SPRING

Song lyrics. I have always been one to enjoy listening to and learning lyrics to songs, and that has not changed. It's amazing how songs bridge gaps of time, stir up emotions, evoke memories. I go through waves of being in the mood to hear sad sappy love songs that I can relate to, to listening to angry metal music when I need to get energy out, to singing-a-long Disney songs that remind me of happy times and friends. I also appreciate my random lyric knowledge that has helped me gain some points in Dirty Diane (team name) trivia. Fun Fact: Currently loving the lyrics to James Arthur's "Say You Won't Let Go" 

Parks. With the weather getting warmer and the temperature being no-jacket-required, I'm looking forward to being able to spend more time outdoors. I'm lucky that there are a handful of parks providing nice paths and green scenery to encourage me to stay on the path towards becoming healthier. I'm just hoping my allergy medicine helps me as well. 

Running. Related to my appreciation for parks is the fact that I can get back into running again. It helps when you have small races to work towards. I would like to do another half marathon, maybe even the Disney one, but I need some time to get back in shape and work my way towards accomplishing that goal. I think this year I'll stick with 5Ks and 10Ks. More updates to follow with that as I sign up for some races with good friends to help encourage me!

Instax. I have always loved taking pictures, and though I appreciate the convenience of digital cameras and smartphones, I miss having the physical copy of a photograph. I received a Polaroid Instax camera for my birthday earlier this year and I love it. The picture quality is better than I imagined it would be and I enjoy the adorable accessories that came with the camera package that help display the polaroids in creative ways. From colorful mini frames to string frames and stickers, it is just a lot of fun. 

Negroni. Those that know me well know that I don't drink often, but will never turn away a good glass of wine or a strong cocktail here and there. My new favorite drink is one that I tried for the first time at my best friend's wedding last year, as I was introduced to it by one of my new (guy) best friend, Nico, as I managed to get some free drinks for the entire evening. The orange drink consists of 1 part gin, 1 part sweet vermouth, 1 part campari, a dash of orange bitters, and a twist of lemon is a nice mixture of sweet, bitter, and sour. Definitely a mature step up from my previous favorite bar go-to, Amaretto Sours. 

Guinea Pigs. Jonathan and I have formed good pet-parent relationships with our adorable guinea pigs. I'm looking forward to warmer weather when we can attempt to bring one of the little cages out to the front yard to give them some wandering time and grass-eating time. Weekly floor time is not as fun when you're stuck in a small apartment...On the positive, they are enjoying the new two-story home that Jonathan built for them, and I'm enjoying the new hidden storage areas underneath their cage. 

I'd like to update this blog more frequently. I will have to think of some fun things to share.

30

I had forgotten about this blog and clearly my attempt at creating "100 days of happiness" was a fail... I would like to update this blog more frequently though. 

Since my last post, I've encountered and experienced many changes in my life - some challenging, some amazing, but all offering life lessons. Since I'm a huge fan of making lists, I've decided to share some of these changes in list form!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

1. I turned 30 last month. The couple of months leading up to this new age were filled with a whirlwind of emotions. Those already in their 30's reassured me that "your 30s are going to be your best years", while those under 30 shared my worry. In all honesty, 30 has been great so far. I'm realizing that your early 30s will probably be the years where you begin to forgive yourself for mistakes in your 20s, understand and make plans to reach your personal/life goals, and make bigger attempts at moving your life in a positive direction. I'm really looking forward to this new age of newly found confidence. 

2. I ran/jogged/walked a half marathon! 13.1 miles completed (thank you Jessika, bio-freeze, random kind co-runners, and Disney). I had made a goal to run a half marathon a few years ago, in order to prove that 30 is not old. This was definitely the most challenging thing I've experienced - physically and mentally. Somewhere between miles 8 and 9 I started doubting I could finish, but thanks to energy goo, encouraging words from other runners and volunteers, and Jessika, I somehow made it past the finish line.

3. I'm starting a new job next month. My dedication to the individuals I assist and my hard work all led to recognition in my workplace. I'm nervous about leaving my current position, especially knowing I have to say goodbye to my awesome co-workers who have become more like family this past year and a half, and to my clients that I've worked with for over a year as well. I will most likely cry, but I'm also excited to start a new chapter in my career and get an opportunity to help even more individuals. 

4. I have a new boyfriend. Jonathan. I don't want to be overly sappy with these entries, but he treats me well and makes me happy. He also has a lot of patience as I'm trying to re-learn how to date...it's been awhile since I've experienced the early stages of a relationship. (disclaimer: I think this is the first time on any internet outlet that I'm actually sharing that Jeremy and I are no longer together. It has been awhile since I moved out of our apartment, but we're both doing well, realize that we still get along, but are much happier being friends. Most people have told me they think we've treated the situation very maturely, which I agree with, but when you've spent over 10 years caring about someone, it is difficult to think of them negatively.)

5. I am taking time to get to know myself. Post-breakup I realized I didn't know myself as well as I used to. Strange as that sounds, I really took the next few months to re-learn what I liked, didn't like, wanted, and didn't want. I'm still in the early stages of this process, but have been heading in the right direction. I feel like I'm more positive about myself, engage in activities that I enjoy, have been reacquainted with old hobbies, and in turn it has made me a more positive and happy person. 

Life is crazy sometimes, but things are heading in a positive direction for me and I'm looking forward to it.