three things thursday

i enjoyed doing this last week, so i thought i would bring it back. :) i am absolutely exhausted.

1) this week i was in hazleton, pennsylvania on a sales call with a prospect. it was a great experience. i was with a vp and a svp and got to impress. but, i also realized that i need to read the wall street journal or something! our company’s svp is full of all sorts of fun trivia and facts. on monday he mentioned margaret thatcher dying. and i nodded my head saying that i had heard and almost followed it up with saying, “yeah and lily pulitzer died as well” ... um. hi. margaret and lily ... you cannot even compare the two. and i almost commented that Bethenny’s {from Bethenny Ever After} soon to be ex-husband is from Hazleton and that one of the Teen Mom’s is from the Lehigh Valley area. thank goodness i actually filtered myself.

::: random tangent ::: when on our way to hazleton from philly we totally drove by an amish house and i saw an amish lady in her farm picking veggies or something. now i just need to see a gypsy! =D

2) someone commented on my “happy homeownership” post about how they hope i am paying my mortgage since my standards are so high because of pinterest. or something along those lines – but there was for sure a comment about paying my mortgage. i wanted to respond, but i just deleted it. but for real: how is that any of their business?! and for the record, we are paying our mortgage thank you very much.

3) and this house will be the death of me. #moneypit hash tag, hash tag. we just got a new roof – thanks USAA. And now our AC went out and we’re faced with having to replace our HVAC units. We can officially kiss all our savings accounts and CDs and Bonds goodbye. I keep having to remind myself WHY we bought this house and that we love this house and it is a house we can raise our family in. But it is so hard to not be frustrated.  I never imagined that we would be draining all my savings accounts in 4 short months.

needless to say – tomorrow is Friday and I am looking forward to the weekend. Even though it will be full of HVAC people coming out and giving us quotes {since the one we got today was $12,000} on our repairs. But hey, it will be the weekend.

three things thursday {+1}

I have not done this fun little thing in awhile so why the heck not. plus, i don’t have a lot to say... but i feel like there are things going on in my {our} world. This is nothing exciting, but we got a new roof {whoop whoop, thanks USAA} and it is a beauty. However, the shutters don’t 100% match and Kyle now wants to get the shutters painted, but that has been tabled.  Our bank accounts need a breather.

{one}
I HAVE STARTED RUNNING AGAIN . THIS IS HUGE . SERIOUSLY
and it is getting easier and easier by the day. :) It was on my “new years goals” to become a runner again and it has taken a few months, but i am getting back into it. I even signed up for a 10k {that is far enough out that I can prep for it}. Now I just gotta find a handful of 5k races to run as prep.  I had forgotten how therapeutic it is to just run. ....if only I could figure out why my feet are falling asleep & if I could get over the calf pains.

current favorite running jams to add to your playlist:
1. Run This Town/Posthumus Mix – Jay-Z, Rihanna, & ES Posthumus
2. I Need Your Love – Ellie Goulding + Calvin Harris
3. I’m All Yours – Jay Sean + Pitbull

{two}
One of my “things to do before I am 30” is to spend a full month and not buy myself anything. Well. This month is the month. Is is partially because I have over indulged on ME and I need to get my checking out back to a comfortable level and another partially because I want to see if I can do it. And let me tell you.... it is HARD when you’re constantly getting emails from stores about free shipping & 50% off everything till 2:00 PM and so on and so forth. This is going to be a true test of willpower. I said no lunches either – but I broke down and had lunch with the girls from the office today. I just won’t make it a weekly habit. :)

{three}
Mulligan and Kennesaw’s food has been recalled {gasp} so when I went to get dog food from PetsMart today I had no idea what to do. I guess I assumed the bad food had been pulled & new good food would be stocked. Yeah. That is NOT how a recall works. Evidently, it will be months before Innova is on the  shelves again. So, I had no idea what to do – I couldn’t just buy anything and I couldn’t trust the PetsMart employees.  Kyle and I are crazy – WE have to research their food and make the decision what we’re going to feed them. Therefore, the only logical thing to do was to come back home with dog toys and treats.

{four}
work for me is starting to slow down and go back to a normal pace. I am off to Hazleton, PA next week for a sales meeting {and I am a little nervous} to hopefully gain the 2nd location of the onsite that I implemented in Birmingham.  I am having a little bit of turnover on the team that I manage, but when in the past I would be panicking this time i feel like it is a good thing {more on this later} and am excited for the changes that I am about to make. I have a new boss. Which I am good with & excited about. I am reporting into someone who I admire and respect and know that I can and will learn a lot from. Not that I didn’t admire, respect, or learn from my past boss – he was awesome too – i just think that me reporting into this other person is just better for my career development. And. I am also now the new and first ever corporate recruiter for my company. Which also is okay. And fingers crossed, I may have my 1st official placement as a corporate recruiter. {the headhunter bonuses are an added plus}

{three things Thursday}

i was walking down my blog memory lane earlier this week and discovered an oldie, but a goodie! Do you remember {three things Thursday} and how i did it every stinking week? Well. I am brining it back this week.

{one} In 7 days, I will be in sunny Florida with my mom and dad. And, I have nothing planned but to read and maybe run and lay by the pool. I do need to finish the AWFUL book I have been reading for what seems like months now, but i cannot seem to pick it up and just read. but i am someone who finishes EVERY book I start. I want a real, true beach read and I have a zillion on my bookshelf to read!

{two} Despite going to Nordstrom on Monday and using a Visa gift card to buy a new pair of black Tory Burch Revas {they were basically free/paid for by my company thanks to credit card points}, I also bought a pair of tan ones on Tuesday thanks to that amazing ShopBop sale.  My obsession with all things Tory is a little out of control, but I do not care . And I spent all day yesterday telling kyle “shopbop.com. Tory Burch. 20% off. we are family. Christmas.” ...doubt he got the hint {fingers crossed he did}! Did any of y’all cash in on that Tory sale!?!

{three} i am currently in a torn state. I had planned on heading to Tuscaloosa for the Western Carolina game with my friend Afton and to stay with my friend heather. There is 50% of me that wants to go. it will be fun. a girls weekend. we all need one of those. and then 50% of me wants to stay in town/knows i need to stay in town and house hunt with the husband since our weekend looking time will be limited due to being in VA for Thanksgiving & Christmas. if you were in my shoes... what would you do?! Part of me says push it back till January. Find a house and THEN head to Tuscaloosa for a girls weekend. what would you do?!

1 more work day to the weekend. i think we can make it! And... for all my Tennessee friends – remember this?! Mt. Cody and the blocked field goal for the WIN! Cannot wait for this weekend’s game! Roll Tide!!

Three Things Thursday

how is it already November?!

1. wedding invitations have been ordered (and are actually sitting on my front porch as I type this....)!  I have not seen the completed look and I will see the legit final product (other than the proof) when I get home today. I am pretty sure my mom thought I was out of control since we thought I was settled on some and then as my mom was about to order the invites I changed my mind on the color scheme.  I wasn't in love with the blue - it was too bright and even though my mom and my friend Afton said that no one will remember the invitation it just bugged me.  so we went more with the color scheme - but more of the muted colors.  Yes - I am that out of control bride who has a hard time making decisions.  ....which i kinda how/why the purple has been kinda kicked out of the wedding ceremony decor but kept alive in the reception decor.  HOT BRIDAL MESS I TELL YOU!!  ....but anyway, back to the wedding invite.  I am glad there are extras left over because (a) I want to keep one for the guest book but (b) I want to make a Christmas ornament out of it.  I saw the ornaments on Pinterest and LOVE the idea.  You just cut the invite up in small pieces, curl them and then place them in a clear globe.  So cute, right?! And Kyle and I are all about sentimental ornaments - all of ours on the tree have a meaning behind them. :o)

2. I have my flower appointment in exactly 7 days!!  Flowers are legit the last BIG wedding decision we have to make (that we have control over). I am still in love in love with this bridal bouquet so here is hoping that those flowers are (a) in season (b) able to be put together and (c) looks just as good on the wedding day.  My Mom of course is coming down and hopefully she knows a little more about flowers than me because I know nothing.  And I am unsure how his appointment is going to work because it is at the venue not the flower shop... are they going to bring flowers to me?  Erg, I need to see the final product to make a decision. With that said, I think I am just gonna trust the florist on the boutonnieres (hopefully I can see them).  But I think the longest conversations/decisions will be over ceremony decor and reception decor. ...After this meeting it means the wedding is getting seriously close!  I hope everyone has their dancing shoes and party pants ready!

3.  So... Saturday is a HUGE game.  In case you have not been watching or listening or caring.  Alabama is #2 in the BCS rankings and LSU is #1 - so we pretty much have the national championship game this weekend.  Kyle and I are excited and nervous for this game.  It would be a big win for The Tide so I am hoping for another W.  And then a W at the SEC championship and then at The National Championship!! But most importantly, I am irked that some dumb LSU fan made shirts that have a picture of the US with Alabama missing with the tag line "Imagine a World Without Alabama" -- like, isn't it too soon?  We just honored the 6 month mark post tornado last week.  Many parts of Alabama were destroyed and are still struggling to recover and get over the heartbreaking storm.  Even though it is known that LSU does not have the classiest for best fans, it really is kind of too soon to be rocking shirts like that. Especially in a town that was devastated and destroyed.  GRANTED:  My friend from college said it best "So tacky... in a way it's them admitting that we're better though! "If Alabama wasn't there, then we could win this year!"   ROLL TIDE!  ok. so here is to an awesome win and hopefully another Tide win!

Three Things Thursday :: Wedding & Life

Long story short - I have like a million and one things to share but I guess I will have to condense this down into 3 of the most important. life altering. exciting things that have happened so far this week.

how stinking cute is the brick building
that houses the wonderfulness that is Rosebud.

1.  My bridesmaid brunch is officially 100% booked!  We have the smaller wine room reserved for 11:30 AM on Friday the 23rd.  I went to Rosebud for a client brunch one weekend and died over the amazing food.  When I basically was told by our wedding venue that I lunch was out of the question due to the rehearsal being in the afternoon I decided to do a brunch and knew just the spot.  Rosebud is an amazing little Atlanta spot, just outside of The Highlands - this place is white table cloth but not white table cloth - funky and fun without being formal - with fabulous food and drinks.  And I am super stoked about having our own little room so it will be more private for me and my fabulous girls.  Seriously.  Knocking things off the to do list.  ...And if you're in Atlanta and have not eaten here, you're missing out - but don't forget to make your reservations - this place fills up fast on the weekends.  But yum. Seriously.

2.   I have always been a day planner type person, I like to write things down. Visualize. Highlight. Make to do lists around my week (and cross things off). But this year I decided to embrace the electronic world that is 2011 and keep my life on my Blackberry calendar.  BIG MISTAKE.  I have missed birthdays, anniversaries, if it was important...  yeah, I probably missed it.    So I made the executive decision to go back to the ways of old and carry a planner planner in 2012 - but just not any planner and Erin Condren planner (and I actually got the rest of 2011 free).  These have been all the rave of Mom's and Teachers and since I am pretty much a Mom (of 2 precious furbabies!!) with a crazy life that goes in 5 directions and since I love all things customizable and bright - I broke down and bought one (and customized it Navy and Light Pink ... I almost did Navy & Light Purple *hello wedding*).  And it came in the mail yesterday and it was packaged so beautifully but the actual final product is the gorgeousness and I am in love with a planner.  I even got a few for people as christmas presents I love them so much.  Je Adore. 

3.  We have roommates.  And not the kind that are your friends who move to the city you live in and crash there until they find a place of their own - we have the kind that live in your attic and run around.  Squirrels.  Bushy tailed, gray squirrels in our attic.  And according to the dude who came and did the inspection they have been there long enough to do thousands of dollars of damage and they have 3 holes in which they're entering our warm living space.  RAWR!  So now we're talking with our property management company to find out who pays for this.  We of course say the owners of the house, after all we did not make said holes nor did we invite them into our living space.  If we were nasty and gross and had roaches then sure yes we should pay for this.  But we have a nature conservatory living upstairs and it is not our fault therefore .....   ....but I told Kyle I want to do everything with him (kids. dogs. vacations.) except own a house.  Because imagine if we are responsible for this.  Holy cow we will be broke.  But seriously - since we have lived there we have had oven issues, a water heater break, and now this -- never owning a home.  Remind me of all this when Kyle and I are googley eyed over the idea of our own place.

Kyle and I are doing NOTHING this weekend - we have no football since Alabama is prepping for their mini-national championship against LSU (LS-WHO?!) - so we will carve pumpkins and clean the house and watch movies and play with the dogs and read books and be lazy lazy people.  It is going to be great!

3 Thing Thursday–Picture Edition.

 

1. I have had this wedding nightmare that when it came time for our sparkler exit that there was like no one left to see us off.  And I want there to be LOTS of sparklers for us to run under and to make our wedding exit photo amazing.  But 2 weeks ago I was at a wedding and people we dropping like flies and leaving early.  I figured our wedding will be ending around 10:30 or 11:00 and that scares me that people will be leaving and there will only be a handful of people left to see us off.  So. if you’re coming to the wedding you better stay and see us off.  Kyle told me to be prepared for a smaller send off since we have a smaller number of invites going out.   But it looks so bad with a small send off, so if you’re coming to the wedding please be prepared to stay till the very very end… I need to there to see us off so the pictures are great. Please and Thank You.  I feel like this is a total rational fear right? 

2. Originally Kyle did not want a grooms cake.  He is a kinda closed off person and because I was joking that I was going to get him a groom’s cake shaped as a dragon with a Redskins jersey (he just may kill me for putting that on here. muhahha) on  he told me he didn’t want a groom’s cake.  Then we were standing in line for cake at Chrissy’s wedding a few weeks back (btw. phenomenal cake. holy cow.) and Kyle asked why he doesn’t get a cake.  When I reminded him that he didn’t want a cake but if he had wanted a cake of his own that I wouldn’t have embarrassed him and now I think he wants a cake of his own – shaped as a redskins jersey.  And he wants yellow cake.  And if we actually give him his own cake it will say Shanahan on the back of it and it will be after him, not the head coach or the Kyle Shanahan football coach.  it is all so ironic.  If I let him have a groom’s cake is still to be determined.  It is 100% going to come down to cost.

3.  I am not going to show a picture on this one, but I chose our wedding cake and emailed it to the venue. Totally not going to share it with you because I do want some surprises.  ;o)  But it is amazing. I love it. Kyle actually likes it too and he called it “classic” and “classy” and when I asked him if he was just saying that he was being serious and I mean actually serious.  So I am glad he likes our cake and I am glad to have that checked off my to-do list too!!

5 months and 5 days to go.

three things thursday.

just getting closer and closer to becoming a shanahan. but I can tell you it feels great to be stress-free and carefree. despite the constant wedding nightmares that tend to freak me out.

1.  Kyle and I are finalizing the tuxes this weekend! =D  We know the color we are just deciding on the shade this weekend and then the other little details.  I am actually REALLY excited to see Kyle all dressed up in a tux.  And seeing that none of the guys have gone to get fitted yet and need to be by 11.23.11 the panic is beginning to set in just a little bit.  Seeing that my girls had MONTHS  to get their dresses and I was reminding people after the deadline I think this is gonna be messy.  Oi.

2. I am still wondering about this aisle situation. I do really like something small and simple like this, but I do not like them hanging.  So maybe they can be on the ground?  Like next to each row or every other row.  I do not know.  I wish I could see it before committing.  But I do really really like how simple and romantic it is.  I love white simple flowers and I LOVE hydrangeas.  But, I do not like the green accent.  I wonder if the florist could do something light blue or instead.  I guess that is a conversation for the flower appointment which is only a few weeks off.  Yipee.

3.  So when we talk about aisle it makes me also think about the actual reception and I am thinking (and need to talk to the venue about this) that it would be phenomenal if we could reuse some of the ceremony pieces for the reception.   But I do not want the guest to watch the ceremony site still being set up and I am sure the photographer will want to get shots on the ceremony site untouched.  But … if we did those small little centerpieces, they could go on the tall boy tables and the gift table or the candy buffet table or the guest book table with cute little tea light candles surrounding the arrangement … wherever they would fit.  You know?  But I would not want our guests to see the reception site being set up / flowers being moved there and those flowers would probably be needed for pictures.  But… we won’t be by the ceremony site for all the pictures so the venue people could take them then.  Right?  This is me talking out loud.  ….I will be going to the flower appointment with a zillion and one questions. Sorry.

3 Things Thursday

 

Another week closer to the big day. Another week of wedding conversations and living life. 

1. Kyle and I went to look at tuxes this past Saturday and it ended up only being a consultation.  We have to go back in 3 weeks for Kyle to try them all on and model them for me.  Honestly, Kyle did not get a word in… I answered all the questions so other than Kyle needing to be measured there was no real reason for him to be there.  Currently, we’re leaning towards the darker gray but we will know for sure in a few weeks.  Kyle behaved himself for the most part, but you could tell near the end that his boredom was coming out when he started putting on all the hats and staring at himself in the mirror.  Now I just have to depend on the boys to go and get their measurements and since they’re boys I know this is going to be 10 times harder than it was to get my bridesmaids to get their measurements in and getting my girls to do it was difficult.  Needless to say, I will be stalking the wedding manager on Savvi Formal wear and then I will start stalking the boys.

2.  I got my passport this weekend after the big post office screw up.  So it is official, Kyle will not be going on the moneymoon alone.  Guess that means I need to start shopping for cute honeymoon bathing suits and doing some ab work.  ….now I just need to remember to change my name on my passport when I am changing my name on everything else because I don’t want to have to pay to do that a year or so after the wedding.  …..St. Lucia here we come! =D

3.  I got my rehearsal dinner dress this week and it is FABULOUS on so many levels.  One of my bridesmaids, Heather, is no lie the cutest person ever and she found it and sent it to me and was like “order this and order it now” … I saw it, I loved it, I ordered it, it came in, I put it on, and I loved it even more.  Now, I lets just have our fingers crossed …. well, I will leave it at that.

Have a good Friday and weekend!!

three things thursday–truth edition.

 

TRUTH #1.  I am going to have to make a BIG decision on if I want to continue with Blast900 or not.  I  have a few reasons why I am trying to decide if I want to continue on or not, but it really comes down to money.  It is SO expensive and I go once a week.  I will never ever ever say a bad thing about Blast because it REALLY is a great workout.  But looking at all the money I am spending on it vs. going to the gym – it just doesn’t really make sense.  In addition I am not seeing a real big impact on my running – granted, many weeks Blast is my only workout.  I  just need to decide if it is worth it or not.

TRUTH #2.  Um.  I have a half marathon coming up that I am NO WHERE and I mean NO WHERE near ready for.  I have never had a “DNS” but I kinda wonder if I should even attempt this.  Yeah…. I blogged about this on Sunday but I have been thinking about it ever since.  I am unsure if running 13.1 miles when I haven’t really run more than 3 is worth it – in the past when I have not been really ready, I have at least been in shape enough to push through, walk a bit then run.  But I just do not think that is the case this go around.

TRUTH #3.  I think I have like an OCD personality.  My reasoning?  I tend to throw myself fully into something but I can only really focus on 1 thing at a time.  Last year it was running – this year it is wedding planning.  I wish I could find a way to balance everything, but I tend to let 1 thing take over my life.  Maybe since the wedding is pretty much planned – I just have more candy and candy buffet accessories, the guestbook, welcome bag stuffers, and some super cute signs to buy and then I am 100% done (I think).  Maybe I can take the that time and move it to running.

three things thursday.

Another week done.  I sometimes feel like I am a hamster in a wheel.  But that is okay because Thursday means we're closer to Saturday and Saturday = football.

1.  I am working a 5k this weekend.  My company is the head sponsor for some Children's Healthcare of Atlanta race this weekend and I am snobby and did not want to run since the course is pretty crappy, so I told them I would work the registration table.  Plus, I have always thought about volunteering at a race but never actually have so now I can.  However, having to be there at 6:30 AM is less that amazing in my book.  But I guess that is why someone invented naps and sleeping in on Sunday. ;)

2.  So, the weather is getting gorgeous and we have this golf course by my house and since my neighborhood kinda sucks in the running department (closed off, barely even 1 mile) I have been wanting to run the golf course.  The weather is making me want to run the golf course even more.  But I have no idea how.  Do I ask if I can?  They're gonna say no.  Do I just hop the fence and ask for forgiveness late?  I will take any and all suggestions.  Golf course running is good running because of all the hills and sometimes the course is super shady!!

3.  I was supposed to start traveling at the end of the month and then A LOT for the next 2 months but my work decided to push all the travel back a few months because we want to ensure the new software is 100% amazing and works just the way we want it to.  No need to rush something that needs to work really well.  So that means all my fun fall running spots aren't going to happen.  And with that ... we're trying to condense the roll over into fewer weekends, which means instead of 4 new fun running cities I only get 2.  Sad. 

Three Things Thursday

1st ever 3 things Thursday wedding edition!!

1. I think people are starting to buy us wedding presents!! =D  I was just eyeing our Crate & Barrel registry and things are coming off and I see FULFILLED next to somethings and somethings 90% bought and it makes me excited.  Not because we're getting gifts but because when wedding presents start being bought it makes it even more official that the wedding date is nearing.  And.. I am a dork and love thank you notes (I know right Mom, who would that thought) and buying fun stationary!! 

2.  I think my Mom and I *possibly* settled on our wedding invites.  I ordered 10 yesterday to see how I like them and if I like them we will order more and then it will be even more official that the wedding day is getting closer.  And one of the great things about Wedding Paper Divas is that should we not like them, we can return them for a full refund.  Fingers crossed that we like them though. 

3.  Lately I have been having wedding nightmares of anything and everything that could go wrong.  One had something to do with the minister forgetting what he was supposed to be saying.  Last night I had a dream that the DJ just decided that we weren't going to do a First Dance or a Father/Daughter Dance.  And I had a minor freak out on everyone who worked at the venue and on the DJ.  That would not be my finest moment.  But all my friends say that is normal and I have noticed that I only have them when I am in full wedding mode.  I need spa day.

198 days. 

three things thursday.

This week has flown by. And I have been SO busy at work that it is not even remotely funny. My work out at lunch deal is not working... I have packed my work out clothes but the meetings that I have been in over our new software system have made it unable to work out. umph.

1. My friend Afton wants me to teach her how to run and wants me to give her tips and secrets and pointers but I feel like such a sham. I feel like I am the farthest thing from a runner and with all the advice she asks I give her my suggestions, but then I remind myself that I am no pro and barely even a runner this year. Other than telling her to get professionally fitted for shoes and that she does not need to go out and buy a Garmin yet and that she really shouldn't increase her miles by too much each week (10% is what I told her) and that cotton sucks I really have nothing else to tell her. I feel like I am right there with her, trying to learn to run again. Oi. What advice do you give new runners? What hints do you recommend I give her?

2. I am REALLY excited to travel for work. Partially because I enjoy training people, but I am really looking forward to it because I get to run in new places and new cities. I am really excited to run by the arch in St. Louis and then at Salem Lake in Winston-Salem and on the beach in Florida. I even picked one of my hotels because there was a "jog path" 3 miles away. And since I am going to be alone for 2 nights I am going to need things to do so why not run? Right?! :)

3. I still cannot stop thinking about that Garmin 610 - REI has them in stock by my house but I don't want to buy it. I am thinking I am going to settle for a *cheaper* heart rate monitor that I can use for pure barre, blast, spin, and whatever else. I will own that 610 at some point but just not now. Right now I cannot see a REAL purpose for it and if I am going to spend that much money I need a purpose.

three things thursday.

it has been a while since i have done a three things thursday - but since i am trying my very very best to keep this running and working out related, i have not had too much to report on. 

1. i have been going to blast900 once a week, every week for 3 weeks now and it does not get easier, but i have found that it has made me stronger and my endurance is getting better. i thought it would get easier as the weeks went on, but it has not been getting easier since all the instructors make each class different and you never know what you're walking into. i won't get to do it this week since my 6pm monday class was cancelled for the 4th and because i was not even in atlanta...  but i really like it (even though 30 minutes in i say i hate it) and want kyle j to come with me -- the 1st class is free! :o)  they're supposedly looking for locations in northern va, so if they do open locations here i can go when i am home for holidays and when we move back....

2. i really really really want the new garmin forerunner 610. my 405 is like 2 or 3 years old and has been acting REAL glitchy and is not holding a charge very well once it gets turned on and is in training mode, so i want to upgrade. plus i want the HR monitor and I like that is has stronger satellite signals so i won't lose it like i did during the Nashville Half and Atlanta 13.1 last year.  but, i won't let myself buy it because (a) I'm not running enough to warrant buying a new one (b) my 405 works well enough, i just need to remember to put it on the charger after use (c) it is way way way too expensive and (d) because i am in total saving money mode.  but i am allowed to dream of it right? plus in a years time the price should *hopefully* drop.

3. i went home for the 4th of july and did not even get to run at my most favorite running spot ever - burke lake. i totally planned on running it at least once, but my mom's check engine light went out when i was driving it one day and cars with check engine lights on freak me out. whenever we decide to move back to NoVa (kyle needs to stop making excuses especially since he "hates georgia so much") I will run there as often as humanly possible.  i didn't even run the neighborhood - i just laid in bed like a bum and slept till almost 12:00 most days. 

Three Things Thursday.

thursday.thursday.thursday.thursday. 1 more day till friday.
1. Each Sunday plan to now see what I want to call my weekly wrap up where I will document my physical activity for each week. Some may find it boring, others I don't know.  But I think if I KNOW I have to report back I may be a little more active.  And I feel like my running blog has become more of a life blog (which is fine), but I think it is time to refocus and get back to the basics.  *hopefully* I will have more race recaps for you, product reviews, etc... in the future.
2. Do you know what I find really cool.  The stats section of blogger.  I feel I may have addressed this before, but obviously I like it so much I am talking about it again.  Not only and I being introduced to more and more awesome running blogs (like I need more to read / not read and have to play catch up on) but I find it cool to see how people are linked to my posts and blog and what not.  It appears that "thirteen minute mile" is googled a lot and I seem to pop up.  And my race reviews seem to be pop up in google searches too.  Please potential runners, take my reviews lightly... I am a picky person.
3.  I have been doing a lot of pure barre lately.  it is a killer workout and i can for sure see how it can/does change someones body if they do it enough but goodness it hurts. however, i do not think it will really change my body (for some odd reason) but what i am wondering is if it will effect and improve my running.  i had to pull out my foam roller yesterday to work my legs and was painfully reminded how much the foam roller hurts.  oi.


......and shameless plug time.  If you're in Atlanta. I hope to see you at bootcamp this Saturday! $10, 10:45 Piedmont Park. Be there.

three things thursday.

1. there was a lizard in our house last week. a lizard. he was hiding behind the blinds.  of course kyle scooped him up and got him outside but that freaks me out. i don't do lizards. or spiders. and they do not belong in my house.  i understand they're warm blooded and like the warmth, but i don't think them, therefore they're not welcome. if i see another one, i am staying in a hotel.  sorry mulligan, but that doggie door that leads INTO the kitchen, yeah it is FOREVER staying closed.
2. upon cruising facebook monday morning i learned that one of my buddies from the 1st college i went to away in his sleep. on the couch. at age 28.  yes, age 28.  They do not really know what happened (there had been some red flags recently. troubles with his insulin, but was seeing new doctors. he had a seizure while driving a few weeks back and got in an accident. but he told everyone he was doing fine.) and won't really know until the reports come back. Andy Towne is a truly awesome individual and though him and I did not keep in touch once I transferred to Alabama, many of my freshman year of college memories have Towne in them.  if there is anything that is becoming more and more clear the older and more aware i become, is that life is just way too short and you have to make decisions for yourself and that will make you happy.  As much as I regret not keeping in touch with many of my friends from my 1st college I know that many of them touched my life and I am forever grateful for that.  Sadly, since graduating college I have heard of 4 friends passing unexpectedly in car accidents, boat accidents, and in their sleep. I feel like people at my young age of 26 (and younger and older) think they're so invincible and they have SO many years ahead of them.... but for me, people like Towne and Brady and Chase and Mabry are constant reminders that tomorrow is not a given.
3. i am sorry. but when it comes to weddings i am REALLY traditional.  Thankfully, Kyle knew that an understands that.  In my world the boyfriend asks the girlfriend after he is given permission.  The girlfriend then becomes the wife and takes the now husband's last name. I will become a Shanahan, no questions asked.  Barbara Ann Shanahan to be exact.  But... in one of my friend from high school's world I guess his relationship is all about role reversal.  A year or so back I noticed that SHE proposed to HIM. My thoughts were... okay okay, maybe she got impatient.  Not my style, but to each their own.  Then this week I am wondering who the heck "S. Wayland" is... only to click on him and learn that HE TOOK HER LAST NAME. Normally I am left wondering who this girl is that looks familiar but has a strange last name, not the other way around. I can't help but wonder what the Social Security office was thinking when he came in to change his name because he got married.  I know, I know this is 2011, but can't some things stay sacred and traditional?!

Have a really great weekend and Friday!!

Three Things Thursday.

... three things thursday. once again. not about running. just about life. maybe i should change the name of my blog from "barbie rus" to "barbie lives" ...

1. This past Monday I put in my 2 weeks notice at the company I have worked at for pushing 3 years.  It was bittersweet, there are SO many things that I have loved about that company. But, in December I was contacted by a company to "talk" about them, me, and what I wanted.  We never connected for who knows what reason, but about 2 weeks ago I was courted again and started talking to them. They offered me a position I just could not turn down.  Though I loved working with my coworkers and many people in the company and though i loved SO many aspects of the company as a whole, I just felt thought it was time to gain new experiences.  I hate to say that I felt that I had hit my glass ceiling at the company I had been with for years, but I was having the feeling that I was "stuck" where I was since I was stable and good at my job.  My old company was without a doubt my "family" here in Atlanta... they're all I have really known since moving here and I am so so thankful for that and for them and for all the memories. I would lie if I said that it was not scary to jump and make a HUGE change since I had a world of job security at my old company, but you don't gain anything without trying and without taking risks no matter how huge they may be.  So what's next?  I am working as a Talent Manager and I will be responsible for building a team of recruiters, managing them, training and coaching and developing them, and still recruiting & working with clients.  Needless to say - I am ready for the challenge and am excited to be starting something new on Monday.  The question is: will it be better or worse for my running life.  They talked about a work life balance... so *fingers crossed* better.
2. After putting in my notice, I was pretty much told I was done - which is understandable since I was going to competition and had access to a database full of candidate and client info.  SO, I have had 4 days to watch Gilmore Girls, shop for the new house, read the book I have to read prior to Monday, lunched with girlfriends, run errands, drink wine, walk the dog, nap with the dog, play with the dog, and take bubble baths!  Tomorrow after lunch with a friend, I am planning on getting my Stone Mountain pass and suffereing through a run.  It has been the 1st 4 days where I had NOTHING to do since moving to Atlanta and I could totally do this for a living.  Why can't I just be rich with zero responsibilities.
3.  Kyle and I picked our 1st dance song last night and we danced to it in the living room.  And no... I don't want to share what our song is because I want it to be a surprise to those who will be attending our wedding.  I love the song so much that I am listening to it now.  Ok, one lyric and if you want to look it up, you can do so.... "you're a mystery, you're from outerspace, you're every minute of my everyday" ....  But I love having our house and all the space so we can dance to my iTunes.  Tomorrow is Kyle's birthday and I am even more excited about that!! =)

With that... I will now give my lifetime movie full attention! =)

two things thursday.

first i want to apologize for being so absent. yes. work. work is way in the way of my running and ability to be a runner. work keeps my head spinning and on top of it, kyle and i are gearing up for a move and moving takes A LOT of time and even more out of you.  ....so with that i give you 2 things thursday... rather than 3 things because i cannot even think of 3 things since my life is so consumed with work and the move.  so excited for happy hour with the girls tomorrow... it will be much needed & long overdue!

1. on monday, the 14th, kyle and i will have the keys to our new home.  :o)  we have been taking about a house and talking about a house and FINALLY we are getting one.  As exciting as it is, the whole process is overwhelming and expensive.  We have to pay the deposits and buy a washer and dryer (thanks best buy for 18 month financing) and a microwave and a kitchen table and pay the movers and get the old apartment repaired and cleaned. oi. the costs. but in the long run we're gonna have more space for the 3 of us and the wedding presents and mulligan will have a backyard!  but with that said. i shall share the 2 pictures of the house that i have. the front and the funky tin loving kitchen.

2. work has been crazy busy since the year kicked off. and it has been draining me. seriously. i think about nothing but work when i am at work and away from work. when i get home i am so tired that i want to do nothing but make dinner and sleep and the weekends. goodness. i am in awake by 11:30/12:00 and in bed by 10:00.  It has killed my motivation to run or work out.  i am planning on buying a year pass to stone mountain for 4 mile hilly runs and joining Lifetime Fitness once we move... I am just hoping with spring coming and the new gym (spin class and the pool) I can find my motivation again.  i need someone to seriously teach me a work/life balance. how do you people do it?! i want to try to figure out how to work it into my work day -- give me 1 hour per day to just check out, like i used to... but it is damn near impossible.

thanksgiving style. three things thursday.

happy thanksgiving! i hope everyone is having a good holiday with their families and friends. and i hope everyone who ran a turkey trot this morning had a great race!!  and don't worry runners: you can eat all you want today... you'll run it off later.  ...and now onto the traditional 3 thing thursday.

1. since kyle and i are not married we do not do holidays together so we have to separate and take turns with the dog. i have him the first 2 days, kyle gets him the 2nd 2 days. in an attempt to wear the dog out before all 13 people gathered at my house to chow down i took mully on a "run". ok. i have not run more than 3 miles since marine corps marathon and man does it show... after 2 miles i was dead and i couldn't even run 1 mile without stopping to catch my breath. ...looks like i need to start cracking down and start running and working out again.
2. tomorrow is the Iron Bowl.  this is the match up between Alabama and Auburn. This year it is being hosted in the most beautiful stadium in the country on the most beautiful campus - Bryant Denny.  I would be a liar if I said I was not nervous... I sure hope Saban has some tricks under his sleeves to stop mr. cam newton... our young little team makes me nervous.  BUT I am firm believer that you never know what will happen in Bryant Denny. There is something magical and wonderful about that stadium.  Kyle is convinced that Alabama is going to win for 1 reason and that reason is: It has been 19 games since Alabama has lost in Bryant Denny; therefore, Alabama has to win.  Please Alabama, please. I need a win. I would rather have an earned W than a given to us W when the NCAA makes Auburn vacate all their wins when they rule $cam Newton (sorry had to do it) ineligible.  ...and with that Roll Tide Roll :o)
3.  Have you ever looked at the STATS section of your blog.  I just spent like 10 minutes looking at it and it is crazy to see how people are led to my blog... the #1 google search that leads people to me is "girl with the 13 minute mile" ... and even cooler, I found blogs that I had never discovered before but have me linked on their blogroll (thanks!!) and like I really need any more blogs to read, I followed like 10 more today and feel like I need to catch up.  One that I found is inthegym.net and it has everything from playlists to treadmill work outs to race reviews to product reviews... long story short, I am a fan [and will be adding it to my blogroll].  The stats also tracks your peak months (I had A LOT of readers in October) and where people are reading from (the Netherlands... say whaa?).  Crazy cool feature. If you have blogger lose yourself in it... I know you will.

Like I said before, have a rocking thanksgiving!! We all have SO much to be thankful for!!

three things thursday.

when thursday comes around i sometimes wonder where the week has gone. but then i realize that it is thursday and i am ony 1 day from the weekend and i am okay with it being thursday.  ....this week has kind of been an obnoxious one and i have been seriously drained... needless to say, i cannot wait for the weekend.

{one} earlier this week (or late last week) i discovered a super cute designer Judith March.  she designs the cutest dresses. i am someone who tends to save money rather than spend money. but every now and then i go through this "must buy clothes" phases and right now i am in that phase. i do not discriminate - i stock up on work clothes and every day (but can wear on "jeans friday" day) clothes.  Not only am I a big fan of Judith March right now... my obesession with anthropologie is still going strong and i l-o-v-e karlie and free people. honestly, i would love it if i had a personal shopper who created outfits for me and asks "do you like this" and i would tell her yes or no and then i would take the things i love. would make shopping & my life so easy. long story short. thank goodness Christmas is around the corner... barbie needs some clothes.
{two} DID YOU SEE THE AUBURN GEORGIA GAME THIS WEEKEND?!  Did you see that the Auburn players forgot they were on the football field and thought they were in a boxing ring?! What was Auburn fighting for? They were winning!  So, Georgia you may have not been able to pull out a win but you did manage to royally piss the Auburn players off somehow. You got them so heated that they started throwing punches and now 2 of their playes have to sit out the 1st half of the Iron Bowl.  I guess that works too.  Well played Georgia well played. And people wonder why I dislike Auburn [some of their fans are just as classy as those boys on the field repping the orange and blue] ... I am pretty sure they moved up in the ranks of most hated SEC school ... move over Florida, Auburn is chasing after that title.  ...i can't wait to cheer those Gamecocks on on December 5th. :o)
{three} i am heading back home to DC for thanksgiving on Tuesday. the 9 hour car ride is always eventful with the dog, kyle, and me. kyle likes me to read to him the whole time and it is not as fun as it seems... this go around i am reading "me talk pretty one day" to him.  It will be a short trip home with lots of moving around Northern VA to see Kyle's family, get my hair done, watching the iron bowl and hoping that alabama pulls off a big win (!!!!) and I want to get in some runs/work outs since I have been slacking this month.  ...3 miles total run so far.   I am for sure ready for the vacation from work and life as I live it in Atlanta... but what I really want is a REAL vacation!! 

have a great thursday. friday. and weekend.

three things thursday.

1. winter is coming in the south and i am unhappy about it. i am not a fan of cold weather. but it does mean that i get to pull out my scarves and my chunky sweaters and burberry earmuffs and boots. And i get to make lots of soups {clam chowder is on the menu tomorrow night}. but my dog is immune to the cold and still wants to go outside all the time.  thank goodness i love hooded sweatshirts and have about 10 of them so it makes it easy to go outside, but still.... Atlanta now only has two seasons: winter & summer. bummer.  i am making him wear the winter coat that he hates ....  i am a horrible mother.
2. i work in staffing. i am a recruiter. i find people jobs. it keeps me on my toes. i often wonder if i am on a hidden camera show. every day is different and i do really like it. but people never cease to amaze me. in the last 24 hrs i left a candidate 4 messages and emailed them 3 times in regards to setting up an interview with my client. when i FINALLY got him/her on the phone their answer was "oh sorry, i was at the unemployment office applying for jobs" ... hold on, back up, let me talk to your unemployment counselor and let them know that you've been DODGING MY PHONE CALLS and i am trying to get you gainfully employed.  I know there are plenty of unemployed people out there who are desperately trying to find a job, but I swear there are people out there that work harder to get unemployment than they do to find a job.
3. Over margaritas, cheese dip, guacamole, salsa, and tacos I gained a maid of honor last night.  I know her as Erin, you know her as From Fat 2 Fab.  Kyle still thinks she should be a "groomsman", but I told him that the early bird gets the worm and I snagged her first.  She is probably one of the realest people I have EVER met and she is a great friend to have.  I need to send a thank you note to the hamilton for introducing us at one of her infamous pool parties and then having us work together. thanks ham, thanks.