Oh, Oatmeal

I am trying to eat healthy these days...not necessarily to lose weight, but because I like the way I feel when I do.  I have always been a HUGE fan of breakfast--I would eat it for every meal of the day.  My mom was asking me for some breakfast ideas the other day (she is a toast and yogurt eater, which SO would not do it for me), so I thought I'd do a post of some of the healthy breakfasts that I have been loving lately.

I am a sweet breakfast sort of girl, and it has to hold me over for the morning.  If I get too hungry before lunch, it throws off my whole day.

Ashley and her husband always make fun of me for loving oatmeal...so prepare yourself for several of those.

Giant bowl of oatmeal stumbled upon while walking through NYC...obvious photo-op.

So here are some of my fav's, in no particular order:

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oatmeal from Get Healthy with Heather

My teaching schedule requires me to get up super early, so making breakfast is not in the cards.  I pretty much love all things PB/banana, and I like my oatmeal a little on the thicker side, so I love this one!

Oatmeal Protein Pancake from Carrots 'n Cake

I don't make it with protein powder, as I think it makes it a little too tough.  Instead, I top it with PB and banana...mmm.  I make it the night before and toss it in the fridge.

Pumpkin Protein Frosting from Healthy Diva Eats

I totally did not expect to like this, but it is amazing.  Pretty much the first thing I make with leftover pumpkin.  I put some on a banana or waffle.

Breakfast Cookie from The Fitnessista

Another awesome overnight breakfast.  I make mine with dried cranberries in it (tried pumpkin, but it made it too soft).  I usually top it with some--you guessed it--banana.

Flax Crusted French Toast from Carrots 'n Cake

Tina pretty much rocks at breakfast ideas.  This is one of my favorite weekend breakfasts.  Who can guess what I top it with?

Apple Pie Oatmeal from Oh She Glows

This is my absolute favorite oatmeal recipe.  For awhile, I was making it every weekend.  It makes my house smell awesome for hours.  No PB or banana here...shocking!

Post-wedding brunch...my favorite part of their big day.  (haha...jk sis!)

I'm always on the lookout for new breakfast ideas.  Pass along your favorite!

Pinterest Addiction part II

Hello All, Ashley here!  Sorry I have been on a blog hiatus this week, its been a long and busy one.  This week we celebrated Matt's birthday, so a quick Happy Birthday to him. 

                               First Up:  Our completed Color Me Mine pieces found in our post here.

Next Up:  Ashley's Pinterest Addiction! While not easy to pick a board to highlight,  I have chosen to highlight pins off of my "DIY Projects and Crafts" board.

First up:  Our Pantry Door

Original Project is found here .    Since our kitchen is connected to the dining and living room area I have always wanted to isolate the kitchen as its own room by giving my kitchen it's own decorative theme.  So, I've added this vinyl decoration onto my "to-do" list, but I'd love to make it on my Cricut!

Project #2 -  A DIY  bench, find the tutorial here.  It's actually a redone COFFEE TABLE!  How fun.  Once this project is completed I'd place the final product between the two tall windows in my master bedroom.

And finally something I have to complete to get a start on my to do list.

When it comes to security in my home I would like all of the bells and whistles that I can get, but that doesn't come over night, therefore near the top of the to-do list is frosting the glass next to my front door to add a touch more privacy to our entry. 

This project was found on this blog and also here on Young House Love

Gym Memberships

Since finishing my half marathon in November, running has been a struggle.

And this is not OK with me.

It discourages me at times, but I also try to focus on the fact that I shouldn't force myself to run, because I don't want to lose my love for it.

So, when I stumbled upon a Groupon for a gym near me, I decided to go for it.  The Groupon provided me 10 passes, so I decided to try some classes and see what I liked.  Here is my take on the things I've tried:

Cardio Mix
I have done this class twice and am saving my last pass so I can go one more time.  I have pretty much determined that I love this class so much because of the instructor, which makes me sad since I don't plan to stay with this gym (too far from home).

"Core and More"
This class was the first I tried.  I had never really had the group fitness experience before, but I loved it!  I'm not sure if I loved the new-ness of it, or the fact that I got a great workout from something other than running.  I think it was both.  Let me tell you, though, I was SORE afterward!  Definitely taught me a lesson in stretching...

PowerPump
I had no strong feelings about this class either way.  Perhaps it was just this particular session, but I didn't feel very challenged.

Spin
I was shocked at my feelings about this class...because I LOVED it.  Growing up, I was never one to enjoy a bike ride for very long, but this class was fantastic.  I definitely feel like it was the best workout I got from all the classes I tried, and I loved the instructor's music choices...even Christmas spin was awesome!  This class pretty much sold me on the fact that I need to find a gym of my own so I can keep doing this class.

Zumba
I was also surprised by my feelings about this class, but in the opposite direction.  I was not a fan of this class.  While it was super fun to dance around, I didn't feel challenged at all.  I also definitely felt like a newbie, as pretty much everyone in the class knew the routines, so I always felt a step behind.  The people were really nice and the atmosphere and music were fun, but I would prefer Spin any day.

I am getting back into running, slowly but surely.  However, I don't want to rely on just running as a work out and end up burning myself out on it...especially when I've found something else I love.  Now that I only have one pass left, I'm trying to decide where to go from here.  Gym memberships are SO expensive.

Anyone have some input for me?  Any other classes I should try as well?

P.S. Check me out on Daily Mile!  It is definitely helping bring back my motivation to run.

Color Me Mine

For my bachelorette party , Amy had the idea of going to a place called Color Me Mine  Where you can choose a piece of pottery and paint it how you wish.  After about a week you pick up your finished piece.  Amy and I had hoped to make it to Color Me Mine to pick and paint something for our mom for a Christmas gift.  We didn't make it to paint something for her so we decided to let her choose for herself and we made a mother/daughter day out of it. 

This is my bowl when in progress.

Amy chose to make a large mug as a memoir of her first half marathon.  She also painted the mileage on the mug.

Our Mom chose a mug as well but hers was more for fun rather than to remember something special to her. 

Complete! 

We've agreed that Color Me Mine is a fun place to go on a rainy (or snowy) day.  Whether you have a vision of the product you want to accomplish at the end or not its a good way to use your creative side!

The Past Year!

So, we have already done a survey about how the year 2011 was for us, but this one takes a different approach for recapping the year...and like we've said, we love a good survey!

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Amy: Ran a half marathon
Ashley:  Got Married!

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for 2012?
Amy: Yep...my resolution was to run 20 miles a month.  I made a bunch, as we discussed in our new year's post.
Ashley:  My resolution was to work out every day... I failed to keep it, but I did try.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Amy:  Two of my cousins had babies.
Ashley: Yes!  One of my best friends gave birth to my little godson!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Amy: Unfortunately, yes.  But I believe she is in a better place.
Ashley: Unfortunately Yes.  Our step-grandma passed away  = (

5. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Amy: More appreciation for what I have.
Ashley:  I'm going to have to give the generic answer 'money" because 2011 was full of wedding expenses. 

6. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Amy: Probably my sister's and friend's wedding days.
Ashley: 7/15/2011 A very special little boy was born,  9.17.11- My wedding day

7. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Amy: If I had to pick one I'd say buying my house...it was the biggest leap of faith I think I've ever taken.
Ashley: Planning my wedding and having it go glitch free,  moving into our first home! And a silly achievement I want to add... Taking Matt to the airport for a business trip AND picking him up, tollway driving+airport confusion is NOT my thing, but I did it!

8. What was your biggest failure?
Amy: Walking too close to the finish line at my 5k in March and missing my goal time by 12 seconds.
Ashley:  Not going back to school like I wanted to.

9. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Amy: Minor battle with shin splints, but nothing I couldn't conquer.
Ashley: Just a bad case of Strep Throat.  Otherwise I was healthy this year... hope to keep up the good immune system for years to come!

10. What was the best thing you bought?
Amy: Definitely my house.
Ashley:  oh goodness... I'd have to say our house even though we closed on it just before 2011.

11. Where did most of your money go?
Amy: Those fun mortgage payments.
Ashley: Wedding and mortgage

12. What did you get really excited about?
Amy: Buying my house, moving into my house, decorating my house...lol...Amanda's wedding, Ashley's wedding, my NYC trip, my first half, and finishing my masters!
Ashley:  My bridal shower, bachelorette party, wedding day, honeymoon, the holidays, Amy's 1st Half Marathon!

13. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Amy: Lol...first one to pop into my head isn't one I can blog about...
Ashley:  Way too many to count this year!

14. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
Amy: Definitely happier
Ashley: Happier
b) thinner or fatter?
Amy: Um...probably about the same
Ashley:  I actually maintained give or take.
c) richer or poorer?
Amy: Probably about the same
Ashley: Richer - in more ways than one!

15. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Amy: Spent time with friends I don't see much.
Ashley: Exercise.

16. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Amy: Worrying about things I can't control.
Ashley:  Being lazy and complaining.

17. How did you spend Christmas?
Amy: With my family at Matt and Ashley's house.
Ashley: Matt and I hosted it at our house this year.

18. What was your favorite TV program?
Amy: Glee!
Ashley:  Grey's Anatomy, The Bachelorette, Dancing With the Stars.

19. What was the best book you read?
Amy: Divergent by Veronica Roth.  OMG. Amazing.
Ashley: I'd have to say the last book of the Twilight series was pretty good. 

20. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Amy: Hm...just random songs I guess.
Ashley:  The Michael Buble Christmas CD!

21. What did you want and get?
Amy: Kindle!  Woot!
Ashley:  A new camera.

22. What did you want and not get?
Amy: A boyfriend, lol.
Ashley:  I think I was pretty fortunate this year.

23. What was your favorite film of this year?
Amy: The Help.  Actually liked it better than the book, which SO does not happen in my world!
Ashley: Bridesmaids was definately a great comedy.

24. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Amy: Went to lunch and to the flea market.  Pretty low key, but lovely for the big 2-7.
Ashley:  Celebrated with Matt and Amy and had a new recipe night and then craft day with Amy a few days later!  Such a fun gift.

25. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Amy: This year was a pretty satisfying one...I don't think I would change it.
Ashley: Going back to school.

26. What kept you sane?
Amy: Running.  Hands down.
Ashley: Trying to keep organized, taking time to relax when needed and my family.

27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Amy: To believe in myself, because we are capable of more than we could ever imagine.
Ashley:  If you can't change it, then just stop worrying about it.

Stuff: Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone!  We hope you had a fun and safe night last night and are enjoying a very relaxing new year's day.

Last night, I spent the evening with my parents and some family friends.  We made pizza, played taboo, and laughed a LOT.  It was definitely a great night.

Ashley and Matt spent the evening with some friends.  Some of them were from out of town, so they were excited to be able to ring in the new year with some people they don't get to spend as much time with as they would like.

Now that it's 2012, pretty much everyone is thinking about resolutions.  And we are no different!

I, in particular, am a person who kind of loves resolutions.  I'm a goal setter for sure, and since I finished my half marathon, I have been definitely craving some things to put my energy into.  So, here are our resolutions for 2012:

Amy's Resolutions
I have to admit, I went back and changed this after reading Ashley's resolutions below.  There is definitely a difference between goals and resolutions (what a smart sister I have!).  So, I'll start with goals:

1. Actually complete either my workout room or my office.  I have been in this house for 8 months now, it's time to get a move on!

My office inspiration.  It will be beautiful.  Found it here on Pinterest, where else?

2. Start a retirement savings account.  Gotta start early if I want to spend those golden years doing as little, or as much, as my little heart desires!

3. Run a sub-2:00 half marathon.

My legs may disagree with this one...but we shall try!

4. Run a race in every season.  Any winter suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  :)

5. Go meatless one day per week (I'll probably join the Meatless Monday trend because it's easier to remember).  No real reason for picking this one, just think it would be kind of a fun little mini-challenge.  My BIL thinks I'm nuts...

And my resolution is...

To spend more time appreciating what I have than worrying about what I don't.

Ashley's Resolutions

I think that goals and resolutions are different things, goals are much easier to come by because you can work toward a single one at at time and it isnt so overwhelming in the long run.  However for the year 2012 I have both goals and resolutions.

Goals:
1. Finish painting my house, some rooms by myself, some rooms done by a professional painter (due to high ceilings and a lack of ladders.)

2.  Establish a work out routine that I look forward to following. 

3.  Organize my life, now that I don't have wedding planning to take up all of my time there is no longer an excuse for clutter.

Resolution:
I only have one,
To get back in touch with good friends that I've lost touch with over the years.  My friends and I went seperate ways after High School graduation and did different things in terms of college and career.  I think it would be fun to catch up with them and see what they are doing these days. 

Stuff: 2011 in Review

Here we are at the end of 2011.  Can you believe it?!?

It has been a pretty big year for the both of us, so we thought it would be fun to take some time to look back at all the awesome things we did this year.

January

• Amy made the offer on her house, and it was accepted!  Then, the waiting game began.
• Matt and Ashley moved into their very first house!

February

• We went to a pretty awesome food tasting for Ashley and Matt's wedding reception.

• Crafting for our friend Amanda's wedding began.  LOTS of flower balls were made!

March

• Amy did a lot of fun things with Amanda, including a Blackhawks game, bridal shower #1, and the first 5K of the year!

April

• Amy moved into her house!

• Amy and Matt (the BIL) went to our first rooftop Cubs game!

 May

• Our good friends Amanda and Brian got married!  Amy was lucky enough to be a member of the bridal party for this awesome day.

June

• Amy's 4th year teaching came to an end.
• We celebrated Ashley's birthday.

July

• We had a great time at Ashley's bridal shower.

Thanks to the lovely bridesmaid Monika for this picture of the tough-girl bride.

• Amy ran another 5K.

August

• Ashley's Bachelorette Party was definitely a highlight of this month!

• ...Unless you count the fact that we started this blog!  :)

September

• Ashley and Matt got married!  It was fairly awesome, and more than a little deserving of a thumbs-up!

• As if that wasn't enough excitement, we met one of our favorite singers.

October

• Amy went on her dream trip to New York City!

• Amy ran another 5K and set a major PR.  (Think this girl likes to run?)

November

• We celebrated Thanksgiving.
• Amy ran her first half marathon.

December

• Amy completed her masters degree.
• Ashley and Matt hosted Christmas at their house for the first time.

Looking back on 2011, we are in awe of how fortunate we were to have all these amazing experiences!  What was your most amazing experience of 2011?

Here's to an equally excellent (if not BETTER) 2012!

Stuff: Master-ed

2011 has been a HUGE year for me.  I feel like I have had a significant event every month of the year...so, to top it all off, I ended 2011 by getting my masters degree!

I have been working toward it for two years, and our final project involved all of our classes put together.  So, I, of course, decided to get crafty.

Most people in my class did a creative project, so mine was a Christmas tree.  Each ornament on the tree represented something I learned in the program (they are printed on the back...I just didn't take a picture because that part wasn't as pretty).  I simply printed some coloring pages, laminated them, and decorated them with glitter glue.  (As you can tell, particularly from the Christmas tree and snowman, I am quite the artist...haha).

Pay no attention to the giant powdered sugar bag...it was not part of the project.  :)

I made a LOT of ornaments!  Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture of the finished product on my cute mini-tree from high school!

After our final class, my classmates and I went out to Chili's and had our ugly ornament exchange.  Mine was definitely a doosy!

I decided not to walk at graduation (spending multiple hours listening to a list of names was not something I wanted to do, again).  So, my family and I went out for a nice dinner to celebrate.

Thanks to my family...and yay for having my Wednesday nights back!

Anyone out there taking classes?  I'd love to hear about them...I'm a bit of a school-o-holic!

Stuff: Fitness Survey

Happy Tuesday!  I am in this weird post-half marathon mental place, so when I saw this fitness survey on Carrots 'n Cake, I thought it would be good for me to do and get me back in gear.  :)

Five Fitness Things I Can't Live Without
1. My Runkeeper App on my phone

2. Races (this is abundantly clear now that I seem to find excuses NOT to run that I never found before)

3. My compression jacket with thumb holes from Old Navy

4. Hip stretches

5. Music

Most embarassing song I listen to while working out
When my BIL made me an amazing playlist for my half marathon, I made a special request for the Glee version of "Hey Soul Sister."  I ADORE it...strange.

Favorite pre-workout snack or meal
Oatmeal squares with a little almond milk and a banana...the recipe for a great long run.

On my fitness bucket list...

• Try a spin class
• Join a rec. volleyball league
• Run a sub-2:00 half marathon

Must-have Tech Tools
Right now, I'm not very techie when it comes to fitness.  I NEED my Runkeeper App and iPod...but would love a Garmin (did ya hear that Santa?)

Top Fitness Gear

• Spibelt
• Asics running shoes
• Features socks

Motivational Mantra
"You are capable of doing and becoming more than you realize."  Thanks Pinterest!

Favorite Cardio Exercise
Distance running...hands down.

Favorite Strength Moves

• Planks
• Crunches on the ball
• Tricep dips
• Plie squats

Thanks for putting up with my survey!  Feel free to play along!

Stuff: Mission Accomplished- The Half Marathon Recap

I did it!  I am officially a half-marathoner!

As you know if you read last weekend's stuff post, I have been training for a half marathon for a few months now.  My goal for the year was to run 10k, but I decided to take it one step further.

I spent the week in super-paranoid mode, avoiding germs in any way I could think of.  I had these horrible visions of myself being too sick to run and having worked so hard for nothing.  I'll admit...I got a little out-of-control about it.  Thanks to my family for putting up with it!

Finally, Friday rolled around.  I headed out to pick up my packet and found out there were about 1700 people registered for the race.  I know that is nothing compared to some races I've read about, but I definitely wasn't expecting a race so big at this time of year.

After picking up my packet, Ashley, her hubby, and I picked up some dinner (pasta, of course).  Soon enough, I headed home to spend a ton of time reading running blogs and freaking out.  Then, my phone rang.  It was my favorite running buddy to wish me luck and tell me she was proud of me.  :)  Totally made my night and helped me chill out so I could sleep!

Pre-race...ready to rock!

Bright and early in the morning, Ashley, our mom, and I headed out to the race.  We were pretty early, which was part of the plan...as I didn't quite know what to expect.  So, we hung out for awhile before race time.  My nerves were pretty low at this point...so I was happy.  Although my brother-in-law couldn't be there, he made me an awesome playlist to keep my mind occupied through the race.

Soon, enough, it was race time!  I was smiling at the start...

...and then I dropped the BIL's iPod.  Twice.  Luckily, it still worked.  And the first couple songs kept me smiling.  For the first couple of miles, my shin was really bugging me, which made me quite nervous.  Once I chilled out about it, I stopped noticing it and was warmed up enough for it to have stopped bothering me.

The rain started about 4 miles in.  I was really dreading the rain, but it actually didn't bother me too much.  I stayed focused and my playlist popped up with some great stuff right when I needed it.

At mile 10, I saw my cheering squad!  Seeing them was a huge pick-me-up and helped a lot through the last, most difficult miles of the race.  These miles were really narrow.  The people in front of me were going a little slower than I wanted to be moving, which was making my legs hurt.  So, I had to stick it out and pass when I could.

In the home stretch, when I was about at the point where I was considering walking (I only walked through water stations so I didn't spill everywhere), my favorite running buddy popped up again!  I high-fived her and stuck it out to the finish.

It was TOUGH (as you can probably tell from my lovely expression), but I did it! I finished in 2:07:30...beating my 2:15 goal. My running buddy was the first to greet me at the finish, and I hugged her (which she probably didn't appreciate, but I didn't think first, haha) and seeing her made me cry.  When my other friend and my mom and sister got to me, I had gotten it together and coureously gave them knuckles rather than hugs.  :)

After changing into dry clothes, we headed out to lunch.  They gave me an awesome post-race gift.  Ashley came up with the idea to make a "Race Inspiration" book.  She talked to a bunch of my friends and family, and some of my favorite people contributed quotes and words of encouragement.

Sorry for the poor quality on this one...took it on my phone.

When I got home, my BIL had put "Congrats" balloons on my front steps, which are now right next to me--and will stay there until the helium runs out.

This race was a huge accomplishment for me.  I am SO fortunate to have people in my life who supported me and cheered me on, despite the rain and cold.  I have to say that my sister certainly lived up to her rep as my NUMBER ONE cheerleader.  She made me feel like a world-class runner, so much more than a short little lady who runs for fun and probably talks about it way too much. 

The post-race blues haven't set in quite yet...I'm looking forward to just being able to run and not caring how many miles!
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Today I am thankful for my parents...who are pretty much amazing!  My dad came and helped me fix my dryer today, and my mom stood in the rain for two hours just to watch me run.  What a lucky daughter!

Ashley's turn!



Today I am thankful for our first Christmas Craft-Stravaganza! Amy decided to put together a crafting day, and we invited our mom too. It was fun!

Stuff: Seven Days Away

Well, folks, the countdown is on.  In only seven days, I am running my FIRST HALF MARATHON!

As I mentioned the last time I posted about running, if you had told me years ago that I was going to do this, I would call you a liar.  But, life sometimes throws you a curveball, and running was a good focus for me during some difficult times.  Now, it's developed into a passion of mine and an amazing source of confidence.

Running in Central Park= awesome!

In 2011, my goal for myself was to run a 10K.  Over the summer, I got to focus more on my running and decided to try some longer distances than I had in the past (three and four miles, with the occasional six thrown in there--but only with a friend--were pretty much my limit).  After seeing some success with adding distance, I started toying with the idea of trying a half marathon instead of a 10K.

So, the Internet research began.  And I found this training plan from Pink Runner.  My biggest fear about half marathon training was not having it fit into my crazy work weeks during the school year.  This plan looked like one I could actually do, and so I decided this could happen.  I started looking for races, found one close to home in 14 weeks, and got this party started!

Thanks to my friend Kenny for taking this one at my most recent 5K.

The training plan was for 12 weeks, but starting 14 weeks before the race has worked out well for me.  I repeated a couple of weeks because of my sister's wedding and my New York trip, which kind of threw off my routine.

And now, here I am, only a week away from the big day!

I am soooo excited!

Yet, I am soooo nervous!  I have become an even worse germ-a-phobe than I already am in fear of getting sick and not being able to run (*knock on wood*, cross your fingers for me, and all that good stuff).

I feel so fortunate for my little cheering section that is forming to come out and support me.

I *think* I'm ready.

And now, I need to go run.  Can't ditch the training plan now!
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Today, I am thankful for dancing.  I had a super fun afternoon with some students and other teachers yesterday.  Definitely the start of a great weekend!

Ashley? 
  Today, I am thankful for craft shows!  I look forward to the beginning of Autumn up until Thanksgiving simply because there is a craft show every weekend somewhere near my house.  I may not always buy something, but I get inspirational ideas from the people there.  I am one of those people that loves to give gifts that no one else can give.  Therefore most of my unique ideas come from craft shows!! 

Spaces: Painting!

    This weekend was a big weekend for me and my house, I was able to decide the color I wanted in my powder room.  It was Valspar paint called Opal Slate .  The project took a little longer than I had hoped it would, but I am very proud of myself and the final turn-out of the room.  All I need now is to add some throw rugs which I have yet to pick out. 

This is where I started, taped off and ready to go.

This is the project in progress.  The hardest part was cutting in around the sink pipes. 

    And after a day's work and some drying time, this is the final product of my powder room painting project.   A big thank-you to Amy for assisting me when I reached the ceiling. 

I have furnished it with some of my own photography.  However I feel, now that the walls have a little color, they are in need of more decoration.  It will take some time to find the perfect piece to hang... any ideas?

Today I am thankful for my house.  It is finally turning into a "home!"

Amy's turn!  I'm thankful for Glee!  Their music always makes me smile. :)

Stuff: Broadway Bound

About a month ago, I got to go someplace I have been dreaming of for a loooong time: New York City!  I figured today would be a good day to bring you up to speed on my trip, in honor the NYC Marathon this weekend.

For starters, I've never been on a plane before.  So, my best friend was bound and determined to get me on a plane this year.  I was hesitant, but this summer I decided we should go for it, and we booked the trip.

Despite being pretty nervous, the plane trip wasn't so bad.  Dare I say...it was mildly relaxing.  It's not often I don't have much of anything to do except read.

The first night got off to a bit of a rocky start, with my friend losing some important items and the two of us ending up here:

However, the next day we were ready to rock.  After a nice little walk through Times Square, which is where we stayed, we hopped on the subway and headed for Downtown Manhattan.

Our first stop downtown was Ground Zero.

Unfortunately, we couldn't get reservations for the memorial, so we were only able to see it from the fences around the outside.  However, we headed to St. Paul's Chapel across the street, which was truly humbling.  This chapel is only yards from Ground Zero and stayed standing through all of the damage.  I felt weird taking pictures in and around here because it feels like such a sacred and solemn place to me, but I had to remember this:



As we know, firefighters around the world came to help after the World Trade Center attacks.  The chapel served as a sanctuary for many of these volunteers.  Firefighters who came to help left their badges at the chapel, and it was really awe-inspiring to see.

Our other stops in Downtown Manhattan were the Statue of Liberty (amazing, eventhough I wasn't willing to spend the time in line to take the ferry and only saw from the shore)...

...and a pretty cool walk on the Brooklyn Bridge.

After hopping back on the subway, we stopped at Rockefeller Center, and the amazing St. Patrick's Cathedral, where we actually saw some people get married!

That evening, we snagged a table in the middle of Times Square and chatted while taking in the sights.  It was a pretty awesome night.

Well...I feel like this post has been much longer than I anticipated, so I think I'll cut it off with day one and bring you up to speed on the rest later this week.
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However...I still have time to be thankful!  Today, I'm thankful for fall colors.  The pretty scenery has helped me through more than one run these days.

Ashley?
 Today I am thankful for family.  After an awesome dinner out with my mom, her dad (our grandpa) and sisters (our aunts), Amy and our cousins last night I have realized that its nice to have a close family!