Things I Enjoy......

I am sitting here on a Sunday evening.....trying to relax (hence the word, trying). I am watching a little Lifetime (yay.......one of my guilty pleasures).......and obviously procrastinating grading research papers from my Franklin students. I find it quite interesting because I sometimes like the idea of "not" having something planned or something to do......a thought of just doing nothing sounds dreamy. But then I usually start to go stir-crazy and need to do something....... anything....go anywhere.

As I sit here with my kitties sleeping right beside me I decided to blog about things I enjoy. Trying to foster some positivity on this gloomy Sunday. So......here it goes. :-)

1. I enjoy watching movies!! Yep.....I say that as I am sitting here watching a silly Lifetime movie. I like to watch all kind of movies....well, except Sci-Fi and I am not much a "war movie" kind of girl. I particularly love romantic comedies.....but am also intrigued by horror/suspense movies. I could seriously watch a movie everyday (and sometimes do)!!

2. I enjoy and am thankful that I can exercise. I know that may sound silly and simplistic, and I am certainly not a "good runner".....but I am thankful that I can move.....walk....run.... There are many people that cannot do this for whatever reason, but I can. It reminds me not to take it for granted. I just ran my second half-marathon a few weeks ago. And though I was gritting my teeth at points....asking myself....why am I doing this?? I was still so proud when I crossed that finish line.

3. I enjoy going for peaceful walks in our neighborhood. Matt and I will often walk around our little quaint area of Columbus. I like the fact it is getting warmer....so we can do it more often.

4. I also enjoy the blooms of Spring and the amazing colors of Autumn. I enjoy these two seasons. I actually do enjoy all seasons for different reasons......but just find such joy in the pastel colors, colorful blooms and beautiful tulips of Spring (oh, and the Reeses Peanut Butter Easter Eggs - ha). It is an amazing rebirth after the dreary months. And Autumn......I just LOVE Autumn....the beautiful orange colors. I love pumpkins....I love the smell of pumpkin candles.....I love to eat anything with pumpkin. I love the crisp coolness in the air after a warm Summer. I love the "smell" of Autumn.....yes, I think it has a distinct smell!!

5. I enjoy that we live so close to the bike path. I am thankful we can get to it quickly....whether it be to go for a run or go for a great bike ride. I just love living in Columbus....especially in our location.

6. I enjoy that there are so many vegetarian-friendly restaurants. :-) Of course! I love Patty Cake Vegan - an amazing bakery in Clintonville. I love Northstar......I love Betty's....I love Aladdins....I love Whole World Bakery (and hope they open again soon)..........I love Columbus!! :-)

7. I enjoy baking......especially trying new vegan recipes. I may not always be the best baker, but I do enjoy it!

8. I enjoy OSU football season. I was never much of a sports watcher....I was a cheerleader a little in high school and would jog from time-to-time, but certainly never "the" athlete. However, a few years ago I really started to get into watching OSU football. Now, I will schedule my life around the games. There is nothing better than eating some pizza and drinking some beer while cheering on the Buckeyes!!! Of course, it is always good to make it to at least one game a season, which thankfully I have been able to do the past two seasons.

9. I enjoy my job (especially my new position) - I love advising. I love meeting with students and assisting and walking along side of them during this time. I also love OSU and the many great people I have been able to meet and become friends with.

10. Of course, I enjoy my family and my kitties! I am looking forward to hanging out with my brother and sister (and our spouses) at the end of the month!!! I am thankful that my Grandma D. is doing pretty well....and so thankful that she has a good and loyal husband that takes care of her. I am also thankful that my Great Grandma A. is still holding on.......

11. And.....of course, I enjoy people and my friendships. I like that I have such diversity in friendships. I am thankful for the couple of friends that I can really share deep aspects of my life with.....but I am also thankful for those that are just darn fun.....and you know can be silly with. I think that it can be difficult to make friends as you get older.....but I am thankful that I have been able to still meet people - great people over the last few years.....and thankful for friends I have known for a long time and can reconnect with from time to time. I really think I have my career to thank for this. I have met so many great people from working in higher education over the last "almost" 9 years.

Okay.....I am sure I could go on......but this is long enough and has made me feel happy. :-) I will finish the blog with a picture from my half-marathon a few weeks ago. It is one of my favorites, especially because I was still smiling at this point.