Life List.

I took an unexpected 3 week blogging hiatus (oops). I didn’t have much to blog about (although looking at pictures, I do actually want to blog about our Christmas party and the biscotti that I made two weeks ago) and I was prepping mentally and physically for getting back to school mode. Today starts my second semester of graduate school. Only 3 more semesters to go! (When I think of it that way, I somehow have less anxiety than if I say 1 year).

Since I’ve been making lists like crazy this week, I thought I would update you with a Life List. Not to be confused with a Love List. Though I should do one of those too.

Life Item #5: Friend Feats.

One of my best friends from middle school is moving to live in Oregon with one of our other best friends. I couldn’t be happier or more proud of her for taking the leap. One of my best friends from college just bought and house and another is looking at condos this week. We are grownups! And yes, it’s still weird.

Life Item #4: Vacation.

We’re going on an 7 day vacation to Santa Barbara and Los Angelos in 3 weeks! The Dude’s mom and stepdad rent a house in Santa Barbara every February to visit the Dude’s stepbrother and his kids. I was undecided for a while (mainly because I am 1. broke and 2. missing a week of class) and then I thought “Screw it. I’m a grown ass woman. I can miss class and let my boyfriend buy me a plane ticket for my birthday.” So I agreed and then had horrific guilt/anxiety for a week (see also: every decision I make that involves money and/or school) Now I’m just psyched and grateful for a week of  hanging out with the Dude without books or studying, visiting family and friends (Hi Ash, Hi Loosh!) and eating amaaaazingggg food. Avocado trees, here I come.

Life Item #3: Spring Break 2012: Girl’s Gone Radiation.

The decision to go on said vacation was also solidified when I found out that I needed to have my follow up cancer radioactive scan sometime in March. Luckily, I was able to schedule it during my spring break. I know there is some really good/horrible joke about this being the best tan I will ever get on spring break, but I’m hungry, so it’s just not coming to me right now. Evan, I know you’ll find it. This means I’ll be starting the low-iodine diet in late February and will eat approximately 700 bakery items while in Santa Barbara.

Life Item #2: Spring Semester Begins.

As I mentioned, I start my spring semester today. I’ve already purchased 12 books for 3 classes. My credit card loves me. My goals for this term are to:

• Remain sane.
• Return to running and a regular yoga practice (2-3 times per week).
• Have one date night per week with the Dude (sans technology (except for Netflix or movies)).
• Take 15 minutes to relax every day (walk the dog, take a bath, breathe, call one of my friends) and shut my brain off by 10:30pm every night.
• Manage my deadlines and assignments well from the start, instead of stressing out the week or night before they are due.
• Go easier on myself and my expectations. Remind myself “You do enough.”
• See #1.

Life Item #1: I went back to the gym.

Last week, I went on my first run in 10 months. It was a run/walk lasting approximately 30 minutes – and it was awesome. I raised 830 dollars (and counting) for the American Cancer Society for the Run to Remember 5 mile run in May. The fact that all of my friends, family and even extended members of my network donated is a major motivation boost. The run felt great, and I’m looking forward to getting back to a regular routine soon. Anyone need a running/motivation buddy?!

What’s going on with you this week/month? I miss ya!