for WENDY

After a glorious weekend with my favorite LBC Girls (minus Nessa) :( I was told my blog needed some TLC. So this is for Wendy...

I will be looking at this as the beginning of a new chapter. Since my last blog a few things have happened.

- Several dates with one off's...of course stories
- A race w/my DC peeps - Jamestown Grand Fondo
- A few trips - Columbia, SC; New York City; Jamestown, VA; Denver, CO; Salt Lake City, UT; San Francisco, CA and Phoenix, AZ
- A NEW job and NEW home - MOVED to Salt Lake City, UTAH - total act of Heavenly Father
- Several babies born into the world - that I will win over as their #1 Aunt; also several expecting announcements too

Over the next couple weeks photos, design and much more will be done.

Thanks, Wendy-girl!

I'M BACK!

The moment

It's a Tuesday night and I just finished a core/crossfit class - absent for a few weeks due to travel.

I'm struggling and I am not sure how to be Boston Strong. I've been seeing news stories remember that tragic attack on true athletes and cheering supporters of the community. Each and everyone affected by that tragedy had huge physical, emotional, mental hurdles.

I'm told my self worth and happiness shouldn't be defined by my marital status.

I've made some pretty dumb moves, comments, signals, wardrobe, hair, makeup, winks and anything else tied to the realm of companionship.

I felt inspired by some of the words by the prophet, apostles, general authorizes over the conference weekend. But soon after I've fallen into a pit of doubt, fog, fear, scared of physical rejection, and foolishness.

I'm strong, successful, knowledgable, multi-talented, law bidding (minus parking tickets and a curb hop in the jeep) and stable.

What I'm realizing is I don't live in the moment, I am always planning, moving and looking past my nose.

A few dear friends have counseled that -
wherever I land I'll be "OK".

How do you live in the moment? What is your Boston Strong?


- Posted by Carrie Valentine

Location:18th St NW,Washington,United States

LBC in the NoCal House - Aptos style

I had the honor - privilege to spend a few glorious days with these ladies...(minus Julia and Meredith)




Shaine was kind enough to host us in her family beach home. It was in the charming town of Aptos, CA.

We ate, laughed, slept, frolicked, watched movies, cried, splashed, chilled on the sand, shopped (duh) and celebrated our friendships.

Lots of random things were said and done. In true fashion we agreed that what happened there stayed there.

We also welcomed the next generation - Miss Winnie, Miss Princess, Win, Ms. B...Sarah's 4 year old daughter. We may have spoiled her just a bit. :-)





There will be a short slide short in a future post. It was just a marvelous time and reminder family is family beyond blood. Until we meet again.

NYC - new chapter - day

Timeline:
4:30a - wake up DC
5:00a - in the car start driving up to NYC (I drive because T has vertigo)
7:14a - Sheezts gas station in PA
9:45a - bathroom Starbucks in NJ
10:30a - arrive in NYC 102e 2ave - 600sqft apt (over $2K)...great sunlight

Tia's new home. Amazing new job with Citi Foundation

Meet Uncle Joe, Dominic, and Ezra - all bldg mgmt

12:45p - moving truck arrives (Mickey & Greg)
3;25p - truck leaves
5:45p - unpacked 40% of apt; managed to save sofa :-)
6:00p - Starbucks break and walk
6:30p - stumble upon Joy's burger bar - incredible hamburger (moz cheese, grilled onion, tomato, chutney salsa and spicy mayo
7:15p - Tia mom and friend arrive from Milwaukee
7:20p - Unpack some more
8:30p - leave for train station
9:20p - train leaves NYC
12:40a - train arrives DC
1:00a - home

Cheers to moving chapters, friends and burgers!






- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Amtrak Train

"Willing" IT

- It was a very long day. I opted to take the bus home. Thoughts on the bus...brain dump.

# Why won't he just ask me out
# do I need to shower tonight
# she is going to live in NYC
# my lips are dry
# I think I actually pulled a muscle in my stomach tonight...great workout!
# should I text him
# if he likes me or wants to get to know me, he'll reach out...
# would it be tacky to wear nude color tight to the evening wedding
# this song is kind of boring
# I could make a list - "will it"
# poor Melanie - Guam is stupid - he lead her on - asshole
# Lola
# Macey sings Katy Perry well
# SalesForce notes...tomorrow
# the Capitol sure is pretty
# I miss him
# my feet are sweaty in these boots
# keys, mailbox, Tia
# would it be old to belt out "nothing compares to you" great song to mourn...next, hello Cure, Friday I'm in love with you :-)
# home teacher - text, later.
# 8:59pm...late? Early?
# that kale salad was actually delicious
# San Francisco - weather, mtgs, email peeps
# manicure holding up nicely

Location:DC Metro Bus

Sentencing

The past couple weeks have crazy busy at work and my schedule won't let up till April 30.

Well I have also been fighting a sore throat and ear itch since Christmas. Tuesday night I lost my voice and Wednesday I promised my mom I'd go to my Dr.

Thursday morning - slight cough and ear ache. My Dr chastised me for not getting my physical in over 4 yrs.; while coughing during a breathing exercise and a throat check she diagnosed me with walking pneumonia and croup. Then asked if I had sick leave - I said "of course" - in a shocking tone. Then came the statement, "good, your staying home from work till Monday." I looked at her in shock. I was not registering and she walked out. I fell back on the table and started panicking - not great timing. She came back in with three rx's- cough syrup, pills and a note mandating I stay home.

I was at a loss for words and ask exactly what "staying home" meant. Her direct response - "watch HGTV, drink Gatorade, and rest on the couch - no human contact till Sunday..."



Then she walked me to the front and insisted I make my physical apt in front of her.

I got in the elevator - I haven't had a sick day since my hip operation 6 yrs ago. I don't sit still beyond a movie. In the car and at the grocery store - I was dazed and confused. My mom and sister laughed!

In my down time - made list...it's my thing.


Now fast forward - day 3 (sat). I broke out if the house for a 30 minute walk - bought stamps. I'll admit I was slightly tired after. I have managed several checks off the list.

With this down time I realize I get uncomfortable with no movement. It makes me feel like am lazy. Things don't get done if I lie around. I also get inside my head...which is an abyss. Trying.


I really dislike being "sick".

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

the heart

I tend to be quite straight forward in my life - work, family, friend, and activities. But this morning I realized I am very weak in matters of my love life. 

I was exchanging texts this morning with a man and during our chat I kept asking about future plans we could do and he was just answering with busy responses. Yet, I continue to try ways to engage him because he has been around...as a guy with a few romantic exchanges. It dawned on me that if he truly wanted to spend time with me he would suggest, offer, or show some remote sign of interest wanting to see me. It blew my mind that I would subject myself to such an emotional cutting exercise. 

Later in the morning on the bus, I had a vision come into my mind of me staring at my body lying in front of a bus...going...hmmm...did a bus just hit you, Carrie, why are you down. I guess play kind of a victim mentality when it comes to my love life. 

BUT WHY??? I am really stepping back and asking the question to myself.

Earlier in the week I discovered a past love is in a relationship that has much promise and all the signs of what we didn't have; it was a sting and knife to my gut. I knew it would happen, hell I have been striving for the same thing. Yet I mentally go into victim role.

The reality is I need to not play the victim. But golly gee...I would like a little healthy romantic attention from a good man.