Dating in CR

I also recently had a few dates - always seems to happen toward the end of the year. :) Many of you know I have a horrible track record with dating. I've got some really nice horror stories if you are interested! One of the dates was fine, but we didn't click.

The other date was with a guy that, shockingly enough, met my height requirement. He's 6'8" tall - I'm a dwarf next to him. I had known him from a few years ago and he asked someone to get in touch with me. While I'll admit my interest level wasn't high, I agreed to go out.

There were about 16 calls leading up to the first date, including 2 the night OF the date. Word to the wise - girls don't want this many calls before a first date/meeting. It's TOO MUCH! I'm all for meeting someone to commit to, but that is too much. He's a nice guy, but I just wasn't attracted/interested.

So, he called me a few days later and left a voicemail, saying he'd like to go out again. Anyone correct me here, but I was under the impression that you could still ignore that call after only 1 date. I was wrong... Two weeks later, he called again and left a voicemail. A week after that, he called again. Then he called a day later.

Here's my point - take the HINT when the girl (or guy) doesn't call you back. It's acceptable after 1 date. I understand you'd need to return the call if it's a relationship or several dates, but 1 date...NO. The million calls unreturned makes you look needy or like you have a lot of time on your hands.

I know, I know, I am sounding a little jerky. But, I feel this is fair if the situation were reversed. I wouldn't be mad at a guy for not returning my call. I'd figure it out! If you aren't interested, what would you say on that return call? "Hi Fred, how's it going? Uh huh, yah, um, I just called you back to let you know I have no interest." Who would WANT that phone call? I wouldn't!

Ah, the joy of dating - aren't you married people jealous?

It's been a while...

Whoa! I had no idea I hadn't posted since Halloween! I guess life's been pretty busy lately and the whole blog fell by the wayside. Hmm, what's been going on, you ask?

Let's see, I hosted Thanksgiving dinner for my family. Yes folks, I cooked the turkey and everything. (By the way, I did NOT enjoy pulling the "innards" out of the bird. I can completely understand vegetarians now.) It all went well and everyone seemed to enjoy the food.

Christmas in Cedar Falls was very fun. My nieces and nephew give me so much joy, I can't even describe it. I've included some pics. I am so blessed to have them in my life and be able to take any opportunity to be with them.

I also participated in the ever popular "day after Christmas" shopping. My stepmom and I were at Target a little after 7am. It wasn't too crazy and I found a few nice things. The highlight (it doesn't take much) was finding really nice car mats for $19 (all 4!) at Sears.

I met my friend Jen (back in town from MN) for a nice 9 mile run on Sunday. Yes, we ran outside in the winter snow. It was actually pretty nice out and we had a good time.

I need to pick a Spring marathon so I can commit to training. Right now I'm just sort of going with the flow and doing whatever feels good. If I commit to a marathon, I'll need to get my mileage up!

The goal for this marathon is to break through the 4 hour mark. I'm only 5 minutes away and I can taste it!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

Halloween 2008

I decided to be an 80s aerobics instructor for Halloween this year. The hot look to your left earned me "Sexiest Female Costume" at the party. Oh yes, this is sexy...

As I was putting this "look" together, it occurred to me that people REALLY did dress like this to work out at one point in time. Let's break this down - you are working out and most likely sweating. But what would help you sweat more? Oh yes, throw some tights on. But wait, couldn't you sweat even MORE? Go ahead and add some jazzy leg warmers, which I've recently learned are back in fashion. (Just check my friend Stacy's blog)

It's not bad enough to wear shorts, tights, and leg warmers all at once. Back then, you made sure to wear all different colors, not matching at all. Unfortunately, I was lucky to just have tights and find A pair of leg warmers. If anyone's looking for a pastel pink sweatshirt with no collar/shoulders, give me a call. :-)

The joy of the flu...

Ah yes, folks, yours truly is recovering from a super fun bout with the flu. Sense the sarcasm? Oh, and we're not talking about the "cold" type of flu, we're talking full on puking. It started Monday night and I'm praying it will be over tonight (Wednesday). On the up side, I've lost 7 pounds. Yay skinny jeans! On the down side, I'm pretty sure I never want to eat again.

I hate the flu! I realize no one actually likes it, but it's just so horrible. The flu makes you puke, which is, in and of itself, awful. Beyond that, it literally sucks the life out of you. You know you need to eat, because your body is empty, and yet, you are terrified to eat anything. So, you don't eat and you lay in bed all day feeling weak. The best part is when the pounding headache kicks in, that was so much fun.

I wanted to try and eat yesterday, but was too nervous. I was brave and made a super quick trip to the Casey's down the street. It had been about 12 hours since my last RUN to the bathroom, so I figured I was safe. I had my 3 bottles of 7up and I was on my way home. About 2 minutes from my house, I could tell I wouldn't make it TO my house without being sick. Oh yes folks, I had to stop in front of the daycare a few blocks from my house, open my car door, and get sick. If ever there was a low point... Luckily, my friend Carrie called later that afternoon and made a Target run for me. I wasn't about to risk roadside puking again. Thanks Carrie!

Today was still a little iffy, but when I was able to keep down a bowl of rice krispies and a banana, I counted my blessings. Here's to NONE of you getting the flu - I do not recommend it!

Marathon #4

Well folks, I did it. I just completed my 4th marathon...and it wasn't pretty. I was primed and ready to have a terrific race. My legs felt good and I was motivated to PR huge!

I ran the Des Moines Marathon, known to be quite hilly for miles 3-8. I did my best to stay positive and build myself up during the hills, but unfortunately, my legs felt differently. At mile 8 my legs felt as if I'd already run a full marathon. It was mentally tough to imagine that I STILL had to run 18.2 more miles! Nevertheless, I reached the halfway point in under 2 hours. I was exhausted though and couldn't imagine having to run another half.

It was wonderful to see my dad and friends Sarah & Aaron at a few points throughout. It definitely motivated me to continue! My friend Nate met me at about 20 miles and ran the rest with me.

I finished in 4:20, well past my goal time, but I guess I need to just chalk it up to a bad day. I'll reach my goal next time, right?

I know, I know...you're thinking, "Mariah, next time? Are you crazy?" The answer is yes, I'm a bit on the crazy side.

Tall girls...

OK, I'd like to set the record straight for what is appropriate to say to a tall girl. I've been taller than other girls most of my life and I've heard about everything there is to say.

I think it's safe to say, for the most part, that tall girls are already a little self conscious of their height. We don't need it pointed out to us on a regular basis.

Case in point:

Yesterday morning, at work, I was downstairs with a couple of male co-workers/friends. One of them, we'll call him "Sid," says to me, "Are you wearing heels today, because you seem taller? I mean, you're already a mammoth..."

Oh yes folks, you read that right, he said MAMMOTH! Now, I had not provoked this in any way. The first word to describe me and my crazy tallness was MAMMOTH. I was shocked! I know he wasn't really serious, but I had to give him a hard time.

When we were back up on our floor, I made sure everyone knew what he said. (joking around of course) I told him that in no way would any tall girl take being described as a mammoth, as a compliment.

I then sent a picture of a mammoth to him and asked, "What makes me so similar - my tusks or my ability to walk on all fours?"

This guy happens to be on the shorter side and it later occurred to me that I don't point out to him or other guys like him how short they are!

PLEASE do NOT point out to me or other tall girls that we're tall. Guess what? I know! I'm fully aware of my height and I'm fine with it.

One more tip:

Do NOT say, "You're a big girl." Guess what, just because we're tall doesn't mean we're BIG. I really don't consider myself a big gal and who would WANT to hear that anyway?

This is a public service announcement dedicated to all you tall, beautiful ladies out there!

The art of patience...

Hello friends! I know I've been neglecting my blog lately, but my life is a little hectic right now. I feel like I'm always running around! Anyhoo, a few weeks ago I saw the movie "Fireproof" with my friend Carrie. It's a Christian film about a firefighter whose marriage is falling apart. His father challenges him to a 40 day "love dare" before he files for divorce. He doesn't take it seriously at first, but then discovers he truly wants to save and "fireproof" his marriage. For those that don't know, our fave smart aleck from Growing Pains, Kirk Cameron, plays the lead.

I encourage you to see and support this film and it's positive message!

Since I'm not married, I saw this movie from a different perspective. I thought about my parents' marriage and whether it could have been "fireproofed." I'm not saying I believe in people getting divorced without trying to resolve their issues. However, I think some couples just aren't meant to be. I believe my childhood would have been more painful had my parents stayed together "for the kids."

The best thing I took away from this film was the music. It was AMAZING! http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/music/

Please take the time to listen to this song and watch the video (clips from the film). John Waller's "While I'm Waiting" really gets to the heart of what it means to be a patient Christian in waiting for God's plan to unfold. I need this patience in so many areas of my life (I'm sure some of you can guess the big one). I learn something new from the song every time I hear it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3b2jw1rjBc

My other fave song from the movie is "Love Is Not A Fight" by Warren Barfield. This song stresses what love truly IS! "Love is not a fight, but it's something worth fighting for."
Check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED2ZnQ5rFIY

I hope you enjoy!

The bedding!

Well folks, here it is, the beautiful and "luxurious" bedding I was blogging about. Let me know what you think, especially about the throw pillows! :-)

Running...

So, as I said before, I really enjoy distance running. Last weekend I ran a half marathon in my hometown, hoping to PR. Woohoo, I cut nearly 4 minutes off my best time! :-) Honestly, our bodies are amazing, I am constantly surprised by what we can do. I'm faster now, at 31, than I was 6 years ago. Please note, I am not Olympic or Boston fast, just fast for ME. My hope is that these faster legs continue to my marathon in Indianapolis next month. I feel lucky that I can even run at all and hope this habit continues until I'm an old lady.

Throw Pillows

I know my friend Stacy will enjoy this particular blog. I recently purchased a new bedding set (ok, my stepmom purchased it for my birthday, which is 6 months away...). I absolutely love it, it's so beautiful. I'm not afraid to admit that it is a Kohl's purchase from the Daisy Fuentes collection. Oh yah, the bedding set is called "Luxurious." It's basically cream with chocolate brown accents.

This brings me to the title of this post, throw pillows. The set has 3 particular throw pillows that "go" with it. So, I had to have these useless pillows, of course. These pillows are never cheap either, each one is around $30. That's not enough for me, though. I need more pillows I'm not planning to use. I'll break it down for ya...

2 pillows to sleep on
2 pillows for the shams that match the comforter (will never sleep on these)

I was going to stop there...really, I was! But, I just loved the picture on the comforter set of the whole thing put together. I felt what would really top it off is to have the Euro shams (the square sham) and of course Euro pillows. So, that adds 2 more to the mix.

We are now at a grand total of 9 pillows sitting on my bed, 2 of which I sleep on every night. The sad thing is that I know how ridiculous it is, but I still want them! I hope there are other crazies out there like me. If not, I have no regrets about my 9 pillows!

And yes, I've seen "Along Came Polly," I totally agree that it's a waste of money/time/space, but it looks SO pretty!

A little background...

So I'm very new to this whole blogging thing, but decided to just jump on the bandwagon. Let's see, what do you need to know about me? I am a single lady living in the big metropolis of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Oh yes, it's very exciting! I spend a lot of my free time running, yes running. I plan to run my 4th marathon in a few months. I'm a glutton for pain! I am blessed to have wonderful friends and the cutest nieces and nephew in the world. My faith in God is definitely the best thing in my life.

You'll find some of my blogs have meaning and others will be full of pure sarcasm and my random thoughts. I hope you enjoy!