October Rose & Thorns – A monthly recap of the highs and lows experienced each month.
Rose: ½ Marathon Race(s)
Last month I was supposed to run my first half marathon, but because of an untimely hurricane, the race was canceled and rescheduled for next year. As I started looking for other races in the area, I discovered the half-marathon Burg to Beach to Bayshore Challenge. If I run all three races, I will receive an additional medal at the end of the Gasparilla race in February. Having never run a single half marathon, signing up for three might seem too ambitious (I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous). Still, the fall weather has made running enjoyable again, which has allowed me to complete my long runs without feeling like I’m going to pass out.
Since the spacing of the races are months apart, I’m confident my body will have plenty of time to recover or at least forget the struggle of running thirteen miles. I’m also goal-orientated; if I’ve paid money to be a part of an event and there is a confirmed date on the calendar, I will move mountains to accomplish a goal.
The first race of this series is the St.Pete Run Fest on November 13th, 2022. I’m feeling confident I’ll be ready in the coming weeks for this race. My long runs are currently inching toward the 12-mile mark. At the end of these runs, I have the energy to push for a couple more miles if I need to. My goal pace for this race is a very conservative ten-minute pace. I simply want to shake out the nervousness from running my first half marathon and complete the race. Wish me luck!
Thorn: Health Care “Rebaits”
I finally made an eye appointment I’d been putting off for months. In an effort to support local business, I chose to go to a local private practice rather than a commercial store (i.e., Vision Works, Eye Express, ect.). The exam process was routine, and the Optometrist was very personable and took the time to answer all of my questions. My annoyance started at the checkout counter. My prescription changed slightly, and because I’m on the night shift at certain points of the year, it was recommended I switch to 1-a-day contact lenses. When I went to the checkout counter, I had a bit of sticker shock when I was told my contact lenses would be over $600. But not to worry because there would be a $310 rebate if I simply logged on to the website, entered the QR code, uploaded my receipt, took a picture of the unopened boxes, and then waited 4 to 6 weeks to be reimbursed. Why do I have to go through this frustration!?!?
I don’t want to become a contact lens loyalty program member and earn arbitrary points. I simply want to pay for my contact lenses and see you next year when I run out. The entire thing made me feel kind of icky. Like I’m sure the eye doctor gets some kind of kickback for recommending this brand of contact lenses, but the whole process was very off-putting.
Rose: A Chance of Showers & (spooky) Babies
After months of planning, we finally had my sister’s spooky baby shower. I don’t think it could have gone any better. My job was to create a balloon arch and help decorate the day before. Having no previous experience making balloon arches, I watched a few YouTube videos and cross my fingers that it would turn out. Some of the takeaways I learned from this process are that you have to have an electric air pump, and some balloons will pop unexpectedly. Other than it taking 5 hours to complete, it was a straightforward process.
The party itself was a wonderful celebration of the highly anticipated arrival of my niece and showering my sister with all the cute baby accessories for her nursery. Seeing so many friends and family under one roof was heartwarming and truly the best way I could have imagined celebrating such a happy occasion.
October Favorites:
Cirkul Water Bottle – If you know me, then you know I always have a water bottle with me wherever I go. When I was asked by Cirkul if I wanted to try their flavor-infused water bottle, I was intrigued by the ability to switch from flavored to plain water within the same vessel. After having the cirkul water bottle for a full month, I have to say I’ve been very impressed with how long the flavor last and how often I reach for it wanting a bit of flavor as I hydrate. As of right now, I’ve stuck to the fruit flavors, but I will absolutely be taking a coffee infuser on my camping trip next month.
Hyke & Byke Tent – Speaking of camping trips, next month I will be on a camping trip for three nights. In need of a tent of my own, I bought the same tent I camped in last year for camping in Yellowstone National Park. This is an easy-to-set-up, three-season, two-person tent. If you are planning fall and spring camping trips, I recommend checking out all the equipment Hyke & Byke has to offer. Save $15 by using the code FRIENDSANDFAMILY at checkout.
Rash Guards – As any true Floridian knows, now is the time to hit the beaches. The tourist have gone away for the summer season, leaving the beaches for the locals. I love the beach but don’t love being out in the direct sun for hours at a time. Attraco Sports rash guards are the perfect solution to protecting my skin while I float peacefully in the clear gulf waters. There are so many cute patterns to choose from, and the sizing is inclusive, ranging from XS – 5XL.
October Blog Post Recap
In case you missed any posts this month:
FLORIDA FARM SPOTLIGHT: AMBER BROOKE FARM – the ideal place for kids and adults to enjoy life on the farm. As the change in seasons brings more comfortable temperatures, the demand for outdoor activities soars to a seasonal high.
DIY: 3 EASY HALLOWEEN DECOR IDEAS – These three Halloween Decor Ideas only require two central components to make these DIYs come together: a hot glue gun and paint. With these tools in your arsenal, you can transform anything into your holiday aesthetic.
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