Back In Time For A Race!

One of the things that have worked out for me in planning my annual vacation is that I get to participate in Race Judicata, a 5k run with other law firms.  It normally lands in September, and depending on the dates, I've managed to get involved in some of the races, (two years ago I was still in Italy and did not run).  This year I was lucky enough to slowly get in my exercise routine for a week before hitting the pavement.  What is helpful about most 5k runs is that you can walk also.  Just stay behind and let the runners move up front!  lol.  I truly enjoy my short runs, because this year, my allergies are terrible.  It's good to know I won't be putting myself in too much danger of an asthma attack.  I still had my inhaler in my fanny pack, just in case.  Luckily the temperature that day was almost 70 degrees.  If it was any more warmer it would have been too hot.  Unfortunately, my time wasn't so great, but I'm still glad I did this.  I did not train at all this year and I could have done much better if I had incorporated running in my regular workout routines.  Of course the best part is socializing afterwards!  Who doesn't like to be rewarded with wine?? 

The Grand Prize!  lol

Most 5k runs have entertainment as well as food and beverages.  I think it's a great place to socialize and meet new people...

FUN FILLED WEEKEND part 1

Out of no where, you get these weekends where there is too much going on.  You don't even know where to start.  I hope everyone had a great holiday.  It's pretty slow at work so far.  I'm assuming it's because of Spring Break (?).  Regardless, my staycation so far has been filled with family and friends.  I think I packed in too much action as usual.  I definitely need to monitor my spending before I get into trouble again.  My financial goals are coming together and I don't want to risk setting myself back.
Good Friday was pretty quiet.  I didn't do much.  Saturdays are usually my cleaning days, but this time, I went for a run instead.  The weather was good for it (for a change) and I've been itching to do some cardio.  Boy am I out of shape!!  My asthma was going strong.  I'm glad I got a chance to try to push myself out there.  I really want to get into a routine whenever Spring decides to come to Chicago.  lol.  I apologize for not blogging as much this week.  Still feeling under the weather.  I'll post part 2 soon, I promise!

I finally ran the 606!  I entered on North Avenue in Wicker.  Perfect day for a run!

Had some Korean tacos at En Hakkore.  They were delish!  I can't wait to go back!



Pho sure!

Well it seems we dodged another bullet again.  We did not get too much snow as anticipated.  I'm glad because I never got a chance to buy new snow boots this winter.  lol.  Now we're getting reports that next week the temperatures will be back in the 50s.  That's more like it!
Back to my weekend recap.  I ran some errands on Saturday since I knew my friend who was visiting out of town was going to be busy with her sisters.  I was hoping I could have a chance to see her on Sunday, but unfortunately, we just ran out of time.  I feel terrible I haven't gone to visit her sooner.  I need to plan something soon!
I was invited to go out for a run by the lake.  Despite the weather being warm that day, it was super windy again.  Trust me, it get annoying after a while.  I hesitated, but figured I should get back on track with my cardio.  Sure, why not?
Well things didn't work out the way I thought they would.  First of all, I'm soooooo out of shape!  lol.  I had trouble running with the strong wind gust.  Plus my asthma and allergies were getting the best of me.  I got so frustrated because I knew I wasn't pushing myself.  I also worked out on my legs the day before and felt pain everywhere.  Luckily I did walk a lot but I need to slowly build my distance again.  I enjoy running 5ks and this wasn't cutting it.  As the saying goes, little by little.
Afterwards, we were starving, so we headed towards uptown for some pho soup at Tank Noodle.  What a treat!  I ordered the children's pho which was perfect because I knew I wasn't going to be able to finish the regular bowl.  Plus I wanted to have some spring rolls so it worked out fine.  I loved the fact that we didn't indulge in too much food after our run.  The last thing you want to do is mess up a good workout with a heavy meal.

Garnished my pho with mint leaves, slices of jalepenos and bean sprouts.  Topped it off with siracha sauce and it was delish.  Helped clear out my nose since my allergies were acting up.

The spring rolls were generous in size!  Loved the peanut sauce, too...

Easter weekend!

I'm trying my best to catch up on this year's events as fast as I can.  I didn't realize how far behind I slacked off.  Although I'm recapping my mother's struggles on losing her husband, it's important to share how I suffer from depression as well.  I was mourning her loss, and looking back, I didn't realize how wrapped up I was getting in her circumstance.  I was never really fond of my mother's husband.  But seeing him suffer the past few months of his life was an eye opening experience for me.  I felt his pain, and watched him wither to a man who was desperately trying to stay alive for his wife.  It broke my heart.
I know they loved each other so much.  And seeing her try to live a life without him has been hard.  I think mostly my mom feels alienated about her loss.  None of her sisters or brother has yet gone through the process of losing someone.  The fact still remains that EVERYONE AT ONE POINT OR ANOTHER WILL LOSE SOMEONE THEY LOVE.  It's a sad fact of life.  There's simply no way around it. 
It's also important to know how my spirituality has strengthened over the years.  I have my issues with the church, but for the most part, I've gained a new restored faith in God and the world around me.  I recognize how short life is, and although we all face our darkest times during our hardships, Life is truly a beautiful thing!  What happened to my mother is not a singled out situation.  They still managed to have a long marriage.  They still have the memories they shared together.  No one can take them away!  Not even God!  It's what we carry in our hearts and how we perceive that love that makes a difference in our lives.  It goes the same for choosing happiness over sorrow.  Because when you really think about it, there's no point in having sorrow in your heart when love fulfills it.
ALWAYS love one another, be kind to one another.  Even people with all the money in the world STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS YOU DO, (just with different factors). 
I think what has helped me out at this point in my life is the moments I share with my friends.  They are my 2nd family, and have been there for me through thick and thin.  I can always count on them no matter what.  I also have to point out that I have weeded out the bad seeds over the years and have a close knit circle of friends that I know have my good intentions at heart.  Sometimes not everyone is going to fit into your ideal definition of what a friend should be.  But that's another story of self discovery...
During Easter weekend I participated on the Bunny Hop 5K run/ walk.  I'm always down for some type of physical activity, and this run is what I desperately needed.  We woke up early and headed down by Lake Shore Drive to get a good start.  Of course we ended up running late, (no pun intended), but we caught up with the rest of the runners and finished in no time.  What I liked about this race was the little party they held afterwards.  There was a petting zoo for kids, as well as an Easter egg hunt!  We headed down to grab brunch afterwards and spent the afternoon together.  I had a blast. 
On Easter Sunday I attended mass, and later on, had dinner with my dad and his wife.  It was a perfect weekend to spend time with my loved ones...

Let's do this!

And we're off!

Words of encouragement on the way to the finish line...

Easter dinner with the family.

My dad won't sit still!  lol