-raspberry jam. It was pretty fun and it tastes really good too so I think that it was a success. J

Here is the recipe I used: Cherry-Raspberry Jam

Turning 30

Well, it has been a week since I turned 30 and a week to adjust to being 30. I started the day off with a bowl of oatmeal and because it was my birthday I added some chocolate chips. I then went to work. Being that my birthday is in August I have never had to go to school on my birthday and today was only the second time I went to work on my birthday. I was happy to go to work today because I enjoy my job and I love my co-workers. The Family Support team that I work with have a tradition of going out for lunch when it is someone’s birthday. The birthday girl chooses where they want to go and we spend the lunch hour together at the restaurant which is fun. I chose Cora’s, I had been to the one on the West End earlier this year and really enjoyed it so I was excited when they opened one close to where I work. Later in the day my supervisor surprised me with strawberry Ice Cream from Cold Stone.

When I got home I Read some happy birthday messages on facebook and talked to my twin sister (it was her birthday tooJ). I made myself a yummy dinner of grilled chicken with fresh salsa (that I also made) and grilled peppers. I went to FHE for a bit and got some more happy birthdays and then my parents called me. My Mom, Dad and the dogs sang happy birthday ... hahaha.     

Last Sunday when I was talking to my twin sister she told me that she told several people at church that it was her last day of her 20’s and asked if I did. Ummmm ... no. Well, except for one person who asked me how old I was turning (Now I am telling everyone how old I am ... hahaha). Maybe, if I was married and had 4 children I would be excited too but to be honest it was a hard day for me. Partly because I felt like I spent it alone (besides going to work and the time I was at FHE) and partly because of unfulfilled expectations. It is hard when all you have ever wanted is to be a mom. Although it does bring me comfort that my mom and both of my grandmother’s had children into their late 30s, even early 40s. In fact, my Grandma got married when she was 30.   

I have decided that I am going to make this a great year! I have spent the last couple of months coming up with ideas of things I want to do in the next year. I got some input from friends, family members and co-workers. I have finalized my list with 30 things to accomplish and I am really excited about accomplishing these things. I wanted to share my accomplishments on this blog to help make me accountable as well as invite those who are interested to read about each goal as I accomplish them. Also, there are some things on the list that would be fun to do with others so if you want to join me in an activity let me know. J  

P.S. For those who may not know the title of this blog is a quote from the movie “13 going on 30”.