Happy Friday everyone! As it often does, March came in like a lion, and I sure do hope it will leave like a lamb. I’m so tired of winter in Chicago. The weather has been brutal. Why not pull up a chair and join me for a nice, warm cup o’ Joe?
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I’m super excited to share that I am a 2018 SPIbelt Ambassador! I’m sure you’ve seen them–those awesome waist belts that people use during all kinds of workout activities, or to carry medical supplies and devices like insulin pumps. They come in fun patterns and even come in kids’ sizes! They are perfect for running because they really do not bounce! I’ve been using them since I first started running in 2013. They come in several sizes, and are big enough to hold my cell phone, credit card, a little cash, car key, and a few other essentials I like to take on my runs. I think I own seven or eight of them, I just love them so much! I also had the awesome opportunity to provide a few for my youngest son’s girlfriend’s little sister (how’s that for a mouthful?), who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of just 18 months. She loves them and likes to match the fun patterns with her outfits. You can check out their products here, and use promo code SPIAMBASSADOR for 15% off of your purchase!
Over coffee I would tell you that my February business travel was even crazier than it was in January. Three time zones in 36 hours is simply no bueno, as in I’m too old for this $hit. Mid-month I flew to Lubbock, Texas. Cute little town, but throw in connecting flights, three flight delays and five gate changes, I was, indeed a weary traveler. The icing on the cake was either a) when my GPS took me to a dark, deserted industrial park area rather than to my hotel when I arrived (four hours later than scheduled, I might add), or b) when the GPS would not work at all the following morning, and I had to just keep driving around the general vicinity until I finally found where I was supposed to be on my own. Ah, technology. Then just under a day and a half later I was on a flight to the west coast. UGH. At least I had the whole row to myself on the four hour plane ride home.
If we were having coffee I would tell you I have been a complete wimp about winter running. I promised myself I would run outside at least three times a week throughout the winter, but after freezing my buns off for the whole Lululemon fail, I decided enough was enough. I’ve run outside just a couple of times since then, but otherwise I have kept my runs and workouts indoors.
Over coffee I would tell you I’m really excited to be running Grandma’s Marathon in June. I have heard so many great things about this race from so many people! In true The Great Procrastinator form, I waited to register until the final day you could still get this awesome jacket as part of your registration fee. Isn’t it cute? I’m tempted to wear it, but I know that’s a no-no before the actual race.
And last, if we were having coffee, I would tell you that on Thursday I will be attending a recognition program at my job, marking my 30th year at the hospital where I work. In fact, if you’re wondering how annoying my voice sounds in real life, you can check out this awesome YouTube video as our current NICU also is celebrating its 30th year (it’s brief–I promise!) Where did the time go???
What would you share with me over coffee? Do you love or hate running outside in the winter? What’s the longest you’ve ever been in a job?
I’m linking up with Rachel and Lacey and Meranda for the Friday Five 2.0 and with Coco and Deborah on Saturday for the Ultimate Coffee Date!
Congrats on 30 years at your workplace! I don’t think I’ve worked more than 7-8 years at one place, but I’ve worked for Advocate a total of 13-14 years now. For better or for worse….
I didn’t think I’d last there a year. It’s nice that Advocate is such a big health system so you can move around if a good opportunity comes up.
I can’t say that I LOVE running outside in the winter, but I certainly tolerate it. That said, I’m ready for summer…spring in Iowa is basically a warmer version of winter sometimes.
You have amazed me with all of your winter running!
Your plane ride photo reminded me of my trip back from Cali a few months ago. I was ticketed for a middle seat and wanted an aisle, but the check in kiosk didn’t have anything else available. Asked the gate agent and she put me in an aisle. Well the aisle was in an exit row in the middle of a huge plane which meant I had enough room to legit to squats in front of me, AND no one in the middle seat next to me. It was glorious, haha!!
Isn’t it great when those seat changes work out like that? I’m only 5’3″, and that extra leg room is so amazing!
I’m super jealous of you running Grandma’s. You’re going to LOVE it. I hope you have awesome weather. It’s one of my all time favorite races. I was hoping to get back there this year but I think I’ll be back next year!
I can’t wait. I hope we have good weather. I’m such a wimp when it comes to running in the cold.
That jacket for Grandmas Marathon is so cute – I love it!
I hope that you do not have any travel woes this month!
It’s really nice quality, too. I can’t wait to wear it!
Congrats on your 30 years. This month I will be traveling cross country twice within a two week period. Not looking forward to those long flights. I need to download some book!
Thanks. Those cross-country trips are tough. I usually buy in-flight wifi and catch up with my ever-growing list of unread e-mails.
Congrats on the Spibelt gig and on 30 years in nursing! Truly where does the time go??
Actually 35 years and counting…just 30 at this particular hospital. I probably have at least 10 years before retirement. It’s crazy to think I’ll have been a nurse for almost 50 years by the time it happens.
I actually could use a new SPIbelt I have to take a look at them again. Congrats on your ambassadorship and thanks for stopping in for coffee.
They have so many cool new products and lots of fun colors. Happy shopping!
3 time zones in 36 hours?! WOW I can’t even imagine. and I am sure your voice is not annoying!! Have a great weekend, I had planned on golfing but this darn NorEaster we are getting is still gusting 60mph winds
Yes, that’s a tough one! It doesn’t happen too frequently, but it’s brutal when it does. I’m in Chicago but watching the news reports about that NorEaster is something else.
All that travel would be enough to make anyone feel crazy I think! When it comes to winter running, I am always outside. Summertime though, I sound like you – I do it a few times and say “forget it” although I’m always saying I will, haha!
One of these days I will be a legit year-round runner. Our weather has been crazy this winter.
Wow! 30 years. That’s something — few people can make it that long with one company anymore (I almost can’t keep track of the number of companies my husband has worked for).
I definitely would not be pleased with that GPS fail.
I don’t enjoy the cold runs, but I can also only take so many treadmill runs!
I agree–I think the younger generations change jobs on average of something like 7 times over their lifetimes. Crazy! I really have to embrace the treadmill. Most often, if it’s too cold outside, I just don’t run.
Wowza 30 years – congrats!
And yay for SPIBelt – welcome to the team 🙂
Thanks on both counts! I will probably retire from this job, which means I’ll have 40 years in by then. Yikes! I’m super excited to be working with the whole SPIbelt Ambassador team!
Wow! Congratulations on the 30 years, that is amazing!! I am a nurse and have changed jobs several times; however, I think the one I have now is a keeper!! 🙂
It’s nice to find a job you love. I’ve had several other jobs over the years–a few before this one and a couple while also working this one. That’s one of the nice things about nursing–you can flex just about anywhere.
Score on that empty row! I had an empty middle seat on my recent flight to SFO – so nice! Congrats on your job recognition. Time flies ….
It’s just so nice when that middle seat is empty, isn’t it? And yes, I can’t believe I’ve been there that long!
Congrats on 30 years at your workplace! Oh and congrats on your ambassadorship too!!
That is a lot of traveling and I got tired just reading about it.
It definitely gets old fast, but it is also fun to travel to new places!
Congrats on your ambassadorship!! :]! And also on 30 years at your workplace! My mom works in the NICU as well and recently retired–she said the time completely flew by and is missing her job, but I finally got her to start exercising! *-*
I remember you told me your mom was a NICU nurse. Pretty cool. I’ve been in NICUs since I graduated from nursing school in 1983. Lots of different roles over the years, but I’ve been an NNP for almost 30. It sure does fly! Glad your mom is finding time to exercise in her retirement!
You really have been traveling a lot! That’s crazy!
Winter running here is a little bit different than anywhere else, so I’ve been pretty good about it, even on the icy days.
Congratulations on SpiBelt and on 30 years! My longest at a job was 10 years. It was really great and I enjoyed it a lot.
I really don’t mind the travel too much, as long as it’s a little spaced out. It’s just hard to juggle that along with family and my ‘regular’ job.
Congrats on 30 years. What an incredible accomplishment!
Thanks so much! The time really has flown by!
Congrats on your 30 years!
Buggers for a lot of travel! I enjoy traveling but that does sound like a bit much.
I drove to Lubbock once from Houston and that was brutal! But it is a cute town!
Yay for being a SPIbelt ambassador! I have one that I have used for years! I still love it and even use it for teaching fitness classes!
Hope you get some warmer weather soon! (I don’t miss Chicago winters AT ALL!)
We’ve had a few peeks at spring weather, but we are expecting snow again today. I’m so over winter!
Congrats on being chose to be a SPIbelt Ambassador! They are great belts.
Grandma’s Marathon sounds awesome, I’ve also heard great things about it. And, a jacket for signing up? Nice!
Thanks! I’m really excited to represent SPIbelt. I love their products! I haven’t run Grandma’s before, but I’ve heard nothing but good things. And that jacket is awesome!