Great Strides walk...Raleigh...list goes on...

Oh man. I don't even know where to begin, but life around the Hoffman household is pretty crazy. On Saturday I raised money to walk in the Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides walk in Richmond. I did this for my wonderful, great friend Jenny. Jenny holds such a special place in my heart, and I would do anything for her. She is such an amazing woman, wife, mother and friend.

After the walk, I headed down to Raleigh to celebrate Daniel's sister, Elise's graduation from UNC-G. Congrats, Elise...welcome to the real world!!!!!! Such an exciting, big time in her life. I remember when I graduated from Clemson like it was yesterday. It's such an odd time in life...trying to figure out what to do, where to go, how to pay for things, etc. Elise, you will figure it out...you may make some wrong decisions and go down wrong paths, but that will help you to learn and you'll grow from all of your experiences. You are a great person with a big family who loves you...dream big, dream strong...you will succeed in life!

I had a fabulous, much needed weekend in Raleigh hanging out with Daniel's family. It had been a few months since I last saw them because of my working on the weekends, and we had a blast. I had fun playing with my two nephews and "ooo-ing and aww-ing" over my adorable niece-Lily. She is the cutest little girl ever...one can tell she comes from two loving and great parents. Daniel took pics on his camera, so I'll have him upload those soon so you can see how CUTE she is! Speaking of Daniel's family, it's my mother-in-law's birthday today...HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSIE!!!! I hope you have a special, wonderful day...as great as you are. :)

On our way out of Raleigh heading back to Richmond on Sunday, we stopped to meet Jenny, precious Maddie and Mike for icecream at Goodberry's! Yum! We had a great time seeing them...watching Maddie walk around and sharing our icecream with social Mads. We had the pugs with us and Maddie loved seeing them. Zeus and Maddie had an instant connection (Lily and Zeus loved each other, too) and Jenny was able to capture a moment of kisses from Maddie to Zeus. I love that little girl like she is my own...such a sweet, sweet family!

I started Personal Training this week and I LOVE it. If there were a greater word for love, than that would describe my passion for this job. This is what I went to school for and what I've always wanted to do. I am happy to say, I have found my dream and "call" in life. I couldn't be happier. I feel as if I'm making a difference in other's lives, and this makes me feel good, too. I am still working my full-time job, so nonetheless, life is busy...it's amazing though what one can get accomplished when you awake at 5 am!

Daniel and I close on our house next week on Friday the 28th. We are super excited and can hardly stand it. Beginning on the 28th, I will be taking a hiatus from my blog as I work two jobs and in the meantime fix house. Once the house gets in order, I'll be back to the blogging world. :)

I have been cooking as usual, but am finding many quick, easy meals to prepare. Monday night I had chicken tenders in which I coated in bbq sauce, then rolled them in panko...baked them in the oven at 400 degrees for about 40 minutes, and can we say "yum?" Served this with sweet potatoes, fresh corn on the cob and salad. Tonight we are having pork chops...if the recipe is a success---I'll share it with you.

So, that's my life in a nutshell...have a great rest of your week.