Monday, October 20, 2014
Friday, October 17, 2014
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Day 14
Day 14 is "What's On Your Playlist?" and I have to say, I am quite possibly the worst music person ever. Right now my playlist is probably a weird combination of Ben Folds, Coldplay, Chase Rice, T.I. and Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off." But only "Shake It Off" because I am kind of tired of the rest of T. Swift's music.
Since this category is sort of a dud for me, how about some thoughts on Chicago? I went there for a long weekend a few days ago for the UNC v. Notre Dame game (we lost, but did SO much better than people expected) and loved it.
I think I could live in Chicago. Growing up I wanted to live in New York City. I wanted to go to journalism school up there and be a reporter or a novelist in the City. Then I actually went to NYC and was over it. Way too fast paced and WAY too dirty.
Chicago is like a cleaner, happier NYC. It's still HUGE and I know that would take some getting used to, but I'm a huge fan.
I'll be back with a full recap post when I get all my pictures loaded later this week.
Love, love.
PS. My running tally is up to 14.25 miles.
Since this category is sort of a dud for me, how about some thoughts on Chicago? I went there for a long weekend a few days ago for the UNC v. Notre Dame game (we lost, but did SO much better than people expected) and loved it.
I think I could live in Chicago. Growing up I wanted to live in New York City. I wanted to go to journalism school up there and be a reporter or a novelist in the City. Then I actually went to NYC and was over it. Way too fast paced and WAY too dirty.
Chicago is like a cleaner, happier NYC. It's still HUGE and I know that would take some getting used to, but I'm a huge fan.
I'll be back with a full recap post when I get all my pictures loaded later this week.
Love, love.
PS. My running tally is up to 14.25 miles.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
I'm doing really well with this blog challenge, huh?
But, I'm picking back up today with Day 7 and "Seven Lessons You've Learned So Far This Year."
Wow this is a good one.
1. I've learned that being busier/more stressed does not make you better. I don't know why we've gotten it in our heads that those things make us better. They don't.
2. I've learned that painting a bedroom is hard work! Obviously this isn't an important life lesson, but I always thought it would be easy.
3. I've learned that most of my running battles are mental. Sure, there are definitely days when I am tired physically, but most of the time, I just need to get my head in the right place and push on. That knowledge has lead me to run my long distances ever this year.
4. I've learned that I'm the hardest on myself and that guilt does nothing but makes me feel bad. God's grace is the only way to go.
5. Same goes with worry. Totally pointless. But worry and preparation are two different things. Prepare fully and then don't worry.
6. I've learned that I am my best (for myself and for others) when I take time for myself. I've often got caught up in the battle of trying to hang out with my friends as often as they want to and I can't do that. I'm forever grateful for my friends, but I also need alone time to recharge.
7. A quiet night in my house with a glass of wine making dinner beats ANY night out.
Also, as far as October goals and my running challenge of 50 miles, I am currently at 6.1 miles. Better step things up!
Wow this is a good one.
1. I've learned that being busier/more stressed does not make you better. I don't know why we've gotten it in our heads that those things make us better. They don't.
2. I've learned that painting a bedroom is hard work! Obviously this isn't an important life lesson, but I always thought it would be easy.
3. I've learned that most of my running battles are mental. Sure, there are definitely days when I am tired physically, but most of the time, I just need to get my head in the right place and push on. That knowledge has lead me to run my long distances ever this year.
4. I've learned that I'm the hardest on myself and that guilt does nothing but makes me feel bad. God's grace is the only way to go.
5. Same goes with worry. Totally pointless. But worry and preparation are two different things. Prepare fully and then don't worry.
6. I've learned that I am my best (for myself and for others) when I take time for myself. I've often got caught up in the battle of trying to hang out with my friends as often as they want to and I can't do that. I'm forever grateful for my friends, but I also need alone time to recharge.
7. A quiet night in my house with a glass of wine making dinner beats ANY night out.
Also, as far as October goals and my running challenge of 50 miles, I am currently at 6.1 miles. Better step things up!
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
October Blogging Challenge
Hey y'all and Happy October!! I'm normally a summer person, but I'm kind of loving fall this year. And to kick off the month right, I ran before work! That never..ever... happens. I often set my alarm to get up and run before work and it never works out (read: I turn off the alarm and sleep until my regular one). I finally got up last week, but when I went outside to run it was so dark! I started imagining all of these worst case scenarios in which I was kidnapped and taken to the New Jersey where I couldn't go to Chapel Hill or drink sweet tea, so I decided to go back inside.
I was telling my friend, neighbor and Pilates teacher Lori about said run attempt and she offered to run with me once a week before work. We live about four doors apart, so it works out perfectly! We ran 30 minutes which flew by from chatting the whole time.
Anyway, in honor of October and wanting to blog more I'm going to take a shot at the October Blogging Challenge courtesy of Girl Meets Life.
October Goals:
I was telling my friend, neighbor and Pilates teacher Lori about said run attempt and she offered to run with me once a week before work. We live about four doors apart, so it works out perfectly! We ran 30 minutes which flew by from chatting the whole time.
Anyway, in honor of October and wanting to blog more I'm going to take a shot at the October Blogging Challenge courtesy of Girl Meets Life.
October Goals:
- Run 50 miles during the month. (Tally so far: 3 miles)
- Get guest room painted. (Currently in the taping stage...)
- Organize cabinets. (Recently got a set of really nice dishes and want to clean out some of the stuff I don't use often).
- Do a closet clean out.
- Try a new church.
- Carve/decorate pumpkins.
- Sign one new business client at work.
I'm going to end it there. I have a few more personal ones that I want to keep to myself and I want to keep this short to make them attainable. See y'all back tomorrow!
Monday, September 29, 2014
Monday Thoughts
1. I was down in Clemson for the weekend and I really love that place. My Tar Heels lost, but everyone was so sweet and I got to see some of my family that lives down there. My heart was so full when I left.
2. A big benefit dinner that I've been working on for one of my clients is tonight. I'm excited to eat ALL the food (four courses and four beer pairings!).
3. My mom's birthday is Friday and I can't wait to celebrate her! I know I've said this a batrillion times, but she truly is the most incredible person I know. She's my role model and my best friend.
4. Fall is such a fun season! Football, nice weather, pumpkins. I turned on the fireplace for the first time last night - heaven!
5. On that note, Halloween! I'm not a huge Halloween person, but this will be my first Halloween in my new house. I live in a neighborhood with a lot of families, so I know I'll have tons of trick-or-treaters and I can't wait!!
6. Long distance is hard. I'm definitely a person who needs her alone time, so I know it's not as hard for me as it is for other people, but it's still a bummer.
7. I need a semi-long run desperately.
8. Painting (and taping!) a bedroom is a lot of work.
9. I think I'm going to start studying for my APR. APR is a certification that PR people can get after completing a course, test and presentation. It's by no means another degree, but it shows that you know your field.
That's all I got for now. Have a great Monday, y'all!
2. A big benefit dinner that I've been working on for one of my clients is tonight. I'm excited to eat ALL the food (four courses and four beer pairings!).
3. My mom's birthday is Friday and I can't wait to celebrate her! I know I've said this a batrillion times, but she truly is the most incredible person I know. She's my role model and my best friend.
4. Fall is such a fun season! Football, nice weather, pumpkins. I turned on the fireplace for the first time last night - heaven!
5. On that note, Halloween! I'm not a huge Halloween person, but this will be my first Halloween in my new house. I live in a neighborhood with a lot of families, so I know I'll have tons of trick-or-treaters and I can't wait!!
6. Long distance is hard. I'm definitely a person who needs her alone time, so I know it's not as hard for me as it is for other people, but it's still a bummer.
7. I need a semi-long run desperately.
8. Painting (and taping!) a bedroom is a lot of work.
9. I think I'm going to start studying for my APR. APR is a certification that PR people can get after completing a course, test and presentation. It's by no means another degree, but it shows that you know your field.
That's all I got for now. Have a great Monday, y'all!
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Last Night's Run
(Yes, I'm totally ignoring the fact that I haven't blogged in two months. It was summer and I imagine y'all were on fabulous tropical vacations or grilling out and sipping champs and doing lots of things better than missing this blog.)
EEEEK. I've said it before - good runs are so good and bad runs are so bad. Last night I had a good run and it was so SO good. I've only been running a couple of times a week lately (on a good week) - usually a 2-miler and a 3-miler. I've been able to get to more Pilates classes (which y'all know I'm obsessed with) so my running has suffered.
Last night mom and I set out on a run and it wasn't 100000000 degrees or 100000000 percent humidity. It was actually pretty nice and I felt strong. So strong in fact that when it came time to turn off the greenway to head back home and wrap up a nice 3-mile run, I asked if we could keep going. My mom's a beast and runs five miles on the reg, so of course, she was game. We did four miles at a super fast pace (for us) and I felt great. I came home and felt on top of the world.
Runners' high is a real thing y'all and it's the best feeling ever.
EEEEK. I've said it before - good runs are so good and bad runs are so bad. Last night I had a good run and it was so SO good. I've only been running a couple of times a week lately (on a good week) - usually a 2-miler and a 3-miler. I've been able to get to more Pilates classes (which y'all know I'm obsessed with) so my running has suffered.
Last night mom and I set out on a run and it wasn't 100000000 degrees or 100000000 percent humidity. It was actually pretty nice and I felt strong. So strong in fact that when it came time to turn off the greenway to head back home and wrap up a nice 3-mile run, I asked if we could keep going. My mom's a beast and runs five miles on the reg, so of course, she was game. We did four miles at a super fast pace (for us) and I felt great. I came home and felt on top of the world.
Runners' high is a real thing y'all and it's the best feeling ever.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
I'm not married, but I think this article can teach us worlds about any relationship, marriage or otherwise.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
My house
I know I mentioned that I bought a house, but I haven't really given you much more than that. In a word, it's perfect.
I'll start from the beginning. I began looking for houses seriously about a year ago. At first I was set on living in the little neighborhood that I had my rental in, Five Points. Five Points is this cool mix of redone bungalows, as well as some newer construction and is close to downtown. I soon discovered that the houses there were INSANE pricewise. Like $350,000 for a 900 square foot house. I convinced myself that I would be fine living in a tiny house and that I just loved the neighborhood, but my mom told me I really could get a lot more money for my house living somewhere else.
So, I started looking near North Hills (for you locals, the OTB aka affordable part, not ITB) and found a house that I really liked around September. I made an offer and the owner basically went MIA. Buying a house is stressful, but not hearing back is even more stressful. Those were a long couple of weeks of very little response and I ended up giving up.
From there, I mostly looked in that same North Hills neighborhood. Apparently the neighborhood is becoming very popular because things started going after only a few hours of being on the market. I considered put an offer on several houses that I'M SO GLAD I DIDN'T PUT AN OFFER ON now at the time, just to get in the neighborhood and get something.
In March, I went to see a house on my lunch break with my (amazing) real estate agent Tim. I really wasn't expecting much, as it didn't look like the houses I had been looking at really. Most of the things I was looking at were small ranches and this was a "split foyer." For those of you who don't know what a split foyer is, I didn't either. Basically, it's a form of split level where the front door opens to the foyer and you immediately go up or down the stairs. I'd say it functions more like a two story than a split level. It was also four bedrooms, which is way more than I was planning on.
I ended up loving the house. It wasn't that everything was perfect (example: it has three bathrooms, but only one shower), but I totally felt a connection (too much?) and saw myself living there. My parents ended up coming that night to look at it and I made an offer immediately. Negotiations were (relatively) painless and the offer was accepted a couple of days later.
I've been in the house about five weeks now and I love it more every day. My childhood home (my mom's current house) is the only place that's ever truly felt like home and now this house does. I still have tons to do, but it gives me the best feeling coming home at the end of the day to that beautiful place that I can call my own.
I am trying not to pressure myself to have art on every wall or everything perfect just yet, because I really want every piece to be something I'm in love with, not something I just stuck on a wall to have something there. I'll share pictures soon! :)
I'll start from the beginning. I began looking for houses seriously about a year ago. At first I was set on living in the little neighborhood that I had my rental in, Five Points. Five Points is this cool mix of redone bungalows, as well as some newer construction and is close to downtown. I soon discovered that the houses there were INSANE pricewise. Like $350,000 for a 900 square foot house. I convinced myself that I would be fine living in a tiny house and that I just loved the neighborhood, but my mom told me I really could get a lot more money for my house living somewhere else.
So, I started looking near North Hills (for you locals, the OTB aka affordable part, not ITB) and found a house that I really liked around September. I made an offer and the owner basically went MIA. Buying a house is stressful, but not hearing back is even more stressful. Those were a long couple of weeks of very little response and I ended up giving up.
From there, I mostly looked in that same North Hills neighborhood. Apparently the neighborhood is becoming very popular because things started going after only a few hours of being on the market. I considered put an offer on several houses that I'M SO GLAD I DIDN'T PUT AN OFFER ON now at the time, just to get in the neighborhood and get something.
In March, I went to see a house on my lunch break with my (amazing) real estate agent Tim. I really wasn't expecting much, as it didn't look like the houses I had been looking at really. Most of the things I was looking at were small ranches and this was a "split foyer." For those of you who don't know what a split foyer is, I didn't either. Basically, it's a form of split level where the front door opens to the foyer and you immediately go up or down the stairs. I'd say it functions more like a two story than a split level. It was also four bedrooms, which is way more than I was planning on.
I ended up loving the house. It wasn't that everything was perfect (example: it has three bathrooms, but only one shower), but I totally felt a connection (too much?) and saw myself living there. My parents ended up coming that night to look at it and I made an offer immediately. Negotiations were (relatively) painless and the offer was accepted a couple of days later.
I've been in the house about five weeks now and I love it more every day. My childhood home (my mom's current house) is the only place that's ever truly felt like home and now this house does. I still have tons to do, but it gives me the best feeling coming home at the end of the day to that beautiful place that I can call my own.
I am trying not to pressure myself to have art on every wall or everything perfect just yet, because I really want every piece to be something I'm in love with, not something I just stuck on a wall to have something there. I'll share pictures soon! :)
Monday, June 2, 2014
Catching Up
Time for an update. Way overdue, per usual. Here are some random thoughts, in no particular order and most of no particular importance.
- Two of my best friends, Ryan and Micaela, got married this weekend. The wedding was the perfect combination of both of them and we had an amazing time. I love love.
- I like iced coffee! I'm not really a huge coffee fan, but yesterday morning (after Saturday night's festivities) people were getting them so I joined in. Um, yum!
- I'm really happy and grateful lately. I have some amazing people in my life, I adore my house... I just am really blessed!
- I need to get back on the healthy eating train this week. Between Memorial Day and the wedding, way too much indulgence has been happening. Still debating a juice cleanse.
- The second season of Orange is the New Black comes out on Friday. Sooo, that's what I'll be doing all weekend.
- Speaking of the weekend, I know it's only Monday, but I'm counting down already. I'm looking forward to a weekend of absolutely no plans. Orange, the pool, grilling, decorating the house, some good runs... perfect!!
- Next post: random pictures!
Monday, April 28, 2014
Random
It's been over two months. YIKES.
Let's start with a bulleted list of things that may or may not be noteworthy? Okay.
Let's start with a bulleted list of things that may or may not be noteworthy? Okay.
- I bought a house. YAY! I've been in it a little over a week and it's perfect and I'm in love. All my money that used to go to clothes is going to house stuff. It's magical.
- House buying is quite the process, y'all. So much paperwork! But totally worth it. Thank goodness for my mama throughout it all.
- Carolina lost in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
- James Michael McAdoo is going to the NBA. That one surprised me.
- Marcus Paige is staying. He's so great. Like, who I want people to think of when they think about student athletes at Carolina.
- Watch this and love my sweet school like I do. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WisXFOD8Jk
- Yesterday my brother played a live guitar show at Brighton Gardens (the assisted living facility where my grandmother, Po, lives.) It was adorable.
- Also, at said show, I discovered that Po is quite the hot commodity at Brighton Gardens. That doesn't really shock me (she looks amazing for her age and is super social), but it was fun to see.
- I've started using wrinkle cream because I'm getting old. And I'm pretty sure that I'm going to have to get my hair colored soon. More grays keep popping up.
Be back with more soon!!
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
MIA once again, I know, and this won't change much but I want to get it down for posterity's sake. Last week's home win against Duke (that was delayed a week because of snow) might have been one of my two favorite nights in the Dean Dome ever. The night started with my dad and I going to Bin 54. It was such a Carolina stereotype in the best way possible. So much wine, cheese, fans dressed in fancy clothes... I loved it. (We did nothing to help the stereotype with prosecco, a delish pinot and a cheese plate).
Yes, there have been more important Carolina Duke games and yes, there have been better Carolina teams, but after a turbulent start to the season those boys seemed to finally be having fun. I've never heard the Dean Dome that loud in my life. Ever. The Dean Dome shook. The "wine and cheese crowd" stood the entire time. I cried at the beginning (basketball girl, I guess) and cried at the end. Everyone stormed the court in pure, unadulterated joy. It was perfect. I don't ever want to forget that night or that feeling.
(My other best night in the Dean Dome? My freshman year watching the Heels win the National Championship on the big screen with all my fellow students before rushing Franklin.)
This is why I love sports. I hadn't felt that in a while and it was magical. Go HEELS!
Yes, there have been more important Carolina Duke games and yes, there have been better Carolina teams, but after a turbulent start to the season those boys seemed to finally be having fun. I've never heard the Dean Dome that loud in my life. Ever. The Dean Dome shook. The "wine and cheese crowd" stood the entire time. I cried at the beginning (basketball girl, I guess) and cried at the end. Everyone stormed the court in pure, unadulterated joy. It was perfect. I don't ever want to forget that night or that feeling.
(My other best night in the Dean Dome? My freshman year watching the Heels win the National Championship on the big screen with all my fellow students before rushing Franklin.)
This is why I love sports. I hadn't felt that in a while and it was magical. Go HEELS!
Friday, January 10, 2014
It's Friday, y'all!
Yay for Fridays! The first full week back at work/routine is always an adjustment after the holidays so I'm pretty pumped it's Friday! And even more pumped that I don't have any major plans on the agenda. My weekend includes:
- finishing Orange is the New Black tonight (3 episodes left. beyond addicted)
- cleaning out my closets
- grocery shopping
- watching my Heels take on #1 Syracuse tomorrow
- going to see Po
- getting in a workout or two
Perfection! Have a great weekend y'all!
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Photo bomb!
What are these square shaped things that aren't text? Pictures?? You haven't seen those in a while, huh? Here's a random assortment of pictures from the last a few months - the time when calories don't exist.
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| A group of us at The Station for drinks! |
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| Best nap ever. Raleigh on left, Hobbes on right. |
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| Thanksgiving morning Pilates with mimosas! |
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| Thanksgiving with the brother! |
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| Me, Aunt Jodi, Po, Nikki (and sweet Reese in her belly) |
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| Me and the mom-to-be |
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| Cast iron deep dish |
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| My amazing discovery at Target |
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| Baby Nins! |
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| A moment of love |
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| Christmas! |
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| Santa Hobbes |
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| Cheers-ing on Christmas Eve with Mom in our awesome cups |
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| Bowl game outfit! |
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| Victory walk before the bowl game (which we won!) |
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| Snuggles with Hobbesy |
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| With MG at Ry and Micaela's Christmas party |
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| And I'll leave you with the most epic pork belly fried green tomato BLT there ever was. Bam. |
January Blues
Does anyone else find January to be the most depressing month? The holidays end, it's cold, there is nothing to look forward to - BLAH. Any tips for combating the January blues?
I've been trying to schedule lots of friend dates in the evenings and on weekends to give me things to look forward to, but I'd love to hear your ideas!!
I've been trying to schedule lots of friend dates in the evenings and on weekends to give me things to look forward to, but I'd love to hear your ideas!!
Monday, January 6, 2014
So it's pretty much obligatory to write some sort of 2014 post. I have a good feeling about 2014. I'm not really setting resolutions, but have a few goals/words in mind that I want to focus on this year.
Namely:
-more joy.
-more peace.
-less guilt.
-simplify.
That's all. I've spent way too much of my life stressing about things that don't matter in the grand scheme of things and feeling guilty for things I shouldn't feel guilty for (case in point: I found myself feeling guilty about the number of days I got off work for Christmas - not extra days or anything - just the days when my company was closed.) I want to have more joy and peace (that comes from trusting God!) and share that with my loved ones too. Oh and I want to love the heck out of said loved ones.
As far as specifics, I don't have anything too definite in mind. I'd love to keep up my running and increase my distance. I'd love for 2014 to be the year of the house - aka the year I find the house I want to buy and actually get it (2013 was the year I fell in love with a house, put three different offers on it and still didn't get it. But now I get this whole house buying process a little better and I'm ready) I'd like to travel more. Even just some long weekends would be lovely.
That's all I got. Happy 2014, y'all.
Oh and WAR DAMN EAGLE tonight. (Yeah, I know. I'm the weirdest mix of fan ever because I genuinely like Alabama and Auburn. My grandfather loved Alabama and my grandmother went to Auburn. And generally, I'm not a Florida St. fan even though I think the ACC needs this. End weird sports rant.)
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