Weekend Roundup.

What an amazingly fun weekend this was, I hate that it is now Monday and I'm back to the weekly grind. I've said before that I never wanted to be one of those people that rushed through Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to get to the weekend but I believe this has happened.

I have become a weekend warrior and I'm not complaining, it's hard during the work week to find "me" time, with work, workouts and other commitments, I really don't have time to do much for me. So when the weekend arrives I'm all about the fun.

Friday

The manfriend and I woke up at 4am to catch a flight out to Kansas City for a wedding weekend. We had a 6:30am flight, early I know but I actually prefer it. You avoid long lines at check-in and security and there is rarely a delay because it's one of the first flights of the day. I absolutely love traveling throughout the United States, because even though your traveling into other States it still feels like home.

We had a connection flight before arriving in Kansas City, which landed us in Memphis, Tennessee. I was quite hungry and in need of a coffee, so we grabbed a Starbucks and found a airport diner to get some grub. I wish we had more time in Memphis because there were tons of ads for some delicious Memphis BBQ. There will definitely be a future trip planned for this sole purpose, BBQ.

Our second flight was short and got us into Kansas City in under an hour, an awesome flight after logging the ten hour flights this year when we were traveling back a forth from Greece. Upon landing we were greeted by Kieran, Kyle's old college roommate and teammate from Notre Dame, we also connected with another teammate Luke and all headed on our journey to Wichita.

We were told that the drive from Kansas City to Wichita would only be an hour and a half, that turned into a three hour drive and I got to see a new part of the United States. I've never seen so much vast open land in my life, and so many cows. The car ride was quite entertaining to say the least, seeing the Manfriend with his buddies was great, I knew how much he's missed them since his college days. After our three hour trip we were in Wichita and we were ready to party.

Now I'm not exaggerating when I say that this wedding was similar to the Cleary wedding in the movie Wedding Crashers, it was amazing. When we arrived at our hotel there was a wedding weekend itinerary for us to follow. Our first stop was the Wedding Rehearsal dinner, which was very elegant and intimate.

It was so nice catching up with all of Kyle's Notre Dame friends and teammates, reminiscing of past memories. The bride to be Lael and groom Colin, were so calm. I know that if I was getting married the following day, that would not be the case. Towards the end of the dinner, there was a very cute slide show of bride and groom, I love seeing how love grows and evolves.

After the Rehearsal Dinner, we all went to a local bar called, The Fox and Hound, where we continued to way into the night. This was a fun filled night and I knew that the wedding was going to be just as fun.

Saturday

The manfriend and I were planning on sleeping in, but the early bird inside of us didn't agree. We were up by 8am only coming in from the night before a few hours earlier. We went down for some breakfast compliments of the hotel and I might of drank a gallon of coffee, it was much needed.

We had a few hours before we had to head out to the wedding mass, so we lazed about in our room, regrouping ourselves from the long night.

Wedding Time

The mass for Colin and Lael was held at St. Mary's Cathedral in downtown Wichita. The Cathedral was so beautiful and the flower arrangements were gorgeous. The guests were serenaded by a mini orchestra, which set the mood and had us anxious to see the wedding party and bride.

I love seeing the look on the grooms face when he sees his bride for the first time, Colin smiled and you could see the love. The bride look stunning in her dress and as happy as a princess. The ceremony was so nice, and we all cheered when the priest announced them as husband and wife.

The reception was out of this world, it was held at the bride's parents house under a huge spectacular tent, there was roughly 500 or so guests there to celebrate Colin and Lael. The setup was gorgeous,the flowers so beautiful and elegant, the lighting was magical, the cake was gorgeous. We had a blast when we hit the dance floor, enjoying some hits from the band.

The wedding was one I'll remember forever, the manfriend and I were so happy to be a part of it.

Sunday

It was a bad choice to schedule our flight out of Wichita at 7:00am, we hardly got any sleep and we had a long morning of travel ahead of us. We had a connecting flight in Dallas, Texas. We enjoyed a nice breakfast and I think I had six shots of espresso in my caramel macchicato, yet I still passed out on our flight back to New York.

When couldn't wait to get home and relax, after a very long weekend of fun. We ordered a pizza from out favorite spot, Cafe Milano and settled in for the night. I don't know how I managed to stay awake for the Game 3 of the NBA Finals, but I did and was disappointed that Miami took home the Win.

 

Highlight

The best thing about this weekend was spending it with my manfriend. I literally fell in love with him all over again, and I don't think it was because we were at a wedding, where the setting is romantic. It was other other moments, like traveling with him and taking in the Midwest lifestyle with him. I love that he loves me for me and enjoys spending time with me, like I do with him.

 

Weekend Roundup

With Memorial Day Weekend being the official start of Summer, I was ready to kick it off with a bang. I live for summer, hot days, long nights, BBQ's, family, friends, vacations, the beach and waiting to find out where the Manfriend and I will be next. This Memorial Day Weekend was awesome, I got to do so much and I enjoyed every moment of it.

Friday


On Friday I learned that I am pretty good at multitasking. I've been complaining to the Manfriend that by having such a busy schedule lately I never really get quality "ME" time, which I feel is so important not only for yourself but for your relationship. So I decided on Friday I would do something about it, after having a great lunch from Beacon Side Door, which I will definitely be writhing about in more depth soon, I had a half hour left in my lunch hour so I used that time to do something for me. I went down the street to this peaceful little eyebrow threading spot, I've been bitching about my brows for weeks and this sweet lady turned my frown upside down by threading my brows in less then ten minutes and making me feel like a woman again.


With twenty minutes left in my "ME" time outing, I headed over to Henri Bendel's to see if they carried a particular sunglasses brand and a very particular style I've been looking for. Well I hit the jackpot when I entered Bendel's, not only did they carry the brand they had only one pair left of this certain style I've been lusting over for the past three months. Let just say I left this fabulous store with a smile on my face and I was protected from the sun. I went back to work a very happy camper and I was ready to end the work week and start the long weekend.


Friday night the Manfriend and I joined his parents for a bite to eat, at Jimmy Max, a local spot that Kyle's good friend's family owns. It was such a nice time, I love hearing stories from their youth and seeing how happy they still are today. I enjoyed a yummy Jimmy Max bar pie called the Max Special, which is marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil accompanied by a Blue Moon beer.


After Jimmy Max we headed to one of my favorite places on earth, Barnes and Noble. I absolutely love this place, I could literally spend hours here reading magazines, browsing for my next great read and enjoying a coffee. I hate that I don't get to go here as much as I used to and on Friday night I vowed I would change that. I left Barnes and Noble with what I came for and was ready to settle in for the night.


Saturday

When I woke up on Saturday I was so happy to see how beautiful it was outside, I couldn't wait to get the day started. I headed to my 8am practice with my Team and Training Fast Track ladies and we set out for our 5 mile run on the beach. I awarded each of my Rock Stars of the week with a copy of Bethenny Frankel's, A Place of Yes, since they remind me of Bethenny because of their "go getter" attitude. 

Thanks Noel for the pictures!

Our run was fantastic, even in the heat, we had such a great turnout and it was awesome to see the Team takeover the beach. I can't wait to announce this week's Rock Star, it is very well deserved.  We are less then two weeks until the big day, they race on June 11th and I can't wait to see how well they all do.

After practice I hurried home to shower and get ready to head down to the Jersey Shore. The manfriend and I were going to go meet up with his brother Ryan, his fiance' and a bunch of our friends to have a BBQ and enjoy the amazing weather. I love taking day trips with the manfriend, I love the feeling of getting in the car, listening to great music, enjoying a coffee and great conversation. We were expecting to hit major traffic because of the holiday but much to our surprise we didn't hit any. I was so excited to see everyone, we enjoyed some really yummy food, some delicious Skinnygirl margaritas and of course some great conversation. We stopped by the beach for a few and it was our friend's baby Auden's first trip to the beach and he loved it.

Auden's first beach experience.

Later in the night we headed over the the Point Pleasant Boardwalk, to go on some rides and play some games. Now I am not one for rides but the manfriend convinced me actually go on quite a few, I didn't puke or feel dizzy, the night was a success. I actually went on my first ever roller coaster. I know I am 25 and your probably thinking, what the hell were you waiting for, I just don't like the danger factor that comes along with a roller coaster but I let that fear go for the night and really enjoyed the experience.

Sunday

We woke up early Sunday morning and had a nice breakfast before we hit the road back home. I had a piece of the most delicious crumb cake from a local bakery in Point Pleasant called Muller's. People wait on line for an hour to get their hands on this stuff and I would do the same, this stuff was yummy.

On our way home we stopped at the Jersey Shore Outlets for a little browsing, I love that my manfriend loves, shopping, malls and outlets as much as I do. We weren't planning on really buying anything, that was until we went into the Banana Republic and J.Crew shops, the deals were to good to pass up and we left the outlets with a few bags, but didn't spend to much which is always awesome.

After our little shopping excursion, we got home and relaxed a little before heading to another BBQ. My aunt had all of my family over for a nice Memorial Day BBQ. I love catching up with my family, it seems like we are all over the place these days and I don't get to see everyone as much as I'd like. It's crazy to see every one's families expanding and seeing my generation head into adulthood, life seriously moves so fast.

Brendan, Lia and baby Will.

Monday


I was planning on running the local Memorial Day 4 miler on Monday morning, but I woke up a 6am to the sound of thunder and after competing in a half marathon only a week earlier, I decided to sit this race out. I enjoyed a nice relaxing morning with the manfriend, who fixed me a yummy breakfast and coffee of course.


I knew I couldn't relax for long though, I am training for an Half Ironman and since I didn't run the race I had to get in a workout. I headed over to the gym, got into the pool and challenged myself to a mile swim. I was a lifeguard all through high school but swimming has never been my strong suit and since I have to swim 1.2 miles August 21st, it's time to step up my game. This mile swim was tough, I'm in shape from running and yoga but swimming is a totally different beast, it works your arms, legs, core and makes the lungs burn. When I completed the 66 laps, I was so proud of myself and I also felt like I was going to die, mission accomplished.


The rest of the day was spent as my manfriend's parents house and my parents house, I love that we've created this routine and make it a point to spend quality time with the people who've done most for us in our lives. I think the highlight of the weekend was Monday night seeing my manfriend getting excited to watch the Real Housewives of New Jersey with me, I find this hysterical and I also love his impression of Teresa's husband Joe, "I don't know Tre."


This was an amazing start to the summer and it's only just begun. We have so much to look forward to, so many exciting things coming our way, like the arrival of my nephew, William, our annual trip to Long Beach Island, my Half Ironman and Kyle's brother's wedding. So many great things to come.

Weekend Roundup

I had an awesome weekend, hope yours was just as great, if not better! Ever since I've been back in New York and becoming more and more settled into our new place, I feel I can enjoy the weekends more. This weekend was full of some fun, some challenges, relaxation, and of course family. 

Friday

I got out of work a little earlier then usual because of my half marathon Saturday morning. On my commute home, I stopped at the farmers market by the ferry and  picked up a beautiful bouquet of lilacs. I loved that by purchasing these pretty flowers, I was supporting my local farmers market.

Friday night the manfriend and I went to dinner with our great friends James and Elisa, we went to a great Italian spot called, Pasticceria Bruno. I love this place and the manfriend and I frequent this restaurant. It's always hopping, the food is great as well as the service.  It was a really nice night out, I enjoyed a yummy salad and a glass of wine. We ran into my brother and sister-in-law as we were getting ready to leave, that's the great place about where I'm from, it's a city but it has that small town charm where you can run into family throughout your day. 

Pretty Lilacs from the Farmers Market

Saturday

I had to wake up rather early Saturday morning, 4:00am to be exact, to get ready to compete in the Brooklyn Half Marathon. I was nervous about this marathon, I had a certain time I wanted to hit, so I had a little added pressure but when I woke up Saturday morning, all that nervousness seemed to disappeared .

The manfriend drove a couple of my Team and Training teammates into Coney Island, where we hopped on the train to the start of the race in Prospect Park. Now instead of being nervous I was excited to get this race started. When you see all the other runners, there is nothig but good vibes and I live for good vibrations. I was nice and relaxed, I had a great playlist on my iPod to helo me through the next 13.1 miles.

When the race went off I got into a nice rhythm, hitting the mile markers with ease, I was feeling great. That is until the heat set in, it was very humid and the air was thick but I wasn't going to let this stop me from giving a maxium effort. This was my  first time runing  for Team in Training, and I have to say when it comes to cheer spots along the course they were phenominal! They gave me the confidence boost I needed to conquer this beast of a half marathon.

Finishing the Brooklyn Half Marathon with a smile on my face.

With a mile to go, my face lit up and I realized that it wasn't even 9:00am and I finished a 13.1 mile race, this actually made me feel like a badass. I did't hit the time I was going for but I was really proud of myself, I broke some mental barriers in this race and I'm learning that not every race is going to be a PR but you do walk away learning something new about yourself.

We planned on going to a local food festival called Uncorked, but due to the silly rain we've been having, we cancelled our plans. We did however stumble across something awesome, a church around the corner from us was having a yard sale, and what we walked away with for the amount of money we spent, felt like we were robbing these people. Kyle spotted a great end table that would look perfect in our living room for all of our coffee table books. We also found a brand new espresso machine (never used) hiding in the corner. Me being the coffee addict I am had to have it. Well when we asked the gentleman how much he was asking for the table a espresso machine, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. He told us $5.00 each! This was quite the steal and I couldn't wait to get our new purchases back to the apartment.

We cleaned up the end table with some Murphy's Lemon Oil, which makes older wooden pieces look as good as new. We placed it next to Kyle's man chair, added some books and it really looks great. It's awesome when you find something like this for so cheap.

Loving our new end table.

Our Brand New $5.00 Espresso Machine!!

Saturday night we went to a local pub, Jody's and enjoyed some yummy food, beers and great conversation. I love nights like this and it makes me fall more and more in love with the manfriend when I see how much he enjoys these nights as well.

Sunday

This was the first morning in a very long time where I had no place to be. I didn't have a practice, race or work, so the plan was to sleep in. Well at 7:00am I was wide awake, my body won't allow me to sleep in, instead I put on a pot of coffee for the manfriend and me to enjoy and relaxed. I love the mornings, I love my apartment the most in the morning, it's so cozy. I love curling up working on a blog post, watching SportsCenter and planning out my day.

Since it was another dreary day, the manfriend and I took a trip to New Jersey to do a little shopping. We went to the Menlo Park Mall, it was great, we got some stuff for the apartment. I picked up some clothes at Urban Outfitters and also picked up a pair of Hunter Boots. Kyle added to his ever growing collection of white v-neck tee's.

My new Hunter Rain Boots.

While we were walking the manfriend pointed out that this is what he misses most about Greece. When I asked what he meant, he explained that whe we were in Greece we got to spend a lot more time doing things together and that he really missed that time we shared. My heart literally melted when I heard him explain, I obviously felt the same way but I am a lady so I thought it was just a common mushy girl feeling, it's good to know the feeling is mutual.



Sunday evening Kyle's brother and fiance stopped by are brought us a really cool house warming gift. They know we are wine lovers and gave us this awesome wine barrel accompanied with a bottle of merlot. The wine barrel is for us to save our wine corks, which we were already doig but we only had them in an old jar, this was way cooler. It was so nice of them to do that for us and I look forward to enjoying wine with them at the new place.

Our Cool Cork Collector from Ryan and Tara

I couldn't believe the weekend was over! They always go way to fast. I got a lot done this weekend and I am ready for what this work week has in store for me. I begin serious training for my Half Ironman this week, while this scares me a little, it also has me excited to tackle this huge goal on my bucket list.

How was your weekend?!?

Weekend Roundup

Hey there loves, how was your weekend? Mine was pretty busy, productive and relaxing all in one, which for me indicates that the weekend was a success. I live for weekends like this, doing a little bit of everything and doing it with great company.

Friday

I was so excited for Friday to get here, it was my first week back at work after living overseas and I knew it would be an adjustment getting back into the swing of things and by Thursday night I was so exhausted.

 Another reason I was looking forward to Friday was the grand opening of Sprinkles Cupcakes in NYC, I am a cupcake junky and a sucker for Sprinkles. So on my lunch break I headed over to Sprinkles on 60th and Lex and waited with the other cupcake conesuers for about forty minutes to get my hands on some yummy goodness. Well it was definitely worth the wait, I went a little overboard to say the least, I left Sprinkles with 18 cupcakes, some to share with my co-workers and some to bring home to my family My nephews were coming up to visit so I had to have sweets for them, or I'd be the worst aunt ever.

I made sure that I stuck to the classics on this visit to Sprinkles, I would broaden my horizons on my next visit. So I purchased an assortment of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, red velvet and black and whites. I couldn't wait to dig in, I had to control every urge in my body not to jump behind the counter and go to town on the racks and racks of cupcakes. I managed to keep my composure until I brought the box into my parents house, they were just finishing up dinner and I insisted we have the cupcakes, "NOW!" Once they saw what was inside box they concurred. Everyone agreed with me that Sprinkles were most definitely better then Magnolia cupcakes but not quite as yummy as my sister's Fat Bottom Cupcake creations. I chose the classic black and white, which consisted of yummy vanilla buttercream icing and deliciously moist chocolate cake.

It was great to share these sweet treats with my family. What a way to end the busy work week on a sweet note! This was the first time my immediate family was all together since Christmas, I could tell my mom and dad were in their glory and this put such a smile on my face.

Another sweet surprise on Friday was the delivery the manfriend and I recieved at our new place. Our landlord sent us some homemade cookies and the sweetest card welcoming us to the neighborhood. It was such a kind gesture and I'm so happy to have such a great landlord, I know some people who haven't been so lucky.

Sprinkles Cupcakes NYC Grand Opening Day

 

The yummy cookies our landlord baked for us.

Saturday

Saturday was a very funfilled day for me, which started with meeting my running team for practice. Despite the early meeting time, I truly look forward to this every weekend. Coaching has truly become a huge passion of mine and my team makes it so enjoyable for me and let me tell you they are making amazing progress. The race they are training for is three weeks away and I know they are going to beast it. I am so proud of them and their determination, oh and did I mention they are raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, these ladies are truly BAD ASS!

Once practice commenced I headed over to my Nana's house to spend some quality time with her, which I seriously don't do enough. There is something about Nana's house that makes me feel so cozy and safe. For a woman in her 80's she has  quite the memory and I love hearing the stories of her youth. On top of that she made one of my favorite comfort foods, homemade macaroni and cheese. Her recipe is amazing and it really hit the spot.

After my Nana visit, I spent some more necessary  quality time with my sister. I hate that I don't see her as much as I'd like, she is my best friend and living far away from each other truly sucks. We spent most of Saturday afternoon doing what girls do best, SHOP! I love going shopping with my sister because we always leave buying more then we actually need. I helped her pick out an outfit for a dinner she was going to and I knew she would look stunning as usual. I'm excited because I will see her two times in less then two weeks, which is always awesome.

Saturday night the manfriend and I had a date night at our favorite restaurant, Beso. This is a Spanish restaurant which is known greatly for their amazing tapas style cuisine. I always get a little giddy when I know I am going to Beso, the food is that great. We got there pretty early because it gets extremely busy and they don't allow reservations for parties smaller then five. We waited well over but the service is great, they set us up at the bar, got us our usual order of sangria and we ordered their infamous chips and guacamole. When they called our table, I was ready to chow down.

We have a routine when it comes to ordering at Beso, we each pick two items off the tapas menu, so four in total and we always choose the sashimi tuna along with the beef medallion with grilled blue cheese on top (they are out of this world). Then we like to try something new, I picked the BBQ baby back ribs and Kyle went for the eggplant wrapped in bacon. Well our picks didn't let us down, especially the ribs, the meat came off the bone like butter and the smoked bbq flavor was so amazing.

It was another successful trip to Beso. The highlight of our night out was the gentleman sitting at the table next to us, asking me if I was a food critic. He asked this question because I am notorious for taking pictures of any and everything I eat. The poor manfriend has learned to become extremely patient with my habit and I love him for it. I did get to plug my blog which is always cool.

Beso Chips and Guac

Yummy bread and olive dip.

The best sashimi tuna out there! (At least in my eyes!)

BBQ baby back ribs.

Beef medallion with grilled blue cheese

Eggplant/bacon combo.

Sunday

I was bummed sunday morning, because I had to cancel practice with my team due to the horrendous thunderstorms, boo! I was really looking forward to seeing everyone and getting in a great run with my team. Because it was so gross out I decided to do a yoga/core session in the apartment, it was such a great workout and set me up for a great day.

The manfriend and I had a very productive day and got a lot done with our new place. We did our weekly food shopping, went to Bed, Bath and Beyond and got some apartment essentials. But the biggest achievement of the weekend was my acceptance of a piece of furniture that I've fought against for the last few months.

We went to a furniture store to look for a chair to accompany our couch in the living room. I wanted a nice oversized leather club chair, which I've been lusting for the last decade. The manfriend had another idea, he wanted a recliner or as I like to call it a "MAN CHAIR". I was so against this, I didn't want a chair that belongs in a "man cave" in my living room but I am learning to pick my battles. This is just as much his apartment as it is mine and a if he wants a recliner why shouldn't he have one. So we picked one together and I must say it was very comfortable. I will be happy when the day comes when we actually have a house with a "man cave" so I can happily surrender the recliner to the room it was destined to be in.

We then spent a good part of the afternoon at Kyle's parents house. Every Sunday his mom makes delicious sauce and meatballs, which I always look forward to. We enjoyed our yummy food and actually watched, My Big Fat Greek Wedding. You'd think we'd be sick of all things Greek, since we lived there for 7 months but I actually found the movie funnier then ever after living amoungst the Greeks.

All in all is was a wonderful weekend. I got in great workouts, which always makes me happy. Got to do some work on our apartment that is really becoming our home and also got to spend time with the people I love. I wish every weekend could be like this.

Oh yea, how could I forget to congratulate the Chicago Bulls for beating the Miami Heat in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals! Sorry I am a Heat Hater. :)

Weekend Roundup

This was a crazy weekend, one minute I'm in Greece the next minute I'm sitting in my parents house in New York City eating dinner, catching up and not believing how fast this year went, it really is crazy what can happen in a day. Here is a look at the highlights of my weekend, I hope you had a great one as well. 

Friday

After returning from Santorini Thursday night, I spent Friday which was my last day in Greece in Athens. I packed up what was in my manfriend's and my apartment, watched the Royal Wedding, enjoyed lunch from Noodle Bar (this great spot in Nea Smyrni, Athens...if you are ever there you have to check it out), editing pictures from our Santorini trip, visiting our favorite local spot Dos Amigos for our last dinner together in Greece ( Yes, I know it's a Mexican place in Greece, but we like what we like.), saying goodbye to Deon and Amber, some great friends we made while living overseas, and enjoying a Lacta bar while watching Jennifer Aniston in, The Switch.

Friday Highlights

I absolutely loved watching the Royal Wedding, it was so enchanting. I really felt like I was watching a fairytale. The Prince looked so handsome in his military getup and I don't know where to begin with Kate. She looked stunning, the Grace Kelly inspired wedding dress, her hair, her poise, she truly embodied everything you would picture in a Princess. I have to say that Prince William really hit the jackpot.

This Dress was Flawless!

The happy couple.

The Kiss

Grace Kelly and Kate, their dresses are so similar.

 Saturday

On Saturday I said goodbye to Greece,it was really bittersweet. I was anxious to get home, be in our new apartment but Greece was a big chapter of my life and I couldn't believe it was closing. I learned so much about myself this year that as I said in a post earlier this week that I'm really proud of myself and also my relationship with Kyle. It was our first time living together and we did it in a land very unknown to us. I didn't think when my plane took off from Athens en route to New York that I'd get a little choked up, I guess it's this thought I keep having that I may never come to Greece again, a place where I grew, lived and loved. But I'm a mush so I should of known the tears would start falling. 

My flight was relatively smooth despite some turbulence at the beginning of the flight. The person sitting next to me was actually quite normal, which I haven't been so lucky in the past. I got to watch two great films, Black Swan (awesome) and The King's Speech. The King's speech was amazing and I am so happy I got a chance to watch it, which only made me more fascinated with the Royal Family. I think I'm going to head to Barnes and Noble one day this week to pick up a book or two about King George the VI and that era. 

Again tears began to form as we made our final descent into New York. When Jones Beach came into view, the passenger next to me probably thought I was a nut job as I began clapping to myself like an excited four year old. But he doesn't know my relationship with New York and what this city means to me, so I didn't care how crazy he thought I was. When we touched down, I couldn't wait to call my parents and say, "I'm home." It's been a crazy year, and now was a chance to get back on a routine. (I love my New York routine.) 

 When I got home I couldn't wait to see my puppy, he stuck to his promise and didn't pass away while I was overseas. I know that sounds very morbid but he's very old, I got him in the fourth grade and I'm now twenty five that's ancient for a dog and he was there waiting for me like he always has. I told my manfriend that I think I could of possibly broken the poor dogs ribs because I was hugging him so hard. I was also extremely happy to see my parents. My mom fixed me a glass of wine and put on the Bravo channel for me while my dad made my favorite, BBQ chicken, I was in Heaven. It really was crazy to think that earlier in the day I was eating breakfast with Kyle thousands of miles away and here I am sitting in the house where I grew up enjoying a nice meal with my parents, while my dog begged for my chicken. Life is crazy.

Saturday Highlights

Coming back to New York, my family and my puppy. Being away really makes you appreciate what you have back home and in your family.

Brooklyn Bridge, New York City. I took this photo last summer.

He waited for me, my old puppy Cobi.

Sunday 

Sunday morning marked my first practice as a running coach for Team in Training. So say I was nervous was an understatement, but the manfriend assured me that running comes so natural to me that I have nothing to be nervous about. I told him it was more butterflies then anything, I've wanted to coach for so long and now the moment was here and I was given my chance to do what I've dreamed of for so long. I met with the lovely group of women that I'd be training at a local park, some faces were familiar and others I was just meeting for the first time. Our first practice went great, and I couldn't be more proud of these amazing ladies. What they are doing by running for Team in Training is exceptional, they are raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, while achieving their own personal goal. Each woman's story is unique in what got them to join and help the fight against cancer, and this inspires me in so many ways and I couldn't be happier to help them along their amazing journey. I truly mean this when I say, these women are Rock Stars! 

After practice I headed to my neighborhood Starbucks which I've missed so much, the make my drink perfectly and I've been craving their perfection for many weeks, while away. Then it was time to get down to business, getting my apartment in order, food shopping and all that fun stuff. It was a very, very productive Sunday, I love that I transitioned right back into the grind that I love so much as quickly as I did. I don't like wasting time, because time is way to precious to be wasted. I have a lot of great things going on in my life right now and I really feel blessed. 

Sunday Highlights

Arriving at my local park and being able to run and to run as a coach. I was in all my glory, you'd think I was Bill Bowerman ( Legendary track coach for the University of Oregon) coaching Olympic athletes. I was having so much fun and I hope my girls had just as much fun. I can't wait for them to run their race in a few weeks, it will be life changing not only for them but for me as well.

Being home in my new apartment.

Coaching for Team in Training, I'm so excited!

 

Another huge highlight was the capture of Osama Bin Ladin, you can check out my view on the whole situation here,May 2nd Quote of the Day.

Have a great week loves!