Deva by Definition

One of Many Big Decisions

Today, I left work halfway through my day. We had an appointment this afternoon that I couldn’t miss – we’d been planning for this day since the end of October.

Today, The Boy left work early and met me at our apartment. From our apartment, we made our way to the bank, preparing to complete a lot of paperwork.

Today, I signed my name more times than I can remember. That’s because, today, we became homeowners.

I haven’t written about this journey at all before now, because The Boy and I felt it better to keep everything quiet until all the paperwork was signed. At at the end of October, we made an offer on a house – an old house with gorgeous hard wood floors, an updated kitchen, and lots of space. It was the fifth house we had seen in our house hunt, and I fell in love. Soon, we found ourselves under contract for the house, and discovered just how quickly one month can go by. November was a whirlwind, and I am sure December will fly by as well.

We get the keys to our house on Saturday. I cannot wait to get in there and start figuring out where everything goes. I’m excited to have a basement, a third bedroom, a HUGE dining room, and a kitchen that we can both be in at the same time.

Buying a house was one big decision. One that I was very happy to make. I can’t wait to get into the house and really start making it our own.

Playing Catch-Up

It’s been a while! I decided to take a break from blogging while I was at home for Thanksgiving. My grandparents were in town, and I wanted to soak up every moment I could with my family while I could, especially since I don’t see them as often as I’d like.

Thanksgiving dinner was AMAZING. My parents really outdid themselves this year and everything was delicious. My dad brined the turkey and roasted it along with sixty mushrooms (yes, they did count them), and several carrots, which came out delicious. The turkey was tender and filled with flavor and was complemented nicely by the accompaniments: roasted homegrown butternut squash, roasted brussels sprouts and grapes, mashed potatoes, stuffing, homemade rolls, and homemade cultured butter made from local cream and buttermilk. Each bite was full of flavor and texture. I loved the tang of the cultured butter and the sweetness of the caramelized butternut squash.

This was only part of what I enjoyed on Thanksgiving, I definitely went back for seconds – and pie!

I was glad to be able to spend Thanksgiving at home this year, and spent a good bit of time snuggling and petting my dog. I hadn’t seen her since last Thanksgiving and was happy to be able to pet and spoil her a bit while I was home.

I also got to take my younger brother ice skating on Thanksgiving, which was a blast! He plays hockey and is quite the awesome skater. I had to work to keep up with him!

While home, I actually stayed at my sister’s place in town. She’s a student at the university and has a very cute apartment. It was nice to get to sit and watch movies with her late at night, to catch up and talk about boys and other fun stuff we have going on in our lives, and of course, to be able to walk with her to donkey coffee in the morning for my much-loved lattes.

I, as always, bought a bag of beans to bring back with me. It made my car smell like a coffee house while I was driving home Sunday night, which made me smile.

There was a lot of conversation and joking this weekend, as well as a family trip to see The Muppets. We are a Muppet family, and I’ve loved the Muppets since probably before I could talk. I was thrilled to be able to see this latest installment into the Muppet genre with my family. At least half of our group of six was singing “Rainbow Connection” at the end of the movie – my favorite Muppet song.

All in all, it was a great, relaxing, fun weekend. I was sad to leave on Sunday and am already thinking of when I want to go visit again. I felt very thankful for my family this holiday, and I am already eagerly awaiting the next time I get to see them.

What did you do for Thanksgiving?

May it live on

One hot summer in my early teens, my aunt and cousins came for a visit. We only saw them once a year or so, so this was an exciting visit for me. My aunt often recommended great books for me to read, so it was no surprise when one night before dinner, she gave me what would become one of my all-time favorite books: "Dragonflight," the first of The Dragonriders of Pern trilogy. I remember cracking open the book and eagerly diving into the pages, getting sucked in from the very first sentence.

That book was the first Anne McCaffrey novel I read, and many others would soon follow. I loved McCaffrey's way with words and how descriptive she was of her characters. Her worlds felt so real and I always had a hard time putting her novels down when I needed to get other things finished. It was through Anne McCaffrey's writing that I really started to explore the fantasy genre and quickly developed a lifetime love of the fantasy genre.

One of the things I love most about McCaffrey's writing is how strong and independent her female characters are. They are always seeking solutions to problems, asserting themselves, and taking risks- even if it means they may make the wrong decision. I've been reading Anne McCaffrey's novels for over ten years now and have yet to grow tired of them. Pulling one out of my bookshelf is like talking with an old friend.

All of this is why I felt a great sense of sadness when I read this afternoon on Twitter that Anne McCaffrey passed away yesterday at the age of 85. I was shocked to hear that the world had lost a great author. Even in my sadness, I can only look back and think of all of the happiness her writing has brought me through the years, and can only hope that her writing will live on, inspiring other young women and men into adventure and imagination. As it was said on Twitter: you will be missed, Anne, but may Pern live on forever.

I did it… Or–My First 5k

I’ve been planning and training to run this 5k for a couple months now, and today was the day I was going to go out and rock it. I couldn’t believe it last night when I was gathering my things together to get ready for the race. It was finally time for me to run my FIRST 5k race.

I was nervous and I was excited. This morning I rolled out of bed and got dressed for a chilly, mid-morning run. I layered a pullover over a light-weight long-sleeved shirt, yanked on some pants, grabbed my gloves and fleece headwrap, and was ready to go. I should point out here that my ears and hands get cold when I am running in temperatures under 45 degrees. It was projected to be 43 degrees and windy at race start time, and I didn’t want to chance having painfully cold ears.

My friend Erica was running the race along with me, and she arrived at our apartment around eight-thirty this morning. After pulling on my shoes, I was ready to go and we were out the door – headed for the Girls on the Run 5k.

When we got to Sawyer Point, the area was brimming with girls, their families, and other race participants. Erica and I picked up our bibs, pinned them on, and walked around the area to see where the start was. There was music booming and girls dancing everywhere. The energy in the air was palpable and energizing and I was excited to get the race started.

Right before we made our way to the starting line, I asked The Boy to snap a photo – I was so excited to get running!

Before I knew it, we were waiting in the tunnel, counting down to start, and then – we were off! I had my iPod with me so I could keep track of my pace (the race was untimed) and not overdo it. We were running with a variety of runners of all abilities and ages, and we were surrounded by cheering spectators for the first half-mile.

The group we were in spread out quite a bit within a few minutes of the start, and Erica and I were left weaving in-and-out of runners, working to maintain a steady pace. We ran past the ballpark and the football stadium, before reaching our halfway point near the Bengals’ practice field. At this point, I was feeling awesome – I stopped to walk briefly, but after about 100 feet, was off and running again – I didn’t want to stop!

Erica and I chatted off and on throughout the race. Our goal was to finish in under 40 minutes, and I kept an eye on our pace as we continued back toward Sawyer point, passing the awesome cheer zones that had been organized by GOTR Cincinnati. It was incredible to have spectators’ energy to help keep me going, especially when I was hit with a side stitch and had to focus to keep moving.

The race was an out-and-back course, so we passed all of my favorite parts of downtown again on the way back, and before I knew it, we were running back through the tunnels, passing the three-mile marker, and running through the largest group of spectators I had seen since we had started the race. Erica spotted The Boy, who snapped a picture as we raced past him along the course.

(we’re on the right, in the teal top and blue-striped pants)

The spectators at the end of the race were INCREDIBLE. Lots of screaming, encouragement, noise-making, and high-fives. It took everything in me not to sprint the last tenth of a mile, I was so excited to be finishing! The finish line came up quickly, and the time clock set up at the finish showed 35:00 as we crossed it. I almost cried out of happiness when I realized that not only had I just finished my first 5k – I had run it in thirty-five minutes. Checking my pacing app confirmed it, and I had the biggest grin on my face as we walked through the finisher’s area to get our goodie-bags, t-shirts, snacks and water.

I was so proud of my finish, and so thankful I got to run my first race with Erica. All day today I’ve been thanking The Boy for coming out to see me race – it meant so much to me that he was there. I am beyond proud of myself for sticking to it and finishing, and have hardly stopped smiling all day.

I think GOTR of Cincinnati put on a GREAT race today, and think the organizers and volunteers did a wonderful job of keeping us on course, encouraging all of the participants to keep going to the finish line, and offering up a variety of entertainment to get us ready for the race. I had such a great experience with this race that I am already looking for another one to run.

I think I’m hooked – on racing.

Five for Friday

Wow – it’s the last Friday before Thanksgiving! Where did this month go? It got chilly out, which means a change in my playlists, a change in what books I want to read, and a definite change in seasons. The weather may have influenced my Friday Five a bit, or a lot – there’s a lot I definitely associate with fall on this week’s list!

1. I’ve been obsessed with listening to Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s. We’ve been to see this band three or four times – twice of those times being free concerts at school. the first time we saw them live was in the dead of winter, so we both associate their music with fall and winter. I’ve had this song on repeat since it started getting cold.

2. Turkey! We had a yummy Thanksgiving potluck at work this week and I was thrilled to dive into some hot turkey and gravy. Thanksgiving dinner is one of my favorite meals of the year, and I’m eager for the holiday to get here!

3. Leah's latest installment of her 365 project is wonderful – I love her blog!

4. My coffee bowl! I love it – it’s so versatile. Especially for giant bowls of cookies and cream ice cream.

5. Knowing that my 5k is tomorrow. I’m nervous and excited to get out there and race!

What has you happy this Friday?

Two Days

My 5k race is this Saturday, and it honestly does feel like I just registered for it yesterday. My last pre-race run was this morning, and while my feet were pounding the treadmill I realized just how excited I am to run this race. I have a history of saying I'll do something, starting it, burning out and not following through. I told The Boy a month ago as I clicked "register" for the Flying Pig Half Marathon that it wasn't going to happen this time. I was going to follow through and run a road race. I could do this - I just had to put my mind to it and keep myself accountable.

Now, in two days, I will be running a race. My first race ever. I know I can run the distance, but this time it will be different – in a good way. This month has been crazy, it's been busy, and there were a few runs I missed or had to push back, but I did them. I didn't lament the runs I missed, I just got right back on track the next opportunity I had. It wasn't always easy, but it was fun.

In doing all of this - registering for the race, putting together a loose training plan based on my abilities, knowing that I will be slow at the race (I am a slow runner) - I have learned a lot about myself and about running I've learned that I can train for something as long as I put my mind to it and stay committed. Early morning runs may be a pain, but they're also fun, peaceful, and sometimes very cold. I finally realized what many runners mean when they say running is a mental sport, and have a mantra I say when I find my mental stamina starting to dwindle. I've found more confidence in my abilities as a runner, and look forward to waking up in the morning, lacing up my shoes, putting in some earbuds, and going for a run.

I can't wait for the race, and for all the runs to come after.

#fitblog: keeping HOT when the weather is COLD

We have been busy this week! We had to run errands last night after work and by the time we got home and settled in for the night, the #fitblog chat had ended! I was sad to have missed it because I was thrilled about this week’s topic: How to keep HOT when the weather gets COLD. The host of the chat this week was Cait from Beyond Bananas. She asked some awesome questions and I’m excited to share my answers! So – here goes!

Q1) Do you find it more difficult to get your sweat on in the winter months? Shorter days, frigid temps, and all?

I do occasionally find it more difficult to get a workout in during the winter months, only because it is so tempting to stay in my warm bed in the morning. I love having a gym membership during the winter months, as it helps keep me accountable and gives me a warm place to go workout (especially when it is snowing!).

Q2) What are some ways that motivate you to get your workout in during these months?

Working out keeps me happy! My motivation is my good mood and energy after a good workout, as well as any results I might experience from working out, like increased endurance or strength!

Q3) There are many tempting eats during the holidays. How do you stay on track?

I let the indulgent meals be indulgent, and try to keep my other meals in line with what I'd normally eat. Thanksgiving is one day. Christmas Eve is one day, Christmas is one day. That's three days out of a whole year! Sure, there are treats floating around at the office, but I normally have one desserty thing a day anyway. I just try to do my best and to keep working out!

Q4) How do you keep your mood hot and fight off any seasonal depressive disorder (SDD) symptoms!

I do my best to drink enough water, get enough sleep, get some form of activity in most days, and go outside when I can. Of course, I have to make some time for myself, especially when things get busy, and that’s when I make a real effort to get into a good book, good run, or a good nap!

How do you stay hot when it’s cold out?

Just a Bowl of Coffee

Our weekend was a busy one! We went to the mall and Crate + Barrel Saturday, where I was able to replace one of my tiny ceramic spoons and get a new coffee mug! We also got a print to hang in our living room, as well as some new coat hooks – which I am very excited to put up! Sunday was a relaxing day. I started the day at church, and after we had lunch, we made our way to Newport to see The Rum Diary. It was an amusing, light, and interesting movie – one I’d watch again. We spent Sunday night chilling out at home, watching The Simpsons start a food blog and entertaining the cats.

I was excited to find a giant coffee mug at Crate + Barrel because I love bowl-sized coffee mugs. I have ever since Gilmore Girls was on the air. I mean – a coffee mug that will hold the entire contents of my four-cup coffee pot? Amazing. I had to use it this morning – I just couldn’t resist making a yummy, milk-and-sugar laced cup of coffee to enjoy with my cookie dough cereal.

Even with a hefty pour of milk, the contents of my French Press didn’t even come close to filling up this big mug! It was definitely yummy coffee, and I can’t wait to enjoy oatmeal, cereal, and even soup out of it as well. I still have my big mug like this one from college, and it was one of the most-used dishes in my dorm room. I imagine that this mug will become a well-used dish, too.

Now, I think I am going to sign off – I have some zucchini bread in the oven, and a cat who wants to play.

What did you get into this weekend?

11/11/11 Friday Five

This Friday is a special Friday: Veteran's Day AND 11/11/11. What did you do to make today fun? Did you make a wish at 11:11 (or are you going to at 11:11pm?). I missed 11:11am - by about 10 minutes, but am totally okay with that! This week has been a little crazy, a little busy, and very fast! I was off on Monday for The Boy's birthday and we have a lot coming up over the next few weeks - I imagine the holidays are going to fly by! Here's what I'm into this week!

1: Waking up early to run. I did this my last year of high school and loved it, but began working out in the evenings once I finished college. I forgot how much energy I have the rest of the day when I wake up early and get my workout done - that sense of accomplishment is incredibly encouraging.

2: This song from The Decemberists.  I gave the album this song is off of to The Boy our first Christmas together and still am addicted to it.

3: This Post by Rachel Wilkerson. I love her answer to question #3 best: The Boy and I are frequently asked that question and our response is almost always "eventually."

4: Baking zucchini bread. I have two zucchinis in my fridge that I'll be turning into two loaves of cinnamon-spicy zucchini bread over the weekend. It's a delicious snack and breakfast food, especially heated up in the microwave. I use Smitten Kitchen's recipe and it's delish!

5: Flannel sheets. I woke up this morning and it was 29 degrees out. My car was covered in frost. I had no desire whatsoever to go outside (and was grateful for my treadmill) My flannel sheets were amazingly warm and cosy – which is dangerous when you need to wake up in the morning!

What are you into this week?

One Lazy Morning

I woke up this morning and immediately reset the alarm clock. I. Was. Sore. I lifted weights yesterday – upper body only – and my arms ached. My calves were still sore from my last run. I was wiped out. So, I slept in – and I loved it.

I could only sleep in for so long, though, and I found myself crawling out of bed at a later (but still relatively early) time in the morning so I could get dinner going in the crock pot, enjoy a delicious hot breakfast, and get ready for work. It’s been a while since I fixed some oatmeal, and since it can cook while I’m packing my lunch, I decided to have oats for breakfast.

I wanted peanut butter on top of my oats, but when I saw that the jar was pretty much empty, I got a little lazy and just filled the jar up with my breakfast. I added chia seeds and cacao nibs to my breakfast and dove in while catching up on some blog reading. The change in Google Reader has left me a little behind on my blog reading, and I am slowly catching up with what is going on in the blog world.

Between bites and blogs, I also played with the cats and their birdie toy. Maggie was leaping and running around the living room, while Enzo made every effort to catch the streamers I was waving around.

Eventually, I had to finish getting ready for work and head out for the day, but it was nice to enjoy a slow and leisurely morning.

How do you like to get your day started?