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!

Thankful Thursday: 10 years with Brent!

10 years ago, had I asked myself where I would be a decade later, I never could have imagined the way my life has played out. And thankfully so!

When you're in your teens and 20s and living the life (or so you think) in college, the world seems so simple. You think everything is just going to work out according to plan. I quickly learned that life does not work that way, and God most certainly has His own plan.

When Brent and I started dating back in 2002, I wouldn't say I knew he was "the one" right away (mind you, we were heavily intoxicated), but it was definitely something along those lines. :) However, I quickly realized I loved and wanted to experience life with him. And experience life we did!

From packing up and moving to Orlando for a semester to intern with the Walt Disney World College Program...to buying our first home together...to traveling all over the Caribbean...to getting scuba certified...to going skydiving...to losing loved ones...to growing into the people we've always wanted each other to be, and SO much more, I wouldn't change a single moment of it!

As my favorite quote goes, "Some days we love each other; other days we have to work at it. You never see the hard days in a photo album. But those are the ones that get you from one happy snapshot to the next."

Those words could not be truer. I LOVE YOU, Brent!! And I can't wait to see what the next 10 years holds for us!

Brent and me from the beginning:

This pic pretty much sums up our first month or so of dating ;)

2002 >> cheering for Memphis

 2003 >> cheering on Memphis at the New Orleans Bowl

2004 >> Brent's 22nd birthday in Orlando

"Wishes" at Magic Kingdom...one of our favorite things to see down there!

 

2005 >> more Memphis fun!

 2006 >> the start of a 5+ year wedding "season"

 Halloween fun!

2007 >> the proposal!! Thanks, Kelly Rhodes Stoffel! :)

 September 29, 2007 >> Mr. & Mrs. Brent Wilson!

 2008 >> Baby Buster the Boston Terrier arrives!

Some of my Buster faves!

 

 2009 fun!

 2010 >> 3rd anniversary in the Bahamas!

At our great friends, Patrick and Marcie's wedding!

 2011 >> 4th anniversary in Vegas! 

At one of my best friends, Kelly's wedding in NOLA!

 2012 >> Brent and me with our nephew, Cash. LOVE!!

It's so fun to go through all these pictures and see how much we've changed. Here's to the next 10+ years! :)

Thankful Thursday: I'm thankful for today!

With all the craptastic things going on right now, I can't think of a better time to bring back Thankful Thursday. There is so much to be thankful for!

I'm thankful for my husband, Brent. With all the health issues I've had lately, he's been my rock and has spoiled me like crazy. I love you!!

I'm thankful for Autumn, one of my closest friends and running buddy. We joked on our {short-lived} run this morning about how we couldn't run with anyone else with all our sporadic ailments. :) She's also been my running inspiration for longer than I can remember...she's the reason I decided to run my first full marathon this year. Thank you, Autumn!

I'm thankful for my job and my wonderful assistant, Leslie. It's an incredible feeling being able to do what you love every day. And now I have someone to help me do so on a daily basis. So thankful!

I'm thankful for today. There's something so calming and at the same time exciting about knowing a new season is upon us, bringing out the fall/winter wardrobe, and watching the leaves change. I LOVE the fall!

I'm thankful to be able to participate in Race for the Cure in Memphis this weekend. Aside from the St. Jude Half Marathon (check out my Heroes page!), RFTC is my favorite race. It's my way of honoring our sweet Aunt Michele, who we lost to breast cancer last year.

What are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday: Sisters

As always, so much to be thankful for today. Being the middle child of three girls (my poor dad), I've been fortunate to grow up with women who are beautiful on the inside and out. I'm so incredibly thankful for my family, and today, I wanted to focus on my Sises!

I'm thankful for my sister, Laura (aka Mrs. Cheston!). She got married last month, and I had the AMAZING honor of being her Matron of Honor. While we have grown closer over the last couple years, our friendship has really transformed over the last year. I am so grateful for how involved I got to be in her most special time, and even more so for our relationship. Love you, Sis!!

I'm thankful for my sister, Ashley. She has grown so much over the past few years, and I love her dearly. She also lives a lot closer now (even on my running route), so it's nice to see her more. Ashley also gave us sweet baby B, and we all know how much she is loved.

I'm thankful for my sister-in-laws, Brittney, Taylor, and Christina.

Brittney is one of the sweetest and craziest people I know. :) I'm so excited to be an aunt once again, as she is pregnant with a precious boy (and in Ireland right now with her hubby...super J!). Wilson Cash Conroy will be here in November, and we can't wait to meet him!

Taylor, who was just 12 years old when Brent and I got together, now works with me. She is so goofy and fun, while also being super smart and absolutely beautiful. She has SO much going for her. I just love getting to see her pretty face every day...and letting her braid my hair when I'm too lazy to dry it. :)

Christina is Brent's brother, Ben's wife. She is gorgeous, fun, carefree, and one of the most genuine people I've ever met. Love her to death and love spending time with her (which is not often enough).

I'm thankful for my sister-in-law-in-law, Jennifer. We established this title during Laura and Cary's wedding festivities. She is one of the kindest, most beautiful (inside and out) people I've ever met. She has an incredible family, and I'm so glad I got to know her.

I'm so blessed to have so many amazing women in my life. Who/what are you thankful for?

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?