Saturday, December 9, 2017

Make today awesome don’t wait until tomorrow

Did you make it to the Girls on the Run Bexar County 5K this morning? I did!
Waking up this morning was hard. I’ve been sick all week, so I didn’t want to get out of bed early on a Saturday. But, anything for Girls on the Run Bexar County, right?!

I rolled out of bed put on my blue Heart and Sole shirt, my colorful tights and coffee in hand I made way to Comanche Park. Upon arrival, there it was, that adrenaline boost, that boost that only a race as special as the Girls on the Run 5K can bring! All the daughters with their moms, dads, coaches, guardians and mentors at their sides lining up for the start. The smiles, the laughter, the pure JOY is addicting.

I am the Marketing team lead for this wonderful organization. I chose to take on this volunteer role to get Project Management experience and I not only am getting that, but I fell, FELL deep in LOVE with the idea, the mission and the purpose of this organization.
You see, I have two boys, 3 and 5- no girls. But, a niece and some close younger cousins that I cannot wait until it is there turn to cross that Girls on the Run finish line! Like, I am literally counting the days.

I say this organization and race is amazing and if you are still wondering why, here’s more. Today at the race, a young girl showed up after the race had started, she was there to run a 5k, but the 5k had left without her. But, do not fret, our fearless leader, Executive Director, Minka Misangyi without hesitation, raced by her side.  She stayed by her side every moment of the race. The race may have started without her, but Minka made sure this young girl made it to the finish line. If this doesn’t get you, then I have more.  



A young girl was running out on the course today, she fell hard during the route was bleeding and bruised. They taped up her leg and asked her if she was done, she was not done, she wanted to finish. With a white bandage wrapped around her knee, a slight limp across the finish, and a fellow runner at her side, she finished the race. It didn’t matter the time, she made it!  The courage these young girls show every step of the way, makes me the most proud to be a part of Girls on the Run Bexar County.

Now, it’s your turn, come race with us in May or join the fun and volunteer with us! You will be GLAD you did! 

Friday, July 7, 2017

Riverside Bliss at Maricopa

This place was such a gem, I must brag about it. My family and I stayed at Maricopa Riverside Lodge in Canyon Lake, Texas over Fourth of July weekend.
We stayed in room 120, the Deluxe Balcony Suite. We were pleasantly surprised to walk out a to a 20x20 ish private balcony. (Shared with room 121) It was equipped with a two person rocker, (2) recliner style chairs, a picnic table and a George Foreman Grill. There was also electricity! And, if you listen closely at night you can hear the tunes from Whitewater Amphitheater while gazing at the stars from the comforts of your own balcony
The rooms was nice, super clean, and perfect for out getaway weekend.  If you are expecting fluffy comforters and a 4-5 star property, then look elsewhere. The listing states limit 4 guests, however there is a pull out futon in the front room, so if your children are small enough that they fit in your bed, there may be room for another person. The only odd thing about the room was that the shower was not actually behind a wall! We made it work, though.
The price for the room was $275.00 (this includes tax) per night, however for the 4th of July weekend and for being right on the Guadalupe River (with a pool) it was expected.
I looked at renting river houses, but a lot of them were booked and were $500.00 plus per night, and many were not riverside and did not have swimming pools. All of which Maricopa DID have!
The swimming pool started at 2.5 feet and went up to 5 feet which was perfect for my 2 and 5 year old children!
The Guadalupe River was at our fingertips, we were able to get in quickly and easily with our personal tubes while we watched the long lines at the public entrances. We floated on by from the Maricopas's private entrance and saved plenty of time.
They also had two playground sets one for bigger kids with swings and a slide facing the water and another for younger kids with small swings, and a seesaw.
Another plus, the office has ice for purchase, so we never had to leave the comforts of our suite! Our room had a mini fridge as well as a microwave which was just what we needed for the kiddos.
Mom Time



shallow streams 
Last, the river access near the lodge had access to flowing streams and a neat waterfall too. And, there were plenty of shallow points in walking distance. Perfect to have some mom time or bring the kiddos too.
If your planning your next staycation getaway weekend and want to have a happy family, choose Maricopa! I'm glad I did!

 http://www.maricopariversidelodge.com/



Private balcony for rooms 120 and 121, grill and recliner chairs, picnic table too! 
My favorite deluxe rocking chair !
Let your little one be the lucky one to fill this chair! (poolside)