I ran a half marathon

This weekend I ran a half marathon. That's 13.1 miles. I think that point 1 miles was my favorite. I've been trying to compile my thoughts on this adventure and it's proven to be a very hard task. I'll just start from the beginning......

When I was 17 I had major knee surgery. It pretty much halted most of my dancing and the doctor assured me that running wasn't going to be something I would be able to do.

Flash forward two-ish years and I start having horrible hip/back pain. I had all kinds of test ran and pretty much they thought I was crazy, it didn't really look like anything was wrong. But, they gave me lots of steroid injections to ease the pain for the next few years.

And now we're in August of 2012. I kept driving by a CrossFit gym and thought, "hey, I should try that." I became hooked and learned all kinds of things about keeping my body from getting injured. I learned that lots of knee pain starts in the hip and that working my I.T. band would alleviate that pain. I started doing things that would've had me in tears a few years before with knee pain and I was pain free, most of the time.

In December my dad got hurt and saw a chiropractor, he swore he was a miracle worker. So I started going to the same chiropractor and he started really working with my hips and getting them stretched out so my knee wouldn't hurt. By doing this, my hip and back pain disappeared. I was doing box jumps, wall balls and running with zero pain and I was happy.

In June CrossFit offered a running clinic to help with your running and endurance, I jumped at the chance thinking running may eventually be fun for me. I learned so much about running and I wasn't hating it any more. So I decided it was finally time to run that 1/2 marathon I had been wanting to do since 2011.

I started working with a CrossFit Endurance coach, and all around great person. I ran 3 times a week, usually a sprint work out on Thursday, a speed work out on Saturdays and then a pacing run on Sundays. I was also doing CrossFit WODs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. I never accumulated more than 6 miles on my runs, including my warm ups/cool downs. I had so many people tell me I wasn't running enough miles, there was no way I was actually going to be able to run the entire thing and that I just plain couldn't do it. And I'm not going to lie, some times I started to believe them. Luckily, Coach Mary is a great person, like I already mentioned, and just kept telling me that she believed in me and I could.

Training wasn't easy, it wasn't always fun and there was one run that I had a panic attack and cried during the middle of. But I finished training and was going to that start line on Sunday.

I may be a little dramatic and a bit of a mess. And that was definitely shown on Saturday night. I surprised myself when I figured out how to do everything on my own. Mary is a saint for putting up with me. I may have gotten to our meeting place 30 minutes early on Sunday morning with a text message sent saying, "I know I'm early, but I'm lost." I was so nervous. I can't even pick a number on a scale because no scale goes high enough.

At 6:55 a.m. Mary left me in line (she's much faster than I am so she had to be at the front), I put my head phones on, found my satellites and we were off. This was my first race besides two 5ks that were attended by less than 200 people. There were a lot of bodies down there.

We started running, the first song that came on was Roar and I was ready. We set off and I was feeling good. I had to be careful not to take off too fast so I was keeping my sweet little 11:24 pace and running along. Miles 1-4 were overwhelming because there were so many people but I'd ran that distance a lot so I knew I could do it. I knew there was a hill in mile 4 so I was ready for it. And it was easy.

Miles 5 & 6 were a little tough, 6 miles was the most I'd ran but I knew I could make it so getting my head in the right place was hard. Living inside my head is hard in general, I try to do positive self talk but mostly I get, "Come on you can do this...You're just telling yourself that because you know you can't." But I worked around it. There was one hill in this stretch that I wasn't aware of and it was surprising and not fun. But I figured since Mary said there was only one hill at mile 4 that I should just suck it up and get up it.

Mile 7 was a lot of, "if you get through this you're over half way there" and "oh hey, maybe I can actually do this, I haven't stopped running and I don't feel that bad, except for that blister I can feel on my left foot."

And then we got to this horrible stretch where we were running on a highway, cars were still allowed to drive it so they were flying by us and I could see the greenway that I knew I was going to have to run on get back to the finish line. Miles 8 & 9 were what I believe hell might be like. Every step sucked. I on multiple occasions thought to myself "why would anyone do this for fun, or more than once." But, I'd heard that is the hardest part of a run and that once you get over that hump it's easier. So I would remind myself of that and keep moving my feet. And I got to take a stinger (these honey things that give you energy and taste really bad) at mile 9 to give me some more energy. So here I was trucking along and thinking now that I had missed the split for the 1/2 and was on the full route. I'd made a plan that if I was on the full route I'd just stop at 13.1 show my Garmin to the race director and make someone come and get me. And then I saw the split and the greenway and knew I was on the home stretch, I thought these last 4 miles were going to be easy, I can run 4 miles any day.

And I was telling myself a lie. Those last 4 miles were miserable. I hated them. I could see the boat and I knew the finish line was there but it just didn't seem like I could get to it. Miles 9-11 were not my favorite. I didn't get "runners high" and I didn't feel like I was over the hump. I just kept telling myself, "if you stop now you're never going to make it to the finish line." And that was the only thing that kept my legs moving. I also felt like my legs were turning into cement.

Then I hit mile 24. It was the half's mile 12 but saying mile 24 made be feel better. And then all I could hear in my head was my CrossFit coach Johnny saying "you have 20 minutes left, you can do anything for 20 minutes." And guess what, I ran for 20 more minutes. On mile 13 there were about 5 short but steep hills that I had NO idea were coming and they were probably the most difficult part of the course but my friend Scott told me the weekend before, "people make mistakes on hills and take long strides, just take short choppy steps and it's so much easier." I took short, choppy, slow steps and made it up those freaking hills. And I saw my 4th bridge and I knew I was coming down the home stretch.

Mile 13 was fun, kind of. I just ran for 12 miles and over 2 hours so I was really over it so I was all, "just finish this stinking race." And I ran across that bridge, rounded the corner to see my sweet daddy standing there clapping for me and then I was down the home stretch. Whoever decided to end that race running down hill deserves a serious award. That was the best part. I crossed the finish line, got a medal, had mom in my face taking pictures, got to see my best friend Natalie waiting at the end for me and then I finally got to breathe after running for 02:34:36.

After the 13.1 miles I felt so much better than I thought I would. I knew I had a  blister on my foot that hurt like no other but that was it. It was weird and I just ran a half marathon, wooohooo go me!!!

After Mary crossed the finish line she said, "and those people who told you you couldn't, screw them." And that's really what I wanted to shout!!! I was very proud of myself and so confused as to why people would put themselves through the misery of running twice what I just did.

But, 4 days later it kind of makes sense. You feel a sense of accomplishment and can say "I ran 13.1 miles, if it was easy everyone would do it but it's not and I did it." I am officially signing up for the Knoxville half at the end of March. I'm sure I'll be kicking myself the entire month of March preparing for it and running a million, trillion hill sprints but I know the end result will be worth it.

I'm so thankful that I have a CrossFit family that cheered me on and supported me and trained me along the way. I couldn't have done it without them.

Here are some photos of the day!

Crossing the finish line!

This is my "I ran a half marathon" face!

Some pretty swell guys from Crossfit Knoxville who ran the half too!

Natalie was waiting for me a the finish line!!! 

Here we are with Mary (our coach) after she finished her full marathon!

And finally my sweet parents who came to watch me finish. And the best daddy who dropped me off at 6 a.m.!

So here's to 13.1 more miles in March..... Hopefully I'll survive them too!

Hi!

Well hello there. It has been far to long since I have last blogged. BUT, I have been a little busy. Okay that's a lie, I've been a lot busy.

With work, a trip to Miami to see Jay Z & JT, a few football games and training for a half marathon I haven't had much free time.

Oh, and I FINALLY MOVED OUT! I officially pay for my own living expenses. I'm not sure if this was such a good idea. But I did it and I have an almost complete apartment. I'll wait for the last few finishing touches before I blog about it all together.

The end of summer has proven to be very busy and fun. Let's hope fall keeps it up!

hey old friend - part 2

Today I got to eat lunch with Mia. I've loved Mia ever since I set my eyes on her 5 years ago in Keely's dorm room. And by love I mean we became best friends.

Mia was randomly matched up with my bff from high school, Keely. We then joined the same sorority and it only started from there. Today we were reminiscing that it's been 5 years since we were freshmen, 3 years since crazy boy friends, 3 years since I turned 21 and the fact that we now both make our own living and our parents aren't paying for us. It's a scary time, for everyone.

We also chatted about how we feel like everyone around us is getting engaged and married and how we have the tiniest ping of envy and feel like we're being left behind. (Our friends aren't getting married, thank goodness, just all those other crazies out there).  It's just weird thinking that we're doing being "kids" and we're adults, for the rest of our lives. I think I said, "how did all these people make it out without going crazy."

And just by chance I came across an article about being a 20-something and not knowing what's going on. This is my favorite piece of advice they give....

Answering the question, "What do I want to do with my life" is more often a process of elimination rather than a lighting bolt of inspiration.

I think everyone within the 2 year range of graduating or those within the 2 year range after graduating feel like this question gets asked, oh every .2 seconds. And guess what, WE DON'T HAVE TO HAVE THE ANSWER!!! I wish someone would've told me that so I didn't feel as stupid saying, "I don't really know." 

Check out the rest of the advice for 20-somethings. 

I'm blank canvas and would love all the advice in the world. 

hey old friend!

That no sugar thing, last a whole 3 days. Michigan was miserably fun... And I ate everything I wanted. And then we came back to Knoxville and I was being such a good little girl working out and running and then we left for the beach.

And it was magical. We rented this that 70s show beach house. My parents, my bf, my cousin, his wife and their 2 kids all pilled in on Saturday. We wasted no time running to the beach! It was a beautiful, but shelly, little private beach. And by private I mean mainly it was only people living/renting in Sandbridge. It. Was. Awesome. We ate a lot of food. And I mean a lot. At least 2 dozen eggs, every morning, and 4 loaves of bread were consumed. And like 9 bags of potato chips. And 3+ handles of liquor. Needless to say, it was a much needed, well deserved, break from reality.

And now we're back to reality. And I have a cold. Who gets a cold in July? Ashley, that's who.

I regularly read +Caroline Pekarsky's blog, of course because she's my friend and I love her. But, today it made me cry. I'm not really sure why...but I did. She is one of the few people who I can honestly say we're like almost exactly the same person. Why weren't we friends from the beginning of college? I don't really know, and I don't really care because I know she's there for me now. I'd bet $9 million if I called her tonight and told her I needed her in Knoxville, she'd come. And that's something that becomes more rare as you get older, or so I'm noticing.

I'm not really sure what the point of the blog is.... although I've realized 2 things just writing it

1) I love sugar

2) I love Caroline Pekarsky. 

Happy Wendesday Y'all!

no sugar = death

I use to believe that no sugar = death. I actually still kind of believe that, but my mind is slowly changing. I've been working real hard to get myself to a place that I'm happy with. It hasn't been easy. And it's taken time.

July was rolling around and I knew I needed a monthly goal to keep up the good work. I decided since I'm going to the beach on the 20th of this month that I would do a 20 day sugar detox. This means NO SUGAR. I love sugar. I also love pizza. I'm not eating any of this. I'm on day 3. I've missed my afternoon chocolate. I haven't missed fruit as much as I thought I would, mainly just the 2 pieces of Dove Dark Chocolate I let myself eat every day. BUT, it's day 3 and I'm feeling good. My workout this morning was a good one, and I feel like I killed it. We did some 400m intervals last night in our Crossfit Endurance run and I felt good about it. I shaved off 5 seconds from my second interval to my last. That was a great accomplishment for me. I actually think I'm starting to enjoy running.

I kind of got away from my sugar topic. I'll get back on. We're going to visit family in Michigan this weekend and I'm stressed out about this sugar thing. It's hard to tell people what to fix you and how do I know that I'll have something to eat?!? Especially when my family thinks I'm crazy for doing all this stuff in the first place. Well, I've decided to do some prep. I will be taking carrots and broccoli with me for snaking in the car as well as some kale chips I'm going to make. I'm allowing myself 3 Granny Smith apples a week, so I'll take 2 of those too. I've got my box of salad ready to go so I can eat it if a meal doesn't meet my requirements, and I've got a pound of bacon to cook tonight as well. I'm hoping this gets me through. Because I really don't want to mess this up. I'll let you know how it goes, but only if it goes well!!

the little girl that made me blog agin.

Sorry, this isn't an inspirational blog  post. Unless you're like 7 and have dreams of being a singer.

This has been a crazy, hectic spring. Probably the busiest of my mere 23 years on earth. With weddings, work, laking, trips and trying to sleep my schedule has been pretty busy.

But, Sophia Grace is my favorite person under 10 and she has a new music video out. She's adorable and I hope my child is half the cute, little, tiara wearing princess she is.

You. Are. Welcome.

Also, buy the song on iTunes.

(If you already read this I am sorry. I think I hit the wrong link and didn't want to leave anyone astray. Or I could've prematurely freaked out. Either way, watch it again!)

Thursday Dance Party - Sponsored by...

I like to think I'm cool. I know this is totally false. But, I like to dance very badly most of the time. I woke up yesterday in a weirdly good mood. And had a dance party in my bathroom with my iPod. I thought I would share what puts me in a great mood, and I know it would put you in a good mood too.

1. Crossfit Knoxville - Crossfit seems to be the biggest new workout trend. And for a perfectly good reason, it's awesome. I am not the workout little bird (currently listening to Little Bird by Ed Sheeran) but I actually enjoy going to Crossfit. It's a do-able workout for everyone. And I mean everyone. It's scalable, you can measure your success and it's a team/community atmosphere. Boxes are bare banes, your coaches yell at you and your fellow Crossfitters stand around and cheer you on. No one is left behind. You're officially invited to come to class with me so let me know and we'll go together. You won't go back to your old boring gym ever again.  

2. Wearing jean shorts to work - Yesterday was our 5th anniversary/partnership announcement party at Renewal by Andersen of Knoxville. And, since I am the party planner extraordinaire I spent the entire day running errands and setting up. I wasn't about to try to be productive in a dress or pants, so I threw on my favorite blue jean shorts and loved every minute of it. Shorts are my favorite piece of clothing and I'm super excited it's finally shorts weather. 

3. Grace Potter and Maroon 5 - I recently attended concerts for both of these amazingly, spectacular artists. When I get ready in the morning I like to steal my Mom's little bluetooth speaker and jam out in my bathroom. And yesterday Mr. Levine's voice singing Wasted Years just got me in the mood for an awesome day. I mean, it's probably my favorite song right now. If I was still teaching dance my team/class would most definitely have a dance to it. I can't put into words how awesome I think it is. 

And, Grace Potter is the cutest, best dancing singer around IMHO. I mainly love her dance moves because they look like the ones I do in my robe at my  morning dance parties. She has a multitude of wonderful songs but Paris is one of my faves. Want to be in a good mood? Then listen to herrrrrrr!

Oh, I also listened to the Cruise Remix by Nelly, and Florida Georgia Line. I mean, pure awesomeness. 

Its rare that one wakes up in a truly, pure good mood. I was very excited I had one of those yesterday. Today I woke up with an abscessed tooth. This should be a fun couple of days. [Back story - when I was in the 4th grade I was playing Frogger with some friends, I yelled jump which ended up with a dead frog. Being silly, a remote control was thrown and accidentally hit my front tooth. It knocked half of it off and apparently it can take years for teeth to catch up with trauma. I knew this was going to happen eventually but it hurts and I'm an unhappy camper, on pain pills. So if you see me and I'm acting silly I blame that.]

What tips do you have to put me in a good mood all 7 mornings of the week? I will try almost anything. 

Balancing Being a Brand and Being Yourself

Friday I had the opportunity/chance/pleasure of attending Social Slam 2013. It was an all day conference about social media. And I've always thought of myself as 'social media savvy' but boy, oh boy was I wrong. Yes I can tweet, update a Facebook page and blog like there is no tomorrow but apparently I've been doing it all wrong.

All day I listened to these AMAZING speakers teach me how to be better. And it was awesome. But the biggest take away I got was that I need to be branding myself. Well, I have a few problems with this. I hate following someone on Twitter who constantly just tweets about their lastest blog/article/achievements. I personally use Twitter to connect, and that just doesn't do it for me.

I also learned that blogging, in particular, has to start with some sort of passion. And has to have meaningful content. Starting today I am going to start focusing on building myself as a brand, especially in the blogging sphere, but promise to continue being myself. I'm going to try to RT things on Twitter that pertain to my life, but would be useful for other as well. I promise to continue with daily life updates as well. And same with my blog. Maybe I'll work on some sort of continuity in posts, but not forgetting that this is a personal blog and I want to share about my life as well.

To leave you today, here are 10 these were really hard to pick things I learned at #SoSlam this year. They might seem simple and you might already  know them, but sometimes a gentle reminder is nice.

1. You have to start.
2. You're never going to be perfect.
3. Mirror online engagement with face-to-face engagement.
4. Don't be 'normal.' Be yourself.
5. Don't be locked into a brand, your brand can always be evolving.
6. You will not build an audience without being focused.
7. Twitter supports your growth.
8. Looks count.
9. Expect that mistakes are going to happen.
10. Be patient.

Now that I'm looking at this blogging venture through completely new lenses, do you have any tips for me? What about things that just any new blogger should know. Let me hear it!!

This just isn't my thing.

I give up. I'm not cut out for blogging. But, hey I tried.

Okay so I'm not really giving up I'm just going to say it so that when I do blog it will be like "OH MY GOSH, ASHLEY POSTED A BLOG." It's pretty much why everyone at works thinks I'm awesome any way. Our VP of Sales has taught me, "set the bar low so you always impress." Okay, not really but it's fun to think that way some times. 

Any ways, I quit my second job. It's a big deal. I've worked at Pandora the jewelry store, not the radio for 17 months now it's probably the longest I've had a job actually. And while I loved working there in college, the last 6 months with two jobs has just been, well tough. I didn't get a lot of hang out time after work and lots of my weekends were taken up. This will be the first week where I haven't had an evening shift.... and it pretty much rocks. I've been cooking, working out and walking the dog. It's an awesome life I live.

But, now that I've given up Pandora it seems like my planner is still full of stuff to do. And I love that. I cannot wait to spend the summer on the lake. The weather is finally starting to look like it will stay nice. And the first of the spring/summer weddings start next week. I promise to blog about all of them. Every. Single. One.

It's Wednesday and that's about all I can say about today.

If anyone has any good ways besides taking medicine to get rid of this headache I've had since yesterday morning, I promise to take your advice.

'For As Much As She Runs, She's Still Here'

I feel like this song title describes my life right now. I feel like I'm running around like a chicken with my head cut off, but I'm always finding myself at my desk. Which isn't a bad thing. I love this crazy, fun job and am so thankful for it! And I love that we're finally picking up and getting busy. Heck, the phone has rang 4 times in the last 30 minutes!!

But, let's catch up. Last month was short, and a whirlwind! But, March seems to be bringing the same craziness. Last week was our Optimist Club auction. I was on the committee so I put in a lot of hard work and it turned out wonderful. And this weekend we have another home show at work. Here's to another 20 hour work weekend! And then next weekend is the bracelet event at Pandora, and the Maroon 5 concert. Then Easter, then church camp the next weekend, the Bruce/Tracy & Sam/Andrea's wedding and then another homeshow. Ahhhh, this is insane! 

But, I'm so happy spring is FINALLY here. I wore a dress without tights Sunday & Monday and was running around in shorts Monday too. This weather is beautiful and makes me so happy that I live in such a beautiful state. Speaking of living, apartments are expensive and hunting for one is annoying. I've started the apartment hunting process and I think I found one I like, must see it in person. And hopefully I'll be out of the 'rents house by May! That's a full year of living with them, and it's plenty long enough.

I feel like I don't have much time for anything else. I have this blog all planned out in my head, I just haven't been able to sit down and write it. So one of these days it will be written. Promise!

Off to a meeting and then a shift at the Pandora. Here's to busy, beautiful weeks and healthy, happy lives!

Sharing is Caring.

For today's blog post I'm going to share a blog post. I know, it seems like cheating a little but I really liked it and I think you all should read it. So go read it.


 Every Thing I Need to Know I learned From Beauty and the Beast. 

Blogging Disaster

I'm a blogging disaster, I'll admit it. Why can't I do anything consistently? I need to make more time for myself I think.

Anyways, if you know me you know I like to read. I think it's an awesome hobby to have. I don't really know where it came from but for as long as I can remember I've enjoyed sitting down with a good book and escaping from reality. I think I really started to love reading in the 5th grade. That's when I claim to have started reading on a regular basis at least. My 5th grade teacher who is still my favorite teacher ever and I talk to on a regular basis introduced to me to Harry Potter and my best friend Keely but that's for another post and I fell head over heels in love. Along with the million other books she suggested to me. There's something about getting wrapped up in another world that is so appealing to me. Maybe it's because I'm an only child and the characters felt like siblings or maybe it's because I'm weird. I don't know and I don't care. Give me 15 minutes of free time and you can guarantee I'm curled in a ball reading a book or more recently my Kindle or iPhone.

Today I give you an McCloud Says You Must Read book list. Most of them came to be downloaded by suggestion, but I'll take credit for them today.

1. The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews - This bad boy will change the way you live your life or at least make you think about it. It's a great read for all ages, but especially those just starting out in the real world. Grab the copy that includes Mastering the Seven Decisions. You'll thank me later.  [A man decides is world has come to an end, then he travels back in time to meet 7 people who give him 7 decisions he can make about his life.]

2. Guys Are Waffles, Girls Are Spaghetti by Chad Eastham - If you've ever wondered why the opposite sex is so weird, Chad helps you understand. While I think this book is more fitted for a high school student, I would never give someone the opportunity to learn. [Chad walks you through the reason why guys and girls are so different, and gives you perspective as to what you're going through in regards to the opposite sex. And his editor (a female) leaves some interesting comments for you to read as well]

3. The Inn Boonsboro Trilogy by Nora Roberts - Thought you were going to get through this list with out a girly book huh? You're wrong!! As someone who is more of a murder mystery kind of reader, I fell in love with these books. More realistically  I fell in love with the characters.  I was really upset at the end of the third book, I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THEIR LIVES. Which is the problem I have with all books really.... [I don't know how to describe this series without giving it all away, but it's centered around an inn that's being remolded, 3 brother and 3 best friends.]

4. Killing Kennedy & Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly - My obsessions with the Kennedys started when I was in the 4th grade and we went to Newport Rhode Island with Sea Ray. It's all down hill from there. I went to every mansion/church/museum that had to do with them while we were there and then started reading every book I could get my hands on. So when Killing Kennedy was in my stocking this year I was beyond excited.  After O'Reilly relating Kennedy to Lincoln so heavily I kind of cultivated an interest in Lincoln too. [The deaths of these two men are intense and fascinating. I love history and I love the Kennedys. These books were perfect, easy reads!]

5. Mrs. Kennedy and Me by Clint Hill and The Kennedy Detail by Gerald Blaine & Lisa McCubbin - more Kennedys #sorryimnotsorry. [Two books written by secret service agents assigned to the Kennedy detail. Does it get much better than that? Let me answer, no.]

If you would like a more extensive list of books that I have enjoyed reading since graduation the total is up to like 35 or 40 let me know. I love sharing my love for reading!!

Honesty is the best policy

I promised a meaningful blog post this week and here it is.

This morning I took a few minutes before a meeting so I wasn't just not working to check out Thought Catalog. Some times they post the most ridiculous things but every once in a while  I find a post I fall in love with. Today I found 3. So I'm sharing them all on different forms of social media. If you're my Facebook friend you're lucky and can read that article. Check out my Tweet here.

But, this post isn't about those two articles, it's about its own. The article I ran across is called Let's Start Being Honest About What We Want. I love the point it makes here. Why are people so dishonest about things? I firmly believe in telling the truth, for multiple reasons. 1) I'm a horrible lier. 2) You have to tell more lies and then you just have to tell more lies. 3) Your lies stop making sense and then it just doesn't work.

I don't know why people think they need to lie. I just get angry thinking about it. I really, really do. I realize this article is mostly about relationships and I think a lot of people have trouble being honest with what they want. I know I do sometimes. I mean isn't it easier to ignore what you're feeling than create an awkward situation by talking about how you feel? Well, we're not little kids anymore, put on your big girl/boy panties and chat about it.

But, I'm not sure I actually read this article as being about relationships with people as much as about being a relationship with myself and the big Man upstairs. Why not be honest about what you want and actually work towards it. I believe the hardest person to be honest with is yourself. It's easy to fall into the 'norms' and just live life that way. I've been trying really hard to be honest with myself and fix the things I think I'm doing wrong. And be better at doing things I think are right. I know it sounds silly and not like a lot of work, but it has been for me. Which is weird to say out loud and I'm okay with it.

I'm ready to make 2013 about being honest with myself. And everyone else in my life. Here's to a life full of happiness and honesty. LET'S GO!

Life Style of the Not So Rich & Famous

Being rich & famous is fun. I would think... But since I'm neither I've been working my butt off for the past 13 days that I haven't blogged. Work has really picked up and I feel like my free time isn't really there. I know I'm not always at work but I can't even remember what all I've been doing.


But, THE BABY CAME!!! Little Levi graced us with his presence on Monday, February 11th, after keeping his mom in labor for 22 hours. I'm so in love with my little baby nephew and have already started spoiling him. He's literally the cutest thing I've ever seen.  I'm positive that everyone is tired of seeing pictures of him, but they will just have to get over it. I'm hoping I get to go see the little nugget this week!!

I promise a substantial blog post at some point this week!

Life in your 20s

Life in your 20s. Can you even describe it? I realize I'm only 3 years in and I haven't even lived through half of my 20s but I feel like I know a lot about it. For starters, it's nothing like you thought it would be. Yes, not being a teen any more is fun. Turning 21 is even more fun. Heck, having your friends turn 21 and throwing parties for them is more fun than when you turned 21. Turning 22 is nothing spectacular.... Hey you can rent a car in 3 years. You're also probably SO pumped to graduate college. Then you graduate and turn 23. Not so fun anymore. You have a job or two, you have no time for the social life you had in college and you pay your own insurance.

As a 23 year old I feel like your 20s are much more 'glamed up' in society. "Your 20s are the best years of your life" but they tell you that about every decade. Your 20s are rough. Let me tell you. You find out who your real friends are mostly the hard way. You graduate college and you get turned down for your first job or 10, but hey the economy is bad right now, finding a job isn't easy. Those friends that you found out are real, they all move away and start creating their own lives. You try your darnedest to keep up with them and you reschedule phone dates 5 times before you actually talk. But, when you do it's like they still live across campus. And those moments are precious. You anxiously wait at your mail box for some snail mail to arrive. And that feeling is awesome. You finally land your first job which you're thrilled with. You love working there for about 2 years. Then you need a job that satisfies you although I haven't experienced this yet, it is my observation. If you happened to get married somewhere in your 20s you debate on the right time to have kids. If you don't get married you freak out that everyone around you is settling down and you're taking the 5 & 7 year old next door to the zoo on the weekends.

I'm not saying being being a 20-something is awful, I just don't think it's the best decade. I think my 30s will be my prime. Has anyone especially a girl ever said they were looking forward to their 30s?!? Welp, check it off because I am. Caroline found this hilarious BuzzFeed article about being 20. Check, check, check, check it out. Maybe it's a little dramatic, but let's be real... all 20-something girls are.

Plug your headphones straight into my heart

As I sit at my desk and try to work down my to-do list I've kept my earbuds in my ears and my music playing on my iPhone. It seems like every song that has come on today has something to do with love. I'm not sure if that says something about my taste in music or is just a coincidence. But, I can't get the thought of love out of my head.

Maybe it's because one of my best friends is having a baby this week.

Maybe it's because next week is Valentines Day.

Maybe it's because I'm crazy. I'm going to go with this answer.

But, all these lovely things are happening in my life and I'm over the moon about it. I cannot wait for Britt to be a mom and I can't wait for Valentines Day. I love Valentines Day. And no, I don't have a boyfriend to shower me with gifts. But, I do love handing out Valentines Day cards, they are ordered and should be at the house today, and telling people I love them. Maybe I throw that word around to loosely and easily with people but if that's my greatest flaw I'm definitely okay with it. I tell my parents "I love you" every time I hang up the phone or leave their presence. I do the same to my family, including my cousins, apparently this is weird. And I always tell my friends I love them when I hang up the phone on them too.

I like love. It's fun. So, here's to hoping that we yes this child belongs to all of my friends get a baby today, or this week. Jae has a lovely birthday. Valentines Day is as fun as always. And that you tell someone you love them today!

Oh, and here's the song that mostly inspired this lovely blog post. I think I'm really funny with all these 'loves' in this blog.

Super Monday

Oh, we all know the Super Bowl was yesterday. The question of the day is always, "what team are you rooting for?" The answer at our party was always, "which ever team gets me money." Every year we all make our delicious recipes, pack up and head to my parent's friend's house and settle in to watch the game. I'm often criticized because I spend a lot of time with my parents and their friends, but I like it. I enjoy a setting where I can sit back and enjoy the game and not have to deal with all the crazy drunk college/adults who think they're in college screaming at the TV. This year I had a special treat, Kelsey my fake cousin came into town so I wasn't the only person under 40 at the party!

Another thing I love about the adult party is there is always a football board. If you haven't played one before I'm not going to explain, but it's fun. I always con mom & dad in fronting my $10 and I always win at least one quarter. Including last night, whoop whoop! So now I'm $25 richer and I can finally afford to go get my nails redone!

This week is going to prove to a baby filled one. Today my bff since kindergarten's older sister is having her baby girl and tomorrow baby blue jeans Levi will be born!! So excited to squeeze their little cheeks and love on them until they cry and then their moms can have them back.

Here's to an exciting week, heck I'm already listening to Taylor Swift, Jae has a birthday and Friday is dessert auction at my Optimist Club meeting so I get to make Oreo balls and red velvet cookies and watch everyone else enjoy them!

Have a super week! See what I did there??

you're gooder than that.

So here in beautiful Knoxville, it's raining. And I mean raining buckets. We've had the weirdest weather here lately. Three I originally typed '3' then looked back and imagined what B. Hufford would've said if she say that #JEM333problems weeks ago it was 70. Two weeks ago I was snowed in my home with five inches of snow. Last week I was stuck at home again but because of ice. Yesterday it was in the 60s and today we might need an ark to get out of here.... Winter is suppose to be cold, I just look dumb wearing tights and a scarf when it's 60.

But, that's not the point of this post. I found this really sweet/nifty/hilarious video today stalking people on Facebook. We all need a break from work, don't act like you don't do it too. I have a to-do list today and I've already marked 4 out of 10 things off, I'm gettin' it. So, if you need some inspiration to make it through today, here it is. You're welcome.

Also, I'm officially obsessed with Kid President. And I've dedicated Thursday blogs to "What I ate Wednesday." Today's food isn't so cool but maybe in the future it will be.

Sick... Ewwww.

Being sick is absolutely no fun. And it's even less fun when you can't stay in bed all day and feel sorry for yourself. If I was in college, that's what I would do. But I not so I've been working, both jobs with a disastrously runny nose. I've been taking pills every 30 minutes & used an entire box of Kleenex in two days. And wishing I felt better. All I want to do is go work out again I never thought I'd say that. But, I will be at work being miserable. Maybe it will be icy tomorrow and I won't have to go to work. That's what I'm praying for. 

On another note... We're getting ready to host a networking event here in our office so we've been cleaning up and sprucing up the office. It's really been a lot of fun. Granted, Katie cleaned all the windows and I sneezed from my desk. Anyways, I now have my diploma hanging in my office and TWO picture frames. They both have pictures of Natalie, so frame donation is great. I feel as if people might think Natalie is my girlfriend if I have another one of her...

Bieber Fever

Like every 12 year old girl east of the Mississippi River, Natalie and I packed up our bags and headed to Nashville this weekend to catch Justin Bieber play at the Bridgestone. Don't make fun of us, I know you're jealous. As we arrived at the hotel we knew we were in for a treat, with hundreds of screaming girls in matching shirts we knew he had to be prepared to not have eardrums when the Biebs took the stage.

As we were walking in, Natalie looks at me and says, "this is my first real concert." From that moment on I knew we were going to have a blast. When the first act took the stage Natalie and I agreed he was pretty cute. Until he said, "Hi my name is Cody Simpson, I'm 16 years old." We felt dirty, and continued to jam to his music. Then Carly Rae took the stage. And we danced around like the rest of the 12 year olds to Call Me Maybe. And finally, it was Justin's turn. After loosing my hearing from the teenage girl screams, we enjoyed a great concert. We danced the entire time and had a blast. Make fun of us if you want, it was a.w.e.s.o.m.e. When the concert ended at 10:15 we were extra excited, a fun filled night ending with hot wings and sweet potato fries and early bed time.

After spending a fabulous, much needed girls weekend with Natalie in Nashville I'm sad to be back in Knoxville. But, I head back to Nashville in March for church camp, Lady GaGa and Maroon 5. There isn't anything to complain about over here!

Here are some pictures from this weekend. I really loved how J.B. put on an actual show. Plenty of set changes, costume changes and lots of dancinggggg!

A little Tuesday Inspiration

It's Tuesday. And it feels like Monday. I woke up with a nice cough/sneeze and it only seems to get worse as the day goes by. With my eyes beginning to droop, it's now that I come with some inspiration.  That is the second time I had to right click to correctly spell inspiration. "Pray hardest when it's hardest to pray." And you can thank my oh so wonderful 17 year old that I once was her baby-sitter friend Lauren for this beauty.

I've tried to update Facebook status' today, failed each time with improper spelling and officially gave up. Instead, I'm going to make another glass of tea, turn on Taylor Swift and hope that I can push through and get some website writing done. And if not, I'll sit in my little office and listen to Taylor Swift anyways.

Happy Tuesday....

SNOW DAY

I'm about 3 days late but I got to experience my first, grown up, get out of work early snow day. I know that snow isn't that cool to a lot of people, but as a Knoxville native who doesn't get to see snow that often it's really fun. And Luigi loves it! We heard the roads were getting bad so I left work at 2:45. At 4:15 I was pulling into my drive way only after unsuccessfully trying to back in and having to do a loop around the cul-de-sac to actually make it into the drive way. This is normally a 20 minute drive, and I saw 2 cars in ditches. Last time it snowed I spun the baby cruiser, threw it into a ditch and gave myself a concussion, luckily that didn't happen this time. When I got home I knew I had to have a fire to actually enjoy the snow day. Only thing, I was home alone and had never made a fire. So, after a phone call to Dad and a few trips to the wood shed we were up and running. Luigi and I enjoyed the nice view of snow falling, the warm fire and a movie. That is where I got bored and decided I didn't really like snow days. So I made dinner, watched Scandal my all time favorite tv show, at least this week and headed off to bed. After waking up at 7:30 to make sure I couldn't get to work which I decided I couldn't I got to lounge around the house until it was time to head to Nashville to be exposed in a later blog. In conclusion, snow days are fun. For about 3 hours. And if you have someone to enjoy playing in the snow with.

Love.

This morning (it was still dark) I was reading Pope Benedict XVI tweets. His tweet from this morning was "If we have love for our neighbor, we will find the face of Christ in the poor, the weak, the sick and the suffering." The first thing I thought was "who ever tweets for the Pope follows AP Style grammar... Go you!" But the more I thought about this sentence I realized how true it was.

Now, I'm not one for pushing religion on anyone, it's your life, but how can words like this not make you thankful for a sweet, sweet Savior. I have been going to church since I was 4 and once I started college my appearances came few and far between. Senior year I became friends with the ever so wonderful Caroline Pekarsky and really started attending Mass again. I feel like she came into my life at the perfect time and spending my Sunday evenings with her and Father Eric made everything in my life seem a whole lot better. But, it's not just attending your weekly church service that makes you a better person. It's seeing love in those around you. And boy did the Pope hit the nail on the head this morning. After all, I do think that's his job.

After a stressful couple of weeks it's nice to be reminded that everything in your life will be okay, just see the love in the world. And I'm making that my plan for the rest of the year. Really looking for love in the smallest things. I truly believe if everyone took on this task this crazy world we live in would be a much happier place.

To remind me of this, I've written the Pontifex's words on my dry erase board at work. And I'm going to make it a weekly task--Find something that inspires me to be a better person. And you bet your bottom dollar I'll be sharing them too!!

Long Time No See.

Welp, it's been quite a while since I blogged last. But it's for a very good reason!! It was about a month ago when I worked two 80 hour weeks this is not a joke. And then it was Christmas. And then I flew alone for the first time to Chicago to spend a week with my love +Maggie Nichols. After a glorious, pizza filled, jacket wearing, Dance Mom watching week in the North I returned back to work. And since then I feel like I haven't slowed down. It's been crazzzzy! And I love it. But, now that I'm back into the swing of things, blogging will resume I know you were really worried. This spring should make for a fun one. It's packed full of concerts, home shows, weekend trips and maintaining some sort of life. I've included some pictures for your view pleasure. And a promise that the next blog post will be more than just an update on my boring life. But in the mean time, Natalie and I are going to Justin Bieber this weekend so you'll hear about that next week, don't you worry your pretty little mind. 

My cousin Brandon and me. He and his wife came from WI to see me!!! 

Brandon's wife, Candi, and me at the top of the Hancock Tower.

The view from the bar at the top of the Hancock Tower

Just the usual reunited pictures!

The first night there Maggie took me to a little bar around the corner from her apartment. 

The view from Maggie's window. And the most/only snow I saw while I was there.

The first full day I was there was spent shopping with my cousins and Maggie!

And the most important evening of the trip, NEW YEARS EVE!

Maggie took me to her old neighborhood where I got to walk around Lincoln Park and see the lake!

The day before I left Maggie had to work, so I ventured around Chicago alone, first stop after spending all my money shopping Navy Pier!

View into the city from the Pier.

Then I went to the zoo, and saw a sloth!!

Also saw a little hippo!

After the zoo I went to the Chicago History Museum. It was pretty cool. This is the bed that Lincoln died in... Pretty cool!