I’ll preface this post by saying that it will be slightly dramatic because that is how I’m feeling today.

Since February, I’ve been training for a 5K through Chicago Endurance Sports. It’s been tough and challenging and I love it. It was also part of my 2013 goals and given me a lot of what I was looking for in this new test.

And now I have to stop, immediately. And, well, I’m pretty upset.

Over the weekend I started developing really bad heel pain, which I thought was part of just “learning to run.” Let me tell you, it is PAINFUL to learn a new sport sometimes.

Sunday, I ran through it, and it was excruciating. So, to be proactive, I went to a physical therapist for a free injury screening and am going again tomorrow for a second opinion.

And they told me exactly what I didn’t want to hear: Achilles tendinitis.

No running, excessive walking, or elliptical machines for a few weeks (depending on the level of pain). And when the pain does go away, I have to start over with running to slowly ease in to it again.

They may as well have cut my leg off. *dramatic*

That means, very likely no 5K at the end of April or, I definitely won’t be running all of it, which was my original goal. And with vacation in early May, I definitely can’t jeopardize it.

I’m crushed by this for several reasons. Running made me feel stronger and in shape. And now hearing that I have to stop everything altogether (minus some weight training), is upsetting.

I finally got in to a good rhythm and space and now I have to stop.

I hate my body and I’m trying to keep the negative, self-defeating thoughts away too.

So, I’m going to allow myself to be sad and upset, and then I will focus on getting better. Because I will not be in pain while on vacation. And I will NOT let this stop me.

I will run, I will do a 5K and I will run all of it.

But for now, there is still some disappointment and errant tears.

Last week, I read the latest post from the amazing Nicole over at A Life Less Bullshit and it got me thinking.

The post was called: It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

Seriously, this girl is in my brain. I highly recommend it.

But what got me thinking is about something I’m working on in my personal life. It’s okay to be….okay.

Last year, drama and upheaval tend to find me. From friends to boys to family to work, there seemed to be something that’s always going awry. It was exhausting and emotionally taxing and it felt like any time anyone asked me what was new, there was always something bad or wrong.

But now, I’ve been making some changes and I feel okay. And I’m trying to focus on being okay and enjoy it, rather than wait for the shoe to drop.

Work is good, health good (or getting back to good), mood is good, running is good, friends are okay, family is good overall things are good or okay.

And that’s okay!

After spending so many parts of 2012 a broken mess, I’m enjoying this feeling of balance.

Things may not always be okay and there may be bad days, but for now, I’m enjoying where I’m at. And hoping it continues.

I love surprises. And this weekend, I decided to surprise my grandma, who turned 90 years old on Friday. Ninety, like, that is amazing. And a full life of love, family, friends, travel and, well LIFE and change.

My mom coordinated a lunch for her on Saturday in Wisconsin and “the kids” were a surprise waiting for her at the table. In fact, when I called my grandma (from the train) on Friday, she said, “I was hoping you would come up for my lunch,” and I LIED. Lied that I wasn’t able to make it.

And when she saw me and my brother/SIL on Saturday, she got emotional (cue tears from me too).

It was really a great surprise, great lunch and great visit. I’m so glad I was able to go home and be part of it.

So here’s a photo of my grandma from her big day, she is too cute.

She did ask when I was getting married, but I’ll let that go because, well she’s 90, she can say whatever she wants by now :)

My quick trip home also allowed me to see this face too. So adorable, I cannot even handle it.

How was your weekend?

Happy post Oscars day!!! Yes, last night was the Super Bowl of fashion, and it was fabulous.

I love the Oscars. Not only because I’m a movie buff, but also because I just love the formality and celebration around it. Oscar parties, predictions, pools, etc. LOVE IT.

And last night, there was some pretty good and a few bad pieces of fashion too (this from a girl who is not exactly…”fashionable” all the time).

So below is my list of my favorite and least favorite looks from last night.

Favorites

Sandra Bullock

Stacy Keibler

Jennifer Aniston

Jessica Chastain

Jennifer Hudson

Octavia Spencer

Not So Favorites

Anne Hathaway

Melissa McCarthy

Salma Hayek

Kristen Stewart

I debated not adding KStew because she was on crutches, but seriously, you have a stylist, use them. Same with a curling iron. This is coming from someone who doesn’t know how to use one though. And Anne Hathaway, oh you’ve been knocking it out of the park lately, but this, is just…awful. Like Jessica McClintock circa my teenage years wanting to try on homecoming/prom dresses.

Well, sadly now the Oscars are over until next year :( I don’t know about you, but I’m already looking forward to it!

What were some of your favorites?