Quote of the day.

Hello lovers, happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I had a crazy weekend,and I am actually looking forward to a nice, calm Monday.

Yesterday, my manfriend left for France. Goodbyes are never easy and for some reason this time seemed to be the worst. I think mainly because we have started a life together here in New York, getting our first apartment together. So the thought of him not being back here in our home until the end of December stung and the fact that I won't get out to France until late October hurt a little as well. I am learning that the more time invested in each other, that indeed goodbyes get much more difficult.

I have to thank my family and Kyle's for being so freaking amazing this weekend. They know this isn't the easiest lifestyle but they support and are behind Kyle and I 150%. The manfriend did arrive safely in France and is currently on his way to our new French apartment over in Limoges, I can't wait to see it!

With Kyle being away, I need to step my grind up. I need to keep busy, so I plan on working my butt off, running to keep my mind sane, and doing things for me that will help pass the time until we are reunited in 72 days. So today starts the countdown and the "keeping busy" attitude. I am going to hang out with my sister and nephews who are up from Cape May, New Jersey. We are going to enjoy some Starbucks, a little shopping and for my sister and I, some sisterly bonding because that can make any girl feel better.

Today's quote comes from American author, Diane Ackerman.I found this quote while I was scrolling through my new current obsession, Pinterest. (Check it out, you'll most likely become addicted as well.) I thought this was a sweet quote and it has a rather interesting take on the way your life can be measured.

Enjoy!

I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.

-Diane Ackerman

Quote of the day. + A Nice Tune.

I am so freaking happy it's Friday, it's been a long week. It's another extremely beautiful day in New York City, I'm sad I'll be stuck in my office all day and not outside enjoying this nice weather. I hope you have an awesomely, amazing weekend because you most certainly deserve it. 

Yesterday, the Manfriend and I received a little blow. Originally we thought he'd be heading over to France on Monday but yesterday he got word that he would be leaving Sunday instead. Now I know it's only a day difference but it is still a shock to your system and I don't think I'll ever get used to this lifestyle and how it's so abrupt at times. What is even worse then him leaving on Sunday is that we were also informed that he wouldn't be in the United States for Christmas, this stung the most. I'm sad for him, honestly and maybe a little selfishly, I'm sad for me. The thought of being in our apartment that we've made our home alone on Christmas, makes me want to burst at the seems. But with this disheartening news, there was a ray of light, he does have a trip home of December 28th, which most likely means he'll be home for a short break and be in New York for the New Year. 

Blah, sorry I sound like such a downer these lasts couple of posts, especially since yesterday's post talked heavily about being positive. I apologize for the Debbie Downer attitude I've possessed, and I'm working on that more rosy outlook. I mean I need to seriously shut up! (Am I being to hard on myself? Haha!) 

Are you ready for some mush? Today's quote comes from Paul McCartney and Wing's song, Maybe I'm Amazed. The words to this song get me every time, especially at the end when Sir Paul is singing his heart out. To be honest, I may have used this song for a,"Quote of the day", before but I have no problem with sharing it with you again. 

Lately I feel these words ring true to the Manfriend and my relationship. My guy is so strong in every aspect but I am most impressed with how strong his love for our relationship is. I haven't been making this easy on him as of late, as I am nervous about our next journey together. But he never fails at assuring me that his main goal is to make me happy, which at times makes me feel extremely guilty that he thinks that I'm not happy. I think I worry so much about things because I want us to be forever, and his career gets a little crazy at times and can throw us for a loop. I just need to relax and enjoy the process! 

So thank you Kyle James for always loving me, even when I know I am driving you crazy. 

Enjoy! 

Maybe I'm amazed at the way you love me all the time
Maybe I'm afraid of the way I love you
Maybe I'm amazed at the way you pulled me out of time
And hung me on a line

Maybe I'm amazed at the way I really need you
Baby I'm a man maybe I'm a lonely man
Who's in the middle of something
That he doesn't really understand

Baby I'm a man and maybe you're the only woman
Who could ever help me
Baby won't you help me understand,Oooohh

Baby I'm a man, maybe I'm a lonely man
Who's in the middle of something
That he doesn't really understand

Baby I'm a man and maybe you're the only woman
Who could ever help me
Baby won't you help me understand, oohhh

Maybe I'm amazed at the way you're with me all the time
Maybe I'm afraid of the way I leave you
Maybe I'm amazed at the way you help me sing my song
Right me when I'm wrong
Maybe I’m amazed at the way I really need you-Paul McCartney, Maybe I'm Amazed

Here's Paul singing, Maybe I'm Amazed.

Quote of the day.

Hey beautiful Jeans and Tees and Travel and Cake readers, what a beautiful Thursday it is here in New York. I wish you a very happy Thursday, do something for yourself today, you've earned it! 

I enjoyed a really nice Wednesday night with my Manfriend. He's getting ready for his departure to France, so yesterday after work he picked me up and we went to Macy's for a little shopping. He wanted to pick out some new luggage and I had to pick up a dress or two or three. (Haha) I actually found some pretty sweet pieces that will be accompanying me to France, I know I have to step my fashion game up while over there, which only excites me. I also found a very pretty dress for my manfriend's brother's fiancé's Bridal Shower this Saturday, it should be a really nice time. Oh, and Kyle found luggage, I never knew how expensive luggage actually was, so I have to thank my parents for getting me some last Christmas!  Kyle was saying since we are literally world travelers, he didn't feel bad investing in a great set of luggage, I couldn't agree more.

After our shopping outing, we headed to the best Mexican spot on the island, Mezcals. Oh my yum, I love this place, it's a little hole in the wall but serves up some really fine cuisine. I always order the Chimbombo, which is a delicious vegetable fajita dish, I accompanied that with a coconut margarita and I was as happy as a pig in poop. I know I've said this before but I love mid-week outings, they have a nice way of breaking up the week. 

Topping off the night my Manfriend supplied me with today's quote. He got it off of Crossfit.com, a workout site. (Definitely check it out for a very cool take on fitness) Everyday the CrossFit website posts various workouts, tips and quotes from it's devoted followers. This quote was one posted and it is fantastic, the minute my Manfriend read it to me, I told him to forward that to me because I needed to share this with my Jeans and Tees and Travel and Cakers. 

This quote is about having the right attitude towards things and most importantly the right attitude towards life. If you live with a positive attitude good things will come your way. Life has a really funny way of paying it forward. So smile, life is good, be positive, annoy people with your positivity. 

I prefer to be positive, this isn't always easy to do, living in a world where negativity is always knocking on your door. There is nothing more ugly then a person who only gives off negativity, putting people down and having something to say about everyone's life decision. It's better to focus on your life and chasing your goals then worrying about what everyone else is doing, because it's eventually going to jump up and bite you in the ass. Just like positivity coming back to you, you can be sure that negativity acts the same way.

Enjoy! 

Our attitude towards life determines life's attitude towards us.
-John N. Mitchell

Quote of the day.

Yay for Wednesday, have fun getting over the Hump! I hope your week is going well, mine is going ok. I'm getting a little sad that my Manfriend will be leaving me soon but I have to stay positive, we are about to start another extremely amazing chapter in our journey together. 

I have to count my blessings, not many people are given the opportunity to travel the world. I'm just being honest when I say that I absolutely hate being away from him for the simple reason that he's my best friend. When I experience things in my life I want him there, I don't want him to miss a thing and vice versa. Distance does make the heart grow fonder and I know the two months we are apart will go by quickly. 

Props to anyone who is going through a long distance relationship, I know how much it sucks. Major props to my sister who is going through this right now while her husband, Chris, is deployed with the Coast Guard. Not only is she dealing with the separation from the love of her life, she also has two little boys at home to care of by herself, which isn't easy. She wins my vote for Mommy of the Year. I love you Becky, you are one strong lady and I look up to you in so many ways. 

Today's quote is from the band, The Verve, and their song, Lucky Man. You might know this song from Marly and Me, it's the infamous beach bathroom scene.

I love this song and every time I have a listen, I think of my Manfriend and our families.  I am one lucky girl to be surrounded by such an amazing, loving group of people. I also think of how lucky I am to do what I've been able to do in my life, I have my health and I have my happiness, couldn't really ask for more. 

I know that sometimes life gets hard, but when you really sit back and take a look at your life, you're pretty lucky. Many people have it a lot worse, so with that being said, make sure you realize how lucky you are and go after your biggest dreams. Believe in yourself! 

Enjoy!

Happiness
More or less 
It's just a change in me 
Something in my liberty 
Oh, my, my 
Happiness 
Coming and going 
I watch you look at me 
Watch my fever growing 
I know just where I am 


But how many corners do I have to turn? 
How many times do I have to learn 
All the love I have is in my mind? 


Well, I'm a lucky man 
With fire in my hands 

-The Verve, Lucky Man 

Quote of the day.

Hello there loves, happy Tuesday. Why does August feel like it's flying by? I need it to slow down a little bit. I'm getting back into the New York City grind after vacation, now it's all about work, running, eating, blogging, and sleeping, I'm fine with that. 

I am really looking forward to my run after work today, my next marathon is a short 10-1/2 weeks away in San Francisco  and I want to be prepared. You might be wondering what happened to me competed in the Timberman Half Ironman, well, I bowed out. It wasn't in the cards for me this summer. 

Competing in a Half Ironman takes extreme dedication and with all that has been going on in my life lately, I couldn't make that commitment. I didn't want to go up to New Hampshire with some half ass training, insulting the sport and it's athletes that I look up to. When I do decide to do a Half Ironman, it will be done right, and it will feel deserved.

 Now that I am not doing this triathlon, I can fully dedicate myself to marathons again. After running the Nike Women's Marathon in October in San Fran, I am going to sign up for the Paris Marathon for this upcoming April. It's on my bucket list to run a marathon overseas and since the Manfriend and myself will be in France why not take advantage. 

Speaking of France, today I am taking the first steps to becoming a student over there. My plan is that by the end of our two year stay in Limoges, France, I'll be fluent in the French language, which really excites me. My Manfriend is even considering taking a French class as well, he does have a leg up on me though,  he studied French in high school and at the University of Notre Dame. We are all about taking full advantage of the opportunities being given to us. 

Today's quote comes from the band, Bush and their song Glycerine. I love this song and there is one line that really sticks out for me, so of course I am going to share it with you. 

Life moves pretty quickly, sometimes and you have to go after what you want in life. The worst thing you could do to yourself is live with regret. So take on the challenges that the days bring you, keep adding to your ever growing story. 

Enjoy!

Don't let the days go by. 

-Bush, Glycerine

Instagram'ed Vacation.

With the recent purchase of my new iPhone4 I couldn't wait to test out the camera apps. Instagram was by far my favorite and I used it throughout my week long vacation with my family in Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Here's a little look inside my family vacation through the Instagram lens. 

By the way, if anyone has any other cool camera apps to suggest, please feel free!! 

Instagram'ed

Waited all year for this.

The Manfriend and I.

Beach Reads.

View from my window.

Life is better on the beach.

Stoop Drink...My new favorite.

Will all tuckered out.

Such an amazing read, post to come.

Relaxing.

So have no fear, just know that
Life is but a beach chair.
Jay-Z

A refreshing Gin and Tonic.

Watching the sunrise from my bedroom.

Captain Kyle Sparrow.

Hudson House Bar.

Going "underlining" crazy with my book.

Love this. 

Got a great laugh with this one.

Words of Truth.

 Absolutely Love!

Beach in the morning after a great run.

William Beckett turned One Month Old on our Vacation.

No Starbucks, Wawa Iced Coffee will do. 

My Love and I...We love our RayBans

Myself, My Brother Brendan and My Sister Rebecca "Becky"

I'm Back! (Quote of the day.)

Boy oh boy, did I miss you guys! I had an amazing week away with my family in Long Beach Island, New Jersey but I missed you so much. We had no wifi in our beach house, which I know that it's good to take a break from technology every now and then, but I have to admit, I did find that I was getting the itch to communicate with you throughout my week. Well, now I am back, feeling relaxed, rested and ready for the craziness that is about to ensue. 

So here's what is going on, today is my first day back at work, which I am looking forward to, I like having my work routine. The manfriend and I were informed that most likely the manfriend will be reporting to his new basketball team in France next week. I knew this was coming, but it really does sneak up on you sometimes. I am so proud of him, excited for our journey together but I have to admit that I'm a little sad that he's leaving our new apartment here in the States. (That's me being a little selfish, sorry.) 

As of right now, I'll probably be heading out to France the last week in August for a short visit, to check out the city and help Kyle settle into our French apartment. After my trip in August, I'll be going over for a more permanent stay at the end of October, after I run the Nike Women's Marathon and coach my Team in Training runners in the Brooklyn Rock and Roll 10K. October is going to be an extremely busy month, which is always good when I am away from my love, the time always goes faster when you are keeping busy. 

When I'm over in Limoges, France where we will be living, I figured I'd take full advantage of living abroad. I will be registering for classes at the University in our city. I plan on diving into the French language, and I also plan on taking a creative writing class, since I have recently found that to be a new love and passion of mine. (Hmm-hmm this blog.)I think it's so important to find my own thing while I'm over there, so school it is. 

Now on to the quote of the day, I know you've missed it. Today's quote comes from American author, Orison Swett Marden. I absolutely adore this quote. It is so important to find your purpose in life, it's the only thing that is uniquely yours to have. So go after whatever it is, live with purpose, live with passion, and enjoy the freaking crazy ride. Like my girl Bethenny Frankel always says, "Go Big or Go Home!"

Enjoy!

Find your purpose and fling your life out to it. Find a way or make one. Try with all your might. Self-made or never made.

-Orison Swett Marden