a few more things

I planted an herb garden!  I have 10 different herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil, mint, dill, stevia, lavender, cilantro, rosemary, and oregano).  They are all doing quite splendidly, and I can't wait to cook with them!

I joined my local CSA.  Reading The Omnivore's Dilemma made me want to stop shopping at the grocery store and buy only from farmer's markets or local farms.  The CSA I joined has a pick-up location right across the street from me and is not a bad deal.  About $200 for produce May - November!  (delivered every other week, which is plenty for me)

I also now want to harvest my own yeast.  As it turns out it is surprisingly easy.  I am going to try it out in a few weeks and make a loaf of bread with it.  I will let you know how it goes!

I only have 3 weeks of school left with my seniors.  Yippeee!!!  They are delightful kids, but I am ready for a break from them.

I am finally getting a smartphone at the end of the month!  And thanks to Carrie and Shawn, I am getting an awesome deal on it!  Now I can join instagram, navitage my way around town, and play games.  (Let's be honest, playing games is what I'll probably use the most.)

I ate the best pizza of my life last week.  Next time anyone comes to DC, I am taking you to 2Amy's and making you order the Margherita Extra.  You will thank me.

best day ever

Today, the cafeteria served breakfast for lunch!!!

It pretty much made my day.

I ate way too much bacon and way too many hashed browns.

spring is here

I cannot get enough of this spring weather. Sammy also loves it because it means he gets to go on looong walks through the woods and down to the river. I love it because I can take him on a long walk and still have time for a run before the sun goes down.

A few updates:

• I ran in the Cherry Blossom 10-miler a few weeks ago. The race was packed (as always) but the weather cooperated and I finished with my fastest time ever.
• Ashley got married this weekend, which meant I got to wear my Kate Middleton dress. (And I am also so happy for Ashley and Landon. Yay for them!)
• My running partner and I made a pact a while ago to take ourselves out to eat at some point during March. I cannot believe I have never discovered the beauty of eating out alone. I went to Eggspectation, sat outside, people watched, read my book, and thoroughly enjoyed myself.
• While I was out to brunch, I ordered french toast topped with plain yogurt, honey, and fruit. I will never, ever eat syrup again. I loved it so much I made myself almond and oat flour pancakes for dinner and ate them with yogurt, honey, and strawberries. And I might be eating that same meal every week for the rest of my life.
• I made a pretty fantastic Easter dinner of grilled salmon, balsamic roasted brussels sprouts with quinoa, homemade rolls, salad with homemade basil dressing, and strawberry shortcakes with basil-infused whipped cream. It made me feel better about the fact that my entire family had Easter dinner together and didn't even bother to call and tell me how empty their worlds are without me there. Thanks a lot, guys....
• I am now officially registered for summer classes at UMBC (University of Maryland Baltimore County). I will be taking Anatomy and Physiology I during the first summer term and Anatomy and Physiology II and microbiology during the second summer term. the best news is that all of the classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which leaves MWF open for running, taking myself out to lunch, beating Ryan in the Gator Bait triathlon, etc.

oh, and the best news of all:

• I am applying to nursing school for the fall of 2013!!!!! (Hence the summer classes. I have a lot of prerequisites to get out of the way.)