Smiles :)

I love it when someone gives me a smile.  I feel like I am included and acknowledged.  I especially love getting smiles from reserved people.  I know that they don't smile much, and so to receive a smile from them means so much more.  :)

Step It Up!

I love step aerobics classes.  I love how they feel almost like dancing.  There is enough challenge in a step aerobics class to keep me challenged and interested.  I usually like the music they play too.  I like how I sweat a lot in a step aerobics class--it makes me feel like I have really gotten a great workout.  It is a nice change from running as well.  When I first started step aerobics classes, I was so lost, but as I have gone along, I have gotten better.  I can now do the harder variations of different steps, and that is really exciting.

Curly Hair

I love my curly hair.  I love how I can throw some product in it, let it air-dry, and it looks halfway decent.  I also love that I can straighten it when I feel like it (which is not very often).  I love that not brushing my hair actually makes my hair look better because the curl pattern is not destroyed by the brush.  How cool is that?  By being as low-maintenance as I can, my hair looks its best.  Now that's what I call lucky!!

Down by the Lake

I love running on the trail that surrounds the lake by my university.  Yesterday I woke up early and went for a long run -- 11 miles!  That's the farthest that I've ever run.  Today I'm feeling sore, but only when I move (especially after I've been sitting for a while, like in class) or when I climb stairs (they're doing me in!).  But it is a good kind of sore, so it is okay.  I really enjoyed my run yesterday.  At 9 a.m. only the really hardcore people are out running.  What's funny about that is that I would have never described myself as a hardcore runner!  I also tried out my new running belt and I really liked it.  I liked how I felt strong as I ran.  I thought the first 8 miles or so of my run went pretty well.  I was able to pick up speed when I felt myself sagging.  The last three miles were tougher, partly due to the fact that I had stopped to get some water and then started up again.  I love running around the lake.  It is nice to run through the woods to get to the lake.  It feels like I am leaving the city I live in for a while and I can pretend like I am somewhere else.  I feel so fortunate to have discovered this trail system and this great lake right (practically) in my backyard!

Please excuse the not-so-great quality of these pictures as they were taken with my cell phone. 

Both of these pictures were taken this past fall.

Turn to Stone

Turn to Stone by Ingrid Michaelson is this week's Saturday's Song.  I listened to it at least ten times last night!  I bought her new album on iTunes last night, and I'm really looking forward to listening to it!  (The previews of the songs were fantastic.)  I love this song. I love how it starts out with the nice piano part, and keeps it going through the whole song.  Even though it is a sad song, I think it speaks to a spot in your heart, and that is what makes it a favorite of mine.

Shake It Out

I love the song "Shake It Out" by Florence and the Machine.  The song just makes me want to dance! It's also fun to sing along to.  I love songs that just take your heart and make it soar.  I was thinking of posting songs on Saturdays (because of the alliteration -- another thing I love!), but this one is just too good to pass up tonight.  I know I can't help but be happy when I dance.  Dance and enjoy! :)   (Just a warning, the video is a tad bit bizarre.)  

The Sound of Music

I love The Sound of Music.  I saw it at the theatre with my brother last night and it was fabulous!  I love how each of the songs sounds so familiar, but yet last night enchanted me none the less.  The story affects me differently each time I see it, and I get something new out of it.