things i'd like to do more of: running

ryan and i signed up for our first 5k of the season

the southie st patty's road race

i say that as if we do a lot of them, but we really only do one per year.  

last year was the color run

the year before was warrior dash

(warrior dash in thompson, ct)

i find running to be a fantastic exercise and would love to do more races.  

get out for some fresh air

feel the heavy breathing

spend some active time with family and friends

maybe get a beer at the end

it's too bad i'm pretty terrible at it (the running, not the beer drinking). 

ryan is a fantastic runner.  he could run and run and run and never feel tired.  he'll go "out for a quick run" and come back 10 miles later like it's no big deal.  i aspire to that.  not only to be in that kind of shape, but i love when i get to be out running with ryan.  we'll head down to the beach by our apt and go for a run together.  i just have to drop off or start walking after mile 3...okay, 2.  i'll get there! 

if anyone wants to join us on march 16th, it benefits the boys and girls club.  

sign up here: http://www.bgcb.org/2013-st-patricks-day-road-race/

“May you have warm words on a cold evening,  

a full moon on a dark night, 

and the road downhill all the way to your door.” 

-Irish Blessing

food for the soul: chipotle bean burritos

i've decided to try making at least two new meals a week. 

hopefully each will be healthy and good for the soul, but we'll see. 

i know that some of you who have access to this blog enjoy getting new recipes so i hope i can help with some of my recommendations.  

last night, we made chipotle bean burritos from cooking light. 

Chipotle Bean Burritos from Cooking Light

delish. 

they turned out pretty spicy, but i put a little more chipotle chile powder in then instructed to do and added "hot salsa".  stick to the 1/2 teaspoon and medium salsa if you're not a fan of the kick.  i also used pinto beans instead of kidney.

let me know what you think! 

books for the new year

i love reading. 

i have always been a hard copy kind of girl. there is a fantastic used book store in brookline, ma that i used to frequent when i lived in the area.  really small, packed with books, new and old.  i've since moved out of the area and my new neighborhood lacks a good used booked store.

so i finally caved and got a kindle.

it's a pretty great little machine, especially for travels.  i got the paper white and it works really well in the sun.  it's also helped me expand my book choices from just cheeky summer reads.  the options are endless! 

i came across this buzzfeed today and plan on diving into almost all of these. i've already read the "divergent" series and the first two are fantastic, very hunger games like.  the third is a bit off track, but i'm still chugging through it. 

i think the next book i'll read is "wild" by sheryl strayed.  

what are you going to read this year? 

16 books to read before they hit theaters this year

new years

ahh new years eve. 

i love new years eve for many reasons.  

1. i love champagne

2. the countdown, while so silly, is so fun

3. i love kisses

but most importantly, 5 years ago, i met mr. o. 

5 years ago i was supposed to go to a bar in downtown boston.  there was a huge snowstorm that kept everyone from doing anything.  my friend danielle had invited me to a new years eve party at her house so i cancelled my downtown plans and treked down the street through the snow, champagne bottle in hand, to her apt.  sometime in between the drinkies and the dancing and games, i had a lovely conversation with a boy who liked a lot of the same things i did. 

and he was very cute. 

the clock was counting down and we all found ourselves in front of the tv to scream and cry and hug as the ball dropped to ring in 2009.  that very cute boy happened to be standing next to me and when the clock struck 12...

we went in for the kiss.  

if ever a way to start your luck for the new year that was it.  from there we went on a couple dates, met some family, and finally decided that we were the real deal sometime in feb.  this year we celebrated with some of our bestest buds at the harpoon brewery.  it was a fantastic party and a great way to celebrate knowing mr. o for 5 years.  

so happy you'll forever be my midnight kiss, mr. o.