Blue Friday

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SEA! HAWKS!

Motivation

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Well, I did it. I'd been thinking about it for awhile now, so I went ahead and bit the bullet. Yours truly will be taking part in the Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Half Marathon in June.

This will be my third time running a half marathon and, like the previous two times, I'm nervous. But I am also really excited. I have always found greater motivation when there is something to work up to.

Keep your fingers crossed that I don't collapse over the Alaskan Way Viaduct. And if you happen to see someone hobbling along, please stop... I probably need a ride.

Tiger Bait

We survived. The Pelican State didn't take as much out of me as I thought it would - well, except for maybe gallons of sweat. 

Over share? Completely. Exaggeration? Not even close.

Yes, it's true. I am meant to live in the Northwest - the humidity just doesn't do it for me. Regardless of the weather (and the ass kicking LSU handed our Huskies), Mr. Malone and I had a wonderful time in Louisiana with his family.

Our trip began with a very brief stint in New Orleans. No joke - we went straight from the airport to the French Quarter for a solid three hours of walking. I had two things on my list: beignets from Cafe du Monde and a cemetery. (What can I say? I loved the movie Double Jeopardy!)

 

Truth be told, I could do without ever visiting New Orleans again. It was dirty and smelled awful. I cannot even fathom how bad that stench must be at night. Although, I can certainly understand why a single person would want to hang out on Bourbon Street.

Woot woot!

After a car ride along the swamps, we made it to Baton Rouge! We drove through campus, checked out my sister-in-law's apartment, and power napped before our first Southern meal. Here is where I should declare my love for the food in Louisiana. The poboys, the gator, the crawfish étouffée... delicious!

Our Friday consisted of walking, sweating, hydrating, walking, sweating, eating, showering, driving, hydrating, and a tour of the Houmas House. (Before our actual tour, we drove 15-20 minutes out of the way to see the Oak Alley Plantation. Totally worth it.)

Oak Alley - stunning

Houmas House

Oh, I do declare! That Mint Julep was mighty fine.

The culmination of our trip was the game on Saturday. (At least one team showed up ready to play!) Win or lose, the SEC knows how to do football. And the LSU fans?! Amazingly genuine. They would taunt us for a bit and then feed us. Everybody was so friendly and hospitable!

Sleepy Mike

That's where we sat!

 

We are smiling so big because there was a wonderful breeze at our seats!

  

Time to start planning our trip to The Windy City

ermahgerd

I'm obsessed with fantasy football. I check my phone constantly on Sunday, yell at the television, and get legitimately upset with my players if they don't do well.

It. Is. Awesome!

My team name & logo - for the win!

Set for the South

 Happy September! The week has arrived - Mr. Malone and I head to the Big Easy tomorrow night. Our itinerary is printed, our suitcases are packed empty, and my shopping spree at the University Bookstore is complete.

GO! 

HUSKIES!

 

USA! USA!

I freaking love the Olympics. Everything about them. I wish I could take two weeks off to sit at home and watch every single event, with an American flag draped over my shoulders & a Budweiser in hand.

I mean, c'mon. How else would you watch them?!

My makeshift Olympic rings. I obviously need to invest in Zen, Kelly & Regal before Rio 2016.

Besides the patriotism and competitive spirit, Bob Costas is really the epitome of the Olympic games. You just can't NOT love the shit that comes out of this guy's mouth. Amazing.

Here is hoping that NBC ups the Bob Costas factor and the good ol' US of A comes home with some hardware!

And We're Back!

The start of summer means the start of softball season. And lucky for me, I get to play on TWO teams this year.

How awesome are our team uniforms?!







The Big Island

Our trip to Hawaii was fantastic. The weather was perfect, the location was stunning and the relaxation was much-needed. We arrived March 31st to an 84-degree day and beautiful accommodations. It never ceases to amaze me how great Mr. Malone's company is to their employees. 

The majority of our time was spent with our feet in the sand and books at the ready. We made sure to treat ourselves to a couple rounds of golf at the nearby Mauna Lani Resort.

For having not played in six and a half months, it was the most consistent golf I have ever played. (I think it has something to do with that warm, Hawaiian air - makes the ball roll for days. I'll take it!) And, it wouldn't have been a trip to The Big Island if we didn't make a stop in Kona.

I took full advantage of having my new camera with me this trip. I've said it once and I will say it again, pictures are so much more clear with a DSLR. I had the best time snapping away. Oh, and those sunsets? To die for.

Until next time, Hawaii. I can't wait to see what you have in store for us next year.