They say it's your birthday! And a recap of the past few months

I meant to blog fitness progress over the past few months, really I did. But honestly, it's taken this long for me to really 'feel' any difference. I mean I didn't strut around in my bikini on vacation(but I did put one on and that's a victory in itself). I should really clarify, I feel better about my workouts when I'm at the gym. I've been doing HIIT(high intensity interval training) and really enjoying it. I plan to keep it up and have been trying to find a good weight training program to go along with the cardio. 

So since I last wrote a post, I have celebrated my first anniversary and been on vacation. 

As far as my anni goes, I can't believe we made it! I have said it again and again this past year but seriously, marriage is not for the faint of heart. I guess it surprises people that we didn't feel that honeymoon/all bliss period. Well, I'm just trying to be honest. Marriage was not what I thought it would be. A big part of that was/continues to be unrealistic expectations. I am constantly reminding myself, you've never been married before, it's ok to have no idea what you are doing, its ok to set your own standards. And like most things in life, the hard work makes it so worth it. I recommit myself to Mac every day and the end result is an ever changing relationship that is filled with compromise, patience, trust, sometimes conflict but above all, love. So to repeat myself, marriage is not what I thought it would be, but honestly it's so much more than I ever imagined. 

When we're cruisin together....

Hard to believe our vacation has come and gone for 2013. We joined up with Nicki and Cina for another great week long cruise, this time to the eastern Caribbean on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas. There were 3 ports of call; Nassau Bahamas, St Thomas USVI, & St Maarten. 

Highs: great friends, having champagne and strawberries for our anniversary from our trip mates, similar boat layout, balcony view, 'be'Dazzles, jump rope, listening to Mac and Cina talk to Roxy, sock less formal night. banana raft ride, smuggling in shells, braving the coach sale, anniversary cards from hubs(not 1 but 2!), Seeing 9 people in a cabin shower

Lows: understaffing/less enthusiastic staff, figuring out how to get to St John from St Thomas, no OX tail, motion of the ocean, food selection, realizing we are in the 'older' fun group

All in all, we came away from vacation with a few scratches and bruises, several 2nd place medals, and more great memories with Nicki and Cina. Wishing them the best as they begin their 'real' married life together in NC and (selfishly) hoping that they come back ASAP! Looking forward to our next vacation together soon. 

29 is gonna be the best year yet! ;)

As I reflect on the past year and the year to come I'm pretty amazed and overwhelmed. When I look over all the fb messages, texts and calls I can't help but praise God for bringing all these people into my life. I am who I am today because of all the people that I've met and they have all had a profound impact in my life. This made me think, how have I affected others I've come across? Has it been for good or worse? 

My goal for the upcoming year is to serve others more consistently. Whether that be a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, an extra set of hands, monetary donations, I want to start giving. Thoughts on good ways to get started? 

And for those of you who don't know, I'm actually 32 and proud of it. But seriously, could I pass for 29?