I did it!

I posted every single day for the month of November.  They weren't all fun or exciting, but I did it.  Now that it's over, I may go on a little hiatus because this girl needs to focus on exams. 

But right now, I need your advice.  During our upcoming trip to England, Ian and I are taking a day/night away from his family for a little us time in London.  When I went to London 6 years ago, I stayed in an apartment so this time around I have no idea what hotel to stay in! 

If any of my readers have been there or live there and can recommend a nice hotel, please leave me a comment!

Almost Over

NaBloPoMo is almost over - and I have to say I'm happy about it.  It certainly is challenging towards the end of it to come up with something to post every.single.day.  Although I did come across some other fun blogs through the month, so I'm pretty happy about that.  Would I do it again? Most definitely.  But this time of the school year isn't the best - it's time for me to start preparing for exams which means I am anything but creative.  So I may skip next year since it'll be my last law school year and November is tough.

Anyways, on this Sunday, I'm rooting for my fantasy football players to play super well.  I am currently 7-4, and was in 1st place in my division going into this week.  I only have this week and next week before playoffs start, and if I finish in first place at the end of regular season, I win $50.  That's what I'm going for!  So wish me luck as I head into these next two Sundays!

Lazy

Today has been rather lazy, and to go along with it, I really have nothing interesting to write.  I've been working for most of the day, and had some yummy meals as breaks.  Hopefully I'll be back with some more interesting stories for you.

Black Friday

I've made it pretty clear that I truly dislike shopping.  I get claustrophic and hungry and clammy all at the same time.  People are often rude and invade my personal space and I quickly freak out and have to leave the mall, or find a bench to rest on.  But then I start freaking out about the number of germs I'm breathing in from all the people walking by me.  Basically, I'm a disaster in malls.

In open malls, like at outlets, I do much better.  If I feel claustrophic, I step outside and get fresh air.  And being out in the fresh air in between stores helps refresh me a bit.

All of this leads me to say that going shopping at stores on Black Friday is pretty much out of the question.  So instead - I do most of my shopping online. 

And my big purchase today - Hanky Panky underwear.  Wow - I really wish I could've splurged on something a little more exciting, but what can I say, I love me some Hanky Panky's.  And it cost me a total of $0 because I had a store credit (from the store messing up a previous order - they gave me a big credit).  I'm pretty pleased with me one and only purchase!

Now, we're off to get some thai food!  Happy Friday!

Happy Thanksgiving

Have a safe, wonderful, delicious day!

Grateful

Since tomorrow's post will be short, today's post will cover what I would've been writing for tomorrow, on Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  While I love Christmas decorations and music a ton, I love that Thanksgiving is a holiday that revolves around just spending time with family and eating great food.  I love that there's no pressure to find the perfect gift, no money stresses from all the gifts, and there's no let down at the end of the day like I sometimes find there is on Christmas.

It's also a time of year that I sit and remember what I've been grateful for this year.  I am incredibly grateful that I made it through my first year of law school.  I am so lucky to have Ian in my life, supporting me day in and day out.  Even more so, I am grateful that through law school, the stressful times actually strengthened our relationship, when they really could've hurt it.  I have a family who is so supportive and loving.  I have awesome in-laws who treat me as part of the family.  I have an adorable puppy who makes me smile everyday.  And my friends, my true friends, have been understanding and loyal over the last year.

And I've had so many awesome experiences this year - summer job, weddings, celebrations, vacations, and so much laughter.

I'm thankful for all of it.  And thank you readers, for staying with me along the way. 

What are you grateful for this year?

Time is a-flying

We finally had to do it - we turned the heat on.  I was really trying to wait until December 1st, but on Sunday when we got home after spending so much time outside in the cold watching the race, it needed to be turned on.  It's crazy that we're almost to December already!

It's really amazing how quickly time is going by.  It seems like each year goes by a little more quickly than the previous year.  Yet, I remember as a kid, time felt like it was going by soooo slowly.  I couldn't wait for the school year to be over so I could be outside or at the pool playing with friends.  I remember being bored sometimes.

Now, I cherish any moment where I have nothing to do, or when I feel slightly bored.  Because those moments are few and far between.  Honestly, I am overwhelmed sometimes because there is always something else to do, something more I should be doing, one more thing on that neverending to-do list.

And that neverending list gets a little overwhelming this time of year.  We have to do all the holiday related things: cards, presents, travel plans, etc.  But on top of it, I'm getting ready for exams.  And the whole exam thing makes me want to crawl into bed and wake up when it's all over.

But with Thanksgiving in two days, I'm looking forward to spending the day with family, relaxing, eating great food, and not thinking about anything on that to-do list.  We'll celebrate at Maggie's house as we do every year.  My mom, brother and SIL, and in-laws will all be there for the day.  Can't wait.

What are you looking forward to on Thanksgiving?

Philadelphia Marathon 2009

We got a late start on Saturday morning.  Ian was paranoid, rechecking what he packed to make sure he had everything.  I was really slow to even start my packing.  Finally, we were off to Philly.

I am not sure if I mentioned before, but you can normally get discount rates for hotels for coming for the marathon.  I didn't know this until we looked online at our hotel options.  Some of the standard, nice hotels were like $169 for the night.  Totally doable.  But, then I saw that the Ritz was $179, and hello, it was my birthday weekend that I was sacrificing for the hubby.  So we totally went for the Ritz.  It was well worth it - the service was outstanding and they even had hot apple cider in the lobby.  And we had an amazing view on top of it.  It was swee-et.

We arrived, gave a quick hello to Ian's parents, then we were off to walk to the expo to pick up his running day packet.  We had unusually warm weather for the weekend which was amazing - in the 40's and 50's.  The expo was incredibly disorganized and chaotic, so my claustrophobic self stayed in one spot and waited while Ian did his thing.  We quickly made it out of there where we caught up with fellow marathon runner Kim, her hubby Jeremy, and her friend Kristin for the walk back to our hotels.

We made it back to our hotel just as my brother and his wife arrived.  They wanted to go check out the city, see the liberty bell, and take some amazing photos (which I will be displaying at the end of the post). So we each got some hot apple cider and ventured out.  We took a good hour to walk around and then made it back to the hotel to give ourselves a few minutes to change before dinner.

The in-laws, brother and SIL and Ian and I walked to dinner a few blocks away.  We had dinner with Kim and Jeremy, and another friend Beth and her hubby who was also running in the marathon.  We went to Davios where the runners had lots of pasta, and the nonrunners ate wayyy too much food.  It was awesome.

We went back to the Ritz and grabbed a quick drink before calling it a night since we had to be up early on Sunday - race day!  I finished making Ian's signs while he got his stuff lined up for the morning.

Sunday, Ian was up and out the door by 6 a.m.  I decided to skip going to the start line, and instead the family met him at miles 1 and 6.  He was in great spirits at both of those miles which was good to see.  In between mile 6 and the finish, we grabbed a quick bite to eat.  We walked the 2 miles to the finish line and set up camp.  We anxiously awaited his arrival, and soon we saw his cute face coming up the incline.  My brother acted like the paparazzi and snapped some great photos. Surprisingly, Ian still looked comfortable, although I'd later learn that he was just freaking relieved to see us and for it to be over.

So he finished his first marathon in 4:09, which personally, I think is AWESOME!  He was hoping to beat 4:00 - but overall he's super happy to just be finished.  Seeing him finish was emotional and we both got a little choked up.  I'm not really sure why it was - but it was motivating and a proud moment to see him finish his goal after months of training.

He called out sick today because he can barely walk, and he thinks that will be his only marathon (I'm a little pleased about the second piece). 

Here are lots of pictures from our weekend:

Mile 1:

Mile 6:

Mile 6 again: (and clearly, he was feeling comfortable as he was goofing off)

And mile 26:

And after the race - I saw him and ran to give him a big hug:

And the sign I made said "Brits Do It Better".

And what am I holding in the other hand? 

Kim's husband gave Kim, Ian and Paul a bottle of champagne - so cute!

Amazing Race

Our time in Philadelphia, while short, was absolutely amazing.  I will have a very full recap tomorrow, along with some awesome pictures (thanks to my brother taking them). 

And two of our other friends also ran and finished strong. I'm sure Kim will have a recap of her own tomorrow.



We spent time with family, friends, had a great dinner, walked a ton, watched Ian run his first marathon and had a fantastic time while doing so (even though we both got a little emotional at the end of it).  I am incredibly proud of him for finishing it.  And he finished just over his goal of 4 hours - 4:09.

Lots to come tomorrow.

Big Weekend

We're packing and getting ready to head to Philadelphia for the night.  Ian's running is very first marathon tomorrow, and while he is super nervous (and his stomach is letting him know so), I am super excited for the weekend!  Spending time with family and friends, and most importantly, cheering Ian on is what I'm looking forward to!

I'll have a post tomorrow with pictures from our time there!

And to Ian - we'll be cheering you on and wishing you luck!

Late Twenties

At 2am this morning, I officially entered my late 20's - I turned 27.  It's hard to believe how quickly time seems to pass us by.

But I'm loving every minute of this birthday.

Last night, my law school friends had me over and we all ate indian takeout.  Then they surprised me with a cake, candles and singing happy birthday.  They have truly been one of the best things about my law school experience - they are amazing people.

Then, I got home from dinner and Ian wouldn't let me go upstairs.  I waited rather impatiently and then he came downstairs.  I asked for my present and he obliged!  I am incredibly spoiled by the hubs.  He got me this:

We had been looking for a nicer camera recently.  And what perfect timing - right before our big trip to England in a month.  So we've been testing it out - lots of pictures of Tessa thus far.

Today, we went to Clementine for breakfast.  I had heard good things and been wanting to check it out.  We both loved our meals and the old time feel of the place.  And even better - it was inexpensive!  We'll definitely be heading back there to check it out for lunch or dinner sometime soon.

Then - he surprised me.  He did something I didn't think he would ever do.  He bought two tickets (in advance) to New Moon for us to see it at 12:30 today.  I, of course, was ecstatic, but I think this definitely falls into the sacrifice category for him.  We saw it - with all the other Twilight nerds - and loved it.

I am one lucky girl.

Bullet-Point Thursday

Randomness that needs to be said in bullets (because it's Thursday and I'm ready for the weekend!):

• I am less than 4 weeks away from exams and am STRESSING.  I need to buckle down and get things going for that - so my posts will probably be shorter the further along into November we get.
• My law school friends are celebrating my birthday with me tonight.  They're ordering indian takeout and we're all going to relax and catch up.  Super excited!  I've truly found amazing friends in law school and am incredibly fortunate.
• Ian is getting super nervous for his big marathon this weekend (it's just 26 miles - seriously, toughen up a little bit dude).  I'm desperately trying to think of fun phrases to write on the signs I'm making him.  Any ideas?  I actually asked him what he wants me to write on it, because I'm feeling that uncreative (and yes, I totally just made up that word).  He suggested one of the signs read "Finish Strong."  Bor-ing.  Any ideas?  Someone else suggested Brits Do It Better, which I think is awesome. 
• Ian has taken tomorrow off for my big 2-7 and has the day planned.  I have no idea what he has in store, but I'm so excited to spend the day with him.
• Thanksgiving is one week away - and I can't wait to be with our family and friends.  I LOVE, love, love, Thanksgiving. 
• I cannot wait to spend the weekend in Philadelphia, and am even more excited to support Ian, and spend time with my brother and SIL who are going to be there as well.

Lots of fun times coming up - can't wait!

Letting go is necessary

I've been disappointed by lots of friends recently.  I am pretty good about remembering big events in their lives - and I am pretty good about sending cards when appropriate.  I remember birthdays.  I email.  I call.  I ask how their lives are going.  I try to get together to catch up.

But what happens when I make the effort, only to have it rejected, or at least not returned?  Do they think I'm too busy to talk? Do they not want to talk? If they think I'm too busy, it would help to at least try to call me, especially when I've reached out to them.  Recently, a couple friends have said it's been forever since we've seen eachother.  So I threw out some dates that we are free and have never heard any response.  Those dates that were free have already passed.  But I know these friends have made time for others.  So how do I not take it personally?  What's wrong with me?

I'm tired of being disappointed by the same friends repeatedly.  So I'm letting go.  I'm letting go of those friends, because when it comes down to it, I am a pretty good friend to them, and I deserve the same in return.  If they can't make the effort, neither will I.  So recently, I've stopped contacting these certain friends.  If they want me in their lives, they can return the effort.

I will devote time to my amazing friends who consistently show that I am important in their lives, and who are equally important to me.  They are kind, unique, and wonderful people who truly know the meaning of friendship.  To them, I am incredibly grateful.  And by letting go of those not-so-great friends, I have more time to devote to being that much of a better friend to the ones who matter.

While it may not be easy to let go of friends who have played major roles in my life, it is necessary.

Lacking Motivation

I had been doing so well with cooking for the past few months.  But, it hit me like a ton of bricks, that I'm out of motivation to cook.  I need a breather.  I'm out of the energy to cook every night like I had been doing.  So lately, I've been making something like pasta, and making multiple meals with it. Like this:

Start with orzo.  Then you can add what you want - meat, tuna, veggies, cheese, dressing, lettuce.  I can do it hot or cold.  It may not be that creative, but it is delicious.

I'm also out of motivation to do anymore school work, or blog, or anything other than working out and relaxing.  At least I haven't lost motivation for working out.  That, I am still doing.  And until I do get the motivation, I'm going to try to take the simple things and make them a little more interesting. 

Thoughts on Religion

Yep - I'm going there.  I want to talk to everyone about religion, or being spiritual, whatever yours may be, or the lack thereof for some people. Maybe if we were more comfortable talking about these things, we'd all understand eachother just a little better. We don't have to believe what others do, but it might be nice to understand why they believe it.

I grew up going to church every Sunday.  My mom is fairly religious (whatever that means is really a personal definition), so it was important that we grew up in a similar home.  I went to a private, Catholic school for middle and high school, and a Jesuit Catholic college.  With all of that, you can certainly say I was exposed to religion.
Then I met Ian.  He is someone who didn't grow up with any religion.  He isn't against religion, but isn't sure what he believes.  I couldn't understand it when we first met.  But we talk a lot about religion, and I understand now that not having grown up in a believing household would probably influence my beliefs as well.  And to be honest, with so many different opinions on higher power(s), different religions, different beliefs, I don't blame him for being confused.  I grew up in one religion my entire life, and even I sometimes don't even know.  I think also, certain things may happen in people's lives to make them turn to, or away from believing in anything bigger than them.  For me, I've had some terrible tragedies occur that have made me believe.  And I've also been stressed to no end, when suddenly something or someone comes into my life that changes everything, and it leaves me believing that it was meant to be, that there is reason to it. 

But here's where we are on the same page.  For me, the church was a place I could always turn to.  It reminds me on a daily basis that I am fortunate.  It reminds me to help others, be open-minded, and value the people around me.  It reminds me that family is the most important thing.  Going to church, I don't feel judged.  People can look however they do, with no judgment.  I've been on retreats, and met some of the most kind people I've met in my life.  And for me, I'm naturally an anxious person.  So my belief that there is a higher power, something greater than little measly me, that maybe I do not have control of everything, helps calm me.  It doesn't all rest on my shoulders.  My religion, has taught me incredible values.

Do I think you have to be a part of a formed religion to have these values? No. Absolutely not.  Do I think a weekly reminder at church encourages kids to be kinder, and teaches them important values, yes.  Does it work for every person? No.  Do I think it inspires kids and adults to think of others a little more often? Yes. 

For me, religion is what you make of it.  You can go to church everyday and still be a crappy person in my book.  It really is what you make of it.  If you use it to inspire you and remind you to think of others, then why not go for it?

I also know that people not into the whole God (or whatever you call your higher power) thing have fairly strong opinions about the situation.  Some may think that religious people judge.  But I think that depends on the person.  For me, it taught me to NOT judge, to give people the benefit of the doubt, to say I'm sorry, to forgive, to be understanding and compassionate.  They may think it's weird, or that religious people think they're better than others, more right than others.  Again, it depends on the person.  I can do the best I absolutely can in a situation, thinking it's the right thing to do, and be completely wrong.  So who the hell am I to judge someone else's decisions.  I can certainly think for myself, but thinking something isn't knowing it - it's purely a belief. 
My hope in discussing this is to get people to be more open-minded.  I have to commend my dear hubby on this.  He goes with me to church every single time, supported my wish to get married in the Catholic church, and is totally onboard with raising our children as Catholics.  He asks questions and tries to understand.  When something major is going on in our lives, and I turn to prayer or reflection to center myself, he will sometimes join me.  He may not believe all of it, but he at least supports me on it, and is interested in learning more.  And I couldn't ask from more form him.

Overall, for me, religion/being spiritual helps me regain balance in my life, and I can hardly think anyone would say that's a bad thing.

What are your thoughts on all of this? 

Errands, errands and more errands

Our day has been one of those days that you aren't at home - at all.  We've been gone all day running errands, going to church, grocery shopping, etc. and JUST got home.  Exhausted.  Hopefully will be able to write something slightly more interesting than this ramble.

Progress

I had a reassessment at the gym this morning (my first one since August, and my first one since being off my asthma medication for over 1 month now).  Down 3-4 lbs, and have lost 2 inches in my waist, and 1 inch in my thighs.  YAY!

While I could sit and dwell on the fact that that isn't THAT much considering I've been working my ass off since August, I'm choosing to take this and use it as motivation to keep pushing forward.  And just as it took time for me to gain weight (thanks to the asthma medicine), it's not going to go away overnight.

I'm looking for progress, not perfection.

Dilemma

I was recently asked by one of my close friends to be a bridesmaid in her wedding.  I am so honored, and thrilled to be a part of her big day!  Her wedding was to take place on a Friday in May.

Our other dear friend, who was a big part of Ian and I meeting, is getting married on the Saturday night (the night after my friend's wedding).  I thought this was perfect, and that we'd be able to attend both.

But my friend has moved her wedding to Saturday evening.  As in, now both weddings are the same day.  And my friend's is in NY, while our other close friend's is in Baltimore.  Now we're faced with a huge dilemma.  Do we split up, Ian go to the wedding here in Baltimore, and I go to my friend's wedding in NY?  That way, at least we both are a part of each of their wedding days.  I am bummed out.

I'm sad at the thought of missing either of their weddings.  And hearing stories from Ian, if we were to split up for the weekend, would make me even more bummed out.  Especially because many of our close friends will be at the Baltimore wedding.

I think my loyalty is to my friend because I am a bridesmaid for her.  But I hate having to make this decision!  Have you been in this situation before? What'd you decide?

Still Contemplating

Thanks for the suggestions yesterday!  I wish I knew people going to the shower so we could split a bigger present, but I don't know anybody.  So I'm still contemplating what to get her.  I'm going to go shopping tomorrow to see if I can find something special for the mom-to-be.  And I might get something for the baby too!  I'm thinking about getting her a pedicure/manicure gift card from a spa nearby.  This late in her pregnancy, her feet could probably use a good massage.

Now, I'm off to do work and go to the gym.  Happy Friday.  Although it is Friday the 13th - weird.

Shower for Mommy-to-Be

I've been invited to a shower for a mom-to-be.  She's already had a couple baby showers, so I think I'm supposed to get a present for the mom-to-be.  The invite mentioned some things she likes - Aveda, Bath and Body Works, and a few others.  But I don't really want to get something from any of the places they've suggested - because I think she'll have too many people buying from those places.

But I have no idea what to get her.  Help!  I haven't been through being pregnant, so I have no idea what she'd really want to do after she has the baby, or during these last couple months of being pregnant.  What do you think?  I know some of my readers are either expecting, or already have children, so YOU, I need your suggestions!  Oh, and if it can be budget friendly, that'd be even better!