5K Recap!

This past Saturday I ran my first 5K since injuring my knee a few months ago. It wasn't easy and I certainly didn't break any records, but I loved every minute of it. The race was held at a local park on paved trails, which kept the run interesting. Every mile felt like an accomplishment and the last .25 flew by. I may have sprinted the last leg. My official time was 31:55, like I said, no record breaking times here but I was middle of the pack, and that's ALRIGHT with me!

The race certainly tested my knee and my mental limitations, but I am feeling so much better about my recovery. I am already thinking about my next race and am so glad to be (gradually) getting back into my stride!

 

 

Obviously not my official time or distance,
I was prepping before the start.

xxA

To my daddy with love...

Fathers Day is always a special time for my family. I know EVERYONE says it, but my dad truly is the best! I have learned so much from him and certainly wouldn't be the woman I am today without him. After reflecting on everything he has taught me, shown me and guided me through I couldn't help but think about Michael Mitchell's "Rules for Dad's with Daughters." My dad has certainly read his books and has followed (most) of them.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Save the day! She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional

  Whether I am having an emotional or a real crisis, my dad has always swooped in just in time to lead me through it, or to jump start my car.

Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK

  This one really resonates with me. My dad taught me how to fish before I could even tie my shoes. It was our thing, our time. And I loved every minute of it.

Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive

   The first time my dad let me drive I was 7 and we were in my grandparents private community. He thought it was a good idea, the ditch did not. Luckily I am a better driver now.

Let her come home. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what

 After college when I was lost and didn't have a plan my parents welcomed me back home with open arms and helped me get on my feet. I still go home for Thursday night dinners.

Write her a handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them most

 Cards are a huge deal in my family. Hallmark can't express everything and my cards from daddy are always chock full of motivation, admiration and love. Getting these cards may be my most favorite gift. And yes, I have kept them ALL.

Don’t be late! She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late

   I can still remember as a child waiting (impatiently) for the sound of my dad's truck. Once daddy got home, the fun could commence and I never knew what adventure would await!

Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait till her wedding day

   It's no secret I got my blue suede shoes from my dad. He may be turning 50 but he could dance circles around most 20 somethings!

To read the full list click here

Quotable

 

 

 

xxA

 

Weekend Recap

Sorry...hectic day + a case of the Monday's = pulling out hair.

Seriously.

This past weekend was another busy bender filled with great friends, good food, tasty drinks and even a run (yippie)!

Spent some quality time with my hair stylist,
she is wonderful!

After catching a friends band playing downtown,
I spotted this tree hugger.
Some people just can't hang!

Backyard ambiance for a friend's birthday

The best part about summer: Crab feasts (it's a Maryland thing)

Some fun with the Birthday Boy!

xxA

12 things...

12 Things that will always put a smile on your face...

1. Seeing an old couple still very much in love.

2. A smile from a stranger.

3.  The feeling of fresh sheets after a hot shower.

4. Instantly falling in love with a song.

     Currently on repeat:    Step, Vampire Weekend

5. Waking up before your alarm and feeling refreshed and ready to go.

6. Finishing a book and still running it through your mind.

7. The feeling of your bare feet in the sand or grass.

8. The sound of falling snow on a silent winter night.

9. Hot coffee in your favorite mug, on your day off.

10. A hug from someone who really means it.

11. Watching the sun rise.

12. Realizing that you are exactly where you should be.

The Runners Blues

I moved into my new apartment in February which not only had a 24 hour gym, but just so happened to be located right next to a park. Early morning jogs with the pup, afternoon trail runs and sprints on the treadmill were in full swing. I was getting back into my running niche. After a set back with shin splints and a compressed nerve last fall, I felt like the old me again.

Then April 2nd happened...

While on one of my morning trail runs, I was getting especially into the groove. With Sleigh Bells blaring, I was feeling amazing and booking it through the trails. Towards the end of my run, I leapt over a root and down a slight mound. My foot planted. My body did not. Boom...instaPain.

After icing and limping for a few days and with Italy right around the corner, I did the responsible thing and went to see the doctor. A physical, MRI and some weird tugging and pulling exercises later the Doctor gave me the prognosis: a sprained ACL. It didn't sound too bad at the time since it wasn't completely torn and surgery wasn't necessary. He patched me up with a super sweet brace (not), pain meds and orders for physical therapy and sent me on my way.

Fast forward to today...

Still feeling pain. Still in physical therapy. Still wearing the brace. And STILL not running.

I have never had any knee problems up until now and I can tell you, it's no joke. I am beyond miserable, mostly just angry that I can't enjoy walking far distances, let alone running without sharp pains in my knee. I am at my wits end and just want to get out there again.

Anyone else ever been in this situation?

...As of late

When I first began this blog in Winter of 2011 my life was rather different than it is today. As of late, I have been (attempting) to juggle work, graduate school, raising a puppy, family obligations and having a social life. This blog was my outlet and I am sad to say, the first thing I put on the back burner. But, with a bit of a hiatus from thesis writing and programming, I am back!.

While I cannot promise it won't happen again, I am going to try my hardest to ensure I keep my goals on track. Blogging has been something I do for myself, a way to let my creative energy out and to connect with others. So here I am...and here to stay, for a while at least.

Cheers for round 2!

Here's a short recap of my  life as of late...

Traveled to Italy with two girlfriends

 

 

Hit the slopes with my amazing little sister

Beaux turned 1 and is still snuggly as ever!

Girlfriend catch up sessions

New apartment, new traditions
 

Dipped my toes into the Ligurian Sea

Relished in some of the life's quieter moments

Spent lots of quality time with my handsome boys

Couldn't love him more!






xxA

Thursday Thoughts

 

 

xxA

Wordless Wednesday: Little Moments

xxA

Pinteresting: Neutrals in the Home

I have spent the past few days packing up my charming little nook that I have called home for the past year and moving to a new apartment. While bittersweet to leave the first place I have called my own, I know the move comes with a fresh start. I have always been one for bold colors in the home. I currently have navy blue walls and my room in college was (a tasteful) crimson. I am only subletting my apartment for 6 months and feel that painting would be too much, so I have decided on a much simpler approach. I will be embracing neutrals and a muted color scheme. Of course, there will be a few pops of color here and there but something like this may be in order...

 

 

xxA