Is it the boots??

Birthday Cowgirl Boots...

Early on in the summer, as soon as I knew that my boss was going to be traveling internationally around my birthday...I knew that I wanted to treat myself to a trip.  Timing wise...it was perfect.  My sister would be graduating in December.  My birthday is in January.  We were going to see my best friend (the big sister I never had) in Texas and celebrate!!  I ended up being out of the office for 12 days...some time in Texas...a day trip to Philly for the MLS Superdraft...and then more birthday fun with friends.  It was the perfect birthday week.  But, there is a price for perfect I think.  Since my time off...I have been doing a lot of thinking and planning.  My break in Texas (especially when I was up at 4am doing work emails on my birthday) got me thinking.  Is it really my job that makes me answer emails at 4am?  Or is me?  Is it how I choose to work?  I think the answer to the last two questions is yes...it is me.  So I have been working on changing how I work.  I have Texas to thank for this.  Well...Texas and a recent sick day.  Getting away is good...I'm going to do this more. Maybe next time...I won't check my email!!

Change is scary...but I am getting braver.  If I can finish a marathon...I can do anything I set my mind too.  I need to keep reminding myself of this.  I'm also learning to never say never.  I have always hated Country Music.  I was an east coast kid...schooled in Punk.  I just never got into it.  Since the Texas trip...I have been downloading lots of country music...and enjoying it.  I know, I'm still processing this.  I think maybe it is new state of mind.  Open mindedness. Well, that and my new cowgirl boots.  I think there is magic them.

A few pictures from the best birthday week ever...

Airport Reading...Sir Alex Wisdom...

Lane!!  Still miss this sweet face...

Of course we need picture in the Vera Bradley Store...

It was nice to see flowers...

Always a sucker for a pretty tree...

Amazing Views during a good walk/run... (70 degrees of Beautiful)

These were in the running...for DC United Games...am I right??

A fire pit and good friends...all one really needs...

The perfect welcome gift!!! International Travel will happen!!!

My birthday cake...made by my Mommy...

MLS Superdraft in Philly...VAMOS UNITED!!!

Philly Fun...and there was a video of me hugging our draft pick's Mom.  We also
gave his Grandma and Sister our  DC United scarves.  Very cool experience...

Lots of Laughter over my tracking my own birthday party guest list...
anyone who knows me should not be surprised by this!!

A pub...soccer...friends...all the essentials... :)

Second Morning in the Pub...next day for ManUtd vs. Chelsea... :)  

A perfect birthday...plus a few candles...with each one added...
life get's better and better. 

    

Looking Forward...

Sometimes you don't realize how much you need a re-charge until after you return from said re-charge.  I was out of the office for 13 days...and unlike this past summer...the work interruptions were not as bothersome.  I have been easing back into my regular routine, but in all honesty, my time away revealed that I need a new routine.  I'm trying to hold on to my 'vacation bliss' so that it lasts until the next one.  There is a definite theme building for 2014 already...travel.  The next trip will be in April...to Ireland.  It is a lifelong dream finally coming true.  2013 was all about getting miles...working toward 13.1 and then toward 26.2.  In 2014, my plan is continue to get miles but in different places!!  I don't think I will do any half or full marathons...but I have registered for an Indoor Triathlon on March 23.  My training starts on Sunday (eight weeks - swim, bike, run).  I'm excited to shake things up a bit.  I miss my weekly training blog updates. I miss my training plans too.  I miss my Nike+ Sportband pictures.  It will be good to have something new to work towards and write about.  I know the training will help me to set a new routine...it is just the kick start I need.  Ready, Set, Go!!!