STRIDE

1) to walk with long steps, as with vigor, haste, impatience, or arrogance
2) to walk with long steps along, on, through, over, etc.
3) to straddle

I don't know about you but I have had an extra pep in my stride ever since February -- not because I joined the quarter century club, but because THE SEAHAWKS WON THE SUPERBOWL.

(Feel free to relive it here. I know I can't stop smiling about it.)

When I heard about the Seahawks 12k, an event that combined my love for the Seahawks with my new-found hobby of running (always training for that half!) -- I was quick to sign up! And I was lucky enough to have Roz sign up with me. She happens to be a 49ers fan -- but is a good sport and loves races. 

Race day was GORGEOUS! It was the first spring day that reached over 70 degrees and there wasn't a cloud in the sky! We seriously could not have had better weather. Not only was the weather perfect, but the course was hard to beat. We started at the Renton Landing with a confetti send-off, then ran out to the Virginia Mason Athletic Center along Lake Washington Boulevard, and back (side note: if you are ever at the Renton Landing you MUST go to World of Beers). Trust me, VMAC is the most beautiful training facility in the NFL. 

Although my pace was a slow 10:48, resulting in a net time of 1:22:34 -- I was still in the best of moods. My day involved my running bestie, Seahawks, sunshine, a new experience, and a new race length -- so in the words of Matthew Wilder,  "ain't nothin' gonna to break my STRIDE."

FLY

1) to move through the air using wings
2) to be carried through the air by the wind or any other force
3) to float or flutter in the air
4) to travel in an aircraft or spacecraft.
5) to move suddenly and quickly; start unexpectedly

The first two months of 2014 have truly flown by -- or maybe I am just doing a great job of sticking to my New Year's Resolution of staying present? Either way it has been almost 2 months since my last post so it is time to get a little update going. 

For my birthday this year I received entry to the Quarter Century Club -- you know, turned the big 2-5! And the weekend I spent celebrating was one for the record books...literally. 

To kick off my birthday weekend, some of my wonderful co-workers surprised me by "decorating" my desk. It was a huge surprise, not only that my desk was decorated, but more so the extent to which they decorated it. I mean...see for yourself: 

That evening, Sebastian took me to see Pacific Northwest Ballet's opening night of The Sleeping Beauty. Now, I have to tell you when he took me to PNB's opening night of Swan Lake for my 18th birthday, I feel asleep in the 4th act (and no the irony of the fact that I fell asleep in a ballet and also the name of this year's ballet is not lost on us). So it REALLY meant a lot and he would give the ballet another go with me this year. Anyways, the ballet was absolutely stunning (as always), and definitely made me miss my good ol' dancin' days.

The next day was my actual birthday and I spent the morning indulging, you know coffee and giant stawberry nutella crepe for breakfast, followed by mani's and pedi's, then mexican food/happy hour for lunch (who doesn't love a sombrero?!). 

From then it was time to head to iFly for Indoor Skydiving! I will be honest, I would have loved to go outdoor skydiving for my birthday -- but due to the fact that it is February, it did not seem the most feasible. Indoor skydiving was the next best thing -- and I LOVED it. The best part was the fact that I had a group go with me, and my Dad did it! Such a hoot to share this experience and fly with my Dad. Also, could this shot be any better?! Check out that beautiful 12th Man flag! 

After iFly, I met some friends at Capitol Cider. A few months ago, I read a Seattle Met blog post about this new cider bar, and I wanted to try it out -- what better time than my birthday, right? The main floor is dimly, romantically lit restaurant that includes gluten-free food options -- perfect for a future date night. The lower floor has quite a different feel -- a bustling bar with tons of seating and games for everyone. We set up camp by the shuffleboard tables, playing any game we could get our hands on (Battleship!) and tasting the delicious ciders. Thank you to all who came out to celebrate with me! 

Thankfully, I had distracted myself all weekend with birthday activities -- because the moment I woke up on Sunday, the butterflies wouldn't stop (well...I think they were butterflies...). The day was finally here. The day I had anticipated almost as much as my birthday: SUPERBOWL SUNDAY, SEAHAWKS vs BRONCOS. This is the first Superbowl in a looooong time that I couldn't care less about about the commercials -- this year Superbowl was about FOOTBALL (and Bruno Mars!). Now that we are so far past the game, the details are irrelevant but one thing remains the same, the Seahawks were untouchable that day -- absolutely perfect. What a game to end the season on. From the girl who spent halftime crying tear of joy and who only wanted a Lombardi Trophy for her birthday, I say THANK YOU SEAHAWKS! It was an epic ride, for the record books. (Also -- thank you Sylvia for letting me wear you autographed jersey from THE BEST CORNER IN THE GAME, since he is #25!)

I still can't get over what a wonderful time I had on my birthday weekend: the love, laughs, food, company, experiences, gifts, and memories. And if the beginning of this year is going to set the precedent for 2014, this year is going to FLY. 

SWING

1) to raise or hoist, esp in a sweeping motion
2) to hit at or strike at, esp with a sweeping motion

3) to wave (a bat, etc) in a sweeping motion

I truly believe in the importance of giving back. 

One of the most awesome examples of giving back I witnessed was a few weekends ago when Richard Sherman of the Seattle Seahawks gave back to local charities with his First Annual Celebrity Softball Game. 

Not only did my sisters, mom and I have a blast getting autographs, watching our favorite football players (and other awesome special guests!) compete in a home run derby and play softball -- but multiple local charities benefited from the fun-filled day: The Wounded Hero Home Program and Blanket Coverage, The Sherman Family Foundation. 

I was already crazy about our Seahawks... but this event was the touchdown that sealed the deal. It is wonderful to see these role models walk with a humble nature, to take time for others, and to give back to their fans. I cannot wait for next year when I watch Richard Sherman trade in his interceptions for a SWING!

GO HAWKS!

RECAP

1) to review by a brief summary, as at the end of a speech or discussion; summarize.

(From the verb "recapitulate")

Despite the fact I was one day late to hop on the "30 Days of Thankfulness" train on Facebook for November --  I am glad it was better late than never. I am not someone who updates their Facebook status frequently, but I could definitely handle a once-a-day mention of something I was thankful for. AND let me tell you, this thankfulness movement made my "news feed" much more enjoyable to read! 

In honor of forming a good habit of being thankful for at least one thing everyday, I would like to recap my "30 Days of Thankfulness":

Day 1: I am thankful for my family. I would be nowhere without them.

Day 2: I am thankful for my work. I love going to work everyday: where I am challenged, where I laugh, where I learn, and where I grow. Thank you Hunt Marketing Group (especially Lisa Reeder)!

Day 3: I am thankful for support systems. I am thankful for those who have helped me through the good times and the bad. I am thankful that I can be a shoulder or a smile for my friends and family. Surround yourself with a solid support system.

Day 4: I am thankful for grace. I am thankful for those who are willing to ask for second chances and those who are willing to give to give them (neither of which are easy). Exercising grace with one another makes the world a better place.

Day 5: Today I am thankful for my health. Although I may gripe about being sore or going to the gym, I could not be more thankful to have two arms, two legs, a beating heart, strong lungs, etc. I am especially thankful for happy endorphins!

Day 6: I am thankful that we can call today "election day" because as Americans we have the right to vote. I am thankful for our forefathers who made our nation what it is today, so we can say "government of the people, by the people, for the people".

Day 7: Today I am thankful for my conservative, pro-America college education from Hillsdale College. I am thankful that my collegiate peers are educated on the Constitution and understand the concepts backing free-market economics. I am thankful that there are young people out there that understand: "you cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity", "what one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving", "the government cannot give to anyone anything that the government does not first take away from some else", and "you cannot multiply wealth by diving it". I will remain hopeful...

Day 8: Today I am thankful for memories. I have had the chance to experience so many awesome things in my life -- and I have the pictures to prove it! One of my favorite memories from the past year was doing the Big Climb Seattle for Leukemia & Lymphoma in honor of my SURVIVOR Uncle. Who wants to join me this year to make more positive and amazing memories?!

Day 9: Today I am thankful for our service men and women. Because of you we still call America "the land of the free and home of the brave".

Day 10: I am thankful to be a Pi Beta Phi. Spending time with Washington Alpha made me miss Michigan Alpha tons. You girls are amazing. XOXO & PPL.

Day 11: This day and every day I am thankful for our Veterans. Now I think the Seahawks should win in their honor. Hug your veteran today!

Day 12: “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”-Marcel Proust / I am thankful for people who make me happy and I am also thankful for quotes. I LOVE a good quote. 

Day 13: Today I am thankful that I live in Seattle. I am continually awestruck by this city's natural beauty. Happy 161st Birthday Seattle!

Day 14: I am thankful for Wednesdays. I am thankful for the weekly get togethers that Shann, Jo and I started -- and Jordan and I continue while nurse Shann is in Spokane. Cheers to Wednesdays!

Day 15: I am thankful for the real things -- “The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.” -Laura Ingalls Wilder

Day 16: I am thankful for being INDEPENDENT.

Day 17: I am thankful for peace and quiet.

Day 18: I am thankful for my time as a barista at Starbucks. I have learned a lot about myself and others while working here. I told myself I would only stay for a year...but then I couldn't leave. Thanks to all those who made my time here awesome -- it has been a pleasure. After today I hang up my green (or red actually...) apron. (You can read my blog post about leaving Starbucks here!)

Day 19: I am thankful for 3 DAY WEEKS! Phew!

Day 20: I am thankful for my five senses.

Day 21: I am thankful for reunions. I LOVE the holidays because I get to see so many faces I miss throughout the year. Tonight's reunion includes dollfaces I have not seen since 7th grade! AH!

Day 22: Dried onions, green beans..LET ME SEE YOU CASSEROLE!!! Today I am thankful for green bean casserole! 

Day 23: I am thankful for four days out of Lake City, breakfast and lunch dates with my mentors, movies with family, leftovers (can you tell I love green bean casserole?!), time to blog by the fire, Life of Pi 3D... oh and more green bean casserole.

Day 24: I am thankful that I am the hero of my story.

Day 25: I am thankful for blogs. I love stumbling upon a new inspirational blog, following my friends and their adventures via their blogs, and having people support me as I blog. Do you have a blog? I want to follow you! And I would love if you would follow me!

Day 26: I received a card in the mail from a sorority sister and it made me realize how thankful I am for communication, whether it be text messages, skype, email, or good old fashioned letters. Lets all do a better job of utilizing our communication channels! Want an email or letter? PLEASE get me your email address and or home address and I will write you something!

Day 27: I am thankful for sleep. I don't know what I would do if I was an insomniac. I LOVE MY SLEEP.

Day 28: I am thankful that my Uncle Tiger BEAT leukemia. I will do everything I can to support this cause and help fund research so others can BEAT leukemia. PLEASE support my team!

Day 29: Today I am thankful for rain. I absolutely love rain. I love the smell, the sound, and the cozy feeling it evokes. I also love that rain means it is too warm to snow!

Day 30: Today I am thankful for lazy four-day weekends. I am also thankful for the habit I have formed of recognizing at least one thing to be thankful for everyday. It may not show in my status, but it will continue in my heart and mind.

Well, thats a wrap! "30 days of Thankfulness" complete -- and it was a lot of fun! Next month's challenge is on Instgram, so at the end of the month I will be sure to....

RECAP!

KICK-OFF

1) the initial stage of something; start; beginning 
2) a place kick or a drop kick from the 40-yard of the team kicking at the beginning of the first and third quarters or after the team kicking has scored a touchdown or field goal

September 22nd marked the beginning of my second favorite season of the year (with summer being my first). Autumn is upon Seattle, in true “Indian Summer” fashion. Sunny, warmish days followed by breathtaking sunsets, as dusk tries to linger a little longer…slowly kiss summer good-bye.

I kicked-off fall in the best way I knew how — the Puyallup Fair style! We had a beautiful day packed with food, rides, games, and PLENTY of spectacular people watching. It has been five years since the last time I had the chance to visit the fair and it truly has not changed one bit. I definitely became quite nostalgic as I ate my elephant ear, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. The fair will continue to be a fall tradition.

This past weekend also marked the kick-off of the 2012-2013 year for theSeattle Area Pi Beta Phi Alum Club. This will be the second year I have been involved with the club, and although it is no substitute for my collegiate years as a Michigan Alpha, this club has been a true blessing! I have met many wonderful women through my involvement — friends, colleagues, mentors, and role models.
We kicked off the year with a “tail gating” themed, meet and greet style event, complete with a cooking demonstration provided by the head chef from Szmania’s. If this kick-off was a true taste of what this upcoming year of events will be like — I already want seconds!

Last but certainly not least…with fall brings FOOTBALL! I am excited to see what the season has in store for the Seahawks. Despite the fact that winning doesn’t seem to always be in our cards, I do enjoy the good company I have as I watch the games. And on that note, I must wrap up as it is almost time for…

KICK-OFF!

Photos (clockwise L to R) — 1: The Zipper! THE BEST amusement park ride 2: Dizzy Hips! Hula Hoop performer 

3: Waiting for the Zipper mayhem to ensue 4: BEST Scones…I may have purchased 15? 

5: The “Premier” Club dangle, for members of the Seattle Area Pi Beta Phi Alum club, in recognition of their high ranking status from Nationals