Ahh, Fridays

Today I woke up to the sound of the rain pitter-pattering on my window, the clouds like a blanket over the blue sky, and the first thing I did was smile. The breeze had a coolness to it that I couldn’t help but to welcome in, even as I shivered under the covers. Rare is the day that it rains in Australia during the dry season, and so even though the rain lasted no more than a half hour, I enjoyed every second of it. The sound of it was like a song, and I just let myself take it all in, feeling the moment.

I had planned on going to the beach, but was content to just relax at ‘home’ instead given the weather patterns. Plus, I felt exhausted all over, and I have reason to be: this week was the first in my goal to run 100 miles in 30 days. Since last Sunday, I have put in 27 miles after my run today and my body is definitely feeling it, but not in a bad way. I feel very strong and it is rewarding to have something to work toward. It isn’t easy…two nights ago I was so tired and didn’t feel like doing the second run of the day and I moaned throughout the apartment, “I’m tiiiiiiiiiired.” Melissa, who knows of my goal, pops her head out of her room and yells, “Naw girl, you’re BADASS!” It made me laugh and was just what I needed to put that spring in my step. I will hopefully have reached my goal the 29th of September, and by that point Mom will be here, so we can properly celebrate. Ma, I expect you to be singing the Rocky theme just like you do at home after I complete the 100th mile, got it? Good.

All in all, today was a lazy day. Jessica and I walked the two mile trek to get groceries this afternoon, and it was nice to restock up on my favorite snacks. I have officially become addicted to dried tropical fruit as the result of being here. It is simply amazing and is my new way of satisfying that sweet craving. And it is much healthier than my normal way doing of that! And of course, I am also taking full advantage of the opportunity to buy fresh fruit as well. The bananas and kiwi are a staple in my diet. Other than that, I am starting to cook a bit. My new favorite is boiled spinach mixed with carrots, as inspired by Chef Linda Winkle. It really isn’t difficult at all, but I always am proud that I actually “cooked” something. Plus, I like seeing Jessica’s reaction as she gags and has a look of absolute terror on her face as I eat it.

I’m not sure exactly what is on the agenda for tomorrow. Jessica has an exam (on a Saturday! Yuck!) in the morning so we are taking it easy tonight, but possibly may go into Brisbane again tomorrow for market. Every Saturday, they have the cutest little market set up, filled with all sorts of antiques, clothes, and the like, as well as yummy food stands. I’ll take photos if we go. Sunday or Monday I plan to go to the beach, but only after I find another book to get my hands on. I have rekindled my love for reading (well, it has always been there, it is just that reading for school all the time has distracted me) and in just three days have finished Picture Perfect by Jodi Picoult. It is a fantastic book for anyone who is looking for a good read. I have very much missed getting lost into the world of fiction, falling in love and identifying with the characters, piecing together little moments that remind me of things that I see, hear, sense, and feel in my life everyday… Used book shop, here I come!

Speaking of reading, I stumbled upon a very interesting article, here at one of my favorite blogs that everyone should take a look at when they get a chance. It cites a recent Wall Street Journal article that looks at a study done on 4th grade girls in 1986 about their thoughts on dieting, thinness, and media images and its follow-up, revisiting the now full grown women and asking them the same questions now.

Well, I hope everyone is doing well at home. I miss ya’ll and know I carry you all with me during my days here. Love you all!

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