Broadening My Horizons (Twice!)

So last night at work, we had our dishwasher walk out on us. Judging from how the first hour of my shift was going, I knew we were probably going to be slow, so I volunteered to wash dishes for the night. I figured, in addition to helping the manager and cooks out, I'd probably make more money that way anyway. So, for one night at Ruby Tuesday, I was the dishwasher. And ya know what? Despite all the cooks saying "good luck," it actually wasn't half bad! Our manager let me listen to my iPod while I worked, so I just went into my own little world, sang along with my music, and washed dishes. It was so nice to not have to appease anyone for a day. I had no one to make happy. I just did my job. It was a nice change. And I must also say that it was eye-opening as to how I should be treating the dishwasher. There are so many little things that I could do as a server that would help them out a ton, that I haven't necessarily done in the past. So I am thankful for the experience, because it was an opportunity to teach me how to be more considerate while I do my normal job.

Today was Father's Day. We had church as normal, and I wore this jean dress that was given to me that, when I pulled it out the first time, I never thought I'd fit into it. But I did fit in it and felt great (besides the fact that I couldn't breathe)! After church, we had originally talked about going to TGI Friday's and then out for ice cream afterwards. Now, to me, that would be a nice Mother's Day. But, after we got home from church, Greg decided he wanted to BBQ instead. I was a little disappointed because I selfishly had been looking forward to not having to cook, but the Lord gave me an attitude check (thank goodness!) and we had a nice barbequed lunch. Most of the rest of the day was spent relaxing. It was funny to me that that's how he wanted to spend his day, because I like to be out and about doing new things (or at least not the same ol' things,) but Gregory wanted to relax, so that's what we did. :) We did end up getting Brownie Batter Blizzards from DQ tonight though, in addition to the Chocolate Sugar Cookies I made him. YUM! So, if you ask Greg, I think it was a good day.

Since it is Sunday though, I did have to go running. Sunday's are my "Long Run" days. I had mentioned a while back that my ankle was bothering me and I was going to take it easy for a while, and I haven't mentioned anything since then. Well, I did take it easy, and haven't run more than a few miles in a couple weeks. Today though, I wanted to go for 8. The longest I'd gone in the past was 6, but I thought I'd push for 8, no matter how long it took me. Anyway, I set out at about 6:30 for my 8 mile run feeling very intimidated by the distance. The first 4 miles were tough trying to get back into running on the pavement, but from 4 on I felt great! When I'd hit that 4th mile, I actually started to pray and talk with God. It felt so wonderful to have time to myself to do that, I am disappointed I didn't think of doing it before today. I am so glad I left my iPod at home and was able to have that quiet time with Him. It was very refreshing and recharging and I think is a big reason I felt so good that second half. Another good thing to mention is that my ankle did not bother me at ALL. Praise the Lord that He healed it. I am so glad for that. On the other hand, my hip has been bothering me since I first ran 4 miles, but I'll take one healing at a time. :) Anyway, I ran my 8 miles in just under an hour and a half. It feels so awesome to think that I am more than half way done with a half marathon and over 75% done with my distance in training (I'll only go to 10 miles.) I don't think my mind can comprehend the fact that I ran that far today, because it hasn't caught up with my body's ability yet. My mind is still thinking of how far 8 miles was to me 4 months ago, yet today, it wasn't that difficult. So because I obtained it today, it's like my mind doesn't really think I actually went that far..if that makes any sense.

Anyway, I may have felt great after that long run, but now I'm exhausted and I think it's time for bed... :)