i have to sort of trick myself into doing new things, so i’m using the whole job change as an opportunity to force myself to WALK, bike, (rollerskate?) or use public transportation to get to work instead of driving. this appeals to me on many levels, mostly monetary, but certainly pride is an issue. below is a brief list of benefits i am using to trick myself into thinking this is a brilliant idea:

1. gas is so expensive (and dirty).
2. they are planning to raise parking rates next year; it is stupid to pay that much per month.
3. getting in more exercise can’t hurt!
4. (this being the most important one) i am still a stubborn new yorker at heart, and in new york you walk to get to where you’re going. you don’t whine and cry about it! you put on a coat and hat when it’s cold, you carry an umbrella in case it rains, and you listen to your ipod or read your book and avoid eye contact with everyone on public transport. so what?

so, i am shutting my pie hole, and i am walking to work starting may 1st. i have clocked it, and it will take me roughly 30 minutes each way. such a trek requires preparation, and preparation requires shopping! =)

sketchers luxe mary janes
i wanted a shoe that was comfortable enough to walk in (like a sneaker), dressy enough to wear for work, and cool enough to wear even in the summer.  i loved the little eyelet pattern on these shoes.

klean kanteen

i noticed i had been using a LOT of plastic water bottles to take to work and the gym.  granted, i was recycling all of them, but i could still hear al gore tisk-tisking from my right shoulder. i had read a good deal about how the plastic water bottles are so yesterday (or, you know, lethal) and the spleen happened to point me in the direction of the klean kanteens.  they are made entirely of stainless steel so there is no chemical leeching and, *huzzah*, they are dishwasher safe!

between, georgia and derby girl
a little light reading to toss in the bag to read at lunch or on the bus.

Alumnae Weekend

Originally uploaded by Scrappy Rocks!

here is a lovely picture of my bridesmaids! we all got together this past weekend for our five year college reunion. it was great to see them and catch up with them and also with loads of people i haven’t seen since graduation. it was so much fun! i have to say, my graduating class is hot stuff. we have tackled some pretty big obstacles and achieved some pretty lofty goals in just five years.

sunday, chip and i headed to the braves game with several of our friends. it was a great game — the braves won, of course. even chip had a good time at a sporting event!

even though we were in the shade the whole time (shivering when the breeze hit), i still managed to get a nasty sunburn. see Exhibit A:

this is definitely my first for the season, and unfortunately, probably not my last. i am always so careful about wearing sunblock when i’m in the sun, but i always forget in situations when i’m not in direct sunlight. at any rate, i hope to start walking to work soon, and i will need to start wearing it every day because of the extra sun exposure.

do you all have any sunblock recommendations for everyday wear?

i am very excited about this news and couldn’t wait to post it. here’s the skinny:
where: bishop park
when: every saturday beginning may 17th
time: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
i will mark the spynotebook calendar!