Birthday gift to self: Hole in the Head

I've wanted to get my nose pierced for along time. I wanted it done in college but my mom would have freaked out. Then after I got I was working as a teacher so couldn't do it. Yesterday was my birthday so I decided that it was time to check it off of my bucket list. I've been working a lot on that list lately! (My parents still haven't seen it so I might edit later with a reaction)

5k rundown and birthday lowdown

So exactly 7 days ago I ran my first 5k.  I did well for me.  I ran 36.24!  I had set a goal for myself of 36 minutes.  Then as I got closer and it seemed I was clocking closer to 40 mins in training I back my goal to 40 mins.  I wanted to push myself but not discourage myself.  I also most hit my original goal!  I didn't use my iPhone during the run so I was running blind.  There weren't any markers for how far I had gone.  We finished on a track so I knew I only had 1/4 a of mile left and I kicked into high gear for my finish.  I felt so good!  I really couldn't believe how well I did.  I'm hooked.  I want to train up to a 10k, half marathon and eventually in the future a marathon.  I love the accomplishment I feel when I finish.  I love setting a goal for the run and then meeting it.  I don't think I'll ever be a fast runner but I am a runner.

I've been a bit MIA from blogging lately.  I've got a new part-time job plus I'm enjoying my life.  I use to blog in my free time and now I'm running or running after my Ravebaby.  Life is really good.  Yesterday I had the chance to see The Hates, a punk rock group from Houston.  I had a blast.  On Thursday, I got a henna tattoo, my first.  I had been wanting one and then someone just up and offered to do them so that people could have them for The Hates show.  I love it! 

Today is my birthday.  I've had such a good year.  I feel like I'm finally where I need to be.  I'm not working myself to death for a paycheck.  I'm reaching goals that only a few months ago seems impossible.  What will this next year bring?  God only knows.  What do I want?  I want a baby.  This baby quest has a direct effect on want #2 which is to finish a 10k.  Since I'm not running a 10k yet, I think a baby would derail the training but it's a derailment that I would gladly welcome.  I want to continue to listen to the universe and to learn to keep going with the flow of life.  I want a lot, don't I!  I'm looking forward to seeing everything that comes my way.

My henna tattoo

New job and snakes on the trail

I started a new job today.  It's pretty low key so far.  I feel like I don't know anything, which I don't.  It's part-time and flexible, which is perfect for now.  I'm excited to be working at my church.  I'm giving back while earning just enough to pay a few bills.

My first 5k is Saturday!  I'm so excited and scared.  I'm running every other day.  My best 5k was just over 32 mins on an indoor track.  My best outside trail time was just over 39 mins.  I want to hit 36 mins for the race.  I'm going to keep running.  I'm training in the afternoons in the Texas heat.  I'm hoping that since the race is first thing in the morning, this training time will come to be an advantage.  We'll see.

My last run yesterday I saw a snake!  I don't like snakes.  I screamed.   The snake was going into a tree stump.  Then as I passed a tree something suddenly shook in the tree and I screamed bloody murder, again.  It was a squirrel.  As I rounded the trail near where I had seen the snake I started freaking out and rightly soon.  It was sunning itself!  I screamed again and ran as fast as I could to get away.  Needless to say by the time I needed to kick to finish strong, I had no kick left.  Between screaming and the running away from the snake, I was gassed.  I hope there are no more snakes on my path!