Lent

Every year I give something up for Lent. While I'm not a (practicing) Catholic, I was raised that way and have given something up every year. Mostly because I like a challenge and goals so it's right in line with my own personal religion, which is mostly focused on results.

This year I've given up one of my favorite things:

Ever since I did the 21 day food challenge earlier this year, I've been trying to limit some unnecessary sugars. Chocolate chip cookies, sadly, are one of them. I just don't feel great after eating that amount of sugar. But I've fallen off the wagon lately and have been eating more and more cookies. So I figured I needed another boost. This doesn't mean I'll never eat another chocolate chip cookie. But maybe I'll save that for the really good ones.....

I also decided to add something to my life during Lent - flossing. I'm not a consistent flosser, although I don't mind it and like how it makes my teeth feel. But recently going to the dentist, I was reminded how much of a difference it can make.

So my goal is to floss everyday for the 40 days of Lent, with the hope that it forms into a habit. So far, I missed one day. I doubled up the next day and flossed twice and have been on track since. It's hard at night, when you're tired and just want to get in bed. But it's less than 2 minutes of my life that I know is worth it.

Ruffin' It

It's been a busy few weeks. I've been out of town for the past three weekends and several more are on the horizon. Three weekends ago I was in Orlando, Florida for work. Needless to say, I don't love Florida. I was there for as long as I needed to for the conference and did enjoy some time by the pool but it was mostly work.

Two weekends ago Carl, Buster and I went camping out at Carl's land in Dripping Springs. It was my first time camping with him and, to be honest, my first time camping in years. I like to camp. In fact, I love it. I really enjoy being removed from the hectic world and sitting by a campfire.

This camping trip was extra fun, though, because it was with Carl. He's so comfortable camping that it makes me feel completely at ease. Leading up to our camping trip, we stopped off for a little introductory rock climbing. My mom does not want to know that I'm trying rock climbing so I'll spare all the details but I really had fun! I'm not afraid of heights so that didn't worry me. We did some pretty easy climbs to teach me the ropes (literally). I completely trust Carl and since climbing is such a big part of his life, I want it to be part of mine (albeit on a much smaller scale right now).

We then headed out to the land, Buster and some food in tow and built a fire (well, Carl built, I watched...but I did later have to build my own fire and remembered everything he had done). It ended up getting quite chilly that night (below freezing). Little Buster was shivering until I snuggled him inside my jacket.

But it was an amazing night. The stars outside a city skyline are breathtaking and I loved enjoying this with Carl. We stayed in his Airstream Trailer that night. And while it kept us from the elements it didn't have heat. Once I nestled into my sleeping bag, I began to feel my toes again and I slept great!

I think the morning time is my favorite. Making coffee over the fire, watching the sun creep up across the sky and seeing the world wake up, is pretty cool.

We then spent the day on his land, with his friends. They climbed, I watched (this time) and we then cooked out on the fire again (the one I built). All in all it was a great weekend. Not only because I had a great time - because I did - but because it was so important to Carl. He loves his land and I'm growing to more and more every time I'm out there. So is Buster.....

Go Duke Dogs!

It's a rare treat to meet someone outside the states of Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina and New Jersey that have heard of James Madison University.

If they have, they think I'm talking about GMU (George Mason University), which I'm quick to correct them b/c GMU is in the same town I grew up in and I would not have gone there (no offense). And then they quickly ask, 'is that a private school'?

Nope. A great Virginia state school with over 15,000 people. It just draws from such a regional area and doesn't have any great sports teams - although that's quickly changing - and is known more for it's marching band and field hockey team.

But for those of you who have heard of it or know someone who went there, you know we're all very proud. We love our royal Duke Dog that wears a crown, and the fact that we only had 3 bars in town due to the large Mennonite population, and that we were so close to Skyline Drive.

So it's a real treat to meet people in Texas who not only have heard of it but went there!

Turns out, there are 3 of us who work at LIVESTRONG (staff of 85 total) that went to JMU! Crazy, huh? We didn't know each other in school (although 2 of us were only a year apart) but it's an instant bond that we love to remind people of. This year, when JMU beat Virginia Tech in a football game, we wore purple to work the next day (not to be confused with TCU, a Texas school that people often confuse our affinity to purple with) and tweeted our picture, which then got published in the Madisonian (our prestigious alumni magazine).

We were also interviewed by the Madisonian (along with a LIVESTRONG intern who was from JMU) and are awaiting the article.

So, if anyone wants our autographs, or wants Colleen to sing our fight song for them, you know where to find us.....

Except after the half marathon, when both Colleen and Ashley made it to the post-event party and I didn't. It's so nice to be missed.....

Take That, 13.1 Miles

This past weekend was the first LIVESTRONG marathon. LIVESTRONG is the title sponsor of this annual event for 3 years and so, of course, I wanted to run.

I've been training for months and actually felt stronger than ever. But the day was tough.....

It was a bit windy, humid and warmer than I'd like for a run. And while it may not have been my best time (it wasn't my worst), I felt so inspired the whole time. Here's a list of what inspired me:

1. My running partner, Kelsey, and her constant positive attitude

2. The LIVESTRONG water stop and yellow mile

3. Along with that....my committed colleagues and friends who cheered

4. Seeing my family, including my adorable nieces, cheering me on

5. Carl riding his bike next to Kelsey and me playing Katy Perry at my request

6. Finishing at the same time as the first woman marathon finisher (ah, the cheers...)

7. Seeing my childhood friend, Laura, who came from Connecticut to run the marathon

8. Hearing Eye of the Tiger as we were about to take on (and conquer) our biggest hill

9. Seeing my two friends, Jen and Haley, finish their first half marathon

10. Receiving the Celebratory Haiku from Devon upon our finish:

Thirteen point one miles
Clear eyes, full hearts, could not lose
Wow, you ran Austin!

Kelsey and I officially renamed the 'half marathon' to the 'full half marathon'. We felt like saying we're doing 'just the half' was happening too often. We're not doing 'half' of anything. We're doing our full training plan.

It was an amazing event and I'm honored that LIVESTRONG was a part of it. We went from 50 runners last year to over 500 this year and raised more than 300,000 dollars.

So, I've officially postponed my retirement for at least 2 more years. How can I not do the next two years?

Until then, I'll take some time off running and maybe start rock climbing....

Audrey's Baptism

Last weekend was a big week in the Sileo family. Not only did Lucie turn two (and get to celebrate it for many, many days), Audrey was baptized.

Missy's parents and her two siblings along with their significant others came into town as did my parents.

The weather was amazing all weekend and we even got a chance to take my parents out to Dripping Springs to see Carl's land and new Airstream Trailer. My parents aren't super outdoorsy but I think they appreciated how pretty it is out there and enjoyed getting out of town for a few hours. Now hopefully the weather will also be great for my half marathon tomorrow morning. Wish me luck!

Birthday Girl

Yesterday Lucie turned two! It's hard to believe that she's already two. Two years ago, when she was born, there was so much happening. This year was all about her.

She still doesn't seem too much into birthdays. She enjoys pulling open the wrapping paper and eating the sprinkles (jimmies) off her cupcakes but was easily persuaded to take a bath and get ready for bed. Just like her every night routine.

She continues to be adorable and one of my favorite people.

This weekend, my family descends upon Austin for Audrey's baptism and Lucie's bday. I'm just glad that the weather is supposed to warm up. We've had an albeit delayed, but chilly, winter. We even had snow last week.

2011 So Far....

This year has been pretty great so far. I can't believe it's February in a few days and Spring is (and feels) right around the corner.

Between a budding romance, a great job (and in a few short weeks finally getting paid the right amount for this great job), wonderful friends and family, I'm feeling like a pretty lucky girl.

I know I'm worth it and I know that this exact feeling won't last forever but I'm going to enjoy this happiness for as long as I can. There was an Oprah episode this week on happiness and there was a quiz you could take.

There are some obvious happiness factors but some not so obvious - like how much tv you watch, if you know your neighbors, how far you live from work. Turns out, I'm pretty happy!

I'm reminded of the Sex and the City movie (the first one) when the girls are sitting around discussing happiness with their significant others. Charlotte says she feels happy all the time. Maybe not every minute of every day but she's happy. And that's how I feel.

Is it wrong to question this though? To feel guilty that I am this happy? Even if it is, I'm not going to stop this for as long as possible.

For those of you who wanted an updated on my 21 day challenge - I'm done! It was a huge success - I feel completely unaddicted to sugar, slept great and had consistent energy throughout the day. I even felt like my running improved.

So while I'm back to some of my old habits (mostly wine) I'm still minimizing my carbs and sleeping great!