End of Summer Review

Somehow, today is the unofficial end of summer.  I feel like it was just Memorial Day and yet here we are in September with our Pumpkin Spice everything and leaves already falling from the trees.

While I'm not at all happy to see summer go, I have to admit it was most definitely a good one.  One big across the pond trip.  Numerous trips to Naptown.  A day at the beach.  A Navy Football Game. A hot as heck day in DC and a presidential-ish day in NYC. The Color Run for the Second Time and my very first (and most definitely not my last) Supernatural Con. And two concerts - Darius Rucker (Awesome!) and Mumford & Sons (not so awesome.)  I aso saw Benedict Cumberbatch, Jim Parsons, President Obama and the entire cast of Supernatural live in person - oh and I saw Mickey from Doctor Who at Heathrow. I really can't complain!

So, as we all say hello to Fall tomorrow, I suppose I'd like to say, it was wonderful seeing you Summer, I can't wait see you again next year!

#Happiest5K

Another year, another colorific Color Run - this year with 100% more sparkles.  I was skeptical that they'd actually hit us with glitter - after all, that's just asking for someone to get it in their eyes, and sue you.  However, they did and it was way more fun than I thought it would be.  Of course, I kept seeing glints of glitter off of myself in the sun, but I think it was worth it.  

The course in Baltimore was much better than the one in DC too.  A little less organized but less able to break your ankle (as the pot holes, and cracks were in DC) as well.  All in all a fabulous day!  And, we got medals this year! I've never gotten a medal for anything athletic before.  I mean I walked the whole race, and like 5000 people finished before me, and every other person received one too, but that's not the point.  I can finally say I'm a gold medal winner. I mean, I think that puts me on par with Olympians now, right? : )

Before:

After: 

Colorfully Inspired

After a crappy day, I needed some scrappy and some happy in my life so I got working on a photo frame for my favorite Color Run photo.  If that couldn't turn my smile upside down, I don't what could.  After loving how it turned out, maybe a few more will show up on Etsy quite soon.

Ready and waiting for a trip to Costco for this photo

Walking in a Colorful Wonderland

Yesterday, I was feeling pretty darn proud of myself after completing my first 5K.  Then I went on Facebook and read about 3 friends who had completed Half Marathons, which needless to say, knocked me off my high horse a bit.  (But Yay for them!  That's awesome!)  Even though, in the grand scheme of things, a 5K is easy peasy stuff, I did learn a few things.

~Races are incredibly fun.  I'm sure it had something to do with the crazy colored corn starch raining over everyone in this case, but there's a real sense of community that I felt.  Everyone is in it together.  Even if you're just walking - which I most certainly was - the runners don't seem to mind passing you.  And the finish line was absolute mayhem.  I've never been a fan of huge crowds but it was fun to be a part of something like that.

~ I walk much too fast for a leisurely stroll and get quite impatient with the people I'm behind if they don't set the same pace I have.  It's probably rude, but I was most definitely passing up some walkers and getting nagged by the people I was with for "jetting off".  I can't even blame my stride for this one, my little legs just like to go quickly.

~ I will never be a runner, but this whole walking thing is really becoming fun.  For the last month or so, I've been averaging about 3 miles a day on my daily walks.  That may be a drop in the bucket for marathoners but it's great for me.  I'm able to pick up my pace much more easily and I feel great after the walk.  I'm not sure what the average is for running a mile but I was super proud of my 3.4 miles in 1.5 hours this morning.  Is that good?  Probably not, but good for me? Yep!

~ While I hold strongly to the "never going to be a runner" ideal I've set, I'm actually starting to come around to the fact that it looks kind of fun.  I probably would pass out if I tried it again (I say again, because I tried once.  After 20 feet I decided it wasn't for me), but people actually look like they're getting some sort of enjoyment out of it.  And after this morning's brisk walk, it may be in my future - but don't hold me to it.

~ Last but not least, while yesterday's was my first, it will most definitely not be my last.  I had so much fun and am looking forward to another one for charity soon!

Colorful Success!

Until today I'd never done a 5K before, or any type of race for that matter.  For some reason, I decided that the Color Run (the Happiest 5K on Earth!) was the perfect first.  And it turns out, I was totally right!  I can't stand being dirty or messy but apparently when it's brightly colored corn starch, I don't seem to mind.  It was fun, and crazy and messy and a total blast and I'm so ready for next year's, as well as any other 5Ks that come my way!

TuTu Cute

This is what happens when you sucker a crafter into running a 5K.  She has to do something to make it exciting, otherwise, it's just a lot of exertion for nothing.  Thanks to this little DIY post which may be my new favorite DIY, I was able to make this super cute tutu with NO sewing whatsoever. (Thank god for that!)  You just gotta love sparkles, tulle and neon all in one project!

Bring it on ColorRun!  I may not be fast or overly athletic but at least I'll be fabulous!

Should be Interesting...

So this is happening.  A few months ago, I first heard about the concept of a Color Run aka the Happiest 5K in the world. From what I gather,  you run 5 kilometers and every few meters, you get pelted with powdered paint in a variety of colors.  At the time, I thought it was pretty nifty but wasn't really interested.  Since then, I've heard it come up a few times but never gave it much thought, until today that is.  A few girls at work are doing it and decided to create a team then sucker me into joining them.

In an attempt to get a life, I said yes.  Being adventurous is all well and good, but I don't know how to run.  I tried it once, made it a few feet, thought I was going to die and decided that I would never run again unless my life depended on it.  Also, I really hate getting messy. Cooking, baking and crafting may create whirlwinds of stuff in my house, but I draw the line at getting things all over my clothes; intentionally that is.  

At least the race isn't until May.  That gives me 5 months to come up with some life-threatening reason as to why I can't  do it (powdered paint allergy, maybe?).  If I can't create a plausible one, you'll find me walking (there's just no getting around the lack of oxygen and stamina I have to make a run for it) in DC wearing a tutu (apparently that's the uniform for our team - and who do you think is making those?  that's right -me.  I'm quote-unquote the crafty one...) and trying desperately to avoid flying paint.