Week 1: Catching Up

The time is finally here! I officially started training for the Disney Princess Half Marathon last weekend.

Week 1: 2 mile run, 2.5 mile run, 3 mile run, cross-training, 5 mile run
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10


I've been crazy busy taking on extra hours at work and enjoying some time away from the computer while I prepare for Christmas.

Last weekend, as you may have seen on Instagram (bonus points if you follow my dad on insta), I went to Eastman's Kilbourne Hall to see my mama sing. It has become a little tradition to stop in at Java's before the show with my dad while mom is rehearsing. I ordered a hot chocolate with a shot of espresso... and still managed to fall asleep during the boring parts of the show.

It really feels like the Christmas season is actually happening when I'm at Eastman hearing my mom sing Handel's Messiah. 

 On Sunday night, my mom and I got last minute tickets to see Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at the Auditorium Theater. I absolutely LOVED the movie adaptation when I was younger so it was great knowing all the words to the songs! Mom and I were smirking to each other about the people singing out loud around us... people were really into it!

It was such a treat to have a date with each of my parents last weekend! I'm a lucky girl.

I love Pittsford in the winter. I'm sure I'll be spending a lot more time in the village in the next few weeks of training!

I'm currently reading "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed and loved this quote so much, I documented it (of course). This book has been on my nightstand for months. Now that the movie is out, I have to hurry up and finish it before the Oscar buzz begins!

This weekend will be another busy one! I have another Christmas party with Girls Group tomorrow and I have to keep chipping away at my training. My first long run (5 miles) is scheduled for this weekend. I moved the run to Sunday because it should be warm enough for me to run outside (about 37 degrees - fingers crossed!) The more I run on a treadmill, the more I hate it. I'll take any opportunity (aka any weather above freezing temperatures) to run outside. I have my gloves, performance fleece, long leggings, and fleece headband all ready to go!

Girls Group Christmas Party!

Last night, in one word, was magical. Back in October, when I met with the Executive Director at Cameron, she had expressed some concern about where the girls might have their Christmas party this year. Without hesitation, I volunteered our house to have the girls over. Since then, I had been looking forward to hosting the Girls Group at my house for a Christmas party. 

It was an amazing experience for the girls and for myself. These girls don't have the opportunity to trim a Christmas tree, decorate gingerbread men, or eat some real Italian food! Before dinner started, I suggested we all say Grace and go around the table to share what they are thankful for. Almost all of the girls said they were thankful for their families. Despite any differences or hardships people might have, we can all be thankful for our family. Some of the other girls said that they were "thankful to be here" and "grateful for life." 

I couldn't do it without this girl right here. Katherine is an amazing individual and works tirelessly for the kids at Cameron. We happened to be matching in our winter flannels!

The girls absolutely LOVED decorating cookies and taking some home to share with their families.

It really opened my eyes to the happiness that comes from the little things in life. These girls teach me so much every time I spend time with them. Most importantly, they teach me not to take anything for granted and to keep working toward my goals. As the girls were packing up their things to go back home, I said, "It is much more fun to decorate the Christmas tree with friends!" In response, one of the girls, Ariana, looked up at me and said, "No, it's like we're a family!" It is events like these that show what Christmas is all about.

P.S. Thank you to my parents for helping to put together this little shindig for the girls and for being the best example on what it means to care for others. 

'Tis the Season

The month of December flies by way too quickly. I'm trying to enjoy every day of this month and savor these moments! I remember a religion teacher in high school used to start class prayer by saying, "Slow us down, Lord!" and she was so right. I don't want to rush through the holidays. 

This year, more so than any other year, I feel like I've been truly getting into the holiday spirit. 

Waking up to this during Thanksgiving break was so beautiful, I immediately grabbed my phone to take a picture. There is nothing quite like a fresh blanket of snow on the ground! (Especially when I get the third spot in the garage and don't have to brush off my car)

I've been making it a priority to hang out with family and friends as much as possible. My parents and I went to Pittsford Farms Dairy last week and I'd love to go back again before Christmas to pick up another bottle of eggnog (and more ice cream... duh). I just. can't. get. enough. 

Plus, I absolutely love the atmosphere of the village during Christmastime. Once the snow actually arrives, I am going to make time to take pictures of the lights and snow before it's too late. 

These two are the best. They are so hilarious and adorable. I'll have to kidnap them soon to go late-night bowling or sledding (if the snow ever comes). 

Movie night! (Dane's first viewing of Beverly Hills Cop)

Even my workouts have been holiday themed! On Saturday morning, I completed this upper body workout after some cardio on the elliptical. I've been taking any opportunity I can to get to the gym before training officially starts. Unfortunately, I only got in two workouts last week. I've been justifying that with the fact that my new job is extreeeemely active. 

I'm always using Pinterest to keep myself motivated with new workouts!

That afternoon, I went to the mall to meet up with the Girls Group from Cameron. Girls Group is a club for 5th and 6th grade girls at an inner-city after school program. I've been volunteering since I moved back to Rochester and I've really enjoyed my time with them. They are really amazing individuals with incredible goals and aspirations. We took them to the mall to pick out new Christmas dresses and shoes for a fancy dinner that we are having in a few weeks. 

Can't wait to see Jalisa and Ananda in their new dresses soon!

Before I know it, Jon and Danielle (+ their puppies) and Allie will be back in town to watch Home Alone 1 & 2 with me! 

Friday Favorites 6

Favorite Beverage: 

Earlier this week, my mom wanted to prep beets for the rest of the week's post-dinner salads. Unfortunately, they didn't come out as well as she wanted and I took that opportunity to juice them! One of my favorite juices is carrot, apple, lemon, and ginger. But this week, I added beets! It's a shame I didn't have time to take a pic of the crazy purple juice... It was so delicious I was guzzling it!

I've had my juicer for almost a year and have never juiced beets in it before! It's one of my favorite vegetables and could benefit from adding it to my juices more often. Yummmm.

Favorite Quote:

I'm still adjusting to my work schedule and finding a routine that is both efficient and not rushed. I'm absolutely loving my new job but it sure is exhausting! I've been enjoying taking things easy during a busy time of year. I've done all my Christmas shopping online and enjoyed relaxed nights at home or with my friends. It's amazing to see how much more fun everyday life can be when you don't give yourself a to-do lists and deadlines. 

Favorite Song:

Laura Jensen's version of "Use Somebody" 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBzcOUOY5YY

Favorite Indulgence:

Pittsford Dairy Egg Nog... are you guys sensing a pattern? I am obsessed with Pittsford Dairy year-round! Last week, my parents and I stopped by to pick up dessert for game night with my cousins. We got two pints of ice cream (my personal favorite is Perfect Storm - chocolate and vanilla ice cream with crushed oreo and cookie dough) and my dad grabbed the big bottle of egg nog. It is amazing. I can't drink too much of it because egg nog really is quite indulgent. Can't wait to get another bottle before Christmas!

I have a busy weekend ahead but I'm hoping to write about my one-day detox real soon!