What's In A Number

I've had friends through college and even in law school shoot for that perfect 4.0 GPA.  My older brother told me that 25 years old was the worst year of his life...so I have that to look forward to.  I hear commercials all the time that 40 is the new 30...and 60 is the new 40.  I know people who will go through heck and back to fit into their size 24 jeans.  I don't like numbers...and I got on the scale last night.  Brilliant.

Now, I really dislike numbers.  I weighed _ _ _._ at the end of the day.  I've never weighed myself at the end of the day...and I can totally see why.  I'm rationalizing the you-know-what out of that number.  Clearly it has to be a mistake--I ingested too much salt, I didn't drink enough water, I didn't go to the bathroom before using the scale...Trust me, the past half hour has proven to me that I am one of the most creative people I know--or the best at rationalizing things that cannot or should not be rationalized.

Am I sad?  No.  Am I basing my self worth on this number?  Absolutely not.  Is it a good wake up call?  Yes. Yes. Yes.  Unfortunately this wake up call just brings about more numbers.  I need to want to lose _ _._ pounds in _ _ days, or in _ months...and to meet that goal I should lose _ pounds a week.  This cyclical 'game', for lack of a better word can go on and on. 

Am I going to start counting every calorie that I ingest...(insert evil laughter)...you wish. However, I do want to be a lot more attentive to my workouts, my weight, and maybe even that oh-so-coveted size that I wouldn't mind fitting into :)

So friends...on this fabulous Friday...what's your number? ;)
Thanks for reading!

Thursday Inspiration

"At some point you have to make a decision. Boundaries don't keep other people out; they fence you in. Life is messy, that's how we're made. So you can waste your life drawing lines or you can live your life crossing them. But there are some lines that are way too dangerous to cross. Here's what I know, If you're willing to take a chance, the view from the other side is spectacular."

What I'm Loving Wednesday

**I have an appellate brief due on Friday...and I'm almost done writing it!!!**

**Amazing Bike Ride Last Night & Taco Ride Tomorrow Night**

**Thanks to some confidence I gained from reading Jax's blog I may have rocked a denim shirt yesterday**

**Pool/Closet Orginization Date with GMH**

**Lady Gaga's New Song "You and I". I may be a little partial because it talks about her sweet Nebraska Guy...and I think we have quite a few of those here**

**I don't have a whole lot lined up this weekend...and that sounds more than okay with me**
**Shark Week Starts July 31st at 9pm est**

**I saw "Winnie The Pooh" last week with some kids that I baby-sat when they were younger...and it was SO GOOD, I'm not even kidding that I LOVED it!!!**

**This Song By The Band Perry "Lasso"**

**Just the fact that's Wednesday (half way thru this week) puts a smile on my face...what is putting a smile on your face today!?**

Weekend Recap

Ugh. Monday...right?  Luckily I had a really busy (and fun) weekend....so today Monday seems like that breath of fresh air...or a little respite that I am taking full advantage of.   Here's just a lil rundown (with lots of pictures) from my weekend--ENJOY :)

Thursday Night Taco Ride with AB and CM. We stopped in "margaritaville" the 6.5 mile point for a drinks or two...they definitely made the rest of the ride a LOT more amusing

In Minneola we ran into my Aunt Kate, My cousins AW and BH and CM (who is my cousin too)...it was quite fabulous!  Especially since BH was in town for a few days--and I got to randomly run into her like I always do :)

Friday Night KS, AZ, CC, EAand EH had dinner at a new restaurant downtown--The Zin Room.  It definitely lived up to all the 'hype' for lack of a better word. The food was delicious, the drinks were fabulous, and the service was amazing. By the end of dinner we were already planning to have lunch there the following week.

 

KS isn't a fan of Country Music...so after the Zin Room she called it a night. EA, EH, CC and AZ went to The Red Sky Music Festival...We saw Chris Young, Thompson Square and Jason Aldeen. I'm super surprised this picture turned out so cute considering it was pry 92 degrees, not to mention the humidty/heat index...and we were all a little steamy :)

Saturday Night CM and I went out to Crave for reverse happy hour/dinner. We were kinda surprised about how dead the restaurant was...but we definitely enjoyed the food and drinks and the overly attentive server (since he didn't have many/any other tables)!!!

 

After Reverse Happy Hour CM and I ran to Liv--there I saw MB one of my oldest friends (we swam at HHC together growing up) who I am also in law school with. 

Sunday I went Church Shopping, and found a Church that I could see myself attending (I'll post more about this later in the week), I'm going to visit again next Sunday--and am keeping my fingers crossed I'll like it as much as I did the past week.
After Church I spent some time with GMH--he's done with finals today (Monday)...so I definitely provided him a much needed and entertaining (his words not mine) study break.  From there I ran a few errands, worked out, got some work done for this coming week...and well, that's the clif notes of it.

I hope each and every one of you had a great weekend, and have a wonderful week ahead.  Be Blessed friends. xo

She's Country

...In just a few short hours a few of my fabulous friends and I are going to see: Jason Aldeen, Chris Young, and Thompson Square!!!!  We've been texting all day about it, and because they're work friends (along with real life friends) we started our day listening to Jason Aldeen :)  Here are a few songs from all the artists that I'll hear!!! TGIF Friends. I can't wait to tell you all about the concert (and our night out) come Monday. oxo

Chris Young "Tomorrow"

Thompson Square "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not"

Jason Aldeen "The Truth"

Jason Aldeen "She's Country"

Thursday Inspiration

Often people attempt to live their lives backwards; they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want, so they will be happier.  The way it actually works is the reverse.  You must first be who you really are, then do what you need to do, in order to have what you want. 

~Margaret Young

Pants on Fire

The main purpose of this post is to introduce a new series of posts loosely based on popular "Sh*t My Dad Says..."  Instead of focusing on my dad who is indeed hysterical, witty, and always right.  I want to focus on guys that I meet out and about so here is an introduction to my new weekly installment of "Sh*t this Dude Said..."  I really hope you enjoy, and as always THANK YOU for reading. oxo

I'll admit it.  There have been a few times when I've been out at the bar, been bored out of my mind and made up a pretty fantastic story about my job (Professional Golfer, CEO of Breitling (Watches), Etc.)...I usually try to do something that I have a pretty good background knowledge of and I make sure my friends are in on it too.  99% of the time it ends up being hysterical.  1% of the time it ends up being awkward.  Unfortunately, I'm not the only person who plays this game.  I had a phone conversation with my friend MC about this:

Me: MC why do boys lie to me?
MC: uhhhhh, is this a trap?
Me: No, I keep meeting boys out and about who tell me they're something that they're not. Like they're in law school at the place I go...and they're definitely not.
MC (who is in law school with me):  Well, I was an oil man from Texas while I was out of town at a wedding this weekend.
Me: (hysterical laughter)

All of this being said.  It baffles me when someone has the need to lie to me to make conversation.  As a rule, I try to make things interesting enough while talking, so there should be no need to embellish.

Case In Point:
I was recently at a bar which I normally try to avoid because it is cougar heavy.  I was talking to CAM about my love for Biebs...when a silver fox and his sidekick swooped in. 

Silver Fox:  I went to Taylor Swift this weekend.
CAM: With a bunch of 12 year olds?
Me: Those were probably some good odds.
Sidekick: We have a box for every concert (followed with a wink)
CAM: Can we get back to Biebs?
Silver Fox:  I have some extra tickets to his concert...I'd love to take both of you
Me: We could just take your tickets off your hands
CAM: Best Idea Ever
Sidekick: laughs (doesn't realize we're winning) you girls are spunky
Silver Fox: Well first I want to be facebook friends
CAM: (texting me) Sketchball
Me: (texting back) I wonder who does his botox...his face isn't moving.
Me: I don't have facebook
Silver Fox: You were just on it on your phone
Me: Weird
CAM: So what are the deets about Biebs?
Sidekick: Can I go with you girls to the concert?
Silver Fox: Gives some bogus date and then proceeds to try to buy us another round.

**By this time hunger (taco bell craving) had taken over so we left after taking their numbers (but most definitely not giving out ours) so we could figure out the Biebs Concert.  Since this seemed way to perfect to be true...we googled Bieber and guess what NO BIEBS Concert.  No surprise that Silver Fox and Sidekick haven't heard from us, although I haven't deleted their numbers just yet...you never know when you'll need a good recommendation for botox ;)**

Weekend Recap

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend...I'm so sorry I was such a bad blogger last week.  Hectic doesn't begin to describe it. Here is my weekend in pictures (and a few words too).

Thursday Night Taco Ride with AB...10 miles Down...10 miles to go

Tacos and Margs at the halfway point in Minneola with CAM

Friday Night CC and I went and saw the Final Harry Potter Installment...It was really good, but considering it was the FINAL one, we were both expecting Epic.  Nonetheless, I got the HP Closure I so desperately needed!

Saturday Night I attended a Margarita Shower for PCH.  It was so much fun, the food was amazing, as were the margaritas...and the desserts were like the best thing ever (Cupcake Island Cupcakes AND Homemade Ice Cream #winning).  It was so much fun celebrating and chatting, that we didn't even realize the time til around midnight when someone looked at the clock...

Even Though I desperately wanted to cancel (after staying out way past my normal bed time), CAM and I went on a 25ish mile trail ride Sunday moring at 6.30am.  We've been in a heat warning since Tuesday...so we decided the earlier we go...the better!

Post Trail Ride, Post Church and Post Panera CAM and I went and saw Bad Teacher.  It was pretty funny--sadly we were some of the only people in the theater actually laughing at the jokes...plus Justin Timberlake is just so darn cute :)

Ended my Sunday with LJ at Red Mango (where else?) for a couple hours of catching up on the past week or so! (our daily emails just don't quite do it)!  **I did not realize how much sun I must have gotten over the past few days until this picture--YIKES**

Did You Have a Wonderful Weekend?!  Fill Me In...

Thanks for Reading. oxo

Weekend Recap

Well, it's Sunday Night...I'm currently sitting on my floor with my calender on one side, my to-do list binder (don't judge) on my lap, an appellate brief just begging to be read before tomorrow morning, and all I can think is 'I got nothing done this weekend...but it sure was fabulous.' (The sad thing is I had major plans to be productive...major plans).

Friday: I worked my half day, got home did a little more work, and then laid out on the deck for good hour or so :)  Following that my friend Ally and I went out for the night.  We didn't have any 'set in stone' plans which was super nice.  We did some shopping (I did some damage...but it's called retail therapy for a reason), and then ended up at Roja for margs and dinner.  GMH ended up coming out and hanging out even though he had a practicum the next morning (he and I totally got our road trip planned...not really but it's more set in stone).  The three of us had so much fun...more margs, then martinis...lots of laughs, good stories, and some fun trips down memory lane.

Ally and Emily's Version of the "Lady and the Tramp" spaghetti picture

Saturday:  I woke up and went on a super long walk (because my doc said I couldn't run til Sunday, arugh!)...and then didn't feel the best so I ended up being a bum and running errands with my dad all morning.  Following that, I went to a 'Stock the Bar' shower for my friend Tricia and her fiancee Mike.  It was so much fun celebrating those two, but also seeing so many people that I've lost touch with...plus the margaritas and mini cupcakes were pretty fantastic. (I am kicking myself because I left my camera in my purse and because everything (and everyone) was so cute--and I wish I would have taken pictures to share).  After the shower, I went to a birthday party with some work friends for our friend EH (who we also work with)...it was pretty fantastic celebrating someone so awesome.


EA, CC, EH, KS, AZ

Sunday:  After sleeping a good 10 hours, I forced myself to get up and go on a run...and then remember those fabulous girls in the picture from last night?  We spent the day at the pool.  Normally I'm a lay out on a chair, and then get in if I must--but since we were in a heat advisory all day yesterday...we basically didn't get out of the pool unless it was to go apply more sunscreen.  I ended my day running a couple errands with Tricia (who is another fabulous friend--it was her shower I was at last night).  She is one of the most positive, kind, wonderful, and genuine friends I have, and I always feel so happy after we hang out. 
Fill me in friends...how was your weekend?!

Happy 33rd Anniversary

Dear Mom and Dad,

Happy 33rd Anniversary.

It's hard growing up with so many mixed messages about love--the bible teaches us one thing, the world shows us something else, and then the heart and head get involved--and it's honestly baffling.

Then there are the two of you.  You both embody the "Love Chapter" (1st Corinthians 13) on a daily basis--in your actions, words, emotions--not only towards each other, but to each and every person you encounter.

The love you have for each other, which I have been witnessing for the past 24 years, is indescribable.  Because of it, I won't ever settle for anything less...

Thank you for putting each other's needs above your own, for treating each other like you each want to be treated, for the laughter, the compromising, the honesty, putting God in the middle of your relationship, and of course the way you look at each other.  You both inspire me. 

Happy 33rd Anniversary...Here's to at least 33 more.

xo

Em

Thursday Inspiration

"Girls are taught a lot of stuff growing up. Every movie we see, Every story we're told implores us to wait for it, the third act twist, the unexpected declaration of love, the exception to the rule. But sometimes we're so focused on finding our happy ending we don't learn how to read the signs. How to tell from the ones who want us and the ones who don't, the ones who will stay and the ones who will leave. And maybe a happy ending doesn't include a guy, maybe... it's you, on your own, picking up the pieces and starting over, freeing yourself up for something better in the future. Maybe the happy ending is... just... moving on. Or maybe the happy ending is this, knowing after all the unreturned phone calls, broken-hearts, through the blunders and misread signals, through all the pain and embarrassment you never gave up hope."

Midsummer Reads



My Wednesday Poolside Reads :)

 At the start of the summer, most of the blogs I subscribed to had a commonality.  They made lists of their 'poolside' or 'beach' reads (I may have been slightly envious of the beach goers...landlocked Nebraska doesn't quite have a beach).  I loved reading what everyone was reading, or was planning on reading...it made my brain which had become accustomed to reading textbooks, hornbooks, and case law suddenly excited.  Fiction = Bliss.  Unfortunately clerking full-time, trying to stay on a training schedule for a half, and spending time with friends didn't leave much time for fiction.  Instead while falling asleep at night I dozed over the pages of Self, Shape, Cosmo, People, US Weekly, Running and the occasional Sports Illustrated.  Until Last Week...I got some major reading done (beach side, nonetheless)!  I thought I'd share some of the books with you in case you're in a major reading rut!!!

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo:  I was slightly late to get on this bandwagon, but this book lived up to the critical acclaim.  After the first 100-150 pages, I couldn't put the book down, nor did I want to.  It's definitely not a 'light' read or even a 'feel good' read for that matter.  However the style of writing, the way the characters came to life--allowing the reader to empathize with them, and finally the plot--which kept me guessing down to the last 10 pages or so.  I can't wait to get my hands on the next book (The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest).


Lucky:  Another 'not so light' read.  This was a memoir/autobiography of the author (Alice Seabold) of the Lovely Bones (another incredible book).  She recounts her rape, her decision to press charges, and how those couple years and tragic circumstances not only made who her she is today--but made her stronger and prouder than ever.  This might be a great book club read, as the subject matter is pretty heavy--but written in a manner which would would assume that Alice is a fictional character.  Compelling, Heart Wrenching, and Honest.


Something Blue:  First of all, it was difficult for me to read this book without picturing Kate Hudson as Darcy the entire time. Secondly, this was the perfect poolside read--fun, light, and quite amusing.  I loved the pace of this book, the fact that I could get through it in about 2 or so hours was ideal...plus the whole time I was reading it I was like 'uhhh I hope they're going to make this into a movie.'


Trading Up:  Candace Bushnell is one of my favorite 'trashy/light fiction' author, which was the only reason I purchased this book.  It followed the tale of a social climbing, manipulative, evil, beautiful model and her rise and fall.  It was nothing spectacular--but at the same time, once I started reading, I didn't put the book down til I was finished.  My favorite part of this book were the 'hokey' witticisms, which I could totally envision a character on a lifetime movie saying.  Definitely not an ounce of substance in this book, but every once in awhile I appreciate an 'in one ear and out the other' type of book, and this--was just that.

**I did read a couple more books--but I didn't want to overwhelm any of you with my list and reviews of a good 9 or so books!!!  Happy Reading Friends. xo**

Weekend Recap

Happy 4 Day Work Week!!! (Doesn't that have a nice ring!?)  I hope you all had a wonderful 3 Day Weekend--celebrating the 4th with friends, food, family and fun!  Clif Note Version of my weekend:

Friday:  Spent about 12 hours traveling home from Playa (I'll tell you about my trip later in this week).  Got home, went to the place where I was house/pet sitting, played with the cats and the dog for a bit...and then crashed!

Saturday:  I went on a long 7 mile (slow) run, and then ran a few errands, watched Bride Wars, laidout, got a pedi, went to church and then went out and about with RW, CAM, and a group of my favorite boys --in between all of this I did play a mean game of fetch with the dog I was house sitting...(From the picture you can tell I obviously look sun burnt and sleepy)!!!

EH and I thought these were basically the most un-PC albeit hysterical fireworks ever!!!

Sunday:  This was such lazy day for me.  I was in my pajamas ALL day (and there is a pretty good chance I twittered that I wanted to go out in my pajamas that night--I refrained).  I read so many books, watched lifetime, worked out, and just relaxed.  That night, my friend EH and I had dinner and then watched fireworks, lit off our own (sparklers) and ended the night with a lifetime movie. 

Monday:  Last day of house/pet sitting--I woke up early to clean and do the wash (linens/towels).  While I was doing that I decided that I didn't want to sit around and wait for the wash so I went on a walk--which turned into a 10-11mile trek.  (I didn't realize this until I got back and did mapmyrun.com).  I took a 2 hour nap (don't judge), had a coffee date with my mom, and then CAM came over and she and I went on a walk.  I Ended my day with an impromptu sparkler run with my dad (I also buy presents on Christmas Eve--coincidence, I think not ;D)...and then watching fireworks in the neighborhoods near ours.

Friday Faves

T.G.I.F.  I hope you've all had the most wonderful week, and have a 3-day weekend to look forward to.  I've had a fabulous week (that I can't wait to share with you), and am looking forward to unwinding, watching fireworks and having a few fun drinks this holiday weekend :)  Here are a few of my favorites from this week--which maybe you've already tried and love, or are going to try...and fall in love with some (or all) of these products. 

Image Credit

Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30--When it comes to my body I use whatever sunscreen is available.  However I'm a LOT pickier with my face.  If it's too oily it seems to attract more sun and makes me look like a grease ball, if some come off when I sweat (running, tennis, pool, etc) and the entire purpose is defeated, and others just smell funny.  Enter Peter Thomas Roth--it comes on in  a powder form and stays on (I reapply about every 2-3 hours) and it smells great.  I also love how compact it is--it fits in a pocket, wristlet or of course beach bag!!!

Image Credit

Say Yes To Cucumbers 'Natural Glow' Facial Towelettes--I don't like washing my face more than 2-3 times a day--when I wake up, right before I go to bed, and right after I work out.  Lately with the combination of summer weather, spending a lot of time outside, and stress my skin has not been up to par--and as silly as it may sound--I'm not going to start washing my face an upwards of 4 times a day...plus that would be super awkward to do at work.  I found these at target--and they really have saved the day when it comes to my skin.  Just a quick an easy way to clean (and clear up) my face (I usually do this mid-morning and late afternoon) that brightens it, smells amazing and is extremely inexpensive.

Popchips--I love french fries, pretzels, popcorn...however I'm just not a chip person (unless they're nachos).  Popchips recently sent me some coupons in the mail for free popchips, and they may have successfully changed my tune in that because of them I could be becoming a 'chip' person.  There is no trans fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, or   preservatives...even better it's around 100 calories per serving (and the servings are generous).  So far I love the sea salt and vinegar, but coming in at a close second are the Cheddar flavor.  Perfect for a 'guilt free' snack, a bbq, or just cause you want some chips!

Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries--As a disclaimer the only thing redeeming about this treat is the strawberry (although I could totally rationalize the protein, essential nutrients, etc. email me if you need that ;D).  I recently had these at work...and I limited myself to two.  I haven't made them at home yet because I wouldn't limit myself.  The person who made them sent me her recipe--and said not only were they quick and easy to make--they were always a hit!!!  So if you're bringing a dessert to a 4th of July weekend party I would not only suggest, but endorse these.  ENJOY :)

Sparklers--Do any of you light of fireworks?  When I was a lot younger we used to--now we don't.  The one thing I miss the most from fireworks--the sparklers.  I loved dancing around and making designs in the air with them, seeing their beauty, and just feeling 'oh so grown-up' when I was allowed to light them.  Hopefully a few of you still use sparklers--if you do--light one for me!  


Please enjoy the Holiday, the Fun and the Fireworks.  Most importantly Be Safe and Be Blessed.