What's New With You? Linkup #10
So, it's November already. That's weird. Yesterday it was 75 degrees out and I was sipping my first gingerbread latte of the year...something isn't adding up here!
Since it's a new month, it's time to talk about what's been going on and do some catching up. I'm joined, as always, by my co-host Kristen. Make sure you go over and say HI! and link up below. Let's get to some life updates!
Since it's a new month, it's time to talk about what's been going on and do some catching up. I'm joined, as always, by my co-host Kristen. Make sure you go over and say HI! and link up below. Let's get to some life updates!
Exercise
In October, I ran another half marathon. It was a really fun race, and we had a great weekend away in Ohio. I got my second fastest time ever, and actually enjoyed the race (even if I look in pain in my race photo!)
I only have one more race scheduled for the year- the Pittsburgh 10 Miler on Sunday. I think I'm going to take the rest of the year easy with no races, and get into a better routine with running consistently and cross training. I'm going to devote a longer post on this with my thoughts on a race-heavy year, and the resulting burn-out.
I only have one more race scheduled for the year- the Pittsburgh 10 Miler on Sunday. I think I'm going to take the rest of the year easy with no races, and get into a better routine with running consistently and cross training. I'm going to devote a longer post on this with my thoughts on a race-heavy year, and the resulting burn-out.
Diet
Some veganism updates: I've found that I'm much more likely to pack my lunch and eat dinner at home lately. If I'm out at a restaurant, I don't like being one of those people who asks a lot of questions or makes a lot of substitutions when I order. There's nothing wrong with it, but I've always felt uncomfortable with asking for a special order. I can never be 100% sure what's in the food either, since I'm not making it, so I would rather cook my own food and know every ingredient that goes in. Win/win! As far as finding recipe inspiration, I just got the Thug Kitchen cookbook and it is SO good. I've tried a ton of recipes already and they've all been home runs. Most nights I share my dinner on snapchat- add me at gretchxo if you're interested in seeing lots of cooking (and pictures of my cute dog!)
House
October was a very busy month in our house! Not only did we put up a new shed, but we also finished up (for now) our guest room/office and had our first guests spend the weekend (aka my in-laws)! Even though our house is tiny, we made it work with 4 visitors coming over and had a great weekend.
Another big project that we knocked out was our drainage outside! When we had our inspection before buying the house, there was some water damage and messed up drainage that we were supposed to fix right away. We replaced all the rotten wood, added landscape grading, and now we added drainage so that all the rain water would go away from our house! We've had a few storms since we fixed that, and it's so nice to not see a huge puddle of water in our garage. Hopefully this means that we won't have any more damage in the future!
Another big project that we knocked out was our drainage outside! When we had our inspection before buying the house, there was some water damage and messed up drainage that we were supposed to fix right away. We replaced all the rotten wood, added landscape grading, and now we added drainage so that all the rain water would go away from our house! We've had a few storms since we fixed that, and it's so nice to not see a huge puddle of water in our garage. Hopefully this means that we won't have any more damage in the future!
Goals
Last month I decided to switch up my goals and have three things that I want to achieve each month. Here's how I did in October:
-
Finish a scrapbook. I haven't actually finished one, but I have each page organized and ready to be glued down and decorated. I'll do this in November!
+ Sew an apron. Yes I did! It took a really long time, but I'm pretty happy with how it turned out! Definitely could be better though...the pockets are kind of janky.
+ Finish my Belize posts. I wrote one more post in October..one to do in November!
In November, here are my three goals:
- Try a new workout class at the gym. I keep on telling myself I should try new things, so now that I have it in writing I have to do it!
- Participate in NaBloPoMo. You can read about it here! This is day three and I'm going strong :)
- Take a day trip. I'm starting to get wanderlust but Dan and I are trying to save money right now, so I want to go on a fun day trip this month. Any suggestions?
In November, here are my three goals:
- Try a new workout class at the gym. I keep on telling myself I should try new things, so now that I have it in writing I have to do it!
- Participate in NaBloPoMo. You can read about it here! This is day three and I'm going strong :)
- Take a day trip. I'm starting to get wanderlust but Dan and I are trying to save money right now, so I want to go on a fun day trip this month. Any suggestions?
Alrighty everyone, that's enough updates for now. Can't wait to hear what you've all been up to!
I'm hoping to get back on track with some things this month, but right now? CELEBRATING THE CUBS!
ReplyDeleteYAYYYY!!!!
Deleteoh no, heavy race year equals burn out? that sucks. look forward to reading your post about it.
ReplyDeletei have dietary issues and i HATE being the person asking questions or asking for substitutions. my friends and i always joke, there is a vegetarian and a celiac/sometimes vegetarian in our group but the one who is the most difficult is another friend who is super picky. i never want to be difficult. so i'd rather eat at home, or get something i *know* is suitable for me.
the thug kitchen cookbook sounds great though!
i don't know what is close to you, but whenever i feel the need to go on a day trip, i just look at my city on google maps and then slowly zoom out haha. louisville is eh in my opinion but it is super close to a lot of things, apparently it's the best place to start a road trip. most of the time we don't actually go on any day trips because $$ and i want to make them longer than a day, so i just end up staying home. haha. can't wait to see where you decide!
good job on the apron!!
Pittsburgh is the same way..we're in the corner of Pennsylvania so we have tons of other states nearby to visit! Thanks for the idea :)
DeleteThat apron is adorable! Definitely suits you with how much you love to cook! Also, I'll be volunteering at the finish line at EQT on Sunday - I'll look for you! Have a great race!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ciara!
DeleteTake a day trip to Philadelphia! :D Im with you on cooking more than going out--its just easier! But, I have a couple of go to take out spots with options I know that I can eat for those days or nights when i just dont want to cook!
ReplyDeleteNO WAY!! Lol Philly is more of a weekend trip for me, but I'm a Pittsburgh girl and can't go there :-P
DeleteLove the apron!! My boss' son is vegan and their whole family is supporting his eating choices; he RAVES about the thug kitchen book. I want to check it out sometime even though we don't follow that diet - I'm always up for some diversity in my recipes & extra veggies!!
ReplyDeleteIt's soooo good! Even if you're not vegan I'm sure you'll love all the recipes
DeleteDay Trips! Love Day Trips - I would say Ohiopyle is always great. But I know you all have been there. Have you been to Coopers Rock State Forest? It's just past Morgantown, about 1.5 hours or so away & has some great views & hiking, Forks of Cheat Winery is cute and close by plus I'm sure Morgantown has some great dinner options
ReplyDeleteTaking that idea!! Thanks Jessie!
DeleteCute apron!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your post on burn-out after a race-heavy year. As you may know from reading my blog the last couple months, I struggled through this exact same thing this year. It resulted in me quitting midway through my 10K training and taking a month long break from running. I think there is a lot of pressure in the running social media/blogging community to always be "on" and do all the races, but there's only so much we can handle. It's nice to know that others have gone through it, too.
Thanks Hanna! I hope my post is helpful to you.
DeleteHurray for finished scrapbooks! It's the best feeling of accomplishment! That apron is great, I'm always a little jealous of people who are able to sew it seems like such a practical hobby to have!
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna! I still have a lot of work to do on sewing ;)
DeleteOhhhh I WANNA GO ON A TRIP TOO! We often take day trips down to Whidbey Island. It's only a 2 hour drive and it's GORGEOUS. Right on the ocean. Ahhhhh
ReplyDeleteLet's meet up somewhere!
DeleteThat seems like a great month to me! :) I love the apron, it's got a lot of personality. I like how you set a reasonable month's worth of goals.. I'm over here ticking off 3-4/11 ha! Do you ever post your scrapbook stuff?! I've been doing a PL mini album for our 2016 travels, and I'm LOVING doing it. :) Good luck blogging every day, that sounds awesome! Where do you live? I'm obsessed with the travel and have pretty much mastered the within 9 hour drive road trip. :) XO - Alexandra
ReplyDeleteSimply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Thank you! You gave me a great idea to dedicate a post to my scrapbooks. Thanks!
DeleteI feel you with having a crazy year of running then completely burning out. I'm dealing with the exact same thing right now!
ReplyDeleteIt's the worst :( Hope you get over it quickly!
DeleteWe had some house improvement projects going on in the last few weeks as well and I hope that this is it for a while (spending money on the house hurts more than I thought it would).
ReplyDeleteYay, day 3 of NaBloPoMo in the books. We can do it! ;)
YAY!! Glad to hear you're doing it as well!
DeleteHow cute is your apron?!
ReplyDeleteTrying new classes at the gym is definitely a good idea! I feel like I'm always hesitant until I do it and then I'm like "why didn't I do this sooner?!?!".
Thanks Kristy!
DeleteGood luck & have fun this Sunday! Day trip idea: Cumberland MD! Short drive away, cute town, and bike trail if you want to take your bikes.
ReplyDeleteI love Cumberland and Dan's never been there. Great idea!!
DeleteThat apron is so cute!
ReplyDeleteHow cute and stylish is that apron?! I love it!
ReplyDelete