Vacation

Last week I flew to Connecticut for a little winter vacation. I spent the whole week eating too much and not exercising at all. I brought Adam and Jaws home with me, which made the flight there pretty awesome. Jaws was pretty thoroughly sedated, so although he hated every minute of it we did manage to get him into the carrier, and through the whole ordeal with minimal whining. Adam even clipped Jaw's claws before we left! Now Jaws is living in the lap of luxury in Connecticut. He has a big old house to run around in, a choice in litter boxes, and two new people he can trick into feeding him 4 times a day. All he has to do is outrun Zelda and try not to annoy my dad too much.

While we were home we ate out every meal. I felt uncomfortably full the entire trip, and barely made my company's Holiday Weight Challenge weigh in when I got back. (I stayed exactly the same). We ate at Sushi Palace, Indian Neck Pizza, SBC, Max Brenner's, Darbar, Jalapeno Heaven, the Parthenon, and Panera. Plus Christmas Cookies! I checked out a new yoga studio while I was at home. I was hoping to be able to stretch out, maintain my practice, and possibly learn something new. But the studio I found offered only meditation based classes, mostly involving laying down and breathing. I gave it a fair chance, but I only learned that particular style of yoga is not for me.

We traveled to New York City and spent the day wandering in and out of bars/restaurants. Then Sunday we went to the Mark Twain house, and toured his house, and the Harriet Beecher Stowe house. Twain's house is super impressive and the tour is interesting, but I'm glad we toured the Stowe House too. I hadn't seen her house before. Seeing the Mark Twain house was definitely Adam's favorite part of the trip too!

Here is Jaws forcing Dad to cuddle while he tries to do the crossword.

Reflections and Resolutions

• What are the things of 2012 that you are most proud of?

Finishing the classes for my Certification in Nonprofit Management

Paying off my student loans

Running a marathon

• What experience has made you the happiest?

Going to Joplin to volunteer for a week made me happiest. It made me realize that working with volunteers and people passionate about a cause is what I really want to do with my life. I met great people and was really inspired to change my life and pursue my dreams.

• What changes would you make to your career in 2013?

In 2013 I would like to change my career and follow my passion. I would like to help people experience the world as I have been able to experience it: seeking the unknown, finding strength and leadership through teamwork, and the beauty of volunteering and serving others. In the summer I would like to intern with Outward Bound assisting with the wilderness backpacking trips with at risk youth. In the fall I hope to work with a Habitat for Humanity affiliate to lead construction crews.

Upon Reflection:

In 2012 I ran 17 races: 2 Marathons, 3 Half Marathons, 1 Triathlon, one 10K, nine 5Ks, and a 7K. I discovered that I love doing yoga. I woke up one morning and realized that I felt happy and whole, and ready to take risks and leave my comfort zone again. I worked two jobs. I learned to cherish the time I leave unscheduled. I’ve met new people and made new friends.

Resolutions:

I’m going to put money from every paycheck into savings. I want to change my spending habits a little. I’m going to stop shopping for material things. I don’t need anything. I’m going to de-clutter my life. Today I’ll spend the morning sorting through my stuff, getting rid of the trash and donating the things I don’t use. I want to be less of a pack rat. I’m going to cook more and not stop for takeout for meals. I want to eat healthier.I want to try something new. In 2012 I started practicing yoga, and discovered I love it! I want to keep running! For someone who could never run like I can now, marathon-ing is a super power! I’d like to run more than 3 half-marathons this year. I want to live more in the moment, and less in anticipation of what’s next. I want to stay in better touch with my friends.

This is Liz's room, after I filled it with balloons when she went home for the Holidays!