brrrrsville

I took this photo last week on my way into work when it was -10 below zero. It has been very cold and snowy in Chicago this month. It isn't so bad, and I'm not really one of those cynical Chicago winter people until about March. However, I could do without the -10 days.

And while most people think it is crazy, I love running in this weather (after most of the ice is gone from the sidewalks). Maybe its because my legs go numb so I can't really feel anything and can just focus on moving forward. I just love feeling warm from running in such cold weather. Or maybe I'm just my father's daughter? 

I loaded up my ipod with liquid sunshine (a bunch of cheesy, bubblegum-teenybob music) when I got home and ventured out for a jog...dressed like the younger brother on A Christmas Story. I used to always focus my healthy efforts into intense work-outs and since I have shifted to eating more healthy I've discovered that exercise can be a nice little icing on top. So I can now just go for a jog without timing exactly how long it is, or worrying about how fast (or slow more likely) I am going. 

Since the beginning of the year, I've also started making a conscious effort to work more reasonable hours and put a hard stop on my days. And, as many people told me, its amazing how much more productive you can be when you know you are on a timeline. I think it will be good for both me and the job to take better care of myself this year and focus on what's important. 

In years past, I've always made some pretty intense resolution lists and shared them with everyone. But this year I've just vowed to do things that make me happy. This means cooking more, painting more, running more, resting more and seeing more of my friends and family. Maybe even having an art show this summer?

Time to hit the showers.