Am I crazy?

So I had casually said to a friend a few months ago that it would be fun to walk a half marathon. I like goals, and I like a challenge and a half marathon sounds much more attainable. So cut to this week, and this same friend sends me an email asking if I really want to do it. I thought about it for a few minutes. All kinds of excuses came flooding into my mind. I mean, come on, do I really want to walk 13.1 miles for fun? I still get nam flashbacks when I smell freshly cut grass on a summer morning from field hockey pre-season in high school. It makes me think of whistles blowing and torture. That is how much I love running.

But then the overwhelming feeling of accomplishment that I know I will feel came to the forefront. I want an excuse to really get in shape, and I think not wanting to fail at the race will motivate me to walk lots and lots up until then. And this isn't running, this is walking, and although it can be just as grueling, I feel much more capable. I've got strong legs, and I am not afraid to use them!

So we start this week. We have a plan, and we will hopefully stick to it. It will be fun to hang out regularly with my friend, and I think we will both come out on the other side very pleased with our selves for doing something so challenging.

We are tentatively doing the Prevention Marathon in Philadelphia in November. Another milestone for my thirtieth year and I can't wait!

The Moon and me

Let me tell you about the moon. We have a tense relationship. When I was small, I thought that I was looking at a reflection of earth. I could see little countries, and I was sure that the sky was like a mirror reflecting our image. I loved it when the moon was big. It felt like some weird thing, and reminded me that outer space was not that far away.

Now the moon holds a whole other set of feelings. When its a sliver, I feel at ease. When it is full, I know that people will turn crazy. I know that the likelihood of getting yelled at goes up exponentially. I become aware that the need to have people escorted out by the armed guard will probably become a reality. I might be told that I have ruined Christmas, or just plain old destroyed someone's life. I will have messages from people that I haven't heard from since the last full moon. I look in the sky, and know that the mood will be tense, the people insane.

That moon has some power. I still think its magical, but in a much different way.

Oh what fun!

Last night we were in Lens Crafters and stumbled upon a most magnificent pair of glasses. The new store in the mall is all modern with great lighting and trendy everything. However, tucked in the very back corner in the "budget" section were some beauties. Of course I made the boy model them, and he obliged for my amusement. There were other more incriminating shots, but probably too horrifying to post here without the explicit permission of the subject. For your viewing pleasure.....

Places to go

I have been thinking about travelling the last few days. Not really planning a specific trip, but pondering different places, sites and climates. I think when I start to feel trapped in any area of life, I start thinking about other countries. Wht the weather is like there, if it would be a fun place to visit or even live. It makes me feel like there are options. I have been thinking of Florence the last few days. My iPhone tells me it is sunny and 90 there-has been for the last week, and looks like it will be for awhile. So I don't want to go there now, but thhe spring or fall would be divine.

Last time I was there, it was about 8 years ago while on a backpacking adventure with a friend from college. Florence was magical. There were fireworks over the river the night we arrived, it was like nothing I have ever experienced. It was beautiful, the art was famous, the food delicious and the gelato to die for. Ahhhh. Makes me peaceful just thinking about it now.

I think I need to plan a European vacation. This time hotels and not hostels!

Fireworks make me happy

So there isn't really too much to say other than that. I just love fireworks-mainly the bigger beautiful displays rather than the random ones shot out of someones backyard. They seem magical, like a fairytale. They sparkle and shine-which automatically makes me fall in love.

I havn't gotten to properly see fireworks in years. It has been my goal, my hope every year, and somehow it hasn't happened, until now. It was touch and go there for awhile, but after a romantic dinner at Taco Bell, Chris drove me down to the riverfront to fullfill my dream. We were really close to the start time, so we went in the back way. It was perfect. We watched from underneath I-95 and it was magical. Sparkles, shooting stars, gleaming cascades, explosions, and color. Hopes fullfilled. Sad but true.

So yeah....

So it has been a time since I last posted. Life got a little wild, and by wild I mean stressful, and by stressful I mean close to nervous breakdown level. I think between sewing 5 hours a day, working about 50+ hours a week, it all got to be too much. I am learning about burnout, and taking time to relax. I think I have been completely burnt out for at least a year, just willing myself to keep going. But a girl can only do that for so long. I think I am slowly getting to the point where I can tread water again vs drown, but I really want to be swimming and enjoying life again.

I think I might even start sewing again this weekend-there is a sign of life!

And ps-if you havn't seen wall-e you really must. I felt unfortunately akin to that little guy.