Friday 2/28

And I said, play it again play it again play it again

GAH, again this was a toughie. Killing me.

If you read Pekarsk-ing Around at least once a month you know I love me some Spotify embedded players and this post is no different. So click on down for my 2 Songs:

1. Heaven Forbid- The Fray
[The live version, from Nashville. I cry 95% of the time this song pops up on my shuffle.]

2. Be Still- The Fray
[Just be still and listen to the lyrics]

But break your plans for me tonight

As you found out in today's post, I have a soft spot in my heart for The Fray. 

I could perfectly describe each phase of my life simply by naming a Fray song.

I was jerked awake [this is what happens when you fall asleep with your phone in your hand] by an 11pm Spotify notification this week announcing the addition of The Fray's newest album Helios. 

So like any normal person, I flipped my bedside lamp on and listened to the entire thing...twice.

It's just so damn good.

You've got your fun dance around your house song, Hurricane.

You've got your "I'm a 20-something" power anthem, Keep on Wanting.

There's the perfect summer windows down drive to Target song, Give it Away.

And the cliche, but my favorite, love song, Wherever This Goes.

Oh and then there's the rest of the album.

I love The Fray and you should too. 

I promise you'll find a song that fits into your day/week/month/life.

Monograms and Media

Are you following me on Tumblr?!

You should be!

Monograms and Media, y'all 

I could watch you forever

I love movies. 

And, if I find a really good one.. I'll watch it over and over and over [I get this from dad, we both drive mom nuts.]

So find a good blanket, top off your tumbler, and hit play on these 3 Films:

1. Savages

2. Beauty and the Beast

3. Forrest Gump

Book Worm

I've said it once [or five times], I'll say it again, this was hard. 

Should probably pull up Barnes and Noble online now since you'll want these 4 Books:

1. The Single Woman

2. The Lovely Bones

3. Decision Points

4. Something Borrowed 

Get in my bellyyy

I'm just gonna dig right into this one like it was a chicken burrito bowl after a 10 mile run.

Hope you're not hungry reading this because you will be after 5 Foods:

1. Mom's "House Pasta"

2. Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl

3. Hot Dogs [usually paired with a Cherry Limeade]

4. My "Birthday Dinner;" pork chops, mom's sauce [it's magical], basmati rice, baby squashes

5. Wings [with extra ranch and good beer]

Have passport, will Go

I know I've said this pretty much every other post but this was harder than it looks.

Are we talking cities, countries, buildings, restaurants?

So I just went for all of it, all 6 Places:

1. The house I grew up in and the pool that my bedroom over-looked

2. Pittsburgh

3. 5th and Church

4. Circle Park [at the University of Tennessee]

5. Italy

6. My bed

Friday 2/21

Lucky Number Sleven

So if you read yesterday's post you now know I hate the number 7 but today it has some good things associated with it, 7 Wants:

1. A couple more half marathon medals on my wall

2. To find my person [not right now necessarily but sometime soon]

3. To find a happy medium between being friends and mother-daughter with my mom

4. To get married in the church my dad's grandparents were wed in Italy

5. To be able to eventually be a stay at home mom [in this economy that's more of a wish I know]

6. To finally get that Dad and Yeen trip to a Pittsburgh sporting event

7. Disney Princess Hair 

Bring the Spring

While the rumor may be circulating that Jim Cantore is in Nashville due to the impending tornado like conditions, yesterday it was straight up Spring in Music City.

I am lucky enough to live on one of the pretties streets in downtown [I may be biased but can you really beat twinkle lights, Starbucks, Jimmy Johns, Walgreens, and Pucketts all on one street?]

So when the lunching hour rolled around I decided to pack up my Uncrustable [horrible diet over here, remember?] and head to Fifth Third Plaza for some sun. 

It was gorgeous.

The people watching was point on.

AND I got a nice lunch phone call with momma. 

I foresee lots of "picnic" lunches in my future!

The Sum of 8 Fears

Fears, we all have them. 

Although some may be more psychological than others.

I feel like this post has more secrets than Day 1.

But here we go, 8 Fears:

1. Divorce

2. Not being able to have children or having issues conceiving

3. Blood

4. Losing a parent before their time

5. Breast Cancer 

6. Losing my job [I've already survived it once, that's enough right?]

7. The number 7 [bad things always happen and 7 is always involved]

8. Failure [and therefore disappointing] 

Love, the greatest of all things

Woo Hoo, Day 2!

You'd think today's post would be easier to write than yesterday's but it turned out to actually be harder.

I could write lists of things I love. And speaking of lists, it's #4 my list of.. 

9 Loves.

1. The Pittsburgh Steelers [and just the city of Pittsburgh in general]

2. The Pekarsky Seven 

[Dad, Momma, Joe, Me, Sophie, Momma (the cat), and Mr. Smellz]

3. Monograms

4. Lists written in colorful Sharpie on precious notepads

5. Summer and everything that goes along with it 

[bikini, lake/pool, tan (and tan lines), cold beer, my birthday, sun shine, summer flings, happiness]

6. Pictures of my wonderful friends and family in cute frames next to sweet hand written notes hung on the wall of my little house.

7. The skinny gold ring I wear on my right ring finger, that was worn by my mom in her 20s.

8. Reading and the countless books the grace the shelves of my bedroom [and desk, and window ledge, and bedside table, and arm of my couch]

9. Running hills in my favorite Steeler Nike shorts 

What's life without a little Challenge?

I love a good blog challenge, previously having done a 10 day and 30 day challenge, so when I saw this one on Molly's blog this week I immediately texted her and asked I could join! You're welcome to jump on this blog party train too. 

It should be fun and I can finally share some books and songs I've been dying to blog about!

So here we go, 10 Secrets:

1. I talk about my dog like she's a person. I frequently ask to talk with her on the phone. And guess what she talks back [just so I don't sound like a crazy person, Sophie "sings". If you ask here "Where's Sissi?" she'll howl/yodel/sing/talk]

2. I have an awful diet. Uncrustables. Cheese Sticks. Chili Lime Hummus. Caffeine Free Diet Coke. Peppermint tea. That was my lunch yesterday. 

3. If you ask me how much I weigh, I will always say 113. 

4. I fall asleep scrolling through Tumblr every night. I am all about visuals and how things look/placement.

5. I probably love the University of Tennessee now as an alum than I did when I went there. Don't know what you have till it's gone, right?

6. I am notorious for stealing boy's sweatshirts, t-shirts, sweatpants. Just ask my dad.

7. The first thing I bought for my house was a giant wooden monogram for above my bed. Priorities. 

[and then chip clips.]

8. I have a huge crush on Ed Sheeren.

9. Yes, if we ever seriously date I will see what your last name looks like in my monogram. Not gonna say it would be a deal breaker but...

10. Greatest Fear: not being able to have kids/having trouble conceiving.

[went dark there at the end. Sorry.] 

Tomorrow, 9 Loves, much easier! 

Weekend Recap: 2/15-2/16

There were no roses, no proposals, or fancy dinners but there was a whole lot of Chuck Bass this Valentine's Day. Chipotle was my boyfriend, I even splurged and got guacamole. With my feet propped up, mini heater on, and the sweetest ladybug valentine from momma I was one content single heart.

Sunday I Swiffer wet jetted my brains out and then headed to the office for a peaceful afternoon in the office. 

This weekend may have not been the most romantic 48 hours ever but you know what, I've got at least 60 more years for that stuff. For now, I'm happy just me [with some Chipotle.]

"Always"

Happy Valentine's Day.
I hope you have a wonderful day full of love, whether single or taken.
xoxo Pekarsk-ing Around

#theoandbeau

If you haven't seen #theoandbeau by now, well you've been missing out my friend. 

This precious puppy and little boy pair have been making headlines on what seems like every news site. My mom was the first to find them and we both about melted from the cuteness on the computer screen. Like any social media obsessed almost 24 year old I immediately followed the pair on Instagram. Every day at nap time a new picture is posted. Your heart will explode, I promise. 

Maggie and I love checking Instagram at lunch for the latest #theoandbeau picture and now you can share this darling pair with all your valentines thanks to Postmark. 

The e-valentine is completely free and for every valentine sent Evite will donate $.50 to the Santa Cruz SPCA, Theo's original home and only non-profit animal shelter in Santa Cruz, CA. 

I've even attached the LINK for the valentine here! 

So share the love this Valentine's Day! 

Just stop

It's true.

So just stop.

Make this your most productive day this week.

Make this run your best time this week.

Make this lunch break the most productive/relaxing/fun one all week.

Make this Thursday a damn good one.

I know I'm going to.

And then make my Friday even better. 

Stand up now and face the Sun

It's official. 

I have found the perfect Tuesday morning commute power song. 

Tuesdays are meh [understatement] but Aloe Blacc makes them a little less "meh" and a little more "I can do this!"

Somewhere I heard that life is a test
I been through the worst but still I give my best
God made my mold different from the rest
Then he broke that mold so I know I’m blessed
(This is my world)

Stand up now and face the sun
Won’t hide my tail or turn and run
It’s time to do what must be done
Be a king when kingdom comes

Weekend Recap: 2/8-2/9

VALENTINE'S DAY Y'ALL

VALENTINE'S DAY.

That was the theme of the weekend. 

Signed, Sealed, Delivered. 

They are out the door! 

And to top it off I got the sweetest valentine from the sweetest little.

Happy Monday!

*made my monogram stickers for all my Valentines with PrintableMonogram. Check them out!* 

Friday 2/7

Baby it's [freaking] cold outside

It's a balmy 25 degrees here in Music City and I'm scheduled to run a brisk three miles today.

Let me tell you, I am pumped. Not.

I am a summer girl through and through. And I also don't particularly enjoy feeling like my lungs are going to explode while trying to run 100 ft. 

However, I have figured out a couple tricks that make 13.1 training not so bad. 

When I was at the Nike outlet with the little brother after Christmas I started browsing the running accessories section [aka things I could afford] and found something so wonderful I had to share. 

Say it with me now, Nike Therma-FIT Reversible Running Headband.

Now go buy one.

This purple gift from running heaven has saved my ears more than once this year AND [added bonus] keeps my earbuds perfectly in place. It's a win-win. Plus, it's so warm I left it on for a good 20 minutes after I got home. 

Nike wins again. 

Now about those three miles tonight...

Older and Wiser

Yesterday my Ad2 President and Wing Woman forwarded me this article that was originally forwarded to her by her boss. I will warn you, it's a longer one. But, SO WORTH the read. I feel like the majority of us are on our way into our mid-twenties. We [barely] survived the initiation period of post grad life and are starting to make our way. Motivation can run low at times [like every Tuesday.] So here are 60 things to get you through the next lull you come to. 

6. Love all the stages of your life and fear none, because they are all magical

16. Virginia Wolff was right -- a woman needs a room of her own and $500

23. Buy classic clothes -- they will always be in style

24. Don't waste money on shoes -- men are not looking at your feet

33. Have children when you want them -- there is never a perfect time

35. Take lots of photos -- you will celebrate them when people you love are gone

36. Learn to forgive at a younger age

39. Value your family. They will be there when others are not. They will sustain you throughout your life journey

40. Never go to sleep angry with yourself or someone else

41. Tell your partner, friends and family that you love them every single day

42. At 30 you become a woman. Appreciate how beautiful you are

44. Get out of a bad relationship fast -- you can't change another person

45. Take care of your skin! Smile often

56. Be grateful for every day, even bad days -- there's always a lesson to learn

View the full article here! 

I've figured out the JOY is not in your arms

I will be the first to say I am probably over emotional when it comes to song lyrics.
I will listen to a song over and over and over simply because one lyric speaks to me.
[oh come on now, we all do. I just choose to do it with my Bose mini speaker blaring while laying in the tub.]

I will admit I used to not like Elli Goulding. I will also admit that was the direct effect of an ex's taste in music. Finally, I will admit I am now obsessed. One of the ,what feels like 27, romantic movies coming out on Valentine's Day has the trailer soundtrack of her song Explosion. I was needing some new music so I did some Spotify research.
Fast forward to me blaring the damn song for the 89th time and singing along in my green sweatpants.
My Top 5 would have to be:
Explosion
My Blood
JOY
Dead in the Water
How Long Will I Love You

But don't take my word for it, give her a chance yourself.



oh and p.s. it was just a rumor, she's not dating Ed Sheeren. So she's a-okay in my book.

With all the blood I lost with you, it drowns out the love I thought I knew

I've fallen from grace, took a blow to my face. 
I've loved and I've lost. I've loved and I've lost.

If I was not myself and you were someone else, I'd say so much to you and I would tell the truth.

How long will I love you?
As long as stars are above you
And longer, if I may.

Weekend Recap: 2/1-2/2

If last weekend was great, this weekend was super awesome.

By 3pm Saturday afternoon I had laundry done and folded, groceries bought and put away, and two Lifetime movies that had been sitting on my DVR viewed and reviewed [side note: Jodi Arias is nuts y'all.] OH, and got my favorite food, Mexican, with one of my favorite friends, The Heart of Life is Good.

Saturday night was full of good friends, new and old. Birthdays were celebrated and a ton of college stories were reminisced. 

Sunday brought the Super Bowl and the Whitehardt media girls' Second Annual Fun with Wreaths party. There was homemade guacamole, Rotel, chili, and LOTS of craft supplies. The game was eh, half time was legit, and our wreaths are amaze. 

The Seahawks won, my high school now has a Super Bowl Champion as an alum [woo Golden!] and I start marathon training today. February is starting off swinging!