The craziness that has been the past month...or so

It's been well over a month since my last post. I'd like to say it's due to laziness, a lack of topics, or whatever, but honestly I just need about 50 bazillion more hours in the day.

First, I have to mention the hubby's and my AMAZING trip to Italia. Trip of a lifetime doesn't even begin to describe it! As mentioned in my couple of Italy posts, we were there for 12 days and made stops in Rome, Siena (our fave!), Florence, and Venice (my close-second fave). Being able to spend that time with B, seeing all the amazing sites we saw, and just experiencing all we did...it was truly life-changing. Timing is everything, and I'm so glad we were able to share it together. I have an entire journal of notes to post, but here are a few pics until then...

 With our tour guide, Paola, in Rome!

 Being silly :)

 Love this pic!

 Trevi Fountain

 Il Campo in Siena...our favorite spot!

Enjoying the scenery!

 Our FAVORITE day on the vineyard tour!

 On the Ponte Vecchio in Florence!

How beautiful is this view?! From atop the Pitti Palace

 Arriving in Venice!

 Chasing the pigeons in the Piazza San Marco!

 Rialto Bridge

 Just had to post...our view on the gondola ride

Ever since we got back, I've been working what seems like all day every day trying to keep my project load in a manageable place. I'm SO very thankful for my job and the fact that I love what I do. But as I'm sure one can imagine, when you're in front of a computer for close to 10 hours a day, the thought of going home and continuing to do so to work on your own blog isn't all that enticing. So there's my excuse for the lack of posts. On the bright side, I'm in the middle of hiring a new marketing assistant. Yay! The University of Memphis sure did produce some incredible candidates!

And then there's BBQ Fest. Normally I despise this event (crazy talk, I know), but I have to say this my favorite year ever! We made so many new friends, had a lot of laughs, let loose, and just had a good time...and I still made it to work every day. :) It may or may not have also helped to have a DD for most of the weekend (thank you, Marcie!!).

 My sweet, preggo friend Marcie and me on Friends & Family night

B and me

Keeping with the positivity, my running has improved tremendously...or so I thought. After taking off for about 10 days while in Italy, I came back ready to jump into training. Well, more so just getting back in shape from the past two weeks of absolutely gorging myself – and yes, it was TOTALLY worth it! Anyway, I placed first in my age group at Zoom Through the Zoo a little over a week ago (and third woman overall, whoop)! I felt great after the race and the next morning. And then it hit me. By the end of the day, my knee had swollen to the size of a grapefruit and I could hardly bend it. I finally went to my orthopedic doctor last week. Diagnosis: inflammation due to fluid build up. Treatment: anti-inflammatory meds and take it easy for the next three weeks, but low-impact exercise (bike, elliptical) is okay. Boo! But it could definitely be worse.

Speaking of running, today is National Running Day! I had an intense bike ride this morning, but did get in a quick gimp-jog in around the neighborhood. :)

Lots more going on...but that's all I’ve got to say for now. Happy Hump Day, y'all!

Swine, Sickness, and my Sister's Shower!

This weekend pretty much ruled...aside from the fact that I was more under the weather than I've been in 2+ years. I hardly ever get "cold" sick, but when I do, it hits pretty hard. I came down with strep-like symptoms, a sinus infection, and stomach bug all in the same day early last week, and it's all lasted until today. On my second round of antibiotics, though, which are finally starting to kick in. Let's hope this is the end of it!

This weekend was the annual Memphis in May World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest. For those of you who might not be familiar with it, it's pretty much the biggest party of the year. Sadly, the older I get, the less interested I am in the festivities. Maybe that's because my husband (and everyone else for that matter) goes on a 3-day bender. I do have to say that Brent was on his very best behavior this year. No fights of any kind and he was even home before 10 on two of the three nights. :)

The festival was held at Tiger Lane/Mid-South Fairgrounds for the first time this year, due to the flooding at Tom Lee Park. It was a million times cleaner than usual, and it was by far my favorite year! Maybe that's because I was only there for two nights, neither of which were late. I went down briefly for Friends and Family night on Wednesday, stayed home on Thursday night trying to feel better, and then Friday night, Angela and I made our way down after work. It was close to 6:30 when we got there, and my butt was home with a Memphis Pizza Cafe special by 10 pm (at Brent's request, I must add). Good times! Saturday, I got in a five-mile run, then we went down for the judging. I was home by 4 that afternoon. Heaven!

Angela and me on Friday night

Saturday night, I made plans with my sis, Laura, as her fiance was in Nashville for his bachelor party. We were both exhausted, so we just went to a nearby sushi place for dinner. Great food and some great conversation later, we headed back to her house and ended up watching "He's Just Not That Into You." Chick flicks are always best when shared with your sister. :)

Sunday was Laura's second bridal shower, hosted by my Mom's amazing friends. The ladies did an awesome job putting it together, as always! It was such a treat to have my Grandma and Aunt Dara there too, both of whom live in Orlando, FL. More good food and excellent company, and then I headed home to a spotless house and folded laundry...Brent had also already gone to the grocery store. I think I have a keeper. :)

Grandma, Mom, Laura, and me...great pic of everyone, except me of course!

This coming weekend is Laura's couples shower, hosted by some of her fabulous bridesmaids. Getting SO super excited for her big day!!!