Resolutions

I really enjoy creating a small list at the start of each year. It keeps me motivated. Smacks my butt a bit. Forces me to release aspirations into the universe.

A few things I'm looking forward to in 2011...

Writing more thank you notes.
Joining a book club.
Collecting more original art.
Checking & returning voice mail messages within 24 hours of receiving them.
Crossing the marathon finish line (!)
Saving for a SLR camera. Learning how to use it by taking photos every day.
Recording the best moment of each day in a gratitude journal. 
Folding and putting away clean laundry within a one-hour period of it exiting the dryer.
Traveling as much as possible. Making it happen.
Planning more dinner parties, brunch dates and game nights with friends.
Exploring freelance writing opportunities.
Revisiting & fulfilling my "25 Before 25" list.
Taking chances. Trusting intuition. Embracing challenges & changes. Seeking prosperity & abundance.

What about you? Any resolutions? Goals? Wishes? Let's keep each other on our toes. It's fun.

And, if you're interested, last year's resolutions. I actually did pretty well with them and plan to keep on doing well with them :)

(image-a favorite print by Genine)

Tator Trotters

A quick afternoon post to invite you to check out our marathon fundraising team page and consider making a donation.

(From here on out, I'm a tator trotter, folks).

image via google

Scenes From The Weekend

It's Monday and a short work week for me. Weeee! I am pumped for full, fat bellies and the official kick-off to the holiday season.

This past weekend provided a lovely mix of activity. We woke up early on Saturday to attend the first group run with our coaches and training team at the park. It was 40 degrees when we started and I had serious doubts that I'd be able to finish 3 miles in the scheduled 3-5 mile run. I was shocked and thrilled when I completed 4.6! I honestly have no idea how I managed it, but it gave me the motivation to go forward with this crazy endeavor. 5 is the most mileage we need to run in the first month of training, so I'm feeling pretty good about the next few weeks. Talk to me again in January and perhaps I'll be singing a different tune...

The rest of the weekend included a trip to Queens to spend the day and night at my mom's place with my sister, who's home from college on Thanksgiving break. We splurged on manicures & pedicures, indulged in comfort food & wine, and spent a cozy Saturday evening snuggled up in bed watching Titanic. Good times, I tell you. Tiho joined us after his dinner plans with college buddies.

On Sunday, we ventured into Manhattan and trolled The Antiques Garage, where I picked up two pretty brooches (pictured above). We had hot chocolate and sandwiches at a small cafe in Chelsea while catching up with two of my dearest friends. It was difficult to return to obligatory work & chores after such a fulfilling weekend.

How was yours? Do you feel the holiday buzz beginning? Are you excited for it? I am sad to bid adieu to fall, but happy to welcome the spirit and "warmth" that this time of the year evokes.

Scenes From The Weekend (And an Annoucement)

Hiya Monday. Before I plunge into the week ahead, here's a look at what just concluded:

-School was closed for students on Friday so our faculty could attend the Wonderplay Early Childhood Learning Conference. Photos 1-6 were taken at a nearby nursery school where I participated in a special afternoon session on using natural materials in the classroom. It was one of the most stunningly beautiful spaces I've ever been in. We were allowed to take some materials, and I picked those rainbow wooden spools.

-I people-watched on Columbia's campus before leaving the city (one of my favorite things to do) and contemplated going for a second masters (ha ha ha. That's funny, especially considering I then spent much of Sunday moaning and groaning while writing papers).

-It's hard to believe that the winter holidays are just a few weeks away when the trees in my neighborhood are still singing in color. On Saturday afternoon we walked to the park and drove with the windows down because the weather was so perfect.

-Though that didn't hold me back from welcoming the comfort food of winter (broccoli cheddar soup in a bread bowl) for lunch.

 -But, most importantly, Tiho and I attended the LLS Team in Training kick-off celebration bright and early on Saturday morning. That's right, folks. Papers have been signed, gear has been purchased and a nifty fund-raising website has been set up because on May 1, 2011, we are running the NJ Marathon. Oh and we're pledging to raise $4,000 dollars ($2,000 each) for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as members of Team in Training (TNT).

That's my big announcement. We went to an information session last Tuesday night and impulsively decided to commit. It became official on Saturday when we met our training coaches and teammates. I am excited and terrified and 100% certain that this will be both the hardest and best thing I've ever done. I can't wait to share more, and I will, once training begins, our website goes up, and I find the time to write more comprehensive and cogent sentences about it all.

Our first run is tomorrow (a 2-miler). Which is, by the way, the most I've ever run without stopping.

So yeah, I think it's safe to assume that I am no less than bat shit crazy.