Under Pressure…
…from who?
Society? Nope.
Family? Nope.
Work? Nope.
Friends? Nope.
General Population? Nope.
The Dogs? Nope.
Myself? *DING*
—
I know that we are always toughest on ourselves, but sometimes I take it to a whole new level … okay a LOT of the time I take it to a whole new level.
Since deciding to switch careers and move the family cross-country, I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself to succeed … and quickly.
I mean – the whole moving thing was all my idea.
If I didn’t get my boo-tay in gear and start excelling then the whole trip was a bust … the whole uprooting my family was my fault.
—
So while I have been finding the move back to Boston – A-freakin-mazing, I feel like I haven’t been on my “A” game. My fitness suffered slightly, my eating habits hit some speed bumps and while work was going well, I wasn’t living up to the expectations I had set in my head.
The self-imposed pressure that had been sitting in my mind and heart hit the forefront over the past couple days … where little things that happened, turned into big frustrations, which turned into me taking out the emotions on my poor steering wheel (and thus on my hands).
Finally, I cracked.
And this morning, while sitting with the dogs on the bed and being all ready for work … out came the tears. I’m not talking a cute little tear. I’m talking full on waterworks – a full on Farrah-from Teen Mom – ugly cry. (Especially since I had already done all my makeup for work so there went the mascara)
But, you know what.
I let the tears fall and while they did out came the pain – out came the frustration – out came the pressure.
And I honestly felt amazing after I let it all out.
I released it.
The stress headache magically went out.
—
Following the waterworks, I chatted with my wife on gchat while she was at work and she brought me back to reality. If I stumbled and bumbled while getting used to our new life in Boston, the entire move was not for nothing. We did NOT move here for my career. Heck, I didn’t have a job when we decided to move. We moved back to the East Coast for me to be closer to family and friends that I missed so much. And for a new adventure together – for our little family.
Perspective.
I don’t have to be perfect all the time … yes I know I am FAR from it … but sometimes the little voice in my heads keeps pushing:
Be Better.
Be Stronger.
Be Faster.
Be Thinner.
Be Perfect.
But, that is not how I am designed.
I. Am. Human.
And sometimes I just need a little mental freak out to remember that.
—
Sharing my journey and life through this blog has helped me so much, but other times – like now – when I just want to curl up in to a ball on my bed … I feel like sharing my world is a curse.
Showing the world that I am vulernable is hard and scary, but through this whole experience I’ve learned that it is better to let it out rather than hold it in (see: ugly cry from this morning).
I share what I go through in hopes that it will help someone else going through a similar situation know that they are not alone.
And while it sometimes pains me to bare my soul to the world, I know that it is necessary for me to survive … and thrive!
—
While magically everything can’t be fixed in one day and I know I have a lot to still work on and improve on – for today I know, the world will NOT stop spinning if I overindulge one day or miss a workout or forget the plug to my scale at a meeting.
The world will keep on spinning and I will keep on keeping on.
Because…
I Am Stronger Than I Think I Am
and
I Will Stop Getting In My Own Way!
Blogging, Fitbloggin, Motivation, Running, Weight Watchers, Working Out
M.O.M.’s Run 5k – 5/13/12 – PR 24:06 (7:46 min/mile)
After coming off the “bathroom incident” from the Newburyport Spring Fever 5k on May 6, I was hoping for a really good run at the M.O.M.’s Run 5k in Somerville on Mother’s Day (May 13).
I had missed a PR in the previous week’s 5k by 10 seconds – OUCH! Damn my small bladder! 
But, I digress.
I also need to point out since my wife reminds me ALL. THE. TIME. I know I do not NEED to nor WILL I PR every race … BUT, I was just looking for one at this race since I know how close I had come the week before.
Plus, I am competitive. I KNOW! None of you could tell that one bit in reading this blog that I have that tendency. Since no one picked up on it 
I thought I would let you in to the secret. I want to be better than I was the time before. Yes, I am slightly wicked competitive with other people, but I am 20 times more competitive with myself.
So in summation – yes logistically I know I will not and do not have to PR every time, but it is a little extra umph that pushes me throughout the race.
Well, that and the damn lady on my Runkeeper that chirps in every 5 minutes with the distance I’ve run and my pace. Does she have a name? If not, I need to name her. Ruth? She sounds like a Ruth and sometimes she can be RUTH-less. Get it? Oh gosh, I am so on today. 
Anyway, back to the run.
So I was excited to finally wear my cool Racemenu singlet and I, of course, rocked the Superman socks again.
The wife and I met up with Liz and Lauren before the race, drooled over the pre-race carb-loaded snacks, hit the port-o-potties (YES!) then headed to the Start Line.
The race was small, which meant we were actually up towards the official Start Line – made of duct tape (YES!).
The gun sounded and we were off.
Well folks, no one reminded me how hilly my hometown is. My goodness this race was the complete opposite of flat. Yes, the uphills seems to go on for days, while the downhills seemed like a millisecond long.
But, I was pushing myself.
There were great cheerers along the way and I got some more awesome shout outs for my kick ass socks (Thanks hun!)
I found a few runners in front of me and just tried to keep them in my line of sight the entire run. I tried to catch up to them, but knew that wasn’t happening so I just tried to make sure I could see them at all times during the run.
Focusing on a person just ahead of me is a great motivator I use during races. I always love being pushed by people that are faster than me and this is a way for strangers to help me without even knowing it.
As I rounded the corner and saw the Mile Three marker ahead, I could also see the clock. I just kicked it in to another gear.
I came towards the finish it was still in the land of 23 minutes, but as I crossed the line I could hear the people at the Finish saying 24:06.
What? 24:06? 7:46 min/mile pace? Me? Wow! I was able to knock 27 seconds off my PR in one of the hilliest courses I’ve ever run … I wonder what could’ve happened had the course actually been flat?
I ended up finishing 65th out of 303 overall and 5th out of 36 in my division.
I was beyond thrilled with how the race went and couldn’t wait to hit up the post-race spread.
Let me tell you. This race had some of the best donations I’ve ever witnessed at an organized run – from the Harpoon beer to the Redbones‘ BBQ. I enjoyed myself. I knew this day would be off my Weight Watchers plan and I was totally okay with it.
I had a great time with friends and picked up a shiny PR to boot.
Beer, Blogging, Half Marathon Training, Motivation, Road Races, Weight Watchers, Working Out
2012/2013 Road Races
Here is what I have so far for 2012:
January 1 – New Year’s Day 5k – 25:27 (8:13 min/mile) – RECAP
January 28 – F^3 Events Lake Half Marathon – PR 2:05.40 (9:36 min/mile) – RECAP
March 18 – Ras na hEireann U.S.A. 5k - 24:33 (7:54 min/mile) – RECAP
April 1 – Fight Forever 5k/10k - *Ended up running 10k, which ended up being 6.51 miles 59:00 (9:04 min/mile) – RECAP
April 15 – Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) 5k – 24:58 (8:03 min/mile) – RECAP
May 6 – Newburyport Spring Fever 5k - 24:42 (7:58 min/mile) – RECAP
May 13 – M.O.M.’s Run 5k – PR 24:06 (7:46 min/mile) – RECAP coming soon
May 17 – “The Blues” Run 5k - Starts at 6:30 p.m. ET
May 20 – Harpoon 5-Miler - Starts at 10:00 a.m. ET
May 27 – Boston’s Run To Remember (5-Miler) – Starts at 7:15 a.m. ET
June 3 – PJK 5k – Starts at 10:00 a.m. ET
June 24 – Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A) 10k – Starts at 8:00 a.m. ET
June 28 – Raggae Ramble 5k – Starts at 7:30 p.m. ET
July 22 – Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon – Starts at TBD
July 26 – Jerry Garcia Memorial River Run 5k – Starts at 7:30 p.m. ET
August 19 – Rock ‘n’ Roll Providence Half Marathon – Starts at TBD
August 30 – Twist & Shout on the Charles River 5k – Starts at 7:00 p.m. ET
September 13 – Mardi Gras Festival Run 5k – Starts at 6:30 p.m. ET
September 15 – Warrior Dash (Gilford, N.H.) – Starts at 11:00 a.m. ET
September 16 – The Dani Ryan Holmes-Kirk 1st Annual 30th Birthday 5k Run-Walk Ramble – Starts at 11:00 a.m. ET
October 7 – Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A) Half Marathon – Starts at 8:30 a.m. ET
November 3 – Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Full Marathon – Starts at TBD
—
Here is what I have so far for 2013:
January 12 – Walt Disney World Half Marathon – Starts at 5:30 a.m. ET
Please let me know if you have any other great suggestions for runs in Boston: 5k, 10ks, 10-milers, etc.
Happy running!
Half Marathon Training Update – 10 Miler
I had planned on knocking my first double-digit run in since January on Monday buuuutttt my legs had a different idea. They were wiped out from the Spinning & 5k combo on Sunday that Monday was a no run kind of day.
So I knew that my next free day would be Wednesday, but with the rain I totally wimped out and pushed the run off til today.
Friday works out better for a long run anyway … I just have to reception one morning Weight Watchers meeting and the rest of the day is all mine!
So today, I was ready and I needed it.
After seeing a number I didn’t want to see on the scale, I took it out on the pavement!
Before heading to the River, I stopped by the Racemenu offices to finally pick up my official Team Racemenu singlet!
I can’t wait to break it out on Sunday at the M.O.M.’s Run 5k in Somerville!
—
After grabbing the singlet, I headed out to the Charles River … it would be my first run around that area in six years!
I, of course, had to go the bathroom as soon as I got to the running path, but thankfully – to my surprise – I saw an entire row of port-o-potties!
SCORE! (yup, I just did a fist pump to port-o-potties)
Then the plan was FOILED…
… locked!
Thankfully a few yards away, I finally lucked into an open port-o-potty. Ahhh…
Now that the TMI is over, we can talk about the run itself.
I was ready to rock this run after managing my first 9 under 9 last week and enjoy the beautiful scenery that the Charles River has to offer.
I even managed during the first two-three miles to snap a couple photos – even grabbed a self-portrait
The weather cooperated. It was nice and sunny during the first half of the run then cooled off just enough during the second half.
I love that my Runkeeper has the mile by mile pace breakdown. I can’t believe I managed a 8:18 during Mile Three and 8:19 during Mile Four. Every mile was under a 9 min/mile pace except for Mile 7 – we can blame that on the little hills around the bridges I was crossing … plus the wind!
Don’t you love when you are trekking right along on one side of a river/street then turn around and realize the wind was at your back for that whole time? Helping you along.
Yup that happened a couple times.
It was nice to change up my normal running spot. It also gave me a time to re-familiarize myself with a part of the Charles River that I run a lot during the Summer Run Series (which starts on Thursday, May 17).
Once I hit Mile Nine, I started booking it. Ha! I was ready to see the 10 on the ol’ Runkeeper. Proof was that Mile Nine was run at a 7:58 clip.
But that burst of energy at the end, showed me that I should be able to keep that 8:40 pace for my next Half Marathon in July.
—
Once again, as I hit the “complete workout” on my Runkeeper – I shed a couple tears.
I get so emotional whenever I prove to myself that I am stronger or faster or better at something than I give myself credit for.
As soon as the run was over, I plopped down on the closest bench and just breathed…
It was at that moment, that I just took in all that I have accomplished and how thankful I was to have so many inspirational runners that I can call on to push me through a run – even when they aren’t there – especially Robin and Colleen!!
—
Today’s run was brought to you by my own determination, sweat and some help from: Asics, Zensah and Lululemon:
Half Marathon Training, Motivation, Running, Weight Watchers, Working Out
Moms, 5k & a Popchips GIVEAWAY *WINNER ANNOUNCED*
*WINNER ANNOUNCED*
Thanks to Random.org, the winner of the giveaway is #25:
Congrats to Liz:
My favorite flavor is definitely Original!
My favorite part of healthy eating is the feeling I get of more energy and knowing it makes my body lighter and healthier.
Thanks to everyone who participated and keep your eyes out for the next giveaway…
—
As the wife and I were sitting down to dinner a few weeks ago, she remarked how different her food choices are now compared to when she was a child … heck compared to a couple of years back.
It got me thinking about how I will feed my kids when I become a mom. I don’t foresee as many trips to Friendly’s or McDonald’s as when I was younger. There will be many more meals at home … home cooked … even with some of those fruits and veggies I can’t pronounce.
(And I owe all of that to Weight Watchers!)
While at the grocery store this morning, I witnessed a mom LOAD her cart with the prepackaged snacks – the chocolate cakes, the mini donuts – you know the aisle I’m talking about.
I just stopped and said to myself, I will NOT do that to my children. I won’t make them bring kale chips to school every day, but I will try to stay away from the snacks loaded up on sugar, etc … the ones I used to eat.
I DEFINITELY will be sending them to school and games with fruits, veggies, baked chips or Popchips. How can they not love all these options, especially Popchips? I eat them all the time to get that chip taste without the calories/points. But, more on the awesomeness of Popchips later.
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So this is my first Mother’s Day home since 2010, but my mom doesn’t really want to celebrate. I guess having me home permanently is enough of a gift.
I know! I’m the gift that keeps on giving.
While I may not be a mom to any humans yet, I am a mom to two adorable – yet trying – pups.
So the wife and I are celebrating Mother’s Day May 13 by participating in the M.O.M.’s Run 5k in Somerville.
I absolutely love starting ANY holiday with a run. If you can’t tell, I’m really trying to make this stick for any holiday I can…
Will anyone else be kicking off Mother’s Day with a run? Maybe with your own mom or your child?
—
And now the fun part … the giveaway! Popchips has agreed to give one lucky reader of my blog a free Popchips prize of their own.
Here is how to enter:
*Follow @IrishEyes1982 and @popchipsboston on Twitter (if you have an account)
*Like Weight Off My Shoulders Blog and Popchips on Facebook (if you have an account)
and
*Comment on the blog below to the following questions: “What is your favorite flavor to pop?” and “What is your favorite part of healthy eating?”
… I will take responses until 10am ET Friday (May 11). The winner will be picked at random … Good luck!
Blogging, Giveaway, Half Marathon Training, Motivation, Running, Weight Watchers, Working Out
“What Motivates You?”
Motivation … the topic of this week at a Weight Watchers meeting near you!
Throughout my journey, I’ve had any different motivators and still do today. Like I said with anchors, there is no one motivator that can work in EVERY situation (in my opinion).
I was sitting in my Weight Watchers meeting this morning when my Leader asked “What brought you in to Weight Watchers?”
You know the day I walked into WW seems like a lifetime ago with how much has changed in that time.
But, I can remember the day like it was yesterday…
I was SOOO miserable in my own body. I had no idea how my wife (girlfriend at the time) saw in me. I didn’t see any of it in myself.
I walked through the doors of the church (the meeting was held in their big hall area) just before 6pm on Monday, November 2, 2009. (How about that for details? )
I remember meeting the wicked nice receptionist Sharon, who I still keep in touch with now, and seeing the big words in front of me:
Goal Weight
Wah? How could I have any idea what I would want to be at the end of this journey?
But, I knew. I wanted to be healthy. So I picked the absolute highest spot of the BMI for my height and made 164 my Goal Weight.
Wow!
For two years, I used that thought to push me through the good times and the bad, the gains and the losses, the challenges and the easy days…
Someday I WILL be healthy I would tell myself. Someday!
And it worked. I did it. On November 8, 2011 (almost 2 years to the day from joining, I hit it: GOAL.
For the first time that I could remember, I was in the healthy weight range. Wow! What a feeling.
The dream that motivated me for so long was finally a reality.
—
But along the way additional motivators always came along for different situations:
*To head to the gym – desire to FINALLY fit into Lululemon clothing
*To go out for a training run – looking at my hanger full of race medals on my wall
*To avoid a certain fast food craving – remembering the last time I ate it and how it didn’t taste good/wasn’t worth the PointsPlus
*To stay on plan during a rough week – setting challenges on Twitter (#7daychip, #plankaday, etc)
After hitting Lifetime, goals change and here are some thoughts I had on that subject back in March.
—
What pushes you to keep going on this journey of weight loss?
#7DayChip, #plankaday, Half Marathon Training, Motivation, Running, Truth Tuesday, Weight Watchers, Working Out
Newburyport Spring Fever 5k – 5/6/12 – 24:42 (7:58 min/mile)
Have I mentioned lately how nice it is to be back in Boston? How indebted I am to my wife for picking up our lives and moving 1,000 miles from where we had set up our roots?
Well, I am … on both accounts!
Yesterday, the wife and I were able to participate in the Newburyport Spring Fever 5k, which benefited my cousins (triplets) old school.
The race didn’t start until 1pm so I figured why not hit up a 70 min Spin class that morning at 9am then work a couple hours of Weight Watchers inventory at the Boston store theeennnn head up to the race.
What. Was. I. Thinking?
I ended up driving from Somerville –> Woburn –> Boston –> Somerville –> Newburyport … which is A LOT of driving.
But, we managed to make it to the race on time. Phew!
There was one little problem however … no port-o-potties at the starting line. Ouch! And I had to gooooo.
There was no choice other than to try to hold it as long as I could.
Off went the gun, I hit start on the ‘ol Runkeeper and hit the ground running … literally!
I made it about half a mile – making good pace – before I spotted a softball field and snack shop. They HAD to have a bathroom. Not gonna lie, I definitely freaked the girl at the snack shop out as I came barreling toward her in my running attire with number yelling about a bathroom. She thankfully pointed one out and phew! problem solved.
BUT that ate up some time. I debated stopping my Runkeeper to see how long the whole ordeal actually took, but I decided against it. I would just have to try to haul butt and make up the lost time.
Most of the first mile was all down hill so we were cruising. My legs weren’t as tired as I thought they would be after all the Spinning I had done that morning (and she had really kicked our butt).
I hit Mile Two and said HELLLOOOO hill. It was straight hill for at least three blocks. It looked like the hill that would never end. Halfway up the hill was the mile two marker where the woman told me I was at 16:17 – so about 8:06 pace. Darn! That is not what I wanted to hear.
So I kicked it up a notch. I was going to finish with a sub 8 min/mile pace if it killed me.
The last mile was tough, but I pushed through. I was enjoying the comments from people on the streets and other runners about my Superman socks. I got a few “You Go Superwoman!” which I absolutely loved!!
I crossed Mile Three and turned the corner for the home stretch and saw the clock flip to 24:17. Ahhh! My PR was 24:33. I tried to run as fast as I could down the last .1, but I didn’t make it.
I finished in 24:42 … 7:58 min/mile.
If I didn’t have to make the bathroom stop, I totally woulda had a nice shiny new PR. But that’s okay, I had a great time.
My uncle came in just after me at 26:02 and the wife improved on her last race with a 33:37 finish.
My aunt and the girls walked the 5k and posted a great time of their own.
We enjoyed some of the post-race festivities at their old school before heading to their house for a BBQ.
What an all around fun race.
Half Marathon Training, Motivation, Road Races, Running, Weight Watchers, Working Out
Half Marathon Training Update – 9 under 9
Technically I’m ahead of my Half Marathon training schedule, but recently I have just been getting back into the swing of long runs since I had to take so much time off in February/March because of the IT/patella injury from before the F^3 Lake Half Marathon on January 28.
Well, I’m happy to report that my leg seems to be back to healthy! I have been running pretty pain-free since the end of March. WOO! Who woulda thought that listening to the physical therapist’s advice of “rest” would actually pay off.
So yesterday I set a goal of running 9 miles. It would be the longest run since that half marathon.
Since I work 7-1:30 on Mondays, it would be an afternoon run. Not my favorite time to run – I prefer early morning – but it would work since it was cool and in the low 60s … nice running conditions.
I finally set out just before 3pm and immediately felt good. I had taken it easy the previous week so I was ready to end April with some good mileage.
I finished the first half mile at about an 8:30 min/mile pace. Woo! I was happy, but I didn’t want to start out too quickly because I wanted to finish the whole 9 miles.
My Runkeeper chirped that I was half way through the run and I was STILL at a sub 9 min/mile pace … ahhh!! At that point, I dug in and kept my eye on the prize!
Just after clicking “workout completed” I started crying…
I had really done it! I held a sub 9 min/mile pace for 9-consecutive miles!
Wow!
For the girl who started running in 2005 with a 12 min/mile pace to go to this – it is a MAJOR accomplishment. One that boosted my confidence right back up!
If I was able to hold this pace for 9 miles, I think I will actually be able to hit my goal of running a sub 2 hour Half Marathon this year. I have three chances:
Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half – July 22
Rock ‘n’ Roll Providence Half – August 19
Boston Athletic Association Half – October 7
I think if I keep working hard, I will be able to do it…
(Note: current Half PR is 2:05.40 – set in the F^2 Lake Half in Chicago January 28)
April FLOUNDERS Bring May MOTIVATION
I think we all figured out that my April was NOT up to par. I would be on plan for like 3 or 4 days then go off the wagon – so to speak – for three or four days. There was no rhyme or reason to what I was doing. I let my will power take a vacation to some warm tropical location, while I ran around like someone who has their issues with food under control.
THANKFULLY you all kept me more on track than I would’ve been. I thank you for being there while I fought to get back on track … and failed.
Overall in April, I had a BLAST. Lots of time with good friends, good beers and good food … but, I ended up gaining just under 2 lbs.
NOT what I had planned.
But, this is the time to buckle down and figure out how to be on plan, while being social.
I am using the month of May as a time to get “BACK TO ME” – time to focus on my needs, my health and for now, the number on the scale.
I seem to work better when having a goal or challenge in mind – I think back to how I kicked BUTT in December because of my Dynamic December challenge.
–
So here is what I am looking to accomplish during #MarvelousMay:
1) #plankaday - This has been life changing for me. I am not one for crunches, especially with my back injury, so this is a great way to get some core work in without sitting and doing a bunch of crunches – I don’t want to do – on the floor.
This program was started by Dr. Sherry Pagoto (@drsherrypagoto) and is open to interpretation. For me, I started with doing a 60 second forearm plank every day for a week. The next week I upped it by 5 seconds and did 65 second forearms planks every day for a week. I did 5 second increments until I could hold a forearm plank for 4 minutes – yes! I can hold a plank for 4 minutes. Ahhh, I never thought that was possible.
Once, I hit that goal I switched up my planks. Last week, I did one 2 minute forearm plank and a 1 minute side plank on both sides every day. I like to keep my core guessing each day what I will do.
I am going to continue to do my #plankaday every day. I am enjoying the versatility and loving the #plankaday community.
2) #back2basics - I think this is a great challenge and timely for me as I am trying to get back into the swing after flip flopping back and forth in April. I also like this challenge (started by Colleen - @tryn2bfit) because it again leaves the choice of what you focus on up to the individual. I think that is a great way to keep people’s attention and driven when they are working on something extremely personal.
For me, I will be focusing on hitting all 6 of the Weight Watchers Healthy Guidelines. Every day of the month I will be sure to have my required amounts of liquids (water), fruits/veggies, vitamins, dairy, healthy oils & exercise. I am pumped.
3) #30daychip - I owe a lot of success to the man that created the #7daychip/#30daychip program: Brad Gansberg (@bradgansberg). He has been a great motivator and has gotten me back on track more times than I can count.
This is yet another great challenge that you set for yourself. I have done a few different #7daychip topics, which you can see here.
The basic premise is to do something healthy for seven consecutive days … or if you are feeling like you want a real challenge you can go for 30 or 100 days.
For this, #30daychip (which would be my second) I am looking to track my food every day. That means: log it into Weight Watchers eTools, write it up as a food log post on my blog and Facebook/Tweet it out.
4) #100ozchallenge – This is actually the first challenge that I started on my own! I have had at times upwards of 50 people participating. Woo! I feel wicked cool. Okay, that wasn’t cool. Dammit!
Anyway, this is a pretty simple challenge: drink at least 100oz water a day. That’s it. Keep yourself hydrated during the winter months. I just saw on twitter today that “Dehydration can cause ageing & can slow down metabolism as much as 3%” – I am here to not let that happen! Stay hydrated!!
–
So today is Day One, I am refocusing and getting back to my Number One Priority: ME!
What will you be doing to make May the best month of 2012 thus far and rock your own #MarvelousMe challenge?
#100ozchallenge, #7DayChip, #back2basics, #plankaday, Blogging, Fitbloggin, Half Marathon Training, Motivation, Running, Weight Watchers, Working Out
Wisconsin in 33 hours…
So in total my trip to Wisconsin for my friend Kate’s wedding this past weekend lasted 33 hours from door-to-door. Wow! That is what I call a whirlwind trip for sure!
Thankfully I live near the airport and not many people were traveling to Logan at 5:30am on Saturday. I made it from my front door to the airport through Security and to my gate in 10 minutes. Yes folks you read that right … 10. Minutes. I was damn impressed. My new Premier Status helped get me through security, but overall it was a painless trip to the airport.
(Note: did you know you don’t have to take off your jewelry? All these years I thought you had to, but nope. Maybe it’s because of the new fancy screening machines? I’m not sure, but I was happy to skip that step.)
Thankfully when you travel for such a short period of time you can get away with just a carry on … and that early in the morning means COMFORT wear.
You know I had to search the terminal until I found a Dunkin Donuts.
I also lucked out and got the exit row. Not that I woulda trusted the guy sitting next to me to help in the case of an emergency, BUT I dealt with it for the leg room.
I had a layover in Chicago and was able to travel through my favorite terminal at O’Hare. I always love these lights!
So I made it to Madison, Wisconsin around 10:30am CT (thanks to Brandon for the ride from the airport) so it was time to explore the city before the afternoon wedding…
We tried out some of the local craft beers on the main street in Madison…
I loved that Madison wanted to combine people’s love of both a delicatessen and a carousel. Normal, right? :P
It was finally wedding time after this! We headed to Badger Farms, where the wedding was held in a cute barn surrounded by fields of green. Nice scenery for a group of city kids.
Kate and Joe looked picturesque on their Happy Day. I absolutely LOVED her dress.
I loved the country set-up and colors used to set a great scene.
And I was able to see some of my friends from college that I haven’t seen for almost three years. You may not speak everyday, but when you are back together it’s like no time has passed at all … that is friendship!
T-U-F-T-S!
The next morning we hit the road at 5am CT to make the 1.5 hour drive to Milwaukee to fly back home. Thank you to my lil’ pregnant Sarah for taking the wheel as her husband I slept the entire ride!
After a flight from Milwaukee to Chicago then a delay in Chicago, I headed from Chicago to Boston and was back at my house at 2:30pm ET.
What a busy and awesome 33 hours. It was great to be able to see my friend tie the knot, catch up with friends I haven’t seen in years and be a part of a magical night.
Now someday, I too will get to have that kind of magical night. Not sure when the wife & I will be able to afford it, but we will… someday!