A week of firsts

When I started this new job, I got a lot of stuff thrown my way. A lot of big grown up things that I hadn't even thought about at my old job. It was scary, but, empowering at the same time. Because after all, I'm a grown up, I should have big scary grown up responsibilities.

And then came the biggie: the website redesign and launch. Now, I wasn't messing around with HTML or anything like that, no no, I had to gather all the content from way too many people, make it look pretty and then edit it 50,000 times. And then edit it again. Oh, and then, just to be safe, one more time. And then send it to people for their edits. And then make those. And then work all weekend because even though everything was due Thursday, it was Saturday afternoon and still getting changes.

ANYWAYS. It launched today. With only one typo found thus far. Sadly, there was no pomp and circumstance, no big email, no party, no parade, just the anticlimactic words I uttered when I turned on my computer this morning: "We're live". And no one seemed too excited. Me? I wanted to shout it from the rooftops. But, whatever.

This was something I've never done. I've never been in charge of the timeline, the content, etc of anything like this. I got to lay the hammer down, tell people 'no' and make it something we're all proud of. That's a big deal.

And I'm really tired.

Another first?

I ran a 20k on Monday. I've never run a 20k before. I always felt like it was the redheaded stepchild of the half marathon. I mean, at that point, let's just run a little longer and do the damn 13.1, k? But, I really wanted to run a Memorial Day race and since I've lost my running mojo, a 20k seemed to fit the bill. After all, if I can run 10 on Saturday, I can obviously pull through a 20k, yes? Yes.

It was hot as hell, hilly and HARD. I won't lie. I got heat exhaustion as I'm prone to do (and yet I'm so in love with Texas and the South I can't imagine moving anywhere else but it is so damn hot), I felt discouraged at times, I wanted shade like you wouldn't believe--but, I kept going.

I told myself that I would be proud of myself no matter what because hey, automatic PR, but that I wasn't going to rag on myself if I didn't do great because hey, I haven't been on my A Game lately, so, racing is something to be proud of.

And ya know what? It worked. I wasn't thrilled with my time, but, all things considered, I rocked. I finished strong, passed a few people at the end and actually got an award! Fifth in my age group (I admit part of the draw to this race was that they go 5 deep for age group awards--I had hope I could place--y'all know my love of races in which I get bling). If I'd been on my A Game, I totally could have gotten 3rd or 4th, but, I wasn't upset about it. I was thrilled.

This is a big freaking deal for me. I'm such a mature adult (apparently).

I spent the rest of the day lounging in the pool, working, BBQing and watching movies with my family.



It's been a crazy few days (who am I kidding? Weeks! Months!)

But, I couldn't be happier. I did two huge new things. And succeeded.

Now, I'm on the hunt for a "I survived our website launch and now must buy myself something pretty" present.

I told the fam last week (after getting no less than 45 emails in a 24 hour WEEKEND period) that if we launched that bad boy on time, I was buying a present. Since this website is my baby, consider a faux push present if you will (not meant to offend any mamas out there--believe me, I understand this is nothing compared to an actual baby! But for my life right now, it's a pretty big deal).

Ideas??

Also, pictures!


Me and my biggest supporter after the race. He's got on an awesome shirt, huh, Sam?

Why yes I would like to stand next to the pretty flowers and show off my bling. See the tummy and the arms?? (ick) This is why I'm spending my life savings on a personal trainer!

Happy Wednesday! (yay!) (I love 3 day weekends, we need more of them!)