Book List 2014

I’m posting a little late today, but I’m really trying to stick to my goal of three posts per week.

One of the things I'm most excited about, now that I’m graduated and have all of this free time on my hands, is reading for fun. I am a total book worm. It’s not unusual for me to finish a book in one day. I am the type of person who gets totally involved in the story and connects with a character and can’t put a book down until it ends.

I like all types of books, but there is a definite trend in my reading habits. I lean more towards fiction, and mostly mysteries. I buy 95% of my books on Amazon and read them on my Kindle so it was interesting to look back at what I read in 2014. You can tell that I used books as an escape from work and class because there is not one “serious” book on the list!

Clearly, I like any books that are part of a series. Mostly because I connect with the characters and want their stories to continue FOREVER.

I actually would not recommend the Hannah Swenson books. There are 18 books (and a few specials) in the series. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich and had high hopes that this series would be similar. It didn’t even come close. The first book was good, and I hoped that as I kept reading, the series would get better. I ended up bailing after book 8. What is cool though, is that there are tons of dessert recipes scattered throughout the books and I’ve actually made a couple of them!

One of those books (I’ll let you guess which one) was a gift to my brother & sister-in-law when my nephew was born, but I read it before I gave it to them so I counted it :) If you have a baby, or have a friend getting ready to have a baby, buy this book. It is hysterical.

I won’t give you full reviews on the other books, but if you haven’t read Bossy Pants or Gone Girl, drop what you are doing and go read them RIGHT NOW. They are both fantastic. I’d also recommend the Divergent series. I am super impressed that the author wrote the first book during her senior year of college! I spent my senior year studying, going to basketball games, and drinking beer.  I’ve written about the Stephanie Plum series on here before and I feel like I should write about it again! Janet Evanovich is a fantastic writer and I cannot get enough of her books. There are 21 books in her Stephanie Plum series, but I promise you it is worth the commitment to read them all!

What books have you read lately?

What book recommendations do you have for me in 2015?

- Seriously. Any genre of books! I need recommendations.

Runners are the Best Kind of People

Last Wednesday was National Running Day...so of course it is natural for me to post about it a week later! National Running Day is a day that runners coast-to-coast celebrate their passion for running. Justin and I celebrated with a rainy 5 mile run in downtown Pittsburgh. 

Since Justin is only here one week a month, I usually run by myself. This means I have 3-5 miles worth of time to think about things. My brain usually bounces all over the place when I’m running…from what I’m eating for dinner to how I would spend my money if I won the lottery. Sometimes I write speeches and sometimes I come up with witty comebacks that would have worked in a conversation I had 3 days ago.

A few weeks back, I started thinking about WHY I RUN and the answer I put on the banner at the KY Derby Runner’s Expo. I had one answer at the Expo but by the time I finished my run that day, I had quite a few reasons why I run.

I asked my Facebook & Twitter friends why they ran. Here are some of their answers:

The reason for running has changed throughout the years, from wanting to compete for my school, fitness and weight management, competing as an individual, etc - but I always come back to the sense of accomplishment...although now I love doing it to get some quiet time away from home!! – Kari C.

Because my wife, Kari C, makes me. - Phil C.

So I’m not a fat ass. – Jess L.

I like pain A LOT. I also like it because it's the only place where it's socially acceptable to "farmer blow" your nose and no one thinks anything of it! – Matt O.

To have some me time…to challenge myself…to enjoy my ice cream more. – Abby V.

Because who knows. Something may be chasing you one day. And it would be nice to be fast in that moment. – Brian B.

I started running right after college because I was depressed. I wasn't in college anymore and bored out of my mind. I also wanted to see if I could be more naturally competitive if I competed against myself, since I never really was when I played team sports in HS. – Karen E.

Because I wasn't good at any other sport! - Nathan S.

I run because it's the only thing left to do after the swim and bike!  But seriously, I run because I want to (not because it's on my training schedule), I think I do it because running ignites ALL of the senses. – Justin R.

So tell me: Why do YOU run? 

Did you participate in National Running Day?

New Year, Same Goals

I've written about goals in the past: fitness goals, educational goals, blogging goals, and New Year’s resolutions. Since it’s January, I figured there is no better time to talk about some of my goals for 2014. As I was thinking about it this morning, I realized that my goals haven’t really changed from last year. A lot of them are long-term goals that are continuing into 2014. The good thing is that I can look back and see the process from where I was in January of 2013. I feel like I’m one step closer on my journey to accomplish all of my goals. Here are some of the goals & milestones I’m working on this year:

Career: I once had a mentor who told me you should never do the same thing for more than two years. I've been in the same role at my company since February 2011. We are quickly approaching the three year mark, but I’m cutting myself some slack since during that three year period, I transferred to our Pittsburgh office (which was definitely a change!). I've been talking to my boss about where I want to focus on my career and I’m hoping that I can make some changes in 2014. It’s time for a new project, a new challenge, and a new opportunity.

Education: I just started semester 4 of 6 in the MBA program at Duquesne University. I’m on track to graduate this December and my goal is to finish strong. “Christmas Break” (can you call it that if you still have to work 5 days a week?) could not have come at a better time. I was feeling a bit burnt out at the end of last semester, but felt refreshed when classes started last week. One of my goals for education this year is to find a better balance of school work, work, and a personal life…I really struggled with this one last year, so send me some helpful hints!

Health: I am a pretty healthy person in general, but there are definitely some areas I can work on. Eating healthy is the biggest area where there is room for improvement. My goals for 2014 are to shop healthier, cook more, and stop snacking as much in the evening (or maybe just to snack healthier in the evening), and drink more water. I started using MyFitnessPal.com to log everything I’m eating. It's awesome because I can access my log from the computer, my phone, and my iPad to keep track during the day. It has definitely been eye opening these last two weeks!

Fitness: Continuing on from eating healthy is the fitness goal. Moving to Pittsburgh and starting grad school put a huge damper on my running in 2013. This year, I've already signed up for a 10K and a half marathon in the Spring. Knowing what my work/school schedule looks like, I had to set a realistic plan of running three days a week. It’s tough reminding myself that I’m training not to PR these races, but to keep myself in shape slowly build back up to where I was at in 2012.

A couple that sweats together........eats lots of FroYo together

Those are just a few of the big ones for this year. I’m pretty excited to see what all this year brings. 

What are your goals for 2014?

National Running Safety Month

Running safely is always important, but it’s especially important this time of year. Daylight savings was yesterday and for runners that means running before the sun comes up and after the sun goes down on most days.

Running in the dark is dangerous for many reasons. Drivers aren't looking for runners. Also, in the dark, it’s harder to see other dangers in the road such as potholes, branches, and slippery leaves. If you’re like me though, you have no choice but to run in the dark mornings/evenings. As your head out for your runs this fall, keep these tips in mind.

Run Safe in the Dark:

Be Visible

Wear bright colors and reflective gear. I have my eye on the entire Brooks Nightlife line, but for now, my Target Gear works just fine. I have 2 blinking lights that I clip to my tights for extra visibility.

Obey all traffic laws & run against traffic

We’re all guilty of assuming the car will stop as we cross an intersection as we dart across. Crosswalks, especially the ones regulated by stop signs, are very dangerous for runners. Try to make eye contact with the driver so that you know they see you before crossing

Carry Identification

When I lived close to my parents, I used to write their phone number on the back of my hand before I went on a long run by myself. I’m still trying to get into the habit of carrying my license with me when I run by myself. You could write your name and phone number on the tongue of your running show too.

Pay Attention

If you’re like me, it’s easy to zone out while running. Stay alert and pay attention to your surroundings.  Also, leave the iPod at home when running in the dark. You need to be able to hear traffic and other people who might be out on the road.

Power in Numbers

Schedule your run with a friend. Not only is it safer to run in a group, the conversation will make the run go by faster. If you don’t have a running buddy, ask a friend to bike next to you while you run. If you do have to run solo, make sure to let someone know what time and where you are running.

You can find more nighttime running tips and information about National Running Safety Month here. 

What are your tips for running in the dark?

What is your favorite reflective gear? 

Fabulous Finds Friday

First of all, I’d like to give everyone a BIG round of applause for making it to Friday. I don’t know about you all, but it has been a LOOONG week. My summer classes started on Monday, and for some reason, I thought it would be a good idea to register for three classes this semester…..

….at least it’s only eight weeks, right? 

Now onto today’s actual post :) These are a few things I discovered this week and just have to share with you.

Greek on the Go

These were an impulse buy at Sam’s Club recently. The bag is really pretty and I’m on Greek Yogurt kick, so I bought them! They take a bit of getting used to…definitely not the fudge dipped chocolate chip granola bar I’m used to, but I like ‘em. They are a great snack and are really filling. I want to try the peanut butter ones next.

Source

Tweet Pee

This is so weird. I was catching up on my ADWEEK newsletters and this caught my eye. Huggies is developing this “thing” (for lack of a better word) that you attach to a baby’s diaper. It sends you a tweet when you need to change the diaper! I don’t know if this qualifies as a fabulous find or a freaky find, but either way…I felt like you should know about it :) The ultimate goal is that the iPhone app reminds you when you need to buy diapers……in a really weird way. Read the article, watch the video. You will laugh – or at the very least crack a smile.

RHONDA

This fabulous find was when I got home from work today and saw Rhonda the Honda parked in front of my house. The Boy is in town for 10 WHOLE DAYS! The car was not the only fabulous find. I also found dinner on the table - Pizza Grilled Cheese. Definitely a stretchy pants meal. I ate way too much. Good thing our only plans for the night are to lounge on the couch and watch Friends :)

What are your weekend plans?

Do you have a favorite go-to snack? Healthy? Unhealthy?

Did you make any fabulous finds this week?

Fallin' for Fall

I'm currently sitting at the airport, curled up in a seat by the window, drinking a pumpkin spice latte, watching the rain come down. If I were at home, this wold be the perfect day. I'm going to choose to ignore the fact that my flight is delayed and focus instead on the many reasons I love this season.

1. Carving Pumpkins
The weekend before Halloween (another reason to love this season!), The Boy and I went on a hayride to pick pumpkins with friends. We had a blast coming up with ideas, carving our designs, and roasting pumpkin seeds.

2. Crunchy Leaves
Going for a walk in the early morning when the leaves are changing, there's nothing better. All of the colors are beautiful and chances are you'll find a crunchy leaf to step on!

3. Pumpkin
I just recently decided that I love pumpkin - pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin bagels with pumpkin cream cheese, pumpkin rolls and pie! YUM!

4. Hoodies & Boots
Currently the two most valued articles in my closet (suitcase). There is nothing more cozy than an oversized hoodie. I can't help but smirk at the lady sitting across from me in a dress and heels. I bet she's wishing she had remembered to pack a hoodie And boots in her carry on :)

"Life is a journey, not a destination." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

The whole point of starting this blog was to cross something off of my bucket list. I started my bucket list as part of a leadership class I took at Butler, and have been slowly adding to it ever since. When I started this blog in January 2010, I had 132 items on the list and it’s since grown to    181 items. I’m hoping if the list is published on my blog, I’ll remember to update it more frequently. There are some things on the list that I have done in the past, but want to experience again. Check out the “Bucket List” tab at the top of the page. Is there something that’s on your list too? Let’s cross it off together!

Don't Just Set Goals...Achieve Them!

New Year’s Eve – one of my favorite holidays (ok…so they’re all my favorite…whatever). When I was little, my parents would host awesome New Year’s Eve parties and invite all of our family and friends. Euchre tournaments, birthday shenanigans, and lots of noise makers at midnight. So. Much. Fun. Then came high school NYE – staying out past curfew & finally getting to watch the MTV countdown instead of the Dick Clark countdown. It was great.

Now that we’re “twenty somethings,” NYE plans have once again changed dramatically. It’s short & sparkly dresses, pre-gamming & Champaign toasts, dancing & midnight kisses, and not even thinking about changing out of your PJ’s on January 1^st. I love it :)

  

While sitting in the middle of my living room floor with my friends -- inhaling a double cheeseburger, large fry, & jumbo Powerade -- on New Year’s Day, the topic of conversation turned to the usual Jan 1 conversation – New Year’s Resolutions.

Since we were already in violation of the two usual (Eat healthier & get off the couch), we had to come up with some unique ones…ones that we could & would actually keep. I always do better if I tell other people about my goals so they can motivate me (and give me a kick in the butt if I start slacking). So here they are folks, Kim’s 2012 New Year’s Resolutions…

Run 1,500 miles

Run at least 100 consecutive days (the streak is at 8 as of this afternoon!)

Run a 5K in under 22:00

Run a Marathon

Blog at least once a week

Take the GMAT

Start my MBA

Read 1 book a month (that isn’t titled Cosmo or US Weekly haha)

Cook dinner at least twice a week (something not out of a box or the freezer!)

      Clean out the closet in my spare bedroom & my storage unit

Tis the Season...

…for Christmas movies! I have a major obsession with all things Holiday related, especially Christmas. There is nothing I love more than wrapping up in a warm blanket and watching a marathon of Christmas movies in December. There is no way I can pick a favorite, or even a Top 10 list, so below is my list of must watch Christmas movies. Some are meaningful, some are cheesy...some are classics, some are modern....some are live action, some are cartoons...Some make me laugh, some make me cry...all of them are worth watching :)

A Christmas Carol

Miracle on 34^th Street

The Nutcracker

Prancer

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Home Alone

The Santa Clause

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Elf

The Polar Express

Four Christmases

Frosty the Snowman/Frosty Returns

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer

A Charlie Brown Christmas

The Night Before Christmas 

The Year Without a Santa Claus

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Santa Baby (1 & 2)

Snow & Snow 2

12 Dates of Christmas

Desperately Seeking Santa

Prep & Landing (1&2)

And that doesn't count the thousands of movies on the Hallmark Channel :) Did I miss any? What are your favorites?

It's December?

December 1st. Can you believe it? This year has flown by. I realized about an hour ago that I missed Wordless Wednesday yesterday, but I'm making up for it today. In honor of my favorite month, I present to you: Three Picture Thursday...representing some of the things I love about December.

1. Peppermint Hot Chocolate. I know that it's usually available before December 1st, but sticking true to my NO CHRISTMAS BEFORE THANKSGIVING policy, I wait until December rolls around before enjoying this yummy treat (and yes, I did stop by Starbucks this morning and indulge)!

 2. Christmas Lights. One of my FAVORITE December activities is driving around town looking at Christmas lights...especially in the snow. They always look so pretty.

3. Footprints In The Snow. There are few things more beautiful then freshly fallen snow. I LOVE making the first footprint. I think it's so cool when you walk through the snow and look back at your footsteps. It feels like you're the only person in the world...if only for just a few minutes.

What are your favorite things about December?