Saturday was my longest run ever so far. It didnt start off to a great start b/c I went to bed so early on Friday night that I forgot to set my alram and Chuck had to wait almost an hour for Scott and I to get there to start, but we all made it to 18 miles! I didn't even know the Lakeshore path went that far south!
I would have never thought I would ever be running this long. I feel like after the first 4 things just start to blur together. I do have to say that I am blessed by the strength that God has given me to do this, I pray before my run and even during my run when i am struggling and when even when I am feeling good. I
So....2 more long runs to go before the big day, a 20 miler and a 22 miler.
Philippians 4:1313 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
18 miles.....!!!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
I'm on a Treadmill!
Oh my gosh, so we had our 15 mile run to complete late Friday. We were in ATL and were going to run half inside and half outside. The run was actually going pretty well, so we ended up completing the 15 mile run on a treadmill in the ATL marquis:-) Glad that is over with!
Awkward Family Photos
Just wanted to pass this website along... It brightens up my dad and it also makes me wonder if my family has anythig to add to the collection:-) I will have to look when I go home next!
http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/
Monday, July 20, 2009
Race for the Cure
Hi Everyone!
After completing my first half marathon in May of this year, I have decided to run the Chicago Marathon, which will be held on October 11, 2009.
In addition to running the marathon for my own personal goal, I have decided to join a charity group and run for charity. I chose to run for the Chicago Diabetes Project.
Why did I choose the Chicago Diabetes Project?
When I was in high school my dad always bugged me to run and told me I should join track. I pretty much thought he was crazy and I hated running then. However, in the last year and a half I have started running and now I really enjoy it. As some of you may know, my dad is a Type I diabetic and he has struggled and controlled the disease since was 14 years old. Prior to the disease, he enjoyed running and track but was not able to compete in these sports when he was diagnosed. With less technology back then it was harder to control. With the research that has been done in more recent years it is easier to control diabetes if you have the self discipline. So, I picked the diabetes charity because I have seen the ups and downs and my dad is the one who always bugged me about runningJ
Diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions. In 1985 there were 30 million diabetics. Today the number has skyrocketed to more than 197 million. By the year 2025, diabetes will affect more than 300 million people worldwide if the epidemic isn’t stopped.
The mission of the Chicago Diabetes Project is to make islet cell transplantation the most viable option for diabetes treatment. This international collaboration of qualified researchers and physicians is dedicated to finding a functional cure. To learn more, visit ChicagoDiabetesProject.org.
My goal is to raise $800 in donations and every little bit counts! If you are able, I would greatly appreciate your help in the race for the cure!
To donate please go to the website below.
www.active.com/donate/cellmatesontherun/staciwagnerchicagoma
And spectators are greatly appreciated throughout this run, so if you would like to attend, please let me know!
Love
Staci
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
So proud of my little sis....
Steph got a job with the USDA at the beginning of the summer and she wrote her first publication for the USDA yesterday for the weekly crop weather.
She wrote the Hot & Dry section. Thought I would pass it along b/c I am a proud sister:-)
link http://www.nass.usda.gov/weather/cpcurr/mi-crop-weather
11 Miles - Done!! Woo hoo!
Saturday was the 2nd farthest that I have ever ran in my life! And it was just part of the training for the marathon. It was a nice day and a great run along the lake. This was also Scott's longest run, ever, and I was happy to be there with him! It is such a good feeling of accomplishment. For now, on to more training, the mileage is only going to increase!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Life lessons to pass along.
A friend sent me this, so I thought that I would pass this along:
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio"To celebrate growing older"
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood.. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.44. Yield.45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
Monday, April 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Two Years
So, it has been 2 years since I started with my current company. I can't believe it. Two years ago, I was moved to the city with only my car and a a car full of my stuff. I was staying with friends until I moved into my place in May. Now, two years later, I currently have 2 apartments (had to sign the lease for one a month earlier than I wanted to, so I could ensure I got the apartment) and my current project is renting me a car b/c I no longer own one. Wow have things changed!
I have met great people at the company I work for and have never thought about leaving. I could not have been more blessed with a job that I enjoy and great people to work with.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
In the Burbs...
Well I am officially staffed as of March 16th in the beautiful suburbs of Chicago, Lincolnshire. The drive to work is about an hour and I will be staffed out there until September 2009, as of now. Learning alot and I am enjoying the team, so that is all that matters!
I guess I should change the name of my blog to "now driving' ugh, that sounds terrible!
And what I am really sad about is losing all of my status' for the Marriott and Delta. I don't want to travel with the 'other' people :-)
So, now I will have to look into the Hertz status points.......wish me luck!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Happy Lent
Yes, Lent. I am not Catholic, but this year I decided to give something up. So, I decided to give up chips and of course follow the no meat on Fridays this year. We shall see how this goes!
Monday, February 16, 2009
He is just not that into you
On V-Day Robyn, Abby, and I headed to see the movie "He is just not that into you" Seemed fitting for Valentine's Day. After the movie we headed to Rush and Division to have some wine. It was a great night with the girls, just what I wanted.
Oh and Garry sent me 12 Gerber Daisies which are my fav!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Beautiful Saturday in the City
It was so nice out Saturday, so I went for a run by the lake. I just had to snap a picture of a great view! I love this city! It was like a random 60 degree day in the city and so many people were out running on the lake! One of those days when you realize why you suffer through the bad winters.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Mambo Grill
For Robyn's birthday we went to a restaunart called Mamba Grill. They had fabolous Sangaria and a Latin fusion mixed menu. Thought I would pass along the website.
http://mambogrill.com/
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Hello Osi
I almost forgot to blog about my famous star sighting.
On the plane from MIA to ATL I was bumped to first class. Along came this guy that asked for me to move to his wife could sit with him (I normally do this); however, today wasn't my day with little sleep, so he said "don't worry about it sweetie" I was totally listening to his conversation before take off and heard some talk about another NFL player and training, etc. I knew he was a player then, just still couldn't pin point it.
So, I had to get creative. I got my phone out and recorded about a 30 second video, so I could then later find it out online. Turns out, he is a player for the NY Giants!!! And later I found out that a friend of mine works with his sister. Small world!
I was going to publish the video but refrained to do so, so I didnt look like a stalker.
The story from Flight 1549 (an accenture employee)
I realize many folks have expressed an interest in hearing (1st hand) the full details of flight 1549…
But, before I go into that, let me begin by saying THANK YOU! I can’t thank everyone enough for all the support, emails, text messages, and voice-mails I’ve received. This event has made me extremely proud to be an Accenture employee and has made me realize how blessed I am to have such a great network of colleagues and friends to lean on.
Everything was normal on takeoff... We lifted off under full throttle and after a minute or so, the pilot throttled back and continued climbing. It was at least 2-3 minutes more before we heard a loud crash that shook the cabin. At this point, it sounded like the captain quickly backed off on the throttle and leveled the plane. We made a few turns, but seemed to be flying level and straight. Although, initially, there was a gasp, the sudden quiet brought about a sense of relief across all of us... We were still flying, and it seemed like we would be going back to the airport. However, at that time, we started to smell some smoke in the cabin (to me, like an electrical burnt smell). While concerning, I still felt like things were alright because we seemed to be flying ok.
We continued to cruise, what seemed to be level for the next several minutes. It was clear we were following the Hudson River, but I really had no idea both of our engines were completely out.
Then came the announcement... "BRACE FOR IMPACT"... It was a very calm voice and in the same demeanor as you routinely here the Captain say, "Flight Attendants Prepare the Cabin for Arrival".
In my mind the first thought was, "You've got to be kidding me, right?" Then it sunk in... We were going down, and we were going to do it in the river. The next thing that went through my head was a quick prayer... "Dear Lord, please help us through this... I could really use You right now".
The flight attendants were giving quick instructions... Head between your knees, grab your ankles. Then they started to chant, "Tuck and Brace, Tuck and Brace". The plane appeared to be descending normally, maybe even slower than a normal landing.
I pulled my cell phone out of my pocket and powered it up... Maybe I'd have a chance to call my wife and tell her that I love her and to make sure she tells my 2 year old son that I Love him every day. The phone started to come up, but I never did get any bars to make that call.
They say your life flashes before your eyes in the final moments... It didn't for me. I was focused on how my wife would manage, how I'd never get to see my son grow up. I was also very glad I opted for the “7X my salary” on the life insurance.
Still looking for bars on my cell, I could tell, we were really close to the water. I did what the flight attendants said and quickly ‘tucked & braced’, holding on tight... Then we hit the water. It was pretty bumpy and it felt like we took a hard left turn in the water, but we came to a stop. I was expecting the worst... Maybe the plane would flip... Maybe it would break apart and flood quickly. It didn't.
I was sitting in the bulk head row just behind first class (seat 4D). As we stopped, the Captain announced quickly, "Abandon Plane, Abandon Plane!" Within seconds, the stewardess in the front was popping the doors open and we were sliding out to safety. I went out the front right door which turned out to be probably the best option as only the front doors had inflatable rafts that deployed.
As I got to the end of the raft, I looked towards both shore-lines... My thought was if the raft was too full, could I swim it? There wasn't a chance, it was approximately 1/2 mile in each direction and you could tell the water was “Titanic-style” cold. At this point, people were pouring out of the plane onto the wings and it was a great feeling to know we were all getting out. Another quick look at the shorelines, and I realized there was a ferry approaching fast... In fact, there were 4 ferries and they all arrived simultaneously.
Once everyone from our raft was on board, the Ferry quickly made tracks for the Manhattan shoreline and the ferry terminal. It wasn't more than a 2-3 minute ride before we docked and all headed into the terminal.
They used the terminal as a holding area in order to establish counts of us all. Luckily, I had already made several calls to my wife, and was now focused on reaching out to a wider group of folks to let them know I was fine. I quickly received a voice mail from Wayne Busch trying to find out if I was on the plane. After returning his call, I was able to provide him with the details and asked him to contact the Employee Assistance hotline.
The Employee Assistance Program was truly a ‘God-send’. They immediately contacted my wife, keeping her up-to-date. They also purchased a plane ticket for her so she could fly up to NY that evening to be with me. They arranged for a car service to come down and retrieve me from the docks, took care of booking me a hotel room and handled the travel arrangements for my return flight on Friday.
Wayne Busch took charge of the car service and came down to the pier to take care of me. The whole area was blocked off by firemen and police, so I figured there was no way for him to get in... Sure enough, he slipped by wearing his long overcoat, looking very much like many of the detectives on the scene. After a few more minutes, I ditched my American Red Cross blanket, and still wearing my suit, I slipped out with Wayne the same way he came in. I couldn't wait to be back somewhere warm, and somewhere I could get away from the chaos of the day.
Back at the Hotel, there was food in the room waiting on me (thanks Dan Gietl!). I had also mentioned that I needed a phone charger and there were two brand new chargers ready to top off my phone. On another table there was a full set of toiletries. A few minutes later a bell man arrived with a wardrobe of clothes in my size from Lord and Taylor. It turns out, my wife had provided my sizes to the employee assistance group and they took care of the rest.
I didn't have much time before I jumped in the car service and headed to the airport to meet my wife. Seeing her come down the stairs to baggage claim was about the greatest thing in the whole world. The crash was quite surreal and left me feeling with a sense of, "Am I really alive, or did I really go down with the plane and I'm just dreaming all of this." When she came through security and was finally in my arms, I knew it wasn't a dream and that everything was truly ok.
I made it back to Charlotte Friday afternoon... We got home just before 4PM and rushed over to pick up my son from the neighbors. The tears were unstoppable as I thought about how lucky I was to hold him in my arms again.
An event like this really puts into perspective how important your family is and how easy it is to take them for granted. As consultants we work many hours and I find that when I’m home, I just want to relax and unwind. It has only been a few weeks, but I believe I’ve experienced a fundamental shift in that regard. The time I spend with my family has become real quality time and every moment is cherished.
I’d like to close this with a few thank you’s to some amazing folks within the Firm. First, Wayne, you are the man! I can’t imagine how much more I could have taken being stuck in the ferry terminal area. It was also great just having a beer with you and putting the day behind me. Second, I can’t say enough about the support I received from Dan Gietl. He jumped into action and made an attempt at retrieving me from the docks. At the Hotel, he made sure my wife and I had everything we needed (as well as a few things beyond what we needed). Most importantly, he made sure we were comfortable and convinced me that I should take some down time to spend with Family (I’m so glad I took your advice!). I want to thank Cyndy Fremaux who led up the incident from the Global Asset Protection group. I really feel you provided amazing support and in true Accenture fashion well beyond my expectations. Lastly, thank you Mary Birks who immediately contacted my wife, and with repeated phone calls, helped to facilitate her flight, as well as coordinated with other groups in helping to insure I had all I needed. According to my wife, Mary provided the support she needed for her as well, lending an invaluable “virtual” shoulder to cry on.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
I can't beleive the cruise is over!
Just wanted to sum up the highlighted events from the cruise this weekend!Thursday Sara and I met at the ATL airport. She barely made the flight, because her's was delayed coming from Detroit. It was such a close call by like 5 minutes! I had first class for this stretch of the flight!
Thursday night we went out in Miami. We stayed in Coconut Grove, which is a little neighborhood area about 20 minutes from the port of call. We did some shopping and went out at night.
Friday afternoon is was time to cruise! We boarded the ship around 1:00pm and of course had to get our first drinks! We checked out more of the ship and had a late lunch. On the ship included multiple bars, a casino, a spa, rock climbing wall, pool, etc. There was plenty to do. At first we had to get used to the movement of the ship. It was a little weird and rocky; however, since it was my first cruise I didn't have much to compare it to. Oh and I cant forget about the mandatory mustering drill. 
We woke up Saturday to find out that we wouldn't be stopping at Coco Cay (which is a private island on the way to the Bahamas) We heard this was the best part of the trip, so we were disappointed. We were not able to stop at this island due to the weather as it was too windy. So, we spent the day at sea. It was very windy by the pool and a little chilly but we made it through the wind. Before the pool though I participated in a "Suduko Challenge" (they have alot of activities throughout the day) and I didn't win b/c I showed up a few minutes late and it was timed.
Saturday night - This was the formal night! We got all dressed up and went to our formal dinner. The food was ok for this, nothing special but it turned into a fun night! 
Sunday during the day - We scheduled to leave the Bahamas at 430 We were supposed to gosnorkeling at 9AM but it was too cold:-( So...we just walked around the Atlantis and the Bahamas. Not too impressed with the port, for anyone traveling in the future, but it was something to see. And I was able to get a massage during the day. It was fabolous!
Sunday night was the superbowl and of course we attended the superbowl party on the ship. After the party in the night club area they had an adult scavenger hunt which got crazy but was fun and we will just leave it at that:-)
Other items to note:
- Sea Pass Card - When you board the ship you are issues a sea pass card which you take with you at all times. This is your credit card and identifcation to get on and off at ports. Great invention! But terrible when you get the bill the day of departure:-)
- Eating on the ship - First of all the ship has food pretty much ALL the time. The buffets are crazy (which is wear we ate breakfast and lunch
- Assistant Waiter - So for the three nights we had a formal dinner each night. You are assigned the same table every night with a waiter and an assistant waiter. We got to know the assistant waiter very well and learned more about a job at sea. He was on a 6 month contract (from Indonesia) and works 7 days a week/10 hours a day. This man was probably older than my father completing all of this physical labor. It was just sad. So, he also told us about his daughters at home which he missed. Needless to say, over the course of 3 nights, we made a friendship with him and we both had tears when we hugged him goodbye.
- Tie Die Shirt couple - We noticed two cheesy couples who had matching tie-die shirts and couldn't believe it. There are pictures taken throughout the cruise and they are posted for everyone to view and purchase, so we stumbled on the couples who had the tie dies that we saw earlier int he night. I snapped a picture to people wouldn't think I am lying. And then! Here is the best part..we overheard the two girls looking for their picture and we knew
we couldn't tell them where it actually was. HaHa
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Majesty of the Sea here we come!!!
New Specs, New Eye Doctor
Zetterberg to get $72M deal
I was so excited when I saw this news this morning!!! I thought I would share. He is my favorite Redwings hockey player for those of you who don't know (and my future husband but he doesn't know that yet:-))
The Detroit Red Wings have agreed to a contract extension with forward Henrik Zetterberg worth slightly more than $72 million over 12 years.
Zetterberg, a 28-year-old native of Sweden, is in his sixth NHL season, all with Detroit. He has 43 points in 45 games this season.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3865527
Just having fun to see what we will look like on our first magazine cover.
Create your own FACEinHOLE
Monday, January 26, 2009
Couldn't pass up this quiz when I saw it.
The City That Best Fits You Is Chicago |
 70% Chicago 55% New York City 55% Philadelphia 55% San Diego 55% San Francisco |
Friday, January 23, 2009
Abs in a box..yes really..
LOST!
Wednesday was the season premier of LOST! It was so exciting and I cant wait for the rest of the season!!! If you want to start watching LOST, you can watch all of the seasons online at the following link!
http://abc.go.com/primetime/lost/index?pn=index
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Welcome Joslynn Zamora
On January 16th,my cousin Melissa, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Joslynn Zamora. She was born in Lansing, Michigan and she weighed 7 lbs 3 ounces and was 21.5 inches
Taken in the hospital, she slept in this position with her hands alot.
At home with my big sis, Gracie
First bath at my mommy's house.
Time for change...
January 8th was my last day working in ATL. I can't believe that it has been almost a year since I started working in ATL. The time flies! It was a good experience and I had fun and have many memories from ATL. I met a new team and made new friends. Had to snap a few pics before I left:-) I know I am a huge dork! Oh and I cant forgot I got a Chicken Biscuit from Chik-fil-a before I left. At first I thought eating chicken in the morning was weird, but its so delicious. I will miss them!!
View of the Park outside the office 
Walking back from my last lunch
Peachtree Marta station 
Another pic of the Equitable Building
Peachtree Center - It connects through to the Marriott
Marriott Marquis
