My Quiet Little Weekend.

My weekend, much like my life lately, was quiet.  With an out-of-town school retreat AND Blissdom coming up, I have reveled in the silence.


On Friday, a quiet snow fell on Chicago - the second snowfall we've seen all winter!  Between catching up on the DVR, fro-yo and the hubs, it was a perfect way to end the week.

It was certainly a far cry from THIS scene, a mere two weeks ago!

On Saturday morning, I had 8 miles to tackle on the treadmill.  However, because I was running in honor of Sherry Arnold, the fact that I was stuck inside AND sporting a slightly sore hip didn't stop me.

For those of you who aren't familiar with Sherry's story, she is a wife, mother and teacher who was reported missing while out on her Saturday morning run in Montana.  After weeks of searching for her and combing for clues, two gentlemen were arrested for involvement in her disappearance and one admitted to her murder.  Sherry was just one mile from her home when she was abducted.

Her cousin Beth, the genius behind "Shut Up and Run", organized a virtual run in Sherry's honor.  It's been an inspiration to see so many bloggers come together and support one of us who suffered while doing the thing we all love.  You can read more about the virtual race, and Sherry, here.

I felt like a jerk that I forgot to actually print my bib, but here I am before the run.  (I know.  I'm so gorgeous you can't stand it.)

Much of my run was spent thinking about Sherry and this senseless loss felt by many.  We all run, each and every single day.  This could have happened to anyone.  And so Sherry, I ran for you.  I didn't complain about running on the treadmill like I normally do.  I didn't freak out about a slight hip soreness.  I just ran.  8 miles in 1 hour and 16 minutes.  I thought about you and your family and friends.  I prayed for all of you - that everyone who knew you has found some peace and comfort despite this tragic loss.  


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Later that evening, my friend Meghan hosted a dinner party with a theme!  This month's theme?  "Food on a Stick"!  Needless to say, it was quite a success:

I swear, everything tastes better on a stick (or with bacon) and I cannot wait to see what next month's theme will be! Between good friends, good food and great wine, what more do you need???

The weekend wrapped up with a quiet Sunday, filled with a wonderful Barre Bee Fit class (my review coming soon!) and brunch with dear friends and a cute baby at SOLA in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood.  Sigh.  What a perfect weekend.

How was your weekend???

P.S.  I have lots of exciting news/posts coming up.  Get fired up!