Holidaze

It happened so fast.  Before I knew it Christmas was in sight and we were in full fledged holiday season.  Shortly after we got back from Chicago, Paul and I stayed pretty low-key and decided to go to one of his clients "ROCKTOBER FEST" Halloween parties instead of a bigger bash.  It was an easy costume for two people who were out of ideas!  Rockstar party it was.

Rockstar Jules ;-)

Then I was very consumed with the Junior League Ladies Night Out benefit and auction.  I had been soliciting items for several months and all the hard work came to a head on November 11th and my committee hustled around the Plano Centre like crazy women.  The event went off beautifully and everyone had a wonderful time!  Most importantly, we raised a lot of money for our projects and programs in the community! After that night it was the holiday market for the rest of the weekend - Neath the Wreath and we were a very tired group of junior leaguers!  We treated ourselves to a little Twilight indulgence the following weekend ;-)

Tina, our HOT FIREMAN and me at our Ladies Night Out event

My fav Junior League girls with some HOT FIREMAN! oh la la!

At the Studio Movie Grill for Breaking Dawn, Part 1!

Eyeing my fav - TEAM JACOB! ;-)

Before I knew it we had Thanksgiving upon us!  I love this holiday and everything it represents.  I am so thankful for our friends, family and the love we share.  We were lucky enough to have our friend, Joel Smith, visit us for the weekend.  We kicked it off going out for "the biggest bar night of the year" on Wednesday.  And, we surely made an impression at the Shops at Legacy... Then we got up early to take part in what has become our annual Turkey Trot run downtown Dallas.  I ran the 8mi and the boys ran the 5k.  I was impressed that they did so well given the recent events the previous evening...  We were invited over to my dear friend, Tina's for Turkey dinner where we ate ourselves to death!  Tina and her folks put together an amazing meal!  We had a lovely afternoon celebrating with the Darons.  The rest of the weekend the boys went to Top Golf, a game at Cowboys Stadium and out for more Tex Mex.

Joel, Paul and Jules before the 74th Turkey Trot downtown Dallas

Cheers!  Enjoying some mambo taxi's -- that's where the night took a turn...

Thanksgiving at Tina's house -- Only Tina would label all the food for us.  She's the best! so funny.

Here's all of us at Thanksgiving -- Tina was really ahead of holiday decorating and had her tree up!

With Christmas less than a month away you would of thought I would of got my house decorated...but nope.  With us going out every weekend to parties, me getting ready for another half marathon, and leaving for Michigan in 2 and a half weeks it hardly seemed worth it.  So, call me a scrooge this year!
After wrapping up in Texas we headed into the winter wonderland in the midwest to celebrate with family.  It was great seeing everyone -- especially my nephews!  But, as always, I was very ready to come home to some normalcy.  We rang in the New Year party hopping around Dallas .. happy 2012!

Girls holiday soiree

Couples Cocktail Party

Me and my baby under the mistletoe!

Here's me after running the Dallas White Rock Half Marathon. These were the WORST running conditions ever!  But I finished.

Ringing in the NEW YEAR! 2012!

Girl Time

With summer patio weather in our rear view mirror our LADIES NIGHT OUT slowly turned into "night at RA" and we found ourselves eating A LOT of sushi!  It eventually turned into Saturday nights and we dragged the hubbies along too.   It may not be Thursday night margaritas with the sun shining down on our shoulders -- but we didn't care!  We put the hubbies at one end of the table to talk sports and we gossiped over pomegranate martinis all night!  This became our Fall/Winter routine -- so much in fact, that we haven't been to RA since February!  We wore that place out!

But everyday I thank God for good friends and the wonderful people he has brought into my life.  I am incredibly blessed with true friends and a great group to call "my girls!"

All my JLCC FAVS ;-)

Look at that HOT group? 

Jules and Jenn

Julie, Tina & Jennifer

Kelly, Julie & Jennifer

Whoa... it's been sooo long since I've last posted that I don't even know where to begin?  I heard once that as you get older time begins to go faster.  Well, I am starting to think there is some truth to that.  But, I am going to try to pick up the pieces to this blog and fill in the last couple months.  Here it goes...

Let me start with my biggest accomplishment to date AND one of the best days of my life.  The day I ran the Chicago Marathon and qualified for Boston.  It was a warm October day, October 9th to be exact! And I had been in Chicago since Friday spending time with friends and family with barely anytime to be nervous.  Paul attended the Health and Wellness Expo with me where I bought some fun race tees and thought I over aggressively signed up for the 3:40 pace team.  I thought, I really need to push myself this race.  I want to make my Coach Jason proud and I want all the hard heat training, all the early mornings, tempo runs, mile repeats, etc COUNT! So, even if 3:40 was a stretch I wanted to try. We planned my pre-race carb meal at at yummy Italian place near Leahey's condo and all my dearest friends and family came to support me.  I felt on cloud nine.

The next morning Paul and Leahey dropped me off at the corrals -- Paul looked at me and jokingly said, "don't disappoint ... there are a lot of people here watching you!" That really spoke to me because that's exactly what went through my head throughout the race... I don't want to let everyone down who is here to see me race!  I found my way to Corral C and we were off fast... actually I was off fast... TOO FAST.  Rookie mistake and I knew it.  I was running in the 7:50's -  yikes! (It's a marathon, not a sprint! ha) But I eventually settled into the low 8mins.  But that was still too fast according to my race pace from Jason.  So, eventually, somewhere around the 10k mark I finally settled into the 8:10's.  I felt really good and I told myself now you have to hold this...

I had some rough patches along the race.. around mile 13 my IT band started to pull... "oh no" I thought-- this is going to be bad!  But God was looking after me that day and while it hurt the entire time, it didn't get any worse and it didn't take me out, phew!  Also, around mile 18 I ran out of GU -- I always end up having way too much during races bc I barely take the stuff.  But this time it was HOT out and I was sipping it almost the entire time (I water it down in a bottle and hold it)  -- So I went mile 18-26 without much nutrition.  Also, don't let me forget to share that I completely wiped out in a full out somersault -- yes, at one of the aide stations I collided with another guy and we went flying forward.  I didn't even feel the pain -- it was weird, the adrenaline was pumping and I JUMPED up and started running forward again?  Just a few scrapes ;-)  And then I did hit the 20mile wall...  I slowed down to 8:40 at one point and I looked down and thought... crap.  Then I thought, "no, I'm not going to be one of those people who LOSES it at mile 20!"  So, I grabbed a GU from an aide station, said a prayer and tucked in behind a guy in an orange shirt and paced off him till the finish, we ran 8:12's.  I still can't believe I did that?  Who runs 8:12's after running 20miles and can hardly walk??  I have never had kids, but I can image that's what labor feels like -- such an intense pain that you can't even feel it anymore.  It was something amazing.  It was something great.  It was my moment.
Crossing that finish line I knew I was about 2mins behind clock time and saw it just cross over 3:36... I had a pretty good idea that I qualified for Boston.  I was too exhausted to feel emotion -- but my heart was smiling inside!
Upon finishing I had to walk about a mile to the 27th mile party where I would be reunited with my friends and family.  That. was. the. longest. mile. of . my. life.  I physically couldn't walk.  I begin to cramp and could barely put one foot in front of the other.  I clasped upon seeing my family.  I tried to get up and walk again and I was back down.  The cramping was out of control.  After a little Gatorade and banana I was able to stand again.  My official time was released and it was confirmed I qualified for Boston.  Off to lunch to celebrate.  My sister got me a Chicago Marathon orange shirt to remember my last six mile surge pacing after my orange shirt friend!  One of the great memories of the best day ever.

here are my splits...I averaged an 8:10 mile.

My besties coming out to support me! Love you Mel & Ash!

Family - I love you!

Dad & Mom :-)

Paulie, My biggest support and loudest cheerleader.  I love you.

Texas High School Football, oh my!

Last weekend Paul's brother Matt came to visit with his buddy Pete. They had a conference in town and stayed with us for a few days. We took them out during their first night here for some cajun food at Doodie's -- (One of Paul's favorites) and discussed what they wanted to see and do while they were here. One of the first things they said was "see a high school football game -Is it like Friday Night Lights" they asked? I was like umm.. well... I don't know? We have lived here for over four years and have never been. So, I figured it was about time and having the boys in town was the perfect excuse!

The next day I got to work and starting asking around. I found out that Allen was playing Plano at Clark Stadium that night -- two big high schools in town --and that would be a good game to see. So, after some investigating online I decided I would swing by Clark Stadium to get tickets around lunch. I contemplated waiting to get them at the gate...but I knew these were two big teams and wanted to secure tix since we had company in town to entertain. Good thing I did because Clark Stadium ticket office had about 40 people in line for tickets at 1pm on Friday afternoon! The chatter in line was that Allen High School was sold out and Plano was close...craziness! So, I stood in line and got our "assigned seat" tickets for that night.

We arrived to the Spring Creek exit and hit bumper to bumper to traffic -- are we at the cowboys stadium? We decided to park at the bank on the corner and walk the 2 miles to the stadium. The place was packed and our 5 assigned seats looked more like three... ugh! We squeezed in and enjoyed some crazy dad's screaming about plays, mom's chanting old cheers (I'm assuming) and little kids dressed in small uniforms and cheer outfits with their faces painted. I'm pretty sure we were the only people not wearing school colors - seriously. When the teams took the field there was giant inflatables, fog machines, balloons, banners (not paper ones!) and this wasn't homecoming! It was pretty nuts...oh, and the band had 500 people! They took up the entire field during half time... and let's not even get into drill team (dancers!)and cheer team! Let's just say it's a sight to see and the texan's take this game of football pretty seriously. I guess I better get on board if I'm going to live here ;-)

Allen HS is ranked #1 5A team in Texas --- they beat Plano 42- 7.

Freedom Run 2011

A few weeks ago Paul and I ran the Freedom 5K in honor of all those who were lost in the events on 9/11. We've done this race the past 3 years since the DAYL puts it on and Paul is very involved with the Young Lawyers Association. However, it was particularly special this year being the 10th anniversary of the attack. The race directors did a fabulous job recognizing those who were lost and making the event extremely special for everyone who came out to support. All the proceeds went to local enforcement in Dallas County and officials surrounded City Hall. (We felt very safe! lol) In addition, it was a great night for a run -- the weather was cooler and no rain this year! Paul and I ran it together in just under 30minutes. The highlight (or lowlight?) of the race was being passed by this supermom with a TRIPLE baby stroller! How embarassing! But, we did have a great time together and enjoyed drinks, food and music with his attorney friends after the race. It was a great way to kick off the weekend!

Jules & Paul getting ready for the race!

aww, love to see the finish!

Kori & Jeff's Wedding Weekend in Mackinac

After 10 years, yes TEN YEARS! (And you thought you dated your guy or gal a long time before tying the knot! lol) Jeff and Kori are officially married!

It all took place at Mackinac Island last weekend at the Harbour View Inn. It was a small intimate ceremony with just friends and family present. Kori was breathtaking and Jeff was awfully handsome in his tux! They both looked so happy, excited and cheerful as they said their vows and exchanged rings. We all couldn't be happier and tried to keep our "about time!" comments to ourselves and take joy in the beautiful day. It was sunny, 70's and awesome!

"What a fabulous place to get married?" I kept saying all weekend to my sister. Mackinac was one of the most beautiful places I've been. So quaint, laid back and peaceful. Everyone enjoyed the weekend biking, being outside, taking in the lake views, and enjoying some fudge of course!

We kicked off the weekend by hosting a ladies luncheon for Kori at Mary's Bistro where she received a few gifts. Then we went to Astors Salon at the Grand for mani/pedi's and cocktails on the deck over looking the lawn. It was such a wonderful afternoon with all the girls! Kori was just glowing all day ;-)

That night my parents hosted the rehearsal dinner at The Gatehouse. However, the highlight of the night was when my brother bet Colin $100 he couldn't stay quiet for 2 hours. Well, Colin took that bet pretty seriously and stayed SILENT for 45mins -- and Jeff finally negotiated at $40 because he felt bad! Poor kid wouldn't say a word!

Then Saturday was Wedding day!!! That morning Jenn, Chad, Connor & Colin took a bike ride around the island with Paul and I. It was about 8miles around so it was a pretty long ride for the boys and they did great -- especially Connor who had two broken arms, still! We took it slow, stopping to take plenty of pictures and take in the views. So pretty!

The wedding was at 4pm in the garden area at Harbour View Inn. Everyone was so excited to see Kori in her dress -- no one had seen it. She was a lovely bride and Jeff is sooooo lucky to call her his wife. And we are so happy to have Kor as part of our family!!! The reception was also at Harbour view with cocktail hour and dinner immediately following. Jeff made a lovely speech thanking us all for our travels and impact on their lives as a couple - touching for Jeff ;-) And after things started to wind down at the wedding we ALL (parents included) went to the bar to finish the night strong. I love weddings!

Hottest Half 2011

Sunday I competed in the Hottest Half at White Rock Lake. This is notorious for being a horribly hot, difficult, dreadful race here in Dallas...hence the name. So, only the serious (or stupid) runners come out to compete. The runners that are dying for competition in an endurance race, something over a 5k (that seems to be all that's available anytime after June 1st around here!)

So, Coach Jason Soria suggested I did it this race this year in preparation for my Chicago Marathon. The heat training would be good for me, yadda yadda and no matter how how Chicago might be hot it will be nothing compared to what I'll be racing in here in Dallas. So, here I am -- signed up for the Hottest Half with all the crazies.

So, Sunday morning at 7am I find myself at the start with other nutty peeps getting prepared to run 13.1 miles in 92 degree heat and awful humidity. Luckily the course is flat as a pancake and I try to mentally prepare but I can't ... I just keep dreading what's ahead. I know that's a horrible way to start a race but I can't stop. Before I can size up the competition or look around we're off! Everyone is flying! Whoa! Some fast starters in this group...but then I think back to what Jason told me, "Everyone is going to go out too fast because the course is flat...hold back and CONSERVE...come up from behind on the back end when everyone else is blowing up and you'll kill this race..." So, that's my plan. And let's just say that it worked -- PERFECTLY! I ran quick, but not fast for the first 6miles letting people pass me and move along...I could hear their breathing and just knew they couldn't keep this up. The sun was coming up high in the sky and the heat was climbing. I felt good and knew I was in a good position to finish strong. So, about half way through I began to pass everyone and kept a STEADY pace the entire race. That steady pace brought me into the finish with a final time of 1:43:10. I knew it was good for me (my PR is 1:41) but didn't realize it put me at the top. Paul and I didn't stick around for the awards. I really needed to get out of the heat. I was extremely dizzy after finishing and couldn't get the liquids in fast enough. I was too nausea to eat but needed the fuel -- it was rough. I felt a little better after part of a bagel but knew we needed to leave. When we got home I went downhill further...I just couldn't get the nutrition in fast enough! It wasn't until 3pm when I was finally feeling like myself and my salt/electrolyte balance was back. ugh...

But then the results were posted online that really lifted my mood and I was feeling MUCH better then! Results revealed I was THIRD in my age group, whoa! That is such a big accomplishment for me. I was suddenly super bummed that we didn't stick around for the awards! Also, I was the 8th female finisher overall. What a great day! Makes all that training, early mornings, and for-going booze suddenly worth it!