Thursday, December 27, 2012

2012 in review

Well 2012 definitely made out to be my most challenging, yet wonderful year of my short life thus far. I had a lot of highs and a lot of lows. I grew as a person in situations I never expected and was able to experience so many new things.

I made some great friend and lost a few along the way too. I had my heart broken and my heart mended beyond my wildest dream. I went to weddings and celebrated numerous engagements with those people that I love so dearly. I helped friends through their heartbreaks and they held me through mine. I celebrated great achievements of my own and of my friends and felt defeated at times.

I ran and ran even when I wanted to quit. I traveled to new places and made return trips to a few favorites.  I was a good friend, I was a bad friend. I cried, I laughed, I hated strongly disliked and let go of some emotions. I drew close to God, ran from him and nestled in the comfort of his arms. I watched from a distance and partook in a few things too. 

I quit a job without having another and was given the opportunity to begin working in a field I have a passion about. I made terrible decisions, good decisions and some of the best decisions of my life.  I took risks, got outside of my comfort zone and didn't care what other people thought.  I found that some friends whom I considered regular friends would end up being best friends and found that some I considered great friends weren’t the people I thought they were. I learned, I failed and I exceeded expectations.

I was challenged physically, emotionally and professionally.  I gave into temptations and resisted some too.  I found new hobbies, new adventures and new passions.  I read, I wrote, I rewrote and I reread.  I put myself in a lot of uncomfortable positions, grew from those and stayed in my comfort zone for others.  I was scared, I was happy, I was nervous, I was ecstatic, I was vulnerable, I was disappointed, I was overwhelmed, I was down on myself and I was triumphant.

I finally figured out what “when you know, you just know” means and I understand why other people can’t explain it. I waited patiently and impatiently. I had my day made and hopefully made someone’s day as well. I trusted myself and trusted others (some to a fault). I made mistakes, but most importantly I learned from those mistakes. I kept up walls and let some tear those down.

I watched friends graduate from college while others just got started. I had first dates, last dates, and the best dates of my life.  I celebrated the birth of babies, big birthdays for others and a “milestone” birthday of my own. I experienced the highs of pet owning loving, lows of pet loving and the scariest sides of pet loving. I went to the beach, to the “Big Apple”, to Boston, to Nassau, to Cancun and more! I took pictures and most importantly made memories.

I drank, I ate and I was merry. I had financial success and financial failure hardship. I learned to budget, I saved and I spent. I cruised, I flew, I drove and I walked.  I laughed until I cried and cried until I laughed. I had great times, good times, bad times and terrible times. I experienced blessings and blessings in disguise. I loved and let others love me. 

I had a full year, thousands of memories and hundreds of experiences, but this year each month brought me something new, each day brought me a little further along in my journey of life.  Each experience molded me into the person I am and the person I will continue to become. It’s been a year to say the least, but it was a year worth having, a year that taught me I do not always know best and sometimes it is best to just trust God and let him lead me to where I should go.

I know 2013 will be a good year and I’m excited to take on the highs and the lows, this time with better perspective, a stronger heart and an attitude I didn’t have last year.

Friday, July 13, 2012

I've said it before... I know

Y'all seriously, I know I've said this before... and I might even say it again some time, but I feel disgusting and fat.

It is absolutely ridiculous to me how much weight I have gained and how gross I feel all the time because of it. Clothes that used to fit don't, fabircs that used to look good on me now cling to fat, clothes that used to be too big are starting to get snug... It. is. gross.

So now, after my Chick-Fil-A breakfast, I want to get serious. I want to feel good again. I want to not be tired all the time and I want to feel like I'm in shape. I want my belly to be flat and the cellulite on my legs to disappear. I want to be the old me again.

So now I need some advice. We have all had our weight loss journeys or get in shape regimes. I want to know some ideas. I want to know what motivated you best. How you stuck to your plan. What your plan was. Good healthy recipes (that dont necessarily involve fish). Exercises I should do. Workout plans. Everything. Where should I start? What is a realistic goal to have? What are realistic expectations, 1 pound a week, 2, more?

To give you a brief and embarrassing breakdown of my out of shape self I have a few things listed.

Weight: Fluctuates between 137-140 regularly (I have no idea how or why it fluctuates so much, but that is my life I guess. It is usually around 138 most days.)

Running: A mile is not easy and not fun. A MILE!! Pathetic

Other workouts: I randomly do arms and legs.

Workout frequency: Maybe twice a week if I'm lucky. This week I've ran twice. 1 mile one day and 1.5 another.

Goal: Lose 8-10 pounds. I would love to be 127 (or lower) but I want to look healthy not too skinny, and with my height, there is a fine line.

Helpe me!! :)

Friday, June 15, 2012

It has been over a month since I have updated... seriously what is wrong with me. Lets start with a May round up... I went to St Louis and Houston for work. I went to Mobile for Amanda's graduation (which was awesome!!) Went to Birmingham for a wedding/Memorial Day. Got to catch up with Elizabeth, Caleb and Katie which I ALWAYS LOVE!!! Went to another Braves games (with my girl Sarah). Started on a tennis team and started training for Waumba Land at my church (this is what they call the children's area). I restarted bible study again (I took a short hiatus and missed my girls and the growing I do in the group so I reprioritized my life and got my head straight for Jesus again). Had dinner with some old friends (old coworkers) and even threw in a date or two! May was definitely a busy month and it looks like June is going to be just as busy! First weekend in June marked a trip to Auburn and more training for Waumba Land. I was in the toddlers-2 year old room and I loved it. That week I started training with a trainer (and hurt for literally 4 days after). I finally spent an entire weekend in Atlanta and went bowling with some new friends and met Leigh at a brewery in town (Red Hare Brewery) for a beer launch. How I never knew about that is beyond me, but it was such a fun environment and I definitely want to make a trip back there. This week took me to Nebraska for the first time for work. The work travel is not even close to over for the month as I will be visiting Dallas this week and then Wichita the next. It's been a crazy summer so far, but I am loving it and having a great time. I will definitely do my best to keep you updated more frequently. This weekend I'm headed home for Father's Day and cannot wait to spend the weekend with my family!

Friday, May 4, 2012

Cinco De Mayo weekend

Well this weekend is Cinco De Mayo and how will I be starting my day? Riding 60 miles on a bicycle accompanied by one of the greatest men there has ever been, my father! I'm excited for our daddy daughter time this weekend since it's rare that the two of us are able to have our own time anymore. I am not looking forward to the awkward way I will be walking for the next few days however. I figure I just ran 13.1 miles so what's 60 miles on a bike..... (I may be eating my words tomorrow afternoon).

I will spend the afternoon with my girls celebrating our Mexican heritage (wait, we have no Mexican heritage) and watching the Kentucky Derby. Should be a fun weekend!

The next week is going to be a good one though. My friend Leigh told me about a singles series that is starting up at our church (Buckhead Church). They do a series for three weeks for the singles of the church with a message directed at us. I'm excited to see how it goes and what we can learn. Leigh and I are both on a good path in our walks with God, so I'm excited to experience this with her and watch us both grow through it. We are bringing some other friends too, so I'm excited about that! Keep us all in your prayers as we are all at different points in our journey (some journeys just recently starting!!) It's crazy and amazing how God brings friends together with a similar purpose.

Wednesday morning I am off the St. Louis for work until Thursday and then I'm going to Auburn for Mother's Day. I will be in Mobile Saturday/Saturday night for a very special occassion that deserves a blog post of its own (to come soon!!) AMANDA'S GRADUATION!!! I cannot wait! Then it's round two of the singles series and then off to Texas for work again.

Big couple of weeks coming up! Until next time lovelies!

Monday, April 30, 2012

I survived, somehow

Well, we did it! We finished our half marathon. While our time was not all that impressive in comparison to other people who do these things, the fact that my training basically didn’t exist I’m so proud. 3:02:13!! Katie probably could have finished it a lot fast if she wasn’t with me, the slacker, but she was such a great encouragement and great friend to me! I might be insane because I am starting to consider running another one in Savannah later this year. More info to come. I learned my lesson though, I must train or I might die.

Yesterday and today have been pretty miserable as far as my body completely feeling like it will break at any moment, but I'm surviving. I'm hoping to be back to normal (or closer to normal) tomorrow or Wednesday because I am doing my 60 mile bike ride with my Dad on Saturday. Yes, I am insane.

Other than that life’s been ok. I got a little bitten by the negativity bug again a few weeks back, but I'm slowly pulling myself out of it. I just feel like I can do so much more with my life and I am trying to figure out the best place for me to do them and what should I be doing. I want to volunteer and am thinking about volunteering with the Special Olympics. Just trying to make sure I have the time to do it.

I also have found out that I have been really negative about things that really have nothing to do with me. I'm letting other people and their negativity bring me down which in turn comes off on some of the people I care about. It’s stupid and silly and I'm not loving it. My plan: avoid any negativity for at least 2 weeks. That means, I may seem like a bad friend, but really I do care, I just can’t handle it right now. I'll be happy to be a good friend to you in 2 weeks, when I have my mind refocused and am not at a point where something you say may bring to be negative.

I also am going to try and be more open to everything. I have recently determined I have been very narrow-minded about certain things and been very judgmental. I don't like the person I was and am not going back. A new and improved open-minded and friendly and nonjudgmental Erin will emerge quickly.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Travel Travel

Seems to be the story of my life these days. The next month or so is going to be so busy traveling for both work and for fun (if you call running fun....) I just got back from a road trip around Louisiana with a coworker and we had a pretty great time. Not only did our client meetings go well, we had quite a few funny moments outside of work. One involving the rental car and basically running into a ditch, a small ditch between two parking lots, but a ditch nonetheless. Good times. We are off to St Louis and Kansas City (Sunday-Wednesday) then I'm off again to Nashville on Friday. Nashville for the half marathon I am still not ready for. I am going to take comfort in the fact that I am atleast doing it and have a great friend (and motivatitor) to help me keep going. Katie will have her work out for her, that's for sure. I'm hoping my ankle holds up for the run because its been bothering me lately. I get a week back in Atlanta then I'm off again to St Louis (yes again) for work again and then to Auburn for Mother's Day/ puppy pickup. (I miss my sweet girl already). Then comes Memorial Day and a family wedding (my cousin is getting married finally!!! They have been engaged for like 3 years I think!)). We are so excited for them and know that this wedding will be such a beautiful event, an event her mother will be proud to watch from heaven. (Elizabeth's mom lost her battle with a brain tumor late last year). I will be lifting up Elizabeth in my prayers for the next few weeks as she goes through one of the most important days of her life and struggles with not having her mother there. I cannot imagine what that would be like, but Elizabeth is strong and I know she will be beaming knowing her mom is watching over her and celebrating this moment from heaven. I have to throw in a few trips to Texas throughout the next weeks too so I will definitely be on the road a lot.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Some changes are not appreciated

So it's no shock that life after college is much different than life in college, but one thing I didn't expect was the weight I would put on during my first few years of working. I have officially been in the working world 3 years 2 months and 8 days. In that time, I have spent most of every day sitting at a desk and keeping my muscle movement and exercise regime to a minimum. While I haven't gotten to a point where I am completely disgusted with myself, I am beginning to notice the additional weight.

I won't say exactly how much weight I have put on since graduating, but let's just say I am heavier than I ever thought I should be at my age. I want to get back down to a weight that I feel comfortable and a weight that fits the clothes I have. I mean I love shopping, but I would rather reward myself with a few extra additions to my wardrobe and not have to buy an entirely new closet worth of clothes, in a size I would rather not be..

So, why am I telling all of you. I figure I will make excuses for myself and skip the gym or eat things I shouldn't if I don't tell someone. I need something to keep me accountable. I need to track my progress. I need advice. I don't know where to start or how long I should expect it to take or what to do when the weight doesn't come off as fast as I want it to. Maybe some of you do????.

Besides with my half marathon in 18 days... this body is not ready to run and finishing at this point is my only goal for that..

Any advice or direction would be greatly appreciated!.

Goals: .

Lose 15 pounds. .

Tone up. .

Exercise at least 4 times a week (1 hour each workout). .

Limit eating meals out to twice a week (if not less)..

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Happy Birthday Faja!

Well I am a little behind on this post, but better late than never. Last Saturday marked a big milestone in my Dad's life... he turned 60. Yep you read that right a big 6-0! The poor man was stuck in airports for a majority of the time (don't worry; he and my Mom were coming back from a multi-week trip in Grenada, so you should not feel that bad for him). All day I schemed to make this a fun birthday for him. I ended up making 3 trips to Party City and in the end had 60 helium balloons, 1 giant "6" balloon, 1 giant "0" balloon, and a big Happy Birthday balloon. What in the world could I have done with 60 helium balloons....??? Oh you know, only fill their car (that happened to be at my house) with them. They were everywhere, even in the trunk! My pictures aren't great (since I didn't take a picture in the daytime) but you get the idea.
I was also picking them up from the airport so that is where the other balloons come into play. There is nothing like embarrassing your dear old dad with obnoxious balloons when he returns home. At least he had a sense of humor and sent me this lil gem when they got home. (Sorry it's blurry)...
It was quite a day prepping for his return but it was all for the fun of a good birthday! Happy Birthday Dad! You have survived 30 years of children with some sanity! Love you bunches and bunches! Here's to 60 more!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Long overdue updates.

I used to be so good at updating this thing... maybe I will blame my friends and their lack of updating of their blogs... Elizabeth... Katie (until recently)...

What has been going on for the past 22 days. Lets see. I celebrated St Pattys Day a weekend early at LuckyFest at Park Tavern in Atlanta. Kate and I went and ended up meeting with some other friends and having an amazing night. I had zero green beer but I was ok with that.

The next weekend I was off to the Keys. Amanda's dad wins all these trips through his job and he got to bring a guest. His friend/coworker Tim also got to bring a guest. Amanda and I were the guests. We spent a wonderful 3 days at Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key (about 63 miles from Key West). Holy amazingly beautiful. We had such a great time lounging by the lagoon all day, enjoying great dinners at night, socializing with other people we knew on the trip and making new friends. We ended up going out for actual St Patty's Day with what we lovingly call our "Cabana Boy." He happened to be assigned to our section the first day and we all became friends. We had an amazing time seeing a new city and enjoying what the Keys had to offer for St Pattys. That night ended up being an all-nighter because we had to catch our shuttle to the airport at 4:45 am.... Lets just say we were not looking pretty.







This weekend I got to meet some of Kate's friends from college and man do I understand why she loved college so much. They were all so fun and funny and a great time to be around. We all had an amazing time celebrating a birthday, enjoying some pool time, getting in some good dinners, and having a night out on the town. I'm lucky to have found a friend like Kate in this city, she keeps me sane on so many levels.

This next week I plan to relax because my April is full of work trip after work trip after work trip and then a half marathon... A half marathon I haven't trained for... This could be ugly. Operation get my butt out there and run begins today. Wish me luck.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Updates

I just realized I never blogged about anything past announcing my New York trip. We (Katie, Kate and Amanda) had such an amazing amazing time. There was one minor setback on Friday night, but once that blew over (I got a little emotional, that's all I will say about that) this trip was exactly what I needed. I was able to wind down, enjoy the company of great friends, spend time in a city I love, eat lots of great food, enjoy a dinner theater and get told happy birthday by a dragon on the wall, experienced my first NYC brunch (complete with mimosas, YUM), got to skip a line at a bar, did lots of walking, enjoyed more food, went to plenty of Irish pubs and made friends with the IRISH bartenders (real Irishmen tending bar at an Irish pub, shocking!), ate more delicious food, met some British boys, took advice from strangers in Times Square, laughed, laughed, laughed, shopped, saw a proposal live in Central Park(which ended up being an Auburn couple!!!!) (my future fiance has his work cut out for him, where ever he is), saw the bull (I do not understand the excitement), got birthday icecream with a 2 and 5 candle, saw the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from a distance, had late night pizza... kind of, walked the financial district, witnessed an arrest and then an escape, rode the subway (EXPERTS!!!), met up with some new friends (friends of Kate and Amanda), rode in taxi after taxi, narrowly escaped missing a flight (again)! That just hits the high points :)! I am a lucky girl to have the friends I have that are willing to travel to celebrate being 25 with me! We have already begun discussions for our next trip!

Since then, I have been to Auburn twice (once to pick up Mags and spend some time with friends and family) and once to celebrate the marriage of my 4th sister (Amanda's older sister Brittany!). This wedding was so perfect and the bride was absolutely gorgeous. I just love this couple and hope their life is full of love, happiness and sweet little Fickle babies! The couple is now enjoying a honeymoon in Jamaica... so jealous.

This coming weekend will be spent in Atlanta, thankfully! I'm excited to go out and enjoy my city for the first time in a long time. Then I'm off to Dallas for a day for work. Then the Florida Keys to spend best friend time with Amanda and celebrate my, kind of, Irish heritage... Take a look at where we are staying. Holy excitment!! "Hawks Cay!!!!!"

Big couple of weeks ahead of me. Things are looking up for this one and I love it!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

NYC

We leave for NYC tomorrow.

This could not have come at a better time. I'm ready for friend time with a few of my favorites!

It's been a rough best week ever, but I'm surviving and seeing big changes coming in my future.

I'll try and take plenty of pictures and if you have advice for where we should go... let me know!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

We have arrived

Ya'll we have entered none other than my favorite month of the entire year. Most people love months that include Christmas, Thanksgiving, St. Patty's Day or Fourth of July, but I love February because of Valentine's Day (did she really just say Valentine's Day?) and my birthday!!

My last post was about me being in a bit of a funk and I'm still working my way out of that, but I'm doing sooo much better now that I have 2 of my most favorite days to look forward to.

I know, I know, most of you think Valentine's Day is cheesy or a Hallmark holiday, or many may think of it as Single's Awareness Day, but I think of it as a day full of love for people in my life. You don't have to date someone to love them (some of you may be dating someone and aren't sure if you love them yet or not!). Everyone has someone in their life that they love. Parents, Grandparents, sisters and/or brothers, husbands or wives, children, boyfriends or girlfriends, friends, animals, God, any one really. This is a day I like to use to remind myself of all the people I love.

Some may be thinking really Erin; you forget you love these people??? No I don’t actually forget, I often time just forget to tell them or show them or appreciate them for the love that they show me. Ya'll we are all guilty of getting so consumed in the things going on in our lives that we often forget the basics of life. Your life is the way it is because of the love of someone. Your parents raised you to be the person you are. Your husband or wife/ boyfriend or girlfriend/ friends all challenge you to be the best person that you can be. They are there when you fall to help pick you up and they are there to continuously encourage and provide guidance when we need it (and sometimes when we don't :) ).

I like to use Valentine's Day as a day to really be thankful for the people I have in my life. Of course it always a nice touch when you have that special someone to celebrate with, but since that isn't the reality for some people (including myself) don't let the day make you sad. Instead, turn the day into a day of rejoicing for the love you do have.

In addition to Valentine's Day, I also get to celebrate my birthday. This year marks the big 2-5. 25! Ahhh! I am so excited to celebrate this day. I will be in NYC with some of my favorite girls and I. CAN. NOT. WAIT! When I was younger I had pictured my whole life so much differently at 25 than my life currently is. What is shocking to me though is, I'm not sad about where my life isn't, I’m excited about where my life is and the person I am. I know in due time (God Willing) the big events will come. I like being single right now, I like not having to explain why I don’t have children yet, I don’t have to answer to anyone regarding my finances, etc. Yes, one day I want those to be things I have to deal with, I want to be married and build a life with my husband, I want to bring beautiful babies into the world, I want my parents to be grandparents, I want to be a parent. I want to share household responsibilities and know that every night there is someone there to spend my evening with. One day, yes I want those things, but right now I’m content being where I am and while I'm not opposed to those things happening sooner rather than later, I know that God's timing will prevail. SOOO, hooray for turning 25 in 17 days! Bring it on quarter of a century! I'm ready!

Timeline:

Feb 10-13 Boston (eeek!)
Feb 14 Valentine's Day!
Feb 17-19 NYC (WEEEEEEE!!!)
Feb 19 My 25th!
Feb 24 Auburn

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Feeling the blues

I'm in need of some support. I've just been down in the dumps lately about no one thing in particular, just in general.

I've noticed my attitude has been nothing but negative in way too many places in my life. Of course, work brings it out the worst, but I have also noticed it in conversations with friends and just general outlook on lots of different things.

It's even messing with my workouts. I have just been so stressed that I don't even want to push myself to run. I need to learn what it is like to channel my negative energy into exercise. Cause right now, if I could figure out how to do that, I could probably run the whole half marathon without even getting slightly tired.

I just need some prayers that this bad mood will go away and I'll be back to normal so I can be a better employee, better runner, and most importantly a better friend.

Auburn this weekend should definitely help, I miss home and my family so I'm excited to get to spend some time with them while I celebrate the marriage of my friend Kelly Adams! With the combination of my favorite things, Auburn, family, friends and weddings, surely my mood will take a turn for the best.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Training

Running this week 7 miles already (I did 5 last night, so excited, but today my legs are hurting)

Biking 17 miles this week (I go again tomorrow and then of course this weekend.)

Hoping to get to atleast 15 miles running and 40 miles biking for this week. We will see.

This is fun.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Running Update

So I hit my first milestone last night...

For those of you who run regularly this will not seem like a big deal, but with my history of running and my lack of motivation to keep going, this was certainly a step in the right direction for me.

Last night, for the first time ever in my whole life, I ran 3 mile without stopping once. I did not walk, I did not even feel like walking. I felt great and was breathing normal and found a pace that works for me.

Unfortunately my pace isn't exactly where I want to be when I run the half marathon, but right now it is comfortable and I am able to sustain it.

I am such a proud little trainee at this point and can't wait to see what 6 miles feels like, hopefully sooner rather than later.

In addition to the half marathon and the 60 mile bike ride training, I have now somewhat committed to do an Iron girl end of May in Atlanta. Guess I should add swimming to my workout rotation. I'm so excited to see if I can keep this up!

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Day 1

So in an effort to be half-marathon ready I started running today. Since I am just now getting back into the swing of things I decided a 2 miles run would be ok for now. I did this on my lunch break... it is now 3:30 and my legs already hurt.

This is going to be a long 4 months.

114 days to go. I do not plan to update you everyday, dont worry. Maybe a weekly update will be better, but I wanted to note how I started and watch my own progress as the weeks go by.

I'm hoping the pain subsides some and the runs get easier. I'm also hoping to begin to enjoy the process more. Do any of my running friends have some advice for me?

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

It's Official

In order to actually keep my resolution this year, I have officially signed up for my first (and maybe only) half-marathon!

I will be running the St Jude Country Music Half Marathon in Nashville,TN April 28th!

Right now I am so excited, but once the training starts (as in today) I may hate my life.

If you want to run with us, please do! Below is the link to the registration and there is a $10 discount code (use CMMCLUB). We are figuring out accomodations etc later, but we could all stay together! Let me know

"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/nashville

New Years Resolutions

So this year for New Years I decided why not just come up with some New Years Resolutions that I may or may not follow. I have to start somewhere so this year, this is my plan.

1) Get into better shape.
I've never been much for working out and I kind of eat whatever I want so its needless to say that I am not in the best shape. Which goes to prove that thin does not mean you are in good shape. I want to workout more, eat better and just feel good. I think I can probably do that.

2)Going along the same lines as the 1st one, i wanted to set myself a specific challenge, something I would never have considered before. So at some point later this year, I want to run a half marathon. If you have heard me talk about running before you have heard me say if it is longer than 3 miles I would rather get in the car and drive there, I guess in 2012 I will have to change that theory.

3)Finances, I feel like no matter what, I will never be thrilled enough with the way I handle my finances. This year I'm putting myself on a stricter budget and actually sticking to it. Hopefully.

4)Really think about what I want to do with my future. Lately I've been having a quarter (almost) life crisis and trying to figure out what I really want to do with my life. Do I want to go back to school? Do I want to stay in the same field? Do i want to do something totally different? I have lots of thinking to do.

5)Listen to full sentences (before getting upset) and not picking fights (usually done when I have been drinking). Maybe I should just stop drinking and that may help. Either way, I want to be more patient and willing to listen before casting a judgment.