You know that feeling you get when you get to the top? You've been struggling all day, climbing over rocks, ducking branches, jumping streams all the while you are questioning the decision you made that morning to climb the mountain? Then you get to the top, and it's clear. It is the most beautiful view you've ever seen, your breath is knocked right out of you. That's when you know, you've won. You've won the summit race.
Life brings that same feeling. We all want to win the race.
my best friend
her name is saylor, and she'll love you no matter what.
Monday, January 24, 2011
I've often looked at my past and wondered how things chose the path they did. Was that path destined for me, or did I make things happen for them to occur? I can never decide. But I can tell you one thing, I am a believer in fate. Things do happen for a reason, and sometimes can't be explained. And at this point in my life, I couldn't be happier with how fate has decided to navigate me.
Well, my project failed. I should have known. It's a lot harder than you think to take a picture each day! I know I should have tried a little harder, but maybe next year? They say baby steps are best, so maybe I'll start over, and set a smaller goal to achieve.
I've noticed I've been having problems getting out of my comfort zone with my camera. A lot of times I'm too worried about what's going on around me to get in and get the creative, must-have shot. I think my new goal is this: go for it. If I have to stand at a weird angle, or hold up the traffic behind me a bit..I'm going to get my picture!
Ok, now I feel better. New goals, new attitude.
PS I am currently downloading a 30 day trial of Apple's Aperture 3. Feedback soon to come!
Anyone can take a picture. But, what does it take to take a really good picture? One that makes you take a longer look or double take or say WOW. PRACTICE.
This year, 2011... I will be taking one picture everyday. I hope to gain lots of experience at what makes a good photograph, take a wide variety of different objects,settings,people, etcs. I also will be able to become one with my camera and really get to know the settings, and how to operate it to the best of it's potential.
Check back in a week or so, I'll have my 365 link up. Follow me along on this new little adventure.
That means in approximately 21 days I can have my front row spin bike back, and get on my favorite treadmill (the one with the little fan on it) without having to stare down the fat man trying to get to it first. I'm by no means hating on anyone trying to get healthy and fit, but I do not like when you come to my gym the first two weeks of January, interfere with my workouts, then leave. It is so frustrating!
So, the countdown is on...16 days until gym freedom!!
I am one lucky girl living in the Nation's Capital during the holiday season. Everywhere I look there is something festive sparkling! This year my holiday started Thanksgiving when I got to spend it down on my Uncle's farm in Southern Virginia. It was quite the experience, not really being a farm girl myself. I got to hang out with a calf, who was sad because they took his mom off to be bred. He kept moo-ing all day. I didn't realize that cows require courtships, but they do. It takes about 4-6 weeks for a cow to be properly courted. Anyways, Thanksgiving dinner was great. My apple pie was a hit! A real American apple pie. De-lish!
This season I've really been in the Christmas spirit. I went and got a real Christmas tree. Well, it's a teensy little one, about 2 feet tall and sits on my table. But, it's a tree and it's so pretty. I'm really proud of my little tree! I even remember to water it. I wish I had gifts to put underneath, maybe next year.
My tree. :)
This year, I was lucky enough to get tickets to the National Christmas Tree Lighting. I've always wanted to be a part of such a historic event and am so happy this year I was able to go. We bundled up and braved the bitter cold. We found our spots, and patiently waited for the First Family to flick the switch and watch the most famous Christmas tree light up! It was so great. I hope I get to go again one day, this time maybe have seats that are a little closer :).
I can't wait to enjoy the rest of the Holiday Season and see what Santa has in store for me :) I've been quite the good girl this year. I have a great feeling about 2011, it's going to be a wonderful year! I hope to be able to give back this year as well and extend what I can to those in need.
I love working out. It's what I look forward to after a tough day at work, it's where I can go and get in my zone. There is no better feeling than finishing a bad ass spin class and walking out, sweating more than the pro-arena football players that frequent my gym, although I still haven't quite figured out what their workouts entail. They tend to socilaize and let their eyes roam. That could be very well why the NFL hasn't exactly been calling. Like I said, I get in my zone and go, but however I do notice some funny little quirks that don't so much bother me, but make me chuckle. Let's review:
1. Girls, this is not happy hour. I don't quite understand the social draw of the gym. I don't go there to buy a hot guy next to me a shot of whiskey. I'm there so that next time I'm at the bar, he's buying me the shot of whiskey. SO there is nothing more annoying than giggling 25 year old girls walking around trying to look cute, I think I did that when I was 12.
2. The strange collection of workout gear. I get it, I love a cute running outfit as much as the next girl. But I don't match my hair ties, shoes, water bottle and socks. I also don't wear leotards, with matching skirts. The other night, I also saw this chick who was (not kidding you) walking on the treadmill in jeggings. For those of you that don't know, jeggings are the newest little gem in fashion. Leggings, made out of denim. However, they aren't mean for sweating it out on the treadmill. That in no way can be comfortable. And jeggings are not friendly to sweat. gross.
3. There is nothing more intrusive to my workout, than a guy on the treadmill next to me constantly looking over at what my speed is, then increasing his, by 8. He's then holding on for dear life, pretty much not touching the treadmill with his toes. Now I just know you are an idiot, you are risking falling and hurting yourself. I don't think I'd care enough to help you up. I'd probably laugh, then get someone to help you up.
4. My last gym pet peeve, cell phones. I came to the gym to get away from work and life's stresses. I didn't come to listen to why that offer on the house didn't go through. If I have my headphones in, and I can still hear you...that's an issue. I don't care that it's a competitive market and you were SURE you'd get your dream home...
So why am I writing this post of complaints? Well, a good friend of mine belongs to this gym that has what is called a LUNK ALARM. At first, I wasn't a believer. But then when I found out what it did, I was hooked. I think every gym should have a LUNK ALARM, and if you are there, being a douche bag...you should getting lunked. I love a good work out, and I may grunt a little on a tough ass hill in spin class or that last extra squat, but by no means do I do this:
