Run Sue Run

This morning, my friend, Sue, ran her first half marathon in a number of years. This was an important goal for her because not only did she recently turn 40 but she's been losing weight (and looks amazing!) and has suffered from exercise induced migraines.

She decided to run the 3M half marathon and did a great job training (despite some inconsistent running buddies).

She did a kick ass job today and not only am I so proud of her but it's good inspiration for me as I'm winding down my training for the next 3 weeks until my half marathon.

We went out to cheer for her today but despite our best intentions and planning, we missed her! I'm guessing by just seconds b/c we got to a great viewing point just as her husband told us she ran by. I know how much it would have meant for her to have seen us and I'm just bummed we didn't. Turns out, she was going much faster than we (or she) expected.

So we took this picture to send to her so we knew we were cheering her on!

Congrats to Sue on a very impressive run! I only hope I do as great at age 35 as you did at 40.

Two Years, Two Months and Twenty-Eight Days

That's how long my dear friend, Devon, worked on accomplishing a goal - an unassisted pull up!

For those of you who had to do the Presidential Physical Fitness Test, you know that women and pull ups don't go hand in hand (flexed arm hang, please!).

Devon starting doing Crossfit over two years ago. Her commitment level is an inspiration. She gets up, two mornings per week, for a 5:15am work out. And these work outs are intense. I've done them a few times and am impressed by those who do them regularly.

Since she started doing Crossfit regularly, Devon's had some pretty amazing physical changes. She's lost weight, gained muscle and overall looks amazing. She's also put her mind to some goals - completing an unassisted pull up being one of them.

She and Kelsey (who do Crossfit together), go to our office gym every afternoon and practice. All working towards this impressive goal.

So the other day, she did it! She did her first unassisted pull up and her Crossfit coach caught it on film.

I'm always proud of Devon. She's a great friend, colleague and always so supportive of when I reach my goals. I can't wait to see what she does next.

Crashes

While 2012 got off to a great start in many ways, it's been a rocky start for my car. About two weeks ago, at the end of a long work day, I walked out to my car and it had been hit. There was a note in the window from someone who witnessed the accident but not from the person who actually did it. There was a big dent in the bumper and a broken tail light (see picture 1). Sure, it was annoying, but it wasn' the end of the world.

Then aftef I finally dealt with the police and insurance companies and getting estimates, I set up an appointment for next Monday to get it fixed and pay my $250 deductible.

That same night I was driving to dinner to meet a friend and while sitting at a stop light, I was rear ended. A college student, not paying attention, slammed into the back of my car, pretty hard. I hit my face into the steering wheel but am overall ok. My car then hit the car in front of me and the police and EMS were quick to the scene. While the young girl was hysterically crying I was shaking my head that my poor car had now been hit twice, in the same spot. This time was much worse, however (see picture 2). My bumper is hanging on but the damage is more significant. I had to laugh when I called my insurance company about both my open and a new claim.

So while I'm still waiting to see what will happen with my car, I'm glad I'm ok. I just hope that whatever bad car karma I have right now has passed.

Lady Baby Anne

For those of you who don't know my friend, Haley, she's the epitome of a lady. She was born and raised in Alabama and has the lingerings of a true southern accent. And she always knows how to be a lady - she blushes when people discuss sex, she calls her mother-in-law Mrs. Gladys, she likes sweet tea and she always looks put together (ok, to be honest, she knows how to lounge but even then she looks adorable).

I don't think any of us were surprised she was having a girl. And we have no doubt she'll be as much of a Lady as Haley is.

Yesterday we (Sue, Nicole, Devon, Jen and me) threw Haley a shower. We tried to stay true to her southern roots and had chicken and waffles, iced tea, ham sliders and monograms a plenty. I have to admit, baby showers may be one of my least favorite things to attend. It's not that I hate babies or my friends having them - that couldn't be further from the truth. But typically they are pretty stuffy and boring.

I may be biased, since I helped plan this one but it was one of the best ones I've ever been to. It may also be that we had booze at the shower, which always makes things more fun. The food was also delicious (I've already asked Devon to make some appetizers for mine and Carl's wedding), the company was great and the gift opening was fun with a game of bingo as incentive to pay attention.

Most importantly I think Haley had a good time. We wrote well wishes (and wise words) to her future daughter, Anne, and I got a little teary when she read them aloud. I can't wait to see her as a mom and can't wait to add another little girl to my list of nieces.

Save the Date!

Carl and I went out to his land (also known as our future wedding venue) to take pictures for our Save the Date notifications. I didn't want to do engagement pictures (this is a regional tradition that I didn't grow up knowing on the east coast) but I wanted to do something cute for our Save the Dates and thought it would be fun to take some pictures at the wedding site.

So I guess, in some ways, we did engagement photos.

My friend (and fellow JMU Duke alum), Colleen, came over early to do my makeup. Is it strange that I'm 35 and have never had my make up done? I wish someone would do it for me every morning. She did a great job and I have no doubt some of the closer up pics will show her work.

My friend, Natalie (check out her blog, which is linked from mine) started doing photography a few years ago. She stated with mostly family photos and has worked her way up to weddings. She was kind enough to drive out to Dripping Springs and take photos of us (well over 400 I think). She sent us one as a sneak peak and I thought I'd share it. I don't know if this is the one we'll use but if they all look as great as this, it'll be hard to choose.

Carl was a great sport since I know this isn't his thing. I do think I win points for letting him still wear one of his graphic t-shirts (I mean, really, what else did I have to choose from) but I think it's best that the picture capture who we really are.

Impressive!

My friend, Haley, is expecting her first baby on February 23rd. She's been a rock star throughout the entire pregnancy and continues to work out, doing crossfit up to 4x/week!

Devon went with her recently and took some pictures of her at crossfit that I just had to share.

It's a good inspiration when I want to slack off and miss a run!

Sileo Family Christmas

My mom and Jack are in town this weekend to celebrate the holidays. We did this last year and it is pretty nice to have an extended holiday and way less stressful!

So far, we've ate and drank our way through the weekend. Starting with a holiday dinner at Chris and Missy's, where we opened gifts. The next morning, Carl and I had everyone over to our house for brunch. It was a beautiful day so the girls loved being outside. It was quite challenging to get a picture with the two of them in it and both looking at the camera so there are some cute ones of them separately.

Yesterday, my mom and I along with Missy and some friends, went to try on wedding dresses. It was my first time trying anything on and while I thought I knew what I wanted, it helped to confirm what I don't want. There are so many beautiful options out there, though that I have to try on more. It's also tons of fun!

Last night, we went out to dinner to celebrate mine and Carl's engagement and tonight I'm babysitting the girls with my Mom and Jack while Chris and Missy go out on a much deserved date. Carl left town for the week today and I already miss him. We've been together for the past 3 weeks and I certainly got used to him being around. Hopefully this week I'll get some more wedding planning done, though, as the clock is ticking.....

Big Sur

While of course our engagement at Big Sur was the highlight of the trip, I thought I'd share a few photos of what we saw. We went a bit overboard with the number of pictures we took so I'll spare you all the repetition. It really was a beautiful place and, of course, will always remain a special place in my heart as the beginning of the next stage of our life together.

Of note, the first picture of the two of us on the beach was right after we got engaged. We celebrated with our picnic lunch of almond butter and jelly sandwiches, oranges and beef jerky!

Happy New Year!

2011 was a pretty remarkable year. I look back on it with such gratitude - for my job, my friends, my family, my relationship with Carl. And 2012 is already giving me so much to look forward to. As I'm sure all of my adoring fans know by now, Carl proposed to me last week while we were in Big Sur.

Even prior to his proposal, we'd had a great trip. We enjoyed 4 days in San Francisco, staying at Jenn and Tom's house while they were out of town. We both loved walking to eat, going to the movies, driving to Napa, eating Chinese food and sleeping in. It was one of the most relaxing trips I've ever had.

Big Sur was, of course, beautiful and relaxing in its own way, too. We couldn't get enough pictures of the waves crashing on the enormous rocks. Of course the best part of the trip was our engagement. Carl surprised me after a hike one afternoon with a proposal and beautiful ring. While I had no doubt we'd get married it's great to officially call him my fiance and begin to plan our wedding and life together.