footprints

footprints

Monday, December 30, 2013

23 and Counting

Saturday was a big day! A new milestone of running a total of 23 miles was accomplished. I wasn't sure how I would feel after running for such a longer period of time, but a few extra walk breaks, hydrating enough the day before and training consistently definitely played a part in my recovery. Having a wonderful dinner to look forward to later in the day made it an even better Saturday. Although there was a small group of us going the extra distance, I loved trying out a new route and the first 18 miles flew by (sort of) and by mile 20, everything after that was an accomplishment. I was so excited and I can't thank my fellow runners enough for all of the encouragement. Thankfully we beat the rain and I had plenty of time to take a quick nap and enjoy the rainy afternoon indoors. Later in the day, dinner reservations were made at the Ritz Carlton and their restaurant Salt was the perfect dining experience. We started with a seafood appetizer, sampled some of their unique salts and had seafood entrees. The sea bass was phenomenal!! One of my favorite parts was the unique dessert: dark chocolate souffle with a side of salted caramel ice cream. It was delicious and perfect for sharing. It was a very special dinner that we definitely savored!

I hope everyone is enjoying their Holidays! I can't believe 2014 is almost upon us. It has been quite the year and I can't wait for the adventures that next year will bring.







Wednesday, December 25, 2013

A Very Pink Christmas

Hello and Merry Christmas Everyone!

Take the time to tell your loved ones how much you appreciate them and cherish the little things in life this Christmas season. I couldn't be more fortunate for my family, friends and fur baby Colby!

We have really enjoyed our first Christmas together as a married couple and I can't wait to test out my new Garmin watch! It's been a very pink Christmas (see picture below of Colby with her new pink camo bandana) and I couldn't be happier! Merry Christmas Everyone!

Colby after a walk on the beach on Xmas Day!

loving my new Garmin watch to track my speed/pace on my runs!



Saturday, December 14, 2013

Out of the Comfort Zone

What a month it has been so far! After realizing that my last post was around Thanksgiving, I knew I had to get back on track and update you all on how great December has been. The best part is that it isn't over yet and Christmas is right around the corner! For starters, I ran my 2nd annual Reindeer Run last weekend and it was a blast. Our customized t-shirts came out great and I beat my time from last year by 11 minutes! I guess that second wind I felt in the last quarter mile really helped me to get me across the finish line sooner than expected. Our running group split up in to several smaller groups and we all had a fantastic time. Not to mention, after crossing the finish line, we had the gorgeous view of the beach and the weather cooperated with us!
December has been jam packed so far with some great crafty events and I'm excited to share some pictures with you! Last weekend was the quilting workshop at a local quilting store called Lollipops. The store is run by some fantastic ladies and they graciously helped us assemble our quilts which will be gifts for our Navy Men! I can't wait to see the finished product. After putting in at least 6 hours on and off the sewing machine, I amazed myself with how much fun it was. Although it takes a lot of concentration and you have to pay close attention to the detail, I think this was a great way for me to start my own sewing project and I'm actually looking forward to making something else once I finish the quilt! I made sure to get a photo to send my Mom as living proof that I wasn't making it up :) She has been trying to get me to sew for years, so I knew she would be proud!
Just last week a bunch of my Running buddies and I went to a cute little art studio in Jacksonville called, Painting with a Twist. I would highly recommend this ladies night out where you can bring your own beverages, goodies etc and paint! I knew I had to sign up when I saw that it was a Nautical theme painting. I had my doubts about how the finished product would turn out, but overall I'm so happy with it that I decided to hang it up as our very own "bathroom art." I gladly replaced the picture that was hanging in our guest bathroom with my own original masterpiece! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and don't forget to check out the Army/Navy game today! Any guesses on who I might be cheering for? Even though I'm hardly a sports fan, these types of games are a great excuse to whip up some game day goodies and enjoy good company :)
Happy Saturday!