Running Update

I haven't blogged about my running progress in a while, so I thought I'd update you...

I'm still running! After finishing the C25K training, I just kept going. I try to run at least three times a week, or not go more than two days in a row without running. So far, this has worked well for me.

Another thing that works for me is to run for time. I was really extremely slow when I started, so I ran for time instead of distance. So far, this has worked. And at this point if I get to the end of my time goal for a run, but I'm also close to a new distance then I'll keep going until I reach that new distance.

I also listen to music. Most of the time. Every now and then it feels good to just run, with a clear head and no distractions. But when I do listen to music it's either the Spice Girls, Black Eyed Peas, or Pop and Hip Hop Power Mix stations on Pandora.

Something that I love: I can run anywhere. Sure Town Lake and Addison Circle are my favorites, and the hills in Oak Ridge kill me, but I know that no matter where I am I can make it happen. As long as I have my Asics.

Another thing I love: When I travel, which I have been doing a lot of lately, I pack just as many running outfits as a do regular ones. BTW-- B will make so much fun of me for using the word 'outfits', ha!

My next goal: To run in an actual 5K race. I've been running this distance for a while now, and I've run in several different locations, so I feel like I'm ready. I'll probably register for one tonight :)

So that's my update. I'll keep you posted on my first race. I will definitely need your encouragement!


-- I also want to congratulate my little sis' who is SO close to finishing C25K. Way to go, Shell!! You're almost there! I can see us a few years from now, traveling to different cities together to run in big races. I can't wait!

Refrigerator Realization

Walking through my mom's kitchen the other day I realized something.
Something that really made me think.
It was the refrigerator, actually.
The doors.
The doors that used to hold my drawings, my artwork.
Those same doors once held the St. Joseph's School lunch menu and football schedule.
They held the YHS cheer practice schedule and Tumbletown's competition calendar.
Then those menus and schedules then turned into graduation invitations.
First for high school, and then for college.

And now?
Now those same doors hold save-the-dates and bridal shower invites,
which are soon replaced by wedding invitations and baby announcements.

It's crazy, isn't it?
How quickly time passes.
How quickly my drawings and artwork turned into invitations and announcements.

It just kind of makes you think...

"The Happiness Project"

I just finished reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, and I loved it! It's a #1 New York Times bestseller and is described as "An enlightening, laugh-aloud read." 

The book follows Gretchen's year-long journey to a happier self, which includes happiness research and her own monthly resolutions. Her resolutions include things like exercising better, showing proofs of love, asking for help, singing in the morning, keeping a food diary, showing up, taking time to be silly...

I could go on, but I want you to read it yourself! This book will keep you laughing as you start to examine your own life and discover ways that you, too, can be happier.

So either get out your Kindle, head to Barnes & Noble, or log into your Amazon account (like me) and get this book! You will be glad you did!

And who knows...maybe I'll start my own happiness project! ;)

Happy 90th Birthday, PaPaw

Today my PaPaw turns 90.

As I sit here his Mississippi Mud birthday cake is cooking in the oven.

My MaMaw's recipe, of course.

And I think about all of the memories I have with him.

From the day I was born to my wedding day,

he has been there for it all.

Happy Birthday, PaPaw!







A Perfect Day

Yesterday I went with my friend, Courtney, to take her bridal protraits.

It was an absolutely perfect day.

Let me rewind a bit:

I met Courtney on May 31, 1988. The day she was born.

I was six months old, my mom went to visit her mom in the hospital,

and that was the start of our life-long friendship.

Now fast forward to yesterday:

Courtney looked absolutely beautiful!

The instant the photographer put her in the first pose, it hit me.

All the sleepovers and tea parties.

All the times we played school and house.

The baby dolls and barbies, braces and boyfriends.

All the memories came flooding back. 

But I kept going.

Fluffing the train on her dress, 

making sure every curl of her hair was in just the right place.

The whole time, fighting back the tears behind my sunglasses. 

Tears of happiness.

This day was perfect.

This day was one day closer to the day Courtney will marry Kyle.

And I could not be happier for her!