Current Mood: Contemplative

Lately, I've been feeling very contemplative. Life has been relatively quiet, and it has given me an opportunity before "mating season" (as in, bridal and baby showers EACH weekend - thank you Erin, for coining the phrase!) to reflect about my life, who I am, and who I want to be.

I've been contemplating:

* Running. I am signed up for a half-marathon on May 8th, and I am really proud of what I have achieved thus far. I've also come to appreciate the beauty that surrounds me on these runs. However, I've trained for longer races in the past and have been forced to quit due to injury or chose to stop due to shifting priorities. I've seriously become known as the girl who trains for marathons but does not run them! I am just really hoping I can maintain my momentum and shift it into high gear these last few weeks. OH - and try and look sexy in a fuel belt while I do so:)

A quiet morning in Chicago

* Secretly, I DO want to be a great housewife and mother, despite all of my talk about living my life first and being too selfish for a baby. I dream about babies and learning how to use a KitchenAid mixer (we have one in silver and I haven't touched it). I just want to go to Europe first and get over my fear of gaining weight. But don't worry - the names have already been selected:)

I'll take one in pink, thank you.

* People. Sometimes when I am out with my friends, I realize I do a lot of the talking. I'd like to learn to be a better listener.

* Food. I am really proud of myself and my hubby. We've been eating nothing but fresh fruits and veggies. He's made some incredible meals, and I have Jamie Oliver's "Food Revolution" to thank.

* Blogging. Sometimes I feel inadequate. Sometimes it's easy to caught up in the hype of followers and comments, although I really do my best not to. Whenever I post something, I do it from the heart, I have fun with it, and I tell myself it doesn't matter what people think. Sometimes that's easier said than done! However, when I met my first blogger in real life, the lovely Alissa of Grace's Birdcage, I realized that our meeting was what it was all about - the ability to form friendships with people, only to discover how amazing they are online AND in person. I had the best time with Alissa, chatting about blogging, marriage and life - all over coffee and a shopping trip to H&M. Thank you, Alissa, for helping me to appreciate the true meaning of blogging.

Is there anything that's been on YOUR mind lately?

Before I sign off, I wanted to send a huge THANK YOU to everyone who volunteered to help me search the globe for the best cupcake:) Your support is amazing and I hope to feature your research as it is submitted!

One of the first ladies to respond was my friend Brenna from Dallas. She is a true Southern belle - the perfect combination of sassy and sweet! Brenna recently ordered cupcakes from the famous Sprinkles chain (there's one coming to Chi-town!) - for her guests AND FOR HER DOG, the adorable Javier! How can you NOT love that?!?!

If there is a Sprinkles in your area, Brenna highly recommends the milk chocolate, black & white and the chocolate marshmallow. And don't forget to order some for your dog, too!