Going for it.

I'm going to sign up for a half marathon. The only problem is I can't decide which one. 

I could do the awesome one in Savannah. 

Live bands at every mile marker. Hence, the Rock & Roll moniker. 

Plus it's in Savannah which is one awesome town. 

Or, I could do the Raleigh one.

Not nearly as cool but only two hours away (Savannah is five hours away). Also, this one is cheaper.

Decisions, decisions. 

But I'm really excited about doing this. 

We stuck it out, and I think that's the moral of the story

This weekend had every opportunity for romance, spontaneity, and other cute anniversary-type adjectives. 

First, let me tell you how I made the plans. I Googled "anniversary date ideas," because the creative bones in my body are limited. The Nest had some ideas as did, what else, Pinterest. And what cliché idea did I end up picking from their "Top 50 Ideas for a Romantic Date/Anniversary/Evening?" 

Wine Tasting.

Because we like wine. Easy enough. 

Next Google search: "wine tasting in North Carolina." 

Which led me to Grapeful Sisters Vineyard which had an Inn attached to it. Perfect. An inn. What could be more romantic? Wait for it. Glamping. Glamour Camping. 

A nice big tent. A comfortable air bed. Dinner and breakfast delivered at the appropriate hours. 

I just forgot one thing: North Carolina is flipping hot. Humid and hot. 

So we went wine tasting and then bought a bottle of wine just so we could hang out in the air conditioned tasting room for another hour or so. And then we went back to our adorable, romantic, hot as hell campsite. 

I had decided to have our steaks delivered uncooked so we could cook them over a campfire. Brilliant. More heat. 

But then we had a really nice evening watching the lightening, reading aloud to each other, and perspiring. We placed bets on who would roll over at 3 a.m. and say, "Get in the car; we're going home." 

At some point we decided that we needed to try to get some sleep. So we trudged into the sauna of a tent we rented for the evening and for the next 4 hours we tossed and turned and laughed and sweated because it was too hot to sleep. AND the little bird perched right about our site wanted a mate really badly and told us all about it all night. 

And then finally it rained. I have never been so happy for a summer rain. Cool air accompanied the rain and gave us just enough relief to fall asleep for a few glorious hours. 

We woke up and stayed around just long enough to eat fantastic stuffed french toast. And then we bolted. That hour and a half drive in our air conditioned truck was magical. 

But guys, we laughed a lot. And for that I'm really grateful. Because there really isn't a lot that's funny about sweat beads on your upper lip. I'm really glad that even when things don't go as planned we still have fun together. It may not be sexy, but we laugh anyway.

I did cry once but that was because my kindle broke. 

A wee getaway

The other night we went out to Outback. We went because 1) we had a gift card and 2) it was our anniversary so we figured it was a good time to use free money. The steak was pri-tee tasty.

However, that was not our anniversary celebration. Rather, it was not our only anniversary celebration.

My mom told me about some friends of hers (looking at you, Moody's!) who take turns planning their anniversary. I thought that was a great idea so we've adopted it.

I took the first turn and I found a sweet idea online. It's a surprise for Daniel so I'll share more after the weekend. BUT I'm pretty excited about it.

Hope your weekend is grand!

Do what you love.

I've been trying to get a bit more organized lately hoping that eventually my closet will reap the benefits. I got a dry erase board and it fit in this old frame that I had, so it's pretty and functional. 

I work two retail jobs and the hours are different every week (p.s. can I be done working retail already?). It helps especially if I work late and Dan doesn't know where I'm working or what time I'll be home. BAM. Calendar. 

Plus, I found that cute little sign on clearance at Target. Perfect, no? 

Although, retail is certainly not what I love. 

I found a little note Joanna left for me. It's not gonna be easy leaving the friends we've made here when we move. 

Happy two years, my love.

I'm not really sure that we did anything to deserve it, but our marriage has been awesome.

"For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen." 

                                                                                                          Romans 11:36

these past weeks on iPhone

In no particular order: 

A night at the Officer Club on base (pri-tee snazzy)

Hanging out in Jackson Hole. Reminded me of Dumb and Dumber

Seriously, could not have been more excited when this suit went on sale

Figure Eight & Rexburg

A fox and a foxy guy. Ahem, new suits. 

Camping is the best. 

Beach + turban + Tiki Bar

Rainboots in the summer suck & new running shoes that feel like running on clouds.

cocktails and a summer read. 

Babysitters Club and Almost Famous

Aunt Laurie and Sourdough bread at SFO

And, this guy. That smile gets me every time. Every dang time. 

When I went to Udaho to see my best friend and her little one

My best friend has a perfect little baby. He is so cute. And, I'm not just saying that because I'm his cool Aunt Rachel, nope, I generally don't think babies are cute. I'm immune. Until the kid hits about toddler stage I generally think they look like wrinkly little aliens. Maybe when that "time" hits (that "time" where I'll suddenly feel my procreational-clock ticking and want every baby that's in front of me) I'll see them all differently.

For now, I reserve the right to remain biased. And little Junior is one cute kid. Plus he only spit up on me once so it's obvious he likes me, too.

Seeing my beautiful best friend and her awesome husband interact with their little baby was one of the coolest and most surreal experiences I've had. They are so great with, Junior. And they are great with each other. I just love their little family. The Haynes are the coolest.

p.s. I also got to see my friend Wendy (apparently everyone I like lives in Udaho) - it was just a great trip.