I went on a run

Yesterday, I went on a run.  Prior to Monday afternoon-4/15/13-this run was scheduled because I had decided to sign up to run the Tarheel 4-miler this coming weekend even though my body is in-no-way-shape-or-form back in shape to run this whole race.  A-holy crap, you need to get ready for this, you crazy woman, run.  However, yesterday's run took on new meaning as the bombs ripped through the finish line of the Boston Marathon Monday afternoon.

I don't think that I can completely explain how I felt during my run yesterday, but I'm going to try.

The thing is-yesterday, 4-16, is also a date permanently etched into my heart.  It's the anniversary of the shootings at Virginia Tech.

Also, my sister, who was also in NYC during 9-11, runs marathons.  She just ran the Marine Corps Marathon last fall.  Many of my friends and family members run all the time, many of us competing.  My boyfriend is from Brockton, outside of Boston.  Most of his family still lives in and around Boston. It was very apparent to me that, it could have been and could be any of us and anytime.

So yesterday, I put on my Hokies United shirt and I ran-and here's what I thought about.

As a person in my 20's, I remember the Oklahoma City bombing, my sister was in New York during 9-11 and I remember frantically finding my brother in the halls of our high school so that we could get to a pay phone to call home and see if Jess was ok, my roommate was in London during the bombings, and my friends and many of my loved one's friends and family were at Tech during the shootings.  These and the Boston marathon bombings have changed our lives-- this is what we know.

And I'm one of the lucky ones.  So far, I have been lucky that I have not lost anyone close to me during these events, though I know many people who have.  And I feel lucky, so lucky every time and so sorry for those who have.  No one deserves that kind of pain.  It also makes it difficult to discuss because you know that, for others, their experiences are an entirely different thing.

As I ran yesterday in my Hokies gear, thinking about the marathon, I felt so sad.  But, this time, I also felt a surge of something that was different.  Defiance maybe? Pride?  I know that sounds weird-but as I watched the news coverage that morning before my run, there were stories over and over of people helping others after those bombs went off.  Teams, cities, individuals reached out to help.  People gave people they didn't know a warm bed and a place to stay, they carried them to safety, for goodness sakes the Yankees put up a sign uniting them with the Red Sox--Just like my wahoos and every other ACC/Virginia/college team, in general, did after VA Tech--Hokies United.  We are VA Tech.  We are Boston.  We are runners.  We are Americans.  Period. And we, the ones who run/walk/stand together-we outnumber you, whoever you are.

So I ran.

And I'll run again this weekend-wearing my blue and yellow this time and thinking about all of those injured and who died on Monday, at Tech, in London, in OK city, in 9-11.  We will not forget and we should take care of each other, always.  Be on the lookout for ways to help others, some things may be as simple as giving blood in the coming months.

With love,
Katy

Couldn't have said it better

It's been a long, interesting week for me personally.  Komen's defunding of planned parenthood, election of Karen Handel a few months ago, and I'm just now hearing word of defunding stem cell research has left me angry, disappointed, sad, and so conflicted.  I honestly have felt cheated.  I've had some pretty heated conversations with some over this issue and within myself trying to make sense of all this.  Yet, I've still been struggling with the words that actually describe what this has all meant to me.

Then I saw this.  This woman says it better than I ever could.

(She also gives a disclaimer, but I want to reiterate that there are some graphic, but real images within this video.  But it is a real look into breast cancer.)

Heroic Woman Speaks About What Breast Cancer Means to Her



So where do we go from here?  I'm still figuring it out but first of all, I pray, send good vibes, and love to this woman and all of those struggling with this disease and to those that love them.  Second, I really hope that as people, we can set aside our differences and continue to stay focused on helping experts find a cure for this and other diseases, like AIDS, lung cancer, Alzheimers, MS, etc.  Third, I will continue to support breast cancer research, but I am still conflicted as to how I can support Komen without some major, major changes in their organization.  Thus, I will be more focused on looking into supporting others like the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 

Thank you to this woman and all of those who are fighting this and other diseases.  Hopefully, we (I) can do more to support you and take care of each other.  

And a Happy New Year...

Happy New Year! 

The beginning of this year began with me on the couch for a few days (including today) with a monster cold. While I've been pretty miserable, maybe this is nature's way of getting me to slow down for a bit before I go back to work and school. It's been difficult for me to think real clearly, (my words with friends plays have had to be somewhat delayed for fear that I will make irreparable damage to my game board-ha!) but I have been reflecting on the past year and setting some goals for 2012. Let me share them with you:

Reflections on 2011: 

2011 was a challenging year. There was a lot of change at the beginning half, both positive and negative. More than that, I was totally blindsided by the force of the first semester of my second year in the PhD program. I felt that I had gotten through the first year and kind of had things in an order. So, of course, I felt I could add more things to my plate.
Little did I know, however, that others were also ready to throw a bunch of stuff on that plate for me, as well.

I watched others go through this last year, but I really did not anticipate how hard it was going to be for me. That being said, I think that I really tried to make decisions this year that were true to myself and I am proud of myself for that. While I feel that there are obviously things I could have done better (be less stressed, take on less, etc.), I felt very much me.  For example, I took on a job that, while it didn't pay as well as my last one, I feel that I have learned a lot in working there. Also, the people I work with were integral to maintaining positive feelings and motivation. I am dating a person who is so supportive, positive, and genuine. There were times that I felt I was able to help others this semester and I'm glad that I took the time to do that. Also, while there were some ups and downs, I kept myself relatively in shape over the whole year-which makes me feel great!  Finally, I was able to make some great food creations when I had some spare time.  Overall, 2011 wasn't too shabby.

Goals for 2012: 

Like anything else, there's always room for improvement in yourself. So here we go:

1)Be more aware of the people and relationships that make life so much fun.
2)Stress less about temporary stress. When stressed, use this to drive you to do healthy things-like workout or something nice for someone else.
3)Make limits on work time and do things that are important to me: i.e. cooking, seeing loved ones, and reading.  This way, I can share more on this blog :)

Now, I see some potential barriers to these goals: 1) Extraneous responsibilities 2) Time management 3) Professional Direction (still in flux a bit). However, I think if I just take it a step at a time and continue to remind myself about what's important, 2012 is going to be great!

PS-the cupcake above is a champagne cupcake from Sprinkle Bakes. My roommate found it and I assisted her in making them and they are so, so good. I would highly suggest them for your next get together.

Best wishes for the New Year!

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays to everyone. I'm excited to let you all know that I finished my first semester back in school. There were definitely a few moments (especially in that last two weeks) that I wasn't exactly sure that would happen, but here we are :).

I am sad to report, however, that my Mamaw passed at the beginning of this month.


She always gave great hugs and made a mean pecan pie and her biscuits are something I try to recreate.

I believe that it is a testament to their relationship that Mamaw did not live much longer after Papaw passed. They spent the majority of their lives together and even though she wasn't always "with us" lately, I think she knew deep down that Papaw was gone. Now they are together again, they will both be missed.




So, Christmas is around the corner (this Friday). Here is a picture of Clover "helping" (see...eating) with the tree. We have already had our first snow of the season (CRAZY) and I am convinced that I have got to find some fur-lined pants for walking around campus all winter. Burr!

I am spending my first major family holiday away from my family this year.



I know that I will absolutely cry about it on Christmas, even though I am spending it with my boyfriend and his family (they are such nice people).

Before I go on with my own thoughts on this next step in my life, let me take a moment to acknowledge all the service men and women and also those doing other good deeds around the globe who are also spending the holidays away from their families. You all are amazing and are making the world a better place. Thank you for all you do.

Splitting up holidays is something that people start to think about and experience in their twenties. Many of us (my sister included) are also hosting their own holidays for our families. It kind of tugs at my heart sometimes to realize that we're the ones who are making these kinds of decisions and plans now. It's a lot of pressure, at times, and difficult to be the planners. Amazing how our parents accomplished this for years--and continue to do so today.

Sometimes there is such an urge not to grow up--to just be able to lay around and experience the holidays, knowing that the only thing I may have to do is help with the dishes or assist with making dinner. I won't have to decide what to make, who we should give presents to, what kind of service activities or donations should be given. Just dishes and stirring the pot.

The reality of it is, though, that I am excited to start my own traditions. I do especially enjoy making the food. Trying new recipes and cooking for others is something that makes me feel like I am able to give back and take care of those that I love. Which is why, just now, I've decided I really need to make something special this week...I'll let you know how that goes.

As for giving to others on the holiday season, I know that one of the things I can always improve on is the amount of service I do for others. Being out of the school system, I feel that I am missing this element lately. I am lucky to be able to contribute a little to a cause I feel strongly about and want to share it with you:

Share our strength works on ending childhood hunger.

In the spirit of the holiday season, I encourage everyone to do something a little special (no matter how little) for others this season (it can even be a dollar in the Salvation Army bucket or a few cans of food at a food bank). Enjoy your family, help others, and enjoy the holidays! Merry Christmas!