New Orleans was interesting. Good interesting. Our Saturday early morning flight was uneventful. Lots of folks who were going for the race were on the plane. Landed, found transportation to the hotel and off we went. We check into the Inn on Bourbon St. It was lovely hotel located right on Bourbon St. We walked to the convention center to pick up our packets. It was a cloudy, windy and rainy day. I was a bit worried but the weather for Sunday was going to be 60 and sunny.

So after getting our packets, we walked back and I was starving. We ended up going to Palace Cafe on Canal St. I had the Catfish Pecan with white rice and brussel spouts. OMG. I am not a big brussel sprouts eater but these were SO GOOD! I doubt I will ever eat them the same way again. Everthing was delicious.

Then we went back to the room, hung out a bit and then we were off to discover the city. We decided to check out a big church that was close by. It was the St. Louis Cathedral. It was really pretty and well taken care of. Then we found the horse-drawn carriages. We decided to take a tour. Best $15 ever spent. The man gave us a great history lesson about the French Quarter. Glad he had blankets because it was getting really windy. (Weather was in the high 50′s, cloudy and windy.) He told us the ride was going to be about 30 min but it really was more like 45 min.

Then we went to look for the beignets. They were from Cafe Beignet. Yum, yum YUM! We sat outside. Even though it was cloudy, the area we were in was protected by two buildings, so we were okay. Plus they had a small outdoor heater going on. We were listening to a trio playing jazz. It was so nice. Then we went back to the hotel to get some much-needed zzzzz’s.

The run itself was great. The weather kept its promise: sunny with a slight wind. I was wearing a running singlet over a long sleeve base layer. After 2 1/2 miles I had to stop and remove the base. It was nice and warm. The scenery was beautiful. Once we hit the 8 mile mark, it just became a bit blah. Concrete and more concrete. But there was a group of people who were offering donuts and beer to all the runners. That was so cool. Once we passed the city area, we were in the French Quarter. More pretty stuff to look at. I hit my wall right before the 10 mile marker. It was getting warm and I was getting tired. So I walked a bit more. Then I kept alternating with walking and running. When I got to the 11 mile marker, I decided to just run. Kept telling myself “One foot in front of the other. Just like everyone else.” I think that mantra kept me going. When I saw the marathon turning off, I was like “Poor souls. They have 13 more miles to go.” But I kept going. Finishing was so sweet. Found my friend who also was not having a good run but she finished in 2:25. We got our medals, which rock. They have medal beads instead of a ribbon.

Then we went back to the hotel, showered, dressed and literally ran to Pat O’Brien’s. We had the biggest hurricane ever. It was so good. I also had Grits and Shrimp which was quite tasty.

Then it was time to go home. The family picked us up from the airport. Missed them so much. I think the kids missed me too since they were just clinging on my arms all the way home.

An easy race is next: Shamrock Shuffle, March 25.

Here is my schedule as of today:
March 4: Rock N Roll New Orleans Half Marathon
March 25: Shamrock Shuffle 8K
May 6: Cinco de Miler
May 24: Chicago Chase Corporate Challenge 3.5M
May 27: Soldier Field 10 Miler
July 22: Rock N Roll Chicago Half Marathon
October 7: Chicago Marathon!!!

I am game for all of them except for the last one. Not sure why but I did register for it. I always said I would not do another marathon unless it was the Disney one again.

Once the registration started, I just kept going back to the site. Then the running club at work sent out an email saying they would pay $40 from our fee. So I kept thinking about it. It was like an itch that would not go away. Finally on Friday, I did it. I felt elated. I felt like I wanted to throw up. lol

So then I texted my running buddy what I just did. She thought I was nuts too. But the next day, she fessed up that she had thought about it too. So she was going to think about some more and decide if she was going to do this too. Sure enough, later that night, she registered. Then on Monday word came out that the race had sold out in SIX DAYS! Not sure if I call it a sign but I might as well do this. And then I can say “Why yes, I ran the Chicago Marathon in 2012.”

And here we are: 8 days before my trip to NOLA and the beginning of my 2012 running adventure.

Let the running commence. Wish me luck!

What a wonderful feeling.  A sigh of relief.  A big girl in the making.  We thought it was never going to happen but she did it.

We managed to go out this weekend and she did what she needed to do.  Of course, everywhere we went we had to scope out the store to see where the restrooms were just in case.

We did a moment of panic when we were driving somewhere and Mia pipes up.  “I need to go potty.”  Oh oh!  Good thing we were not far from where we were going cuz she held it.

She does still us a pull-up for night time use but she wakes up dry just about every morning.  So once that supply is done, it is DONE!

It only took three years and two month for this to happen but NO MORE DIAPERS!!!

Can’t believe my little girl is growing up.  It is such a bittersweet feeling. *sigh*

Happy Holiday!!

Aren’t they so beautiful? It just hurts so much how much love I have for them.

Just wanted to thank the New Orleans Saints for making this the cheapest half marathon fee I have ever paid. Due to there fantastic wooping of the Colts (62 – 7), my registration was discounted by $55. Sweet!

So now I will wait for my friend to register so we can start looking for a room and flights. So excited!!

Oh yeah, we need to start training too. Booo!

We also had a sad little girl who wishes she was going to school as well. We thought she was going to have a hard time letting him go, but she was a trooper. No tears. One more year and she will be off to pre-school. I’m excited for her.

I’m hoping a smooth year. Only 169 days left.

They all had a great time and before I know it, 2012 will be here soon enough.

So I got two blisters on my big toes.  So I got chaffed under my arms.  So it rained for about half the race. But I managed to get my best time for a 1/2 marathon!!!

My time was 2:42:12.  Two years ago, my time was 2:43:27.  Now, if I could only train properly, I can probably shave more time.  Maybe next year!

Thankfully, I have a job with insurance.  Eric got unemployment up until he started freelancing.  We used that money wisely.  We didn’t overspend so we were able to keep up with all the bills.  We bought the essentials we needed.  The only splurge we made was for the kids during Christmas which was not too bad.  We had to forgo giving anyone gifts (including ourselves) but I am sure they understood what we were going thru. 

We are grateful for getting unemployment but let me tell you, I couldn’t wait for Eric to get a job to get off of it.  I really not sure how some people can take advantage of that.

In the meantime, Eric worked hard to find a job.  I had forgotten that looking for a job is a job in itself.  He spent hours and hours looking at online job sites, networking, networking and more networking.  Lots of people disappointed me knowing that Eric was out of a job and didn’t even step up.  But on the other hand, there were lots of people who did reach out to him.  I heart all those people.

Well, it’s a year later and Eric has a job since June 13.  He is enjoying it and learning a new side aspect of his job industry.  And I am so proud of him.

I do not wish anyone being unemployed.  It sucks and it is very depressing.  But with the right support system and the ganas, it is something that can be broken and it will be all okay.

Cuz every little thing will be all right!