life

for boston.

April 16, 2013

I am completely overwhelmed with emotions over the events of yesterday, as I’m sure each and every one of you are, too.

My sister and I went out to watch the marathon with some friends yesterday morning and came back yesterday afternoon in a state of shock and sorrow. We are all okay, and all our friends in Boston are okay too. We were watching the marathon a few miles up and were a good distance from the finish line. I am humbled by the concerns from friends old and new, near and far. I am humbled by the response of people everywhere to this tragic event that ruined what was supposed to be a perfect day– a perfect day for the incredible athletes, a perfect day for the spectators, and a perfect day for Boston. Far from perfect, it’s sad to realize that our city and this day will never quite be the same.

My heart is broken for those that were injured and those that lost their lives. It is unimaginable and horrific and depressing. It will never make sense and it will always be unfair.

But for what it’s worth, I’m more proud than ever to call this place my home.

I’m proud of this city and its people who came out to watch and to cheer.

I’m proud of the Boston Police + paramedics + volunteers + of all the hospitals in Boston who worked so hard to help in the aftermath of the explosions.

I’m proud of those that offered up their homes + donated blood + food + comfort.

And more than anything, I’m so proud of all the runners and their months and months of training to get to this day. For those who crossed the finish line, and especially those that didn’t get the chance.

From now until forever, you are all marathoners to me.

Quote from J.R.R. Tolkien

Photographs from my walk through Back Bay on Saturday
in this beyond beautiful city, both inside and out.

27 Comments · Filed Under: boston, fitness, life ·

enjoy all the things: spring break 2013

April 15, 2013

BAAAAACK.

Here I am, back in action. Sun in the sky, spring vacation at my feet. It feels good to be here and it feels good to be free.

So! I thought I’d map out my plan for the week, to hopefully make it a worthwhile one, but also, because who doesn’t love a good list every now and again? This spring break is a staycation for me, and although I love traveling, this is just what I need this time around– a little rest and relaxation, and some free time to enjoy my favorite city at the start of a new spring.

On the agenda:

1. Blog everyday.

That’s right, ya heard me! I’m going to take this week to blog about things I’ve been meaning to blog about for a long, long time. There are pictures to share and stories to tell and I’m glad to finally have the time to sit down with my trusty keyboard write it all out.

2. Watch the Boston Marathon.

The best day of the year in Boston!! No, but seriously, IT IS. My sister, her boyfriend, and I are going to head over to Brookline in a bit to stand in the sunshine and CHEER ON THOSE RUNNERS! The Boston Marathon always brings me 2 things: it brings me this overwhelming sense of appreciation for Boston, and, it brings me to tears. Happy, hopeful, honest to goodness inspirational tears. THE BEST.

{GO ALEX!! YOU ROCK!}

3. Spring clean. EVERYTHING.

Long overdue {both spring, and the cleaning}, I am ready to tackle this project with everything I’ve got. I’m getting rid of old clothes, scrubbing the house top to bottom, and de-junkifying my life. BRING. IT. ON. I am pumped.

4. Read The Light Between Oceans.

Finally some time to sit and read and get lost inside a story– and I’ve heard this book is a good one. If it’s nice enough I’ll read on my back porch, I’ll spend an afternoon at the Boston Public Library, and my couch, with the afternoon sunlight streaming on my feet, simply never lets me down.

5. Finish Dawson’s Creek.

AT LAST I am on season 6 {the final season!} and it’s been one heck of a run. I started watching this show (for the second time) back in November, got good and into it, then lost steam somewhere around the holidays. Recently, I’ve come back to it in full force and have mixed feelings that the end is near. What will I do without my beloved Creek friends once I’m all through? And more seriously, what will I tweet about?? Totally ridiculous, I know, but I can’t help but love it. I always have and I always will.

6. Run | Bike | Yoga.

It’s a beautiful time to be outside! It’s a beautiful time to get some exercise.

7. Enjoy all the things.

Frolic in the sunshine, sip my coffee slowly, take lots of pictures, go out to dinner, have a solo-dance party, savor every day, every hour, every minute. This is spring break, after all. Better make it a good one.

HAPPY MARATHON MONDAY, FRIENDS!!

15 Comments · Filed Under: life ·

work and weekend.

April 6, 2013

I haven’t been around here much lately, I know. Turns out April is busy in the best kind of way.

I hope you’re all well, and that April {so far} has been good to you, too.

My days have looked a little like this lately:

School
Time with Zan
Netflix/Reading
Sleep
REPEAT

First grade is taking over the bulk of my energy and I’m loving it. I’ve been in those moods after school where I stay on for hours getting things done, and the whole time I’m there I’m enjoying myself. I always like what I do, but winter drags me down sometimes and the list of things to do piles on with little to no motivation to keep the momentum going. Papers collect, stuff gets pushed to the way-side, and my mind jumps from thing to thing without a lot of effort to just be.

These days it’s different. These days I’m letting myself be completely immersed in my classroom and it feels wonderful. I have a sneaking suspicion it has to do with the sun being out longer and vacation being just around the corner, but still. Open House is next week, too, and that always gets my teacher-mode going into super-drive. Perfectionism at it’s best.

The days are going by fast and time with the littles is making me happy. I know these kids so well by now. I know what makes them tick, and they know how to make me laugh. We have so much fun for those 6 hours a day we’re together. I adore it.

This weekend is all about the nothing, the everything, the whatever I so choose.

{And cheering on Syracuse, definitely that, too.}

Life’s kind of like a roller coaster right now from week to weekend, but I love roller coasters so I’m just enjoying the ride.

21 Comments · Filed Under: life, teaching ·

easter weekend 2013.

April 2, 2013

Here we have it! My Easter weekend in the great state of New York!

Our weekend was filled with everything I love. We made it to Syracuse late Friday night and filled our weekend the best way I know how. We went out with friends and enjoyed the sunshine and early signs of spring. We cheered for our team with all our Orangemen might. We spent time with family, got dressed up for Church, and continued favorite traditions for one of my very favorite holidays of the year.

Here are some pictures for the viewing!