flying by...

Life is moving so fast! I can't believe it's almost June and summer is approaching. It's like we were having snow days and all of a sudden I looked up and we are talking about summer plans? I've heard as you get older time goes by faster. I beginning to agree with that!
May has been a big month for Paul and I....we got engaged, Paul moved to Dallas, he graduated law school and a year later started at the Coles Firm and we moved into our first house -- all in different years of course. But this time of the year brings a time of reflection. It reminds me of how we've built this life together -- step by step and year by year. And with each May that passes I know we'll reflect on more pieces that make us "Julie and Paul"

Crawfish Boil

On April 30th we attended a big southern crawfish boil put on by a few law firms that Paul works with -- NNK Legal Group, PLLC, KASTL LAW, PC & James Street Group. This was quite the social mixer...crawfish, live band, DJ, "bags", bounce house, beer pong tables, full bar, hurricane machines, hot dog and cotton candy vendors!

Paul spent a lot of time at the beer pong table (go figure) and I caught up with a few of my junior league girlfriends that were at the event as well! I'm not a big fan of crawfish -- I think I had one that a nice man peeled for me. But I did enjoy the corn and potatoes that were boiled up with the crustaceans! ;-)

Here's me and my girlfriend Aimee watching our boys play some beer pong ;-)

Let's get it started

Last Friday I met with my running coach, Jason Soria to OFFICIALLY start my training program for Chicago. It started with the dreaded assessment. This is sucky for two reasons: 1. you can't workout 24 hours before. 2. You have to kill yourself during the assessment to go anaerobic. I probably haven't hit my anaerobic threshold in over a year -- OMG, I about keeled over when I was done!
So, in the beginning of my training the goal is to teach my body to work optimally with its resources. Then gradually add volume and tempo work throughout the year. The key is putting enough stress on the body to dictate change, but allowing it to absorb fitness as well. Jason and I will be looking for trends with heart rate and pace to make adjustments as needed... Here we go!

After my assessment we determined my zones...
Zone 1 active recovery 0-137
Zone 2 aerobic 137-146
Zone 3 tempo 147-154
Zone 4 sub threshold 155-160
Zone 5 anaerobic 161-170

Wish me luck training in this Texas heat...ugh! 10 Miler this weekend...forecast? 90 and windy!

flowers - surprise!

Once in awhile the guy gets it right!

Paul and I haven't been able to spend much time together over the last few months...blame it on his heavy case load, my clients picking up, social time with friends, and so on... So, when last Friday's lunch date didn't work out (yet, again) I came out to my car after work to find these beautiful flowers waiting for me! It was super thoughtful and made me feel very special! I love you Paul Simon.

(Note: he did indeed go to the Lil Wayne concert this night instead of hanging with his wife...hey, it's still the thought that counts, right?)

Gleneagles Health and Wellness Expo

April 16th Gleneagles Country Club hosted a Health and Wellness Expo at the fitness center. I was a big part of putting this on. Members enjoyed chair massages, nutrition bar tastings, a special spin class, team teach class and individual instruction in pilates reformer. In addition, Gatewood Wellness, Luke’s Locker and Partners Weight Loss Company had tables for members to preview. Gatewood Wellness offered extensive fitness testing and Luke’s Locker shared proper shoe fit tips. All vendors offered coupons and invaluable advice for us all!
I have been working at GE for over two years in addition to the YMCA (3yrs) -- I have the best job ever!

Sip 'n See

Babies, Babies, Babies! They're coming from everywhere! It seems every time I get on Facebook someone new announces they are expecting or someone new just had a baby. I guess we're approaching that time in life where the weddings are slowing and the baby showers are in full force. I must admit, I'm not sure if I'm completely ready for this all! I look pretty silly flowing through the aisles at buybuybaby and the baby boutiques trying to navigate the right sizes and perfect gifts for newborns. Registries are extremely helpful but c'mon, "whats up with shopping cart covers?" So, that's a baby gift? Ok.
But recently I was introduced to a southern tradition that I quickly became quite fond of - the Sip 'n See. This is a shower-type party honoring the new baby with gifts and love, usually put on by the family. You sip tea or mimosas, eat light snacks and everyone gets to hold and see the newborn without the intrusion of all stopping by at different times for the mom. Perfect!
My girlfriend Cindy just had a baby girl in February so several of our junior league girlfriends put together a sip and see for her last month. Her little baby girl Ryan was adorable!

Here's Kelly, Marina, me and Lesley

Cotes du Couer - American Heart Benefit

Simon's out on the town...watch out!

Jessica and Jules all dolled up!

April 9th we volunteered at the American Heart Benefit - Cotes du Couer! Our friend Ann works for AHA and this was her big event so we were excited to help her out. Plus, the perks were awesome -- there were 12 food stations from local celebrity chefs, TONS of fab wine and an open bar.
Jessica and I worked the LIVE auction and recorded all the bids - Paul was a spotter. It got pretty exciting at times...for example, a few people were going head to head for an Australia trip and at another point the fly fishing with Chef Chamberlain was a hot one! The big winner of the night went to the bidder who paid $26,000 for in-home cooking party with Chef Fearing -- crazy!
We had a lot of laughs and a fun time doing our "job" -- then we went off to the bar and checked out the crazy expensive wines and silent auction items. It was fun getting all dolled up, helping our friend -- and a great cause! AHA earned over $2 million that night to help fight heart disease!

Full write up here