Perfect Hair

It seems with all the movie premieres happening in May...the more 'perfect hair' situations I am witnessing and becoming super jealous of! Not fair! okee I am just packing a few last things and about to shut-er down. Off to Dublin I go! 2daloo! xo

Journey to the Heart

Release Old Emotions ~ Melody Beattie
Our emotions and experiences sometimes lead us out of the present moment. Something happens- someone says something, we hear something - and a feeling crops up. Often, underneath it is an old feeling, a feeling from the past, an old chunk of energy that's hidden in our soul, stored in our body.
We aren't off track when that happens. We're right where we need to be: off center and out of the present moment. We can use moments like these to heal ourselves.
Let yourself feel the feeling. Let yourself release the energy. Talk it out. Jog it out. Do what your heart leads you to do to release that bubble of emotion from your soul. Take as much time as you need - an hour, a day, a month.
When it's gone, you'll find a surprise. You've advanced on your path. You've learned something new. A new cycle has begun. An issue arose that provided an opportunity for healing and growth, and that healing and growth turned into a pleasant and welcome surprise.
Yes sometimes experiences lead us
out of the present moment. But if
we stay present for ourselves, we'll
always come back. Changed. Lighter.
Healed. And more ready to love.

E.L.R.S xo

Twenty Great!

Today I turned twenty 'great'! As I always say, I am not a huge fan of celebrating birthdays...I find if you celebrate your life everyday you shouldn't have to save up for this one memento day... however, as always I am pleasantly surprised by the kind words from people and the many wishes I received throughout the day, it's such a nice feeling to receive pressies, flowers, phone calls, cakes and emails from amazing friends and family...so thank you! Also thank you to my family and my second family who enjoyed some amazing sushi with me tonight! Namaste! Cheers to the kids of 1980 this is the year!
Side thought: I always find that no matter how you try to ignore it, birthdays always make you stop and reflect on your life and how you are living in the present moment...today I was thinking about all my accomplishments and life lessons i have learned over the years and here are a few things I thought of (random, but thought I would share)
I have learnt....

• To always respect and love your family...they are with you for life
• To always breath, it lets you live in the moment
• That amazing friends are always a phone call away
• To constantly challenge yourself ...coasting along just doesn't work for me
• At any time in your life you can change it all around and venture down a different path...it is never too late!
• That life is mysterious
• That watching your sister and best friends have children is a surreal and wonderful experience...and you get to experience true happiness
• To always surround yourself with people you love
• To create a bucket list and make sure to check off something each year (Marathon...check check)
• That true happiness lies within you
• That kind words and never forgotten...and unfortunately so are unkind words
• To always remember that life has a way of working itself out
• To travel to other parts of the world as often as you can...you never know what you will learn especially about yourself and the ones you are with
• That being in love is one of the greatest feelings in the world (ad!)
• That crying once a month is just something females do...don't let anyone question that!
• To appreciate life and all it has to offer
• That yoga, exercise and sports will always be my saving grace!
• That the best way out is always through
• That people can surprise you everyday
• That a grande non fat tazo chai will always brighten my day...and of course a smile
• That long distance relationships are hard, but if you have what it takes you can get through anything!!!
• That everything happens for a reason
• That your health should never be taken for granted
• That knitting has the same effect as meditation...well at least it does for me
• That old friends are never forgotten and new ones should be celebrated
• That life isn't about finding yourself but about creating yourself
• That inspirational quotes will always stop me in my tracks
• That sometimes you have can a closet full of clothes but have absolutely nothing to wear
• That it's ok to fail sometimes, as long as you know you have tried
• That it's important to be there to support your friends through the good times and the bad....sometimes people just need a hand for guidance
• That life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away
• To always let people know how much they mean to you
• That sometimes the best thing to do is just listen
• That as much as I think I know...I will never stop learning!

Done and done!

Well it's official...I have completed my first marathon...and all I have to say is wow!! It had to be the hardest thing I have ever done in my life! Though I can barely walk and I feel I will be permanently exhausted, I couldn't be more proud of myself and the people who surrounded me throughout the race (yes this may be my last entry for awhile about my marathon training...so just hang in with me for this last bit!). I started off strong and was clocking in to complete the marathon between 3:40-3:45...however at 35km I mentally checked out due to the severe wind near the lake and my poor state of mind... it turned out to be the biggest struggle of my life to get the last 7km completed. So for the next one I know I will need to train longer distances more often. That's if and when....but I can't seem to help myself and ask: What next? I just love training for something extreme and pushing myself to the ultimate limit. I first need to be able to walk normal before I gear up again. Anywho, thanks to my sister Jodie and my mom who were there to support as well as friends from the running room and Chris, Katy and Lindsay! All the cheers were greatly appreciated and desperately needed. Jodie also helped me to the finish and decided to run the last four in with me...thank you thank you thank you! Also congrats to Martha, Nicola, Allison, Dino, Grace, Sue Ellen, Sarah on a marathon well done and to Katie and Stacy who did awesome in their 1/2!! And thank you to all the well wishes and congratulations along the way and at the end of it all! I believe a marathon is something that everyone should try to accomplish, it's the best feeling in the world to say "done and done!"
My Statistics:
Place: 442
Name: ERIN BRYCE
City: Oakville
Bib#: 205
Time: 3:50:56.2
Chip: 3:48:04.2Pace: 5:29
Category: Women 25 - 29
Category Place: 15/59
Gender Place: 90/582
Split @ 8km: 43:17
Split @21.1km: 1:51:38
Split @25km: 2:12:06
ps. Picture of Nicola and I at the end of the race!! We completed with very similar times, and though she said 1 marathon is enough I got an email from her saying she was 3 mintues off of qualifying for boston so she needs to do another one! ha! Let the games begin!

Count down is ending

Your race information:
Name: Erin Bryce
Your bib number: 205
Your event: Marathon

Tonight was our last official running room group run! ... I also got the email tonight that provides my bib number! Ah! So it looks like #205 is going to be my lucky numero on Sunday...here's hoping!

It seems for the last several months the weekend of May 11th (this weekend) was the D-day for several major events. End of school (2nd semester), my first marathon and Heather is due to deliver her baby!! I'm not really sure what I am going to do with myself once this weekend is over. I loved going to school with my classmates everyday and sharing with each other our trials and tribulations (especially with Katie, Nicole and Paul), and I also loved running with my dynamic group...it's just so sad it will be over for the summer by monday. sigh! I am however, ready for Heather to have a new babe in her arms. Heather you are going to be a fantastic mother and I can't wait to be there for you in your new adventures! xo
night night
ps. I'm kind of getting bored with the Meredith and McDreamy sauga...just get together already...he loves you, you love him....it's meant to be!

My fashion vote

Over the weekend, Fashion and Hollywood superstars turned the red carpet at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art into a galaxy of glamour for the Costume Institute’s gala opening of the 2008 exhibition, “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy.” Though I totally love scoping out the digs on the superstars at events such as these, I would have to say I was a little disappointed by the ensemble of outfits the attendees chose to wear. Even Rachel Bilson who always has something unique to wear looked very simple and drab. However, when stumbling across this picture of Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson, I couldn't help but smile...I think they look great! Diane definitely is a style guru and through the years always comes out looking cute, sophisticated and sassy! (cute shoes) Fair play to them.
ps. Dancing with the Starts was excellent tonight...my fav was seeing the top 10 performers from the 5 seasons and of course listening to Rascal Flatts belt out tunes.
pps. Done the 'written' portion of 2nd semester, where does time go?

25 Years

Today, Oprah celebrates Tom Cruise ~ 25 years in the business. For as long as I can remember I have always been a huge fan of Tom Cruise's movies. For the last few years I can't say I necessarily agreed with some of his opinions he so publicly displayed, but I think we as a society shouldn't be so quick to judge....we shouldn't base an actor's life decisions with their ability to act. So today I would like to celebrate Tom Cruise's silver anniversary with Oprah and the fans and pay tribute to what he has offered to the big screen.
If Tom could give any advice to that 19-year-old strutting around in his underwear, what would it be? "I would have said, 'You know what? It's going to be okay,'" he says. "I was always trying to enjoy every moment that I could because I thought, 'If this is the last film I get to make, then at least I lived that dream.'"
What a nice and inspiring thing to say. Some favourite Tom Cruise moments/quotes:
* When he sang "you've lost that love and feeling" to his love interest (he set the bar!)- Top Gun* "I love you, you complete me..." "....just shut up you had me at hello...you had me at hello" - Jerry MaGuire* Katsumoto: You believe a man can change his destiny? Algren: I think a man does what he can, until his destiny is revealed. - The Last Samuraioh so good! It totally makes me want to go out and rent some of his movies! I don't think I ever saw Risky Business (the start of his success), so as I am resting up on Friday/Saturday I might just have to go out and rent it!
My Favourite Movies:
Top Gun
The Last Samurai
Rain Man
Born on the 4th of July
Cocktail
The Firm
Far and Away
Days of Thunder
“I love what I do. I take great pride in what I do. And I can't do something halfway, three-quarters, nine-tenths. If I'm going to do something, I go all the way.” - Tom Cruise
ps. Happy 22nd Birthday Steph! "May you live all the days of your life!" xo

The Way I See It #291

In a world where celebrity equals talent, and where make-believe is called reality, it is most important to have real love, truth and stability in your life.

Under the weather

For the past few days I have been one of the unlucky ones and have been feeling crummy! I blame myself for pushing it a little too much and over exhausting myself...but none the less it's so terrible being sick...ESPECIALLY a week (7 days and counting) before the marathon. Living on 5 hours a sleep a night, cramming homework, school and work as well as training for a marathon can cause havoc to the immune system...but also the weather has played a huge part. Where did spring go? So I am trying desperately to get better! Vit C-B tablets, tons of water, Ginger and lemon in hot water, and lots of sleep (well kind of...but i am making a huge effort), and yesterday I finally bought Tylenol Cold tablets to help kick the symptoms! Here's to trying. Anywho so because I am sick I haven't been able to run (it's killing me!!), but thank god for Oprah who has stepped up her game these past 2 days, and had the cast of SATC on her show. I thought was great! Can't wait until the movie....also please note that every single lady on O's couch had red soled shoes. Yes please. I have it pvr'd for anyone who missed it. Oprah also did an interview with Tom Cruise at his house in Telluride. Let me tell you that is some house! I was fortunate to have gone to Telluride in high school, and thought it was a surreal and fantastic place! Would love to go back. Of course now that Oprah has touched Tom with her magical wand, he will be back on the scene better than ever!...and to be honest I couldn't be happier. Sure he has done some "interesting" things over the past few years, but he is super talented and I can't wait to see what movie he comes out with next!

Sex and the City-Moon River

One of my most favourite Sex and the City moments. Ps. Trying to do homework but there is a SATC marathon that is distracting me like crazy!

T Minus 2 Weeks

Well this morning we officially started to taper our running. Last weekend we did 35k, and this morning we brought it back down to 26k. (I never thought in a million years that I would say "we only have to do 26 this morning"!) As we were approaching the bridge on Lakeshore (our indicator we are almost done) I couldn't help but feel a little sad that in 2 weeks I will no longer be seeing my running group twice a week. We will no longer be sharing our life stories. We have all gotten to know each other so well since way back in January when we first met.....these people are people I may never have met if it wasn't for the running room. We started off a large group and then due to injuries we dwindled down to a few. Because of my group I may never have pushed myself so hard during hill runs, speed work and our long Sunday (Saturday)runs in the snow, freezing rain, sun, wind...so thank you! Thank you Nicola, Alison, Dino, Merritt, Natalia, Grace, Avis, Kim, Joe, and Tom, you all made it worth while...and I am still smiling and would do it all again!
ps. OH MY GOSH my marathon is in 2 weeks (may 11th)! Crazy!!! I get so nervous even thinking about it....I know I can do the distance, now it's just a matter of getting the time I want.
pps. School also finishes in 2 weeks, insane-O!

In my opinion...

As I was browsing through the most recent posted pictures on Teddy&Moo (will start homework soon), I came across this photo of Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna. For some reason it seemed to stop me in my tracks! Gwyneth I find is always on top of all the trends and always looks so polished in every photo she finds herself in...but today is the first time where she looks as if she picked up the closest things to the door and threw them on her back...and let me tell you, i love this version of her! The jacket could go, but I love the fact that she looks au natural, yet still gorgeous. Madonna however, needs to step away from her constant Ed Hardy uniform and venture to something more simple. While we are on the topic of celebs and workout gear...did anyone see Oprah yesterday? Let me first state I am a HUGE fan of Mariah Carey, and am always excited to hear the next latest and greatest hits she has and I congratulate her on her status of "one upping Elvis", but her sense of style is a wee bit over the top. On Oprah yesterday she was going into detail about her new fitness and nutrition regime and how she toned up her bod....and as always I was intrigued...but as the video clip started rolling and I saw Mariah in heels, leg warmers and a cat suit doing an arm exercise I couldn't help but roll my eyes and say "Pa-leeeease!!" I am all for one wanting to look fab on Oprah, but could she not have gone to lulu grabbed a stylish get up and put a sweet pair of kicks on? I dunno? As Mad Dog on 99.9 said, Mariah is the kind of girl you would find in lingerie running on a treadmill. Too funny!

April Showers

Well I have officially sat down to start my long overdue assignment that is to be handed in on Monday...and other than finding something to eat for dinner, I am going to be parking myself in this chair until it's complete (as i have had a few nice distractions). Last night I went out for dins with Box and Compton. We went to Mama Martino's (I think that's what it was called), and if you enjoy a healthy Italian meal this place is the spot to go! I had eggplant Parm and it was de-lish! It was also great to catch up and dish on life. Then today a bunch of ladies went over to the Wellon's residence to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Heather and Lyndon's baby girl. Holly graciously hosted a baby shower for Heather. Yummy food and great company! And so here I am procrastinating as much as I can before I dive into my work...and as most know I tend to need something on in the background (Tv, music, movies, etc) so that I am able to concentrate...however one of my all time fav movies is on....The Notebook! I love love love this movie! Fav scene:
Allie: Why didn't you write me? Why? It wasn't over for me, I waited for you for seven years. But now it's too late.
Noah: I wrote you 365 letters. I wrote you everyday for a year.
Allie: You wrote me?
Noah: Yes... it wasn't over, it still isn't over
(ahh so romantic!)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNKrCuPGtzY&feature=related
I also love in the movie when Noah is narrating a letter he wrote to Allie...
Noah: My Dearest Allie. I couldn't sleep last night because I know that it's over between us. I'm not bitter anymore, because I know that what we had was real. And if in some distant place in the future we see each other in our new lives, I'll smile at you with joy and remember how we spent the summer beneath the trees, learning from each other and growing in love. The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds, and that's what you've given me. That's what I hope to give to you forever. I love you. I'll be seeing you. Noah
Ah so good! Ok back to work for me! Thought I would share! Ps. I am sending good luck vibes to Andy! Abra-cadabra...open door! Pps. 5 more sleeps! xo Ppps. 32k tomorrow! Holley molley