5 Thoughts from the Week
1. I’ve come to greatly appreciate Belk (the department store). When I lived in Asheville and was surrounded with super cute boutiques and pretty much any chain retailer I wanted, I never thought much about needing or wanting to buy an article clothing. It was a non-issue. Now I live in a small town. We have amazing farm-to-table restaurants, a number of breweries, artists galore and at least three coffee roasters. But we have NO retail stores other than Belk (for those of you who don’t know what that is, it’s kind of like a Nordstrom). I never ever used to shop there when I had my pick of the litter, but now that I don’t, I’ve bought several cute items there lately (including shoes and my Easter dress). It’s funny how one’s perspective (even about shopping) can change so significantly.
2. I chaperoned my six year old’s field trip yesterday to Sunburst Trout Farm, a local trout farm that has been operating since 1948. We learned how the fish go from hatchlings to full-blown trout to dips, filets and jerky that are then sold to restaurants all over the region. I’ve eaten their trout in a number of regional high-end restaurants and, it is phenomenal. It was so very interesting to watch how the process works. It’s truly a farm-to-table operation. #GoLocal
3. I have my first 1/2 marathon one week from tomorrow, and I’m a little nervous. It’s basically impossible for someone who works full-time but has part-time child care to find time to run 13.1 miles. I have been running consistently, just not nearly as much as I should have been. I’m still super excited about it though. It’s the first ever 1/2 marathon in my town , and inaugural events are always fun and memorable.
4. I’m trucking along with Project 365 on Instagram. Each day of the year, a person is challenged to capture a moment or a memory from the day, document the day of year and use the hashtag #Project365. It’s been really fun. Some days are mundane and nothing extravagant happens, but nonetheless, I have to post a picture so Project 365 always makes me think of something cool or special that happened that day. Today is day 115. I can’t believe that! The year is going so fast. Time truly does fly.
5. Work has been insane lately, but in a good way! I had a fun blogging dinner this past Monday sponsored by the NC Blogger Network. Several Asheville-area bloggers came together to hear Felicia Carter from Go Grow Go speak of her success as a blogger. Ironically, she and I went to the same high school, and I haven’t seen her in ages, so it was great to see an old friend. The web-based marketing firm I’ve been working with over the past seven months, Pixels in My Pocket, has also been super busy. We’ve finished and launched two websites over the past two weeks, so it’s been intense but exciting. Not to mention I’m still working part-time at my old school as an instructional coach. I’m ready for a weekend…
5 Photos from the Week

Hanging out last weekend with my girl Kate and Baby Avery. Between her and me, we have five boys, so it’s always exciting and loud. But we love it!

My close friend and colleague Melanie and I working on one our latest websites. She’s the owner and lead designer of Pixels in My Pocket.
That photo of Case is the cutest! And yay for half marathons! I think next week will be my 12th. (And number 13 will be in June. SO CRAZY.)
Wowza! You will always be my running inspiration.
So fun to go to blogging get togethers, and crazy that the speaker was someone you knew from high school, small world. We lived in Duragno, CO for a few years and yeah total tourist town, so tons of great restaurants and specialty shops but no real good shopping, we did have a Walmart but that was about it. I am not a huge shopper but I love where I live now with everything within minutes. Good luck on your race! Thanks for linking up.
Thank you for the well wishes on the race. I’m a little apprehensive but super excited as well!
We love Belk! But only when they have sales. My husband likes the mens’ Saddlebred collared shirts that are really soft and I love the boys’ outfits. Super cute. Good luck on your half! I haven’t done one in a while but when it gets cooler, I will start thinking about that distance again.
Thank you! I’m a little nervous about the run but super excited too.
Good job on the Project 365. I started mine September 1st. I planned to last year on January 1 and never did so I started it Sept 1st because I figured that was the best time :). I’m 236 days in :). Very awesome though that you know how many days we’re in to the year. I wish I would have started January 1
I do love Project 365. No matter when you start, it’s fun to embrace each day!