Updates and My Small Hiccup...

Still cooking with another goal added to the list

I have been cooking like crazy and I am loving every moment of it... so many good flavors and aromas have emerged from my kitchen thanks to my sharp cutlery and curious taste buds.  I think in a few weeks I might even venture into the baking world - anyone that knows me that I don't eat sweets, so prepare to possibly take on lots of pastries shortly.  

I have also been learning how to play the guitar, which has been a goal of mine for years.  I decided to actually go for it; it's time to learn.  Once a week, I meet with Miles, a local music student.  He is very patient with me, which is saying a lot.  My skills are minimal -  my talking is anything but.  

*My goal will be considered "achieved" when I can play one of my favorite songs by none other than Miss T. Swift!

And now for the hiccup.....

Running has gone great thus far - I am up to almost 4 miles easily.  As my favorite math teacher used to say, "It's as easy as pie, no?"  I run 2-3 times a week, switching the scenery up between the beach and North Park.  Ashley and I always make sure to carb up afterwards with lunch too, which is necessary, and all we talk about during the run.

I have actually become pretty addicted to running.  I think about it all the time.  I get the urge to run constantly.  It's turning into an obsession.  I'm not sure if it is finding out what I am capable of, or the freedom I feel when I run that I love so much, but it something I think about from the moment I wake until I lay back down at night.

Unfortunately, I have to sit and think about running for a while.  Just sit.  I hurt my toe; it's a pathetic injury.  I had to park in unknown territory the other night.  While walking to my apartment, I kicked a stump or something hard.  It hurt immediately, but I just figured it was just the initial shock and the pain would subside quickly.  I figured I was in trouble when the pain started to progress with each step.  Naturally I was almost 2 blocks from my apartment, and walking on the dimmest lit street in North Park.

Two days later I can almost get it to bend.  It has a slight bruise... it isn't much to look at.  It's not even worth posting a picture of (besides, I don't want my feet to spark that foot fetish you have been fighting off)  Looking at it you would call me a wuss, and that is justified.  But it doesn't bend, and putting pressure on it is the least desirable thing I can think of today.  I am not happy.  It's a toe!  How can it affect so much?

Side note: I work on my feet.  I basically power walk for a living.  Work has been a hoot. 

I hope to literally be up and running within the next few days.  Wine tasting with Cory, Jon and Ashley is Saturday.  I plan on wearing heels.  

Beauty is pain, pain is beauty.

Achievement Addict
As for my other original 10 goals, it feels great to say that I have checked almost every one off.  The only remaining one is to travel.  It's a little too pricey of a goal for me at the moment.  I read "Outliers" by Malcom Gladwell, and it was great.  I swam in the ocean -- it was freezing.  I hiked Torrey Pines and it was gorgeous.  I have seen my family, and watched my best friend become Mrs. Santiago.  I have been to a few great concerts, and I can confidently say I have a grownup job.  I have been writing a lot more, mostly on here, and have been presented an opportunity to write for a local publication, which I think I will go for.  It wouldn't be for the money, because I will make close to nothing -- it will be a little snack to feed my passion a bit more.

P.S. Happy Fall!  My favorite time of year has come back around yet again.  Couldn't be happier.