Asking for $ - and actually getting some!

 I am a student AGAIN!

I love it, really I do.  I just wish it weren't so expensive!

So I am  and have applied and applied and applied some more for scholarships.  I enter a few essay contests here and there, a few ad contests and what do you know - I received a call in June letting me know I won! 

"WHAT!"  I thought to myself as I tried to figure out what company the lady was from and what I had submitted!  Ad copy for a possible magazine ad for an organization based out of New Jersey.  I was ecstatic! 
My main thought, "My school bill just became a little less!  YAHOO!  Let's get a beer!"

I made it my goal to apply for as many scholarships as possible and get some amount every quarter to try and help with my bill.  So far I think my application count is up to 75 since April.  One of the latest applications was for a company, Castle Ink.  Their application consisted of a short essay and other info and an optional piece of using empty ink cartridges in a creative way.

Here is mine:

Silly - yes
Foolish - maybe

They choose a winner in the fall - I'll let you know how it goes!

If you know of any other scholarships I can apply for, please leave a comment!

Thanks!

Coming Post: Another Chicago "HOW TO"

Last weekend I ran several errands that included groceries at the farmer's market (the best one I've ever been to, the crepe I had might have skewed the results), a bridesmaid dress alteration, returning a dress to Banana Republic, and a lovely trip to Joann's for some material for DIY projects I have lined up for the wedding!

I took some photos for my soon-to-be sister-in-law's curiosity and will post them in the next couple days! Ric I am always thinking of you!!! Pictures involve the Chicago transit system (my livelihood depends on this lovely metropolitan staple), the farmer's market, and fun things I saw along my route!

But to peak your interest in my wedding planning land I have been reading several blogs to keep me motivated and on the right track in building a ceremony and reception that is truly and uniquely Nolan and me! We keep, scratch that, I keep thinking of new RAD ways to entertain and awe the crowd when it comes to our event. I must say that Nolan has done a great job of keeping me grounded (popping my bubble) on more than one occasion! This in the end, has and will save us some moola! Something I am (more so in the future than now) grateful for.

To read the most recent post that has done a great job of putting things into perspective please read this post by The Offbeat Bride. She keeps you thinking of that balance we all strive for in life and in event planning, while some of the comments reiterate her truthful depiction of achieving balance of attaining those oh's and awe's everyone wants at their wedding and keeping it about what's important, your marriage and sharing it with those who matter the most to you!

Useful Tools to a Successful 10K

I am working everyday toward my goal of running in my first 10K. June 7 is the big day. I've found some help to achieve my goal.

FIRST, to map out routes and get an accurate millage count I am using Google. This website has been great for not only planning my short and long runs but familiarizing myself with my neighborhood. I would like to eventually move into a place for just Nolan and me. With my runs I keep a keen eye on "FOR RENT" signs. On my runs I see where those places are in relation to train stations, main streets, grocery stores and the all important bars and liquor stores! :)

SECOND, Hal Higdon has published a novice training program online. This training program has the next weeks planned out for every day of the week. 6 days of work outs and 1 enjoyable day of rest! This training program has really helped me be more motivated and better organized about my work out. I know what I will be doing today, tomorrow, and next Thursday.

Thanks Google & Hal for your great tools!

My Goal: 10K

Throughout my life I have participated in some form of physical activity. It was typically a team sport. High school, I was busy with basketball and volleyball and a short passing thought of track my senior year (I didn't even make it to tryouts). College was rugby, where coincidentally, I found a more peaceful zen self off the pitch. As I was able to hit on the pitch I didn't feel so inclined to while in the real world.

My point being that I've always had a team to motivate my workouts and staying in shape was easier and fun. In the last year I've found myself sitting for the better part of 8 hours at a desk job and spotted a larger dress size in my closet. I wasn't too concerned until I couldn't fit into some of those items... DAMN IT! So, I joined the gym, Bally's, a mile down the road. It's an easy bus ride in the winter and a nice jog/walk in the summer. I needed a change. I was an avid gym goer in Nevada and I needed to get back in the habit (I am visioning Tina Turner's extremely toned dancing legs).

Last summer I paid a personal trainer to kick my butt every week. But I can't afford him with a pending wedding and so I am forced to find motivation within. This said wedding, T-minus 6 months. Talk about M-O-T-I-V-A-T-I-O-N.

I knew I couldn't accomplish all I wanted to in the gym, I am in need of a guide or a schedule, a coach, a team to get me in gear - DING... I need a GOAL. I don't like this working out solo thing. Well I found a good cause, the Zoo! The Lincoln Park Zoo has an annual race in June. I signed myself up, $25 later I am a proud new owner of race number! This is my goal, a challenge that I need to get myself out of the house and on the right path to fitting into a certain white dress.

I am going to run a 10K, I have 9 weeks to train and one day to prove I can accomplish it.