Well Hello!

Hi there!

You know when you mean to call a friend, but then time passes and you know that in order for it to be a proper catch-up call it should last at least an hour...and then when you think about it you realize you don't have that hour (or more) to spend?

Yeah, that's kind of how blogging has become for me.

It's funny because while I still follow all of the blogs I've followed for years, I never post myself...and I notice many of the bloggers have similar "I haven't posted in a while" posts.

So what is it? Why don't we post more often? Has blogging become too much of a burden on our busy lives? For me, it's that I spend all day at a computer so I don't want to touch a computer at home unless I have to. I also don't have a nice camera, so my blog doesn't look as polished as everything out there. Finally, I'm embarrassed with myself most days. I throw a ton of self-hate at myself and don't want to spread that negativity with all of the real problems out there.

So here we are.

I'd love to tell you about all of our travels since I last wrote (Boston, Madrid, Toledo (Spain), Salamanca, Rome, Ohio, Napa, Raleigh, Ohio again, the failed Atlanta trip, Saugatuck, Lake Placid, Ohio again, San Francisco...) and the trips we have coming up this fall.

It would be good for me to write about saying goodbye to Ohio. It was rough when my parents left my childhood home, but I am so excited for them and Ohio will always be home.

I'd also want to chat with you about my weight loss journey. It hasn't been drastic and I've teeter-tottered (especially with all of the traveling!), but I'm healthy and strong.

Maybe we'd chat about the dreams Andrew and I have been having about our future.

Or how about the events I've done for Women in Wireless or for my job?

What about deals on some of my happiest shopping finds? Or some Pinterest hairdos I've tried? That's a thought. Then again, I'm no fashion blogger and there is absolutely nothing cool or trendy about me, so maybe it will just provide you a little boost of confidence knowing you're cooler than me. OK that topic is officially on the table.

If you follow me on social you've seen all of these things, so depending on my current readership (which I imagine is now nearing zero) this may all be redundant.

But I will definitely share some things about Teddy. Because duh.

So what do you think? Do any of you care what I'm up to? Do you want to read my posts anymore?

Hmmm, after thinking about it more (I've been writing this post for a while), I made a decision.

I like having this documentation of life to reflect, so I'll keep posting how I want, when I want. iPhone pics and all.

Have a good one!

Life Lately

Hi there!   It's been a while since I've written and I've been pretty busy!    Considering that lately I only write about exercise and wellness, I'm guessing that my personal life is of little interest to most of you, but I've seen other bloggers write about themselves so I'm following suit.    Plus, it feels good to write.    I've stopped blogging regularly these last couple of months, so here I am with lots of stories and photos to show for it all. I won't tell too many stories today but I will ask a bunch of photos to do most of the talking.  

It seems that all we do is travel!     Since our anniversary on 4/26 we have been to four beautiful weddings!    Chicago:

 St. Joseph, Michigan:

 Hometown!

 Chicago:

 

It is so wonderful to watch dear friends tie the knot. We are beyond thankful to have witnessed such beautiful ceremonies and celebrate with our buddies. Weddings are the best! I love to see my girlfriends looking incredibly gorgeous and to take in all of the details that made their day uniquely theirs. Dressing up and dancing with my husband is pretty great, too. ;)

We have a few more weddings this year, too! SO FUN!

In addition to weddings we have had the pleasure of visiting friends and family for two long weekends!

Memorial Day Weekend in DC:

DC was wonderful. It was the perfect getaway, especially since we saw some of our best friends in our favorite city. I know I've mentioned this before, but we miss that city, our friends and our lives there so much.

Niece's Baptism in Atlanta:

I can't write enough about this occasion. Andrew and I are honored to be Scarlett's Godparents. We were so thrilled to be there and celebrate with the whole family (my side). We savored every minute with our two nieces and can't wait until we are all together again (with both sides!). Living so far from our amazing families (both sides) is so brutal.

 

  I've mentioned before that I have migraines and TMJ (a jaw-popping thing that's pretty unpleasant).    I'm going to keep it real and write a little update in that department: I'm seeing two physical therapists and one orthopedic doc for my head, neck and jaw pain. As a result from the painful treatment, I'm almost always hurting. It's affecting everything I do: I had to stop boxing, I almost always have a headache which makes me annoyed and when I get frustrated from them I have a negative attitude and just want to crawl home. Sometimes our home is my sanctuary and it's hard for me to leave. Most days I force myself out of bed. Thankfully I workout but I can't lose weight. In fact, I'm pretty sure I'm bigger than I've ever been and that adds to my defeated attitude. So annoying.   Things could be worse, of course, but if anyone out there is also feeling this nearly constant pain and wants to swap stories/treatments/advice I'd love to connect.    Don't worry, I'm still working out 5-7 times a week for 30 minutes a workout or longer, and I really attempt to eat healthy.   Work is going well. I am continually counting my blessings to work with such awesome and smart people. The smarter I realize they are, the more I accept how dumb I am much I have to learn.     Here's a big update for me to actually admit to myself and write for you to read: Even though life is overall good and God is great, as far as the rest of life goes I'm ready for some change. We watch house flipping shows regularly, puppies and babies seem to be everywhere, and maybe it's the I-just-turned-30 thing, but I want all of those things: a house, a yard, a dog (who loves Teddy, of course!) and a family. There was a time when I never thought I'd be ready to grow up. That time expired and I want that life now.   Just not in the suburbs. Shudder. (No offense to anyone reading this who lives in the suburbs. You do you!)    Well that's about it, folks! What's new with you?  

Meet Macy!

  Hey gang!
I am so excited to introduce you to Macy from To Travel & Beyond. She's my first sponsor and am so proud to host her on my sidebar! I asked her a few questions so we can all get to know her a little better. Take it away, Macy!!
1. How did you choose your blog name?

I went back and forth with this several times until finally choosing To Travel & Beyond. The first part is a given, I love traveling and I try to go somewhere at any chance I get. The second part is a play on my fiancé and I saying we love each other "To Infinity and Beyond”. Our first Halloween as a couple we dressed as Buzz and Woody, and it also happened to be the night we said I Love You for the first time. For me it is a way to tie two things I love into one, and it actually somewhat makes sense to everyone else.

2. Do you have a favorite travel destination? A favorite travel story? 

My favorite travel destination so far would have to be Amsterdam. I admit I majorly judged based on what I had heard about and what they show in movies, but I was blown away but how amazing the city is. It seemed like such a quaint but happening area, and everyone biking everywhere is an added bonus. I recently posted about my mini vacation to Amsterdam here. 

3. Do you have big travel plans after the wedding - some global honeymoon, I hope! :)

Yes! We will be taking a cruise from Rome to Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, Malta and Venice, then flying to visit my best friend in Paris for a few days. I feel like that is a great way to kick off our marriage and I can’t wait!

4. Your kitten is adorable! What's the story there? How was your adoption experience? I'm a fellow cat adopter and absolutely love our cat, Teddy!

Thank you! Oddly enough, I have never liked cats but as soon as I moved into my own place, I didn’t like the idea of being totally alone so my Fiancé suggested an animal. I toyed with the idea of a kitten and then one of his friends posted a picture on Facebook with 6 little kittens that lost their mama. We went that night to look at them, and I instantly fell in love. She was so tiny when I first got her that I was able to bring her to work with me everyday for about 2 months. It was great.  

5. Do you have a favorite quote that you live by?

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away” This is such an inspiring quote and it is so true. Since I first heard this about 10 years ago I have tried to stop and remember the little moments in life. 

6. Even though you're a Ravens fan can we still be friends considering I'm a Steelers fan?!?! 

This is a tough one to answer ;) We can be friends all except for those two days a year we play each other. Good thing we split the wins amongst us this go round. 

7. Have any fun upcoming holiday plans?

One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is watch the lighted boat show. We will be doing that next weekend!

8. What has blogging taught you so far? What do you hope to learn?

Blogging has taught me that you can be friends with anyone, anywhere. I love having so many people to go to for everyday life problems, celebrations and events. I have also learned that I need to document more of my life through pictures! I really hope to learn more about coding and photoshop, but that may have to wait until after the wedding. 

Isn't she awesome?!?! I love her stories and am CRAZY jealous of her upcoming honeymoon!  So what are you waiting for? Go over to her blog and follow her already! :)
Have a good one and thank you, as always, for reading!

Mary's Musing Monday

At first I started to write a "Little Bit of Class Tuesday" post. Wishful thinking I guess that the week would be swift. Is it the weekend yet?

If you could go on a trip this weekend, where would you go? My friend Turk will be here this weekend, so I'm happy to be here, but I'd take a trip somewhere warm any other weekend!

Maybe to one of these places, perhaps?

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Mary on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Mary on Pinterest

Source: 1kindesign.com via Mary on Pinterest

Yeah I think I could handle that. Who's with me?

Week 9; 30 for 30 Day 20

Day 20 of the 30 Day Photo Challenge is to post a picture of somewhere I'd love to travel. Sheesh, just one?!?! How can a gal choose? Hmmm how about a little trip to Spain with Andrew? Andrew studied in Salamanca and said he would take me here:

{via}

His description: "This is the Plaza Mayor in Salamanca. I walked through it every day on my way to class. This picture was taken late at night, but during the day and through about midnight there are tables set up at all the resturants so you can drink and relax outside."
Sounds lovely to me! I'm in!

Weekly Update:
Weight loss:
1.5 pounds!

Total weight loss:
13.7!!

Pounds remaining to reach goal weight:
26.1

Overall mood this week:
It's been a nice Spring Break so far! And yes, I've done some school work, networking, and even spoke to my professors over phone and email. Nerd alert!

Other than hurting my back and now being pretty immobile yesterday and today, I've been in a solidly happy mood all week! Now that I've lost weight, though, instead of being excited I will admit I feel like the road is still long. Can I really lose another 26 pounds? It's been really hard to just get here, so can I keep going and not go crazy? People are starting to notice, so that's made me happy - seriously, one boxing instructor asked if I lost weight!

Worked out:
3? 4? The days are running together haha

I did run outside on Monday for the first time since October and I ran 4 miles! I forgot how much easier it is to run further outside. And when I ran mid-morning around The Mall, I felt like I had the entire park to myself. It was incredible to be alone watching the sun gleam across the monuments. What I did not forget, however, is how tough it is to run up Capitol Hill! That incline is a killer!

Yummy finds:
So many this week!

First of all, Kate Spade launched the new website - check it out!

Second, in reference to my weekly post from last week I have accomplished almost all of my Spring Break goals. I am really enjoying a book by my favorite author, I treated myself to lunch, and went to a movie today since it was raining. I am also going to the art gallery tomorrow!

Here's a pic of my delicious lunch last week.
The Starfish Cafe is in my neighborhood and I have always wanted to try it. I am so glad I did! It is a quaint row house nestled in the neighborhood with a delicious menu, exposed brick interior, colorful decor, and warm welcomes upon entering. I might not go again because while I enjoyed my salad, I wanted to try everything else on the menu - none of which is Weight Watchers (or wallet!) friendly. Those hush puppies were not warm, which worked in my favor so I wouldn't be tempted to slather on the butter and stuff my face!

Another exciting neighborhood happening was the soft opening of Pound, a beautiful coffee shop along Pennsylvania Avenue. It has a gorgeous interior, outdoor patio, comfy chairs, and delicious drinks. I can't wait to try the food when they open next week! I already made friends with the owners and went both Monday and Tuesday. The coffee is strong and tasty and the Nutella skim latte is a dream in a cup. Below is a picture of the latte, and the barista tried to make the foam decoration look like a crab. Points for trying!

This weekend Andrew and I tried Gina's Baked Potato soup and it is SO delicious! I enjoyed leftovers for lunches this week! We also made old faithfuls, Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas and Arroz Con Pollo. So yes, we ate very well this week!

On Sunday I helped my sorority sister Shawna shop for her wedding shoes (thank you Nordstrom!) and we went to Godiva to obtain our monthly free truffle and of course try extra truffles. I ate the carrot cake (right) and saved the cheesecake (left) for dessert with Andrew, who ate the dark chocolate (center). Sooooo good!

That's all for the weekly update! See you tomorrow for Day 21 of the Photo Challenge. Quick question, though...what should I do when the 30 days are over? How do you get people to read your blogs and follow you? I'd love advice!

30 for 30 Photos: Day 15

So I didn't post yesterday because I couldn't come up with anything concrete for the 30 Day Photo Challenge. The assignment, if you will, is to post a picture of something I want to do before I die. Many people probably dream of doing something daring, like skydiving or bungee jumping. Not this gal. There are many things I want to do before I die, like get married, have kids, grandkids, pets, house, cars, blah, blah, blah, but there are two things I have been craving lately that I want to do ASAP.

1. Get a damn stamp in my passport. I bought this sucker last summer before the prices went up and do not have the funds to go anywhere. Where would I go? First, Western Europe. I want to go to Spain, France, Italy, and Greece. I wouldn't mind going to where my family is from, either: Ireland, Poland, and Germany. I'd also like to go to Portugal and England. Yes this would be an expensive trip, but they can split into multiple trips, and a girl can dream, right? A cruise through the Mediterranean would be a nice as well. After Western Europe I'd like to go to Turkey, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Costa Rica, Madagascar, and New Zealand. So yeah! I'd like to go to all of these countries before I die. Dreams are fun, aren't they?!?! :)
2. As I network and do informational interviews I have spoken to people who say they love their jobs. I want this before I die. Sure it sounds like a lame request, but seriously? I think it is difficult and is therefore so incredibly important. I want to wake up and be excited to go to work and make a difference. I really really REALLY hope I am lucky enough to have this happen before I keel over.

So here is a picture of the word dream I found, because so far that's all these are!