Weee're Baaaack!

That's right folks- we're back!  On June 28th the Johnson's rolled back into BG!  We had an ah-mazing vacation!!!!!  I can't begin to tell you all the sights we saw, good times we had, memories that were made...and of course the meltdowns (kid AND adults), the name calling (just kids here), and the 5,952 times we heard, "Are we there yet?".  As it so often is, it was great to go and great to get back home!!!   

Those of you that know me, know what a germ freak I am.  Public bathrooms and shady hotels are not among my favorite things.  This trip has cured me of one of those things though- public bathrooms.  I might rename this summer as....THE SUMMER OF THE BAD BATHROOMS.  We encountered more hole in the ground (literally) filled with crap (literally) in 9,000 degree weather (literally) bathrooms along the way.  And when you gotta go, you gotta go!

Leaving the comforts of home and getting out of your routine really makes you aware of how much a person depends on their routine.  It's no secret that we eat healthy, and that I have a slight obsession with running (yes, slight).  Along our adventure out west we tried our best to continue our healthy eats, but when you are eating out of the back of an Armada for most of your meals, convenience come in and sometimes healthy goes out.  Also, over 18 days I only ran 10 miles.  10 miles...that's horrific!  The scale and I are now arch enemies until the number goes down. And I'm still battling with my body on when it needs to eat.  It's crazy how 18 days can alter the way you eat! 

But, all things aside, it was a great time by all. 

Now- let's talk running!  This morning I ran a fun, local 4K.  It was my first 4K ever!  No monetary entry fee- just bring 4 canned food items.  They did have shirts for $5 (I did buy one), and they were really cute.  It began at the local running store that sponsored it, followed a local park path, hooked up with the Greenway, and then ended at the store.  At ever 1K, there was something to do...10 push-ups, 10 squats, and 10 jumping jacks.  The course overall was really hilly and it was already fairly hot out, so I didn't go all out.  There wasn't a timing system, so I have no clue as to what I finished in (believe it or not I didn't run with my phone!!!), but my dad said that I finished towards the beginning of the pack (we left in waves of 20).  It was a fun way to get a few miles in on the 4th!

Let's talk for a few minutes about running with and without the phone.  I always run with my phone...3 reasons.  1. If something happens I have the ability to call someone.  2.  It has my Nike app on it and it tells me my mileage and pace.  3.  My music.  All 3 of those reasons have been really important...until recently.  Since we have returned, I have been running more at the gym due to the heat.  While there, I have been running without music- no biggie- they have music playing there, and there's t.v.s to look at.  Monday, I woke up and headed out before the heat got too oppressive.  I took my phone for reasons 1, 2, and 3, BUT about 3/4 of the way into my run my music got ANNOYING!  It was hot, I was sweating, and I didn't want to hear anything!  So I took my buds out and went solo.  It was good.  I did it again this morning-  it was a fun run, so I wasn't worried about pace or anything and I didn't feel like I would need my music to "pump me up".  Again, good feeling.  I'm not saying I will never run with my phone again, I will.  I like to know how far I've gone and how fast/slow I'm going.  But I do think I'll run more without my tunes. 

Happy 4th y'all!!

Griswold...Err- I mean Johnson Family Vacation

So today begins what we have been anxiously waiting for since October 2nd.  (I say we loosely, because back then I was the only one excited!)  Today we embark on our Trip Out West!!

I plan on posting pics and short updates on the blog.  I'll check in as often as our surroundings let us!  We would appreciate your prayers for safe traveling, safety at the campgrounds/hotels/cities/national parks, and KEEPING OUR SANITY!!

 Can you believe it?  Dylan is 11...my oldest boy is 11.  It utterly shocks me!  The years just keep rolling by.

I asked if he wanted to celebrate the big occasion with a pool party, but he said no.  I asked about a party at the house, but he said no.  So I asked him what he wanted to do.  He opted for having a friend over to spend the night and dinner out with family.  So that is what we did.  His friend came over around 1:00 and dinner was at 4:30.  It has been a great day, and I hope he has realized how much he is loved by so many people!

Happy birthday Dylan!  We love you.

Can someone please tell me what has happened? 
I had a tiny baby boy.  Then a toddler.  Shortly thereafter he started preschool, then kindergarten.  I turn around, and now he is graduating 5th grade. He will start Jr. high school on August 2nd.  He will no longer be in the same building as his brothers.  A piece of my heart will be in the 6th grade.

Apathy

Y'all I got a case of the apathies.  And yes, that is now a real word.  To be more frank, darling I don't give a damn.  That's right.  Strangely, and thankfully, it only extends to school.  I could care less that my alarm goes off and I should get up and get ready for school.  I could care less that testing is over today.  I could care less that I am taking 22 3rd graders to Beech Bend tomorrow.  I. could. care. less. people.  I am so over this thing called school year 2011-2012.

Give me a couple months off to sit by a pool, soak up some sun...be with my family...travel out west...sleep...run...relax...and I PROMISE, I'll come back 100% refreshed and recharged!  But until that happens, the apathies are taking over.

State Testing = Torture

Yes, that is a self-portrait...how did you know?

We just finished day 2 of testing.   And. I. want. to. jump. off. a. bridge. into. oncoming. traffic.  NO JOKE!  Y'all it's rough.  Obviously idiots came up with the whole state testing idea.  Obviously.  

It is also very clear that I am dramatic.  This is the pic I sent my hubby of me on day 1.  You should have seen the kids...hardee har har!

In other news- I am trying to figure out how to up my mileage to 30 miles a week.  I'd really like to get in 5 & 6 mile runs during the week, but the whole "job" thing is getting in the way.  I'm hoping with summer right around the corner, I can make that dream a reality.  I know you all are super concerned about that. 

Also, here's a bunch of random stuff that I think you should know...

1. Alex's b-day party is Saturday.  Nothing is done for it.  I have only bought the cake mix and frosting.
2. My bank account is sad :-(.
3. Summer is RIIIIIIGHT around the corner.
4. Our vacation is RIIIIGHT around the corner.
5. Testing sucks.
6. I would like to move.
7. I would also like a new wardrobe.
9. Waking up at 5:00 am is getting OOOOOLLLLLDDDD.
10. I don't really have anything else, but I had to end on an even number :-)

Tomorrow is FRIDAY!  TGIF y'all!!!!

The Flying Pig 10K

	NO	FN	LN	DIVISION	OVERALL	DIVPL	SEXPL	TIME	PACE
	26665	Jennifer	Johnson	F 30-34	276	15/292	80/1719	53:41	8:40

Can you make any sense of that mumbo jumbo?  Well, it's the results for my very first 10K race (yes, I have ran a half marathon and not a 10K-until Saturday that is!)!!!  Let me break it down for you-  out of 2,598 people I came in 276th place.  There were 292 people in my age division (30-34) and I came in 15th.  There were 1,719 females and I came in 80th.  My overall pace was 8:40 with a finishing time of 53:41. 

Now, I beg to differ with their timing system.  My Nike app had me at an 8:06 pace with a 51:06 finish time.  It also had the course being 6.6 miles instead of 6.2.  

Regardless, I am happy with those results!!!  It was a fun weekend spent with my brother and sister in law.  Wish we would've had more time, and a few more pics.  Enjoy!