No. 24 - Attend a Yankee game in NYC

No. 16 - Have Breakfast at Tiffany's

My family and I recently visited New York City, and we started our last day of sightseeing by having breakfast at Tiffany's! We stopped by Starbucks and picked up a few Everything bagels, cream cheese, a frappuccino for Keith and a strawberry lemonade blend for me, and made our way to 5th Avenue! The kiddos ate breakfast in their stroller, and we took pictures and enjoyed the view. It was a dreary morning, but I loved reliving a Holly Golightly moment. :)

The City

Source: Uploaded by user via Maryclare on Pinterest

In September 2011, a few months before Gavin was born, Keith and I booked a babymoon to NYC. We purchased plane tickets, booked our bed and breakfast, and had everything planned. Due to a change in heart, we cancelled our trip. I was so bummed out, but I knew it was right decision. Fast forward a year and a half later and we're back to planning a trip to New York City. Except this time, it's really happening! 

On Thursday, April 4th, Keith, Gavin, and I are boarding a non-stop flight to The Big Apple! :) We'll land at 8:00am and aren't coming back to South Carolina until Sunday afternoon. We've got our plane tickets and hotel booked, Keith's vacation time has been approved, and we even purchased tickets to....a Yankees/Red Sox GAME! Going to this game knocks #24 off my 30 Before 30 list. While there, I'll also be conquering #23 - Walk the Brooklyn Bridge and #16 - Have Breakfast at Tiffany's! :) 

We are all so excited about this trip, as it is much needed and well deserved. Keith has been working so hard at his job and is such an excellent provider, and he deserves a break from it all and to go on vacation. As for me, I think my 24/7 gig as a mom earns me a vacation. ;) Additionally, it's going to be a celebration trip. Between our 3 year anniversary on March 7th, me finishing up my undergraduate studies, and this being our last vacation with Gavin as an only child, we have every reason to celebrate!

And while Gavin is coming along, we're not worried that this will feel more like work. I hate to brag or sound annoying, but he's such a great kid and has never given us trouble on past trips. We feel blessed to experience NYC with our son and are looking forward to making memories. This will be G's first time on a plane, but we're hoping for the best. 

The countdown is on, and we've officially got 21 days until our trip, and I can't wait!

NYC Friends/Friends who've visited: Any advice on the best shoes to wear?

No Words

NYC.

It won't be easy. 

But you will recover. 

You'll come back stronger than before. 

You always do.

You're resilient.

You're beautiful.

And I'm sending all of my love, thoughts, and prayers to you.

Relaxing on this Miscellany Monday

Source: flickr.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Good morning, sweet readers. How are y'all doing today? I'm feeling great! Keith and I just finished the last of our assignments and are officially on Fall Break for one week. YAY! Anyway, Happy Monday y'all! I'm full of miscellaneous, so that's what I'll be writing about today. 

* I know it's only Monday, but I am beyond pumped for Friday because....Keith and I are finally going on a date! :) It's been months since our last one and this quality time is much over due. Plus, I'm totally pumped to get dolled up and explore Charleston with my man. :D

 Our first Charleston date, January 2009

* So, my Yanks are in the playoffs, but it is so hard to be happy when Jeter is out with a broken bone in his ankle. He is without a doubt my favorite ballplayer and it just doesn't feel right seeing someone else play shortstop. The Wall Street Journal posted an article yesterday called Without Jeter, These Playoffs Feel Like a Funeral and boy are they right. I'm praying this injury doesn't end his career. I'm praying that he is back next year and playing like himself again.

It may sound silly, but if this is it for him...if he doesn't come back, I will truly be heartbroken. Besides the fact that he's The Captain and is just a damn good player, I am hoping he's okay, selfishly, so that I can see him play in person. I've yet to do that, but it hasn't been without trying. (Remember my honeymoon?) My logic is this -- it's like living in the era of DiMaggio and never making time to get to NYC and watch the greatness in action. Especially now that Gav is here, I just really want to share the experience with him. *sigh* Sorry to ramble, but this is important to me.

* I don't know what the weather has been like everywhere else, but here in South Carolina it has been bliss. Anywhere from the 60's to 70's and sunny. We've also had hotter days and rainy days, but man have those sunny fall days been wonderful. Gav and I have been going on walks and I am really just thankful for these days.

* After one month of avoiding fast food, I decided to splurge yesterday on a Whopper combo from Burger King to celebrate Fall Break. Let's just say I deeply regret this decision. I was so nauseated and felt terrible. Almost like I had food poisoning. Blah. I guess we really are what we eat! I don't want to say too much yet (don't wanna jinx myself) but over the past 5 weeks I've lost a considerable amount of weight (we're talking double digits!) and I am 1 pound from reaching my pre-baby weight. Thank God! (I'm going to write about my results once I reach my goal.) Eating that awful BK meal yesterday was definitely poor judgment, but I'd like to note this experience for the next time I am tempted to eat fried, processed, food...DON'T DO IT LADY!!! (Also, is anyone on My Fitness Pal? If you are, send me your username! I'd love to have more accountability and offer up some encouragement.)

Well, that's all the rambling I have for now. I'll be spending today with Gav and relaxing without feeling guilty. I've been wanting to have an Audrey Hepburn marathon, and I think that's exactly what I'll do. On the lineup? Roman Holiday, Sabrina, and Breakfast at Tiffany's. :)

Happy Monday, readers! 

The New and Improved 30 Before 30

After spending a good bit of time thinking about what I want to get out of my 30 Before 30 list, I am ready to make a few final changes. The whole point in creating this list was to make turning 30 years old less daunting, while also accomplishing things that I've always wanted to do. I previously mentioned that a change in perspective (due to becoming a mother) has made me question The List. 

I've been asking myself if certain things must be accomplished before I turn 30 years old, how will these items impact my family, and am I being selfish in wanting these things. To answer, yes, I need to make some adjustments to items that aren't kid friendly. Yes, a couple of items fall under the "life list" instead of the Before 30 list. And the selfish part? I do feel a little guilty for still wanting to accomplish these things, but I've realized that they are necessary in order to prevent the loss of myself. My world revolves around Gavin (as it should), but it's okay to have some "me time", too.

The items I've decided that need to be replaced are:

11. Visit the Grand Canyon
16. Visit at least one sponsor child 
17. Spend the day with beluga whales

26. Visit at least 5 museums

30. Get accepted to law school

Now, let me explain...

#11 - Visit the Grand Canyon. This is something that I definitely want to see in my lifetime, but I also want Gavin to be able to see it and remember seeing it. This needs to be a family trip when Gav is old enough to appreciate the sights, and this will not be before I turn 30 as Gav will only be 3 years old.

#16 - Visit at least one sponsor child. Currently, Keith and I sponsor 4 children through Compassion. Wilkemberg lives in Brazil, Luz in Columbia, Michael in Bangladesh, and Ester in Tanzania. I adore these children with all of my heart and want to meet each of them. However, I called Compassion to inquire about bringing Gavin with us and they told me he needs to be at least 12 years old. He's not even a year old yet. I can't imagine traveling out of the USA for weeks at a time without Gavin, so I'm removing this from the list. If something changes and I am able to meet my sweet sponsor kids soon, then fantastic. It just won't be on the 30 Before 30 list. 

#17 - Spend the day with beluga whales. This would be really cool to do one day, but I'm going to remove it from the list as it isn't something that I consider a worthwhile need-to-do-before-30 item. So off it goes.

#26 - Visit at least 5 museums. I love museums and want to visit as many as possible in my lifetime, but having to commit to visiting 5 with an infant and eventually a toddler will be quite complicated (and basically asking for chaos). So, instead of dreading #26, I've decided to remove it.

#30 - Get accepted to law school. This is one that needs more than a few lines of explaining, but for now I'll just say that my new perspective has made me question the timing of law school right now for my family. In June I attempted to study for the LSAT, but I just didn't have the time. And if I don't have the time for the LSAT, I won't have the time for law school. This decision is very important to me, and I'll be writing later with more of my thoughts.

So, those are the items that are being removed. I'm happy that some are going and a bit sad about the others. But, it's for the best and I'm excited about the 5 that I'm adding. 

The new #11 - Take an aerial skills class. This new item is a fun one and not extremely time consuming, so it's perfect for my schedule. I've always wanted to take a trapeze class (that's on the life list), but I think that this will be a nice alternative on my 30 Before 30. I can take this class here in Charleston and I'm excited to learn how to be an aerial acrobat. :)

The new #16 -Have breakfast at Tiffany's. Oh, Audrey. Is there anyone who exudes grace and poise like she does? Doubtful. Breakfast at Tiffany's is one of my favorite Audrey movies (right behind Roman Holiday and Sabrina) and I would love to spend a morning strolling NYC with my two favorite guys and have breakfast Tiffany's.

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The new #17 - Start our adoption paperwork. This new item is truly the most dear to my heart. Keith and I have always had the desire to expand our family by having children and also adopting children, and I am anxiously waiting the moment that we begin the adoption process. To me, this isn't just an item on my 30 Before 30...this is the chance to change a child's life, and for our life to be changed in return. To love them and protect them and teach them about God. My greatest accomplishment in this life has been becoming a mother, and I can't wait to expand our brood. We desire to adopt internationally and know the process is a long one, so Keith and I have both agreed to begin the process before January 2016. AH! :D

The new #26 - Get published (even if it's self-published). If you guys only knew all of the ideas I have roaming around in this head of mine. I am itching to write my first novel, but I just have to get over the fear that it won't be good enough, and more importantly, that it's already been done. I've never particularly dreamed of having a book published, but if what I write does get publish then I would be thrilled. Mostly though, I'm writing for me, because I have to get it out! 

The new #30 - Further my education. Instead of focusing on getting accepted to law school, I'd like to weigh my options and see what is best for my family. Do I still feel called to fight injustices? Absolutely! I have already been provisionally accepted to a local Criminal Justice Graduate Program (YAY!) and could begin taking courses online and on-campus as soon as January 2013. I will be meeting with an academic advisor soon and will make a decision shortly after. All I know is that it's been a long, hard road for me to earn my bachelor's, and now that I'm almost there, I don't want to stop.

The New 30 Before 30 List

1. Ride in a hot air balloon
2. Fly a plane
3. Learn to speak Italian
4. Go sailing/learn to sail
5. Graduate from college
6. Go to Italy!!!
7. Pay off debt (excluding student loans)
8. Run a marathon
9. Read the whole Bible
10. Go on a mission trip
11. Take an aerial skills class
12. Meet my weight loss goal
13. Learn to play the piano
14. Go skydiving
15. Learn to play tennis
16. Have breakfast at Tiffany's
17. Start our adoption paperwork
18. Take a dance class
19. Learn to surf  (again)
20. Go snowboarding or skiing
21. Go to a Hillsong concert
22. Go horseback riding
23. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
24. Attend a Yankee game in NYC
25. Volunteer regularly at a nursing home
26. Get published (even if it's self-published)
27. Go on a cruise
28. Learn how to shoot a gun properly
29. Do an anonymous pay it forward
30. Further my education

There you have it -- my new complete, final 30 Before 30 List! Do you have a bucket list? If so, please send me your link! I'd love to follow your journey.

2011's 30 Before 30 Update

At the beginning of the year, I embarked on a journey to accomplish 30 things before I turn 30 years old. I created this list on my 25th birthday, and then revised it mid-year. With 2011 coming to an end, I wanted to talk about what I accomplished, what I'm working on, and what the "tentative" plan is for 2012. (Although, sometimes I don't know why I bother making plans when I know all too well that things will definitely may change)

First up: Accomplishments/Attempts 

#4 - Go sailing/learn to sail

I will sadly say that this is all that I've accomplished in 2011. Sailing was such a fun experience and I am so happy that we were able to do this. Keith and I did attempt to scratch #2 (fly a plane) off in January, but thanks to the windy weather we were forced to reschedule.

Then there was that whole New York City trip that was planned for September that would have knocked off #23 (walk the Brooklyn Bridge) and #24 (attend a Yankee game in NYC), but that trip was postponed. :( 

I did have the best of intentions of taking 4 items off this year, but as it turns out that didn't happen. Instead of pouting about it, I am hopeful that 2012 will be different. Here's my little plan as of now.

2012 Plan

#9 - Read the whole Bible. I've already started my reading plan and hope to finish by the end of November 2012. I am currently working my way through a Beth Moore Bible Study, and want to do more next year. If anything these studies should only enrich my growth during this time. :) 

#10 - Go on a mission trip. As I may have mentioned in yesterday's post, I will be going to the Philippines! I'll spill the details as I find them out. :))))

#2 - Fly a plane. Keith and I will once again attempt to fly a plane on my birthday, January 7th. I will be 31 weeks pregnant, but I've already received approval from my doctor and the flight company! I am SO excited about this and can't wait to finally get up in the air! (I feel like singing "Anything you can do I do betterrrr...in heels....and pregnant!!! Bahahah, joking of course)

#12 - Meet my weight loss goal. Before becoming pregnant, I was that girl who had a good 5-10 pounds to lose before being "happy" with myself. (Remember my Weekly Health Updates?) Once Gavin is here I will have much more to lose, and I am claiming that I will accomplish this in 2012. With a little luck and a lot of discipline, I am confident that I will reach this goal. This past summer Keith and I purchased the Insanity workout, and that is what I'm going to do.

#5 - Graduate from college. The original date was May 2012, but due to a few class not being available until the fall (and Gavin arriving smack dab in the middle of the semester) I am going part-time in the spring and will finish in December 2012. BUT, I won't be attending commencement until May 2013, so this one might not be "technically" scratched off until I walk across that stage in 2013. Not sure how I feel about scratching this off before I wear that cap and gown...we shall see.

# 17 - Spend the day with Beluga Whales. This attraction is only available at the Atlanta Aquarium, and since I don't know how long we'll be living in ATL I figure I need to knock this one out during 2012. 

#30 - Get accepted to law school. That's right -- I am going to be taking the LSAT in June and then applying to school at the end of the year. A few of the schools I'm interested in have rolling admissions, so I anticipate hearing back from them by the end of 2012. Holy. moly. AH!

So, that's the plan! Hopefully I will be much more successful in 2012 than I was in 2011 in completing these tasks. I know that I will have a newborn/infant in tow for most of the year, and these 7 things will definitely make life a bit more interesting. :)

Any list makers out there? Any x before x-ers? How are you guys doing in accomplishing your goals? I'd love to hear about it!

NYC Will Have to Wait

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Unfortunately, Keith and I will not be leaving on Friday morning for our 4 day trip to New York City. :( Although we had purchased our plane tickets, booked our room, and made plans in the city, we have decided to postpone this trip. 

When we came to this conclusion my first thought was "Oh great! I already blogged about the trip! We have to go!" I sincerely hate writing about plans that have been made and then having to take it all back. But, life happens and that's that. Keith and I feel like going to New York right now would be financially irresponsible. We have money set aside specifically for this trip, but with a baby on the way and the holidays coming up (can y'all believe this?!?!), we are choosing to postpone the trip.

This trip would have been a great vacation for us before the baby comes, and also would have allowed me to cross two things off of my 30 Before 30 list. While I am completely bummed out, Keith has assured me that I will accomplish all of the things on my list, and that we will plan a much cheaper winter vacation in a few months. 

So, I'm sorry for all of the buildup guys. I am hoping that future "We're going here/We're going to do this" posts will actually come to fruition.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

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I previously mentioned that Keith and I were in the process of booking a trip, but I didn't want to spill the beans until everything was officially official. Now that the plane tickets have been purchased and our lodging is reserved, I can finally tell the world!

In 18 days, we are heading to...

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My last trip to NYC was in 2008 and my husband has never been, so this trip is definitely overdue! We'll be leaving early on Friday, September 23rd and coming home in the afternoon on Monday, September 26th. 

We'll be staying at a charming Bed and Breakfast in Brooklyn. The owners have graciously given us permission to check-in early (10am!) at no additional charge! 

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Being the crazy list person that I am, I've already mapped out our days, purchased tickets to different events, and made reservations at a particularly sweet restaurant. :) (Okay, I need to really confess -- I also made a PowerPoint presentation equipped with animation when my husband told me that we were booking this trip. I know, I know. Nerrrrrd.) Here's how our trip is looking.

(Please play this while you read. :D )

While in NYC we will...

Take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty

Visit Ground Zero

Eat a delicious meal here

Explore Central Park :)

Rent a rowboat in Central Park

Visit Brooklyn Law School (Might as well, right?)

Take a few pictures at the Washington Square Arch -- Where Sally dropped off Harry!

Explore Little Italy

Visit Top of the Rock Observation Deck

#23 on the list -- Walk the Brooklyn Bridge!

And last, but certainly not least....

GO TO A YANKEE (vs. red sox) GAME!!! #24 on the list!

I am so very excited for this trip and I cannot wait to experience New York City with my sweet husband! :D I wanted to add so much more to our list, but we'll only have 3.5 days, and I really don't want to overdue it. I'll be 16 weeks pregnant for this trip and judging by my lack of sickness thus far, I am not anticipating any illness for this trip! (fingers crossed!)

So, fellow New Yorkers/those who adore this city -- any tips/advice for this trip? Anything that we must see that isn't listed? Any places to stay away from? Any and all advice is welcome! :)

**all images from here

Wordless Wednesday

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:)))))))

Happy, Happy Friday!

Click here to play along! :)

1.   The best prank I ever pulled was nada. I am a terrible liar and can never pull anything off. In high school on one April 1st I told my Dad that I was pregnant...but that didn't go over too well! (I was most definitely joking) 

2.  The best prank ever pulled on me was  usually happens on a daily basis. I am very gullible and tend to fall for the craziest stories. I can't really think of one prank that was just amazing...

3.  A day without love, smiling, and God is a day wasted.

4.  The most important things in life are the people in it. People who genuinely care about your well-being make all the difference in the world.

5.  I dream of many, many things like: traveling to Italy, living in NYC, going to law school, having babies, adopting children, meeting my sponsor kids, saving the world...the list going on and on.

6.  I dread Monday mornings. There's just something about this day and time that really irks my nerves.

7.  A discovery I made this week was that I CAN stick to a schedule as long as I plan it carefully. I was able to do all of my schoolwork, workout, clean the house, read, play with my kittens AND attend my full-time job -- all without too much stress. :)

**My hubs has been gone since Monday for work, and I am picking him up from the airport in a few hours!!! :) I am so excited that I could literally skip up and down the hallway at work! :)

Happy Friday lovelies! I'll be back Sunday with my fitness update! 

They're Baaaaaack

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Thank. God. :)

 NYC*2008*NY Yankee Press Box

Best. Day. Ever.

Breathtaking Views

Derek Jeter, the captain of the Yankees and one of my absolute favorite players, has listed his gorgeous Manhattan penthouse for sale. This penthouse measures at a whopping 5,425 square feet and is listed at $20 million dollars. Oh. my. word. Apparently he was having a little trouble selling this place (ya think??) so he enlisted the help of a Home Stager to make his place dazzle. 

While I personally think spending this much on a home is borderline psychotic, I have to admit that the views are stunning. And when you've played for the New York Yankees, this price probably doesn't even phase you. (Not sure if that's a good or bad thing.)

Bedroom

Bedroom #2

Living Area

Kitchen

Study

 Living Area, Part 2

My absolute fave...can you imagine having dinner right here? And that table!!! *sigh*

 Look at the view!

While I am pretty confident that I will not be living in a place like this anytime soon, it sure is fun to look at these pictures. A girl can dream, can't she? 

*All pictures from here*

Our One Year

Keith and I have been talking about what we'd like to do to celebrate our first year of marriage. As odd as it sounds, our one year anniversary is only 5 months away! Where does the time go?

This week I came up with a crazy but wonderful road trip idea, and on Wednesday Keith agreed that this is definitely what we should do! Neither of us have talked to our employers about this trip, so it's not set in stone, but we are going to start putting money aside and hopefully everything will work out. :o)

Here's the plan!


This would be a six day trip (Friday-Wednesday) and our first stop would be Virginia Beach, VA!

1, 2

We'll probably stay here for one day and just take in the city! We'll also schedule a visit to Regent Law and hopefully meet up with a few friends that live there! :o)

Our next stop will be Washington, D.C.!

1, 2, 3

Since D.C is only around 4 hours away, we'll have the entire day to be tourists! We plan on seeing the Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial, the White House and also touring the Smithsonian! We'll only be here for one day as well, so we're going to try and squeeze everything in!

Next stop, NEW YORK CITY! :o)

1, 2, 3, 4

We'll stay in the city for three days, and I have not a clue what our plans will be! I just LOVE this city! I know that we'll definitely go to Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Yankee Stadium, and the Empire State Building. I also would like to visit Brooklyn Law School on of our days. :o) On the day of our Anniversary I'd love for us to be totally consumed by one another and do romantic things...like ride in horse drawn carriage and have dinner overlooking the city. *sigh* Oh, how that would be perfect!

The last day of our trip would be spent driving back to Charleston. I am very excited about this tentative trip, and I really hope it becomes a reality!

Have a great weekend lovelies!