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!

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!

We're off to Italy!!!

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. ;)

Stiamo Andando in Italia!!

Ciao! Ciao!

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

I'm loving the AMAZING weather today! Makes me want to go outside and run for hours.

I'm loving that I am running with a new group of girls tomorrow morning. Can't wait! Speaking of running, I entered the lottery for the ING NYC Marathon today. Highly doubt I'll get in, but it's an exciting possibility! I also signed up for the Walt Disney World Marathon in January. Sooo pumped!

I'm loving that my hubby's 30th birthday is this Saturday, which just so happens to be the same day as Hot Wing Fest. Hey Oh!

I'm loving that I barely even have a scar from my skin cancer surgery two weeks ago. So thankful they caught it in time, and the fact that my regular dermatologist recommended I go to Levy Dermatology for the actual procedure. Dr. Levy did an incredible job, and his staff is just wonderful!

I'm loving EL James' Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. I don't particularly care for its classification as "mommy porn," and you do have to get past its (way) more-than-mediocre writing and lack of editing, as it was initially a self-published e-book (keep in mind it didn't go through a rigorous editing process like most books, especially a #1 New York Times Bestseller). I read the first book, all 500+ pages of it, in less than 3 days. Crazy fast for me. Beneath the surface, the story – and the message, too, I guess – is quite captivating. It's been a wonderful escape. It's also...well...let's just say that my husband doesn't have much to complain about regarding my choice of reading material. ;) And as Vicky Ward, a contributing editor at Vanity Fair, so perfectly puts it, "It's a brilliant psychological thriller – albeit a horribly written one." And here's another fab article from Newsweek, for those so inclined.

Oh yeah...and I'm loving that we leave for Italy in NINE DAYS!!!!

What are you loving today?

Thankful Thursday: Happy 4th!

I'm thankful for my husband...he cooks for me every night, makes sure I know he is behind me in everything I do, keeps us on a budget, takes care of everything at the house, and the list could go on and on. He is so supportive and has such a big heart. I'm truly blessed.

I'm thankful for true friends...the ones who are there for you no matter what and who make you want to be a better person. I love you all!!

I'm thankful for running. I'm also thankful for the ability to run (thank you PT!). Not only does it keep me in shape, help keep my sanity, and give me my "me" time, but it's given me more opportunities and I've gained so many new friends than I ever imagined. As my tweet might say: #ilovetorun.

I'm thankful for the long weekend. The husband and I are heading to Chattanooga to be with family and friends tomorrow. I CANNOT wait to be on the lake!!

I'm thankful for the men and women who serve our great country, and fight for our freedoms every day. Happy Independence Day, America!! We are so fortunate to live in this wonderful country.

What are you thankful for?