...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.
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!
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!
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.
Ahhhh!!! I can hardly contain my excitement! It's been an insane few days as the husband and I get ready to leave. I can't believe our trip of a lifetime is finally here!
We head out tomorrow afternoon and arrive in Rome around lunchtime on Saturday. A few days there, then a few days in the beautiful region of Tuscany, and we end our journey in Venice. CAN'T WAIT to eat, drink, sleep, and repeat! SO thankful for vacation days. :)
And as the saying goes:
"When in Rome...yes, please continue...do as the Romans do?"
- courtesy of Anchorman. ;)
While I am certainly no fan of Mondays, I have to say I am SO thankful last week is over and a new week has begun. The past seven days literally kicked my tail...
To start, late last Wednesday, a large government bid was dropped into my lap. I was asked to complete the technical volume write-up, similar to another large bid we completed in 2010. That one took me a solid month in a half. The time I was given to complete for this bid? A day and a half. Seriously?! While I greatly appreciate being asked to take part in something of this magnitude, there is no excuse for those who have a total lack of knowledge and concern to (1) be in the position they are, and (2) be the ones making the final decision on something this big. In the end, the project was completed; and although it was done well, it most certainly could have been done so with a great deal more accuracy and efficiency had there been more any communication and/or preparation. Regardless, there were a certain few people who really pulled together for the sake of teamwork, and we were able to get it done. SO very thankful for them!
In the middle of all that, I had my very first biopsy Friday morning. It is on my face, but luckily it's fairly small and where my jaw line folds into my ear, so it's pretty hidden. I tried hard not to freak out before going in to get the spot checked, and did a pretty good job at that. But of course after it was all over and hearing the dermatologist say she's almost certain it's skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, which thank goodness is 100% treatable and shouldn't come back once removed), I finally broke down that evening. Just a little too much after working 11+ hours three days in a row. I'll find out this Friday exactly what it is, once the biopsy has been analyzed. Skin cancer or not, it could be A LOT worse. Still...it's not something I was prepared for.
Thankfully I was able to get some actual marketing work done on Saturday (I should seriously hide a sleeping bag at the office...#ilovemyjob #ilovemyjob) and was even able to help out (if only for 20 minutes) at our first ever job fair. We truly have an amazing HR team!
Keeping on with the positives...
After our 7-mile run Saturday morning, Autumn and I had an awesome, albeit super random conversation. We stopped to say goodbye at our "corner" and figure out what time to meet on our next run, and then next thing we know, it's 25 minutes later! Autumn has truly become one of my closest friends, and I am beyond grateful for her advice, guidance, and encouragement. Has anyone (mainly runners) read Mile Markers? If you have a female running buddy, whom you share just about everything with due to the fact that you're running for multiple hours together and it would just be weird if you didn't talk, you should DEFINITELY read this book!
Buster and I had great run on Sunday afternoon, after which I did some spring cleaning, finally got a few loads of laundry done, and spent some much needed quality time with the hubby.
The NYC Half is this Sunday! While I've been having a minor issue with my left foot, I couldn't be more pumped about this race. Running through Central Park, Times Square, Ground Zero, and more – and running it with my cousin, Missy, in one of my all-time favorite cities in the world – I can't wait!!
On an even more positive note, the countdown is on for our Italy trip! A HUGE thanks to one of our friends for her Rome tour guide recommendation. We are even more excited now, if that was even possible.
And finally, today marks exactly five years (even to the day of the week) that Brent proposed! Read the super sweet story below...if you are so moved. :)
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. :)
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.
To say that I love running would be a slight understatement. It is truly my passion, and I'm so thankful for everything it's given back to me.
I consider myself extremely lucky to be healthy enough physically to be able to run as much as I do. I've run nine half marathons, one full, more 5ks and 10ks than I can count, racked up 1000+ miles in both 2010 and 2011, and have a plethora of finisher medals to showcase it all.
But aside from the material gains, it also keeps me in shape. I don't have to be training for a specific race, though that always helps of course. Just putting one foot in front of the other, picking up the pace when I feel like it, 4-5 days a week...that's all it takes.
Going a step further, it's provided me with more emotional benefits than I ever imagined. As of late, my stress level has been through the roof. With everything going on in my personal life (and quite possibly most definitely over-analyzing it all, being the type-A that I am), trying to fit in time with my niece, other family members, and friends when I can, working 50+ hours a week (by choice, so that's on me), and the list could go on... Needless to say, running has been my saving grace as far as stress goes. It's my time to de-stress, my time to think (or not), and my time to just zone out.
Furthermore, I've gained a new best friend in my running buddy, Autumn. Though she and I went to high school and college together and were in the same sorority, we were never really close. We were in the same "circle" of friends, but I guess we just never took the time to really get to know each other. We've been running together for over three years now. In that time, we've run more miles than I can count, shared more stories than I can remember, and confided in each other over everything from marriage and work issues to our monthly cycles and bowel movements...yep. While training for the marathon last year, Autumn injured her foot and could barely walk. However, she couldn't stand for me to be out there training alone, especially with this being my first, so she rode her bike along side me...all 18+ miles, on three different occasions. Same with the St. Jude Half this year. She wasn't hurt, but she had taken some time off and wasn't ready to run. So she made her way out to four different mile markers to cheer me on. Now that's a friend. For anyone else who feels like this about their running partner, I HIGHLY suggest you read Mile Markers. You won't be disappointed.
I'm also thankful for all the tools we as runners are given. Whether it's the latest and greatest pair of running shoes (Asics Gel Nimbus are my new fave!), a new flavor of Gu (they should so sponsor me), my super awesome tights or Under Armor gear to stay warm in the 32 and below weather, I'd say we're set!
I wouldn't say I'm obsessed with running, but I do have the utmost appreciation for it. But as Paula Radcliffe would say, "I can't imagine living and not running. " :)
After work on Friday, I headed to the gym for my weekly fix of Anthony's Extreme Fitness class. It continued with a wonderful night in, with crab-stuffed salmon and veggies, thanks to my hubby's EXCELLENT grilling skills. We watched Rise of the Planet of the Apes (which is a great movie, P.S.), and called it a night around 11:30. It was just what I needed to end such a crazy work week.
Saturday started a little later than usual, as I slept in until almost 9! I made a serving of my new obsession: organic oatmeal, and then got dressed and headed to Sports Authority to pick up some new running gear. Brent got me a fabulous Nike Dry-fit pullover, but I needed something thin to go under it. I also bought a new pair of New Balance compression running tights. Can't wait to run in and post my review of them!
After that, I made my way to the office for a few hours. A little bummed at first, knowing how beautiful it was outside, but I had an 11-mile training run planned, so I knew I'd have plenty of time with nature. As crazy as it sounds, Saturdays might possibly be my favorite day to work. I got more done in the 3 hours I was there by myself than I do in just about any regular 8-10 hour weekday. I was able to get in, get what I needed to do done, and get out. So thankful for that.
By about 2:30 p.m., I was running through Shelby Farms making my way to the Greenline. It was a wonderful run...11 miles at an 8:46 pace. My new PR training plan had me scheduled to stay at 9:02, so I was super happy with the pace. Not so happy about the soreness, though. Feeling like my feet are scraping the pavement + no more arch support + sore knees = new shoes needed pronto...and a trip to Fleet Feet.
Saturday night, we met up with a big group of friends at Blind Bear, a new speakeasy-themed bar in Downtown Memphis. It was fabulous, but of course you can’t really complain being in a super fun place with super fun people (except for the fact that they allow smoking...my only complaint). You have to say the code to get in (LOVE it!), and as you walk through it’s like a normal bar, with the exception of the fabulous prohibition-era décor. The bar area is large and open, which is welcome for a Downtown establishment. We had the "secret" room reserved, which is set up behind the bar. In the dark, hidden room filled with more 20's-style items, we were able to sit comfortably on a couch or ottoman, watch whatever game was playing at the time (Go Grizz!), and see through to the rest of the bar. Gotta love a two-way mirror! After {mostly} good conversation and some great libations, a few of us wandered down to Local Gastropub: ole faithful for a good meal.
Sunday was seriously the most AMAZING day! We woke up relatively early for once and made it to church to hear one of the best sermons I’ve heard in a long time. Do you ever get that feeling that God’s message is completely directed toward you? That’s how I felt yesterday. We're in an "I Quit" series right now, and the topic was Quit Comparing. After the intense struggle of the past few months (more so, the past two years), I don’t think I ever needed to hear what was said more than I did then. "Stop comparing your situation to others and thinking that life is unfair. Be thankful for the many blessings in your life." Our pastor talked about wishing for a better job, more money, and other things we so often take advantage of and envy others for. And then he spent about five minutes covering "everyone around you is getting pregnant and you're not. Be thankful for the life you're living, the blessings in it, and stop comparing your situation to others." Wow...talk about reaching into my soul. I was sobbing, of course, but it was such a wonderful, powerful message. And it couldn't have come at a better time. It's a God thing. SO very thankful!
After that, Brent and I went to our usual brunch spot, and then my precious niece Bailey came over and we began our afternoon of fun (her words, not mine). First, we went through the car wash. You would've thought I took her to Disney World! :) Next, we met up with my best friend Erika and her two sons at Chuck E. Cheese. I'm not sure if Bailey's been before, but she sure had a blast! Anything with cute animals that moved, she was all about it. Aside from quality time with B, it was so great to finally see my bestie. We don't get to spend nearly enough time together, due to our crazy opposite schedules, so it was very much needed. She has always been there for me, through more experiences than I can even try to remember. And no matter how insane our lives get, we always pick up right where we left off. {Thankful!} After that, B tagged along for my weekly trip to the grocery store. She's becoming one of my favorite shopping partners.
That night, Brent made homemade turkey burgers and chipotle sweet potato fries. Yum!! I'm so spoiled. After the last football game ended, we tuned into the Golden Globes. Perfection (not the show, just the day in general).
This morning, Autumn and I had the chance to run together since she was off work for MLK Day...teachers, ugh. ;) Not only is she my running inspiration, but she has truly become another spiritual mentor. She helps relate so many things to God and what he has in store for us both, and that's not an easy thing to come by where friends are concerned. So thankful for her and our brief but wonderful 5-mile run!
Okay, sorry for the novel that is this post. Happy Monday, everyone!
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!!
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