We arrived in Nashville on Saturday afternoon at lunchtime. When we couldn’t check into our hotel right away, we decided to look for some good local eats. I was craving barbecue (something about being in Tennessee does that to me!), so I checked out Yelp and found that there was a Neely’s BBQ just a few blocks from our hotel. Being a Food Network stakeholder and fan, I chose that as our lunch spot. We walked in to a very traditional bbq joint, complete with checkered table cloths. I opted for the pulled pork plate with mac and cheese and barbecue beans. Geoff chose wet rub pork ribs with the same beans and barbecue spaghetti..odd but good. I really liked the bbq – it was a good flavor and very juicy. The beans were probably some of the best I’ve ever had – very sweet with a good amount of heat too. I also had some tea – half sweet – can’t have bbq without some sweet tea. The portions were pretty large – Geoff and I definitely could have shared.

After lunch we went back to the hotel and Geoff had some work to get done. I spent some time reading and just relaxing.

We were both excited to get dressed up for the wedding.

The ceremony was held in our hotel on the ground level in a room that was decorated like a winter wonderland. The reception afterward was held in the penthouse area of the hotel. The reception was fun. We wound up sitting with the grooms aunts and cousins and enjoyed getting to know them. It was great to spend a few minutes talking with Meredith and Michael. They are such a sweet couple and we are so happy for them. The higlight of the reception for me, though, was dancing with Geoff during the Generations dance for all of the married couples. Geoff does not like to dance, so he doesn’t often agree to even at weddings, but this time he led the way. So fun.

After the wedding, we decided to go out in Nashville for a little while. There was a big hockey game going on at first, so places on Broadway were crowded, but not too bad. Once the game let out though, it was crazy. We made our way up to Printer’s Alley in hopes of getting away from the crowd. There we found a quiet oasis in the form of an English style pub. It was just what we wanted.

After a couple of drinks we headed back to the hotel. Yesterday, we headed back to Dallas so I could get repacked to head to Miami! This is my first real trip to the city and I’ve only been here a short time so far, but I’m looking forward to getting as much of a feel as I can considering that I’ll be in meetings the majority of my time here. At least my hotel room is really nice!

My updates will be sporadic this week. Our agenda has us busy from breakfast all the way through dinner with only short breaks in between. It will be busy but fun. I love seeing colleagues from across the country to catch up!

I did manage to find time for some fun though.  On Thursday night, some of my best girls and I had a much needed girls night out, starting with some relaxing pedicures and followed by dinner at one of our favorite byob places, Platia.  Platia is a Greek restaurant in Frisco that is family owned.  The food is delicious and the service is great.  Plus,  I always love any place that allows you to byob.  We had a lot of fun and laughs and I think we are all looking forward to our next outing.  I am so lucky to have such wonderful girlfriends.  It’s great to be around people who know how crazy you are and still want to hang out with you. And help you justify your crazy!

Yesterday evening, Geoff and I spent happy hour with our friends Bev and Kevin at their house.  It had been a while since we caught up with them.  Then we headed out for some sushi and went home to pack.

This weekend we’re taking a quick trip to Nashville for the wedding of my friend and coworker, Meredith.  She and her fiance Michael are tying the knot tonight and we’re looking forward to celebrating with them.  I’m blogging this from the air right now – we get into Nashville at about 1:30.  We have a little time before the wedding at 6p, so we may head out to do a little exploring in the area.

We’ll be heading back out early tomorrow morning so I can get home and pack again for the sales conference in Miami.  It’s going to be a busy few weeks!

What fun things are you planning this weekend?

We took some clients to dinner at a local restaurant called The Grape.  I had always heard great things about it, but have never been so I was excited to try it.  It did not disappoint!

The atmosphere was great.  It’s  a quaint spot that feels warm and inviting and the service was attentive but not overbearing.  We had a table that was tucked away on its own and it was refreshing to be in a great restaurant in Dallas where you could actually hear the conversation at the table.  I like a lively vibe at times, but when a place is so loud you can’t hear your dining companions speak, that bugs me.  This spot is perfect for a business dinner or a romantic evening with your special someone.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t really take photos last night during dinner (hello awkward during a work event!), but I did find a nice photo to share so you can appreciate the feel of the restaurant.

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Based on the recommendation of those who had dined there before, we started with the moules frites. The mussels were seasoned really well and the fries were to die for.  I only had a few, but believe me, I could have enjoyed a meal of them!  The house sourdough bread also made an appearance – it was a delicious served with salted butter.  After that, I had a taste of the mushroom soup which is apparently legendary in some circles.  It was divine – creamy and smooth and perfectly spiced.  I might actually dream about it later.

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My entrée was the coffee fennel rubbed pork chop served with caramelized apples and a hash of sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts.  I thought it was good, but I would have liked it to be a little juicier.

The final touch was a taste of their classic creme brulee.  It was perfect served with juicy fresh berries.

The meal was such a treat, and while there were lots of delicious foods, I didn’t feel completely over stuffed at the end because we shared so much of it including the appetizers and dessert.  I can’t wait to go back and take Geoff so I can share it with him.

Speaking of Geoff, his work project media blitz went off without a hitch.  He was even interviewed for the local news and quoted in several trade articles.  Lots of fun to see him gain recognition for his efforts!  I’m very proud of him.

Now I’m off to get some much-needed rest…

My Saturday started with coaching my new Quick Beat 5K group.  I got to meet a lot of the folks in the group and lead them through their first workout – a 4 mile tempo run.  They all did great!  It was great to get started and I think this session is going to be a lot of fun.

Afterward, I went to breakfast with Pepsi and then headed home to do some cleaning.  Oh, and I caught up on some guilty pleasure TV.  Is anyone else hooked on this season of The Bachelor?  It has been a while since I watched, but I like the locations (Sonoma/San Fran so far) and the people.  I’m completely cheering for Kacie B.  She’s a fellow Tennessee alumna and we both twirled there, plus she seems super sweet.

That evening, we went to dinner and watched the playoff games, but it was overall an early night.

Sunday, we wound up relaxing a good bit and enjoying the day.  We did a little shopping and I got some new black pumps and we enjoyed watching more football.

Today, Geoff had to work and I had a list of things that I wanted to get done that was way too long to actually accomplish, but I wound up knocking quite a bit off.

This morning started with a 4.5 mile run.  It was muggy and windy, but I was pretty happy with how it went – holla for the negative splits!

After that, I did the weekly shopping and started on a little cooking.  I made  a corn chowder from a soup mix that I’ll freeze for easy meals later this month.  I love to have soups on hand – they are so easy to reheat for a quick weeknight meal.  I also made a batch of granola.  I love this Pumpkin Spice Granola recipe.  I’ve been making it for a few years to liven up our yogurt.

And I made a batch of kale chips.  It’s been a while since I made these.  They are so easy, so delicious, and so good for you!

Tonight, I did a little Yoga Download yoga for runners session and now I’m relaxing and enjoying some cuddle time with my favorite kitties.

Tomorrow and Wednesday are going to be busy – my boss is coming in from Chicago and we’re going on some client sales calls together.

Hope you all have a great week!

Running and beer?  I’m so in!  There was a pretty fun group of people who also thought running and beer was a good idea.  There were probably about 35 – 40 people who showed up!

That’s me with my friend Chanc below.  This picture was taken before the run and before the beer despite how happy I look. I look that way when I get to run with my friends. 

I had planned to run fairly easy last night but when I set out, my legs felt good and I wound up running at a more springy pace, almost but not quite keeping up with a few of my faster friends like Chelsea and Ann.  I ended up at about a 9:20 pace overall for a little over 4 miles.  Add that to the 3 miles I did on the treadmill yesterday morning, and I had a little over 7 miles in for the day.  I don’t often run twice in one day, but sometimes if I know I want to get in a little more mileage and don’t have a large enough chunck of time to do it all at once, I’ll break it up.  Yesterday, I wasn’t 100% positive I’d make it to the social run, so I put a little money in the bank in the morning just in case. I’m so glad I got to go, though. 

After the run, we headed back into Ringo’s and I enjoyed having a few beers and catching up with some running friends I haven’t seen in a while, including my very first coach from the Beat Goes On group.  It was so fun to see everyone in a more casual atmosphere and I hope that our social run group continues to grow.  If you’re local to North Dallas, you should definitely check out the runs.  They are held every Thursday at 6:30p and they usually start from Luke’s Locker in Plano.

I’m looking forward to a three-day weekend.  We have MLK day off at my company – so excited!  This weekend we have plans to work on finishing up our laundry room renovation plus I have a lot of other things I hope to accomplish.

Do you have a three-day weekend?

A reminder to Breathe…

Stretch yourself out of your comfort zone…

And be patient.

This morning was another rainy one in the Dallas area.   It’s actually still dreary, but I like this weather, providing I don’t have to go anywhere or do anything.  I wish I could have stayed home in my pjs reading a book, but instead I’m working, which isn’t so bad.  At least my office is cozy and warm.

I had plans to meet a couple of friends at the track this morning but we had agreed if it was raining we wouldn’t meet.  I got up, got dressed and a few minutes before I was planning to leave, I got word from one of them that she had lightning at her house.  I can stand rain (hello White Rock 2011) but I don’t play in lightning.  Rather than head to the track and not know if the weather would cooperate, we decided to cancel our meeting.  At that point, I had a decision to make.  I seriously considered going back to bed. It was early, I felt tired and the bed is so comfortable.

Then I thought about one of my goals this year – to push myself out of my comfort zone.  This goal also means that I need to stop letting myself off the hook so often.  One less mile because I’d rather chat with my friends at the workout.  Skip the workout because I’m tired or have been traveling.  Yes…sadly, these things have happened.  I remembered that I have goals to achieve and that lying in bed and getting another half hour of sleep won’t get me any closer to them. 

So I changed clothes and headed to the gym to run on the treadmill.  I typically dislike running indoors.  I think a lot of runners do – it gets boring and monotonous quick.  Today, though, it really wasn’t that bad. I had my mind set that I would warm up for a mile then run quicker intervals to make the time go by.  Goal was 4 miles.  I wound up running 1/2 mile and 1/4 mile intervals at between an 8:45 and a 7:15 pace with brief periods of rest in between.  When I was finished, I felt proud that I not only had a good workout but that I pushed down a potential excuse.  The treadmill wasn’t bad.  I don’t want to run on it everyday, but it was good for the speed work.

I was pretty tight afterward.  My hamstrings have been giving me fits lately.  I need to really concentrate on stretching and foam rolling.  I’m looking forward to my favorite yoga class tomorrow night.  Our regular instructor will be back and I know it’s going to be a great class. 

Speaking of yoga – I’ve seen this video floating around today.  It’s a gorgeous video – amazing what the human body can do. 

Work today has been filled with planning and strategizing for upcoming trips to see clients and planning my meetings for the International Builders’ Show in early February.  I’ll be there visiting with some of my clients. It’s always really fun to see the new products that are being introduced!

I grabbed lunch out today – a special treat from Nordstrom’s cafe.  A turkey blt with avocado – holy yum!  It definitely hit the spot and gave me a little lift to get through a busy afternoon. 

What did you have for lunch today?

Saturday marked the beginning of the new training session for my running group.  I’m going to be coaching one of the Quick Beat groups that will help the participants get faster at running 5Ks.  The group ran a 3 mile evaluation run on Saturday morning to help fit them into the appropriate pace groups.  It was a lot of fun to see some familiar and lots of new faces.  I’m excited to get to know the members of my group. 

* Pho with a good friend made my day better today.

* I love products from L’Occitaine but because I don’t speak French have always felt kind of shy about saying the company name.  Apparently, I’m not the only one. I came across this video earlier this week - so, I now know that it’s Lox-ee-tan.  They have great soaps and facial care products. I love their foaming face wash and their bath soaps.

* Lolo Jones is super funny on Twitter (@lolojones).  You should definitely follow her because I totally think she’s going to kill it at the London Olympics.  This video is proof.

* I dislike when people order at restaurants with the phrase “I need…”  It sounds so demanding.  I try to order by saying “May I please have” or “Could I please get” or “I’d like to have”.  I think that the “I need” people are usually saying it with more emphasis on how important their need is versus being polite to the people who are serving them.

* We watched Crazy, Stupid, Love over Christmas and no one in my family thought it was as great as the reviews.  In fact, I thought it was pretty depressing.  I don’t know what I missed…I know a lot of people loved this movie.  Feel free to explain what I’m missing.

* My birthday is the day after my Dad’s.  My Dad and his sister (my aunt) share a birthday but were born four years apart. I also share a birthday with one of Geoff’s aunts.  I think this is kind of cool.

* I am envious of my friends who are trail runners. I have tried and each time I go, I have a debacle of some sort, including a massive poison ivy outbreak from falling into a clump on my first trail run and a near concussion (minor exaggeration) from running head on into a low hanging tree branch.  I wish I weren’t so klutzy…

1.  Stop drinking diet soda…again.

Yes, I have read the articles that tell me that diet soda is not good for me, makes me crave sweets, and breaks down the enamel on my teeth.  That information has motivated me – more than once – to swear off of soda.  I’ve given it up for Lent, or for a New Year, and it has gradually crept into my life.  I grew up very near Coke country and had Diet Coke regularly for as long as I can remember growing up.  It’s not something I must have, but I do enjoy the refreshing fizz of  a Diet Coke in the afternoon.  Despite that, I know it’s not great for me so I’m trying to forgo it’s bubbly temptation yet again.  But no promises.  In fact, I almost had one today.  But I had an Iced Starbucks Tea instead.  No bubbles, but satisfied my need for flavor.

2.  Take my vitamins everyday

This one isn’t particularly hard.  I left it off for no reason other than I sometimes forget and since I eat a mostly healthy, balanced diet, I don’t think missing my multi one day is going to send me to any kind of nutrient deficiency.  But I am working to remember to take them.  They sit on my desk at work right in front of me.  And I still forget sometimes.

3.  Lose those 5 pounds

Yep, like most people, I would like to shed a few L B s.  I am mostly happy with my body – it’s strong, healthy, and let’s me run marathons - so these are strictly vanity pounds and ”I used to weigh XYZ” pounds. So I’m not losing sleep and I’m not counting calories.  I AM being more conscious of eating whole foods and trying to balance my diet and be aware of indulging too much.  January and February are a ridiculous time of year for me to try to stick to any strict rules with my diet because I travel for work a lot this time of year.  What I do instead is try to make healthy choices whenever possible, and when it’s not, I make the best choice and move on. 

So, those the goals I’m not setting officially but that are on my mental to-do list.  What are yours?