new things

I don't know that I necessarily had any new year's resolutions, but there's something about the new year that makes me want to try to be a better person... in many aspects of my life. Obviously I'm not talking about any major changes in my life, but just trying to be more motivated to do what I really want to do.

I started running again. I like to run and I basically hadn't run since high school track until about a year and a half ago. I started running with a group at the YMCA and it was fun. I ran some 5Ks and really enjoyed them. I'm just so bad about staying in shape though. I ran a 5K in September and it kicked by butt. So, now I decided to train (I don't know that train is really the right word for it - I'm just trying to run at least 3 times per week) for the half marathon in Nashville. I have 2 other friends that are doing it with me and that's really the only way to stay motivated. I hope we're able to keep it up until the race at the end of April.

I just started drinking tea. Obviously this isn't monumental, but I've never liked tea before. I tried iced tea when I first moved to Tennessee and wasn't impressed, so I never tried the hot stuff. I read an article about how green tea gives you longer lasting energy than coffee, so I decided to try it for myself. I didn't jump right in with straight green tea, but I tried a blend with a little citrus flavor added and it is quite tasty. I was never an every-day coffee drinker and I still don't want to become addicted to caffeine, so I don't drink it every day, but it's a nice pick-me-up a few times a week.

back to the grind

I'm so excited that it's Friday! The work week is finally almost over. It was so hard to go back to work after having so many days off. I definitely enjoyed having two 4-day weekends in a row, but now this will be my first weekend in town for a while. I was out of town the last three weekends for Christmas and New Years. I got to hang out with most of my family which is always fun. Then I got to head out to Colorado to go skiing. I always forget how beautiful the Rockies are. Sometimes I wonder why I don't live out west, but I'm sure I would take it for granted if I lived there. It also made me appreciate where I live too though. The day we flew back it was over 70 degree so I couldn't help but head over to Radnor to hike. It was a little weird going skiing one day in the wind and snow and the next hiking in short sleeves and capris. I definitely enjoyed the holidays, but now I'm really looking forward to having a pretty chill weekend.

Last night I finally finished reading Pride and Prejudice. It was so good! I already knew the whole story line since I had seen the movies, but it still put a smile on my face. I don't know why. It's not like I have a Mr. Darcy pining after me. I do think I would take Pemberley over Nashville any day though. Reading the book always made me think about what it would have been like to live in the 19th century. Some aspects seem so appealing and others seem to be rather annoying at times. I suppose the 21st century is treating me pretty well.