The Walton 5 - 10

Today, we toured the Walton 5 - 10 (five & dime). It is the original five & dime store that was the start of Sam Walton's Wal-Mart empire. The store circa 1945 maintains its authentic facade while its interior has been transformed from small town store to a Wal-Mart visitor center. They have kept all of the fanfare including a blue vested greeter at the front door, all types of Wal-Mart souvenirs, and trade show like displays depicting the Wal-Mart history... "Sam Walton's Favorite Pickup" (a 1979 Ford, permanently parked on a riser inside the gallery), photographs of Sam Walton's sprawling house and dog named Ol' Roy, and behind glass windows was a full-size recreation of his office at the corporate headquarters.

bareMinerals Make-over

So, last night I made my way over to Sephora... I've been meaning to have a bareMinerals make-over for awhile now because my girlfriends at work rave about the make-up. And, now I completely agree with them... I'm hooked!!! I can't believe I waited sooo long to try it out... It's very light, but has great coverage.

My New Favorite Handbag

While we were in Charlottesville this past weekend, we found the cutest boutique... I could have bought EVERYTHING!!! They carried all of the latest styles for clothing, pajamas, accessories, shoes, and handbags... particularly, they carried a handbag line called Melie Bianco, a great design at an afforable price. I think I may be addicted! But, Ross says no more bags for a while... Guess I'll have to wait 'til next season!

Family Time!!!

4 days left on the count down!

Recently, I joined the Wal-Mart & Sam's team at N.E.W. One of the major perks of joining this team is that Wal-Mart & Sam's are based out of Bentonville, AR and that means that I will ALWAYS have a layover in DFW. I'm sure you're thinking what I'm thinking... and, that means I can extend my layover (either coming or going) and spend it with my family & friends!!!

Today, I arrived in Bentonville and am getting aqcuainted with the team and the area. (Bentonville reminds me of a bit larger College Station, TX... a city with a "small town" appeal.) The team pretty much has my agenda packed for the next three days... and on Friday morning, I will board the plane & head to TX for an extended layover for the weekend.

This trip is strictly for family. I have not seen my new baby niece, Lorin, since her birth over Christmas and I am very excited to be able to spend some quality time with her. It's so hard with the distance between us... I am missing out on so much that I was able to experience with Jaxon as a baby... And, of course, I miss Jaxon too!

I'm just so excited and will take advantage of the limited time I will have with both Jaxon & Lorin! I am truly blessed!!!

Charlottesville 1/2 Marathon

What an AMAZING race!!!

Jennifer, Leigh & I headed down to Charlottesville on Friday afternoon to get ready for the race and to just have some good “girl time”! After checking into the hotel & picking up our race packets, we headed to the Historic Downtown Mall. It was so much fun to enjoy the warm weather, browse the boutiques, and have a nice Italian dinner.

Saturday was an early morning… the race began at 6:30am! The course was a bit challenging!!! With a total climb of 926 feet in elevation and a total elevation change of 1865 feet, some may consider that to be a couple of small hills… but, it definitely felt more like mountains to me! At mile 6.5, the two courses split… Jennifer & I followed the Half Marathon and Leigh went on to complete the Marathon. The beautiful scenery and all of the supporters along the course really kept us going! Before the start of the race, Jennifer was interviewed by the local news (She’s 20 weeks pregnant and still running strong!) and as we were running along someone yelled out… “Hey, I just saw you on the news!” How much fun is that!!!

We all had a successful finish! Jennifer & I finished the Half Marathon in 2h 13m and Leigh completed the Marathon in 4h 13m, according to our Garmins. The official time will add 10-minutes as there were only 2 port-a-potties at mile 6 and the line was extremely long.

What an amazing experience!!! We had a great race, incredible weather, and some good "girl time"! We can’t wait for next year!!!

More from Nashville...

There's a first time for everything... On the our last night in Nashville, we all rode the bull! CRAZY!!!

Gotta Love the Airline Industry

Of all weeks, American Airlines just had to pick this week to start complying with ALL of the FAA regulations. Jamie (my college roomie) was scheduled to arrive tonight for a “Girls Weekend!” I was really looking forward to it as it has been a while since we have been able to catch-up and spend some quality “Girl Time” together… Not to mention, it’s her first trip to VA!

What do you know… her flight was cancelled! Guess we’re going to have to re-schedule our weekend of gossiping, shopping, wineries, margaritas at a later date.

Seriously, this is just my luck!!!

2008 Growth Award

I have to brag… I received the 2008 Growth Award on Tuesday night at NEW’s annual sales & marketing banquet! I am so excited!!! This award comes with an all-expenses paid trip to the Ritz Carlton in Cancun, Mexico! I can't wait to relax on the beach!!!

Cherry Blossom 10-Miler

What a miserable race! There’s nothing like waking up at 4:30am to rain with the temperature in the lower 40’s and knowing that I have about 30 minutes before Leigh will be by to pick me up for the Cherry Blossom 10-mile Run… sounds exciting, right? It was freezing!!! I’m not going to lie… I’ve definitely had better running days. We were all bundled up with about 3-layers of shirts and topped off with a poncho, or a “trash bag” poncho in Leigh’s and my case. So, the race kicked off at about 8am and the rain had pretty much stopped… which was nice for a change! Until, I had to start shedding layers… and silly me forgot I wore my “Flash Dance” shirt. Yea, I looked REAL cute! And, then about the 8th mile, it started sprinkling again… Yuck! Needless to say, once the race was finished, we were all miserable and were practically power walking to the Metro… we just wanted to get home and take a HOT bath. Putting the weather aside, it was a great experience with the girls! I’m so glad we’re able to provide support, encouragement, and motivation for each other! Hopefully, the weather will be much better for the Charlottesville ½ Marathon! Wish me luck!!!

Jenn & I running...

Army 10-Miler

Today, I signed up for the Army 10-Miler that’s scheduled for October 5, 2008. This is a very popular race that typically sells out to 26,000 runners within the first 40 days.

According to “Run Happy,” she absolutely loved the race!!! It was a ton of fun & a great experience… “The runners that had been injured during the war were just beyond inspirational, and the support the other runners gave them was incredible.”

Needless to say, I took her advice and thought it would be an awesome experience! Wish me luck!

Another Successful Casino Party

Yes, that’s right… another Casino Party! I believe Laura, Amy & I have the preparation down to an art! We’re actually called the “tweaking committee!” First, we let everyone come in & do their thing… and then after everyone leaves, we do all the tweaking!

Better yet… Ross’ Grandfather was able to join the craziness!

“Man Funk!”

Ross’ little 7-year-old cousin is absolutely hilarious!!! He definitely keeps you on your toes as you never know what story he’s going to tell next… this past weekend, he informed us about “Man Funk!” He was telling us that his new girlfriend choose him over the other boy because he had “Man Funk!” And, explained that “Man Funk” is the smell you get from running really, really fast!!! Needless to say, he was very proud! Gotta love Jett! And, I guess that’s why I picked Ross… because he has sweet smelling “Man Funk!”

Jett's "Man Funk" Shirt