Reporting for Duty

Last night was the 2nd Annual Club Chestnut Halloween Costume Party! I love a good costume and love themes so I was looking forward to it. It was nice to be able to relax for a bit with friends. It's been so busy and stressful lately, that I just needed to have fun. I had it a week early because most of the invitees work at a college so they'll be on duty next weekend. Here are some pictures from the night:

Gillian & I Jill and I standing in the kitchen
Tara, me, Gillian and Jill posing it up. Tara's costume was great!

Emily, Gillian and Jill with the Cop. haha.

And it's also fall break for the students so I have spent the entire weekend in pjs at home. The only time I've gotten dressed is for the party. And I anticipate that I'll be spending tomorrow like that as well! I have to say that's probably the best thing I could do for myself right now. I'm exhausted--emotionally and physically. It's definitely time for some R&R.

My computer is still not working--but my Dad came over and got it from me on Friday so maybe he'll be able to figure out what's wrong. I really hate not having a computer at home. Thank goodness for my blackberry or I'd be freaking out.

What are your plans for Halloween?

The A List

Okay, so this not having a computer at home thing is killing me. I truly never realized how connected I was until I didn't have my green dell sitting next to me on the couch (or in the bed--let's be serious)

So before I head home from work tonight (yes, it's after 11 pm) I figured I'd share three things I love right now. I mean, I love lots of things BUT I feel the immediate need to alert my friends and family to. Because this is the information that you definitely need to have. Clearly.

#1--My new musical discovery/love. The Zac Brown Band. I am a little slow to get with the program but the new CD is amazing. It's been in my car CD player since the moment I bought it. I can't stop listening. Love.

My favorite lyrics--definitely speak to me right now.

"You keep your heart above your head and you eyes wide open so this world can't find a way to leave you cold. And know you're not the only ship out on the ocean. Save your strength for things that you can change. Forgive the ones you can't. You gotta let 'em go."

#2--Dave Matthews Band. Yes, you've heard it before. But what I haven't shared with blogland is that I will be seeing them again in a few short weeks. Yes, it's true. It's okay to be a little jealous. Can't wait!#3--Boots are officially back. The weather is finally right. And I'm seeing all sorts of boots I need to have, including these. Land's End. Whoa. That's what I call love at first sight. Need to order.

And that is what's on my mind right now. Well, not entirely but these things are what keeps me distracted from thinking about real life stuff. Because my computer may be broken but my spirit isn't. :)

Happy Tuesday!

What's Up?

Happy Wednesday! I'm out of the loop this week because my computer at home is not working. Ugh. How will I stay connected? But I miss blogging and have lots of back blogs to catch up on...

Enjoy the cute ribbon pumpkins I did for the office today! Be back soon...

Fall Spirit

I love the fall. It's my favorite season of the year. Don't get me wrong, the summer is fantastic and I dread the end but there is something magical about the crisp weather and the smell of pumpkin spice candles that makes me feel good. And as much as I love my summer dresses and shoes, I find it fun to get out fall clothes and rediscover long sleeves, tights and boots.

And I like to get out fall decorations around the house. For September I put out the fall ones. This coming weekend I'll be putting out all the Halloween ones. But for now, here's a little tour of my fave decorations.

I got this last year and love the white lights. Cute little pumpkin from Bath & Body.
A little pumpkin action in the kitchen.

I never light this candle but it looks cute.

I LOVE the smell of the pine cone candle. And the table runner is perfect for that bar area.

The place mat on the kitchen table

A little harvest sign in the foyer

So that's a little taste of festive fall from Club Chestnut! What's your favorite thing about fall?

Happy Wednesday!

The Finish Line

So today was the day I was semi dreading for awhile. It's 5K day. And up until this morning, I definitely didn't think I was ready. I had really started off my training in the summer strong. I was all about getting ready and then....my normal crazy beginning of the semester stuff happened and I got off track. As the day grew closer, the more anxious I became. In fact, I had a dream last weekend that it would be awful and that I wouldn't even be able to do it. yikes. It was stressing me out. BIG. TIME.

Now, I realize I'm not in the worst shape of my life and that I exercise daily, but I'm not a runner by nature. In fact I have always said that I hated running. I like to be physically active, but running....no way. So last spring when I decided I wanted to run, I was a little surprised at myself. I think I wanted to prove to myself that I could. So you can see why I was stressed. I didn't want to fail and write off running forever.

This morning, I woke up nervous. I showed up at the race (where I was supposed to meet up with my friend, Emily who was running the 10K) and was still feeling like I was making a mistake, that this was going to be a disaster. Even as I walked to the starting line (solo, because I couldn't find Emily), put my iPod in my ears, pinned my number on my shirt, I was freaking out.

But I refused to let myself down. I turned up my music and started running. And it was good. It wasn't a nightmare. It was actually...dare I say...fun. I had no expectations of the time I wanted. I just wanted to finish and feel good about that. And the best part is that I wasn't the last one to cross the finish. Not even close.

Here is my number--I was happy it had an 8 in it. A good sign.

After the race--Brooks BBQ was served. So worth the extra WW points today.

Me and Emily (who rocked her 10K time) after the race.

Enjoying the fall day and our personal victories!

The only downer was that I wished I had asked people to come be at the finish line for me. I didn't make it a big deal because I was so worried that I would suck that I didn't want to ask people to come out. But I guess it's good that I did it totally by myself. I know it's only a 5K but I never thought I'd ever do something like this so I'm the only one that needs to be impressed with me. In any case, I'm so thankful that I did it and that I did prove that I can do it. The weird part is I can kind of consider myself a little bit of a runner now. Whoa. Three years ago, I never thought I would be able to say that. I'm proud that I can now. (Remember this post?)

And I think this may be the beginning...I already want to do it again. Remind me of that when I freak out the next time! :)

Happy Sunday!