Quote of the day.

Happy Friday my loves, make it a great one! I have tons of running around to do today, so I am sorry if this post is a little shorter then usual. 

I want to thank my family for coming out to celebrate with Kyle and I last night. The celebration dinner at Pasticceria Bruno was so great and I am so proud of Kyle. I can't wait to begin our next journey together in France. 

Countdown to the McCarrick family vacation in LBI: 1 Day! 

Not much needs to be said, I'm sure you all know how ridiculously excited I am to hit the road tomorrow a.m. and head down to Long Beach Island for a week long getaway. I have still yet to pack, shocking, I know. Weather forecast is looking amazing and that's all I really need. So let's hope Friday gets on without a hitch!

Today's quote is from one of my favorite authors, Elizabeth Gilbert. This is an awesome quote and a great one for starting the weekend off on the right foot. 

If you want something in life, you have to go after it, borderline obsess over it. Know that if you work hard at something, put in the time and effort, you'll achieve what you want in life. You never know when an opportunity may present itself all because of your hard work and that my friend, can unlock the key to your destiny. Keep striving for personal greatness because you owe that to yourself. 

Enjoy!

"You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestation of your own blessings." 

— Elizabeth Gilbert

Quote of the day.

Happy Thursday my dears, make it a fantastic one. I woke up in such a fantastic mood and I am ready to conquer the day. 

 I have a really fun day ahead of me, at work I am helping out at the Abercrombie and Fitch Casting for their Christmas marketing. I am assisting the photography crew, it should be a lot of fun and I am really looking forward to it. After work I am meeting up with my brother and we are heading to our favorite Urban Outfitters to by some last minute stuff for our family getaway. 

I am also really looking forward to tonight, I planned a celebration dinner for Kyle signing a two year contract to play for the Limoges CSP basketball team in France. We'll be heading to a great spot on Staten Island that I've mentioned numerous times for their delicious food, Pasticceria Bruno, for an intimate dinner with our families. I still can't tell you how proud I am of my Manfriend and I think his recent accomplishment definitely deserves a celebration. 

Now that we will be living  in France for the better part of the next two years, I must learn the language. I am anxious to get started, my method is to use Rosetta Stone and also throw myself into their culture, hopefully after two years I'll be a master of the French language. 

Countdown to the McCarrick family vacation in LBI: 2 Days! 

We are on the final stretch, and I couldn't be happier. I have still yet to pack, why do I always wait until the last minute? Kyle and I planned a mini caravan with my brother and sister-in-law, we are leaving super duper early Saturday morning, so we can beat all the shore traffic, as long as I have a Starbucks in my hand I don't mind the early departure. 

Today's quote comes from the fantastic band, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and their song, Home. I warning you now it's going to get a little mushy from here on out.

 I love this song, it reminds my of my Manfriend and my relationship. We started out on our journey in a long distance relationship , we did this for two and half years, we made it through with such a strong bond, which set us up for the next chapter of our lives. 

Now we are travelers due to the manfriend's exciting basketball career. It's taken us many places, some better then others.  Our next stop  is France and I know even though we will be far away from our families and friends, we'll get through it because we have each other. Kyle has become my rock, my best friend and my home, everything is better when I'm with him. (Sorry if the mush factor was a little higher then usual, I am just a huge lover of love.)

Enjoy! 

Alabama Arkansas I do Love my Ma and Pa
Not the way that I do Love you


Holy Moly Me oh My your the apple of my eye
Girl I've never loved one like you


Man o Man your my best friend I scream it to the nothingness
there ain't nothing that I need


Hot and Heavy pumpkin pie
Chocolate candy Jesus Christ
Ain't nothing please me more than you


Home, Let me come Home
Home is Whenever I'm with you
Home, yes I am Home
Home is wherever I'm with you


Lalalala Take me Home
Mama I'm Coming Home


I follow you into the park, through the jungle through the dark
Girl I've never loved one like you


Moats and boats and Waterfalls, Alleyways and payphone calls
I been everywhere with you (that's true)


Laugh until we think we'll die, barefoot on a summer night
never could be sweeter than with you

And in the streets you run a free,

Like it's only you and me,

Geeze, you're something to see.

-Edward Sharpe and Magnetic Zeros, Home

And the adventure continues...France!

Paris

So I mentioned earlier this week that some pretty huge things were going on in my life and I didn't want to announce anything until everything was set in stone. Well, lets just say, it is finally set  in stone and I can let you in on this awesome news.

My Manfriend plays professional basketball for a living, last year basketball brought  us to Greece  for an amazing adventure and life changing experience. 

 Well, the journey continues, I am so proud to announce that Kyle just signed a two year contract to play in France! He will be playing for Limoges CSP, which is a really historic team in France. The city Limoges is southwest of Paris. Saying I am proud of my Manfriend is truly an understatement, there are really no words to explain how happy I am for my guy. I also have to express how lucky and blessed I feel to be part of this amazing journey, that has taken us all over the world.

Limoges

 The basketball world at this time is under a little stress due to the NBA Lockout, the market is really moving slowly, but my guy has proven that he is in demand and had a few different teams knocking on his door.(Sorry I had to brag a little, I'm so freaking proud of him!)Kyle is truly living out a childhood dream and it's such an amazing thing to watch unfold.

 I am extremely happy he picked  this team in France. I know it will be an amazing adventure and I can't wait to start it. The beauty of being in France is that we are just train rides away from, Spain, Germany, and Italy just to name a few countries close to us, I know we will totally take advantage and get to see so much. 

I'll be going out there possibly for a week at the end of August and then for a more permanent stay at the end of October. What really excites me is that I'll be able to run the Paris Marathon in April, which will knock a dream off of my bucket list. I also plan on learning French, which I hope to master in the two years we are over there. 

 I can't wait to share our journey with you.  This blog started as an outlet while we were overseas and I was experiencing so many new things, while missing home so very much. What this blog has turned into still boggles my mind at times and it is truly a huge passion and part of my life.

So, we'll see what France brings us, I know it will be nothing but great things.  

Joie de Vivre!

Every New Beginning Comes From Some Other Beginnings End.

Quote of the day.

Happy Hump Day Loves, so excited we are half way through the week. It's so beautiful here in New York, I took advantage of the great weather last night by getting in a great run and I plan on doing the same tonight.  I hope you have an amazing Wednesday, do something for YOU today because you deserve it! 

Countdown to the McCarrick family vacation in LBI: 3 Days! Yippee, this week is flying by, which is great because that means in three days I'll be down in Long Beach Island with my family enjoying a relaxing week at  the shore, in our oceanfront house. This is by far my favorite week of the year, to me nothing is better then the beach and family. 

Today's quote which I'm pretty sure I've shared with you earlier this year but  l love it so much that I had to use it again. It's from the band Semisonic's song, Closing Time. I love this song and it was recently used in the cute romantic comedy, Friends with Benefits. (Go see it, Justin Timberlake is hot and Mila Kunis is even hotter.) There is one line that sticks out in this song, it couldn't be more true, and I'm definitely relating to it at this time in my life. 

Don't be of afraid of change, you never know what opportunities await you when trying something new and different.  Pardon me when I say, take life by the balls and go big! Explore, Dream and Conquer. 

Enjoy!

Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end.

-Semisonic, Closing Time

Words.

I am a big believer in the power of words, if you read this blog on the regular I think you'd pick that up pretty quickly with my, "Quote of the Day". I surround myself with words,literally, my apartment is filled with quotes to motivate and inspire, to tell me to stop being a big baby, to let me know that life is pretty freaking sweet.

Words have an incredible power, they can build you up when you are feeling down, they can motivate you to take on your biggest goals and dreams. Words can move you to tears, they can make you want to be better.

Words can make a relationship stronger, words can also tear a relationship apart. Words can ease your pain. Words can haunt you. Words can make you question. Words can help you decide. Words can leave a positive impact on your life and help you along your journey.

Life is better with words.

Here are some of the words that surround me.

Quote of the day.

It's a beautiful Tuesday here in New York City and I plan on having an super productive day. I hope you have an amazingly great day as well, wherever you are in the world. I have some pretty exciting things going on right now in my life , and as much as I am excited , I am also very nervous. (So typical!) My awesome manfriend assured me that everything will work itself out and can be really great for our journey together. I will share the big life changing news in a few days, let's just say things need to be finalized.

After work today I am really looking forward to a great run, my next marathon is less then 12 weeks away. I am running the Nike Women's Marathon with Team in Training, raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This marathon is big for me, it's something I need to do for myself, prove to me that I am capable of achieving a long time dream, qualifying for the Boston Marathon. It's great that I've set a personal goal and helping people at the same time, it's very rewarding.

Countdown to the McCarrick family vacation in LBI: 4 Days!  Please LBI hurry up and get here, I need to be relaxing in the sand with my family. I hope these next few days are kind to me. PLEASE BE KIND! PLEASE BE KIND!

Today's quote is from an Unknown Author, I found it on HolliesQuotes.com. I've said this before about a few quotes which proves how awesome a great quote is, I saw this quote today and it was exactly what I needed.

You can't be scared of what life throws at you, enjoy the process. Don't be afraid to try something, what's the worst that can happen? So what if you fail every once in awhile, failure makes you appreciate the good things even more when they come along. Trust your gut, give all of yourself.

Enjoy!

“Its impossible,” said pride. “Its risky,” said experience. "Its pointless,” said reason. “Give it a try,” whispered the heart.

-Unknown Author

Quote of the day + A Tune.

Oh Monday, how are you already here? I hope the weekend treated you all well. I had a pretty fantastic weekend, it was the first time in a very long time that the Manfriend an I had no place to be, we really took advantage of this rarity.  We did things around the apartment, got in some great workouts, did some "couple" things and spent some time with both of our families. We also received some pretty life changing info, which I wish I could share with you at this moment, but you'll have to wait a little longer. Sorry if you hate suspense, I apologize.

I plan on making this Monday a great one, because why not? I'm twelve short weeks away from the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco, and I feel like I am more committed then ever to my running and my goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. So, today after work a great workout is a must which will also help put me in a great of mind to get through the week, I love the power of a great workout. 

Countdown to the McCarrick family vacation in LBI: 5 Days! 

I wish there was a fast forward button I could press to speed this week up, I need to be on the sand! I am really hoping the week is kind to me and I get through it without any road bumps. (Here's hoping!) 

Today's quote is from the fantastic band, Modest Mouse, and their song, Float On. I love this song and I am going to be honest when I say, I really dislike that Lupe Fiasco totally ruined this amazing song by sampling it and trying to make it his own. Remember, be yourself not a second rate version of someone else.

Anyway, enough of my ranting, back to the quote from Modest Mouse's Float On. The words are great and lets us know that even when things get hard and heavy, we'll get through it. Life isn't supposed to be perfect, that's what makes it interesting. So float on my friends! 

Enjoy! 

And we'll all float on alright
Already we'll all float on
Alright don't worry even if things end up a bit to heavy
We'll all float on alright
Already we'll all float on
-Modest Mouse, Float On



Quote of the day.

I love Sunday's! I hope you are all having an amazing weekend, and for everyone enduring this heat wave, I hope you are finding a way to stay cool. I am enjoying the morning, writing to you, drinking some delicious coffee and planning out my day. I love productive Sunday's they set me up for having a great week. 

Yesterday the manfriend enjoyed a day at his parent's pool, trying to stay cool from the crazy heat wave we are in. It was a really great time, hanging out with his brother and his fiance', Kyle's sister and of course some Skinnygirl margaritas. It was the perfect way to enjoy our Saturday. 

Countdown to the McCarrick Family Vacation in LBI: 6 Days!

Wahoo, we are less then a week away from being down at the lovely Jersey Shore. The manfriend and I are planning out what we'll cook for our cooking night, we figured we'd fix some yummy Greek food, that I actually miss from our days abroad. 

Today's quote comes from Nicholas Spark's, Dear John. I really enjoyed this book and this was one of the quotes I underlined. In life you have to have some form of passion, it can be passion for anything but it has to be something. If you have no passions, your kind of just floating through life. Make it fun, make it interesting, go to hell and back for your passions, you deserve to have passion in your life. 

Enjoy!

The saddest people I've ever met in life are the ones who don't care deeply about anything at all. Passion and satisfaction go hand in hand, and without them, any happiness is only temporary, because there's nothing to make it last. 

-Nicholas Sparks, Dear John

Quote of the day.

Happy Saturday Lovers, make it a amazing one. It has been so hot in New York, it's unreal and it puts me in such a lethargic mood, I don't want to leave the air conditioning in my apartment. I'm going to beat the laziness and have a productive little Saturday, blog a bit, get in a great workout and see where the day will take me, hopefully that will be a pool with a Skinnygirl margarita in my hand. 


Last night despite the heat, the manfriend and I went out for a very yummy dinner at a great sushi spot on Staten Island called Fushimi. The atmosphere is great and the sushi is delicious, we tried a coconut sangria which was out of this world good, definitely a great spot for good food and conversation.


Countdown to the McCarrick Family Vacation in LBI: 7 Days!
One week, hallelujah!  I can't wait and I know my family is just as excited. My mom checked the extended forecast and it looks like the weather is going to be great down in Long Beach Island, I definitely need to work on my tan. 

Today's quote is from the website EDGE Keynote. This site is all about giving you inspiration, and I found some in today's quote. I am a huge believer in bucket lists, the manfriend and myself have an official "List", with all the things we want to accomplish on there. Some are individual goals, some are things we want to experience together. We refresh it every now and then, adding to it, and checking off things accomplished. It's a great way to keep your life in constant positive motion. 


Enjoy!

Close your eyes and imagine that you are being interviewed on your 100th birthday. What are the top five things you would love to be able to tell the reporters that you have accomplished? Now open your eyes and write them down. You have a fresh start on life. 

- EDGE Keynote

Quote of the day + A Nice Tune. (Love!)

Hey Loves, I'm sure happy it's Friday, super excited for the weekend. I hope you all have some pretty awesome stuff planned, be safe and  have fun because YOU deserve it!

So with Friday here, the Manfriend and I really don't have any set plans, you need a weekend like this every once and a while, to chill and relax. I do have my first team marathon practice tomorrow morning with Team in Training, which I am stoked about, I can not wait to beast the Nike Women's Marathon in October!

By the way, I am writing this post on my new iPhone 4, wahoo! I needed a phone so badly and finally had time to go pick one up, I have to say this phone is pretty sweet, there's still a lot I need to learn about this cool gizmo. If anyone has any cool apps to recommend, please  don't hesitate.

Last night after picking up my new phone, the Manfriend and I headed to one of our favorite spots on our little island, Pasticceria Bruno, which I've mentioned before. Their food is delicious, with a great atmosphere, it's always busy but you never have to wait long, it's what I like to call, organized chaos. We ordered a very yummy eggplant parmagian appetizer, which could of been an entree, their portions are very generous. Thank god we ordered salads for our entrees  or we would of been stuffed. Dinner was great and I love going out in the middle of a work week, it definitely de-stresses me.

Countdown 'til the McCarrick Family Vacation in LBI: 8 Days!

 Wahoo, this time next week will be my last day of work for a week, I'll probably have some last minute packing and I'll be feeling like a little kid on Christmas Eve, LBI is the best present of the year. I was telling the Manfriend that you could send me to the most beautiful beach on the planet and I probably wouldn't appreciate it as much as I do with LBI, call me crazy but this place has my heart.

Today's quote comes from a great song you've might of heard before called, Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Even thought it's from the movie, Wizard of Oz, which has scared the crap out of me since I was a kid, ( The Cowardly Lion freaked me out, how ironic that he was called the coward.) I still love this song. I believe everyone has a "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" moment, every once in a while, I know I do.

We are all searching for our place, while dealing with everyday bullshit, trying to stay focused on what we really want in life. We all want to get over our personal rainbow and see all of our hopes and dreams come true. I believe you can get there, it may take a lot of hard work but it will most certainly be worth it. And hey, if happy little bluebirds can fly above the rainbow, there's no reason you can't too.

Enjoy and Never Stop Climbing!
All My Love,
Meggie

Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue,
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true.

Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far
Behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me.

Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly.
Birds fly over the rainbow.
Why then, oh why can't I?

-Judy Garland, Somewhere Over the Rainbow

I also included my favorite version of this amazing song, it's by Hawaiian singing  legend, IZ. If there were ever to be a montage of my life, this would be my theme song.

Have a great Friday and weekend.

Quote of the day. (Thursday Thoughts.)

There is something I absolutely love about Thursdays, I think mainly it's the anticipation it brings that the weekend is near, which is always a good thing. Today is yet another scorcher in New York City, just lovely, stay out of the heat if you can loves. 

Last night after a long day of work and a great yoga session that lasted until 7:30pm, I decided to cook the manfriend and myself some homemade chicken parmigiana.I have the book, Julie and Julia, to thank for my current desire to cook. Julie and Julia is about Julie Powell's journey to cook every recipe in Julia Child's, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Julie Powell's story in this great book is very relate able to my current situation. I love when you fond a read that makes you realize you aren't the only person who is going through some soul searching.

Anyway, back to me cooking some yummy chicken parm, it actually turned out really well. I knew this because my Manfriend was in a food coma after devouring his plate. I'm learning that I really, really like to cook, not in a domestic, lady in the kitchen, kind of way, I like the challenge of tackling a recipe. So cheers, to finding a new interest.


Countdown to the McCarrick Family Vacation in

Long Beach Island: 9 Days!

Yay, another day closer to a week down by the seashore! Yesterday, I ordered some new bathing suits from Victoria's Secret, I'm surprised my bags aren't packed already. I really can't wait to have my feet in the sand, I desperately need an escape from the craziness that is, New York City. 


Today's quote is from an Unknown author, I found it on HolliesQuotes, in the "Life" section. This is a pretty cool quote, I had to share it with you. Life is a funny thing, it never goes as planned. The best thing we can do is never give give up. Keep going after you want in life, even if you get knocked on your ass more times then you'd care to. Some "life" bumps and bruises make the ride more exciting, especially when you reach one of your desired destinations. 


Enjoy!

I finally learned what life is about: hanging on when your hearts had enough and giving more when you wanna give up.

-Unknown 

Last night after a long day of work and a great yoga session that lasted until 7:30pm, I decided to cook the manfriend and myself some homemade chicken parmigiana. I've been having the urge to cook recently and I think I have the awesome book, Julie and Julia, to thank. 

Quote of the day. (Big Things!)

Hey the Loves, have a happy Wednesday, make it a great one. We are in the middle of a heat wave here in New York City which makes commuting into Manhattan not very fun, my hair hasn't looked good all week, thank you humidity! Please stay cool! 

Big News!!! I've been contemplating doing another marathon for a while now, it has really been bothering me that I hadn't signed up for one in 2011. Well, that all changed yesterday when on impulse I registered for the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco this October. I'm so excited about the potential I have running this 26.2 mile marathon, I am going for a Boston Qualifier, which means I have to run pretty darn fast, which I am willing to do. I'll be running this marathon as a part of Team in Training, I figured since I coach for Team in Training, I might as well run for them myself. So, marathon training officially starts today, since this race is mid October. 

Countdown to the McCarrick Family Vacation in Long Beach Island: 10 Days!

I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to the first week in August. I look forward to this week every year because this is when my family heads down to the Jersey Shore, and no it isn't your Snookie, fist pumping, Jersey Shore. Long Beach Island is a great, family, beach town and we vacation here every summer. It's a week to relax, enjoy the sun, the sand, the waves, midday naps, great food and family of course. This will be my nephew William's first LBI experience and even though he is only a few weeks old, we'll be sure to take tons of pictures so he can always remember his first trip down the shore. So, I'm powering through the next week and a half with Long Beach Island on my mind. 

Today's quote is less of a quote and more of a simple thought. Life can get hectic and stressful, do your best to be yourself, worry less about material things and focus more on things that will make your story more interesting. Be an adventurer, be you, be great.

Enjoy! 

Live Simply.

Quote of the day.

Happy Tuesday my beautiful bloggers and readers, have a great day and stay cool, it's a hot one here in New York. I got up a little earlier then normal, because I went to bed rather early last night, but now I'm enjoying some yummy espresso the manfriend made for me, watching SportsCenter of course and blogging to you guys. I love it when I get to enjoy my mornings. 

Yesterday I had to take my 16 year old puppy, Cobi,  to the vet, I was so nervous. I could tell he was nervous as well because he hid between my legs in the waiting room, the usually very vocal pup was silent, not a peep came out of him, it broke my heart. The vet gave Cobi the thumbs up, he was actually pretty healthy for a dog his age, the vet told me he still has a lot of pep in his step and could live until 20. I couldn't help but smile, this dog has become a member of my family, and he isn't ready to leave us yet, he'll let me know when he is. I love you Cobi! 

I can't wait to get in a running/yoga session today after work, it is much needed. Sometimes you have to kick your own butt in a workout, to let yourself know you've still got it. 

Today's quote comes from author, Tracey Steffey. I dig quotes like this, it's a great quote to live your life by. Life is short, love yourself and others. Be true to you, be yourself, even if people might find you different. Challenge yourself, make your life more interesting. Your life is one great story, when you go for it your story is going to be one epic journey.

Enjoy!

Be yourself, truthfully
Accept yourself, gratefully
Value yourself, joyfully
Forgive yourself, completely
Treat yourself, generously
Balance yourself, harmoniously
Bless yourself, abundantly
Trust yourself, wholeheartedly
Empower yourself, prayerfully
Give yourself, enthusiastically
Express yourself, radiantly

-Tracey Steffy 

Weekend in Pictures

Pretty. 

Teammates. 

Buds.

Cheeser.

Popping Bottles.

Enjoying the ride into Philly.

Kyle and his buddy Zach.

<3

Some of our delicious food at Buddakan.

The Birthday Boy.

Having fun at Whisper in Philly!

My new Lululemon Gear.

The Adidas Sneaker I got for my nephew William.

The awesome personalized flash drive Kyle got me so I can Blog on the gooooo.

Quote of the day.

Hey loves, happy Monday! Hope everyone had a great weekend! I am sorry for not posting yesterday, I hate when that happens. The manfriend and I were in Philadelphia and got a late start on the day after a really fun night, I'll make it up to you guys, I promise!

I'm actually off from work today, so I plan on having a productive day. I have to take my old puppy man, Cobi, to the vet. He's so old and not really himself these days, we'll see what the vet can do. This pup has been with me since the forth grade, I'm twenty five so he's really getting up there, hopefully his doctor's visit goes smoothly. 

Yesterday the manfriend and I stopped at one of my favorite malls in the country, King of Prussia, right outside of Philly. This mall is awesome and what made our trip even better is the mall's new Lululemon store. This is my dream store, it's a running and yoga shop. My manfriend was so sweet and picked up a new mat for me, I was so excited, like a kid on Christmas. I plan on putting my new mat to the test today. It might sound silly and you may be thinking a mat is a mat, but believe me when I say some mats are better then others.

When we were leaving Lulelemon, Kyle (manfriend) picked up their business card, the front of the card was filled with different quotes, I knew I loved this store. So today's quote actually comes off the Lululemon business card, it's by author, Brandi L. Bates. I absolutely love this quote, it motivates me to go out there and become the best me. No negativity only positive, good vibrations.

Enjoy!

Successful people replace the words "wish", "should" and "try" with " I WILL".

-Brandi L. Bates.

And the Winner is....

July's Giveaway Winner of an Awesome Pair of 

TOMS Classic 101 Sunglasses is...

Barb from Bands & Bows!!!

Congrats Barb!!! 

Pick out your pair of TOMS CLASSIC 101 Sunnies!!!

Thank you to all that participated.

 They'll be many more giveaways to come!!! 

Thanks for following and reading 

Jeans and Tees and Travel and Cakes!!!

xoxo

Meggie

Quote of the day.

Happy weekend and happy Saturday Loves, have a great day! I'm sitting at my desk, in my apartment, looking out over the park, it's such a peaceful Saturday morning. I absolutely love being able to enjoy the mornings, it's actually when I prefer to blog, I have fresh creative juices flowing after a good nights sleep.

It's going to be a fun filled Saturday for the manfriend and myself, we are  heading to Pennsylvania. First we are stopping at Kyle's best friend's house, to visit him (Mike), his wife (Carolyn) and their beautiful baby boy (Auden). I am really looking forward to seeing them and enjoying the afternoon. After our visit with them we are heading to Philadelphia to celebrate Kyle's teammate from Notre Dame's birthday. It should really be great day and I am so looking forward to seeing everyone. 

Today's quote comes from Randy Pausch, you might know him from the amazing book, The Last Lecture. Randy was a professor at Carnegie Mellon University when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He gave a speech which famously became his, "Last Lecture", where he discussed living out his childhood dreams. I know I suggest many books to read and songs to listen to but this book is a MUST read, it will change your life, I know it changed mine. 

The quote from Randy that I am sharing with you is a simple one but says so much. In life we can either be a go getter, fighting through adversity, challenging ourselves, accepting that life isn't always going to go as planned, keeping a positive attitude. That's living! Or we can give up when times get hard, not giving yourself credit where credit is due, even if you didn't succeed but tried, feeling bad for yourself if you didn't get what you wanted, not rising up to challenges. 

 I'm choosing the go getter lifestyle, I know life isn't perfect, it's life. I know at times everything can seem like it's going wrong and then the next minute you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. If you trust your gut, and your heart, if you give all of yourself, you'll see life isn't hell, it's just a really crazy roller coaster. 

Enjoy!

You just have to decide if you’re a Tigger or an Eeyore.

-Randy Pausch

I choose to be a TIGGER!