Marking Items off the Bucket List...

Lately I’ve been thinking about my bucket list. There’s been things I’ve wanted to do floating around in my mind but I’ve never put them on paper. So I decided to do that to make my list official and where better than to make it official here!

Some things are so simple and some will be much harder to obtain.

The list will change with time as my interests grow and change.

Everything on here is something that will bring me happiness and I hope I will continue to mark items off the list as the years pass.

Each check mark shows I’m living life to its fullest and, in my opinion, there isn’t a better way to live!

·    

• Complete a half marathon
• Swim with dolphins
• Learn to play the cello for the first 32 seconds of TranSiberian Orchestra’s “Christmas/Sarajevo”
• Go on a picnic
• Make an eagle on one golf hole
• Buy an actual snow sled like in the old time movies and use the heck out of it!
• Learn to do a wall handstand in yoga
• Ride a tandem bike with someone I love
• Kayak in calm ocean water
• Play Frisbee in calm ocean water
• Go horseback riding along the beach
• Play beach volleyball on an actual beach
• Hit a volleyball serve overhead (and the net)
• Float a calm river
• Complete Tulsa Run
• Visit NYC, over and over again
• Do the row boats at NYC’s Central Park
• See Wicked on Broadway
• Take dance lessons with a partner
• Visit Hawaii
• Visit Bora Bora
• Visit Greece
• Visit Europe
• Visit Australia
• Visit Maine
• Visit Charleston, South Carolina
• Return to my birthplace – Toms River, NJ
• Go skiing
• Buy a house
• Have a porch swing
• Write a book
• Find love
• Find God
• Get married
• Have children
• See Madonna in concert
• See Billy Joel and Elton John in concert together
• Confidently rock a bikini
• Research my ancestors
• Do a mud run
• Learn to appropriately ride a bike and enter a long-distance event
• Photograph a wedding
• Have a photo published somewhere
• Lay on a blanket with a loved one and look at the stars
• Lay on a blanket/chair with a loved one and watch the sun rise
• Ride a cable car in San Francisco
• Go whale watching
• Ride an elephant

Okay, now it’s officially official.

And in Running News...

Well, it’s official. I am doing the Houston half marathon in January! I might have broken a sweat when I received the e-mail but I am excited to hopefully check an item off my bucket list!

I’m currently debating how to train for it. Any advice, fellow runners?

At first I thought I’d join a group and start next week (they’re training for a half in November)… but I also don’t want to get burned out. (Literally speaking these days with this BRUTAL heat!) So I actually may just do the Hal Higdon program starting in October. If I do that, I’ll continue to run/cross train 5-6 times a week in the meantime. I think that could work for me.

I'd love YOUR thoughts!

That's Coloriffic!

Today was finally the day of The Color Run!

My friend Julie and I were so excited when the race announced they were coming to our city. How could we say no to a colorful, fun 5K?!

We were in the second wave of 1,000 to start. Check out the crowd in front of us!

Julie and I before the race.

And here's me afterward!

Despite the fact I cramped big time during it (excruciating tearing pain - what gives!), I definitely enjoyed being drowned in bright colored powder! Have you done a Color Run?

My Journey to Becoming Healthy

This is the picture that opened my eyes.

Me after gaining 20 pounds

I took one look at that picture and couldn't believe my eyes. I had recently been to the doctor and the scale said I had gained 20 pounds. But it wasn't until I saw this picture that I believed the number on the scale. That's when I decided to make a conscious effort, once the holidays were over, to change some things in my life.

This January, I started routinely running again and I also began a healthy diet. I had gained that weight from March-December 2011 because I took a lot of time off from exercising (healing from a knee injury) and to be honest, I kept eating like I was running. No hiding that.

Also in January, I started keeping track of my calorie intake and let me tell you, it was mind blowing. I couldn’t believe the amount of calories I was eating every single day. I stopped drinking soda because it was ridiculous how much I relied on that little red can and how awful it was for my body. I am still keeping track daily on a handy little app called Calorie Counter. It’s my accountability partner.

Along with running, I played volleyball, took up yoga (it’s pretty hi-larious to watch me) and eventually started spin and weight lifting. I enjoy walking and riding my bike and just being active. It’s done wonders. I feel really good and so far I’ve lost 14 pounds! I am beyond thrilled with my progress.

I’ll post more sometime soon about my diet details and weight loss progress. I wish I had kept up with my blog during this time but alas, I didn’t. Shame on me! 

P.S. I am waiting to hear if I made the cut for the Houston half marathon, which would be my first half. The longest race I’ve done to date is a half marathon relay at 10K distance. I definitely want to write about my progress if I am entered into the half. It’ll be quite the journey.

The High is Back

Tonight I feel elated. For a wonderful reason, too. I ran today. It had been over 7 months since I've gone for a run (due to my knee injury).

Fast forward through physical therapy, lots of rest and a 16+ weight gain because of lack of exercise, today I laced up my running shoes that I hadn't worn since mid-March and scrambled to find my favorite shorts, socks and sports bra.

Once at the river trail, I did intervals, with a lovely companion who kept time, and we went about 2.5 miles. The shoes felt amazing on my feet, (probably because I have been wearing my old sneakers for the past few months. I only save my running pair for its sole purpose.), the breeze made me feel alive and it just felt really good to be out there again.

Granted, I had to stop at one point to lay on the trail to do crunches (blasted side cramp) and my knee would send small twinges reminding me it's not pain free... but still.

I survived.
I never complained once.
I pushed it at the end.

Then I came home, iced my knee, took some ibuprofen and have felt that wonderful runner's high all night (and a knee twinge.. or two.)

I can't wait to try it again tomorrow.

Umm... I'm back... sort of?

Wow, guys. It's been since June that I last posted. I won't go into the nitty gritty details of why... let's just say: I (willingly) work way more hours than I used to and I've let some things slip. Example: my blog, my work out schedule, cleaning... yawn. :)

But here I am to say hello! What's new?

Earlier this month, I traveled to Destin to visit my dad and stepmom. My brother, his girlfriend and their son/my nephew (my munchkin and little love of my life) drove in from NOLA and I was thrilled because I hadn't seen them since last November. That's not acceptable, people.

While in Destin, we experienced bad weather, a.k.a. a hurricane, so after two days the beach was closed. I'm talking two red flags, sheriffs guarding the beach kind of closed. So I got to spend ample time with this guy. I love him. I leave you with two little videos of my favorite little guy. Keep in mind - we were on a four hour drive to NOLA during these.

Translation: "Bad Form" - what Gramps says if someone does something naughty

Translation: my nephew saying please = how do you say no?! He really wanted his garage here.

Things I Realized Today

Today was a day for realizations for me. I must have been feeling thoughtful...

• I love my job. I really do. I started in May and I couldn't be happier. If I wrote down everything I wanted and needed in a job, it would be the position I have now. I feel so blessed!
  


• I love my team. (It's crazy to say I have a team.) I took them to lunch and they are a great group of women whom I respect greatly.
  


• I've given out more business cards in the past four weeks than I did during my tenure at my previous job. (I went from development back to PR so I'm interacting with a lot of people again.)
  


• I realized my work is just down the street from the mall. Why it took me four weeks to realize this... I don't know. But this is bad news, people. Make me forget that I'm close enough to run to the mall on my lunch break! My pocketbook cannot handle that! ;)
  


• I am thinking about chopping my hair off. I love long hair but it's so dang hot, that I'm really, really tempted. Should I, should I?

What about YOU?! Anything on your mind lately?

crazyjoy: Fascinate

I am taking part in a photo a week challenge by Lesley and Anna. This week's challenge is fascinate so I looked through some photos I've taken (I sort of cheated) and the photos below make think these kiddos are "fascinated." There's less than 4 hours left in this week's challenge so hurry and link up if you want to participate!

Zoo Trip Recaps

This post is overdue, but you'll forgive me, right? I made two zoo trips in April - one with my little sister, Nae Nae, and the other with my niece, brother and sister-in-law. So here's another picture recap!




Cute family!


Rebecca and I


Nae Nae and I waiting to ride the train.

So much fun!

Rebecca Visits Tulsa

My niece, Rebecca, and my sister-in-law came to Tulsa two weeks ago so I wanted to share a few pictures from the visit. Let me tell you - I was so excited because I got to babysit my favorite 2 year old (almost 3!). I get to see Rebecca every few months and sometimes it's just not enough, so I treasure the time I get to spend with her.


Hamming it up at a local restaurant, Elote.


Dancing together at Elote


Arts & crafts at a local arts festival


Making my angels look pretty

Miss her already!

Love Me Some Clothing Swaps

I hosted my first clothing swap last week and it went great! All but two of the girls who came were swap newbies so it was fun to introduce a swap to them. I think they all enjoyed it and left with some "new" finds. Nothing better than getting new clothes for free!

Here's my tips for hosting a swap:

Invite a variety of girls - all shapes and sizes - and give them some advance notice so they can gather up items

Encourage them to bring more than clothes; jewelry and purses are a huge hit. Shoes aren't usually as popular due to size differences

Have lots of space for people to sprawl out and try on clothes

Encourage each other to try new things! (One reason I love swaps is because I always leave with something I would have never tried on at a store! Or learn that a color I never thought would look good on me does!)

Choose a nonprofit (or two) to donate leftover clothes to and have fun sorting through the items with your guests! (That's what I love even more about swaps - you get to donate to worthy causes!)

And lastly... just have fun and get ready for some cute clothes! :)

And for kicks: found these cute socks at Target, which I gave out as party favors during my clothing swap!

Latest Shoe Buys

When I was in Florida earlier this month, I fell in lust with two pairs of flats... and, of course, they came home with me! Flats are my new thing because I'm staying away from heels due to a knee issue. (This once brought me down but I'm over it because I now have an arsenal of super cute flats! Plus I'll wear those heels again soon.)

Here's the latest additions to the shoe collection (both were under $25)!


Digging those sparkles! You can find these shoes here.


So comfy and sassy! Check them out here!

Until next time, shoe lovers...

Love Yourself!

My friend Anna and I were hanging out last night when I pointed to a mark on my skin and asked her what it was. Her answer was that it was discoloration that comes with aging and pointed to a similar looking mark on her leg.

Aging?! That's a hard pill to swallow. I'm in my 20s and I am in denial that I'm getting older and I'm going to wrinkle and get even more funky spots on my body. Yesterday was the first time I've heard someone tell me something on my body is due to that dreaded A word. And it hurt! Aging is beautiful but I think it can hold off a little while longer.

Speaking of bodies... I am sure you all have noticed how we women put ourselves down? I was thinking recently that it happens way too much, which is sad. Yesterday I heard someone at Ross say "I can't squeeze my fat a$$ into those pants." I wanted to walk up to her and give her a hug.

Instead of focusing on our flaws, which is so easy to do, we should focus on the things we love about ourselves. And I'm telling you all this first... I am going to try to do this with myself... remind me of this goal next time I'm in a dressing room, okay? ;)

Here's to loving ourselves more... age spots and all!

Heaven in Destin

I had my first week-long vacation recently and I got to spend it in Destin, Fla. Gosh, it was amazing. I didn't want to leave. I wish I was still there!

My dad and stepmom moved to Florida this past February, so I quickly booked a vacation to see them. The trip ended up being right after I accepted a new job and started a new one, so it was perfect timing.

I spent majority of my time on this beach soaking up the sun.



The sunsets blew me away.



The (very) few times I left the beach, we went shopping. There are some great places to shop and eat in the area!

Here's my dad and I.



Panama City Beach. So peaceful and pretty!



For the most part, the water was so clear and calm. It was absolutely perfect. Man, can I go back right now?!




What's your favorite vacation that you've taken?

Birthday Blessings

Life's been busy for me lately... I went to Dallas, then it was my birthday, I spent a week in Florida, I had my last week at my old job and I'm about to start a new job tomorrow. It's been a whirlwind, let me tell you. I'm going to break all of it up into a few posts. Up first: birthday!

I was fortunate to celebrate my birthday a few times this year... with my brother, friends and my dad and stepmom. Here's a picture recap!


Happy hour with co-workers


Out and about with the girls (and fellas - not pictured!)


Dinner in Destin with family

It was a wonderful birthday!

Peace

Sending sunshine to all my blog friends....

How I Survived Lent

I gave up sweets for lent (donuts, cookies, cake, pie, ice cream and candy) and it actually wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Sure I missed a homemade cookie every now and then but I found little ways to trick my brain I was eating something sweet.

I thought I'd share my new favorite low-calorie (sweet) snacks!


I love Granola Thins! 90 calories of deliciousness... they come in dark chocolate, too.


I get a sweet kick from these 100 calorie packs!


Weight Watchers black cherry jello. Only 10 calories!

What are your favorite sweet snacks?

Austin Recap

Note: I wrote this post on my blogger ap and I didn't want the pictures to be this big!

I went to Austin a few weeks ago... the purpose of the trip was to run my first 10K but I didin't get to because of my knee injury. Even so, I still had a great time with my best friend, Renata, and my dear friend, Jenni!

Me and my bib... but I didn't run. :)

Spider House in Austin

Supporting Renata at the Cap 10K!

On our way to 6th Street after the race

My first stuffed avocado.... delicious! GREAT TRIP!

I'm not allowed to run

Or use the elliptical. Or do anything that causes pain to my knee. A few weeks ago, I hurt my knee and then after running a 5K, occasional pain turned into constant pain. Constant pain prevented me from running 1 mile, which led to a doctor visit, which led to x-rays and now physical therapy a couple times a week.

I'm actually very lucky because it's not a horrible injury. I don't need surgery. It'll heal with time, rest and strength training. Also, from learning to run in a different way with the help of my physical therapist. How I run doesn't help my knee. Blame the many years of ballet!

I have to tell you guys... I really miss cardio. But I am looking at the silver lining. After this is over, I am going to be a better runner. I am never going to take it for granted again. I have to admit I feel envy inside when I see a runner. I also admit that I worry about losing my muscle and gaining back the weight I have lost. But I will power through because if you focus on the negatives, they are going to outweigh the positives... and bring you down.

You can count on me running again soon. After all, my new year's resolution is to run a 15K in October. I'm sticking to my PT workouts and going to the gym to do abs and arms... anything I can do to feel like I'm staying in shape. Until then, no running posts for a while. Maybe just swimming posts... I want to find a new gym with a pool!

[source]

So I have to ask...

What is it about Rosie Pope's (Pregnant in Heels) voice?

I need to figure this out. Is it an accent? An attempt to conceal an accent? (No one should ever do that!) A speech impediment?

Branding a Baby
Thoughts?