Week 52 - a goodbye to 2013

I did not do a very good job of achieving  my 2013 goals, but I stuck with posting weely photos!

This year was HARD, I have never been so challenged in every aspect of my life.

There are many more challenges ahead of me, but I am so proud of the steps that I took this year to be happier, healthier,  and to love more openly. 

What an amazing year!

Also, a video summary of the year (it is becoming tradition!): 
2013">http://vimeo.com/83208871">2013 Movie
from coffeeintherainhttp://vimeo.com/user12130362">coffeeintherain> on Vimeo.https://vimeo.com">Vimeo.>

Week 51 - Castro Valley!

This last weekend of the year was spent helping a good friend move to Castro Valley (just south of San Francisco).  Loved the sun, Castro Valley seems like a great neighborhood and I can't wait to visit again!

Week 50

Working on presents and a winter day at the beach.  ♥

Week 49 - Vegas Hiking!

The week where I feel so fortunate to have such good friends. ♥

Week 48 - Thanksgiving!

I am not typically a very needy girl, much more a 'if you can, I can too!' type, comfortable in figiuring things out myself.  However, after two separate groups of friends bailed on plans, I am really thankful for partner who is ok with an occasionally clingy girlfriend.  ♥

Week 47

A few bright moments of sunshine!   Next week is a holiday!

Week 46

Week 46 highlights included some moments of sunshine and watching Thor with girlfriends!  ♥

Week 45

Lots of coffee and tea this week, my first eggnog latte of the season,  and warm spiced cider.
Another trip to Vegas for som winter sun booked, and it is sounding like my love may be off for the Thanksgiving holiday!

Week 44

This week was kind of heavy.... so instead:

Simple gosls for November:
1.  Notice the holidays, take time to be thankful for this amazing life!
2.  Run at least one race this month.
3.  Tea, lots of tea.  :)  And maybe a few baths.  :)

Week 43 - Arizona Hiking!

"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt"

Week 42

Can you believe  there are only 10 weeks left in the year?
This week I felt like my immune system needed a cheer squad 'Go!  FIGHT!', pom poms, the whole thing - it has been cold in Seattle and my body has been working hard to fight off all the sickness swarming the workplace. 
I have a very good reason to fight it off - next week I am headed to Vegas to visit with some friends, then driving to Arizona for some amazing hiking!   Can't wait - it is going to be an awesome week!

Week 41

Rough week with such a sweet ending that it left me speachless with gratitude.  

Today I checked a big item off of my life list - I donated my hair!
Drastic cut, dancing in my kitchen, no studying, and somehow everyone (especially D) knew just the right thing to say.  It is the little things... kind words become big things.  ♥

October photo a day: 10/12

October photo a day
October 12:  On the table
Most of these pictures seem to be from my table. :)

October photo a day: 10/11

October photo a day
October 11: Something close up
I am feeling raw, like I have worked so hard for everyone that now it is time for me.  That I need to focus on moving to healthy.

October photo a day: 10/10

October photo a day
October 10: Emotion

After a very stressful day, I was only seeking some harmony.
(Dinner and a book in bed)

October photo a day: 10/09

October photo a day
October 9: Red

This pear is literally the only red thing in my house, red is not my favorite color.  :)
Also today: two miles and arms!

October photo a day: 10/08

October photo a day
October 8: Angle

Yes, it was a literal day.  :)
On the upside,  I cleaned up a file room today, allowed myself some rest time, and haven't eaten any candy in 9 days! 

October photo a day: 10/07

October photo a day
October 7: Light
Weird sunrise this morning. :)

October photo a day: 10/06

October photo a day
October 6: I’m thankful for…
My little life.
For passing a test, for yoga, Sundays at the farmer’s market, for friends who meet for lunch when you are worried about family.  I’m thankful.

Week 40

This week shook me up.
And I passed my 5th exam toward my CEBS!  I didn't think it was going to happen, but so very very thankful to have passed this exam!

October photo a day: 10/05

October photo a day
October 5: Shadow
Cleaned and tidied up my kitchen and balcony this morning, ran to yoga, an hour of relaxation and thinking of my mom.  Quick pic in the shadows, home for lunch and last minute flash card review, up to Montlake Terrace for my proctored exam - I PASSED!  I am so thankful!
Quick side trip to try on my birthday present, and home to make stuffed acorn squash (accompanied by a celebratory glass of wine!). 
Today has been quite the day!  ♥

October photo a day: 10/04

October photo a day
October 4: What I read
More studying for my Comp test tomorrow - really hoping I pass, my brain is tired!

October photo a day: 10/02

October photo a day
October 2: Lunch
Studying with a side of grilled cheese and pear.  :)

October photo a day: 10/01

October 1: Where you stood
(Waiting for the bus with chai and mini pumpkins)

I once did a Project 365, but since haven't been good about sticking with projects like this, but maybe birthday month will make me lucky and diligent!   :)

Week 39

Well, the race didn't happen, but we had a great weekend getaway!

Week 38

Two more yoga sessions and a lazy fall weekend.  I baked our first pumpkin breaf of the season,  David bought me some flowers from the farmers market, and we went on an afternoon walk.... I am a bit nervous for next weekend's half marathon,  crossing my fingers that it doesn't rain!

Late week 37

I ate, drank, and tried to jam in a bit of merry around all of the stress of last week.  I have been running again, and bought a fitbit!  I am trying to take time for me, to make myself who I want to be.

Week 36

I'm late, it is already Tuesday of the next week!    I am finding worklife stressful (what is new?)  BUT am really trying to commit to 'me time'.  Last week I ran home from work with one of my co-workers and spent many hours at yoga.  :)
Just a couple more weeks until my next half marathon!

Week 35

Full disclosure: the zoo pic was from weeks ago!  But I snagged it from work this week. :)
We found out that our noisy neighbors are moving, so this week definitely had some highlights!  I am refocusing my fitness goals and worked out 5 days this week with a run, hot yoga, and weights on Saturday.... maybe I should say 8 workouts in 7 days! 

Week 34

Hello from Saturday night.  :)
Fall was in the air this week, and mornings darker.
I fell in love with a thousand hikes this week, dreaming of my annual fall hiking adventure with my friend Heather.   Passed the CMS1 test this morning, 4 down, 4 to go for my CEBS - I can't tell you the sence of relief experienced with each 'Congratulations' that pops up after clicking 'submit exam for grading'.

Week 33

What a crappy week.  There, I said it. 
But maybe that is how I would feel about any week in which I have a headache every day of the week.  It was never ending, so I took myself to the spa.  The body scrub, seaweed wrap, cooling facial, and head rub was just what the doctor ordered, got rid of the headache but gained a full body rash (I am guessing from the seaweed?).  Oh well, at least I didn't have a headache today!

Today

It is painful hearing that someone doesn't believe in your vision.  Doesn't believe in you, doesn't like you.  And difficult to be that person's manager.  Today was painful, a learning experience.

This has been a rough week!  Wednesday will be better!  :)

Week 32

A weird week, I took myself to a movie, changed banks, spent time with girlfriends,  but also an earth shattering work week, and suddenly one of my Uncles passed away. 
I am not really good in these situations,  D is much better.  He gives good hugs and knows that a pretty latte will make me smile.  I am so thankful for the love in my life.  ♥

Week 31

Lol... I have this fear, 31 weeks into the year, that I will now somehow miss a week without realizing. 
This week was busy.  And stressful. 
But the weekend boardered on bliss.  Not that we really did anything, but that it was nice in that sweetness.
Saturday we participated in our first ever garage sale.  We did well, selling our bikes, some art supplies, and a few knick knacks.  We will use the money to pay for the next few months of our rent increase.. or vacation.   Yes, vacation.  :)
Today we stuck to routine: farmer's market and then the gym.  We tried a new to us fruit: cherry plums - loved them!  The taste of a red plum, but just a touch bigger than a cherry, you just pop them in your mouth and chew around the plum pit. 
Beautiful days at the market are always that much better when you come home with flowers and delicious fruits.

Week 30 - Home from Australia

I made it home safe and sound Wednesday afternoon, but have been battling jet lag and a bit of a head cold for the past couple days.  My body is tired and needs sleep, I have to start studying for my next test tomorrow!

Week 29 - Australia!

I am late in posting, it is almost time for week 30!
Week 29 was my first real days in Australia.   I shouldn't have taken this vacation really, as I mentioned in my last post, I was sick the week before, it is a really bad time at work, and let's be honest - Australia is EXPENSIVE!   Typically when I travel with my friend Heather I spend less than $2, 000 on one of our adventures, including airfare.  
The airline ticket alone for this trip was over $2, 000.  And lets not talk about how everything cost serious cash once you are there as well.  Nothing is cheap/free, not even wifi.
But you know what?  I had the BEST time.
My traveling tip is to pay for things in advance - when planning any vacation, I first buy the airline ticket. 
(Side note: I highly recommended Qantas Airlines now, I didn't hate myself after a 13 hour flight from LAX to BNE, and that is saying something!   Plus the food was actually tasty and didn't upset my finicky tummy at all.)  Buy the airline ticket, then pick a few hotels or activities you know you want to see/do/stay at, and pay for those in advance as well (if possible).  I find that when I don't have to worry about a large credit card bill at the end of a vacation, I am much better at living in the moment - relaxing and experiencing everthing that I can.

I loved loved loved Australia.   Never before have so many strangers offered me a job, a place to stay, and to be a part of their lives.  I felt like I had six friends within 20 minutes if landing.  A cab diver told me it was because Australia has so little crime, it's people are so open to everything and everyone.

Week 29 took me to Cairns: a tour of the far north, the Daintree Rainforest,  Cape Tribulation,  the Atherton Tabelands, and the Great Barrier Reef.  I crossed the international date line, and experianced scuba diving both for the first time.

I will absolutely be going back to Australia,  this is one place that I couldn't cover in 2 weeks, and that I look forward to exploring even more of!

Week 28 - Australia!

I was feeling sick most of the week, a lingering migraine from last weekend that just would not go away.  Work was required attendance thought because Friday I left for Australia!  
I think I got it all done, well... enough done. :)  the house isn't clean, the laundry isn't done, but I guess that stuff will wait for my return, right?
In getting to Australia I flew from SEA to LAX, then had a direct flight from LAX to BNE (Brisbane).  LAX to BNE is a 14 hour flight, and I was worried - how was I going to handle 14 hours in an airplane?  Everyone had tips and tricks and I bought into them all, but truthfully,  all of those lotions and potions were not needed.  I slept for the vast majority of the flight.  Awake for maybe four of the 14 hours, I slept again on the flight from BNE to Cairns!  I think I was just so worn out from this past week that my body took that opportunity to catch up on rest.  It was a beautiful thing.  :)
Once I landed in Cairns I hopped a shuttle to my hotel, checked in and showered, booked my tours for the next few days and then ran out to grab some groceries. So far Cairns is reminding me strongly of Maui, maybe with a bit of Belize tossed in.  There are palm trees everywhere and the humid air already has my hair in curls.
Today I am off to explore Cape Trib and the Daintree rainforest - can't wait!  

Week 27

Lol... I literally only took three pictures this week.  How sad and completely unlike me!  They are not even very good! :)
Oh well, it was back to work after vacation, a week of intense heat and ice packs in the bed, fourth of July fireworks from the balcony, and (bah humbug!) the worst migraine I have ever had!
I have most of my trip planned though - on Friday I head to Australia!

Week 26

What a week! 
Recovering from the marathon,  fishing with my parents, visiting family and friends, an awesome trip to Exit Glacier, back to work, sweltering heat, and a bee sting on my toe!
Lol.... it hasn't been boring, that's for sure!

Week 25 - Marathon week!

I did it.  Just barely, but I finished!
Miles 1-14 were good, I was on pace and feeling good.  The rocks were brutal on feet though, so miles 18 - 21 were ROUGH.  My Mom and Dad met me just after mile 21, my Mom walked with me to the end cheering the whole group to the finish line. 
It took WAY longer to finish than I though it would, but I FINISHED.
Next time will be better.  :)

Week 24

Monday I snuck in a pedicure,  Tuesday my massage and a book signing, and the rest of the week was spent studying - but I passed (!!!!) which somehow makes it all worth it.  :)
Next up: the marathon!
I can't believe that in less than a week I will have run my first marathon!

Week 23

This was the week of - pictures?  What pictures?
Home early from work two days, studying non stop, the test is in one week and I got a 39 on the practice exam!  Terrible!  
We ran errands (in the sinshine!) but I kept forgetting my phone at home.  :)  There were gym sessions and intence ab work outs, but no running to report - letting my poor toes heal this week!

Week 22 - last long run of marathon training!

I was trying for 23 miles this week, but I am going to just be happy with my 20.
It was hot, I was covered in pollen,  ran out of water at 16 miles, the sunburn after sweating off my sunscreen,  and the blisters on my poor toes! 
I am mad that 20 miles took so long, not because the running was hard, but because all of these other factors got in the way.
What else happened this week?  I have no idea, running has consumed my life.  :)

Week 21

This was a big week!
Last weekend I ran 18 miles, and ran another 4 with my coworkers on Monday - including hills!
David had a slew of interviews and his  Chef of the Day project on Friday - all a huge success!  It has been so nice seeing him so happy.  :)

18 miles including the Beat the Bridge 8k

18 miles DONE!
Awesome run, ran to the Beat the Bridge 8k, beat the bridge (just barely, but still - awesome!), and then ran home (plus a 1.5 mile detour because I NEEDED to see 18 miles of me not giving up happen today!).
Thankfully it was a great run, my shoulders and feet are sore, but nothing a shower and a nap won’t fix. :)

I have to say that I was not a fan of the Beat the Bridge 8k, and won't be repeating this race.  Too many people in an area not able to support then - the race was crowded and then we spent almost an hour waiting in line to exit Husky Stadium.   That would have been scary if anything bad had happened. 

Next year I will be going back to the Seattle's Best 15k.  :)

Week 20

Two gym days, a conference,  happy hour, studying,  more calories,  more water, fingers crossed for tomorrow's 18 miles.  :)

Week 19

Another rough long run.  Cramps and a budding migraine (thankfully no fighting this week, I was feeling great until friday!) left me contemplating turning back after a just a mile.  I don't know how but I kept going and am again hoping next week will be better!  :)

Week 18

This week we really almost broke up, I had found an apartment and said the words.  But then he surprised me, wants to do the work, wants to keep trying, said that though the last two years have been hard he loves me, sees the progress that I am making, and is proud of my accomplishments.

And I really never thought I would hear that, or him acknowledge that his fears and no response have been driving a wedge between us.  So the move is on hold, we are trying one more time.  My long run was rough again today, but hopefully next week will be better.

Yes, the most stressful/busiest time of the year at work, selling my condo, the boyfriend business, and marathon training. What we are capable of is sometimes amazing.

Simple Goals for May

I set a few small goals for March, some I was sucessful with, some not. 
But I love the idea of goal setting, so here it goes for May:

Plan my Australia vacation
Continue sticking to the training plan for my marathon on June 22nd!
I have been told that I may be holding on to my weight for unhealthy reasons... think about that and focus on what I want long term when making food choices.
Drink a lemonade on the balcony.

Camelbak Dart 50oz.

 

 

After yesterday's 16 mile run, I can honestly give the Camelbak Dart 50oz two thumbs up - it covers everything on my ‘must do’ list, so I thought I would share!  :)

My favorite features:
Left side front pocket - let’s be honest, the twin front pocket styles of hydration packs are not designed for or flatering on girls with my shape. This pack has just one pocket, which is spacious (yesterday I kept a GU, my cell phone and a tissue in there) secure (nothing fell out, even while I was stretching), and placed to the side.
Easy access pocket at the bottom of the pack - I stored my back up gels here and was able to reach them while running/walking without taking off the pack.
Separate pocket and clip for my keys - there is a key clip and two mesh pockets on the top pocket. Perfect for my ID, credit card, a little cash, my bus pass and keys.
Adjustable while running - I have found it easy to tighten or adjust straps while running, and really have found this pack to fit well. It stays in place and doesn’t swish back and forth on my back while running. I also haven’t had any problems with it causing my shirt to move around.

The cons - the only bad thing I could say about this pack is that the guy at the running store said that anytime you carry water on your back or hips you are changing your gate.  I have noticed this a little bit, and to me it just feels a little like using new muscles which is something that I will get used to, but I would not recommend adding a hydration pack just before race day for this reason.

And I have to say that it is still cool here, I haven’t tested the chaffing issue with a tank top yet. :)

Week 17

Bad week, bad long run.
But you know what?  I got through it.
Lots of biking this week, read books on Australia which encouraged dreams of vacation.
Next week the condo goes on the market - eek!