Stop and smell the wildflowers

So I braved the 100 degree temperatures that I previously vented about and went to Edwin Warner State Park after work tonight to run my favorite 2.1 mile loop. I would say that it felt like running in an oven but of course I've never actually ran in an oven. Needless to say it was pretty darn hot. Even my plan to run with a cold water bottle to stay hydrated was foiled as the water was warm by the time I started the second loop. Yes, you heard me right, I run the loop twice. Anywho, in the midst of the warm water, humid heat and goosebumps from my body trying to cool itself down, I came up the second hill and had to stop and take a picture of the beautiful field of wildflowers.

Sometimes we get so distracted by things in life that we forget to stop and enjoy the small and beautiful things that are right in front of us.

Whew...it's H-O-T

I know that I am not alone when I say that it's hot outside...but my goodness...it is HOT outside. Luckily it's only been this way since the middle of last week and of course I know that it's August but what I wouldn't give for say, some temps in the middle 70's with a gentle steady breeze. Is that too much to ask for? I think not!
Now, I know that these southerns would say they prefer the heat and would tell me to quit my whining, that the nasty cold will be here before you know it but as my friend Jen often reminds me I am originally a Yankee. Therefore, I'm "crazy" for loving the fall and winter season as much as I do. BUT I'll guarantee that most people right now would agree with me and say that they would prefer being cold and trying to get warm than being hot and trying to keep cool.

I hope everyone is able to "enjoy" these hot days and maybe you are even lucky enough to do so by lounging at the pool/beach. I know that I am looking forward to one more beach vacation at the end of this month and then I will be ready for a new season.

PS: And for all you other "yankees" and fellow fall/winter enthusiasts, the first day of Autumn is only 45 days away. YIPPEE!

A night with John Mayer

John Mayer at the Sommet Center
Me and Jen

I once read a quote that said "Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life". And after attending the concert this evening with John Mayer I would most agree with that statement. The flawless sound of the guitar or the smooth lyrics of a song can be almost soothing to the soul. I love how a song can take you back to a certain time in your life, maybe it reflects a time in your life when you had someone to love or maybe it takes you back to a place you'd rather forget. Music can definitely be a powerful force!

TGIF

I'm sure like many working Americans, when I flip my desk calendar and see the word "Friday" I let out a sigh of relief. A sigh that means another week of work is completed, another week of training for a half marathon was survived and two days of "rest" are on the horizon. I use the term "rest" lightly as my weekends are usually filled with a variety of errands, loads of laundry, road trips, pool time with friends, more miles ran, meals with friends, shopping, book reading and church related activities. With that said, it's no wonder that when I sit in my bed on Sunday evening wondering where my weekend went and trying to fight back feelings of exhaustion that I'm already anxiously awaiting the next Friday.

Hope you are able to find some "rest" in your weekend!

Welcome to Nashville

Matt and Ruthann and their moving truck. NYC or Bust!
Downtown Nashville at the Hard Rock Cafe
The Infamous "Batman" Building
Me & Ruthann....kindred spirits
Cowboy and Cowgirls

So I woke up today with a big smile on my face knowing that I would be spending the evening with my bestest friend Ruthann and her husband Matt. They have been driving cross country this week as they are relocating from California to NYC and I was lucky enough to be one of their stops along the way. Seeing that Matt has never been to Nashvegas (or you visitor's say Nashville) I decided to take them to the one and only Broadway Street...home of all our grand ole' honky tonks . It was fun to show them around downtown with stops at Bailey's for dinner, the Ryman Auditorium , the Country Music Hall of Fame, Legends gift shop, Tootsies Orchid Lounge and Mike's Old Fashion Ice Cream Shoppe. It was a fun filled evening, Broadway style.