Good Ole Summer

Ahhh, I love summer. Here are the many things that make me love summer:

Enjoying the great outdoors with friends! My Stace came to visit with her Mom and we went white water rafting!Softball games every Sunday with awesome friends!

And let's not forget Rockies games. All in all life is good. We just enjoyed another Margarita Monday at the pool and I get back to being a barista in the morning.

Lots to report!

The LA marathon was a success! I completed the marathon in 4 hours and 54 minutes and I ran the whole way! I feel good about completing the marathon, but I couldn't have done it without the support of Mike, my Mom, my sister, my brother-in-law, my niece, and my best friend Stacy!

Since the marathon, Mike and I have been enjoying the start of baseball season. Go Rockies! Also, we went on a snow-shoeing adventure with my Mom. We're all about the new adventures. And we will be embarking on a new adventure when my sister and brother-in-law's second baby arrives in October. Can't wait! I'm already checking out gender appropriate ;) clothing at Target!

Seven Quick Takes (just like my big sister!):

1. Diamond FRICKIN earrings. Yes, folks, Mike surprised me with AMAZING, STUNNING, DIAMOND earrings for Valentine's Day....well, it was our designated Valentine's Day on the 18th. I had no idea he was doing this. And this is a real big deal because I'm not really a jewelry kind of gal....but a looong time ago I mentioned how nice it would be to have diamond earrings one day. Well, that day is now! What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man! And he did lots of other sweet things too to make me feel special. One in particular was that he said he's going to train for and run a 5k before I run my marathon...which really means the most to me.

2. I heart LOST. I know that the plot has taken some interesting turns and some people are unhappy about it...but I still love it. It's my guilty pleasure each week to find time to myself to watch the most recent episode online. Cause who am I kidding...I rarely get a chance to sit in front of my t.v. and watch it at it's regularly scheduled time.

3. For the last few days I've had the privilege of filling in for my Mom's friend and doing Mom duties for her daughter. It's super fun! I know this is going to sound crazy for those of you who know me really well...but...I actually enjoy getting up at 7 am to make her lunch and drive her to school in my p.j.s.

4. I have 'Starbucks hands'...and no this does not mean that my hands have become magically inclined to make perfect lattes every time...too bad...it means that my hands are dry ALL OF THE TIME and crack and bleed. Yay!! And I sometimes develop a rash down my arms when I have been washing dishes for a while. Despite what my hands endure at work, I really love my job! Making coffee drinks is fun and last week I was officially certified as a barista! Of course I need lots more practice but I definitely have the basics down :) And I love getting to drink my favorite drinks for free!

5. My marathon training has been going well. Next weekend my long run is 20 miles and then I begin to taper to get ready for the marathon. It is not that far away...March 21. I have acquired some new friends on my feet including some sweet blister/callous dealios on my toes and one of my toe nails is bruised for what seems indefinitely. Ah, the milestones of becoming a runner :) Yesterday I ran in the dang snow for 13 miles and that was frustrating. But, LA weather is calling my name!

6. Mike and I have been doing swing dance lessons the last couple of weeks (although, we skipped last week...) and it is really fun! Granted, Mike and I have had our frustrating moments while learning how to dance together...but I think that's part of the process. Our teachers are national swing dance champions which is pretty cool. Our class is packed, so once our sessions end we want to try and sign up for individual lessons.

7. I love me some Gatorade. Lately, it has been so refreshing to me. And I have recently learned that they have A.M. Gatorade and I reeealllly like that. Especially the strawberry-orange flavor. Yum! And I refuse to drink G2 because I think it is grody. Although it probably is a little bit healthier than my sugar packed verson :)

Side note: Manda, tell Sydney her Auntie Ashley loves her soooo much!!!!

...

15 miles is humbling.

But, I'm thankful for water and GU.

And for shoes and for going downhill.

A.W.K.W.A.R.D.

Alright, I seriously don't understand why construction men have to gawk at women as they walk by them. (Disclaimer: I'm sure there are some good ole boys out there who only focus on their tasks and turn their gaze from women walking by construction sites...)

BUT, come on! So, I was running at Wash Park this morning and passed two groups of construction men working on the sidewalk. One guy in the first group pointed at me, turned to his pals, and then they ALL turned around simultaneously and gawked for a prolonged period of time. GROSS. And then I passed the second group of men and they just all immediately turned and loooooooooooooked at me. Seriously, is that necessary?? And I attempted a very mean, serious glare and I'm pretty sure one of them mocked me. It really makes me feel objectified and I hate that. I mean, I would understand a glance or even a smile as I passed by them...but the rubber-necking has got to stop! Arrrgghhhh. That's my vent and soap box for today.

And Mike wanted to be included in the blog..so he says, "Hi!"

Random things...

So, this is my new favorite accessory:I love it because it's small, but it fits all my necessities. Also, it has nifty pockets inside, perfect for my cell phone and gum! And of course, the print is lovely. Here's how I found this wonderful clutch purse. I went to California for Christmas to see my sister, her hubby, and my niece. Right away I noticed the new diaper bag insert/purse my sister was using. My sister has a clutch just like the one above but it has a pink polka dot print. I quickly coveted her purse. And of course, wanting to be like my big sister, I found out where she got her purse so I could get one too! But, I felt like I shouldn't get the exact same thing...so I went to the website and ordered my next favorite print. My sister is extremely gracious about me copying her trend setting accessories, among lots of other things!

Here is the website:

http://www.fosterkadedesigns.etsy.com/

The awesome thing about shopping on this website is that the woman who handmakes the items is also raising money through the sale of her items to adopt a daughter! So check out her selection and find your next new purse here to support a good cause. And, isn't it cool that it's handmade?

And, I would like to share that I am OFFICIALLY registered for the LA Marathon on March 21, 2010 at 7:20 am. Wahoo! So, I hope I will feel ready in two months. There was an option on the registration to personalize your bib...I really wanted to be clever or inspirational but all I could come up with was: Ashley. Ha. I wish I was more quick-witted like my sister. She would have thought of something like...I don't know..."Don'tpoopyourpants"...or something way better than that. So, Manda, I'm curious what you would have put! Throw some ideas in the comments so people can understand why I say you're the quick-witted one in the family!

Alright, I'm outskies.

Paaatttyyyyy, I HEART YOU!!!!!!

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100108/music_nm/us_griffin