Believe

“I believe that we are magic, that all things are possible, that life is precious, that peace is reasonable, that laughter is special, that blessings are divine, that love is grand…

and that you are the best thing that has happened to me.” 

I saw this quote the other day and for some reason just enjoyed reading it. Besides thinking about Forrest obviously, it also made me think about believing in things and believing in yourself.

Then yesterday, Forrest sent out an email to all his family about registering for the Ironman. It was such a personal and meaningful letter, just containing all of the thoughts going through his head immediately after committing to one of the toughest athletic events in the world. I can’t imagine what that would feel like and can’t explain how proud I am of him without sharing his letter.

So now, for the first time in meganandforrest.blogspot.com history, you all will get the chance to read words from Forrest, instead of me.  :)

Letter from Forrest after registering for Ironman on 7/19/2010:

Ok, so I am sick to my stomach already just thinking about what I have just done.  On may 21, 2011, I will be entering the full ironman in Woodlands, TX, know as "Ironman Texas" Here is the link to the actual web site www.ironmantexas.com/.  This will be the first full Ironman event ever held  in the state of Texas.  For those of you that don't know the iromnan is considered the toughest endurance race in the world and is only held at 23 locations across the globe annually.  It consist of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and then a 26.2 mile run.  This all must be accomplished in 17 hours to be recognized as a "finisher" which is my goal. From what i have been reading in the blogs, this one is going to be even more challenging because it will be in May in Texas... which means a lot of heat and humidity.  You will see people from all over the world entered into Ironman Texas.

I have been thinking about entering for the last two weeks and today I read that registration is expected to be full by this week. So I decided to go for it and to not leave anything on the table so to speak.  If I wouldn't have signed up, I would always wonder if I have in me what it takes to get through something like this. Hopefully I will find out that I do have it in me.

Believe me, I am not sending this email to brag or pat myself on the back for signing up because that is the easy part.  I am sending this out for two reasons; one - When I train and workout I imagine myself running for my family and that I am representing them and quitting during a race or training exercise would be to me like I am quitting on you guys... sounds funny i know, but that is where I find my motivation when I feel like the wheels are starting to come off and my body wants to quit.  I wouldn't be able to complete something like this if I didn't have the support of family. two - If everyone knows what  goal I have set for myself, I will be motivated that much more to train and work  day after day, month after month to achieve this goal as it will be probably the hardest thing I have every done physically and mentally in my life.

Of course, I would love for everybody to be there and everyone is invited, however i don't expect it and if you can't make it I certainly understand.  I know Megan will be cheering loud from sidelines.  I will be giving 100% of everything I have in me, plus some.  And just so you know, yes.. I am scared to death! My motto of "Go big or go home," might really bite me on this one.

Background on how I got tangled up in this madness.  Megan and I were sitting on the couch in December '09 watching the biggest loser update show and someone on the show attempted the ironman although they did not finish.  Anyway it got my attention and made the wheels in my head start to turn.  Megan and I started talking and she suggested that I could do that if I really wanted too...  forcing me to put my money where my mouth is...   She pretty much called me out! So the next week at work I started to look up events on line and signed up for the 1/2 Ironman or 70.3 Longhorn Ironman that was 10 months away which is not a beginners event by the way.  It will consist of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and 13.2 mile run that must be completed in 8 hours.  This will be very difficult as well.   I started running on the treadmill once I signed up and could even run a mile without stopping.  Since then I have swam over 40 miles, biked over 700 miles and ran over 300 miles as well as dropped 40lbs and haven't really looked back.  The best part about this race is that I get to do with my brother-law, Aaron who signed up as well. Misery and Pain loves company. I guess he like the idea of the personal challenge as well.  We have been training together on the weekends when both our schedules allow it.

Other events I am doing before the Full Ironman:

70.3 Longhorn Ironman - October 17, 2010 - http://www.ironmanaustin.com/index.php  This the original race I signed up for last December which is going to very hard as well.  It will consist of 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and 13.2 mile run. AKA - 1/2 Ironman   Event will be in Austin, TX.

Austin Marathon February 20, 2011 - Or as I like to call it, "Operation, Keep up with Tony" Tony, Aaron and I will all be running in this together...   Tony has ran several 1/2 marathons and a full marathon.  He will do well.  Registration is still open if anyone wants to join us.

Houston 1/2 Marathon Jan. 2011 -  I haven't registered for this yet as selection is on a lottery system so hopefully I will get to do it. I will keep you posted.

Thanks all for reading.  Hopefully, I we end up with results that we can all be proud of.

Wish me luck!

Forrest

P.S. Megan and my sister (Amberly) are doing the 1st triathlon in Austin on October 3.  I am really excited for both of them and can't wait to watch them.  Be sure you ask them about it when you see them and ask how their training is coming.  They have both been working really hard.  I am almost more excited to watch Bird and my sister than I am about my own.

P.S.S. Amberly, Aaron, Megan and myself all have a new cycling coach, my mom.   She jumped into the action and got a bike too.  Megan and her completed a 24 mile bike ride in Katy this past weekned with ease.

Happy Birthday Sister!

Happy Birthday, Sister! I look forward to celebrating with you and the rest of the family in less than a week!! I love you so much.

Shoot for the Moon

Forrest tells me this when it comes to school. He tells me that if I try for A’s, I will do well no matter what. Well since he started training, I have been telling him the same thing, although he already aims pretty high.

Well a group of nursing students are getting together to do a women’s sprint triathlon in Austin on October 3rd. They want to get some relay teams together and I thought, hmm okay I will offer to swim for a team (which would definitely require some training on my part). But I figured we would have a lot of runners and possibly bikers, so I thought swimmers would be more in demand. I mean who wants to get out there in open, cold, dark water and swim with thousands of people in their way at 7am?! Not too many people.

Anyways, I got to thinking about “training” for the relay and I started to get really excited! I LOVE little projects and having something to do and look forward to plus it was something Forrest was doing so I know I would have good support from him. And all this excitement got me thinking, what the heck if I train in swimming, and I can already run a 5K, why not do it all?! All I need is a bike, doesn’t have to be fancy. I don’t care if the pro’s fly right past me, I would just be content in finishing. Why not shoot for the moon?

So that is what I have decided. I registered yesterday which means there is no backing out. Just have to get a bike now and get to riding. I have been swimming a little here and there in the pool but plan to practice more in a 25 m pool starting in August. The race will be a 1/2 mi swim, 12 mi bike, and 3.1 mi run. Anyone care to join me? Sign up here! There is plenty of time to train. It will be fun. :)

Trek Women Triathlon Oct. 3, Austin TX

The Fourth!

We had a great time at the A-teams house yesterday celebrating the 4th of July. We indulged in some good BBQ sandwiches, made homemade ice cream out by the pool, watched the boys swim, and just relaxed. Perfect way to spend the holiday!!

Only disappointment was that we went to bed so early, we missed out on the fireworks!! Forrest was so tired from waking up at 430am that day, he could barely keep his eyes open.

Anyways, it was a fun day and has been a fun weekend. Thanks A-team for having us over!

0700 – 1900 in the ER

Last week I had my first ER clinical and first 12hr shift and I just LOVED IT. I felt so on fire all day whipping out skills left and right and feeling on top of my game. I don’t know what got into me- I felt so nervous before starting the day, thinking I was going to crack under pressure, but I proved myself wrong! I couldn’t believe how much confidence I had.

It was me and another nursing student, sweet sweet Elizabeth, and for some of the day we just worked on things as a team which was REALLY nice. We did a foley catheter on a male, I have only had a chance to do females so this was a great experience for me. Then I did about 3 IV’s which gave me some good practice.  I also finally had a chance to do an NG tube on the sweetest elderly man who kept holding my hand throughout the day when I would stand by his bed. Him and his wife were the kind of people that make you love your job and the ones you just think about when you say your prayers at  night.

There were several other things that went on that day. One came in by ambulance and was having a STEMI (heart attack). There were about 15 people in his room and I watched from the corner. We had a 9yr old girl r/o  meningitis so I got to see her get a lumbar puncture. The CSF was so clear it looked like water which I would imagine is a good sign. She was so strong, I could tell she was in so much pain. It made me think I might not be able to hand pediatrics.

I got to sit with the triage nurse for a bit to assess patients coming in through the waiting room. One guy had a tire blow out in his face and was experiencing hearing and vision loss so we got to do a visual acuity test with the Snellen chart. There weren’t very many trauma patients throughout the day, just got to see a few bloody hands…no severed fingers or anything like that unfortunately. :)

Overall it was a great experience and I would love to work in the ER upon graduating. It is now down to L&D and ER. Guess I will just see where I can get a job!

Tres Anos

Wednesday, Forrest and I celebrated our three year Anniversary by going out to dinner in Houston. We ate at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and the food and wine were both phenomenal. I could have had another glass but since I was scheduled a 12 hr ER clinical the next day, I decided I better not. :( Forrest and I all night kept wishing it was Friday and talking about calling in sick. Unfortunately, you can’t do that in nursing school! Plus, I was really looking forward to my ER day since some students didn’t get one- I actually LOVED it and will blog about that later.

After dinner, we stopped by a country bar on the way home and made a few laps around the dance floor. It just reminded me again of how much I love my cowboy, country boy- he makes me smile so big every time he takes me for a dance. We were only there for a bit, but it was still a nice little addition to our night. Just wished we could have stayed longer!

As for our gifts to each other, we got matching Garmin watches for training. Well Forrest will use it for his training…I just like it for running. I feel like I really gotta step it up now with my fancy watch  and start running more than two miles! :)

 O and not only did we get matching watches, we also had the same thing in mind on cards.  I guess we just can’t help ourselves when it comes to birds. He put my artwork to shame, I am almost embarrassed to post. :)

It’s DAD’s Week!

My dad’s birthday usually falls on the same week as Father’s day so he usually gets extra attention from his girls. We all wish we could be there this week to celebrate with him, but we will make up for it in July when Sister comes home. It just wouldn’t be the same without her and Reagan, so I know it will be worth the wait!

Until then, I love you and Happy Birthday, Dad. We all cannot wait to be with you in just a few more weeks. I am counting down the days! :D

City Girl Meets Country

Forrest and I have been living with his parents for a couple of weeks now. We are waiting for the guest house/apartment to be completed. It has really been a great experience so far, I love my in-laws (I know I am lucky for that), and I compare their home to a bed and breakfast. It is so peaceful and pretty, I wake up every morning to coffee already made, and during my leisure time, Cheri and I shop or lounge in the pool. Yes, summer is off to a great start.

And since this whole country living is new to me, I have learned a great deal in order to survive. I thought I would entertain ya’ll with a few of my experiences so here goes.

You know you are living in the country when…

All restaurants close by 8pm on a Saturday night but not to worry, DQ is open late.

You hear a vibrating noise and think someone’s phone is going off, but nope it is just a family of june bugs on the porch.

Your idea of a good work out is one that involves old VHS work out videos like Tae-Bo, P90, and 8 minute Abs, then going up and down the driveway several times.

You write down every errand you will need to run for the next week and save them all for one day then say to everyone, “I’m going into town, be back in about 8 hrs!”

Everyone around you is “workin hard on the ranch” all day everyday so you feel compelled to be busy at all times even if there really isn’t anything for you to do. I have reorganized my sock drawer three times.

On that note, you worry that if you were to sit on the couch before dark, someone would ask you if you were feeling okay OR just assume you were fine and think  “Lazy!” Either one would be an embarrassing situation, I mean WHO sits on the couch at 6pm after a long day?! Only terrible, not hard working people which is def not me EVER.

You use the phrase, “before dark” in reference to the time of day.

You have at one point thought to yourself, “O, I better get gas while I am in town” as you excitedly pull into the quickest gas station.

You get excited about rain and not because you are a farmer, pah-lease! Way too cool for that. You  just like to spend Friday night out of the porch WATCHING it.

You are impressed at the existence of a round-up sprayer that sprays a whopping 30 feet.

Your 25 year hatred and therefore battle against all bugs on or ar0und you GONE. It is simply not worth it, majority wins, and not only that, you are the only one who cares.

You might as well PLEDGE those dressy clothes unless you get use out of them on Sunday mornings.

Those cute skinny jeans you got in California? The ones you felt like a million bucks in? Nobody appreciates them but you.

You learn the “proper” way of how to help someone back a truck up to a trailer. Apparently, there is more to it than just waving for “keep going”  and hand up for “stop.”

Homemade sweet tea and butter are always out for dinner.

Your mother in-law asks, “Are you going to the social?” in reference to the ice cream and hot dog social the church is having that evening.

And last but not least, among my country - living discoveries:

It ain’t “rustic” unless it has a STAR on it!!

Forget Diamonds

CLOSETS are a girl’s best friend

 (at least mine is!) 

25

Wow, really? I am 25.

Last night, I went to dinner with Forrest and his parents, meeting his grandparents there. On the way to the restaurant, the four of us were talking about this age and such. And although I could’ve done the math and figured this, I didn’t think about it until now: When Cheri was 25 she was taking care of a 5 year old (Amberly) and a 3 year old (Forrest).

Of course now I am thinking….am I going to be an OLD mom? I have never been in a hurry and Forrest and I clearly have some things to do before we start that (finish school maybe?) But after thinking about this, and how young Forrest’s parents are to be enjoying their grandkids…..I cannot help but think we are going to have to act soon. : \ (by the way, to me, this is “unsure how I feel about this” smiley)

Poor Forrest is probably reading this right now and by the time I see him (IF I ever see him again after this blog) his nails will be gone and his eyes will still be wide open. Sorry, Forrest just writing down my thoughts.

Anyways, enough with that topic, I know the right timing will come. Just have to get through school first- only 6 more months! :D

O yes, and here are bday pics. Forrest got me a Michele watch, the one I have been wanting. His parents got me a shopping tote for the Farmers Market and a little towel wrap for after shower/pool. Then we all went to dinner in North Cypress and had Mexican food.

Thank you Forrest for my watch- I love, and cake- means so much to me.

Thank you Cheri and Forrest for your company and the gifts.

Thank you Nena and Gramps for the fragrance diffuser and little nurse collectors item.

Thank you Matt for the country cook book.

Thank you Sister and Darrin, Mom & Dad for my trip to Ca and all the memories made.

Thank you Mom and Dad also for my MK wallet

Thank you Steph for my Anthropology apron, candle, and cup.

Thank you Ashley for lunch and Bless and Elisha for brunch!

And thank you to all my friends and family who called, text, and wrote nice things on Facebook! You all made my day very SPECIAL.

Sweet Dreams

Tonight my very generous husband made my birthday cake for me and now it is just awaiting for me on the stove top, looking o so perfectly.

This cake is not just any ordinary birthday cake. To me, it is THE ultimate cake and it is very special. His dad has made it for his mom for 30 years. Forrest is carrying on the tradition (so far) and this will be is second year to make it for me.

 

So tonight I will be having sweet dreams about indulging in it tomorrow. :)

For all you NOM's out there!

Saw this in a magazine and thought it was too cute not to share!!

http://www.bellydancematernity.com/nom-green-9-months-tank.html