Inspires Me: Michelle

This weekend I had the honor of being there every step of the way for my friend as she accomplished a major goal. My girlfriend Michelle Cummings set out to change her life and get fit and healthy last year and she has been a rock star. I mean a true rock star and role model in her efforts. The fact that she tells me she still hasn't reached her goal makes me giddy with excitement to see what lies ahead for this lady.

Some time a couple months ago I suggested she train for a 5k. For me- it was a life changing experience. I learned that no goal is too big and that I am stronger than I may think. I wanted her to learn that valuable message as well. Her response was just like mine when it was first proposed to me. NO WAY! A whole 5k just seemed so HUGE.

Then- something happened. A day later- she said she would do it! She trained... much of it by herself. Hours and hours of work were put in! I remember that first day when she ran one minute and then walked 2 minutes. I knew she would succeed. She questioned it- but I just knew this woman would do it!  Week after week I saw her get stronger and more confident. She was becoming a runner!

Well, this weekend she did it and I was there to run with her in her first 5K! We ran the Vascular Birth Foundation 5K. It was a hard, very hilly course. She attacked those hills. She pushed her pace. She was amazing. She tells me I inspire her- but I want her to know.... She inspires me! I look at her and find strength to get up and put in the work because I know she is doing the same.  I am so honored to be her friend. 

Breaking Dawn Part 2

Met up with my Twilight Sisters (Olaiya, Kellie, Lauren, Bridget and Alison) for our screening of Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2 on Saturday. We had tickets for the 4pm show. We showed up to be in line by 2. Don't judge- we NEED to have the best seats! haha We were first in line- in fact we were first in line for the 3:30 showing. We found that shocking but with that in mind we checked if we could change screenings to the earlier show and they said yes!

We picked the best seats in the house and then waited for the movie to start. 20 minutes worth of movie previews were too much to handle. We were all ready for the movie! I won't tell you about the movie if you're going to see it- but I will tell you this- the departure from the book came JUST at the PERFECT time! I was SHOCKED and gasped out loud several times! The changes were brilliant and made this movie even better than I anticipated it would be.

We all give it a thumbs up! MUST SEE! Can't wait to see it again- and then get the DVD.

Twilight Means More Than Vampires

Yes- my inner teenage self is jumping for joy- but no, sadly I wasn't one to brave the lines and go to the midnight showing of Breaking Dawn Part 2. The final installment of the Twilight series debuted at midnight in movie theaters across the country.

When I woke up in the wee hours of the morning to come to work my Facebook feed was peppered with friends (young and old) rejoicing about taking naps and being in line- and then eventual rave reviews of the movie. A little tinge of excitement helped me push out of bed for the day- as it puts me closer to seeing the movie.

My Twilight Sisters- yes, we have a group of us- will be lining up hours before our Saturday afternoon showing to ensure we get good seats. Do you doubt this? If so- please refer to just one of the many pictures I took of us lined up for Breaking Dawn Part 1 last year:

Yes- grown ladies wearing matching T-shirts... that we gathered to decorate with sparkles-- because vampires sparkle. We love it and we're not afraid to show it! When Breaking Dawn 1 came out on DVD months later-- yes- we had to gather to celebrate with an elegant wedding celebration dinner and of course watch the movie:

The books and movies are so enjoyable- but they translate to more than just a vampire flick for us. We've bonded in friendship over a common enjoyment of entertainment- but have learned we have so much more in common and this has been a special gathering of women. They are all genuine and loving individuals who come from good families, have great senses of humor and are so giving of themselves. I'm so thankful to have met them. The Twilight Saga has facilitated conversations about love, conflict, relationships- well, and yes of course the more simple discussion of whether we are "Team Jacob and Team Edward".  For the record- I'm Team Edward in the books, Team Jacob in the movies.

As the Twilight craze will eventually fade for us- we will remain friends and continue to find opportunities to gather and enjoy each other. This is not the end. It is just the beginning for us- as we get ready to gather to mark the end of Twilight this weekend.

Thank you Twilight for helping me find such wonderful friends... oh and yes some would also thank you for a shirtless Jacob.