So Much to Think About..

Ever have one of those days where you feel like you have a lot on your mind? A lot of different things to think about or make a decision about?

This evening I find myself thinking about a lot of different things that aren't really stress causing, but makes me say "well how would I feel if I chose to do this?" or "Is this something I really want to do instead?" It all has to do with work, living and family.

I have always had the idea that I would get a job, get married (done and done), then buy a house and start a family. Rich and I took a break at looking at house for over a month and need to get back out there. And we both want to start a family, but it is all about finding the right time for us to start. We both know it isn't something that will happen instantly, but never knowing how quickly something can happen can then affect other things such as having a house or not, having the stability, etc.

Then there is the whole job/career. I really like my job, I do and when I feel that way I always struggle with the idea of looking or wanting another one. I am not saying that I am looking, but is always nice in my opinion to keep options open. Maybe there will be something out there that is better and more beneficial to myself and the future for myself and my husband. I recently spotted something and thought, should I apply? Last month I hit the 1 year anniversary of my current job, and I would have to stop and start all over new and that is a feeling I am not always comfortable with. Does that make sense?

I know it wont hurt to apply for jobs, find out more about the positions/agency etc and then if offered a job I can always turn it down. Which is 100% true.

Plus there are all these races that I am interested in doing, well I wouldn't say it is a long list, but one in particular I might have to wait a few more months to do because of other circumstances that are at higher priority. But then I worry about starting a family, and that if I want to be able to participate in this race (Warrior Dash) that it probably wouldn't be a good idea to do if I am pregnant. I am not saying that I will be in a few months or anything, but I would love to be able to start a family soon, but also be able to do these things that I might not be able to do once that family has begun, or at least I find that it might be a bit harder for me to accomplish, but I could be wrong!

So this is just me thinking "out loud" here and hoping to get some of these things off my mind for now so I may be able to sleep tomorrow. I hope to talk to a few friends and family about it and see what they have to say, since they are as important to me as my own opinion.

-Stephanie

2013 Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon, part 2!

Ok, so to continue. From my pictures we left off at Mile 12. After mile 12 we entered Epcot, through the entrance around future world and make out!

This is what I had read all about, the Gospel Choir! This means reaching the end, reaching Mile 13!

I got very excited, not that I wasn't really excited throughout the course!

 

 Here it is, Mile 13!! The end is near, not that I wanted it to be over because it had been such a fabulous race! I couldn't believe how the time went by.  I really set the standards high for future races..especially any future Half Marathons!

So then the finish line approached...and what had been building up in my head as the greatest and happiest race ever...was all that I wanted and more!

 Once finished I went back to the Race Retreat tent to meet up with Nicole after we both finished. She took the opportunity to stop at every photo stop, so she finished after I did, which really surprised me. But we were both so excited and made the best of our race-cation and enjoyed every moment!

 So after we met up we went into Epcot with out park hopper ticket and went to the Test Track! It was my first time on the ride and it was AWESOME!!

Nicole and I then made our way on the monorail to the Magic Kingdom for a bus ride to our hotel. We wanted to avoid the long wait for the bus back at Epcot. We took a little longer to get showered and ready than we wanted, but we made it to the Magic Kingdom!!

 

This is definitely in my top 5 of favorite pictures! What a great moment with Mickey!

And here I am with Rapunzel, she loved my braid!

Time to make our way to the new Fantasyland. We were hoping to get into "Be Our Guest" but alas, not openings! And since we didn't have reservations we couldn't even get in to get a glimpse of the beauty that is within (just like the Beast!)

 Gaston's Tavern where we enjoyed some snacks...tempted by the Pork Loin leg thing...haha...

 The Sea's with Ariel! The ride itself was a very long wait and there was so much to see by just walking around, so I waited in line to see Ariel in her Grotto while Nicole went over for FastPass for Space Mountain!

 When Nicole met back with me we went over the Belle's cottage for a little story time! As you wait you get a great little insight to the inner workings of the cottage!

 Nicole snapped a shot of our Space Mountain photo! If you cant tell we are proudly holding up our medals!!










After Space Mountain  we grabbed some food all before heading to Cinderella's Castle for pictures and waiting for Wishes fireworks!

 After the end of Wishes...Nicole gracefully whisked her way through the crowd...I as gracefully as I could, followed through! We made it to our bus and back to our hotel! This was the first night that we yes made it to bed somewhat early, but didn't set our alarm for before the sun came up! We also started putting all of our things together just so there wouldn't be to much in the morning!


The morning of our departure we got up and gathered the remainder of our things before heading out to really look around the hotel, take pictures and breakfast of course!
The first real morning breakfast on our entire trip!

Nothing like a little goofing around on our last day to really make the most out of the trip! It was the best trip ever and cant wait to do it again!!

 

And if you missed part 1 of the Disney Princess Half Marathon....just click here!

-Stephanie

"It all started with a Mouse"

 

 

2013 Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon (finally!) Part 1

Ok. Here it is. Only about a month late. My Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon update!! I have to say it will mostly be pictures, but I will do my best! Enjoy!

So the day begins at 2am...yes that's right, as many others before me have written, myself and my roomie, Nicole set our alarms and were awake at 2am! I know, that doesn't sound very exciting, but I was so very excited! I got up and began getting myself together! I had put together my costume the night before as well as all I needed for my race day. Nicole put on some music, we started jamming out, putting our faces on and running gear!

I was so excited I ended up rushing Nicole a bit, my apologizes! She was all ready go for the most part, but when I am being told we have to be out and on the bus at 3am I am ready to go for it! But she wasn't..so as she is trying to pin her bib onto her shirt, I am pressuring her...wooops...excitement took over!

So we board the bus, wait for it to depart...and drive off to Epcot! Nicole and I were both registered for the Race Retreat. It was wonderful! It was cool, there was food and private porta-potties for us! There were also some character appearances, which I have to say I was a little disappointed. When we got there the three fairies from Sleeping Beauty were there, but while standing in line then went away and brought in a field mouse from Cinderella!

final costume results!

While in the race retreat tent they made an announcement for those in Corrals A-C to make there way to the start line. So Nicole went off and made her way to her corral, and I waited to meet up with my friend Shavonne who was in my corral. Actually...I was moved up from Corral E to D from my 10k race time. But since Shavonne was in E, I decided it might be nice to start with her since it our first 1/2 so it was great to have a running partner, plus she had a pace timer!


So here is everyone making there way to their corrals, it was a little of a walk, but it helped loosen the nerves a bit as well as the muscles!

There was a porta-potti stop on the way to the corrals which we made just to allow more time for running and less stops! Which I can tell you now that I only stopped once for a pee stop right before Mile 9.

So here is the start line! As each group started or neared the start line The Fairy Godmother gave us her words of encouragement and magic!











Then off with a Bibbidi-Bobbidy Boo we were off! The fireworks went off for each group which was great excitement!

 

 

When I wanted to make a stop for this photo Shavonne wanted to keep on running, so I let her go on and I waited for at least 5-10 minutes! But hey it was worth seeing Prince Eric. He told me to keep an eye out for Max, but I didn't see him anywhere on the course unfortunately...that dog must get into so much trouble!

I really wish I stopped for this photo opportunity...oh well, next time!

Making our way through the Castle...eek! So exciting!!

Such a fun photo shot! The pro's pic came out a lot better, but this is what you get! haha!

My new husband...hehe

 This is the "hill" that I kept hearing about...but it really wasn't as bad as everyone made it seem to be. The picture here doesn't show it very well, and there was more than one inclining hill, but neither were to bad if you trained on even the smallest of hills or paced yourself.

 

To read more about the race finale and trip to the Magic Kingdom, please read 2013 Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon Part 2!

 

-Stephanie

"A dream is a wish your heart makes"