I'm Baaaaaaaaaack!

Notes
Wow - has it really been almost 3 months since the last time I posted. Yes and it will never happen again. Pinky promise.

Artists
Adele, Lauren Hill, Bruno Mars, Winehouse, Duffy, The Temptations

Current Obsessions
Doing/trying new things
Library
Spontaneity
Cleaning
Training schedule discipline

Teams
Although the Mavs isn't one my of favs, I've gained respect for them this season trumping Heat. Ready for next season - Go Blazers!

Reads
Finished Little Bee - not impresssed. Reading Tiger's Wife - a storyline just caught interest. Next up - Orange is the New Black.

Travels
Crater Lake/Ashland
Idaho
Seattle

Better Late Than Never

Runs
Finished Shamrock 15K with a PR of 10 min/mi. I now thoroughly enjoy the combo of hills and flats, it suits me. Next up is Bridge to Brews 10K on April 17th.

Reads
Finished Freakonomics - I recommend it to all who love titillating facts and statistics. Now I'm on The Gospel According to Coco Chanel and Mountains Beyond Mountains. Up next on the list is Little Bees, Tiger Wife and Orange Is The New Black. Why the sudden influx of reading, you may ask? I've incorporated reading into my GRE study plan - finish a book every other week. I welcome any recommendations you may have.

Songs
Hold Me by Jaime Grace
Lose My Soul by Toby Mac
Ode To A Stalker by Be Honest! Ruth Bryan
You Can't Hurry Love by The Supremes

Current Obsessions
Thrifting
Projectsprocrastinate.tumblr.com
Hood To Coast
Mascara
Pseudo-gauges
Singing

Flying By

Current Obsessions

Praying

Practicing faith

Keeping on top of things

projectsprocrastinate.tumblr.com

English muffin bread toasted with peanut butter spread

Refresh tea

Sprints

Core work

Tiring Days

Current Obssesions
Odd ingredient combos in efforts to clean fridge
Secret cooking ingredient
Wanting to sleep
Knitting everywhere
Being inspired

Yucks
The smell of the artichoke/jalapeno dip I cooked with marinara sauce last night

Runs
I'm on a set schedule now. Eisi is kickin' my butt!

Works
So many trainings, so many presentations! But I'm excited for them all.

Songs
Mad by NeYo

Artists
MaryMary and Israel Houghton

Bundling Up

Runs
Its official! I'm signed up for the PDX marathon on 10/9/11. Training has begun and EI is kicking my butt. Weekly training set with Jess and I'm excited. Abs here I come.....

Current Obsessions
Projectsprocrastinate.tumblr.com
Being on top of class work
Library
Life in balance
East coast
Mint-y tea
New episodes coming back on

Shows
The Game

Too Fast

Runs in 2011
Shamrock Run 15K, March 13
Bridge To Brews 10K, April 17
*Starlight Run 5K, June 4th
*Helvetia Half, June 11
*Portland Marathon, October 9

Looking for a trail or fun run to do in July-early September. Know of any?
*Unregistered now, but in the plans to soon

Reads
Stiff: The Curious Life of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach

Shows
The Cosby Show, Everybody Hates Chris

Teams
Dealer gave me free Blazer tickets for Christmas. Thank you L+V. Goin to Blazers vs Rockets game this Sunday. Blazers vs Heat viewing next Sunday. Goin to Blazers vs Golden State game on 1/24. And watching all the rest! Go Blazers!

Current Obsessions
projectsprocrastinate.tumblr.com

Blessed Day

Current Obssesions
Being warm
Figure out my meaning in life
Lotioned hands
Reviving old friendships
Doing nothing
Goin with the flow
The ponytail
Good skin
Tea
God time
Alone time
Family time
Friend time
Big scarves

Needs
Socks - Long socks, trouser socks, knee high socks, thick socks,
More sleep

Holidays: Thanksgiving
Still unsure what my favorite holiday is, but Thanksgiving is in the running. I'm forever thankful for anything and everything, so to have a day dedicated to it is good. My mom is pulling out all the works for dinner. I'm excited to eat and see everyone. Not excited to clean.

Inspired
www.newdressaday.com - i need ideas, need creativity, need some talent in sewing too

No Nonsense November

Runs
I love running and what it does for me physically, emotionally and spiritually. Went for a run for the first time since marathon to Rocky Butte - it was great! Running group dinner this week to get acquainted and start training!

Needs
Needing to do well in A & P which is why November has been dubbed 'No Nonsense November'.

Throwbacks
Church Christmas drama productions

Songs
It Ain't Over by Maurette Brown Clark

Current Obsessions
Getting toned up
Thanksgiving preparations
Christmas festivities
Cleaning (so far its the idea of it, not yet in action)
Studying
Skype

Reads
The Bible and A&P book

Eye of the Tiger

Runs

World, I did it! I finished my first marathon in 6:11. Ran 19.5 miles and walked/limped 6.7 miles. What an incredible experience filled with rain, tears, blisters, and laughter! Once November comes around I'll be training again. Goal for 2011: finish under 5.

Songs

Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars - these words...wow.

Current Obsessions

Toning up - back to the squats, dips, crunches, etc

Women of Influence - Michelle Obama, Queen Rania of Jordan, Donna Lasit, Evelyn Santoso. These women prove that it is possible to have it all and be successful: God (don't know about QR and MO, but I know DL and EW do), family, love, career. Something these ladies have in common is they all have supportive, like-minded, influential husbands. This is what I'm praying for. Prayers are powerful people.

Water - my body yearns for it in mass quantities still, post marathon

Getting on The Amazing Race - JoeB is editing the vid now.

This person who'll remain nameless for now - prayers are powerful people.

Photographs

Questions

What time do you get up in the am?

Sayings

"You just have to follow your heart to find your way" - Dreyona, 8yo

Orange of the Day

Runs
In just a few days I'll be completing my first marathon. I'm feeling all sorts of emotions now - I'm anxious, nervous, excited, scared, and more. My goal of finishing will hopefully be accomplished. Pretty sure it will, 90/10.

Movies
Have not seen any lately, haven't had the time! But my list of movies to see is growing like a plant on steroids (aka MiracleGro).

Songs
Putting a playlist together for the marathon. If you have any upbeat songs send them my way por fa!

Current Obsessions
Peaches - nice crisp ones
Clean spaces - which means my room and closet need work
Nipping procrastination in the bud's behind - its as if the mere sight of textbooks make my brain think procrastinate now
Living with exciting uncertainity of what will happen next - but knowing that everything will be exceedingly alright with God by my side

Reads
My A+P textbook has become the read of the moment. Though I have so many books on my list to read once I get the time.

Wishes
Thank you for all the beautiful birthday wishes! I really appreciate each and every one of your friendships!

Momentary Sunshine

Runs
Finished 23rd in 26:45 time last Sunday. 3 weeks until the Portland marathon! Going to do my last long run before the marathon this Friday - wish me luck. The training group for next year's marathon starts in Nov!

Birthday Wish List
Toms - gray and/or red, sewing machine, a Brandon Roy jersey, massages, pedicures, and prayers for life-love-passion-adventure-all around a blessed year

New adds: point and shoot digital camera, febreeze, canvas boards (various sizes - big ones and little ones, squares and rectangles), paint brushes, oils, cool yarn - thick and/or bright but soft, and cute compact mirror

Newer adds: Blazer tickets =), new iPod shuffle in orange - it's small, square-shaped and compact, perfect to clip on to my shorts for running, tights - [black, dark grey, light grey, fishnet, thick knits, patterned knits], lomo camera w/ flash

Newest adds: Glee season 1 dvds, running watch, case and armband for my itouch,

Current Obsessions
Glee! Season premiere today.

Guys who can sing while playing the guitar - melts my heart everytime. Shaz you were right all along...

Ab workouts and squats - superman banana

Clean clothes

Pockets, zippers, holes in the back - on dresses or shirts

Songs
Listen from Dreamgirls

Works
San Diego was great! Bend was fun! I love my job but its going to be a busy busy year!

Shows
Glee Glee Glee. How I Met Your Mother. Project Runway. The Amazing Race. Ellen. Brothers and Sisters. Modern Family. So many shows! Not enough time to watch booo.

Yucks
Cheese - feta especially

The Wavy Hair Look

Birthday Wish List
Toms - gray and/or red, sewing machine, a Brandon Roy jersey, massages, pedicures, and prayers for life-love-passion-adventure-all around a blessed year

New adds: point and shoot digital camera, febreeze, canvas boards (various sizes - big ones and little ones, squares and rectangles), paint brushes, oils, cool yarn - thick and/or bright but soft, and cute compact mirror

Newer adds: Blazer tickets =), new iPod shuffle in orange - it's small, square-shaped and compact, perfect to clip on to my shorts for running, tights - [black, dark grey, light grey, fishnet, thick knits, patterned knits], lomo camera w/ flash

Runs
Race for the Cure this Sunday. Portland Marathon in less than 4 weeks!!!

Wishes
Wishing ThLiBu and TBuzz an amazing trip in Europe and for Stalie's upcoming temporary move to France to go beautiful =)

Current Obsessions
Eating - this is actually a more permanent obsession. But lately I've been surrounded by more and more delicious foods. So eating is a must of course

Relaxing my anxiety attacks before the marathon

Styes - me not so much. My eyes? Yes they love them for some reason hence my third one this quarter. Help!

The Kennedy School [www.kennedyschool.com] - $3 movies, swimming, music- what's not to enjoy? The high-priced-just-ok food, I suppose.

Finishing projects - 3 down, a bajillion to go....

Movies
Ramona and Beezus - based from our very own NE PDX neighborhood. Josh Duhamel is one sizzlin' hot man! How Fergie landed him is beyond my understanding.

Welcome to Portland people, we have RAIN!

Runs
Wine Country Half was a great experience. I semper fi'd right through mile 8 til I had to pee (dang you bladder). The next 3 miles were on gravel and by that time my knees were killing me. I unfortunately walked most of that part. But I saw the light and got back to running when pavement came. Crossed the finish line 33rd in my age division. No, I don't know how many people were in my division, but I'm just going to say......100!

Jess love signed me up for Race for the Cure 5k this morning, so here we go on the 19th. It'll be a rice smooth run before the big 10.10.10 Portland Marathon. The epidemiologist at work is a ultra marathoner. He graced me with some tips yesterday. I'm feeling ok, I can do this. Right?

Current Obsessions
Toast with chunky peanut butter and honey.
Hummus with carrots and/or bell peppers.
Grilled asparagus.
Raspberry lemonade with ginger ale.
Season premieres.
The radio.

Movies
Salt - loved it. People say its the Bourne series with a vajaj. Pretty much is true. Loved it.
The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill and Came Down a Mountain - didn't know what to expect at first. This british film is definiately a funny one, british funny. Hugh Grant is in this one, not surprised? Neither was I.
Death at a Funeral - Funny, but not as much as I was expecting.
Rain Man - this was good. I need to see more of the oldies because they sure are great.

Throwbacks
Karate Kid - B said it was a great date movie because what's not to love. Childhood throwback, check. Love story, check. Action, check. Jackie Chan, check!

Wishes
Wishing great success for Olls in her Blazers internship submission. Wishing great success for Diaz's man for his WashCo interview. I'm praying for the two of you!

Holidays: Labor Day
Now I never really understood the story behind Labor Day. I still don't know, so I'm not going to share anything there. But I had a really great one this year. Got to hang out with great friends and get some things done. Went to Manzanita with my new VISTA team. What a great group of people they are. Everything couldn't have worked out more perfect. Thanks G! (G = God)

Birthday Wish List
Toms - gray and/or red, sewing machine, a Brandon Roy jersey, massages, pedicures, and prayers for life-love-passion-adventure-all around a blessed year
New adds: point and shoot digital camera, febreeze, canvas boards (various sizes - big ones and little ones, squares and rectangles), paint brushes, oils, cool yarn - thick and/or bright but soft, and cute compact mirror

I'm BAACCKK!!!!

Runs

Wine Country Half Marathon this Sunday in Dundee/Carlton. Excited and scared at the same time. My body's telling me something, I'll listen to it after the race. =) Portland Marathon in 1.5 months - AHH!!! Jess, we are crazy! But I love us for trying! I'm still recruiting 1 or 2 for the training group for next year's marathon. Any takers?

Birthday Wish List

Toms - gray and/or red, sewing machine, a Brandon Roy jersey, massages, pedicures, and prayers for life-love-passion-adventure-all around a blessed year

Current Obsessions

Day old pastries - only $1.50 at Jim and Patties and they taste great! I say the older the better, until you see mold. What a great way to save money and still eat.

Croissants - the freshly baked ones. Only $1.50 at the cafe in my building. I feel the pounds packing already.

Office snack drawers - first week at office and my drawer is jam packed. Bummer I only get to indulge in it 3 days a week.

Toms shoes - read Blake Mycoskie's Costco bio the other day. What an amazing entrepreneur! I'm impressed and would like to bandwagon the success now. Gray or red?

Teams

Beavers Football!!!!!! VS. TCU tomorrow 4:45pm, ESPN. Yeah I don't have cable so I'm not even going to pretend like I'll be watching. I'll probably catch the tail end at Big Al's or something. I will have espn.com coverage that I will be checking regularly

Blazers 2010-2011 Season - RIP CITY UPRISE! Its going to be a great season, I feel it already. Just need to get a new jersey and I'm ready to go!

Saw Aldridge yesterday at Freddy's. He asked me if I was a doctor or nurse because I brought him a whiteboard to sign. I like to stand out and obviously I stuck out like a sore thumb with the board; I realize that.

Books

Say Goodbye to Powerless Christianity by Che Ahn. Very encouraged by the miraculous testimonies.

Songs

Fall For You by Secondhand Serenade and Secrets by One Republic

Shows

Ellen is back on 9/13 and Glee on 9/20. Don't know the exact dates of my other shows but who cares. I don't even catch them on TV anymore - all hulu.

Works

Started my new job this week. Its going to be one heck of a busy-exciting-overwhelming-productive-learning-passionate work year. I think I will enjoy being the Portland Metro VISTA Volunteer Coordinator for one year. Ask me again next month to see if I say the same thing then =)

Perfect Weather Day

Runs

Neighborhood classics: Glendover, Rocky Butte, Mt. Tabor, Rocky Butte, Waterfront. Lucky I live close to run these great trails. My new shoes arrived - lunarglide+ [thank you NikeCouple]. Took them out tonight and I loved them! My feet feel like I haven't even ran anything. K told me about her new running shoes and I'll have to check 'em out too - first I'll have to ask what they're called. Wine Country Half in 4 weeks, Portland Marathon in 10 weeks - ahh!!!

Yucks

Pimples. I feel like mine are overtaking me. Everytime I treat it, its as if I'm feeding it a buffet. Any treatment recommendations?

Deals and Steals

Scored Sam Edelman sandals for $20, gorgeous Colin Stuart teal heels for $17, and a Nau shirt for $7. Sold at Crossroads today and made $81.50!!!

Artists

Tenth Avenue North - They'll be at Rolling Hills Church on October 23rd. Any takers?

Drake and Mary J. Blige - They'll be at Bumbershoot on September 5th of Labor Day Weekend.

Adventures

Every birthday is an adventure and mine is coming up! There are so many things I want to do, but I will have to narrow it down and save the rest - thank God we have birthday adventures once a year! Choices are: Tazo Tea factory tour, Seaside day trip, Spa day, Astoria day trip, Go-cart racing, Shooting range, Skydiving, Rafting trip, or Cooking lessons. I just don't know and birthday's on a Tuesday.

Shows

Have not had time to sit down and watch anything. Project Runway's new season started - time to make room for tv.

Works

Love what I'm doing. Just so much work all the time. Lord please help me get through this week!

Current Obsessions

Color - getting my closet out of the blacks/greys and into color! I think I'm doing pretty good. Bubble tea - darn you tBuzz. I'm feelin' bubble tea all day everyday now. At least you'll indulge in this obsession with me.

Sayings

"You say that I'm a dreamer and I'm not" -Dinner for Schmucks

Movies

Dinner for Schmucks was hilarious. I recommend it for anyone wanting to laugh. There are so many memorable quotes and actions. Loved it! Getting my girlfriends together to watch Eat, Love, Pray - August 15th - Ladies let me know

In Love with Sun

Runs

Finished 9th my division yesterday! This got me pumped up for the next few big runs (Oregon Wine Country Half, Haag Lake, and the 21-miler b-day run) we're doing and the big goal

- Portland Marathon. I miss morning runs with my students now that SR Academy is over. I have to do evening runs after work which I'll have to be accustomed to now. I'm going to run with a few of them before they head out to college, what a bittersweet moment that'll be.

Adventures

Euro trip is getting pushed up to winter break. All I need is the green light from new supervisor and I start planning a 3-ish week adventure to Greece, Spain, Italy and France. I'll be spending Christmas and New Years there - how great is that! After Euro is accomplished I'm going to start adventure p

lans to Hawaii (Honolulu Marathon 2011?) or Mexico, then Aussie/Bali.

Books

I will get back to the books pronto. They're starting to collect dust which is the equivalent to books crying. Mama's coming!

Recipes

Looking for paella recipe. Mastered my sloppy joe recipe.

Yucks

Mosquito bites. Where they decide to bite me is unfortunate - eyebrow, butt cheek, knuckles, backs of knee. I dislike you mosquitos so bad.

Current Obsessions

Farmer's Markets and all their goodness. Love the doughnut peaches, raspberries, lavenders, jalapeno popcorn, empanadas, tacos, sweet peas, flowers, paellas. All so good, all so wonderful, all so addicting.

Saving $$$. This one is a work in progress. With all the recent adventure plans and new hobbies, I need to buckle down on the expenditures. I'm selling clothes/bags/shoes and cutting back on happy hour/restaurants/desserts =( I can do this. Just gotta think of the big adventure plans.

Songs

Beggin' by Madcon, I'm Going To Another Level by Israel & New Breed, Hakuna Matata

Encouragements

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and not on your own understanding - Proverbs 3:5. Trusting in God is hard but let me tell you it'll bring the best outcomes. Just you see =) I'm praying for you in all your joys, waitings, pains and gains.

Llimon you are a beautiful gem in Christ! Keep trusting God to direct your way as you start your exciting new journey.

Works

Super summer co-workers!

My great team diabetes!

My winning obesity team!

Crashing and Burning

Runs

Next week my runner students and I are goin to run Haag Lake to commemorate the end of our morning runs to the country. Running downtown with Peter before he leaves. Then its that dang Lacama Lake run. Still needing to get new shoes.

Songs

Forever Young by JayZ | Mr Hudson, Lead Me by Sanctus Real, If I Were A Boy by Beyonce, and Take Me Home by John Denver

Current Obsessions

Procrastination - I thought this ended in college, but this week is proving that I still have it and its just as strong as ever. Now I'm overloaded with work, but its all my procrastinating self's fault. My students - we have one more week with the SR Academy before they get to start real summer break and spread their wings in college. I've had the best time getting to know them and will really miss them when its over next Friday. So I'm spending extra time here and there hangin out with them. Upside, we'll be getting a new batch of students to work with for JR Academy. They've got big shoes to fill though. =)

Needs

To attend a procrastination workshop on how not to procrastinate. If only the best procrastinators can get their stuff together and make one!

Artists

Destiny's Child and Alicia Keys

Laughs

Justin Timberlake's SNL bit of Single Ladies.

Lovin the Heat Wave

Runs

Bad shin splints this week = need new running shoes. So I think I'm finally going to get some this weekend with either Jess or the NikeCouple. I'm excited. In other news my students are really keeping me motivated to go with morning runs. Thanks for the icyhots and ice guys! Excited for a downtown run with Peter before he moves, then its Lacama Lake at the end of the month!

Climbs

Climbed across the ceiling! It took about 20 tries, but I did it. So proud of myself. I felt like Spiderman.

Songs

Healer by Trent Cory and If We Ever Meet Again by Timbaland ft. Katy Perry

Current Obsessions

Tanning with minimal tan lines. Love tanning with the co-workers this week. I've gotten to a nice shade now I just need to even out. This weekend I'm tanning with MelC and ALat and her wonderful coconut oil =)

Wishes

Want to wish my girl Kellson a great big good luck today for her interview with Make A Wish! You're going to knock 'em out of the park with your experiences, talents, and vision!

Big wishes to B who's finally makin it out to NYC! All those years out east and he finally gets to see one of the greatest east coast cities. Have fun B!

Had A Great Weekend w/o You Sun

Runs

Took my bro running today that was fun, if only he could keep up - next time bubs! I was so motivated during my run today because all I was thinking about was the nectarine waiting for me when I was done. Yum. Lacama Lake Half is 3 weeks away!

Needs

A smaller music device for running - shuffle? nano? something else?

Reads

Have some new books to add to my reads - Sacred Romance and Say Goodbye to Powerless Christianity.

Shows: Amazing Race

B and I filmed for our audition tape this weekend - SOOO FUN! Like B said, us = victorious! Thanks to JSupra for manhandling the flip and the GoogleGirls for being a great sounding board/cast mates. Now comes the hard part - editing and getting picked. Thanks JoeCB in advance for helping with edits. =) Bits and clips to be posted later.

Holidays: 4th of July

I have never been so relaxed and appreciative as I was this 4th of July. Just being in the middle of a lake with a 360 view of fireworks was AAAAAAAMMMAZZZING - just incredibly amazing!

Current Obsessions

Water. Stretching. Slurpies. Shopping - just in time of the anniversary sale ;) - this time I'm not wasting the moneys on my annual fall boot purchase

Movies

No this isn't a comment on how hilarious Grownups was because I still haven't seen it. Not watching it on opening weekend broke my streak of watching a new release every week since Repoman. Watched Dear John this weekend, it was a tear jerker. Totally didn't expect the ending. You would think though with the amount of chick flicks I watch that I would be able to sense plot lines/endings. But I don't, which is probably why I enjoy them so much.

Songs

Sweet Escape by Gwen Stefani, If We Ever Meet Again by Timbaland, Don't Stop Believing by Journey, and Billionaire by Travie McCoy.

Sayings

"You have what it takes to make it."

"Don't let money get in the way of your dreams."

"When you really want it, you'll get there."

Rain? Again?

Current Obsessions

Filming ideas for the Amazing Race video app. Wanting to clean my rooms - I'm mentally there, but I just need to get my butt up to do it.

Runs

Been running with my students in the morning before academy. Long runs to the country is therapeutic.

Reads

Bible, The Divine Mentor, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Climbs

I bouldered up to the ceiling. My next goal is bouldering across the ceiling to the other wall. I climbed a slanted wall last time - wow that felt great! Sure it took almost half an hour and I was drenched in sweat, but taught me a lesson. There will be rough times in life, but when they happen you just gotta sit back and reevaluate and remember the ultimate goal. You'll get there in due time.