40 Days....

of no cupcakes, cookies, donuts. Those are my dessert weaknesses.  Day 1 done, and so far, so good. 39 to go.  For Lent, I typically just try to incorporate something, but this year I decided to add and take away something.  In addition to eliminating sugary carbs, I'm committing to Pure Barre at least twice a week. This is in addition to my training program for two upcoming 10-milers and one half-marathon.  A new Pure Barre studio opened up near me and I bought a 5-week package deal.  Let me tell you, hardest thing I've ever done.  I'd like to think I've tried some pretty intense workouts, but this is like nothing I've experienced before.  Muscles I didn't know I had, in places I've never felt, HURT. A. LOT.  It's suppose it's all a good thing though, because as hard as it is and despite all the shaking (and there's lots of shaking), I'm intrigued enough to keep going back.  In fact, I just read this and it spoke to me:

"It’s about taking it to your edge, trying things you didn’t think were possible, taking yourself out of your comfort zone and believing in yourself.  Discovering you are so much stronger than you realize and embracing that sense of accomplishment with how far you have come. It just keeps getting better…"

Pretty good wisdom to apply to all things in life, huh? 

Good Lord!

That seems to be the phrase that pays these days.

It's now March.  MARCH!!  The last few months...

I turned 31...doesn't feel much different than 30.

I got cleared to run. Yes, I am running again and it's the best.  I'm happy that I'm actually continuing my physical therapy exercises and really listening to my body.  I am slightly paranoid of getting injured and as race season approaches, I cannot afford to be sidelined again.

I discovered the joy that is working in an elementary school.  There is still stress and paperwork. But those kids give the best smiles and are the sweetest/cutest little things.  

I enjoyed a lot of snow days.  This is the best winter to be a teacher.  An unexpected break never fails and I'll worry about how the days get made up later.  I am, however, looking forward to more daylight and warmer temps.  

It's Fall!!

I, for one, cannot believe it is already November.  Halloween has come and gone, the first quarter of the school year is over, the leaves are changing colors and Starbucks is now using the infamous holiday cups.  It is my most favorite part of the year.

In other news, I'm a walker.  I have been told to refrain from running for an unspecified length of time.  I injured my quad back in September during the DIVA Wine Country Half and it's been problematic since then.

I made it through Nike Women's Half Marathon in San Fran and now I rehab.

I suppose the most frustrating part is the vague time-table and vague injury.  We're talking flat feet/over-pronation that leads to a strange gait that resulted in a toe injury, knee pain and now quad pain.  I have been getting adjustments and PT three times a week, but noticed slight pain when I went for a walk yesterday.  Mind you, I was pretty bummed after being told no running and haven't done any sort of exercise for two weeks.  I'm going to keep up with my appointments, try more walking and see how I feel.  I am also thinking of consulting another physical therapist/orthopaedic specialist for a second opinion in the coming weeks.  My hope is to be up and running (pun totally intended!) by the new year!   (p.s. can you believe that 2013 is almost over?!)

Pretending I'm Still at the Beach

This is quite the perfect time to write about a July beach trip since school (with no students, yet) is underway.  The last weekend of July was spent in Myrtle Beach, SC with my wonderful family.  Every other year, members of my family on my dad's side gather for a family reunion.  In the last few years, we have taken to travelling to different and fun locations, not necessarily limiting ourselves to a city where someone resides.

The last time I was in Myrtle Beach was for "Post Exams" after college graduation.  Let's pause and take a minute to process how that was NINE years ago. NINE, people.  Needless to say, I was excited to visit Myrtle and experience it as an adult.  I also was going to secretly miss the Spanish Galleon.  (Okay, not really.) 

The road trip south took forever (thank you, 95 South), but what good family reunion doesn't start with catching up over cocktails?  I think I look pretty chipper post an eight hour car ride. 

The next day began the real family fun.  We took to Broadway at the Beach where we visited the aquarium, ate lunch and walked along the boardwalk.  My favorite stop of the day was Boardwalk Winery, naturally.  After working up a sweat, their wine slushie was the perfect treat.  

After lunch, it was nap time and then we took to the beach!  

Friday night was devoted to a family bar crawl.  Mission:  1 drink at each bar at Broadway at the Beach.  I have no doubt we would have accomplished it, save for Carlos n' Charlies with a super-friendly bartender, $1 drinks and a wide-open dance floor.  The night was interesting to say the least! 

The next day we spent time at Wonder Works.  A building full of interactive attractions, but my favorite part was the bike with a blender attached!  Who doesn't want to pedal and make their own beverage?!

We spent the final evening at our farewell dinner, made time for one last wine slushie and rested up for the drive home.

Well, what do you know...

....it's been months since I've blogged.  I always think about writing, but just can't seem to always find the time to get my thoughts out of my head and onto the screen.  The last time I managed to write anything, it was June.  And I was writing about April.  And now, it's FALL.  I mean, basically.  It's still August, but for the past week or so it has been CHILLY.  The intense heat and humidity that August is known for has been missing.  I'm not complaining (okay, I guess I am), but I am not ready for Fall.  Fall means back-to-school.  I am excited for the new changes the 2013-2014 school year will bring, but I still want lazy summer days.

Today began New Teacher Orientation, which basically means I back to work even if I don't want to admit it.  This also means that it's time to reflect on another summer that wasn't quite long enough.

I was lucky to make two beach trips this summer, despite missing out on Dewey Beach.  To celebrate the end of the school year, I headed to Wrightsville Beach, NC with some girlfriends.  It was a new destination for all of us, which was nice.  We spent each day soaking up the sun, walking the beach, and exploring Wrightsville and nearby Wilmington.  It was the perfect way to kick start summer break.

I loved that Wrightsville Beach was quiet and it was fun exploring Wilmington.  I would definitely return!

I've Made it to May

Since May is the gateway to summer, there was fun to be had!  I spent two weekends at wine festivals.   First up, Wine in the Woods in Maryland.  Since visiting four vineyards in Maryland last summer, I was excited to see what the great crab state had to offer.  All in all, a fun time, despite the rain.  My favorite of the day was http://www.fareasternshorewinery.com/ because of their sweeter wines that just scream summer! I was also happy to see The Winery at Olney and Elk Run Vineyard there.  I do have to admit that there a few wineries where I didn't like one single glass.  Not one.  A travesty, really.

Memorial Day Weekend was spent celebrating my dear friend Kristy's 35th birthday at ValleyFest Beer and Wine Festival located right in Massanutten Resort.  The festival had way more beer than wine, but we made sure to drink and taste our fair share of both.  I was initially a bit wary about the beer fest part, but it was nice to try so many different beers and ciders that I would never really seek out.

And then I discovered THIS. Can we say highlight of the trip!? Everyone should make giant chocolate chip cookies in skillets.

Oh, my poor neglected blog..

So, apparently when I started this blog I created much more free time in my mind than actually exists in my life.  I am MONTHS behind.  Not much has changed, yet a lot has changed.  Here's my pitiful attempt at getting caught up...

I ran the Inaugural Nike Women's Half-Marathon in DC.  It was awesome.  Not the best course, way too crowded and streets too narrow at points, but it was a wonderful experience.  So much so, I have entered the lottery for October's race in San Francisco.  I have decided my team will get picked because there are HILLS. HELLA HILLS as a friend told/warned me.  I ran with two first time half-marathoners and I was so proud of them and to share in their experience.

My race recovery day included a mani-pedi, pizza and a winery visit.  All well-deserved, I would say.