(Somewhat) Full-Disclosure Sunday

Whew! The past few days have been a whirlwind! Life is definitely different this semester with three classes right in a row -- bam, bam, bam. Having Thursday through Sunday available has made life... interesting. Well, let's see...

 

Thursday, I headed to RIC around lunchtime to spend some QT with Mom. Dad was at a series of meetings at my alma mater, Longwood University. Mom and I got to pal around, make a healthy dinner together, sit outside and enjoy the wannabe-fall temps, and watch too much television -- starting with a new episode of The Office and ending with a few old Twilight Zone episodes, maybe including Parks and Rec in between. My mom isn't much of a TV-watcher; she often says that if there wasn't a TV in the house, she wouldn't notice. Still, it was great to bum around the house just us girls. She even let me test out her new Sleep Number!

 

Friday was Ian's M1-D1 semi-formal (i.e. the first-year med school nerds and the first-year dental students mixin' it up at the beautiful, newly renovated historic Hotel John Marshall). He picked me up after lunch at the Casa de Lew, and we hung around his apartment for a few hours before trying out a new recipe: whole-wheat thin spaghetti with fresh minced garlic and Prego Light Smart plus sauteed squash and zucchini with a splash of soy. Then it was time to play dress-up! Hey, I like an occasional excuse to put on something fancy and attend a swanky event on my man's arm ;) However... between the "pre-game" Ian's good friend hosted and the three drinks included with the cost of each ticket, I was feeling, shall we say, not myself when we finally hopped in a cab. A great time was had by all! ...until Saturday morning.

Give me a cold any day. Throw me allergies or a sinus infection. You know what, I'll even take bronchitis again. But don't expect me to function when I'm hungover. Every time this happens, I tell Ian, "I'm almost 24 years old! Shouldn't I know my limit by now?!"

His response?

"You like to have a good time!"

That I do. But I still wanted to enjoy the University of Richmond tailgate and football game we were planning to attend yesterday afternoon. My dad is an alum and a brother of Phi Kappa Sigma, and he and his frat bros all have season tickets. My sister has been to several tailgates before, but I hadn't seen my dad's brothers in ages. I needed to make a good impression, but I also desperately wanted to feel better. Luckily for me (and my poor sense of good judgment), Ian is a fantastic boyfriend who really looks out for me. He bought Chobani for me, cooked me some incredible scrambled eggs, sliced up fresh fruit, and even packed up my stuff for me as I moaned and groaned about feeling sick. Somehow, we got out the door on time.

 

I guess the boy has magical powers--or magical fruit--because somewhere between Miseryville and some pear slices, I felt almost like myself again.

The tailgate food was to die for, and the game was really exciting! Bear in mind, this is coming from a girl who doesn't have a clue what "first and ten" means, and who frankly doesn't care a bit about football. I guess live football is okay, and the rivalry between ODU and UR inspired a ton of enthusiasm. Unfortunately, the Monarchs defeated the Spiders 45-37.

 

Afterward, the fam and Ian and I headed to The Tavern for a late dinner. Since I began eating meat in January, I think I've had steak twice. Three times now, as The Tavern's steak fajitas were ahh-may-zingg. Of course, there was an obligatory Sweet Frog trip to follow, and the night concluded with the hilarity of Mel Brooks's Blazing Saddles. A first for me...

 

My weekend wrapped up with church this morning, a lazy lunch, and good-byes all around as Ian and Caroline headed back to their respective schools. Not having class until 4:30 on Mondays means one more night at home :) I'm off to enjoy the late afternoon sun in the swing with Mom. Ta ta!

 

P.S. What did you get into this weekend? Anything super exciting??

P.P.S. I swear I think about taking pictures for the blog -- I'm just bad about actually doing it!

Dinner with Sister(s)

For the most part, I'm perfectly content living alone. I don't have to mark whose milk is whose, whose leftovers are whose, or whose bananas are whose (my undergrad roommates and I used to actually mark our initials on the banana peels). I don't have to ask permission before Ian visits, or inform anyone that I need a little peace and quiet for a nap or some "me time." I can watch Breaking Amish or Jersey Shore: Season 6 (guilty pleasure) without worrying that someone somewhere is huffing about not getting to watch her show that's on at the same time. I have all the personal space and the freedom in the world! But, I digress.

 

I have several very close friends in my graduate program, but it's not the same as having the constant companionship or physical closeness as a roommate. One of my closest friends, Kristin, lives with her boyfriend, Travis, just a mile or so down the road. Another close friend, Jennifer, has a roommate of her own. It's super convenient being able to visit with my girls who live so close.

Now, I have even more exciting visits to plan. One of my sorority sisters, Rachel, is now in the same program as I at the same college!

We set up a date earlier in the week to go out to dinner Friday night or to have a few beers on someone's porch to soak up this gorgeous weather. We left things pretty loose, so I was thrilled when she texted Friday morning, asking whether I'd be interested in having dinner in at her place with another of our ADPi sisters, Ashley. I was like, duhh! Mini ADPi reunion! As it turned out, Ashley got off work later than she planned and wasn't able to make it, but I rejoiced that she'll be living with Rachel come February.

 

I was also overly excited because I volunteered to bring the salad, which gave me an opportunity to use the wooden salad bowl set my mom got me last Christmas!

Home decor and kitchenware really shouldn't be as thrilling as they are to me, but hey, I own it. [Secretly, I think Ian also owns my love for "cute" kitchen and home furnishing items because it's less he'll need to worry about when we someday share a home.]

Being the scatterbrain that I am, I forgot the salad dressings I had promised to bring, and Rachel didn't have any. Sooo, we were saladless. No matter; she prepared a delicious on-the-spot sauteed garlic chicken dish and stir-fried garden veggies for us! I even told her how pleasantly surprised I was that we had agreed on a health-conscious dinner choice.

One of my favorite things about the seasons changing is the extended time I can spend on the porch or meandering outside, admiring the leaves changing and absorbing the cooler temps. So that's exactly what we did... for five hours. It's so funny to me how no matter where the conversation takes us, we always end up back at sorority stuff or Longwood. Hey, home is home.

P.S. What were you up to this weekend? I spent Saturday cheering on the Hampden-Sydney Tigers, who unfortunately lost in the last 4 minutes, 21-24, to the Huntingdon Hawks of Alabama. We'll get 'em next time!

Wanna Know What Scares Me?

This morning, I met with the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who will be overseeing my Practicum experience as I earn 100 hours next semester toward my M.Ed. That right there scares the living shit out of me. I will be counseling people. Me!!

I felt so good about my interview afterward that I treated myself to a Chicken Strips Salad, waffle fries, a fruit cup, and a Diet Lemonade at Chick-Fil-A. And I'm not even going to apologize for it.

I also may or may not have taken up a pump at Sheetz for 25 minutes talking to Ian and my parents... oops.

Wanna know what else scares me?

Walking in heels. I just know that one day, I'm going to take the trip of a lifetime and break myself. Oh, wait... So that's what these babies are for:

I have an impressive array of flats, kitten heels, dressy sandals, and other low-to-the-ground professional footwear.

Interviews. I start babbling when I'm nervous and I end up revealing uselessly personal things about myself that the interviewer is probably mentally recording for my VIP Nut House pass.

Finding new places. I was a ball of nerves yesterday, so my Garmin (Jillian) and I took a little road trip to the site of the interview. It took me just over 10 minutes to find and it was super easy to locate, even after a few wrong turns (okay, I might've ignored Jillian's instructions in my overzealous haste).

Bad breath. I was chewing a piece of Dentyne in the car on the way to the interview, and I completely forgot to spit it out before I spoke with the receptionist. I'm sure she heard the *gulp* as it went down the hatch moments before my interviewer greeted me.

Being late. There is very little that stresses me out more than being late somewhere. Especially to an interview or another professional event. I was asked to meet my interviewer at 12, but I hopped in my car with my planner, post-interview shoes, and resume at 11:20. Normally, I'm a mild-to-moderate Road Rager, but this morning I was hoping for red lights and delays. I ended up sitting in the parking lot of the site, repeatedly applying lip gloss and pretending to locate things in my suitcase-sized purse. Finally I decided that 11:46 wasn't too early to head inside.

Feeling unprepared. Having been through a number of interviews, I know that most interviewers want to know about you as opposed to what you know about them. Nevertheless, I would have been mortified if I'd been asked what I knew about the institution and I'd just sat there with my mouth open. I'm one of those people who shamelessly rehearses things like presentations aloud to feel more at ease. Sometimes I even read heinously boring textbook chapters with a British accent to keep myself from falling asleep. Too much...?

Well, now that you know way too much about me, what's one thing that scares you?

The Girl Who Felt Good About Skipping

Today was just one of those days. When my alarm went off at 8:15, I knew I had zero desire to go to the gym. My to-do list was a mile long, and I just couldn't muster the enthusiasm to run on the treadmill or lift weights. I decided, with pep in my step, I might add, to buckle down on that supremely long list:

- Swiffer floors

- scrub tub

- vacuum entire apartment

- pack up cabinet food items

- wash linens

- remake bed, replace towels and washcloths

- wash laundry

- pack everything (I own)

- clean toilet

- scrub countertops

Whew! It's before noon and my to-do list is 99% complete, but I am pooped!

See, my second summer class ends tonight, so I'm heading back to Richmond tomorrow for two months. I still consider Richmond home, even though I'm living in my apartment 9 months out of the year. I'm not married, I don't have a roommate, I don't have any real attachment to this city that would give me reason to stay for the summer, and I have a job waiting for me in RIC. Ergo, I'm taking advantage of "free room and board" with my incredible family for as long as I can. Plus, Ian's still in Richmond finishing up his prematriculation program. Please believe, I'm not a closet bachelorette for life, nor am I an extreme homebody. Anyway...

I obviously had a shit-ton to do before I could consider my apartment "summer-ized." And honestly, I know myself well enough to know that if I'm truly not feeling the gym, the gym won't be feelin' me. Sometimes it's really nice to say to myself, I'm not going to the gym this morning, and needing to do X, Y, and Z has nothing to do with it! My to-do list still would have gotten accomplished before class tonight. If you saw my circa 1862 vacuum cleaner, or if you watched me grimace as I contorted my body in order to scrub the far side of the garden tub, you'd applaud me for getting a workout in unintentionally. Either that or you'd laugh until you cried.

So, the bottom line today is that everything got done, and I didn't feel one bit guilty for saying "no" to the gym. Hooray for guilt-free Thursday!

HTP Martini Monday

Yesterday was a fantastic, wonderful, incredible, amazing, beautiful day in A.K. World. Not so much literally. It was foggy and drizzly all day. But inside, things were cheery and inspiration-fueled.

For one thing, it was my last day of my first year of graduate school. There was just one Ethics exam and one "practice" counseling session self-critique to be turned in standing between freedom and me. I surprised myself with how incredibly prepared I felt for my Group Therapy final last Thursday and my Ethics final. Never in my life have I put in more time or effort studying for exams. I really went above and beyond what I knew I was capable of, and it showed through my lack of pre-exam freakouts and in my confidence as I took the tests.

After Ethics, I jetted off to Robin Alexander for celebratory martinis with Amy, Jennifer, and Kristin (from left).

One whole year of grad school, done, just like that! Of course, it won't feel that way until I receive my final grades...

First there was the Sour Straw:

Then I tried the Andes Mint:

Both were irresistible, and both will be repeat offenders.

I washed those down (wait...) with the Tuscan Chicken and the sweet potato fries:

Though my bank account objects profusely, it's safe to say I've found a new favorite local spot.

So, what else was I celebrating?

Well, one of my favorite bloggers in the world, Caitlin Boyle over at Healthy Tipping Point, had emailed me to let me know that I was being featured on her blog as part of her "Success Stories" showcase this week, promoting the release of her new book:

I was beyond thrilled. Being recognized by Caitlin is a big deal to me; her blog serves as daily inspiration to better myself mentally and physically. In case you aren't familiar with Operation Beautiful, head over to her blog and check out her empowering work. I was cheesin' like a fool for hours on end. I called my mom and Ian as soon as I received the email. I emailed the link around. I told the ladies over martinis. I grinned and giggled through a phone convo with Dad. To be honest, I haven't stopped smiling since :)

On top of everything, Monday nights are Make It or Break It nights, and last night's episode did not disappoint. I must say, I'm pretty pleased with the start my week has had. Today, I'm off to my sister's college to help her pack up and move out. Wish us luck!

I Pledge to Party

Pledge Party.

To me, that's a weird phrase. It sounds as though one is pledging to party.

Well, if that's the case, then I'm on board. Tonight is AXE's (Ian's fraternity) Pledge Party event for the newly initiated brothers. Typically, Pledge Party occurs the night before the initiation ceremony, but the fraternity's social circumstances were different this semester. Thus, Pledge Party is occurring post-initiation; the pledges are no longer pledges. That doesn't mean the party will be any less grand! There is usually a band or a DJ. Tonight there will also be cookout food, which means fast-food or some red meat alternative for me. The theme this semester is Endless Summer, and this tankini top and sundress are what I plan to wear:

Plus my LMFAO shades, as I call them, with my HSC "bro-kies"
I'm not ballsy or showy enough (read: idiotic enough) to wear just a bikini top and some skimpy bottoms. I prefer a more modest adherence to the theme, nevermind the fact that it'll be 50 degrees and windy tonight. Tonight's more realistic theme is debauchery.
I'm just looking forward to socializing and spending QT with Ian, Caroline, Lauren & Co., and Ian's bros. I hope to have lots of great pics for you tomorrow, as I rejoin my grad school girls for a 31 merchandise party at Kristin's!

Man, I'm going to miss these opportunities to act as an undergrad again... Before you know it, I'll have taken up knitting and cat-collecting...

P.S. Do you still enjoy "fratting" when you get the chance? Do you ever visit your alma mater (HSC is my pseudo alma mater) to shake things up with old friends?

Falling Down on the Job

Okay, okay, I admit it.

I've been the worst accountability buddy.

One of my gym buddies, Lauren, has been my long-distance accountability buddy for months, and yet we've actually checked in with each other only a handful of times. She was much better about asking me whether I'd gone to the gym and motivating me to feel better before I began 5K training than I was for her. After I began my training program, I was pretty darn self-motivated, so I stopped checking in with Lauren and she stopped checking in with me. What I really need her to say now is, Don't eat those curly fries! Really? Another scoop of ice cream?! But while we were still agreed-upon long-distance gym buddies, I should have made more of an effort. She's too cute for me not to!

My other accountability buddy, Bekah, and I go to school together, though we never run into each other because she's an undergrad and we "live" on opposite sides of campus. She was much better about texting or tweeting me to see if I'd already run. I hardly ever remembered to text her, and when I did, it usually read something like, Yeah, I ran Monday and Wednesday and did weights on Tuesday. Oops, forgot to text you (again)!

It appears that not only do I not take many photos with my accountability buddies, but that all we do is drink beer!

I think the good news buried under the guilt here is that my friends and I are able to hold ourselves accountable for going to the gym and fitting exercise in our schedules where we can. Bekah recently began using the same 5K training plan I'm using, which definitely excited me! She's tried to get me involved in numerous actual 5K events -- as opposed to treadmill marathons -- and so has Lauren, but my timing and scheduling this semester have not yet allowed for it.

I think both of them would tell me not to worry about feeling like I fell down on the job (because they're both very motivated and forgiving women), but I'm one of those people who always honors without fail likes to honor commitments I've made.

However, 32 days from today, my dad and Caroline and I will be running in the Susan G. Komen 5K event in Richmond (my first race ever!). They'll be my new short-term accountability buddies :)

Have a marvelous Monday, and don't be too hard on yourself today!

P.S. Have you and a friend ever been accountability gym or exercise buddies? If so, how long did you maintain it? If not, is it something you're willing to try?

P.P.S. Today is the last day of my H2O Challenge. Thus far, I've only managed to drink 48 oz. of water in a day once. I don't think today's going to be a different story. It looks like 24 oz. of water plus 2 cups of coffee per diem is my norm. At least now I know!

Fratting Hard: Greek Week 2012

I could tell you that this weekend was peaceful and serene and full of melt-your-heart moments, but I'd be lying. This weekend is better encapsulated in the word insane.

Friday, my little sister and best friend in the world, Caroline, and Ian and I enjoyed the frattivities taking place around the clock. Hampden-Sydney does Greek Week in big proportions. There was cornhole, burgers and dogs on the grill (I elected for Taco Bell--I still don't do "real" hamburgers or hot dogs), bands all the way around Frat Circle, a makeshift hot tub (a tarp inside a pickup full of water), streaking, glow-in-the-dark Frisbee, an abundance of alcohol, couches on lawns, way too many above-the-knee khakis and pastel button-downs, and more than enough mingling with both old and new people. I managed not to fall this weekend, though I did trip over that same treacherous sidewalk, resulting in a few ugly but harmless blood blisters. I drank way too much Miller Light, and I ate two pieces too many of cheesy, onion-laden Papa John's goodness.

Saturday Caroline had to leave before lunch to get back to school to prep for a sorority ball, so Ian and I grabbed a light lunch (some very dry Philadelphia rolls, a Vitamin Water, and a Kit Kat for me) before meeting up with my parents. I was excited to take them down to Ian's fraternity house to see some of the frat bros they know, such as these clowns:

 Don't worry, Zsa-Zsa, you're not a clown!

I was also a little apprehensive that the inevitably shirtless guys sunning themselves on the lawn and playing cornhole with their cigars and their red Solo cups full of unspeakable cocktails would make them think differently, but they absolutely loved seeing everybody and getting a taste of our frattier weekends.

Afterward, we grabbed an early and delicious dinner at Ruby Tuesday before my family needed to head home and Ian and I needed to head out for more provisions. Saturday night was much less crowded but equally as hilarious and entertaining. This morning, I paid for it dearly. Luckily for me, Ian graciously plays doctor quite well. We had brunch in the dining hall, and then sadly, it was time for us to part company. I had a nap and several bottles of water on my agenda!

And just like that, Greek Week 2012 was over as suddenly as it had begun.

I love still having the best of both worlds for a few more months. Once Ian's in medical school and I'm in the second year of my M.Ed. program, things won't be so frattastic. I'm sure people judge me for my weekend decisions and my lifestyle, but frankly, my dears, I don't give a damn. I'm sure my liver feels differently, but my grades are high and my concerns are low.

I hope your weekend was excellent, and far more hydrated than mine!

P.S. Sorry I've been a little light on the pics recently. One of Ian's close friends asked if a photo of the airplane bottles I downed last night would grace "The Blog," and though they won't, consider this your shout-out, Raj!

Self-Talk or Talking to Myself?

You know, I really used to think all that positive self-talk hype was just a load of bull. Maybe it's the counselor education student in me, or maybe it's the emerging runner in me, but positive self-talk really works. This is a realization I had this morning as I was leaving the gym.

Some afternoons, when I just feel like curling up on the couch and dozing in front of the boob tube instead of researching for a lit review or reading 35 pages of technical jargon, positive self-talk allows me to coax myself back into productivity. I can say to myself, If I just spend one more hour on that paper, then I can watch an episode of 90210 guilt-free while I eat a snack, and I'll be almost done with the paper. I'm totally not speaking from yesterday's experience...

When I'm on a long run and I start to feel the jelly legs creeping in after only 20 minutes, getting into my own head and saying, Alright, A.K., you can finish this run strong, I know you can, you only have 15 minutes left and then you can record this amazing feat, helps me accomplish my goal.

If I'm feeling a little bit lonely, I can usually get the (non-psychotic) voices in my head to agree with one another that I should head over to the grocery store for a bit of human interaction, or call up Mom for one of our 90-minute conversations about everything under the sun. I can remind myself, This small bout of loneliness will pass, and then I'll be excited to head to class to see my friends. I'll also have finished this project and I can be really proud of it, plus I'll have forgotten all about my loneliness.

I'm not saying positive self-talk is an end-all, be-all cure for the common cold. I'm just saying that being the ringleader of my own thoughts and not allowing myself to quit when the going gets tough or when I'd much rather be doing something else is very reassuring for me. Some of my proudest moments in life have surfaced after a great deal of positive self-talk, like running for 45 minutes straight (which is something I literally never envisioned myself being able to do), or designing an entire 6-session group therapy proposal for self-injuring adolescent females, complete with activities and resources (something I never envisioned being required to do), or even swallowing my fear, smiling like I'm on laughing gas, and giving a 30-minute presentation in front of scrutinizing classmates.

I may be talking to myself, and I may have mentioned the "voices in my head" a few too many times, but I'm telling you -- this stuff really works! Now, if only I could muster the self-talk to vacuum my apartment this afternoon...

P.S. Do you find that positive self-talk helps you get through the tough stuff? I find that it's much easier to allow negative thoughts to invade my head rather than positive thoughts, so sometimes positive self-talk can be a pleasant surprise.

Finally!

It's official, ladies and gents -- Make It or Break It is back again!

Tonight's episode was every bit as thrilling and dramatic as I've been hoping it would be.

Payson, Lauren, and Kaylie are up to their usual teenage antics, gymnastics woes, and girly soblems (sobs + problems). There's no denying that I love this show. I'm obviously no athlete phenom myself, but hey, can't I be passionate about someone else's talent? Bad acting and ridiculous dialogue aside, it's an inspiring show.

Emily Kmetko, Kaylie Cruz, Lauren Tanner

Even though I'm not a gymnast, sometimes I feel as though my journey and theirs aren't so different. These girls have been in training since they were toddlers; I've been laboring through school since the same age, and I still have at least two years ahead of me. Focus is paramount in gymnastics; studying hard and smart is paramount in counselor education. These girls are keeping that age-old dream alive: if you work hard enough and believe in yourself, anything is possible. My stress about this semester's classes and workload can't rival competing for a spot on the Olympic team, but this isn't a competition. I'm simply inspired by seeing others pursue their dreams so wholeheartedly and with such vigor... even if it is a TV show!

My analogies may be ludicrous and corny, but sometimes watching a show like Make It or Break It is perfect for getting me out of my own head for a little while.

Source

P.S. Do you have a favorite show? Does it relate to your life (or do you draw laughable connections between fictional characters and yourself like I do)?

Lip Syncing My Way Through College

Sorry I've been MIA from the blog scene this week! Things have been more than hectic between grad school, weekend scheduling with Ian, schoolwork obligations and scheduling conflicts, and stress, stress, stress!! I've also been suffering from a bit of writer's block -- the kind where I write half of a post, suddenly lose all interest in my topic, and end up with a list of drafts.

Wednesday night, I was able to blow off a lot of steam by visiting my ADPi sisters at Longwood for Greek Lip Sync Spring 2012. It's always a very adrenaline-fueled affair, and I couldn't have been more thrilled to surprise my sisters and watch them win Best Appearance! Congratulations again, ladies! :)

Who do I think I am, a turtle? Who sticks her neck out that far?

Our beautiful and strong Epsilon Chi chapter <>

Of course, all of the pictures I took brought back (laughable) memories of my own Lip Sync, so very many years ago, in the spring of 2008, while I was yet a freshman...

And also of one of my favorite Lip Syncs of all time, spring 2009 featuring the Alpha class Meant to Be 14:

As I was listening to a few seniors tell me how excited they are to graduate and be done with activities like workshops they've been through a million times, or long chapter meetings when they'd rather be doing something else, my heart and soul longed to be back at Longwood, participating in those same activities. As I listened to my close friends talk about the newest initiated class of sisters, I realized that there were about 15 unfamiliar faces in the sea of ADPis, whose names I didn't know.

I even texted Ian, "Why didn't I do that Victory Lap?"

All those times I thought to myself, I wish we didn't have a recruitment workshop, or Please let this ceremony be over soon, I would take back in a heartbeat. I realized during the last semester of my senior year at Longwood that I had lip synced my way through so much of college. I was going through the motions, but I wasn't always participating wholeheartedly. There was still so much time left for all of that! ...right?

As a lowly freshman, I only wanted to be a sophomore. As a sophomore, I knew junior year had to be greater. But as a junior, I began to dread becoming a senior. Being a senior meant preparing for graduation, and grad school, and Big Girl World. I took for granted so many nights with my incredible sisters. I skipped parties in favor of watching movies, I slept in instead of seizing the day, I ate Taco Bell in place of enjoying the dining hall atmosphere, I complained instead of relishing the rituals and ceremonies, and I missed opportunities I'll never be able to relive.

If you're still an undergrad, I implore you not to take a single moment for granted. There aren't as many as you think there are, and they'll all be used up before you even realize what's happened. Graduation day, when you're sitting on the lawn in your itchy cap and gown, I pray that your thoughts are of excitement and promise. When you've moved on with your life and accepted a job in some city, I pray that you think of your fellow Greek brothers and sisters and wonder what they're up to. When you revisit your old college campus and bring your children to run around (as my parents did with Caroline and me), I pray that your memories are of laughing until you cried, hilariously drunken nights, intensely deep late-night conversations with your roommate, stolen property from some forbidden frat house, and walking the halls of education that molded you into who you are. Yeah, I'm a pretty corny girl, but these are my memories, and I wouldn't trade a single one.

First. Finest. Forever.

<> Alpha Delta Pi <>



Gearing Up

As many of you know, I've really gotten into running since I began graduate school. I don't exercise much outdoors, but the treadmill and I have become well acquainted. The elliptical and I are old friends. Needless to say, workout gear has been essential. I've been using the same old pair of tennis shoes for about 2 years now. I got them cheap on a Spring Break trip to Florida. They're quite comfortable and light, but they've begun to leak when I step out during bad weather. They've also stretched out pretty badly, so they sometimes untie themselves during a run.

Yesterday, Mom splurged for a pair I really wanted at Dick's:

I tried on several other pairs, but these have everything I was looking for -- they're snazzy, they're lightweight, they have great arch support, they have fantastic tread, and they fit tightly for added support.

I also decided to try out some legit running shorts; I love wearing yoga pants to the gym, particularly during cold weather, but I only have 3 pairs currently. Now, I have even more pep for my fitness collection:

And now, for the pièce de résistance: by far the best athletic socks I've ever worn. Now I don't have to strategically plan how to make 5 pairs last between laundry days!

My dad jokingly says we're a "strictly Nike family," so I took that to heart (except for the Reebok shorts) when shopping yesterday. I legitimately think I could spend all day in Dick's, and the sales staff could probably convince me that I'm capable of trying 50 different sports. For now, I think I'll just stick to running :)

Speaking of which, I missed almost a full week of 5K training while I was in Mexico, so tomorrow will be a repeat of week six, making the program 13 weeks long instead of 12. One more week can only help me, especially because I finally have an official 5K in mind (more deets about that to come). I'll be participating with my dad and my sister, and I'm super stoked for my first event!

P.S. Do you have loyalty to any particular brand of athletic gear? Do you prefer to shop at any particular sporting goods store? Do you exercise mostly indoors or outdoors? I'm all about sweatin' it out in the gym, but I love sporadic outdoor activities like hiking around Maymont Park or going for long walks during snowfall.

There's a First Time for Everything

Yesterday was full of firsts; four, to be exact.

First, I skipped a meal for the first time in a long time. It didn't completely happen on purpose, but I also didn't actively plan my meals well. I ate brunch at 11:30, knowing I'd need to eat again before I met a classmate at 2:00. I couldn't find anything tasty to eat before I left, so I stuck a Clif bar and a Vitamin Water in my purse and headed out. I expected my blood sugar to drop, but I didn't find myself getting noticeably hungry until 4:00. I'm not a regular meal-skipper. Maybe it would be more accurate to say that I missed a meal yesterday.

Second, I taped a 15-minute "counseling" session with a classmate, about which I'd been anxious for a week. My partner was very relaxed, so we dove right into it. It only took 3 takes before I felt really satisfied with my result. The last time I taped a session, the requirement was only 5 minutes, and it took a different classmate and me 5.5 hours for both of us to feel comfortable with our results. This is no reflection on my previous partner, but rather self-reflection on becoming more comfortable with the skills I'm learning.

This classmate and I had never worked closely together before, and it was very enjoyable. I love making new friends :)

Third, I put on my Big Girl Pants and put air in my tires entirely by myself. This may seem second nature to some people, but it's always made me nervous before, even when someone has assisted me.

Source

Lastly, I ate alone in a restaurant (relatively speaking), and I was completely comfortable with it. I was craving a Chik-Fil-A salad like nobody's business, and Sheetz and Chik-Fil-A just so happen to be right next to one another. It was just the ticket on top of a great day!

Chik'n Strips Salad, a medium Fruit Cup, and a small Diet Lemonade

I'm not sure why chicken is the only meat I've been interested in trying, but that's another first.

The restaurant was packed to the hilt and the drive-thru line was out of control, so I was proud of myself for choosing to eat alone and for not feeling uncomfortable in a crowded restaurant.

A bunch of firsts really does a lot for the self-esteem :) Happy Thursday!

P.S. Have you experienced any firsts recently?

 P.P.S. As it's also the first of the month, that means it's time to set that 50-mile running goal again! I completed 41.83 miles in February. I love the smell of a challenge in the morning ;)



Rain on my Parade

This pretty well captures how I'm feeling this morning about attending an all-day graduate student conference, and missing a party I was really excited about attending last night with Caroline and Ian and Lauren, and forfeiting an entire Saturday:

These were taken around 1:45 yesterday right before a massive t-storm hit; there was a tornado warning in effect until 4 p.m. EST, which brought back memories of the tornadoes that swept across VA last spring.

On that note, this video was taken by several of my sorority sisters just a few apartments down from mine, during said tornado:

I love storms, but this was a little close for comfort...

Back to reality. I can't complain too much -- I'm earning extra credit in all 3 of my classes for attending, I'm only giving up 7 hours of my day, Ian is traveling here to spend tonight and tomorrow with me (and to celebrate his Phi Beta Kappa induction, at Red Lobster!), and I'm learning a lot about various aspects of counseling, as well as gaining plenty of exposure. Plus, this conference is one during which participants have the luxury of choosing which seminars and poster sessions they wish to attend. And, a delicious lunch (including vegetarian options) is included in the registration cost. Lastly, Jennifer and Kristin are going, and those two never fail to keep me interested and entertained.

Speaking of these two mugs, we enjoyed dinner last night with Kristin's man Travis and his friend at a new (read: new to us) local restaurant, Big Lick's. I tried the Blackened Chicken and Mango Quesadillas (which had my mouth on fire, but definitely cleared my sinuses--I'm a baby when it comes to spiciness),

the Ocean Breeze and the Key West Lemonade (pictured),

and the Strawberry Shortcake:

Jennifer and I shared an order of fried pickles, and I sampled a few cheese fries as appetizers. A calorie-fest, indeed, but I had no complaints.

All in all, I should really suck it up, shouldn't I? A little rain on my parade doesn't hurt ;)

P.S. What's on your agenda today? Are you a busy bee or slowing things down? I'm counting down the days (T-minus 6) until Spring Break! I'm also going to stuff several servings of veggies into the rest of my weekend to make up for last night!

Planaholics Not-So-Anonymous

Yesterday, due to the stress of class "pre-registration" (whatever that means), I skipped the gym. I awoke at my usual hour, dressed for the gym, prepped my iPod and my water bottle... and spent the entire morning, as well as a good portion of the afternoon, slaving away on figuring out my academic schedule from now until spring 2014. And you know what? I was perfectly okay with it. I had other priorities, like registering for summer classes so I can work out logistics for two families' vacations and a J-O-B. The first time I skipped a workout out of necessity as opposed to laziness, I thought I'd feel guilty and out of sorts. Quite the opposite, my blends. I felt that I made the right choice in staying home to work out something much more important.

Source

This morning, however, I had a little trouble putting pep in my step, but I pushed through a run anyway. Just as a side note, yesterday was considered an "off" day on my training schedule, but I've pretty much disregarded those. In my mind, they're useful for strength training days or for rearranging my runs around my weekend travels.

Look at me, experimenting with the tools in Paint! Yes, I'm 10.

See, I'm a planner. I'm a list-maker. I'm a color-coordinator. I'm a pros-cons maker. In other words... I'm a freak of nature. We've already been through this on the blog, but some things never change. I should start a support group. They probably already exist for people like me.

In other news...

I can't seem to shake this scratchy throat I've had for a couple days. My Chloraseptic, which normally works wonders, is pretty much rendered useless. Yesterday I tried to ignore it, and I bummed a lollipop and a mint from my classmates so I wouldn't be clearing my throat or coughing every few minutes. I discovered some sugar-free hard candies in my pantry that I'll definitely be employing. I made soup for dinner last night and finished the leftovers today. I should have avoided dairy, which can thicken mucus and make it more difficult to get rid of something like this, but I was in such a cereal mood this morning. Guilty! I also can't start my day without my Chobani. Guess I didn't do myself any favors. I did take a Claritin around 12:30, because the med-free route didn't help yesterday. My only other symptom has been a mild headache, and I haven't even needed Ibuprofen.

Kind and helpful people keep offering suggestions: "Maybe it's the weather!" "Maybe it was the snow! Did you go out with wet hair?" "Maybe it's allergies!" "Did you get a flu shot?" "Do you have pets?"

Sorry, everybody... None of the above. Yes, the weather has been fluctuating rapidly. No, I do not have seasonal allergies or pet dander floating around. I got a flu shot this winter, and I do not run around with wet hair during snowstorms, hoping to feel wretched. Not feeling 100% frustrates me; it's the control freak in me. I obviously didn't plan for this to happen. Fortunately, my schedule affords me plenty of rest, as well as plenty of time to get everything done.

If you know of any remedies for an itchy throat, please send 'em my way! It's not painful as much as it is annoying. It wakes me up in the middle of the night occasionally, and I know it's not for lack of hydration. I've been guzzling water like it's the apocalypse. Better now than next week, right before Spring Break!

It's a Snow-Go

I can't deny that I'm still in awe of the snow. I truly didn't expect to see any white this winter. And I was finally beginning to be okay with it. Until...

 The first picture was taken shortly before 5:00 p.m., after I returned from the gym...

...and the second, not 20 minutes later. The difference is huge!

Good thing I had warm gloves for my jaunt to the gym:

Ian's mom bought these for me for Christmas so I could enjoy listening to my iPod while exercising in cold weather. They'll be perfect for snowboarding, if I ever get a chance to hit the slopes.

I was pretty damn proud of myself yesterday afternoon for (1) resisting the urge to drive to the gym -- and risk losing the front-row spot I had backed into with the wiper blades propped up, (2) enjoying a beautiful walk in the wintry weather, and (3) completing a PDR (personal distance record) of 2.35 miles in 30 minutes! That added up to 2.6 miles total, with a 2-minute warmup and a 3-minute cool-down. After getting a great workout in, I was able to enjoy my sushi and the steadily falling snow.

These were taken around 8:00 p.m. with about 5". It always amazes me how bright the sky is during a snowstorm because of the low clouds and the light reflection. Majestic.

The 11:00 p.m. ones didn't turn out so well, but you can see the accumulation and how even people's footprints were filled in! About 7" at that point, with 4 more hours of snow predicted.

These are of 9:00 this morning. I must have slept like a rock, because the plows came through and made my day! When did I become such an adult and not care whether classes were cancelled (for safety reasons)?!

 

The school opened at 10:00 this morning. Being that I don't have class until 4:30, my schedule wasn't affected. Though it does mean that even if I'm able to dig my car out and make it to campus, things will be frozen back over by the time I return at 7:15. I'm not much of a Nervous Nelly -- unless I'm by myself, my car isn't cooperating, and I have zero control over the situation. Those 3 ingredients are a recipe for an anxiety disaster in my book.

 

Well, no sense in sitting inside worrying today. Off to the gym! Time to don my warmest gear and go dig out the snow heap that is my little car. Enjoy your snow day or your delayed schedule, whichever the case may be :)

 

P.S. What's your favorite snow day activity? Mine is taking a walk as the snow is falling, and then making snow cream -- Dad's special recipe! And of course, there's the requisite snowman...