Goodbye 2011, and SBITC

I can't believe that the time has come again to say goodbye to another year. It seriously feels like yesterday that I wrote my last goodbye. It had been a rough year, and I was thrilled to say goodbye, and hello to all the good things that were surely to come my way in 2011. And now here we are. I wanted to compile a list of all the memorable things from this past year, and it was such fun reading back over all the posts from this past year. In no particular order, these are some of the things that stood out the most to me from 2011:

Dating: The year began with somewhat of a love triangle, and my "unlucky in love" continued with countless less-than-memorable dates, a reality check with Oliver, and a change of heart with Corey. However, 2011 didn't let me down entirely. The story is just beginning with Hunk, and I'm hoping the ending is a good one. Ironically, I also penned my Relationship Manifesto in early 2011, and am happy to report that there isn't one thing I would change about it. I still feel like it holds to true to what I'm looking for, and I think the decisions that were made this year reflect that.

Work: I accepted a new job late 2010 and worked my tail off all of last year. The result? I reached my quota (along with the rest of my team- a first for the company) and we will all be headed off to Hawaii in just a couple of weeks. I'm taking my sister, and I can't freaking wait! This year also saw the loss of Steve Jobs, and for our company, it was heartbreaking to say the least.

Exercise: 2011 was my first full year back in triathlon, and it was a great one. I was determined to find validation in healthy ways, and I feel like I really succeeded. I completed 4 triathlons total, including my very first Olympic distance. I also ran the Diva Dash and the Cap 10K. Not one to function well without a goal, I signed up for a training group through work in November and am well on my way to running my first half-marathon the end of January.

Hobbies: I've volunteered at the animal shelter for almost 3 years now, but 2011 saw me bring home my very first foster dog. After 8 weeks of in-home social rehabilitation, Pippi ended up hitting the jackpot of homes and is living happily ever after with her new parents (they take her everywhere) and she is doing fantastic! I didn't get to travel as much as I would have liked, but I was able to fit in a girl's trip to Port Aransas, and TWO trips to my new favorite city, Denver. Perhaps my favorite hobby-related moment though happened just this past weekend. Finally, after 5 long years, I became my fantasy football league CHAMPION!!!  After a heated, close final match-up against my brother, my team came out on top 121-114. It was pure awesomeness, and now I have a little extra money in the bank for Hawaii.

So there you have it, a pretty great year overall. But this also brings me to my next goodbye. Single Blonde in the City began as a project mostly centered around dating. I had been wounded countless times, and felt like I had stories to share with people who could likely relate. After 2+ years of writing and over 25,000 hits on my blog, I feel like it's time to say goodbye. While my most recent relationship is still very new, and there is no guarantee that it will work out, I just don't feel motivated to write about dating anymore. This blog has been such a tremendous outlet for me, but I just don't feel like the things that I'm writing about are really that relevant to life as a single girl, per se.

Which leads me to my next project, and still very much a work in progress. Starting January 1, I will be posting as Amy in Austin. Go to it, bookmark it, add it to your blog readers (and please note that the web address is not exactly as I would like it to be, as the one I wanted was already taken). I hope that you will continue to visit me. Just know that the content will be moving to a different angle. (Hence the "work in  progress" part.) I want to continue with the great progress I feel that I made in 2011 as far as being a healthier person, and will likely write more about healthy choices in relation to food, exercise and relationships. I probably won't be writing as frequently, but I hope that the content is better that way. Meaningful, helpful, and still entertaining to read.

I hope that everyone has a brilliant New Year's Eve, and is able to reflect on their life this past year, but then quickly look forward to the possibilities in the year ahead. Thank you so much for making Single Blonde in the City so much fun for me!

New Favorite Blog

A good friend of mine with a fun sense of style has recently started a blog, and I am LOVING her posts so far. The link to the "25 ways to wear a scarf" is genius, and she has other great style and beauty tips. Go and check it out.

Because Shanna Said So

A Very Merry Christmas

Another Christmas on the books. It was low key, relaxing, and nearly perfect. I think any single girl can relate to how it feels to spend holidays with family when you are the only one who is "single". I'm not necessarily single, but I was solo for the holidays as Hunk was back home with his family. Having only been together for a month, there was no expectation for spending the holiday together. But I think we both missed having the other around. We talked plenty of times though, and even had a FaceTime date or two, which was fun.

Santa was more than good to me, and my family got me some great things as well. My favorite gift was the nice watch that my parents got for me. It has been years since I've worn a watch, and this one is just beautiful. I also got some much needed clothes, shoes, cute jewelry and some useful house things. I really am so lucky! I think everyone else liked the presents that I got for them as well. But really, the best part of Christmas was getting to see my adorable niece and the look of sheer delight when she saw what Santa brought for her. She got a "Mommy and Me" set complete with high chair, crib and stroller for her new little baby doll. She kept herself entertained almost the whole time playing with those things. It was so stinking cute!!

I celebrated Christmas with Hunk yesterday. I was so excited about the gifts that I had gotten for him, and it was so fun watching his face as he opened them. Again- first Christmas together after not dating for very long can be tricky, but I think I hit the mark. I found meaningful things without spending too much money. He got a new knit hat from Krochet Kids International (a great company that helps to empower impoverished communities in Uganda), a neat wooden sign with hooks to hang his marathon medals, and a set of gorgeous (but still masculine) sushi dishes in his favorite colors- blue and brown. He did just as well for me- I got a mug and bag of coffee from where we had our first date, a book that we have talked about The Art of Racing in the Rain, a really cool poster for my office, and then my favorite, a personalized #9 Saints jersey that says "Ms. Breesy" on the back. I freaking love it!!! Now I just hope the Saints can keep it together through play-offs so that I can wear it for the Superbowl.

Needless to say, things with Hunk are spectacular. One last vomit inducing example of a text message he sent me (sorry mom), but this was such a sweet thing to read on Christmas morning:

We are very blessed to have each other. I think we both know how lucky we are to have found one another. Every step has been pretty amazing, and I can't wait to see where it leads us. 

I think that sums up how things have been with him...amazing. It's hard to believe that it has only been one month. That's just crazy. But a great month it has been, and I'm equally excited to see where it leads us. It was a very Merry Christmas indeed.

Christmas Eve Gift

It's tradition in my family to say "Christmas Eve Gift" on Christmas Eve. I remember my grandparents always calling to say it first thing in the morning....I miss hearing those sweet voices. Today I called my mom to say it to her, and now I am packing up my bag to spend a few days at their house.

After much drama over how my siblings would be spending the holiday with our family, I am happy that everything was all worked out, and we will be spending this evening and the first half of tomorrow together. More than anything, I just can't wait to see my niece with her Santa presents. At the ripe age of 2 and 2 months, she is totally into Christmas. She loves saying "Ho, ho, ho" and I know she's going to have so much fun.

We're going to the early evening Church service, to be followed by my favorite meal of the year- Christmas Eve Party Food!  Tamales, picadillo, cheese ball, chips/dip, etc. Nothing fancy about it, but it's so good!! We each get new pajamas tonight, and will then sleep well until presents in the morning. It's cold, a little rainy, and absolutely perfect for some good family time.

Hunk is in Oklahoma with his family, and we had a little FaceTime date last night. His parents were in the background for part of it and they thanked me profusely for the box of treats that I sent to them. And then his dad started asking me questions as Hunk tried leave the room. It was really cute! Apparently his whole family knows about me, and he has been hounded by questions. I love it!! Miss him like crazy, but he'll be back in time for our own little Christmas together on Tuesday.

I hope that everyone has has a wonderful holiday, however you may be celebrating!

You say it's your birthday.....

Well it's my birthday too! Yes, that's right. Today I turn (oh my gosh I can't believe I'm admitting it in public) 36 years old. It's funny, I also have two good friends who share the same birthday. Hurts a little that they're both younger than me, though. But it's alright. For 36, I don't think I'm too shabby. I just don't like knowing that 40 is rapidly approaching. I mean, these past 6 years have happened so fast. I'm afraid I'm going blink and open my eyes to see a bunch of "Over the Hill" balloons or something. Just can't even wrap my head around that.

In all, it has been a great birthday weekend. It started by sleeping in Saturday (I skipped my run) and meeting some girlfriends for breakfast. Then I got to celebrate with my family at dinner, Hunk got to meet my family at my parent's Christmas party last night (I think they like him), and my fantasy team is making it into the championship game (likely against my brother). I'll top it off tonight by getting together with friends for happy hour. Life is good, and I have much to be thankful for. Here's to another great year!

Runner's Knee

It was bound to happen at some point. I knew I was pushing fate by taking on a lofty goal, but it seems that my knee pain has caught up with me again. I stopped running just after tri season because I had a lingering pain in my right knee. I thought taking some time off would help, and it did. Temporarily. But as my running distance increases, so is the pain.

Up until Thursday, I have been able to run through it with no real problems. In fact, it usually goes away after the first 10 minutes. Not so much on Thursday though. I did an easy 10 minute warm-up jog, suffered through drills, and then did mile 1 of 4 at an 8:00 pace. And then I quit. It just hurt too bad, and was totally affecting my form. I knew if I kept up, I would likely do way more damage.

So I chatted with my coach and decided to call it a day. He's no doctor, but seems to think that all signs point to Runner's Knee. He told me to prop it up, ice it, and take some ibuprofen. The good news is that I don't think it's all that serious. A little bit of time off, and likely a new pair of shoes, will probably do wonders for it. I'm also looking into a few weight training exercises I can do to strengthen my quads and hamstrings a little more. But I'm torn about whether or not I should do my 10 mile run in the morning. Mentally, I have already psyched myself up for it and I'm ready to get it done (even though there is a good chance it will be rainy AND cold in the morning.)

On the other (more realistic) side, I know it's probably best to give myself a whole week's rest. I'm in a really good place as far as distance, and I have plenty of time to get up to a 12-13 mile run before the actual big day. BUT.....I HATE not being able to stick to a schedule. And I really dislike not being able to do something I should be fully capable of doing. Much like getting sick, I don't take to being injured very well, either.

I'm headed home after work for another round of prop/ice/ibuprofen, lots of water, and a good night's sleep. And I'll make a game time decision at 5:30 am (oof) about whether I should attempt a run or not. I've got a late breakfast with some girlfriends planned for after my run, and it sure would be nice to enjoy some creme brulee french toast without any guilt!

The most wonderful time of the year

Funny how much difference a year makes. I know I've visited this topic several times before, but it really is nice to marvel at how much better my life is compared to this time last year. A bad break-up, the death of my beloved grandmother, a traumatic job switch.... it all made for a very somber holiday season last year. I couldn't be happier to be moving into a new holiday season with my great friends, my crazy family (I love you guys, but seriously....let's get the holiday plan together), and my adorably hunky Hunk. Life is splendid!

This past weekend was full of fun activities- I ran 9 miles, volunteered, attended Hunk's work Christmas party, watched my fantasy football team make it into the playoffs, and wrapped it up by hosting the Cookbook Club get together and cookie exchange. (If you're looking for a great new holiday cookie, look no further than these White Chocolate Gingersnaps.) Phew.

Still on tap: a beer and cheese tasting, 7 mile run, family birthday dinner, parent's Christmas party (Hunk will be my date), holiday happy hour with friends (I'm refusing to publicly acknowledge my birthday as I begin the downward slide to 40, so I'm passing it off as a casual get together) and then Christmas with my family. Thank goodness that I get the whole week off after Christmas. I'm going to need it!

Things with Hunk are awesome. I like him more and more each time we're together. I just hope that this crazy connection that we're feeling is really what it's like when you've found "the one". Who knows? We're having a blast though, and I'm really looking forward to him meeting my family. He's told his family and friends all about me, and even shared a picture or two. We are definitely not seeing other people right now, and I couldn't be happier about it!

9 miles, Take 2

Half marathon training is in full blown force, and I'm still feeling great about my progress. I've met several girls in my training group who all run about the same pace, but are willing to push it on the days that we can. Thursday was a great example. We did some speed work at a high school track. 3 sets of 4 400s, and each set we had to shave a few seconds off our time. It was hard, but it was also a lot of fun.

Tomorrow morning will hopefully be a much drier morning than the last two Saturdays. I got to drop back to 7 miles last weekend, but it was so so rainy. I go back up to 9 miles tomorrow, and then 10 the week after. I'm not scared anymore! I know I'll show up, do my warm-up, and hit the route with my new friend Pauline for 1.5 hours of running, talking and laughing. As sick as it sounds, I have so much fun out there! Not to mention the almost full hour of stretching that follows with the rest of the training group (including Hunk). It's a Saturday routine that I am really enjoying.

The time is going by so fast, and I know the race will be here before I know it. I'm feeling a little ahead of schedule as far as training goes, which is a very good thing. I've battled cold, I've battle rain, but thankfully not together. I'm sure that day is to come though, and I'll continue to work on the mental aspect of getting out there and doing it, no excuses!!

Sweet Little (Text) Nothings

I have blogged several times before about the right (and the wrong) way to text someone. I still think that relying on texting as your primary source of communication is not the best route to follow. But to each their own. However, during the work day it's really nice to get a sweet text that lets me know that someone is thinking of me. Or even just funny banter when it's not really necessary to have a phone conversation, but you still want to share things with each other.

Exhibit A: Text from Hunk after visiting me for lunch

Exhibit B: A text from Hunk just being his usual funny self (I'm the blue text box)

You know what else I like? Knowing that the feelings I have for him are completely mutual. More often than not it's either me that feels too strongly and gets my heart broken, or vice versa. Of course, I realize that you can't have a mutual attraction with just anyone, otherwise monogamous relationships would be a thing of the past. But he's so good at letting me know how he feels about me, and I am so thankful that it's not all in my head how great things seem to be going so far.

Don't worry- I still hear your voice in the back of my head, mom! I know....slow down. But trust me. You'll get it when you meet him. I think anyone who gets to see the two of us together will likely get why it works. We're two of a kind, with just enough differences to keep it interesting. It's almost as if someone made the nearly perfect guy for me and dropped him on my doorstep. I was beginning to think that didn't really exist. Who know what will happen going forward, but this is the most fun I've had in awhile, and a really exciting place to be.

Date Night with Hunk

Have you ever been on a date that almost left you breathless? Well, I did on Saturday night. Hunk came to pick me up, and I almost died when I opened the door. He looked so handsome in a button down, blazer and nice jeans. He immediately commented on how nice he thought I looked, and we both had these giddy smiles on our faces. We had been looking forward to Saturday all week, and it was finally here!

He took me to dinner at La Sombra. The atmosphere and service were great, but the food was just alright. I don't know that I would rush to go back. Our server quickly realized that we needed plenty of time to ourselves and didn't bug us that often. He ordered a bottle of wine and we just chatted about everything. No shortage of conversation, for sure. We had already talked during the week about what led to both of our divorces, and I was really glad we had already gotten that out of the way. I think it's important to know those things, but I like keeping an early date light in the conversation department. That doesn't mean just talking about trivial things, but I just don't think you should focus on stuff like that so early on.

After dinner we decided to walk next door to have a glass of wine at Apothecary. It wasn't very crowded which made it easier to continue talking. We talked a lot about our families, how we got to where we are in our careers, travel, music, running...all the interests that we have in common. And even though we were having such great conversation, all I could think about was kissing him. I both love and hate that anticipation, because there is nothing worse than anticipating and then being totally disappointed.

We both had been up since at least 5:30 that morning and were starting to get tired, so we called it a night and he drove me home. I invited him in for a bit and we listened to music and continued chatting some more. Just when I was about ready to send him home, he leaned in, grabbed the back of my head, and planted the best first kiss I've ever had. It was perfect. Sweet, not too short (but not too long) and it just fit. Serious, ridiculous sparks! I thought I loved his pretty eyes the most, but man...those lips! I'm really looking forward to the next time I see him.

Before he left he said that he did not want to wait another week to see me, so we made plans for a mid-week dinner. And when he got home, he sent a text that said "An absolute perfect evening. Thank you and I cannot wait to see you again." *Sigh* It was very hard to fall asleep last night with that ridiculously giddy grin on my face.

My parents came over for dinner tonight, and of course my mom was curious about my date. She knows me so well and picked up immediately on the giddy. And of course, her advice was to chill the freak out. I get that. It's in the back of my head every time I think about Hunk and smile. I realize that I have known him for barely 10 days, and there is so much more to know about him. While I don't doubt that he is equally excited about me, the whole deal with Oliver comes to mind and how quickly he changed his tune with me. I know things can change at any given moment. But it feels great right now, and I'm just going to enjoy it.

Date Night Excitement

I cannot even explain how excited I am for date night tonight. I have exchanged emails/texts/phone calls with Hunk all week, and I think he's just as excited! I got to see him briefly after our run this morning. I did 7 miles and was able to stretch out with the group afterwards. Hunk? Well, he ran 22 miles and was finishing up just as I was walking out of the parking lot. A smile as big as Texas must have spread across my face, well, until I realized how lovely I probably looked after running in the rain. But it didn't matter. He came hopping over to me and we chatted for about 15 minutes. We were both soaked through (even his pretty long eyelashes) and completely freezing, but it was so fun getting to see him. He's just so freaking adorable, I can't even stand it.

He's picking me up at 6:41 (he picked the time) and I think we're stopping by the running Christmas party before heading to dinner. He made reservations at a restaurant that neither of us have been to, so that should be fun. I think I have the perfect outfit picked, but the darn weather is not cooperating. I'm not going to let a little rain dampen my spirits though.

First kiss? I can't stop thinking about that either. Sparks are flying all over the place, and I can't imagine that there won't be at least a little good night kiss tonight.  I can't stop thinking about that, either. But don't worry. Even thought it may not sound like it, I still have my head on straight. I realize that we could go out tonight and have all that spark just fizzle. There's still so much to learn about him. But right now, I love this excited feeling and *hope* that it goes as well as I think it will. Wish me luck!

Drinking the Koolaid

I've spent part of this week at the beautiful Hyatt Lost Pines out in Bastrop for our National Sales Meeting. Luckily the resort was spared from the devastating fires that hit the area this past fall. But what a difference a year makes! I remember vividly having just started my new job last year, and then only a week later showing up for this very same meeting. The education team from around the country (and even some parts around the world) were all in attendance. It was mind blowing! I could tell that I was a part of something big....but I just couldn't wrap my head around it. Even this year I still felt a little starstruck on day one.

This past year has been a huge, amazing, and challenging learning experience for me. I learned skills I never thought I was capable of and have opened my mind to all the possibilities that I can make for myself. Little old kindergarten teacher me! I still have to pinch myself sometimes. Some days it feels like I just started this job, and other days it feels like forever. Which is why having meetings like this is so good for me. While much of the content I could do without (usually because I keep thinking how quickly my emails and voicemails are piling up while I'm away), it serves as a great reminder that we really are trying to do great things by changing the face of education.

We have such a huge responsibility to prepare today's children for jobs that we don't even know exist! They're going to be the ones creating these new paths, and I often worry that we have in no way readied them for that task. Every day I talk to people who are still doing things the same way as they always have been, and that's just not going to cut it anymore. But I also get to see the success stories, and that's what keeps me going. So I'll drink the koolaid- even give me a second glass! Because I know I've got another big year ahead of me and the motivation is a good place to start.