I actually started this as a journal entry, but it ended up being much more than that for me. It’s a little piece of my heart…literally. I was feeling deep and just wanted to share.

In one week, I have my annual cardiologist appointment to check up on my heart. I always get so anxious before these sorts of things. I’m hoping for an A+ at my check up, but I know that there is always that little voice in my head telling me that anything can happen.

Most of you know that I have a heart condition (two of them if you want to get technical.)

Three years ago, I was laying in bed trying to go to sleep and felt my heart skip a beat. Then my heart started “fluttering” & palpitating quickly. I thought I was having an anxiety attack or something, but I felt way too much pressure in my chest for it to be anxiety. The pressure and the crazy fast heartbeat lasted for about 5 minutes. I didn't want to move because I didn’t want to make anything worse. My heart rate is normally a little less than 50 beats/minute, so you can see why this was very scary. I didn’t like the feeling of that pressure either…obviously. I tried to shake it off and not think about it, but it kept happening for the next week. Finally, I decided that I needed to see a specialty doctor because heart conditions are not something you want to play around with.

Eric came with me to the cardiologist for support and after going through all the vitals, background info, and symptoms, the doctor told me I needed to have some tests run.

They scheduled an echocardiogram, an ultrasound, and a saline test for me at the hospital. My mom came up for all the tests because I was basically freaking out (which is not a good idea to do when you are being tested for heart issues). My stress level was probably through the roof.

A technician came in to do my echo and ultrasound, and then a doctor came in to do my bubble contrast echo. Basically, what an echocardiogram does is uses sound waves to look at the heart. They looked at my heart’s chambers and valves, my blood flow, the pumping of my heart, and of course, they looked at and listened to my heartbeat.

The bubble contrast definitely freaked me out. I don’t know if any of you have heard of this or know what it is, but basically it is a test that uses the injection of saline into a vein, in conjunction with an echocardiogram, to find heart defects. It just gives me the heebie jeebies seeing saline shooting up my arm and following it into my heart. I have to admit, it was very cool, because I love stuff like that, but I was just too freaked out about everything else. Anyways, once the saline was in my blood, the doctor watched to see if the bubbles from the saline moved from the right ventricle to the left ventricle or stayed in the line of blood flow. And it did. Which means I was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect called ventricular septal defect. Basically, in between my right and left ventricle, I have a small hole, which is supposed to close up in children, as they get older. But it never did. After my results came back, the doc told me that because of VSD, I also have a heart murmur. This is because the blood flow that goes through the hole in my heart, creates extra noise. Ok, enough of the science lesson. I didn’t mean to digress.

My condition is nothing life threatening right now; I just have to get an annual checkup, listen to my body, be conscientious, and wear a heart rate monitor when exercising.

As a runner, this has posed some problems. For example, the Boston Marathon last year. Because of the heat and unfortunate conditions, my heart rate skyrocketed. My watch beeped at me and warned me that my heart rate was TOO HIGH. I immediately stopped, walked, and put some fluids in my body. I am a super-competitive person, so stopping to walk made me feel worthless. But, it was a life-threatening emergency…and like I said, you just don’t mess around with that stuff.

Anyways, I haven’t had too many concerns with my heart lately, but every now and then I can “feel” the murmur and it scares me quite a bit, especially when I’m running and feel it. Because of this, I am so nervous about my appointment. And you can’t be nervous before these kinds of things. Or else my readings will be all over the charts.

So many of my concerns in life, when I feel the murmur flare up or when I am in a stressful situation, involve my heart and how I can do certain things without worrying about myself.

- Am I going to be able to survive grad school without getting so stressed out that my heart is in overload? Side-note: I usually notice my heart murmur start bothering me when I get super stressed out…which during school, is at least a couple times a week.

- Am I going to be able to continue running like I have been when I’m older? Right now I am running almost 50 miles a week, and during training, it’s more. [Hence, the need for my heart rate monitor.] Yes, I have been doing it for a few years this way, but is there a point when my heart will just say, “enough is enough” and hinder me from running?

- Am I going to be able to have a normal pregnancy and birth in the future? Or is my heart condition going to put stress on myself, or worse, the baby? Or what if I pass it down to Eric & I’s children?

I know that God has a plan for me and for my path in life, which gives me some peace knowing that He is in control, but I still can’t help but wonder about these things and worry about them just a little bit.

I know my issue may be petty and insignificant compared to all those people out there with far worse heart issues than mine, so at least I have good health, regardless of my condition. I am lucky to have so few problems compared to the rest of the world.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

-Jeremiah 29:11

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

 -Matthew 6:34

The title makes me sound like I am about to post about my kid's first steps. Sheesh.
I promise I am not a crazy dog lady. They are just all I have to blog about right now ;)

So, my schedule this semester just so happens to be all morning classes, which is good & bad.
Bad: I have to get up at 6 am.
Good: I come home after class and have ALL day to get my stuff done. And I get to take the pooches on a walk.

We have a ritual of going for our morning walk every day when I get out of class.
Biggio, as most of you know, isn't much of a running dog. He has issues with running.
And Colbie has been too young to take on a walk, because her joints are still growing and forming.

But in November, she will be a year old, and the vet says that a little before their first birthday, if they haven't had any crazy growth spurts, then you can start running them.
So guess what Colbie & I did today?! We went for our first REAL & structured run!

She did so great. Seriously, she is like a completely different dog when she is running. I was so impressed. Usually, she is a hyper, always begging for attention, pushing the limits dog. And when I walk the dogs together, she actually does really well. But running is a completely different story. She is literally like the perfect dog. She stayed with me the whole time and was the most obedient dog. She followed every single one of her leash commands and she was completely focused. I swear she was a new dog. And she actually enjoyed it! (or at least I think she did.) I found out that she can actually keep a 7 minute pace for 3 miles. Go Colbie! Biggio, I love you, but he could never do that. Ever. In his life.

Anyways, needless to say, post-run, she was quite the pooped puppy.

I cannot wait to start running her long distances! She is going to be a great week-day running partner.

The past 2 weeks have been filled with birthdays, stomach flus, road trips, & a 10k!
Last weekend, we celebrated our friend, Justin's, 30th birthday! His sweet wife, Liz, planned a surprise party for him at a bar in Addison, with all his closest friends and some family. Here are a few pics from the night...

Me, Eric, Justin (bday boy), & other Eric

Couples!

We made some new friends too! Yay! Couples to actually go out with :)

That Sunday, our cousin was in town for the night and wasn't feeling well, so she asked us to come watch her adorable baby girl for her so she could focus on getting better. We of course said yes, but little did we know that we would both get the stomach flu that was passed along through our WHOLE FAMILY! It's really funny to laugh about now, but at the time, not so much.
After we went to see T & Sawyer, we found out that our family that Tara had visited had gotten sick with the stomach flu, which was what she had. On Tuesday morning, Eric got the stomach flu and I was hoping that I somehow missed the bug. But no. While I was taking care of Eric on Tuesday, I started feeling funny all of a sudden and sure enough, by Tuesday night, I was holed up in the bathroom. With my schoolbooks. I had 2 tests the next day and I wasn't letting anything stop me from attempting to finish studying. But the flu had other plans. I was up sick all night and had a test at 8 am, so and I couldn't focus on studying, so I just winged it. Turns out, winging it and relying on what I HAD studied, worked! Made great grades on all my tests. Take that stomach flu!
I think this bug affected 10 family members total? Crazy!! It literally happened overnight.
Eric & I were quite the sight to see from Tuesday to Thursday. Oh man. If only you could have been a fly on the wall. Me taking care of him, him taking care of me, repeat. It is hysterical to think about now.

Once we got over the stomach bug, we headed to Houston to visit my parents for the weekend, and so I could run the Woodforest Bank Charity 10k. I was hoping that the flu didn't hit me too hard so I could still run my race and do well. Also, little did Eric know, but I had planned a surprise birthday get-together for him at Pappasitos with some family and friends. So we had to be well for that!

Saturday morning, my mom and I woke up super early to get ready for our race (it was her FIRST 10K!). Then we headed to the start line. I was feeling really good, so I was actually hoping to place, and guess what? I DID!

So proud of my mama!

I started out the race in the front of the pack with all the guys and it stayed that way until about mile 5, when some woman came out of nowhere and practically sprinted past me. I tried to catch her for the last mile, but because I was coming off the stomach flu, the nausea hit me pretty hard. I couldn't do it. Why is it so hard for me to lose?! I have major issues when it comes to competitiveness. Just ask my family...or Eric. It's a problem.
Anyways, I still finished strong, with a 44:51 time. I finished 2nd female overall and 1st in my age group (20-29 years). Overall, I am really proud of my time and my placement!

Brooke (friend from church) finished 2nd in her age group (10-19) 

Receiving my medal at the awards ceremony!

While my mom & I were at the race, this is what my dad and Eric did...

True men.

Saturday night was Eric's surprise party. I had reserved a table at Pappasitas so all our Houston friends and some of our family members could come and just eat dinner and visit with everyone since we don't get to see them TOO often.
The whole "trying to get Eric there at a certain time" thing was so hard. There is a Bass Pro over by the restaurant, and it was so hard to drag him out of there. But we got there just in time and he was so SHOCKED. He literally had NO idea that I had organized this. I really thought he knew. But he didn't! He walked to the table behind me and just stopped. And stared. He couldn't speak...I don't think I have seen him at such a loss for words. It was hilarious.

Our brother/sis-in-law/niece came in from San Antonio, Eric's parents came in from SA, our cousins came in from Richmond, our friends came from Houston, and our grandparents!

Paul, Shipper, me, Eric, Jake, & Kourt...love each of them so much!

Eric had such a wonderful time visiting and being with our friends again. I am so happy that it was such a good turn out and that he had such a good time. I just wish it could have been longer. We miss everyone SO much!

After dinner, Pappasitos sang happy birthday to him! [I can't believe he is turning 25 tomorrow] They made him wear a sombrero. True mexican.

Cute birthday boy. 

hahaha

Our niece, Abigail, had a good ole time eating the ice straight from the cake ;)

And of course, Gigi had to help her out! :)

She is too cute.

Surprise party = success!!

Today we came home and guess what we did?! Bought a bike! Eric, being the most amazing husband that he is, has agreed to ride our new bike alongside me on my weekly long runs! He is now my supporter (on a whole new level), my hydration system, & my radio. ;)
He is going to hand my water & GU, talk to me, play music, and push me during my crazy hard long runs. I have a feeling this is going to be the start of a new type of relationship....especially at 6 am on Sunday mornings! Poor guy doesn't know what he is getting himself into.

My new "running" partner.

It's past my bedtime...so everyone have a wonderful week!

Now that we have had our own dog (s) in our life for almost 4 years, I can honestly say that I have learned life lessons from them. Weird, I know, but it's true.

My pal.

Eric got Biggio for me during my sophomore year of college, when he was raised from a pup in a household full of 5 girls. He loved every second of it. We got Colbie during our first year of marriage, last January, and she will be a year old this November.

I don't want to pick favorites, but Biggio is probably by best pal. He has never left my side for the past 3 1/2 years. Maybe when Colbie and I have been together that long, then she will be my favorite. ;)

Biggio and I have this unspoken bond. We just get each other. Yes, you are probably laughing, but I swear he just knows how I am feeling all the time and he knows what I get mad at and what I will praise him for. He is very intuitive.

This is me & Biggio...haha.

Colbie is incredibly spunky and slightly crazy. She is always excited and always hyper. I love her too, don't get me wrong, Biggio is just calmer and how do I say it? Less psycho?

Anyways, back to the point of this post.

Here are a few things I have learned through the years about our dogs and how it relates to the meaning of life.

1. Get excited about the simple joys and little things in life. AKA-going for walks & getting a treat.

It amazes me how excited Biggio & Colbie get when we are about to leave the apartment for our daily walk. Every morning, when I get home from class, I take the dogs for a walk. It's so funny, because they know it's coming, yet they still are SO HAPPY about it. They love being outside and getting their extra energy out. It really makes you want to get excited about the walk too.

2. Stop & smell the flowers.

This is along the lines of getting excited about the little things. I can take Biggio outside and he could just sniff away for hours if I let him. Granted, half of that time, he would be sniffing for a good place to pee "do his business" and mark his territory. But still, he could just explore forever. He also loves to lay on our porch and just stare outside and look at EVERYTHING. He can sit there for hours too. It makes me want to just sit on our porch with a glass of tea and stop everything I'm doing and just look & listen.

3. Eat with enthusiasm.

I think this one explains itself. There is nothing better than discovering a new restaurant or a new dish and just eating whole-heartedly. That is what our dogs do every time they eat...and it's the SAME FOOD. We really should enjoy get out and enjoy this amazing plethora of food that we have in this country.

4. Be generous.

Our dogs, Biggio especially, loves to bring toys to people who visit our apartment...new people or people he has known forever. If he hears someone knocking on the door, his first reaction is to grab a toy and wait for the person to come inside. Once they are inside, he will drop the toy and spin in circles waiting for the person to play. Even though it is HIS toy, he just gives it to people, regardless if he knows they will play or not.

I wish I was this generous in my everyday life.

5. Practice obedience.

I have such a huge problem with this. Ask my mom...I think it's safe to say I have struggled with this concept for my whole life. I wish I could say that my dogs taught me to be more obedient, but they didn't. I'm just putting this in there for all you peeps, because they are truly REALLY good role models. I don't want to brag, but they are so obedient! Especially Biggio. Colbie is still learning, but she's getting there. I don't give her enough credit. They stay when they are supposed to stay, sit when they need to sit, come when called, and they are just well-behaved. [They just get a little TOO excited sometimes.]

6. Protect the people you love.

Our dogs are wonderful guard dogs. When I run with Biggio, if anyone is way too close, he will let them know with a soft growl. If someone he doesn't know [or doesn't smell familiar] is at the door, he let's them know that he is not a happy camper and they need to get lost.

He is a great companion to have because he will not leave your side when you need protection. I hope that I would follow that example by protecting someone I love if they were in danger.

B waiting for Eric to get home from work.

7. Be loyal.

I like to think that I am a loyal person. But if you really want to see true loyalty, come hang out with Biggio and I for the day. It amazes me how dogs can be so loyal to someone. You should see Biggio with my 9-year old cousin, Tearyn. When we visit family in Conroe, he sticks to her like glue sometimes. He just loves her.

8. Accept attention & let yourself be in the spotlight once in awhile.

I will be the first one to admit that I despise loathe hate attention. I cannot stand it. Dogs on the other hand, love it. They would bathe in it if they could. Sometimes I have to remind myself, that even though I hate attention and hate the spotlight on me, I deserve it at certain times. Birthdays, college graduation, new jobs, etc. Everyone deserves it. You deserve it, so let yourself enjoy it.

Colbie

9. Let people know how you are feeling.

Dogs obviously can't talk, so they show their emotions with their tail, whining, barking, or licking. They are honest creatures. They can't hide anything, and sometimes, we shouldn't either. Let people know if you are excited, sad, angry, jealous, happy, etc. It is so much easier to talk about something than keep it in. I know this firsthand. Lesson learned.

10. When someone is having a bad day, just be quiet, sit next to them, and cuddle.

I think this one could stand alone.

Biggio knows when something is wrong me or if I have had a bad day. He just comes over to me, sits down (or lays on my lap), and just relaxes. I wish everyone had a dog, just for this reason.

11. Love unconditionally.

Dog's don't pass judgment on you. They don't care what you look like or how you act. They don't ask themselves, "well should I give them the benefit of the doubt?" They just love.

They love you because you are their owner and their friend. They are excited to see you everyday when you get home, even if it's only been 30 minutes since they saw you last. They love unconditionally to the point of extreme loyalty. I love this about them. I can just roll out of bed in the morning and Biggio & Colbie will greet me with smooches, even though I have morning breath. I wish I could love as unconditionally as them...it's a hard concept to grasp.

I just love this picture too much not to share...Biggio as a pup.

Biggio

12. Be yourself.

Colbie is a crazy psycho dog, but I love her anyways. She doesn't pretend to be a different way around me [that's just crazy talk], even though she knows I hate her psychoness. She knows I love her regardless.

Don't hide behind a facade. Don't pretend you are someone else. God made you the way you are for a reason, so just be yourself.

Now yall probably think I am crazy for comparing my dogs to humans, but if you haven't had a dog, then highly suggest you get one, because you will know what I mean. Our dogs have taught me to a better leader, a better companion, and a better person.

Yes, I know it is almost 4 in the morning, but I couldn't sleep. I am an insomniac.

The other day, I had an acquaintance ask me why I ran. They said that they "couldn't imagine running more than 2 miles at one time without stopping." To which I responded, "at least you run..that's better than most people."

I don't think they expected that response!

I also told this particular person, that it is hard to put into words why I run like I do, but I am going to try and explain it here.

Answer #1--Honestly, I think running is pretty much ingrained in me. I grew up running. My grandmother was a runner, my dad was a runner, my grandfather was a runner, and then I became a runner. I loved every second of competitions, track meets, cross country races...the whole nine yards. I especially enjoyed beating all the boys in my class and age group. Great memories ;) Not many people know this, but I got offered a spot on the cross country team at Hardin-Simmons University, but declined so I could go to Baylor. And it's a good thing I did, because I would never have met my now-husband! :)

Looking good...

Answer #2--Running keeps me in shape. It keeps me healthy. It keeps me active. And it keeps me strong.
I have this goal in life to be as strong as I can possibly be. And as fit as I can possibly be.
But, obviously, that is not the main reason why I run. Even though, it is a very good one.
[PS-In Boston, you would not believe the amount of perfectly shaped runner's legs I saw. True story.]

Answer #3--Running thrills me. I get a special thrill when I race and accomplish goals I set for myself. [Which technically is another part of this answer...I love to set running goals. Obsessed with it.] Call it the competitive side of me.

Answer #4--I love the sights, sounds, and beauty of running. I feel most connected to God when I run. And I feel most connected to nature when I run. There is just something about running in a new place or on a new trail that makes you want to take in everything around you and praise God for all his blessings.

Answer #5--Running is my "me" time. I get away from the world and from the hub-bub of the city life. I am able to dwell in my thoughts, my prayers, and just let everything go. [When I am stressed, Eric always says, "just go for a run Britt". It's true...I come back feeling so much better about life.] In my earlier days of running longer distances, I tended to run with headphones. But now, not so much. Sometimes I really need a good song to push me, but most days, I don't. I absolutely love running without headphones in my ears these days. It really just makes me relax and focus on my run.

Answer #6--I love the endless possibilities of workouts that come with running. I love the variety! What am I going to do today? Long run? Speed workout? Fartleks? Strength exercises? Core exercises? Tempo run? Pace workout? Hill workout? Cross-train? All the above?!

Answer #7 [Probably the most important answer]--Running makes me so incredibly HAPPY! I enjoy running! I feel blessed to have this ability to run wherever, whenever, and however far I want to run. It excites me and makes me giddy inside. It may sound weird to all of you, but it's so true. I get excited knowing that I have a particular run coming up. And when I start all most of my runs, I am genuinely happy to be a part of such a wonderful sport.

Answer #8--I'm 100% addicted.

Tyler Rose Half Marathon 2010

The end.

Last Wednesday was my first day back to school since my one year hiatus from undergrad. Talk about a different experience!
I really wish I could put into words how I felt at 6 am Wednesday morning as I was preparing for the commute to my 8 am in Denton. I was anxious, excited, nervous, and a little scared to be completely honest. I absolutely LOVE school & I LOVE to learn. But after taking a year off, and then having the added pressure of having certain standards to uphold, I just was a bit overwhelmed to say the least.

For those of you who don't know, yes I am technically starting grad school, but because I didn't originally get my Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences/Disorders, I have to go through what is called the "leveling" process. I am taking a few undergrad classes right now that will prepare me for the grad classes, but I have to make B's in everything in order to complete my acceptance. For those of you that know me, this means I have to make all A's. That is just the way I think.

So, anyways, I got to school around 7:45, parked, and walked to my first class. What a different world. UNT is VERY different from Baylor, but not in a bad way. Just different. After being at Baylor for 4 years, coming to UNT is just a new experience. It was a different environment and a different group of people, but I can definitely get used to it. So far, so good! Minus the fact that I feel super old in a couple of my classes, especially because I am the only married student in all my classes...haha :)

I have 3 classes on Wednesdays & 1 class on Thursdays. Hopefully, because of my background in kinesiology, health science, & exercise science, I think I'm going to do well in my first round of prerequisites. (Knock on wood ;))

I am really excited about this experience. Now, that the first day is over, and the initial anxiety has passed, I can actually say that I am enjoying myself. I just hope I don't stress myself out too much trying to be a perfect student this time around. Poor Eric :( He has no idea what's coming...haha!

On a different note, Baylor won their first football game at home yesterday against SMU. Sic' em Bears! So proud to be a Baylor bear. And now proud to be a North Texas Eagle.