Moms are the Best

I have had such a crazy week with work events, grad school homework and outside activities that I haven't even had any time to talk to my parents or even some of my best friends. Oh man, I am tired. But tonight, a wonderful and perfect thing happened.

My mom called. Gosh have I missed her voice. She brings sunshine to my day and always puts a smile on my face and laughter to the air. My favorite part of our conversation, "Sarah, how is your love life?" Oh mom, if you only knew. I spilled everything to her about my 2 latest crushes, a golfer and a dental student and of course, my fellow grad student I have been pining after for 8 months now that she already knew about. Yep, he's still around.

My mom. She is the best. Thanks for a great night, I love you.

My Chevron Bag

What is in a bag? Is it just a fashion piece that we tote around with us? Does it only carry necessities like keys and money? I always wonder what you can find in someone's bag. The possibilities are endless and a bag can serve so many purposes. I have found that although I can leave my cute little apartment without a bag (I live in a downtown neighborhood with endless things at my fingertips and no need for a car, which helps a lot) but I always feel better with a bag!

Enter my new chevron bag. Oh, isn't she gorgeous? She is so fun and flirty and lightweight and there is so much storage! I have a new way of thinking that will help me with my balance and following through on my Happiness Project. My chevron bag holds my life and if I am in search, I just need to look in the bag. I can find my Kindle with my books that help me keep my sanity. My laptop that basically houses my life. My Camelbak water bottle so I'm always hydrated, lipgloss, pens, earbuds, wallet, keys, must I go on? Yes! My planner, my notebook, hand sanitizer (one in every bag, actually), mints and gum and even a sweatband! This bag is a good thing. I am so excited for my bag and think you should get one too.

This little gem came from a site that my colleagues were quite surprised to see me perusing, Zulily. Technically, it's a site for moms, babies and kids. I do not fit into in of those categories, currently. Whatever, like I care, I want the bag! So I signed up for a free membership, shopped around, put two bags in my online cart and checked the heck out - only $10 a piece! One of my girlfriends was lucky enough to be the recipient of the other bag :) She needed a life saver chevron bag, too.

So all of you busy, over-involved, fashionable ladies out there - go out and get yourself a bag that makes you happy and keeps you sane - you will feel inspired, motivated, relaxed and best of all, ready to take on the day!

The Brooks Blister

Here she is. Hawt, right?

Finally! Spring has made its way to Nebraska! We have been suffering through a never-ending winter that just couldn't release its grip on us! The snow came down, the sun would melt half of it, the wind would pick up and boom! Black ice. It would snow again, more sun, melt melt melt, and now, finally, we are basking in sunshine and heat wave temps reaching 55 :)

And what does all of that beautiful no-wind weather call for, you ask? Why, an outdoor run, of course. I have never been a runner (more of the cycling type) but last year, I put my mind to it and started down this footloose and fancy journey. I got into a groove of a couple miles here and there, a few fun 5k's with friends found their way into my summer weekend schedule and all of a sudden I felt like Forrest Gump. Ok...well, maybe not quite, but come on, applause please!

So what did I go and decide to do this year? A freaking half marathon. What the heck, Sarah. Do you really think this is a good idea. 13.1 miles of pavement. Your shins, your ankles, your lungs - they will collapse, you will faint! Those are the bleak and mean things that the little cycling devil on my shoulder says to me. My beautiful Trek 1.2 WSD is calling my name - I want you back, the seat is warm and waiting for you. Remember me? You can get 70 miles done here and still feel like living. Didn't I hear you say you wanted to die the other day after you ran 6? Yeah, yeah, shut it, Trek. I am doing this thing and you can't stop me.

Ok, back to the weather and my glorious outdoor run. Let me just air this grief right now - I hate treadmills. I think they are one of the sources of all evil (along with clowns and gluten) and I feel like I'm going to fall off every time I try and run. That doesn't go so well with my geographical location. Nebraskans should like treadmill running, we have to do it 3-4 months a year. Well screw that, I would rather run in snow (no wind, please!) than get my buns on a death machine.

The run was great, I am so in love with my Brooks Pureflow 2's. But I would totally be more in love if the right shoe didn't give me this awkward blister on the inside of my soul. Like clockwork, every time, at 3.5 miles bam! Blister is back. This thing is ginormous and huge and gross by now. I just love the shoes, though. They are lightweight, it feels like I have pillows surrounding my feet (I'm a princess with a pea, one might say) and they are hot pink and black. So, finally, I took them into our local running store, a fantastic place, The Running Company (look it up, you won't regret it) and told them my situation. Expecting to just get some advice like "get thicker socks" or "use some mole skin" they just plum surprised the heck out of me. "Yeah, that should not be happening. We'll just give you a brand new pair and send these ones back explaining that they are a defective pair." OH MY GOSH! Can we say best customer service ever! I was blown away and their service blew me right out the door with my brand new pair already on my feetsies!

Now I can't wait to run that next 6, 8, 10 and finally...13.1!!

Slainte for the Irish Bride!

Celebrating and toasting friends is one of my favorite pastimes. I don't care if it's a simple celebration of a productive day at work, or as exciting as my St. Pat's weekend of celebrating my friend Q's last few weeks as a single woman. I am always down for a toast and some dinner, drinks, laughs and hilarious antics with my girlfriends! As you scroll down, you will see some of the crazy things that happened the night we celebrated Q's Bachelorette in true Irish style, St. Pat's weekend, obviously.

We started with an array of snacks at her adorable downtown loft apartment, all color coordinated for the occasion in orange, green and white. Orange peppers, cauliflower, green peppers, hummus, apples and oranges started us off on a right note, which was quickly followed by your choice of Jameson and ginger, Guiness, Harp, or your usual lemonade and UV. Perfect way to get a party started. We went off and enjoyed a delish dinner at Jackson Street Tavern, where we surprised the bride-to-be with an ode to her via the piano man. Unfortunately, his range was not extensive and he ended up serenading her to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Why, you ask? We have no idea.

Our night continued to, where else, The Dubliner!! One of my favorite haunts in the Old Market, any given night, on St. Pat's it's even better! A live band entertaining us with Irish drinking songs, dance ballads and jovial sing-a-longs had the crowd roarin' and the beer and whisky flowin'. A couple of Irish Car Bomb shots and whiskey sours later and some of us were rolling on the floor. No, literally, I was on the floor. Now, hold your horses, this was not by choice. I was actually somewhat stalked by this dude in dental school who is apparently sweet on me, much to my chagrin. Hilarity ensued including him on the floor kissing my feet in apology and me having an entourage of three 40 year old body guards. This was a crazy night.

We left the pub early, right before things got really wild and more of us ended up with our rears on the ground and headed back to Q's apartment. Little did she know that waiting for her in the spare bedroom was something no party is complete without...a pinata! Took her a few good swings, but she showed that shamrock papier-mache who was boss. To end the night, we had a couple more drinks of Jameson and turned on a movie. Non other than, Leap Year. The perfect Irish romantic comedy to end the perfect bachelorette party evening.

Can't wait for April 20 to celebrate a beautiful and loving marriage!

Me with the beautiful and fun bride, one of my dear friends! She sure loved sporting those glasses ;)

Q, completely embarrassed that we had the piano man serenade her. Maybe it would have been better if he would have actually played a song that related to the situation at hand. Somewhere Over the Rainbow didn't quite cut it.

Although this peach isn't a part of our group, I couldn't resist adding a photo of this gem of an outfit.

One of my favorites, A, came up from KC for the occasion! And of course, we got photo bombed. Typical.

The bride-to-be having such a great night with friends out celebrating!

Irish Car Bomb shots! Slainte!

The curly crew that rolls with Q. Two are sisters and one is just some really cool chick who has the same kind of hair.

Here it is...the bride smashing her good luck pinata covered in lingerie! 

Just a fun pic stitch of some favorite moments from the night! 

Wednesday's Lesson - be thankful

I have such happiness in life. My friends who are there with me to laugh until our stomachs hurt and smile through the painful tears, my family who supports and loves me no matter what and the talent and strength that God has given me. Even with all of these sources of happiness in life, I find myself wanting and seeking more. Should I move? Am I on the right path? Do I need a new journey? Why is life so hard? Then, I take a moment and close my eyes to take a deep breath and say thank you and think about all of the people in the world who don't have a place to live, are unsure of where their next meal is coming from and don't have a friend or family member to turn to.

So here is my lesson for the day. Sometimes, others around you are going to get things that you want. That is life. You need to stand up for yourself and ask for what you want. But, be reasonable and smart about it. Just because you ask for it doesn't mean that you're going to get the answer that you want. You must be ready for that.

I am not sure exactly where my life journey is headed, but as long as I know and trust myself to create my own happiness, live in the moment and be thankful for each and every day, I know I am on the lighted path.

A few things to be thankful for:

I had a beautiful friend get married this past weekend and had friends (above) come in from Nashville and Vegas to celebrate! Cheers to wonderful friends and beautiful love!

Yep, this is the bride and groom karaoking "Don't Stop Believing." Yes, they are that awesome.

Two of my favorite men in my life. My big brother and my nephew, Connor. I know, they are twins.

I can hear all of your ooooo's and awwww's through the screen right now and I don't blame you. I have a couple of the cutest nephews in the whole entire world. 

Margarita Magic

Sometimes, when you're having a bad day all you need is a margarita and a friend. It's not very often that I feel blue, I am usually a resilient ray of sunshine who is very hard to get down in the dumps. Thank God I have this personality trait, I don't know what I would do if I wasn't this way. (Obviously, Sarah, duh) But, in any case, recently I had one of those off-days and I needed the help of a good friend to talk through things and a stiff drink to get our creative solutions flowing. At the end of our session full of laughing, tearing (on her end, I'm not a crier) problem-solving and causing quite the boisterous raucous scene, we had pretty much solved the problems of the world and our lives, in particular. This is what we decided:

1. It's good to always be someone's favorite - especially if that someone has a say in your success
2. Boys are dumb
3. Life is better with someone to bitch to
4. Always talk about controversial subjects at public places where a lot of tequila is served
5. We have to fight our way to the top, but make friends while you're at it
6. Boys are dumb
7. Always be nice to secretaries or executive assistants
8. It never hurts to ask
9. Others won't always respect you, but you must always respect yourself
10. Boys are dumb

And those are our wise words thanks for some stiff margaritas and good company. You're welcome.

Hot Dogs and Phone Chargers

California update: I just finished up with my speaking engagement at the San Diego Huskers alumni event at Bernardo Winery in Poway, CA and was getting ready to hit the I-15 to drive back down to the Gaslamp District when my phone started buzzing. Uh oh. 17% battery left. And I needed to use the GPS. This sucker wasn't going to last another 10 minutes let alone 28 miles on a 7-lane freeway! Quick, I need a charger!!

Crap! The USB port in my rental car is dysfunctional and won't charge my phone, WTF!?! Must find charger. First stop, Kwik gas station. Denied. Better luck next time, Nebraska sucker.

Aha!! The heavenly light just shined down on a Sprint store!! Pit stop time. With car charger in hand and the male employees offering to take me out on the town, to which I politely declined, I am in the little Kia Soul, my whip for the day, and the phone is charging!! Google maps, take me home.

Why is this story interesting, you ask? I'll tell you why. On the way out, they offered me a hot dog from the little marketing booth they set up outside. That's right. I walked out with a car charger and a turkey dog. #success #postwineprotein

California Happenings

My first run of the trip - what a view.

Well, I'm on day 3 in Sunny California and the trip couldn't be more stellar. The weather is gorgeous, 65 and sunny, cooler in the morning, warm during the day and cooling back down in the evening. I have had a lot of time to get some much-needed work done, phone calls made and brainstorming sessions underway. Of course, I have given myself some "me" time too. I'm in California, after all. with my half marathon training in full swing, living in Nebraska can sometimes put a damper on my outdoor running. Case in point: there is currently 8 inches of snow on the ground in the good ole' Midwest. But not in San Diego! I have gotten up early each morning and hit the pavement getting my long run in yesterday. Feels so good to be outside feeding my body with exercise and vitamin D.

I do love Birds of Paradise :)

I just had to write a note today because of a conversation that I overheard last night and just had to put it out there. Ok, so last night I planned to just grab some dinner at my hotel and head upstairs to my room to go over my presentation for today, enjoy a glass of wine and hit the sack early. Great plan, love it. While I'm down in the hotel bar area, there are two women who are quite obviously drunk and enjoying themselves. Good for them. Heck, no judgement here, you can find me doing the exact same thing with my wolf pack on most Fridays and Saturdays...and sometimes Mondays. No judgement, just support. The amazing thing about these women were the stories they were telling. Holy crap, get ready for this.

One of the women, the loud boisterous one, obviously, started telling this story about how when she was taking a graduate course, a couple of girls in her class tried to recruit her to join them in a "social group". Turns out this group practices fairy wiccan. Are you asking yourself what the heck that is? I know I did while I was eavesdropping. Apparently, it's a wiccan practice that utilizes sexual energy and these two recruiters felt like Lemon Drop woman would be a perfect addition. She has a strong energy and they told her that it would be best for her own life if she joined them in practice. Ahhhhh!! What the what?!? I was seriously trying to not crack up this entire time. I mean, this lady was trying to act creeped out when telling her story but you knew she was really proud of herself and super excited about the offer.

Oh, she also went on to say that she met a vampire. #californians

A beautiful spot in Seaport Village I liked to stop and enjoy.

I sure do enjoy working in California with a blueberry mojito :)

The adorable Bernardo Winery where our Nebraska chapter event was held!

Enjoying my last run along the Embarcadero.

A sculpture along the Embarcadero.

My bare Nebraska legs outside in the February sunshine. Man, I'm going to miss this.

Airplane Hilarity

This would only happen to me. As my best friends know, I hate PDA. It makes me uncomfortable, I don't like doing it and I especially don't like watching it. It is for that reason that they insist to show PDA with their significant others in hopes of making me squirm. And it works...every time.

Only way I got through that PDA - liquid "I don't care anymore"

Well, they would be happy to know that they are not the only ones with this endeavor in mind. Now, it seems as though total strangers have the uncanny ability to sense this about me and decide to make my life as uncomfortable as possible. Case in point, my flight from Las Vegas to San Diego. I am currently on a work trip to San Diego (so amazing being out of Nebraska and that insane snow storm that forced Jim Cantore, of Weather Channel fame to head our way) for a speaking engagement with our alumni. The flight from Omaha to Vegas went off without a hitch. A slight delay at the beginning but then smooth sailing for 2.5 hours. I had a short layover in Vegas, seriously like 40 minutes before hopping on my last hour leg from Sin City to the land of perfect weather year-round.

Here's the deal. I like sitting at the front of the plane. You get off first, it seems to be the most quiet because children head to the back (if their parents are polite) and you get served first...I need my ginger ale. Also, I like an aisle seat. Who doesn't, right? So, the first row up front with an aisle seat available is next to a young couple. Fine. I don't usually engage with people on planes, although this usually ends up happening because apparently I "look so friendly and open" screw that noise. So I take a seat and start reading my Self mag. I have not been seated for more than 30 seconds before I see a slight movement of a hand on an inner thigh. Wait, what? Yeah, my thoughts exactly. Not only is there rubbing, it then turns to full on making out on the plane. No, this is not fake. I thought my retinas were burning out of my eye sockets. In fact, I wish they would have. They were whispering sweet nothings into one another's ears that I could clearly hear until thank God, we reached 10,000 feet and the captain announced that we could use electronic devices. Head phones in.

Yeah, I found that in the San Diego airport.
Unfortunately, he followed me back to Omaha. #Nebraskaproblems

This continued throughout the entirety of the flight. Kissing, rubbing, hugging (most awkward. Imagine trying to hug someone who is on your side. Actually, don't try it. It looked super weird and I'm sure felt really weird, although they seemed to ignore that fact.) I tried not to smirk or make any obvious noises that I was totally grossed out - I don't think I did a very good job. Holding back annoyed facials - not a strength of mind.

Anyway, thank goodness it was such a short flight. Once we landed, I booked it off the plane - thank God I sat toward the front and went to the bathroom to puke. Not really, but I felt like it.

In conclusion, don't do PDA. It makes others uncomfortable and is just plain embarrassing for you. And if you decide to, expect others to look at you funny and don't take offense, you deserve it.

Girls Night Out

My wolf pack and I have started a Friday ritual. Once we get off work, we plan to just grab a Bloody Mary...or two a couple of appies and then head home. Yeah, right. We start with the best of intentions but let me tell you what actually happens. It's 3:00 p.m. we start g-chatting counting down the minutes until 5. 3:59 p.m. only one more hour. 4:37 g-chat: Hey, you ready to go? Response: Yes, absolutely. We arrive, order our veggies in a glass and get down to business of recapping the week and making the plan on how to effectively and efficiently dominate the weekend. The rest of the crew arrives and before you know it, we're on round 2 and appetizer 3. Then, oh hey guys, you know it's pretty nice out, want to head over to the Tavern? All shout in unity, "YES!!" And here is where it all goes downhill. Tabs are started, drinks are flowing, laughter ensues. One of us will naturally gravitate toward the cute guys at the bar and the others will be in a corner being catty chatty cathy's because we can and sorry, we're not sorry. A few inappropriate tweets from our secret account later and whaddayaknow, it's 1 a.m.

Thank goodness for my amazing intuition which led me to living downtown a block away from the local establishments we frequent. I made my way home and hopped into bed remembering that the original plan was just to have a couple of drinks and enjoy some fantastic friendlies. At least we accomplished one of our goals, as for the other...I make it a priority to hydrate hydrate hydrate and to make sure that I have eggs to fry up in the morning.

In the end, I will never regret a night out with friends, it's good for my soul and I am grateful to be surrounded by such fun, kind and amazing friends. So, bring on the post-work margaritas, Bloody Mary's and beers! Just be sure to balance with food and water - key to success after college, the body just can't handle late nights like it used to. Curse of getting older and wiser.

Moments with Mom

The gorgeous Holland Center in Omaha.

Well, at the start of the New Year I made a few resolutions, as we all do. Now, I intend to keep most of them and taking some time to myself each day to update my friends and family and Internet fans...just kidding, kind of...you know you're out there...about my daily life is something that I hope I can keep up on. I'm good on the spinning regimen and the half marathon training is in full swing, so fingers crossed that I spare a measley 5 minutes to share Sarah's Sunshine. Oh, about that...my friends and coworkers call me Sunshine. I rather like it. So feel free to join in the party and spread the rays. disclaimer: SPF not included.

I have to admit, the people I surround myself with are some of the most fun-loving, hilarious and magnificent people I know. They inspire me everyday and I feel loved, appreciated and completely myself when I am with them. It is also because of them that I get such great abdominal workouts. No, we don't always p90x it out with one another, well, occasionally we do *cough* Ash *cough* but I belly laugh harder than I ever thought was possible and totally blame them for my trim waistline :)

You'll get to hear a lot of fun stories all over this darn blog. But lets start with someone who has been there since the beginning. Literally. I want to start with a story of the woman who birthed me. She's fantastic, so listen up.

Moments with Mom:
Ok, y'all my mom is basically one of the cutest moms out there. She was once described by my sweet southern grandma as "Susan. You know, the little one." What!? Who describes their own daughter as a "little one"? Oh man, this is just the beginning. PS - my grandma also really wants me to pop out babies even though I'm not married...or dating...take note boys, I'm single!...and insists that if I pick the guy it is not considered getting "knocked up." This was also all discussed over a plate of biscuits and gravy and grits. What the what!? Love you, Mammaw.

Ok, on with the Little One. She is a coffee snob. This is the truth people, and she wouldn't argue with me or take offense, it's the God honest truth! The local Starbucks baristas know her exact order and it is dubbed, The Susan. I once went in to get her a surprise treat and tried to say her order and then after I said, oh it's for my mom, Susan, they replied, oh your mom is Susan? We've got this. Talk about making it big time, Hollywood!!

This weekend, LO (Little One) and I had a mom daughter date to the symphony and decided to stop at the new bar inside for a drink before the show. *Remember, this was a bar inside the symphony* I was driving and LO gets loopy after one, so we decided lattes all around. Well, the cute little bar man did not know his way around an espresso machine #unfortunate and was pretty confused when we asked for a latte with Irish cream. I'm no barista, but brewing espresso, frothing milk and pouring in some syrup seems like fairly standard protocol. So the drinks come over and mine is pretty tasty! It's no Philz of San Francisco but my taste buds were quite delighted. LO on the other hand, gave me this disappointed and uppity, snooty look and said, ugh, this is not my usual.

Let me tell you, I have been here before with her antics and I knew where this was headed. My response, "Mother! We are at the symphony, do not cause a scene! This is a bar not a coffee house and you cannot expect perfection. It's like ordering steak at a chain Italian restaurant, don't expect greatness." (By the way, we live in cattle heaven and my brother works for Omaha Steaks #spoiled) So, she stuck out her bottom lip and soldiered on. What a little trooper.

But the best part of this whole thing...the cute little bar man who made the lattes apparently thought that you could split the frothy drink just as you would a mixed drink. In other words, half in one cup and half in the other. Turns out, I got the latte half and LO got the milk and foam only half! Bahahaha! You guys! We just burst out laughing when this was discovered and giggled more than any good school girl with pig-tails and her shirt tied up should. (Sorry, early B.Spears reference, I hope you're all old enough to remember that classic video, long live TRL!) I insisted that she not send back her "imperfect" latte and suck it up and drink it when she legitimately had a reason to be a tad disappointed. What a hoot.

Mark it down in the adventures with Susan, The Little One. Love you, mom!!