Brains, not Brawn

Brilliant.

2011-12-31T16:44:00.001-08:00

http://crazysexylife.com/2011/survivor-tips/

Ride a horse

2011-12-12T18:44:00.001-08:00

Without Euhana, I don't think there would have been photographic evidence that I was on a real horse! So fun! And now my cowboy boots are no longer frauds! Hooray!

Be in a parade

2011-12-12T18:43:00.001-08:00

I'll be honest, it wasn't what I pictured- being in a parade. We ran out of leis really fast and were tripping over piles of teddy bears and small children. That and shepherding them to the side of the road instead of in front of floats. It was a little chaotic.
But high school float building? Proud to say it came in handy in life.

Feed a giraffe

2011-12-12T18:38:00.001-08:00

His name is Congo. He's originally from LA. We're buds.

Be the author of your own life

2011-12-10T17:58:00.001-08:00

Feats of Spectathleticism

2011-07-26T21:04:00.000-07:00

A lot of people have asked me what it felt like to complete a marathon. And it hurt- my hip flexor was angry with me for a solid two weeks after the fact, and I felt super sluggish on race day.

But! I will never, ever, ever forget what it felt like to see lime green shirts scattered throughout the race and then all together at the end. When I'd start to ponder why I'd registered for such a ridiculous feat, I'd inevitably spot a "Free High Fives" shirt on the sidewalk somewhere, or for that second half, on the course next to me, and it would remind me that while I was crazy, I also had some crazy-amazing support out there.

I'm definitely not the athletic one in my family-- everyone's got talent coming out their eyeballs, and I was not the odds-on favorite to run a marathon. But when I decided to do it, my family and friends were there for all the different steps of the way. Even people I didn't expect to see course side were there. And I think, deep down, it was hopefully a little bit fun for everyone. I hear the cheer stations manned by my peeps were the most photogenic and the most fun. And the SIGNS! They were hilarious. Which is exactly what you need when you've been running for six hours.

Basically, I wanted to immortalize forever how much I appreciated my spectathletes during the race; it was inspiring to see how many people cared enough to go stand on the side of the road waiting for me to crawl across a finish line.

I'm pretty lucky.

2011-05-16T17:35:00.001-07:00

Dear Nike Free Run 2,

I love you already. I even love that you don't have to wear socks in you because you have a one-piece design so there aren't any seams to cause blisters. You're freakishly comfortable.

But the insole does provide a seam inside the show, and that sucker will create three blisters in a row on someone's instep in under 4 miles.

Just sayin'.

Things I've learned this Relay season

2011-04-20T18:04:00.001-07:00

You will always run out of duct tape. Also, that would be a brilliant sponsorship plan.
Sunscreen and magazine ink are not friends. Unless you want to change colors.
Staffing a Relay can hurt more than a half marathon.
Rain plans are kind of clutch in places with actual weather.
I'd really appreciate it if the Boston Marathon was in just about any other month. Literally, any. other. month.
Going last is scary.
The Relay magic gets everywhere... it's like glitter.
Glitter will never come out of my trunk. Or my hair. Or my office in its entirety.
I really do love the color purple.
I have the best job.

Brief Interlude

2011-04-18T14:09:00.001-07:00

Relay season and tornado season together makes for one crazy month.

To make you laugh:

Cary Grant: Do we know each other?

Audrey Hepburn: Why, do you think we're going to?

Cary Grant: I don't know-how would I know?

Audrey Hepburn: Because I know an awful lot of people and until one of them dies, I couldn't possibly meet anyone else.

Cary Grant: Well, if anyone goes on the critical list, let me know.

Audrey Hepburn: Quitter.

I believe this is what they call throwing in the towel

2011-03-28T16:03:00.000-07:00

I didn't run out of new things to do (trust me, the list is waaaay longer than just that), I've just run out of time to do them! So until next month and the new theme!

That Twenty-Fourth New Thing

2011-03-24T20:44:00.000-07:00

Today I realized how happy running makes me.

Because you have to take it easy after a big race.

Even though the only thing I want to do is lace up.

Tomorrow I can get back out there without feeling guilty.

I can't wait!

That Twenty-Third New Thing

2011-03-24T20:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first Vandy Relay board meeting that I got to go to. Which is exciting in and of itself, but want to know what was really cool?

They have a phone app for their school. I learned this because I commented on my tendency to get lost a few times before I get to know a campus. While I found my way to the metered lot easily enough, the building we had the meeting in was a bit further. Either way, when I said it-- they asked me if I'd installed the campus app yet. It helps you find buildings, keeps a finger on the campus pulse, and sort of rocks in general.

That Twenty-Second New Thing

2011-03-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

Today I drove behind cows for the first time.

They were in a truck transport and could see out the back, and because I couldn't get around it, they just stared at me. And I stared at them. And we drove together.

They were a lot less frightening than the two women sitting in the truck bed that I pulled up behind at a light on the way home. They were just weird.

That Twenty-First New Thing

2011-03-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

The new thing that I experienced on Monday was a serious lack of pain from running. I did learn I need more lateral motion in my life, but overall-- it felt pretty great for having paid to kick my own butt!

That Twentieth New Thing

2011-03-21T08:45:00.000-07:00

I ran a race with a legit team :)

We had four peeps, and we all matched, and had cheerleaders on the sidelines ready to wave us in to the finish line. It was a faster race than the Disneyland, and I'm not entirely sure why, as we all split relatively early and I didn't have music this time. I was doing great until the hills really started to kick my butt.

But in the end, I shaved 20 minutes off my time, and I suspect it would have been more if I hadn't walked those hills... I had too much energy at the end, but I'm glad that I didn't hurt myself in the run up for the marathon in June!

That Nineteenth New Thing

2011-03-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

We drove down to the ATL and went to an expo in the Georgia Dome. Do you know how cool it is to take over a football field? Because I do, now. We got asked on the way there what all the hoopla was for, and when we said it was for the GA marathon and half, they asked if it was to benefit cancer. The look on their faces when we said no, but our participation did? Priceless.

It was a toasty day, though, and I'm pretty sure it made us all paranoid for the next morning...

That Eighteenth New Thing

2011-03-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure I spent the fastest two hours of my life- we looked at the clock and it was 10... then suddenly it was 12:30 and we needed to scoot to bed in order to drive to ATL the next day... time flies when you're prepping for your half marathon!

That Seventeenth New Thing

2011-03-21T08:03:00.000-07:00

We've never really "done" St. Patrick's Day (as it was always finals at UCLA), and this year was sort of no exception.

Want to know why?

Because when you're a Bruin, playing Michigan State (I love you Dad!) on the seventeenth of March (or a group of Bruins watching the game on the seventeenth of March), you really can't wear green.

But it was the first time that I was legitimately confused to see so much green.

We did manage to find Spartans in Nashville the next day.

And Atlanta each of the successive days (Saturday at the hotel when we checked in and Sunday DURING THE RACE.)

Good thing we won. (Really, I love you Dad!)

Too bad about the game after ;)

That Sixteenth New Thing

2011-03-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

That was the first time I was ever locked into a business before... They closed at 4:30, so they lock everyone in then, and help whoever's left, and then you have to leave out the back exit. It's nuts.

I don't recommend it.

I really don't recommend it when one of the other last people there looks like an ax murderer.

That Fifteenth New Thing

2011-03-15T21:58:00.000-07:00

I tested the true carrying-capacity of my car for Relay purposes-- it fits the majority of the larger boxes, which is a relief!

That Fourteenth New Thing

2011-03-14T16:41:00.001-07:00

Today was the first time that I became truly ashamed of another Bruin. It's a viral video that's been making the rounds, and it's pretty harsh. The only redeeming thing is that most people seem to realize that it's not all Bruins that are talking out of their rears, just the one who decided she'd record a video degrading an entire culture and post it to facebook. The chancellor for the university even had to come out with a public statement with how ashamed he is of her.

I smell a transfer in her future, along with a new colorist, shirts that fit, and perhaps a modicum of respect and/or self-restraint.

Barring all that my favorite reaction has been:

"Yikes, UCLA has become a real life Mean Girls. Raise your hand if you've ever been personally victimized by Alexandra Wallace..."

Life on the run

2011-03-13T16:24:00.001-07:00

There's something amusing about becoming a "runner." That is to say, once you've been training for some kind of race or another, you start to pick up on things. For instance, before I never would have noticed that on Sundays, there always seem to be a lot more people out running. I realize, now, that they're out on their long run for the week, and they've got a lot of miles to squeeze into the next few hours. Some run fast, others run slow, but secretly they're all training for something. A half marathon, a full marathon, a triathlon, a 10K. They may be the same races, they may be different races, but in the end, they're all out there logging their miles!

I'll never understand the man I saw running when it was 8 degrees out, though.

That's just nuts!

That Thirteenth New Thing

2011-03-13T16:12:00.000-07:00

I tried a new running route today, and ended up checking my map every few minutes to make sure I turned off at the right spot to get back to my car. I liked it better than the last time I tried a new running area, because at least the hills were more gradual. But it was pretty uneven terrain, and I was sort of nervous about my knees and ankles. I know that I should have gone further today with the race next weekend, but I had to choose between wobbling and an injury, or being a little more sore next weekend, and I'm going to go with sore instead of sidelined!

On the way home, I was driving in front of the definition of bad Southern stereotypes, it was crazy-town.

That Twelfth New Thing

2011-03-12T16:50:00.000-08:00

Today, for the first time probably in my whole life, my closet is actually organized. Shoes all in racks, everything hanging up organized according to what they are, and stuff on the shelf folded neatly. It's actually possible to navigate in there and to put together outfits without moving stuff all around.

That probably sounds a little ridiculous, but out here it's a small closet and it took some time to figure out how to organize the space.

That Eleventh New Thing

2011-03-12T15:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was an excellent reminder that actually taking a lunch break is a brilliant idea-- my friend Danielle came to visit me at the office (first time I've had a non-work related visitor!) and it was nice to take a bit of a breather and catch up with everything. Wonderful :)

That Tenth New Thing

2011-03-10T19:32:00.001-08:00

It was the first time that I made it around downtown Nashville without needing a GPS to get all over the place... Adjusting! Woo!

That Ninth New Thing

2011-03-10T19:32:00.000-08:00

Last night was the first night that someone (other than my momma!) spent the night at my apartment-- Kate slept over before she had to go back to Pittsburgh.

It was probably more pleasant than the air bed, as my apartment actually looks like someone lives here, now!

That Eighth New Thing

2011-03-10T19:31:00.001-08:00

I met the biggest. dog. ever.

Seriously, he looked like a sea lion. We weren't really afraid of him, because there was no way that big boy was coming after us. He moved four feet down the drive way, and I suspect it's the most he's moved in weeks.

That Seventh New Thing

2011-03-10T19:31:00.000-08:00

Monday was the first time I left from an airport run without the person I was supposed to be picking up! I came back a few hours later for the rescheduled flight, but it was an odd feeling!

That Sixth New Thing

2011-03-06T19:53:00.000-08:00

Today I made a Moroccan Mint Latte for the first time. It was my standby order for Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, but as we don't have those in Tennessee (or this entire half of the country; maybe even 3/4?) I've been searching for a replacement!

I spent the good part of the morning trying to figure out how to froth up milk without having to buy some silly mini-blender thing. It seemed ludicrous that the only way we've figured out how to make hot milk frothy was to use a blender wand.

And then I thought of youtube. And found that a jar, a lid, and a few good shakes, does the job just fine. In case you've ever wondered, and all.

It was a tasty latte, and caffeine free, just the way I like things :)

Interlude

2011-03-06T16:47:00.000-08:00

I know most people have seen this before (if they watched the superbowl) but it's really precious.

That Fifth New Thing

2011-03-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

Today I voluntarily ate eggplant for the first time. I'd eaten it before but never chosen to make it for myself. Let's face it- how many 22 year olds voluntarily reach for an eggplant for lunch? Exactly.

But my mom has a great method for eggplant parm, and it makes it delicious!

Best lunch ever? It's possible!

That Fourth New Thing

2011-03-04T19:56:00.000-08:00

Today I tried something called Mojitea. It's green tea, mint, a bit of lime and cane sugar... it was way too sweet, but that's alright. Bonus new thing: adding a signature to posts. Go team!

That Third New Thing

2011-03-03T19:46:00.000-08:00

Today I actually learned how to play tennis. With the rules and everything.

It's a lot easier to just hit the ball around, coincidentally. But it was nice to actually get around to learning how to play properly. And it was a lot of fun!

That Second New Thing

2011-03-02T14:50:00.001-08:00

Today I was given my first secret agent name. It was at a meeting for work, and I'd tell you more, but then I would have to kill you.
Signing out,
Agent Spitnkick

That First New Thing

2011-03-01T21:15:00.000-08:00

The first new thing that I tried today was tabling at a health fair at Western Kentucky University. I'd never tabled at a health fair before, and a part of me wants to say I don't particularly desire to ever again.

But that would be a silly part of me, because I agreed to do it twice more this month alone. So really, today was great practice for the next few weeks! It's just super intense because there are hundreds of kids who all want to talk to/at you at the same time, and you can't take it all in, and end up giving the same spiel hundreds of times... And no matter which words you repeat hundreds of times, they start to sound ridiculous at the end of it, like they're not even words!

Fun Moment

2011-02-28T21:58:00.000-08:00

I've been wrong for years; this is clearly her jam

Video of the Day: 28

2011-02-28T19:52:00.000-08:00

Video of the Day: 27

2011-02-27T21:20:00.000-08:00

Video of the Day: 26

2011-02-27T21:19:00.000-08:00

Video of the Day: 25

2011-02-27T21:18:00.000-08:00

Life on the run

2011-02-26T18:23:00.001-08:00

Sometimes funny things happen while I'm out running. I mean, funny things tend to happen to me in general, but there are some things specific to running. Two of my favorites are:
- a little girl rolled down her window while her family's SUV was stuck in traffic and yelled, "you can do it!"
- today, about seven miles in, an 8 year old rolled by on a tricycle and told me we were both great at being eco-friendly!

Video of the Day: 24

2011-02-24T21:55:00.000-08:00

And of course, the reminder that donations are alllllways accepted at: main.acsevents.org/goto/eosmak

Video of the Day: 23

2011-02-24T21:42:00.001-08:00

Storms

Video of the Day: 22

2011-02-24T21:42:00.000-08:00

Another crazy day, where I missed recording something.

Instead:

Video of the Day: 21

2011-02-21T19:50:00.000-08:00

Raiiiiin in the Music City

Video of the Day: 20

2011-02-21T19:49:00.000-08:00

More new art! My apartment looks like a human lives here now, it's magnificent

Video of the Day: 19

2011-02-21T19:47:00.000-08:00

Found at the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum.

Also known as the super amazing place that I'll be taking a weekly yoga class at, in the Japanese Garden!!

Video of the Day: 18

2011-02-21T19:45:00.001-08:00

Alright, I missed a day. In lieu, enjoy this youtube video:

Video of the Day: 17

2011-02-21T19:44:00.000-08:00

Video of the Day: 16

2011-02-21T19:43:00.000-08:00

Video of the Day: 15

2011-02-21T19:42:00.000-08:00

Inspiration

2011-02-21T07:43:00.001-08:00

Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes uo. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve.

It doesn't matter whether you're a lion or a gazelle- when the sun comes up, you better be running.

main.acsevents.org/goto/eosmak

4 weeks til I meet Pikermi again

2011-02-19T20:19:00.001-08:00

In exactly a month, I'll be in Atlanta with three of my good friends. We'll be asleep, because we'll need our energy. That is to say, exactly a month from tomorrow, we'll be running the Georgia Half Marathon. Consider donating at main.acsevents.org/goto/eosmak, or click the DetermiNation box to the right.

I can't wait for the festivities, and I know I'm racing for a great cause. Tomorrow is an 8 mile run and I'm keeping my fingers crossed my feet don't act up again!

2011-02-19T13:43:00.001-08:00

"Start slowly, then taper off." -Walt Stack, on racing advice

Video of the Day: 14

2011-02-14T19:22:00.000-08:00

Video of the Day:13

2011-02-13T18:03:00.000-08:00

Video of the Day: 12

2011-02-12T16:55:00.000-08:00

Video of the Day: 11

2011-02-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

Video of the Day: 10

2011-02-12T15:52:00.000-08:00

Video of the Day: 9

2011-02-09T18:35:00.000-08:00

If you want to make a donation to help fund a cure, please visit main.acsevents.org/goto/eosmak.

Video of the Day: 8

2011-02-09T14:21:00.000-08:00

I swear I do spend some time outside of my car. I was going to have a video from the committee meeting, with the ice breaker we did, but I forgot entirely to film it. Next time!

Though, to be fair, time that I didn't spend in meetings or driving over the last few days, I spent sitting in an elevator waiting for the fire department.

Video of the Day: 7

2011-02-07T17:06:00.000-08:00

I didn't have my camera with me, but did have a blast with my wifi and laptop. Check out the event page on facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=186570411373979&index=1

Don't forget to donate so my five hour festivities in the elevator weren't in vain!

All I wanted, a few hours in, was to make the situation worth it. Thus the fundraising push. (And virtual dodgeball. And serious dent in my email list)

And an apple.

Video of the Day: 6

2011-02-06T21:00:00.000-08:00

Motto for life?

2011-02-06T20:21:00.001-08:00

"Don't say anything you wouldn't write down and sign your name to."

Video of the Day: 5

2011-02-06T19:44:00.000-08:00

The inspiring leadership board was a lot like snap cup- and we got to read them out from time to time to make sure everyone felt the lovin'!

Video of the Day: 4

2011-02-06T19:43:00.000-08:00

We had a leadership training that started Friday at 3... but the storms got everyone a little tripped up!

To be fair, they did roll in 15 minutes later, and it was a BLAST!

Brief Interlude

2011-02-03T18:53:00.001-08:00

Let's play a game called, "what people searched to land here."

Winner goes to whomever googled, "UCLA inverted fountain pink bubbles" and found themselves here on BNB. I, too, would enjoy seeing that. Alas, I've only seen the normal bubbles in the inverted fountain, which is what I suspect you found on your visit here.

And whoever looked up "barefoot" and found this, we could probably be friends.

Video of the Day: 3

2011-02-03T18:26:00.000-08:00

This one really takes you through the day- starting with getting out to TTU, some of their kick off stuff, and a run!

Video of the Day: 2

2011-02-02T17:25:00.000-08:00

Fluorescent lights? Super flattering.

Video of the Day: 1

2011-02-01T17:54:00.000-08:00

Here's the dealio- I like a lot of things, but you're going to get bored by that.

Compromise? A new theme each month. As the shortest month, February wins for Video of the Day!

Plus, good practice for all this public speaking I do for work- and people mocked me for doing speech and debate so happily in high school ;)

Things I Like: 31

2011-02-01T17:53:00.000-08:00

I like days where I feel like I accomplished something.

Today we set our timelines out for one of my schools, and recruited heavily for another, and got a bunch of things done for the training we're holding this weekend.

It was definitely a good day, despite the torrential downpour!

Things I Like: 30

2011-01-30T12:03:00.000-08:00

I like coconut pancakes.

They're probably the most delicious pancakes any one person can eat. Provided you like coconut, that is.

I couldn't find any places that served them after I went on that 6 mile run this morning, so I caved and made them myself- yum!

Things I Like: 29

2011-01-30T11:59:00.000-08:00

I like beating records.

Even if they're just my records, it's really exciting to beat one. Today I ran a 10K route (really, it was four laps around the inside of a park, at a mile and a half each lap) and beat my 10K time by a solid twenty minutes. And all together, the run was just under half what I'll be running for the half marathon.

Meaning, pending any more injuries I might acquire, I should be able to beat my half marathon PR.

Keep your fingers crossed for me :)

And donate at main.acsevents.org/goto/eosmak... I'm nearly halfway to my fundraising goal!

If you prefer sending checks, let me know, and I'll make sure you either get my address or the direct address for donations!

Things I Like: 28

2011-01-29T18:23:00.000-08:00

I like running in the morning, when everyone's out with their dogs.

Because then I get to play with dogs! Which makes life good.

Things I Like: 27

2011-01-29T18:19:00.001-08:00

I like randomly sunny days in between storms.

I especially like it when it's warm enough to wear shorts and a t-shirt. And to run without needing a scarf to warm up the air before I breathe it in. Glorious day, to be certain.

Things I Like: 26

2011-01-29T18:18:00.000-08:00

I like to run with friends.

Conversational paces are much easier to maintain when there are people with whom to converse :)

Things I Like: 25

2011-01-29T18:17:00.000-08:00

I like pomegranates.

Sneak the seeds into just about anything and it immediately grabs my attention. They're that perfect mix of sweet and just a little tart.

And they might stain everything that surrounds them, but that's why you're supposed to break 'em open under water. Obviously.

Things I Like: 24

2011-01-29T18:16:00.001-08:00

I like this story.

That's really all I have to say on that!

Things I Like: 23

2011-01-23T07:29:00.000-08:00

I like my facebook campaign.

Yes, this makes me a bit of an egotist, but I really think it's a neat campaign. It's a bunch of profile picture tiles with different reasons people might do Relay For Life. It's eye catching (I think!) and I should mention that I light up every time I see someone on my friend's list has changed their profile picture to one of them. It's fascinating to see their reasons to Relay, and I think it makes it all a community.

Things I Like: 22

2011-01-23T07:23:00.000-08:00

I like seeing other runners.

Whether it's someone out on what I've deemed "my" route, or just driving past someone who's out for a run, I love seeing other people out running. And I like it more when they're clearly enjoying themselves- when they're smiling or dancing and singing along to their running music.

Things I Like: 21

2011-01-23T07:20:00.000-08:00

I like giving up.

Sounds funny at first glance, but what I mean is that I like silencing any internal critics- giving up the word "can't," or "impossible." As Walt Disney said, "it's kind of fun to do the impossible." Reframe how you think, and you'll be amazed at the crazy things that can come your way.

Things I Like: 20

2011-01-20T16:55:00.000-08:00

I like scarves.

Well, truth be told, I love them. And the best thing is that I can wear them ALL THE TIME right now, as I'm experiencing seasons. A different one every day? I can pretty much manage that. It's wonderful!

Things I Like: 19

2011-01-20T16:50:00.000-08:00

I like spontaneous friendships.

One of the girls I was meeting with from a university I'm trying to start a Relay at bonded with me instantly because she liked my sparkly shoes. Then proceeded to offer me the best athletics partnership with Relay I've ever seen. Proof that shoes matter?

Things I Like: 18

2011-01-20T16:49:00.000-08:00

I like breaking a plateau.

I wasn't really getting any faster, or getting any farther in my running. But it feels like someone flipped a switch and it's easier to push myself further on my runs, whether in speed or in miles. It could be all the fresh air talking.

Things I Like: 17

2011-01-20T16:48:00.000-08:00

I like being outside.

Yes, it's snowing. And yes, I'm as pale as they come. But being outside when there are a few rays of sunshine and getting to soak in some of that vitamin D? It makes me happy!

Things I Like: 16

2011-01-20T16:47:00.000-08:00

I like brightly colored lipstick.

I think it's because I'm often outspoken, but I really do enjoy hot pink and bright red lipstick. It makes me feel old-Hollywood kind of glamorous. And I think it makes me look awake and ready to take on the world/cure cancer.

Things I Like: 15

2011-01-20T16:44:00.000-08:00

I like snow half-days.

I know they don't normally have weather like this out here (as evidenced by the fact that the school districts ran out of snow days about ten snow-days ago), but it's sort of neat when the office closes up early. It's going to stop snowing by tomorrow morning, and the inch we're getting isn't going to be nearly as bad as snow-mageddon, in which we got 4 inches over night and another two the next day, but still, the city shuts down when the mere mention of snow is whispered. So today the offices closed at 3 so everyone could get home and hole themselves in before the snow flurries started at 5. Avoiding rush hour? I like that, too.

Things I Like: 14

2011-01-14T18:01:00.000-08:00

I like longer days.

I like to feel busy, but really I like it when suddenly you can tell that the hours of daylight are being stretched further-- I'm getting just a bit closer to running at normal times and just after work instead of earrrrly in the morning. It's realizing that before Christmas, I would leave the office at just after 4 and it would be pretty much dark already, and now I leave just after 4 and make it home before the sun's begun setting.

Fantastic!

Things I Like: 13

2011-01-13T21:27:00.000-08:00

I like antique stores.

I always see them when I'm driving between Relay events, just off the freeway, and I love when I have twenty minutes to stop. It's rare that I do, but they have the COOLEST stuff in there, and every item is unique because it's been around long enough to acquire character. I'm almost certain it makes me a little nerdy, but I'll take it!

Things I Like: 12

2011-01-13T21:19:00.000-08:00

I like Nilla Wafers.

The cookies, when dunked in milk, become the most ridiculous texture. They're probably quite terrible for me, and more than likely will make me sick if I eat too many. But they're still delicious.

Things I Like: 11

2011-01-11T19:00:00.000-08:00

I like ketchup phone calls.

That is, phone calls to catch up with people. Whether they're planned or unexpected, or facilitated by a snow storm that keeps everyone snowed out of the office. It's nice to hear from best friends!

Things I Like: 10

2011-01-10T12:24:00.000-08:00

I like chocolate milk.

I think it's the perfect post-run drink. It's also the perfect drink for when you're snowed in and working from home because the entire Southeastern corner of the United States met a storm last night. Chocolate milk AND a winter wonderland? Why, now I'm just getting spoiled.

Things I Like: 9

2011-01-09T19:06:00.000-08:00

I like snow.

There, I said it.

Things I Like: 8

2011-01-09T19:02:00.000-08:00

I like enthusiasm.

Some people might even say it's a passion of mine- enthusiasm. I like seeing people chase down the things that mean the most to them, and fight for what they believe in. I especially like it when they convince other people to join them in their enthusiasm, because it makes them light up like a Christmas tree.

Things I Like: 7

2011-01-09T18:52:00.000-08:00

I like friends, from near and far.

We had a meeting, and I got to see people from California, New York, Connecticut, Tennessee, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia, and Indiana. It was amazing to get to pick up where we all left off, but so hard to say goodbye again!

Things I Like: 6

2011-01-09T18:49:00.000-08:00

I like road trips.

Well, I like short road trips. Long road trips are a little stressful. But short ones to Atlanta and back for the weekend are pretty nice! They don't require nearly as many logistics, even if you and the people you're meeting with get chased out of Atlanta by Snowmageddon, 2011.

Things I Like: 5

2011-01-09T18:36:00.000-08:00

I like it when my hair's straightened.

(I also like it when it's curly)

But when it's straight, and I take off running and it's down instead of up in a pony tail, it makes the coolest whooshing noise. Not quite like wind whistling through leaves, but it's a neat noise.

Things I Like: 4

2011-01-04T21:28:00.001-08:00

I like dinners with great friends.

Sitting down after a few weeks away means everyone comes back with stories and updates on life. Add in food and I'd say you've got a winning combination! Dinner in, dinner out, doesn't matter where you eat it, and sometimes it doesn't really matter what you even eat, it's all about the company you have!

Things I Like: 3

2011-01-03T19:53:00.000-08:00

I like dimples.

I think they're funny little lines designed to make people look a little more like a caricature. I only have one, but I'm pretty sure it adds character. Now if only I could remember which side of my face it's on!