Sisters Getaway

Last Monday Colleen, Shannon and I traveled to Hilton Head, South Carolina for some rest and relaxation. We've been talking for months how much we wanted to go to the beach, so we finally decided to do it. After all, it's the summer and nothing says summer better than some sand between your toes and a ocean to dive into.

We had three full days on the beach and all three days we had gorgeous weather. I couldn't have asked for anything nicer. It was hot, but there was just enough of a breeze to remind you that you were by the ocean. The water was great too! It felt like bath water because it was so warm.

Highlights of the trip were definitely eating crab legs every night while we were there. While my husband craves nothing more than a big juicy steak, I crave nothing more than some good ol' crab legs. I didn't plan on ordering them that many times, but then I sorta thought if I ordered anything else I would be disappointed.

Another high light was sitting at the tiki bar right on the beach and drinking pina coladas. I know it's kinda cliche, but whenever I'm near a beach I get a huge craving for a pina colada. I don't even like them that much, but it's like once I step foot onto some sand there isn't anything better.

One day while we were in the ocean Shannon found a sand dollar. We thought it was the coolest thing ever until we realized that there were hundreds of them. So, we immediately started loading up. I've bought them before in stores, but how cool would it have been to say that I actually found it! So, as we were walking back to our beach spot, so excited about our new found treasure the life guard came over and informed us that we were not allowed to take sand dollars from the ocean because they were still alive. Apparently it's like a five hundred dollar fine...for a sand dollar? I guess I'll be buying the ones in the store...

We had a great time though. It's been a lot of fun hanging out with Colleen and Shannon this summer. I think we should start making this a yearly tradition, sisters getaway.

Theater-I forgot how much I missed it...

I've never really been much of an athlete or particularly gifted at school, but one thing I've always thought I was pretty good at was acting. Even when I was a little girl I loved being in front of the camera. I loved it when my Dad or Mom broke out the video camera for a family video recording session. I felt like a Star! So, it wasn't much of a shock when I fell in love with acting on stage.

I started my love for acting when I was just a girl, but I didn't start performing in plays until I was in high school. From that point on I couldn't get enough. I did several plays throughout college and took many acting classes. At one point I even contemplated moving to NYC to try and make it. I even had a t-shirt that said, "I'm an actress, can I take your order?" I dreamed of seeing my name in lights. And while none of that ever happened I still sometimes wonder...what if...

After Steve and I got married theater kinda took the back burner. It wasn't that Steve didn't support me, but with the excitement of being newlyweds and starting our life together I just kinda forgot about it. So, when a friend of mine encouraged me to audition for a one-act festival I decided to jump at the chance! To my surprise and excitement I got casted in two one-act plays. Oh I was thrilled, but incredibly nervous at the same time. However, once I got back on that stage it was like riding an old bike. It just felt right, and oh did it feel good. For me when I'm on stage I feel right at home. It's always fit like an old glove or good pair of shoes.

Opening night was last weekend and the plays were a success. I had a blast and I met a lot of cool people too. Although Steve didn't get to see the performances live I did record both shows and they are on there way to Iraq. It would have been nice to see his face in the audience, but he managed to be there in spirit. When I arrived at the theater on opening night there was a huge bouquet of flowers and the most meaningful love letter from Steve waiting in the dressing room. It brought tears to my eyes. Even from thousands and thousands of miles away he is still very much apart of my life. It's a pretty damn good feeling to be that loved!

So, the plays are over and done with, but they have reawaken me to my hobby. While I most likely will never be the next Julia Roberts, I know that I can still make people laugh and maybe even cry with my talent. I don't plan on waiting another couple of years to do another play. I hope to find a local community theater in Clarksville, TN and hopefully during my next performance my biggest fan will be seated in the front row of the audience!

Running

Being married to an Army guy means they're always in great shape, and their bodies always look like a chiseled piece of art. I think my husband works out twice a day while he has been deployed...twice a day?!?! I considered myself a healthy person and in fairly good shape, but that was all before I met my work out psycho husband four years ago. Steve is a very active person and loves doing anything sports related, so I decided while he was deployed I was going to get my butt into gear and get in great shape, or at least somewhat comparable to Steve. I knew it would be a good stress reliever and I'm already starting to love the effects it has on my body. I have more energy and my muscles in my legs and arms are already starting to feel more toned. I can't wait for Steve to see my accomplishments when he gets home. I've started doing a lot of long distance running which I thought I would absolutely hate, but turns out I love it. I love pushing my body and it really does help clear my mind! I'm a worrier by nature, just ask my husband, so when I'm in my groove and running on the treadmill or track it helps wash away all those worries! It's about an hour or so out of my day that I'm not worrying about Steve, my family, Rocky and less trivial things like my hair, what I'm gonna cook for dinner or what laundry detergent I should buy...yes, I said I was a worrier. This past weekend was the Blue Plum Festival. It's a local festival that is held every year where I grew up. One of the events was a 5k race that ran through the heart of downtown Johnson City. I thought what the hell and decided to pay my $20.00 and enter the race. Oh, I had a blast. It was soooooo much fun!!! My Dad and sister, Colleen came out to cheer me on, along with all the other spectators. I've already decided that I'm going to do another one in July that is an 8k. I can't wait!!!