Nǐ hǎo! Part 1

Hello!  The only word in Chinese I was good at saying.

Friday, May 13
My first morning in Beijing and the clock says 6:45 AM, that's 5:45 PM back in Minneapolis.  Over the course of the last 48 hours I felt I slept 10, which may sound like a lot except a few of those hours I slept uncomfortably in the upright position on the arrival trip to China.  Exhausted, the only word to describe how I was feeling that particular morning.  Upon arrival to Beijing, Max and I were greeted by Kevin, the man who round up all the Great Wall Marathon participants at the airport.  We were shuttled to our hotel, the Renaissance Beijing Capitol Marriott Hotel.  The traffic in Beijing was wild!  It reminded me of the ride Bumper Cars at any fair grounds or festivals.  Immediately upon arrival at the hotel, we checked in to our room and picked up the race packet info.

After getting settled in, we made our way to the hotel bar to meet other marathon participants, enjoyed a beer, learned of the marathon course change and headed back to the room to sleep the lousiest seven hours of "sleep."

Saturday, May 14
The first full day in Beijing, China started at 6 AM thanks to jet lag.  Breakfast was a variety of Western and Eastern cuisine, Western meaning food I'm used to eating on the daily i.e. eggs!  Today was a day trip to the Silk Market.  Let it be known, not only silk is sold at this market.  Thank goodess it is an indoor market as we walked 1.5 miles in the rain to get there.  The hotel provided the room with a decent sized umbrella, winning!  No rain stopped us from touring the city.  The Silk Market has a variety of goodies such as knockoff designer brands including Jimmy Choo, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Nike, Under Armor, etc. and the items vary from shoes, handbags, brief cases, suits, artwork, knickknacks and the like.  Four hours slipped by so we ventured into the Beijing Subway since the rain hadn't let up.  Out of the subway system (which was pretty easy to use) we popped into the mall next door to the hotel for lunch and were back to the hotel by 3 PM.  Silly me, I napped from 4 - 8 PM.  Waking up from this nap I felt groggy but I wanted to get everything ready for the marathon the following day.  Eventually I was in and out of consciousness the rest of the evening until 2:30 AM rolled around and it was time to be up and at 'em!

Sunday, May 15
RACE DAY!
3 AM and the hotel lobby was packed with runners from all over the world.  Everyone was herded to the buses for the long ride to Badaling.  Upon arrival, there was limited time to use the restroom and drop off bags before the whistle blew.

They started with the 5K and 10K races which were headed straight up to the wall.  The full and half marathons followed and started in the village before heading up to the wall.  The marathon was split into three sections, the first section was on a paved road through a small village, the second section was climbing the mountain to run on a small portion of wall ruins and mainly a restored section and the third section was wall ruins and a little trail down to yet another village.  Hitting each section once was considered the half marathon and twice was considered the full marathon.

The first section of the marathon was on a paved road that gradually inclined.

The first section was a paved road with a slight incline, it was by far the easiest part of the day.  Once you went half way, you then turned around and went back to the start line.  This portion was downhill so it was a nice relaxing turn around.  Once I got back to the start line there was a trail to take us up the mountain to get to the wall.  The trail up the mountain was an elevation change of approximately 1500 ft and was muddy/slippery due to rain from the night before.  I finally arrived at the wall and it was a glorious moment.  I couldn't believe I had finally made it in terms of ever seeing the Great Wall of China.  I was a tad overcome by emotions taking my first steps onto something so magnificent.  I quickly snapped out of my trance and looked up to see the first encounter was an un-restored staircase that was vertical and the path was only wide enough for one person.  It was an out and back course and by this point there were lots of people going in both directions.  It was an adventure but also frightening, trying to make room for people coming from the other direction and avoiding falling rocks.  Once at the top of the un-restored stairs I was finally at the restored section of the wall.  This is where I felt the safest.  The only issues I faced on this portion of the wall was my head battling thoughts of actually being able to finish 26.2 miles.  The stairs were so steep and ranging from 4 inches to 2 feet in height.  I was keeping fueled by GU and electrolyte pills.

I reached the Wall! 

A restored section of the Wall. So steep.

I figured I was through the hard part and I was ready to make my way down to complete this a second time until I realized there was another section I forgot about, the hardest section.

The third section of the wall was in really poor condition.  Still battling thoughts as to if I can finish this race in one piece or not, I was emotionally drained.  It was nice to see familiar faces who offered words of encouragement, they kept me going.  The third section was mostly descending the mountain, leaving the wall to take a trail down to another village where Subway sandwiches, bottles of water and light snacks were waiting.  I took a short break to devour all I could before ascending back to the wall.  Going back up was brutal but knowing that I had a downhill trail coming to take me back to the beginning of the race to start the second loop kept me going.  Once I was off the mountain I picked up my pace again to complete the first section (paved road).  I could tell my legs were not as lively as when I started the race 6 hours before.  Once I made it back to the start line (which was also the finish line) I knew I could not risk going back up the mountain.  My mind was in the right place to keep going but my body was telling me "Na uh!  Nope!  No!"  So I crossed the finish line without completing the entire full marathon.

The hardest and most draining section of the marathon, by far.

There were moments on the wall where I thought, "Why the hell am I doing this?"  "Am I crazy?"  "Who in there right mind would ever do this to themselves?"  I also became an emotional wreck.  I was so happy and grateful one moment and then I was tearing up because I worked so hard to train for the marathon and it didn't seem like it was enough.  My training definitely didn't prepare me to dominate this full marathon.  Yes, I am in great shape physically but the course took its toll on me.

I had so much time to think during the race and I came to my senses and settled on that I did not fail.  Not completing the 26.2 mile adventure doesn't make me incapable.  I overcame so many obstacles that I now feel like I can accomplish anything.  This adventure sure was the hardest thing I have ever done but I'm proud and all the people I care about are proud of me too.  That is all I could ask for.

再见 2015, 您好 New Year!

In 2016, I see myself on the Great Wall of China, running a marathon.  It will be my biggest adventure yet and official training starts on JANUARY 4 (to keep myself accountable).

Cheers!

Um, hi!

2015 has been such a whirlwind!

I was promoted, my sister got married, Tough Mudder was cancelled (so much for my 2015 NY resolution), signed up for a MARATHON on the GREAT WALL OF CHINA, started training for the marathon, joined Haute Barre, celebrated 28 YEARS of life, bought tickets to the Packers/Vikings games (at TCF AND Lambeau), going to Jingle Ball 2015, bought round trip airfare to CA in January, two wonderful friends announced their engagements, so far three weddings to attend next year and the holidays are upon us!

So many wonderful things have been happening and I've been completely busy with *trying* to finish my book before book club next Tuesday (The Goldfinch - so good but soooo long), training for a marathon (running a half marathon tomorrow, yikes) and everything else on my list.

So sorry for my absence the past few months.  Love you all.

Jetsetter

It's been a crazy few months!

Traveling to Boston for work, to New York City, back to Boston and then back to New York City.  Back and forth, back and forth.

I cannot complain what so ever!  I love it.

I had a fabulous time in NYC because I got to spend quality time with Tanta (Aunt Minna)!  I also cannot forget the lovely 12 hours I also got to spend with my Uncle Travis and Aunt Ruth when I arrived in NYC.  We walked from the High Line from 34th Street and 12th Avenue down to Washington Street, then walked to the fabulous restaurant called American Cut.  The food was incredible and the company was pretty fantastic too!

Aunt Ruth and I sitting on the red swing, just two blocks from Tanta's apartment.

The next morning, Tanta and I sent Ruth and Travis back home and strolled to the Museum of Modern Art.  Our favorite pieces are from the impressionist era; i.e. Degas, Roden, Monet, Van Gogh.  We also walked along 5th Ave to admire all the different and fabulous shopping stores.  We also saw the movie The Age of Adaline.  We loved and enjoyed it very much!

Claude Monet - Water Lilies

Vincent Van Gogh - Starry Night

The Met

The following day we visited the upper East side (brings me back to one of my favorite shows, Gossip Girl!) and toured The Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Such wonderful and magnificent pieces of art stored here and I could spend every day wandering the halls and gardens of this place.  We walked back to mid-town through Central Park and what a lovely stroll it was!

The rest of the week I worked at the client location in mid-town and also enjoyed the AMAZING show Wicked!  I loved it!  The show, actors, music and orchestra were incredible and emotionally moving.

Playbill and ticket for Wicked

Wicked at the Gershwin Theater

I traveled home the following week and flew back to NYC for an additional week.  I was able to spend an evening with Tanta and we enjoyed the Broadway show, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.  It was highly enjoyable and Alex Sharp was magnificent!!

Playbill and ticket for
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at the Ethel Barrymore Theater

After the short week in NYC, I flew to Las Vegas with my sister for Rock in Rio's pop weekend!  We met up with my good friend Heidi, who flew in from good ol' Nebraska, and stayed with the Strodes for the weekend.  We had an amazing time at the festival because we got to here performances by; Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Jessie J, Charlie XCX, Tove Lo, Bruno Mars, John Legend, Echosmith etc.  We had a blast and even got to enjoy the VIP tent for a good thirty minutes.  The weekend flew by way too fast but we had such great company!

First day at the Rock in Rio festival!

As the weeks flew by I also found the time to fulfill by duties as the Maid of Honor by helping throw my sister's bridal shower!  Danielle was extremely thankful for all the hard work that was done to make the party a big hit.

Beth, BRIDE (Danielle) and myself at Northwoods Brew Pub for Danielle's bridal shower!

Her wedding day is June 13th, just around the corner!  I've finished my MOH speech and I'm thinking it will be a big hit with the bride and groom, guests included.  I can't wait to be apart of something so special and to be able to stand by my sister's side as she says "I do!"  I'm going to be a very busy bee until the wedding day but look for a new post after the day has commenced because I will be writing all about it. :)

Keeping It Real

It's been some time since I've written.  I am not lazy.  I have been on energy saving mode.

It's just another Monday. I'm at my work desk listening to Pandora.com, Miranda Lambert station.  I love this station.  Oh, it's snowing.

The past few months have been a whirlwind really.  Where has the time gone?  It's 2015.

For Thanksgiving I traveled to CA to visit the Saxe family (and Brewer family).  I spent time at the beach and reminiscing with my grandpa and grandpa.

I've been working hard for my company and was able to travel to the East coast for work (job perks).  I may be going back soon for another week or two, I'm just waiting to hear if it's set in stone.  Unfortunately I don't ever find out I'll be traveling unless it's a few days before I have to leave.  It's a good thing I like the spontaneity.

Did I mention it is snowing?

For 2015, my plan is to finish the Tough Mudder!  I'm already registered so now all I have to do is prepare for the tough feat.  The race will be in July outside of the Twin Cities.  I'm really looking forward to finishing strong with my team (Dad, Danielle, Scott and Ben [teammates as of today's date]) with Krista cheering us on!

My niece, Isla, is officially two years old.  She is the twinkle in my eye and smile in my heart.  I adore her so much and I spoil her.  If I could give her everything in the world I would do it.

I spent Valentine's day weekend with my mother and we had a great weekend sharing laughs and losing money at Mystic Lake casino, haha.  I wouldn't have wanted to spend Valentine's Day with anyone else this year.  It was such a great weekend!

Next weekend I get to spend with my girlfriends.  We bought tickets to see Pitbull and Enrique Iglesias.  I know you're jealous.

Powder is still falling from the sky.  Where is Spring?

I've been reading the same book for two months now.  Not that it isn't interesting, I enjoy it very much.  It's titled The Client by John Grisham.  I have the time to read it but for some reason I choose to watch trashy TV instead.  What is wrong with me?  I want to enjoy the simple pleasures in life and TV is ruining me and society.  I'm going to start doing more for myself.  However it's Monday and The Bachelor is on tonight, haha.  Enough said.

Moving Madness

I've moved!  I'm still working for Eagle Creek Software Services but I transferred to their Eden Prairie office.  I'm now currently living in St Paul, MN with my good friend and now roommate, Katie!

I wanted so much to be closer to home so I could see my niece more often and not to mention all my immediate family members call Wisconsin home.  What better place to be then in Minnesota, close yet not too close. ;)

The move happened on November 1st.  I was prepared for the move except my body was punishing me from going out for Halloween the night before, not to mention it was also my going away party!  I finally made it to my new apartment at 10 PM on Saturday.  Oh boy was I tired.  Danielle and Evan came over to help me with unpacking and putting together some furniture.  Evan is the master at putting things together twice, haha.

So I'm now living in the big city of St Paul and I can't wait to become more acquainted. :)

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, October 13-18!

So a few months back there was an all-inclusive resort deal to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico that Groupon had posted.  Of course my friends Kristin, Heidi and I snatched it right up and before you know it, we were leaving for MEXICO!

October 12, Sunday night the three of us (Kristin, Heidi, and I) drove to Sioux Falls and stayed in a hotel for the night because our flight to Puerto Vallarta was on Monday morning at 7 AM.  

October 13, Monday morning we flew into Dallas, TX for our first stop.  Next stop PV, Mexico!  We landed in Puerto Vallarta around 3 PM.  After de-boarding the plane I felt a gust of hot humid air.  It felt really nice to know I was in a warm climate location for my quick five day get-away.  After exiting the airport we hitched a cab ride to our resort, Vamar Vallarta.  The ride was short because we were there within five minutes.  We pulled up to the resort that was a completely open space, no doors, just a lobby nestled on the first floor of the resort in the open.  It reminded me of my hotel I stayed at in St. Lucia!  Walk through the lobby and the pool is 20 feet in front of you, inviting you to get wet!  It was incredible.  The resort was located on the marina littered with yachts.  On the other side of the resort, across the main road, was the Pacific Ocean.  The water was so warm it felt good on my toes.  The room I stayed in was on the seventh floor, very spacious, a great view of the mountains/marina/pool and also had a nice kitchen (a kitchen we never used because the stay was all inclusive - who needs to make food when the food is prepared for you?!).  Monday evening was spent discovering everything our resort had to offer; food, beach, pool, and views.

October 14, Tuesday morning I woke early and saw a beautiful sunrise over top the mountain from our balcony.  I was up early most likely due to excitement of being in a tropical place and I wanted to get moving.  We made our way to have a tour of the city.  Downtown had many great characteristics, it was older with a few modern updates.  We were able to see the artists work on the walk along the Pacific Ocean, The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and of course a few touristy shops that I can't stand to miss!  I bought a few trinkets for my family and then we set off to a tequila tasting.  I know what you're thinking - tequila is gross - but let me tell you, tequila is DELICIOUS!  Tequila needs to be made of 100% BLUE agave plant.  This is what I learned from tequila tasting at Tequila Don Tadeo in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and the tequila was exceptional!  We bused into the mountains and ended at the movie set of Predators in 1987.  There was an outdoor restaurant there with the best food I had tasted yet in Mexico.  We bused back to our resort, had dinner and hit the hay.

October 15, Wednesday morning we had breakfast and taxi'd to the Marina Terminal for our adventure to the Marietas Islands.  Before we hopped on the boat we took pictures with the most adorable 22 year old sea lion named Flash.  He gave me hugs and kisses and I wanted nothing more than to take him home with me!  The Marietas Islands are off the coast of Puerto Vallarta and are covered with plants that look close to the pineapple plant.  The islands are populated with a bird known as the blue footed boobie, haha.  Funny name but the birds have baby blue feet!  We jumped ship and swam into one of the islands that used to be a volcano.  There was a hidden beach inside the cave that was spectacular!  Pretty spacious and absolutely amazing to say that I was there.  We swam back to the ship and jetted to another island near by to do some snorkeling.  The fish were colorful and I'm sure the under water camera I used won't do the darn things justice.  After our snorkeling adventure on the islands we headed back to shore but not without the crew members entertainment!  The tour was provided to us by Vallarta Adventures.  The service and quality of the tour was impeccable and would recommend everyone one I know to tour with them when in Puerto Vallarta.  Once we were back at our resort, we freshened up and went to dinner and passed out around 9 PM from the long day in the sun. 

October 16, Thursday was our relaxing day.  All of us ladies were pretty sun burnt from the day before and just wanted to be at the resort with nothing to do but lay by the pool and drink beer and margaritas.  So that is exactly what we did!  It was a wonderful day of relaxing, swimming in the pool, and eating everything the resort had to offer.

October 17, Friday was our last full day in PV.  We tried to make the most of it!  We went to the beach and took pictures, we laid by the pool, and freshened up for our last night and tour of the hidden beach known as Las Caletas!  It was our final tour with Vallarta Adventures called Rhythms of the Night.  We boated to Las Caletas around sunset and watched a show based on stories of an ancient civilization being told through live music and modern dance.  The group was extremely talented.  After the entertainment we dined under the stars in candlelight.  Our table was located right on the beach.  After dinner we boated back to the marina and taxi'd back to the resort.  The evening was incredible and I wouldn't change our last night in PV one bit.

October 18, Saturday morning we had breakfast and made it back to the airport where we departed and arrived back in Dallas around 6 PM.  We didn't make it back to Sioux Falls until 10 PM and drove back to Pierre.  I was home in my own bed at 2 AM on Saturday night.

My trip in a nut shell ;)