Peace Out 2014

It's New Year's Eve... again. I have mixed feelings about this holiday this year. Looking back on the year a lot of great things happened... I completed student teaching, graduated from college and started my first full time job. Those were the "big" things. There were also a lot of fun other things that I did this year... Went to Aruba twice, saw some great concerts and had an enjoyable summer and holiday season. 

With any year there are events that took place and people met that I would like to keep in this year and move on in 2015. It is hard to sit here and even give some sort of attention to these not so good memories based on all of the other good things that happened, but the fact is that they did take place and whether I like it or not these people/things had an effect on me this year.

A year ago I started 2014 just as I will this year. Ringing in the new year in Times Square. Although one of the people that I rang in NYE with is long gone I am looking forward to tonight again except I will be with people that I know will be in my life next NYE. Shortly into 2014 I was disappointed... safe to say not a banner way to begin the new year.

When life began getting busy again this person was quickly forgotten and my bitter feelings faded. I think its a great thing when you realize that you are better of without someone and that it is nothing about you... as Ariana says "I've got one less problem without ya!" It is even more satisfying when you are able to look back and laugh on it. 

About half way through this year I met a person that I did not expect to "click" with. The time spent with this person was short, but meaningful. I think way too often people get too hung up and expect their lives and relationships to look or be a certain way, but sometimes what we want is not the perfect thing on paper. This person hurt me. As much as I wish I could easily forget and leave this person behind in 2014 there will always be this piece of 2014 that will stay with me. Hopefully I can move on and have better experiences in 2015 and focus on the lessons I learned this year in this part of my life. Try to be open to new experiences, give people more of a chance and hopefully never hurt someone the way this person hurt me.

As I write this blog I am very appropriately watching one of my favorite movies, New Year's Eve. Some see it as a typical fantasy love story, but to me it means so much more. This movie can turn my mood from sad to hopeful as quickly as Starbucks and a ThinkThin protein bar. The lessons that the characters learn in this movie are ones I think most people experience in real life. Of course everything turns out fantastic in the end, but I really do believe that fairytale endings can happen in real life. Maybe I will get mine this year (although I won't hold my breath). But like Hilary Swank's character Claire says "It is NYE anything is possible."

There are a bunch of feel good scenes in this movie... the countdown to the ball drop, the ending scene with Josh Duhamel and Sarah Jessica Parker (see it I will not tell you), but one of the most meaningful quotes come from Claire (Hilary Swank). 

"And as you all can see, the ball has stopped half way to its perch. It's suspended there to remind us before we pop the champagne and celebrate the new year, to stop, and reflect on the year that has gone by. To remember both our triumphs and our missteps, our promises made and broken. The times we opened ourselves up to great adventures... or closed ourselves down for fear of getting hurt. Because that's what New Years is all about...getting another chance. A chance to forgive, to do better, to do more, to give more, to love more, and to stop worrying about what if... and start embracing what will be. So when that ball drops at midnight, and it will drop, let's remember to be nice to each other, kind to each other, and not just tonight but all year long."

This quote takes on new meaning for me every year as I am sure it does for all of you. It is a great thought to end the year, say farewell to it and hope for better things and memories made in 2015. It may be a pipe dream, but maybe this one person will see this and not close himself off for fear of getting hurt in 2015...and if he doesn't, then it just wasn't meant to be.

So peace out 2014...2015 I hope you have good things in store.

A Very Merry Christmas

It is a little too warm for my liking on Christmas Day, but regardless I am seriously having one of the nicest Christmas'! Christmas Eve was spent carrying out our tradition of going to dinner at Dazies in Queens and then onto midnight mass in Brooklyn. 

Before the festivities began my day was started at the gym of course! I always make it a point to workout on Christmas Eve and have as normal of a day as possible so I can enjoy and sleep in on Christmas Day.

After getting my sweat on it felt good to get all dolled up for the night out.

It was so nice spending time with my family. In my old age I really think about the importance of that and to appreciate every moment. No one is guaranteed tomorrow.

It's all smiles until someone tried to poach on my food. 

Heading into mass and seeing the NYPD car under the peace sign had a totally different meaning this year...

After arriving home around 2:30am I drifted off into my Christmas sleep while visions of Thinkthin bars and Starbucks gift cards danced in my head.

Christmas is such a lazy day and I am not complaining. Getting to sleep in til 9am is such a treat!

I look real attractive in the morning. 

Santa really took care of me this year. (She) really picked out some really nice things!

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy spending the day with your loved ones. It is sad to think that tomorrow this season, the music and eventually the red Starbucks cups will be put away until next year. Before it does, take a listen to some of my favorite Christmas songs and movies...

1. Little Drummer Boy - Pentatonix

2. Merry Christmas Happy Holidays - NSYNC

3. I'll Be Home - Meghan Trainor

4. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Sam Smith

5. River - Glee Cast

6. Home Alone 2 - Merry Christmas ya filthy animal... and a Happy New Year. :)

7. ABC Family 25 Days of Christmas - Been watching it all day!

And also... How adorable is this? 

Run Run Sugar Plum

Haven't done a workout blog lately so here we go.

With the holidays upon us I have been trying my best to stay on track with eating as healthy as I can and keeping up the workouts. Lately I have spent more time running outside which I am proud of. It is way less boring than the treadmill and I have been able to go a little farther each time!

Thanks to the map my run app I am able to see my mileage, calories burned and pace.

Special thanks to my "coach" aka Mom who always follows me in the car so I don't have to run with my suitcase full of diabetic supplies. :)

In order to last for a long run outside you need to have a great playlist to keep you going. Here are some of my running go to songs...

Love Runs Out - One Republic
 *** Seriously if you have not ran to this song try it. It makes you feel so fierce. I may or may not listen to it in the beginning, middle and end of my runs.

Latch - Disclosure ft. Sam Smith

Glowing - Nikki Williams

Crazy in Love - Beyoncé 

Uptown Funk - Bruno Mars

Time of Our Lives - Pitbull ft. Ne-Yo

Upping my mileage has definitely left me feeling a little sore in the calves. So I try to switch it up during the week!

Christmas Traditions

My Christmas Vacation is well underway and began with one of my favorite traditions. My annual trip to work with Dad the Saturday before Christmas!

Every year on this day we take the LIRR into the city, get lunch, walk around the store (looking very official I might add), take our picture with Santa and of course get Starbucks.

I have been looking forward to this since we confirmed the day back in September. It was just after I was hired for my new job. Just like any other teacher, I checked the calendar for the upcoming days off and noticed that I would have a nice 2 week long vacation!

Check out some scenes from my visit. I am missing lunch because I was too hungry to snap a picture of my salad from Cucina.

We walked all around the store and even checked out the display windows outside...

I was happy to get some extra cardio in. Every little bit helps this time of the year.

The last time I was on 34st I was driving Santa's sleigh!

On my break..

Around 2:15 we made our way up to the 8th floor for our annual Santa picture.

The 3 hour wait... except if you are an Elf of course :)

It was so nice to see my pal Santa again. We chatted for about 10 minutes about the parade, family and what I want for Christmas. 

One more for Rudolph...

We caught a 3:51 train home. Bar time was on the train this year. I love the Starbucks in Penn Station. No matter how busy they are they always work quickly. I think some of the Long Island Starbucks should take notes.

Only 3 more sleeps until Christmas... Where has the time gone?

Wrapped In Red

Thanks to my friend Nicole (you can check out her awesome blog here) I was inspired to do an outfit blog. With it being the last week at work before Christmas vacation I have been dressing as festive as I can! Friday is even Ugly Sweater Day.

Here is todays outfit...

My "Christmas pants" as I call them are from my favorite store, White House Black Market. Sweater is from Hollister, flats from Tommy Hilfiger and scarf is from Macy's. This scarf has been with me for 4 Christmas seasons! I actually purchased it with Nicole 4 years ago when we reunited for the first time after reconnecting just before Christmas.

My scarf through the years...

Who loves Christmas? Kim LOVES Christmas. :) What else do you expect from THE ELF?

Out Of The Woods

It's been awhile! Last time I blogged I was sitting under my palapa in my favorite place in the world. Now we are less than 2 weeks away from Christmas and so much has happened!

It has been difficult to keep up with the blogs because there have just been so many things going on which makes it difficult to really devote my time to write a coherent blog post. So with that said let's catch up!

Upon my return from Aruba I went on a few interviews and landed my first big girl gig after college. A permanent sub position at a local middle school! So far I absolutely LOVE it. I have even had the opportunity to teach the lessons when I sub for math which has been a great experience with no pressure. Working at the same building every day has allowed the kids to get to know my face so they are familiar with me. Plus I have met a lot of great coworkers!

Before starting my new job I was able to squeeze in 1 more trip to Naples...

The weather wasn't all that great, but I was mainly there for the food...

and to race...

I am just winding down from my first semester of grad school. I can't believe my days at SJC are long gone. Grad school is just... well grad school. Just trying to get it done. My program allows for an online option which works well for my learning style.

Since the last time I blogged I have gained a new title....

I am so excited to be the MOH for my best friend/twin Tanya! I cannot believe she is ENGAGED but I am so happy for her and JT (and also taking some of the credit!) T-minus 7 days until I get to see her. The last time we saw each other was when she made her big move down south back in June!

I also ran another race....

Got a new do'....

Wined, dined and danced for JDRF...

Went back to work as The Elf....

Lastly one of the biggest decisions I have made over the past 3 months was in regard to my T1D management. The decision to go on an insulin pump.

It has taken me 11 years. I am nervous and overwhelmed, but hopeful that I will see a positive difference. A big part of my decision was thanks to the incredible Miss Idaho Sierra Sandison. I will begin a little over a week! 

A lot of new things have taken place, but I finally feel I am making it out of the woods and adjusting to my new routine!

We'll Get There Fast & Then We'll Take It Slow

...Aruba is the only place I want to go... Don't need Kokomo...

I am already in Aruba over a week and like always it has been nothing short of a great vacation. The past 9 days have been filled with sun, relaxation, great food, great company and a little adventure also! It is a little weird to think how time goes so quickly and when I return here I feel like I never left... But actually a whole year has gone by (well except for this year when it was only about 10 weeks)! 

Check out some of what has been going on!

Couldn't take off without a pre Aruba selfie

After escaping the torrential rains in NY arriving to this view was definitely comforting

First morning on the beach

I am a winner!

This needs no caption

Just hanging out

Happy hour!

Tarzan and Jane went swinging on a vine

One of my workouts! 

True statement!

What a ride with Crazy Honey!

There is something about getting up early, getting a good workout and making it down by 7:15 to enjoy coffee when the hotel is just starting to stir

Although I am having a great vacation one thing that I will never be able to vacation from is T1D. It is never perfect at home so I don't expect it to be perfect here. Having a lot of lows right before bedtime which is probably one of the most frustrating times to have a low when you just want to sleep! (Although there is no "good" time). The highs seem to occur right after breakfast, but yesterday it didn't so yay! 

All I can do is take one moment at a time. 

Looking forward to enjoying my remaining time on One Happy Island!