Oh Why?

Worst Blogger Ever = Erin Swain

2011-01-23T13:53:00.001-08:00

So yes, I have turned out to be the world's worst blogger who never seems to have time to blog about whats going on in my life - but I sure will stalk everyone else's life on Facebook - oh FB - you have ruined my life! ha, ha..

So I want to do a Mass Update on my life to all my girlies, but before I can I want to share something that happened last night that has set a new "mood" or feeling in my life as of last night. I had an amazing dinner last night with old friends from college, celebrating Jason Carter's 30th birthday! Jason has been one of my dearest friends since freshman year in college. He and his amazing wife live right in the area but we all do a HORRIBLE job of keeping in touch and seeing each other. And after last night I am thinking this is going to change. Seeing them last night was so special for me, as it helped me realize how good friends are hard to find. Not to say I don't have good friends, just that people that you consider to be your best friends are your BEST friends for a reason. As I get older and meet so many people in my life, sometimes the memories you have with old friends just simply defines who you are and the way you feel about, well "life." I am a VERY blessed person with amazing friends from all over the U.S. and Europe (Josi and Cheryl). I think sometimes I take for granted my friends - and I do not do a good enough job of keeping in touch or calling. And I hope to change this after last night!! There just are those people that are in your life that no matter how often you do talk or don't talk - will always just be your BEST friends. But I can tell you one thing that after last night, talking and seeing them is WAY more fun than just keeping in touch!!

XOXO

Erin

First Marathon - Check

2010-11-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

My AMAZING cheerleaders!!

Go Wolfpack!

In the ZONE

So Everyone tells you that a marathon hurts more than any other race or run you have ever done - but you kinda think "yeah I am sure it hurts but I am a runner - it won't be so bad!" Um yeah it will!! It hurts like crazy once you "hit the wall!" I hit my wall at Mile 23 and crawled into the finish. But even though it hurt so so bad, the feeling once you cross that line and finish is AMAZING! And once I had crossed that finish line I had some amazing family and friends with smiling faces and pink shirts to help me walk through the finish area!! My fans were there cheering for me all morning in Bright Pink RunErin t-shirts!! I am the luckiest girl in the world!! It was an amazing experience and as much as my legs still are in pain I already know I want to do another one! Crazy right? For anyone who has ever thought about doing a marathon - let's sign up together!! I think I will try one every year until I cannot do it anymore!! yes I am crazy SWAIN!!

Friends In Common

2010-10-27T10:34:00.000-07:00

From Nichole to Kelly, Alana and I: I was FB stalking Carnell's page, and I briefly glanced at the "friends in common" box, and it was all 3 of you, in order of birth. Haha, I took a screen shot because this will probably never happen again, esp since Carnell and I have 269 friends in common!!

Carbo Loading

2010-10-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

So today I discovered that I will need to carbo load 36 hours before the marathon!! So starting Friday night I need to consume 2090 carbohydrate calories!! haha!! talk about eating lots of pasta and bread!!

I guess starting Friday when my dearest Tatiana arrives I will be on my way to getting my 2090 calories of carbs!! Sounds kinda fun doesn't it?? Lots of pasta and bread? I think I can handle this!!

Find out how many calories you would need to not "Hit the wall" in your race:

http://endurancecalculator.com/

More info:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130731888

13 days til MCM

2010-10-18T14:07:00.000-07:00

Only 13 days til MCM!! I am getting so excited and I cannot wait to put all my training into it and run the race!! I also cannot wait to be done!!

13 days, 77 miles, 2 track workouts, 1 tempo UNTIL MCM!!

Meet me after in Arlington for an after party from 2-5 pm!! Be there or be square! Literally :)

Summer Twenty-Ten: RUN Erin RUN

2010-08-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

Marathon training kinda blows!! so many miles, so many workouts, and always always tired!! But I know the satisfaction of crossing that line on October 31, 2010 will make all the pain worth it - right? we will see!!

I am averaging about 60 miles a week, before MCM training I was probably only running about 30 miles a week. So doubled that up and makes me definitely tired!! We do three solid workouts a week including track intervals, a tempo and LONG run (like 20 miles). Thanks to my marathon training buddies and advisors: Lisa, Kristi, Kelly, Zac and Bridget! without you guys I could not do it thats for sure!!

I am getting closer and closer to October 31, 2010 and it is so exciting!! Everyone in DC that weekend better come out and cheer me on and then come party at McGintys in Arlington VA at 2pm!!

66 days 19 hours and 28 minutes until race time!

Summer Twenty-Ten: Family

2010-08-25T09:14:00.000-07:00

Sisters
Taylor Family
Adorable - Kent and Scout
Father and Son

My family is doing great, keeping busy between all of us working (well Mom was off for summer from teaching and Alana is still in grad school). Even though we all live in the DC area it is hard to all get together all the time with our busy schedules!! We did not have a family vacation this summer, but I suppose this will be more common as time rolls on - right?

We did get to see Kent's family a few times this summer which is always great! Two trips to Morehead City NC for beach trips and once in Raleigh, NC. Boy do I miss NC!!! Kent's sister Laura's baby Scout (Kent's nephew) is getting so big and now is calling Kent and I : Uncle and Erin..well it sounds more like : "unk" and "air-in" but you get the point!!

I love my two familys and can't wait until its time for me to start my own in the future. Speaking of starting families, two of my closest friends are both preggos!! Congrats to Cheryl and James who are due in November and will finally move back to the US from Germany in March 2011...I cannot wait to spoil that baby girl :) And also Congrats to Teresa and Chris on their baby Carver on the way!! Exciting times as my friends start having their kids adding onto my family :)

Summer Twenty-Ten:Weddings

2010-08-25T09:02:00.000-07:00

Bridal Party at Bennett's Wedding
Sara Beth and Alan
Holly Gets married! Yorktown VA
Kelley O's Wedding in Fairfax, VA
Adam and Michaela's Wedding in Alexandria, VA

As we all know, summer rolls around and so do a lot of Weddings!! This summer Kent and I had 4 weddings between May - June.... Congrats to all the wonderful couples but especially to Sara and Alan, two of my bestest friends in the whole world! Sara you are like a sister to me and I love you and Alan so much! Thank You to all my friends for including me in their special days!!

2010-08-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

Relaxation

2010-08-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

This week I am at the beach with Kent all week just relaxing, catching up on my long list of to dos. It was a great way to get away from everything in DC and come down to Morehead, NC to chill and be together.

Its so important to just take a week and do well: NOTHING!

Not that I am one to talk, as I have huge issues with doing 'nothing!' However this week I am trying to, then again I have both my computer and BB with me that I can't help to stop and look at. Why is that? why can't I just step away for a week and not care what is going on at work? Or stop checking even my personal emails to just let things go on without me...I guess its my personality that just wont let me fully relax and be away from it all!!

I know I have been horrible keeping up with whats been going on in my life in my blog (I know Cheryl I know) but I do have a lot to write up on and catch up...so instead of doing one huge blog post I will do them all separately! Here we go!!!

Sit back and RELAX!!

MBA Graduate

2010-05-13T07:48:00.001-07:00

Heather, Cassidy and Me

My cutie and me - he will be graduating soon enough as well - two future MBAs :)

H.S. re-enactment photo

Lauren and Me

Francis, Lauren, Ken and Me

MBA -Check

Masters Communication - Check

NEXT: Phd?? We will see Daddy!

Finished my MBA on Sunday May 9, 2010 from Marymount University (OK I actually have 6 hours left this summer but I was able to walk on Sunday)

Glad to be done and ready for my next new adventure!

Praha!

2010-05-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

Beautiful City View

Oh yeah I am at the Opera - High Roller

Our group shot

Lauren, Francis, Chris and I at a wine cafe

Krusovice Brewery

Karlstein Castle

Charles Bridge in background

London and Buckingham Palace

So the past week I was in the beautiful city of Prague (Praha)!! I started my trip off in London with Lauren - where we toured the city a bit and went to see Dirty Dancing, had fish and chips, met up with her friend Julie from college and then headed to Prague for our MBA class.

Prague was very very busy! we had events every day starting with a walking tour of Prague, a day trip to the Karlstein castle, company visits (most importantly to Krusovice brewery), saw an opera, then most of the rest of the time we got to tour the city on our own. We had alot of Czech beer (the dark beer is my new fav) and alot of food!!

To sum it all up, Prague is a beautiful city and I had an amazing time! I met some great new friends in my MBA program that made the trip an even more amazing experience!

Baseball Season

2010-04-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

Picture with NC State flag :)

Beautiful but windy day out

'Cole and C'nell

I look like a bug with my sunglasses on(ha, ha)

Classic Wolfpack Sign *

Yes its that time of year again! Baseball Season!! And I don't mean professional baseball season - because I still have yet to go to an actual baseball game in the new Nats Stadium, I mean NCAA baseball season and the NC State Wolfpack!

This past Saturday Kent, Nichole, Carnell and I all ventured North to College Park to see the Wolfpack in action @ UMD. The drive north was quite an experience, but we got there in time for a mimosa and beer before the game started!!

The Wolfpack won - OBVI and we had a lot of fun! I do still think Nichole is mad at Kent and Carnell for dippin' on our NC STATE pic with the flag- those losers :)

Baskin Robbins Blasts

2010-04-18T17:28:00.000-07:00

So all throughout High School (well definitely starting sophomore year) I became obsessed with Baskin Robin's Blasts. What is a blast you ask? Well it is a cup full of yummy goodness that includes ice cream and coffee flavorings and yes lots of sugar!! :) I have been craving one for the past few weeks and tonight decided to go to get one. Baskin Robbins are not on every corner as I remembered them in H.S. but I found one right in my 'hood.

Tonight I got the Cappuccino Blast and unfortunately was a bit disappointed!! It was too icy and I was sucking real hard (thats what she said) to get the goodies through the straw!! Guess I will be sticking with Starbucks Frappuccinos!

So weird how things always seemed different in H.S.!!

My Bests

2010-04-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

Look at Em in the background -' hottie in lipstick'

my weekend in Denver of blueberry vodka and sprite- love it

Um yeah I am scared of heights! BIG TIME!!

So I have decided to do little shout outs to my bestests = best friend; fav; soul sister; etc - so these will be periodic - and as you all know since I stink at keeping up with my blog it could be years til I actually do more of these - hehe

It may just be because so many of my bests live far far away and after Kent was in Denver all week for work and he got to see one of my bests TWICE in one week it made me think about how much it sucked I couldn't be there as well :(tear!

BTW Benno - Kent says you all are boys now and even hug - um just remember you love me more! June 5th - so close!!

Sara beth - I got your invite in the mail today and it put the biggest smile on my face - Your Day is almost here and it is going to be wonderful! I have been thinking of so many memories with us over the past few months and they all just make me smile!! You have been such a great friend and I have been through so much with you!! From freshman hate-mates (ok we didn't hate each other but ha ha you know what I mean) to BFFs!! Even though you seem so far away and we don't get to see each other all the time I want you to know you are always close to my heart (ok that was corny but its true!!)

Counting the days to stand at the alter with you!! I love you!!

New York and Company Finds

2010-04-15T05:48:00.000-07:00

Not that I am Miss Fashion Guru or anything but I found two Amazing Deals and finds at NY&Co this past week. They both came in the mail yesterday and I am so excited to wear my new dress - probably at Miss Sara Beth's rehearsal dinner??

So yes if you like them too - by all means buy them - but no you cant wear the dress to Sara Beth's Rehearsal Dinner and you cant wear the romper to my graduation Happy Hour! I mean it :)

http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/

Also if you use before April 18th:
Take $25 off when you spend $75 or more. Promo code 4187.Take $60 off when you spend $150 or more. Promo code 4188.Now through Sunday April 18, 2010. Online and in stores.

2010-04-15T05:41:00.000-07:00

"I'd like to ask each of you to take the time to be a Hokie this week. Appreciate life a little more, take in every moment around you, count your blessings, tell the people around you that you love them, slow down, remember what's truly important in life…And live for those 32 that do not have that chance anymore."

Cherry Blossom 10 Miler - Check

2010-04-15T04:51:00.000-07:00

On Sunday April 11th I ran my first long race of the year and first long race really in over a year and a half! I was definitely was not sure what to expect for this race, as I have been having all these lovely nagging injuries over the past few weeks that haven't been the best for training.

However on Sunday I simply put it all aside and for the first time in a while- really 'raced!' I ran over a minute faster than I thought I was in shape to run so I was so excited about my race! I heard people shouting and cheering for me all over the course - so thank you to all who where there to cheer me on (Kent and Nichole) and to everyone else who did cheer me on - it was so helpful and gave me a glimpse of what I hope Marine Corp Marathon will be like :)

19th women overall - I am getting there - October 31st will be here before I know it!! Just got to work on that last 400 meters - yeah not only could I not catch the Olympic Champion in front of me but I was literally crying as I finished! haha

Keeping Up With...well not Erin

2010-03-23T20:40:00.000-07:00

So went to track practice for the first time in a while today..and yeah I am definitely not exactly were I want to be right not "shape wise" but the good thing is I have 7 months til GO TIME - aka MCM - aka 26.2 miles...aka The Marine Corp Marathon!!

Found out today my teammate and friend Katie will also be running the MCM...good thing about that is..1- I know I will have someone to follow - cuz yeah Katie is amazing and yeah will be leading me in the race..2- someone to share the pain of a first marathon with...3-it will be that much easier to convince Chris at Pacers to order us pink uniforms for the race since now there are two pick ladies running :) yeah Katie...just made reference to grease...i am a nerd

so anyone who sees a HOT pink running outfit..send it my way!! something like in my picture but WAY MORE pink... :)

so i know I have plenty of time to get into 26.2 mile shape..first race is April 2nd...a low key 5k...then two 10 milers in April before 6 solid months of lots of miles!! Here we go!!

Katie I am thinking of a team name for us..either it will combine our names like KatEr.... or our schools.. Wahoo Pack....haha..yeah i told you I am a nerd!!

Fish Peds - Anyone?

2010-03-21T18:46:00.000-07:00

Thinking of attempting this Saturday....anyone ever done it? just thought I would put this picture in your mind...haha..wanna join me?

A Completely Perfect Weekend

2010-03-21T18:19:00.000-07:00

So yes I just announced my plan to run MCM in 2010 ~ but I also wanted to talk about what I think was just a completely perfect weekend...you know when you have one of those weekends when nothing goes wrong, you are just happy the whole time, you eat awesome food and just OVERALL feel great!!

so you ask why this weekend was so 'perfect'? well let me tell you...the weather was amazing...not too hot and not too cold..the signs of spring are around in DC....the weather made me want to run all day and just be outside, so I tried to be outside as much as I could..including runs, Kangoo Jumping and Dinner on the patio at a local Thai joint....I ate spicy Thai twice this weekend! and although spicy food makes me sweat (yeah that was gross) it was so delicious!! I did a little schoolwork this weekend, caught up on some of my DVR, watched March Madness, saw Meg and S2H on Friday night at a hip and adorable ice cream joint called Dairy Godmother, saw more friends on Saturday night to celebrate KK's bday, cleaned the condo (yes cleaning sucks but nothing is better than having a clean place after), went grocery shopping to get healthy food to cook this week (yes i also want to start eating better- this will only help my marathon training), and just relaxed (took a 3 hour nap Saturday - a first in years), and lastly and most importantly spent time with my cutie Kent...its so great to be in a relationship where even when we don't have plans to go party the night away or plans in general that we can just be doing whatever or doing nothing and I am having such a great time...its hard for me to "not have plans" its definitely not my style...but with Kent I am learning to just relax a bit and just hang out and it is amazing..and completely PERFECT!

Think I Am Going To Do It!!

2010-03-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

So yes..my attempt at a blog has failed miserably, but I am hoping what I am about to say I will actually do...so here goes

After a great weekend of working out starting with some Kangoo Jumping with Kent on Friday, a 4 mile tempo Saturday and a great long run today, and not to forget to also mention the fabulous weather over the past week - I have decided that as long as I am injury free I am going to definitely...dun dun dun....run the Marine Corp Marathon on October 31, 2010...so to anyone who is reading this ..mark your calendars...and plan to be in DC that day cheering as loud as you can for me and shouting at me to "Go Faster" :)

So my blog may turn into more of a blog about my attempt at my first Marathon in 2010!! I am really excited to be thinking I am finally going to run one, but obviously very nervous as well! I have never been a high mileage person so a 26.2 mile race is going to be tough, but I know I am ready for the challenge.

26.2 miles...here Erin comes...MCM...October 31, 2010

2010-01-31T19:04:00.000-08:00

gone too soon...................

Saying No

2010-01-24T13:58:00.000-08:00

So I have a hard time saying No sometimes....in fact if it comes to missing out on anything then I am absolutely horrible at it...but I mean who wants to miss out on anything fun? Not Erin! but I am starting to realize that I can't always do everything - its hard though...I mean I dont want to miss out on HHs, or birthday parties or nights out - but sometimes I just have to say No and im slowly realizing this....I mean sometimes I have these crazy ideas about being in two places at once or hitting up two or three parties in one night...and I know I can do it but I just shouldn't. ..So I need to start just saying no....whether it is because I already have something to do, or because I need to get up and run 13 miles in the AM, or because I secretly want to just rent a movie or catch up on my DVR - I just got to say NO!!

So I guess I am saying I am going to make a commitment to not over-schedule my life and be ok with saying NO sometimes...it will be ok Erin!!

Almost 7 Dresses

2010-01-18T13:50:00.000-08:00

So sometimes I forget that not everyone has been in a wedding ...and when I say in a wedding, I mean as part of the bridal party- so in my case a bridesmaid.

I was recently in my 6th wedding and have a 7th coming up in June (yay Sara Beth!!)...and it dawned on me during this 6th bridesmaid experience that I better act like I know what I am doing by now! :) so here is my little blog about advice, tips, and rules about being a bridesmaid!! in no particular order.

MOH - the maid of honor...even if its not you, all the bridesmaids need to be ready to support and back up the MOH...she is a busy girlie during those months and sometimes years before the wedding...and sometimes the MOH is the adorable but younger, non 21 sister - so she needs your help, especially talking about the bachelorette party...so offer assistance and tell the MOH that you like planning, or sending cards (aka invites for the bridal shower, etc.)
the engagement - its a tradition that I started after my first few weddings, so sorry Sheena, I am sure I skipped this for you, and Sara - Yeah I haven't given you yours yet...I like to give an engagement gift, even if there is no official engagement party, just a little "congrats" gift, nothing big but just something to get the bride excited about her big day
bridal party - as a bridesmaid it is your duty to help in any way with the shower that you can...a lot of times the mother of the bride hosts the shower , so you just need to come - but ask to help in any way possible. Some bridal parties have themes - so make sure the guests and other bridesmaids participant in the theme..as far as the gift goes..I say buy something off the registry for the shower...lastly I also say always have alcohol at the shower...even if its just some champagne and wine..but in general bridal showers are not the most fun anyone has ever had so don't make us suffer without alcohol - that was harsh I know - so sorry
bachelorette party - no need to be dramatic and assume its the last night out ever for the bride, because hopefully it is not, but if you act like that then ALL are in for a good time!! for some brides the destination is important and if that is the case make every effort to get everyone wherever the bride wants to go (within budget obvi)....a few things i also think are:

I say NO NO NO to strippers but that is because I think they are gross
i say no matter whether the party is a whole weekend or one big night out consider this basic plan: lingerie party before dinner in hotel room or at someone's house - the bride always needs lingerie even if they hate it!!! you can spice it up with fun toys, lotions, etc...but make sure most of the lingerie is something even you would want to wear - i personally hate the real see-through kind but that is just me....btw victoria secret's semi annual sale - go to it and get lingerie there- at least 50% off
then go for dinner at a nice restaurant but no need to kill everyone's bank at dinner
lastly a night out with the girls...getting a limo is a great idea as well but the point is a night out with the girls, your favorite girls..all letting loose and having fun..
I definitely say games..at least a few..the list game is always a winner where you list the things the bride has to do throughout the night - like 1- get a guy to buy you a drink ...etc..
also props are a must like the "I am the bachelorette" sash is a definite; also the veil, and something for each girl who is going out to have is fun as well - like a button or sticker.....
number of guests...this does depend..i think of my own bachelorette party I hope to have one day and limiting can make it very hard, especially if you have a lot of family who will be involved in wedding...but also too many people might take away from your special night and make it seem like any other night out -which it is not

the bridesmaid dress- I think the easiest thing to know here is that it will be $200 minimum by the time you hem and size it to fit you, its $200 that you probably spent for a one night event (as you will never wear it again) and lastly remember: its not your wedding!! so love the dress , hate it - WHATEVER just smile!!
Finally the WEDDING weekend - just take the two days off work, because doing your best to be at all events is very important...bridal lunch, rehearsal, rehearsal dinner and the big day WEDDING..the main advice I have is BE THERE!! its a long fun weekend, but you are expected to meet and greet; carry gifts; carry flowers; be on the dance floor the entire reception to keep the party going and get the party started!! and simply just be there!! my gift to the bride is always something personal...I try not to do the registry for the wedding but instead give something more meaningful, but thats just me

At the end of the day, being a bridesmaid is an honor. I am lucky to have such amazing friends who think so highly of me to ask me to share their special day with them. It is an important job and one not to hold lightly - but one to cherish and have fun with!! I can't wait for June to do it all over again :)