Tag Archives: United States

2013 Boston Marathon: Moving Forward, Hand in Hand

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It didn’t seem real, the events of Monday’s Boston Marathon. One moment I was taking a break at work, receiving mass updates from all of my friends who were running the event. Full of so much joy for all of the runners. The next instant, I was inside watching the news poor in, the images spreading across every TV channel…

How? Why? Who? The questions are endless. The reasoning will never be understood. One thing is for certain though, as many times as bad things happen… I am reminded of the compassion that humans can have for one another. The news showed so many videos where you saw people running TOWARD the chaos to help in any way possible, even if that meant putting themselves in danger.

This is why I run races. This is why I believe that people in the running community are some of the most incredible, selfless human beings you will ever encounter…. Exhausted ahletes who just tested their endurance for 26.2 miles coming to the rescue as a makeshift medical team. The reminder we needed that this is NOT what our world is coming to.

I know that we as a community, will (and already have) come together hand in hand and move FORWARD. We will all still strive to some day toe the line of The Boston Marathon. Boston will continue to celebrate Patriots Day with pride and love.

So, instead of looking back and dwelling on this tragic moment. I propose a toast.

Cheers to each and every one of you. Cheers to everyone who toed the line yesterday morning at the 117th Boston Marathon. Let us look forward with hope, love and strength. Let us always run out of love, passion and dedication, NEVER out of fear.

On Dreaming Big: EuroTrip 2014

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“Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost”
-J.R.R. Tolkien

There are quite a few things I’ve always wanted to do. Things that I wouldn’t be alright leaving this earth having not accomplished. One of the things I constantly find myself coming back to most frequently, is spending a significant amount of time abroad. (by significant I mean more than just a week trip here or there)

It’s something I need to do, and something I think I need to do alone. While it’s always fun to travel in groups, I feel as if exploring this world solo would be such an incredible and empowering experience. I keep coming back to this dream and yet it’s one I haven’t actively pursued. I’m only getting older.. Which isn’t to say that I can’t take a time out from ‘real life’ as I get older, but I’m in a situation where if I budget well, I can make this happen.. and I’m also in a job where with advanced notice I can leave for a few months and still have a job when I get back. If I didn’t do this within the next couple of years, I’d be an idiot… SO

I’ve decided to put a goal out there. It’s going to be hard to pinch my pennies so I can save up for this to actually happen, but I feel like putting it out there on my blog will help keep me accountable so that I can make this happen.

During the Summer of 2014 I will be spending 3+ months in Europe. I have been putting together numbers and ideas and have come up with a tentative plan. Planning my destinations and months of travel ahead of time will help give me a better idea what kind of bank I’ll be needing in order to make this happen.

Doing my research! ;)

Doing my research! ;)

My tentative plan looks a little something like this so far:

The earlier in the season I leave the better chances I’ll have of finding a better ‘deal’ on flights from the USA to Europe. Summer is clearly a big vacation season…  I also figure it makes the most sense to go from north to south… As much as possible. Flying into Ireland is noted to be a lot cheaper than the UK. Makes sense. Ireland is on the itinerary for month one as it is, so it would work out well if that’s the case! :)

I do know this. There are several places/things that are on my must see/do list, but I also want to embrace the adventure. If I’m on the train from X city to Y city and I find a beautiful little gem along the way… How can you not stop to smell the roses? This will be a once in a lifetime journey.

If I had all the time and money in the world, I would visit every country I could.. But, since that is never the case I’ve had to narrow down where I will be going on this trip. After much consideration I’ve decided on:

Ireland, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Greece. Hopefully Turkey since you can hop on a ferry from the Greek Islands.

I’m really excited and also nervous for this entire thing. It’s going to be the most incredible journey of my life, but it’s also going to be interesting traveling alone for 3-4 months. I’m aware there will be days that are hard and lonely… But it’s all a part of the adventure! As John Steinbeck said, ‘Travel is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to thing you control it’

Heck, hopefully I’ll even run some races! ;) Oooou. Half-marathon scouting time.

“Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe”
Anatole France

Do you follow and travel blogs?? I would love to read some more! :)

Have you ever traveled abroad? Do you have any ‘traveling on a shoe-string’ tips? 

Do You Want to Be The Next Oakley Women Brand Ambassador?

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In 2012 I was fortunate enough to be one of 10 women selected out of thousands of ladies across the country to be an Oakley Women’s Brand Ambassador. The opportunity quickly became one that would change my life forever. Since becoming a member of the Oakley family I have met the most incredible, hilarious, beautiful, bad ass, FIT women in the United States (and some from other countries, too!) I’ve learned more about my sport, the entire fitness industry, and myself than I ever dreamed possible. Oakley has taught me how a company should run. Equal parts give and take, and nothing but passion.

In 2013, Oakley Women is expanding our family and YOU have the opportunity to apply and try to land yourself a spot in our tight-knit family!!

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You see, this year Oakley has partnered with SHAPE Magazine to throw the ultimate events across the country! The SHAPE Diva Dash! Wondering what the heck the Diva Dash is? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered: The Diva Dash is a women-only obstacle 5k where you crawl, jump, climb, swing and DASH your way to the finish line! The Diva Dash is going to be in several cities across the USA throughout the Spring and Summer of 2013. (San Diego, Austin, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, Boulder, DC, NY Metro, Miami to name some places) and in three of those cities there will be a progression session and live ambassador search. Southern California, Dallas/Ft. Worth, and Boulder.

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All YOU have to do is scoot over to the SHAPE website here and fill out the quick little survey which will land you an opportunity to be selected as 1 of 200 women chosen for each city to attend a VIP Oakley Progression Session which includes a live ambassador search!

Each Progression session will include:

  • Boot Camp with Oakley Women Ambassador Cari Shoemate
  • Yoga with Oakley Women Ambassador Lacey Calvert
  • Nutrition Seminar with Oakley Women Ambassador Marni Sumbal
  • Live Ambassador Search
  • Product Giveaways
  • Mobile Oakley Store Featuring The Newest Oakley Apparel and Eye Wear
  • Much Much More!!!!

Submit your entry by the following dates:

  • Southern California:  March 3, 2013 (Race Day: March 23)
  • Boulder:  April 14, 2013 (Race Day: May 4)
  • Dallas/Ft. Worth:  May 5, 2013 (Race Day: May 25)

**One Entry Per Person**

**Learn More about the Oakley Women Ambassadors at OakleyPBC.Com**

 

On your mark, Get set, GO!! ;)
Good luck & Have fun!!! See you in Austin and Dallas! ;) :)

Oakley Women Summit 2013

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Hello from 30,000 feet!
Let me just start by saying if I had known before that the exit row has like, triple the leg room… I would have been volunteering to sit here all my life. It’s pretty much the poor man’s first class. ;) moving on…

I sit here, rather humbled and inspired by this past weekend. Once again, similar to the feelings I experienced after our trip to Napa over the summer — A very rare feeling… I’m absolutely speechless.

It’s difficult to put into words the inspiration and total bad-assity of the entire Oakley Women’s family. From employees, to athletes, to ambassadors; it is a family who is passionate about a healthy, active, kick-ass lifestyle. A family that pushes each other every day to live in the moment, tackle our goals, laugh until our 6 pack abs turn into an 8 pack, ;) and be as fearless and incredible as we can be.

 

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

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The weekend was designed so that we could field test one of Oakley’s largest markets. — Winter and action sports, and to learn more about their 2013 focus, including how this amazing ambassador team is going to help drive their initiatives.

Oakley is incredibly wellknown for their eyewear, this includes ski/snowboarding goggles. What a lot of people don’t realize is that they also design beautiful, functional, awesome gear and apparel for practically all sports. Snow sports included. What better way to field test their winter-wear than to stick us on one of the most technical mountains in North America and set us loose to shred the slopes?!

But, lets not get ahead of ourselves. On Friday all of us gals (and Shawn) flew in to Salt Lake City where we were shuttled through the valley and up the mountain to Snowbird Resort. From there we all met up at the Oakley House, overlooking the incredible mountains. For a moment I thought “this must be what heaven looks like“

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After letting the beautiful surroundings sink in and catching up with some of my favorite ladies in the entire universe, we were served a homemade sushi dinner that our balllller Oakley chef prepared for us, and launched into 2013 discussion. The ins, the outs, the what’s to come. It was such an informative, inspiring meeting that left all of us on the edges of our seats stoked for this year. Stoked to be a part of this rockin’ brand.

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It was early to bed for most of us, because Saturday morning started bright and early to get our gear and hit the mountain. Our Oakley mamas did a phenomenal job of accommodating everybody’s varying skill levels. They even set up some of the gals who have never skied or snowboarded with lessons! I woke up that morning nauseous with the worst headache. I’m pretty sure the altitude. Slowly through out the day I started feeling better, the more I chugged water and got moving!

Snowbird is not exactly the same as many of the ski resorts I’m used to. Back East I would have no worries hitting a black diamond slope at Holiday Valley.. Even Vail. At snowbird, yeah-friggin-right. ;) However everyone was prepared for the elements with layers of Oakley gear. For the first time, almost ever, I own ski pants that ACTUALLY FIT!!!!!!! Every other pair I’ve ever owned tend to be at least 167 times too big. Not exactly the most flattering thing in the world. My purple MFR pants and Crowbar Ski Goggles make me feel and look pretty fabulous. Feeling confident goes a long way in helping you execute to your fullest potential.

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After an incredible day on the mountain, everyone cleaned up and back to the Oakley house we went for a Mexican dinner and Product Review. It is so amazing to me that Oakley cares so much what we think. They take all of our field testing results and send them to the design team to ensure premium, quality product. Sometimes implementing changes immediately. How cool is that? They have an entire team just designated to field testing, because they truly value their consumers opinion.

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The alarms were going off in the morning for our last full day in Snowbird!! The morning started with a fun yoga class lead by fellow Oakley Women Ambassador, Lacey! It was an upbeat and fun Hour! During yoga and after, we had a fitness photo shoot where we got to take a quick fitness class with celebrity trainer Michelle Lovitt! She is such a hilarious and fun spirit!! Next time we all meet up I’m making sure she kicks my booty! ;)

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It can’t ALL be playtime and living it up in Winter Wonderland. We were all there for one reason, and that’s all about the big Oakley picture. So after the photo shoot we were back up in the Oakley house for various round table discussions and a much earned lunch. We were back in play mode in no time though. The rest of the evening was spent learning about the lives of each woman in the room. 30+ inspiring, strong women (and one kick ass dude) all sharing their stories and passions. It was amazing to see how far so many if us have come in the short time since Napa.

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We each had to wear the spirit hood as we told our story…

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Just like that, in the blink of an eye the Oakley Women Summit was coming to a close. The weekend just zipped right by, and before I knew it we were parting ways last night in elevators hugging and soaking in every last minute.

These women have and continue to change me. They put that pep in my step that I know will help me destroy training for my first marathon.

In order to uncover your true potential, you must find your limits and blow past them.

Gratitude: Snowbird Utah

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I swear, my Oakley Ambassador mamma knows exactly what I need when I need it.

When I was first chosen as an Oakley Women’s Ambassador in May, it was the perfect timing. I was stressed out of my gord between dealing with my brother’s death, my new job as a kitchen manager that was eating away all of my time and soul, Zack being (at the time) the only person in my world. I needed something to remind me I was on the right track, that I was doing the right things to better my life. I needed something big. When I received that phone call that I was chosen to be an Oakley Women’s Ambassador I screamed and cried. For the first time in several months, it was tears of pure JOY, EXCITEMENT, and GRATITUDE.

The trip to Napa was timed so perfectly,  I couldn’t describe it if I wanted to. A little escape from reality to focus on a brand that I truly believe in, making new friends, and enjoying a fit-filled weekend with 100 beautiful women from around the country (and Canada!)

Fast forward 6 months, and I am filled with so much thanks and pure awh that I am able to represent such an incredible brand. Oakley truly represents everything I want to be as a woman and athlete. One that feels strong and beautiful on the inside and out. One that is confident and accepting of all things, even my flaws. I want to empower other women to go out there and be the best that they can be, ESPECIALLY when that means they aren’t at the elite level. They aren’t winning every race and mastering every advanced yoga pose. To be happy being who they are and pushing themselves further each day.

I can truly say that being able to represent Oakley, that forming such an incredible family with my Oakley sisters and Mamma, has changed my life forever. I am stronger because of them. For that I will be forever grateful.

Once again my Oakley Mamma struck at the perfect time. I opened my e-mail yesterday to see the invitation to the 2013 Oakley Ambassador Summit in January and just about fainted at work I was so excited!!

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don’t mind the scarf. Wanted to cover up her contact info!

WE ARE GOING TO SNOWBIRD UTAH!!!!!! Hitting up the mountains and skiing/snowboarding. Which, is hilarious because I have been complaining my face off about how badly I want to go skiing this Winter and that it’s the only down side of living in Austin. No place to hit the slopes down south! ;)

Then BOOM, here is this e-mail. Like I said, I swear my Oakley parents know exactly what I need, when I need it. Boy oh boy do they deliver!! I can not wait to represent my all time favorite brand in Utah (fun fact. I’ve been to 40 states. This will make 41! I’ve never even flown through Utah!!! SO EXCITED)

I am dying of excitement over here to get to learn more about Oakley, hit up the slopes, and spend time with my “family”!!! I MISS THEM SO MUCH, and can’t wait to meet the rest of the 2011 Ambassador team that wasn’t able to go to Napa.

I am just bubbling over with gratitude and am wracking my brain on how in the world I can give back to Oakley even remotely the way they have for me.

A Yogi Love Story

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Some of the greatest love stories of all time started with a very bad first date. By the end of the night you go to bed disgusted and even a little disappointed in yourself for giving it a try in the first place. Little do you know that it really was the beginning of something great, and your life will never be the same. Sometimes you find love in the strangest of places.

My first date with yoga was a disaster. I had such high expectations. After all, I was a gymnast and ballerina my entire life…. Flexibility is something I prided myself on throughout those years. They apparently had gone completely out the window. A distant memory. My rigid muscles aside, there was more to this horrible first date. I couldn’t get my breath on track. As the teacher would count for an inhale, I would be exhaling. I would try to correct it only for them to be proceeding to the exhale themselves. I couldn’t stop comparing myself to the rest of the students in class. The first “ommmmmm” left me giggling and rolling my eyes. The welcoming of the present moment freaked me out…

Favorite yoga mat ever. Thank you Oakley!

A few years later and I am in a healthy, loving relationship with yoga. I fall more in love each class I take, or video I workout with. Yoga has been a great teacher and source of healing for me, especially in this last year. It has taught me to silence my mind, connect with my body, discover my spirit, and focus on the present moment. After all, yesterday is in the past and tomorrow is never promised. All we can do is live and love in the present moment. Something, that before yoga, I was never able to do.

The first time I felt the immense quiet of emptying my mind, I almost cried. The first time I learned how much stronger my body was than my mind believed, I discovered what accomplishment really meant. I could finally breathe. A new mantra that has helped me through so many struggles since then.

It became the perfect yin to my crazy, stressful, out of control yang of a life. Once I started really getting into running, it was like the three of us were destined to be together. They couldn’t be two more different disciplines, but as a whole we make one very happy body and mind.

Perhaps the joy springs because I know the perils of the dark side so well, because I am a champion of the light, and every moment of peace, reconnection, and love, signals victory. Whatever the cause, I will never question it. I am thankful to have stumbled into that first yoga class when I was still in community college. This year would have been drastically different (in a negative way) if I didn’t conquer my mind.

Have you ever taken a yoga class? Do you love it or hate it?

Austin Food Truck Tour: Dock and Roll Diner

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I am so in love with the food truck/trailer industry!! Some people don’t get the food truck boom, but I love it and think it’s brilliant. People working downtown don’t have time for a sit down meal, but still wan’t delicious food. They tend to push your limits to try new foods. You meet the most interesting people. The community. Etc. Etc. One of the many reasons I’ve always adored Austin and wanted to move here so badly, was because of the gigantic food truck market. Someday, I even want to open my own here. ;)

Since living here I have been doing a little Food Truck tour of sorts. Trying out various food trucks. I’ve yet to have a completely terrible experience at these neat little trailers, however I’ve only just scratched the surface into this tour! ;)

Last week I stopped by one that really stood out.

Dock and Roll Diner

Located at 1503 South 1st Street the cute little trailer leaves you not entirely sure what you’re getting yourself into…. However, the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful since I had never been there before. I had heard raving reviews, though so when I was on that side of town, I had to make it happen!

After a fun and lively conversation with the owners I decided on the “Maine Event” and Asian Slaw.

The “Maine” Event is Dock and Roll’s signature Lobster Roll. These are a huge east coast thing, and I was terrified and stoked to try them down here!

Deeeelicious, and incredibly fresh — which is just amazing in Austin!!! The lobster was sweet, buttery, tender. Served in a lightly toasted and warm roll. Closing my eyes and with each bite I could have almost transported myself to the east coast. The sandwich was seasoned beautifully and not too mayonnaise-y at all. (That’s the worst!) I was seriously in food nirvana. The flavors are absolutely killer, making each bite succulent, and rich, but the lobster helps make it light and refreshing.

The asian slaw was made up of red and green cabbage, carrot, pickled cucumber, and a Hoisin dressing.

All in all I give Dock and Roll an A-…. If it was more conveniently located it would be an A+++. The food and staff is incredible! They even accept ‘Go Local’ cards (Which I apparently need to look up) and if you check in on foursquare you’ll receive $1 off your next sandwich!! mmmmmm.

Politics FREE: Election Day Pride

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The day after ‘Election Day‘
100% Politics aside, I wanted to take a moment to appreciate this day.

I (like to) believe that most American’s can recall exactly where they were each time they found out who won a Presidential Election since they were in grade school. Perhaps not off the top of your head. But it’s a memory that is unfolded every morning the day after a Presidential election.

I remember my mother waking me up out of bed, dancing and celebration when Bill Clinton became the 42nd President of the United State of America. I remember begging her to stay up and being exhausted in school the next morning when he won his second term.

I remember the exact words that came out of my mouth both times George W. Bush won in 2000 and 2004.

I remember standing in line to vote for the very first time I was over 18 during an election. Going inside the voting booth and just being completely overwhelmed.  (It has since become a much more enjoyable experience, I assure you.)

We live in a country where we can vote! 

Many people across the world do not have the luxury of having a voice! We have the right, and thus the obligation to make sure that we, the people, are heard! Whether you voted for Obama or Romney, a 3rd party candidate, or stayed home and played Halo 4… Today is a day to be thankful that we have the chance to be heard. We have the opportunity to go out there and put our share in the turnout. We live in a Nation that allows us the freedom to have any opinion you want. Republican. Democrat. Green. Libertarian. You name it! You can go out and vote for any of them and not meet any deadly repercussions.

I don’t enjoy this day just because of the privilege we have to vote, but also because it symbolizes this country we live in. (I’m a sucker for symbolism) The place we call home. Elections are a beacon of hope, and progression. Taking two steps forward, regardless of what path we choose.

Not only is that a huge metaphor for how I live my life, but a huge one for how we as a country have always made it through the storm. How we keep moving forward. We keep putting one foot in front of the other, even when we’re terrified of what may come darting at us around the corner. We move forward. Together. 

Regardless of who wins any presidential election, it is always important to be thankful that what we want to see as a nation is within our reach to make happen.

Dare to Dream

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Sometimes, I truly believe that horrible things happen so that wonderful things can fall into place. As anyone who knows me or reads my blog knows, 2012 has been one (pardon my French) BITCH of a year. It has been one thing after another since January 1st rolled around. I was starting to think that I would drown from all of the stress and worries. But, this morning I woke up with a much different perspective.

If bad things didn’t happen, would we really even be able to appreciate the good? Better yet, if bad things didn’t happen… Would we have the drive, determination, and motivation to accomplish great things? No, no, no, one thousand times no. I honestly believe that.

For a while there I was maintaining my life but not exactly bettering it. Sure, not THAT long ago I began running, (okay wow its been nearly 2 years now.. holy cow) and I’ve been building my strength, health, and distance since. But as far as my career goals, my life goals, the bigger picture… I was simply floating along.

I’ve been over the restaurant industry (in the traditional sense) for awhile now. I love to cook, and working in restaurants is pretty much all I know, and I’m dang good at it. Everything from waiting tables, to tending bar, to running the kitchen.. I’ve done it all at one point or another and I’ve always been highly successful at it. I’m great under pressure so a busy section on a Saturday night was easy-peasy. Running a fast paced kitchen was stressful as hell, but I was good at it. But, to say I “LOVED” it would be a bull-faced lie!

If you asked me what my true PASSIONS in life are, my answers would fly out before you even finished the question. Travel, Music, Running. If I could get paid to listen to music while running in a new city every day.. Well, you just let me know when a job like that opens up. kay? ;) haha, however… I have the travel part down pretty well.. In the last 4 years I have lived in 6 or 7 different cities. (I’m a gypsy..) Some of these cities were close by, some of them were complete different parts of the country…. Running I’m on top of as well, especially because MY COUGH IS FINALLY GOING AWAY *knocks on wood* with my second half a month and a half away, and my first marathon 7 months away.. Running is doing its thaaang! ;) Of course it’d be nice to be paid for either one of these passions but well, I’m no elite runner so I don’t see that happening in my near (or distant) future. :P

But the stars did align themselves perfectly for me!!!! This week as a lot of you know I’ve been down in Texas for two reasons. One reason was to help my step-mom with the race she’s directing. We’ve been busy tying up all the loose ends and getting things set up tonight, and tomorrow I’ll be helping out all morning before I run the race! But the MAIN reason (it honestly just worked out that I was here this particular weekend. So glad to be able to be a part of the race set up though! What an incredible experience) was to find an apartment in Austin and have an interview for my absolute DREAM JOB.

& I am THRILLED to announce that it all worked out. I fell in absolute love with the first apartment I viewed. I told my realtor to just rip up the rest of her listings because I was SOLD. It’s absolutely gorgeous and the perfect location in South-Central Austin!!! But it gets even better.

I am the new booking agent for this totally friggin AWESOME, adorable, venue in downtown Austin. What is a booking agent, you ask? Well, I will be booking bands/musicians/artists for concerts, gigs and other live music performances. I couldn’t contain myself when I went to my interview yesterday and was offered the position at the end of it! I literally jumped up and hugged the owner of the venue. Thankfully he just laughed and wasn’t weirded out by my ways of thanking him. haha.

Seriously though, this is basically a DREAM JOB for me. You see.. I have always been deeply rooted in the local music scene. Yes, Jamestown NY is a tiny tiny tiny city… But we have some of the best local bands I have ever heard come out of anywhere in this country. I have had the pleasure of meeting, being friends with, dating even… some of the coolest musicians. There is something about music and musicians that just inspires me. I love it ALL. There isn’t a single genre that I’m just like “ew no way”. I love music. Simply put! I couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter of my career.

You know what made them decide I was the perfect match for the position? My blog. They loved how passionate I was during the “local flavor” week of PLAYLIST THURSDAY. So, really… if I’m being perfectly honest I owe a big thank you to Pavement Runner for starting Playlist Thursdays and convincing me to join the fun!

Life truly is beautiful if you DARE TO DREAM and GET AFTER IT!!!
xoxoxoxo

when was the last time YOU dared to dream?

Life Lately: Blog Abandonment

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I’ve been slacking horribly with my blog recently. I truly apologize. I know I’m breaking a cardinal blogger rule (never apologize for not posting) but I really AM sorry. I keep getting emails, texts, tweets… Readers and friends who are genuinely concerned for my happiness.

First, let me just say I love you guys! I love that there are so many people cheering me on. Wanting to ensure I am doing well. I never in a million years thought I would become a blogger, and when I DID start my blog, I never thought I would become a writer in which people actually started caring about not only my blog, but ME.

Second, I truly am happy. I am doing quite great, considering how August went for me! I haven’t been avoiding my blog because I don’t want to talk about how miserable things are in my neck of the woods. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Honestly, I’ve just been very busy LIVING! I have done more living in the last month than I did in the entire year and a half prior.

I have laughed more, danced more, stayed out later than I ‘should’ more, spent more time with friends… It truly has been a blessing in disguise coming back home for a month. I have some incredible people in my life. This town will eat you alive, but it also has some of the most hilarious and genuine human beings I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. With that being said I am eagerly counting down the SECONDS to the 25th. That is when I’m flying down to Texas to find an apartment in Austin!!!

Let’s get down to brass tax though, right?! How has Rock n Roll San Antonio training been going?! Training was better than it ever has been when I first moved home. I was hitting my mileage at a pace I have NEVER been able to pull off, and it was starting to feel almost effortless to stay at that pace. But then last week I came down with what I thought was a cold. I couldn’t breathe without coughing my lungs up. I literally couldn’t breathe through my nose and everything in my body ached. A week+ later of my chest feeling like someone filled it with quick sand and I marched down to see a Dr….. Turns out I have Bronchitis. Great. It wasn’t as bad of news as it immediately sounded… I feel 100% better other than this lingering cough. It will be fine all day, until I go outside for too long, or walk fast, and yes of course… RUN. Then I get a fit. I can’t stop coughing until I literally fear I’m going to die from not being able to come up for air.

I’m not worrying about it too much. I know now that I’ve already got one half marathon under my belt, I will be able to complete the distance. So long as I focus on getting healthy, I’ll be able to crush 2:30. If I miss even another week of training I can still make up for it, so long as my lungs are healthy. That’s my main priority right now… I’m still running, just not able to hit any speed or significant distance. I don’t use an inhaler so when my fits start up, all I can do is bring it to a jog or even walk… I’m not trying to do more damage to my already pissed off respiratory system.

 

so tell me, whats new with all of YOU?!
I miss y’all!