tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14959496968714781982024-03-13T05:06:37.981-07:00Sweet CaliforniaShe believed she could, so she did.Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-4270411370260527722010-01-10T15:49:00.000-08:002010-01-10T15:49:04.269-08:00I miss you, Sonic! (Back to school)Long time, no post! Sorry, life got a little out of control this week with the start of a brand new quarter. I survived, but I'm in desperate need of sleep.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My very last Cherry Limeade before I ventured back up to Olympia. A little birdy told me there was a Sonic in Tumwater, but they just closed! That's what I get for getting re-addicted to Sonic over Christmas break. I miss it terribly already.<br />
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Along with being back on campus, I also...<br />
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<ul><li>had my first Theories of Personality class - I think this is going to be a really interesting class, and it only meets once a week! We also get two Monday nights off because of holidays, so that's even better! There is a group project (and we all know the luck I have with those), but I've decided that it will be a successful project no matter what.</li>
<li>did something really scary! - I'm in a writing program this quarter which is probably the scariest class I've ever taken. I feel incredibly intimidated by everyone in the class, but I know there's a writer deep inside of me so hopefully she'll resurface sooner rather than later. We have critique groups in this class and....I don't want to talk about it. 9 more weeks to go! (This is the class that has the torturous 8 hour long Saturday sessions, ps)</li>
<li>finished week 1 of HM training - well, sort of. My 3 mile long run turned into a short 1.5 mile run, but other than that I did a decent job I think. Today I received an email about a 10k being hosted on campus in February, which I may have to take part in! That could be an excellent way for me to stay motivated because right now the cold and gloom just aren't doing it for me.</li>
</ul><div>So those are the 3 big things that happened this week. I also had 2am Wal-Mart trips, a girl's night to see Sherlock Holmes (not bad!), a crazy adorable <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meet_cute">meet-cute</a>, a night with my parents, the <a href="http://twitpic.com/xgttu">best pizza</a> I've had since Rhodes, a brand new roommate (and the sad news that another roommate left us!), and lots of reading and writing for class.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Oh yeah! I turned my hair purple, too. Apparently the hair dye reacted badly with the previous brand I used and it ended up a big burgandy/purple/DARK mess instead of the pretty pomegranate shade it was supposed to be. OOPS!</div><div><br />
</div><div>How was your week? I'm not sure how many of you live there, but I heard about snow in Florida, which is absolutely insane! </div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-48947325963998751772010-01-04T16:24:00.000-08:002010-01-04T16:25:28.825-08:00The Life & Times of Costello<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/S0KD0P2T2WI/AAAAAAAAANo/8YdESSIvMuI/s1600-h/IMG_0274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/S0KD0P2T2WI/AAAAAAAAANo/8YdESSIvMuI/s320/IMG_0274.jpg" /></a><br />
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Sat hello to Costello, the newest member of my technologic family. He's a pretty blue iPod Nano that I got for Christmas from my dad. Apparently Amazon included this as a special gift with some of the books my dad had ordered.<br />
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</div><div>Okay, so by now I'm sure you've noticed that Mr. C is resting in a bowl of rice. Oh yeah. I got dressed for my run yesterday, and I decided to try something new since I don't have an armband to hold an iPod this small. There's a little zipper pocket on the back of my running pants (tights/leggings/whatevers), so I figured I could put him (or it, if that's weird for you) in that pocket and zip it enough for just the headphone cord. What a great idea!<br />
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</div><div>It worked fantastically for the first three minutes, until I had to go to the bathroom. Yeah, you know what's coming next. I pulled my pants down and as I did so I had the thought that hmm this could go very badly. And then -- plopsplash! Oh yeah, that happened. I spin around and almost fall over because my pants are down at my ankles. This bathroom is like 2x3 feet so it's not like I had far to fall.<br />
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</div><div> I looked down in the toilet and the damn thing had turned on! It's just chilling in the bottom and playing some LMFAO. <b>Seriously. </b>So I hesitated for about 1.3 seconds before I plunged my hand into the toilet bowl and pulled the dang thing out. Ew ew ewww.<br />
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</div><div>Next came the 24 hour rice bath slumber party and I guess it worked because Costello came with me to the gym today! The exterior speaker, the one that lets you play music without the headphones, doesn't seem to be working, but that's the only problem I've had so far! (Crossing my fingers & toes) I haven't tried the video camera (why'd they put one of those in an iPod anyway?), but really I'm just concerned about being able to listen to my <s>trashy</s> classy gym jams like Ke$ha.<br />
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</div><div>So I leave you with this<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">:</span> Costello, I love you but please don't jump into the toilet and start playing music! </b>I promise it doesn't sound any better than it would on land. <br />
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</div><div>Also, I'm back at school and my first class starts tonight! Woohoo!<br />
</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-83129341144181332092009-12-31T11:46:00.000-08:002009-12-31T11:47:54.144-08:002010: Do one thing. And then do one more thing.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>I was planing on doing a year in review post, but honestly 2009 was not my best year and I just don't want to think about it right now. I don't want to sound ungrateful because nothing terrible happened during the year, but it just wasn't that great of a year. 2008 was by far better, and I'm hoping that 2010 will top every other year in the past.<br />
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So instead of looking back on the past, I decided to do a little brainstorming for the future!<br />
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<b>Here are a few of my goals/plans for 2010:</b><br />
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<b>Run a half marathon </b><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Find a race - <a href="http://www.capitalcitymarathon.org/">DONE! </a><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Create a training program - <a href="http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AqaYuf6YZX8edDE3UHYxeXRoclo2SDR4T1pBWjlrWUE&hl=en">DONE!</a><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Run, run, run!<br />
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<b>Study abroad in Italy </b><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I can't wait for this! I picked out a program and all that's left to do now is wait until they post the dates and the application materials. And then when (if) I'm accepted I'll have to choose a topic for my independent research project.<br />
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<b>Spend the summer in LA</b><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As we get closer to summer I'll have to find an internship, which could be quite a challenge this year. I guess this is where networking skills come in handy?<br />
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<b>Have a reunion by December </b><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>90% of my closest friends are long distance, which can be really hard. I'd love to be able to go on a trip with friends from school somewhere fun, or even just fly to Memphis to visit them. I did that last time though, so it's their turn to fly to me! ha<br />
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<b>Graduate college by summer of 2011</b><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Okay, so this is a 2011 goal, but I don't care! My mini goal for this year is to finish my junior year in June. I'm beyond excited to be this close to the end of school.<br />
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<b>Read 24+ books by December 31, 2010</b><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I'd also like to become an eclectic reader, so they'll have to be 24 very different books. What are you planning on reading in 2010? I need ideas!<br />
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<b>I also want to…</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Learn some Italian </b>before I spend a semester abroad<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I got an amazing Christmas present from one of my best friends...Rosetta Stone! I have levels 1, 2 & 3 for Italian and hopefully I'll be able to stay on top of things and work on them this year. I'm really nervous about spending 5 months in a country where I don't speak the language, so hopefully this will help!<br />
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G<b>o to church</b><br />
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have no religious background whatsoever and I can count on one hand the number of times I've been to church. I'd like to spend some time this year exploring religion.</span></b><br />
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<b>Cook one new recipe a month</b><br />
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This should be fun! I haven't decided how I want to do this, but I'd really like to turn it into some kind of fun project for the blog. I know the whole Julie & Julia thing is way overdone by now, but it sounds like so much fun!</span></b><br />
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</b><br />
<b>Go to at least one:</b> book club, knitting club, running group, cooking class, swing lesson, salsa lesson, spin class, yoga class<br />
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</b><br />
<b>Take better care of myself </b><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I'd say I do a pretty good job of taking care of myself right now, but I could always do better! My two big things are flossing and wearing sunscreen 24/7.<br />
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</b><br />
<b>Write</b><br />
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This scares me. A lot. For some reason it has entered into my head that I'm not a write and that I cannot write. I know this isn't true, I used to write so much when I was younger! I'm taking a writing program for both winter and spring quarters, so hopefully I'll be able to overcome all of this blocked thinking. </span></b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Go somewhere FUN for spring break</b><br />
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I've never done this! Somewhere warm and sunny with good food and cute boys. Probably can't be found anywhere near the Northwest, and I'm okay with that.</span></b><br />
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Whew! Lots of stuff. I'm excited for summer and the second half of the year, but the next few months just feel like they're placeholders to pass the time. I hope these goals will help change that!<br />
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<b>What are you doing for your New Years Celebration? </b>I'll be home with my parents, probably watching The Hangover and whatever NYE stuff they have on TV. One of these years I'll be in the same city as some people I know so I can go out! I don't mind staying home, but it'd be nice to see the other side of things too.<br />
<b>Do you have any goals for next year?</b>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-32923852638059143232009-12-27T17:50:00.000-08:002009-12-27T17:50:47.243-08:00Mardi Gras: A Primer<div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For Christmas, my parents bought me Arthur Hardy's<i> </i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Mardi Gras in New Orleans: An Illustrated History</i>, which has become the foundation for the research project I'll be doing next year. At the end of the quarter I'll be turning in the manuscript for a similar book of my own! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My own final product is going to be a collection of photographs and writings I created during my stay in New Orleans during the Carnival season (which will include Mardi Gras day, of course!) I'm going to focus on 10 ways to"laissez les bons temps rouler", as well as 5 individual Krewes that are an important part of the Mardi Gras tradition. At least, that's the plan for now...who knows how it will evolve over the next year!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Even though it's still a year away, I already have a big, huge list of the types of people I want to get in touch with, a stack of books and articles almost as tall as me, and a bunch of events that I really really want to attend.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I've been getting a head start on things because there's a lot of preperation work I want to do, and I need to find a faculty sponsor for my independent contract AND I'll be studying abroad in Italy the quarter before I leave! Okay, and I really just like to plan ahead and I may have a slight obsession with anything New Orleans related. Maybe.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, I just wanted to share some thoughts about Mardi Gras with you all. I'm not from New Orleans and I've only experienced Mardi Gras once, so if I have something wrong please don't get too sassy.</span></span></span><br />
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</div><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">The official definition:</span></b><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mardi Gras has been around for over 300 years, but the celebrations are still somewhat similar today. Mardi Gras is technically just one day, Fat Tuesday, but it's commonly used to refer to the entire season of Carnival, which New Orleans is known for celebrating.</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Deltas do NOLA! Myself, Kimi and Tiffany on Bourbon St. during our Mardi Gras trip.)</span><br />
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<div><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Misconceptions</span></b><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Many people have a picture in their mind that Mardi Gras is about 3 things - beads, boobs, and beer. Fortunately (or I guess unfortunately for some of you), the Carnival season is about so much more. Sure, if you never venture out of the French Quarter, or really just Bourbon St., then you won't really get a taste of what else Mardi Gras day and the Carnival season has to offer (and you'll miss all the parades since they don't travel through the Quarter!). But you will experience lots of BB&B. I think in order to get the most out of Mardi Gras you really need to visit New Orleans with someone that's from the city. They'll be able to get you away from the touristy things so that you can experience something that's really different, and also full of the culture and tradition that the city is famous for.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SzgMxJ_0omI/AAAAAAAAANI/Fwdz28mR1iM/s1600-h/1530636888_7b0227a63b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SzgMxJ_0omI/AAAAAAAAANI/Fwdz28mR1iM/s320/1530636888_7b0227a63b.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulmannix/1530636888/sizes/m/">via</a></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">A taste of the real deal</span></b><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">So much more goes into Mardi Gras than I think a lot of people realize, which is somehting I've been really delving into recently. There are Krewes, which are organizations (some of them are kind of like secret societies!) that put on the parades and hold elegant balls (or tableau ball masques) and they even have their own royalty. Everything is steeped in tradition, which is amazing considering how long the celebration has been going on. The parades create an amazing atmosphere and they're so much fun. All kinds of things are thrown from the floats (that's why they're called throws!) and some of them are especially prized, like the amazingly decorated shoes the ladies from the Muses Krewe toss out every year. There are all kinds of events and groups that come together during the season, and it's definitely a family affair! There's even a Krewe for kids 8-6 called The Little Rascals and they have their very own extravagant ball and parade. No BB&B there, that's for sure! The city comes together for the season, and as soon as the clock strikes midnight on Fat Tuesday the party's over. Until next year, of course.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SzgM5cNJH_I/AAAAAAAAANQ/tHH73hPjUUc/s1600-h/photo-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SzgM5cNJH_I/AAAAAAAAANQ/tHH73hPjUUc/s320/photo-1.jpeg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>(From l-r: Me, Kimi, Tiffany, and Colin. Part of our group from school. And of course we ran into a million people we knew over the weekend. Tiff's from New Orleans and she definitely showed us the real experience! )</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">SO.<b> Have you ever been to Mardi Gras? Have you always wanted to go? Or are you like my dad and totally against the whole thing?</b> I've been to New Orleans a few times, and this past February was my very first Mardi Gras experience. I went with a bunch of friends from school, one of whom is actually from New Orleans, and it was so much fun! When I was 16, I also had the opportunity to attend the Okeanos ball with my best friend and her family. She was on the court, and her father was King that year! That was a really fun time, too. I'll have to put up some pictures!</span><br />
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</div></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-76817166818534119112009-12-26T15:46:00.000-08:002009-12-26T15:46:14.769-08:00Merry Christmas! (and a mini race recap)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SzacWc7jWoI/AAAAAAAAAMg/LDYtikMUmbI/s1600-h/DSC_0814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SzacWc7jWoI/AAAAAAAAAMg/LDYtikMUmbI/s320/DSC_0814.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div>And I'm back! I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas, and that you're recovering from your sugar comas nicely. I've eaten so much chocolate in the past 24 hours, it's ridiculous! Who knew salted chocolate could be so weird yet so addicting? Aside from eating lots and reading my new cookbook cover to cover (Alton Brown's Good Eats: The Early Years), I've been slowly unpacking boxes of stuff and sorting through things I didn't even know I had. And that, is the joy of moving.<br />
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Christmas is very low key at our house, especially this year, so I thought I'd finally get around to putting up some pictures from last week's 5k.<br />
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This was the very first year for the Santa Marathon, and it was a pretty small event. Maybe 300 people all together, including the marathon and 1/2 marathon runners. There was also a 1 mile fun run and a 10k along with the 5k race.<br />
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</div>The run itself went pretty well, minus the entire mile I spent wondering if I was going to have to make a pit stop in the bushes. I walked more than I wanted (or planned) because of that little issue, but I still managed to set a PR so I didn't mind. (Can it be even be a PR if it's your very first time? Hmmm.)<br />
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It was COLD and drizzly, but thankfully the course was flat. However, it was not marked well at all, and quite a few people running the marathon and half actually got lost along the way! For the 5k we ran up to the first aide station and turned around, while everyone else kept going in a serious of loops and twisty turns along the back roads. The road was open to traffic, which seemed kind of dangerous, especially with the blind curves along some portions of the course. There may have been signs letting drivers know, but I don't remember seeing any.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Oh, and my time was 33:11, which is pretty slow in the real world, but since I was the only person in my division I won first place! I got a cute Santa medal and a Christmas flavored twinkie. I also have a lazy eyebrow.<br />
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Running on a treadmill is a lot easier than running on the road, or at least it feels that way to me, but I definitely didn't feel like I had lost fitness from switching from road running to treadmill running for the month or so before the race.<br />
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Next up? 10K! I have a training plan ready to go, but I can't find any races in Washington. There are a few in March, but they're all over an hour away, which doesn't sound too appealing when the start time is 7:30. No matter what, I'll be back in my running shoes tomorrow. Okay, maybe I'll wait until Monday.Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-32202462439006134172009-12-22T09:57:00.000-08:002009-12-22T09:57:00.663-08:00BRB - Moving!Not only is it almost Christmas, but we're also moving!<br />
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It's proving to be a lot more hectic than I thought, so I probably won't be back until this weekend. I have pictures from my race to share, and maybe some pictures of the house too! I have a bedroom again, which makes me so excited.<br />
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I'll be back soon, but until then I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and that you all stay safe and warm. :)Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-23954760377540628782009-12-19T21:57:00.000-08:002009-12-19T21:57:49.976-08:00Mission: Accomplished!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/Sy28RAWiVQI/AAAAAAAAAMY/E7Yq7PzOcsw/s1600-h/IMG_0256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/Sy28RAWiVQI/AAAAAAAAAMY/E7Yq7PzOcsw/s320/IMG_0256.jpg" /></a><br />
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I'll have a full report tomorrow, but I <b>finished my first 5K</b> this morning! And I <b>won 1st place in my division</b> (17-19) with a time of <b>33:11</b>! Not too shabby considering I was aiming for a goal time of 36:00 and the weather was rainy and windy.<br />
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I'd definitely call this <b>mission: accomplished.</b>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-8844576232495950302009-12-18T10:10:00.000-08:002009-12-18T10:10:21.745-08:00Tomorrow's the day.<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(True Confession Friday will be back next week!)</span></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SyvFRY6Pp-I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/dqSsY69MiCY/s1600-h/2593882681_e421b49048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SyvFRY6Pp-I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/dqSsY69MiCY/s320/2593882681_e421b49048.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yourdon/2593882681/sizes/m/">via</a><br />
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<b>Tomorrow I'll be running my first ever 5K!</b> Pretty exciting, right?<br />
<br />
I know it's only 3 miles, and when it seems like everyone and their mom is training for a marathon right now that's not too impressive, but I've worked hard for this!<br />
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The race (fun run?) starts at 10:30 and I'm hoping to be done by 11:05. Like, at the latest.<br />
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<b>Mini true confession time: </b>I feel way underprepared for this. Sure, I've been doing C25K since September, but I still haven't run an entire 3 miles at once. The last two weeks have been very light on the running thanks to horrible, awful weather, and my awesome yoga skills that led to a concussion. (Brill, right?)<br />
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Either way, I'm going to man up and run tomorrow! I've got my outfit planned out (with matching nail polish, because I'm crazy like that) and I even know what I'm going to eat for breakfast.<br />
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I'll report back tomorrow afternoon! If you don't already follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/sweetcalifornia">Twitter</a> I suggest you at least take a peek at my tweets tomorrow morning.<br />
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Happy Friday!Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-41415701595373871072009-12-17T09:22:00.000-08:002009-12-17T09:22:14.723-08:00Grown-Up Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SynnbAqlMKI/AAAAAAAAAMI/QBtljF6hlts/s1600-h/2474936772_cf16644cd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SynnbAqlMKI/AAAAAAAAAMI/QBtljF6hlts/s320/2474936772_cf16644cd1.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div>I may be 19, but I sure don't feel grown-up. It's weird, I always thought that after my 18th birthday I'd become all <i>adult </i>and mature. Yeah, totally didn't happen. I'm fine with that though, because I really do love going to Disneyland for my birthday. But even so...<br />
<br />
<b>Here are some of the 'grown-up things' I can't wait for:</b><br />
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I'm excited to <b>graduate college</b>! I've been in school since I was at least 3, so it's been quite a long time! Elementary, junior high, high school, online classes, proficiency exams, online college classes, community college classes, REAL college classes...I've tried it all! One day I'm going to have to do a post explaining it to y'all, because my schooling experience has been SO insane. This is the 4th college I've attended in 3 years, and I don't even have a high school diploma! I actually tested out of high school when I was only 15. Crazy, right? That's a long and complicated story for another time. But for right now, I can't wait to be done with school so I can <b>move on to a career</b>!<br />
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<b>Cooking!</b> I'm so excited to cook for myself (and eventually a family). I have a feeling that for at least the first few years after school I won't feel much like cooking after a super long day at work, but at least I'll have the skill in my back pocket. I made <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Eggplant-Parmesan-II/Detail.aspx">eggplant parmesan</a> for dinner this week and it was delicious. It only took me two grocery trips and four extra hours. Hey, we can't all be Julia! I'm not sure what I'd do without the internet, because I can't tell you how many times I've googled crazy things like 'how to chop a tomato without chopping off your fingers'. I'll get there one day.<br />
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Along with cooking, I absolutely can't wait to <b>live by myself.</b> And along with that, I'm actually really looking forward to <b>being responsible for my own messes.</b> Mommy, you were right. It's really gross when you don't put your dirty dishes in the dishwasher. And it's even worse when you let them stack up in the sink for a week. I was a messy child. Living with roommates for the past year and a half has made me the biggest neat-freak ever.<b> </b>You should see our kitchen right now. It's an absolute disaster. And I promise, none of it is mine! I don't even have any dishes in my room! I really can't wait until I can have my own bedroom and living room and kitchen that I can clean and organize however I want, whenever I want. (Let's see how long that actually lasts.)<br />
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<br />
And speaking of living areas, I get my home-decorating fix via HGTV. But when I grow-up, <b>I'm going to decorate the shit out of my house! </b>I'm going to paint the walls pretty colors, and have comfy furniture and pretty artwork. And of course, I'm decorating for the holidays! It starts in September with the fall themed decorations, continues through Halloween, goes back to the fall theme plus a cornucopia for Thanksgiving (poor Turkey Day, no one decorates for it!), and then we're going ALL out starting the day after Thanksgiving. It's going to be fabulous for sure. And of course, for the rest of the year it's going to look absolutely precious and colorful and maybe beach themed? Don't even get me started on this! (Let's also see how long this lasts. I'm a former messy child, remember?)<br />
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Okay those are my five things! I guess I'm just trying to say I can't wait to be a domesticated career woman? Lauren Conrad meets Martha Stewart meets Oprah? I'm going to have to think a little bit more on that one.Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-32125556275640511662009-12-16T19:32:00.000-08:002009-12-16T19:32:34.048-08:00You make me happy!Guess what! I have received my very first ever blog award! I'm so excited about this.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SymagQwiz2I/AAAAAAAAAMA/QiGjwkAi0X0/s1600-h/Happy_101%5B1%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SymagQwiz2I/AAAAAAAAAMA/QiGjwkAi0X0/s320/Happy_101%5B1%5D.png" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tahh dahhh!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's the <b>Happy 101</b> award from one of my new favorite blogs, <a href="http://perfectlypleasant.blogspot.com/">Perfectly Pleasant</a>. (She's absolutely precious and if nothing else you should go check out her glittery pinecones. I'm talking Christmas decorations, people!)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So for this little thingamabob, I'm supposed to tell you guys about 10 things that make me happy! I picked things that are a little bit out of the norm. :)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here we go: (in no particular order!)<br />
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<b>Oregon Chai. </b>More specifically, Oregon Chai lattes from concentrate. I know they make a powder that you can add to water, but I've been looking <b>everywhere</b> for them and not a single store in the area carries it! Anyway, this stuff is SO good. I tried it for the first time a few months ago, and I've been hooked ever since. I swear, I'd probably bathe in this stuff if I could. But that'd be weird. And I'd rather just drink it.<br />
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<b>One rainy day after lots of sun, sunny days after lots of rain. </b>Best thing ever. When we lived in Los Angeles, rain was a <b>big</b> deal. We'd have Storm Watch on the news, and one time they even cancelled school because of an inch of rain! It was always so exciting and such a great change of pace. And up here in the Pacific Northwest, well...sun is treasured.<br />
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<b>Anything Southern, New Orleans, or Mardi Gras related. </b>Can I be an honorary GRITS please? I was born in Missouri! I don't know why, but I've always loved the South, even before I had ever visited there. Spending a year in Memphis for school was absolutely amazing. I couldn't get enough of Sonic and Chick-Fil-A! And the people were <b>so </b>nice! New Orleans captured my heart when I visited for the first time in 2006, and I've loved it ever since. And of course, there's Mardi Gras. I know most people consider it to be a time just for getting drunk and catching beads, but I'm more interested in everything else that goes along with the season. There's so much culture and history behind it!<br />
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</b><br />
<b>Friends, family and bloggers. </b>Obviously. All of these people (you, too!) make my world go round. Fo reals.<br />
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<b>Kitty/puppy/baby Youtube videos. </b>My housemates and I sit around the kitchen table with our laptops watching these types of videos all the time!<br />
Some of my faves:<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Bmhjf0rKe8">Surprised Kitty!</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgMMQDFGE3k">Ethan Laughing</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqiwrbYGrs">David After Dentist</a><br />
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And then, while I was writing this post...<b>the fire alarm in our apartment building went off! </b>(This isn't apart of my top 10, ps) Funny story, because a) I wasn't wearing pants b) it's so loud I almost peed myself c) they went into the apartment that set off the alarm wearing oxygen tanks and carrying axes and d) this was the second time in a month that it's happened to that apartment! <b>They kindaaaaa suck at cooking. </b>I'm back though, and I'm now wearing pants. Hopefully they'll give up on trying to use the stove and go back to microwaving easy-mac. I say that with love. <b>Tough love.</b><br />
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</b><br />
<b>Back to the countdown...</b><br />
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<b>Nail polish. </b>If you know me at all, then you know I love nail polish. Seriously. I've got like, 200 bottles of the stuff! I've been collecting it since I was little, back when I used to play school with them. The nail polish remover bottles were the teachers, naturally. (I was about to put natch, because I feel like now's a good time to use it, but that word just looks <i>wrong </i>to me.)<br />
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<b>Watermelon and pineapple. </b>Idk. I really like fruit? It reminds me of summer! The artificial pineapple and watermelon flavors are okay, but nothing can beat the real thing.<br />
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<b>The holiday season from September to January. </b>We've got fall, and then Halloween and Thanksgiving, and then the big long Christmas season! I'm <b>so </b>ready for it to all be over by the time it's Dec. 26th, but until then I think it's absolutely magical. And I love the decorations, of course.<br />
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<b>Being single.</b> Maybe? I think I like it. For a while I was a serial monogamist. Okay, not really, but it kind of felt that way? Right now it's all about me, so I can be selfish and do whatever I want, whenever I want. Not that I can't do that in a relationship, but it's nice to know that you can depend on yourself, rather than relying on a boy to be there for you. <u>Not to mention, it's so freaking hard to buy Christmas presents for boyfriends!</u><br />
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<b>Books. </b>When I was little, I was a huge bookworm. And then...I just stopped. Getting older is partly to blame for that, because it can be hard when you're right between the Young Adult section and the actual Literature section. There's the 'I don't have time to read!' excuse too. It's hard to convince myself to read for fun when I'm reading 400+ pages a week for school, but now that I'm about to do a 2 quarter writing program I figure the more reading I do, the better! Plus, I'd forgotten just how fun reading can be. I love getting lost in the story!<br />
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Okay, that's my 10!<br />
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Now, I'm supposed to <b>tag</b> ten more people to list their top ten lists (wordy, much?). I know every single blogger in my Google Reader has already done this, so <b>if it's okay with the Happy 101 gods out there, I'm going to tag everyone that wants to do this!</b> We all need a little bit of happiness, right? Take some time to reflect!Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-85626721674379829682009-12-16T13:53:00.000-08:002009-12-16T13:53:26.544-08:00I may have made an uh-oh.So um, I accidentally did something that kinda sorta messed things up a little bit maybe. Yeah.<br />
<br />
I was previously using <a href="http://www.intensedebate.com/">Intense Debate</a> for my comments because I wanted to be one of the cool kids. And then I realized that it was way too complicated and high tech for this little blog.<br />
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So then I deleted it and thought hey, problem sovled! Well yeah, but I also deleted like 4 months worth of comments! NOT COOL.<br />
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Not only does it look like no one hangs out here, but I also lost some really awesome comments. I'm not sure if there's a way to restore them or import them or anything, so we might just be back at square one.<br />
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Just thought I'd let you know. I promise I didn't delete anyone's comments on purpose. :) (I'll be back to regular posting very soon.)Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-47443900460182072372009-12-14T15:45:00.000-08:002009-12-14T15:45:04.326-08:00Mantras - do you have them?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SybMuqUObjI/AAAAAAAAAL4/AaqdvImY8jk/s1600-h/photo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SybMuqUObjI/AAAAAAAAAL4/AaqdvImY8jk/s320/photo.jpeg" /></a><br />
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It's that word that is stuck on repeat in your head. It's the phrase that you can't stop doodling in the margins of your notebook. You hear it with every step you take, you see it on every street sign you pass. Whispered when things seem like they'll never end, or shouted when they finally stop spinning.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Sands and hands. This picture is from the day after. When I got these tattoos done, I told the artist that it was my rapper name. He could tell I was kidding, so I fessed up and told him that it was actually the first initials of every boy I've ever dated turned into an abstract poetry piece.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">But really? It's my mantra. Sands. Safe and sound. Hands. Healthy and strong. Either one (or both) could be applied to almost any situation in life. And when I get anxious about something or I feel myself stressing out, I can just wiggle my toes and remember.<br />
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<b>Do you have a mantra?</b>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-77939593353788720282009-12-13T09:15:00.001-08:002009-12-13T09:22:12.313-08:00What do you read online?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SyUiZMzSrpI/AAAAAAAAALs/GeQErjFU9Zg/s1600-h/2984626120_6f756e2da7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SyUiZMzSrpI/AAAAAAAAALs/GeQErjFU9Zg/s320/2984626120_6f756e2da7.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/philhawksworth/2984626120/sizes/m/">via</a><br />
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<div><br />
I've decided it's time for a little bit of internet housekeeping. I have a million blogs listed in my Google Reader but I only read a handful of them! Not to mention, quite a few of them haven't updated in a while, or they're just not things I'm interested in anymore.<br />
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<b>What blogs do you read every day? Tell me your favorites please!</b><br />
</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-8074664806825078852009-12-12T07:26:00.000-08:002009-12-12T07:26:00.440-08:00Running Recap (Or Not)<b>I haven't been running this week.</b> Monday and Wednesday were packed with last minute stuff for school, and preparations for our huge project presentation on Thursday afternoon.<br />
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And well, Thursday was quite the adventure! Somehow, I managed to give myself a<b> concussion</b> while doing yoga! Yeah, I've got skills. We were trying to do handstands supported against the wall and I guess my arms forgot that they needed to hold me upright for that and - BAM! - head meets floor.<br />
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I can't drive for a few days, and the doctor also said I shouldn't run until all of my symptoms go away. We'll see how long that takes! I've still got a wicked headache, but hopefully it will be gone soon.<br />
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<b>My very first ever 5K is next Saturday! </b>I'm sooooo not ready.<br />
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My parents came and picked me up yesterday morning, so I'm at home for a few days before I head back to school for my evaluation conference which will be the official end of my quarter.<br />
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I'm hoping to be back full force both with running and the blog in general in a few days! My Google Reader has over 100 unread posts, so I've got a lot of catching up to do!Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-2602948746809461542009-12-10T06:30:00.000-08:002009-12-10T06:30:00.436-08:00I'm cold!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SyCyEmjvaXI/AAAAAAAAAKw/-eqyrWlN9wQ/s1600-h/IMG_0231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SyCyEmjvaXI/AAAAAAAAAKw/-eqyrWlN9wQ/s320/IMG_0231.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been cold here lately.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SyCyKCINOeI/AAAAAAAAAK4/6kM1wntrgLs/s1600-h/IMG_0234.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SyCyKCINOeI/AAAAAAAAAK4/6kM1wntrgLs/s320/IMG_0234.PNG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I thought this was pretty bad.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SyCyO2yh4mI/AAAAAAAAALA/EvMlJw_E-Ds/s1600-h/IMG_0235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SyCyO2yh4mI/AAAAAAAAALA/EvMlJw_E-Ds/s320/IMG_0235.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Luckily I had an ice scraper in my car. (This was at 4pm, btw)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SyCyidCx7ZI/AAAAAAAAALI/oELArBctte4/s1600-h/IMG_0237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SyCyidCx7ZI/AAAAAAAAALI/oELArBctte4/s320/IMG_0237.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In an attempt to stay warm, I baked lots of cookies for far away friends.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SyCyp0-RwjI/AAAAAAAAALQ/NXKe2fJLg6U/s1600-h/IMG_0238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SyCyp0-RwjI/AAAAAAAAALQ/NXKe2fJLg6U/s320/IMG_0238.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And we also made snowflakes. (Before and after our 'how to make snowflakes' google sesh)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And what happens as soon as I accept the fact that it's cold? <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SyCyx4YFC4I/AAAAAAAAALY/QBmOXOzON4w/s1600-h/IMG_0240.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SyCyx4YFC4I/AAAAAAAAALY/QBmOXOzON4w/s320/IMG_0240.PNG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yeah.<br />
Did you know my walk to class is fifteen minutes long?<br />
Longest fifteen minutes of my life.<br />
<br />
And then this happens...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SyCzFn20IcI/AAAAAAAAALg/jeQCE9My-eA/s1600-h/IMG_0241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SyCzFn20IcI/AAAAAAAAALg/jeQCE9My-eA/s320/IMG_0241.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
That would be the front seat of my car. You'll notice the open center console. Oh. Yeah, yeah that's glass. <span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text">Thanks so much for breaking my ENTIRE window. Can you just pick the lock next time? That'd be grrrrreat.</span></span><br />
<br />
Not only did they steal my GPS (RIP Mrs. Peacock, I'll always remember your impeccable British accent and the respect you had for my fear of u-turns), but they also took the box of holiday Yankee Candle air fresheners that was in my glove compartment. I guess they weren't a fan of the beach scented trio.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Luckily, my car escaped the Penis Bandit that struck a few days ago. That would have been quite embarrassing to explain to the window repair people.<br />
<br />
Isn't college AWESOME?<br />
<br />
</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-46761964328276757832009-12-08T08:45:00.000-08:002009-12-08T08:45:15.748-08:0012 Random Things<ul><li>I really miss southern boys. Actually, make that southern gentlemen. We don't have that here in the Northwest, at all. It's all for one and one for all! Woman powerrrr! I'm all for female independence and empowerment, but come on!</li>
</ul><ul><li>I'd take a stereotypical southern boy over a mountain man any day.</li>
</ul><ul><li>I miss having boys open the door for me, or pulling out my chair. Okay, the pulling out the chair thing has happened maybe ONCE in my life, but STILL. </li>
</ul><ul><li>Memphis taught me to love BBQ, Sonic, Chik-fil-a, and Elvis. Okay, I've always loved Elvis. </li>
</ul><ul><li>I pick up accents VERY easily, especially Southern accents. People frequently ask me if I'm from the south! Weird, isn't it? A friend of mine once described my accent as a "southern valley-girl". I wonder what I'll sound like after I spend three months in Nawlins!</li>
</ul><ul><li>I can do a wicked Jamie-Lynn Spears impression, as well as Sarah Palin.</li>
</ul><ul><li>I prefer a dry rub over wet. I'm talking about RIBS, people! Minds out of the gutter!</li>
</ul><ul><li>Skype is amazing, even if it does make me feel like I'm on a 15 second time delay for the rest of the night. I spent an hour talking with two of my best friends, and it was almost like I was back with them! We made plans to reunite this summer, which I'm very excited for! And yes, they're both from the south, and yes, I probably have a twang right now.</li>
</ul><ul><li>We've now entered week 10 of fall quarter, which means we're THISCLOSE to being finished! I just have a few more things to go (group presentation and prospectus, seminar, and a paper) before I'm all done. And then I have a week to twiddle my thumbs before my very first evaluation conference. We don't get grades here, we get evaluated! </li>
</ul><ul><li>Which means instead of getting a B instead of an A, you'll earn 12 instead of 16 credits. We can't let this happen. I don't anticipate losing credit over anything, but it's still a little nerve-wracking.</li>
</ul><ul><li>I register for classes for winter quarter in a few hours! I'm hoping to take a writing program, as well as a psychology class and ballet. Yeah, I'm cramming as many credits as I can because I'm SO ready to be D-O-N-E! </li>
</ul><ul><li>5K is 10 days away! Hopefully the only snowflakes around here are the ones my housemate and I cut out tonight.</li>
</ul>(As you can tell, I'm a bit scattered right now but I'll be back to normal after this week...gotta love finals!)Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-82754021471017791672009-12-05T07:26:00.000-08:002009-12-05T07:26:00.145-08:00Running Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxnoetsnxpI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/EzEkHH381gg/s1600-h/3171917389_c96c5970de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxnoetsnxpI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/EzEkHH381gg/s320/3171917389_c96c5970de.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sashawolff/3171917389/">via</a><b> <br />
</b><br />
</div><b>Recap time! <br />
</b><br />
<br />
<b>Monday:</b> I've got <a href="http://sweet-california.blogspot.com/2009/11/whos-chick-thats-rockin-kicks.html">new shoes</a>! And I quoted Miley Cyrus. Don't tell anybody, but I love her song Party in the USA. But seriously, they're magical shoes, and my arch pain is completely gone! Heck yes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxnqqDNhfrI/AAAAAAAAAKY/uyyz1_eK0NQ/s1600-h/IMG_0227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxnqqDNhfrI/AAAAAAAAAKY/uyyz1_eK0NQ/s320/IMG_0227.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<b>Wednesday: </b>More treadmill running! I watched Dr. Phil, and for some reason I was running faster on that damn treadmill than ever before! I don't usually run at 6 mph, but something about that show makes me want to sprint.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxnreYaGY6I/AAAAAAAAAKg/R1oJGWudceI/s1600-h/IMG_0233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxnreYaGY6I/AAAAAAAAAKg/R1oJGWudceI/s320/IMG_0233.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> My average speed was probably 5.5, but I constantly adjusting it anywhere from 5.0 to 6.0. For a good 8 minutes I was at 6, and I got so excited when I noticed that I started dancing! And then of course, I hit the emergency stop button without realizing and body slammed the front of the treadmill. So graceful.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/Sxnrn3tdGrI/AAAAAAAAAKo/VFwoLRR1ZMY/s1600-h/IMG_0228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/Sxnrn3tdGrI/AAAAAAAAAKo/VFwoLRR1ZMY/s320/IMG_0228.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My feet were still very happy. Iphones don't take flattering leg pictures, note to self. <br />
</div><br />
<b>Friday: </b>Yesterday's run has been rescheduled to today. In other words, I couldn't bring myself to brave the cold. I'll probably shoot for 28 minutes this time. <br />
<br />
<b>Goals for the future:</b><br />
<a href="http://mardi-gras.competitor.com/">Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon</a> - New Orleans - Feb 2011 - Hellooooo my favorite city in the world! I'll be here from January to March, so this is definitely a possibility. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>13 days until my first 5k! Oh crap!<br />
</b><br />
<br />
<b>One more thing:</b><br />
<a href="http://shabbyprincess.blogspot.com/">Ally</a>, one of the sweetest, funniest bloggers out there had an <a href="http://shabbyprincess.blogspot.com/2009/12/all-i-want-for-christmas.html">amazing post </a>about Operation Jack earlier this week that really inspired me! If you haven't heard of it before, <a href="http://www.operationjack.com/">Operation Jack </a>is a mission created by a father who is going to run 60 marathons in 2010 to benefit Train 4 Autism, as well as his own son, Jack. Anyone can participate in one (or more) of the races, and they're all over the US! If you're not a runner, you can still help out by donating or by spreading the word to friends. I'm definitely not up to marathon status YET, but I'd love to run a 5K with the team sometime next year. Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-20505305327844809492009-12-04T07:00:00.000-08:002009-12-04T07:00:03.046-08:00True Confessions: I wear Uggs in public.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxhjXv3Oi_I/AAAAAAAAAKI/qWJ5-uFc50U/s1600-h/479px-Uggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxhjXv3Oi_I/AAAAAAAAAKI/qWJ5-uFc50U/s320/479px-Uggs.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Love 'em or hate 'em, <b>Uggs</b> are STILL everywhere. They're possibly the most debated pair of footwear out there, with Crocs coming in at a close second. I don't own Crocs, but I <b>do </b>own a pair of Chocolate Uggs. Actually, I'm wearing them right now! <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wear them with tights. Or leggings. And a dress. Leggings are <b>not </b>pants, and they never will be! (Totally a favorite saying of mine, by the way.)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love wearing them with jeans, and sometimes it can even look classy. Yep, I just called my Uggs classy. Don't worry, I don't wear them with denim skirts. I have in the past, but I'm trying to forget about those days.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is really hard for me to share with y'all, but I also wear them with black. You heard it, I mix brown and black. I read in a magazine a few months ago that it's okay to do that now, so please don't burst my bubble.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One thing though, I don't know about you other Ugg owners, but mine are freaking smelly! I'm not saying my feet smell like roses, but even my gym shoes aren't this rank. <b>Is this a common Ugg thing? Punishment for rebelling against fashion common sense?</b> Well, I guess I won't be wearing these boots on a date. You know, just in case. Mood kill!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Okay. Fess up. Who else owns Uggs? </b>This is a safe space, and I won't hate. Or, are you a recently converted anti-Ugg gal? <b>Have you shunned your pair in favor of a more fashionable boot?</b> I know nothing about the boot world.<b> Please share!</b><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-26002400421118316182009-12-02T06:46:00.000-08:002009-12-02T06:46:00.463-08:00Top 10: Songs for 2009<b>Warning: LONG post ahead! <br />
</b><br />
<br />
I know the year isn't quite over, but it's my <strike>party</strike> blog and I'll do what I want!<br />
<br />
I've been a <a href="http://www.last.fm/user/hipslovelips">Last.fm</a> user since 2007, and I absolutely LOVE their site. If you haven't heard of it or used it before, it's basically a program that will keep track of (scrobble) the plays for all of the songs you listen to on iTunes or with your iPhone or iPod (iThink that's a lot of i's).<br />
<br />
Now that I've finally gotten over the whole <i>omg someone's going to see that I've been listening to Hilary Duff's CD ALL day long!</i> issue of mine, it's been really fun to look back and see what my listening treads have been. They have charts that show you your top artists or songs for certain periods of time.<br />
<br />
<b>Anyway, long story short, these are my top 10 (ish) most played (therefore they must be favorite) tracks of 2009! <br />
</b><br />
<br />
<u>Numberrrr 10:</u><br />
<b>Club Love by 99 ALLiNS</b><br />
<object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XESZ4mdPxQU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XESZ4mdPxQU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br />
This song is the. bomb. My best friend Austin found this last year and we had it on repeat for the entire spring semester. I love Tswift. I love Usher. Twsift + Usher = Ahhmazing. My only complaint is that the last 30 seconds or so they totally lose the Usher portion of the mashup, but other than that it's perfect.<br />
<br />
<u>Number 9:</u><br />
<i>Two-way tie!</i><br />
<b>Funny The Way It Is by Dave Matthews Band and Love Game by Lady Gaga! <br />
</b><br />
I'll always remember running around my dorm singing the first few lines of Love Game (Let's have some fun, this beat is sick...) with my roommate late at night. The Dave song is near and dear to my heart too, because it reminds me of one of my best friends who may just be the world's biggest Dave fan.<br />
<br />
<u>Number 8:</u><br />
<b>Starstruck by Lady Gaga</b><u> <br />
</u><br />
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Seeing a trend yet? Such a good running song, even if it does make me dance and therefore trip.<br />
<br />
<u>Number 7</u>:<br />
<b>P.Y.T. by Michael Jackson</b><br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PdV7Kb1RG8Y&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PdV7Kb1RG8Y&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
I was never a huge fan of his music, but I do love this song. He really was an amazing artist.<br />
<u><br />
</u><br />
<u>Number 6:</u><br />
<b>Let The Dummer Kick by Citizen Cope</b><br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DAwY-LJEjNM&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DAwY-LJEjNM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
Heard it for the first time in a CSI rerun. It reminds me of a boy I dated for much of the school year, and it also reminds me of summer because it was on my favorite mix CD I listened to in the car.<br />
<br />
<u>Number 5:</u><br />
<b>Level by The Raconteurs</b><br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sblEd3VOQK0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sblEd3VOQK0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
One of my favorite songs in the world. It's simple, but I love to sing along to it and I love the guitars. It will always remind me of one of the best weekends I've ever had - Memphis in May! Musicfest was rainy and muddy, and I had a Spanish final the Monday afterwards, but it was completely and totally worth it. They didn't play at Memphis in May, but I remember hearing this song in the car when we were driving around Memphis at night, and it just clicked perfectly in my brain.<br />
<br />
<u>Number 4:</u><br />
<b>Free Fallin' - Tom Petty</b><br />
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<br />
I love this version, as well as the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SK_Ps_Jfeg">John Mayer version</a> too. I think this might actually be my theme song for the past year. <br />
<br />
<u>Number 3:</u><br />
<b>Just Dance - Lady Gaga</b><br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xIwHTBusJfM&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xIwHTBusJfM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
Yes, it truly was the Year of the Gaga. This song was our anthem for our freshman year fall semester! My roommate (and best friend at the time) and I went absolutely nuts over this song, and then Lady Gaga started to become super popular right afterwards.<br />
<br />
<u>Number 2: </u><br />
<i>Explicit content warning, uh-oh!</i><u><br />
</u><br />
<b>Pleasure Fucker - Maroon 5</b><br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SK0fm1qywqY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SK0fm1qywqY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
Um, so, this is kind of scandalous. But I like it.<br />
<u><br />
</u><br />
<u>Number 1:</u><br />
<i>Drumroll please.........</i><br />
<br />
<b>Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say) by Lady Gaga! <u> </u></b><br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/i0yFMHAXIZY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/i0yFMHAXIZY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
Anyone surprised it was Lady Gaga? I had NO clue this was my most played song! Then and again, it was on my epic break-up playlist that I made (and shared with everyone, so I kinda feel like a pro playlist maker now). And we pretty much had The Fame on repeat for the entire year at school.<br />
<br />
This list was really surprising! It seems like my most played songs are all from a few playlists, which would make sense. I also have a huge music library (3,000+ songs) which I listen to on shuffle instead of picking a single song to listen to on repeat.<br />
<br />
I actually think my <b>most played</b> <b>artists </b>are a lot more representative of my music for the year! Maybe I should have done a post on that instead. Buuuut to save you from running away screaming, I'll just do a mini recap!<br />
<br />
<b>Most played artists for 2009:</b><br />
Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Britney Spears, Jason Mraz, Dave Matthews Band, Jack Johnson, 311, Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, Kings of Leon, Lil' Wayne, Glee Cast, Gym Class Heroes, John Mayer, Umphrey's McGee<br />
Love them all!<br />
<br />
One last thing. Don't tell anyone this, but I'm kind of Gaga-ed out now.<b> </b>Just wanted to get that off my chest.<br />
<br />
<b>Isn't it amazing how certain songs or artists bring you back to a memory or a moment in time? What are your definitive songs for the year? </b>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-25329897751318750812009-12-01T09:00:00.000-08:002009-12-01T09:00:04.646-08:00Coming Attractions<b>Currently,</b> I'm on campus here:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxG3uJGR4VI/AAAAAAAAAJY/6ea3KJC2h9w/s1600/2109089474_14ba4abecc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxG3uJGR4VI/AAAAAAAAAJY/6ea3KJC2h9w/s320/2109089474_14ba4abecc.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/megananne/2109089474/">via</a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">(Minus the green, since we've now entered the rainy season the Pacific Northwest is famous for.)<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In <b>June</b> I will be here:<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxG4JuOzgbI/AAAAAAAAAJg/bpLcxMo39Rw/s1600/1416686380_ca5da4cecb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxG4JuOzgbI/AAAAAAAAAJg/bpLcxMo39Rw/s320/1416686380_ca5da4cecb.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bredgur/1416686380/">via</a> <br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And in <b>September</b> I will (most likely) be right around here:<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxG4kxrH6CI/AAAAAAAAAJo/TyHxGqYtK6g/s1600/2974230813_8308f5e70b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxG4kxrH6CI/AAAAAAAAAJo/TyHxGqYtK6g/s320/2974230813_8308f5e70b.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/juanflauta/2974230813/">via</a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Currently</b>, I'm taking lots of artificial sunshine (vitamin D), trying to fit in, running to stay sane, and doing lots of homework.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>In June</b>, I'll be a rockstar intern, eating my fair share of In-n-Out and Pinkberry, reuniting with friends, and back in my favorite place ever. (And complaining about traffic, freaking out about earthquakes and wildfires, and wondering why I decided to work in the entertainment industry.)<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>In September</b>, I'll be all alone (not really) in a foreign country, attempting to learn Italian, eating LOTS of pasta, and riding Vespas with cute Italian boys named Paolo (come on, I know you saw the Lizzie McGuire movie!).<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's gray and rainy, and we've entered our second to last week of classes for the fall quarter. I have a ton of work due this week as well as the next, and most of it is part of a group project I've been working on all quarter with eight other people. I've learned that I work really well in groups -- as long as I'm the one in charge. We've really struggled from day one with working together rather than individuals, and there have been a lot of issues. I'm so grateful we're almost done!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thinking about what's coming up in the future has really been helpful to keep me motivated lately. I can't wait for sunny days in LA and eating amazing food in Rome!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Do you have any summer plans yet? Where have you always wanted to visit? </b>I love hearing all the exciting things people do during the summer, as well as travel stories!<br />
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PS: Ran in my new shoes for the first time yesterday! I absolutely loved it. I had very little pain in my arch, and absolutely no other problems. It seriously felt like I was running barefoot! I ran 1.75 miles on the treadmill.<br />
</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-56272932368728213262009-11-30T07:37:00.000-08:002009-11-30T07:37:00.339-08:00Who's the chick that's rockin' kicks?I have new shoooooes!<br />
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Last Saturday I went to <a href="http://www.foottraffic.us/about_us.php">Foot Traffic</a>, a running store here in Portland. We did a video analysis of my gait, which was pretty cool but not as high-tech as I was picturing. Basically, you run on a treadmill and they videotape you for about 30 seconds. That's about it. It's played back on a TV screen so everyone in the store can see your <strike>cankles</strike> stride. <br />
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I have a neutral stride, which means I don't need fancy shoes! It also doesn't explain anything about my arch or calf issues, which is a little bit disappointing. I was told that my old shoes were both too small and too wide for my feet.<br />
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There should be about a half inch space between your toe and the front of the shoe, which would explain why I was constantly chipping my pedicures in my other sneakers. I went up a size and a half!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxNdIBOK-5I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/bZyQHhYVPE8/s1600/DSC_0632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxNdIBOK-5I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/bZyQHhYVPE8/s320/DSC_0632.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>These are my brand new <a href="http://www.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikewomen/en_US/shoes?hf=10001%5E12001%5E4294967132&p=PWP&t=Women%27s%20Running%20Shoes#?ll=en_US&ct=US&pid=239380&cid=101101&p=PDP">Nike Air Pegasus+</a> shoes. They're magical. And I can't wait to wear them for my run today.<br />
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When I ran around the block it felt like I wasn't wearing shoes at all, they're so light. It does feel weird to have a shoe that's snug around my foot, but it's much less clunky than most of the other pairs I tried on (mainly Asics, my previous brand).<br />
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What brand of running shoes are you wearing right now? Do you have brand loyalty? What about buying shoes...do you go to a professional to get fitted, or do you just pick out the cutest ones in the store (like I used to!)?Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-30386919981135487392009-11-29T08:49:00.000-08:002009-11-29T08:49:00.318-08:00'Tis the Season!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxCcZlSpQXI/AAAAAAAAAIY/oQxycssh6Ig/s1600/DSC_0620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxCcZlSpQXI/AAAAAAAAAIY/oQxycssh6Ig/s320/DSC_0620.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>The day after Thanksgiving for most people is a time to wake up insanely early and stand in line to do some hardcore shopping. In our household, we like to sleep in. For as long as I can remember we've always begun decorating for Christmas right after Thanksgiving. <br />
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When we moved from Los Angeles we finally had to say goodbye to our huge artificial tree. Last year we were out of town, so we didn't decorate for the holidays...or buy a tree. For a Christmas freak like me, I was definitely bummed out. We did get TONS of snow though, which is something you don't see with a California Christmas.<br />
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This year though, things will be different.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxCdYuX2tRI/AAAAAAAAAIg/S_3qHQ2UMTI/s1600/DSC_0610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxCdYuX2tRI/AAAAAAAAAIg/S_3qHQ2UMTI/s320/DSC_0610.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My dad and I headed over to Target the day before Thanksgiving to see what they had to offer in the tree department, and we ended up coming home with this little beauty. Neither of my parents are really interested in seasonal decorating, so they've always let it be my project. I love it!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxCdwpHSn5I/AAAAAAAAAIo/m-X4Fk1gEX0/s1600/DSC_0614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxCdwpHSn5I/AAAAAAAAAIo/m-X4Fk1gEX0/s320/DSC_0614.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I've never had a prelit tree before, or one with white lights. Isn't it pretty though? And so much less work. Not to mention it's about half the size of our old one, which means half the time and half the scratches from trying to 'fluff' the branches.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here it is, all decorated! I love the color, it looks so realistic compared to some fake trees I've seen. The cashmere tips really make the difference, as pretentious as they may seem.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had to choose carefully which ornaments to use this year, but luckily I had room for most of my favorites.<br />
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</div>I made this ornament when I was in Brownies. That seems like such a long time ago. You can almost still smell the cinnamon.<br />
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There's just one thing missing.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A star on top! Our old tree topper is the size of the whole top half of the tree, so I think we'll have to improvise on that. But hey, I'm not complaining. I'm just happy to have a tree this year.<br />
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</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-37897943723890784552009-11-28T07:26:00.000-08:002009-11-28T07:26:00.483-08:00Running Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxCiP8zk0hI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/O3EKLcRAVug/s1600/1490091325_21cc26ec47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/SxCiP8zk0hI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/O3EKLcRAVug/s320/1490091325_21cc26ec47.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0004385/">via</a> <br />
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<b>Something different! </b>A week's worth of running posts crammed into one little recap. <br />
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<b>Monday </b>- I didn't run, much less get out of bed. <br />
<b>Tuesday</b> - In <a href="http://sweet-california.blogspot.com/2009/11/c25k-epic-fail.html">this</a> lovely semi-jumbled Dayquil fueled post I talked about getting off track with my C25k program now that I've gotten to the weeks that consist only of one running interval. I miss my walk breaks!<br />
<b>Wednesday</b> - One mile (5.0) on the treadmill at the gym. Hercules 2 was on! My legs wanted to keep going, but my lungs were so mad at me for even attempting to run. <br />
<b>Thursday</b> - Does going from the sofa to the kitchen count?<br />
<b>Friday</b> - Instead of shopping for Black Friday I hammered out 1.5 miles, 5.0-5.2, on the treadmill. Coughing while running on a treadmill a) is dangerous, and b) will get you dirty looks.<br />
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I still sound like <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0004385/">Roz </a>from Monsters, Inc. but at least I can breathe!<br />
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My right arch is still bothering me, and now on top of that my right calf has decided to join in on the party. I'm hoping to visit a real, live runner's specialty store sometime before I head back to school to see if I need some new kicks. I've never had my gait analyzed or anything fancy like that. My current shoes are from Dick's and honestly I just picked them because I though they were pretty and they felt kind of like they fit. Such a pro. Hopefully a new pair of shoes will solve the issues, or else I'm in big trouble.<br />
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<b>What did you get out there and do this week?</b> I've always wanted to try spin class, but I'm way too intimidated. They seem so intense! For those of you in warmer climates feel free to make me jealous with your warm and sunny outdoor workouts. <br />
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<b>21 days to my first 5K!</b>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-87210550692021249102009-11-27T08:15:00.000-08:002009-11-27T08:15:00.219-08:00True Confessions: Bite me.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/Sw9QZ-jlMBI/AAAAAAAAAII/bDUFC03pWNM/s1600/3213009281_ba618035b0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gtCvEvCcbaQ/Sw9QZ-jlMBI/AAAAAAAAAII/bDUFC03pWNM/s320/3213009281_ba618035b0.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm a huge True Blood fan. I love Bon Temps, I love puppy dog Sam, I love the everchanging Cajun and Southern accents, I love Anna Paquin. Hell, I even love it when Bill says <b>"SOOKEH IS MINE"</b> in his cheesy <i>old-fashioned gentleman</i> accent.<br />
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If you've never seen the show (or read the books, I suppose), here's a pretty accurate recap:<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sookiebontemps.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/suckeh.gif"><img src="http://sookiebontemps.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/suckeh.gif" /></a><span id="goog_1259294542475"></span><span id="goog_1259294542476"></span><span id="goog_1259294542471"></span><span id="goog_1259294542472"></span><br />
</div></div>HBO, I want to thank you for providing us with gems like True Blood and Entourage. Keepin' it classy, like always.<br />
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But seriously. True love for True Blood. Season 2 may have turned into a hot mess, and some people stuck around for way too long (Maryann, I am looking at YOU), but I'm still so excited for season 3! If you haven't seen the show I recommend starting with season 1, since you really do need to be up on your back-stories for things to make sense. Don't stress though, you've got until <b>June</b> of <b>2010</b> to catch up!<br />
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And for the record: I'm <b>NOT</b> a Twilight fan. At all. 0%. Don't even get me started on the craziness of 'Twihards' and Stephenie Meyer. And if you <b>are </b>a fan, please take your sass pants off before commenting.<br />
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<b>Anyway, how are we all feeling today? </b>I don't even want to think about how much I ate yesterday. Pretty sure I managed to eat half of a pumpkin pie. Totally worth it!<br />
Today's a long run (as in 2 miles), and I'll do a recap of that and a few other running related things tomorrow.<b> Happy Friday! What are you doing this weekend?</b>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495949696871478198.post-35724946542241349602009-11-26T16:38:00.000-08:002009-11-26T16:38:16.358-08:00Time to be Thankful.Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! (And Happy Thursday to those of you that aren't in America!)<br />
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I hope you all enjoy your turkey, tofurkey, turducken or whatever option you've chosen for today (tuna?)!<br />
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I'll be back tomorrow, but I thought I'd stop in and say hi in between the parade, stuffing, the dog show, and our movie marathon.<br />
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Don't forget to take a moment to reflect on what you're thankful for today. :)Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13502108145110173243noreply@blogger.com0