Lesson Number Five.

Yes you read that title correctly! I had a riding lesson last Thursday with my trainer, Mandi!

I had to take a not so brief hiatus because Mandi was nearing the end of her pregnancy, had the baby and then needed recovery time before she could get back to teaching. So after a very long five months, I'm back in the saddle! I rode Beau again (he'll be the horse I always ride) and he was a gem.

We did a ton of flat work and transitions (walk-trot, trot-canter and walk-canter). It was hard work but those transitions and doing sitting trot to posting trot to two point are great for my balance and strength. After an hour of doing this I was exhausted! I was really feeling that five month break.

That's pretty much what I looked like after my lesson; except not as cute and cuddly! My legs are still sore today! 

I've already scheduled my next lesson for this Saturday and cannot wait! I hope to be able to take some pictures this time to share with you, so keep your eye out for a post on lesson number six next week!

Chattanooga, Tennessee - 1990's to 2011

My Dad was born in Chattanooga but moved to Florida when he was a child. Even though he moved away at a young age, he always stayed in touch and frequently visited his extended family in Tennessee. I can remember many times travelling up there as a family, doing crafts and learning to golf with my Aunt Letty Lou, playing outside and pretending to have southern accents with my sister. They were great times!

Before 2011, the last time I visited was with my Dad and sister in December 2005 when the three of us when and stayed at a cabin. **Off topic - looking back at the pictures I took at 15 years old, I seem to not have been to shabby at this whole photography thing. Maybe it is a hobby I should pursue? OK now back on topic.**

As I moved out and got older, we never found the time to make it back up there until April 2011. I was excited to travel up there with Nick and show him the place that had always been near to my heart. My dad, step-mom, Nick and I got packed and loaded in the car for a fun filled road trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee!

 

We went and checked out several of the historical/touristy locations.

 

The Old Mill.

Ruby Falls.

Lookout Mountain Battlefield.

 

After checking out the sites (and taking millions on pictures) we headed over to our cousins house for a cookout and Angie's Birthday!

We had a wonderful time in Tennessee and getting to see my family was best part of it all. I wish we could get together more often but not being able to makes it that much more special when we do. I'm looking forward to the next time we road trip it up there!

#augustbreak2013.

Hey Guys! I just wanted to pop in and invite you to follow and/or join me on Instagram for the August Break 2013 photo a day starting tomorrow! Here is the list create by Susannah.

Every day in August you post a photo on Instagram (hashtag augustbreak2013) or your blog based on this lists criteria for that day. It's that easy! 

Other girls are taking this opportunity to do short daily blog posts in order to allow them to take some time away from their computers but I have other plans for my blog in August!

The first picture tomorrow is breakfast, so eat something yummy and snap a pic! 

Happy Hump Day!!

Rollerblading.

Since I find myself unable to run due to painful shinsplints I am forced to find other ways to workout. Last night I was planning on going for a walk but as I headed out of my garage I noticed my dusty rollerblades on the ground. I grabbed them, wiped them off (I may or may not have thrown them around in the yard a bit to rid them of any unwanted critters) and then put them on.

I can't remember the last time I went rollerblading, so standing at the top of the driveway knowing there was only one way down was a bit scary. I let to of the wall and as slowly as I could, rolled down to the end of the drive and attempted a smooth left turn onto the sidewalk. It took me about 2 seconds to realize that the sidewalk is no place for rollerblading and I decided to transition into the road. Once I got comfortable with my technique (or lack there of) and set my Map My Run app I was on my way!

I had no set time or distance but I knew I wasn't going to allow myself any stopping or coasting. I ended up gong 1.5 miles in about 12 minutes. My legs and abs were achy and I worked up a really good sweat (it's 90+ degrees, humid and sunny)! I took off my blades, went inside and did 20 push-ups and 200 crunches. 

I really enjoyed rollerblading, so much in fact I think I will go again today for longer distance! I am definitely going to keep it as a part of my regular workout routine. The best part of it all is that I woke up this morning with no shin pain (besides what's already there)!

Family Time.

My sister, Chelsea her boyfriend, Tyler and my nephew, Elijah have all been here for a few weeks now visiting for the summer! It has been really nice to have them here and spend time together. We went to my mom's (where they stayed) a few times and Nick and I also had them and my Dad and Step-mom over for my Dad's Birthday last Friday.

 

I have really enjoyed catching up with my sister and seeing how much my little nephew has grown. I can't believe he is almost 10 months old! It is so crazy how fast time has gone by since he was born. They leave today so I headed over to my Mom's house last night to say my goodbyes and spend a couple more precious hours with them before they leave.

 

We are lucky enough though to get to go up to North Carolina for Elijah's first birthday at the end of September! I cannot wait! So without further ado, here are some of the pictures I took (mostly of Eli) during the time they were here. WARNING - major baby photo dump about to happen here!!

 

Elijah playing with Uncle Dylan at Mimi's house.

Eli and Mama.

Just some of the food we made for Dad's Birthday party.

I absolutely love this picture of Elijah smiling at his Daddy. 

 

 

 It was a lot of fun to get to help Chelsea give Eli a bath!

Chelsea and Tami.

It has been really nice having them here for such a along time. I'm really going to miss them and I'm counting down the days until Eli's birthday!