Courtesy of Zen Habits. Smile, breath, go slowly.

I can’t believe that it’s already almost the end of January! This month has flown by, but at the same time, it’s been an amazing start to an amazing new year.

For starters, I am (obviously) running during the winter. “Big Deal!” you may say- but this is me we’re talking about here. In the past, winter wasn’t just reserved for bears to hibernate. I literally left my house to venture into the snow once- twice tops. This year, I rededicate winter (strictly) to the bears.

Also, 2011 marks a cornucopia of change in my life. This is my last year of high school, and in six months, it’ll be my first year of college! So, I’ve spent my 2011 doing things that I want to do.

I’m spending more time snowboarding with friends at my favorite (and only) “mountain,” drinking hot cocoa by big fireplaces, reading, writing, trying new foods and types of coffee, laughing, and generally, enjoying a fuller life. It’s weird to say only 17 days into the new year, but I kind of do feel a difference and a sense that next year, things won’t be the same.

So with that, I leave you with the challenge to change something in your life just to see what happens.

SNOW DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I stayed up until 2 am last night, so this is well deserved.

I just woke up (reluctantly), hopped in the shower, packed for school, got my boots on, and THEN checked my FB only to realize that there’s NO SCHOOL TODAY! 

I was talking to Will and his parents yesterday about needing vs. not needing FB. THIS IS WHY I NEED IT.

Goodnight, again.

Only 58 laps of this tomorrow! (Translates into 4 miles plus 5 1:00 Aerobic Intervals)

It’s the beginning of Week Three! And, I did not run. Once again, I wanted to, but I really didn’t feel like bundling up for the zero degree weather. Also, I somehow left my (wet) running clothes in the back of Will’s car to freeze overnight. 

Was this just me psychologically sabotaging myself? I think so.

I love Ithaca coffee shops. Usually, I go for a cup of Gimme! but today, Will and I stopped into Mate’ Factor. This small cafe’ in Home Dairy Alley on the Ithaca Commons makes us feel like we’re walking into a scene of Lord of the Rings because of its natural feel- big wooden beams, soft lighting, leather seating. Will said it looks like a bar in Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, although there wasn’t any butter beer. Thankfully, they brewed Gimme! Coffee, so I was in luck! I got a small mocha (much bigger than Gimme!’s smalls), and Will and I warmed up from the cold outside. Mmmm…..

P.S. I hear if I get hired @ Starbucks tomorrow!