What time do you go to bed?

Random question, I know. I get so tired, so early and wonder if other people around my age are the same way. I feel like I could go to sleep at any given time, any day. My bedtime used to be 10:30. Then it changed to 10:00. Over the past couple of weeks, I have started getting into bed at 9:30. Part of it has to do with the running and waking up at 5:15 every other day. (Speaking of running...thank you SO much for the encouragement and advice! Mike and I are going to Fleet Feet to get new shoes on Saturday.)

When I go to bed at 9:30 and get up at 6:00, I get 8 1/2 hours of sleep! Isn't that a little much???
How much sleep do you get?

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C25K...Week 2

Week 2 is completed. Unfortunately, not as easily as week 1. This week, we only had to do 6 intervals of jogging for 90 seconds and walking for 2 minutes. Easy Peasy on day 1. Day 2, I started getting pains in my legs. Today, the pain started the second I started jogging and continued the entire time.

I have figured out what is wrong. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO RUN. My "form" is terrible. I am not running heal to toe and instead, I am just clomping away. I am sure I sound like a herd of elephants. Because I am hitting the pavement so hard, it is causing pain in my lower calf down to my ankles. Shinsplints have also started to kick in. Oh, the joys of running.I don't know what to do. Quitting is not an option (although I know that weeks 3-9 are going to KILL me). I guess I am going to go to a running store and see if they have some advice for me. I probably need some better running shoes too. I hate being discouraged so early in the training but I am in pain and it is hard not to focus on it while I am running.

Week 3, Day 1 is on Tuesday. I am scared. Very scared.

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Balloon Glow and Hop in the City

Last weekend was jam packed with fun, family, and friends. On Friday night, we went to the Balloon Glow in Forest Park. I had never been before and it was a really cool experience. We arrived at about 7:15 and most of the balloon were up and glowing.There were so many people and beautiful balloons. We were joined by my parents and my sister and her boyfriend, Kyle.When the sun went down, the balloons really started to glow. Every few minutes, someone would blow a bullhorn and the all of the balloon would fire up and glow. The whole area would light up and you could feel the heat on your skin. It was an awesome sight!Mike loved taking pictures of the fire up close.(You can check out more pictures on Mike's blog.)
At about 8:30, we started the trek back to our car. Then, we sat. In traffic. Not even traffic. In a parking lot. For 1 hour and 30 minutes. I was NOT a fan. We did see the fireworks from the lot but we weren't too happy. Final verdict: Although I loved the balloon glow and thought it was a great experience. However, I won't be going back for a long time. It was one of those "see it once, and don't need to see it again" kind of things for me. I am sure I will bring my future kiddos there someday but obviously, that won't be anytime soon.

Saturday was the day of the Hop. We weren't able to go to this amazing event last year but we did attend in 2007 and 2006. There's not too much to say about the Hop. You get a little cup and are able to taste 40 different Schlafly beers. It all starts off just great and turns into a pretty hot mess quickly. We even ran into Jenn and Mary. Great seeing you girls! Ok...time for the pictures...Final Verdict: I will attend this event every year that I can. SO. MUCH. FUN.

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C25K...Week 1

Week 1 is completed and honestly, it wasn't that bad. We ran at 5:30 am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Because I kept moving all day, I never felt sore. I am not a runner, I don't like running, and I'm not very good at running. BUT...I am starting to think that this program might be successful for me. Running intervals at a slow pace is a great idea. I am trying not to think about the coming weeks. I am still freaking out about the fact that I might actually be able to run for over 30 minutes (without stopping)! Everyone says that it is all mental and that is what scares me. I am ridiculously insecure about this whole running thing and I really can't picture myself doing it. Hopefully, after a couple more weeks of this program, I will feel more confident in my running skills. Thanks for all of your kind words! This is going to be an interesting journey for me.

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Turkey Trot, here we come!

I can't believe it but I decided that I want to run a 5K. I am NOT a runner...not at all. My brother runs cross country in college and can easily do a "warm up" run that is 10 miles. Well, here I am starting the Couch to 5K program and I am terrified. I am already starting to doubt myself because I just can't imagine running for 30 minutes without stopping.

This morning, we got out of bed at 5:30 (Mia was so confused because for once, we were waking her up!) We did the first week workout which wasn't too hard. 5 minute warm up walk and then 8 intervals of 60 seconds jogging and 90 seconds walking. We will do this on Wednesday and Friday and start week 2 next week! I used Robert Ullrey's podcast today and it was great. You don't have to worry about using a stopwatch because he tells you when to walk and run. He has podcasts for all 9 weeks so I am planning on using those for a while. There are a lot of different podcasts out there so I might give some of those a try too.

If anyone else is interested in running the Turkey Trot in Chesterfield, here is the info!

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My husband...the blogger!!!

I never thought that those words would ever be in the same sentence. But, my friends, it is true. Mike has his own photography blog. I guess since he just spent another $300 on a flash (you can read about that on his blog), he should share his work with the world?!?

Here ya go: http://www.mncphotography.blogspot.com/

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I love St. Louis!

I really love this city. After high school, so many people wanted to get away and live in big cities like New York and Chicago. I have felt perfectly content in this city and I am now finally becoming a part of all of the wonderful events around town.

For the first time this year, we participated in the Downtown Restaurant Week. It was a great way to try different restaurants in St. Louis for a reasonable price. We went to Mike Shannons this year and I would like to try something different next year.

Today, we went down to Mike's church for the annual Greekfest. It was our 3rd time going to the Fest together (we had to skip last year's because it was the weekend of our wedding). I think this will become a tradition for years to come.

This month, I am looking forward to going to my first Balloon Glow. I found these pictures online and can't wait to take some of my own in a couple of weeks. It will be a busy weekend because the next day, we will be doing our best to try all of Schlafly's 40 beers at Hop in the City. This will be our 3rd time attending this event as well and let me tell you...this is a blast! I can't wait to drink the Hard Cider. My favorite!!!

I think next weekend, we will do the 10 mile bike ride for Kirkwood's Green Tree Festival. I haven't signed up...I need to do that now.

There are so many fun things that go on in this wonderful city and I want to participate in more of them. What are your "must do" St. Louis activities or events?

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Tess and Kevin get hitched!

Last weekend, I was lucky to be a part of one of the most beautiful and fun wedding ever. Remember when Tess and Kevin were engaged in October? Or Tess's fabulous bachelorette party in Destin in July? Mike also attended Kevin's bachelor party at the Lake of the Ozarks but there mysteriously aren't any pictures of that event (thank the lord).

All of the wedding celebrations came together for the mecca of weddings. We started the day getting ready in Belleville at Tess's parent's home. It was such a relaxing and laid back morning until suddenly, we had an hour till the wedding and no one was dressed! (Photos of the day used in this post are courtesy of the Browers and my hubby. The ones from the Browers have their name in the corner and Mike's are just plain.)It was finally time for Tess to get ready and she was stunning! The hair, the makeup, and wow...the dress! She was incredible!!! The ceremony was beautiful and Mike got some great pictures.Officially Mr. and Mrs.!!!After the ceremony, we hopped on the trolley to head for our reception destination, the Missouri Athletic Club on Washington Avenue. I can't believe we all fit in this picture! Where's Waldo? Can you find me?The trolley ride included t-ravs, cheese sticks and chicken fingers from their family owned bar, Big Daddy's. There may or may not have also been a chug-off of Boone's Farm wine, bubble gum flavored vodka, and a round of cherry bombs, as well.

Our first stop, The City Garden. I love this place! AND, I love this picture the Browers got of Tess and her sister, Lisa, running through the fountains.Then a stop to visit puppy, Truman, at Tess and Kevin's loft on Washington.We also stopped for a few at the Four Seasons but it wasn't the best experience so I am going to skip that part ;)

The reception at the MAC was amazing! Most of the guests at the wedding at Mizzou fans and Truman the Tiger was there to celebrate! (These pictures are Mike's!)The room was amazing and the tables were just beautiful!We danced the night away and just had so much fun!!!Congrats, Kev and Tess! We love you and can't wait for you to get back from Italy!(Check out more pictures of the wedding here and here.)

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Talkers vs. Walkers

I am a talker. There...I said it. I talk a big talk...but I don't walk the walk. I want things to magically happen or appear in my life. They don't.

I WANT to lose weight.
I WANT to learn more about photography.
I WANT to run a 5K.

Do I WANT to put work into any of these things? Nope. I would just like them to happen...sooner than later, please.

But Mike...he is a walker. A do-er if you will.

He WANTS shelves and a new work station in the garage. So...he makes them.
(before)(after)He WANTS to tile the sunroom. So...he wakes up early and does it.He even had a little admirer ;)He WANTS to be a good photographer. So...he goes to Borders and gets how-to books. He conducts photo shoots of the dogs at his work. (You need to click these pictures to experience the full cuteness of these pups!)(I am trying to talk him into making a photo blog. You should see the pictures he took of our friends wedding! Wait, you will see them...next post.)
I have decided that I need to be more of a walker and less of a talker. 5K...here I come (I hope!).

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One year ago...

I married my favorite man. I married my best friend.I married my true love.I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for us. Happy first anniversary, sweetie. I love you.

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Master Plans

I graduated high school in 2001. Switch around those last digits and I will graduate again in 2010. In May, I will have my masters degree in Educational Administration. Yes, that means I can be a principal. Scary, right?!I actually made the decision that I am going to finish my masters this school year...whether it kills me or not. I just want to get it finished so I can move on with my life and finally have the masters degree that I have been working at for the past couple of years.

I have 3 classes left and my administration internship. I was going to take a class in the fall, a class in the spring, and my internship in the summer. However, the more I have thought about it, the less I want to work in the summer. Mike and I are planning to go on an Italian vacation in early summer and might go to Mexico with some high school friends in late summer. To me, vacations trump classes.

Instead, this Monday, I will start my 2 classes for the fall. Every Monday...from 4:30-9:30. Jealous?! Then in the spring, I will take my final class and work as an "intern" for my principal to fulfill my final internship. I can't believe I am going to do all of this while teaching full time but I know that it will pay off in the end.

I guess the next question is... To walk at graduation or not to walk?

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MIA (missing in action)

I know that I have been MIA lately (not my dog) and I promise to sit down and blog a bit this weekend. Things have been super hectic around here and I feel like my life has been a non-stop crazy train! I am hoping to get a few moments to myself this weekend and hope to get in a few quality posts. Thanks, my patient blog readers ;) TGIF (in a few hours)!

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Getting to know you...

This was going around on Facebook but I decided to post it on here instead. Here we go!


1. What time did you get up this morning? 5:00 am (thanks Mia)

2. How do you like your steak? medium (with a red wine sauce and blue cheese on top)

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? The Hangover

4. What is your favorite TV show? Right now, So You Think You Can Dance

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? I am happiest around family and friends so I guess St. Louis is my answer!

6. What did you have for breakfast? nothing :(

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Mexican

8. What foods do you dislike? Strange meats (lamb, duck, bologna, spam, etc...)

9.Where is your favorite place to eat? Macaroni Grill (can't go wrong)

10. What is your Favorite dressing? Ranch

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive? Madza Tribute

12. What are your favorite clothes? Dresses in the summer

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Italy, Greece, Spain, Australia, Africa, Israel (again), Hawaii, Napa Valley

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? Depends on the day

15. Where would you want to retire? Definitely a beach city...probably somewhere in Florida.

16. Favorite time of day? Evening eating dinner with my husband

17. Where were you born? St. Louis, MO

18. What are your favorite sports to watch? Cardinals baseball or college football

19. Who do you think will not tag you back? N/A

20. Person you expect to tag you back first? N/A

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? N/A

22. Bird watcher? From a hand? What does this mean? I don't like birds.

23. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night person. I hate mornings!!!

24. Do you have any pets? Mia, our beautiful boxer pup!

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? I meet my students on Friday afternoon! I am getting a little anxious!

26. What did you want to be when you were little? An actress/singer on Broadway and a teacher

27. What is your best childhood memory? Going to the Lake of the Ozarks with my family during the summers.

28. Are you a cat or dog person? Dog but I love cats. (We won't ever have one because Mike is allergic.)

29. Are you married? Yes

30. Always wear your seat belt? Yes, everytime!

31. Been in a car accident? Unfortunately, yes.

32. Any pet peeves? So many...where to begin?!?

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings? Pepperoni with ranch or BBQ chicken

34. Favorite Flower? Hydrangea and roses

35. Favorite ice cream? Not a big ice cream fan but I love cookie dough

36. Favorite fast food restaurant? McDonalds 100%!!!!

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? 0

38. From whom did you get your last email? Leslie

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Limited or Target

40. Do anything spontaneous lately? Ziplined across a pond in Florida in a dress and after many drinks!

41. Like your job? Yes, I love it.

42. Broccoli? Yum

43. What was your favorite vacation? Honeymoon to Cabo

44. Last person you went out to dinner with? Mike last night to PJs

45. What are you listening to right now? The news on TV

46. What is your favorite color? Red

47. How many tattoos do you have? One

48. How many are you tagging for this quiz? Everyone that reads my blog ;)

49. What time did you finish this quiz? 5:08

50. Coffee Drinker? Nope. (Random question to end on, huh?!?)

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20 weeks!

Mia is 20 weeks old now. When people ask how old she is, I just say 5 months now. She is over 25 pounds now...we aren't exactly sure how much because we just upped her food intake (she was getting a little too skinny).

I can't believe she was this small only 3 months ago...Now, check out my big girl!She is hard for me to pick up now and that makes me sad :( But she is getting better and better to snuggle with. I wish she would stay this size but she is only half of her size (or maybe less than half). I am so sad that I am going to be leaving her in less than a week to go back to work. It was such a blessing to be able to be home with her for the summer but I feel like I am leaving my child. I guess this will be how it is when I have real kids.

I am going to leave you with a video of Mia and my hair appliances. She HATES them! It is such a struggle for me to get brush, blow dry, and straighten my hair if Mike isn't home. For some reason, the brush, blow dryer, and Chi make her go bananas. Check it out...

***I am sure a few of you might be thinking, "OK idiot, she won't bark if you don't put the things in her face." But she does. The moment the brush touches my hair or I flip the switch on the blow dryer, she goes nuts! So funny!

Have a great weekend!

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The Man of Many Talents

My husband. So talented. Inspiring. Amazing.

Being married to a creative person is awesome. However, at times, I find myself getting jealous and envious. Even last night, as were are getting ready to go to bed, I asked, "What am I good at? What can I do?" My sweet husband goes on to tell me that I am smart, good at resolving issues and problems, and very practical. Personally, I don't think those talents are as cool as his.

We all know that he does calligraphy.

He designed out beautiful wedding invitations, rehearsal dinner invitations, escort cards, programs, table numbers and menus, pre-wedding BBQ invitations, and save the date postcards.

He also re-did our entire kitchen.

He is extremely talented at making logos for companies (which I am super excited to talk about his current client more in the next couple of weeks)!

Why am I bragging on my husband? I just am amazed by how much talent he has and how easily he can do so many things. Recently, his talent in photography and Photoshop have been especially exciting! Miss Mia was his recent muse.I need to take a photography class.

Finally, a blog reader and Stlwed friend, Karen, asked me if Mike could help her with an anniversary present. She has an idea in mind and asked if he could re-create a wedding picture for her. Here is the original wedding picture...and the finished product...Behind and through the image are the words to a special song, which is I'll Be, by Edwin McCain (I LOVE THAT SONG!). What a cool concept and modern idea! I can't tell if she got it wrapped as a canvas or just a blown up picture but it looks great in their home! So cool!Nice work, hunny! You are such a talented man. Word to you single ladies out there...marry a graphic designer :)

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