Not According to Plan

February is tomorrow and it seemed to sneak up.  I'm not quite sure how that happened.  With February comes the 30 for 30 remix (tired of hearing about yet?) and I have my line-up picked out.

My plan was to unveil my selections today, except all attempted photos were complete failures.  The light in my room is pretty awful and the dogs were taking up the bed.  I tried to hang pieces from the railing along the top of my bed, but there were shadows all over the place.  Let's just say it wasn't pretty.

Basically, you'll just have to wait and see what I wear.  I might post my first outfit tomorrow, just to prove I'm not lying about this whole thing, but I'm not promising anything.  After that, I'll probably post once a week-ish.

I thought I'd share a few things I've stumbled upon recently that I really enjoyed.

I love this piece of the 50 states, from etsy.  How fun is that?!

These twig crayons have a cool rustic look.  I'd probably slice off my finger(s) trying to sharpen them.  Let's be honest.

If you like to laugh, check out a collection of analogies by high school students.  Some are hilariously creative, others are hilariously nonsensical.  Either way, be prepared to laugh out loud.  Literally.

One of my faves is #35: "Her date was pleasant enough, but she knew that if her life was a movie this guy would be buried in the credits as something like 'Second Tall Man.'"

And finally, a squirrel with a mission:

Last Minute Purchases

It's Saturday, unless you're in Asia, in which case, it's already Sunday.  That makes me really sad for all of you.  Sundays are kind of a big weekend buzz kill, at least for me, because all I can think about is how the next day is Monday.

And now I'm depressed about Monday already.  I totally psyched myself out of the weekend.  Great.

In unrelated news, I've been doing a little online shopping.  In part because February starts Tuesday, therefore 30-for-30 starts, therefore the shopping ban starts.  (See what I just did, it was like a math proof.)

Unfortunately, not all my shopping has been successful.  I had a Groupon for American Apparel from a few months ago.  I've been waffling around as to what I wanted to purchase.  I finally settled on tights and socks, because I'm really exciting like that.

Then tragedy struck.  I entered my credit card # from memory (sad or impressive?), but misremembered the expiration and security code.  Now, I have to wait until Monday to call customer service to resolve the issue.

Maybe I'll just to refer to my card from here on out.

I also stopped by Land's End, mostly because of this lady's beautiful dress, and ended up walking away with a few treasures (with free shipping thanks to an awesome coupon code found online).

There was a moment of panic this morning when I had the items in my shopping bag, but they didn't actually exist anywhere else on the site.  I guess I'll just have to trust that they're actually in stock.

I don't know if I'll actually be using any of my new items for the challenge.  I'm a little bit afraid they won't be here for a while.  I'm might leave a slot or two open for a surprise pick.

Speaking of which, I laid out my tentative line-up yesterday afternoon, in between cookie making, Criminal Minds watching, and cuddling with the dogs.  I hope to finalize it tomorrow and reveal my picks.

But really, I promise to not let fashion take over this blog.  Once or twice a week, tops.

Awkward and Awesome: Let the Week be Done

This week has been kicking my butt, for numerous reasons.  In fact, my awkward list was already pretty much done before I even sat down tonight.

Thankfully, the weekend is almost over and the weekend is coming!!!  I have two transcripts to edit tonight (2ish hours) and 3 hours of work tomorrow, and then I'm home free.  With no plans as of yet, but I'm sure I'll come up with something.

On that note, here's my awkward and awesome, even though the lovely Sydney is not taking part this week.

Awkward:
- the smiles at strangers when eye contact is made that probably look more like grimaces.
- driving to campus, thinking I forgot my parking permit, parking at the other end of campus because of it, and realizing my permit is in my coat pocket as I walk to campus.
- speed walking across campus and ending up completely grossly sweaty. I'm a professional.
- waking up enough before my alarm that I'm sad, but close enough that it's not worth falling back asleep.
- leaving my car unlocked not once, but twice.  Once over night in front of my house and today on campus.  I'm so smrt.  Luckily nothing bad came out of it.
- how much cutting and cooking onions makes me cry.  I just get so emotional about it.

Awesome:
- a paycheck, for the first time since before Christmas.
- the experimental dinner I just made: mafe with quinoa (substituted for rice) that turned out a-ma-zing.
- getting my parking ticket downgraded to a warning.  Thank you parking services!
- updated girl's weekend schedule with the cousins: spa day and fancy dress-up lunch.  I can't wait for next weekend.
- calling to make a hair apointment today and being able to get in next Wednesday.  It was like winning a mini-lotto!

Ten of Tuesday: The Avoiding Work Edition

I have a transcript I'm supposed to be editing right now.  Notice how hard I'm working on it.

I just needed a break and time to digest the leftover homemade cheese pizza I demolished.  Plus, I live for Ten on Tuesday.  It means Tuesday is over and an easy blog post.

I mean, someone basically tells me what to write.  Deal.  You should join in on this lazy blogging.  It's fun!

1. Do you decorate for Valentine's day?
I'm not much of a decorator.  I'm lucky if my room looks halfway put together.  Plus my little bedroom is so jam packed, I can't quite imagine trying to fit something else in here.

2. Does your desktop have a picture or computer graphic? Is it organized?
I have a collage of sunny water pictures I took over the summer (a.k.a. my favorite season).  I keep my desktop really organized.  I get kind of anxious if more than one column of icons exist on the screen.  I have a folder or two that I use all the time.  Everything else is hidden away in the bowels of my hard drive.

3. Do you use a paper planner, electric planner or no planner at all?
Currently, none of the above.  I go with the old noggin.  I've been crushing on a few paper planners, since I love the idea of being able to have a hard copy of my life, but I'm afraid I won't use it and don't want to waste the money when it could to things like cute shoes.

4. Do you change purses or bags often or stick with a good thing?
I have numerous bags and tend to switch out based on need.  I have a bag that my computer fits in, a small purse when I don't want to be loaded down, clutch options, and handy big bags to just dump things in.  That said, I tend to stick with one purse for long periods of time and just transfer things when it's necessary.  This strategy does result in me misplacing things though.

5. What's your favorite YouTube video?
Hardest question ever.  Not really, but kind of.  My favorite video changes all the time.  I find sharing and sending fun, adorable, touching, funny, etc., videos makes life more fun.  It's a hobby.  My cousin shared an adorably funny video with me the other day.  It's actually made by BBC.  Hilarious work!



6. Do you use Turbo Tax or a real person to pay your taxes?
I use H&R Block online.  No real people for me.  I find them to be expensive.

7. How many states have you set foot (or tire) in? Which ones?
Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, Indiana, Ohio, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Florida. So 24, plus Washington D.C.  Hard to believe that isn't even half.

8. How many countries have you been in? Which ones?
Canada, U.S. (duh!), Mexico and Costa Rica.  One of these things is not like the others ....

9. How many pillows are in your house? (Sleeping or decorative)
I don't have the energy to figure it out.  We have 4 beds total.  I have 6 pillows (ridiculous, I know).  We have a couch and a large sectional, plus numerous arm chairs.  Let's just say if you need a pillow, we've got you covered.

10. How cold is too cold for flip flops?
I'm pretty much a purist, meaning flip flops are for summer.  I'd like it to be at least 70 (Fahrenheit, just to be clear). 

Day Hike: Fragrance Lake

A friend and I decided to head out for a hike today.  Actually, it was all her idea.

We've been trying to be more creative with our get togethers, instead of just meeting somewhere for a meal.  Not that food, at least for me, ever gets old.

The Northwest, in general, is known for all its outdoor activities.  And my little corner is no exception.

We took off for Fragrance Lake.  It's a short hike, just over 4 miles round-trip, which included a detour to a lookout spot.  It took us a little less than 2.5 hours, but we also stopped for picture taking, snacking, and just to enjoy our surroundings.

We also lucked out on the weather.  This time of year tends to be dark and rainy.  That's pretty much the definition of a Northwest winter.

But this afternoon was mostly clear and not too cold, with a little fog thrown in to make the forest that much prettier.

I'm pretty sure we'll be headed out again soon.  Hopefully next weekend if the weather is decent enough.

I actually managed to drag out my camera and take a few pictures.  Here are my favorites from the day:

This last one is my absolute favorite shot of the day.  Gorgeous!

Awkward and Awesome 2.0

I'm thinking about making this a part of my regular posting for a few reasons.  A) It ensures I actually post semi-regularly and B) my life is mostly made of up these two things.  Awkward and awesome, that is (and probably a little lazy, if I'm being honest).

Awkward:
- Rainy weather and wearing glasses. i need some wipers running or something.
- Me getting up from or sitting in a chair.  My workout Wednesday has my butt, hamstrings and hips a little tight and sore.
- Trying to have a phone conversation when the other person is breaking up.  Is that a pause or am I missing something important?
- When the back of my jeans get wet.  It's cold and uncomfortable and makes me feel like a small child.
- Making eye contact with people accidentally and having nothing to say to them.  There's a reason I tend to stare at the floor.
- Trying to figure out what music to play while giving my coworker a ride to an off-campus assignment. It's ridiculous how stressed it makes me.
- Really, really needing to do laundry.  I haven't run out of any essentials...yet.

Awesome:
- Sleeping in my own bed.
- Plans for girls weekend with a few of my favorite people.
- Tomorrow being Friday and sweatpants (I think I'll just include those every Thursday. Because they are true.)
- Home made cookies. That's so happening tonight.
- Getting along with and enjoying my coworkers.
- Having time to sip tea and read blogs this morning.
- Potential for a catch-up visit with a friend I haven't seen in forever.  So excited!
- Getting my life organized, specifically my bedroom.

Is it just me or does my life seem a little more awkward than awesome this week?

Hump Day Update

Today was the sort of day that started out with a big to-do list and ended with me exhausted and very few things crossed off. I don't understand how that happens.

It's oh-so annoying.

I did manage to fit in a trip to the gym, but other than that, and a little work, I don't feel like I did much. Now I'm dog sitting for the night (Two dogs that currently wandering outside--they're fine.).

And I'm trying not to have a headache. I have a feeling it's a bit of dehydration post work out.

I did want to share a few fun things with you all, though, before I curl up in front of the TV for some American Idol.

First of all, Ashalah is hosting a super fun Valentines swap.  You should check out all the details over at her blog.  What a great way to meet some new folks and get some cute stuff.

Secondly, I decided to take part in a 30-for-30.  It's a clothing/wardrobe challenge hosted by Kendi over at Kendi Everyday. Basically you remix 30 pieces of clothing (not counting accessories and coats) for 30 days, and you don't shop during that time.

I don't have visions of turning this into a fashion blog. I'm think more along the lines of a weekly round up. But I definitely want to learn to use my wardrobe better and not spend some money for the month of February.

I'm kind of scared out of my mind about it, since fashion isn't really my thing. I like putting together an outfit that makes me feel good, but I'm just as likely to be lazy.

So that's what is new here this week. What is happening with you all? Are you going to join me for a Valentine swap or the 30-for-30 remix? Think about it.

Also, it's almost Friday, or at least Wednesday is over. Same difference.

Ten on Tuesday, let's do this!

I'm doing it.  Another Ten on Tuesday, that is. Head on over to Roots and Rings to play along. Also, I have some exciting things coming up, which I'll share with you soon!

I'm a little short on words today. Can you tell?

1. What's your favorite color to paint your nails?
I love Mink Muffs by Essie. It's a great neutral grayish color. I tend to wear darker colors on my fingers and brighter colors on my toes.

2. Do you like to sneeze?
Yes, especially when a sneeze is stuck in my sinuses. It's so refreshing to actually sneeze when that happens.

2. How often do you fill your car with gas?
About once a month or so. More or less depending on whether I travel out of town or not.

4. Were you named after anyone?
Beth from Little Women, true story. My mom was an English major.

5. Have you made any good recipes lately?
Not recently. I've been a little lazy.

6. What's an easy money-saving tip that you use regularly?
I almost always make tea for myself in the morning so I don't end up paying for coffee. That adds up fast.

7. Would you rather have a sore throat or an ear ache?
Sore throat. That is way more familiar to me and I feel like I could handle it better.

8. Do you have any scars? What are they from?
I have my share of scars, but nothing major. There's one on my elbow from crashing through a fence, one on my palm from having trigger finger surgery, and my knees are pretty beat up from years of abuse.

9. What are you "known for" in your circle of friends/family?
My shoe collection, for sure. And, hopefully, my sense of humor.

10. How do you like to eat your pancakes?
With peanut butter and syrup. The syrup needs to be heated up and I'd rather not have maple syrup. I'm weird like that.

In Remembrance

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  You probably are aware of that, especially if you live in the states, even if it's only because you got the day off.  (Sorry if you didn't!)

The NBA on TNT is recognizing this by putting a banner above their digital scoreboard and having players share.  And I appreciate the recognition, even the small ones.

But I think we also forget a lot about the man.  King is more than "I Have a Dream."  He's more than a march or two (or dozens).

I've been reading through King's Letter from a Birmingham Jail tonight.  Tania suggested it and I hadn't read through it yet.  I also transcribed a video about the history of human rights for work.

Needless to say, I dwelled more on the history behind today, behind this holiday, more than I usually do.  And I liked it.

I haven't actually made it through King's letter yet.  It's dense and I'm sitting in front of the TV with the fam.  There was Jeopardy (I got a handle for of answers right, which never fails to make me feel a little bit smart) and lots of basketball, a household staple.

I did want to share a few pieces of the letter that have stood out to me.  Keep in mind that I'm about half way through.  Like I said, it's dense.  Here are my faves so far:

"We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. "

"But I must confess that I am not afraid of the word "tension." I have earnestly opposed violent tension, but there is a type of constructive, nonviolent tension which is necessary for growth."

"The answer lies in the fact that there are two types of laws: just and unjust. I would be the first to advocate obeying just laws. One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that 'an unjust law is no law at all.'"

"To put it in the terms of St. Thomas Aquinas: An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law. Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust."

"Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection."

"We must come to see that, as the federal courts have consistently affirmed, it is wrong to urge an individual to cease his efforts to gain his basic constitutional rights because the quest may precipitate violence. Society must protect the robbed and punish the robber." 

Next, I have plans to read through the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  It's days like today that I remember how much I enjoy learning.

Sunday Videos: the crying edition

I mentioned that I've recently become a bit of a watering pot.  I'd like to think it's the circumstances, and the person (a.k.a. me), but I can't be sure.

I thought I'd find out if it's just me or not, and share with you what I've been tearing up over.

Christian the Lion
This isn't new at all.  Maybe you've heard/seen the story.  I had.  That didn't stop me from watching it with tears running down my face.  Check it out for yourself.


Arizona Memorial
It was amazing to see the people of Arizona come together after the tragedy that occurred there.  And I was once again reminded what a great orator President Obama is, all politics aside.  If you didn't have a chance to watch his speech at the memorial, I advise watching it now.


A Mom's Honesty
I read a lot of blogs, and often those blogs lead me to other blogs.  I could spend hours, days, years even, winding my way through blog land.  This past week I stumbled upon Enjoying the Small Things, by Kelle Hampton.  Her younger daughter, Nella Cordelia, turns one year old this next week.  The story of her daughter's birth and life is stunning, touching, amazing, etc.  You can get a glimpse of the story with this video (and find out about a great cause to support), but you should also check out Nella's birth story and everything that follows.


So there are some Sunday video recommendations.  A little different than Jim Gaffigan last week.  I like to mix it up (and make other people cry along with me).

Now excuse me while I prepare my tear ducts for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition tonight.  That show always gets me.

Awkward and Awesome (Story of my life.)

I've been following Sydney over at the Daybook for a while.  It started around the same time as my obsession with fashion blogs.

I won't even tell you how many I read a day.  Especially since I don't consider myself fashionable.  My desire to put any effort into getting dressed varies heavily from day to day.

But I do love me some fashion, and Sydney is one of my favorites.  Seriously.  She's adorable (and so is her husband).  So I'm joining in on her Awkward and Awesome Thursday.  I'm nothing if not a sucker for a blog prompt.  It just makes life a lot easier.

Awkward:
- A fake snow day. we got 6 inches of snow Wednesday night and it was mostly melted by 8am.  All the schools had cancelled for the day already (except the university).  Those poor kids (and moms).
- My sudden inability to keep from tearing up.  i don't even know who I am anymore.  I'll share some of the sources of my emotion in another post later.  Fair warning: you will probably tear up too!
- The fact that I haven't washed my hair since Monday.  That's also the last day I went to the gym.  I think if I worked out more often, my hair would be cleaner.
- Facebook chat conversations with people that creep me out.  That's also why I don't keep myself signed in all the time.
- Getting to a door the same time as someone going the opposite direction.  Tell me I'm not alone here!
- Leaving my parking permit in the car my dad took to work this morning. I had been taking advantage of the AWD. Unfortunately, there was no avoiding the ticket I got, but I'm hoping to talk parking service into at least lowering.  I'm not holding my breath though.

Awesome:
- Snuggling with the puppy dog every morning.
- Some of my recent purchases/Christmas gifts that will hopefully spice up my wardrobe (and inspire me) a little bit.
- The professor in one of the classes I'm providing service in.  I'm supposed to keep a straight face, but she's too hilarious not to laugh at.
- The possibility of a girls weekend sometime this spring with good friends.
- The fact that my weekend started this afternoon.
- Celebrating a good friend's birthday tomorrow afternoon!!!
- Picking up the pottery I painted over the weekend.  Don't worry, I'll show it off soon.
- Sweatpants.  If you don't agree with me, we probably can't be friends.  I will accept yoga pants as an alternative.

Thanks for sticking it through to the end of my list!  Have a happy Thursday and Friday.  I'm off to shower, watch our Thursday night line up, and prepare for a fabulous weekend.

Ten on Tuesday: I'm back!

I didn't participate in Ten on Tuesday last week because it was all about decorating and where you live.  Since I live with my parents, and just have my little crowded bedroom, the questions just made me a little depressed.

And since I'm not actually depressed about my life, at all, I decided to forgo it.  Lusting after something I don't have right now and won't have in the foreseeable future just isn't worth it.

But I'm back this week and ready to answer some questions.  Bring it Ten on Tuesday!  Let's do this!  (Also, I'm watching Biggest Loser right now, just to explain my attitude.

1. Is there a band/artist that you HATE?
I get tired of techno music REALLY fast.  It's just so dang repetitive.  I don't like heavy metal or screamo-type music.  Off the top of my head, I can't think of a specific artist I hate.

2. What do you do when you get a gift that you do not like? How do you react?
I like to think I'm gracious no matter what.  But I also can't really recall a recent present that I really didn't like.

3. How is your work office/cubicle decorated?
I don't have a work office of my own.  I share a small storage closet/cave with my fellow transcribers and I'm never in it, if I can help it.  I spend my work hours roaming a college campus and sitting in different classrooms.

4. Do you use all of your vacation every year?
I don't actually get vacation time.  What I do get are the same breaks as a student, unpaid unfortunately, but pretty awesome none-the-less.

5. Did you have a real or fake Christmas tree?
Real, all the way.  I can't actually recall ever having a fake tree.  We also like to go cut it down ourselves.

6. If you could have anything for dinner tonight, what would it be?
I've been craving gnocchi recently and I've also been wanting to try an African dish a friend has made for me before.  It's made with peanut butter, tomatoes and other deliciousness.  Maybe someday I'll actually make one or both of those.  For now, I'll just talk about it.

7. Do you bite your fingernails?
Never have, and I can't imagine starting.

8. How many cups of coffee do you drink each day?
I don't actually drink coffee every day.  A lot of mornings I drink tea.  If I do drink coffee, it's only one cup.

9. Do you have a nervous tick?
Sometimes I jiggle my leg.  I also tend to play with my hair, like french braiding it over and over.  I pick at my face, too.  Stupid adult acne.

10. How often do you vacuum?
It depends.  My room and most of our house has wood floors, so often I just sweep.  Sometimes I do vacuum out the pellet stove or the carpet in our family room, but often my dad gets to it first.

Opinions Needed.

My dad is in Houston, my mom is huddled by the fire, and the dog is practically asleep on my keyboard.  You should see me trying to type right now.  It's fun.

It's a little cold here, meaning our house is frigid unless you are within 10 feet of the fireplace.  We're real energy conservationists.

I'm actually wearing knee socks, thick, fuzzy socks, and my fuggs.  At least I was until I put workout clothes on.  I figure eventually I'll get cold enough and go workout out of sheer desperation.

But before I do that, I've been doing a little online shopping (thankfully, I didn't make some sort of ridiculous resolution about not shopping).  We got Nordstrom's catalogue in the mail (danger!) and I was reminded of my love for rose-gold finishes.  Have you seen it?  It's gorgeous.

My mom actually found this Anne Klein watch on sale for 50% off.  I'm kind of in love, but I want a little reassurance that it's cute.  I'm afraid my yearning for rose gold has skewed my perception a bit.

What do you think?

You can find it for yourself here.

Sunday Funday Snowday

I woke up to 4 inches of snow on the ground this morning.

There had been rumors that snow was possible this weekend, but I never believe it until I see it.  I find weather reports to be somewhat unreliable.

I love snow.  I'm a summer girl, but if it going to be cold, I'd rather have snow on the ground.

And it's supposed to stick around for the rest of the week with the potential for more snow.  Now if only that gave me a day or two off from work...

Jim Gaffigan makes me laugh.

My to-do list is no where near completed.  I just wanted to clear that up before anyone asked.

I did go paint pottery with a friend, and will have pictures of the finished creations on Thursday.  I was not smart enough to bring a camera with me today.

I also ran over to my grandparents to return their hot water bottle and stayed to watch the end of the Seahawks game.  Proud of our team and pretty much in awe of Marshawn Lynch.  If you didn't see his run for a touchdown at the end of the game, you missed out.  Amazing.

I am spending the rest of the evening cuddling on the couch with the puppies, who are feeling rather neglected after spending so much time alone today.

While there is plenty to watch on TV, I've also been watching some Jim Gaffigan clips on Youtube.  If you've never seen him perform (he's a comedian), you are missing out.  Seriously hilarious.  I thought I'd share a few with you that had me laughing out loud.

In honor of my fascination with bowling. I have friends I bowl with everytime I see them, and I took bowling as a PE class in college:


This clip is in recognition of Saturday:


I totally grew up in a family that camps, and as far as I know, no ones been eaten by a bear...yet:


If this doesn't take you back to weekends out, whether it was back in college or last weekend, hopefully you'll at least laugh:

Lots to do.

I ended up with a pretty sweet work schedule this quarter including Fridays off.  Of course, the awesomeness of my schedule is offset by the fact that I am working 7 fewer hours a week.

I'm okay with that.  Especially since there's a big project at work that could give me quite a few extra hours.

I started off my weekend with a pretty relaxed day.  I watched some Criminal Minds, went to the gym (small victory!), went grocery shopping, knitted a little, and made a dinner out of stuffed mushrooms, sweet potato fries and a banana with peanut butter.  I'm pretty much a kid (minus those stuffed mushrooms).

Since the parents are gone for the weekend visiting friends, I have big plans.  Par-tay!!!

Just kidding.  I'm too old and granny-like for that.

But I do have a to-do list:

• finish my letter of intent for grad school app
• clean room and bathroom
• take clothes to thrift store
• painting pottery with a friend
• watching basketball and football
• another trip or two to the gym
• decide if I want to take the GRE again (to improve writing score) next week
• watch Easy A and the Other Guys (picked them up from Redbox tonight)
• actually finish one of my knitting projects

I don't really know if I'll get all of it accomplished. But the list makes it look worse than it is.  

Now excuse me as I get back to Criminal Minds, football, and some knitting.

A New Leaf and All That

I gave in a bought a parking pass today.  Mostly because all of the classes I'm working in are at one end of campus, opposite where I usually park.  Also, where I usually park is just on the streets north of campus, so it's kind of a crap shoot as to where and when I'll actually find a spot.

But because I'm not longer walking all that much, I decided I should probably give in and get a pass to the Rec Center.  Plus, I haven't had a gym pass in just over two months and it is killing me.

So, ironically, it's like I've made a New Year's resolution.  An expensive one so far.  Hopefully the money spent will keep me motivated to actually go to the gym.  That and the fact that I have really been missing good workouts.

I'm also excited to put my new iPod nano to use.  It has a pedometer built into it and links straight to Nike+ (although I haven't actually saved any of my information yet).  Plus it's super small and easily clips to your clothing.  So I'll be down to fighting weight.  No bulky iPod to weigh me down.

I don't have any specific workout plans yet.  I'd like to get back into a rhythm first.  But I'm considering signing up for a 5k this spring to help myself stay motivated.

My goal is to get back into shape at the gym this quarter, while it's still dark, rainy, and cold (a.k.a. winter), and then transition to running outside and doing weights at home thereby saving myself mucho dinero.

I'll let you know how well it goes.

Fingers Crossed

I got my GRE scores today.  There's good news and bad news.  The good news, my verbal and quantitative scores are really good.

The writing portion, not so much.  I'm hoping they kind of offset each other.  And that I can write a killer letter of intent to show I do actually know how to write.

But I know writing is kind of a big deal in grad school, so I'm not sure what to think about my chances.  I guess I'll just rock the letter of intent and hope my references kick some butt.

There's always next year, and taking the test again, I suppose.

Obviously I should have practiced for the written portion a little more.  You know, like more than zero.

Happy 2011!!!

I have a busy day of knitting (I'll talk about that kick later), watching a lot of football, and some quality eating/family time to continue with.

I hope everyone out there is relaxing as well.

I thought I'd leave you with the last few pictures from my road trip in November.  I am so behind the times.

These windmills seem to spring up over the summer, and now there is an army along the hills in the middle of the state.

I see all these pictures I took on my drive and can't quite imagine leaving this part of the country.  (I think I've said that before.)  I'm not planning on leaving, by the way, but it could happen at some point.

Enjoy your New Years and Saturday!