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I finished up my student teaching last Friday, so I have a few "free" weeks before I start an interim teaching position in December.  Unfortunately, I need to make some money so I'll be working at Target until then.
During these few weeks I'm planning on getting back on track with running/working out, eating well, and taking care of our apartment.  Hello Christmas decorating time! It will be nice to have the time to do all of this.
I LOVE teaching and I can't wait to have my own classroom!  Too bad I cannot find an opening at this time.  Hopefully, there will be something come August.  For now, I have this interim position and then I'll just be substituting.  At least I'll get my foot in the door of a lot of schools!  
Anyway, I didn't have to be anywhere today and it has been so nice!  I got up and made the hubby breakfast (waffles and bacon... okay, they were Eggos!), took care of some paperwork for school, had a good run and workout at the Y, went to the grocery store and now I'm relaxing and watching some daytime TV.  Putting off the cleaning until Wednesday. ;)
Hope your week is off to a great start!

Check it out!

Sweet Southern Prep is giving away some cute earrings and an LP stickers and label booklet.  So fun! Check out her blog to find out how to enter.  

Home, Sweet home

My husband and I have had little debates every now and then about calling my parents' house "home."  I remember the first time I took a weekend trip after we got married to visit my family (by myself).  When I was almost to my parents' house, Ray called my cell. As we were finishing our conversation I said something like, "All right, well I'm almost home so I'll call you later!"  Though he didn't say anything about it right then, we talked later and he wittingly asked me if I did not consider our apartment my home.  Of course I feel that my home is with him, but I will always call the house that I grew up in--and lived in for the 18 years before moving to Asheville--home.  I consider it a blessing to have lived in the same city for my entire childhood, and I think that is why it is so easy for me to call it home.  Ray, on the other hand, has moved quite a few times.  (But, if he had to pick a place to call home besides where we are, he would say Raleigh - where he lived from high school through college.)  Moving a lot can also be a blessing because it provides new experiences and fresh starts.   

Anyway, I guess it would be more appropriate to call Charlotte, and my parents' house, "back home."  Right?  I definitely do call this comfortable two-bedroom apartment, in which my husband and I have lived since getting married in January 2009, my home.  And I will call the next place we live home.  But, "back home" is where I look forward to going to see familiar faces, drive without my GPS, visit with friends, play with our crazy dog Jack, sit in the kitchen with my sisters, hang out with my mom and dad and go to the places I trust for my beauty needs. ;)    

[My mom, me, and a couple of sisters and cousin getting pedicures for my wedding.]

When I go back home, this is my go-to place for a quick, cheap brow wax.  (Sadly though, different people bought the place and this past weekend they did not do such a stellar job!)  I also go back home for haircuts and ring cleanings!  

What do you call home?

Another giveaway +

I love free stuff! This giveaway is from Ashley B @ Sweet Southern Prep.  

LP playing cards

Really cute earrings - will look perfect with a pretty Spring dress!

I LOVE pink polish! 

(and OPI is the best)

Good luck! 

Fashion Meets Food

Ashley B at Sweet Southern Prep suggested I follow a blog that might help encourage and motivate me to do better with eating and working out.  I checked it out and I love the blog!  First, I love how she snaps photos of what she eats.  Second, she has great meal ideas.  Third, she's fun and is about to get married!  Lastly, she has great giveaways like this one...

a Joey Junior Foldable Purse Hanger 

Go visit Erica's blog at Fashion Meets Food and enter the giveaway! 

Good luck!

Burnt out!

Only seven more days of classes and four exams until this semester finally comes to an end.  I am so ready!  The past couple of weeks have worn me out.  I hate when I get stressed because it begins a vicious cycle.  It starts with stress eating.  Then, because I've eaten so much, I don't feel like working out.  And I come up with all this stuff I have to do besides working out, but I don't get those things done either.  So, I've been unproductive and I'm feeling gross.  This past week, I did get a lot of work done, but I didn't improve my physical well-being.  For some reason, I can't get back on track.  I keep saying, "Okay, tomorrow I will work out," but I don't.  It doesn't just affect me, it affects my loving husband.  I get mopey, I don't clean, I don't make him breakfast in the morning and  I pour my heart out to him every night when we get in bed.  (I'm also really uncomfortable going to bed at night when I have been unhealthy, because I get hot and my body just doesn't feel right.)  I hate being like this.  Though, my love is the most understanding and caring husband.  He just listens and helps me relax.
But, ultimately only I can fix my physical health.  Two weeks from today I will be running another 5k.  I was hoping to keep up with running since my last 5k, but no success with that.  I've just been too busy.  (But, that's not really a good excuse EVER.)  Anyway, two weeks from today I will also be done with classes.  I don't want to put off getting in shape until then. I want to be back on track already.  My goal for the next two weeks is to do 30 minutes of cardio each weekday at least.  I will have my mornings back since I don't have to teach this week, so I will work out first thing.  I'm also going to eat in moderation.  Blogging about this will help me stay motivated and keep me focused!
Here's to being ME again!      

Oh, Atlanta

We had so much fun in Atlanta!  We arrived around 6:30 Tuesday night, checked in to our hotel, and then... ate dinner at the food court at Phipps Plaza and went to see Clash of the Titans! Haha.  Okay, so why did we go see a movie our first night in Atlanta?  Because we have had an AMC gift card that we haven't been able to use because there are no AMC theaters around here. So, we finally got to use it!  Our hotel was perfect.  I think we'll stay there from here on out!  It was a Fairfield Marriott in Buckhead and very reasonably priced.  We've stayed downtown a couple of times, but it's definitely a bit more pricey, plus you have to pay for parking.  I also felt a lot safer staying in the perimeter area.  

We even had a waterfront room! Haha.  

Anyway, on Wednesday we hung out at Perimeter Mall for a little bit to kill some time, ate lunch at the Varsity, and then went to Turner field and took the tour before the game.  Because it was so close to game time, we didn't get to go down to the locker room, but we did get to sit in the dugout and see the press room and other cool stuff.  Some of the Cubs players were throwing a frisbee on the field when we were out there.   The highlight of the tour was definitely seeing Don Sutton.  He was grabbing something to eat in this little diner thing that's for the media people.  He stopped and talked to us while he waited on his food.  Ray made fun of me because I was so star struck even though I wasn't all that familiar with him.  I was just excited!                                                                               

The weather was perfect on Wednesday.  I had on flip flops, shorts and a tank top until the sun went down.  Even then, it still felt perfect!  We sat right behind short stop, one section over from where Chipper hit his homer of the game.  We snacked on peanuts, coke, and I got a huge frozen yogurt.  Yum!  

Thursday was rainy, so we went downtown and hung out at the CNN center.  We ate lunch at the food court and then drove to a place I found called Atlanta Cupcake Factory.  It was a tiny little place with THE BEST cupcakes.  We ran inside while it was LIGHTLY raining out.  Ray got a key lime cupcake and I got a coconut almond cupcake.  Such a perfect treat on a rainy day!  On the way out, we had to run through a MONSOON.  We were drenched.  We had to change clothes in the car when we got to Turner Field because we were seriously squeezing water out of our jeans. Haha.  So I had to wear shorts, but luckily it never got too cold.  It cleared up right before batting practice.  We HAD to get a ball.  I had on the baseball glove, ready to catch one. No success during the Braves practice.  So, we kept waiting while the Cubs hit some.  Finally, one came right toward me, but (I promise) it was too high!  Ray thought I just didn't try.  I seriously did try!  It went right over my head two rows above us.  Ray jumped over the seats and got it.  Thank goodness!  I don't think I would have been able to live that one down.  

Our seats for Thursday's game were up high above second base.  Still good though! (Have I mentioned that we only paid $32 for both of us for two games?)  Sweet deal!  Sadly, the Braves lost on Thursday night, but they looked good and I'm looking forward to going to some more games.  

Sorry, I know this blog was long, but I just thought I'd give a recap of our trip!  

Oh and this week I have to get back on track with eating and working out.  I ate so much unhealthy goodness over the past few days.

I did TRY to run on the treadmill at the hotel, but it was so old it felt unsafe.  Haha.  I'm definitely feeling out of shape today!  

Ray hasn't been feeling good since we got back and he's running a high fever.  I hope he gets better by tomorrow! Please pray for him! 

Oh, ATLANTA

I hear you calling

I'm coming back to you one fine day

No need to worry, there ain't no hurry

Cause I'm on my way back to GEORGIA

-Alison Krauss

Batting practice

I'm ready! Haha

Yummy

Just ate a really good burger and way too many fries!

J-Hey Kid!

Ray and I are heading down to Atlanta to root for the home team for the next two games against the Cubs.  After watching last night's game on TV, I cannot wait!  The 20-year-old rookie, Jason Heyward, definitely showed us that he is going to live up to the hype that we've been hearing about.  In case you've been under a rock since last night (or just not into sports), he hit a 3-run homer at his first major-league at bat.  

AMAZING!  

(AJC photo by Phil Skinner)

I'll be back Friday with pictures!

(And of course some along the way.) 

%^ 82 %^

Just a quick post to say I'm loving this weather!!  (82 degrees and sunny!) Unfortunately, I got in a cleaning frenzy and spent a couple hours in the apartment.  But, I did go downtown and walk around.  There were so many people out...tourists and locals.  Love it!  I hope to plan a weekend this Spring for my sisters to come visit and have a *ladies only* weekend. :) That would be fun! 

Sunshine and 70+ degrees!

It is beautiful here today! I wish I didn't have to spend it inside... I was in the elementary school all morning, came home for lunch, and now I have to be in class until 5:30 and then work 'til 10:30. Not so much fun.  But, at least I'll enjoy the sunshine in the car!

Did you know that Google has changed its name to Topeka? Yeah, the mayor of Topeka, KS changed the city's name to Google, so Google honored him by the reverse.  Go to Google and click on the logo to read more on this story!

Thank goodness! Starbucks is giving even more choices on sizes... now I can get a shot of coffee or a coffee cup that I can reuse as a trash can! 

Oh, did you hear about the latest trend in men's pants?  Check it out here from the Charlotte Observer.  But, here's a quick look:

Have you fooled anyone today?

Ten Questions

I was tagged by Sweet Southern Prep to answer these questions! 

1. Who is your style icon?

 

Jennifer Aniston always has a good look! Hair, body, clothes and all! 

2.  What is your favorite socialite lit book?

Well, sadly I don't think I have ready any socialite lit!  But, I do love my gossip/style magazines...

 

3.  What is your favorite party theme?

Fourth of July by the lake, beach or pool! Grilling out, playing cards, swimsuits on, cold drinks, and fireworks.

4.  Go-to Halloween costume?

Redneck :) 

5.  Extravagance you cannot live without?

I'm sure I could live without any extravagance, but I really enjoy having DVR and my computer! 

6.  Living person you admire?

Grandparents. Parents. Sisters. Husband. Friends. (Sorry, I can't pick just one!) 

7.  Greatest fear?

Cancer.

8.  Traits you deplore in yourself?

Impatience.

9.  Which talent would you most like to have?

Playing the piano really well.    

10.  Greatest achievement?  

Being a retail manager for a whole year! Ha.  This question really makes me think... what have I achieved? 

Your instructions, if you're tagged, or even if you're not tagged, you can still join in the fun too:

• Paste the picture at the top of this blog onto your blog.
• Tell who tagged you.
• Answer the questions.
• Pass it on to some bloggers of your choice, and let them know they've been tagged.

Carrots 'N' Cake

The Holman Household

Love, Actually

Goody's 500

Goody's 500

Can't feel my toes! And wet. They are drying the track, hoping to start the race. Yeah...I'd rather be watching this on the couch.  :/

Spring into Action 2010

And so it begins... 

8:20 a.m.  Sunny, but 32*!

8:29 a.m.  Covered my ears and zipped up my coat!

Ready to run to get warm...

Somewhere between Mile 1 and 2... happy to see Ray!

The last little stretch was downhill. Sprint time! 

I look like I'm in pain...good thing the cop is nearby!

FINISHED in 30m 27s

(If you zoom in on this pic, I have a really goofy smile on my face)

My support and personal paparazzi!

I cannot wait to run many more 5ks.  It was a tough course with three big hills, but luckily there were also a few downhill slopes.  The weather was frigid!  I think it was great preparation for future races, though.  The top female was also 24 years old and she finished in 20 minutes.  Craziness!  There were only 67 runners and I finished 32nd overall.  Stay tuned for more 5k updates in the future! ;)

Thank you, your honor!

Where I spent my morning...

Prayer & Fasting

Ray and I missed church last Sunday because of work, so we finally watched the sermon online yesterday.  Our pastor, Bruce Frank, posed a challenge to us.  Today and tomorrow we will be praying about what God wants us to do (or not do) for the week before Easter.  If you have half an hour today, you should watch the sermon and explore some of the resources for more insight.  

One extra thing I learned from this sermon is that the sacrifice I chose for the entire season of Lent was a good choice.  However, I did not do it the right way.  It doesn't mean anything to just give something up for whatever reason (in my case, it was a distraction).  I intended to give up Facebook to have more quite time with God, but the quiet time didn't really happen.  I even chose to start this blog so that I could get in the Word some more and blog about what I was learning, but... well, you can see that didn't happen either.  

As I pray over the next couple of days I will listen to God and ask Him what will be the best thing for me to do in the coming week.  I want him to CHANGE ME.  I want to realize my dependence on Him.  I'm so excited to see what comes of this!  As Pastor Bruce says, "He can make things happen immediately what might take us our entire life."  

bad habits...

My appetite was so weird today! I never got hungry, but I ate my breakfast and lunch as normal.  However, after I got home and ate dinner (sandwich thin with pizza sauce and shredded mozzarella) I wanted more! So, I started with saltines and peanut butter...

I probably had about 15... oops!  And I may or may not have added a few pieces of chocolate to a few of them and stuck them in the microwave.  YUM.  

But...... I still wasn't finished. I fixed Ray a bowl of vanilla ice cream with Frosted Flakes because I really wanted him to try it.  He loves fried ice cream and I figured that would taste just like it. (It was a success... he liked it, though he's not a big fan of the low fat ice cream.) While he was eating that, I had to have something to munch on.  Out came the Samoas! I had two.  

I have no idea why I decided to make tonight a splurge night, but I did and that's all I have to say about that! Hope you were a healthier eater than I was today!  

By the way, I picked up my race packet today. I wish I had ordered a size S instead of M because the shirt is really nice (New Balance, mesh) but it is way too big.  I didn't know it was going to be a Men's shirt.  Boo.  Oh and I'm already getting the pre-race jitters.  I don't think that's a good sign.  We shall see on Saturday! 

Sore throat, itchy eyes, sneezing...

All caused by this...

      The teacher with whom I'm working and for whom I will be student teaching in the Fall has a guinea pig in her classroom.  If you know me, you know that the guinea pig is the only thing I'm knowingly allergic to.  I don't even have to touch it...if I'm in the same room, it will affect me.  I just did a little bit of research and found out one interesting fact:  it is the protein in the urine to which I'm allergic.  It's not the hair, although the guinea pig might get some of those proteins on its hair (therefore creating a rash on me if I were to ever touch it).  I never knew that!  Maybe I should tell Ray that I'm allergic to cat pee too, so I won't have to clean out the litter! Haha! TMI?  Anyway, she knows that I'm allergic, so when I'm in there for good next semester, she is going to have the guinea pig moved to another class.  For now, Tuesday after Tuesday I take my generic brand Claritin before I go to the school and take two Benadryl when I leave.  Other than leaving with a sore throat and itchy eyes, I love the school, the teacher and the students! 
        On another note, it snowed here in Asheville yesterday.  Have I mentioned that I'm tired of it?  It came down pretty hard, but the ground wasn't cold enough for it to stick.  I'm just so ready for some heat! 

Liberty of London

Target has launched its Liberty of London collection...and people are going nuts over it!  I love the patterns - lots of floral (they call it flower power) and spring colors. We (@ Target) have tons of clothes, accessories, and home decor.  This is definitely going to be a successful partnership for Target and Liberty.  (Liberty will actually have some of the pieces in its store as well.)  Ray thinks that Target is testing the waters in London! That would be pretty cool... maybe he could get transferred there. ;)  Only temporarily of course...I would miss family and friends too much!

Anyway, check out the real Liberty of London.  It's really expensive!  Then, make sure you check out Target and tell me what you think. There's a swimsuit I really want to try on.  If it looks good, I may have to treat myself! 

For my sisters who are mamas...

 Just click on the picture to go to her blog, follow, and enjoy.  :) 

Kiawah River Course clubhouse fire

The River Course clubhouse at Kiawah Island burned to the ground yesterday.  Firefighters think that it started in the sauna.  Around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, St. John's Fire Department responded to a call.  When they arrived, the sprinklers had done most of the work and the firefighters put out the remaining flames near the men's locker room.  They used heat detectors to try to figure out if there were any more problems, but they didn't seem to find anything. Then, around 8 a.m. they got another call, but this time the clubhouse was up in flames, which could be seen from the Kiawah Parkway.  They got the fire under control around 1 p.m. but it was too late.  It destroyed everything.   They think that the initial fire may have destroyed the sprinkler system, so when the fire began again there was nothing to slow it down.  They also believe it may have started in the sauna.  

My family and I have vacationed at Kiawah Island several summers and Ray and I spent part of our honeymoon at The Sanctuary there.   It is such a nice and peaceful place!  To read the story about the fire, click on the image.

Running!

      Since I'm no longer going to Charleston for the Bridge Run I decided to sign up for a local 5K.  It is a fundraiser to benefit the Junior League of Asheville, a women's organization committed to "promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers."  

        I'm excited to run my first 5k! I hope Ray can be there with me so I at least have some support. :)  I still haven't run outside, so I plan on running everyday next week no matter what the weather.  (Okay, I might not run in the rain.) But, if it's cold, I still have to get out there!  The run is in the same area as the Y we go to, so I can practice running over there.  It's a nice and safe location.  Can't wait to update y'all next Saturday! 

Wear green or get pinched!

Did you know St. Patrick was actually from Scotland?  He was kidnapped by Irish pirates and sold into slavery when he was 16.  After six years of captivity, he escaped to France and later became a priest and then a bishop.  He returned to Ireland to preach against the idolatry going on there.  St. Patrick established over 300 churches and baptized more than 120,000 Irishmen.  Wow!  The Irish have been observing this day as a religious holiday for 1000+ years.  They attend church in the morning and feast in the afternoon.  

   

 "Christ beside me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me."