Dearest Target,

Normally I love you, nay adore you. I love your red clearance tags found down every aisle. I love just walking around, looking at all your exciting displays. The colors send me into a trance. The Dollar spot and all it’s random crap that I buy and justify to myself because it’s only a dollar!I love the amazing deals I find there on everything, from towels, to shoes, to running clothes. I’ve proclaimed my love for you constantly on my blog, and now, I just had to write you about the TERRIBLE service I’ve been recently receiving. Not only are you hurting my feelings but I I am completely disappointed with my recent encounters there.

I was at the Target the other day on my lunch break. I had to make simple returns and I had the receipt for my returns. (side note: your new return policy sucks big time, get real Target, your Target, let me return your stuff I didn’t like!) I walked up to the counter where two employees were small talking. I stood in the ‘line’ section even though there were no other customers around. I am not a mean girl. I am not bitchy. I am a friendly outgoing person. These girls were not nice. I smiled at them, and I waited. It wasn’t a big deal until I began to feel ignored. I waited for about three minutes while they chatted about last night, and let me tell you, it wasn’t work related or Target friendly conversation. Finally one girl left and the other girl kept yelling at her about last night and then doing something else before she put something back.

Finally, I walked up to the counter and said hello and she stared at me like I was interrupting what she was doing, and it was obvious that she was doing nothing. She never said hello to me and then huffed and puffed while I got out my id for the returns. I’m sorry I keep my purse messy, but Target, I spend most of my money at your lovely store, so get over me having a messy purse. She then just turned around while my receipt was printing and I had to rip it off myself and leave the counter. Her name was Anel, fire her immediately Target, redeem your reputation with your favorite and most loyal customer.

I couldn’t leave without perusing the aisles, and I was a little angry because of your worker. Nothing makes me happier than buying something. So then I was down in the picture frame aisle and there was an employee there retagging some frames on clearance. These were some amazing frames for amazing prices so I wanted to get a closer look. I said I was sorry for being in her way and then reached around to get a frame. She got up and stared at me and scoffed. I have NEVER experienced this kind of horrible service anywhere. I was polite and friendly and both these employees were acting as if I was an awful customer, hello! I personally am probably keeping your store afloat.

Then, I have found the TV of my dreams for my room. A baby vizio to match my 42 incher in the living room. This 22 inch love child is all I’ve ever wanted. I traveled far and wide to locate this and then had the brilliant idea that instead of spending a small fortune on gas to cart myself around, I would just begin calling the locations and asking if the tv was in stock. Talk about a lack of customer service on the phone. Do you teach your employees to pick up the phone and yell, or just tell them to hold the phone up so that I can hear the screeching in the background? Do you tell them that manners on the phone don’t matter?

I called over 10 Targets and alas have yet to find the Vizio, but have had much success with people who don’t know how to transfer a phone call, or put me on hold, or love to just hang up on me. It seems to be a reoccurring occurrence with your employees and it is nothing but shameful. One employee even told me that they didn’t carry that brand. There were no thank yous, no polite hellos, no thank you for calling Target, and it was just disappointing. What are you becoming Target? No customer service anymore?

xoxo

So basically it was my roommates graduation party this past weekend which means our fridge is stocked. Last night we realized though, we only have a fridge full of liquids, no real foods. Weird.

This is our fridge. I knew you would enjoy it. It looks like something off cribs. Yes, we are a little paranoid and line everything up like that even if there isn’t much in the fridge. Yes, we have a ton of red bull and even red bull sugar free (I like). Yes, we have two rows of Heineken, and three rows of Pacificos, and three rows of Coronas. Also please realize that my roommate doesn’t even drink beer. Cheers to me. Cheers to Mr. R. Also notice the bag of limes for all the Mexican beer in the bottom left drawer and the pitas in the bottom right. I have a small obsession eating pita bread with hummus together, actually I eat it every night. Yes, there are two tubs of guacamole on the top shelf. Party time. Notice also that we don’t have milk, or regular bread. But don’t worry, I won’t starve! There is some mac and cheese waiting to be eaten on the top shelf though under that tinfoil. YUM!

Now, here is the door of the fridge. Yup, we have some eggs, some soy milk and more beer, and sparks, and wine and champagne. Oh wait, there’s one little G2 up there! Gosh. Maybe investing in some food would be a good idea.

As for my trip to Hawaii, I’m super excited and I’ve been to the island many times before so I know it well. I already have ideas of what to do, and maybe these plans will include conquering my fear of snorkeling. I just don’t like when those fish get so close to me! I found all my deals on Orbitz, and I price compared and they had the best deals. There were some deals for around $600 that you could fly, get a hotel and a car for 4 nights on Oahu. Plus, I want some sun! I feel so pale!

Last night at the gym I kicked serious butt. I love going to the gym when it’s a bunch of high schoolers and meatballish jocks. It’s very entertaining. Anyways, I haven’t been this sore in a while. I ran a quick 5k, then did hardcore weights that really worked my arms and my back. I really love the cable cross machine, though it looks intimidating, it works your entire body. Then in honor of the trip to Hawaii, I did 200 sit ups on the machine. I have decided I’m going to do 200 sit ups a day until Hawaii. It’s so much easier on the machine though! Doing those at home will be a challenge. Tonight I’ll get in five miles after dinner at my grandma and grandpas. My huge blister on my toe is slowly healing and that’s why I decided to cross train last night. Also giving my knee a break and cross training instead of running so much has been really helpful. It’s a simple reminder to listen to your body when it’s sore. Taking a day or two off from pounding the pavement can be so helpful in nursing an injury and cross training can really help keep your fitness up.

Another last little random thing, if you have twitter and want to follow me talking about complete nonsensical things travel HERE

xoxo

Last night I had the great opportunity to meet up with Newlyweds Next Door for some DELICIOUS crepes and coffee at Le Creperie in Long beach. Yum, yum, yum and such a fun time to chat and meet up! It was really fun to talk about our blogs, our ‘virtual friends’ and be able to relate on so many computer literate levels and to understand the blogosphere. We did realize there aren’t many Orange County or even Los Angeles bloggers though, which is sad. :(

She is so incredibly sweet and cute, and I had such a great time. I can’t wait to hang out again, perhaps go on a walk, since she doens’t run :( ha ha, just kidding, I accept everyone, and she mentioned that her dad ran, so she is A+ in my book.

On another note, I’ll be doing eight miles tonight because I couldn’t get my lazy butt out of bed this morning. I cannot wait any longer for daylight savings. I hate running in the morning. It’s horrible and I love sleeping. I can run all night if I had to, but that’s not the safest idea and it’s hard to get in a solid run in the dark sometimes. I’m more sore today than I was yesterday, which is odd, but I’m sure I’ll be fine by my run tonight. Pop some aleeve! Oh by the way, today is free taco day at Jack in the Box. You know where I’ll be heading for lunch. Have a desire for free j-in-the-b tacos? Here’s the coupon

Also I have been trying to add comments to some of your blogs and the word verification is not allowing me. Now this is saddening me because some times you guys ask wonderful questions, like where I got my capris (walmart) … or how I like my fuel belt (though I feel like a poser, I love it)… or if I sweat when I run (no, which is bizarre) but I can’t answer! Someone fix this or turn off your word verifications! :)

I also have some exciting news.

Last night I bought a plane ticket to visit the wonderful island of KAUAI, HAWAII! They were just so cheap and everyone needs a vacation. So from April 10-16 I’ll be alohaing over there, getting in some gorgeous sun and running in a new area. I’m so excited. Mahhhhalo.

xoxo

This past weekend I participated in the Race on the base 10k. It was a completely flat course that ran around the runways of the army base. It was an alright race. It was during this race though that I realized I am not good at running shorter distances anymore. I realized I don’t hit my zone till about mile 5 to 6, and a 10k is only 6 miles. Oh yea and I had to go to the bathroom the ENTIRE race. Not bueno. I thought it would go away, and it just got worse. Oh well. I ended with a time of 49.50, and it was still fun to race again.

Yesterday I completed another new long distance for me. 16 miles. I got a new fuel belt for this run which I never have used before, but after hitting the wall last weekend at 13 miles on my 14 mile run I figured it was time. I took my gu with about 6.5 miles left and I feel like that really helped on the last part of the run. I also filled my water bottle with G2 red and it was WAY to sweet for the run, but mixed with the roctane berry pomegranate gu it was delicious. I ran much slower than I normally do too, and today I am not sore at all. I do have a huge blister on my big toe, but in time it will be healed quickly. Today’s a rest day and I’m glad I don’t have to worry about running.

Sorry if I have been a bad blogger lately. I have a ton going on in my personal life and training for a marathon is no joke. I leave you with this wonderful token of me right after I finished the 5k at the Quench the Fire Race.

xoxo

Thanks to everyone who ran for Non-Runner Nancy in the Freakishly Flexible 5k! If you haven’t read about her story and why the 5k was in her honor, go over to her page and be inspired.

Jog America was the official race director, and I kept every ones time. We had roughly 63 entrants and everyone did different exercises and ran different miles but the time posted is mostly for the 5k, with some times posted for a little bit longer or shorter. Congrats to everyone who participated and thanks for being such great runners and getting me your times so quickly. Here are the final results!

Freakishly Flexible 5k

Anonymous —-2.8 miles
Abby —-25:21:00
AKA Alice —-41:00:00
Alexandra —-32:09
Amy —- 29:00:00
Alisa Dunlap—-31:51ish
Amber Yake—-38:02:00
Run Audrey Run —-29:36:00
Beth—-27:07:00
Betsy—-26:05:00
Chic Runner —-24:53:00
Christie—-29:51:00
Database Diva—-35:48:00
Emil —-24:00:00
The Runner Inside —-48:00:00
Eunice Kindred—-27:44:00
Hallie Shere—-32:31:00
Jamie McKee —-25:50:00
Jane in the waiting line —-51:00:00
Jenn Schac —-7k = 44:46
Run Girl Run—-29:18:09
Jilligan—-38:18:00
Jocelyn Sumara—-36:45:00
Wearing Mascara —-36:00:00
Karen —-16.2k = 1:42:00
Kelsey Toney —-35:27:00
Kristen —-8 miles
Leana Keto—-31:12:00
Lisa Slow and Steady —-30:10:00
Marci —-26:00:00
Marcy McGrath —-27:56:00
Maria Khoury—-27:33:00
MCM Mama —-26:39:00
Meghan King—-26:31:00
Meghan Norris —-36:04:00
Melanie —-35:00:00
Merry Mishaps —-32:56:00
Michael Astrosky—-30:34:00
Ms. V —-6 miles 1:09
Nicole Chamberlain—-23:40
Reid —-1.1 mile = 17:38
Running Laminator —-22:25
Smelly Shelly—-27:49:00
Susan—-22:26 on bike
Spartan7—-20:28
Topher—-33:10:00
Toronto Girlo ut West —-38:04:00
Jog America —- 28:34
Wes —-30:26
Vanilla—-24:35:00
Vava —-24:34:00
Xenia—-5.7 miles = 1:04:58
OZ Runner—-29:50:00
Erik —- 5 miles @ 48:00
Love Jackson —- 27:40

Special Workouts for Nancy
Alan (bypass) 3069 steps on the stepper
Lee (stents) 2102 steps on the stepper and 1.134 miles on the treadmill
Jerry (bypasses) 1.258 miles on the bike
Charlie (bypasses) 171 steps on the stepper and 0.626 miles on the treadmill
Mike (stents) 49 steps on the stepper and 0.753 miles on the bike
Barb (friend) 10293 steps on the stepper
Dorthy (spouse) 3.2 miles on the elliptical

Total of all special workout participants
15635 steps on the stepper
4.9 miles on the bike
3.778 miles on the treadmill
3.2 miles on the elliptical

Great job everyone! I am so thankful I was a part of this race and I hope that it’s able to inspire more people to not only run but to walk and exercise, especially after all that Nancy has to go through with her upcoming surgery.

I can’t believe that it’s already Wednesday! Having a four day work week is amazing. That means that tomorrow is already deal day! Tonight I’ll be doing a little more cross training to make sure the toe is completely healed. It seems to be doing much better lately though, which I am thankful for. Daylight savings time is quickly approaching and I’m happy that soon it will be much lighter after work and I can get my longer runs in without waking up before the sun comes up!

xoxo