In an attempt to cook more, I put number 17: cook at least one homemade meal a week on my list. So far not to successful and have multiple weeks to catch up on. However, with a little guidance from my mom, I now have the most scrumptious salad that is super easy to throw together and and extremely tasty.
Sliced onions marinated in Brianna's Blush Wine Vinaigrette dressing, almonds, sliced strawberries, feta cheese, all mixed together with spinach! So very yummy in the tummy!
Months ago my sister, mom and I signed up for the Nashville full marathon taking place this April. Our training schedule started out quite mild. A 3 mile run here, 5 miles there, nothing we couldn't handle but has since worked up to 17 miles this past Saturday which was no easy feat. I will say that the first 10 miles actually were not to painful and I might even venture to say easy.
(This is the part of the story where I realized that I am a judgmental runner and as my mom and I crossed paths with other runners I mentally noticed that I would judge them. Whether it was for noticing that they were really sweaty and struggling or that it looked as if it took them longer to get ready for the run, then the actually time they probably spend running at all.)
Anyways, as I was saying, the first 10 miles, not so bad, but we still had 7 more miles to go. And with every passing mile, I slowly became one of those struggling runners. The one who is barely putting one foot in front of the other, grimace on the face, looks like I learned to walk the day before and wanting so badly to yell at those around "WE ARE ON MILE 15!"
That's when it really truly dawned on me, I have no clue what so ever what mile or workout routine others have and I really should leave my judgey thoughts behind and just assume that maybe they too are on their 17 mile and applaud them for running at all.
One more checked off the list - 89: go to a psychic. This was one that I thought would be at the least entertaining, which it was indeed. It was presidents day this past Monday and since I had it off work, I thought what better time to travel the short 6 hour drive over to see my dear friends, Sasha and Josh, in California. To say the least, it was such a wonderful, relaxing weekend!
On Saturday night we went to dinner at a very nice restaurant along the cove. After dinner, walking around the area looking for a place to grab some dessert, we happened upon Mrs. Kay, a psychic 30 plus years in the making.
For those curious, here is some of what I learned about my future:
- I will live until the age of 88 or 89
- I should go back to school
- I've hurt someone close to me and need to apologize
- Someone close to me, an older person, will die in the next 4 months
- I'm sensitive, easily hurt and don't outwardly show my emotions
- My work will take me on two trips out of the country this year
- I am very artistic
- I shouldn't worry about my health
- Marriage is in my future
- I will reconnect with someone from my past, from a relationship that hasn't yet come full circle yet
- This will be a very good year for me, so says Mrs. Kay
Judge for yourselves and make of it what you will but if you are an older friend of mine, please be careful until 4 months from now! You never know?!
My posts have been slacking and I'm just going to go ahead and blame it on the holidays and being so busy with family, friends and work that I literally had NO time whatsoever. (however, I feel the need to come clean and say that the previous blame is not true and I'm just pretty much a slacker) But anyways ... Now that February is already well on its way, I knew that I needed a new post like yesterday. I revisited my 1o1 list to see what I have accomplished in the last few months and I am happy to say that there are multiple numbers that I have either A) completed or B) begun.
Number 60: run a half marathon a year was a third completed on January 15th. Chelsea Jo and I completed the PF Chang's Half Marathon, running the whole thing side by side with a 2:12 finish time! We are awesome! It was CJo's first half marathon and I believe she too has now caught the running bug. Next stop! Disney Princess Half Marathon at Disneyland (hopefully)!
Number 66: ask a guy out on a date (or maybe the closest I'll come) For obvious reasons, not going to fully explain this one but will say a thrilling/nauseating (in a good way) experience!
Number 75: become an educated voter has begun with the presidential elections fast approaching this year. I've been watching debates, turning on news shows instead of sitcom reruns and talking with people about their views. Sad but safe to say, this is the most informed I've ever been on any election and its only February! Can't totally check this one off the list just yet but well on my way and feeling adult about it!
Number 81: invest my savings I have my wonderful older sister to thank for getting the ball rolling on this one. She has over and over again told me I need to sign up for Scottrade to begin investing. And over and over again, I forgot and wrote it off. Being the persistent person she is, this morning, February 3rd, I received a text at 8:13, telling me "chelsea. scottrade. let's do this!" Now, happy to report, steps have been made and I signed up. Next step: actually invest!
Number 82: complete a year long thankful journal I started on the first of the year, only made sense. It has been an incredible start and I would recommend others doing the same thing. I bought a wooden recipe box to use for mine because it perfectly fits standard index cards. I counted out 365 cards and each night when I get into bed, I write down the date and one thing I was thankful for that day. There have been some random things I've been thankful for but thankful non the less. Its a great feeling and a nice reflection on the day and a good reminder that there is always something to be thankful for.
Number 94: buy a road bike was checked off the list on January 15th with the celebration of my 25th birthday. It's blue and white and I couldn't love it more. Thanks Mom and Dad, I felt like a little kid on Christmas morning getting a very first bike. Its a good feeling and puts me that much closer to completing this list because I can't do number 2 with out a bike.
