The Lining is Silver

I've found a new fool-proof way to boost your mood from a downer 2 or 3 to at least a solid 6.5

Step 1: Put on running shoes and prepare iPod with this song:


Step 2: Soak in the lovely, harmonious sounds of Relient K as you pick up speed and get on the running trail of your choice.

Step 3: Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Yes, exactly four times.

Step 4: Take your headphones out, tuck your iPod away in your pocket. Take in the sounds of passing cars, rustling leaves, and whirling breezes. Return a smile and wave to the cute guy (or girl, depending. . . ) running by. Breathe deeply.

Step 5: Sprint the last leg home. Gulp a glass of ice water and cook up a hearty meal.

Step 6: Recognize that you can't trust anyone to sustain your happiness for long. Except you. And maybe Relient K.

I love how Meg Fee said it:

i don't want a life that's perfect. where every day is good. where happiness never falters and gives way to longing or loneliness or pain. that doesn't interest me. why try and hide what makes us human? show me that. give me that. offer up your humanity, your fault-line of divinity, and i will spend each day forging forward into that land where language has no meaning. to that place beyond words where we find and love each other wholly and simply.

First Week in Numbers

16.5- The number of credits I'm enrolled in this semester.
5- Classes to attend on Mondays and Wednesdays
11-hours spent on campus on said days.
15- Clementines I've consumed this week. They're my new apple.
4- Mugs of peach tea (instant relaxation and deliciousness to boot).
10- Hours on the new job.  Getting paid to learn new technology?  I'm down with that.
1- Application submitted to the Department of State.  Summer job in DC?  We'll see.
1- Trip to Urgent Care.  An eye infection.  And one wild bike ride to the clinic with only one functional eye.
3-Awesome professors.  I'm excited for Media Writing, Intro to PR, and World Lit.
1- No, let's make that. . .
2-Beautiful outdoor runs.

Au revoir!

2012 (It Ain't the End)

2012 has officially been ushered in, Martinellis, glass-clinking and all.  I'm excited for the new year, but honestly, today just feels like another day.  And there's something really comforting about that.  I'm happy. I don't feel like I'm dragging myself through the day hour-by-hour, which is a huge blessing because that feeling defined a portion of 2011.  2011 was definitely a growing year-- the calendar equivalent of those rapid growth spurts that leave stretch marks on your legs when you are twelve.  But that's what I said about 2010, wasn't it?

 I'm heading into 2012 with a different outlook than last year.  I'm not waiting for my life to drastically change, though I'm definitely feeling open to embracing new opportunities that may present themselves. For the most part, I'm content where I am, and feel good about the direction in which I'm headed.

I do have a few goals:
-Floss more (Teeth lovin')
-Get into a regular running schedule (Find some races to aim towards & a partner?)
-Sleep more (Or else my 8am classes are going to kill me)
-Vote! (Register. . . )

I could think of a lot more, but I think those are good starting points.

To tie up a few other loose ends from 2011, here is my Winter Break Soundtrack. Good stuff:



And some pictures from my trip to D.C. and the surrounding states:

Family at the National Zoo

Standing on the lawn of George Washington's Mount Vernon Mansion, overlooking the Potomac.

In the incredible National Gallery of Art.  Can I just live there?

 I've had a wonderful Winter Break.  Being away from my family has made me appreciate the time I spend with them even more.  I'm returning to school with a re-vamped wardrobe, (slightly) shorter hair, beautiful memories of skiing, touring, visiting, and relaxing, and an increased drive to ace this next semester.

2012.  It's just the beginning.