The Craziness of August

Wow, I can not believe it is almost August!  Usually I want to time to slow down, but I've been so excited for all that August holds, I am ok with the fact that July really went by fast!

I will admit, I might have over-scheduled myself for August, but I am ok with that.  Right now, scheduling things to look forward to is my coping technique for living in Charlotte.  I know I can't keep up at this pace, but will enjoy it while it lasts, I guess!  Here are some of the things I'll be doing during the month of August!

- The month starts off with a 6-day trip home.  I'll be working in the Minneapolis office for most of that week, but I will get to spend a weekend at my parents' lake home.  Cannot.  Wait.  This trip will have an element of sadness as I will be visiting an aunt that I am very close to that is nearing the end in her battle against cancer... It's really hard to face things like this, but I feel fortunate that I will get to see her one last time (I hope). I tried to write a post about this, but I just couldn't find the words.  I am greatly saddened that the world is losing this amazing, positive, beautiful woman at far too young of an age, but I know my aunt is at peace and that is a blessing.  And, this is case and point why I do not want to live far from home.  I hate being so far away when her health is declining, and I just might not get an opportunity to say my goodbye in person as one never know how fast things will go when someone is on hospice.

- While I am home, I get my CFA results.  Cue nerves.  I am going to be a total MESS that day so I am glad I'll be around my Minneapolis co-workers who know me well and understand how big of a deal this is to me (and won't judge me if I cry as I likely will).  One of my good friends will be taking my phone for the day (they email the results out but you don't know exactly when, so I give up my phone so I don't check it non-stop and drive myself crazy).  I know life will go on if I don't pass, but it's going to be a REALLY bad day if I didn't...

- I come back from Minneapolis, work in the Charlotte office for one day, and then fly to Boston for the weekend to visit Kelly and her husband, Eric.  I have known Kelly through blogging for years and I had THE BEST time with them when I hung out with them at Amber's wedding last summer so I can't wait to spend a whole weekend with them.  Plus it's my first visit to the Boston area so I am excited to check that area out!

- I come back from the Boston trip, and the next day I fly to New Mexico for a work trip as I am speaking at a conference there.

- I get back from New Mexico the day before my friend Heidi arrives from Austin for our girls weekend in Charlotte.  I will have spent 4 nights in my apartment in the 2 weeks leading up to her trip so at least I will know it's clean!  She's already told me not to worry about the fact that I won't have groceries.  Phew.

- The following weekend, I fly to NYC to visit Alli.  The trip is mostly about seeing Alli; being in one of my favorite cities is just an added bonus.

So there you have it.  I know it's a lot of travel, but I'm looking forward to it.  And the plane tickets for all of these trips were purchased over several months, so that helps with the expense part of doing all of this travel.

I do not have plans for Labor Day weekend, which I am thankful for as I think I am going to need that long weekend to recoup from the busy, but awesome, month of August!!

Do you have any fun plans for the month of August? 

Lost

I just got lost

Every river that I tried to cross

Every door I ever tried was lock

Oh and I'm just waiting 'til the shine wears off 

There's clearly a lengthy list of the things that I am struggling with related to this move, but lately one thing I am struggling with on a regular basis is this feeling of being perpetually lost.  I have a GPS in my car and use google maps on my phone, and while they help, it's not foolproof.  Every week, I seem to get lost.

Now, I am using the word "lost" loosely - it's not like I am in the middle of nowhere.  I can always find my way back to where I am going or need to be.  It's just that everything takes SO MUCH LONGER than it should.  For instance, I left an hour early for an appointment that was about 20 minutes away a couple of weeks ago.  I was using my GPS, but apparently the exit numbers were renumbered since my GPS was last updated (I haven't updated it because they charge you to do so which is ridiculous IMO), so I missed my exit as I was looking for a different number.  So what do I see next?  A sign that says "Welcome to South Carolina".

I was like - really?  I missed an exit and ended up in a different state?  It was especially jarring because I didn't even *realize* South Carolina was THAT close.  Poor Becky was on the phone with me when this happened so she got to see how ragey I get when I get lost and have no idea where I am.

I used my iPhone to find an alternative route and still made it to my appointment on time, so it all worked out.  But that feeling of frustration/confusion?  It really sucks.  If it happened once in awhile, it would be a different thing.  But it happens almost every. single. week.

I miss knowing the lay of the land and understanding how long it will take to get to certain places.  I miss knowing the traffic patterns well enough to know how soon I should get over to the right-most lane to take an exit.  I miss knowing alternative routes to get places if traffic is bad.  I miss having most of what I needed a short walk or bike ride away. These days every place I need to be, besides work, is a drive away.

I know it takes time to develop knowledge of an area.  I just underestimated how much it would impact me to be lost SO often.  I will be the first to admit that I have a terrible sense of direction, so I know I am partly to blame for this, but it's still frustrating.  It's been nearly 4 months since my move, so I know I am still 'new' to the city but gosh I hope it starts getting easier really soon.

I know my post related to Charlotte lately have not been positive, but I am just trying to be real.  Living here is really hard and I keep waiting for it to get easier, and it's not.  Some days I trick myself into thinking it is, but then the next day I get lost or something happens back home that makes me want to be closer or I see a picture of Minneapolis on Facebook and I grieve about moving here all over again.  I know I need to be more patient with my transition, but dang - I wish it was a little bit less hard.

Have you ever moved to a new city and struggled with this?  Do you have a good sense of direction or are you directionally challenged like me?

From the Land of Ma'am: Asheville in Photos



As I mentioned in my post yesterday - I had an absolutely wonderful time in Asheville.  It was so good for my soul to get out of Charlotte and for me, nothing compares to being surrounded by mountains.  The pace of my life thus far this year can be be described as frantic.  I've been wracked with worry and fear and stress and you name it.  But I put all of those emotions on hold and just really let myself relax and enjoy my time in Asheville. 

I could tell you all about it, but instead I thought I'd take a 'show-and-tell' approach and share some pictures!

As I mentioned on Friday, I opted to go the vrbo.com route and my apartment was so cute and cozy!

The views were absolutely stunning.  My iPhone does not do it justice.  I can't wait to go back when I am able to hike as there are some great hikes in the area with great views!

After a delicious dinner on Friday night, I treated myself to a specialty cocktail (champagne with a sugar cube soaked in bitters) at the bookstore/wine bar.  It was SUCH a cool place.  There was a guitarist performing and he played anything from Beethoven to The Beatles.  It was AWESOME.

I had already indulged quite a bit, but couldn't resiste the temptation of trying this specialty chocolate shop.  I selected 6 salted-caramel chocolates which I savored for several days!  Not pictures is the melted chocolate ganache drink I sipped on while listening to a jazz trio.

On Saturday morning, I hit up the farmer's market and then went to a cute coffee shop called "Old Europe" that reminded me of a French coffee shop as they had classic french pastries such as pain au chocolate and croissants!  They had some gluten free pastries but I resisted as I was saving my appetite for lunch!

I had lunch at this adorable placed called "Tupelo Honey Cafe."  They had an awesome gluten free menu.  I had a grilled cheese and tomato soup - not really 'summer' food, but I rarely encounter gluten free sandwiches so I had to have this.  It was so good, and I sat next to the nicest couple. 

On Saturday night I treated myself to dinner at 100% gluten free restaurant.  The menu was awesome.  I decided to go with an appetizer, salad, and dessert so I could try a couple of things.  My appetizer was fried green tomatoes.  They were SO good and the plating was really beautiful.

My salad course was a kale salad that had been mascarated in lemon juice to tenderize it, and was mixed with some nuts and cranberries and manchego cheese.  It was SO good, and light enough so I would have room for dessert.

The dessert was amazing.  I had the pot de creme which was infused with mint and served with salted chocolate bark. It was divine.

So there you have it!  It looks like all I did was eat, and I guess that is partially true, but I did walk around quite a bit (but not too much, I am still being careful with my stress fracture recovery).  I also was able to kayak on the French Broad river which was so much fun.  The river runs along the Vanderbilt's property, so I got to see the Biltmore estate from afar.  I can't wait to see more closely in August!

Since Asheville is only 2 hours from Charlotte, I know I will be back multiple times.  I have a lot on my mind these days so slowing down and putting some of my worries on pause was just what I needed.

When was the last vacation that you went on that you really let yourself relax?

Confessions...

I haven't done a confessions post lately so thought I thought it would be a good way to share some of what's on my mind lately...

These are my confessions:

- I had a wonderful weekend in Asheville, hopefully I'll get my act together sometime this week and do a post. Suffice it to say it was a wonderful weekend and I look forward to returning there in August. 

- I have no idea what Candy Crush is and I don't care to find out as it seems to suck people into a vortex from what I've heard.

- I think that among the expenses that a relocation package covers, a series of counseling sessions should be included.

- I think the phrase "I know how you feel" is over used.  I think we should think twice before using it and make sure we really do know how the person feels.  For instance, unless you moved across the country alone (to a city you don't exactly love), you don't know how I feel. I could go on, but I'll stop there. I think the phrase is used to convey feelings of empathy, but I think it often backfires.  I personally think it's better to say something like "I'm sorry you feel this way" or "I can relate to how you feel."  This is not directed at anyone - it's just an observation I have.

- I can move across the country alone or go to Paris alone, but I hate the idea of attending a wedding alone.

- I sometimes think that if Ted Moseby's character on HIMYM met me in real life, we might just fall in love.  I know he annoys some people, but his passionate + nerdy + heart-on-his-sleeve personality is just what I'm looking for.

- I had a doctor's appointment with a dermatologist last week.  She asked me if I was a runner (she needed to know as it may impact the way my body processes a drug she was prescribing) and I started CRYING.  Mostly because I used to be able to say I was a runner, but now I can't, and I don't know when I will be able to.  And that makes me sad.  So I cried.  She was extremely nice about it and said she understood how hard it would be to not be able to run for so long, so I felt a little less bad, but sheesh.  I felt like such a head case.  In my defense, I had gotten lost (again) on the way to the doctor's office, so much so that I ended up just parking my car and trying to find the place on foot, so I was already really frustrated (and I was late, which makes me anxious).

- I still have my MN license plates and driver's license and have no intent to change them.

- I love cheesy Hallmark channel movies (especially their Christmas movies) and am bummed that channel isn't part of my cable package here in Charlotte. I think I'm doing to need my parents to DVR all the cheesy Christmas movies this winter so I can watch them when I am home for Christmas.

- I am really excited about my trip home in August, but at the same time, I'm almost stressed out over how I am going to see everyone I want to see/do everything I want to do.  I'm working 3 of the 6 days I'll be home so I won't have a ton of free time.  I know I just need to accept that I won't be able to see everyone.  I will be home for weddings in September and October, so at least I know I'll be back soon and can see more friends/family on those trips.

Is there anything you'd like to confess?

Asheville Bound!

Greetings and Happy Friday!!  This is an especially Happy Friday for me as I am heading to Asheville this weekend after work.  This week has not been my favorite, so I am looking forward to a little getaway.  I have heard nothing but great things about this area so I am excited to check it out.  Since it is only 2 hours away, I think it's a place I will go back to multiple times as there is so much to see and do!

As I said in my Tuesday foot update post, I will not be able to visit the Biltmore, which is the #1 tourist attraction in the Asheville area, but I am planning to go there in August when my friend Heidi visits.  It looks like a French castle and I have heard nothing but good things about it!  Even though I can't visit it on this trip, I will find plenty of things to do and see!  Here are some of the things I'm looking forward to!

- When I get there tonight, I am going to have dinner and will try to catch some of the drumming that happens in a park on Friday nights.  I've heard it's a pretty cool thing to experience.  After that, I am heading over to Battery Park Book Exchange Champagne Bar.  You guys - it is a combination book store and wine bar!!!  Be still my heart.  Some nights they will have live music so it sounds like an awesome place to chill out for the evening.  Wine and books are two of my favorite things so I will be in heaven.  I only wish I could teleport some of my book-obsessed friends there for the evening.

- On Saturday I am going to do a kayak excursion on the French Broad river through a local outdoor company.  It will go by the back of the Biltmore, so it sounds like I'll get to see a bit of the grounds.  I went kayaking for the first time last summer and LOVED it so I am really looking forward to it.  I am so glad I found an activity to do that will get me outdoors but keep me off my feet.  There is a chance this might get cancelled as the water levels have been too high lately due to all the rain we've had, but hopefully it goes as planned.

- On Saturday night I am going to Posana for dinner, which is a 100% gluten free restaurant!!  The menu looks amazing and I had the hardest time deciding between visiting this place for brunch or dinner, but decided to treat myself to a nice dinner there.  I usually don't get dessert but I might just have to treat myself to the pot de creme, which has dark chocolate, mint, and sea salt chocolate bark!  Yum!

- I don't have any specific plans on Sunday, so I will go to mass and then pick from the many brunch options I have and wander around the shops of downtown Asheville for a bit before heading back to Charlotte.

I am so excited for my little getaway!  One benefit of living in Charlotte is that there is a lot to do/see that is driving distance away.  I'll be staying in a cute apartment that I rented through VRBO; it's walking distance from a lot of the shops and restaurants I want to check out, so I am really excited about that!

Have you ever used VRBO?  I rent my Paris apartments through an individual's website, so this is my first vrbo.com experience.  The owner has been so helpful so far with directions and has offered to make suggestions on things to do and see.  For me, renting an apartment is way better than getting a hotel as I like having access to a kitchen so I don't have to eat out for every meal.

Book Review: Indiscretion

I typically shy away from books that deal with infidelity - mostly because it is often either justified or dismissed as an acceptable part of life.  So I would usually avoid a book like Indiscretion by Charles Dubow as it deals with the subject of infidelity.  But then I read Marisa's review of this book and thought maybe it was something I should check out.  So when it showed up on the list of books I could review for TLC book tours, I decided to give it a chance.  I am so glad that I did. 

Indiscretion tells the story of Harry and Maddy Winslow, a couple that seems to have a picture perfect marriage. But then young, sweet, and seemingly naive Claire arrives on the scene and a marriage that had the strongest foundation is swept away.  The book addresses the consequences of Harry and Claire's actions, and the reason I really liked it is that is does justice to the way lives are torn apart and the irreparable damage that is done when a spouse decides to cheat.

The story is told from the perspective of Maddy's best friend from her childhood and at times, it reads as if the narrator is talking to you - which is unique.  But it works.  I thought the book was well-written and I found myself marking various passages and sentences such as "We make so many right decisions in life, but it is the wrong ones that can never be forgiven."

Do you struggle to read books about infidelity or do you do ok with that topic? 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from TLC Book Tours. I was not compensated for this review, and the opinions are my own.    

Woot, Woot, I'm Done with the Boot

I waited a couple of days to post about my foot doctor appointment as I wanted to see how things went the first few days, but I am happy to say that my doctor said I could be done with the boot when I saw him on Friday!!  This isn't my first rodeo, though, so I know that a set back is still possible.  But I am trying to be optimistic.  Once again I will have to exclusively wear tennis shoes for the next 2 weeks.  I hate this aspect of the recovery, even though it is necessary. When you work in an industry where people dress pretty nicely, it's hard to not feel self conscious when you are rocking work clothes and running shoes.  I brought in the fun shoes I bought when I visited Becky to see if I could wear those and the doctor said not a chance as they don't have sufficient support. So for now I'm doing the whole self-deprecating "the 80s called and the want the shoes/work clothes look back" and trying to laugh it off. 

I have to spend the next week adjusting to being without the boot and I have some exercises to do so that I can strengthen the muscles around my ankle as they atrophied since I have been in the boot so long.  After a week of normal activity, I can start going for long walks, and after a couple of weeks of that, I can try other low impact forms of cardio, and then a couple weeks later, I can try to return to running.  My plan is to be really really careful about my return to running as I don't want to risk re-injuring my foot.

I am nervous that my time with the boot might not be behind me after what happened last time I tried to transition out of it, but I am hopeful right now.  The fact that I haven't felt any pain yet is a good sign, so maybe - just maybe - I am on the road to recovery.  I'm really hoping to launch my return to running in mid-August (and will be borrowing Redhead Running's plan) and hope to be back to running somewhat normal distances in late September/early October.  I'm hoping to be able to run the Charleston half marathon in January with some run club friends that are traveling down here from Minneapolis, and then in February I am hoping to run the Austin half marathon with my best friend Heidi.  We will see how things go this fall - I have yet to register for either race.

I haven't talked all that much about the injury because I know that others have it much worse.  Eventually I will heal and hopefully I will return to running at a mileage level that I am happy with.  But this whole experience has been really, really difficult for me.  It's one thing to not be able to run, it's a whole other thing to not be able to do normal things, like walk to work.  I really value a pedestrian lifestyle, so not being able to walk as far or as much as I want has been hard on me. Even now I have to be careful about how far I walk.  For instance, I will visit Asheville this weekend but I will not be able to visit the Biltmore because that will require far too much walking for where I am at in the healing process.  It's really hard to be prevented from doing things I love to do, but hopefully this injury will be behind me soon and all restrictions on activity will be released.

I guess if anything, this injury has taught me to not take things, like walking pain free, for granted!

Have you ever gone through an experience that has made you value something you had taken for granted in the past?