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As part of my effort to keep you more updated on the behind-the-scenes of my day-to-day life, I’m going to implement a monthly recap post that details some of my favorite—and likewise, not-so-favorite—parts of the month. So here goes with January 2017:
New clients. I can now officially say that SVV and I will be working with the Opry for the next few months. As a Tennessee girl and a lifelong music lover, this is a dream client, and I am super stoked to make magic happen with these iconic broadcasts and historic venue!
A very nice write-up on Travel Mindset. For the past four years, I’ve worked on various tourism campaigns with Travel Mindset and its parent company iExplore and was so pleased with this great article Corinne did on my career origins—i.e. how sports marketing led to entertainment reporting led to travel writing—and other tidbits about my mobile lifestyle.
Running for my life. I got back onto the running train. As I alluded to in a previous post, I am running a half marathon in April, and I thought it might not happen given how long it has taken me to get back into the groove of things, but I am finally on a training plan. And, y’all, it is painful. Even though I have run countless races in the past and already work out six days a week as it is, I started with a beginner training plan just because I haven’t been running for the past seven years (egads!). It is humbling, sure, but ultimately the right thing for my body. Here’s to hoping that I can make 13.1 miles on April 1.
Acro jams! I said 2017 was the year I was going to devote more time to Acro, and in January, I made it to two classes and started my own Saturday jams at my gym. This past week was our third meet-up, and 18 people came! Insane. I can’t wait to continue to spread the AcroYoga gospel.
Some solid press from my alma mater. The University of Tennessee Knoxville has always been so good to me, and this month they featured me in their monthly newsletter and on their website. I am a Vols loyalist to the core, and it feels so good to be recognized by my university as somewhat of a success story. Thank you, UT, for fostering creativity and being one awesome public education institution. Likewise, one of my favorite Tennessee cities, Franklin, gave me a nice shoutout on their blog.
The weather. Has it been mid-60s for most of January wherever you are? Sure, it’s cliche to talk about the weather, but YOU GUYS. It’s been so balmy! If this is a side effect of global warming, I don’t hate it. Tennessee may have had a rainier than average month, but if it’s nearing 70 degrees, I’ll take it. (Updated to add: After I’d already drafted this post, it took a turn for the worse and snowed on Sunday morning. Ha.)
I learned a new skill! I never thought I’d like Nordic skiing, but I went to Washington—to Mazama, where many an Olympian trains, to be exact—and my friends talked me into giving it a try in 12-degree weather, and let’s just say: I can definitely see the appeal. Six miles later, I was sweating beneath my layers.
Trips booked. In February, I’ll be going back to Universal Orlando Resort with SVV for my #UORBlogSquad visit. In March, my soulmate Lemon and I will be road-tripping from Atlanta to South Carolina for a wedding, then down to Jacksonville to see Angie. In April, Lemon and I—along with our husbands, who are also soulmates—will road trip back to Charleston again for the wedding of our college roommate. And in May, SVV and I will be going back to Universal for a very cool project. So lots of fun travels around the South in the cards!
Visiting St. Jude. You may recall how I spent a weekend at the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital two years ago for Country Cares. Well, the Nashville team asked me to put together a local crew of influencers to day trip to Memphis and see what the research facility is all about. It was awesome to see what all they’re doing to save kids’ lives, as usual.
I’M IN THE CARIBBEAN. A very sweet blog reader offered SVV and me her villa in Grenada, so we’re chilling down South with my mom, Jade and Augustine, and Jade’s parents for the week. I’ll have so much to share from this trip after the fact, but until I return and get caught up, you can follow along here on Instagram.
I conquered Whole30. Again! This was my third round of Whole30 and the easiest yet, likely because SVV did it with me. Technically, we only did Whole24 (see: we be in the Caribbean, mon’), but I feel great and want to figure out how to incorporate this way of clean eating into our lifestyle permanently.
Lows
Inauguration, Cheetohs, refugees. ‘Nuff said. I’m not turning this site into a political space, so let’s focus on the positive, k?
Speaking of focus, a severe lack of. Because, see above. But I’m working on it.
What were your highs (and/or lows) for the month?
The post Highlights of January 2017: The Highs + Lows appeared first on Camels & Chocolate: Travel & Lifestyles Blog.
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