CMM Here I Come

Well, tomorrow is the BIG day!  I'm so excited for Half Marathon #3!  My race packet has been picked up, my "outfit" is laid out, my Garmin is charged, and my GUs are in my Fuel Belt.  I am ready to get this thing done! 

I have many hopes for tomorrow:

1.  I hope my IT band doesn't hurt as bad as it did last year.
2.  I hope I improve my time by 8 minutes over last year.
3.  I hope the weather isn't too hot.
4.  But most importantly, I hope I have FUN! 

I know some people don't understand how running 13.1 miles and FUN can go together, but those who say that have obviously never witnessed or participated in the Country Music Half Marathon.  Imagine 30,000+ people running the streets of Nashville with TONS of spectators cheering them on...Then, also imagine live bands, cheerleaders, and volunteers offering words of encouragement.  I can honestly say the reason I run is for THIS race every year!  I can't explain it, but there's definitely something magical about it.

If you will be participating tomorrow GOOD LUCK!  I hope you have the time of your life and reach all of the goals you set in place!  Until Monday...

Hunger Games!

So I realize I'm the last person on the planet to jump on this bandwagon, and quite frankly, I was determined that I was under NO circumstances having anything to do with these books, much less the movie...the concept sounded so depressing and disturbing and I have always had a difficult time with these types of books.

THEN, the movie came out...and even MORE people were talking about it.  One night, I realized I hadn't "borrowed" my Amazon Prime Kindle book for the month and that it was getting close to the end of the month...I decided, why not?  I'll read a chapter and if it's terrible, I'll send it back.  Fast forward a week and a half (it WAS during tax season, after all):  I spent the entire week reading at lunch, reading during the 1 hour every night between the time I left work and went to bed, and wishing I was reading when I wasn't...I even had Patrick drive everywhere we went over Easter weekend so I could spend that time finishing the book.  In a word, I LOVED it!  I can't even explain it because the entire time I was reading I kept thinking how sick the story line is.

All I have to say is that I'm so glad I broadened my horizons, stepped out of my comfort zone and read something different for me.  I'm currently reading the 2nd book and I went to see the movie a few weeks ago...I didn't love the movie, but I still thought it was very entertaining.

What did you think?  Did you love the books/movie or hate them?

Finally, may the odds forever be in your favor!  =)

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

Ah, Wednesday...How I've missed telling the world how much I love you...and everything else there is to love in my life!  Here's what I'm loving on this wonderful Wednesday morning:

1.  Eating Healthy!  Okay, so I'll be honest...eating healthy isn't really all that fun..especially for those of us who are big time foodies!  However, the way I FEEL when I eat healthy is definitely something to love!  AND, seeing that number on the scale getting lower and lower is even MORE to love!

2.  Sleeping In!  No, I haven't gotten to do very much of this in the last few months, but I cannot WAIT until Sunday morning, when I get to sleep in as last as I want to!  Yippee!

3.  Country Music Half Marathon -- This weekend, I will attempt my 3rd half marathon!  I'm hoping to improve my time by about 8 minutes, but really, I'm just hoping to do my best and I know that no matter what it will be so much fun!

4.  Race Expos -- Speaking of half marathons...this Thursday, I'm heading downtown with every other runner in Nashville to pick up our race packet and browse around the expo.  If you have never been to one of these events (or, if you find running to be repulsive), then you can't possibly understand how fun these events are!  All the people, all the free stuff, all the running gadgets that you just HAVE to have, and even the crazy crowd, it's all just so fun and the perfect event to get you pumped about the big race!

5.  And as always, my 2 favorite creatures, Patrick and Zoey!

Hope all of you also have lots to love today!  Have a Blessed Day!

Weekend Update!

The first weekend after busy season...one would think I would be smart and keep my schedule open and spend lots of time relaxing...WEEEEELLLLL, not so much!

Friday night, Kathleen, Alacia and I hosted a couples' diaper shower for Lindy and Zach to help them out when little Braden is born.  We had a great time catching up with friends we don't see nearly enough and I think Lindy and Zach definitely racked up on diapers!

The cake!  It was delicious!

The food spread!

A few decorations!

I love the giraffes!

  

Zach attempting to drink beer out of a baby bottle...no, this MAY not have been the most traditional baby shower!  =)

We also made the guys play some traditional baby shower games.  They had a baby food tasting contest (which was the funniest thing I have witnessed in a WHILE) and we also timed them to see who could put a diaper on a teddy bear the fastest!  It was definitely a fun night!

Saturday was the Nashville Junior Chamber's 13th Annual Ragin' Cajun' Crawfish Boil!  Despite the cold temperatures, we had a great time eating crawfish, listening to music, drinking beer and just spending time with friends!  Okay, so I didn't really get a chance to do any of that because I was a volunteer...I still had a great time and loved supporting such a great cause!  Oh, and I DID get to witness an engagement!  Congratulations to Amanda Wyler and Jason Mazzo on getting engaged!  Such a sweet couple!

Sunday, I could NOT get enough sleep...pretty much when I was at home, I was asleep...however, we also had our second kickball game (add another check in the winners column for Kick This) and we celebrated Chase's birthday!  He turned the big 30 and hosted a Slip 'n Slide party in his backyard.  Unfortunately, the weather was a little uncooperative, so there was no slipping and sliding, but I definitely think he needs to recreate this party later in the summer!  It sounds like so much fun!

What did you do this weekend?

A Tax Season Worth of Weekend Updates

Most weekends during tax season aren't nearly exciting enough to justify their own update.  However, because I also keep this blog as a diary, I've decided to go back and share the highlights of what's been up with me for the last few months...

February 24, 2012 -- The highlight of this weekend was my photography class!  It was super fun and I intend to share a full post soon!

March 2, 2012 -- This weekend included a visit from my sweet, sweet sister, and she cooked me the BEST fried chicken I have ever tasted!  It was so yummy!  I also had dinner with Kathleen and Lindy at one of my favorite restaurants, Blue Coast Burrito!

March 9, 2012 -- This was an extra special weekend because it was my Beau's birthday...unfortunately, he was sick the entire time, but that didn't stop us from going out to dinner at a Brazilian Steakhouse on Friday night and celebrating with friends on Saturday.  Here are a few pics of the birthday celebration:

Patrick having a drink with Jeffers and Jack!

Me with the Birthday Boy!

No Birthday celebration is complete with out Crazy Dave!

Patrick and Mickey...doing their best "I'm so important" impression!

March 16, 2012 -- This was the weekend of my beau's Bachelor Party weekend in Las Vegas!  Therefore, I spent the weekend having dinner with 2 of my favorites, Anna Catherine and Kathleen, and also spending a little TLC in the knitting store.  Sidenote, if you haven't been to Bliss Yarns in Brentwood and you like to knit then you need to head there immediately!  It is amazing and the staff are GREAT!

Oh, one final thing that was wonderful about this weekend...Sweet Kennedy was born on March 16, 2012 at 12:50 pm weighing 8 lbs 9.8 oz.  Some of you may remember my friend, Andi who was pregnant, well, she got to deliver the most beautiful baby just 1 day after her due date.  I can't wait to meet Kennedy in just 1 short week!  Here's a pic of the beautiful girl!

March 23, 2012 -- This was an amazing weekend, despite the fact that it was full of work...what made it so amazing was 2 things:  the massage Patrick bought me and the cookout Alysia and Ed had for us!  YUMMY!

March 30, 2012 -- This was definitely the best weekend of all of tax season!  On Friday night, I actually got to leave work at 5 and got my hair did!  It felt so great to have a little pick me up so close to the end.  Saturday, I only worked a few hours and then my mom and I went shopping for her MOB dress!  More to come on that soon, too!  Patrick and rounded out the weekend with dinner and drinks with Mickey and Kathleen on Saturday night and a trip to the dog park on Sunday.

April 6, 2012 -- Easter Weekend!  Although I was initially kinda sad that I couldn't go home for Easter, it ended up being a wonderful day!  Patrick and I went to church for a wonderful service, then we came home, cooked lunch, and enjoyed the beautiful weather.  Early afternoon, we headed over to Mickey's parent's house to celebrate Easter with their family and it was SO nice!  They are so welcoming to everyone that comes to their house and since Patrick has been celebrating Easter with them for the last 10 years or more, they treat us just like the rest of the family!  Such a wonderful day!

April 13, 2012 -- Ah, so close...the last weekend of tax season...unfortunately, that means nothing but work for Melissa...however, I did manage to sneak in a little bit of fun.  I ran a 15K on Saturday morning - The Moosic City Dairy Dash.  And I did it in 1:53:53...not to shabby all things considered!  I also somehow talked my beau into going to see The Hunger Games Saturday night.  I liked it, but not NEARLY as much as the book and quite frankly, I think it would be really hard to understand if you hadn't read the book.  Sunday, after working most of the day, my kickball team had their season opener...and we won 16-1!  Woohoo!

So, that's what I've been up to lately!  Stay tuned for this past weekend's update...it was definitely more hectic than the ones mentioned above!

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

Hello Lovely Ladies!  I hope you all are doing wonderfully on this amazingly beautiful day!  Here's what I'm loving today:

1.  Days off work -- Because I needed to get a lot of chores accomplished today, I decided to take a vacation day and man did I need it!  It was so nice to be able to do what I want, when I want...and also to not have to feel hurried...

2.  Relaxing on the patio -- The weather was wonderful today!  And, Zoey and I decided to take full advantage!  I think the patio is her favorite place to be, and she just LOVES to relax in the sun...so does her mama!

3.  All my new dresses I bought for my showers!  I know it's not financially intelligent to buy a bunch of clothes when I have so many expenses right now, but I just love having new dresses and I couldn't be more excited to wear them all!

4.  Kickball -- It's that time of year again!  Our kickball season started off with a win this weekend, and we even got a shout-out and a picture on Twitter!

5.  And finally...these 2:

What are you loving today?  Here's hoping your cut runneth over!

Happy Tax Day!!!!!

Hello Blogworld! My name is Melissa (aka Melrose) and I am the owner of this little blog.  I'm sure none of you remember me as I've been virtually non-existant for the last month and a half!  Well, guess what?  I'm back!!!!!  With another tax season in the record books (and this one was a real doozie), I'm so looking forward to getting back to my "normal" life and a little R&R in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, I think I'll leave you with my April Goals!  Yes, I know I should have posted this at the beginning of April, but many of these things just weren't possible before today.  So, here goes:

1.  Get REEEEAAAALLLLY close to my goal weight!  I'm really very close, and if I just buckle down, I could be there by the end of April or early May!
2.  Run 3 times per week!  I have done fairly well with this, but only ran twice last week.
3.  Keep up with my half marathon training!  Doing well with this!  Even ran a 15K last weekend in place of my 9 mile training run (more on this to come).
4.  Train with weights 3 times per week!  Hoping to head to the gym tomorrow to get this started.
5.  Blog 5 times per week!  Obvs I didn't make this happen...planning to start TODAY!
6.  Shop using e-Meals!  More to come on this as well, but it seems pretty fabulous!
7.  Finish knitting the scarf I started during tax season!  No, I won't be able to wear it until next winter, but I really want to move on to some other stuff!
8.  Spray tan once per week!  I've done this once, but hope to keep it up because I feel so much better when my skin has some color..even if it is fake.
9.  Read all Hunger Games books!  More to come on this...but I have read the first book and started on the second, and needless to say, I am HOOKED!
10.  See the Hunger Games movie!  DONE!  My beau and I went this weekend!
11.  Drink 8 glasses of water per day.  I was doing EXCELLENT with this, all thanks to my friend AC...she and I were being accountability partners and e-mailing each other throughout the day...however, thanks to me, we sort of fell off the wagon this week...I think she's still doing well, but I've had issues...hopefully, tomorrow we can get started back.
12.  Only 3 drinks with caffeine per day!  Obviously, this one was tough last week, but I am determined to start back up first thing in the morning on this one!

Well, that's where things stand with me!  I have a lot to do in the next 13 days!  Stay tuned!