Feeling the tides change

When I woke up this morning, first thing I jumped on my treadmill downstairs - I've only been running sporadically for months, yet Pat and I signed up for the 5 mile turkey trot about 15 minutes from our house on Thanksgiving (which is now 2 days away). Pat, who is in terrific shape and is a fast runner, is going to try to win this thing. I just want to have a nice leisurely jog that will make me feel better about the turkey dinner i'll be eating later that evening.

My neighborhood Y opened a new facility a few weeks ago, which is less than a 5 minute drive from my house. I decided to check it out today - it's huge! And gorgeous! 3 indoor pools (2 of which can be used for lap swimming) that are deep (means faster splits for when I get back to swimming), 2 studios (+ cycling room & gym & mezzanine & indoor track) with lots of classes, particularly yoga and pilates, at the times that fit in my schedule. The weight/cardio area has all new equipment. And they're building an outdoor pool slated to open next summer.

So I just canceled my other gym membership and soon will be frequenting this new Y. I'm hoping making this change will help kickstart a new regimend for a healthier lifestyle (and weight loss!).

Checking in

I haven't posted much in the past couple of years and i'm sure no one is reading this anymore, due to my lack of posting. But that's ok. Much has happened - my life has greatly changed in the past few years. I met a wonderful man 2.5 years ago. We live out in the burbs, in a beautiful house that is currently under renovations, that is only 15 minutes from my childhood home. I finally left my career in the arts and am pursuing another graduate degree - this time in Education, en route to being a Secondary science educator. I love being a full-time student again - I love to learn. I'm officially one of those straight A geeks now. I've become a "mommy" to my man's 12 year old golden retreiver, who I spoil with love. I can actually cook now, and enjoy trying out new, healthier recipes. I've stopped doing triathlons, swimming races, and runnings races, and have gained way too much weight. I'm looking forward to jumping into something else soon, to get back to my old physical self. What that something else is, i'm not sure yet. I do not have a green thumb, nor do I want to - which makes it difficult living out in the burbs on a highly landscaped nearly 1 acre property. I'm still a die-hard Philadelphia sports fan - still go to as many games as I can - and while it's difficult to make it to the big game and lose, like the Phillies, Eagles, and Flyers have done in the past 5 years or so, i'm still grateful for the ride they take me on, and am always hopeful for the next season.

All things considered, i'm happy. I have a great life. Yet, i've found myself reminiscing about my college years, and my 20s. Looking back, I loved those years too, and I wouldn't change a thing. I miss the life that I had in New York, living in the city as an artist - with all the other artists I was surrounded by - all the creations we made and good times we had. But I know that if I was still in NY, my life now would not be what it was like then. I'm a different person now than I was then. My life is the way it is now, and i've embraced it and cherish the experiences I had that brought me to this point.

I see myself posting more often. While i'm happy, there are still things I wish to improve upon about myself. I want to be a better physical being - a healthier body. I want to be a better girlfriend and friend. I want to be the best student I can be and take advantage of this opportunity to learn more. I want to become a better cook, a better homemaker. I want to become a better athlete. I want spiritual and emotional health. I want to look at each day as a blessing. My intent with blogging, if only for myself, is to remind myself of all of this, and relfect on whatever progression I make.