I wrote this blog entry on Saturday, but somehow forgot to hit “publish”…excuse my lack of chronological order.
I had a rough night last night. I woke up at 3:30 am and couldn’t quiet the noise in my head, so around 4:30 I was up and searching for food for my growling tummy.
Snow capped blueberry mountain toast to the rescue, which was Ezekiel, 1% cottage cheese, blueberry jam, fresh picked blueberries from Currituck (courtesy of Joy), sprinkling of unsweetened coconut. Hit the spot perfectly
Around 6 am I got sleep and took a one hour nap. My plan for this morning was to get up at 6 am. Have a light breakfast and be out the door by 7 am to do my long run, a 9 miler.
My nap although necessary, spoiled by plan. When I woke up at 7:30, I knew I couldn’t go run9 miles without a second mini breakfast: another piece of Ezekiel with peanut butter and Crofters.
I drove down to a greenway where I knew it would be shady and have softly sloping hills rather than the ghastly steep climbs around uptown Charlotte. I was pretty unsure of my running ability with 5 hours of sleep under my belt. I wasn’t super speedy but I did it. Nine miles in 1:26:37. Right on. 🙂
This was the first time I ran with my fuel belt. Overall, I liked the fuel belt, but need to remember to close the mouthpiece. When I stopped running my shorts were completely soaked from leakage.
Brad came to my rescue with mini breakfast #3. It wasn’t completely tasty. But it was cool and refreshing and hit the spot. My mocha smoothie had 1 cup of fresh brewed coffee, a bit of ice, spinach, Amazing Frass, 1/2 scoop chocolate whey protein, 1 cup almond milk, 1/2 frozen banana, and ice. This would have been better with a tsp. of instant coffee and no ice, which was necessary since the coffee was still hot.
I rushed rushed home because I was due for a wedding shower at 12:00 pm hosted by my aunt and my grandmother for me. I was only a teensy bit late. Hey, I had to get my run in!
My shower was at Chantilly’s Tea Room, a cute little old house turned tea room in Gastonia, NC, my hometown.
They serve these little cake-like muffins with strawberry icing. That’s my kind of hor d’oeuvre. I had one immediately upon arrival and ordered coffee and water.
We got straight to business opening presents while drinks were served. First up was a beautiful pitcher to match my Pottery Barn everyday wear from Brittney, who was also nice enough to serve as photographer with my camera.
Closeup of the cupcake tower. My aunt makes the most delicious cake ever. I’m so glad she’s also doing my wedding cake! 🙂
Another great gift, a punch bowl. I’m always borrowing my Aunt Tonya’s for my annual cookies and cocktails Christmas party. Now I have my own!
Lunch was served. My choice was the half slice of the spinach and swiss quiche and the house salad with balsamic vinaigrette. I ate every bite of my quiche and ate all of my salad except most of the cheese and croutons.
I thought it was pretty funny that Brittney ordered the exact same thing, especially since this combination wasn’t even on the menu and we weren’t at the same table. We had to request the salad separately and was given the choice of the smaller piece of quiche. Great minds think alike! 🙂
My mom’s choice: quiche + chicken salad. Chantilly’s is known for their chicken salad. So yummy!
Joy ordered the chicken salad on a croissant.
After most had left, we took a group shot of mostly family. From left to right: my Aunt Tonya, my brother’s wife Jen (bridesmaid), my grandmother, my cousin Marie (and wedding director), me (in tall shoes), my mom, my cousin Ashlyn (junior bridesmaid), my best friend Candace (matron of honor), my aunt’s mother in-law Maxine (who I’ve known all my life).
It was such a beautiful shower and reminded me of all of the wonderful things about my family. I am so appreciative to have my aunt and my grandmother who always support me and want the best of me. It was so nice of them to throw me a shower. I feel so lucky to be so close to the women in my family. My grandmother and my aunt were such a large part of my upbringing and are still such a large part of my life. My relationship with my Aunt Tonya is like having a second mother and my grandmother has always been a huge influence and guidance in my life.
I’m truly blessed to be so loved.