Down

So, I haven’t logged onto bodybuilding lately or any other site. I have been feeling really blue and out of sorts lately. I even have lost the drive to hit the gym and even run. It seems when bad things happen, they all happen at once.

My problems are definately too much for me to bear alone, so my husband and I decided that we need to come back to focus. We realized that we have lost what is important and decided to find a church family this past weekend. We went to a church this past Sunday and the experience was great. We will definately be heading back this weekend.

Just after one visit, I could feel and tell that the reason why I was blue was I forgot to turn to God. I forgot that in times of hardship that the Lord is my way. This past Sunday’s sermon was a tough one to hear for me, it hit too close to home, but its what I NEEDED TO HEAR.

I have also started counseling, I have realized that 3 deployments to have Iraq have left me shaken a bit. I have always tried to play tough and that I would never need help. BUT, the time has come that I can’t continue without sleeping well. I have decided that coming to grips with my experiences is important.

I wouldn’t change anything that I’ve done to this point. Even with the nightmares that I have, deploying 3 times is just part of my job. I love being in the Army, I love that my job is part of a bigger meaning than me. I love to tell people that I am a CPT almost MAJ in the Army and that I have done more in my 32 short years than most have done in their lifetime.

Also, a huge thanks go to all those out there that support our troops, your prayers, thoughts mean so much, they make what we do in the Army easier.

My last post I had commented that I went to an award ceremony. Mr. John Baker, former Secretary of State was given the Thayer Award here at the Academy. This award is given to a civilian that lives the motto "Duty, Honor, Country" I have attached a photo below with Mr. Baker.

Fun Filled Packed Weekend!

This past weekend was a 3 day weekend for me, we had Monday off! My weekend started off with my best friend coming to visit me late on Thursday night, she flew from Seattle. We had a great time this weekend. Friday I took her on a tour of West Point and we had lunch in the cadet restaurant. We ended Friday in NYC, we went to a Brazilian steak house and we watched Mary Poppins on Broadway. The food was amazing! I definately was able to fill my red meat cravings. The broadway show was neat, I wouldn’t say it was the best one I’ve been too. (So far I’ve seen Phantom of the Opera, Rock of Ages, Wicked and Mary Poppins).

Saturday morning was an early morning, I took my girl to the salon, we had our hair done, mani and pedis. We left the salon and proceeded to grocery shop for the meal I planned. We finally got home on SAT afternoon and started to make crab bisque (this recipe was huge!!! it took me over 3 hours to make). we finally finished the receipe, grilled steaks, prepped the salad and had a few friends over for dinner and drinks.

Than at 0300 on Sunday morning, I drove back into NYC to drop my girl off at the airport. I spent Sunday doing brunch at the historic Thayer Hotel on West Point with another couple, mimosas and custom omletes were yummy! While at the hotel, we met General (Retired) Shinseki! Followed by shopping at the mall with a good friend of mine. We spent a lot of time and money on Halloween decorations. We are co-hosting a Halloween costume party at her house on Halloween! (Super excited! I will be in a masquerade ball gown, mask and all!)

Monday finally came around and I spent the day in PJs watching old movies on tv. I have to say it was a really great, packed weekend. Now, I just need a rest day to follow my weekend! LOL!

I was also happy last week was recovery week since the half took a toll on my knees. But this is a whole new week!

I will be traveling this weekend to Austin, TX! My tri kids will be competing this weekend! Go Army!

I have 12 days to the Army Ten Miler in DC, I’m pumped!

Hope you all are having a great day!

Today is a good day!

Today started off not looking good. It was cold, wet and raining. Today didn’t look too hot, but its definately changed! The sun is out and it warming up a bit. I hope it stays this way because this late afternoon, I will be on the parade field in full military dress. The Academy will be honoring the Thayer Award Recipient.

The Thayer Award is given to an outstanding citizen whose service and accomplishments in the national interest exemplify the Military Academy motto, "Duty, Honor, Country." This year’s winner is James A. Baker III. This afternoon there will be a pass and review (civilians would say parade) in his honor.

So the warm sunshine and no rain is making this a better day!

I also gave a command brief to a VIP today. I did very well and I was paid a compliment from my audience. I was told that I exemplify what a Professional Army Officer should be, that I presented my brief with confidence, poise and command presence. That was an awesome compliment this morning, I’ve been working hard in making my brief interesting and informative.

The brief I give is one over the world on the Academy, since I am not a graduate of the military academy, and have never been stationed here before, I have been learning as much as I can about the academy since July.

I hope you all are having a great day as well, tomorrow is FRIDAY!

I forgot to post the below picture the other day, but this is the medal I got for finishing the Diva Half Marathon!

Follow me on twitter OliviaNunn

Diva Half Marathon

I DID IT! I did my very first half marathon yesterday. I ran the Diva Half Marathon on Long Island, NY. It was the longest run I have ever done. My time wasn’t spectular, it took my 2 hours and 52 minutes. I averaged a 13 minute mile pace, the pace was 3 minutes per mile slower than I worked for. My knee gave out at mile 8 so for the rest of the race it was run/walk. The temperature for the race was very cold, it was 48 degrees, and most of our training had been in around 70 degrees. The wind was blowing so hard too that I thought I was going to blow away.

But, I’m glad I finished, it was the most thrilling experience. I almost broke out in tears at the finish line, I finally did a distance that I’ve been talking about for the last 3 years. I walked away from the half marathon knowing that I will never be able to do a full marathon, my knees are just about done. BUT, I may do another half a few months down the road. I also learned that I can’t zone out for 13.1 miles without music. I was humming to myself but that got old really quick.

I tried to zone out by looking at the other runners, but that didnt work either. There were over 4,000 women running this half, it was awesome! We all finished the run with a pink feather boa and a tiara. We were greeted at the finshed line with a rose and champagne. We also received an awesome finisher’s medal that was given to us by some studly firemen.

I have over 1200 photos to sort through, I should be done with them tonight and I’ll post a couple photos here.

Now, its time to get ready for the Army Ten Miler at the end of this month.

Follow me on twitter, OliviaNunn