Finally some down time...

Where do I begin? Thankfully the summer was relatively quiet as far as travel goes, with the exception of my cousin Missy's FABULOUS wedding in Cape Cod in late June! Things were a bit stressful for the Wilsons after we got back from Italy, so it was nice to take it easy for a month or two.

Soon, though, a crazy couple months of travel ensued for both B and me. I definitely can't complain; it's been incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally.

It started with a trip to Boston in mid-August for a marketing conference and business development meeting. What an amazing, productive trip that was! A tour of Harvard, running along the Charles River and through MIT campus, shopping on Newbury Street, people watching...I've been to Boston twice before, but never experienced it like this. That city is so alive, and I can't wait to go back!

The next week I drove to Joplin, Missouri, to visit a few of our customers get some pics and video footage of our products in action, thanks to a handy Flip cam. It’s so sad to see all the devastation there, but also incredible to see how quickly the town has bounced back. I was able to swing through Fayetteville, Arkansas, on my way home and take my handsome cousins to dinner. So much fun! And how did they get this old?!

Asheville, North Carolina, was next. I’m now part of the local USGBC chapter, so they asked me to attend a leadership conference for our region. Not only was it a tremendous opportunity for networking and professional growth, but I got to stay at the Grove Park Inn, which was absolutely stunning! Can't wait to go back with B!

After that, it was off to Atlanta for Labor Day weekend. We stayed with Brent's brother and his wife in their beautiful new home and had an AMAZING three days. Lots of football, bar hopping, shopping (duh), eating, and more. I even got to do my long run on the Silver Comet Trail. If you’re a runner or bike rider, I highly recommend it!

My 30th birthday was September 8. B took me to dinner at Restaurant Iris (my fave!) and invited my Sis and brother-in-law to come with us, which was such a treat! The next day we drove to Nashville for a friend’s engagement party and the Titans game. And Monday I got to have dinner with my entire family. So blessed!

Later the following week was a work conference in Minneapolis. Networking, marketing, great meals, fun conversations and chilly temperatures. So great! I sooo wanted to stop by Mall of America while we were there, but with it only being a two-day trip, there was no time. Boo. On our last day, we had a 3am wake up call to catch a 5am flight. Combine that with a 2+ hour layover in Atlanta, half a day in the office and one of the most fun races (Cooper Young 4-miler) of the year, I was pooped.

Brent's had his fair share of travel as well. Three trips to Phoenix for training, another in Minneapolis and most recently, New York.

This week, I was in Houston for another conference. It was trying to say the least, being the only female in a room full of professional engineers (so out of my league). But being able to overrule an engineering spec and write a section of a published Recommended Practice, I'd say it was a success!

This weekend, we finally get to take a long, much needed deep breath. Saturday is actually our five-year anniversary, and we've got a super fun, low-key few days planned!

Next weekend, we're off to Tampa for one of B’s best friend’s wedding. We are staying at a swanky hotel right on the beach, and I CAN'T WAIT!!

Then things slow down a bit...for me anyway. B will be traveling quite a bit for work in October. Good thing I'm not training for a marathon or anything. ;)

Reflecting on what's important

It's so easy to get wrapped up in everyday life, an ever-expanding workload and what we think should be our priorities. The stress of what's been a roller coaster of the past couple months has really weighed on me these last few weeks, which may or may not have been why I drank heavily came down with a cold. Nevertheless, the downtime gave me time to reflect on what’s really important. And for that, I'm extremely thankful.

Time to reflect on B's new job. I couldn't be more proud of my hubby! While he's going to be traveling about 40% of the year, this is an absolutely incredible opportunity for him...for us. It's going to be an adjustment for sure, but we are partners. And that's what a partnership is about.

Time to reflect on my job. I've been so stressed with work lately, mainly because it's never been so busy. That said, I've also never enjoyed it more. A lot of that has to do with my new assistant, who in less than a month is already making my job easier. I'm getting to do more things, furthering my education and finally feel at a place where I can be productive. It's a good place to be!

Time to reflect on marathon training. Training for marathon #2 started today, whoop! I almost forgot how much dedication and commitment it takes to prepare for 26.2, especially when you're doing it solo. And then I looked at my training plan...whew. Thankfully (in large part to my Dad) I've found a love for swimming, and with 3 days of scheduled rest or cross training, I have a good feeling about the next 4 months.

Time to reflect on family. When it's all said and done, friends come and go. Family is the only constant in this world, and there's truly no greater gift in life. Family is what's important, and those are the people worth making time for.

Here's a parting thought just because it seems fitting. That Dr. Seuss sure was a wise man!

When One Door Closes Another Opens!

Just call me a slacker. Well, that's not entirely accurate given my schedule these days. But when it comes to this blog, I'm waaaaaay behind. So many travel and other posts to do, so little time.

Anyway, this post was originally titled, Everything happens for a reason. While I've always been a firm believer in that, I didn't think it would be the most appropriate title right now.

Nevertheless, in my old young age of {almost} 30, I think I've finally realized what the cliché phrase "when one door closes another opens" means. To say it's been a bit stressful around our house lately would be an understatement.

About a month and a half ago, Brent was laid off from his job. Thankfully it wasn't due to performance, as he was one of the top salespeople in the region. They had simply overcrowded the Memphis market and had to let someone go. Since he had the "least amount of responsibility" (aka we don't have children), they chose him. Even though he received a fantastic letter of recommendation from his District Manager and his resume could speak for itself, he was pretty beat up about it. Can't imagine what he was going through. I did everything I could to be supportive and let him know he was loved no matter what (even Googled what to do when your husband gets laid off...you'd be surprised what can find!), I know he was dealing with the natural thoughts of "I'm the man of the house; I should be the provider." If it had been performance-based, he would have at least been expecting it. But losing a job is never easy, especially when you're blindsided.

Through it all, I tried to convince him that this was a tremendous blessing. Of course it didn't seem like it at the time, especially after receiving our lovely credit card bill from the Italy trip (even then, we wouldn't take a single part of it back). But for the past 4+ years, Brent has been pretty miserable when it comes to work. The longer time went on, the more I just knew we'd look back 10 years from now, and he'd still be at the same job, still miserable and nowhere near where he wanted to be career-wise.

Fast forward to last week, and he's got a new j-o-b! Not only is it a position he would have left his previous company for, but it's THE job he's been looking for. It wasn't without stress, arguments and what could have been a huge strain on our marriage - I assure you. But to find something like this and the company be so excited to have your husband come work for them...wow, what a blessing indeed!

Aside from that, the personal stress + professional stress of the past month and a half + not being able to run = mild depression. However, dealing with yet another round of ITBS (in both legs/knees no less) forced me to cross train. It's opened my eyes to the world of biking and swimming. And I LOVE it!! I never knew I would enjoy swimming so much, and get such an intense workout from it at the same time. I'll be a better runner because of it, and will hopefully be able to run longer. Plus, it's something for my Dad and I to do together, which is pretty cool. :)

There's also the infertility factor. Though we've been a little more "careful" I guess you could say over the past couple months, it's been close to three years that we've been trying to conceive. I was planning to start a new fertility treatment in June, which was naturally put on hold until things got settled with Brent. That was a huge factor in putting it off, but to be honest, I started having reservations about it even before that. Looking back on the past 3-5 years, I'm overwhelmed by all the blessings we've been given and truly believe there's a reason for everything. Maybe it just hasn't been our time yet. Maybe I needed to be a good aunt to Bailey (and now Ava!) first. I'm so thankful for my career and the fact that I love what I do. So maybe I needed time to focus on that. And travel. Ooooo, do I love to travel! Rome, Siena, Florence, Venice, Cape Cod, New York, Boston, Houston, Las Vegas, Chicago...and that's just 2012! Granted half of that was for business, but the other was 100% pleasure. The whole kid chapter definitely hasn't closed (we do have Buster, you know!), but I feel so much more at peace with where I'm at -- where we're at. And for that, I'm so very thankful!

On the Rialto Bridge in Venice!

Cape Cod!

A few of my cousins and I at Missy's wedding at the Cape!

Best buds!

My child...who thinks he's human. :)

Ava dancing and me doing who knows what

Melts my heart!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to those who have been so incredibly amazing and supportive through the Wilsons' ups and downs. It's been quite a journey so far, and as we continue {hopefully} opening these new metaphoric doors, it means that much more to have family and true friends to share in it all with you.

Xoxo!

I'm an auntie again!!

Baby Ava has arrived!! She graced us with her presence, after almost 24 hours of labor (stubborn just like her Momma ;), at 9:45 pm on Wednesday, March 28, weighing 7 lbs, 2 oz. Just perfect!

If you read my last post, you know I was likely to miss her birth due to being in Chicago on business. I was absolutely devastated knowing I was going to miss it, but I knew everyone understood. Had it been just a marketing conference, I would have canceled. But since it was a business development trip for a new market we're exploring, I couldn't skip out. Not that it was a bad trip at all (amazing meetings, potential new business, and two SPECTACULAR runs along Lake Michigan and the Navy Pier!); just bad timing.

Thankfully, we're surrounded by the beauty that is technology, and I was able to Skype my sweet Sis and family before Ava arrived! So grateful for those precious few minutes. While we couldn't get it to work right after she was born, at least I got to see pics and talk to everyone. The next day, we got to Skype again, and I finally got to see and talk to that darling baby.

Friday finally arrived, and I headed home. As soon as we landed, I dropped my stuff at home and headed to the hospital. SO thankful to have made it there before they were discharged! What a special moment to be there by myself for a few hours, let my niece meet her favorite auntie get to know my niece, spend time with my Sis and BIL, and help them get settled at home. Cary's sweet sister Jennifer, her son Tyler, and his Mom all met us there, as did my Mom a little while later.

Brent and I went back over on Sunday to spend time with everyone, and we even got to take part in Ava's first photo session (you rock, Jennifer)!

Words cannot express just how much I cherish the time spent with my growing family this weekend. Watching Cary sing to his beautiful daughter or the look of pure adoration in my sister's eyes...incredible. We are truly blessed!

Mom, dad, and precious baby girl are all doing well, albeit lacking a little sleep...but what a GORGEOUS little family they have created!

Welcome to the world, sweet baby girl!

And baby makes 3! This pic is priceless.

My 3-year-old niece, Bailey, holding her baby cousin.
Melts.my.heart.

Made it to the hospital!!

 Love that face!!

 Uncle Brent loving on his niece!

 Love her so much already!

They don't make 'em any cuter than this!!

Dear Baby Ava...

Hello my precious niece,

This is your Aunt Beth. So I hear you'll be gracing us with your presence a week earlier than we thought! I know you're just soooo excited to meet me and all, just as I am to meet you. Unfortunately (but obviously you're just as stubborn as your Momma, as I've told you countless times), I'm in Chicago this week on business. :(

How rude of you. ;) I'm only kidding!

You sure have given your Mommy a rough time these past few months, and I know she's BEYOND ready to have you out here with her and your Daddy. But...aren't you warm in there? I mean, I know there's not much room to do back flips, with your Mommy being as tiny as she is. But how comforting it must be to be so protected. :) Your parents and all of us out here are so excited to meet you. I only wish you could hold on just a couple more days...

If not (and it's not looking like things will go my way), all I have to say is thank goodness for Skype and FaceTime! Should you arrive before I get home, at least I'll still get to "meet" you.

Your Aunt B loves you SO much already!! See you soon, Ava Jane!

 

Off to NYC!

Happy St. Patrick's Day, and greetings from a very bumpy 35,000 feet!

Although I had a bit of bad news yesterday, with my dermatologist letting me know my biopsy came back as skin cancer, I'm in a super fab mood today. At least the spot is not melanoma and is 100% treatable. They scheduled Moh's surgery, which is very common and the most effective treatment, for April 3...which just so happens to be my sister's due date!! Ugh. But we're all I'm secretly hoping Ava Jane is an April Fool's baby. Fingers crossed!

Today I'm heading to New York for the NYC Half Marathon and a search engine marketing conference. I couldn't be more excited about this trip!

First, I get to spend the weekend AND run tomorrow's race with my awesome cousin, Missy. We were both selected for the lottery entry 2 years in a row, whoop. Not only are we close because we're family, but she is honestly one of the most amazing women I've ever met. Family is of the utmost importance to her, she is one of the most hardworking people I know, she loves to run and travel, so obviously we have a ton in common. And she's getting married to a wonderful man this summer (who was supposed to join us this weekend, but sadly injured his knee). So excited to see you, Miss!

The marketing conference I'm attending this week is hands-down my favorite. It was the most educational of all the conferences I attended last year, and just about every seminar on the agenda relates to what I do on a daily basis. SO thankful for the opportunity to continue growing professionally!

And finally, I get to spend time with my fabulous friend, Anna! We met back in 2004 when Brent and I were participating in the Disney College Program, and we've kept in touch ever since. I was fortunate to be able to visit her twice while she lived in Arizona, and this will be my third time seeing her since she and her husband moved to NYC...thank you, business trips! Oh yeah, and we're going to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday night!! Soooo pumped to see him live! Set your DVRs to record NBC on Tuesday. If you know me, you know I'll be doing everything possible to be seen in the audience. :)

Don't forget to wear your green! Here's a St. Patty's Day toast for you:

Here's to a long life and a merry one.

A quick death and an easy one.

A handsome man and an honest one.

A cold beer – and another one!

What I'm loving Wednesday

I decided to jump on the "what I'm loving" bandwagon, after getting the idea from Simply Smithwick (one of my FAVE blogs!).


I'm loving that I got to spend yesterday afternoon/evening with my precious niece, Bailey.

I'm loving that I get to run the NYC Half Marathon on Sunday and spend the weekend in an INCREDIBLE city with my cousin, Missy!

I'm loving that I have the opportunity to attend a wonderful, renowned marketing conference in NYC next week. #lovemyjob

I'm loving that I also get to see my good friend Anna while in New York, and that we're going to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon!!

I'm loving that my family will be together this evening to celebrate my Momma's birthday.

I'm loving that I will have another beautiful niece in just over 2 weeks! :)

And I'm loving that I made the St. Jude Heroes/Country Music Marathon brochure! Front and center, too. Thanks to the hubby for finding it. :)

{I'm the one in the yellow shirt, black shorts, and navy visor)

So much love this Wednesday. What are you loving today?

Home {family} is where the heart is!

It's a cliché phrase, no doubt, but one that has really struck a cord with me recently, having been in and out of town so much. While I feel extremely lucky to have been given these wonderful opportunities, I am positively spent.

This past week, I was in Las Vegas attending two different conferences. One I spoke at; the other my company was exhibiting at. Vegas is in my top five favorite places for sure, thanks to amazing shopping, incredible food, and Cirque du Soleil. But this trip really took it out of me. The panel presentation went really well (despite my PowerPoint being altered slightly), and I was even asked to come back and speak next year! The tradeshow we were exhibiting at was a success as well.

Angela and me at the tradeshow reception

While there was so much positive that came from the trip, after being on my feet for 7+ hours and walking down the strip in heels, four nights of tossing and turning, and a couple uncomfortable situations...let's just say I was MORE than ready to get home. I don't think I've ever missed my hubby and Buster so much and actually being in the office. My assistant has been a life saver these past few weeks, taking care of just about everything while I've been out. But there are still those projects I feel better about completing myself, and it makes things much easier when you're in the office for more than just a day.

I got home late Thursday afternoon, ran errands, washed clothes, and passed out. The next day, we had to be at work around 6am (which felt like 4am, still being on West Coast time) for a company safety meeting. Got a crisp $50 bill out of it, so I'd have to say it was worth it! Almost 11 hours later, I headed to the hospital to pick up my Dad from his cardiac ablation procedure. Fast forward 24 hours, we're still there due to him unfortunately going back into atrial fibrillation. He remained in good spirits and had a few visitors, and I was finally able to take him home late Saturday. SO very thankful for my aunts and uncles for all they did for him. Family truly is the most important thing in life.

Bailey and me taking care of Dad/Papa :)

My Saturday night: eye mask, ice on the foot, heating blanket, and Buster
= PERFECTION! :)

Sunday, I was able to sleep in and then went on a 10-mile run. I took off Friday and Saturday, with so much stuff going on and my feet absolutely worn out from the week. My left foot has also been giving me some problems, so I'm trying to take it easy. Lord, just get me through the NYC Half, and then I PROMISE to take a break...well, cut down on mileage at least. :)

My aunts and I threw my sister a baby shower yesterday afternoon, and it was absolutely beautiful. My Aunt Kathy was thrilled to fill her house with pink, having all boys. It was a wonderful afternoon filled with family, laughter, and sweet wishes for Laura's baby girl. We're so excited to meet you, Ava Jane!!

The food spread

"A" for Ava. Aunt Kathy is so talented!

Homemade strawberry cupcakes...SO good!

The invitation matted onto a fabulous pink/rustic frame from Happi Stores!

That night, I went to my friend's surprise bridal/bachelorette dinner. She and her fiancé left this morning for their destination wedding, so we wanted to have a quick "we love you" celebration for her. Kudos to her friend Kimberly for putting it together!

After the craziness that has been the past month, I have to say that home (and family) is truly where the heart is. So thankful for the real, honest people in my life, especially my family.

P.S. I've got some EXCITING news to share...but that will have to wait until tomorrow! And no, I'm not pregnant. :)

Finally at peace...

It's been a roller coaster of a year...well, two years really.

I've been traveling more, we've attended and/or been in more friends and family members' weddings (mostly out of town) than I can even count, the whole kidney stone ordeal of 2011, fertility issues and the ups and downs of thinking "this is the month!", training for the marathon and my current half marathon/PR training, being insanely busy at work, and trying to fit in time with family and friends as often as I can. Even with all that, I finally feel like I'm in a good, happy place in all aspects of life.

Professionally, things couldn't be better. We're in the middle of redesigning a new niche website, we're moving along with the video marketing plan (finally), I'm doing a bit more business development (so exciting!), feeling more productive than ever, and being held more accountable, too, which I'm extremely thankful for. I'm also about to start traveling quite a bit...Houston next week for a committee meeting, St. Louis the following week to meet with customers, Las Vegas a few weeks later for a few different tradeshows (one of which I'm speaking at), then NYC for a marketing conference and the #NYChalf (round 2, whoop!), and Chicago after that for another conference. Phew...but I can't really complain with those locations. :) All I have to say is thank goodness for my assistant (a fabulous one at that)!!

Personally, I finally feel at peace with just about everything. My running has improved, I feel great, and I'm just in a good mood. As far as the baby issue goes, maybe it's because I'm busier than ever at work, the fact that I'm starting a new medication next month, or Brent and I finally being on the same page about {almost} everything, but I have never felt more sure that things are just as it should be.

With all that said, I have to send a quick shout out to a few peeps. My hubby, who supports me working long hours, Saturdays, traveling, and a rigorous running schedule. My parents, who are there for me no matter what. My running buddy, who is there for me more than she'll ever know. My best friend, Erika, who even though we don't get to see or talk to each other as often as we'd like, after 16 years, we know we're always there for each other and are only a phone call away. A couple co-workers, who provide a calming and positive influence, which I am utterly grateful for. And of course, Buster the Boston Terrier. He rules at life.

Happy weekend everyone!

Love what you do and be thankful for where you are...

It's a rare thing to actually love what you do and enjoy going to work every day. I feel extremely blessed that both of those are true for me.

Being the marketing manager for a company that is so complex (as far as the markets we serve and products we carry) certainly keeps me on my toes. Not to mention the fact that I get to work with my beautiful sister-in-law, Taylor, have a fabulous assistant, Leslie, and get to work with several other incredible people. Of course there are the occasional "Office Space" type folks and situations (without the humor), but I'm really trying to look past and stop sweating the small stuff. :) I've been fortunate to have built this position from the ground up and really make it my own - something I don't take lightly.

Aside from work, I couldn't be happier with where my life is at this very moment. Sure, if I had it my way, we would've had kids two years ago. But after a roller coaster of a year with kidney stone episodes, hormone imbalances, trying to get certain conditions under control, being busier than ever on the work front, and Brent and I being in more weddings (two of which that were out of town) than ever before, I believe now more than ever that everything happens for a reason.

Brent and I have had over four years (actually close to 10 if you count the 5+ years we dated) to really get to know each other, grow as friends and real partners in life, travel all over the U.S. and Caribbean, run marathons (well, just me and just one...so far!), and have been able to establish our careers. We are happy, still very much in love, and have the most amazing Boston Terrier, whom we rightfully claim as our child. I truly believe, knowing all the problems we've had trying to conceive, that Buster was a Godsend for us. Life is good, and God is great!

Of course there are things that aren't perfect in our lives, but what in life is? I'm so grateful for the many blessings we've been given and feel there are many more in store for 2012. Personally, Brent and I are going to celebrate 10 years of being together, five years of marriage, both of our thirtieth birthdays, and hopefully a trip across the pond to commemorate a year of such big events {fingers crossed}! I start a new medication in February to hopefully speed up the fertility process...but only time will tell. Either way, I can't let something I have no control over continue to control my life. We're also blessed to be able to hang out with and spoil our SUPER PRECIOUS niece, Bailey, anytime we want (so blessed!). And we have a new nephew, Wilson Cash Conroy, whom we're so anxious to meet in a little over a month, as well as our niece, Ava Jane Cheston, on the way! Professionally, I'm going to be doing a bit more traveling, taking on more of a business development role, and I can't wait to see what the future holds!

No matter what stage of life you're in - focusing on the personal or professional aspect - it's important to love what you do and be thankful for where you are. It's a goal of mine to always remember that.

2011 Christmas Recap!

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and loved ones. We sure did!

This is just a quick post to say how thankful I am for another Christmas spent with my amazing family (and those we weren't with, we were in spirit!). Too many blessings to count!

*I apologize in advance for all the pics of Buster...and my beautiful niece. :)

Presents under the tree!

Close-up of the fabulous wrapping!

My niece Bailey and me at Snowy Nights!

So silly!

Patiently waiting to dig into his stocking... :)

Enjoying one of many new toys...

He had a good Christmas!

Bailey and me at my sister's

Brent and Bailey playing with her toys...melts my heart!!


I love this kid!!!

Happy Halloween!!

What a perfect weekend it was! Gotta love Halloween weekend. We love any excuse to dress up like idiots...or act like one in Brent's case. ;)

Friday was pretty low-key. We went to dinner at a local Mexican restaurant, then called it an early night. Brent outdid himself on the pumpkin carving!

Saturday was the annual Memphis-Mid-South Race for the Cure, which I got to run with my Dad! This race holds a special place in my heart, as I run it in memory of Aunt Michele. I placed fourth in my age group, which I'm pretty proud of seeing as how it took almost 5 minutes to get through all the walkers...

That afternoon, I went with my sister Laura to Merry Marketplace. It was my first time going, so I was super excited. They had baby and holiday stuff galore...Laura and I were in heaven! Sadly they didn't have the right size holiday-themed clothes for baby girl C, so that was a bummer. But we did rack up on some ornaments, of course!

That night, Brent and I went to a Halloween party at one of our friend's house. We didn't want to spend money on costumes this year, so Brent went as Mr. Clean and I recycled an old Oreo costume. He was sad we didn't match, so I just told him he could follow me around pretending to clean up the Oreo crumbs. :) But back to the party - the decor, the people, the food, the cocktails...everything was awesome! Thanks again to Brian and Alicia for hosting!

1/2 Oreo, 1/2 witch :)

Our friends Brian & Rebecca as Juno & Paulie Bleecker (best costume of the night!)

Sunday was just as fun. The day started with a wonderful message at church and watching my Sis and her hubby become members. After that, it was the usual trip to the grocery store followed by a quick house cleaning. And then we headed over to our annual neighborhood potluck. My Mom came by and brought sweet Bailey, and even Brent's brother came over for a bit. I just love our cozy little area in East Memphis!

Buster dressed up as Captain Jack Sparrow!

I'm slightly obsessed with scary movies, and luckily I had AMC's FearFest and Halloween movie marathon to keep me occupied in what little down time I had this weekend. This week is shaping up to be pretty insane with another trip to the urologist for a CT scan today, a possible second trip there on Wednesday (depending on what what we find out from the scans), eye doctor on Thursday, and OB-GYN on Friday. Oh yeah, I've got to fit in work sometime this week, too. And then I head to Nashville for the CMAs...whoop! :)

Happy Halloween!!