AMAZING Run

Across THIS:

It is the Charleston Cooper Bridge. I have been wanting to try running it since we got here, and today being our last day I decided it was time to go for it! The bridge has a pedestrian walk way and a bike trial going across it. One way is 2.5 miles.

I ran across it and back, making a total of 5 miles. Oh yeah, did I mention that it also has EIGHT lanes of traffic and it 200 feet above the ocean?!

Yeah, I felt pretty darn hardcore. Talk about adrenaline rush. It was AMAZING! And such a good view!

I wanted to take my camera while I was running, but I really didnt want to drop it into the ocean or anything. So i figured that it was probably best to just leave it in my car where it would be safe and sound.

I did take a video of me driving back across after the run, just so you guys could see how crrrazzyy it was! Im not sure if it is working or not, but I'll try:

This morning before the run I had my usual breakfast while I am here:

When I got home I got ready and we went to Fort Sumter. It is an old fort off of Charleston Harbor that was used during the Civil War. We took a boat to get to the harbor and spent a few hours there.

Here is me being VERY annoyed with my mom for not listening to me, but playing it off as a joke :)

paparazzi pic, captured by my sister:

Back on the boat on the way back:

Hiding from the rain:

We didn't end up getting back home until almost 230! So we were all STARVED. And I don't know about you guys, but every single person in my family inherited that gene that makes you really really cranky when your hungry.

I finally got some sandwich stuff, so I was able to fix up a pretty legit sammie for lunch.

Turkey on Wheat with Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese, and Mustard. All toasted up!

My sister and I had planned on going out for sushi last night, but the weather got pretty bad and I didn't really feel like driving all the way back into Charleston. So we went to eat with the parents instead. We plan on going for sushi tonight.

Here is me and Sister #1 all dressed up for dinner:

And sister's #2 and #3:

Now its off to soak up as much sun as possible on the last day! Tomorrow we go home!

Hope everyone is having a great FRIDAY!

Lots of Love, <3 Ems.

The Dress...and a Bit More

Hello my lovelies! I'm still here in Charleston living it up. I swear you think of vacations as being relaxing, but I was thinking about it today and they are usually quite opposite! Or at least for me, I always try to take in as much as possible in the week that I am on vacation so I am worn out by activities every single day. But I like it that way, not complaining AT ALL!

Today I was up bright and early to fix up some breakfast before anyone else! We have been having a fight over the bananas (that I bought for ME) and I knew that there was only half of one left. Hey, you snooze you lose...especially when it comes to food, right?!

1 cup Special K, 1/2 cup skim milk, 1/2 banana. Along with a nice cup of coffee.

Here was my view while I ate:

Everyone was pretty much burnt to a crisp after three straight days of hours in the sun, so we decided that today would be an indoor shopping day.

We ventured over the bridge again into Charleston for the MALL!

When we got there everyone was ready for lunch. Luckily there was a semi-healthy option in the mall in the form of a Jason's Deli.

I had the Mediterranean Wrap under the "Real Choices" menu. It had oven roasted turkey breast, roasted red pepper hummus, cucumbers, purple onions, kalamata olives, roma tomatoes and organic field greens in an organic wheat wrap. I got the baked chips on the side as well.

The wrap was actually really really good! I needed the fuel for shopping so I ate it up!

Sooooo here is the moment you have all been waiting for. The KILLER dress that I got at Urban Outfitters. I think it just scream "PAR-TAY".

Did I mention that I am a total sucker for snake skin?! And short black dresses?!

Here is a close up of the detail:

And here is someone who is totally NOT me, wearing it. Just so you get the full effect.

I am pretty sure that I am going to rock it tomorrow night when my sister and I go out on the town for sushi and dancing!

Oh yeah...did I mention that I got some KILLER shoes to match too?

And they were buy one get one for $10 AND like I said, I am a sucker for snake skin...so I had to buy another pair in a slightly different style and different color.

Cute huh?! You girls like?!

After shopping for solid four hours, my sister and I headed back home. But not before stopping off at a little place on the way back...

Some of you might be familiar, not sure...

Thats right bloggies, I am no longer a Whole Foods virgin. It was my first time *blush*

Now the little sisters and the moms and pops are down at the pool. My other sister and I are about shopped out so we opted to chill out in the room and watch some tube-age.

Hopefully dinner is soooon! I really wanna go get some yummy seafood!

Hope everyone is doing grrreat! Im trying to catch up on blogs as we speak. Love you guys to death!

Lots of Love, <3 Ems.

FULL Day!

I am EXHAUSTED girls and guys! Today has been quite the active day. Fun, but major tiring.

It started out at 7 this morning with another 4 mile run on the trail from the condo. I am really gonna miss this trial when we leave! When I got back to the condo everyone was up and eating breakfast.

My breakfast was a repeat of yesterday. All Bran Flakes, Banana, blueberries, and Skim milk.

Repeat Pic!

After Breakfast we all got ready and headed across the bridge into downtown Charleston:

We hit up all the shopping for a little while. I went to American Apparel and Urban Outfitters. I got the BEST dress EVER at UO. I'll get a pic a little later to show.

After doing a little shopping my sister and I decided to break from the fam and go have lunch on our own. Like I said, my family does not like anything "different", they like your typical chain restaurants. My sister and I just weren't feelin it, so we decided to go to Five Loaves Cafe, recommended by the wonderful Erica.

I got a Grilled Tofu sandwich with zuchinni, tomato, onion, and sprouts. And a salad with roasted red peppers, spinach, tomatos, and goat cheese.

YUM!

Here is a closer look at the sandwich:

My sister and I really enjoyed our lunch. We were both really glad that we decided to go off on our own and eat here.

Here we are, happy with our decision:

After lunch we met back up with the family and went to the market place in Charleston.

This is one of my favorite things to do when we come down here. It is an old market place that goes on for what seems like miles and it is just set up with vendors and hand made goods like jewelry, decorative things, etc.

Here is a pic of the entrance:

Here is my sister and I after going through. Hot and tired. I swear we probably walked about 10 miles in the 90 degree weather!

After that we walked into Charleston place were all the upscale shops are.

Made a stop at me usual shopping place:

YEAH RIGHT! I'm a recent college grad with no full time job yet...remember?!

We also saw a pretty fountain and I HAD to have a picture of all the sissies in front of it.

Notice how different we all look from each other. Or maybe just how different I look from all of them. I swear I must be the milk man's child!

After hours of shopping, miles of walking, and TONS of sweating we came back to the condo and chilled out by the pool. Now I am in the room waiting for everyone to get in from the beach so we can get some dinner!

I just don't think I EVER wanna come home. I think I may convince my parents to just leave me here ;)

Hope you guys had a good start to your week. Again, Im sorry if I am not on top of commenting. I am trying to read blogs and comment when I get the chance. DONT think I am forgetting about you guys at all!

Lots of Love, <3 Ems.

Greetings from Charleston!

Hello my dears. I am just sitting here in the condo chilling out after a VERY active day on the beach!

I woke up bright and early and walked out to the balcony to this lovely site:

I threw on my tennys and headed out for a nice run. We are staying in a gated community with a great running trial, so I couldn't wait to hit it up. The whole path is shaded with trees too, so it didn't get too hot. I ran from out condo to the end of the community and back. When I got back I hit up map my run and found out it was an even 4 miles.

When I got back to the condo I fixed up some breakfast. Here is the problem though, guys. It is REALLY hard to eat the foods that I like when I am with my family. Most of the food they like is not the healthiest, I had to get my own loaf of wheat bread for sandwiches, if that gives you any ideas. I want to just enjoy my vacation and not have to worry about it too much. I am trying to make the healthiest choices that I can, though. What would you guys do?

Anyway here is what I managed to rustle up for a healthy breakfast:

All-Bran Flakes, Skim Milk, 1/2 Banana, and Blueberries.

After breakfast we hit the beach for some wave riding, tanning, and swimming

AHHHH

We came back up around 1 to break for lunch. The best thing I could get was a turkey sandwich on wheat bread and an apple. It was sad, so I didn't take a picture.

Then back to the beach! It was sooo much fun. We stayed in the ocean and tried to ride the waves with the boogy boards. At one point I got dragged completely under and when I came back up my boob was TOTALLY out of my bathing suit. I'm not sure if anyone saw or not. OH WELL!

After that we came back up and spent wayyy too long getting ready. My sister and I got pretty and went down to Charleston for a while.

But not before watching the sunset:

Now its time for bed so it can start all over again tomorrow. Today was only day 1 peeps!

Prepare for WAY more pics! Sorry if I'm absent from commenting a lot this week. I have been living it up on the beach all day and haven't had too much time on the computer. I DO miss you guys though!

Lots of Love, <3 Ems

Two Down, One To Go...

Well peeps, I have made it through two interviews this week and now I'm waiting for my last one in about a hour. I'm telling you its been so rough and discouraging. I'm not really doing as well on the interviews as I would have hoped, and then when I do think that I do good I don't get the response that I expected. Yesterday's interview was just horrible, so I'm pretty sure I messed that one up. And then the interview that I had today I thought went really really well. Both while I was waiting to be interviewed I was listening to the guy that was being interviewed before me, and they hired him right on the spot. But me? they said they would call me next week. So, I dont know about that. The interview tonight is my second interview so I'm thinking that's a good sign. But its just a serving position at this little hip restaurant downtown. But a jobs a job, I guess and it is a really cool place. I probably won't be finding a teaching position until the beginning of the next school year, since summer is coming up soon. So, I need something to bring in the cash flow while I wait. ;)

Keeping with the warm weather theme, I wanted something cold for brekkie this morning...so I had some cereal!

• 1 Cup All-Bran Flakes
• 1/2 Nanner
• Cinnamon
• Blueberries!

For lunch I wanted something for my sweet tooth. Whenever I get a sweet craving for lunch I always fix up a yummy grilled peanut butter and Jayjay.

• Grilled Honey Wheat Toast
• 2 Tbsp. Mighty Maple Peanut Butter
• Other half of the 'Nanner from brekkie
• Blackberry Preserves
• Cinnamon

I wanted to try Chobani flavor #2. I have heard rave reviews of the blueberry flavor, so I decided this was the one for me today.

I added some chopped up strawberries, just cause.

Ok guys, I know that you all LOVE the Chobani, but I must say that while I do like it a lot, I think that I like the Oikos better. Its just thicker and creamier. But then again, I haven't tried the plain Chobani, so it might be a little thicker since it doesnt have the liquid fruit flavoring at the bottom. I think that if you were trying to ease someone into greek yogurt that Chobani would def. do the trick. But for someone who has been eating greek yogurt for a while, I have kind of built up a taste for the thicker kinds.

Now I have to freshen up and head out for my THIRD interview in the past 36 hours. This whole "job hunt" thing is really starting to wear on me. I feel like I have definitely at this really hard cross road in my life right now, and I still haven't decided which way I want to go. I have a lot of options that I have been considering and have made steps towards all of them, just to see what pans out. I need everyone's prays and support right now, its a pretty hard/confusing time! Right now my options include:

1. Grad School for my Masters in Education
• Steps towards this: I have signed up to take the GRE (which is like the ACT for grad school) and I take it next Tuesday. I have also applied for scholarships and financial aid.
• Pros: It will help me build up my credentials for a better chance at scoring a teaching job when I graduate with my masters. Also, the economy will hopefully be better when I get out of school
• Cons: I'm not sure if I want to continue with education, or do something else. I'm not sure if I would be able to pay for it.
2. Pursuing a second degree in Nutrition:
• Steps toward this: I have met with the nutrition director of my old college and reapplied for admission to ETSU for a 2nd degree.
• Pros: Nutrition is something that I am way interested in and would love to pursue it. Also, I think that with 2 degrees I will have more of a range when looking for a job.
• Cons: I'm sort of ready for a change of scenery and don't really want to go back to the same school I just graduated from.
3. Continuing in my job search for a teaching position:
• Steps towards this: Put in multiple applications and gone to interviews. Also, I am attending a job fair in April in Nashville for teachers.
• Pros: Well, obv. its what I set out to in the first place and it would be nice to be settled with a career (and steady paycheck).
• Cons: It's so hard to find and job with the economy how it is and nothing is guaranteed. Also, I'm not 100% sure that I am ready to settle into a career just yet.

So there you have it. This are the issues that have really been weighing on me lately. I know that everything will work out the way that they are supposed to, but it is just so hard and confusing! Any advise?!

Woah! I wrote way too much...I gotta RUN! I'll let you guys know how this interview goes when i get back!

Lots of Love <3 Ems.

Edited to add: I just got home from my last interview and I got the job! I start on Friday. Its just that job as a server at that little resturuant, but it will have to do for now. I need some cash flowage, so hopefully this will help while i decide what the HELL I wanna do with my life! Thanks for all the postive comments guys, you always put a bright spot in my bad days, it is much appreciated. PLUS, it totally made me day to hear that Katie thought I looked like Elisha Cuthbert :)

Lettin' Loose

So after the run yesterday I was def. ready for a fun Saturday night out on the town. My dancin partner in crime Britt came over and we got ready to go out.

Usual "bathroom mirror shot" No, she did NOT wear that t-shirt out. Its a t-shirt from my highschool that she had on while her shirt was in the dryer. haha

It was definitely a fun night. We ended up going out to our favorite dance spot and danced all night. By the time we got home I was exhausted and I crashed BIG TIME! I got up this morning and went to work, tanned, and now I am home again. WHEW! What a weekend. But I loved every minute of it :)

Random food shots from the last two days:

I tried the honey flavored Oikos yesterday and I liked it better than the vanilla. I still have the plain in my fridge and I have yet to find a blueberry. I think I would like the blueberry the best though, so that a total bummer!

They had Annie's Hunny Bunnies cereal on sale at the grogery store, so I picked it up and thought I would give it a try. I used it to make a new Breakfast this morning:

• 1 Cup of Hunny Bunnies
• 6 oz. nonfat vanilla yogurt
• Naner
• Handfull of Blueberries
• Cinnamon!

This combo was SUPER good and nice for a change of pace. Sometimes you just gotta mix it up a little! I really like this cereal too and I recommend it if you havent tried it.

It says right on the box "No icky additives or pesky preservatives"

Lunch:

Made up a wrap for lunch today before work. With all the usual ingredients.

Currently I just finished up the weekly viewing of Running with Heels with my roommate:

Its a reality show about three girls that are interning for Marie Claire Magazine, and it is one of my new "shows". It comes on Sundays at 8 on Style. WATCH IT!

Ok, so I have something that I just need to rant about. I really really hate to do it, but I just have to let it out. I can not be the only one who thinks this is wrong, so I need input! My roommate who is all ready at a perfectly healthy weight just started on this EXTREME diet and it is really bothering me. It makes me so uncomfortable when she talks about, and she talks about it all the time! Basically it is some sort of pill that makes it possible for her to live off of 500 calories a day!! And she is doing this for three weeks! I just wanna scream at her when she starts talking about it, because it is NOT healthy and I think she is crazy for doing it. I tried to look up info about it online, but I cant find anything that says its dangerous. But surely it is, right?! And I would think that it would only be used on people that were extremely overweight, which is she is not! I have told her before about some of the things that I have gone through, and that it makes me uncomfortable when people practice unhealthy habits. But, she continues to rub this in my face. Am I wrong for being totally annoyed by her right now?!

When I did some googling on whether or not this diet was safe I found an article from The Morning Show that really hit home for me. It talks about weight lose, but I think that it can be related to the feelings of ED as well.

"The only way to let-go of unwanted weight is to let-go of unwanted emotional baggage, let-go of fears and worries, let-go of guilt and shame, let-go of self-hatred and self-loathing, and let-go of the crazy beliefs about food, fat, weight, and dieting, that the “establishment” has fed you all your life. Look in the mirror. Look around you. What you’ve been told simply isn’t an accurate perspective of reality; it simply doesn’t work the way they say it does. It isn’t what you eat that’s making you fat; it’s what’s eating you. Most people say, “I’ll be happy when I lose this extra weight;” but, the truth is, this kind of “happiness” will last only as long as you keep the weight off. Finding true happiness, however, can be the greatest weight-reduction plan ever"

I just found that really inspiring, because I think that its so true, as long as you are happy with yourself and your life, weight will matter less and less. There is SO MUCH more to life than that and a lot of time and energy is wasted by worrying about external things. I am guilty of this myself, and it is something that I am working on everyday.

Ok, enough of that. Its just been on my mind all week! Now Im off to shower and have dinner and hit the hay...im EXHAUSTED!

Hope everyone is revved up for the week! Lots of Love,

<3 Ems.