OMGW

Hey kids!

OMG!  I cut my hair!  Don't get excited, I didn't do what I illustrated here.  I know, I'm a BIG.  FAT.  LIAR!  I just started braiding my hair one evening, and fish tailing and whatever else, and it dawned on me...  I don't want short hair!  But I cut four inches off last night, that's a fair compromise, right?

Here's Before:

Was actually a little longer, since this pic is from Sept. 5

And After:

Nov. 29

Inspiration:

You guys know I'm obsessed with Paula Creamer.

My cut doesn't appear to be an exact replica, which annoys me a little bit.  But maybe it was for the best. And I've already gotten one backward compliment... "You're hair looks cute today!" TODAY? REALLY!?
Happy Wednesday!

Thanksgiving

Hi Friends!

How was your Thanksgiving holiday??  Mine was fab!  Wednesday evening, Wes and I drove to New Haven to start off the holiday with the Duffys.  Thursday's lunch was delish!  We were back to St. Louis by 9pm, and the food was still out, so of course I helped myself to some seconds (or thirds).  We finished the day off with some football.  At midnight, my aunts, cousins, mom and I headed to the mall!!  We definitely did this more for the experience.  We didn't take it all very seriously, I'm sure we offended some crazies.  But I'm over it.  We were shopping til 4:30am!  The sales were great! And I think most of us bought for ourselves.  But it was definitely fun, until about 3pm on Friday hit.  We drove through the lights at Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park, then headed downtown to see the Macy's Christmas display.  Saturday morning started with breakfast and Apples to Apples, yours truly was the winner!  I played a soccer game Saturday afternoon, then headed to Nick's for a Friendsgiving.  I brought the veggies!  KJ made the pumpkin pie.  It was delish!  Sunday morning, another soccer game and a W (good for 3rd place... LAME) and some more shopping.  But just a little, not 4 hours worth at the butt crack of dawn!  Then bed.  Sleep.  Is.  Good.

Here are pics from my blackberry.

All the girls sleep in the basement, with the cats.  I woke up with this little big guy next to me.





Lights at Tilles Park!  Look: Santa is callin Mrs. Claus a "HO" HAHAHAHHAHHA!

Aunt Deb, JB and Mom

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for it all!

Check It Out.

Hi Gang (I'm feeling very 70s today, in my high waisted flare jeans and pink dotted button down).

So, March 1, 2011, my cousin Karri lost her hard fought, strong, and courageous battle against breast cancer (I'm wearing pink!  HEY!).  She was 40 years old.  She was a teacher, married to Scott and they have two wonderfully talented kids.

For Karri's birthday in September, my mom sent each family a (or a couple) winged messenger.  Mom saw the winged messengers on Susanna's Sketchbook.  She contacted Susanna and Susanna sent us a template. 

Within the next couple of months (September, October, November) we worked on hanging our winged messengers around our hometowns in remembrance, celebration and honor of Karri... and to inspire our community to pay it forward.

Mom reported back to Susanna, and today she blogged about us (I feel cool!).

Check it out!

Winged Messengers for Karri

Happy Monday!  Pay it forward!

OMG I missed OMGW

Yo!

I have a complaint.  Being at work, browsing or not browsing the web.  And someone saying, in regard to whatever you're doing on the computer, "That's not work appropriate."

1.  It may not be, but shut up.
2.  It probably is work appropriate, are you trying to be funny?
3.  You're not funny.
4.  What do you want.

I feel like other people are so concerned with other people and what they're doing that they forget about their own selves.  And, here's the thing, you're not going to say anything, because chances are you do more work inappropriate things than I do.

The Internet was "banned" at my personal training job because the computers got a virus.  Pretty sure it wasn't us (the trainers), we were probably training someone!!  And, since when is surfing the web the only virus causing act.  It's called not having a mac.  Boom.

I've been taking DayQuil and NyQuil for a week now, I guess I'm just down playing the symptoms, not treating anything.  The Puffs with lotion are amazing.  I've been through two boxes!

My bangs are funked up today.  Kind of dig 'em.

Happy Thursday!

SO true.

Soldier Marathon. Complete!

HELLO!

We had a GREAT time in Georgia!  We arrived 4am ish EST Friday morning.  I firmly believe it was the best thing anyone could wake up to... Cliff and Tim stayed up a little while longer and kept us company while we blew up the air mattresses.

Friday we golfed at Fort Benning Golf course, it was the most fun round of golf I had played in a while!  I don't think I stopped laughing.  We picked up our packets at the National Infantry Museum and made our way to a local Italian restuarant for some carbo loading.  I wish there was a race for that, I'd win.  I wouldn't win fastest, I'd be the first person stuffed. 

Saturday morning we were up and at 'em by 5:30, I put on my fastest outfit and shoes, and we left Tim's apartment around 6am.  The race started at 7am, and I may have almost missed it.  The other races I've ran, you don't get through the start at 7am.  Because there are 22,000 people racing!  About 1500 raced on Saturday, so yes, I almost missed the start.  Cliff, Tim, Andrew, Chelsea, Stef and Nic ran the half as well.

It was cooooooolddddd.  Nic's iPhone said 27 degrees!  Of course we ran on the coldest day of the weekend, at the coldest time.  Couldn't have planned it better!  I can't say I ever warmed up, it was pleasant in the sunshine, and chilly in the shade.  I remember it being totally awesome.  We ran through Fort Benning, never left the base.  Servicemen and servicewomen lined the whole path, and they cheered for us.  That was the best part.  Soldiers, who fight for me and my country, so I can have a life of freedom and safety... they were cheering for ME.  It was so surreal.  I felt great until somewhere around 11.5 miles.  I think I was getting bored, and obviously I was tired!  But wasn't in too much pain.  Mile 9 felt REALLY long.  I kept looking and looking for 10. 

Servicemen and servicewomen ran out before the runners to take a "post."

And we're off!

Nic is blue glove, I'm black glove.

Mile 1

Cliff at Mile 7

Andrew at Mile 7

Tim at Mile 7

Me at Mile 7

Cliff at Mile 13

Andrew at Mile 13

Tim at Mile 13

Me at Mile 13



The final stretch!



Jess, Andrew, Tim, Chels and Cliff



Stef's final stretch!

The Group, L to R: Jess, Chelsea, Cliff, Tim, Stef, Andrew, Nic
And pictured:  1LT Robert Collins

Running in memory and honor of 1LT Robert Wilson Collins

I finished in 2:14 chip time, 2:16 gun time.  I'm gonna go with chip time.  Who wouldn't?

This is a personal record for me!  It was awesome.  The atmosphere was awesome, the comraderie was awesome, the swag we scored was awesome, my peeps are awesome, and my bf is awesome!  He took all the pics.

After the race Saturday, everyone napped at some point.  And then everyone welcomed said napper back once they woke up.  We watched football, BBQ-ed and ate lots of food.  Wes was the grill master.  Andrew's parents, Cliff's parents and Robert's mom spent the afternoon with us, also.  It was nice to have them there.  Mrs. Collins brought Krispie Kreme.  Andrew and I may have eaten all of them (one for each hand, at least twice!).  They were chocolate glazed.  You guys know how much I love doughnuts!

We raised more than $2300 for the 1LT Robert Wilson Collins Patriot Spirit Scholarship, and better yet, we were able to present the money to Robert's mom that afternoon.  It was a really awesome cause and a real honor to be a part of it all!



Me and Wes



Chelsea's Best. Nap. Ever!
Do you recognize Racer 1? He is the best to nap with!



Tim presenting Robert's mom with the money we raised.

Saturday night we hit the bowling lanes.  Sunday morning, Wes and I slept in, then pretty much got up and got ready to leave.  It was a long trip back home.  But I was in bed by 11pm.  Success!

"I'm running in honor of" tag, Race Number, Medal and Coin

The weekend was a huge success, on all accounts!  'Murrica

Happy Tuesday!

PS

How about The Band Perry last night at the CMAs!

The Band Perry took home three, not one, THREE CMAs!
New artist of the year, single of the year and song of the year for their hit single "If I Die Young."
I love those Perrys!

When's the Christmas Album come out?
 
Happy Thursday!

OMGT

OMG it's Jada's Birthday!

Happy 1st birthday Jada Jane Juenger!

Remember this pic?

Look at you now!

That's Caitlyn behind you, she's dressed as Rapunzel.  You had a Halloween themed party for your 'friends' birthday party on Nov. 5.  You are one good looking Dorothy! 

You even had on ruby slippers! 

And that chip that's in your hand, that was from my plate.  You're welcome.

You were pretty tired, so you slept for a couple of hours.

But that's ok.  In fact, many of us were jealous. 

I wish it was socially acceptable for adults to fall asleep places... in the arms of another. 

Your mom and and dad woke you to open presents. 

You were only mad for a second. 

You're very good at opening presents, especially the ones "wrapped" in a gift bag with tissue. 

Note to self:  Use tissue and gift bags for presents for Jada

After presents, came cake.

You are a very good cake eater (Speaking of cake eater, you need to watch Mighty Ducks!). 

You didn't need any help at all. 

Your mom says you get so excited for anything that is on that tray. 

Read: You'll eat anything. 

You started with your fingers, but it didn't take you long to dive right in. 

We were all impressed, I was even more proud.

Here you are at your Family birthday party. 

You look great!

Happy first birthday, nugget.  We all love you soooooooo much!

Love, Aunt Bonch

Happy Thursday! 

OMGW

The CMAs are tonight!  WOO!

I'll be watching as much as possible, probably from a treadmill!  Today is my last run before the race! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

I don't think I really have anything OMG worthy...  I'm gonna find something on google yahoo.

Bingo.  Check it out.  It's amazing!

Let's make a bet.  Loser tattoos "I'm bored.." on their right biceps.

This is a really good picture of me.  I'll be hitting the links this weekend!

Happy Wednesday!

OMGT

OMG, who watches The Sing Off??  With host Nick Lachey...

I only watch it at the gym.  But I like it when I'm watching it there.  The idea is singers without the help of instruments.  I know what it's really called, but I can't spell it.  Anyway, Sara Bareilles is a judge, and I might love her more than the show.  But still.  It gets me to watch, and that's all you really want, right?  Right!

Anyway, it was rock n' roll and country week.  Every group did a song from each genre.  I only saw the rock songs.  But the judges told one group to simplify it, and then the next group kept it very rock n roll-y and simple, and the judges told them to make it more complicated.  "Don't underestimate the audience" or whatever.  Here's the thing.  If the song is American Girl by Tom Petty, and after your performance (regardless of how awesome the performance was) I'm like, "I've never heard that song before." I'd say your performance was too complicated.  You added too much of your own flava.  Beacuse OF COURSE I know the song.  However, if you perform Dream On by Aerosmith, and it's awesome, and I recognize the song then you did your thang.  I'm sort of bitter against the show.  I loved the ones they hated, and fine, I'm not a musician by Hollywood's standards, but I'm the one buying the darn CDs music from itunes!

Here is a link.

Happy Tuesday!  Sing your little heart out!

CMAs start tonight.  I hope The Band Perry CLEANS UP.  Sugarland, too.  By the way, look how symmetrical we are in the photo.  Boy, boy, girl, girl, girl, boy, boy.  We win.  Probably shoulda gone boy girl, but Amanda and I wanted to stand next to Kimberly.  I should have a grabbed that water bottle and put it on ebay.

OMGW

It's OMGWeek!  Props to me for remembering!

So, without further adieux, OMGM!

Daylight savings time!  How is it treating you?  It was amazing sleeping till 10:30 Sunday morning, which was really sleeping till 11:30!  However, this morning I was a little perturbed to wake to DARKNESS.  STILL!  What the crap daylight savings, you are not supposed to work that way!

Also for this OMGM.  It is a 4 day week for moi, complete with a dentist appointment Thursday morning.  So really it's like a 3.825 day week.  Saturday is the ever anticipated SOLIDER HALF MARATHON AND MARATHON!! I'm excited.  I got my race info emailed to me over the weekend.  I skimmed it and forwarded it to Wes, he'll read it and tell me everything, right?  I also printed it out.  It will make good reading material for the 10 hour drive to Georgia.  According to my training program, I was supposed to run 12 miles on Saturday (over the weekend).  I ran 11 instead... for a few reasons:
1.  I ran out of acceptable real estate.
2.  I was tired.
3.  I was making great time, and KNEW if I continued to make great time, I would go ahead and run 13.1, therefore having my race a week early.  Plus, 11 is the same as 12 is the same as 13.1 on the legs.

The last half I ran, I finished in 2:37:24.  My goal is to obviously beat that, but I'd like to see myself finish 2:09, that's a tiny bit faster than 10 minute miles.  I think I can do it!  Especially since I'm running for this guy...

With the help of many, I raised $800 for The 1LT Robert Wilson Collins Patriot Spirit Scholarship, and am SOO EXCITED and ANXIOUS to find out how much the team raised all together!!

Also, over the weekend Mom and I found these for $15!!!  I got red ones!

Happy Monday!

I'm Gonna Do It!

Remember this post?  It's still true.  I have awesome hair... 

...And I'm choppin' it off! Oh man! Probably in a couple weeks.  EEEEEEE!!!!!


It's all for Locks of Love.  Here are the guidelines.  I need 10 inches, and I'd say I definitely have 9.  I heard once that if your hair has not been colored or dyed or whatever, then 8 inches was acceptable.  But apparently not.

Here are my celeb inspirations...

I've got the waves like Jennifer Nettles, and bangs like Nicric and Katie.  Katie's 'do is a little short for me, but it's totes adorbs!  And I love Jen's bob from the side...

I DO NOT want to look like this:

What's the ish here??  I think it's Jaime Pressley's face shape?

What do you guys and girls think???

Lay it on me!

Happy Friday!!  I just remembered that I used to do this little thing called OMGW, and I have totally forgot about it!!  So, in order to make up for lost time.  Next week will be OMGW, as in OMGWeek!  I'm excited, too!!  A little nervous... but mostly excited!

Vegas Is Calling!

BOOKED!

Wessers and I booked our flights to Vegas yesterday!  We got a great deal!  Especially compared to the prices we were going to pay to go to Vegas for New Years Eve.

Somebody tell Holly Madison!  And the Kardashians!  AND TIGER!!!  We all know he likes Vegas.

We'll be staying at or in? Paris, again. I loved it there.  Plus, it's freakin' Paris!

And I'll be eating here.  Maybe even the same sandwich.

And then I'll be tweeting and blogging about it allllllllllllllllllllllll!!!

I'm most excited to have twitter this time around!

Happy Thursday!

Nerd Alert

For Halloween, I dressed as a nerd... I know, I know... I didn't have to do much dressing up, right??  

Did anyone else have to pin their bus number to their shirt in Elementary school?

Mummies for dinner!

Wes was a gangsta, complete with pin stripe suit, black fedora and cigar!  But I don't have any pictures of him.  I saw a lot of black swans, and Cards players, and rally squirrels.  Lots of sluts bees, ladybugs, and Dorothys.  Saw the grim reaper, too!  I guess this man was on stilts, he was awesome!  And online I saw Heidi Klum dressed as body worlds, AWESOME!!!  Nicric dressed as J.LO, also awesome. 

Hope everyone had a great holiday and scored some serious candy!

Happy Tuesday, Happy November and HAPPY BIRTHDAY MILLARD!!