This post brought to you by Runners' High!

Yes, Runner's high indeed!  If you have ever been a runner, or played sports, then you may know what I'm talking about!


(For those of you who don't, the official definition: a feeling of euphoria that is experienced by some individuals engaged in strenuous running and that is held to be associated with a release of endorphins by the brain; Merriam-Webster told me so...) Haha, after reading this I also realized that it is said the same endorphin release happens when people get tattoo'd. Fortunately, running is cheaper and generally less painful. I wish runner's body was just as permanent as a tattoo though... :)


Lately I have been running, a lot.  I have been training to complete the Shamrock Run in Portland, which is this Sunday!  I am signed up for the 8k (which is about 4.97 miles).  Somehow, between the time I signed up for the race in January and now, I had somehow convinced myself that an 8k is 5.97 miles. So, long story short, I have been running lots and pushing myself to get up to about 6 miles for a comfortable run.  I went to the race website today and found myself pleasantly surprised that I am ready to run 6 miles, rather than just 5.  Whew!  That makes me feel better, but also makes me feel SUPER PROUD of myself!


When I am running a longer distance, I find my mind wandering.  I often try to plan out blog posts. I entertain myself by writing them out in my head, about how good it feels to run, what emotions I go through, and what I might change for next time.  But by the time I get back, I forget to sit down and type it out. It's probably a good thing though, if I tried to write after a run I may find myself over-using the (!) with every sentence, and rambling about random things.


So, with the race being this weekend, I need a new race to sign up for... suggestions?! (Dave says half-marathon... I told him I would think about it...)

Looking back. Looking forward.

Over the last year, there has been many struggles for not only me, but also for many of the important people in my life. There have been triumphs too. A year ago I graduated from OSU, with no job and news that my family probably wouldn't be able to help keep me on my feet. I was depressed for some time, and it seemed quite hopeless in our current economic state, until I received a phone call for a job interview at Coffee Culture. I had no idea then what I was getting myself into (more on that later). Once I had a job, the challenge was to stay afloat, without boring myself to death. I eventually had to move into cheaper housing, and really cut back on many things in life. Today, I completely support myself (except for my car insurance, but that is the next thing on my list), although it is no easy task.

In June, Dave left to go on a fishing trip in Alaska. At first, three months wtih my best friend being gone was torture. I learned to be alone, like really alone, something I had a fear of. Again, another part of me that I had an opportunity to improve upon, and I become more self-reliant. When Dave came home two months early, I was here to help him get back on his feet. He moved in with me, and we found that we couldn't be without each other like that again. :)

Working at the coffee shop can be challenging at times. I have made lots of new friends, girls that I spend LOTS of time with. I have also learned a lot about people in general. We get a wide spectrum of people coming to our shop (as reflective of Corvallis itself... we have hippies, cowboys, intellectuals, and people on welfare. You name it, I've seen it). But the time and effort that we put in as a coffee shop to be the best in town, pays off. Most of us are able to do latte art (being able to make shapes and pictures with the steamed milk). We use top of the line syrups and chocolates to ensure the best taste with our espresso roast. We use fair trade coffees and teas. And, most importantly, we keep it classy. No bikinis, no cleavage. Just fast, friendly service. I can say that having a coffee shop of my own someday would be fantastic, but also a lot of hard work. It's never easy though. I have learned a great patience and understanding of others, and I have found that it has paid off. This month, we are actually going to Portland Roasting, who provides us with our coffees, for a cupping and barista training. It's always good for us to be furthering our coffee education, so that we can still be the premier coffee shop of Corvallis. Should be good!

Now, coming into 2010, Dave has graduated from OSU too, and has begun the rough process of trying to find a "real" job. If he lands one, I plan on going with him wherever he goes. Jackie will be graduating from her high school and moving on to college. We have yet to know where she will go to college, but I'm sure she will be offered academic scholarships from multiple places. I am happy with the job I am at now, although the pay is not something I am totally happy with. Hopefully Dave can land a sweet job somewhere, so that I have a chance to search for a new job in a new city. For now, I am putting my life in e hands of the fates, and waiting to see what 2010 has in store for me, Dave and my family. In the meantime, I'll try to keep up on my blogs. :)

Hope everyone has a great 2010!

Project Sticker Shock Success!

Hey all! So here's a little about what I've been up to!

Our first round of Project Sticker Shock was done last Friday, on Halloween. It was awesome,

and hopefully the next round will be even more successful with more volunteers and more participating vendors!