Back to UNI for Ashleigh!

Okay, so here's the scoop:

At the end of July, I ended my position as the Bender RLC at UNI and moved to CR, where Andy was already working as the new assistant manager for SM. I got a part-time job with with LB, and continued looking for another part-time job. Then, because a former colleague received a new position, an RLC position opened up late back at UNI. So, beginning August 30, I'm taking over as the new RLC for Campbell Hall! I'm excited to return to UNI and can't wait to get to know everyone in Campbell.

Now, lot's of people have been asking..."so how are you and Andy working this out?" Well, since we already have an apartment (and a nearly impossible-to-break lease) and Andy works 12 hour shifts, he'll will stay in CR while he's working. He'll come to CF on his "weekends", Monday and Tuesdays. I'll be in CR on my weekends, so we'll really only be apart around two days a week. Considering our crazy work schedules, the sacrifice isn't going to be that awful. As for Spike, he'll be with me ;-).

Overall, it's an undeniable gift from God and we are so excited!!

Thank you, Lord, for being awesome and faithful.

Training update

I've been slacking with the posts about my 10K training. I haven't stuck to the program 100%, but I'm doing well. And, I feel myself getting stronger. Today's run was actually enjoyable! Usually, I'm dying by minute 7. I even wanted to go longer, but had to get Spike home, as we was being a total ruckus. I'm looking forward to my long run on Sunday, sans Spike. There's a high school close to our apartment, with a track, so I'm going to try to get the full 6 miles in. With about 4 weeks left until the race, I want to be prepared for the distance. I won't be able to run the entire time, but even to walk/run the 6 miles will be a good start. Below is my progress:

Week 3:

Monday - Rest - Check. Always one of my favorite days of training ;-)

Tuesday - Walk (1 min.) / Run (5 min.) - continue for 25-35 minutes - Missed. Was traveling home that day, and didn't feel like running after the drive.

Wednesday - Rest or cross-train. I chose to rest...hehe. Check

Thursday - Walk (1 min.) / Run (10 min.) - continue for 20-30 minutes. Didn't follow this but did run on Thursday. Ran for 15 minutes straight, then walked a bit, then ran another 5 minutes. So...Check.

Friday - Rest. Check

Saturday - cross-train. Check. My sister has a crazy collection of cardio equipment...it's like a small gym in their living room... so thanks, sister!

Sunday - Long run. Missed. Traveling back to Iowa and didn't feel like running. Anyone seeing a pattern?

Week 4:

Monday - Rest. Yep. Check.

Tuesday - Walk (1 min.) / Run (5 min.) - continue for 25-35 minutes. Check

Wednesday - Cross-train. Check

Thursday -Walk (1 min.) / Run (10 min.) - continue for 20-30 minutes. Check. I might have been a minute or two short, because Spike was a ruckus, but I got nearly every minute in. And, it felt good!

Friday - Rest. Yep, that won't be a problem. I'll consider it...Check.

Saturday - Cross train. Planning to take Spike for a long, brisk walk

Sunday - Long run. Walk (2 min.) / Run (7 min.) for 30-40 minutes. Planning to do this at the high school track up the road.

Getting anxious about the race. But, also enjoying the progress I'm making. Here's to four more weeks of training and a successful finish!

Our newest additions

The day I left for Indiana, Andy bought our new scooter, which he affectionately calls "The Red Baron". He takes it to work, and says that he gets some pretty interesting looks :-). We've also taken around the neighborhood a couple of times and get lots of smiles every time we pass anyone. It's a fun little thing to have, and definitely great on gas. The last time Andy filled it up, it was under $2!

As Spike and I were coming home from a run this afternoon, we ran into one of the tenants from another building, and she gave us this beautiful flower! I didn't catch the name, so sent a picture to my mom for identification. The woman told me it was a great inside plant, and didn't need much watering. I hope I can keep it alive...

I'm in CR full time now, and it's lovely to see Andy every day! I'm also working at LB, in the mall just up the road from Andy's work. It's really great so far...I'm excited to see what happens! I'm working tomorrow and Saturday, during Iowa's tax free weekend, so I'm being trained by jumping right in. Just the way I like it! At least the shifts will go quickly!

Working part-time is a huge culture shock for me. I didn't realize how easily I get bored until I stopped working full+ time. With the extra time, I've been organizing, cleaning, clearing out...It's nice to have some time to get things done around the house, but I also miss the work. I pray that God has something waiting up his sleeve for me.

Dear Lord, thank you for your provisions. Help us to recognize our blessings as blessings, and not boredom/lack of income/idle time/TV time/nap time. Let your light shine through us, in all that we do. Amen.