Just to Share

I had  to share this quote because I love it so much.  I found it on a favorite blog of mine. Enjoy :)

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Thought of the Day

Everyone needs to remember this...

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Have a great day!

I am a (newly official) runner

Most blogs you read about running are focused around time...distance...PRs....etc. Mine will be about just surviving every run and not giving up.  When my legs brain starts saying no that is when it gets really hard and I have to start walking awhile keep trucking!

Let's just say I am not fast.

After I run I normally either want to pass out or throw up (or a combo).

I have never had a run in the double digits.

I hate hills (I don't know how people could like them).

I usually eat 5 minutes before I go for a run or chug a bottle of water to fuel up and get ready (maybe that explains the previous wanting to throw up issue)

I sweat...a lot. Like, I think way more than a normal girl.

I like running in sunglasses. Not athletic ones. Just my regular everyday ones.

I hate tan lines...but for some reason I love when I get a tan line from running. It proves I have been working hard.

I consider myself a runner, even after all the above things.  If people can march to the beat of their own drum, they can run to their own pace too, right?


Here is the proof that I am not fast, and I am proud that 4.5 miles is more like a normal for me, than extremely hard. I remember when 1 mile was a struggle and it has taken me a long time to build up.

The point of this is, you don't have to comfortably run 10 miles a day to be a runner.  You don't have to run everyday.  You just need to work hard and be proud of yourself. Because when it comes to running, that is really all that matters.  A good run (where you feel great the whole time) comes few and far between so if you are pushing through the terrible, awful, miserable ones that come more often remember that you should just be happy that you are able to run and pack yourself on the back for putting in the effort!

Favorite Quotes of the Day

My favorite quotes I have read this week...

"Dear haters, I have so much more for you to be mad at. Just be patient." -Lil Boo Blue

It is so true.  If someone doesn't like you, 99% of the time, they will find something new to be mad at. And really, who cares? Just be yourself and if they get mad again, so be it, its inevitable.  Don't change for anyone (unless ofcourse you are a bad person, then disreguard everything I just said).

"I will never be the woman with the perfect hair, who can wear white and not spill on it.” -Sex and the City

Simple Fact. Girls who can keep their hair looking perfect and not spill coffee on themselves on the way to work. I commend you. Maybe one day I will be that put together as well, but most likely not and I am ok with that.

"You is kind. You is smart. You is important."-Aibileen Clark (The Help)

We should all believe this.  Every. Single. Day.  This quote really makes me want to watch this movie again. 

"If I woke up from a coma and Channing Tatum told me he was my husband, I wouldn't question it"- Unknown
Who doesn't love Channing Tatum? Ever since Step Up I am pretty sure women all around the world have atleast a slight hollywood crush on him (men have man crushes too). And to see how he is with his wife is just darling. Who cares if he is not an award winning actor? Because really, he doesn't need to be. 

It's Friday :-) I don't even mind that it is going to be 100+ degrees this weekend because it's still the weekend!

Some of the best parts of summer

Sweet Farmers Market Cantaloupe

Beach Getaways

Maxi Dresses

Cooking Out

Dining Al Fresco

Lots of Vitamin D

What are your favorite parts of summer??



Today is the Day

I'm Back!

I don't really know what I want to write about. But I do know that I want to write again.  I have been reading other blogs (like I do everyday) and just realized that I miss blogging, even if it is about nothing life changing. 

This month is a crazy one...lots of weddings and fun.  But it seems like every day has something extra added to it.  I have been trying to run (a lot) and trying to still do some cooking (although the last two nights I have had a tuna sandwhich and a turkey sandwhich for dinner, oh well). 

I have been loving all of the pinterest quotes lately about fitness.  This morning I was reading one of my favorite blogs and she was talking about a fitness bucket list.  I liked that idea.  My biggest issue with staying fit is always needing to have a goal.  I always need something to be working toward otherwise I get distracted.  So, what better than having a bucket list for years to come. 

Here is my current list of FITNESS that I want to accomplish:

• Napa Half Marathon
• Disney Princess Half
• Run a 25 min (or less) 5k
• Run a sub 8 min mile
• Be able to do 50 consecutive push ups
• Hold a 3 minute plank
• Teach a fitness class
• Eat an (even) more processed food free diet
• Drink enough water everyday (not just the days that I am at work)
• Try a CrossFit class
• .........to be continued

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Heart Strings

If this video doesn't pull at your heart stings and inspire you I don't know what will.  I found this over at Lil Blue Boo and had to share.  Sometimes people don't realize just how strong children can be.

Pause

I don't really have much of anything to say today. I am in a slightly funky mood, and I really just want an entirely sunny day for once this month.  The greyness is starting to get to me (every time I say grey, I think Fifty Shades now).  So, I just wanted to share my "new to me" pick me up, workout, happy song. I have been listening to it on repeat all week, dreaming of blue skies, and the beach.

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Welcome to the World

I am little late, but I want to welcome the newest beauty to the world. She was born on Friday, May 4 and it was the most exciting news I received all weekend long!

Congratulations to new mommy Naomi, her husband Brent, and their beautiful little girl Charlotte Grace.  She stole my heart the minute I got to hold her. She is going to be more loved that she knows is possible and you two are already wonderful parents.

29

I can't believe that tomorrow is the first day of May.  This month just seemed to fly by. I can't imagine how fast this jam packed summer is going to go.  This past weekend was amazing, and I took a good amount of pictures, they just haven't made it on the computer yet.  Friday we went to a wedding, which was so much fun. Wedding + Wine + Dancing is one of my favorite things to do.  Then Saturday we celebrated a special birthday, more on that to come.  And Sunday we had a family dinner with that special birthday guy's family.  The weekend was full but it was all fun stuff!

On to the special birthday.  Happy Birthday to my guy. Hope your 29th Birthday is the most special one yet! One more year of being in your 20's :-) Love you lots. Can't wait to get sushi and cake tonight!

those weeks

Do you ever have those weeks where you go from this...

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Floating on Cloud 9

to this...

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Stressted

then this...

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Annoying...Needy

and even this...

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Angry

That has been me this week. I can not wait for the weekend to be here!

Rain...rain...go away by rush hour please!

Happy Almost Friday :-)

Eat Your Veggies!

Sometimes you just need a little bit of Mr. Gosling in your Tuesday to make it a little more tolerable!

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Sidenote: Today is National Pigs in a Blanket Day....random.

Be Nice

I think sometimes as a society we get caught up wanting to feel important, and some a lot of people go to great lengths, good and bad to get there.  But sometimes the most important thing you can do is just be nice. Say a kind word, smile, hold a door.  They are all such simple yet very important  things.  And in turn, we can make someone else feel important as well.

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Crazies

I commend anyone who adopts two dogs at one time! I see the perks because they love to play with each other and always go to bed tired at night but chaos definitely ensues.  Happy Thursday from these crazies and me.  And to my mom, Preston misses you...Jaks may too. Maybe they should spend next week with you.  Just Kidding...sorta.

Bad Nights Sleep & Friendship

Do you ever have those nights where you wake up at like 3:00 am and your mind is racing? Every thought is one that terrifies you, and keeps you awake.  That was me last night, at 4:30 am, and I had to get up at 5:20 am which means that I did not fall back to sleep.  All I wanted to think about was counting sheep and beautiful rainbows. And all I could think about was the fact that Jaks sounded weird when he was breathing, wondering what the funny high pitched noise outside was and why a plane was flying so early in the morning, and if I left the oven on (the oven that I didn't use last night).  4:30 am thoughts are never rational.

I am now exhausted. And can not wait for a light gym sesh, a quick lasagna dinner and laying in bed to watch some TV. 

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The real point of this post is not my sleeplessness, I will stop droning on about that. 

It is a quick thought on friendship.

I am super lucky.

They drink lots of wine with you

As I have gotten older I have gained quite a few friends.  I had a bit of a draught in college, only having one girl that I really talk to anymore (occasionally) from my days at UMBC but once I was out it seemed like friendships started flourishing.  I am not one to consider someone a friend quickly.  I like to start as acquaintance and move up. Mostly because trusting a friend is a big deal. Its a relationship just like that of a significant other. 

And let you give cheesy thumbs up signs

I try to be as good of a friend as I expect out of others and there are things (fair and unfair) that get to me more than others. 

And take pictures with huge pieces of pork

I try to be genuine and honest, loyal, supportive and uplifting. 

And wear funny veils....

I try to avoid flaking (although I know it happens sometimes) unless there is a good excuse. 

And bowl for your birthday...even though I was 25, not 12

 I want my friends to know I appreciate them, and make sure that I ask them how their lives/spouses/pets/jobs are going and no talk about myself all the time.  This is actually my biggest fear.  I don't want to be that girl that talks about herself relentlessly. I talk a lot. I know that. So I try to be cautious and direct conversation both ways (except after a few too many glasses of pinto grigio, then I can not control the direction of conversation). 

No caption needed...who knows what was talked about
that night.

All in all I just want to say, that with craziness, and busy schedules, sometimes I don't feel like I tell my friends how often enough how I really appreciate them.  So all of my friends, new and old, near and far...those I talk to daily, and those who it seems like I don't talk to more than I actually do, are all so important in such different ways.  I think it takes growing up to realize that.  Sometime the friends you thought you would stay really close to you, you just don't.  And these new friends pop up and you feel like you have known them forever. 

Remember to tell your friends how much you appreciate them sometimes.  It just may brighten their day! Just like you are always supposed to remember to tell your significant other that you love them, tell your friends too. They are the ones that are there when you just want to bitch and moan (sorry,explicit completely necessary there...).

And to my best friend of them all......

You get blog love too. I know you were really worried! :-)

Hello Blog world...long time no see...

I would love to say I have been so busy doing super exciting important stuff, but I really don't know what has been making me so busy? Life? Wedding planning? Trying to workout 5 days a week? Being busy at work? Oh, maybe a combo of it all?? Who knows!

Anyways, as much as I wish I could be one of those people who blogs all day everyday, I just can't.  I have honestly opened my blog everyday this week just thinking I would type away and I had nothing...

Then this morning on my way to work, I was day dreaming (as per usual) and thinking about all the things I want to do, see, go to.  So I figure why not start compiling a list.  I don't like calling it a bucket list, that reminds me of that movie, which I fell asleep in and never saw the ending of, supposedly it was pretty good. 

So here is the beginning stages of my Someday List (maybe not today or tomorrow, but someday, I would love to..........)

1. Go to Hawaii (come on september!)
2. Run a half marathon
3. Go to Austrailia
4. Work on a habitat for Humanity Project
5. Go to Napa Valley
6. Travel through Italy, Ireland and England
7. Cook a full Thanksgiving dinner for lots of family
8. Write a book (I am thinking a young adult sort of book)
9. Live near a beach
10. Sleep in a tent under the stars (where there are no scary animals)
11. Work in the event planning industry
12. Get certified to teach workout classes of some sort...spin, pilates, zumba...something
13. Make up recipies, not just tweak ones that I look up online
14. Travel to an island for NYE
15. Go to Las Vegas
16. See Jason Mraz in concert
17. Have a house with a pool (and a job where I can lay by it during the day, wishful thinking)


To Be Continued....

There are a lot of places I want to see...I better get over that whole not like to fly thing....

Any suggestions on things to do/see/experience?

Little Things are Big Things

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you make look back and realize they were the big things.” ~Robert Brault

This is my new favorite quote lately.  It is true for everyone.  Without the little things in life we would certainly not be the people that we are today.  Do not get me wrong, there are big moments in life that are unforgettable, but there were lots of little moments that led up to that one ginormous, memorable occasion.

For example, one thing that I will never forget is my engagement. It has been almost 8 months now, and I can remember the walk to the beach on a foggy morning, taking picture of birds in the sand, watching the sun come over the ocean and then the moment that the ring came out of the pocket.  But, that one amazing moment would not have happened if we did not have a million great little moments leading up to it.

But, I also think that this quote goes the other way as well.  People will remember the little not-so-good things as well.  Sometimes it is the little lies that are told, or the small snarky remarks that people have a hard time forgetting for whatever reason.  Personally, I like to believe that I am someone who doesn't tend to hold a grudge.  I get upset, count to 10, decide what needs to be said (or not said) and get over it.  But just because no grudge is held, doesn't mean that everything is forgotten.  It is those little moments, added to the good little moments, that develop lasting relationships. 

There are many life lessons, some people learn personally, some that are taught to you.  Some I try to live by daily are:

• "Treat others how you want to be treated". It is the first lesson we learn in kindergarten, it is cliche, and seems so simple, but is so hard for many to follow. 
• It's simple. And I am going to quote a country song, "Be a best friend. Tell the truth. Overuse I love you. Go to work. Do your best. Don't outsmart your common sense. And love like crazy."-Lee Brice.  If we could all live that way, the world would be a happier place. 
• Don't go to bed angry.  Let it go. Even if it is just for the night.  Problems will still be there when you wake up in the morning, midaswell get a good sleep and be more ready to deal with them in the morning. 
• Indulge (sometimes).  Everyone deserves a chance to indulge.  Should you eat a pack of oreos every night, probably not. But if on Saturday, you want to eat your favorite food, which is cheese fries. Do it.  Life's too short to skip the indulging. 
• Stick up for what you believe in, but also know how to be respectful and step back sometimes.  I think this may be the hardest.  If you believe something with all your heart, it is hard not to fight to make someone believe too. But sometimes letting it go, and respecting the other person is what you have to do.  You are not giving up your belief, you are just realizing that we are all human, and all can form our own opinions. 
• DON'T STRESS! Someone once told me, "It all works out in the end, if it hasn't worked out, it must not be the end yet"

I am sure there are many more out there!

Have a wonderful weekend!

What are your favorite quotes/life lessons?

Broken

A quote my friend sent me today:
"how come when an escalator isn't working they hang a sign that says, escalator is currently out of order...Why cant they just hang a sign that says Escalator is currently stairs." -unknown



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 Doesn't it seem backwards to have an escalator going into a gym? And even worse...no one is on the stairs.

It's fine by me

Maybe I am behind the times, but I found a new song that I am absolutely in love with while reading a blog this morning. 

It is such a simple meaning.  But such a special song.  It seems like a perfect song to listen to on this beautiful springysummerlike day. And Andy Grammer, he's not so bad to look at listen to sing either ;-)

Random Babble...Do you ever?

Do you ever slip your shoe off under your desk at work, and then reach around to see where it went? And then, you can't for the life of you find it, without scooting your chair back and looking under your desk...only to find that it is two inches from your foot? How is that possible?

Do you ever have those days where the simple action of someone doing something as simple as liking your facebook status which is either a.) and inside joke with someone else or b.) has nothing to do with them, can annoy you more than you knew possible?

Do you ever wonder what would happens if you are at a basketball game and the person behind you drops their entire tray of french fries (covered in at least 10 packets of kethcup) and they hit you in the head, down your shirt, in your lap, and all over your face? This is not a fun feeling...it happened to me this weekend. I thought Justin Bieber was going to jump out and tell me I just got Punked (I don't know how I feel about him being the new host BTW). 

Speaking of Justin Bieber...did you hear the new rumor is that he likes to wear Selena Gomez's underware? I just think that is something that I wish I never heard on the radio this morning.  That is for their own personal business.

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Do you ever look at the clock at work and have no idea how an entire day has passed you by and you have gotten nothing substantial done, at all?

Do you ever wonder what dogs do in their crates (or just at home, if your dog is trust worthy and doesn't chew things) all day while you are at work? What do they think about? I wish a little bubble would pop up around their heads so that we would know (like in a cartoon).

Do you ever...send me some good ones!

Random TGIF Pictures

Pictures that came up in google images when I typed in...TGIF. 



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Enjoy the weekend :-)

OTH

If you are one of the 72 people that still watches One Tree Hill (including me) then you knew what the title of this post was.  It is most definitely my guilty pleasure.  I have been watching since episode 1, which started the fall of my senior year of high school.  Just like every other girl, I loved Chad Michael Murray.  I like to believe that I helped in wishing Lucas and Peyton together.  Sadly, he married (in real life) and cheated on with an intern/divorced Sophia Bush...but he will always have a TV "star" crush place in my heart. 
   

Now as the seasons have gone on, and characters have been lost Moira Kelly, (skating star from The Cutting Edge "ice pick"), as Lucas' mom, Hillary Burton (TRL vjay from back in the day) as Peyton, and old characters have returned, Steven Colletti (two words...Laguna Beach) as Chase and Tyler Hilton as Chris Keller (the musician we loved to hate) the show has definitely changed.  There have been a lot of some overly dramatized episodes and story lines, but it has never claimed to be more than a prime time soap opera.  It is one of the last CW shows that I still watch (other than my new love, Gossip Girl, I was late on that one) and I guess that makes sense, since my Gilmore Girl/Dawson's Creek/Felicity days are behind me...except when I get to watch them on DVD box sets.  But I am really going to miss my weekly dose of Haley & Nathan, Clay & Quinn and Brooke & Julian. 



Season One

The Final Season

 

I hope that this semi-sadistic season has a good ending for all of the characters.  What do you guys think will happen to Nathan? Or Brooke and Julian's twins? Anyone out there still care like me? :-)

Workout Inspirations

I have become much more inspired over the last year when it comes to working out. I give 99% of the credit of getting me started to Brent, without his love for working out I probably wouldn't have started.  Or it would have taken me a lot longer.  Now that I am on the bandwagon, I enjoy it a little more each workout I complete. I have learned what I enjoy, how to switch it up when I get bored, and I am more confident at the gym.  I go into the "boys only room" where all the big free weights are.  I have taught myself how to use machines that I was intimidated by before, and I bring workouts written down with me so that I don't just wander aimlessly.

The past few times I have run, I have pushed myself longer.  I now attempt to run 4 miles instead of 3.  Running 3 was always my workout.  But I would like it if 4 miles was my comfort.  Just yesterday as I was running 4, I was thinking how happy I would be to run 5.  I never really understood the obsession with distance running.  I always thought I would be happy running 2-3 miles and moving on with my workout. But I see it now. As you run further and get more comfortable, you want to run even further than the time before.  I don't see a marathon in my future ever...but a half looks more feasible every time I finish a run. I am not fast by any means, I can't hold lower that a 10 minute mile if I get over 3 miles but I finish, and I beat my personal records and that is what counts!

The following three pictures are my inspiration today, I found them on another blog. They are so true in so many ways.  The nice thing about working out is the only person you are competing with is yourself. It may be frustrating at times...but more times than not, you feel 100 times better after a hard, sweaty workout!

I always have to remind myself that it is ok to be "slow"

I never understand how females leave the gym with their makeup still in place, I on the other hand look like a mess.

True Statement

I Won't Give Up

I am completely in love with the new Jason Mraz song. It was such a nice surprise to hear it on my way in to work today. Usually I listen to the same station every morning. But about 3/4 of the way through my ride today I changed it, I was tired of hearing people talk and wanted to hear a few songs and I fell upon this gem.

Some of my favorite love songs are by Jason Mraz. They aren't cookie cutter. They aren't all cotton candy and rainbows.  I believe they are honest.

I think this song shows what a love story truly should be.  Things are going to be rough at times in any relationship. If you have someone who thinks you are worth it, and is your best friend, then the promise to never give up is the best promise you can give. My favorite lines are the refain, "I won't give up on us, Even if the skies get rough, I'm giving you all my love, I'm still looking up".


Some of my other favorites by Jason Mraz are, Lucky by he and Colbie Calliat, and I'm Yours.  The first song that made me like him was Geek in the Pink back in college. It was on every mix CD that I burned for my car. I could probably still sing every word to the song. 

I hope you love it as much as I do...I have listened to it no less than 10 times this morning on repeat. Please don't judge.

dance the night away

We are finally to friday!!! This week, it felt like Friday would never come, and now that it is here and the sun is out (for the next few hours at least) I want to do a happy dance. 

Today is a pretty special Friday.  My best friend of, I can hardly believe it, 14 years, is having a birthday. 

We met on our 7th grade orientation and instantly had a friendship. We have been through Middle School, High School, restaurant jobs, and more memories that I can even think of.  We have challenged each other, and went on a break ;-) but more than anything we have supported each other in each decision we have made growing up!

All of those moments, and times in our lives have made us the friends we are today.  I can honestly say that I think our friendship is stronger now than it  has ever been and I can not imagine my life without her there with me.  We have been through her wedding, and now I get to have her as the MOH for mine!

Thanks for being a best friend, and sister to me. And teaching me that when you drink wine when it is 100 degrees outside that you should always bring a washcloth to soak in ice cold water to put around your neck (and also bring mini forks and spoons specifically for dips).

Have the most wonderful birthday ever. Its not every year that you get to have your birthday on a friday! Love you, xoxo.