Things I used to care about that I have let slip through the cracks...

I was one of those girls who swore she would never get married. And then I did.
I was also one of those girls that said I didn't believe in two souls becoming one. And then I fell madly in love with married life and was willing to let go of some of things I loved when I was single.
I was one of those girls who swore I wouldn't give up my "me time" and "my girls". And yet now I have moved away from my high school and college friends and spend many nights hanging out at home with my husband.

Normally, I relish in married life. Having someone to share my days with, having someone to sleep with and cuddle next to. I love spending time together learning new things or exploring new places.

But.. I am starting to miss the old Hilary. The girl who backpacked across the Northwest, moved to New Orleans knowing no one, the girl who thought nothing of protesting for things she thought were wrong, and was brash and brazen at all times.

Is it possible that I lost her in the shuffle of marriage, moving, and new jobs? Is she just hiding under the cover of dutiful wife and mother to two adorable dogs?

Puppy Park

As you know the love of my life is Mr. R. However, he shares this title with two other members of our little family. Simon & Sophie are our two ornery dachshunds who don't listen, sleep in our bed, and steal our hearts every day.

When we first bought Casa Republican in September, we had every intention of turning the front patio into an enclosed puppy park. It's a gravel covered, weed infested mess right now, but I have big dreams and a design in my head that I am sure we can pull off.

This is what the park looks like currently.

Don't you just love the gravel and weeds?

Look at these faces, don't they deserve their own park?

Time to grab the shovels, rakes and wheel barrow. Wish me luck!

Honesty...

Fellow bloggers I must admit that I am a censorer. I censor what I say, the way I portray myself, and I definitely censor the pictures I post of myself. (In fact, I have a running conversation with a my work BFF about how we only post pictures where we look good and heck with everyone else.)

I recently have been struggling with my workouts and instead of using this blog as a way to air my frustrations with running, my endurance, my body, and my life in general. I have been censoring myself only posting the positive and refusing to admit to the world that I am having a hard time doing something.

This is really hard for me to admit because it really messes with my open book image. I try to live life as free and un-bothered as I can; and yet I can't be honest enough with myself to admit that running is hard, training is hard, and I am scared to death about running this marathon in October.

I had two really great runs this week. Both were incredibly short only 2 miles, but they were steady pace 11 minute miles. I wasn't sore or incredibly winded. I am no where near as fit and I would like or need to be, but I am happy with this little milestone I made this week. I am slotted to run 9 miles this weekend, but I am breaking it up into a 4mile and 5mile run in a 24 hour period. Mr. R. & I have some major chores this weekend and a 9 mile run just doesn't seem to fit in the schedule. I'll let you know how I make out. (And I promise to be honest in all its sweaty, tired, and out of breath glory!)

Summer time and the livin's easy...

Today my school day will start at 9:00 AM and end at 12:00 PM.
This afteroon I will set up my classroom at Marine Science. Wander over to whitney lab to check out the new animals and seafind my kiddies will see on Monday. Visit Target and find a watch that is water proof. Make final plans for date night... and then hit the YMCA for my first triathalon training. Summer is here & life is fantastic.

Free Night!

Tonight I had a date with my husband and was ditched in favor of fellow republicans. I am trying to be the cool wife that is fine with the fact her husband would rather hang out with guys at a cigar bar then spend time with his wife. (The cool factor is not working very well for me)As I type this I am fuming.

While I was home alone with the pups I took the time to explore an awesome new blog, making it lovely. From the first post I read I was in love. The author is a quirkly boho girl that mixes Ikea, pink, brown, and vintages peices into every room and her clothing. I still have a crush on Katie from Bower Power, but I think Nicole of Pink loves brown is my new fave. What makes her even cooler is that she makes cards for every occasion that mimic the periodic table. (Yes, I am a science nerd).

My husband should be sending me this #18 card.

She makes me want to paint my whole house tan, pink, and brown. I also now really want an Emes chair! If Mr. R and I actually ever get around to having a little republican I am demanding an Emes rocker for the nursey or maybe the living room.

Check out her blog and vote for her awesome porch makeover.

http://makingitlovely.com/

Wednesday's Clues...

Mr. R is convinced we are going to Tokyo on Friday. I have been trying to remind him the ye old Republican budget is not up for plane tickets to Japan for a weekend adventure. Here are the clues he's collected so far.

Southern Hospitality

There is just something about the summer months that makes me want to play hostess. The long days make a perfect setting to backyard BBQs, s'more dessert nights, and crab boils complete with newspaper table cloths. The latest RR magazine was filled with glossy pictures of summer fare and all of these really cute summer party ideas that make me want to bust out my inner Martha.

Summer Party Idea #1: New England Clambake

The magazine featured a recipe for a shrimp roll, similar to the lobster rolls you would eat in Maine. One look at the delicious creation had me breaking out my seersucker and Pepperidge Farm accent. I decided to host a pre-4th of July party featuring foods from my summer vacations in the land of LL Bean.

Invitation: www.invitingco.com

Food:

1. Minty shrimp roll appetizers -http://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-index/appetizer-starter-recipes/Minty-Shrimp-Rolls

2. Clam Bake Stoup - http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/clam-bake-stoup-recipe/index.html

3. Mini crab cakes with mango salsa - http://www.chef-menus.com/crab-cakes-recipe.html

4. Strawberry shortcake trifle*

5. And for the non-seafood eaters a platter of sliders with tomato, mayo, romaine & bacon. (This is the way you eat them in the vacation state.)

Shortcake Trifle*

Layer slices of pound cake, sugared strawberries, and real whipped cream in a trifle bowl. End with a final layer of sliced strawberries. My trifle bowl fits two layers of each.

Hope you can make it!