Whirlwind Wedding Weekend

Quite literally! This past weekend my good friend Melissa got married in Chattanooga. The weather in Tennessee has been kinda crazy this "winter", and well this weekend was no exception. The forecast showed severe storms across the state with Knoxville and Chattanooga being some of the hardest hit areas. We had all been praying for no snow, I mean it is March after all, but forgot to pray for no tornadoes. Yep, that's right we got caught right in the middle of a tornado while trying to get from the chapel to the rehearsal dinner on Friday night. It was terrifying. I saw the funnel cloud moving towards us as we were driving and we quickly turned the other way and pulled into a parking lot beside a building. We hunkered down the best we could as the tennis ball size hail, pouring rain, and wind raged around us. There was a whole lot of praying going on in that car! We were able to laugh about it later on, and everyone made it through safely, but it was an experience I hope to not have anytime in the near future! The same tornado went through Ooltewah where I rent my townhouse out, but fortunately when I drove by to check it out today, no damage had been done!
The rest of the weekend went much much smoother. Melissa's parents were kind enough to let us girls take over their house and we enjoyed a relaxing Saturday morning of hanging out, getting hair and makeup done, and then headed to the chapel for pictures and the main event. It was a beautiful ceremony with a gorgeous bride and handsome groom who are clearly quite smitten with each other. Lots of fun was had at the reception. I caught the bouquet :) I'm hoping that significance plays out in the near future. Here are a few photo highlights from the weekend!

Back By Popular Demand

Ok, so no one has actually demanded this post, I felt like it was time for one of my infamous random posts. I'd like to think that at least a person or 2 gets some enjoyment out of them.

• The sun is starting to shine in my life again (see my previous post). There will be more info on this in coming posts, but I'm feeling happy and hopeful about the future.
• Next weekend my good friend Melissa is getting married and I'm excited to be a part of her special day. I had a small freak out earlier this week when I went to try on my bridesmaid dress. When I purchased it in September it seemed to fit fine perhaps needing to be taken in just a tiny bit. I have been meaning to try it on again, but had just forgotten. So Tuesday night, I tried it on. And yeah it's way too big. I've only lost a pound or two, but I guess between running and some recently added strength training, I'm down some inches. Fortunately I am blessed with a mother who has some pretty great sewing skills and she will be able to make the needed alterations.
• My obsession love for reality TV continues. My current loves are Dance Moms (please tell me other people watch this, if not you should), The Challenge Battle of the Exes (yeah I know, I just can't help it), The Voice (Blake Shelton you are awesome), Teen Mom 2 (sometimes I just want to shake those girls and give them a dose of self esteem), and The Biggest Loser (Bob you will always be my favorite).
• In 2 weeks I'm running a 5K called Joggin' for the Noggin' sponsored by the Crumley House, which is a long term facility for people with traumatic brain injuries. I've slacked a little in running department the past couple of weeks (previously I had been doing really really well), so I'm not sure how well it's gonna go. Guess I will just try my best and have fun. I've decided I want to run the Crazy 8s race this summer and am working on upping my mileage. Running has definitely become a great outlet for my stress.
• I've started planning my summer/fall trips. If you follow my blog, you know I love to travel. It makes me excited to mark off dates on the calender. Looking forward to heading back out to Arizona for Young Lives camp in July and a cruise with the girls in September. Also hoping to squeeze in a trip to Charleston, SC at some point. 
• Inspired by a fellow blogger Carrie, I've working on cleaning the clutter out of my house, making a few improvements, and trying to only purchase things I need/really like. When I shop, I allow myself to pick up things I like as I look around, but then at then end I reevaluate the contents of my cart to see if I really need the items. I typically try and put back at least 1/3 of what I have selected. This still allows for a few unplanned items, but keeps so much needless junk from coming in to my house. 
• I'm working on a few Pinterest inspired projects (pictures to be posted as items are completed). I LOVE that site. It is so darn addicting, but a really good way to pass the slower hours at work. I most recently made Margarita Cupcakes with Lime Cream Cheese frosting for my friend's Bachelorette Party. They were pretty good if I do say so myself. 

• I have a dentist appointment next Thursday and I'm looking forward to it (yes I'm that girl). I've never had a cavity so trips to the dentist for me usually just mean really clean teeth and a new toothbrush. Recently I have had some extreme tooth sensitivity and decided I should get it checked out to make sure something isn't going on. And also because I haven't been to the dentist since college, yes I know it's horrible, but well I haven't had any problems. I'm hoping they don't find anything major and that they don't ask how long it's been since my last visit! 
• I've starting picking up some shift in the Pediatric ER at the hospital where I work and I love it. I had forgotten how much I enjoy interacting with kiddos. Since they opened the Peds ER almost 4 years ago, I haven't really had the opportunity to take care of many pediatric patients. I may give up shifts with the adults all together, because I feel my time spent with the little people is so much more rewarding.
• And now to go do 30 Day Shred with Jillian Michaels. I have a love/hate relationship with her, but man she is getting my butt in shape! 

Blah Blah Blah

Wow, it's been a while since I've posted. Christmas has passed, the New Year has passed, and here it is the first of February I've had a major case of the blah's lately and as a result haven't really felt like posting. The holidays were really hard. 2012, didn't start out the way I had hoped. I am quickly approaching the big 3-0 and my life isn't exactly where I thought it would be. I know I have a lot to be thankful for and there are a lot of good things in my life. But 2 of the things I want the most aren't there. And it's hard to see all the people around me getting those things. I feel left out and sometimes like I'm not part of the club. I'm trying to focus on all the positive things in my life and to celebrate the exciting things in my friends lives. But it's hard not to be a little jealous. I don't want to be a Debbie Downer, but I'm having a hard time rising out of this low period. I've been keeping up with my running and I think it is what is keeping me sane these days. Even when I have to force myself out the door or to the gym, I am always glad I get those runs in. I've also been tying to workout in other ways and eat right. I know I need to take care of myself even though some days I barely have the energy to function. I'm hoping the sun starts shinning in my life again.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

well except for the fact that it was 60 degrees at 6pm today, but none the less, Christmas is almost here.

I am one of those people that doesn't start anything Christmas related until the first of December. The first major signal to me that the holiday season is upon us is the arrival of Band Fruit. We've order fruit from the SHHS band for as long as I can remember. Me and my older sisters sold it when we were in high school and I continue to purchase from friend's band nerds kids. It is seriously some of the best fruit ever. It is always delivered the first weekend of December and I get very excited about it's arrival. The navel oranges are my favorite.

My Christmas tree also went up the first weekend of December. A real one of course, because well nothing smells quite like a fresh-ish tree in the house.

I bake like a crazy person at the holidays. I can't help it. I just do. The holidays=baking in my opinion. In the past 2 weeks I have made 2 batches of peanut butter fudge, 1batch chocolate fudge, 1batch Dreamsicle fudge (and yes it is as amazing as it sounds), 5 batches of Oreo truffles, 3 batches of sugar cookies, 1 batch Chex mix, 1 batch gingerbread cookies, and 1 batch cloud cookies. I've used 2 bags of sugar, 3 pounds of butter (the real deal), and a bag of flour. (Erika I have aspirations of someday being known for my Christmas cookie/treat platters like your mom use to make!)

I officially purchased my last Christmas present today and am waiting for one more to arrive via mail so that I can declare myself done with Christmas shopping. I am not usually a last minute shopper, but this year I've had a little bit of a hard time getting in the Christmas mode, so I waited a lot later that I like to. In the past week I have braved Kroger (twice), Walmart, Target (twice), TJ Maxx, and The Mall (three times). It really hasn't been that bad. I am glad to be done though.

Let's see, what else have I been up to....

• I went to Richmond to visit my friend Alicia and her family in what is becoming an annual early December trip. It was a great weekend of relaxing, catching up, and lovin' on her sweet little boys. We also checked out some pretty awesome Tacky Christmas Lights. 
• I made another wreath off Pinterest using a wire hanger and ornaments from the Dollar Tree. Total cost $8 

• The hospital decided to decorate the outdoor space outside of the ICUs with mannequins that look like a whole lot like the ones from the Old Navy ads. It was a slow day at work and well.......this may have happened.

My Favorite Fellow Bloggers

Today my friend Erika mentioned me on her blog Always better together as one of her favorite blogs and I feel very honored. So I'm passing on the blog love and naming my own top 5.


1. You may think I'm bias, but Erika's  is one of my favorite blogs to read. We grew up down the street from each other and share a birthday. I enjoy keeping up with her life even though we are miles apart. I especially look forward to the "Overheard in Our House" posts. I can't tell you the number of times I have laughed out loud reading what she writes.
2. Kelly at The Burrow Knits. Kelly is a single mom of 4 boys and I admire her strength and raw honesty about life. Stories of adventures with the boys make me laugh and her thoughts on deep matters and self discovery often bring tears to my eyes or make me really stop and think.
3. Piper at A Matter of Life and Breath. Piper has cystic fibrosis. She is a major advocate for CF research and knowledge in the community. She has also shared her journey of her double lung transplant. She is a beautiful writer and one strong chick. I discovered her blog kind of randomly. My friend Nathan passed away from CF a couple of years ago and I have continued to remain involved with the CFF.
4. Carrie at Carrie's Busy Nothings. Carrie is a childhood friend that I home schooled with and I have enjoyed connecting with her again in our adult lives. She writes about a little bit of everything. She shares my love for bargains, fall, and pumpkins! :)
5. Gina at Skinny Taste. Gina posts delicious, healthy recipes and includes the Weight Watchers points. Everything I have tried is delicious. Her pumpkin recipes are some of my favorites (I'm sure you're shocked.) I like that her recipes don't use a lot of artificial crap.

If you want to keep the blog love going, here are the rules:

1.  Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
2.  Reveal your top five picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3.  Copy and paste the award on your blog.
4.  Hope that the people you've sent the award to forward it to their five favorite bloggers and keep it going!

The Best Things in Life are Free

I am, as most of you know, a major bargain hunter. My philosophy is why pay full price if you don't have to? On occasion, I am drawn to certain expensive items and have to get creative in order to get what I like without shelling out the full amount. Sometimes that means a lot of online hunting to find a deal. Sometimes it means asking for the item or money towards the item for a birthday or Christmas. Sometimes it means getting it slightly used on eBay. This time in meant cashing in some of my stashed up credit card bonus points. I hadn't made any major withdraws from my points in a while, and since I pay for practically everything with my credit card (which I pay off in full every month), I rack up points pretty quickly. The item I really wanted was not available in the rewards center, but fortunately Citicard has a "my reward wish" request center where you submit what you want and they let you know how many points it will take to get your special order item. Pretty great if you ask me. So are you curious as to what I got? The wait is almost over :)
When I arrived home today after a somewhat frustrating afternoon at the hospital, I found this on my front porch

And inside was this

And inside that beautiful box were these babies:) 

My new glorious purple Hunter boots!!!!!!!!!

I have wanted a pair of Hunter rain boots for some time now, but just could not justify paying $125 for them. I have looked and looked for a deal, but did not have any luck finding one. Or if I did, it wasn't the color I wanted or they were out of my size. I had kind of given up on getting a pair. 

A few weeks ago I thought I had finally found them on 6pm.com (Zappos sister site with some really awesome deals and free shipping on all orders) for $69, but they did not have my size. I was very disappointed and that was when I got the bright idea to check in to using my reward points to acquire these lovely boots. I couldn't be happier with my new boots. I'm even wishing for rain/snow so I have an excuse to wear them! 

I like Running!

5k #3 with my fam (they walked, I ran)

I got back in to running at the end of September as an outlet for all the stress in my life. And I'm really glad as I did as I think it is the only thing that has kept me sane lately. It has been a great outlet to get out frustrations and give me a sense of accomplishment even if the rest of my life is chaotic. I think I finally get why so many people like running. I am not a fast runner, and probably never will be. I have to go slow and gradually build up my time. As long as I keep putting one foot in front of the other, that's all that matters. 
This past weekend I ran my 3rd and 4th 5K races, and I was able to run faster and longer than I have before. During one of my races, I overheard 2 ladies talking. The one was saying to her friend that she didn't think she could make it and was going to have to walk. Her friend said not to give herself the option of walking. To think of having to keep running until she reached the finish line. For some reason this really stuck with me. Running is as much a mental thing as it is a physical thing. This week when I have been running and feel like giving up, I think to myself, nope it's not an option. Yesterday I ran for 28 minutes without stopping, which for me is a major accomplishment. I've also been trying to stop and think about why I want to stop when I feel like I can't make it. Do my legs hurt? Am I feeling short of breath or is my chest hurting? Do I have a cramp? Am I hot? For me it is usually the later. I get hot really easily thanks to my heart condition and the medication that I take for it. It was 48 degrees when I ran yesterday. I had on short sleeves and thin running tights. There was a breeze. And I was still sweating like crazy! I actually look forward to winter because it's easier for me to run. 38 degrees is kind of my ideal temp! 
On Thanksgiving morning I am running the Turkey Trot 5K. My goal is to run the whole thing and I really think I can. I hoping for a cool morning :)

Fall Fun

Well fall is here in full force. It's been down right cold the past 2 days, but prior to that we have enjoyed some beautiful weather here in the mountains of East TN. I love fall so much and have actually found the time to enjoy it this year even in the midst of a lot of busyness and wrestling with what I want out of my life. Here's what I've been up to lately:

• Last weekend was absolutely gorgeous and I had a quiet call weekend so I drove out to Fender's Farm and the surrounding stands to get some fall produce. I stocked up on sweet potatoes, apples, and of course pumpkins! It was nice to enjoy the sunshine and fall colors. 
• I have discovered the wonderful world that is Pinterest, and I have to admit I am obsessed! It has so many wonderful things; from tasty treats to craft projects to funny quotes. I have spent way too much time surfing around checking out all the "pins". I have been inspired by some of the things I have seen and as a result have been quite crafty lately. 
• 
  The pumpkins acquired on my trip to the farmer's market combined with an idea I saw on Pinterest resulted in the following craft project. I got my big pumpkin for only $5 and the little ones for a $1 each! They made for some pretty inexpensive fall decorations.

• I've got some 5Ks coming up soon, so I've been running regularly lately and trying to get back in to shape. I was doing really well, and then I went to Mexico and got sick when I came home. That set me back a little bit, but I'm back on track now and training hard. In 2 weeks I'm running in Chattanooga at the Purple Strides Pancreatic Cancer Awareness 5K on Saturday. Then on Sunday I'm doing the Speedway in Lights Children's Charity 5k. And of course I'm signed up for the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. Last weekend I also participated in the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure (just walked this one). This is me and my Specials girls wearing our PINK last Friday for National Wear Pink Day. 

• This weekend I made a fall wreath that was inspired by Pinterest. The original project called for styrofoam balls, but they are costly and I didn't want to end up spending a fortune on a craft project. So I brainstormed with some fellow crafty friends, did some looking around, and finally found some cheap plastic wiffle balls at Target in various sizes that made a great substitute. Here's the finished project:

And because no fall is complete without some pumpkin baking, this week I made Pumpkin Cupcakes with Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Frosting , and if I do say so myself, they are to die for. The best part is they are healthy! Guilt free fall goodness? Yes please!  

Hodge Podge

Before I head off to Mexico for 10 days, I thought I'd write a quick blog. (which I have not packed a single thing for and my flight leaves at 530 am! totally not like me) I have some random things I want to post and a few pictures too, but as individual topics, there's not enough material to warrant separate posts. So hence the various paragraphs I am about to write!

• I got a new end table from Crate and Barrel (the one that finally got put together after sitting in the dinning room for a couple of months) and as I don't want to leave rings on it, I decided I needed coasters. I looked on Etsy because I wanted fun coasters, but after seeing the cost, decided I could buy my own tiles and make them myself. I found slate tiles (9 for $4.89) and bought felt dots to put on the bottom. I think they turned out pretty well and they are protecting my table nicely. 
• I got my nails done the other day. I am developing an obsession with Shellac. I love it my nails look great and like they were just painted for 3 weeks! I'm currently sporting grey. 
• Inspired by my friend Carrie's recent blogs about reducing the clutter in her house and life, I finally gathered some of mine together and took it to the Goodwill. It is nice to have it out of my house and to know someone else can get some use out of it. I foresee several more trips in the near future. 

Catching Up-List Style

• Tomorrow makes 4 weeks since Adam passed away. Still doesn't feel real sometimes. 
• My little sister Elizabeth is officially the strongest person I have ever met. 
• I just started reading The Help. I can't put it down. I have promised myself I will finish the book before I watch the movie.
• I have been in a major throwing out mood lately and am trying to clear some of the clutter out of my house.
• AMNTM All-Star Season=best reality tv idea ever. My favorites are Allison, Laura, and Kayla. 
• I have a new favorite worst reality show ever-Dance Moms. Everyone needs to see it. Definitely a train wreck!
• It's starting to feel like fall! Which means 2 of my favorite things are back around: Football and Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Soy Lattes! 
• I'm running again. (Yes I know, you've heard this before) I've signed up for the Race for the Cure 5K at the end of October. I hope to better my time from my last race.
• I called the police on my neighbors last week. They keep deciding that 1am is a good time for a dance party on the front porch. It is not. 
• I'm going to start doing site visits for PA students from Trevecca. I am really excited about this. 
• I made a last minute decision to go to Mexico with the GYN surgery team. I leave 2 weeks from Saturday. Eek! 
• I've been getting lots of free samples lately. It makes me really happy. I look forward to getting the mail even more than I usually do! 
• I finally put together my end table from Crate and Barrel that has been sitting in the dinning room for a couple of months now. I am waiting on a table from Ikea to complete my new living room set up. 
• I chopped my hair off yesterday. 15 inches to be exact. I love it but it is taking a little getting use to. Hasn't been this short since I was a small child!

No Words

Sometimes words just aren't enough. Sometimes there aren't the right words. Sometimes tears are all you've got.

Yesterday the decision was made to send Adam home on hospice care. He was discharged today. The exact prognosis is not known, however it is likely a couple of weeks to a month at most. There are no words to describe how this news has shaken up my life and the life of my family. I have known deep down that this was coming, but I had hoped it would be much farther in the future. Please pray for Adam and Elizabeth as they face the difficult days to come.

Catching Up

 So yeah, it's August. When did that happen? I feel like the last half of July just kind of flew by. I guess that was because out in Arizona for most of it. YoungLives camp was amazing. I had a great team to work with and took care of some very sweet little ones. I fell in love with a brother and sister and it was hard to say goodbyes at the end of the week.

Savannah

Eli

 

Purple Pod

29 did not start out as the best year for me. I was sick with the sinus crud (miserably so). I was on call. I had one of the worst on call weeks ever. I didn't get much sleep. I was late for my own birthday dinner with my family thanks to being on call. I got a speeding ticket. A friend betrayed my trust. I couldn't even taste my birthday cake. I cried at work. My brother in-law was in the hospital all week. Being sick kept me from running with means no 5K next weekend. 

There were some bright spots. I got to spend my actual birthday evening with my very best friend. We went out to dinner and saw Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Part 2. It was wonderful. That was however followed up by a 1a call from the hospital and having to go in. My parent's got me a stand alone freezer, which I was really excited about. I've wanted one for a while, but have never gotten around to buying myself one. My Specials girls did lunch and cupcakes for me. They also got me flowers that I have managed to keep alive so far. 

All in all I guess I just have to take the good with the bad. Here's hoping 29 keeps improving. I could use a good year.

A Little of This and a Little of That

• I love summer. But not for the reasons most people would think. I love summer because of reality TV. I mean seriously the best TV moments happen during the summer months and I am present on my couch to watch them all. Some of my current favorites are Toddlers and Tiaras (don't judge until you watch, because you too will become hooked), The Challenge Rivals (hey gotta relive my college Real World obsession somehow), Teen Mom (the one with the original Teen Mom girls-Farrah, Maci, Amber, and Catilynn), Big Brother (the ultimate summer reality show), and So You Think You Can Dance (another summer classic).  The one summer reality show I'm not particularly fond of- America's Got Talent. I mean I've got to have some standards. I do admit to occasionally watching it if absolutely nothing else is on. There are a few good acts but most of it is crap! 
• My birthday is this month. I like birthdays. They are important to me. I will be 29. Earlier this year I was kind of freaked out about this and it seemed really old. But now it doesn't seem to really matter so much. I am thankful for each year I get to celebrate as I realize not everyone gets the chance to get old.  
• I can't wait for the final Harry Potter movie to come out. I also really want to go to the theme park at Universal Studios. There I said it. Judge me if you want. Seriously some of the best books I have ever read. If the second part of the movie is as good as the first, it's going to be awesome. Anyone want to go see it with me?
• Other great books I have read recently: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mocking Jay. I was drawn into the story from page 1. I plan to read them again soon. They were that could. I am also rereading the Twilight books and the last Harry Potter book. Yes, I know my tastes are all over the place. 
• I finally watched the original Transformers movie this weekend. I was surprised at how much I liked it. I'm thinking about buying it, which says a lot because I don't buy many movies. If you haven't seen it, you should. Even if you think comic book/action hero movies aren't your thing.

• I have a new favorite baby. I got to spend last weekend with this precious little guy and of course his wonderful momma too. I am completely smitten. I even love his open mouth slobbery kisses. I would have brought him home with me if I thought I could have gotten away with it. :) 
• We finally have a Menchies in JC!!!! If you haven't been there or don't know what it is, you need to check it out. It is heaven on earth. Especially for this lactose intolerant girl who can eat this frozen yogurt thanks to live cultures!!! I first discovered this amazing place in Nashville thanks to my friend Tasha. I could eat at this place everyday but refrain so I don't weigh 400 pounds. 
• I'm running again. Even managing to keep it up in this heat. I've signed up for another 5K in August. It's Nashville so if any of my Nashvegas friends want to join me I'd love to have a running buddy. Unless of course you run fast and then, well I'll just have to meet you at the finish line. I'm actually really enjoying running (words I thought would never come out of my mouth). 
• This weekend I head to Arizona for Young Lives camp. It will be my 3rd year. This is one of my favorite weeks of the summer. I get to hold babies all week. If you know me and my love for little ones, this is pretty much my dream come true. Yes it's tiring, but I love it.  I am especially excited about my direct flight from Nashville to Phoenix that I managed to snag on Southwest (which also means no blasted baggage fees!). 
• I'm going to cut my hair and donate it again soon. It's gotten pretty long again and with the summer heat, it's time. I'll post pictures when I do. It's going to be pretty short. And I mean real short, not just short for me. 

Ok, that's all I've got for now folks. Thanks for tuning in for another edition of all the random stuff that bounces around in my head. 

Happy Birthday America!

I can't believe it's July already, but here it is the 4th, which means only 24 days until my birthday! I have a wonderful and much needed relaxing weekend hanging out in Richmond with my college roomie. It's amazing how a little quality time with a good friend and some loving from the sweetest baby every can really boost one's mood.
This month is going to be a busy and it was nice to start it off with a few days of just having fun and enjoying life. In 2 weeks I head to Arizona for Young Lives camp again and I'm looking forward. I hope to sneak in some time with my Nashville friends at the beginning or end of that trip. I'm training for another 5K the middle of August and so far so good. There's that birthday and a few cookouts with friends and maybe a drive-in movie or two. I think that's plenty for the month!
Well, I hope everyone has a wonderful 4th. I'm on call and keeping my fingers crossed that the phone stays quiet so I can enjoy it too!