A Pink Pixie Princess - Complete!

[ZellyB]

Woohoo for continued improvement with the running. I know that conditioning will be back soon and meanwhile your slow and cautious approach has been really smart. I'm so happy you are getting to run some again. I know how tough that is mentally when you can't run for a period of time. I'm sure you will just get stronger and stronger.

That Phoenix shirt!!! It's perfect for your situation. I thought about getting it, but since I'm trying to lose some weight right now and the medium I bought recently was snug, I'm going to hold off on buying anything new for a bit. But, I LOVE it for you.

 

[Ariel484]

Woo hoo! And honestly, the fact that you could go faster so soon is pretty awesome!

Thanks! Things have been going well so far, so I am very excited about that!!

But now I want to know! Anyway, so glad you're getting back into running Hopefully you are able to get some good advice the next time you have an appointment, and I hope that the runs continue to go well I'm sure your fitness level will be back soon, too!

It's probably one of those things that is exciting to me only, so maybe I shouldn't have teased...haha!

My follow-up is a week from Wednesday! Dr. Spine won't know what hit him...I have a list of questions all ready to go and am putting together a potential training schedule that I'd like to get his okay on...he's going to think I am insane!!

Haha! Yeah, unsurprisingly Disney was aggressive with the marketing but between the perfect trailers and the Force Friday toy releases and the spoiler free movie release, I swear Disney's roll out will be studied in marketing classes on how to pull this off! I saw Force Awakens with my sister-in-law who had never seen any of the other Star Wars movies and she really enjoyed it. I mean, really at this point Star Wars is so imbued in our collective conscience as a society that you will get most references and all that and enjoy the experience. My birthday is this week on a day that all of my kids are in school so my happy bum will be in a theater having a birthday date with Poe Dameron and BB-8 and I am soooooo looking forward to it

I swear, at some point I WILL watch the movies...either using the order that you posted in this thread, or in the order that they were released. It's sort of a requirement since Star Wars lands are coming to Disney Parks!

Wait, does that mean I need to watch Avatar too?

Confession: I have been watching A LOT of Downton Abbey lately, hence the making you a peer and giving you a nobility title for your costume. You're welcome. I do have such authority. Really, I think rising from the ashes merits a promotion!

Such an honor!! And I thank you, madam!!

Woohoo for continued improvement with the running. I know that conditioning will be back soon and meanwhile your slow and cautious approach has been really smart. I'm so happy you are getting to run some again. I know how tough that is mentally when you can't run for a period of time. I'm sure you will just get stronger and stronger.

I really cannot believe how frustrating it has been! I HATED running up until a few years ago - if you had told 25-year-old me that there would come a time where I would have missed it this much, I would not have believed it!

That Phoenix shirt!!! It's perfect for your situation. I thought about getting it, but since I'm trying to lose some weight right now and the medium I bought recently was snug, I'm going to hold off on buying anything new for a bit. But, I LOVE it for you.

I love it too! It really is the perfect shirt for the Never Land 5K, even if it has zero to do with Disney.

I know what you mean about the sizing...I know people will buy a size down in clothes to make it a "goal" piece (I think I see that more with SparkleSkirts) and for clothes that require such an...*investment,* I just find that really hard to do! I can do a size down in the shirts sometimes (I have a couple of classic shirts 1 size smaller than my "regular" size) and some days they are okay, and some days...like stuffing a 10-pound sausage in a 5-pound bag. Not a good look on me!

 

[SarahDisney]

This Phoenix Tech Shirt was inspired by the mythological bird that recycles its own life. When it perceives its impending death, the phoenix ignites itself into a magnificent fire. In time, it reemerges from its own ashes - reborn, renewed, and very much alive. There is so much symbolism tied to this sun loving bird; victory over death, passion, longevity, and creativity... all topics we love to explore with our own style of fire, color and passion.

I think this is perfect. Especially the bolded part.
You've been trying to stay positive here, and that's awesome, but I think that we your readers have seen that this has been a struggle for you. But you're coming back, and we're seeing a new enthusiasm from you as you rise from the ashes and return to your former glory!
Also, it's really pretty.

**5.25 miles completed!!**

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay...not WDW, but I *am* going to be Lady Fawkes for the Never Land 5K, as @pxefig said.

Hogwarts! It may not be Disney, but Hogwarts pictures are always allowed. Always. I love Hogwarts.

I know it's only my second run back, but yowza!!! I was really huffing and puffing today!

It'll get better. This is just your body reminding you to take it easy because you're just getting back in. But as you continue to run, you'll notice less and less of the huffing and puffing and more of the feeling awesome.

I think it's really awesome that you're back to running, and I'm excited to read along as it continues to get a little easier and feel a little better. It's really awesome to see you coming back from injury and being awesome!

I have watched all of Fuller House this weekend on Netflix. It was cheesy and glorious, and yes, I have no life.

I watched the whole thing too! It was a little painfully cheesy at times (the first 5 minutes made me want to die ... it was awkward in the way only a "29 years later" sequel could be), but I liked it. I hope there's a season 2.
Although I was a little sad that they went with the predictable ending for the last episode. I wanted her to choose!

 

[Ariel484]

I think this is perfect. Especially the bolded part.

I thought it was perfect too! I'm pretty sure they were sitting around, like, "what is the perfect shirt we could make that is all about Shannon? Yep, a phoenix works!" That totally happened, right?

You've been trying to stay positive here, and that's awesome, but I think that we your readers have seen that this has been a struggle for you. But you're coming back, and we're seeing a new enthusiasm from you as you rise from the ashes and return to your former glory!

Ah...yeah, I wasn't sure how much how I *really* felt came through. Not that I was trying to be dishonest, but in general I do try to keep a little more of a positive vibe here on the DIS, if that makes sense. I really cannot believe how tough this has been for me! I guess I like running more than I realized!

Also, it's really pretty.

ALWAYS a plus!!

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so proud of those 5.25 miles!!!

Hogwarts! It may not be Disney, but Hogwarts pictures are always allowed. Always. I love Hogwarts.

Me too. Still waiting not-so-patiently for my letter from them...

It'll get better. This is just your body reminding you to take it easy because you're just getting back in. But as you continue to run, you'll notice less and less of the huffing and puffing and more of the feeling awesome.

I know it will...it WILL. I keep telling myself that. And I would say the exact same thing to anyone else in my situation. Once I do get back to that awesome feeling I most definitely will not take it for granted!

I think it's really awesome that you're back to running, and I'm excited to read along as it continues to get a little easier and feel a little better. It's really awesome to see you coming back from injury and being awesome!

So what you're saying is...it's awesome. I agree!!! It was getting so old posting about how frustrating things were over and over again...posting about awesome things is a lot more fun!

I watched the whole thing too! It was a little painfully cheesy at times (the first 5 minutes made me want to die ... it was awkward in the way only a "29 years later" sequel could be), but I liked it. I hope there's a season 2.

OMGGGGG I could not agree with you more! And I don't know about you, but I wasn't a fan of the shade they threw at the Olsen twins in that first episode...I'm sure it was meant to be a playful joke, but them giving the side-eye to the camera like that seemed really...bitter to me, I guess? It was a little uncomfortable to watch!

Although I was a little sad that they went with the predictable ending for the last episode. I wanted her to choose!

Me too, and (unpopular opinion?) I wanted her to go with Matt. I know she's *supposed* to end up with Steve, but they wrote Steve as kind of a creeper, I thought! I mean, he was MAJORLY hitting on her in the first episode! Again, uncomfortable!

I was a little worried after the premiere episode, but I thought it got better after that - and I am hoping for a season 2 as well!

 

[SarahDisney]

OMGGGGG I could not agree with you more! And I don't know about you, but I wasn't a fan of the shade they threw at the Olsen twins in that first episode...I'm sure it was meant to be a playful joke, but them giving the side-eye to the camera like that seemed really...bitter to me, I guess? It was a little uncomfortable to watch!

OMG YES! I mean, I get that they had to say something about the Olsen twins not being there. But they could have done it in a less mean way. Every time they said something about Michelle and where she was I just wanted to scream "SHUT UP!!"

Me too, and (unpopular opinion?) I wanted her to go with Matt. I know she's *supposed* to end up with Steve, but they wrote Steve as kind of a creeper, I though! I mean, he was MAJORLY hitting on her in the first episode! Again, uncomfortable!

This was hard for me. I love Steve. I've always loved Steve. He's at least a quarter of why I love Aladdin so much (the other three quarters is because it's Aladdin). A lot of my favorite Full House moments involve Steve. But I didn't love him in this series, and I would not have been unhappy if she had chosen Matt.

 

[Ariel484]

OMG YES! I mean, I get that they had to say something about the Olsen twins not being there. But they could have done it in a less mean way. Every time they said something about Michelle and where she was I just wanted to scream "SHUT UP!!"

Yeah, I mean...just, what was that?

Part of me thinks, "one of them could have done just one episode"...but mostly I feel like it's their prerogative to NOT do it. I read a quote from one of them where she said that they hadn't acted much over the past 20 years and didn't feel comfortable getting back in front of a camera...and if it were me I wouldn't want to be guilt-tripped into doing something I truly did not feel comfortable doing. And with all of those direct-to-DVD/-TV movies they made, I could see how they got burned out on acting.

This was hard for me. I love Steve. I've always loved Steve. He's at least a quarter of why I love Aladdin so much (the other three quarters is because it's Aladdin). A lot of my favorite Full House moments involve Steve. But I didn't love him in this series, and I would not have been unhappy if she had chosen Matt.

Ugh, I know. He was a Stage V Clinger. It was just TOO MUCH.

 

[SarahDisney]

Part of me thinks, "one of them could have done just one episode"...but mostly I feel like it's their prerogative to NOT do it. I read a quote from one of them where she said that they hadn't acted much over the past 20 years and didn't feel comfortable getting back in front of a camera...and if it were me I wouldn't want to be guilt-tripped into doing something I truly did not feel comfortable doing. And with all of those direct-to-DVD/-TV movies they made, I could see how they got burned out on acting.

Exactly. There are people out there who, for whatever reason, chose to retire from acting. If they've retired from acting and don't feel comfortable coming back, that's their decision. It's insane to sit there and make fun of them for deciding to focus on something that interests them now and not something they did when they were infants/toddlers.
Mary Kate & Ashley are my age. The only thing I do now that I did back when Full House was on is run (and I actually do a lot more of it now than I did then). But there was a big gap in between, and I made the decision to go back to running, I wasn't pressured into it. I can't imagine someone trying to pressure me to do a race just because I did the peewee version of that race when I was a kid.
At first I was a little annoyed that they weren't coming back. But once I realized that it wasn't just them looking down on the show, and realized that they haven't acted in 15-20 years, it makes a lot of sense.
Sorry, I'm going on endlessly about this, but this whole situation kinda just bugged me, and I guess I needed to vent about it.

 

[Ariel484]

Exactly. There are people out there who, for whatever reason, chose to retire from acting. If they've retired from acting and don't feel comfortable coming back, that's their decision. It's insane to sit there and make fun of them for deciding to focus on something that interests them now and not something they did when they were infants/toddlers.

You are totally right!! They had no choice but to act because they started at 9 months or whatever. If that choice hadn't been made for them, they most likely would have taken a different path. Makes me wonder about the kiddos playing Tommy...

Mary Kate & Ashley are my age. The only thing I do now that I did back when Full House was on is run (and I actually do a lot more of it now than I did then). But there was a big gap in between, and I made the decision to go back to running, I wasn't pressured into it. I can't imagine someone trying to pressure me to do a race just because I did the peewee version of that race when I was a kid.

That's definitely a good way to think about it. Like...I took little pre-school dance classes as a kid. If you told me I had to come back and do tap for people or something, I would NOT be happy!!

At first I was a little annoyed that they weren't coming back. But once I realized that it wasn't just them looking down on the show, and realized that they haven't acted in 15-20 years, it makes a lot of sense.

I agree, I had the exact same through process. It must've been an awkward decision for them to make.

Sorry, I'm going on endlessly about this, but this whole situation kinda just bugged me, and I guess I needed to vent about it.

It's all good, I'm the one that brought it up in the first place! And I totally agree with everything you are saying!

 

[Ariel484]

Goodbye Money! INKnBURN: Lucky Charm skirt and Miko 4Arms

INKnBURN mail brightens up any day for me...especially a Monday!!

Two fun things today...first, the Lucky Charm 2 skirt, which I am OBSESSED with!

In case my very Irish name, red hair and pale skin didn't make it obvious...I am Australian. No, just kidding. As a wee Irish lass, clearly this skirt is right up my alley. I LOVE the shorts...

...but even more than the shorts, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the fabric on the inside of the waist. INKnBURN always puts cool contrasting fabric inside the waistbands so that the wearer can wear either with the waist folded down or up...I wear the waistband up to conceal the fluff. But man, if they made a tech shirt or a pullover in this contrasting fabric with the Celtic knots, I would be all over that!

And less pretty, but still important...there is a drawstring.

Along with the skirt, I ordered the Miko 4Arms. These are arm sleeves, which I thought I could pass up...but the pattern is SO pretty, and it occurred to me that this would allow me to wear my short-sleeved tech shirts on cooler days, which is a great thing since I do not have many long-sleeved tech shirts. In hindsight this seems like a huge ***DUH!!!*** moment for me - like, wow, I can wear my short-sleeved shirts in cooler weather with these sleeves and I'll be warm! - but when I realized this it was like some huge revelation (which is what led me to order the sleeves that go with the Phoenix shirt for my Never Land 5K outfit). Sorry people, it takes me a bit to catch on sometimes!! And the other nice thing...if I get warm, I can just take them off, fold them up and keep them in a pocket until my run is done!

And like I said before...they're just really, really pretty. Obviously I haven't run in them yet, since they just arrived, but I pulled them on and thankfully I ordered the right size (it helped a LOT that I got to try them on at headquarters in December) - they aren't too tight, but they don't feel like they'll fall down when I run, either. And they're at a good length where I can pull them a little ways over my hands to keep them warm if I need to. I think I'll end up liking them a lot!

Continued in Next Post

 

[SarahDisney]

Every new INKnBURN post is so exciting!! I love the skirt! And the arm things are pretty cool too ... but I have to admit, I've never really understood those (although that might be because I wear long sleeves in all weather).

 

[ZellyB]

Yay for InB mail!!! I didn't really love most of the Miko stuff, but those 4Arms are really pretty. I can see how it would add some versatility to your running wardrobe for sure. And the skirt! It's so pretty and, yes, just perfect for an Irish Lass like you. The shorts are my favorite thing about them and since InB skirts have those slits you really get the chance to see them. A shirt in that contrasting waistband fabric would be amazing.

 

[Ariel484]

Every new INKnBURN post is so exciting!! I love the skirt! And the arm things are pretty cool too ... but I have to admit, I've never really understood those (although that might be because I wear long sleeves in all weather).

So, with the sleeves...I think it'll just be a way for me to be able to wear my short-sleeved tops on days when it's actually cool enough for long sleeves? I've seen people wear them with tanks too, though...I'm looking forward to trying them out!

Yay for InB mail!!! I didn't really love most of the Miko stuff, but those 4Arms are really pretty. I can see how it would add some versatility to your running wardrobe for sure. And the skirt! It's so pretty and, yes, just perfect for an Irish Lass like you. The shorts are my favorite thing about them and since InB skirts have those slits you really get the chance to see them. A shirt in that contrasting waistband fabric would be amazing.

I think you're right that they add versatility! That's a good way to look at it!

I LOOOOOOOVE the skirt...this may be my favorite thing they have made in awhile! And I'm not gonna lie, after seeing pictures of people actually wearing this year's shirt, I broke down and ordered that last night ...I knew that would happen!! I'm thinking it'll make a good outfit for Princess weekend in 2017 though - Irish Princess? Maybe that's a bit of a stretch, but I'm going with it!

 

[ZellyB]

So, with the sleeves...I think it'll just be a way for me to be able to wear my short-sleeved tops on days when it's actually cool enough for long sleeves? I've seen people wear them with tanks too, though...I'm looking forward to trying them out!

I think you're right that they add versatility! That's a good way to look at it!

I LOOOOOOOVE the skirt...this may be my favorite thing they have made in awhile! And I'm not gonna lie, after seeing pictures of people actually wearing this year's shirt, I broke down and ordered that last night ...I knew that would happen!! I'm thinking it'll make a good outfit for Princess weekend in 2017 though - Irish Princess? Maybe that's a bit of a stretch, but I'm going with it!

I don't blame you for getting the shirt. It's very fun and will look adorable with that skirt. And, you know you will always have the opportunity to sell it down the road if you decide you don't want to keep it. I think an Irish Princess outfit would be super cute! I mean, why should Scotland get all the attention with Merida? It might also be good for W&D you know? Representing for the Irish pubs of the world!

 

[Ariel484]

I don't blame you for getting the shirt. It's very fun and will look adorable with that skirt. And, you know you will always have the opportunity to sell it down the road if you decide you don't want to keep it. I think an Irish Princess outfit would be super cute! I mean, why should Scotland get all the attention with Merida? It might also be good for W&D you know? Representing for the Irish pubs of the world!

AH!! Great point about Wine & Dine! I need to keep that in mind!

You won't catch me wearing a tiara of any kind, so I may be the only one that knows it should be an "Irish Princess" outfit if I do use that one for Princess weekend...but that's okay.

 

[dancingtodisney]

Yah!! Running again!! Go you!!

In case my very Irish name, red hair and pale skin didn't make it obvious...I am Australian. No, just kidding. As a wee Irish lass, clearly this skirt is right up my alley. I LOVE the shorts...

Skiorta deas!! (nice skirt)

Very happy to see you embracing your inner Irish! I really like this one, it's so pretty! I like the Irish princess idea too... where has Disney been with this??! Probably something to do with the numpty that excluded Ireland from the world showcase and them lobbed all our best products in the UK pavilion.... hmmmmmmm

Really happy to see that your continuing to improve!

Great news on the resort discount too! Glad your friend understood, that's a very big saving!!

 

[Ariel484]

Yah!! Running again!! Go you!!

Yay thanks!! How are things going for you post-Dopey??

Skiorta deas!! (nice skirt)

Very happy to see you embracing your inner Irish! I really like this one, it's so pretty! I like the Irish princess idea too... where has Disney been with this??! Probably something to do with the numpty that excluded Ireland from the world showcase and them lobbed all our best products in the UK pavilion.... hmmmmmmm

THANKS!! I loooove being Irish (even though I'm only, like, 1/3 Irish). I'm so with you on Disney missing out by not having an Irish Princess! When they announced Brave I was just like, "...Scotland's cool but go to Ireland!!" And yeah, we need Ireland in the World Showcase! That would be so awesome!

Really happy to see that your continuing to improve!

Me too! I am so relieved. I definitely was feeling like a big piece of my life was missing!

Great news on the resort discount too! Glad your friend understood, that's a very big saving!!

Ah, me too. She was so cool about it...I mean, the difference in princes practically pays for a WDW annual pass. I couldn't ignore that!

 

[Ariel484]

I'm an INKnBURN Ambassador!!

(borrowing this from another Ambassador )

It's March...the month of Mr. A's birthday, the holiday of my homeland (St. Patricks Day!! ), hopefully the end of winter in Ohio (hahahahahaha), and my 1-year INK-iversary...

^^Took this right before my first run in INKnBURN...wearing my first piece - the Black Lace Singlet - which was purchased on March 29. Despite the weird look on my face in the above photo, I can assure you that it was love at first run!!

Since that run I have acquired many more pieces...

...and have met the Simpsons...

Healing Mandala racer

...and have caught a gnarly wave with Minnie...

Black Lace capris

...and have done the robot with Pluto on the high seas (or tried to, anyway)...

Tribute Tech shirt and Robot Capris

...and have celebrated Christmas with Mickey...

2015 Holiday Sweater and 210 Denim Pants

...and have visited headquarters in California...

Steampunk long-sleeved tech shirt and 210 Denim pants again...because I will most likely never wear real jeans again!!

...and have taken many awkward driveway selfies to post both here and in the 3 fan Facebook groups I belong to for INKnBURN...

Healing Mandala Pullover and Chameleon Capris

...you know. All good things!

Liberty Capris

All that to say...I have found my new favorite athletic apparel company. I have fallen in love with these clothes for running, lifting and yoga, for wearing around Disney parks, for wearing around my hometown while running errands...they are simply awesome and super high-quality, and from an American company to boot. What can I say, I feel good when I wear these clothes.

So what’s next??

INKnBURN posts on Facebook and Instagram frequently feature their "Ambassadors" - people wearing INKnBURN while running, lifting, doing yoga...basically being active and having fun, while spreading the word about this awesome gear. What struck me is that these people are not professional athletes - they are people like you and me that are just trying to stay in shape and want to look good doing it! (INKnBURN does have an "elite" team of runners that they sponsor, but they are separate from the Ambassadors.)

...it struck me because some of those people looked like ME. Not super skinny. Not super ripped. "Normal" people. I feel like that's sort of rare for an athletic apparel company.

INKnBURN had a post on their webpage stating that they were accepting Ambassador applications for 2016 through February 7...so in late January I thought, "what the heck" and decided to go for it. I filled out the questionnaire, let it sit for a few days, and then sent it in on January 31, along with some pictures. I knew they were planning on getting back to people by the end of February, and I forced myself not to think much about it...

...and I did a pretty good job of it. Not like I forgot that I applied or anything, but I did not drive myself nuts over what the outcome would be.

Now...I am not some amazing runner, and I am not a naturally gifted athlete. I feel weird even referring to myself as an athlete. I have had to work hard to get to where I am right now, which I would qualify as solidly "middle of the pack" when it comes to running (when I am at my peak fitness...which is not right now, obviously). Being affiliated with an athletic apparel company is something that has never been on my radar, because things like that do not normally happen to people like me...

...so let me tell you, when I received an email from INKnBURN on February 27 extending an offer for me to become an Ambassador for them for 2016, I about fell on the floor (metaphorically speaking...I was actually being a good patient and doing my back stretches, so I was already on the floor ).

BUT REALLY. They want me to be an Ambassador!! AHHHH!!!!

I am seriously stunned by this. I mean, I guess a part of me thought I'd have a chance, but the fact that they picked little ol' me...that an athletic apparel wants ME to help represent their brand...I can't really wrap my brain around it. I'm just so grateful for such a cool opportunity!

So that's my news that I alluded to in my Week 7 progress post, and I wanted to share here since I think that this thread DID help my chances...and for that I am very grateful.

I am so excited about this!!

Continued in Next Post

 

[DopeyBadger]

WOW! That is so cool. Congratulations! Does this mean we should start referring to you as Ambassador Ariel484? What an awesome experience. I have to admit I have checked out a ton of their stuff because of your posts and so I find it to be a perfect choice on their part.

 

[LindseyJo22]

That is amazing news!!! How fun And I have to say, you're certainly getting me interested in the company for when I have a splurge purchase The fact that they seem interested in supporting "regular" people is really nice, and obviously the products are well made in addition to being really cute.

Congratulations!!!!!!

 

[Ariel484]

WOW! That is so cool. Congratulations! Does this mean we should start referring to you as Ambassador Ariel484? What an awesome experience. I have to admit I have checked out a ton of their stuff because of your posts and so I find it to be a perfect choice on their part.

Thank you!! Ambassador Ariel484 or Lady Fawkes, if you please.

Thanks so much for such a nice comment. I'm really excited about this opportunity!

That is amazing news!!! How fun And I have to say, you're certainly getting me interested in the company for when I have a splurge purchase The fact that they seem interested in supporting "regular" people is really nice, and obviously the products are well made in addition to being really cute.

Congratulations!!!!!!

Thank you!! Yeah I LOVE that they include us "normal" folks in something like this! I think that is so cool! And it's helpful to see the clothes on different body types, I think.

Yay!!