asheville

Spent the weekend in Asheville, NC, for Mara and Erik's breathtaking wedding! Because my Erik couldn't attend, I flew into Raleigh and took my cute mom. It turned out to be such a lovely weekend for both of us, even though (or perhaps because?) we rocked it senior-citizen style. We stayed a little outside of the city at a cozy cabin. Every day we woke up and had our coffee in beneath an old oak tree covered with wisteria and gazed at the pretty mountain views. One day, we walked around charming downtown Asheville, ate Indian food and ice cream, and did some window shopping. We also drove a little of the Blue Ridge Parkway and hiked around the Arboreteum. On Saturday night, I headed to the wedding, which took place on the most gorgeous farm, complete with horses and lush greenery. The evening was filled with love, happiness, dancing, and delicious eats! So happy for those two perfectly matched people. The next day, we stopped by a little bakery on our way out of town and I caught up with a dear college pal. Even though it's probably been 10 years since I last saw her, it felt like a day hadn't gone by; the best kind of friendship. Now I'm back to the grind, but full of happiness and fun memories.

Quote of the day: "Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life." - Dolly Parton

busted

Oh, man. My face is looking worse for the wear these days. I came home from Barbados with about 15 bug bites on my face, and then promptly broke out in a cold sore, thanks to the zillion deadlines I had waiting for me upon my return. To add insult to injury, I wound up with a bit of a split lip after yesterday's surf session. Good thing I'm not particularly vain, and Erik has the best sense of humor about my "tore up" face. Hope it all heals before this wedding I'm headed to this week. Ha!

Pic: New turtle friend in Barbados

barbados love

Home from an epic trip to Barbados! We had the most amazing time; I didn't expect to fall in love with the island as much as I did. Everything was so easy and relaxing, from the crystal-blue water and long lefts at Freight's to the gentle breeze and sound of the ocean lulling me to sleep each night. Every day we surfed for about four hours. At first, I was bummed that the waves weren't bigger -- in the two-to-three feet range -- but it actually worked out because it forced me to work on my technique instead of just holding on for dear life. I concentrated on my turns and carving up and down the wave, and even tried cross-stepping. (It's so cool to learn something new as an adult and track your progress!) Our late afternoons and evenings were free, so we ate dinner out and explored the island: One day, we went snorkeling with giant turtles, and on another, we drove to the other side of the island, hiked along the rocky coast, and swam in tide pools. We even entered a dance contest at the local hotspot and won a bottle of rum. All in all, it was a magical time with some rad ladies! As a friend of mine posted on Facebook the other day: "Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer."

6 things...

…I did this week:

1. Went surfing with the chicas. So fun! It was pretty steep that day, so I decided to make the session an exercise in overcoming fear. I definitely wiped out hard on a bunch, but there were also a few that I caught. So rewarding.
2. Rocked out at Mara's bachelorette. And by rocked out, I meant watched her friends throw down. Those girls know how to party! It was a blast. (Hashtag pennant pictured above.)
3. Went to Jenna's baby shower. Babies be having babies! She is radiant and happy, and it was so fun catching up with my former coworkers.
4. Caught a little cold. Blech. Too many deadlines and parties and too little sleep caught up with me! Hoping it won't be too bad, although I'm confined inside on this beautiful spring day.
5. Tried out Soul Cycle. Could I be more late to this trend? While it had a fun dance-party vibe, I couldn't quite get over the fact that people pay close to $40 (!!!) to ride a bicycle for 45 minutes. I mean, I do that shiz all the time for FREE and also I wind up at the destination of my choice.
6. Starting packing for Barbados…can't wait for sun, sleep, and surf, although I will miss my fella and cat terribly. Obsessed with those two.