Reception rentals

Looking to rent tables and chairs for the reception? Try contacting the local schools or school district. They may let you borrow their foldup chairs and tables or for a donation.

TH is going to check into his high school which is close to the venue. It's also a small private school, so i think that helps. Keep your fingers crossed!

wedding website

http://jaymeandtj.blogspot.com/

Walking down the aisle

I hate overplayed cliches. I chose this song to walk down the aisle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9oCe-lUzPM&feature=youtube_gdata_player

T and I haven't decided on the bridal party song yet. Good thing we have a year :)


A pic from a wedding yesterday. Her ball gown converted to a cocktail dress. Brilliant!

The bad kind of weight loss

It's been about 3 weeks since Pac Crest. I took a full week off to recover. One week turned into two, into three. I went on a short jog here and there but really nothing that made an impact. My feeling of flabbiness was confirmed last week at my doctor visit where I learned I lost 5 pounds. Typically, I'd be fanatic about losing weight. However, the only way I lost weight this past month was from muscle loss. Gross.

When I turned on the tv this morning, I stumbled upon the Iromman World Championships. I cried when the reporter talked about everyone's story in true Jayme fashion. It also motivated T and I to go for a run and to sign up for the Diamond Lake Longcourse Tri. It'll be held in the foothills of the mountains east of Seattle. I'm still pissed and disappointed about what happened at Pac Crest. I need to stay in shape for the sake of fitting into my dress next year. I need a goal to push me to stay active. Folks, I got a triathlon to do.



Ps, checkout the nearly scar I received from my timing chip band.

What I've been up to.

Asides from wedding stuff  I've been busy getting my work situation figured out.  I live in a small town and the legal opportunities aren't exactly waiting around to be snatched up.  Push come to shove,  I ended up entering into a partnership with another attorney.  It's hard to start your own law practice. 

For those interested check out our website at: www.pierceandjohnsonlaw.com.  As with any business we have a facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/PierceandJohnsonLaw
and follow us on Twitter!  @CorvallisLaw

Hopefully by this time next year we'll be more established and clients will be knocking on the door.

Wish me luck!

The Dress

August 24, 2013.

Over 14 months away.  We have decided to go the route of "let's plan this thing as early as possible so we can be less stressed later and be on the lookout for good deals."   So far we've picked a date, our venue, and I've picked my bridal party.  T already knows who he wants for his groomsmen, but just hasn't got around to ask them yet.  I went dress shopping  trying on with my mom and and MoH last Saturday.  T and I are going into this adventure with the expectation that we will pay for everything ourselves.  We have a decent budget but would like to spend less if we can.  My thoughts on a wedding dress has been to try on the the style I want to make sure it looks okay on me and then order my dress online through eBay with plenty of time for alterations down the road.  This is a much more cost effective solution, especially if you're like me and aren't picky and don't fret the small stuff.  To my surprise, my mother decided that she would pay for the dress.  Thanks to Pintrest, I went in with a very particular style in mind.  Lace, Lace, more lace and an keyhole back.  The only issue is that I'm 5'3" on a good day and more round then narrow.   Most wedding dresses are shown on the tall skinny model-type.  Thus a beautiful gown in pictures might look like crap in person.

So off the David's Bridal the MoB and MoH and I went.  Let's face it, unless I want a quinceanera dress, I have no other choice in my hometown.  Ironically, they didn't have a few dresses in my size.  They had the size smaller or 3 sizes larger.  weird  I tried on dress 1.  Exactly what I was looking for except a size too small so the back looked a little funky.  Not bad but not perfect.  Dress 2 was not it at all.  Too froo-froo.  Dresses 3 and 4 were immediately vetoed.  One, according to my loving mother, made my hips too big.  The other was a beautiful dress but was too "cupcakey" for me. Then there was dress 5.  Beautiful, full of lace, but according to my mother "too old fashion."  While I loved the dress, all the lace and beading made it super heavy.  It was flattering but MoB thought it was too low cut in the front.  Wouldn't want to offend any of the older folk.... or Jesus.  I then went back to dress one.  I tried on the too large size this time and the back looked a ton better.  MoB couldn't get over it and was very vocal about her liking of this dress.  I liked it too.  Then out came the consultant with The Veil.  Oh, The Veil.  You have a crazy way of making a simple white dress turn into The Dress.  It was beautiful.  I felt like a bride.  I really felt like T would cry if he saw me in this dress.

MoB was near tears.


And that my friends, is how I bought my wedding dress 14 months before the wedding.

Not digging this dress though it's pretty flattering.

Loving the back and the lace.

Too low in front.

Feeling like a cupcake.

Nope.

Winner.

Let the Pintrest obsession begin

Someone tell me how to plan a budget friendly gluten free wedding.

Note to self:   Milk and chocolate milk make a great recovery beverage.  Drinking 4 glasses of milk will cause discomfort if you are lactose intolerant, not matter the recovery benefit. 



Oppsies.

T and I went for a nice long 2 hours run last night.  Made it just under 13.1.  Took my first ice bath in a year.  Felt wonderful.

New job, New boots

Accomplishments this week:

-started new job: Not law related at all but no asthma
- 90 min run before work Thursday: made it 9.5 miles in the pouring rain
- swim during lunch: it was a short swim, so it was possible. Wish I could do this more often but I'm too slow to swim and change within an hour.



I got my "Jayme passed the Bar boots" yesterday. Yay
Pic is from work.. Not the most flattering viewpoint.

Oh hey

Well friends, are you still there? It's been a year. I lost my blogging desire for a few months. Between not passing the Bar the first time and getting 2 injuries, I didn't have much to write about. Here's a recap of my life these past 9 months:

- failed the Bar
- cried
- officially moved in with TH
- started running again
- got a seasonal minimum gig at a contract postal unit in a spa ( aka hitting store) that lasted 6 months.
- added a new furry child to the family
-took the Bar once again
- developed hardcore asthma from said hot tub place.
- said "hello" to inhaled corticosteroids
- started BeaglemanBands (BIC Band knock off). See my etsy page
-took 1 minute off my 500 yd swim
-turned down a job offer
- got offered a new job 3 days later(non law/ non career)
- passed the Bar
- cried



Yes, I guess a lot can happen in 9 months.



What have you been up to?

Trippity-Trip-Trip

Hello folks!

I've safely arrived back home from the East Coast and dodged getting struck by lightening (thanks TH!) and the earthquake.  I stayed with my dad in Alexandria, VA for the past 2 weeks and spent nearly everyday touring our nation's capitol.  TH flew in and spent 7 days with me during my time there.  The weather was less humid then average for the region, but still bad for Oregon standards!

I did all the typical touristy things you can do.  I saw the majority of the Smithsonian museums, toured the national monuments and walked and took the Metro everywhere.  I even met up with a law school classmate for lunch and was able to venture out into the "real" DC and see some culture.

Some places I visited:

• National Space and Air Museum - reminded me of OMSI
• Hirshhorn Museum - cool modern art
• National Museum of Natural History - spent 2 days in the minerals exhibit:  METEORITES!
• American History Museum:  cool pop culture things (Ruby red slippers anyone?)
• National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Gallery - meh...
• White House
• Washington Monument
• Holocaust Museum- yikes and very educational
• American Indian Museum- I only spent  few minutes there coz I was pooped
• Jewish Military Museum
• Lincoln Memorial
• WWII Memorial
• Arlington
• Mt Vernon
• Old Town Alexandria
• Library of Congress
• And a bunch of others I prob forgot to mention.

My favorite highlight included a 11 mile running loop TH and I did to see the city.  I also learned that my IT Band still hated me. 

I was unable to see to Supreme Court due to it being closed (sad face!) it was the ONE thing I REALLY wanted to see.  I did see the outside.  It was beautiful.  The capitol building was also equally impressive.  I've been to many historical sites in other countries and it was amazing to see my own nation's historical buildings and appreciate the amount of hard work and artistic details that went into every single structure. 

The Original G Dub's Pad at Mt. Vernon. (I know, by crotch offends me too)

View of the Potomac River

Us after an evening of Sangria and jazz music at the National Gallery of Art Garden

The usual.

The humidity gives me volume. (Mind my face. This was taken right after I woke up.)

It was great to spend the time with my dad and see bits and pieces of the East Coast and the South.

Some things I learned:

• People in the east coast ARE more harsh then over here in the West coast.  I don't mean that as an insult.  The attitude is just different.  Things just run at a quicker pace.  
• Cars will not stop and slow down for you at cross walks.  Thank you Corvallis and most of Portland for being so pedestrian friendly!
• Chiggers.  Stupid flea-like bugs.  I was a dumb Oregonian and walked through tall grass with shorts on.  oops.
• There are a lot of Black people in DC.  Is that legit to say?  I'm from Oregon so this was quite an eye-opener for me.  
• We really are a bunch of laid back hippies over here in the PNW.  No, really.
• People run for cover when it rains over there for a reason.  3 inches in a few hours?  Lightening? Flooded Metro system?  yikes.  It WAS fun to run through it with TH and get drenched and a bunch of weird looks.  A lot of comments like "you must be from Oregon"
• 7-11 Slurpees are a God-send.
• I really love the NW and am more thankful for the beautiful place I call home!

I can't keep track of the jobs I've applied for so far.  Someone PLEASE HIRE ME.  I swear I have a brain.  Come on, I at least have a pretty face and am somewhat decent to look at in the office.  Yes?   I will bring cookies!

I'm off to run/walk Hood to Coast again this Friday and Saturday.  I have no clue if I can even run due to my damned IT band.  Ah.  I hate not being able to run.  boooo.    At least I trained my power walking skillz over the past couple of weeks.


--Are you running H2C?

---Have you been to the Capitol?  What did you enjoy while you were there?

--What's your dream job?

--Why does no one comment anymore?  (oh right.  I don't post anymore. haha  I'z so smartz)

Best Chocolate Cupcakes EVER!

TH left to go floating the river and camping with the boys this weekend.  I wanted to bake something good without having to go to the store.  I searched the internets and came across a gluten-free chocolate cake recipe  HERE.   I used a 6 muffin tin instead of a cake pan and baked for only 25 minutes instead of 30.  I also added 1 teaspoon of instant coffee.  It's a great recipe.  Simple and tastes like real cake!   I then decided that the only reason why I like cake is for the frosting.   I had no powdered sugar nor enough butter.  I found a quick method for making frosting which I think is also referred to as boiled frosting.  IT WAS SO GOOD AND EASY.  OMG OMG.

Thank goodness I have by KitchenAid with me in Corvo.  


7 Minute Boiled Frosting:

• 2 egg whites
• 2/3 cups granulated sugar 
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tsp vanilla
  

Using the stand mixer bowl, heat the egg whites, salt and sugar over a double boiler.  Continue to mix the mixture with the whisk attachment for about 5 minutes or until the egg whites are cooked. The mixture will go from goopy to runny.



Remove from heat and place on mixer and immediately whip on high for about a minute.  Add in vanilla and continue whipping until peaks form.   THAT'S it!   How easy is that.

The frosting has the consistency of Cool Whip.  But it's so yummy.  On the plus side it's also fat free.  

P.S;  I went running today.  It was warm. I was sweaty.

My pace is finally picking up.  Still slower then half marathon pace though.  I need to do some speed work.

 

Off to watch more SHARK WEEK.

I'm Baaaaaaaack and a race report

I took the Oregon Bar exam this past week.  I don't really want to talk about it.  I had some interesting physical reactions though.  First the last 2 weeks of studying, I got a reoccurring crazy itchy rash on my upper thighs and wrists.  Second, I went from my usual "I can't stop stuffing my face with junk food" stress eating to not being hungry at all.  AT ALL.  Very un-Jayme-like. 
I officially have have the world's best boyfriend ever.  He took my on a surprise horseback riding tour and massage the day after.  Fab U Lous.
The race world has been non existent.  The Long course tri happened and I found out that they forgot to take my entry out right after bike check-in closed.  I was tempted to do the race on a  whim, but like I said... missed check-in.   I did a relay Oly tri at Hagg lake with TH and a friend.  I really felt left out and not doing the entire thing, but it was nice to be done after the swim.  I squeezed into my "new" full sleeve suit and had a 7 min PR on the swim, even though I missed a buoy and had to back track. 

Yesterday, TH and I ran in the Wildwood Trail 10K at Forest Park.  TH had registered me a week ago as I was busy studying.  I really didn't think much about the race.   We showed up and realized that I wasn't on the confirmation list.  It was a sold out race.  Anyways, the race director took our sob story and let me run anyways.  We later DID have to pay an increased race fee.  The race was a trail run that was pretty much uphill for 3.25 miles.  It was a 6.5 mi race but was listed as a 10K. Towards mile 2 my heart rate skyrocketed and I knew I had to slow down.  I gave in a walked for about half a mile.  It sucked.  A lot of people passed me.  I then decided to start running again and passed most of the people who passed me.  I was so thrilled the see the turnaround cone and flew back downhill.  It was kinda scary running so fast down hill with switchbacks and roots and rocks everywhere.  I managed to only twist my ankle once but now it's uber sore. 

I ended up getting 3rd in my age division (20-29).  I was not far behind 2nd or 1st place.  Made me kind of regret walking, but I was still happy to have done as well as I did considering I haven't ran for a really llng time.  My runs have been easy 10min/mi jogs here and there and that's about it.  I had one longer run with TH but mostly just 3 miles. 


Now all I have to do is find a job.  It's horrible to say but I've resorted to seeking non-lawyer jobs due to the lack of jobs anywhere.  It's pretty crappy that I'm even considering that option, let alone actually doing it, but Girl has loans to pay.  I swear, law school has been the biggest case of buyer's remorse. 


I don't get the Bar results back until September 22nd.  Prob, didn't pass seeing that day two left me speechless.

Ciao.

Goodbye Freedom

The first thing I get to do as a doctor is spend the entire next 8 weeks studying 8-10 hours a day (including weekends) learning everything I was suppose to learn in law school in order to pass the doom known as the Bar Exam.  My degree means nothing without passing the Bar.  For those who do not know, the exam is offered twice a year (always in February and July) and covers 2 days of examination. 

With Rev 3 Portland off my schedule I'm kind of lost in my training.   Running has come to a standstill though I was able to slowly run a mile without pain the other day.  I was scared to go further.  Biking is still at a standstill since it's still cold and wet here in Oregon.  Yup, 45 and raining.  It's May 29th.   I did go on a 22 mile ride with TH on Saturday and we were lucky to avoid rain, though the roads were still wet from the downpours the night before and it was freezing.  I wore arm warmers and a jacket.  Swimming has continued but this shall also become interesting as my school gym membership expired come June 2nd as I am no longer a student.  

With lack of free time and any structured training, the future of this little bloggy-poo for the next 2 months will be up in the air.  I will return but for now, don't expect to see anything on a regular schedule.

Did you know that a law degree is one of the only (if not ONLY) professional doctorate degree that does not refer to its holders as "Doctor"?  The title "Esquire" has some interesting history of itself though I would hardly want to compare lawyers to knighthood.

Doctor of Jurisprudence

Ma and Pa

J.D., Esquire, Barrister...? I don't care because  I'm a law school graduate!

Band-Aid

After a rather successful 60 min indoor spin at the gym and some stretching, I attempted a light easy run jog with The Beagle.  I didn't have anything crazy planned, I just wanted to try an easy 3 miles.  I started out at a 10min/mi pace.  An easy, shuffle for me.  Everything felt fine.  At mile 1  my IT band acted up again and my knee started to hurt.  It hurt enough to where I had to stop and walk.  I've ran a half marathon and multiple 5 and 10k in triathlons through pain, fatigue, and aches.  This was too much.  I literally could not run.  I walked the silly mile back home and attempted a few jogging steps.  The pain returned.  At this rate I couldn't even do a measly 5K.  I'm so pissed.  all I can do it stretch and use the foam roller, which I think is helping because the foam roller hurts but gets better with use...

at this rate I'll be happy to do ANY triathlon this spring and Hood to Coast in the summer.  I should be grateful that I can bike without pain and still swim, though pushing off the wall hurts. *sigh*

Weekend Entertainment Disappointment

TH and I love to go see movies at the local independent theater and occasionally, we like to go see local plays.  On Saturday, TH suggested that we go see a local musical called "Kiss Me Kate". 

The musical is about a group of actors performing "The Taming of A Shrew".  The acting was okay.  The lead was sick and could not sing.  I'm not saying she was a bad singer, her cold just didn't let her sing.  Unfortunately, she attempted and it was embarrassing and awkward.  She is also a college friend of mine's mom.  I felt bad, but I felt that they should have done something differently when the lead has laryngitis.  Aside from the voice, the plot just sucked.  It dragged on and on.  TH and I both thought about leaving during intermission, but we felt bad.  We almost walked out a few times during the drawn out second half.  Overall, the music was bad too.   The songs were long and repetitive and BORING.  I don't think different actors would have made a difference, so I'm not blaming the poor showing on the actors.  When the show was finally over (Three LONG hours later) we walked out relieved to be going home. 

I think we'll stick to the independent movies.

Post Law School: week 2

This past week has been quite the wild ride.  Over the weekend I developed a sinus infection.  TH and I successfully did out Ride Around Clark County bike ride with some of his work buddies.  We opted for the 34 miler instead of the 68 since I was sick.  It down poured on us the last 10 miles but nothing to cry about. 

I planted my butt on the couch for the next two days letting all the snot drain from my face.  Monday I went swimming with my mommy and my ears ached so bad from all the pressure.  Tuesday I felt a tad better and decided to go for a run.  I scheduled 6 miles with The Beagle.  After 2.5 miles my right knees started to hurt like a bitch.  I walked the next half mile and tried to run again.  It hurt instantly.  I've had knee issues since I was 9 but this was different.  I wouldn't just run through the pain.  This girl f-ed up her IT band.  AAAAAAAARH.   I walked the rest of the way home and even Momma Bear asked me what took me so long.  I took the rest of the week off from working out because I was only getting sicker.  I started coughing a ton and so from Wednesday until Friday it was HGTV, OWN, and the Food Network with a few Real Housewives of New York thrown in.  Friday evening I made my way back to Poo-gene (that's Eugene for you foreigners) and hung out with my new roommates.  Last night My wonderful friend from high school (the amazing swimmer) told me to transfer my Rev3 registration to her.  What a lifesaver!  The IT Band issue really just sealed the deal for me.  This morning I rode my commuter bike to the gym and lifted a few weights then swam a 2300.  The swim actually was great and I think my body was happy to do something physical after taking nearly a week off.  I forgot how comfy the commuter bike is.  I have  Landrider guys.

Stolen, "borrowed" Dollar Tree basket is a nice touch.

 Yes, that's right the one from the infomercials.  I actually hate it.  It has an auto-shift thingy that really just sucks, but it was given to me for free so no complaints.  it is super comfy though with it's giant tires and padded seat.  It makes my road bike feel like a torture device.  I also forgot how slow it is compared to a road bike.  The rest of my weekend will be spent up in Corvallis with TH helping him guard his house.  His roommates dog ate (yup..ATE) his front door with he will be front door-less while it's getting fixed this weekend.  Can't wait to spend this last weekend with my AMAZING boyfriend until the craziness of BARBRI.  blah

After carrying my Mom's dog 2 miles during the Jule Run the other weekend.

The Beagle and His lover-Sharkie-toy

If you were wanting to know:

PS:
I have an injured IT Band in my right leg, a wonky ankle on the left, sore shins all around, and a sinus infection to top it all off.  I see this as a sign from above.

well.

Okay folks.  I've mentally checked out of doing the Rev3 70.3 this July. With my BarBri schedule and the weather, the jury is out.  I also developed a wonderful IT Band issue today during my run.  Are you kidding me?!

 SO. 

WHO WANTS TO TRANSFER MY REGISTRATION?!

Basically, I don't want to waste the $230 I spent on registration.  Rev3 allows athletes to do this. According to the site, I have until June 1st to notify them in writing.

Current cost of registration is $250+$30ish in fees.

You can have mine for $200. 


HELP A GIRL OUT