A Photo by Ashley

I love Groupon! I've gotten some great deals through groupon or living social over the past year. One of these deals was a photo session with a local photographer. Her studio/website is A Photo by Ashley. She did a great job. In only 30 minutes, she captured some very nice shots of Josh and me. I love how she captured us the way we are . . . you'll see :)

Happy 1/2 Birthday to me!

So, I hinted recently that I had some big news to share but that I couldn't mention it yet. Well, here it is:

We are MOVING to Richmond, VA!

We've decided to move up there so we can be closer to my family. Carrie, Amber, and Tyler already live up there. Mom and Daddy moved up there last month and Ingrid is pretty comfortable in Maine so we were the only ones left around here. I have a job waiting on me in Richmond and we are still waiting on Josh to find a job and sell the house. . . so there is a lot left to do! I'm trying to not worry or stress cause I know that God is in control. He has been leading this whole progression and I can't wait to see what He has in store! God Rocks!

More on the move later . . .

This was my last week at RMIC. The outpouring of friendship has been so great! I've enjoyed wonderful lunches all week with very special people! Big shout out to Amber, Dale, Max, Jamie, Heidi, Crystal, Julia, Tina, John, and all of Accounting Transactions for making me feel so special and completely full! I even skipped dinner one night! I received over 40 emails in response to my "going away" email within 2 hours of sending it. You never know the impact you've had on people. I just hope each one of them knows that they have truly touched my life.

On Wednesday, instead of giving me a going away party (so sad), my wonderful co-workers decided to throw me a 1/2 birthday party instead since I'll hit the big 3-0 in December. It was a very successful surprise party! I've always wanted to celebrate my birthday when it's not related to Christmas and I've always wanted a surprise party! Below are a few pictures:

The food cube and my cube were both nicely decorated by the crew. You can't tell by the picture, but I had to "limbo" to get to my seat. Great reminder all day :) It's not in the photo, but there is a Ray Original (Happy Birthday Emily in nice lettering. He's the greatest at this - very crafty!) on the giant whiteboard too!

 They signed a Big 3-0 banner for me to use again in December. This way, they get to party with me twice!

 That's one big cupcake! Thank you Tina! Confetti was courtesy of Dale. He's really good at spreading randomness :)

 Here's me and Amber (she's the tall blonde if you are new to my post) - one of the masterminds behind it all.

 Look! Balloons! I had to go up on my tip toes to get a clear shot over the cube wall.

Inside shot of the cupcake - delish! Oh, and John made homemade, fresh salsa - to die for! Not to spicy, just right!

It took us about 3 days to eat the whole cupcake. I think I could have done it in less if it wasn't for all the other good foods around this week. I'll do better next time.

I cannot thank my co-workers FRIENDS enough! They have all been so understand through this whole thing. They did not make me feel guilty one bit! In fact, some days they were more optimistic about all of this than I was! I really don't want to leave such a good place, but I know what's in store and I can't wait. . . A sneak peak at what I'm moving for/toward:

Katie and Elijah need to have their cheeks squeezed on a regular basis by their Auntie Awesome (thanks Robin!). I think that's a good superhero name for me. It should catch on quickly.

 You can see the adoration building already . . .

I need to work off all the good food I've had this week. Not the best way to do this as I should run off what I've just eaten, not a weeks worth at one time!

So, I am currently running for Willow's chicken sandwich with avocado, Mooney's pita #10, Burke St.'s awesome garlic knots, and Xia's seasame chicken . . . and the cupcake, salsa, and baby shower food, and Kernal Kustard. . . they don't call it RMI-EAT for nothing. I've been well feed.

Downhill at Dawn . . . really? Dawn? That's early!

Just thought I'd share some pics from my second 1/2 marathon (and so far favorite). The race started at dawn . . . do you realize when that is? 6am! I am not morning person so this was a huge feat in itself!

Here is a before picture. As you can see, it's DARK outside. I should be in the bed for at least another hour, maybe two!

I think I officially woke up around mile 3. Since the race was downhill, mostly, it was a really nice run. There was an uphill patch at the beginning and then again at the end. You run from Ridgecrest down to Old Fort in the mountains of North Carolina. It's a great place to get a personal record.

I think you can see from this picture that it's slightly downhill. There are tons of beautiful trees, a little stream, and the sunlight peaking out of the trees is very inspiring. The only part I would warn you about is at the bottom of this hill: there is a house as you turn off from the gravel onto the paved road. There is a DOG there and they do no have leash laws like I am used too! As I rounded the turn, I saw him. He looked like a bulldog with longer legs or something . . . I had to run past him cause I wasn't about to run back up the hill! This was around mile 8 or so! I'm all alone and this dog starts nipping at my heels . . . so I tell it to go home and it doesn't listen. Why not? I was being nice! Luckily, two girls come running behind me and they distracted him long enough for me to get away. Once I got to the other side of the house, I saw a nice "Beware of dog" sign - um, might want to get one for each side of your house people!

Kind of hard to run and take pics at the same time. Need to work on that.

I finished! They gave us a towel and a medal which is really cool. I had a few minutes to catch my breath then we were off to Josh's 12 hour race a few miles away. Quite a day!

I loved this race. My legs hurt for a few days after due to the downhill running. Highly recommend it if you want to run a half marathon (13.1 miles). It's cooler cause it's in the mountains, so keep that in mind!

I ran this race for a McDonald's Rolo McFlurry. It was really tasty. I might have to take a break from Feeney's and make this my next run!

Beyond thankful!

I can't really get into details right now, but I just want to express how truly thankful I really am for all that God has done for me - my cup really runs over! He has poured out His blessings all over me this past month. Changes are coming and God is the driving force :)

Still running for Mint Oreo Cremes and Feeney's . . . just tried the English Toffee, yum!

These are a few of my favorite things . . . while Josh plays COD etc

Below is a list of things I enjoy, other than reading blogs, in no specific order. No judgment :)

• Toddlers & Tiaras on TLC - I found it outrageous!
• Feeney's Frozen Yogurt: Mint Chocolate Chip is FANTASTIC! I would run several miles for a cup of that! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Feeneys-Frozen-Yogurt-Bar/185845988132
• Squeezing/Pinching the cheeks of my niece and nephews (I have a new nephew too!).
• Sitting on the couch with my feet on the coffee table watching TV with my honey with the laptop on my lap.
• Reading books in bed while my honey sleeps (or reads too).
• 19 Kids & Counting on TLC - I find it very sweet that all of the kids get along so well.
• Police Women of Broward County on TLC - makes me want to be a cop but I don't think I am tough enough . . .
• Singing in the car - alone.
• Sandra Bullock movies - so most of them are pretty cheesy, but . . .
• Journey

Apparently, I love to eat and watch TV. Better do all of that before I have kiddos myself!

What do you enjoy?

Currently running for homemade ice cream with peaches!