Running two 5K's

On Saturday, Daniel and I participated in two 5K's. We signed up for the second one first, but then he learned about the first one, and one of his Professors said that anyone who participated in that event would be able to drop their lowest quiz score. So, Daniel went and signed us up for the first one.
The first event we participated in was the Vision Walk. It was at a park, and it was a gorgeous path we followed through the trees. It started at 10am, and it was freezing cold. The temp was about 52'F, and wasn't planning on getting any warmer. We definitely didn't dress appropriately for the weather. It was a fundraising walk that went towards the Foundation to Fight Blindness. There were about 415 people there, and it was really a lot of fun. It was only a walk, and I think that is what made it fun!! You can still see people completing the walk behind me in the second picture.

The second event was the Eye 5K. This was to help raise money for SVOSH, which is a student organization that goes to foreign countries every year to help give eye exams and glasses to people who can't afford them. This race was at 5:30pm, and the temp was 54'F. After the first event, we were a lot smarter, and made sure that we dressed warmer. It wasn't a very big race, only around 75 people participated. Most of the runners, were competitive, and had been training for this for a long time. So, needless to say, Daniel and I came in last. Well, actually, there was another guy with us named Adam. He was way ahead at first, but slowly started falling further and further behind, until we finally caught up with him. He wasn't in very good shape, and looked like he was in a lot of pain. He wanted to stop, but Daniel and I told him that we would walk with him. So, Daniel and him chatted the rest of the way, and we all finished the race together. The whole way, there was a cop right on our tails, and a truck behind him picking up the orange cones along the road. We felt pretty cool ;)

Overall, we had a great day. A little achey, but not so bad. At least we can say that we completed them both!!

White Coat Ceremony

Last night Daniel had his White Coat Ceremony. It's when they receive and wear their white 'doctors' coats for the first time. The President of SCO spoke a little, and then awards were given for scholarships and outstandingness. It was very exciting, and it made me happy to see Daniel get so excited about his future as an Optometrist.

Visiting Missouri

Daniel and I took a trip to St Louis Missouri this past week, and got to see the beautiful temple. We saw it as we past it on the interstate, but then we had to try and find it, and that wasn't as easy as thought. After driving around, and up and down many streets, we found it. It's really beautiful.

We found these big leaves in the garden, and had some fun.

Bugs and Stuff

The best thing about Tennessee that I have discovered so far, are the wonderful bugs that wait outside your front door. And then the moment you open the door, they find there way in.
It's actually quite annoying. I leave my flip flops by the door, daring them to come in.

These 2 spiders live outside our door.

This is a huge moth that just sits in one place. He lives outside.

I caught this little guy a few days ago. I think it's a salamander, but I'm not sure. I found him in the kitchen. Once I pulled myself together, and realized that I wouldn't be able to sleep until this thing was caught, and got into action mode. I coaxed him to the carpet where I stuck a glass bowl over him. I was going to wait until Daniel came home to take him outside, but after a few hours, I felt bad that he might not be able to breath very well under there. So, I dug deep to get the courage I needed, and took him outside myself. I am my own hero.

Gotta Love It

Daniel Practicing Retinoscopy

Today, we went down to the campus so Daniel could practice Retinoscopy for a big test he has on Monday.

The best part about being married to a future eye doctor, is that Daniel gets to practice on me. So I have the priviledge of having a light shown in my eye for the next 4 years. YAY!!

Dieting

Daniel and I decided that this would be a perfect time to start out right. Eating right, that is. Since our fridge and cupboards were empty, it would be the perfect time to fill them with good food. We also decided to start the South Beach Diet. It is seriously the best diet we have ever been on. The weight is just melting off.

There are 3 phases in the diet. In the first phase, no fruit, sugars and carbs. Only low fat diary, lean meats, eggs, and veggies. It was different at first, but once we got the hang of it, we really became creative. And I made some fantastic discoveries.

Who said your salad has to have boring dressing? We were excited to find that we can still have our favorite dressings, because they come in 'fat free'.

We found this juice that is sugar free and 0 calories, unlike Crystal Lite which has 5 calories. And the wonderful sugar free Jello, at only 10 calories.

But the best discovery of all, is the sugar free Fudgsicles. Oh my goodness!! It's like heaven on a stick. When you are sugar deprived, you have no idea how good it tastes!

We have been following this eating plan for 4 weeks now, and still going strong. Lets just pray that we can continue to hold strong!!

Daniel's First Day of School

I felt like a proud mama sending my boy off to his first day of school. It's so exciting that we are actually here. I never thought this would ever happen, but here we are!! Hallelujah!!

He needs 2 bags for all his books. How sad!?!

The Omaha Zoo

Daniel and I went to the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo on our way to Tenessee. I have been there a few times, but it was really exciting to show Daniel everything. We were there for 4 hours and still didn't get to see everything. The place is huge, and really amazing. I only posted about a third of the pictures we took. Didn't want to bore you to death.

Do you see the egg??
There was this tunnel that you could walk through that had these fish
and sharks swimming all around you. It was pretty amazing!

It was the perfect day, and we had tons of fun. We would have spent longer there, but the pet holding room closed at 5pm. I was so glad that they had a place to keep pets for those visitors who were traveling. Because if they didn't, we wouldn't have been able to go!

Celebrations!

It has been a while since I have written. Daniel and I have both been sick for a while, and so, the motivation just hasn't been there.

April 26th, we celebrated Daniel's 27th birthday.
May 6th, we celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary.

May 10th, we celebrated my 25th birthday.

It was two weeks filled with lots of lovin and laughter. My birthday I don't care too much about, but whenever our anniversary comes around, I think to myself "WOW". I just can't believe how long we have been married, and then on the other hand, I feel like he has been with me my entire life. What can I say? I'm in love!!