Goals Update: July

Oooooh, forgot to post my goals update on Friday.  Oops!  Here it is.

1. SAVE MONEY, REDUCE DEBT: Doing pretty well so far.  Continuing to make payments and not put money on my cards and still have automatic transfers each pay period into my bank account.  One day at a time.  If any of you have noticed, I added "pay off credit cards" to my 101 list, so there is an additional incentive to work on part of this goal.

2. GET BACK IN SHAPE:  Still my best goal.  I took a week off after the marathon to give my body a chance to recover.  This past week I restarted some of the Jillian Michael's Shred workouts and I completed a 4 mile run this morning.  I'm going to try to push myself to do the shred workouts more often during the week so I can refine some of the muscles I have (and get some ab workouts in)!  With Hawaii coming up in October, I want to make sure that I am staying on track with this goal.

Eating wise, I'm getting better again.  I'm back to eating what I was for breakfast and lunch and have started to really focus on my snacking.  The one difficulty I am having is reducing the sweets (chocolate) I am eating.  I need to get back to what I was doing when I first started, which was basically removing all unnatural sugar from my diet.

3. STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE:  This one has sort of come to a standstill.  I'm still pushing myself to get dressed up for work in the morning and try new things.  But that's really about it.  I'm hoping this one will pick up a bit in the second half of the year.

Shopping... Man, I love shopping

*This post is delayed because my brain is busy... 

Last Friday, Melissa and I headed up to the mall to return some shoes we had purchased at the Nordstrom's sale the week before.  While we were there, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to try on a few of the dresses that I had seen the last time we were there.

In typical Nordstrom fashion, while I was gathering up my choices, a girl working there asked to start a fitting room for me.  She seemed harmless enough, though I don't particularly like sales people that hover.  Seriously... why is it that when you want them to leave you alone, they are all over you and when you need help, they are no where to be found?  Anyways...

In typical fashion, I photographed some of my favorites.  Not only does it help me text for additional opinions, but it helps in case I decide to go back at a later date and see if one of the dresses is still around.

I came out of the dressing room to show Melissa and Kayla 4 of the dozen dresses that I tried on.  The first one was cute, but not one of my favorites.

Then I tried a dress on that I typically wouldn't try on.  My hips/thighs are an area I'm always really conscious about so I try to avoid fitted dresses.  I thought I would give it a shot.  (I am actually holding it closed because Melissa had already unzipped it for me).

dress (different pattern)

I actually really liked this dress but Melissa thought the top looked a little weird.  When I came out with this dress on, the girl that had been helping (who was hanging around talking to Melissa and Kayla) asked me if I was going to wear spanx with it.

Not the best way to get a commission.....  I was feeling great about that dress so I was a little put off by her comment.  I simply responded NO and proceeded to ignore her.

After that, I didn't come out in a dress unless I was seriously considering buying it.  There were the two I was torn between.

 dress

dress

Melissa liked the red patterned one (and so did Kayla).  A quick text message vote by my mom and Lauren and the decision was unanimous.  The red one went home with me.  :)  I am calling it my date dress.... so, all I need is a date.

Have you had uncomfortable experiences with sales people?

Friday Randomness

Here's my casual Friday outfit for today.  Representing MU with my awesome golf polo.

Also, I tried something a little different with my hair.  Leslie turned me on to (months ago) these simple style pins by Goody.  I was fascinated that it would hold your hair in a bun without trying to use 10 bobby pins or twisting a rubber band around it.

I'm not really sure how long it will stay put since my hair is pretty fine.  I probably should've put a bobby pin or two in for support, but oh well.

Here's a few other random thoughts for your Friday.  In list format... because I love lists!

• I had the craziest night of dreams EVER.  I'm serious.  Dreams last night included my ex, vampires (hot ones of course), college volleyball, and some of my old college friends I haven't seen in years.  Seriously.  I can't even recall all that happened but at one point I woke up and thought "it will be a miracle if I get any rest tonight".
  
• There are an awful lot of people in the DC area that are terrible runners.  TERRIBLE.  I have never seen so many people not use their arms when they run.  How is it comfortable and easy to run with your arms virtually hanging down by your sides?  Also, I just googled "not running with your arms" to see if a video popped up (no, darn) and I am amazed by some of the things that came up.  People, seriously.
  
• Last night I was in one of those moods.  You know the one.  The one where you feel just blah.  I was frustrated and down for not really any particular reason.  I have a feeling and emotional rant may be coming to this blog soon.  Consider yourself warned.

Happy Friday everyone!

Update: API Top 100 List

Thanks to those of you that commented on my first post narrowing down the list of 100 to 10 I have not seen yet; as mentioned on my 101 list.

I've officially narrowed it down to the 10 I will be watching.  Let the movies begin!

1.       CITIZEN KANE

2.       LAWRENCE OF ARABIA 

3.       SUNSET BLVD. 

4.       THE GRAPES OF WRATH 

5.       HIGH NOON 

6.       THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES 

7.       THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE 

8.       UNFORGIVEN 

9.       TOOTSIE 

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA 

Music Thursday

Among all the hip hop/pop/electronic music that makes the lyrics barely audible and even less important, it's really refreshing to find an artist that is strictly about the voice and lyrics.  (Don't get me wrong.  I love me some cheesy pop music.... it's called diversity.) :)

Almost everyone is aware of who Adele is.  I heard a newer song from her on the radio yesterday on the way home that I hadn't heard before.  So right away last night I downloaded the rest of the album I didn't already own.  LOVE IT.

Trying to pull one song from the album was difficult, but I like the music and lyrics of this one best.

Pinspiration

I think I've made it very clear, my love for Pinterest.

If you need a reminder, you can read about it here and here and here.  OH, and you can follow me by clicking on the link down the left side of the blog.  Seriously.  I love pinterest.

Which is why I was especially intrigued by a post I saw yesterday on two of my favorite blogs, Young House Love and Bower Power.

Katie (from Bower Power) came up with the idea to challenge themselves to create something they see on Pinterest, but give it a unique spin.  They managed to wrangle two other big bloggers into this challenge... a seasonal challenge.

Watch the video they made to talk about the Challenge (it's hilarious).

Unfortunately, with the things I have going on right now in addition to the 101 list and my goals, I can't participate in this challenge right now.  Boy, I sure would love to though!  Maybe the winter one.

Sleep is good

It's amazing what happens when I get a decent night of sleep.  Last night I was falling asleep on the couch at 7:30.  I made it until after 8 before I gave up and went to bed. 

TV off and asleep by 8:30.  Amazing.  Of course, I still woke up 2 times in the middle of the night.  But that's an improvement.  The last wake up was around 1am when I thought "oh crap, now I'm up for good...."  Thankfully, I eventually fell back asleep and woke up feeling more rested than I had in a while.

Hopefully the positive mood I have this morning will carry into the remainder of the day. 

Outfit of the day - a new outlet purchase (the shirt) from Jcrew.  It's sooooo comfortable.

*skirt & shirt - Jcrew, belt - target, shoes - Marc Fisher (old)

btw, I'm really starting to get the "I need a decent camera" vibe.  These pictures (while good for a phone picture, leave much to be desired).

Tiffany Inspiration

You guys remember last week when I told you about my new pink dresser right?

Well, on Sunday while browsing pinterest, I found this:

Source

It was like pinterest was screaming at me, "Megan!  Look!  It's a Breakfast at Tiffany inspired room!  To go with your pink dresser!"

Honestly.  I love a lot about this room that I may use for my new bedroom.  Like the tiffany blue walls, the Audrey poster (which thanks to Lauren, I already own), and the chandelier.  Man, I love a chandelier.  Oh, and the tulle curtains. 

This is a happy room.

Maybe I can combine aspects of this room with other things I'm looking for, like other things I've pinned (you want to go look now don't you?) :)

#90 - Make a "piggy bank"

Melissa and I have been on a mad hunt to put together "piggy banks" for our 101 things.  Mostly because, how can you hold yourself accountable to save money for each completion if you don't have a place to put it??  Totally logical thinking.

First we were going to make something.  Then I suggested converting one of my plastic shoe boxes.  Then I had an idea.... what about something I can use again?  Honestly, totally logical thinking here. :)

While I've been looking through all these blogs and pinterest gathering ideas on decorating, I've developed a love for apothecary jars.  Seriously, they are awesome.

So yesterday, Melissa and I headed out to Michaels to take a look at what they may have.  We stopped at Michaels for two reasons.  One, there is seriously nothing else around my house that sells this stuff (like World Market) and two, I had a 40% off coupon for one regular priced item.  Awesome!  I love Michaels and their endless stream of coupons.

Long story short, we were successful at Michaels and headed home with our new "piggy banks".  I had to get some cash out to start my payments and I still owe myself $20, but I'm calling this one completed.

Here's my new piggy bank.

I'm looking into a couple of ways to maybe dress is up a bit.  And also, ways in which I can use it when this list is completed.

On a semi-related note, Michaels is seriously amazing.  First, they ALREADY HAVE CHRISTMAS STUFF UP.  No joke.  I will be heading there periodically to get my fix.  And second, look what I found:

I had NO idea they even made these.  I found it in the scrapbooking aisle and I bought both pads they had there.  I have no clue what I am going to do with them, but how could I pass them by???

Lesson Learned: Go to a tattoo place in the afternoon... on a weekday

I was the ONLY one there.  It was awesome.

I got there almost two hours after it opened and there was only the kid that worked the front desk and the one tattoo artist I came to see.  The kid had said only two other people had come in to get piercings.

Billy was great.  I showed him the tattoos.  He said he remembered me.  And then he asked for a couple of minutes to set up.

It took him about 20 minutes to touch up both of them and then I talked to him a bit about the ideas I had to accomplish #86.  I'm pretty excited about that, so we'll see where that goes.

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Big plans this weekend.  Cleaning the house, because it DESPERATELY needs it.  Doing some big time organizing.

Finally, I'm on babysitting duty tonight so Melissa and Justin can go to a wedding in VA.  Fingers crossed it is smooth sailing tonight. :)

* A note about comments

I know some of you that read my blog have IMed/g-chatted/sent an email saying that you had trouble adding a comment.

I have that same problem.  And my coworker Mel actually helped me figure it out.  I have the problems with commenting on any blogger blogs when I'm reading from Internet Explorer.  You know when I don't have problems.... when I use Google Chrome.

So next time you want to comment and blogger won't let you.... try a different web browser.

This is my PSA for today. :)

Tattoos again (and not to complete #86)

Remember back in May when I celebrated my non-wedding day with tattoos?  And remember how excited I was about my tattoos and their meaning?

Yeah.  Me too.  So I'm sure you understand the bit of frustrations I have when almost 2 months later, there are gaps in some of the letters.  It's not a huge deal.  It's only in a couple of the letters, but it's enough to annoy me.  And if they annoy me now, they are going to annoy me forever.

So I called the place in DC last weekend and the kid actually asked me if it was supposed to be that way.  I sigh now as I type that....  I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it. :)  So I explained to him that "no, in fact, it is not supposed to be like that" and he said I could just come in anytime and the guy that did it would take care of it.

Well, the thought of driving back into Adam's Morgan just to spend 5 minutes getting my tattoo fixed was not high on my list.  Thankfully, I found out that the guy will be working at the MD location today (still not super convenient, but easier than DC).

Today I'll be taking a half day....  to get my tattoo fixed in the afternoon and really just to relax.  Because, hell, I have so much time off I could share it with the rest of staff.

I'll post later and let you know how this whole thing goes.

Pink's the new black right?

Those of you that follow me on Pinterest or on facebook have heard about my most recent furniture purchase.

Let me give you a bit of back story.  While planning for the wedding, I was referred to a makeup studio by a few friends from high school, Sonia Roselli.  I went as far as to book a consultation and eventually a makeup artist for myself, bridal party and my mom.  They were really great and super friendly.

So even though I don't live in Chicago, I have been following Sonia on facebook.  The other day while I was in Milwaukee she posted a message on facebook that they were trying to sell their pink dresser from their makeup studio for $75.  PINK DRESSER?!?!  Seriously.

So after a few emails back and forth and working out some logistics, that baby was mine!  Isn't she cute?  I love that shape and the drawer sizes. 

Since I know that whenever I do move out of my house, I will not have any bedroom furniture... well, why not this dresser?

I'm so thankful to my relatives for picking it up and storing it in Chicago for me for the time being.  My aunt said that a couple of the drawers were stuck, but that could be because of the heat.  And my cousin, Makala, is not a fan of the pink.  So I guess we'll have to see if the pink stays.  I like the idea of a pink dressers as a big stand out piece design-wise, but we'll have to see.

In the meantime, I'm exploring decorating ideas for my future bedroom on pinterest.

I [heart] Jcrew

I'm sure I've made it quite clear through all my outfit posts that I love Jcrew.  I LOVE Jcrew.... just not how expensive it is.  However, since they've opened Jcrew Factory (which is basically the outlet store online), I've been making a lot more purchases.  Especially when they have 60% off sales with free shipping.  Seriously, how do you pass up a $24.99 pencil skirt that you know is good quality?  Then answer is you don't....

So that's why I'm starting to look like I just stepped out of the catalogs.  Except I'm never on a boat, or wearing hiking boots with sequin shorts. :)

This is a new skirt I just bought myself as a birthday present (along with a couple other things).  Melissa says is "loud" but I like it.  I thought about going bold and wearing it with a gingham shirt, but that was just WAY too much for me.  I'll stick to neutrals and neutral sequins, thanks. :)

*outfit by Jcrew (factor and regular store), shoes - payless

Pastels

Last night I repainted my nails in a new color I got over the weekend.  Both Justin and Melissa feel that I paint my nails way too often.  Though I don't think putting a new top coat on every other day counts as "too often".  :)  Trust me, if I had the time and energy to paint my nails every day, I probably would.  I've gotten much better at it.  I get less on my fingers (so less clean up) and my right hand is starting to look as good as my left.  Now, that's progress!

*Sinful - Mint Apple (it has a little shimmer to it)

I also contribue today's nail color to the inspiration with my outfit today.  I just love this new aqua cardigan I got in Chicago.  The pastel colors helped "summer up" (I may use that term more often) this charcoal grey dress. 

*cardigan, dress & flower pin - Jcrew, shoes - Chinese Laundry (old) - guess it's a Jcrew kind of day

I've been noticing on fashion blogs and pinterest for a while now that bunches of bracelets are in.... so in, right now.  So in my effort to be a little trendy, I've started trying to wear some of the bracelets I have together.  I busted out my Tiffany's bracelet that was a high school graduation gift and have been pairing it with my Pandora bracelet.  Today I tried to throw on a couple other simple silver bangles to beef it up.  I like it.

Food for thought

Insight from Melissa via Pinterest.  Originally found here.

Appropriate reminder as I start off my best year of my 20s. :)

Twenty-Nine

I can't believe that I'm in my last year of my twenties.  It sounds silly, but I don't feel nearly as old as that.   :)

Everyone always talks about that dreaded point of turning 30, and now I'm one step closer.  To be honest, I don't always get that.  Sure ending my 20s, means I am getting older.  I guess I just see my 30s as the next opportunity to do all the things I wanted to do and still haven't done yet.  Ask me again next year though... I may feel differently.

Lots of people always look back fondly on their twenties and talk about how it was the best time of their lives.  Really?  I certainly hope not.  My twenties were filled with stress and disappointment and heartbreak.  While there were a few really great highlights, overall, not so much.

I'm really looking forward to challenging myself to make 29 the BEST year of my twenties.

I've started it off right with a cute outfit (if I do say so myself) today.

*top & necklace - Jcrew, skirt - gift from Leslie, shoes - nine west

#41 - See a movie in 3D

I am not sure why I haven't jumped on the 3D band wagon.  I've seen a few movies in IMAX but never in 3D.  So when Melissa and I planned to see the last Harry Potter movie this weekend for my birthday, I couldn't find a better time to check one item off my list.

I bought our tickets for the 9am show online on Saturday and we showed up 15 minutes before the movie started to this...

Yeah.  That's a line.  At 8:45am on a Sunday.

Thankfully, they started the movie late to allow everyone a chance to get in.  Seems the line was partly because the 9am show was the first show of the morning and they opened the doors late.

Thankfully, we cold avoid the refreshments line since we picked up donuts before we got there.  I also had my water bottle of mimosas; this idea coming from my boss.  Genius really.  I don't know why I hadn't thought about it before.  I will be bringing mimosas to the movies with me more often.  :)

We ended up having to sit in the very front row if we wanted to sit together.  I honestly can't tell you the last time I sat in the front row of the movies.  And in IMAX 3D I was worried we were actually going to be IN the movie.

It was great.  The movie was great, the IMAX was great... the 3D, eh.  It was okay.  Honestly, I could've done without it.  Sure, there were some parts that were pretty cool in 3D, but for the most part, it was just distracting.  Unless you watched straight ahead and in the middle of the screen, I found there was always a slight fuzziness to the movie.

So while it was a good thing to experience (and check off my list), I probably won't be seeing another movie in 3D anytime soon.  I just don't think it's for me.

Birthday weekend

Melissa insisted that I open my birthday gift on Friday night so "I could have all weekend to play with it."

I'm glad she did! It's the silhouette machine I've been wanting for over two years! So many crafting ideas can finally happen.

Many many thanks to Melissa, Lauren, my mom and grandma for all pitching in on the gift. I love it.

Birthday champagne

Sara believes that everyone should have champagne handy at home.... Just in case. We debated adding that to my list of 101 things. :)

Happy Friday!

I had a good time at happy hour yesterday with Sara.  It was nice to get to hang out, since we get to do it outside of work so infrequently.  Darn long commutes and babies. :)

The original plan was to stop at Sara's house, have a drink until her husband got home, and then head off to a local restaurant that was having a special "toast on the terrace" special.  Well, we made it to Sara's house.  Had our drink while we waited for Jerry to get home, and headed to Brabo for the special party.

While we were waiting for the valet guy, Sara found out that they cancelled the terrace party.  After some digging from Sara, we found out that they indeed cancelled the terrace party and she was incorrectly informed in her confirmation phone call earlier that day.  To compensate us for the "inconvenience", they seated us on the patio at the restaurant and assured us that we would be "taken care of".  It was nice.  We had some white sangria and an appetizer dish.  MMMM, sangria.

Then, we headed over to another new place that just opened down near my dad's old office, Virtue.  Sara knew one of the bartenders upstairs (Sara always knows the important people), so we headed up there.  They had a great mix of drinks, so I let her friend make me whatever he wanted.  The first drink was their version of an apple martini, which tasted more like apple juice than a martini (which I liked).  Then he made this beer/cocktail drink that they are known for.  It was excellent.   I will definitely try to go back to that place.

It was so nice to be out and about (though I am certainly tired today) and nice to spend some time with Sara.

On my way home, I caught up a bit with Amanda since it's been a while since we talked.  She said she is working on a 101 things list!!!  Maybe some of our items will be similar and we can accomplish them together.

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Thank God today is Friday, because I can use some sleep.  I have big plans to catch up on sleep, enjoy the pool and hopefully see Harry Potter (in 3D so I can cross that off my list).

I know I don't usually take photos on casual Fridays, but I really like my new cardigan. :)  I got it at Jcrew Outlet while we were in IL.  Also, I'm wearing the "white shoes" as everyone at work calls them.  Wearing white keds with rolled up jeans makes me feel like I stepped out of a 50s sock hop movie, and I like it.

shirt & sweater - Jcrew, jeans - bitten brand, shoes - KEDS :)

Happy Friday everyone!

Thought for Thursday

Found on one of my new favorite blogs, Etiquette for a Lady.  So true.

Outfit Repeat

As I was taking my outfit photo this morning, I had a feeling it was repeat.  And yep, I was right!

This isn't the first time.  I just usually don't post pictures.  I repeat outfits a lot.  Sometimes because I simply like it.  Sometimes because I know it works and I'm too lazy to try anything else out.  And sometimes because I feel like I don't have enough options in my closet.

I have found recently that when I'm trying to dress for work, I am frustrated by the lack of "work appropriate" options in my closet.  Then, when I'm trying to dress to go out and do something fun, I'm annoyed because ALL my clothes seem to be work appropriate.  How does that happen?  Please tell me I'm not the only one.

Today's outfit is a repeat because I love it.  I love this skirt (I know I've said that before too). Sara, my friend/coworker, and I are going to get drinks after work, so I wanted to wear something I felt good in. This morning I was feeling a little extra gutsy and decided to change out my default neutral shoes and pair the outfit with my bright coral pumps!  Daring, huh?  :)  Hey, it's the little things.

I don't usually pair too many colors together, but I think of this skirt as a neutral, so it's technically just two colors still.

Sweater - Jcrew, Skirt - Anne Cramer, shoes - Nine west, belt - Jcrew

Also, check out the new nailpolish I bought up in Milwaukee.  It was on sale at Walgreens for $1.99.  It's actually pretty neon, which is hard to tell in the photo.  I have used this brand of nailpolish before but this one was weird.  First, it dried crazy fast.  I mean FAST.  My right hand actually is a little lumpy because the polish was drying faster than I could put it on. (Note to self: must learn to do right hand better)

The color is called "Dream On" by Sinful

While that made things a bit trickier, I was actually really happy with how fast drying it is.  I didn't have to sit around waiting forever.  Also, it seemed to dry matte.  Which was fine, I just didn't realize it would.  I actually liked the color shiny, so I ended up using a top coat.  It doesn't say anything on the bottle about matte finish, nor do I recall it saying that anywhere on the display.  Truthfully, I didn't really look that hard either.  It said it was $1.99, I liked the color.  Bam!  In the shopping cart it went.  :)

It's almost Friday and you know what this weekend is!!! :)

AFI's Top 100 List

So some of the items of my 101 things list require your help. :)

One of them is to watch 10 movies from the AFI Top 100 list that I haven't seen before.  So I'm looking for recommendations.  The ones on the list that are crossed off, I have already seen.  The highlighted green ones are ones I'm debating.

So you tell me.... which ones do YOU think I should watch???

CITIZEN KANE
THE GODFATHER
CASABLANCA
RAGING BULL
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN
GONE WITH THE WIND
LAWRENCE OF ARABIA
SCHINDLER'S LIST
VERTIGO
THE WIZARD OF OZ
CITY LIGHTS
THE SEARCHERS
STAR WARS
PSYCHO
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY
SUNSET BLVD.
THE GRADUATE
THE GENERAL
ON THE WATERFRONT
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
CHINATOWN
SOME LIKE IT HOT
THE GRAPES OF WRATH
E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON
HIGH NOON
ALL ABOUT EVE
DOUBLE INDEMNITY
APOCALYPSE NOW
THE MALTESE FALCON
THE GODFATHER PART II
ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST
SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS
ANNIE HALL
THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE
DR. STRANGELOVE
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
KING KONG
BONNIE AND CLYDE
MIDNIGHT COWBOY
THE PHILADELPHIA STORY
SHANE
IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
REAR WINDOW
INTOLERANCE
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING
WEST SIDE STORY
TAXI DRIVER
THE DEER HUNTER
M*A*S*H
NORTH BY NORTHWEST
JAWS
ROCKY
THE GOLD RUSH
NASHVILLE
DUCK SOUP
SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS
AMERICAN GRAFFITI
CABARET
NETWORK
THE AFRICAN QUEEN
RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK
WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
UNFORGIVEN
TOOTSIE
A CLOCKWORK ORANGE
SAVING PRIVATE RYAN
THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID
THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS
IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT
FORREST GUMP
ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN
MODERN TIMES
THE WILD BUNCH
THE APARTMENT
SPARTACUS
SUNRISE
TITANIC
EASY RIDER
A NIGHT AT THE OPERA
PLATOON
12 ANGRY MEN
BRINGING UP BABY
THE SIXTH SENSE
SWING TIME
SOPHIE'S CHOICE
GOODFELLAS
THE FRENCH CONNECTION
PULP FICTION
THE LAST PICTURE SHOW
DO THE RIGHT THING
BLADE RUNNER
YANKEE DOODLE DANDY
TOY STORY
BEN-HUR


I thank my mom and my film classes in college for broadening my interest in movies, thus allowing me to see so many on this list.  :)

#21 - Run a Half Marathon

This is a big one I am happy to cross off my list.  While I didn't start the year with this as one of my goals, I was happy to add it when I found out Lauren was running.  For a while now, I had been wanting to do a run (like a 5k) as a way to get myself into running.  Like my dad asked me on Saturday "why didn't you just sign up for the 10k?" to which I responded... all or nothing dad, ALL OR NOTHING! :)

I had kept this blog updated with my training (thanks the Kelly for being my training coach and mentor) but as you know, it was difficult to keep up the motivation after my conference and vacation.  Even with all of that, I felt pretty good going into the run.  I had a plan... start slow and work up if I could.  I also knew that I would need to be smart considering the weather that day.

The run started off great, well, except for when they ran out of cups and water.  Personally, I felt okay.  I ran a nice first 6.5 miles.  After that I had to start walking a bit to keep my body feeling okay and to stay on pace with Lauren.  Things were going okay when we hit the 10 mile mark and saw the "black flag".  The black flag was meant to warn of extreme weather (storms, heat, etc.).  The volunteer standing there said that the race had officially ended and that they were no longer keeping time. 

So that was pretty disheartening.  I ended up walking more towards the end so that I wouldn't overdo things.  With a few last runs in, Lauren and I finished just over 3 hours.  My family; mom and dad, MEM, Melissa, Brendan, Justin and Kayla, were all waiting at the finish line to cheer us on.

there we are in the pink!

Official Race time - 3:02:23

sweaty finishers!

 It defintely was longer than I had hoped (my goal was under 2:30) but I felt good running and I finished; which was great. 

The jury is still out on if I will complete another one or not.  Only time will tell. :)

Summerfest 2011

After several years away, I was finally able to get to Summerfest this summer.  Unforunately, I didn't get to see any bands I wanted, but it was fun to go during the day with my family.  My parents came up to Milwaukee on Saturday to hang out with us and it happen to be my Dad's birthday.

We walked around, ate food (roasted corn, turkey legs, BEER...) and then took a ride on the skyline.  :)

It was fun.  Hopefully next summer I can attend and see some bands play.

Sunday was the half marathon (which I will be posting about later) and then Monday we drove back.  The drive was fine.  We put Samson in the front seat which actually worked out better.  He was a little more calmer and Melissa was then able to sit in back with Kayla and keep her company when she wasn't napping.  We were all doing pretty well until the last couple of hours.  That is a long ride and we all got tired of sitting in the car.  Needless to say, I won't be doing that drive for quite a while! :)

Oh Wisconsin

I love this castle of cheese...

It's been way too long...

The Set-up

A few months ago I got a phone call from my aunt MEM.  She had a funny story to tell me about my other aunt really wanting to set me up with a coworker of hers.  We laughed about it because this aunt NEVER sets people up and really none of my family has ever tried to get involved in my personal life.  It was all in good fun as we figured this guy must be pretty great if it prompted my aunt to want to set me up.

So imagine my surprise when I get a text message from said aunt while we were spending out last night in Chicago.  Basically, she wanted me to meet with him while I was up in Milwaukee visiting.  Of course, he only had one night since he was going out of town.  The situation just got funnier and funnier as it turned out to be a group outing with my aunts, sisters and hopefully this guy and a friend or two.

Lauren picked a bar pretty close to Miller Park, since he was already at the baseball game.... a bar that happened to be having Ladies Night last night.  So my aunts and sisters and I started having a few drinks while we waited to see if he was going to show up.

That hour and a half of sitting at the bar with my aunts and sisters was one of the funniest nights I've had in a long time.  It's been a really long time (really, really long time) since my sisters and I have been able to just sit down and hang out with both aunts together.  It was a lot of fun.  Then Lauren's friend showed up.. followed later by they mystery man and his roommate.  

He was cute and nice.  Given the little conversation I really did have with him it was hard to say much else other than that.  Also, considering that I don't live here....  who knows.  I wouldn't be opposed to hanging out with him again another time I'm in town, but we'll see.

I truly appreciate that my aunt thought about me, and it was really great to spend some time out with them and have a good time.  I don't go out very often at home, both because of location and lack of interest... so that made it worth it.  

We are going to the Milwaukee Zoo today, so hopefully, I'll get a few great pictures with Kayla at the zoo.

Chicago

Man, I really love Chicago.  I even don't mind taking public transportation.  It makes me feel like a real resident, almost.  I know that if I had to take public transportation every day, maybe I would feel differently.  But right now, I enjoy the thought of even having to deal with that option.

Today is a day I wish I had taken photos with my iphone.  Downtown was alive with people and the weather was beautiful.  I had two meetings downtown today.  The first was with a contact of my dad's' the second was a little more interesting.

I don't mean to be so obscure, I promise I will go into it details soon.  Right now, I'm going to enjoy my last night at my parents house before the drive up to Milwaukee tomorrow.

4th of July Redux

The 4th of July was super busy.  It started with Melissa, Nanny and I getting up at 5am so we could head down to reserve our spot for the fireworks.  This is a hometown tradition.  The fireworks are really popular and everyone tries to get the best spot.  As you can see, this is just a small portion of people that were waiting for the fireworks that night.

After we reserved the spot, we walked the dogs and then got ready for the 4 mile run.  As I posted yesterday, it went really well.  I'm looking forward to the half marathon this coming weekend.

Then it was time for the parade.  The parade was different this year than previous years.  Less bands and fire trucks and more politicians and companies using the advertising.  Thankfully two staples were still around; the Jesse White Tumblers and Superman!!!  Superman has looked exactly the same for as long as I can remember him... except his outfit is looking a little faded.

Kayla had a great time at her first parade and also on all the walks she took.  Poor thing was quickly worn out.

After a nap and hanging out with family, we headed down to get ready for the fireworks.  My hometown has the best fireworks and they continue to outdo themselves. Here are a few of the photos I got on my iphone.  I'm pretty impressed with how they turned out.

This morning we got up and drove out to my parent's house for the next couple of days.  This will be a relaxing few days with less people and less activities.  I think we all are going to enjoy that. :)

Freedom Four run - COMPLETED

This morning my sister, Lauren and I ran in the Freedom Four run.  Four miles around our old neighborhood.  It was a lot of fun.  She's faster than I am... should make for an interesting half marathon next week.

I have tons of photos to post about the day already at it's only 10:35.  That's what happens when you get up at 5am.

Happy 4th of July!!!!

Swinging

Getting in some good old fashioned swinging at the park!

Weekend festive nails

I've been dying to try this nail technique that I saw on pinterest, so this weekend was as good of a time as any.

I'll probably change it again at least once while I'm out of town.

725 miles, one dog, one baby, and two tired ladies

I guess relatively speaking, the drive out here couldn't have gone any smoother.

Sure, Samson REFUSED to sleep... at all.... ever..... in the entire 12 hours we were driving.

And sure, Kayla decided that immediately AFTER we got back in the car from a stop was the perfect time to poop...three times... after each stop.

Overall, it was much better than I was mentally preparing myself for.  And we arrived, 725 miles and 12 hours later, covered in dog hair, hot and tired.  But we arrived.

I'm excited to see my family, hopefully some friends, and just take some time away from my routine.  I'm going to try to post some photos throughout the trip from my phone.  Here's hoping at least!

#1 - Inspire others

So the best part about this 101 things is that I had the ability to quickly check the first one off the list. 

The day I first saw the idea for the 101, I talked to Melissa about it on the walk that afternoon.  She was instantly on board with the idea and that night we both sat on the couch coming up with our lists.

I knew that Lauren would join in as well, so I guess you could say my #1 was sort of a set up.

I'll be keeping track of all my accomplishments and links to the updates on each one up on the 101 in 1,001 tab. :)