High Five!!

Alright, I'm just gonna update my blog NOW as opposed to risking oversleeping and missing today. I really only had one major event today- but it's a really big one!! I ran the marathon!

1) I ran the marathon!! I know I just said that but I have to reiterate my excitement. I finished with a time of 4:36, which hasn't broke 4 hours but I'm still really dang happy!! So let's go thru it. The race started at 7, but I woke up at 5:30. I started the day by playing Marathon by Rush. Then I showered and ate some breakfast. At 6:30, Steve picked up Chris who was going to drive his car after we got to the starting. There were SO many people running. We had to separate based on predicted finishing time, so being optimistic, I went with the four hour pacers. And we were off!

The first few miles were really fun. We ran down major streets that the police blocked off- something I could never do, at least not legally. Haha. I found two people to run with, Hannah and Hannah. So we stuck together for the first 8-9 miles or so. But then Hannah had a stress fracture so she and her friend went to the medic tent and I carried on by myself. Things went really well for the next few miles as well. We went thru a nature preserve so that was really cool. Then all the marathon runners split off from the half-marathoners.

From that point on I knew I had to do the full 26.2 miles. It was somewhat of a commitment (although it was kinda a commitment ever since I decided to run those many months back.) From then on, things went pretty well. I did the half marathon at 2 hours exactly so I was right in line to complete my goal. But around mile 17-18, my legs started to tighten and cramp up. I had to walk intermittently and reached a point where I knew I wouldn't break 4. I decided instead of focusing on that goal, just to finish. It got really bad when I ran into Hannah and Hannah again. I tried to keep up with them, but couldn't. I ignored everything else and just focussed on finishing.

This was perhaps the worst physical (and mental) pain I have ever willingly gone through. I felt Charlie Horses in both my legs, but was determined to go on. After the 24 mile mark, the finish was so close I could taste it. I had one more walk up a hill, but vowed to finish the last mile running.

And after much excruciating pain, I entered the stadium. Everyone was cheering as I crossed the finish. It was like something straight out of the movies. Steve ran up and gave me a big hug as another lady gave me my medal. It was so painful, but this accomplishment was worth it. Years down the road, I'll always remember 2011 for running the marathon.

2) My family also came down to see me run (but I'm guessing if you're my sole, intended reader, you already know that.) it was really amazing to see their love and support as I went through this. I'm really amazed (sorry to use that word again but my vocabulary is tired...) to find out the first time they saw me was through crazy, random happenstance. I hope they had fun at the arboretum/Japan house and have a safe trip back!!

3) Now, dear reader, I'm going to take a nap. I'm dead tired, but really wanted to make this update (which, mind you took way longer than 2 seconds. It might have to do with the fact that I typed this on my iPod, but either way, good night!!)

Four Galore!!

Okay, first, I apologize for this post being a day late. However, the rule we agreed on was it would still count if we did all the updates before the week was up. So this would still count.

Well, with that bit of litigation out of the way, let's just go onto the Big Three.

1. I had my last art studio on Wednesday. We finished our painting projects and started our time-based (i.e. animation) project. I'm really looking forward to doing that, but now that I can, I'm not entirely sure what to animate. A friend gave me a song that's roughly a minute long so I'll be working with that, but I need something really creative to go along with it visually. And then Thursday morning I had my last art lecture. We went over our year and filled out ICES forms (where we grade the teachers on how they've done.)
2. In ECE 190, we had a lecture on scientific computing which was pretty interesting. But none of it will be on the final, so I mostly listened as opposed to taking notes. It's really amazing how far computers have gone and where they're going!!
3. And the last thing is actually the reason why I have such a late update. Last night after studying and all my classes, I went to a friend's and we saw Ratatouille and that ended up going to past midnight. For that, I'm sorry and I'll really try not to let it happen again!!

Regardless though, hope you have a really great day on Friday! Friday! Gotta get down on Friday! Everyone's looking forward to the weekend! Weekend!! (Darn you Rebecca Black and getting a terrible, albeit catchy song stuck in my head!!)

There's Only Two Posts in Me, and I Just Wrote a Third

Props if you know what that title is a reference to. =)

Anyway, I'm doing pretty good. Back in the swing of college life. I just spent the last three hours programming, and going back to it after this post.

So in honor of blog three, what will I do? I know! I'll post the big three of the day!

1. I had physics this morning and we used a strobe light on a standing wave. Needless to say, it was pretty cool!
2. This afternoon I went to ECE 190 lecture (C programming) and learned more how to use linked lists and other applications.
3. And the third big thing? Hm... Well, I'm gonna go for a run in a bit, which- I suppose will still be in this day.

Alright, and as of this post, a certain little sister (HITOMI) still hasn't commented on my last blog! I can't believe I'm more on top of this than her. Either way, I'm looking forward to her post today on her field trip. Shugout.

Two, dos, ni, ee, [other language variant of 2]

Oh, just thought of one more. 10. Props if you know what language that two is in!

Breaking news, wifi on the bus is sw to the eet! (sw + eet = sweet!!) So you know that blog post you were expecting at 11:30 or so? Bam! Coming right now!

Anyway, on the bus going back to my home away from home. And without further ado, let's go onto the big three!

1. Today was Easter! So to celebrate, the family drove to Grandma's. It was really great to see the whole family there and catch up with Grandma and the Farrells.
2. We went for a walk around Grandma's condo. The weather was absolutely amazing today. Truly a great day to be outside.
3. And lastly, I had a good talk with Mom. So it was great to be back this weekend.

As of this writing, a certain little sister who shall not be named has not written her blog post for Sunday. Get on it, Tomi! So now I'm going to work on my art paper, listen to music and podcasts, sleep, eat snacks, and play games (not necessarily in that order). So from all of us to all of you, good bye!!

Hello, world!

Back home for Easter weekend! The big three of the day are:

1. Drove around with Mom and for car shopping. They eventually settled on a Nissan Versa!
2. Went on a bike ride with the best little sister in the world! (We took a blast to the past and checked out her old elementary school- Dooley!
3. And last but not least, went to Easter service at Willow Creek tonight. Snap!

Alright, so the general gist of this blog is updating consistently several times a week with the top three things that happened that day. As a way to connect with others and self-reflect on life, let's all hope this goes well! Cheers!