Snow Day

I've decided to be willingly snowed in today. I rarely get a day where it is socially acceptable to lay around in my pajamas, so today is my day. I had some grand plans of being super productive this weekend, but that can wait.

I did get a chance to start on my taxes before I realized that I don't have all my paperwork yet for them. I got ahead enough to realize that it would be better for me to file on my own rather than as a dependent but I don't think that's going to happen - Dad wants to use me one last time. Oh well. My taxes are a reflection of 2009 in more ways than just my income. I had to go back through the year and was reminded how drastically things have changed for me. This time last year, I was a full-time student and completely dependent on my dad. Now, I'm a resident of another state trying to figure out how to move...again. I had to claim rental property income since my grandfather passed away in June and I inherited portions of his properties. I've been paying into my own medical care with my job at the law firm, so I have to deduct that. I can apparently claim expenses from job hunting which I did quite a bit of in May. I can only deduct my student loan payments if I file on my own - that's annoying. To say the least, things are only going to get more complicated from here on out and each year around this time, I'll be forced to go back through and recollect the previous year for all the good and the bad.

In other news, the long group run was cancelled this morning. But I still need to get in my 8-miler at some point this weekend. I can't really afford to get behind in my training with only eight weeks to go until the half marathon. I'm seriously considering a full marathon in October or November, depending on how my schedule works out. Running with people who have similar goals really helps with understanding my potential. I never thought that it was sane thing to do, running 26 miles in a single go. Now I see that the focus and energy would help balance me out a little bit. I've always had something to work towards - a degree, a job, etc. - so now that things are settling down, I need a new big goal. A half marathon is a big goal, don't get me wrong. I just like to aspire to bigger and better things. I'm a little nutso like that.

I like being "snowed in" this weekend. It gives me a chance to take some time for myself without feeling guilty about not getting out much. Time to make myself something to much on during the UK game. Go Cats!

Life's Better with Company

Here I am, sitting around on my couch post-State of the Union. I guess I should write some thoughtful response to our President's address to the nation, but frankly I need to read a transcript to remember all of the major points and to make a thoughtful comment. My initial reaction: I did enjoy was the fact that he finally stepped up to the plate and seemed like a strong leader. He didn't shy away from the people that disagree with him, and I'm glad that he called out the Supreme Court for their decision last week on campaign finance. It was a direct shot at Kentucky's own Mitch McConnell when he said "Just saying no may be good short term politics, but it's not leadership." It's time for the Republicans to finally come to the table and stop being so damn personal. These people were elected into their offices to govern a country, NOT to ensure that this President fails and that healthcare reform "will be his Waterloo." (Thank you, Jim DeMint, R-South Carolina)...Enough of that.

In other news, I ran with a group for the first time tonight. I finally took the time to step out of my comfort zone a bit and meet new people here in Lexington. I had faint memories of my freshman year of college - "Hi, I'm Rachael and I'm new to the group." But it was fun, my pace time increased, and it looks like they want me to stick around for a while. Our course took us through my soon-to-be new neighborhood and I loved every bit of it. I'm going to love living in Chevy Chase. And I'm going to love running with a group. They'll help keep me motivated, accountable and on track. As George Clooney stated in a movie recently, "Life's better with company." I cherish my solitude and independence, but it's nice to have others around. Although I'm not prepared to figure out the whole "co-pilot" aspect of the rest of that movie quote..

Since I'm supposedly all grown up now, I guess that means it's about my bedtime. I haven't been sleeping well, and it's been nearly impossible for me to get up in the mornings. Hopefully I can rest up this weekend, get out for a long run (eek - 8 miles), and do my taxes. I need a couple of good, relaxing days before we start preparing for the move in a few weeks.

Taking the First Step

I suppose I've officially succumbed to the world of blogging. I've avoided it for a long time, not quite finding the time or motivation or dedication. I have always been terrible at journaling yet I love to write. My job right now doesn't allow me to think very creatively and maybe this blog will be an outlet for that. I don't have very profound thoughts, and what I write may not be all that interesting. But I've finally come to a point in my life where I have the time and motivation. Time will tell about the dedication.

As January comes to a close, I realize that I'm happy 2009 is over. It was a stressful year with both positive and negative changes. Yet all were dramatic in some fashion. I hope that 2010 will bring some stability, or at least some form of it.

I'm a goal-oriented person; without them, I don't seem to get anything done. Appropriately, I ought to begin my first blog with my list of goals for the year. These aren't necessarily 'resolutions' in the sense that it's a new year. These are long-term, character-altering changes.

1. Become a runner

Not a marathoner (although that is on my radar) but someone who is dedicated. I find myself enjoying my time on the roads, taking in my surroundings in a new light. My sister is my inspiration for this. Within a year, she was running a 5k at the same pace as me and less than 12 months later, she finished a marathon. Yes, 26.2 miles. Yes, at once. So being the competitive spirit, I signed up the next day for the Lexington Half Marathon. Tomorrow I start running with a group of people I've never met before. I'm both nervous and excited all at once.

2. Go back to school

I've enjoyed my time away from the daily grind of schoolwork but my mind is getting restless. I'm ready to learn again and not just on my own. Hopefully, I'll get into my desired Masters program for the fall. If not, I'll just put all my energies into applications for the next fall. No matter what, I'm determined to get back to the classroom in some fashion.

3. Learn Arabic

In conjunction with #2, I'm attempting the beginnings of this extremely difficult language. Accountability is hardly there, so I need to schedule real time to do this on a regular basis. This will hopefully help with my (hopeful) Masters and will increase my opportunity for careers later on. And I love languages.

4. Become a Wildcats fan.

On a more light-hearted tone, living in Lexington has had an effect on my sports loyalties. I've been an Ohio State fan for years now but I find myself looking for Cats games. For football, I believe I'll remain faithful to Old Ohio, but it's hard not to be a Cats fan in this town, especially this season. I write this as 20-0 hangs in the air against South Carolina. Whew, what a game.

5. Blog regularly

I suppose that this might be a given for the beginning post, but I realize that I should write it down and make it official. I won't get to it everyday (and let's be honest, my life isn't that interesting) but hopefully I'll be able to post something thoughtful once a week, or maybe twice if you're lucky. I'm going with the theory that things seem a little clearer once they get of your head, and maybe for those random people out there who might be reading, you can offer insights.

They always say that the hardest part is the first step. I've found that to be true in almost everything I've done so far in my short life, and this post is hopefully the first of many to come.