Summer Reads!

Althoughhhhhhh I'm in grad school this summer & have plenty to do for that (boo!), I'm still dreaming/hoping of getting in some FUN reading. I am getting to do a little bit of that at the beach this week...hey, that's what vacation is for, right!?

Here's what's on my list currently...

Read any of them? I love getting on goodreads and seeing what everyone is reading! Although, I'm bad at updating mine. I need to do that. However I love looking at what people rate books...that's how I find a lot of my reads! I heard from several 6th graders that suggested The Fault in Our Stars so hopefully they don't let me down ;)
Let me know what you're reading so I can add to my list!

Beach Bum :: OBX

We're on day 4 of our beach week in Avon!

I am absolutely in heaven. If you've never been to the Outer Banks, you are missing out!

Sadie got to come and let me tell you...she is a beach dog! She would run up and down the beach all day long if we let her. She enjoys biting at the foam and running from waves!

Of course my week has been/will continue to be enjoyed in Lilly! Nothing says summertime better!

Our house has an ocean view which is absolutely wonderful! It takes 60 seconds to get your toes in the sand. Perfect!

Speaking of which...I need to go get my toes back in the sand!

I'll update more later!

Until then, if you know of any OBX hidden treasures that I should visit before I leave on Friday, let me know!

Have a great week!

National Running Day :: I'm Marathon-ing!

Not today, but in 163 days I will be a marathoner!
In honor of today being National Running Day, I thought I would share my fall plans with y'all.  I might add some other small local races for fun.
So far, I have these races lined up: June 22: Downtown Sundown 5K September 15: Hokie Half Marathon November 16: Richmond Marathon

My big brother surprised me by paying for my registration for "America's Friendliest Marathon" for graduation, and my Dad gifted me with a Garmin Forerunner 110, so I'm super pumped to get to training! Ideally I wish I were living in Richmond and could participate in their training group, but I'm confident that I'll be able to train just fine here on the hills of Blacksburg. Of course not without my trusty Hal Higdon training plan!
It's intimidating to think I'm going to run 22 miles and NOT have a cheering section, medal or free food to greet me at the end of that training run, but with each run I just think how worth it it will be to be able to make it to that finish line and the sense of accomplishment I will feel.
My older brother is running it as well, however I'm not sure if we'll try and stay together or not.  I think he's probably going to run faster than me!  I'm just trying to keep moving and finish :)
If anyone has ANY marathon training/racing advice, I would love it!
Now, get out there and run today! Even if you aren't a runner, 1 mile is better than nothing :)

Happy Running!

Prepping for Travel!

I have two trips coming up in the next two weeks that I am so pumped about! This Thursday-Sunday I'll be heading to Richmond with Steven for a super fun weekend! Of course we'll be hitting up Short Pump, but also will make it to a Flying Squirrels game, Busch Gardens and...the first annual bacon festival! That should definitely be an experience ;) Then, next Friday, I'm headed to the BEACH! I'll be relaxing on the North Carolina shore for one week. I absolutely cannot wait!

 Got all the goods! Sunscreen, a good book, eye protection, Jacks and pretty nails are all essential!   My iPad will be nice to entertain me on rainy days, or when I run out of books I have one on there! Plus, I'll have to keep up with my school work...WOMP!   Starbucks is needed in the car. Always.
Running shoes are coming with me since I'm training this summer for two big races in the fall!
I just got a new striped beach tote that I lovvvve...I'll be sure to share a picture of it!     What are some of your summer travel essentials?

Graduation!

Hey y'all! Recently I fell off of the face of the earth. But {hopefully} I'm back for good.  Recently I've graduated, started grad school 4 days later, finished up the elementary school year, and am ready for my one week off! I'm looking forward to a trip to Richmond next week and the BEACH in 2 weeks!! :)   First off, to catch up on graduation: May 17th was absolutely perfect! Besides the extreme weather (scorching hot during outdoor ceremony and then pouring rain as we ran to the car) I couldn't have asked for a better day. I feel so proud to have graduated from the best university on earth!  

We had a "reception" at my house afterwards - food catered by the DELICIOUS Hethwood Market, a cake from Our Daily Bread and delicious Sweet Little Jo truffles from my girl Sara! They were seriously to die for.   One of my big gifts was an iPad from Mama! I am loving it! I would love any app suggestions!  
So thankful to all of my friends and family who celebrated with me near & far!