Resolutions Recap

5.29.14

I am a big believer that setting goals only leads to success. And sharing goals with others  (rather than keeping it to myself) helps me stick to my goals. 

I mentioned in an earlier post that I want to do a evaluation of my New Year's Resolutions. A lot of people may think New Year's Resolutions are lame-o but I like to consider it a clean slate for the calendar year! 

(1) A bad habit I am going to break:

 -Sweet tooth tendencies

(2) A new skill I’d like to learn:

 -Photography

-Balancing poses in yoga (i.e. Headstands)

(3) A person I hope to be more like:

 -Nana Q

(4) A good deed I’m going to do:

 -Being there for my friends more

(5) A place I’d like to visit:

 -Acadia National Park

(6) A book I’d like to read:

 -“Girls in White Dresses”

(7) A letter I’m going to write:

 -More "thank you" notes to family

(8) A new food I’d like to try:

 -Find the perfect green juice/smoothie recipe

Sometimes it can be hard to stick to goals when life gets in the way. I'm glad I wrote these down so I can refer to them throughout the year. Shall we recap?

(1) I like to indulge in a small bowl of chocolate ice cream while I watch The Daily Show... sue me. But the cliche is so true: everything in moderation! 

(2) As mentioned in a previous post, I have definitely become interested in taking more photos and editing them with Afterlight. However, I have put yoga on the back-burner until the 10K is complete. I am making it my mission get back on my mat when I check out new studios in Nashville.

(3) I don't get to see my Nana Q as much as I would like. But, when I do, I make a point to ask her questions about her life when she was in her 20s and living on a farm in Normandy. The most important part is to listen with intent. She is one of my biggest role models and I have so much to learn from someone who always put love and family first. The #1 thing she always says is "When you have your faith, you are never alone."

(4) I think I am doing just fine with this one :)

(5) I have yet to visit Acadia! Now that I am moving to Nashville in a few weeks, I'll change this one to the Great Smoky Mountains! Planning a hiking trip asap.

(6) I read the preview on my iPad... does that count? I'm adding "Looking For Alaska" by John Green to my list because I obviously loved "The Fault in Our Stars" like every other chick in America.

(7) Nothing is better than good old fashion snail mail! I love writing "thank you" notes and I buy stationary every chance I get. 

(8) I purchased a juicer in late February. For a few weeks, I was making fresh pressed juices like it was my job - and it used to be my job back when I worked at the local yoga studio juice bar! I'll share some of my favorite recipes in a later post :)

So far, I don't think I have done too bad. I hope this post inspires you to write down some of your goals (whether they are serious or just for fun) and stick to them!

First Trail Run!

05.28.14

On Sunday morning, Allie, Kristen and I headed out to Mendon Ponds Park for our first trail run. We all thought we should mix it up from our usual path along the Erie Canal and really challenge ourselves before the North Face 10K. 

We met up around 9 AM to get started. Allie found this specific trail that was just shy of 5 miles. Apparently, the other options at Mendon Ponds seemed too easy so she picked this one. If you can see the map clearly, it is the dark green trail to the right of Douglas Road.

When we got started, it seemed as if the entire path was uphill. It was a brutal start and I thought I was going to be in serious trouble. The first mile is always the hardest hurdle for me. But this one was really special!

Surprisingly, everything went well (except Allie having a few clumsy moments) and we finished in about an hour. I've never ran such steep hills in my life. Thank goodness I wasn't the only one struggling because none of us had done anything like that before.

I wish I had a way to take pictures because the trail under the blanket of trees was unbelievably beautiful. I left my phone in the car to really unplug.

We all agreed that it was a refreshing kick in the butt and just what we needed. Sometimes running seems a little mundane but this trail really kept us focused and sharp. I think we will head back soon for round two! 

Running with family or friends makes the whole experience much more enjoyable. I can do 5 miles easy when I have people with me. (I get incredibly bored when it's just me.) Allie and Kristen were really encouraging because I was certainly the newbie runner among the group. They both have a couple of marathons under their belts. Their little tips and tricks along the way were really helpful. But, it was comforting that none of us had every done a trial like this before. 

If I can survive this, I think I will be just fine during the 10K in less than 2 weeks! So excited!

Mac-a-Doodle

5.25.14

Shhh... this post is a secret. Nobody tell my sister I am doing this. I wanted to write a post about one of my favorite furry friends - Mr. Mac.

In March 2012, my sister adopted a border collie puppy and he was the biggest pain in my ass. She named him Kevin McCallister (or "Mac") because he ran around the house like a bat outta hell when he first arrived. 

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love dogs. But this one was a whole other story. I nicknamed him "Satan" for many reasons. It wasn't due to lack of effort. Believe me, Allie did everything under the sun to train this dog. But he just wasn't having it. He barked at everything, he bolted out of doors and window screens, and he growled anytime anyone had food around ever (in an Italian household, that is all the time). A few times, he even tried to bite my booty. Apparently, he doesn't like my lululemons and wants a chunk out of them.

But a few months ago... something changed. Mac became this friendly, gentle, cuddly, sweet puppy we all knew he could be. He started going to doggy day care and made tons of new friends. He doesn't bark at bicycles or strollers anymore. He doesn't charge out of second story windows anymore (thank goodness that habit is done).

To be honest, I was kind of depressed at the thought of Mac leaving Rochester to become a hipster cowboy in Nashville. But since I've made the decision to go with them, I am much happier! I get to be a full-time doggy aunt! 

The Happiest Run on Earth!

05.24.14

This morning, I ran my first color run! A few months ago, my mom, sister and I all registered for the Rochester Color Run. We partnered up with our favorite running buddies/old family friends. It was such a nice mother/daughter event and a great way to kick off the holiday weekend.

I have always wanted to cross a color run off of my fitness bucket list! (Next up: North Face Endurance Challenge 10K in June and then the Disney Princess Half Marathon next February)

Post-Race Pic

Mama & her girls! (Well, Allie looks like 1970s Bruce Jenner)

The Mamas looking proud and fierce!

The Q girls are real "tough." Kristen looks adorable. Typical.

After the race, we all stopped for refreshments at a new local coffee shop, The Press. We all really enjoyed our iced mochas. 

I think the moms are now hooked on doing more 5Ks. The community aspect of running and overall fitness can be really encouraging and motivating. I'll have to start looking up more races and running clubs in Nashville!

I hope everyone has a relaxing holiday weekend! Remember the men and women who put their lives on the line to fight for our freedom and safety. (Post & Color Run dedicated to Staff Sgt. Nick Reid and Staff Sgt. Wade Bennett)

"I get by with a little help from my friends..."

5.22.14

For the last few weeks, I have been very focused on my friendships. I consider myself extremely blessed to have so many people to care about and that care about me. 

One of the many New Year's Resolutions that I made back in January was to make more of an effort in my friendships. (P.S. I am going to do a post in a week or two to re-evaluate my resolutions halfway through the year and look at my progress!)

In my opinion, there is nothing more cathartic than a genuine conversation with my sister, my best friends, a DG sister, or my mom.  Every time I call up a friend, send a "checking in" text, or get a cup of coffee with a sister, I think to myself "I gotta do this more often!"

There is nothing that makes me laugh harder than an entire emoji convo with my best friends. And there is nothing that brings me more joy than going out for a long lunch with my DG little, Rachel. 

They have been nothing short of supportive and excited on my behalf for all of the life-changing decisions I have made in the last few weeks. That love and support is what makes me sure that I can do it and do it well.

UofR/DG Three Amigos [Farrell & Natalie]

DG Seniors 2014 (photo cred: Christianna)

Me & My Teeny [Rachel]

Elementary/High School Three Amigos at Senior Ball [Lizzie & Emma]

A few weeks ago, I was honored to be asked to be Lizzie's bridesmaid next summer. Words cannot express how happy it makes me that Emma and I will be standing next to her on the most special day of her life.

The group text we had going (with all of the bridesmaids) made me laugh so hard during the trying day I was having. No matter how stressed I am about work or my future plans, group texts with my best friends always make me laugh. 

My friends mean the world to me and I am so lucky to have them in my life. Friendship really is a beautiful thing. 

Capture the Moment

05.21.14

Aside from working 8AM-5PM and training for the race, I have found a passion that I really enjoy! I have become completely obsessed with taking and editing pictures. For months, I had been toying with the idea of getting a DSLR camera and really jumping into photography with both feet. But, for my birthday last month, I replaced my broken iPhone 4 with a brand new 5s. The camera is spectacular! What an upgrade.

For the time being, I'm going to stick with my 5s. I will (eventually) get a DSLR but I am more than satisfied with the quality of the photos that the 5s takes.

I would not be as interested in taking pictures if it weren't for the Afterlight editing app. I'm sure a lot of you have already heard of it. I finally pulled the trigger in seeing what all the fuss was about. And I am so glad I did! I almost can't take a picture without editing it with Afterlight.

In April, my family and I went to Naples, Florida for a week and I went crazy editing pictures during our trip. I bet they were really annoyed that I looked like I was on my phone and disengaged for our family trip but they sure did love the pictures when I was done!

Here are some of my favorites:

 Cabana Dan's at Vanderbilt Beach, Naples

Boat Tour, Everglades City

 Bougainvillea in our front yard, Naples

 Boat dock, Everglades City

 La Bazenne Royale, Old Naples

Going to new places and trying new things are the perfect opportunity to take pictures. But, I also try to make a point to take pictures of things I see everyday. Don't forget: familiarity doesn't make something less special.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

05.20.14

I'm finding it hard to concentrate on the things that need to get done while all of this change swirls around me. Graduating college is a major transition and I was in denial for the weeks leading up to it. 

I acted like it was no big deal so I wouldn't have to adjust to life after college. Realizing my best friends are a full six hour drive away is painful. The only cure for that is to schedule visits and reunions!

Lately, I have been making a point to let go of some of my Type A tendencies and enjoy every day for what it is without planning the next day. I think that has been working out in my favor! Very refreshing. However, the crazy list-maker inside of me is dying to get every little thing organized before I leave Rochester.

This will be my mantra when I start the packing process:

Organizing everything I have ever owned before I move seems like the most daunting task right now. I have to move out of my college apartment, back into my parent's house (for 7 weeks), and head "down south to the land of the pine." It feels strange calling it my "parent's house" but I guess I'm at that age now. Another thing I'll have to just get used to!

I have been doing more and more research on Nashville - restaurants, yoga studios, hiking/running trails, flea markets, etc. I can already feel the butterflies in my stomach.

For the first time in my life, I feel like I am in the driver's seat. 

This is the kind of change I could get used to.

Fitness Goals

05.19.14

As I mentioned in my first post, I have been training for a 10k trail race. I have never ran more than 5 miles in my life! Not to mention, half of the race consists of tip-toeing on the rocky bluffs along the Potomac River in Virginia. The elevation will be another challenge for me.

I signed up for this race months ago at my brother, Jon's, recommendation. He and my sister, Allie, run marathons like I watch re-runs of Seinfeld. I am a little bit nervous but I think that nervous energy will turn into something amazing come race day.

If you told me a year ago I would be running a 10k, I would laugh in your face! (No offense.) Running does not come easily to me. But when I have my mind set on something, I have to do it. A trail race is not the opportunity to PR but I am eager to challenge myself mentally and physically and cross that finish line.

While my brother and sister complete the half marathon, I will be running along side my future sister-in-law, Danielle. I am excited to cross this event off of my bucket list with the people I really care about.

Last weekend, six of us (Jon, Danielle, Allie, and the two dogs) jogged along the canal path. It was one of the best training days I have had since I started last month. I'd like to think it was because I was in great company! 

I can't talk about running without mentioning my other fitness passion: vinyasa yoga. I haven't been on my mat in a while due to my 10k training schedule but I can't wait to get back at it. I feel my muscles contract and and tighten up when I run. When I am sweating in a 100 degree room, balancing all of my weight forward and onto the base of my hands and my knees placed gently on my triceps, that is when I am truly empowered. My next goal in my yoga practice is to master a forearm stand... eventually. My sister promises me fabulous yoga in Nashville and I am really looking forward to trying a lot of different studios! 

The one thing I can count on when I lace up my sneakers or roll out my yoga mat is that I am bound to learn something new. That is what makes achieving my fitness goals so special and important to me.

Welcome!

05.18.14

Welcome to my blog! I am excited and nervous to begin my blogging adventure. I am a very recent college graduate with dreams of a happy and balanced life. I thought today, of all days, would be an appropriate time to begin writing about the next chapter of my life. 

This morning, I graduated from the University of Rochester (officially). With my cap, gown, and Delta Gamma pin in place, I walked through Eastman Quad arm-in-arm with my best friends. 

The whole day was a blur and I think it will take time for everything to really sink in. When I think of my time at the U of R, I can't help but smile. I feel extremely fortunate and blessed to have had a supportive family encouraging me the whole way, and sisters to create a lifetime of memories. 

Although graduations have a tendency to make people look back to their past or look ahead to their future, I think there is no time like the present. 

My current life consists of spending quality time with my family, gaining professional experience at a local advertising agency, and training for my upcoming 10k trail race. I really can't complain. Life is good.

I hope to use this blog as an opportunity to chronicle my everyday life as a 20-something with big dreams. 

Earlier this week, I made the decision to move to Nashville with my sister in July! I couldn't be more excited. As a girl who was born and raised in Rochester, New York and went to college down the road from my parent's house, I am more than ready to try something completely new!

In just a few weeks, this will be my new home! I wouldn't be able to do something so gutsy if it weren't for (a) my sister Allegra, always an inspiration to me, (2) my parents for encouraging us to spread our wings and fly, and (d) my friends for being so excited on my behalf. I have never felt such genuine support from a spectacular group of people. 

So much is ahead of me, it seems silly to look back!