"The Girl Behind The Blog"

I am so excited about this!

I am linking up with 5ohwifey and The Hollie Rogue for

"The Girl Behind The Blog"

This is my first ever VLOG, and I must say I wasn't really that nervous! It was so much fun, and those 4 minutes went by WAY too quickly. I will definitely be "vloging" again in the near future :)

The theme for this VLOG is what you have been learning this year.

We all learn so much everyday. We continue to grow in knowledge and experiences, in life, and we grow as people because of this.

God has been teaching me A LOT this year, so I hope you enjoy hearing my actual voice as I talk about all that I am learning. Enjoy! :)

{And of course, since it's my first time ever making a video, the picture has to be silly! And also, don't mind me fumbling to stop the video at the end, haha}

I hope you all are having a wonderful Saturday! :)

 

Heart-felt Letters and Nail Polish.

Happy Friday, loves!

I couldn't pick between one or the other...

So I'm linking up for "Friday Letters" AND "The Nail Files"


 I am beyond pumped for this weekend because I'm getting off campus and out of Minnesota and heading back to the magnificent land of cheese, beer, and frozen tundra.
WISCONSIN!
I can't wait to go home, see my family, and spend some needed time with Josh! Hopefully there will be picture taking and I can fill you in on my weekend :)
And also! I am doing my vlog for "girl behind the blog" over the weekend, so hopefully it is up on Sunday at the latest! I am so excited for you guys to hear me in person! So make sure you stay tuned to check it out :)


ALSO...
My mom texted me earlier yesterday and told me that my grandma was in the hospital. Two days ago she had gone in to get her esophagus checked out because there were some ulcers present. After the out-patient procedure she had been feeling very weak, light headed, and had coughed up some blood. She was then admitted back into the hospital and had to have a blood infusion because her blood count was very low. Her blood counts are now up and she was able to go home this afternoon, although still feeling very week {The woman only weighs about 100lbs to begin with!}. Please keep my sweet grandma in your thoughts and prayers. Hopefully this all passes and she is able to regain her health and strength!


Well let's get started on this letter shall we? We shall :)


Dear blog followers: I can't believe there are already 54 of you! I get excited every time the number goes up! It's great to know you have a following and that people like what you have to write. I feel like God continues to bless me through this blog, and all of you who support by reading and commenting. Thank you so much! :)
Dear New Ulm, MN: So long! See ya later! Adios! No hard feelings, but I am excited to leave you and go home. Don't worry, I'll be back Monday...
Dear God: Continue to draw me nearer to you. I desire to come to you more, and be immersed in your word more than I do. Please strengthen me in my quest to live a life for you. If it is your will, heal my grandma from her sickness and give her the faith to trust you even in times of sickness.
Dear Sophomore Year: You have been a tough one to get through. How about you have a little pitty on me these last couple months. What do ya say?! :)
Dear Annie {my dog}: I can't wait to snuggle with you, give you kisses {even though Josh hates that!}, and have you sleep in my bed with me! Love you poo poo butt!
Dear Weekend: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, go by slow. Please? :)
Dear Monday: On account of Arbor Day {the whole school cleaning up the campus for Spring} I am not supposed to have any classes. I would love it if it didn't rain so I don't have to worry about homework this weekend!
Dear Josh: I can't wait to spend the weekend with you! Three weeks is too long without seeing you! Oh, and by the way, I have a surprise for you on Saturday. Let's just say I'm going to blow you away and win you over even more with my domestic skillz :) {yes, I just spelled that with a z!}


Anything on your heart that you would like to put into a "blog letter?" 
If so, head on over and link up with Ashley!


In other news, I've been inspired to paint my nails these days, so I had to show them off to you in this link-up with Tara!
So last Friday I saw this on Pinterest and thought it would be pretty easy to try!

Here's my rendition. My stripes were a little darker and more sparkly. But I loved how it turned out! I received a lot of compliments :) And of course I used OPI nail polish! The pink color is called, "Pedal Faster Suzi!" and the silver is Nicole by OPI called, "Nicole's Nickel."

Here's how I painted my nails last night! It's a color that I borrowed from one of my friends. This coral color looked so cute and springy on her fingers that I had to put it on mine! :)

So I love this color, and thankfully they turned out pretty well due to my amazing nail painting skillz! {there's the z again...;)}But I have to say that there is a reason why I am an "OPI brat." This Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear polish is super thick and it was hard to apply smoothly. It could be because it wasn't new...but either way, I usually have fun painting my nails, but this was not fun! It might redeem itself if it stays on for a long time!

I hope you all have a fabulous and blessed weekend. If God gives you rest, take advantage and remember to thank him. If he's given you a busy "go go go non-stop" kinda weekend, remember to thank him for those things you are having to do as well; they are blessings from him :)

Throwback Thursday {NYC}

I just ran across this fabulous blog by Monica: Monica's Notebook

And she has such a fun link-up called "Throwback Thursday"

So let's "throw it back," shall we? :)

I'm swallowing my pride, and going back 5 years to my Freshman year of High School.

This was the most awkward year of my life; looks wise.

I think the braces will do most of the explanation...

My Best friend Tia and I...we go back. Pretty sure this was still in Wisconsin on our way there. For some reason we all thought these weird spring headbands were cool?!

The City

Hannah and I

 The Lady herself!

Right below the Statue

The butt of the Wall Street Bull statue

A New York hot dog!

Like I said...the awkward years. Not my best picture ever; but since I'm trying to give you a taste of my awkwardness! ;) Here's Hannah and I riding the Subway

Times Square!

"Yuh Dun"

It was our theme phrase, haha

I so badly want to go back to New York City! I feel like there are so many more things I could see and do. And obviously I would love to go and not have to be "chaperoned!"

I hope you enjoyed "throwing back" with me, and hopefully getting a laugh out of my awkwardness. It's okay, I'm okay with you laughing ;)

Happy Thursday! Almost done with the week!

Pinterest Lovin'

Linking up with Michelle from The Vintage Apple

and Jamie from This Kind of Love

For all the things I'm Loving on Pinterest these days

Via 

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Via

A Little About Me From A to Z!

I found this fun idea from Ruthie who blogs over at The Chronicles of Ruthie Hart

Such a cute and fun idea so I had to do it too!

Age: 20

Bedsize: Twin {I still live in a dorm...sad life.}

Chores that you hate: Dishes! Something about washing off people's food disgusts me!

Dogs:  hunter! (miss you doggy)

Essential start to your day:  COFFEE. I can't live without it! 

Favorite color: Blue {every single shade of it!}

Gold or Silver: I like gold a lot. It's very vintage and rustic looking. But I usually wear silver jewelry. I guess I'm a double standard...

Height: 5 feet/10 inches {I'm a tall one!}

Instruments you play: I started playing the piano last year. Let's just say it's a struggle...

Job title: Student

Kids: None {but I definitely want them in the future :)} I love kids!

Live: My hometown is Altoona, WI but I go to school school in New Ulm, MN

Mother's Name: Terri

Nicknames: Rach, Rae, Rachie

Overnight hospital stays: Never!

Pet peeves:  Let's be more articulate please. I HATE when people use "like" every two seconds.

Quote from a movie or tv show: "The most important relationship you have in your life is the relationship you have with yourself, because no matter what happens, you will always be with yourself" ♥

Right or Lefty:  Righty :)

Siblings: Older Brother

Time you wake up: MWF: 6:45 {yikes, too early} TTH: 9:00 {no class!}

Underwear: I have an abundance of them

Vegetable you hate: Peas...nasty

What makes you run late: Probably choosing my outfit, or going on the computer before I'm done getting ready

X-Rays You've Had: I feel like I've had lots! I'm an athlete and I've broken and sprained many parts of my body!

Yummy food you make:  I make the best cup of coffee around

Zoo Animal: Elephants, Lions, Giraffes {all of the ones you'd find on a safari!}

I would love to see your answers now! :)

A Self-described "Aspiring" Runner.

It's the title I have been going by for the past few months. And you could even say the past few years. 

Aspiring Runner.

I've always wanted to be a runner, but yet I've always kept the adjective of "aspiring" tacked on. I've never left that word in the dust and took on the challenge of actually becoming a 

RUNNER.

{These photos are definitely an inspiration.}

 Obviously these women have amazing figures. But the difference is they're not stick skinny. They are women working hard for their body and doing something beneficial. They are healthy. Running makes you a strong, healthy, and confident individual. I strive to be that strong and confident person, and I'm ready and willing to work hard for it!

I must say, I am a very active person. I am a college athlete, and I workout almost everyday. I am not a couch potato, or someone who has never ran before. I am a very focused and determined person, and if I set my mind on something, I usually accomplish it.

I have just never been a "runner." I'm very tall, and more of a muscular build, so I never thought I had what I thought was a "runners body type." I so badly want to get that stereotype out of my head and become a serious runner. I feel confident that I can train and work hard. But I just need the support and motivation to keep that mind-set!

Part of my reasoning for wanting to start running is to gain back the confidence that I have lost. I want to be proud of a goal that I accomplished. I am doing this for me.

Also, during the summer I am "boy-friendless."

Josh has the amazing opportunity to go up to Alaska during the summer and work on a salmon fishing boat {it's not dangerous like deadliest catch or anything!}

This means that I do not see him, let alone even talk to him very much during the summer. So the summer kinda becomes the time to focus on myself; but let me tell you, missing someone so much can really make the time drag. So I've decided to set a goal. And while I'm at it. I'm setting a goal to complete even before he leaves!

THE GOALS:

by June 10th: Be able to run a 10k {6.1 miles}

by August 18th: Be able to run and race in a half marathon {13.1 miles}

The timing for my goals are perfect! I'll be able to easily run 6 miles by the time Josh leaves. And once he gets back I will have doubled that distance!

I want to be able to run in the Madison Mini Marathon on August 18th!

Here is my training schedule for my 10k {I'm not entering a race, I don't think...} that I will be starting tomorrow! I got this schedule from Runners World. It's an awesome magazine and has a great website that includes informational articles about running. I would definitely check this site out if you are beginning to run too!

Week One:
Tueday: 3-4 mins easy, 1-2 mins recovery x4    
Thursday: 5-7 mins steady, 3 mins recovery x2    
Weekend: Long run: 8 mins hard, 3-4 mins recovery x3

Week Two
Tuesday: 10 mins easy, 5 mins recovery x2    
Thursday: 5 mins warm-up (3-4 mins hard, 3-4 mins recovery x2), 5 mins cool-down   
Weekend: Long run: 20-40 mins easy

Week Three
Tuesday: 4 mins steady, 2-3 mins recovery x4    
Thursday: 5 mins hard, 2-3 mins recovery x3   
Weekend:  Long run: 25 mins easy

Week Four
Tuesday: 10 mins easy, 5 mins recovery x2   
Thursday:  5 mins warm-up (3-4 mins hard, 3-4 mins recovery x2), 5 mins cool-down   
Weekend: Long run: 20-40 mins easy

Week Five
Tuesday: 20-25 mins (10-15 mins easy, 10-15 mins hard)    
Thursday: 5 mins warm-up (10 mins hard, 5 mins recovery x2), 5 mins cool-down    
Weekend: Long run: 30-40 mins easy

Week Six
Tuesday: 10 mins easy, 5 mins recovery x2    
Thursday: 5 mins warm-up (3-4 mins hard, 3-4 mins recovery x2), 5 mins cool-down   
Weekend: Long run: 20-40 mins easy

Week Seven
Tuesday: 30 mins wind-up (10 mins easy, 10 steady, 10 hard)    
Thursday: 6 mins hard, 2-3 mins recovery x4    
Weekend: Long run: 50 mins easy

Week Eight
Tuesday: 15 mins wind up (5 mins easy, 5 steady, 5 hard) x2    
Thursday: Out and back (20 mins easy, 20 mins hard on way back - aim for negative split of 2-3 mins)    
Weekend: Long run: 25-30 mins easy

Week Nine
Tuesday: 30 mins easy   
Thursday: 5 mins hard, 2-3 mins recovery x4    
Weekend: Long run: 25-30 mins easy 

Week Ten
Tuesday: 20 mins easy    
Thursday: 15 mins (10 mins easy, 5 mins hard)    
Weekend: RACE! 

Are any of you just getting started running? Are you a seasoned runner? I would love to get advice and inspiration from you as I start my training!

I hope you all have a wonderful and motivated Monday!

A "Me" Weekend

The weekend is over, and it is time to start another week!

I don't know about you, but I'm kinda excited for this week to start. 

Here's why:

1. Come the weekend I'm going home and Josh is coming as well :)

2. After this week, only 4 more days until Easter break!

3. I start my 10k training tomorrow! {more about that in tomorrow's post!}

4. And I'm thankful that God has blessed me with another week!

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Psalm 118:24

Here's a little recap of my weekend. 

If it was your weekend, you might have thought it was very uneventful and boring, but for me I was loving it! Most of my friends either went out of town for the weekend or were working, so I had a "me" weekend :) It was so relaxing and just what I needed!

Friday:

I painted my nails :) I found the idea for my nails via Pinterest obviously!

{OPI colors}
Nails: Pedal Faster Suzi!
Toesies: Dutch Tulips

The weather was gorgeous! It was this way pretty much all weekend actually :)

Post workout snack: Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal and...well, an apple {I like my apples!}

 I own every single season of Gilmore Girls, and I've seen every single episode {guilty pleasure} I haven't seen any episodes in forever, so I got reacquainted with the HILARIOUS Lorelai Gilmore once again :)

So Friday night, my friend Maddy and I went rollerblading. I was all excited about it until I put on those roller-blades. My confidence vastly dropped as I was very clumsy and uncoordinated! Rollerblading is wayyyy harder than it looks!

Not to mention. Our campus is on top of a hill. To get ANYWHERE in town you must go down some form of slope. Needless to say, I walked on the grass the whole way down.

Maddy thought she was all tough and would be able to blade down the hill {picture below of her attempting} VERY shortly after that picture she was on the grass with me...

Confession: I took a big digger into that grass {thankfully not the cement} The thing about falling is it doesn't necessarily hurt your body, but your EGO is severely damaged. You look like a big doof flailing around as you fall to the ground...

All in all, it was pretty fun. And I got a Dairy Queen blizzard afterwards, so it made the falling all worth it :)

Saturday:

I got up somewhat early and got in a good workout, and then headed to work until about 3. When I got back I did laundry and enjoyed a late afternoon nap :)

The rest of the night was spent putting in some homework hours! It felt good to get some done so I didn't have to be loaded down on Sunday.

My glasses make feel studious while studying

Sunday:

A day full of homework!

Oh, the life of a college student.

Also, pretty sure I listened to this song 50 times

I usually don't like "radio songs" and I'm sure this song will get on my nerves in a couple weeks. But for right now, I really like it :)

Enjoy the start of your new week! Thank God for it when you get the chance :)