Can you say ouch?

We are back to the Carolinas after a whirlwind weekend in Nashville! The Country Music Half Marathon was great. A very well-run race and our weather turned out good, with the exception of being a tad warm. It was very cool on Friday and cloudy when we started that morning, but by 8am, it started warming up, just a little more than we runners would prefer.

I grew up nearby in Clarksville, TN, but I do not remember all of the hills in this area of Nashville! Definitely enough to keep you honest! The race route is great - you run by the beautiful campus of Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities and also through some historic downtown neighborhoods. Great southern hospitality with the residents offering orange slices or a spray from their garden hose.

I felt pretty good throughout the race - the last few miles were tough. I just couldn't seem to keep my toes and calves from tightening up. I'm sore today - steps are a bitch! I finished in 2:37, which ironically, was the winning time for the female MARATHON winner. That means I'm slow! Hubby finished in 2:17 - not his best time, so he's already said that we're going back next year so he can beat his time! He had been sick all week, so really wasn't feeling his best on race day, plus both of us feel like we had skipped one too many training runs to do our best. Alas, we finished so we're happy! My parents came up to watch us finish, so that was pretty great. It helped me to see my mom's sign to know that I could finish the last half mile!

That evening, we met up with some of my childhood friends for a fabulous dinner at The Palm. Great service and wonderful food. Splurged on my post race dinner of a tomato-mozzarella salad, oscar style filet mignon, creamed spinach, potatoes au gratin and a few bites of key lime pie for dessert. Not to mention my favorite pre dinner cocktail of a G&T and of course, a lovely glass of cab with dinner!

SBC Vandy - so sorry I didn't get in touch... it was crazy the week we left, so I have neglected my blogging and reading! Yes, Nashville was fabulous! Thanks for asking!

We finished out our weekend by visiting my family in my hometown - a quick trip, but so glad that we had the time to go. Now, trying to decide what's next!?! Any suggestions from fellow runners? Probably looking for another half marathon.

And they're off...

To Nashville for the half marathon! Will report an update when I return. Forecast is currently 40% or 60% chance of showers on race day, but according to my mom, who lives outside of Nashville, it's supposed to be pretty! We shall see!

Hosta R.I.P.

Hubby spent nearly all day on Saturday adding mulch to our flower beds, packing up items to take to storage, cleaning off the porch that somehow accumulated 2 borrowed gardening tools, boxes of crap to be donated, pamphlets of how to operate his RedMax leaf blower, two pairs of tennis shoes, flower pots, etc. I did my part by cleaning the house, cleaning out our laundry room and planting new hosta plants in the backyard. We're trying to get our house ready to put on the market this summer, so we're getting in clean up/pack up/spruce up mode. I went out later and I noticed that there was a large hole where one of the hosta plants had been with a few leaves left on the ground.

The culprit(s)? You guessed it, Zeus and Zoe. Zeus even had dirt on his mouth, so I'm sure I have found the responsible party. I sprayed the plants with Bitter Apple, a product we used when they were puppies, because they also then enjoyed the sport of eating plants. So far, it's working, but I still have my fingers crossed! Does anyone know of any other remedies? I've heard cayenne pepper works as well. Just trying to keep the plants in the ground!

Hosta update... 2 more of the plants are gone as of this afternoon.

In the details

When we were in Key West, I really noticed some of the charm of the older houses - the cute little pink houses with gingerbread trim, the fantastic windows of the Ernest Hemingway home and the humongous banyan trees.

Of course, there is also more than a fair share of "historic" bar signs and the corresponding watering holes...

Which of course, led to a fair share of Irish car bombs...

But we also managed to have a few great meals... One at 915 where Steven had this great whole fish, prepared with Thai seasoning.

We also dined at an Italian restaurant... I have no idea of the name, but it was great. Pictured is another group from our same city that we didn't travel with, but did manage to run into on our first night and of course, shared a few libations to celebrate being in Key West! Alan, aka Birthday boy is in yellow, hubby is in white across from him.

It wasn't all drinking and eating... well, pretty close, but Hubby & I did manage to soak up a little culture (and shade) when visiting the Hemingway house...

Now it's back to reality as we prepare for the Half marathon... we'll be finished this time next week! Ack!

It's the little things

My new business cards arrived yesterday and they have two of my favorite things & I didn't even pick out the design! Lime green accents and an image of a coffee cup in the background (muted, black & white - very cool). Our editor's cards have a wine glass in hers... Hmph... I'm not jealous or anything!

Moment of Silence

I was all set to post photos of our trip to Key West, but it just seems irrelevant now with all of the recent news. As I was logging onto MSN.com, I saw the most recent news about the VA Tech shooter and I really can't get my head around any of it. What gives someone this much hatred towards others that I assume he didn't even know? What gives anyone this much hatred, period? What gives you the right to showcase your so-called "story" to NBC ?

I have several friends and past co-workers who are VA Tech alums, so I have experienced the "heart" of the school. These people are die-hard and my hope is that the students, families, faculty and staff can recover in the best way possible.

Breaking news...

JCrew and Gap have exploded all over our bed. This is the scene while getting ready to start packing tonight. Hubby and I need to join OverPackers Anonymous. Hello, OverPackers!

It is cold and rainy here and I cannot wait to feel a little sun on my face and sand between my toes tomorrow afternoon in Key West. Our friends who we are traveling with actually left this morning and unfortunately are still sitting in the Atlanta airport. We may beat them there!

Granny Bathing Suits

OK, I am about ready for a swim-cap, complete with flowers to match the two bathing suits that I have ordered in the last 24 hours. Can you say grandma?? One is from Lands End, a tankini with swim bottom. I don't even know if it counts as a bikini bottom - I think it was only described as a swim bottom! What is that? It is pink & green and cute, but still. Then, I just ordered a chocolate brown takini & SKIRT from Athleta. UGH. I'm feeling chubby and just need to deal with it. Oh yeah, I'm going to Key West in 5 days and our house has a pool and yes, I will be expected to swim and sun in all of my whiteness and fatness. Oh, did I mention that I ran 10 miles today? Yes, 10. In the cold (37 degrees) and I'm still chubby and not wanting to wear a bikini in 5 days.

Whew...

What an exciting week.. new job & already a Friday off. It has been hectic all week, but I have really loved every minute of it. I am working for a new magazine (our 2nd issue hits newsstands next week) and we are hosting our launch events throughout the month of May, which had not been planned. Enter, Moi! I feel like I'm planning 5 weddings across the state! My lists just keep growing and the one "bad" thing is that I technically have no budget. Basically I was told to find out prices and I will be told no if it's too high. Somewhat frustrating for a planner like me, but it will all work out, and maybe that's a good thing!

On another note, hubby and I, along with 2 other couples are heading to Key West, FL next Thursday, for a little mini vacation. I haven't been in over 10 years, so I would love restaurant and activity recommendations from any of you who have been.

Have a Happy Easter and don't freeze! My cute Ann Taylor skirt will have to be put away until it's warmer.

Preppiness abounds in Charleston

It has been such a busy week - starting the new job and lots to do! I am really loving it, so I am even more assured that I made the right decision.

I wanted to post about the huge preppy party that we ran into on Saturday in Charleston. As many of you know, Charleston is oh so very preppy, pretty and fun.

So, while we were out downtown after the race, this huge group of JCrew wearing, Lilly toting, seersucker sportin' and Vineyard Vines tied people walked in. All with funny name tags and shot glasses around their neck! Sorority mixer we thought? Bachelor/bachelorette party? Nope. They were out en masse for the Carolina Cup and since they weren't able to go, they host an annual pub crawl and raise funds for the ASPCA, while wearing their Carolina Cup worthy gear, including a few fabulous hats.

Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera - our group had left it back at our beach house, so no cute pictures to show you. It was definitely fun to watch & of course, we had to all make friends and find out what they were all about. Not sure how much money was raised, but they seemed as if they were having an excellent time!

My 100th post

I just noticed that this is my 100th post for my blog. I'm sure I should do some kind of Top 100 list or something, but how about a Top 10 to recap our fun weekend in Charleston?

1. One beer @ Red's- it's all I had on Friday night due to the race on Saturday.
2. Two of us (Hubby and myself) were the only runners out of our group of 11 who went on the trip.
3. Three o'clock was about the time I finally fell asleep on Friday night, due to our noisy group who decided to stay up late and party like it was 1999.
4. How about 40,000 runners for the Cooper River Bridge Run.
5. 5 hours is approximately how long it took us to drive to Charleston.
6. 6 is the number of Irish Car Bombs that were drank on Saturday, post-race. I should note, not by me - by Hubby and friends, yes, each drank 6 a piece.
7. 7 o'clock is about the time that dear Hubby decided that he needed to go to bed on Saturday night due to #6.
8. There were 8 running bananas (guys in banana costumes) in the race on Saturday.
9. According to my heart rate monitor, I burned approximately 900 calories during my run ... all the better for my yummy crab cake sandwich at lunch.
10. 10 miles - our next Saturday run in preparation for the Country Music Half Marathon!

What I learned in class...

I wanted to recap a little of my 1st wedding class for all of the Brides-to-Be. First, when I walked in, the other students thought I was the teacher, which I found somewhat humorous. I don't have a lot to report for our first session - I felt like I knew most of what the teacher was discussing. We basically went over putting together time lines , traditional attire, who pays for what, etc. Also a little trivia for you... Did you know why the bride traditionally stand to her husband's left at the altar? This dates back to historic times and it was so the husband would have his right hand free for his sword, if there was a possible attack. The teacher also stated that most wives sleep to the left of their husband in bed, which is true for this wife. Hopefully, no attacks or deuls in the middle of the night! So, hopefully, I'll have a few more tidbits that may be of more assistance next week!

Also, today is my last day at the current job, and Hubby and I are off to Charleston, SC in the morning. We did a 4 mile run last night and then the 10k Bridge Run on Saturday. The dogs are going to their favorite doggie day care/boarding facility - actually a 3 acre farm, complete with a pond and employees who are constantly playing fetch. It's a great place to board the dogs - they run and swim all day, then when we pick them up, they sleep for 2 days straight. Plus, they will be getting a much needed bath & toenail trimming before we pick them up!

I will post about the race and the weekend in Charleston when I return! Have a great weekend!

R.I.P.

My beloved Old Navy cotton, striped, capri pajama pants bit the dust last night. I was being silly (who me?) and picked up Zeus, pulling him onto my lap and heard rrrrrrrippp. These things are practically threadbare and the waist was already looking pretty shabby, but this hole is in a bit more personal place. I bought these years ago and they have worn into the perfect softness.


I heading Old Navy on my lunch hour to see if I can pick up a quick fix to replace this pair. I thought these looked pretty cute.


I really want to invest in uber-comfy read uber-expensive pajamas, but it's not in my budget at the moment. For when I do take the plunge, any favorites that are worth the money?

** Shopping Update** I found two wonderful new pairs of PJ pants at Old Navy. One is pale pink, blue, green, white, yellow striped and the other are pink & green plaid (yes, kind of obnoxious, but kind of cute). They both have comfy drawstring waists, which I love, plus are the soft, oxford cloth cotton kind. The ones pictured above must be online only or just not available at my lunchtime shopping Old Navy.

1st day of class...

Tonight is my first night of my Wedding Planning & Directing class. People have looked at me like I have 3 heads when I tell them that I actually enjoyed planning our wedding and wanted to take a class on this. I may never use it, but I figured that I could:

• gain a little part-time work
• offer my services to our church, since we don't have a wedding planner
• enjoy talking and learning about weddings for 6 weeks and hopefully share some new ideas with my friends!

I actually found our wedding planner through a referral from this class.. she was the top student, so who knows where this may lead!? Wish me luck... I've sharpened my pink pencils and have my matching notebook ready to go!

Oh, and I promise I won't ever work with a bride if she wants a Barbie wedding cake!

Hot and Tired

Hubby and I just finished our 8-mile training run. Whew. It was tough today... the distance, plus it's warm here in NC - the high is in the 80's. (sorry - not trying to rub it in to my Northern friends). We should have started earlier, but I was a bit of a slacker this morning. We will head to Charleston, SC next weekend for the Cooper River Bridge Run. It's one of the largest 10k's in the country and so much fun. We are going with several friends - we're the runners, they drink & cheer us on!

It's hard to believe that the 1/2 marathon is only about 5 weeks away and it really hit me today that I'll be adding another 5 miles onto the run that I did today. I think it's time to quit slacking on my weekday running!

4 more days at the old job... I actually have a brainstorming session at my new job on Tuesday. Since this is a new venture, I'm starting just in time for some of the marketing activities and events for the launch, so some details have been put in place and a lot are yet to be decided. I'm glad that I'll have the chance to give my input and recommendations. There is a lot of work ahead for the next 2 months, but I'm looking forward to it.

Resume tips 101

The following resume was recently received by our creative director for a designer position that he is trying to fill.

I have changed any identifying information, but the rest is real. We we torn between actually calling the guy and giving him advice on how to write a resume or just rolling on the floor in fits of laughter. We chose the latter.

Bobby
bobby@xyz.com
Home 555- 555- 5555

1234 Green Lee Ct
Greenville, NC 27777


Adobe, Microsoft Office software


Art ins,Online,WOL

I went to school at the Art Institute Online, and Lakewood Online

Concept Development A-
Computer Literacy A+
Digital Image Manipulation D
Fundamentals Of Design D
Introduction of Graphic Design
Career Development
College English 1

Graphic Designs

How long will it take me...

to burn off the calories I have consumed this afternoon, consisting of a lean cuisine, one Hershey Truffle nugget and oh, say 3/4 of a bag of Starburst jelly beans?

I must, repeat, must stay away from Target on my lunch hour. I went in to buy some moisturizer and I leave with my new moisturizer, 3 greeting cards, 2 lean cuisines, 1 bottle of water, a bag of Dove dark chocolate eggs for the office candy dish, a bag of Starburst jelly beans and a chocolate Easter bunny for my creative director! Oh, and a bottle of Crew hair gel for my hubby. Oh, it smells so good.

Good thing I didn't look at the kitchen gadgets or lawn furniture. There's no telling what would be in the back of my car!

I'm so behind

I have found out in the past weeks that two of my good friends are expecting. For one, this will be her second child and for the other, her first. I am so excited for both of them & it will be great to live vicariously through them as they are experiencing their pregnancies.

Hubby and I aren't trying yet, even though I did buy and am now taking prenatal vitamins. Now with me starting a new job, the timing just doesn't seem right to go off the ever-trusty pill. I can't seem to get this nagging thought of "hurry up" out of my head and lately, now more than ever, I catch myself thinking of a baby, or picking up toddler dresses and imagining what it would be like. Of course, I am the one deciding not to try yet, so I guess I have no one to blame but myself!

Everyone says there is never a good time... is this true? Is it like love, will you just know you're ready?

Boot(y) Camp

Boot Camp ended last Friday.... whoo-hoo! It felt like a dream sleeping until 6:30 today. As far as my stats were concerned, I lost 1.6 pounds and 2 inches and completed 8 more push ups and 12 more sit-ups than on the day we started. As a group, we lost 52 inches and 42.2 pounds.

Even though I didn't have a huge loss, I feel a little more toned & inspired to keep up with my workouts. We are about 6 weeks out from the Half Marathon, so I have to really start focusing on running.

On a shopping note, I went by Stein Mart on my lunch hour today and found slim fit Ralph Lauren polos for $30-something each. So, of course, I scooped up a couple, in white and light blue, along with a couple of thin v-neck cable knit sweaters. Perfect for spring weather in NC, we had 40's over the weekend and it should be in the 80's this weekend.

A new chapter

Or new article, if you will. I turned in my two week notice to my current employer on Friday. That part went well, aside from one snide comment from my boss, which I fully expected.

I have accepted a new position as Marketing manager of a new bi monthly magazine, focused on style, fashion, dining, homes, shopping, etc - all in North Carolina. The parent company has been around for decades with a current North Carolina publication and the new magazine is a bit younger in look, feel and content. It's a little scary about starting a new job and with a brand new magazine, but it's also what invigorates me and wakes me up in the middle of the night! And, what better than working for a magazine that is focused on what I love reading about anyway.

So, Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone.. Erin Go Braugh! We're off to run the 5 mile Beer Run (it's actually a run, not just an excuse to drink beer - even though beer tokens are included in your running package). Then later tonight, onto some more Irish festivities this evening at a local Irish pub.