When Did I Become This Blogger?

You know what I'm talking about right? The blogger who used to be consistent with content, comment responses {SORRY FRIENDS!} and who would show up day in and day out on your blogs then all of a sudden disappears off of the face of the Internet. I've been blogging six years so I have seen many a favorite blog go dark.

Sometimes there was an annocnment but most of the time people just stopped posting and slowly I stopped returning to read. Every time I saw it happen I recall thinking 'Who does that? Who just walks away from a blog without saying anything? And how in the world does real life take so much time?'

Cue me at the current moment. If you've noticed, I haven't blogged since last Wednesday. And my blogging hasn't been consistent since before the move. I 100% understand real life is more important than this lil space, but I never expected to feel so overwhelmed, underwhelmed or whelmed [I think you can in Europe] about blogging. Something that used to drive me daily and occupy much of my day is feeling no longer relevant.

If I'm honest I admit it's because I had a lot more time to blog when I was working. I'd use my lunch breaks and moments of time to prep posts, read blogs and get things scheduled for the week. Now my days are filled with other things to do instead of sitting behind a computer. Or, if I do sit behind the computer it's to constantly revise resumes, cover letters and search for new job opportunities. Once I'm done with that fun stuff the last thing I want to do is sit down and do more computer stuff.
I mean, have you seen the lake pictures?

Which is another reason my blog has been a bit quieter in recent weeks. No one has said anything negative, but I don't want to appear braggy or brattish by constantly posting serene lake pictures. Le Husband and I couldn't have lucked out better with family and with our current living situation, this we know and are grateful beyond belief. Staying with family has been a God send in so many, many ways and the fact there is a beautiful lake to unwind next to is a ginormous plus. However, I know many people have had to relocate into much worse and more stressful situations so I am hesitant to make it seem super hunky dory, because it's not always.

There have been stressors I never imagined the past month. There have been tears and howls of frustration. There has been wine. Oh, yes, lots and lots of wine. Yet, I'm not going to post most of the drama because that's not for the world to read and constant complaining is not my jam. So you see I"m struggling to find a balance. I do NOT want to post fluff and 'Everything is so wonderful' when there is a lot more going on under the surface. I'm not one to pretend my life is perfect, since it isn't, that is just not how I roll. However I don't want this place to become a drag or a debbie downer of a blog. That is not me either. So what do I do? Go dark for weeks? Say goodbye to this space? What.DO.I.DO?

Okay, y'all, that is a lot of text. Wow, I didn't realize I had all of those words rolling around in my head. Honestly I feel 100% better now they are all down on paper, or online, ha. Hopefully I'll figure out the blogging mojo soon, because I do miss all of my fabulous friends. Y'all have been so incredibly supportive in my new adventure and I sorely miss visiting your lil spaces everyday. Fingers crossed.

And since there isn't a picture I'll share one from yesterday. This week is all about BODYPUMP as I'm teaching five classes since many instructors are out on vacation. Did I mention it was launch week? Yup, teaching the NEW BODYPUMP98 release the next two weeks. I took this quick snap after my first class of the day and second of the week. I only have two more, woohoo.

Hope everyone has a fabulous rest of their day and week! < 3 y'all dearly!

Time to Play a Lil Catch Up

Today marks a week in Tennessee and time has honestly flown by so quickly. It does not seem like it was seven days ago I packed up my car and made the eight hour drive to a new state. Tears lasted about two hours on the drive, but soon the excitement began to chase away the sadness. 

All a sudden I was pulling up to my temporary home and unpacking my overpacked lil car. Wednesday was a mess of a day with organizing our lil room, getting the lay of the important roads and a quick lunch with T-Bone. 

Our next big project was finding a Gold's so I could plug into the BODYPUMP circuit quickly. I had already connected with a manager at a gym down here and went to audition on Friday morning. That led to another class on Saturday morning and I NOW have a morning class on Wednesdays until I find a 9-5. I'll also be subbing as much as possible at different gyms in the area. We were also able to get our memberships transferred over which took a lot of stress off my shoulders. 

The past seven days we've done our best to try and create a new routine while we continue to look for jobs. Mornings have been all about prepping resumes, editing cover letters and applying to jobs online and then we try to do something outside in the afternoon. Our first bike ride through downtown was awesome and we excited to plug into the biking community here. 

Since my aunt and uncle live on a lake there are often people stopping by on the weekends. We helped them prep both the big boat and the ski boat for the opening weekend and then enjoyed a few hours out on the lake once the rain subsided. I have big plans for the hills and lake for my new workout routine. 

While driving along one of the main drags in the area we happened upon a Dick's sporting goods store and participated in a bit of retail fun. I finally found a USA soccer shirt after looking forever and some awesome Calia leggings on sale {similar here}. Of course I had to buy a UT shirt since I'm now in Volunteer country.

My running shoes were walked to death in Europe so I've been on the lookout for a new pair. While we were at the sports store I perused the shoe department and the new Nike's caught my eye. I settled on these awesome Zoom Pegasus pair because they are SO LIGHT, have great support and I'm honestly stoked to just have a pair of black running shoes for once. 

Food here is a bit more decadent than we normally eat so Le Husband and I are trying to get back on the healthy track. I have a whole post about this later in the week, because my fitness is at an all time low right now and it's no bueno. Lots of these salads are in my future for sure. 

I touched on this a lil in Friday's post, but I am ever so grateful for family and the fact Le Husband and I don't have to do this on our own. Not having to stress about immediately finding a place has been such a blessing and it's so nice spending extra time with family we usually only see once a year. My heart did a lil pitter patter watching Le Husband and my cousin playing a Xbox game. 

Yesterday my aunt took to get a much needed manicure and I've been smiling at my toes ever since. It was such a small lil thing, but it made me feel more at home because it reminded me of pedicures with my sissys. So happy to finally have cute feet again. 

So there you have it, a quick lil update on our move. If you can send a lil prayer for jobs our way if you will. I understand it's only been a week but it's the longest either of us has ever been out of work so it's a lil unnerving. I know we will find great jobs in due time, but extra good vibes would be helpful!

Hope you have a great day!

Ever So Grateful

Hello there, friends. Yes, I'm actually here and yes this is a post that is not a list. #shocker. I had every intention of blogging every day when I returned home and didn't think putting together posts would be so tough. But they were. Well, blogging isn't hard per say, however finding the time and taking the time away from loved ones when you're leaving is hard. So I didn't blog consistently and that was that. Thank you to everyone who still showed up, y'all rock my socks. I promise to get back to your comments by tomorrow, they are all so appreciated even if I haven't written back to you yet. Hopefully I'll find my blogging groove next week, things have been so cuckoo bird crazy the past 60 days I haven't really been able to catch my breath enough to get back on schedule.

Speaking of cuckoo bird crazy, we are officially living in Knoxville, can you believe it? I still find myself clicking into vacation mode at my aunt and uncle's house only to realize nope, this is not vacation, this is where we will be living the next month or so. All of our essential possessions are down here with us and we are figuring out how to live with my family. They are incredible for hosting us so we are trying to pick up slack where we can to show our gratitude.

Which brings me to the crux of this post. Grateful. The word of the past three months. Grateful for this life and this opportunity. Grateful for a savings plan and financial advisor who believes in our dreams. Grateful Le Husband and I are on the same page in this journey. Grateful for outside support from friends even though the plan sounds a big crazy. Grateful for the financial freedom to walk away from good money. Grateful for a safe 30 days exploring a different continent. Grateful for no disasters. Grateful for a company who believed in me and allowed me a trip before I left. Grateful for parents always welcoming us into their homes no matter how long. Grateful for friends making time to see us before we left. Grateful for big hugs of love from family back home that opened up to let us take this journey.

Grateful for open and welcoming arms here in Knoxville. Grateful for a new view on life. Grateful for faith. Grateful for new bike trails to travel and new bike friends to meet. Grateful for blog friends in the area. Grateful for a BODYPUMP audition at a Gold's Gym today. Grateful for being able to catch up a sleep deficit from April. Grateful I don't have to spend every waking moment on a resume. Grateful for an area with multiple jobs in a field I hope to try. Grateful for family at the dinner table and not feeling alone in a new environment. Grateful for friends/family texting, calling and checking in with us. Grateful for blog friends who show up no matter what. Grateful for technology to stay connected to those I love. Grateful for this beautiful view to help me find my new bearings.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Thanks for being there for me, it means the world :)! < 3

Today I Drive

Away from:

… my family and home since high school.

… a decade long job.

… soccer teams and friends of years.

… everything I've ever known.

… safety, security and normal.



Towards:

… a new future, bright, shiny and open to anything.

… chaos, but good chaos.

… new friends, traditions and sports teams.

… a slower pace of life.

… something four years in the making.


If you have a moment send some travel mercies my way. I'll be driving eight hours towards my new residence and am looking forward to starting this new adventure with Le Husband. There will be some tears on the drive I'm sure, but that's to be expected.

The Last Day Has Arrived

Today I turn in my badge and walk away from a ten year career with my company. What started as 'just a job for two years' somehow turned into a 'day in day out' that lasted through the years and here is where the story ends. Today, May 27th 2016, will be my last day at Verizon.

I joined the company with a resume employees would laugh at now. My only experience was with an administrative job and I was only a year out of college. Gigs, metadata, Cable labs, mezz files and xmls were words I'd never heard of,  but I learned and studied and learned and here I am today with ten years of media experience. Four managers later and I am the senior member on my team. I've had hats in business intelligence, media operations, content and production and been the self appointed social and 'fun' chair on all my teams.

My pink cubicle is no more and all of my Cowboys paraphernalia has been boxed up or bestowed on other fans and friends. My laptop has been wiped clean of all Pinky and my desk phone no longer has the funny Pinky name a coworker gave it. Snuggies, blankets, snacks and coffee has been packed up and I even found an old CAT5 wire in a drawer from strike training so many years ago.

Career is a word I use lightly as I never wanted a career here. There was too much time behind a computer screen and not enough out in a field working with people. Hopefully my next job will bring a lil more people interaction, but who really knows what the future will bring. I'm thankful for my time here, despite the major ups and downs, this job has been very good to me. I've been able to take mission trips [seven] and travel twice a month for kickball tournaments. Everyone on my team was so kind when I got engaged and so incredibly supportive the month of my wedding. Sick days have never been questioned and working remotely when needed created a unique sense of appreciation.

Yesterday was a crazy day and one that had me nostalgic. I completed my exit interview and leaving the room everything really felt final. This is the end. We had a big team fun day yesterday [kind of cool how that coincided with my last week] and our team played in a kickball game. If I weren't leaving I would have bailed on the game and playing because I'm not really a 'hangout with work people outside the office'. Man am I glad I allowed myself to be talked into playing this time because it was a lot of fun. We didn't win, lost by one, but our team did a great job for having maybe four athletes out there. I enjoyed myself more than expected and actually played really well myself [guest played on another team after our game]. Walking away from the field I honestly felt sad this was the last game I'd participate in with my team.

I am so thankful for my experiences the past ten years. I've been lucky enough to be part of a growing media environment, where every year something new has come from part of our bigger team. Job security has never been a worry as my niche was perfectly carved out in the new and old production.  While there wasn't as much growth as expected, I did gain new responsibilities here and there to keep from staying stagnant.

The nostalgia may be heavy, yet I know in my heart it is time to move on from this job. There are other avenues I hope to pursue and other mountains to possibly climb. The risk right now is big but I believe the reward will be even bigger. So, thank you, Verizon. Thank you for a decade of growth, possibility and knowledge. I go forward smarter and more aware than when I arrived and I plan to use everything I learned in my new adventure.

**linking up  Here  here , here, here and, this week**

What I'm Really Going to Miss

[source]

… seven malls [three high end] within thirty minutes of my apartment.

… playing kickball on the National Mall on Thursday nights in the summer. #airlikesilk

… randomly walking to dinner with Le Husband for a date night.

… our first home together in apartment 13.

… TAPS every week night from Fort Myer. #dayisdone #mybedtimecue

… soccer games at the Sportsplex with my teammates. #sevenyearslater

… teaching BODYPUMP to classes of 50+.

… dancing the night away at multiple bars either in DC or Arlington. #herestothenightswefeltalive

… lifting at the big boy gym and pumping heavy weight.

… hundreds of restaurants to choose from when we don't feel like cooking.

… trendy restaurants which new fusion ideas.

… early morning bike rides into the city for kickball practice.

… groups texts planning an impromptu happy hour due to gorgeous weather.

… walking [or driving] to Menchies for a late night snack.

… sushi nights with friends when Le Husband is out of town.

… my bestest and her sweet lil family.

… pool time in the summer. #lovemypoolfamily

… meeting soccer peeps at bars to watch the US play. #copaamericanextmonth #wherewilliwatch

… having my two best friends and sissys a text and short drive away. #ughgonnacrynow

… family brunches after church and dinners after soccer on Sundays.

… my parents cheering at our Sunday night soccer games. #33andtheystillcometowatchmeplay

… kickball night in America.

… my friends.

… the Cowboys beating the deadskins at home. #ilovetogloatoverthatteam

… sissy wine nights and dance parties.

… Pollo Rico dinner nights.

… a job which gives me plenty of vacation and the ability to use it whenever I want.

… my family. #hearthurting

We picked this adventure and are more than ready for something new, but that doesn't mean we turn our backs on our past. Northern Virginia holds so many special memories to us as a couple, dating and married and it will always be our FIRST home together. I am also leaving the place I've called home since 1998. I'm leaving friends, teams, jobs and memories behind which is sad. Knoxville is going to be a huge change, a good change, but a huge change. I am excited to start our new life, but I already miss my family and friends. To new beginnings with old memories to keep me company on the journey.

Ten Signs You Live At Home Again

1 || The confiscated nightstand in your sisters room is a mess because you can't find your travel jewelry holder.

2 || Instead of just one person, you share the remote with two other people. #wannawatchmyshows

3 || You leave for work with "Will you be home for dinner?" following you out the door. #justlikecollegesummers #andfirstyearrightoutofcollege 

4 || The return of DADDYATM. #luckygirl

5 || The coffee tastes much weaker than you're used to drinking. #especiallyaftereurope

6 || You have to grab an old high school staple when you realize there is nothing for lunch. #hellosodium

7 || "Can you unload the dishwasher?" post it notes sit next to the coffee maker in the morning.

8 || The morning view to work is quite a bit different than a parking lot.

9 || Two sinks and a vanity in the bathroom… feels like HEAVEN!

10 || Bedtime reading hasn't changed much from high school. #lovedcomicreading

linkinguphereandhereandhere

Thirty Two Was, Thrirty Three Will Be

Thirty Two was...

... another year of big muscles and lifting heavy.

... finally figuring out what diet lifestyle works for my body. WHOLE30 has been a game changer and I will forever sing praises of the lifestyle change it can make for everyone. You can do it, trust me.

... joining a new kickball team and worrying we made a mistake initially, but realizing it was the best decision.

... enjoying one last kickball hurrah with Le Husband and the sissys.

... stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new with BODYPUMP training.

... studying and practicing constantly to become a CERTIFIED BODYPUMP instructor.

... getting a job teaching at my home gym.

... freaking out but learning how to teach and make each class better.

... setting a fitness goal and knocking it out of the park.

... nurturing old blog friendships while also watching new friendship blossoms.

... making a HUGE decisions about our life and finally putting words into action.

... saying goodbye to my home of 10 years and being close to family and friends.

... my last soccer game with my indoor team. #sevenyears

... a year of learning how to grant more grace and to let go of grudges. #workinprogress

... my middle sister's engagement.

... the start of our European ADVENTURE!

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Thirty Three will hopefully be...

... the most amazing trip of a life time with my husband.

... filled with new adventures in the USA and maybe more abroad.

... a year of realization, growth and inspiration.

... when I pass my AFAA certification and also get certified in another Les Mills class.

... the year I master layer two and layer three coaching in BODYPUMP.

... another year of eating a modified WHOLE30 program to keep my body fuctioning well and strong.

... the year we decide to start a family. #OHEMGEEEEEEE

... full of fun new memories with new friends in a new city.

... a fabulous time celebrating Sportyspice's wedding.

... the year we find our FOREVER home.

... the age I finally learn to let go of resentment and bad thoughts when people piss me off.

... finding a balance between creating  new friendships in my new home and nurturing those I left behind.

... a big step forward for this blog and the future.

A Happy Birthday and A Goodbye

Today I say HELLO to 33, Goodbye to 32, spend our last night in our apartment, leave my job for a month and start saying goodbye to my life here in the NOVA area. Talk about a serious FIVE on Friday right? #turtleserious

I LOVE birthday celebrations: Holy crappers I'm 33, what in the world?!? I'm sitting here in shock as I type out the number thirty-three. THIRTYFLIPPINGTHREE! My college self had me done with kids by now, haha, lil off there sistah. If you've been reading here for over a year you know that I'm a huge birthdayaholic, for me and for others, but this year the birthday is a lil turned down [for what?]. Oh and of course, shout out to my birthday twin!

Tonight We Say Goodbye to Apartment #13: After ten years [almost to the month] I say goodbye to my complex and lucky #13. I originally moved into this  SAME apartment a year out of college and then moved into a one bedroom within the same complex seven years later. We are moving on to bigger and better things, but this was my first big girl home and then was the first home I lived in with my Husband. SO many wonderful memories made here and I will always treasure this two bedroom in Arlington. #thankyouforeverything #gonnamissyouandgonnamisstapseverynight

The Packing Never Ends: After a week plus of big time packing we STILL have boxes to pack, load into the van and drive to storage and we also have boxes to take to my parent's house too. Last night we were up until 1am doing work and loading up the car, but I'm not complaining. I'd rather have less to do, today. Oh, have I mentioned I still need to do another test run of packing my carry on? Yeah, fun packing times.

Last BODYPUMP class: Yup, last night I taught my LAST BODYPUMP class for four weeks, crazy town. It was my first time teaching 97 solo and minus one oops I'm pretty sure I rocked. My class did so well and I was super proud of their success and workout. I'll hopefully be able to teach a class or two when I get back from Europe but who knows once I get to Tennessee. It will be nice to have a lil break but I'm kind of sad since this was my FIRST class.

Today is all about CAKE: Well and cupcakes, and free Starbucks, and ice cream cake, and champagne, and whipped cream and anything and everything delectable. Birthdays only happen once a year so I'm all about indulging. Remember, calories don't count on your birthday, it's in the handbook I checked. #andifyoucelebratesomeoneelseitsonlyhalf

Hope you have a FABULOUS FRIDAY and a wonderful WEEKEND! This is my LAST LIVE post until I get back. However, I have some posts planned, some awesome guests posts and I HOPE, HOPE, HOPE to do some blogging from across the pond. Check back here ever Wednesday for a vacation post, that is my goal and plan for now. Thanks for all the support the past few weeks, y'all have NO IDEA how much your love, good thoughts, good vibes and prayers have meant.

****Sending love, prayers, hope and good vibes to the city of BOSTON today.
We all are BOSTONSTRONG****

**linking up  Here  here , here, here and, this week**

Last Confessions Before the Trip

|| I can't believe my birthday is tomorrow. HOLY COW how is 33 already here? Didn't I just turn 32?

|| My family was too sweet to me at my birthday dinner last night and I barely held back the tears reading their cards. There was a slight glimmer with each one, gah what am I going to do on Sunday?

|| I am the hibachi flying food catching queen!

|| Wednesday at work was sooooo busy I barely had time to eat which worked well with our hibachi dinner but I was still hungry after my meal so Le Husband and I went to the store for some extra whipped cream. #ilovewhippedcreamtoomuch

|| I accidentally ran a red light when turning left. I was exhausted from being up so late finishing up some trip planning that I saw a break in traffic and though it was a green light for everyone. Everyone was safe and there wasn't even any honking but I felt awful when I realized what I did. #morecoffeethenextmorning

|| Launch on Tuesday was AWESOME! My fellow instructor is incredible, he has such energy and he helped elevate my performance which made me feel so strong. We had over 100 people in class and we dropped it like a SQUAT! Below is what I shared on Instagram, lil video of class whoop whoop!

|| We just received the track lists for BODYPUMP98 and I'm geeked for the chest and lunge track.

|| An unexpected twist in our journey came up this week and I'm quite surprised by how calm I feel. #faith

[source]

|| I don't know how you night owls and late night working ladies do it. The past two weeks has been bed at midnight and up around 6am. It is constantly go go go and I am plum WORN OUT!

|| I'm a lil disappointed in myself and my blog planning. I had planned to prep at least three posts each week I was gone, but alas barely have one a week. Thankfully I know some amazing blog friends who are willing to turn around a quick guest post.

|| Yesterday I put a funny picture on my iPhone back ground as a joke with Sportyspice and now I kind of want to keep it there for motivation. #needtofindmyabsagain #aftergelatoofcourse

What are you confessing today?

&with  Natalie & Kristin

Ten Fabulous Things To Be Thankful For When Life Gets Chaotic

Happy Tuesday, ladies. Hopefully your Monday wasn't too cruel, mine was okay but there was a bit of a snafu at the gym. If you follow me on Instagram [do it HEEEERRREEE] you saw my beloved pink lock fell victim to a bolt cutter after I left my key in my bag which was, you guessed it, in the locker. Chalk that up to brain overload, right? It was a quick fix plus I can get a cheap new lock anywhere so no crying over spilled milk. Big shout out to the sweet ladies suggesting wine…took the advice and had a glass…or two ;)! Anyway, today is Tuesday so I'm counting the ten things keeping me sane throughout this chaotic time. The finish line is soooo close and I'm so excited for our new adventure.

My family: Oh my Gaw, I'm gonna make myself cry writing this point. But, seriously, my family is incredible and I'm going to miss them so much when we move. They dropped EVERYTHING on Sunday and came to our aid when we decided to move all the big stuff [minus our bed] out of the apartment. It was many hours of work and all they took in payment was dinner. They are my nucleus, my center and my heart and I am SO GRATEFUL God chose them for me.

Clean sheets after a shower: Y'all, full disclosure... I didn't shower Friday to Sunday night because we were so busy. ICK, I know, but when life happens it happens. I made up for the yuckiness by changing our sheets on Sunday night though. And man, it was the BEST feeling jumping under clean sheets fresh out of the shower. The little things, I tell ya.

Le Husband being funny: One of my favorite quotes about marriage is 'Be with the one who makes you laugh' and I took that advice to heart. Le Husband and I laugh together all the time. That doesn't mean we don't argue, fight about stupid things or get testy with each other, but usually we use humor to get find our equilibrium again. We've been up so late packing so the silly bugs have randomly come out and those moments make all the stress worth it. I especially enjoyed our awkward dance contest in the kitchen, we looked like winners. #laughlaughlaughitout

Blog friends: I have a fabulous tribe of IRL friends, but you bloggie girls are so amazing. I've talked with many of you about my fears, stressors and freak out moments and each time y'all have brought me back to solid ground. Thank you for being so kind in your comments and cheering me on, I really don't know what I'd do without this fabulous community. BTW, happy BOFF DAY, Lynn < 3!

New gear: Fitness is my jam and I LOVE new workout gear so I was SUPER stoked about my NEW TKO running belt. I'm a big fan of my pink teaching belt but one day I forgot it and kind of freaked out because I hate clipping the mic pack on my pants. Thank goodness I had this belt in my car [stashed there for my next run] because it helped me get through class without a problem. I love both the big and small pocket, it fit my mic pack AND batteries without feeling heavy and the reflective part is PERFECT for those even runs and bike rides. The adjustable belt is awesome when layering becomes essential and I can even see this belt being worn in Europe as a money belt if we need.

Finding throwback pictures that bring back happy memories: After we broke down the guest bed I found a box of old frames with some college and high school pictures which brought back so many happy memories. So crazy looking at baby Pinky and seeing happy pictures with friends.

Wine, because WINE: Packing is much easier while sipping on some vino, trust me.

Yummy snack food: You've heard me sing the praise of whipped cream spoons but my newest obsession is whipped cream plates with mini M&Ms. So yummyily delicious and not horrible on the figure either. You can also lay down a layer of peanut butter first, then whipped cream, then cinnamon and then chocolate for another delicious treat. I'm not the only whipped cream goober in the house, right?

Rocking a great fitness class/workout: Stress sucks and fitness is my stress relief. Even when there is barely enough time in the day I make sure to get at least one sweaty session done. Sometimes it's taking a class taught by someone else, other times it's working out with Le Husband and lifting heavy, either way it makes me feel better and gets the endorphins pumping [happy people just don't kill their husbands]. Today I'm launching BODYPUMP97 with a fellow instructor and I'm so excited to zone out and give the class a rocking workout. Hopefully one of the sissys can tape a lil bit for y'all since they'll be there to cheer me on, wooho! #thefamilythatliftstogethersmilestogether #BODYPUMP #antondas

Celebrating Sweet Babies Turning One: April has always been my favorite month because of my birthday, but last year it grew even more special because three darling lil girls made their way into the world. I loved seeing all the precious birthday celebrations online yesterday and wish lil EVIE, VIVI and ANDI a very happy first birthday.

Good books: Sadly I don't have many good reviews from last month to share with Steph's linkup, but I'm sharing what I have anyway. I wanted an easy, no think book before I left so I reread book seven on the Harry Potter series and fell in love with HP world all over again. It's funny what you miss the first time you read a book or watch a movie. I had so many AH HA moments this time around. I also reread 'Red Velvet Cupcake Murder' because I wanted a fluff piece and Hannah never fails me. If you have checked out this series by Joanne Fluke you really need to get in on the action. Speaking of action, right now I'm reading 'The Way of the Seal' and enjoying it so far. With all of the change going on in my day to day

[Pictures via good reads in links above]

What books have you read that you love? Any recommendations or must haves for my trip? GIVE EM TO ME ALLLLL RIGHT NOW because I need to snag em before we fly on Sunday, EEEEK!

************

Totally random but blog friends I need your help. It seems as though my scheduled posts aren't going live like they used to last month. I haven't changed anything but I've notice a decrease in traffic, comments and refreshes on other blogs. Has anyone dealt with this before and if so how did you fix it? Have y'all notice my posts going live later than normal? Any and all help would be appreciated, want to try and figure this out before the big trip. Thanks in advance, loves!

joining Karli for her Ten on Tuesday and linkinguphereandhereandhere
***I was provided a TKO 4-Resistance band for review, but as always all opinions are my own***

Betcha My Weekend was More Fun Than Yours #SIKE

Hahaha, that'a  joke and a half. This weekend was completely non stop packing up the apartment. Boxes upon boxes everywhere. Guess who keeps having a twitch every time they walk into new room because of the clutter? Yup that would be me.

Friday night I had to run some errands after work and the got to cooking a delicious spaghetti sauce for dinner that night. I had gone to the gym during lunch so set to work on picking my FINAL outfits for our European trip. I got the suitcase to close once and then repacked and whomp whomp, too full. Still making progress and I hope to document it all for you guys.

We also packed away the dishes and glassware so a coffee mug filled in for my wine glass #duh!

Le Husband and I were up until 1am packing up everything we could in the kitchen and finally went to bed when we could barely keep our eyes open. There was no rest for the weary as I was up super early to head down south to visit my bestest and her lil ones since we didn't have much time to catch up at my party. It was a fun morning of coffee, pancakes, lil kids laughing and best friend talk. We've been besties since fourth grade and even though we are in such different stages of life [her with three lil ones and one on the way and me with just a lil ol husband ;)] we've never been far apart and are always there for each other.

High School Seniors = Baby Faces

I came home, grabbed a snack and then it was back to packing up the living room. Le Husband was at lunch with a baseball coach and I was able to really get after it and packed up a ton of boxes. Sportyspice came over and leant a helping hand and it was fun having silly sissy time while we worked.

There was a quick lil nap on the couch and then it was off to the grocery store for the LAST GROCERY RUN in the apartment, CRAZY! Don't' worry, we made sure to get alll the essentials.

We were both exhausted so it was dinner out and my meal was so good. Too good to get a picture even, I was so hungry. Dinner gave us a pep in our step and we were up until midnight again taking care of business. There may have been a few shots of whiskey taken while packing…maybe!

Sunday morning showed up way too quickly and I had to snooze the alarm for late church. It was a wonderful service and the message was something I really needed to hear. I had a lil moment of sadness and had to walk out the sanctuary as I realized I only had one more service left before we move. But, that's a post for another day.

When church was over I dropped Le Husband off at the Uhaul and went back to meet the famjam for our big run to the storage unit. Randomly we decided we wanted to move all the BIG items [couches, love seat, beds, mattresses, dressers, buffet, island and chest of drawers] out today instead of next weekend. TOTALLY the right move but we didn't have everything situated the way I had planned so it was a bit of debacle in the beginning. Once we all found the groove the afternoon flew by and all of a sudden everything was in the storage unit and it was time to treat everyone to dinner. We headed to a favorite burger place and HOUSED some food. I stupidly had only eaten 400 calories all day so I was famished. The burger and tots were delicious and the Nutella milkshake was amazing.

I'm so grateful for my family, they are such troopers and are always there to lend a hand when asked. IT would have taken us forever to do it ourselves and I'm so thankful I get to call some of the best people in the world my family.

The rest of Sunday was spent, you guessed it, packing. Insane we are out of here in less than seven days and a week from today we are leaving for our European trip. Where did the time go?

I hope you had a great weekend and I wish you the bestest week! < 3

Confessing What's New With Me

I confess...

|| it took all of my self control not to stare down the girl in the gym locker room who LEGIT checked herself out six times. In two different mirrors. I get making sure you look fresh walking into the gym, but six times, you planning on getting married tonight honey?

|| on Tuesday during my sports conditioning class I purposefully positioned myself next to one of the fitter guys in the class to push myself. I needed the extra challenge because my attitude was not the greatest heading into class and I wanted to concentrate on JUST fitness. I'm happy to report I did pretty awesome and saw him checking my form when I kept pace with him. #girlsarejustasgoodballa #sprintsarethebest #thanksfortheextrahustle

|| I feel like I have seniorities at work right now. Like suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuriously I don't want to do anything. I've completed a few documents for the new person but ugh, so tedious and blah. Thank goodness I have access to blogs and youtube.#needthedistractionbreak

|| my tribe rocks. I love them dearly and am so blessed to have them in my life. Husbands are awesome but sometimes you just need your girl tribe to GET YOU when things get frustrating and UGH emotions.

|| after an extremely stressful packing week I took last night off to hang with the sissys. Well, I took a load to the storage unit then went to yoga with them, ate dinner and had a glass of wine while watching some sports on television. It was a fabulous Wednesday night indeed. #sissys #antondas #wcw #lovethem

|| there was a quiet shout of joy when I hit a headstand in yoga last night. I took a class with the sissys and didn't think I was quite at their level to actually make a headstand, but y'all I DID IT and it ROCKED.

|| I'm dropping this beat and this beat[oh hey 97 release] all day eeeeeeeerrrrrday on youtube. I need music to focus and this helps me rock out my to do list both at work and while packing up the apartment. #shemovingherbody

|| this week I bit the bullet and bought Tieks. I'm super hopeful they will be just what I need for Europe and they better last forever at their crazy price. Any Tiek owners out there have any issues?

What's new? Hmmmmmmmm, let me think. SIKE! If you remember last month I shared our super fantastical HUGE NEWS about our European trip and our move and holy crap, here we are a month later and it's go time. Like serious go time. Like, staying up until midnight packing up boxes go time. And it is stressing me out like whoa.

Part of me wants to stop this post here because it seems as though the last few posts have been the same thing over and over. I don't want to sound like a broken record or even worse, ungrateful for our new adventure. We chose this and I understand it's not always going to be peaches and cream super easy packing time. Trust me, I know.

However, at the crux of it all this blog is almost a living journal so I want to remember these moments, the good and the bad. The good up with me? My tribe is so so good. They have shown up in droves to help and are just a text away whenever I need them. The bad up with me? My stress level and emotions. Yesterday on my drive to the storage unit I flat out lost it y'all. I'm talking BWD [bawling while driving] and shouting at other drivers because they were pissing me off. The enormity of our adventure fully hit me and the realization of how much still left to do caused a minor freak out. A few quick texts to the BOFF and my faith sister had me feeling a lot better and then everything really calmed down after yoga sissy time.

I know being stressed right now is normal, so I'm choosing to acknowledge the stress and fear but now letting it float away. Time to concentrate on the now and the good and what I can do. It might not always be with a smile but it will get done. With a bottle glass of wine on the side. :)

So yeah, the move and Europe…the two things up with me. What's up with you?

linking up with Jess for confessions and Kristin for whatsnewwithyou

&with  Natalie & Kristin

C U R R E N T L Y

Had to post this funny picture from the going away party. Center of attention, just how I like it! :)

making: lists on lists on lists. packing for Europe lists. packing up the apartment lists. LISTSEVERYWHERE!

wishlisting: ummm, a house? I guess? right now everything is do, do, do [haha, doodoo] so I don't have much time for wish listing. I guess I wish someone else would show up to pack up our apartment. and I wish for a magic portal to get to Europe because I would rather not fly.

cleaning: everywhere and everything. we move out in 11 days. ELEVEN! #somuchtodo

feeling: excited, scared, nervous, happy, stressed, sad, reminiscient, joyful...yup all the FEELS!

loving: my daily workouts and sweat sessions. seriously, they have been a god send with everything going on in life right now. I love only having to focus on the workout I'm doing and keeping up with the fast dude in my sports conditioning class. when I'm sweating my brain isn't turning and I always feel so much better leaving the gym.

posting: random stuff. I have a few post of feelings in draft and am trying to make sure I get good content out to y'all. in all honestly I feel like my blog has hit kind of a wall and interest is waning. trying to finish up some posts for when I'm away and figuring out what I want to do with guest posts and when I want to try and pop in with some adventures of our trip.

tasting: nothing. I mean, I'm eating but right now food is fuel and I've been horrible about making deliciously healthy meals. I have been tasty lots of bad for me food with all the celebrations going on, hoping to be tasting lots of salads in the coming days.

praying: everything gets done on time and everything comes together correctly. so many balls are in the air right now and I am so scared I'm going to drop a huge one causing the dominios to all fall down. oh and praying for save travels on all our flights [eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek] and for everything to run smoothly while we are in another country.

hoping: launch goes fantastically next Tuesday. I am super pumped about Release97 and can't wait to team teach with another fabulous instructor. the sissys, friends and Le Husband will be in attendance and I really want to crush it since it will be my last launch with this gym.

What's c u r r e n t l y going on with you?

linking up here, here and here. 

Talk {Back} to Me Tuesday

Morning, friends. I hope you're doing well. If you couldn't tell yesterday, I'm a bit behind on life right now. The weekend was so wonderful but so busy and work was all kinds of ridiculous on Monday. I almost went dark today, but didn't want to leave y'all hanging without a lil note of explanation. 

I thought that TODAY y'all could do the talking for or to me. Today is your chance to ask me anything in the comments and I promise to do my best to answer them truthfully [unless they are a bit too personal, haha]. I'll either pull the answer together before our vacation or use it as a post while I'm away. 

Before I leave, I want to leave a lil inspiration for your day. Make it a great one, loves :)!

[source]

Good-Bye To Yoooooouuuuu {Weekend in Review}

Oh my land, what a weekend. I don't think we could have packed anything else into that past few days if we had tried. Here we are in April and the month of our trip and it all feels so surreal. Each day is another small small step forward to our destination.

I had hoped Friday would be an easy day to get ahead for Saturday but the work gods were not in my favor. It was small fire after small fire after HUGE ISSUE and I felt so behind when I left work an hour later than planned. Both Le Husband and I had rough days and we decided homemade pizza was just the ticket. It was quite delicious and gave me a bit of pep in my step to finish up the party prep before passing out for the night.

Saturday I slept in a bit and then hit the ground running. There was packing up of bins, finishing up party food prep at the apartment, another purge, no food eaten and then it was off to my parents house. They were such champs letting me host the party at their home on such short notice and it ended up being the best thing in the word. The weather held out and everyone pulled together to get everything whipped up before the guests started to arrive.

I was almost a complete blogger fail before and during the party because I took two pictures. Luckily my sissys, mostly BABYSPICE, snapped some pictures for me to share. Even though this was an informal and thrown together quickly party I still tried to go all out on the snacks. We had lots of chips and dip, veggie tray, hummus, cooked to order burgers with fixins, brats, cuban chicken, broccoli slaw, chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, tater tots, cookies, cheesecake bites and of course cupcakes. I mentioned the cupcakes I wanted to make here and randomly they were peanut butter which was NOT what I was expecting. I decided to bake regular chocolate cupcakes and then made the icing sans peanut butter. Pretty sure they were fabulous because none were left with at the end of the night. I snatched one of the last ones, heehee!

Sportypsice was so sweet and picked up some beautiful flowers for decor and Babyspice snapped these lovely pictures. They added just the perfect touch to the party. #lovemesomeflowers #smalltouchesmakeallthedifference 

Our first order of business Satruday afternoon when I showed up to help set up was to pop the champs. It was a day of celebration and I wanted to share a bottle with my best gals. There were five bottles still left and we went through them ALL plus one brought as a gift. You could say the champagne sangria was a hit, haha. #loveourdinosaurglasses

The original recipe I chose ended up being kind of a dud, so I was in quite a panic Friday night trying to come up with a plan B. Can I grateful I am for mr google? He brought me to this recipe and after a lil tweaking [added different fruits and some grapefruit juice with the orange juice]. Yum, I want another glass right now. 

While the food was wonderful, the true star of the party was all the love felt by those who came to send us off into the sunset. I was completely floored by the turn out of our friends from all our different groups [over 40+ people] and so thankful the weather held up. We had our kickball friends, my work friends, soccer friends, family friends, neighbor friends and few friends I've known for 20+ years. I wish I had been able to spend more time with everyone but it's always hard make the rounds when your the hostess. I will be forever grateful to Babyspice for being the photographer and making sure I got a picture taken with everyone in attendance. Yup, she installed a 'you can't leave without a picture rule' and it was quite fabulous. Surprisingly I held it all together and didn't blubber at all. I had one or two moments where I teetered on the edge of bawling but managed to hold it all together. #keepittogetherman

The party started at 5pm and the last guest left around 11pm and we still had a little clean up to do. It was an exaushting day of being on our feet however it was oh so worth it. I am incredibly blessed to have this life and SO THANKFUL for my wonderful family. We threw this all together in seven days and they were all rockstars helping out any way possible. Hugs were very long and tight at the end of the night as the realization of the coming months arose but again, we were all able to keep the tears at bay. I couldn't ask for a better family and am so grateful for them. #bradybunchforlife

My heart is so full!

Sunday morning came too early and we jumped right into the swing of things. It was church, home to pack up more boxes and the car, a fun pedicure with the ladies before another stop at the storage unit. Let me tell you HOW much my feet appreciated the massage, heaven sent I tell you. The company was quite wonderful too. #pinkforsummer

I made it back home and just fell onto the couch in our mess of an apartment. The days are beginning to feel the same, so much work done but so little reward shown in the home. I know every step counts but I'm started to get anxious it all won't get done without multiple sleepless nights. Neither Le Husband or I wanted to cook so we headed out to our favorite Mexican joint for a delicious but predictable dinner of fajitas and margs. 

After dinner we came home and went right back to packing up and finishing up our trip plans. It seems that Germany is not going to work out so it's on to northern Italy [we think]. I also laid out most of what I want to pack for the trip and am HOPING to get it finalized this week. Did I mention I was trying to make it in a carry on? No, well yeah, we are gonna try. Which reminds me, it's time to get off here and finish up some more stuff. Can I get a PTL for no more 6am class? I don't think I'd make it tomorrow if I had to teach, I am so wiped out mentally and physically.

OH, before I go, one more good piece of news…I GET TO KEEP MY JOB FOR TWO WEEKS AFTER THE TRIP!!!!! WOOOOOFREAKINGHOOOOOOO! I am so thankful everything ended up working out the way I envisioned and I am SO GRATEFUL my boss ended up working with our schedule. Our moving date has changed to June but that is okay, I am 100% thrilled with the extra few pay checks. THANK YOU ALL for your prayers and good vibes, I so appreciate them.

Hope you have a FABULOUS Monday! <3 p="">
Linking up with these ladies