An Unexpected Phone Call

I got a call from my BFF Steph yesterday. Hearing her voice did wonders for my soul. Do you have friends in your life like that? I hope you do. Friends that you could go far too long without talking to but are able to pick right back up like it was just yesterday. I laughed harder than I have in a while yesterday and it felt good.

Really good.

These gorgeous lilies sent to me by my Dad and family last week also make my heart happy.  

Aren't they lovely?



















What makes your heart happy?

Sunny Sunday... for a change

And thanks to Janelle I have something to do on this fabulous sunny day!

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UPDATE: That lasted all of an hour before a crash of thunder scared me back to reality. I posted that at 1:27pm. As of 2:30 It is now monsooning... again. Thank you Ohio, I was beginning to get worried since you gave us what appeared to be normal weather for a change.

Happy Birthday

To my bestest friend in the entire world.

I cannot believe it has been an obnoxiously long 15 years that I have known you. Are we really that old? I hate to even think about it. I'm so incredibly thankful that we got past whatever it was that made us not want to be friends in 6th grade. What in the world were we thinking?! I might have been jealous of your bangs... (I kid! I know you so wish you had bangs like me!)

We've been through elementary school, junior high, high school, college, became roomates, and yet we are still friends to this day. I only stop to ask myself once a month now "what in the world is wrong with you for sticking by me that long?"

In all seriousness though, I am so thankful to be a part of your lifeand have you in mine.

Happy Birthday.

2000-2001, yes we rocked those bangs. haha!



2004 - OSU Michigan game



2009 - Steph got married!

Auction!

Hopefully you remember the slouchy beret and burberry inspired cowl that I made way as my new winter accessories... I wore the slouchy beret almost daily and even when I wasn't going outside. It's just my absolute favorite hat ever. And that cowl? It's inspired by a Burberry Scarf featured in InStyle magazine that retailed for a whopping $750!!!

Let me refresh your memory:

Star Crossed Slouchy Beret


Burberry Inspired Cowl

the inspiration:


How would you like one of each of your very own???

Here's your chance!!! I have donated my knitting services to the winning bid over at Snap Crackle Pop. Jaclyn is hosting an auction in honor of her brother Joey's 21st birthday next week. All proceeds will be donated to Joey's school- Elim Christian School.

From Jaclyn's website: Illinois will let special needs kids attend high school until they are 21, so Joey’s got one more year. Even when he has graduated, however, the school will continue to serve as a special form of life support for families who need its teaching and guidance.

Please go take a look at all the fabulous items up for bid, and if it so moves you- please bid on my hand-knits. It may be one of the only chances you have to receive a custom knit by me!

The auction expires on Thursday 8/12 at 11:59pm.

Monday Already?

What a weekend! Some shopping (too! much! shopping!) some knitting, some friend time, some kick butt running, some relaxation, some basement progress... man I'm exhausted just thinking about it!

Friday started off with work, obviously. And ended with us going to look at a new dryer. If we run our dryer it sounds like we are in a horror movie- think the shower scene from Psycho... only turn the decibles up a few notches and throw it on fast forward. It's time for a new one. It was a bit late though so we decided to wait till Sunday to make the final decision.

Saturday was a me day. Mr Buckeye headed up north for a post-wedding bachelor party. (Wrap your head around that one!) and I went out to the track to tackle my first long distance run. I pretty much set myself up to not have a great run. I waited till 11am when the sun was shining high in the sky, didn't eat any breakfast, and hadn't hydrated properly. But I did my 5 miles. 66 minutes and 53 seconds later I was finished. Not my best. But at least I know I did it. Sat evening was spent with the girls- who asked me to teach them to knit! I'm a proud mama when I say that BOTH! of them learned how to knit while the 2 year olds played nicely AND they both finished their first project on Sunday. I think they've caught the bug and I'm honored to be able to share the hobby I love. Plus, I was told I'm a good teacher so warm fuzzies all around!

Sunday was shopping... we bought the aforementioned dryer (the matching one to our washer) and that will be stacked on Wednesday. We also bought a new TV. The hubs won (and secretly I'm thrilled too) and we bought a new TV that will actually have a new home in the basement. We got an amazing deal so we couldn't pass it up. We also bought a blu-ray home theater system as well so we can movie watch with surround sound! Unfortunately, the TV has already been moved to the basement so now we have to move it back upstairs so the new TV can take it's rightful place on Wednesday as well. We did, however, already set up the surround sound- as in we ran the wires through the ceiling, up the wall, etc. We did it right- and it sounds awesome!

And since today is almost over, I got my run in today as well.
A PR for me! (PR=personal record)
I busted out my 3 miles in 35 minutes and 47 seconds!
I beat my best time be over 2 minutes! and I couldn't be happier!

Have a great week! I know I started mine off right!

Yesterday was about Survival

We did it. We survived the dreaded end of month, end of year yesterday. With surprisingly minor injuries. Moving on to the new year at work. Big projects, big plans, and hopefully a big rebound in the economy. (though I doubt it)

I survived W4D2, although just barely. Runs like that bring me down but I will just lace my shoes back up and keep running. 2.43 in 30 minutes. My pace had to be dropped down to 5.2 when I got an intense cramp in my right side. It was a bummer. I’m hoping the next run will be better. I’m almost halfway through the program and super proud of myself that I’m still with it. In 1 short week I’ll be transitioning to running outside. (it’s been treadmill city so far) but I know that to really prep for half marathons and 5k races, I really need to hit the pavement, or the track, or basically anything that isn’t a moving target beneath my feet. I’ve been reading a lot about it and people say that your stride and gait is highly unnatural on a treadmill. That you can be more prone to leg injuries on a treadmill- in particular shin splints- since you are hitting a moving target and your legs have to adjust to keep your balance. Maybe that is where my shin pain is coming from? Hoping to see a difference outside but I definitely don’t want to do intervals out there. I like to have the timer in front of me for those.

I survived another girls night. (not really survival but let’s just go with it) You could say I survived the swarms of teenage girls and 40+ moms in and around the theater to see Eclipse. But let’s be honest because as soon as the movie started I pretty much became one of those teenage girls again. I mean honestly. Team Jacob? Team Edward? You pretty much can’t lose there!

I survived knitting in public. For real. I took my knitting to the theater since I knew we would be waiting. (yes, I know, I was THAT girl) K-Nun was like WTF? Oh no you are not doing that. But I did. And I got about 5 rows into a new scarf that I decided to make using the leftover 2 balls of Cool Wool. I could tell a few people were just staring (like that lady next to me) but it just made me proud. I like to think that people don’t immediately think eeeew what is she doing? And rather- wow, that’s kind of neat… in a grandmother kind of way.

So now on to the survival of the rest of the week. Shouldn’t be terrible considering there is only 1.5 days left and it wraps up with a long 3 day weekend of which we have no plans. It should be fabulous.

Happy Thursday!

I love Hotdogs

And so does my friend Jaclyn's younger brother Joey.

Jacy is a fabulous jewelry designer and Etsy seller.

Did you know that April is Autism Awareness Month? No? Well, now you do.

One in 110 children today is diagnosed with autism. One in 70 of them are boys.

So how does Jaclyn, Hot Dogs, Joey, Jewelry, and Autism Awareness Month fit together?

Joey has Autism, and he loves his hotdogs. So Jaclyn created these adorable Joey's Hot Dog necklaces for her Etsy Shop just in time for Autism Awareness Month!

During the month of April, Jaclyn is donating 25% of all her shop sales to Autism Speaks. And those adorable Joey's Hot Dog necklaces? $5 of each necklace sold will go directly to them as well. Click on the photo to go directly to Jaclyn's Etsy Shop!

Jaclyn wrote a lovely blog post about her brother. Click here to read it

Go Bucks!

It was a gorgeous day for tailgating. too bad it didn't turn out the way we had wished.

Twelve Twelve Tweeeeelve!


Myles Kix! First tailgate and the newest Buckeye added to our clan :)

So...

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous this week. Mother Nature really gave us a break. Crisp cool nights and sunny breezy days. Unfortunately my allergies have flared up out of control so I'm enjoying the days between all the sneezing, and coughing, itchy eyes, and sinus attacks. But you know what? I'll take it! Because that means that fall is upon us! I'm ready to dig out my fall smelling candles, don my long sleeve shirts and light sweaters, and break out my BUCKEYES! because It's Football Season Baby!

This weekend marks the first weekend, I believe, we will not be heading up north for the opening game. We will head over to Fungesserfest (yes they stole our name... PFest? Ring a bell?) and spend the weekend there with drinks, games, fun, and yes- some jewelry! We are ecstatic to spend the long weekend with friends it will be much needed and over before we know it!

Sunday/Monday I plan on making ribs for the first time. I'm already starving just thinking about them. Hopefully the lbs of meatballs and buffalo chicken dip we are providing for Fungesserfest will hold us over till then. I'm still trying to find the perfect recipe. I want to slow cook them in the oven and then finish them off on the grill!

Bring on the long weekend! We're ready!

My Girls!

3 years in the making... literally.

From the WC to the LJ to the RL!

All together in 1 place at the same time!

The gal that started is all for me :) Francy!

These ladies probably know me better than I know myself! It's been a pleasure getting to know you these past few years and we need another hookup soon, as in before another 3 years!

HELLO! Vegas August '10? YES PLEASE!

Mr. and Mrs!

Some of my fav shots from Steph and Adam's wedding :)

Fashion Week!

So last week I returned back from jetsetting to California for Cookie Lee Fashion Week! It was amazing and so inspiring and motivating. I got to meet fabulous women and learn from the best of them. Wonderful friendships were formed and I hope to see everyone again soon!

Next up- Some of the new jewelry!!

As always, please contact me for orders, shows, fundraisers, and business opportunities.

PFest 2009

As promised, here are some snaps from the weekend.

Until next year!

WHEW!

Such a great time. Pfest was a success. Unfortunately (or fortunately) some people couldn't make it but we certainly had a house full and there was just enough room for everyone. It was a bit too hot to stay outside, we tend to pick the hottest days of the year... every. single. year. But it was still all good. Rockband concerts upstairs, flip cup and beer pong downstairs, and a little here and there and everyone was happy. No casualties this year so I'm thankful for that as always.

In the meantime, Britt has posted her recap of Pfest here. Take a gander. And read some of her other posts too. She's snarky and witty and totally fun- and she is learning to cook!

Pictures to be posted once I return home for the night. For now, it's back to work.

Stress?

Hmmm maybe a little bit. I returned from California ready to rock and roll... well not really, I am still half on PST and my schedule is all out of whack. But I better catch up soon because tomorrow is Pfest 2009! What started as a summer party IN 2006 to invite our college friends down to our new abode in Cinci has now launched itself to gigantic proportions and the word has spread like wildfire! Now don't get me wrong, I'm super excited to have everyone down but boy oh boy it's going to be quite an experience this year! We've got family, friends, college roomates, veterens, rookies, friends of friends, siblings, etc. and we are going to party it up in true Buckeye fashion. In fact, there will be approximately 40 people at the house tomorrow, I'm sure you'll be able to hear us in Dayton :)

Forgive me if I'm a little skittish before it starts but once the sangria and margaritas start flowing I'll be a-ok.

A Wedding

Stephanie and Adam

August 1, 2009

My Best Friend's Wedding

Stephanie is getting married this weekend! I'm so much looking forward to it and getting to witness the union with the man of her dreams. I've never been in a wedding before so I'm also super excited to be a Bridesmaid! The weather looks good (There has been so much rain this week but we should get a nice break this weekend) and it's going to be a fabulous day!

We got mani/pedi's last night, Steph giggled during the pedi- she's super ticklish! But all ended well and she (and I!) have some cutesy fingers and toes and are ready for the weekend!

Rehearsal dinner tonight then spending the day with Steph tomorrow!

Of course I'll be paparazzi this weekend and have plenty of pics! Camera batteries are all charged up and ready to go! (both sets!)

Whirlwind Part 5

Last weekend we went to Oak Hill WV for White Water Rafting. It was a soggy wet camping trip but that made for an amazing rafting trip. The white water was terrific and our guide Chaz was fabulous. Of course there were some casualties that got bumped from the raft (myself included... 3 times I think?) but that is just the beginning of the fun! We will definitely be going again in the future. Great times with wonderful friends just can't be passed up! I hope that is a tradition that we keep running for many years to come!

Whirlwind Part 1

Well, considering the last 3 weeks have been a total whirlwind and we haven't stopped for even a minute, I don't even know where to begin. I last left you with the news we were going to Vegas. And we did. And it was wonderful. Hot days spent at the pool, nights spent in the casinos in the warmth and comfort of great friends and lots of laughs. If only every day could be like that. Sadly we didn't bring down the house but we had a great time trying! I swear I get better and better at craps every single trip and I've now graduated to playing something other than the pass line and actually helping someone else understand what the hey is going on since it moves so quick!

Katie and I in front of our Hotel- Monte Carlo :)

2Buckeyes wastin' away in Margaritaville

K-Risten, me, KT enjoying some girl time at the Piano Bar

While T-Rav, P, and Robbbbb enjoyed their bromance

2Buckeyes at the Bellagio

Thanks for a great time Vegas! We will see you next year!

Up next... Whirlwind Part 2