Look who came out of left field- August!

I think my title explains it all.  I really can't believe August is tomorrow.  That means I only have 3 more days in Rochester before I move back to Philly.  It also means that I have to start getting ready for the pre-req classes I'm taking and still find a part-time job.  I do hope to have some sun in August though, and after doing almost everything I wanted in July, I think I'll be able to do even more this month. 

This is a double whammy- hang out all next week with Del since she's back from Paris for a limited time only, and make it to a Phillies game since I'll finally be home!

Eat a lot of Ritas.  Water ice, not italian ice thank you very much.

Hit up Boston with my friend Caitlin and visit home/ Rochester friends

Actually do some of this.  Here are some book ideas btw.  Also, best poster to grace the walls of an elementary school ever.  So seductive.

Get organized for classes with a new planner, new school supplies, books, etc.  I <3 school shopping even after I've graduated.

Don't we all.  Part-time only though.  See above ^

Find a yoga studio nearby!  I think it will really help the tightness and soreness from running.

While I'm really bummed to be leaving Rochester so soon, I'm pumped to see what August has in store for me!

An ode to...COFFEE

Air high-five right now for it being Friday!!  Even though I have to work all weekend, it is still indeed the weekend.  Speaking of work, I was almost hoping I'd get fired yesterday (since I only have a week left of work) after ringing in the wrong order and spilling a glass of wine on a diner and his dinner.  But, my supervisor was very helpful and understanding, how awful.  Hopefully my brain and clumsiness will be more in line today. 

As a fresh pot is brewing, let's get to it.  Here is an ode to the current love of my life, the elixir of the gods, the drink that makes the world go round, COFFEE. **Disclaimer, I am no poet, evidenced below**

How I love the sweet smell of you in the morning, when my eyes are barely open.

How you can come steaming hot in the winter, and cold and icy in the summer.

I love you in your quick Keurig fashion, but old school is good too.

Your caffeine may not have any actual affect on me, but I still need you everyday, in any shape or form.

Dunkin Donuts will always be my go-to, but a hungover mug Sunday morning at a diner will do too.

Drinking you alone in the morning is not the only option.

You are even important enough for people to use you as a reason to go on dates.

So, goat herder Kaldi, give yourself a pat on the back, you've provided me with the perfect compliment for my favorite morning snack.

1, 2, 5 times a day..my love for coffee is never going away.

Strangest but most awesome post I've ever written.  Expect more odes to come.  I will also work on that sometimes rhyming thing I did up there.  Have a great weekend!!

Liv

What to wear for...vacation

In only a couple of weeks I'll be headed down to OBX with my whole extended family for vacation.  We used to all go down together when I was in middle school/high school but my family hasn't been down for a while.  I've been feeling really tired out lately and will be starting classes, work (hopefully) and more volunteering at the end of August, so let's just say I am really looking forward to this vacation.  I plan on relaxing at the beach during the day and the pool morning and night, eating and drinking to my hearts desire (healthy eating can take a vacation too) and getting in some nice runs near the ocean.  Here are the basics my dream suitcase would consist of:

 

 

Norts, of course* hat to block the sun * the ultimate summer shades* broken-in sandals for the day* a comfortable dress* sandals you can dress up or down* a pretty but functional water bottle* sailboat bikini* a great beach read

Prevention is Key

Hey, how's it going?  This is the first time in weeks that I've felt like I've had a productive Monday so I am feeling particularly accomplished today.  Volunteering- check.  Doctor's appointment- check.  Check emails and blogs- check, check.  I just have a dinner and a workout ahead of me.


Let's rewind to the volunteering part of my day.  For the summer I have been volunteering in the rehabilitation department of a senior center in order to fulfill PA school requirements.  Sadly, my time there is coming to an end so I've been reflecting on what I have learned over the past 2 months.  I've always loved working with the elderly, but working almost 20 hours a week with them has left me with even more respect for them.  I've found the patients I have worked with have been kind, resilient, witty, wise, and most importantly, aware of their wants and needs.  I think at a certain age you finally understand what is important to you and what you need from others. 


What also has stuck out to me this summer is how important our health is.  We know this and are taught this, but seeing older adults struggling with their mental and physical health reinforces the idea that many young people that they are immune to any health problems.  With this being said, there are so many things we can do at a young age to prevent poor health in the future.  Deteriorating health is inevitable, but it can be made easier.  Here are things that I find to be most important in maintaing my health and preventing future health problems (and no, this list is not revolutionary, just a reminder that we sometimes all need :) ) 

1.  Exercising your body- walking, running, biking, swimming, playing basketball, etc.  The best exercise is the one you will actually DO.
2.  Exercising your mind- I want to always be learning 
3.  Clean eating- easier said than done, but plenty of fruits, vegetables are a must 
4.  Sunscreen- Bronzer and Jergens gradual tanning lotions are my best friends
5.  Yearly (depends)  check-ups- I really need to improve at this.  Staying up-to-date on our appointments (dental, gyno, primary care physician, dermatologist) helps to prevent more serious health problems 
6.  Vitamins- I am a strong believer in taking vitamins.  Even if you eat really well, it's hard to get all your necessary nutrients in every day
7.  Sleep- I am so cranky and thrown off when I don't get 7 hours of sleep in. 
8.  Smoking- Just don't :/
9.  Relaxation/pleasure- Many people feel guilty of taking time to relax- don't!  It is so necessary to maintain your mental health.  So grab a book, hang out with a friend, watch a movie, do some yoga, indulge in yourself
10.  Socializing- Being around people that make me laugh, make me think, make me feel good about myself keeps me sane :)

What do you do to ensure your health?

Happy Weekend!

How's everyone's Saturday going so far?  Mine has already gotten off to a great start!

After checking out the Dark Knight Rises last night- no spoilers here, but go see it!- my roommate Ellie and I woke up early to check out the Rochester Public Market.  This was my first time going (remember it from my July post) and it definitely lived up to the hype.  We stopped at Boulder first to grab iced coffees and then headed out to the venders. 

 I love the idea of buying fresh, local produce and so was glad I was able to do my part.  Everything was much cheaper than at grocery stores too, another plus!  I bought 2 containers of squash and zucchini for $2, strawberries and blueberries for $5 and a bag of baby spinach for $1.  I'm thinking a trip is definitely in the cards for next weekend and that iced coffee and one of the delicious breakfast sandwiches I saw is gonna have to happen as well. 

 Another Rochester first for me this week (I'm on a roll)?  The Seneca Park Zoo!  My friend Annie and I went Thursday afternoon as volunteers for the senior home we have both been helping out at this summer.  It was awesome to feel like a little kid again and do good (DG!) at the same time :)

Are there any "firsts" that you want to complete this weekend, this week, this month?  Get out and do them, it's almost August! 

Summer Reading

Remember summer reading in middle school and high school?  Some people hated it, but not me.  I loved going to Barnes and Nobles to pick out my books (nerd status).  Some of my favorite books were also required reading in school: To Kill a Mockingbird, Gone with the Wind, The Joy Luck Club, Romeo and Juliet, The Great Gatsby (can't wait to see the new movie btw), and The Catcher in the Rye.

I'm a big reader and usually go through a ton of books in the summer.  I have been busier than usual though and haven't read as much as I've hoped to, but hopefully that will change in August.  There is nothing better than laying on the beach with a good book.  The problem is, I haven't heard of many good books to read lately, so help me out.  I've read Fifty Shades of Grey...maybe I will write a post on some of my thoughts, but let's just say Anastasia Steele, you are pathetic and I hate you.  And please tell you sub-conscious to kindly shut up.  I read the first two books of the Divergent series, which I highly reccommend if you are interested in a new Hunger Games-esqe series.  I am currently reading Harvesting the Heart, a Jodi Picoult book which is good, but not great so far. 

Books I want to read:

 

What are you reading this summer?  I would love more suggestions! 

Outside

Happy hump day everyone!  Does it feel like  Thursday to anyone else?  Depressing, but we're almost there.

Even though it has been so hot lately, this past week/weekend I spent the little time I have enjoying summer how it is supposed to be enjoyed...outside.  Saturday, 3 of my roommates, Julia, Ellie and Alycia drove out to the Finger lakes to go on Ellie's sail boat.  We met up with our friend Jess and Ellie's parents there.  I've never been sailing before so I was really excited.  It ended up being pretty much the perfect day.  Beautiful weather, warm water, good food (made by Ellie's mom!), and great company.

Monday it was pretty warm out but I didn't have to work so I wanted to take advantage and so something fun and active.  I also hadn't had Yotality (fro-yo) in a week so the obvious answer was to ride our bikes there.  This is not a short little bike ride though.  Ellie, Brielle (roomie # 5) and I headed out onto an 16-mile (there and back) bike ride along the Erie Canal.  We stopped at the 8 mile mark in town to get our fro-yo, tired, sweaty, and thirsty and then headed back.  It was a long adventure but something I've always wanted to do while living in Rochester and I'm so glad I did.  The canal was packed with people running, biking, walking, and even roller blading!  If you live in the area I recommend you check it out.

Tuesday it was a billion degrees so no outdoor activities there, but today was the return of the run!  I have been having knee pain so I took some time off and felt pretty good today.  I really need to work on my stretching post-runs!  I covered almost 3 1/2 miles in 34 minutes.  As much as I love having a fitness schedule, I love winging it and finding fun, alternative ways to stay moving just as much.  No pics, but see you tomorrow with hopefully another post!