Tag Archives: happy new year

Hello Friends

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First, let me apologize for my absence. Last year when I started this blog I was dedicated to posting something every day, and I did. This year I am still very adamant about keeping up with my writing, however with all of the things going on in my life I have decided to only post when I have time to write informative and substantial posts. This might be posts a few days in a row or posts every few days, but either way I will continue to share on Almondjay as long as you enjoy reading.

And with that, let’s start here – howdy there.

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This weekend has been full of friends, near and far.

My best friend in Chicago (you can check out what she is up to over here) sent me these very delicious, but rare, biscotti.

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I used to eat them all of the time when I lived on the east coast, but over here my Wholefoods, while full of Cali grade produce, lacks these gems. NOTE: fabulous card not included with purchase. Thanks Erika for satisfying my craving!

And on the home front, there was a birthday celebration for my dear friend, the lovely Elisette – Happy Birthday!

I also invested in my health this weekend, laying down some cash on these beauties.

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Since spinning has found its way into 2-3 days of my week I decided to get some kicks that will motivate me to pedal stronger and faster. I can’t wait to use them on Wednesday’s spin class!

And to end my full weekend on a high note (unfortunately I do not have MLK Day off) I enjoyed a tasty brew and made these easy, baked turkey burgers.

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Extra lean meat, green onions, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder and a tablespoon of tomato paste. Mix together and bake for 20 minutes in a 400 degree oven.

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I ate mine with plenty of ketchup – Yum!

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I hope you all enjoy your long weekend!

What have you been up to lately?

The Grass is Always Greener…well maybe not, but it sure looks like it

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It’s hard not to walk down the street and look at a person running by and think, gee, they are so lucky they can run, and compete in races and jog with friends.

Or see someone with a flat stomach and assume that they get to eat whatever they want and still look good in an ab hugging shirt.

Even looking at a couple on the street it’s easy to jump to the conclusion that they are happy and in love and everything in their lives must be hunky dory.

Of course life does not work like this. The person running might have just come off of an injury and is easing back into running by only going as far as down the street before he or she has to turn around. And the person with the tight tummy might have to wake up early every day and workout for an hour in order to keep in shape. And the happy couple may fight 99% of the time and only smile when they are walking down the street in public.

Sometimes when you’re life doesn’t feel all put together you assume that everyone else has everything you don’t. The reality is that no one has everything and you probably have a lot more than most.

At the start of this New Year there are many things in my life that I am still lining up to fall into place and I am trying my hardest to appreciate what I do have until then.

So far in 2013 I have spent time with loved ones, taken a step (or spin class) in the right direction of recovery, and I am starting to make better eating habits part of my routine.

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What have you accomplished so far this year?

Do you sometimes think about “greener pastures” and then appreciate your own?

Blogging in the new year

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I feel like blogging has always been a part of me, but I only began publishing last year. It’s incredible to look through posts from 2012 and remember all of the things that I experienced and I am excited to continue writing about my journey this year.

Only a few days in and the new year is already treating me well. I am with my boyfriend, the weather has been beautiful here in San Francisco and we have been eating incredible food.

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I of course I did not cook these fantastical dishes, but I am determined to become a better cook this year and treat myself to new flavors and adventurous ingredients.

I also want to write about how I am keeping better eating habits in order to be a better me this year as I reach my goal of running again.

Travel plans are also in the works this year and I will be documenting these adventures as I visit friends and family I have not seen in some time.

And there will of course be some hardships that find their way onto the blog, but I will share them with you as a way to put things into perspective and work my way through each challenge.

Thank you to all of you, my readers, for sharing in my journey and listening as I traverse life and find my way.

Happy New Year!

Starting the year off right

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I hope everyone enjoyed their New Year’s festivities!

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I celebrated with a night of drinks and dancing :)

It was a perfect way to spend the evening, moving on the dance floor with both my good hip and my no-longer-broken one.

The first day of 2013 was spent resting my tired legs, enjoying the fresh January San Francisco air, relishing in good cuddles

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and enjoying a new twist on my old favorite, carrot soup.

Dave added ginger to my soup recipe and created a new vibrant and heart warming masterpiece.

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2012

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365 days ago I started this blog.

It was supposed to chronicle my journey as a runner and my healthy (and not so healthy) habits. And while running was a major part of this daily publication for many months, running took a major back seat to many other life events that happened this year.

Some of the wonderful highlights include,

 Vacationing in Anguilla with the family

Frangipani day 1

Finding a love for PIlates

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Starting a new job

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Exploring the Bay Area

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Welcoming a cat into our family 

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Swimming in the bay 

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And of course with the good comes the not as good including,

A life changing accident

dressing me

A long distance relationship

A loss in the family

 This year has been a tough one, full of unexpected changes and numerous challenges. With each turn my weaknesses have been exposed, but more importantly, my true strength has found its way to the surface. 2012 will be a year I never forget for the good and the bad, and I am excited and energized for the year to come.

I am determined to get in the best athletic shape that I can in order to start running again by the summer, I will continue to grow my career, my friends and family will see me more often and I will take on new challenges with a new found confidence.

I wish everyone success, happiness and health in 2013!

Happy New Year!

 

Step 1 — entering the blogging world

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Hi,

Hello,

howdy,

I’m not quite sure how to start this off but I have decided to dabble in the state of the art communication and sharing phenomenon that is blogging. I read about 10-15 healthy living blogs daily and I soon found myself thinking out loud in my head as if my own life was a blog: what headings I would use to describe my day, what photo I would display to brag about my extreme life as a non-profit professional (not), even the punctuation I would use so my followers would read my post with the correct inflection.

So here I go…

I was once introduced to someone alongside a friend. My friend was described to this new acquaintance as a VERY talented actress (which she is) and then I was introduced as the friend that has nice clothes. While this might be a true statement, I have much more to offer than my closet and I am prepared to share all I have to offer with you.

Happy New Year!!

Bring it on 2012 :)