Dear Daniel

*Warning: Please excuse the extreme mushyness ahead.*

;)

Dear Daniel,

I know it's only been about four months since we started dating, but I feel like I have spent some of the best moments of my life with you.

The long awkward silence when we met for the first time...but then we ended up talking for hours for the rest of the weekend.

You sending me "snow" for my birthday.

Ice skating by The Bean in Millennium Park in Chicago.

Seeing Chicago and kissing you from the top of the John Hancock Building.

You teaching me how to make latte art and the giggles that ensued.

You waiting for me and hugging me at the end of my first half marathon.

Stuffing our faces at Paula Deen's Restaurant on Valentine's Day.

Sharing my favorite coffee shop, Coffee Underground, with you.

(Coffee Underground)

Sitting in a swing by the Reedy River and talking about the future.

Watching the sunset from Caesar's Head.

Dancing with you at your cousin's wedding in Charleston.

Still getting butterflies when I look at you...

Thanks for sharing in our adventures! It's been a wonderful journey so far!

I love you.

Adventures in the South: Part Three

The day after the half marathon, Valentine's Day, Daniel and I stopped in Savannah again on our way back to Greenville.

Why?

We had lunch reservations at Paula Deen's restaurant, The Lady and Sons!

Much deliciousness (and butter) was had.

Just to make you a little more jealous, here are some pictures.

We browsed through Paula's store while we were waiting for the restaurant to open. Meanwhile, our stomachs were grumbling.

That's me in front of the restaurant!

Before the resataurant opens, this lady comes out and rings a dinner triangle while saying, "Come and get it!" And then they leave you hanging for 15 minutes...while your stomach is still grumbling.

We finally got called in, were shown to our table, and then made our way to the buffet.

Mountain o' fried chicken, anyone?

And here's me with my plate of goodness...

Before dessert arrived, I hear an "aww" coming from the restaurant. Huh? Oh. Those are for me?

Daniel had these gorgeous purple flowers delivered to our table along with Hiccups the bear. It was only slightly embarrassing...but mostly awesome.

And why yes, Daniel is, in fact, the best.

Dessert was also amazing. Paula knows what she's doing.

And here we are at our lovely table by the window!

We both agree that it was the best Valentine's Day ever!

:)



13.1 {Miles That Is}

This is a long post. I warned you.

But this is also a post of which I am extremely proud.

I finished a half marathon. 13.1 miles.

(And there was no death. Or throwing up.)

To see why I did this, besides being completely crazy, read this post about Beth.

Daniel and I went to the Expo the day before the race before we headed to St. Augustine. I signed a large board with a note to Beth. These boards were later placed along Memorial Mile on the beach.

I chose the Inspire board because Beth was and always will be a huge inspiration in my life.

Here I am getting in line and trying to warm up. It was freezing and super early, but I was ready to help make a difference in the fight against breast cancer and to celebrate the life of an extraordinary woman.

The start line was full of excitement, with music to get us going, pink confetti flying everywhere, and over 10,000 runners!

This is a solid wall of people heading up and over the bridge...

Mile 2 took us over the Intracoastal Waterway - with the sun just rising and some stunning views.

Around Mile 5, we headed onto Jacksonville Beach for the Memorial Mile.

Mile 7 - over halfway there!

Mile 12. Evil. Evil. Hill.

I felt like dying or asking for a bike by this point, but I kept plugging along.

And here I am crossing the finish line! Daniel was waiting for me at the end to take pictures and give me a hug! It's such an exhilarating feeling to cross the finish line of a race!

I've thanked Daniel many times, but I don't think I can thank him enough for supporting me on this special and meaningful day!

According to Daniel, this is my best man pose yet.

Beth was with me the whole way.

This is my beautiful finishers' medal!

Daniel and I got to stay with a friend of mine on Amelia Island for the weekend, and on the day after the race, we got up early to go to the beach. Beth loved this beach, and I'm glad we got to go for a bit.

We then stopped in Savannah again on our way back to Greenville.

More on that later.

;)

Adventures in the South: Part One

A few weeks ago, Daniel came to visit and traveled with me to my half marathon in Jacksonville.

After a performance with the Augusta Symphony, we stopped in Savannah on the way down. I had never been to Savannah and was really excited to explore!

There was the obligatory stop at Waffle House. Yes, I ate all of that. Don't judge.

(I was following the advice to up my carb intake before the race very seriously...)

Our first stop in Savannah was pizza at Vinnie Van Go Go's, which was recommended to me by Lindsay of Paint Me a Picture. Thanks for the awesome suggestion Lindsay! As you can tell from the picture below of me stuffing my face, we really enjoyed it!

We then explored the City Market and meandered in and out of several candy shops, munching on free praline samples.

I kindly offered to taste test this vat of chocolate, but the shop owners turned me down.

On River Street, we strolled along, peeking into shops and admiring the huge riverboats.

We bought some chocolate in one candy shop and decided to make our own chocolate and beer pairing at the pub next door. It's not as weird as it sounds my friends - it was actually quite good!

Our pairing? Butterfinger bark with Black and Tans.



Cutest picture ever?

We took a ride on the ferry at sunset and watched a gigantic ship go by.

The night ended with fish and chips, Shepherd's pie, and drinks at an Irish pub with a gorgeous view of the river and live Irish music. It was so nice to relax, listen to music, and enjoy each other's company!

:)