Rocks, Pebbles, Sand

I haven't blogged in over 3 months. But, while I haven't blogged in over 3 months, I also haven't really done any decorating projects, exercised, or even cleaned my house for that matter. Teaching is hard. Being a new teacher is hard. Teaching, grading, lesson planning, eating, sleeping, and watching some TV (because I don't have the energy to do anything else) has been my life since August.

I've decided, though, to take back some of my old life. I know that this first year teaching is going to be hard with long hours and lots of stress, but I have to leave a little room in there for myself too. There's a story I heard recently that I've really taken to heart:

A teacher places a glass jar on her table and faces her students. “This is your life,” she says. “It is yours to fill with whatever you wish.”
The teacher takes a bag of rocks and carefully places them one by one in the jar until it is full. “These rocks are the big important things in your life that you will be the most proud of at the end of your days.”
The teacher then scoops out several handfuls of pebbles from a second bag and lets them fall into the jar, shaking the jar slightly so the pebbles fall into and fill the space between the rocks. “These are the secondary things in your life that gives it meaning, but perhaps are not ‘your life’s work’.
The teacher then takes a third bag containing sand and pours it into the jar, filling the space between the pebbles. “Finally, the sand is the little stuff that fills our days, like watching TV or playing games.”
The teacher looks out over her students and asks, “Can you see what would happen if I started with the sand or the pebbles?”

With this story in mind, I've decided to prioritize my own life . . .

Rocks

• Teaching. duh. It pays the bills and is what I've always wanted to do. Plus, I kinda like it : )
• Family. We're not starting a family, I just need to be more attentive to my family.
• Friends. I need to be better about seeing and talking to them.
•  Health. I need to start eating healthier and working out.

Pebbles

• Decorating. I have not done any home decorating in months and that's just plain sad. Granted, I won't be able to do as much decorating as before because time (and money) is more scarce, but it does make me happy so I need to start doing more of it. Next post, some of the ideas that have been floating around my head . . . 
• Reading. I read all of the time for work, but I miss reading for me.
• Cleaning. Yes, cleaning is a "pebble" for me. I'm one of those people that needs a clean, and organized, space.

 Sand

• TV, Facebook, Pinterest, and, yes, this blog. I'm going to try my darndest to keep up and share my projects and life with you but it can't be a top priority. Especially with how lengthy my posts get ; )

So, what do you think?

Good news, bad news . . .

Let's be honest, the last month or so I've been an MIA blogger. Honestly, I just don't have the time, or the energy. This teaching job I have for the summer not only has a strange schedule but has also been completely exhausting. Plus, on the days that I do have off there's a list of things I need to do, like . . . starting to build my curriculum for the REAL teaching position I've landed for this upcoming school year!! Yes, I'm happy to announce that I've achieved the biggest goal I set for myself in 2012! I'm very very excited, however, I have a lot of work ahead of me planning a year's worth of lessons, researching, reading, etc.! (Any tips from veteran teachers out there?)

(my first classroom!)

 Anyway, this recent development has forced me to make some choices in how to use my free time (and this is where the bad news comes in) . . . You see, I can either spend my free time (1) writing and blogging about our lives and my home projects, or I can spend my time (2) putting together a kick-butt school year for my future students. While I love love love sharing our lives and my home projects with all of you on this blog, I think I need to focus more of my efforts on making kick-butt lesson plans. Educating our future and all, right?

So, that's why I've decided to take a hiatus from blogging for this summer, or at least until I get a better handle on my schedule and work load. I'm a little bummed by this decision, because I have a whole list of draft posts that I had planned on sharing at some point, but I just haven't been able to find the time and energy to actually finish them up. I'm not leaving blogging for forever, just for a little bit. While I know I could've just stopped blogging for the summer and left it at that, I did want to let you all know about my good news (yay!!) and also give you an update on our Washington life right now. And, right now, our life is busy. ; ) I hope you all understand!

If you want to stay up-to-date with our regular lives until I resume blogging you can follow me on Instagram (kristinhroberts), Pinterest, and Twitter (I promise to start tweeting more!!). I'd love to keep hearing from everyone and can't wait until I have the time to jump back on the blog and share all of the fun places and things we do!

Happy (late) Administrative Professionals' Day!

Happy (late) Administrative Professional's Day to all of my fellow admins out there! I know, I'm a day late in posting about a "hallmark" holiday, but, for all of those admins out there whose bosses, like mine, don't even seem to know that such a day exists, being a day late isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things, right?

I know that all of my non-admin readers are probably wondering why I am writing a post like this, and I'll tell you that it's for two reasons:

First, If you're an admin out there, you get it. I believe, and I bet my fellow admins out there will vouch for me in saying this, that we spend a majority of our time, anywhere from 50-90% of it, playing babysitter to the most spoiled and idiotic offices/bosses. We also waste about that much time doing menial tasks that a monkey could perform. Why college degrees are required for these positions (and a graduate degree in my case), I have no idea.

Not an admin and have no idea what I'm talking about? I'll give you some examples from my own personal archive of experiences . . . I was once told that I put the mail routing-post-it on the wrong part of the magazine cover (because that's apparently very important). I probably gave my boss my cell phone number 100 times, and yet I was still asked for it (because it can't be programmed into their own cell phone?). Lastly, a boss once came into my office and asked for me to turn down the temperature on the A/C unit in their window because they couldn't figure it out (it's the "down" button, in case you were unsure).

Anyhow, being an admin is sometimes a really crummy and under-appreciated job. Now, don't get me wrong, I have had some fantastic employers, ones that gave me, a part-time worker, thoughtful going-away parties and even great bonuses (I still wonder why I left sometimes). But, there are always some crummy days where you truly wonder if a monkey could be hired to do your job and you question the intelligence of all of your co-workers and bosses, especially if they have PhDs.

That's why I bask in the wonderfulness Administrative Professionals' Day, even if the office I'm working for doesn't recognize it. I don't care that it's a "hallmark" holiday because it's a holiday that (is supposed to) recognize the hard and tedious work of a very intelligent group of people that makes others' lives easier, even if it's just turning down the A/C. Only admins truly know what kind of mess our offices and bosses would be in without us, am I right?

So, if you aren't an admin, give yours a cupcake or something, or just take it easy on them for a day. If you are an admin, treat yo' self like I did last night (15% off dinner and dessert? Yes, please!).

Treat yo'self! (follow me on Instagram)

Also, the other reason I am writing this post is to let you all know (if you don't already) that this Admin Day will most likely be last (until the unforeseeable future). I will be leaving my current job in two weeks to start teaching!! I'll be teaching a reading program this summer and I'm definitely looking forward to the experiences I will gain from this next chapter in my life. Hopefully it will help me in finding a full-time teaching position next school year! (Which, if you remember, is one of my 2012 goals!) Don't worry either, I'm not missing out on a hallmark holiday, there's a Teacher Appreciation Day!

I'll never forget my admin-days though, trust me. So, to all of the admins that I will work with in the future, expect an awesome treat from me on that day, and I promise not to ask you to do stupid tasks : )

Mid-Week Mumblings

Why do I keep thinking today is Friday? Seriously, I keep thinking it's Friday and have to remind myself that, no, it's only Thursday. One more day in my work week, not one more hour. Ergh.

Chris and I have had a fairly boring last couple of weeks since the Half Marathon and I'm in between house projects (for the first time in a while!) so I figured I'd share what's been on my mind lately instead of boring you with a description of me falling asleep while watching television or Chris doing homework, because that's literally what we've been doing. We lead an exciting life, no?

Anyway, here are my mid-week mumblings, since it's still kinda mid-week (darn you, Thursday!):

• I lied, Chris and I haven't been completely boring lately. Last weekend we actually had a "date night" where I was able to persuade Chris to go see The Hunger Games with me (eeks!!) and take me to P.F. Chang's, which for some reason I've been craving. First, The Hunger Games was AWESOME! Loved every minute of it.I'm also kinda loving on The Hunger Games inspired pins on Pinterest . . . here are two of my favorites: 

 

• Oh, and in between the movie and dinner I caved on one of my 2012 goals - I bought some clothes. BUT, it was the first time I bought clothes since 2011, so that my friends, is awesome! Chris and I walked into a Banana Republic and I couldn't resist snagging a Mad Men collection skirt and two tops, especially since they were already on sale AND had an additional 20% off. Score!

 

• I'm experiencing a curtain-crisis. See, I want (we need) curtains in our living room and master bedroom, but I just can't seem to figure out what I want to do. I recently bought some plain white Ikea curtains but I want to do something to spice them up a bit. I'm thinking of stenciling them, or adding some kind of colored fabric to the sides and/or bottom of them, or adding some fringe. Who knows, I just know I need to do something because right now they are a boring, and wrinkly, mess.  To Pinterest for some inspiration, I guess . . . .

• I love breakfast food. I mean, LOVE breakfast food. I think that Brunch is an awesome thing, but Chris could careless. I also think that Brinner (breakfast for dinner) is perfectly acceptable, but Chris thinks that it, along with the word Brinner, is "stupid." So, last Sunday I met a new friend at Acadiana for a New Orleans-style brunch, and boy was it yummmy. Acadiana has a pre fixe 3-course brunch with $1 mimosas. That's right, $1 mimosas. (If anything pairs perfectly with breakfast, it's a mimosa!) I had a banana fosters and pecan french toast, eggs benedict (mmmmm), and beignets. I have to go back asap, who wants to go?!

 

• When we first moved into our house we wanted to decorate our master bedroom first, so that we had one "finished" room. Well, now, it's probably one of the most disheveled rooms (besides our office, which is literally just piles of stuff with two bookcases and a desk and computer), and I really want to make it nice for real this time. I want to paint the walls darker, finally decorate some shelves we have, and do something with the boring, white curtains. And, of course, Pinterest has been giving me some inspiration, I just need to decide if I'm leaning towards bold and dramatic, or serene and quiet . . . 

 

• Like I mentioned last week, Chris and I "gardened" last weekend too, if that's what you call it. It was more like me yelling at the ivy and weed barrier fabric and Chris trying to avoid me. But, we got new mulch down and grass seed, flowers, and herbs planted. Now, we just have to wait and see how they all work out . . . (I'll post some pictures once there is more to look at!) 

•  Lastly, this weekend Chris' family is coming in town (yay!!), so if this post is too rambling for you, next week I should have something more exciting to write about. I'm hoping we finally check out a DC site that's on my "to do" list out here! (Can you guess which one it is?!) 

Have a great weekend ya'll, even if it is only Thursday!

Bring it on, 2012!

When I started this blog (way back in February) I shared with you all a list of my 2011 resolutions, or goals, as I wanted to call them. With 2012 now upon us, I wanted to share with you my new goals. But, before I do, I want to quickly review what I wanted to do in 2011 . . .

• Keep in touch with family and friends better. I don't know really how well I've done with this one, but Facebook has definitely helped!
• Blog. Done, obviously.
• Get certified to teach secondary social studies. So, I haven't technically gotten certified yet, but I am this close . . .
• Run a Half Marathon. Done! 
• Skydive. Nope . . . but I'm keeping it on my to-do list!
• Do genealogical research. Not as much as I wanted.
• Learn to sew. Not really this one either . . . but I'm asking for a cheap sewing machine for my birthday, hear that Mom and Chris?
• Learn some photography skills. Again, not really. I think I need to upgrade my camera first.
  
• Eat healthy/Perhaps learn to cook healthy-ish things. Most definitely. Yay us!
  
• Read more. Yes, definitely!
• Decorate my/our new house. I owned this goal!

Looking back, I kinda sorta completed my goals. Five goals I definitely accomplished, three I kinda did, and three I pretty much completely forgot about. I still want to continue all of them, but I think I have bigger and better goals for 2012. So without further adieu . . .

Here are my 2012 Goals:

• Blog at least once a week. Let's be honest, I need to make a more consistent effort. (And, I've posted twice this week already, go me!)
• Continue to make our house, our home. This shouldn't be hard. We already have some big projects in mind and I might try to do one Pinterest project a month. We'll see ; )
• Continue to teach myself how to live healthier through good foods and exercise! Chris and I say all the time how far we've come in what we eat and how we think about food, but we definitely need to keep getting better at watching what we eat and getting more consistent on the exercise-front.
• Do one DC-ey thing every month. There are still a TON of things we haven't done in this town and besides, this will give me more to blog about on Tourist Tuesdays and Washington Wednesdays.
• Travel the East Coast. Chris and I love traveling, but we haven't really explored the East Coast yet. So, I'm hoping for an east coast-beach trip, another visit to NYC, and a trip to either Philly or Boston. Let's start planning! 
• Read at least 12 books. I know this doesn't sound like a lot, but with school keeping me busy 3/4 of the year reading for fun definitely gets pushed to the side. I figure a book a month would be manageable. I have already made a list of books which includes Don Quixote, Two Towers, the Hunger Games series, Mindy Kaling's new book . . . and some dorky history books, like a Medieval England guide. So exciting!
•  See how long I can go without buying clothes. Yup, that's right. I am going on a clothes "diet." I finally came to the realization that I have a closet FULL of clothes and do NOT need to buy anymore. (That doesn't mean I didn't take advantage of shopping before Jan. 1 though. Good thing too, because I got a $140 silk dress at Banana for $20!!) I'm really curious on how long I can last. I am already on day 4 and going strong, so that's a start!
• And . . .Get a teaching job for the 2012-2013 academic year! This is a big one. The biggest one. If this goal wish comes true, so many other wishes for 2012 will come true (perhaps I might buy a car!). Cross your fingers, pray, whatever you do, and wait for the pieces to fall in to place!

These 2012 goals definitely have me super SUPER excited. I mean, I don't think I have been more excited for a particular year since 2008, the year I knew we'd be moving out here and I'd start grad school. I am really really excited about what this new year has in store for us!

So 2012, BRING IT ON!

Vacaciones (spanish for vacation)!

I have a good excuse for being MIA the last couple of weeks: Chris and I finally got to take our vacation!! Not only was it one of my 2011 goals, but it was also our "honeymoon." Yes, we did technically take a honeymoon after our wedding (over 2 years ago), but really our 4-day trip to the beautiful Hermann, Missouri was not enough for us semi-world-travelers! So, we finally found the vacation time and moolah to get away, just the two of us :)

Not to make anyone jealous on these frigid fall days (ok, maybe a little jealous), but here are some photos of our perfectly relaxing vacation to Playa Mujeres in Cancun, Mexico. Sigh.

 

The trip was perfect. We had our own private rooftop pool with amazing views of the beach. We had ah-mazing weather the entire time. We took a trip out to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza one day, which included a dip in a freshwater pool in a cave! We definitely took advantage of our all-inclusive status by sipping on fun drinks all day and ordering room service at night. And, I even convinced Chris to get a mud massage with me, which included an awesome hydro-therapy session (that we both secretly liked better)!

But, it's back to reality. We both dove back into work, homework, and life this week . . . but not before brainstorming ideas for our next vacay - Greece again? Napa? Germany? Vancouver, Montreal, Alaska? 

Until then, I'll keep looking at these pictures and dreaming!

Back to School

As you probably know, unless you live in a hole and only ready my blog (which is strange), it is back to school time across the country. This means, it is back to school time for Chris and I as well. You see, Chris is a fancy-schmancy, farty-smarty doctoral student in, *gasp*, statistics, and I will be continuing to take classes this academic year in pursuance of secondary education teacher certification. And, on top of that, I work for a university in the DC area. So, needless to say "first week of school" chaos has been on my brain this week. Whether it is the random undergraduate that pops their head into my office looking for a classroom or the restroom (which is right behind them, across from my office), the general buzz around campus as students fill the sidewalks and hallways, or Chris and I trying to adjust to our new evening schedules with classes, and soon homework, this week is only the beginning of the craziness...

Amidst the craziness that this semester may will bring, I promise that I will keep this blog updated, for my sanity if anything else! And, most importantly, I am promising myself, and you all MUST hold me to it, that I will continue with all of the home projects that are on my to-do list. These include, among many:

• Finish stenciling our guest bathroom - al.most.done. . .
• Create our map and photo gallery wall - supplies bought, now I just need time ; )
• Create a magnet/chalkboard wall in our kitchen - again, supplies bought, now I just need time.
• Paint our basement coffee table with chalkboard paint, inspired by this beauty found on Pinterest:

Originally from BHG DIY Ideas

• Wrapping up the work in our basement, finally, which includes finishing the last bits of drywalling and then painting and cleaning.
• And, doing other random stuff throughout our house, mainly small things inspired by Pinterest. Possibly stenciling curtains? Doorknob-coat rack? Dressing up our guest room? Indoor garden?!? More painting??
• Oh, and I haven't mentioned it yet but how could I forget - getting our Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene water damage fixed. Boo. (At least the damage is in a room I haven't painted yet, right?!)
• And of course, clean our house. Which is still kinda a mess in some areas.

This week, besides starting classes again and being insanely busy at work, I have been and will continue to be busting my butt on finishing stenciling that bathroom. Not only do I want to share with all of you what color I picked, and discuss the frustrations of stenciling a space like a bathroom, but I just want to be DONE with it, because of said "frustrations."

Whether I make it through this week or not, I am rewarding myself by visiting one of my best friends down in sunny Florida for the holiday weekend. Wish me luck in making it to Saturday morning and if I don't write before I leave, have a fabulous "back to school" week and holiday weekend yourselves!

Yoga-ing

Underlying my 2011 goals of running a half marathon and trying to eat healthier, was the general goal of trying to get in shape and lose some weight. I didn't outwardly mention it at the time because 1) I didn't want to air my "inner secrets" (aka, my insecurities) to whoever decided to read my initial post and 2) I wanted to sound somewhat optimistic and come off as relatively happy with myself. I know, I was not completely honest, but seriously, this is a blog, not my diary.

Anywho, long story short, grad school kicked my butt. Well, it actually did the opposite of kicking my butt, because my butt, along with other areas of my body, got sllliiiiightly bigger over the course of those grueling semesters. Wendy's and McDonald's runs after work and before class, along with the Lay's potato chips, french onion dip, and Dr. Pepper-infused late-night writing sessions will do that to you... Anyway, since I've been out of grad school for a year now I've been trying to get back into the habit of being nicer to my body - you know, feeding it more nutritional food and actually getting it away from a desk chair once in a while. Hence the decision to run my first half marathon and repeat Insanity. (Although, those Mint Julep cupcakes didn't quite help the situation). While I haven't been great at it, I've definitely gotten better at being more active and eating well. I can tell the difference good food and good exercise makes on my body, and it feels great.

To continue with this theme, I decided to give myself another challenge - to practice Yoga 6 days a week for 6 weeks. This challenge came to my head for a few reasons. 1) I had bought 3 Groupon/LivingSocial deals for yoga that I needed to start redeeming; 2) I like to run, but I do not like running every day on a treadmill and I physically cannot run in this heat. Too hot, too humid pour moi. So yoga seemed to be a good alternative exercise option; and, 3) I was genuinely interested in seeing how doing yoga everyday would transform my body. I've done yoga before, but never 6 days in a row, much less almost daily for 6 weeks! OH, and 4) We're going to be finally going on our long-sought-after-"honeymoon" in October and I WILL be proud of what I look like in my swimsuits! (no more hiding behind a towel!)

So, I began my challenge last Saturday with a Bikram yoga class. For those non-Yogis out there, Bikram is the HOT yoga. Like, 105 degree-room hot. I decided to do it on a day where it was already pretty much 105 outside. Can't be too bad when it's the same temp. outside, right? I thought. Wrong. It was the worst bikram class I've ever taken (I've done it 4 other times). I know I drank enough water, but my body just did not like me that day. It was rough, but I at least got through it without leaving the room. I continued the week with some Ashtanga and Vinyasa flow yoga classes at a local studio, and did yoga at home with Ashley Turner's Yoga for Weight Loss DVD (which isn't as challenging as a real class, but is pretty good when you don't have time to get to a studio). All in all, it was a pretty successful week. I am standing up taller, feeling stronger and healthier, and even think I see some muscles taking shape, especially in my shoulders. Wish me luck as I continue with week #2 of 6!

(I also just signed up for my second half marathon this morning! The marathon series that I ran in DC last March is now apart of the Rock N Roll Marathon series and it is only $60 to register for the half in the first 48 hours of registration! And, I might be signing up for a half in November. AND, I definitely bought a real road bike last week that I plan on riding around and exercising on once it cools off here!)

Here's to doing new things and getting in shape!  Ommmm!

BOOK IT!

Did any of you participate in Book It as kids? Chris and I definitely did!

For those of you that didn't participate in Book It - and I know you are out there - here is how it works: your K-6 teacher enrolls in the program, he/she sets some sort of reading goal for the students (for us, it was to read 5-6 book), and once the goal is completed, the teacher gives the student a coupon to Pizza Hut (we got a FREE Personal Pan Pizza).

Old school Book It! Pin (doobybrain.com)

Whenever we completed one of our books, we got a sticker to put on the stars of these Book It pins. I know that I *secretly* loved showing off my pin full of stickers. And, I swear, Danielle and I still have our old Book It pins lying around somewhere in our her room at our parents' house! The best part was the free personal pizza with the topping of my choice - most likely bacon. And, while I enjoyed collecting the stickers and pins and picking out my own topping of my own pizza, I bet my parents loved Book It even more than us kids because for them it meant a family dinner out, without having to pay to feed us! Win, win situation for all. Let's hope Book It is still around when we decide to have kids . . .

Anyway, on to the point of this post... Chris and I, missing those personal pan pizzas, decided to create our own Book It program, for adults. It all started when Chris realized that I had not read many "classic" and "great" books, such as 1984 and the Lords of the Rings Trilogy, and, that despite his constant haranguing, I still did not read them. (Not only did I not have time to start reading a book like Don Quixote, but I was stubborn and refused to start reading LOTR when Chris had not read Harry Potter.)

So, we decided that we would each read 10 of the other person's favorite books (that we had not already read), and, after we each completed the 10, we would reward ourselves with Personal Pan pizzas from Pizza Hut! Hence, our Book It program, for adults!

Chris' Favorite Books that I have to read:

1. 1984, George Orwell

2. Animal Farm, George Orwell

3. Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes

4. The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien

5-7. The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien

8. Candide, Voltaire

9. The Master and Margarita, Mikhail Bulgakov

10. Dr. Faustus (David Mamet) Doctor Faustus (Thomas Mann), Brave New World (Aldous Huxley), OR, The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)

  

My Favorite Books that Chris has to read:

1-7. Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling
8. Gone with the Wind, Margaret Mitchell
9. Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy
10. Emma OR Mansfield Park, Jane Austen

In reality, we have actually already started this "contest." Chris has finished up the Harry Potter books (just in time for the final movie in July!), and I have read 3 of his books (Since, I have been busy finishing up this semester's classes). Right now, Chris is struggling through Tolstoy, while I am contemplating when to tackle Don Quixote . . . But, soon enough our brains will be full of new books and we'll be enjoying that sweet sweet pizza!

Any thoughts on our book choices? Anyone else have crazy awesome memories of Book It? Or, do you have no idea what I'm talking about?!

Apologies.

I know, I have been a horrible blogger the last few weeks. Well, really since I started blogging two months ago. Sorry, readers!

I really do have ideas about topics to write about - such as Chris' first home-brewing experience, my forays in fitness/exercise/getting in shape, our attempts at gardening (aka, my ability to kill plants instantly), and new updates on our house - but I honestly have not had time to write. Mainly because I did this stupid wonderful smart thing called "signing up for two graduate classes while working full-time." (Remember back when I set my goals list and I couldn't wait to get my Teacher Certification courses underway? Ha! Silly me!) Really, my classes aren't hard at all, especially compared to the 400+ pages of reading a week and 40+ pages of writing each semester that I've done for the last two years as a graduate student at George Mason. And, I think, it is completely possible to work full-time and go to graduate school. But really, I'm burnt out on school and have been having difficulty motivating myself to even write a 2-page reflection paper. (NOTE: I have a paper due tomorrow night and yet I'm writing this "much needed" apology blog post.) So, as you can probably guess, I have been procrastinating on 2 papers and a project all semester and now they are all finally due (one this week, one next week, and one after that).

Soooo, I am apologizing now for my lack of attention to this blog because of school, and I am apologizing ahead of time for ignoring this blog until May 6 when my classes are complete. After then, not only will I be back to writing, but I'll be back to enjoying life "after school" - actually having a life and something worth writing about!!

I cannot cannot cannot wait for this semester to be over. . . wish me luck motivation!

One goal down!

Yesterday I completed my first half marathon, the "National" Marathon (yipee!!) and, believe it or not, it was actually a really great experience!

Going into yesterday's race I had completed 10 weeks of training that included its fair share of aches, pains, and doubts. At one point I seriously considered stopping my training because I was experiencing the most awful shin splints. But, thanks to encouragement from Chris and my brother, Will, I got over the pain and doubts. After successful 8- and 9-mile runs over the last month, I realized that I could finish the race, but I didn't think it was going to pretty. Especially after my last long run of 10.5 miles, which didn't go so well. I finished, but it was hard. Really hard. I knew I could finish the Half, but I had a feeling that it would be hard and I would struggle.

Race day came before I knew it. I wasn't really nervous, but more anxious. I wanted it to start, and I wanted it to be all over so that I would know the outcome. I would know if I prepared for the race as well as I could have, or, if I wasn't cut-out for this long-distance running thing . . .

And . . . it went well! Really really well! Not only did I finish the race as I had wanted, but I also finished with the time of 2:07! (I had hoped to run less than 10-minute miles, but to have actually done it feels awesome!)

Here's a map of the course, which was really fabulous and made getting through those miles easier!


View Larger Map

As you might be able to see, we got to run right past the Library of Congress, the Capitol, and Union Station. Past Smithsonian museums, the Washington Monument, and the White House! (I was secretly hoping Obama would be out cheering us on!) I ran past some old workplaces - the Hall of States and the Department of the Interior - and some great neighborhoods - Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Columbia Heights, and H St. NE. We even ran through Howard University's campus, who provided the runners with 2 DJs playing old school hip-hop, which was a huuuuuge pick-me-up around the 8th/9th miles.

Here are some photos Chris took:

Corral 6 and RFK Stadium (where I started)

In the middle of the "Connecticut Ave/Kalorama Climb" (I was slowing down to hand Chris my headband!)

Me, next to the mummy guy. Chris told me I was going faster than he thought I'd be going at this point (10-mile mark-ish)

After finishing! "I ran through history." Love it.

One of the most memorable moments was when a woman, most likely a tourist, yelled to us, "You're almost there!" A little after the 3-mile mark. Myself, along with a few other runners around me, had a good laugh over that one! Also, that darn "Connecticut Ave./Kalorama Climb," as I like to call, it kicked my butt. Well, actually my thighs, because boy are they sore today! That chunk of the race was a good 2-3mile climb. And it burned. Buuuur-urned! But, after I got over that hill, I definitely knew I was good to the finish!

Like I mentioned on my resolution goal list, I have always wanted to run a half marathon and I am so so glad I finally did it! I am now seriously considering running one the Marine Corp Historic Half in Fredericksburg, VA on my birthday, and possibly the Virginia Beach Rock n' Roll Half at the end of the summer! (And, I'd love the company if anyone wants to join me!)

Happy Mardi Gras!

Happy Mardi Gras!!

Mm mmmm, King Cake!

Happy Fat Tuesday everyone!! The only thing I will be doing to enjoy Fat Tuesday will be eating a few bites slices of that King Cake since loads of yummy, and most likely unhealthy foods, are not really conducive to my running now that I'm getting into higher mileages. Lots King Cake and other indulgences = baaaad 5 mile run tonight. Boo.

But, since today is Fat Tuesday, tomorrow is Ash Wednesday for all of us Catholic-folk out there. I've never really been that good about my Lenten promises, but maybe I'll think of something good that I can stick with this year . . .

I could give up fast food? Devote an hour a day to reading non-school work? Less TV? I could try giving up french fries, again? (the first time I gave up french fries I ended up getting a kidney stone in the middle of Lent, and so of course I had to have french fries to make me feel better!) I could make sure I "sweat" (exercise) every day? Anyway, decisions, decisions . . .


Any ideas?

OWL's New Home on Blogger!

Welcome to Our Washington Life's (OWL's - cute acronym, right?) new home at Blogger!

I am really indecisive, as I've mentioned here, but thanks to some "inner soul searching" on my part, and some long email, gchat, and phone conversations with Danielle, I decided to move our blog from Wordpress to here!

While I know that Wordpress offers a huge amount of flexibility and options, and that many professional bloggers and "web-people" like love Wordpress, I was just not feelin' it...

First, I felt like my design was boring. I made it as fun as I could, but without paying Wordpress for more options and design flexibility, AND, without knowing enough about HTML and CSS to design something "cooler" anyway, it made making a funner more fun blog pretty impossible for me. (Plus, as much as I would love to learn all of that web-designy stuff, my goals list is already pretty long!)

Secondly, the whole point of this blog was to share Our Washington Life with our family and friends all over the country. It wasn't about using "the best" blogging platform. And, it certainly wasn't about me conquering the intricacies of said blogging platform. The whole point was for me (and hopefully Chris soon!) to write, and share, and communicate with our friends and family. It was supposed to be fun for us, not frustrating!

So, weclome to OWL's new home on Blogger!  Please bookmark our blog, subscribe to it, and share it because it's for you!

Forgotten goal: Vacay!

In my first blog post I told you all of my resolutions goals for 2011. That is, all of them but 1: a vacation! I have no idea how I forgot that one considering that it seems to be all I think about these days (and considering I read and re-read and re-wrote that first blog post over and over out of nervousness and my perfective tendencies) . . .

Anywho . . . it is one of my ULTIMATE goals this year to go on a VACATION. And no offense to my family, but a vacation is not a weekend back to St. Louis, or Kansas City, or Tablerock Lake, as much fun as it is and even though I do miss you all!

Said future vacation will include:

1. Just Chris and I. We had a lovely honeymoon. In Hermann, MO. And before that, the last vacation we had that was just the two of us was almost 4 years ago when we went to Europe (and got engaged). That is too long of a wait for me.


2. Sunshine. Lots. of. sunshine. So that I can put on a bathing suit and get a tan. And, as my dad would say, "Get a little skin on that color."


3. Re.lax.ation. Pure, relaxation. I want to bring a suitcase full of books and games (we have a thing for Yahtzee, and Sorry!) and read/play them all. And, I want to fall asleep on a beach or by a pool after reading my books and playing my games.


4. Water, preferably a beach. I may not even get in the water (because I'm not a huge fan of salt water), but there MUST be water.  We did find an all-inclusive "adventure" resort in Mexico that wasn't on a beach, but had cabana rooms with private pools. Nice.


5. Speaking of all-inclusive, lots of food and drinks are necessary. I like food, Chris likes drinks. While an all-inclusive place isn't completely necessary, being surrounded by easy options adds to #3.


6. Culture/Adventure. While I say I want complete relaxation, I don't know if Chris and I can truly sit around for that long. So, we need a place that has some sort of culture and adventure that we can partake in when we get bored from relaxing - a historic site, zip-line, something.


7. Affordable. Let's not forget about the price. We did just buy a house this year and we both decided to go back to school, so something really affordable is essential for our tiny bank accounts. We're thinking that the Caribbean, Mexico, or Costa Rica are good options . . . but if you have ideas, please share!!

Now, you might be thinking that a vacation isn't really a goal as much as it is a wish. But, to us, it's a goal. The definition of a goal is: the result or achievement toward which effort is directed. Our efforts will be directed towards making our vacation dreams come true (aka, saving our pennies! . . . and getting in swim-suit-wearing shape.).

I can't believe I forgot to list it, but now it's out there. And MUST be achieved (or else I might go crazy)!

Welcome!!

Welcome to my blog! (Whoever you are out there!)

I’m going to keep this very first post short and sweet (hopefully) and let you know why exactly I am joining the blogosphere. Two reasons:

• 1) To stay connected and share my life with my family and friends across the country; and


• 2) My New Year’s resolution. (WhenI say “resolution” I really mean something more like “goal” because I hate the idea of resolutions)

No, my New Year’s resolution goal was not to start a blog. Well, not exactly. My New Year’s goal was to try to do everything that I’ve always said that I wanted to do. Kinda overambitious, right? But really, what have I been waiting for?

. . . I kept finding myself thinking that I wanted to do such-and-such, but never thought when I wanted to do. I never gave myself a timeline or date, until now. 2011 will be the year that I start doing everything that I've said I wanted to do:

• Keep in touch with family and friends better. Since we moved from Missouri to Washington, DC it has proved difficult (for me) to keep in touch with family and friends in the Show Me state and beyond. This blog will help (along with letters, cards, emails, and calls.)


• Blog. Ok, ok, yes, blogging was part of my New Year’s resolution goal. Honestly,  I’ve been thinking about starting one ever since I moved out to DC in order to share our life with friends and family “back home.” It’s been over 2 years since we moved, so I guess it’s about time I start sharing.


• Get certified to teach secondary social studies. Since I was in high school I’ve wanted to teach high school. (I had a not-so-great teacher that I swore I could do the job better than her!) Buuuut, because I am the WORST decision-maker EVER I always found other interests that I thought would lead to “cool” careers. So, I have finally started classes this semester that will, hopefully, lead to certification by May 2012! (Remember, I cannot make decisions for the life of me, so who knows if I will actually ever teach!)


• Run a Half Marathon (or two . . .) I ran in high school. I earned a scholarship to run in college (although I quit the team 3 weeks in). But, I’ve never even ran a race longer than 6 miles. That will change come this spring though when I run the half in the 2011 National Marathon on March 26! And, I am already contemplating another half marathon, the Marine Corps Historic Half, on my birthday and even a trail-run race along the Potomac!


• Skydive. (Over the Keys perhaps, Kelsey?)


• Do genealogical research. (Dorky, I know.)


• Learn to sew. (First I need a sewing machine. And, something to sew.)


• Learn some photography skills beyond auto and manual settings, and the flash.


• Eat healthy/Perhaps learn to cook healthy-ish things. (I will NOT be giving up french fries though!)
  


• Read more. Obviously, more history books. Well, honestly, probably more historical fiction. And, regular fiction. Although, I could get fancy and read about something like historical architecture, who knows ....


• Decorate my/our new house! (This one I am probably most excited about, but I’m afraid it will be a never-ending process with my oh-so-decisive decision-making skills.)

So, there you have it, although not short and sweet as promised (sorry!). One of my New Year’s goals was to start a blog about living here. And one of them was to stay connected with everyone I love out there. And then there is everything else. . . So, over the course of this blog’s life I will be sharing with you the progress towards my current and future resolutions, and mine, er, our life (let’s not forget about Chris) in Washington. Duh.