This Time of Year

I have a birthday coming up! Normally, I am just mildly excited but this week was not only Easter (i.e. the holiday with the best candy) but I will also be completing my graduate portfolio! Lots of good stuff to look forward to.

Just today alone, this is what I came home to:

Left to Right: April Birchbox delivery, big ol' box from my mom, and an awesome t-shirt from my dear friend Jenn. Here is the close-up of the shirt:

Love it! Not to be outdone, my mom decided to unload an entire Easter candy aisle into the birthday box:

And yes, a majority of this will be brought to work. So excited to get some sugary peeps this year! Another fun surprise is that an old friend from my Americorps days is coming this weekend and she is participating in the Big House Big Heart run. She'll be doing the 10k to amp up for a huge half marathon next month but I will be cheering her along after I finish my 5k.

Adventurous April

Janetha over at Meals & Moves Blog created a great challenge, Adventurous April: "April is dedicated to being adventurous! trying new exercises, eating new foods, testing different trends, making new friends, and anything else that is a NEW adventure for you."

In the spirit of the challenge, I decided to push myself on the treadmill. It may seem like something small but it was actually related to something much larger, the confidence I have or lack within my own physical body. Ever since I was little, I was never very active or athletic. I got nervous during gym that I would make a huge ass out of myself and constantly found ways that I could sit out or be part of a more athletic crowd that would do the challenge themselves. I remember times where I was so nervous, sitting third in the row (always third), waiting for my turn on the roller carts or my attempt at running the obstacle course praying that I didn't put my team behind. I am all about the team as long as I can support rather than participate.

This childhood issue even stems into my normal life as an adult. If you saw me on a slick surface you would see someone who instantly goes stick straight and inches along as if one loose move would cause me great harm and hurt. As I have been losing weight over the past handful of months, I notice that after a hard workout I feel like I "own" my body. I can feel my muscles and although there is still much flab to be rid, I feel the power that my body does have and will have. The other day, I ran on the treadmill. It was only for three one-minute bursts in an hour workout but for each minute, I felt stronger and stronger. The last minute was towards the end and although I felt tired I also wanted to see if I could do it. I challenged myself. I succeeded.

I have a 5k next week for Big House Big Heart in Ann Arbor. Before I move in a few months, I wanted to do at least one more 5k while I was here. Success! This one ends in the University of Michigan football stadium and I think I might have a friend or two joining me. I am super excited!

Free Will Astrology: Mythical Origins

Aries Horoscope for week of April 5, 2012

Please study this testimony: "Born in a rancid, bat-infested cave at the base of the smoldering Sangay Volcano, I was raised by the half-bear demon princess Arcastia. At the age of four my training as a ninja shaman began when I was left naked and alone next to a stream of burning lava with only two safety pins, a package of dental floss, and a plastic bag full of Cheerios. My mission: to find my way to my spiritual home." Now, Aries, I'd like you to compose your own version of this declaration: a playful, over-the-top myth about your origins that gives you a greater appreciation for the heroic journey you've been on all these years.


I grew up alone. My mission was to figure out the world strictly armed with my wits and charming smile. I slept in the tree tops of rainforests with monkeys and wild cats. I wore bed sheets made in days that I was not yet alive. I lived off bread, butter, and wine and for days, I went without sleep instead preferring to stare into the moonlight and gaze upon the stars. I took naps in the hollows of the trees, covering myself with moss and dark green leaves. Everything smelled like fresh sun.