To exist is to change...

...to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly. So says Henri Bergson.

Feeling very philosophical today and quite the mix of emotions. In effort to get back into blogging after four months, I am just going to ramble on write.

The past year, more specifically, the past few months have been nothing short of a whirlwind. I feel like things are changing all around me - personally, professionally and just about every other way possible - and time is going by so fast. By nature, I am not one to immediately embrace change, positive or negative. But as I get older, I realize how vital it is to personal growth. After all, how can we expect things or situations to change if we aren't willing to change ourselves?

The biggest change has been at home. I was traveling a ton for work at the end of 2012 and during the first half of this year. And while I LOVE to travel (it's ridic how excited I get when I get bumped into the next Medallion/frequent flyer tier), thankfully that has slowed down for the time being. However, the husband's travel schedule has just picked back up. With him being in outside sales and running demos all across the country, he is typically gone for 2-3 weeks at a time. This has been a major adjustment for us. Sure, absence makes the heart grow fonder. But it is something you have to get used to, learn to live with and simply embrace. Luckily he is home for at least two weeks in between his trips, which has been wonderful. And with us both racking up frequent flyer miles, we try to work in a fun trip or meet the other when one of us is in a fun city. Next trip: the beach in T-minus 20 days!

My role at work has certainly evolved from what it was five and a half years ago, and I have loved just about every minute of it. Having the opportunity for change and growth is of the utmost importance to me, especially where my career is concerned. And knowing that the opportunity is actually there is just as important. With the new product line I have stayed busy promoting, we talk a lot about transforming, adapting and making a difference. And I am so thankful to have been a part of it, because it has helped me realize that these are all the things I want for myself. Seriously considering pursuing my MBA...we shall see! As one of my favorite quotes reads (and I must keep reminding myself), "growth is the only evidence of life."

Different subject...as you get older, you want to surround yourself with people who lift you up and share the same values as you. The only downside is that your circle of friends gets a bit smaller. The upside? The people around you are positive and want positive things for you. This is a process and often times a struggle, and I am so thankful for that small but real circle.

My body is definitely changing, too. As in, it doesn't recover as quickly as it used to. I would like to consider myself a hardcore runner. But when you push yourself that hard for four months with minimal cross training, especially after an excruciating marathon experience, you get hurt. What should I have expected? I know better! Chiropractor today; physical therapy tomorrow. Lesson learned...again.

As Oliver Wendell Holmes says, "the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving." What powerful words. Life is about embracing change and moving forward. I just have to keep telling myself that.

Marathons and Memories...Ciao! Ciao! 2012

So I totally slacked on my blog writing in 2012. It hasn't been for a lack of topics; but with sitting at a computer for close to 10 hours a day, that's the last thing I want to do when I get home. That said, it's been quite a busy, stressful and altogether wonderful few months...well, year.

Anyone who knows me knows that running is a true passion of mine, and 2012 has been quite the year running-wise. I scored a PR running the NYC Half (1:40), came in first place in my age group at two races, second in another, and third in two others. And then came the St. Jude Marathon. I've run the half every year since 2007, but decided to go for the full (my second) this year. I didn't make the decision lightly, but felt I was ready to take on 26.2 again and thought there’s no better race to do it than St. Jude – and certainly no greater cause. Well, it didn't go so well...but I crossed the finish line. And for that, I'm proud. My Dad was right; it was my "best" race yet!

It's been an INCREDIBLE year travel-wise. Brent and I flew across the pond and spent two amazing weeks in Italy last spring. Rome > Siena > Florence > Venice. Trip of a lifetime doesn't come close to describing it! Also for pleasure, I went to New York, then Hartford and Cape Cod for my cousin's wedding, Brent and I went Atlanta for Labor Day, Tampa and Clearwater Beach for a dear friend's wedding and a quick trip to Orlando, since Brent was already there for work. Speaking of which, 2012 took me to Houston, Las Vegas, New York, Chicago, Boston, Asheville, Charlotte, Minneapolis, San Francisco and finally, Nashville. Phew! It's been almost two months since my last flight...starting to get antsy!

Work-wise, I certainly can't complain either. And not just for the travel, though obviously that was a nice treat. This month, I celebrate five wonderful years at Mahaffey. When I started, my position was brand new. I've had the opportunity to mold it into exactly what I want it to be and do more than I ever imagined I could in a "marketing" role. I'm so honored to not only have a job but a true career. 2012 also brought me a FABULOUS new assistant, Kristin. She has ambition, takes initiative and I can count on her to gets things done whether I'm in or out of the office. I love what I do and who I work with, which makes it a little less like work. For all that, I am so very thankful.

Other-wise, life has been pretty great as well. Brent and I both turned 30, we celebrated five years of marriage and 10 years of being together. We took our first (and certainly not last) trip to Europe. I became an aunt again. Got Medallion status back on Delta. Joined the USGBC Memphis Board. Was published in three publications. Got accepted into the 2013 NYC Half (3 years in a row, whoop!)...but unfortunately gave up my spot since I'm going to be there the following week for a conference.

Though I've always been thankful for the many blessings in life, I don't think I've ever quite felt as happy as I do at this very moment. Everything is exactly as it should be. I love my little family, Buster the Boston Terrier especially. ;) I love my job. I love being an aunt. I love my family and friends. I love the new leather pants I wore to ring in the new year (despite my almost Ross moment when they got a bit sticky after the random dance party broke out). I love to run. I love to travel. And I can't wait to see what 2013 has in store for all of the above!