Let's Pretend April Didn't Happen

I think that I can go ahead and write April off as a failure of a month.

I am a big dreamer. I set goals for myself to make sure that I don't get lazy and that I achieve everything I hope to do. However, sometimes life has a vastly different plan than I would like.

For example, the entire month of April.

Between work and school this month, I very seldom have had a chance to sit down and take time for myself. When I'm not at one place I'm at the other and if I'm not at either, I am locked up in my room working on homework. God bless my boyfriend for putting up with my crazy this month.

All of this really should be expected, being that we are two weeks out from wrapping up the Spring semester. (And my first year of grad school!!!) But, even so, it doesn't make anything any easier. For example, the fact that I have / had seven projects due over the course of three weeks.

Which, let's be honest, turns me into a bit of a monster. Surprisingly enough, stress usually doesn't freak me out. In fact, I like a little bit in my life. It keeps me on my toes and on my game. However, this is like treading out in the deepest part of the ocean with bricks on my feet. Doable - but quite a struggle. I am trying my best to keep up - but it's not always pretty...

And then cue the lack of sleep...

 ...which causes a bit of craving in the sugar department...

 ...and then, you know...

But I have two weeks left. I have two weeks until I can take a day for myself and breathe for a while. Maybe take an actual trip somewhere! Right now, though, goal one is to successfully close out the semester.

Good luck to everyone else on your finals! We can do this!

Until next time,

Kaity

The Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon is tomorrow!!

Let's be honest, people. This race is the Superbowl / Tour de France / World Cup of the running world. Unfortunately (though to be truly honest I never even tried) I will be nothing more than a spectator for this event. Although I'm sure that in itself will be an experience!

Living in Boston Proper this past weekend has, in fact, been insanity. People are everywhere - more so than normal. Humans from all walks of life have come, not only to participate, but to watch the race happen. However, because of the past, the restrictions to be there are quite harsh and totally understandable. Basically, if it can't fit in a pocket, you can't bring it.

So, because I know many of you might be curious, I have decided to dedicate a post to this wondrous race.  Here are some things that you might not know about it!

• The Boston Marathon is hosted on Patriots Day, April 19th. (Or the closest Monday to that date.) Patriots Day is a holiday only celebrated by Massachusetts and Maine and was set up in remembrance of the start of the Revolutionary War. 
• People from all over the world come to race here. It is not just limited to the United States.
• You must be at least 18 by race day to participate. (If your birthday is race day, then you can still do it.)
• As well as having your typical runner, there are also categories for visually impaired runners, wheelchairs, and hand cycles. 
• There are specific marathons you must run that allow you to qualify for the Boston Marathon. 
• To make it into the Boston Marathon, there is a time requirement. These are broken down by age group and gender. Making the time restraint doesn't guarantee you a spot in the race. It only guarantees you the opportunity to register for the race.
• The fastest qualifiers of each category are accepted in order to participate in the race until the race is full.

There are many other rules and regulations for runners - but those are the basics you should probably know about the race. 

The city just about fully shuts down for this event. (I believe that's why it happens on a holiday.) It's an exciting and busy time for everyone. I can't wait to see it in person.

Good luck, runners! 

Until next time,

Kaity

Sources:

CNN
Boston Athletic Association

Springtime in Wonderland

I know understand why Northerners think it is hot outside while Southerners claim that it's a bit chilly. This is because the Northerners have been trapped in a state of freezing for so long that a day that rises above 50 degrees is warm and anything much above that is a shock to the nervous system. It probably doesn't help that this year was the year that the winter broke records.

Whatever the reason, I'm glad that I am officially able to hang up my down feather winter coat until November. Yesterday, I ran in shorts and a t-shirt and I walked around outside in a dress WITHOUT tights and WITHOUT a jacket. I honestly don't remember the last time I did that. It was wonderful.
So wonderful, in fact, my teacher hosted class outside for the first hour. (After that the sun started setting and it became cold again. Oh, Boston.)

People make me giggle. For my dear friends and family in the south, I know that y'all have been enjoying the warm weather for quite a while now, (and even then, your winter wasn't exactly long) so it might be hard to imagine our joy in rediscovering sun light. Sidewalks were crowded with people and runners. Restaurants had dusted off patio furniture to make way for the overabundance of customers wanting food and beer. Women in shorts and sundresses despite the wind. Thousands of Red Sox jerseys....

Okay, so a majority of the insanity may have also be influenced by the fact that the first home game of the season was happening in Fenway.

All in all, it was quite an enjoyable Monday. Don't get to say that very often.

Until next time,

Kaity

Easter and Costumes

I realize that I am quite behind on last week's posting. I really don't have much of an excuse - apparently I was just quite lazy.

It was a bit disheartening not to be home with my family in Easter. My family has always had fun little traditions to do each holiday and, on much bigger holidays like this one, I find myself a bit homesick.

Please don't think that I sat up here miserably, inhaling chocolate bunnies in grief. I did enjoy my time with my fellow churchgoers, housemates, and boyfriend. Bayridge set up a very lovely elegant dinner (including a conversation of how to make toast without a toaster [classy ladies up here]) that I enjoyed and I was even able to introduce Charles to the joy that is Resurrection Rolls. Of course, being that the Sheppard clan is spread out this year, we each did our own via Skype. It was a wonderful way to end the day.

Now, I would love to tell you that the previous week was filled with adventure, but I think that Sunday was the most that I have done away from school and work for a while. (I know, a bit depressing.) However, by complete accident, I stumbled across an interesting convention taking place down the street from where I live. AnimeBoston.

As much as I would love to pop in to one of these events, I do not have the funds nor the time. Although I was able to enjoy parts of it mainly by existing alone. How? Well, you see, the type of people who attend these events tend to be from the more eclectic crowds. If they are going to go, they are going to go all out. Full, beautiful, surprisingly accurate costumes of their favorite characters that grace anime (and even some that don't). So, while I was not able to go to the convention itself, I was able to still enjoy the people.

And I know that many of you might be snickering at the thought of these people, but I admire them. There is a significant amount of confidence one must have to go out dressed like these people do. They don't care what us mundane humans think about them because they are doing what they love surrounded by people who feel the same way. If only we could have that same type of passion, that type of courage, when we walk around the streets everyday!

I'll admit, I don't think I even have the confidence skill to go into those conventions decked out - but maybe one day I might. And then who knows, maybe I'll be able to channel that type of power into my every day life. From there the possibilities are endless.

Until next time,

Kaity