9.11.2001

Ten years ago today, I was rolling out of bed, getting ready for yet another college class.  I was selfish, immature, and as self centered as a college kid can be.  Then, I turned on the TV and realized something awful had happened...then I watched something else awful happen when the 2nd plane hit the 2nd tower.  At the time, I had no idea what effect this would have on our country, our military, our politics, our economy, our lives.

On September 11, 2011, I look back on the last 10 years and I realize I have seen a lot happen in my adult life...and some of that is probably a direct (or at least indirect) result of this same day 10 years ago.

I hope that in the next 10 years, I can be more focused, less self-centered, and more willing to help all people in need.  In short, I hope I can be more like those police officers, firemen, and good citizens who risked or lost their lives trying to save others.  Today, I remember all of these people and pray for them and their families!  I hope they have a sense of pride...today and everyday!

Fall Workout Clothes

Since I registered not only for a 10 mile race but also another half marathon this week, I thought I'd share with you some of my wishes in the way of workout clothes this fall!  I would LOOOOVE to have any of these lovely items in MY workout wardrobe!

Reflective Tee via Asics

Nirvana Top via Athleta

Active Compression Jacket via Old Navy

C9 by Champion Fitted Running Tight via Target

C9 by Champion Running Capri Pants via Target

Printed Powermesh CYA Skirt via Athleta

And last but not least...Nike Tempo Track Shorts via Dick's Sporting Goods

I would also love to have a few of these accessories:

Morning Run Cap via Athleta

Base Miles Headband via Athleta 

H2O 2-Bottle Belt by Fuel Belt via Athleta

What are some of your fall running must-haves?

Somebody's Having a Baby...

...but don't worry...it's definitely not me!  It IS however, my BFF from Knoxville, Andi!  She presented me with THIS picture on Sunday when I was in town:

I can't wait to meet this little bundle of joy on March 15...well, let's face it, I won't meet this baby any time close to March 15 because that's right in the middle of the craziest time of year for me.  However, you better believe I will be there to say hello as soon as I am able!  I know Andi and Rob will be excellent parents and I can't wait to meet Baby Bullington!

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

On this short week, I am linking up with Jamie.  This Wednesday, I am loving:

1.  The fact that I thought it was Monday all day yesterday!  I am hoping I do get back on track at some point this week, but I think it's really awesome that we only have a 4 day work week!

2.  That The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills started a new season this week! I am super sad for Taylor and everything she is going through right now, but I love these women...or at least love hating them.  =)

3.  Dinner Club!  There is a group of ladies in Nashville that I met through my friend, Stacy!  We started going to dinner once a month about a year ago, and we have the best time!  Last night we decided to kick off Nashville's Restaurant Week by heading out to Watermark.  It was amazing!  We definitely missed you Stacy and still wish you lived in Nash-Vegas, but hope you're proud that we are keeping the tradition going!  =)

4.  That Caroline Kennedy has a new book coming out on September 14!  It's about interviews that her mother did right after JFK passed away.  Apparently, Jackie O. wanted the interviews to be sealed away for 50 years, and now Caroline has decided to come forth with them.  I am completely infatuated with the Kennedy's and I can't wait to read this book!

5.  And, as always...these 2:

I hope all of you have Wednesdays full of things you are loving, too!

Weekend Update!

Hello to my lovely readers!  I hope you had as fantastic a weekend as I did!

Friday night, my beau and I packed up the car, ran by doggie daycare to pick up Zoey, and headed out on our way to Knoxville!  Despite our constant battles with car sickness, Sweet Zoey did great on her first road trip.  Not sure if it was the fact that she was exhausted from playing with all the other doggies all day or the fact that we slipped her some Benadryl into a Mickey D's ice cream cone, but she slept most of the way and handled it perfectly.  Patrick MAY have been "Driving Mrs. Daisy" most of the way because I had to sit with her in the back seat, but whatever it takes, right?  =)

She looks THRILLED to be having her picture taken, doesn't she?

Hiding her eyes...she just couldn't watch!  =)

On Saturday, my mom and I were up early and headed over to the high school track for me to run a couple of miles and her to walk.  Next the entire family (well, minus my sister...we missed you, Laura) headed out to lunch at this really yummy diner called Scott's, where Patrick ordered the biggest burger they have:  The Big LC Burger!  It was 1 pound of ground beef!  OMG!

After running a few errands and sleeping off the big lunch, Patrick and I headed out to Blount County for our friend, Zach's 30th Birthday Celebration.  It was supposed to be a lake party, with the boats out and everything.  Well, Mother Nature had other plans for us, so instead we watched the football game (Go Vols!), played a little cornhole, and ate lots of BBQ.  It was a great time and I think Zach really enjoyed his B-Day!

Sunday was church with the fam, a lunch cookout at my parent's house, a little swimming, a little cornhole, a little homemade ice cream, and a little relaxation.  We even got Zoey in the pool to see if she'd like it.  She did great, but was a little scared...I have a feeling that if we took her swimming all the time, she'd be a waterlog!

Relaxing after a yummy lunch!

Patrick wants Zoey to jump...just joking!

Here's a video showing off Zoey's swimming skills!  (Please excuse all the talking in the background...we were having technical difficulties.)

She'll definitely be heading back to the grandparents soon!  At the end of the day, this is the way I found her:

She was one pooped little doggie!

After a short visit with Rob and Andi, we were on our way back to Nashville!  This morning I was up BRIGHT and EARLY to run in the Franklin Classic 5K...I almost got back in bed after taking one look at all the rain outside, but I decided that if I paid to do the race, then I needed to suck it up...therefore, I got in the car and drove through the rainy, rainy weather and ran in another 5K.  I did okay in this one...37:07, but I'm hoping that my time will improve even more now that I'm actually running more than 1-2 times per week again.  I'm also glad I did it because amazingly the rain slowed down A LOT right before the race started!

The rest of the day, Patrick and I took full advantage of the rainy day by relaxing, napping and watching movies.  In the mid afternoon, we decided to head out and see a movie, and guess what my beau took me to see:  The Help!  I was soooooooo excited, and of course, I loved it!  

Now, I'm just relaxing in bed and trying not to dread this week too much!  Work is going to be CRAZY, with the September 15 deadline coming up!  Hope all of you have wonderful weeks!

Project 365 - Week 20

Sunday, August 28, 2011 -- English Muffin Pizzas

Monday, August 29, 2011 -- Finally Joined the YMCA!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011 -- Sips 'n Strokes

Wednesday, August 31, 2011 -- Zoey Wrapped Up in Blankets!

Thursday, September 1, 2011 -- All Packed for Knoxville

Friday, September 2, 2011 -- Zoey's First Road Trip!

Saturday, September 3, 2011 -- Patrick's 1 Pound Hamburger!

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

Yea for Wednesday!  And, yea for long weekends!  And, if I can ever make it through the next couple of days with all the craziness at work, I will be on my way to a fun Labor Day celebration!  Here are a few of the things I'm loving these days:

1.  Nike Tempo Running Shorts!

I just got my first pair of these babies this weekend, and I am seriously in love!  They are comfortable, they are stylish, and they don't ride up when I run!  In one word...they are amazing!

2.  That Zoey gets to take her first road trip this weekend!  She, Patrick and I are heading to Knoxville for the weekend to catch up with my family and also to attend our friend, Zach's 30th birthday party!  It will definitely be a fun weekend!

Source: missindiedesigns.blogspot.com via Erica on Pinterest

3.  Sips 'n Strokes -- After a very long hiatus from painting my own pictures, I decided to give it another try last night!  I had forgotten how much fun it was...and so relaxing!  Tune in this weekend for a pic of my masterpiece in my Project 365 post.  

4.  That this weekend begins the season that all people from East Tennessee LIVE for!  That's right ladies and gentleman...as of Saturday evening, it's FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE!!!!!  Go big ORANGE!

Source: google.com via Temple on Pinterest

5.  And finally...I'm always loving these two:

Hope you will head on over and link up, too!

Weekend Update!

Another weekend has come and gone...why must they all go by so fast?  At least that means I'm having fun, right?

Friday night, was a night of relaxation and chores around the house.  Then Saturday morning, I was up pretty early to do more of the same.  Saturday afternoon, I headed to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee to volunteer with the Nashville Junior Chamber!  We were assigned to the cooler to sort food that was donated from various grocery stores around town.  It was a lot of fun, and surprisingly the cold didn't bother me too badly...It was actually one of the best volunteer experiences I have ever had, and I REALLY want to do it again!  Here are a few pics that Laura, the NJC's resident photographer, took at the event:

Sorting fruit and looking for any that need to be tossed!

Taking a break with the girls!

Look, I found a Barbie Princess Cake!

After rushing home and getting ready, I headed to my beau's house to help him set up for the get together he was having that night.  When Patrick and I first started dating, he had parties all the time!  His parties are always tons of fun, and the food is always delicious.  Over time, things got busy and we realized a few weeks ago, that there hasn't been a party at the Sizzle Shack in quite some time.  So glad he decided to put this little shindig together.  It was great hanging out with all our friends.  I think Zoey enjoyed the festivities, too...she was sooooooo tired at the end of the party though...it was pretty pitiful.  Again, here are a few pics of the night:

So glad Kristen came...I haven't hung out with her in forever!

So glad Alysia is feeling better and was able to come!

Another pic of the gang!

Timmy LOVED holding Zoey...I think he thought she was a cat.  =)

Me and Lindy!

Me and Missy!

Sunday was a pretty low maintenance kinda day...I slept in, hung out with Patrick and Zoey, ate the breakfast that my beau fixed me, ran a couple errands (that included a much needed pedicure), and playing kickball (yeah, we lost...bummer)!  It was a fun day and a great way to end the weekend.

One thing I did accomplish this weekend was recording Sweet Zoey doing her new trick...take a look:

Project 365 - Week 19

Sunday, August 21, 2011 -- Homemade Kung Pao Chicken

Monday, August 22, 2011 -- NFL Fantasy Football Draft

Tuesday, August 23, 2011 -- Thank Goodness for Phone Chargers (FYI, I've had MANY cell phone problems this week!)

Wednesday, August 24, 2011 -- Zoey's First Day of Doggie Daycare!

Thursday, August 25, 2011 -- Shopping at PetSmart

Friday, August 26, 2011 -- First Sign of Fall!

Saturday, August 27, 2011 -- Chef Patrick