Time to get muddy!

I was supposed to do a mud run in May, but due to bad weather and flooding they had to reschedule.

Well the make up day was this past weekend! And what an experience that was!

You can ask anyone who knows me... I HATE running. So why I decided to do a mud run is past me.

My sister and I did the Color Run earlier this year (which was so much fun,) so I assume I figured that if I can finish that, then I can finish a mud run.

The Color Run was such a happy envorionment and the were tons of people around. It truly didnt feel like we had run 3 miles at the end of it. Noone was in any hurry; everyone was just having fun.

Here are some before and after picutes of Jaime and I:

Notice our shirts said "Dyed Trying." Amy Latimer came up with the creative name : )

 Anyway, add a TON of hills and obstacles and the mud run was SO much more challenging than the Color Run. Some people would say, its just 3 miles... no big deal. But this run was one of the most challenging things I have done.

With that being said, I am so glad that I did it. What an acconplishment it was to cross that finish line.

After the first hill (which was huge) I was ready to give up. My fellow crossfitter and co-worker, Quentin, encouraged me along the way and low and behold, we crossed that finish line.

Chase surprised me at the finish line and it was so welcoming to see a familiar face at the end of the race.

Our fellow Rampager and coach, Anna, also came to support! We were thankful for that!

At the end of the day, I was so proud of myself for accomplishing that. Its not about coming in first, but finishing and doing something for yourself. I have really loved finding healthy activities to participate in to help lead a healthy lifestyle.

Cant wait for my next challenge!



CMT Awards and CMA fest

As I mentioned before, Chase has an awesome internship at CMT for the summer. Some of their biggest projects were the CMT awards and CMA fest. We were lucky to be able to attend the events because of all his hard work!

The CMT awards were so much fun to attend live. I had no idea how much production went on while we are watching it on the tv.

I'm not the biggest country fan, but I ended up knowing a lot of the songs that were played that night. It was so cool to see so many stars in one place, and the be in the same arena as they were.

We also got to attend a couple nights of CMA fest. I was in complete awe of how many people were there. Chase had to work the event during the day, so he got to see the swarm of people around Broadway all day, but I didnt make it out till the concerts at night.
One of the concet venues was at the Titan's football stadium, LP Field. The stadium was completely packed. I'm not even sure that many people go to the football games.

We got to see Lady Antebellum, Hunter Hayes, Blake Shelton, and Little Big Town.

My favorite was Lady Antebellum. They can really sing, and I knew all of their songs. Chase really enjoyed Hunter Hayes (sounds crazy, huh?) He turned out to be a really talented musician. He has a John Mayer feel and can play the guitar really well. Chase enjoyed seeing that.

We had a great time!

Summer lovin'

I have been having the best summer with my better half around! I am finally getting a chance to explore this awesome city with my man and show him around! We've had a blast and I cannot wait for him to officially move here.

So far our favorite thing to explore...is the FOOD! Is that terrible? I absolutely love to eat, and Nashville has a ton of variety.

Chase's first day of work, we celebrated with dinner at Taco Mamcitas. They have an awesome variety of tacos. My favorite is the spicy shrimp and gyro taco. We also love their chicken tortilla soup.

That weekend we pigged out with some mexican in East Nashville. We really love that area of Nashville, especially the food.

We ate at Rosepepper and spent too much money on margaritas. They were awesome though!

One of my favorite things we have done so far has been the Avett Bros concert. I got to see their CMT Crossroads live with my friend Amy Latimer and her finance Shawn Byrne. Ever since I have been dying to go to a full concert. Luckily, they had one at Bridgestone the weekend after Chase arrived...perfect timing!

We LOVE living here, and I cant wait for Chase to get here permenantly! 

Country Music Television... Nashville internship

Have I mentioned on here how talented my future hubby is? No... well let me brag a little bit!

Chase is coming upon graduation (thank God) and it was time for him to do an internship as one of his class credits. Seeing as we will be living in Nasvhille after we are married, he wanted to try to get one here to get his foot in the door and possibly open up some job opportunities after the move. Well, not only did he get an internship in Nashville but he ended up with an awesome one!

Out of a couple hundred applicants, Chase was selected for an off air deisgn internship with CMT. They loved his portfolio, and even bragged about it during orientation. He has been working on design elements for advertising and such that doesnt appear on the TV. I sound so knowledgeable about this, dont I?

Some of the big projects he has worked on is stuff for the CMT awards, CMA fest, CMT shows social media, and billboards.

I am constantly impressed on how talented he is. I am so encouraged by this opportunity and know he is going to have a great career as a wonderful deisgner! I just wish I could be as creative as he is!

Here are some of the things he has had his hands on this summer...

Strike a pose

We are so lucky to have one amazingly talented photographer for our wedding (5 month countdown by the way!) During a busy summer, we finally found the time to make it home and take our engagement photos. Its normal to wait almost 8 months after getting engaged to take engagement photos, right?!?

We took the pictures at a farm outside of Troy. One of Chase's best friends family owns a farm where they spent many childhood years camping and hunting. It was really beautiful land with old cabins, barbed wire fences, and tall grass. Our kind of place.

Candace and David definatlely showed the true beauty of the area! We had so much fun, after me being nervous about it all weekend. I am definately no model... but I dare to say Chase must have been one in another life! He was so natural and soo handsome. I'm one lucky girl.

Check out the slide show Candace prepared for us... and check her out too! She's AWESOME!

www.candacenelsonphotography.com

http://candacenelsonphotography.myshowit.com/ryanandchaseengaged/index.html

"You wear white and I'll wear out the words I Love You..."

The story:

October 6, 2012 begins the journey to...

Our Wedding!!

Holy Moly, I wasn't expecting to be announcing this! It all came as a surprise. Chase and I are so blessed to have been put into each others lives and knew that one day we would spend the rest of them together. But I didn't see this one coming when it did.

October 8th was the 1st anniversary of some of my best friends Anna and Nathan Kelly. After moving to Tennessee and away from my friends and family, we planned a camping trip so that the Kelly's, Beth and Kreg Montgomery, Chase and myself could get together. The only weekend available happened to fall on the weekend before their anniversary, so we decided to use it to celebrate their first year of marriage together...

(Or so I thought!)

We all planned the weekend and what food and supplies we each were goint to bring. I suggested to Chase that we get a bottle of champagne to celebrate and surprise the couple. I couldn't wait to see my friends and have a wonderful weekend together.

Turns out it was the best weekend ever!

After a long trip and many pit stops and delays, Chase and I made it to the campsite and set up before everyone got there. We made a yummy dinner of salmon and veggies and awaited our friends.

 The rest of the group got in about midnight and we talked and spent some time together before we went to bed...and then came the rain!

I was lucky and didn't get wet at all, but it did get some of the others as well as out stuff. The guys made an area to dry everything off the next morning.

(Here's where the fun starts)

We had planned on going rock climbing and hiking Saturday, but since the rain didn't stop until around 11:00 and the area was wet, we weren't able to go as planned. I was kind of sad, but Chase and Nathan said they found a pretty place for us to hike to for lunch.

After Beth and Kreg ran an errand (more on that later), we packed up and made our way to the waterfall for lunch. It was quite a hike downhill, but the area was beautiful. We took some pictures and Chase pulled me aside to show me another area to the other side of the rope bridge we came across.

I honestly wasn't sure why he was taking me over here, or why he was acting so nervous.

He gave me a kiss and told me how much he loved me. I of course told him I loved him too.

He reached in his jacket and told me he had something for me. After fumbling to get the zipper opened and saying sweet things I regretfully can't remember (I was in shock that this was all happening), he pulled out a ring box with the most beautiful cushion cut diamond, got on one knee, and asked me to marry him.

He tells me I didn't say anything but just nodded my head. I honestly can't remember; I was just so excited! Luckily Kreg had the camera the whole time (and got a memory card at Walmart because Chase forgot it at home) and got the pictures. This was the plan the whole time.

Seriouly, everyone knew but me. This wasn't for Anna and Nathan at all. Really guys? I basically planned my own engagement without knowing it. I bought my own congratulatory bottle of champagne (which everyone thought was funny)! Everyone lied to me!!  But I couldn't be happier...
God couldn't have made a more perfect man for me. He is the kindest, most genuine, passionate, caring, creative, and loving person I know.
God's timing is perfect, and every struggle I have ever been through was all worth it in this moment. I know with all of my heart the he will love me and support me for the rest of our lives. I cannot thank God enough for him! (and Beth and Kreg for hookin us up!)

Bean Counter

Accounting...

The typical thought of the work of an accountant is that of number crunching, "bean counting", problems, difficult clients, and scaryyy auditors/audits -

I actually am one of those scary auditors; and believe it or not, it is not at all what it seems!

I love my job!



I don't sit behind a desk 100% of the time, I get to travel, and I get to interact with awesome, intelligent people. I am so grateful for God leading me to this career choice and I can't wait to see what the future brings through it. I'm a lucky girl : )



Crossfit - I hate to love it!

One of the more "trendy" workouts right now is Crossfit, and I was excited to try it when I moved to Montgomery. I previously had a trainer in Troy, Kris Ansley (anyone there, check him out. He was great!), and lifted weights with him. That in itself was a completely new experience. I had to train my body to move in ways that I didnt feel was natural, and that took some time to get used to. After a couple months of it, I really started to love it and the effect it had on my body. I knew moving to Montgomery was going to be a struggle. I discovered that I performed much better in a gym environment where someone was pushing me and relying on me to show up. And quite honestly, if I was going to spend the money then I was going to show up and work hard. It was a kind of motivation, a slightly costly one, but motivation none-the-less.

In Montgomery, I tried to continue my workouts similar to how Kris and I did them, but on my own. That didn't turn our very well! I had no motivation and no one to hold me accountable. By the end of the day, my intentions of going to the gym went down the drain! I eventually joined a Crossfit gym in Millbrook, River Region Crossfit, www.riverregioncrossfit.com. (Check them out if you are in the Millbrook or Montgomery area!) I loved it! It took me back to the gym in Troy, but with an intense twist to it, adding in quick circuit training as well. (Kris always tried to get me to do circuits, but I hated them so I talked my way out of it... Sorry, you were right!) I wasn't able to get as involved as I wanted to, though; because I traveled a lot for work. But I thought "Hey, I've been lifting weights for a while now...I'll be totally fine!"

That's where my dilemma begins. So... I move to Nashville, decide to continue my Crossfit training, and I joined a gym in Murfreesboro near my work.

www.crossfitrampage.com 

I told them I had already done the On Ramp class and had participated for about 2 months back home, so they let me skip the intro and get right into the mix of things...

And I SUCK!

I am the slowest, weakest person in the class! I get so discouraged and hard on myself trying to keep up. These people don't mess around! In their defense, they had 2 ridiculously hard work outs in honor of a birthday and 9/11, so it's hard to base my performace on that. BUT I still sucked!

All together I really do love it! I am excited to continue and see myself get better, but I really hate the wait. Isn't that the hardest part of working out in general. We tend to expect to do 50 sit-ups and see results immediately. But I will press on with my training, work hard, and hope for the best! Check out a local Crossfit gym near you; you will love it!

Finally in Nashville

Moving day finally came! After a month of traveling for work and trying to pack, Chase and I went into beast mode and loaded the truck in an hour an a half! I was so impressed : )

We headed on up to Birmingham to spend the night with the Montgomery's and enjoy some time with them and the Kelly's. It was a wonderful night with friends, with Jamie and Skot stopping by as well. We happily got up early the next morning and hit the road! Chase picked up his wonderful rommate, Kirk, and my dad followed behind from Montgomery.

I was dreading this move; living on the second floor and having to hoist everything up, but with the four of us, we unloaded EVERYTHING in a little over an hour! Ran some errands, took showers, and hit the town to watch the football games downtown. War Eagle! I treated the boys to wings and beer, and we even hit up a local bar after. Fun night to end the moving trip for sure!

As of now, I am just trying to adjust living on my own. A new city is scary, and foreign. I can't travel anywhere without my GPS and have to ask about everything. I will eventually learn my bearings. I can't complain at all though, Tennessee is beautiful! I truly feel like I am going to love it here, especially after I make some friends and have visits from those at home I love.

The view from where I live is nothing to complain about! And with fall setting in...it is wonderful!!

Even the drive to work is exciting. Downtown has yet to be explored much, but it is still early : )

And did I mention Nashville is beautiful? God blessed me with an amazing sunset. I am so lucky!

"I pulled into Nashville, TN. But you wouldn't even come around to see me"

That's right! I'm moving to Nashville!

I have been so blessed with the opportunity to continue my career in Tennessee. Our firm has an office outside of Nashville and has presented me with the option of moving. After thinking, talking, and praying about the decision... I have decided it is the best decision for me! What a great city and state to move into. There are so many advantages for this move, both career and life.I still get to work for a company that I love working for. The people I work with are great, and the atmosphere in the Tennessee office is just the same! I also get to work in an industry I have enjoyed since my internship 2 years ago. Outside of work, Tennessee is beautiful! Great hiking, backpacking, and camping is in my backyard. No more driving 6 hours to enjoy the outdoors! Although, now it will be a 6 hour drive to see the ones I love: Sorry mom and dad!

I guess as Ben Harper says, I'll have to "steal  my kisses" while I'm in Alabama! Nashville, here I come!

Bring in the new year!

What an exciting end to 2011! Graduation wad awesome, great time with family, an amazing Christmas, and a great new years trip! I am so thankful for everything God had given me.
Pictures and stories to come!

Moving On...

This week is going to be a busy but exciting one! Graduation is on Friday and on to Montgomery I go to start my career (finally!), after a weekend of celebrating at the beach of course!

I cannot believe this time has flown so fast. I feel like I have made a life in little ol' Troy Alabama and am somewhat sad to leave. I have made some of the best friends here and made so many memories.

Moving on to the next chapter, moving on from my friends, and literally moving. Overwhelming how blessed I am. God is so good!

New Obsession!!

I finally got my camera! My amazing parents bought me a Nikon for graduation and I haven't put it down since! I don't plan on doing anything professional with it, but it is such an awesome thing to have. Expect many more pictures : )

Can't Seem to Have one Without the Other

So the past month has been pretty hectic and I am glad to have it over. It has been full of packing, studying, successes, and failures. Tears and laughter...
As I have probably mentioned before, I am currently taking the CPA exam. I have passed 2 of the 4 parts and sat for the Audit section on November 30. I was praying that I would pass it and have 3 parts under my belt before I started work in January... but lo and behold, I made a 74. A 74!! Seriously, failed by 1 point. What a huge blow to one's confidence. I felt so discouraged and seemingly hopeless!
After talking to my roommate some, my mom, my best friend Matthew, and Chase, I took some time to talk to God. I put this burden in His hands and prayed for the weight to be lifted off my shoulders. I know that while I wanted/expected the results to be in my favor at this time to work with my "plan," that God's timing is perfect. I also know that while I lay this worry to His hands, that it is also my responsibility to continue to push forward and not to give up. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," words so simple and used so often, but also such an amazing reminder that we don't have to go through anything alone. And for that, I am grateful.

So, two hours after I received my failing 74, I had to take a final. My last final for graduate school to be exact...the last exam I will EVER take in school. While I should be excited about this, the CPA exam clouded my joy. But after taking a day to let defeat settle in, I can now rejoice in the fact that I am DONE! Exams are over and the only thing I have left to do is walk across that stage next Friday and receive my degree. I hope that while I struggle to get my CPA that my parents are still proud of me. 5 1/2 years of hard work to get my bachelors and now my masters degree. It seems a little surreal that it is over.

Can't seem to have one without the other. I guess with every failure also comes a success. With every tear also comes a smile. With every broken heart comes love worth more.
Story of my life... but what a great story at times!

Fall 2011 Recap

I guess I had high hopes in this blog thing...only to completely fail! Unfortunately finishing up grad school, sitting for the CPA exam, marrying off best friends, finding a place to live, Auburn football games, and finding time for the boyfriend and new roomies has proven to be very time consuming. I have had somthing planned every single weekend this semester and it has flown by! With that being said, I am going to put my best foot forward and give this another try! And waht better way than to do a complete update on the fall semester?!

Let's see...
First we will start with football! I have the pleasure of my littel sister attending Auburn University for school. She is a smartie and got a ful ride!! I love Auburn football (win or lose) and love even more going with her!
Here are a few pictures from the games this season so far:

Dad went to his first Auburn game! He sat in the student section with us! I think he had a really good time!

The firm I will work for in Montgomery, Jackson Thornton, also tailgates at Troy, Auburn, and Alabama games.

This is at the Auburn tailgate before the Ole Miss game

This is before the UAB game at the Jackson Thornton tailgate in Troy with some of my co-workers and the next year's interns...and of course Jim Pope

my roomies at the Troy vs. UAB game. I am going to miss them!

Jaime and I also went to the Auburn vs. Georgia game in Athens with Dad. He went to school in Athens many years ago so we got to experience what he did...and might I say it was quite an experience! Athens is nuts, but so much fun!

We also had Beth and Anna's bachlorette parties this semester. This is from Beth's at the beach house in PC. We had SO much fun!

I got 2 new additions to my Alpha Gam family...that makes me a great great grand big. Wow, I am old!

Love my gams though!

Amy and I carved pumpkins! They were pretty legit if I say so myself!

I dont have much roomie time since I am always gone, but I love them!

These are my best friends that got married! Arent they beautiful? They will always be my best friends and roomies. I am so blessed to have them in my life and to be able to share in their special days!

Anna's wedding

Mr. and Mrs. Kelly

Before Beth's wedding

All the Alpha Gams

Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery

As you can see, I have been blessed to share in some wonderful times! The adventure has just begun. The semester is wrapping up and graduation is right around the corner. I cant believe how fast almost 6 years has gone by! Soon I will have my MBA (and hopefully my CPA soon after) and be a big girl in the working world... I cant wait to see what God has in store for me next!

Spur of the moment = tons of fun!

This past weekend was the 4th of July weekend. I originally planned to head home to 'ole Millbrook to write a paper, get ahead on some schoolwork, and begin some Becker... but of course that didnt happen! Chase and his family were heading to Pensacola, Florida to spend some time with Molly Kate before she left for school in Connecticut in the fall. VERY last minute, Chase asked me to come along (this kind of timeliness, or lack there of, is not uncommon for this sweet boy). It was Thursday night, and I hadnt even began writing my paper that was due Monday, so the chances of me coming along for the trip didnt look promising... but I hit the books all day Friday and completed 90% of what I had to do, so I decided to enjoy the weekend! And did I ever!

First of all, I had never been to Pensacola before, and it is one of the most unique towns Ive ever seen. I loved the atmosphere there! Secondly, I had the best time with Chase's family and meeting everyone. His aunt and uncle were so welcoming; I felt right at home! As was everyone else I met!  We had the best time at the "bayou" where we played on the jet ski, tubing and wakeboarding (which I hadnt done in MANY years). That night we went to Chase's dad's old high school, which was an old hospital way back in the day that is now a pizza place on the bottom floor "the O zone", a theatre, and several offices occupy some of the second and third floor. Many of the locals "sneak" in and look around the upper floors at the old artifacts and pictures of the hospital. It is kind of spooky, but very interesting to say the least. It was also fun to reminise with the alumni as they mentioned what each room had been and the trouble the got into.

Here is the old highschool/hospital. Such a cool building to go to school in!

The last day, we spent some time at the beach. The beaches there were beautiful! We brushed off the sand and headed back to Troy...

After a weekend full of "not so good for you," but amazing food and family, it was good to be back home with my babies!! They missed their mommy : )

Arent they cute??

Cant wait for another weekend like that!! As for now...hitting the books for the remainder of the summer semester! Only one left after that until I am a big girl!!

- Ryan