a lesson in disappointment

I hate disappointing people. It does not sit well with my soul.

As you may or may not know, I coach high school cheerleading. Last week we had tryouts and it is hands down the WORST day to be a coach. Especially, if you hate disappointing people. I think we all understand the point of, and have probably been through, tryouts – make sure the best athletes make the team. With cheerleading, everyone “plays.” There is no pine to ride, so not everyone makes the squad. As a coach and being the one to determine who stays and who goes, this is difficult. And those who don’t make it are always disappointed, and feeling like I’m the source of their disappointment is not an easy pill for me to swallow.

Take for example one cheerleader who didn’t make the squad her senior year. My heart breaks for her. My tryout process is extremely fair and I know that. It is not biased toward cheerleaders who have been on the squad previously, and I don’t choose my teams based on who I like or don’t like. It’s based on talent and is completely objective. But it doesn’t make it easy to tell a girl who has cheered for three years, that she won’t be returning for her senior year. That does not sit well with my soul.

And while my heart is breaking for this cheerleader, I am reminded of a similar situation that I experienced in college that has since served as a life lesson to me. I cheered in college my sophomore year, and I was trying out for my junior season. Up to this point, I had always made the team. I worked hard and always gave 100%, and I attributed my success to my personal commitment to always do my very best. To my pursuit for perfection. But on the last day of cheer tryouts for my junior season, the list of cheerleaders was announced and my name was not on it.

I was crushed. I had done my very best and, for the first time that I can remember, it wasn’t good enough. What a blow to the old ego. But looking back, I am thankful for the life lesson that not making the college cheer team taught me. It humbled me. There have been, and will continue to be, times in my life when I will do my very best and I still won’t make the team or get the job. But that hasn’t stopped me from trying new things, submitting my resume or still doing my very best. It hasn’t stopped me from pushing myself to do more, to be better. This life lesson has allowed me to grow and has taught me to always be humble. Because sometimes I'm not always as good at something as I think I am.

When I think about the cheerleader who didn’t make my squad for her senior year, I hope that this serves as a humbling life lesson to her. She is a hard worker and a great kid. And I hope that this blip on the radar of her life doesn’t stop her from always doing her best. I hope that it allows her to grow and know that sometimes we can do our absolute best, but it does not a guarantee us a spot on the team.

I can say with certainty that I will never be OK with disappointing people. But I hope that each of us can appreciate the life lesson that comes with disappointment. And I hope that each of us does not let disappointment or rejection stop us from doing our very best in all that we do.

columbus deal: $10 off cirque du soleil tickets

One of the things I love about living in Columbus, Ohio, other than the Buckeyes, is that this city is a major tour stop for a variety of concerts, exhibits, performances, conventions, etc. There is always something going on here.

One such act that I'm sure has been to Columbus before, but I still have yet to see is Cirque du Soleil. Well, lucky for me, Cirque du Soleil is coming back to Columbus, and I am going to see the show on opening night! Insert happy dance.

Cirque du Soleil's Totem will run August 22 through September 15 under the Big Top at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio. Totem traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly.

To say I'm excited to see this amazing show is a complete understatement. And I hope you will join me because, lucky for you, you can get a discount on your ticket! You can receive $10 off price levels 1 and 2 on weeknight and Friday matinee performances. 

CLICK HERE TO GET $10 OFF YOUR TICKET

Offer is valid May 20 at 10 a.m. EST until September 15 or while supplies last. No promo code is required. The discount has already been applied where applicable.

happy list

1. The beach.
2. Making someone smile.
3. Getting lost in a good book.

{my Moxyn hiding in the curtains}

4. Puppies.
5. Lists and crossing things off of them.
6. A clean house {thanks, babe!} and car {thanks for that trait, Dad!}.

{shirt, skirt and shoes: Target}

7. When a great outfit comes together.
8. Watching crime shows, especially Criminal Minds.


9. Chipotle {duh}.
10. Dancing. Any time, any place. {check out this post for pics of me tearing up the dance floor. You're welcome.}

Linking up with Jenni.

friday's letters

{this photo has nothing to do with this post. But it's a cool photo. Check out Amy Clark Studios.}

Dear Blog: You're probably feeling neglected because I've been neglecting you this week. And last week. It's not you. It's me. No seriously. It's me. No, we're not breaking up. It's just a rough patch. Chill.

Dear Motivation: I need you. Like yesterday. Rest up, sweet cheeks, it's going to be a long year of work, internship, grad school and coaching beginning next week. Let's do this.

Dear Shawn: I hope there is never a day when the sound of a fart isn't funny. I'm still laughing about it. So lucky to have someone with which to not take life too seriously.

Dear Condo: Please sell quickly. Mama wants a new house.

Dear Erin and Chelsea: Your posts were honest and real and inspiring. Thank you for that.

Dear Barre Class: I love you with my whole body. I feel the burn every time and I don't hate it, even when my legs are shaking uncontrollably. You have my workout-loving heart.

Dear Friends: If you want to support my cheerleaders {or pretend you're on the squad}, we just launched a website with some super cute, customizable fan wear. Take a peek here!

heaven has a chipotle

Last Thursday was one of the greatest days of my life. 

It was the day I realized that Heaven has a Chipotle. And free margaritas.

Recently, Chipotle launched their new margarita made with Patrón silver tequila.

They invited me to come try them out. I couldn't say no.

Walking in, we were greeted with smiles and led to the swag table:

{no, we didn't get any Patrón}

Then they presented us with an endless supply of chips and guac:

And then they brought us each a handmade margaritaaaah:

 

When I took that first sip I saw the light: Chipotle + Margaritas = Heaven.
Every Chipotle margarita is handmade with Patrón silver tequila, triple sec, lemon and lime juices, and sweetened with organic agave nectar.
They are delicious and refreshing. And they made my husband a little saucy {lightweight!} ;)
These margaritas will be the perfect addition to my Chipotle orders this summer! Go try one NOW!

And to sweeten the euphoric state I was already in with that delicious margarita in my hand, Chipotle made a donation to my wardrobe:

{it's made with THE softest organic cotton I've ever put on my body!}

Best. T-shirt. EVER!
See I told you. Heaven has a Chipotle.
And I am sharing the love and giving away a Chipotle "I love burritos" t-shirt {size M}.
Enter below {but only if you love Chipotle as much as I do!}:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

currently, i am + a giveaway

{see the 10 must-have items in my suitcase over on Capital Style blog!}

Currently, I am...

Wearing: Lots of flats. These are my favorite and probably the best purchase I've made this spring.

Reading: Proof of Heaven by Eben Alexander

Watching: What I eat. I'm trying to be more conscious of what I'm eating and how much. I'm not on a diet {because I don't diet} and I'm not eating clean {because I don't want to set myself up for failure}, I'm just trying to be more aware of what's going into my body. I've been feeling tired and sluggish, so I'm hoping a few changes will help me perk right up!


Thinking About: Tearing up this Tone It Up Bikini Series I signed up for. It's free to sign up, so let me know if you do so we can keep each other motivated!


Loving: After finishing my final exam of spring semester last night, I officially have one year of grad school left. It's going to be a grueling year, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Finally!


Looking Forward To: Crawl for Cancer! The countdown to my favorite weekend in Columbus begins today! T-minus 24 days!


Disliking: The current state of my closet. It's time for an intervention and maybe even a little Skype sesh with the fashion queen herself, Shanna.


Giving Away: There are 13 prizes up for grabs over on my new fav blogger, Erin's blog. And I'm giving away another wine sippy cup! Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

answering tough questions

1. If you could do one thing differently in your life, what would it be?
I wouldn't have worried so much {sometimes until I made myself physically ill} about all the things I worried about in the past. Life has shown me that things usually work themselves out, or that even if they don't, I survive. This is a flaw I am working on to this day. Life is too short to spend so much of it worrying about the little things. Also, I would have called/visited/hugged/talked to my grandma more. I miss her so much.

2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In a new house. In a new job. And happy. That's all I know for certain. The rest shall be left to fate. 

3. Do you honestly want kids?

I hate this question. In my head, I go back and forth. Right now, yes, I do want kids. I think that deep down I always have, but sometimes I think selfish reasons cloud my thinking. {I wrote about this topic before here.} So when? I don't know. I don't want to have kids - or have kids at a particular age - to fulfill some societal-driven life plan because I have a uterus. Some will tell you there is never a good time. And I will tell you that there is a better time than right now for us - when we're both trying to finish grad school and buy a house. I am convinced that a sign will come when "it's time." So until then, I will treat my pets like the kids I don't have.

4. What has been the best moment of your life so far?
There are so many great/wonderful/amazing moments in my life. I look for them every day. But there was one decision, one moment that set me up for the path that I am on now. I'm convinced that without it, I would not be where I am today. I would not have the friends or husband I have. I would not have had the experiences that I have had. I wouldn't be who I am without it. And this moment was deciding to go to Otterbein College {now University} for undergrad. It really did change my life - and put me on the path that I have been on for the past 11 years.

5. What is your life theme song?
Kenny Chesney's "Don't Blink" was the first song that came to mind. I think it's a good reminder to truly enjoy where I am right now. And to not take the time I'm given in this life for granted because it goes so fast.

6. What is one thing you have yet to accomplish that you want to do before you die?
There are so many things that I want to do before I die. Isn't that what living is about?! But top of the list right now is going to Ireland and Italy with Shawn to experience the cultures of our heritages. Oh, and sky dive!

7. If you could choose one thing to be known for, what would it be?
Making a positive difference in people's lives. Cliché? Maybe. But it's true. I try to make people happy, make people smile, be there when people need me. I have a good life. I am a glass-half-full kinda girl. And I think it's my job to share that happiness and positivity with others.

8. If you could do anything you wanted right in this very moment {no consequences, no fear, etc.}, what would it be?
Go to the airport, pick a random destination, get on a plane and go on vacation with Shawn.

9. What has been the most challenging moment in your life?
Losing my grandma this past October. Until then, no one in my close family had died. I didn't know what do, what to think, how to react, what to say. To truly let myself grieve is challenging.

10. Summarize yourself in one word.
Committed. I do my best in {almost} everything that I do. I say almost because, hey, I'm not perfect.

Linking up with Erin.