My parents have arrived from the east coast and we have started celebrating the holidays. My boyfriends parents arrived as well. Yesterday was a very fun day, and today has even more fun in store.
Yesterday, my folks arrived, we brought stuff upstairs and then relaxed with some lunch. It was then off for a mani-pedi which was quite relaxing and enjoyable. I brought them to the huge Whole Foods in Lincoln Park and they were amazed. Next was home to relax a bit more before heading out to see the Zoo Lights. We met up with the bf's family and saw all the lights. We tried seeing some animals, but they were all sleeping. My Mom was quite upset that the animals were asleep, but we did find some birds and a bunny that were awake, they just weren't zoo animals.
Everyone came over to enjoy some of the homemade lasagna I made...two different types. Meat (my Nana's ravioli stuffing turned into a lasagna) and veggie (with spinach and sun dried tomatoes). Lots of cocktails were enjoyed as well, but a very lovely evening indeed!
This morning, my Mom and I had a lovely walk. We even went into this beautiful church and talked with a patron who taught us all about Russian Orthodox.
Now we are waiting for a cab. My parents next present is a surprise to them, and I'm hoping they enjoy it. Tea at the Drake on Christmas Eve....I can't think of anything better...and I'm sure there will be lots of observations to report afterwards.
Tonight we go over to the bf's sister's condo and have dinner there. Tomorrow brings more holiday fun, but right now I'm just waiting for our cab and hope to get a very happy family!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Yuletime blessings
On this Yule, I want to think back on the past year and look forward to the next. Yule brings the sun king, today is the longest night of the year and then the sun king slowly returns to bring his light to the world.
This past year had a number of things which brought people together, both positive and not so positive. It was a tough year, but in the end the light is growing brighter.
January began with my internship growing to more outpatient treatment in addition to the inpatient treatment I was doing. We also went hiking on the 2nd on a very cold, beautiful day. As January continued, there were a few outings, including my best friend returning from Argentina.
February was lots of internship hours, lots of work, little time for anything else.
March was very similar to February, with the exception of St Patrick's day which was celebrated at the Grafton with O.A.T. as per usual.
April brought some difficult times. The day I found out I was going to have surgery on a cyst, was also the day we found out my bf's father was in the hospital and very sick. There were many weeks where things were touch and go but in the end, he is fine (thankfully). I also had surgery in April, and while that took longer to heal than I had hoped, it has healed and has not yet returned. There was a positive in April, our friends child was born, and she is adorable!
May brought more internship classes as well as my last semester of graduate school and final classes (internship II and Grief Counseling). I also started a garden on our back deck (lettuce, tomatoes, basil, flowers). The traditional trip by my Mom coming Mother's Day Weekend, and that was absolutely lovely! The month ended with the bf's birthday.
June was a continuation of interning, news of a potential job in my field of counseling, going to a Sox game and Mayfest (which happens in June) was celebrated. I interviewed for the potential job, found out I wasn't eligible for it, then interviewed for another position at that place and got it. I took the position, had to say goodbye to my team at Cars (which was sad, I love them all) and began my new career.
July brought a 2 year anniversary with the bf, the end of my internship, a graduation with my family coming to visit and celebrate, and a Bon Jovi concert!
August was the end of graduate school (officially) and I began training for a half marathon for October 31. There was also Lollapalooza of course :) Work was not what I expected it to be, so I began looking for a position that was more my personality. We had a scare with my Mom and the big c, but it ended up being just a scare and not actually there!
September was the wedding of the bf's sister, the most amazing wedding I've ever been to. Beautiful and fun, lots of dancing and enjoyment! We attended a steampunk wedding of a friend of ours as well, which was lovely, but very different from the other wedding we attended. Oh, and another Sox game :)
October I ended up getting a new job, pretty much my dream job, and I was starting right after a trip to Vermont where we celebrated my brother's wedding (he had a small ceremony in September, and the party in October). That was a great weekend, perfect fall foliage, wonderful hiking...just lovely. When we returned home though, our dog was very sick and we had to say goodbye to him. It was a very difficult time for us, but we were able to make it through. We still miss him dearly, but we love him and still have him in our hearts! We also were able to go to a Bears game which lifted our spirits. Finally I ran my half marathon, not as fast as I had hoped, but I completed it.
November brought searching for a new apartment, adjusting to a new job, and going to the UP for Thanksgiving. That was an adventure (we lost our exhaust system on the way home) but what a great weekend. My birthday was also fun. Oh and I started doing hot yoga!
December brought the move into our new apartment, just the two of us...it is perfect...as is our tree. I finished knitting the never ending scarf for the bf, and started crocheting some items. December has been a fun filled month
For 2011 I hope for less scares and worries, and more fun and lovely times!
This past year had a number of things which brought people together, both positive and not so positive. It was a tough year, but in the end the light is growing brighter.
January began with my internship growing to more outpatient treatment in addition to the inpatient treatment I was doing. We also went hiking on the 2nd on a very cold, beautiful day. As January continued, there were a few outings, including my best friend returning from Argentina.
February was lots of internship hours, lots of work, little time for anything else.
March was very similar to February, with the exception of St Patrick's day which was celebrated at the Grafton with O.A.T. as per usual.
April brought some difficult times. The day I found out I was going to have surgery on a cyst, was also the day we found out my bf's father was in the hospital and very sick. There were many weeks where things were touch and go but in the end, he is fine (thankfully). I also had surgery in April, and while that took longer to heal than I had hoped, it has healed and has not yet returned. There was a positive in April, our friends child was born, and she is adorable!
May brought more internship classes as well as my last semester of graduate school and final classes (internship II and Grief Counseling). I also started a garden on our back deck (lettuce, tomatoes, basil, flowers). The traditional trip by my Mom coming Mother's Day Weekend, and that was absolutely lovely! The month ended with the bf's birthday.
June was a continuation of interning, news of a potential job in my field of counseling, going to a Sox game and Mayfest (which happens in June) was celebrated. I interviewed for the potential job, found out I wasn't eligible for it, then interviewed for another position at that place and got it. I took the position, had to say goodbye to my team at Cars (which was sad, I love them all) and began my new career.
July brought a 2 year anniversary with the bf, the end of my internship, a graduation with my family coming to visit and celebrate, and a Bon Jovi concert!
August was the end of graduate school (officially) and I began training for a half marathon for October 31. There was also Lollapalooza of course :) Work was not what I expected it to be, so I began looking for a position that was more my personality. We had a scare with my Mom and the big c, but it ended up being just a scare and not actually there!
September was the wedding of the bf's sister, the most amazing wedding I've ever been to. Beautiful and fun, lots of dancing and enjoyment! We attended a steampunk wedding of a friend of ours as well, which was lovely, but very different from the other wedding we attended. Oh, and another Sox game :)
October I ended up getting a new job, pretty much my dream job, and I was starting right after a trip to Vermont where we celebrated my brother's wedding (he had a small ceremony in September, and the party in October). That was a great weekend, perfect fall foliage, wonderful hiking...just lovely. When we returned home though, our dog was very sick and we had to say goodbye to him. It was a very difficult time for us, but we were able to make it through. We still miss him dearly, but we love him and still have him in our hearts! We also were able to go to a Bears game which lifted our spirits. Finally I ran my half marathon, not as fast as I had hoped, but I completed it.
November brought searching for a new apartment, adjusting to a new job, and going to the UP for Thanksgiving. That was an adventure (we lost our exhaust system on the way home) but what a great weekend. My birthday was also fun. Oh and I started doing hot yoga!
December brought the move into our new apartment, just the two of us...it is perfect...as is our tree. I finished knitting the never ending scarf for the bf, and started crocheting some items. December has been a fun filled month
For 2011 I hope for less scares and worries, and more fun and lovely times!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Returning from hiatus
Hello cyberspace,
I took a quick blogger break due to life...after the half marathon I was really trying to learn my new job, get involved with hot yoga (at TruHarmony Yoga which is AWESOME!), and move into a new apartment. We're still unpacking and also trying to prepare for Christmas and the family coming to visit.
I did discover recently that I miss going out shopping for the holiday's. With family all on the east coast, I tend to shop online only and have things shipped directly. Yesterday I went shopping for some final gifts and realized, I love Christmas shopping. Not only do I love Christmas shopping, I just love shopping in general. There is something about going around a store and seeing all sorts of things that are great. Seeing, touching, smelling....shopping is a full body experience! I also learned that I get exhausted after a full day of shopping (and doing laundry and running other errands) but man it was great to go shopping.
Other things I'm excited to discover (of remind myself of) having time off. My work is closed after Wednesday, so 3pm on Wednesday I'm on vacation until the new year. I'm really excited to see what that's like. A week and a half off...now the first part we will have company, but the second part nada...I hope to catch up on sleep and relax etc, but I'm curious as to what else will occur.
Now, it is off to work, let the countdown begin!
I took a quick blogger break due to life...after the half marathon I was really trying to learn my new job, get involved with hot yoga (at TruHarmony Yoga which is AWESOME!), and move into a new apartment. We're still unpacking and also trying to prepare for Christmas and the family coming to visit.
I did discover recently that I miss going out shopping for the holiday's. With family all on the east coast, I tend to shop online only and have things shipped directly. Yesterday I went shopping for some final gifts and realized, I love Christmas shopping. Not only do I love Christmas shopping, I just love shopping in general. There is something about going around a store and seeing all sorts of things that are great. Seeing, touching, smelling....shopping is a full body experience! I also learned that I get exhausted after a full day of shopping (and doing laundry and running other errands) but man it was great to go shopping.
Other things I'm excited to discover (of remind myself of) having time off. My work is closed after Wednesday, so 3pm on Wednesday I'm on vacation until the new year. I'm really excited to see what that's like. A week and a half off...now the first part we will have company, but the second part nada...I hope to catch up on sleep and relax etc, but I'm curious as to what else will occur.
Now, it is off to work, let the countdown begin!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
The half marathon
What a wonderful day for a half marathon. Low to mid 40s, slight wind for the first half of the race, well organized, lots of costumes. The race was a bit long (about 13.5 instead of 13.1) but there were lots of changes the race organizers needed to do (like redoing the entire course with about 12 hours to go).
My time is more than I wanted (2:21:23), but take off about 5 minutes due to the length and it's near where I figured. My placement overall makes me happy...the results:
Overall: 1565/2405
Female: 846/1470
Female 30-34: 179/307
For a first time race they did a GREAT job. Nice belt buckle as a medal, nice shirt, hat...but mostly it was just a great day for a race. The people were great, the course was great, it reminded me why I run long distance...but I don't know when I'll run my next long race.
My time is more than I wanted (2:21:23), but take off about 5 minutes due to the length and it's near where I figured. My placement overall makes me happy...the results:
Overall: 1565/2405
Female: 846/1470
Female 30-34: 179/307
For a first time race they did a GREAT job. Nice belt buckle as a medal, nice shirt, hat...but mostly it was just a great day for a race. The people were great, the course was great, it reminded me why I run long distance...but I don't know when I'll run my next long race.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Creating my lifestyle
I've realized recently that I feel rushed so much of the time. I don't really do the things that I want to as much as I should..at least in a day to day sort of thing.
For example, this morning I made coffee and I am now enjoying it slowly. I don't have it in a travel mug to drink on my way out the door, I'm enjoying it at home. I also have not turned on the TV and I hope to knit in a bit before we decide if we are going to the Bears game or not.
Don't get me wrong, I love many of the things I get to do, but I feel as though I'm obligated and rush through things, rather than enjoy the little things.
We had to say good bye to our dog this week. I say our dog because my boyfriend and his dog viewed me as a part of the family. I knew him for a little less than two and a half years. My boyfriend had him since he was a pup, and his life was too short at 8 and a half years.
I'm reminded how there are things in life that we always feel must be done, and we put off what we'd like to do because of that. I'm going to make a conscious effort to have a good mixture of those things.
I haven't been running in a week, and I'm ok with that. I have 2 weeks until the half marathon, and I'll run again this week, but I'll run distances I feel, not what's planned. I want to cook this week, and make things that are healthy and delicious. Last night I made venison stew and some fresh butternut squash soup. Do you know how easy and simple those dishes were? Very few ingredients and so flavorful.
Going to Vermont last weekend may have given me this bug to be more natural again and do take the time to do the things that you enjoy. I hope that I'm able to make it stick.
For example, this morning I made coffee and I am now enjoying it slowly. I don't have it in a travel mug to drink on my way out the door, I'm enjoying it at home. I also have not turned on the TV and I hope to knit in a bit before we decide if we are going to the Bears game or not.
Don't get me wrong, I love many of the things I get to do, but I feel as though I'm obligated and rush through things, rather than enjoy the little things.
We had to say good bye to our dog this week. I say our dog because my boyfriend and his dog viewed me as a part of the family. I knew him for a little less than two and a half years. My boyfriend had him since he was a pup, and his life was too short at 8 and a half years.
I'm reminded how there are things in life that we always feel must be done, and we put off what we'd like to do because of that. I'm going to make a conscious effort to have a good mixture of those things.
I haven't been running in a week, and I'm ok with that. I have 2 weeks until the half marathon, and I'll run again this week, but I'll run distances I feel, not what's planned. I want to cook this week, and make things that are healthy and delicious. Last night I made venison stew and some fresh butternut squash soup. Do you know how easy and simple those dishes were? Very few ingredients and so flavorful.
Going to Vermont last weekend may have given me this bug to be more natural again and do take the time to do the things that you enjoy. I hope that I'm able to make it stick.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Back to basics
I knew I was going to have a rough day at work today, so I decided to run after work. I brought all of my running gear and headed out after work.
Pretty much all of my runs this week are 5 miles. I'm supposed to run 12 on Friday night, but I've already decided I don't think it will happen. Instead, I'm going to try and run as far as possible in Vermont on Sunday. Initially that was going to be a 5 miler, but I'm just going to go as far as I feel like going (and still make it to my brother's wedding reception on time).
Today's run, however, was a perfect fall run. Some clouds, some sun, 55 degrees, slight wind, leaves starting to change, not too many people out...I ran as I felt, which happened to be right at a 10 minute pace. 5 miles in 50 minutes, worked for me!
We'll see how I feel tomorrow morning, I'm planning on doing yoga or strength tomorrow morning, but hell if I feel like running I will...otherwise, next run is Wednesday.
On a side note, I haven't been very hungry the past few days. I was worried that my run was going to be effected because of this. It was not. Apparently when I listen to my body in terms of what and when to eat, it really does tell me what it needs. I may be able to lose some weight after all :)
Less than one month until the half marathon! I don't know what I will talk about after that...perhaps yoga?
Pretty much all of my runs this week are 5 miles. I'm supposed to run 12 on Friday night, but I've already decided I don't think it will happen. Instead, I'm going to try and run as far as possible in Vermont on Sunday. Initially that was going to be a 5 miler, but I'm just going to go as far as I feel like going (and still make it to my brother's wedding reception on time).
Today's run, however, was a perfect fall run. Some clouds, some sun, 55 degrees, slight wind, leaves starting to change, not too many people out...I ran as I felt, which happened to be right at a 10 minute pace. 5 miles in 50 minutes, worked for me!
We'll see how I feel tomorrow morning, I'm planning on doing yoga or strength tomorrow morning, but hell if I feel like running I will...otherwise, next run is Wednesday.
On a side note, I haven't been very hungry the past few days. I was worried that my run was going to be effected because of this. It was not. Apparently when I listen to my body in terms of what and when to eat, it really does tell me what it needs. I may be able to lose some weight after all :)
Less than one month until the half marathon! I don't know what I will talk about after that...perhaps yoga?
Saturday, October 2, 2010
The return to racing
What a morning!
Weather:
Cloudy
Light rain
46-50 degrees
15-30mph winds (gusts to 40mph)
Peaks of sun
Race:
Disorganized
5 & 10k started at the same time, on a sidewalk
There was another walk occurring at the same place at the same time
The race took place on the lakefront path
Overall:
I'm very happy I did this race. The first mile and a half were frustrating with too many people in too tight of a space. Once the 5k people turned it was great until we hit the end. The end the walkers and the 10ker's were all together so I tried to sprint to the end and that just wasn't working too well.
This race was for a great cause, and that's how I'm viewing it. I had fun going back to racing, and I'm looking forward to the half marathon later this month. I'm also happy I was able to raise so much money for the cause!
Now off to celebrate my return to racing :)
Weather:
Cloudy
Light rain
46-50 degrees
15-30mph winds (gusts to 40mph)
Peaks of sun
Race:
Disorganized
5 & 10k started at the same time, on a sidewalk
There was another walk occurring at the same place at the same time
The race took place on the lakefront path
Overall:
I'm very happy I did this race. The first mile and a half were frustrating with too many people in too tight of a space. Once the 5k people turned it was great until we hit the end. The end the walkers and the 10ker's were all together so I tried to sprint to the end and that just wasn't working too well.
This race was for a great cause, and that's how I'm viewing it. I had fun going back to racing, and I'm looking forward to the half marathon later this month. I'm also happy I was able to raise so much money for the cause!
Now off to celebrate my return to racing :)
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