http://iamrunningthirteenmiles.blogspot.com/

See ya there!

Yes it’s been quite quiet around these parts lately. And I do miss abd, really I do.  But it’s been said [by one of my favorite bloggers actually], that “there comes a time in every blogger’s tenure when real life must take priority, where a break is needed, where other things are what’s most important.”

I started my blog simply to teach myself about blogging. I never aspired to have the most trafficked or talked about blog. Spikes in traffic still make my heart flutter! And comments on my blog, oh my! So while my tenure has been relatively brief, just over 1 year, it has been so much fun. Perhaps it isn’t over – and I do suspect it isn’t – but for now, I must focus on other things. I started a new job this year, and I’m loving it. I’m training for my first half-marathon, and actually loving that too. Soon I’ll be moving from my beloved neighborhood of Broad Ripple, to the most fabulous downtown Indianapolis apartment. And yes, I’m still reading and having regular dinners with my favorite girls. So, when I’m not working & fufilling my volunteer committments, running, reading, dining and soon-to-be packing, I’m spending time with a certain man in my life. And may I –  just for moment – gush over him? [Gush!] These are the things in my life that are most important right now.

I will be around, in life and in life online. My rss subscriptions are quite full, as I keep up with so many of my own favorite blog reads. And I’m still in Indy, still loving it and still seeing new things almost every day.

Like the catacombs under the Indianapolis City Market! So cool. It’s such a shame, they just don’t build things like that anymore. I mean, really, how much of today’s architecture will be standing strong 100+ years from now?

And the biscotti at Perk Up coffee shop in Broad Ripple. Love. I will definitely be making regular bike rides north on the Monon to many of my favorite Broad Ripple spots this summer. 

So I leave you, for now, with butterscotch biscotti, still warm from the oven…

But first a moment for the old. I spent about 4 1/2 years at the ICVA, and loved my job. I stayed so long ‘cuz I loved it so much. And my friends there, well they are family.

My new job is at Indy Hub, Inc., an organization about 3 years old. Indy Hub is a network for young professionals – to recuit new ones to Indianapolis and connect all of us with opportunities to be involved and make a difference. It’s all based on the fact that one day our generation will be the leaders of our city, and its corporations, arts organizations, civic and non-profit groups. I get to plan & promote fun parties around Indy, manage internal & external communications and help develop membership. Which by the way is free, check it out. We had a great event tonight with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, and at the end of the night they had a handful of new applications, young pros wanting to be a Big and make a difference in the life of a Little. 

So now you know why my blog has been quiet. It’s been a busy few weeks to start the New Year. But I do have a couple bloggin’ ideas in my head. More to come. I’m just not sure when!

Anyone know why there are a couple dozen mannequins on the steps of Monument Circle this morning?

It’s a bit sad when the tree comes down and the sparkles are put away for another year.

I’m wishing now I’d kept a few sparkles out.

I hope you all enjoyed spending time with your families and friends! I sure did. My extended family is growing and I love it.

In the midst of visiting with family, seeing friends and celebrating the holidays, we even managed to buy a car for me. My little car succumbed to the icy northern Indiana highways on the day after Christmas. And while my car suffered the ultimate [rest in peace little Kia], it did keep me safe and I walked away with only some bruises and a few days of soreness. And no other cars were involved. Still dealing with the insurance claims, my – OH MY – the forms it takes to get rid of a totaled car. But that’s just paperwork. 

Blessings to be sure.

The boy and I even snuck in a few days for ourselves and headed north to Chicago. We visited museums, Millennium Park, shopped on Michigan Avenue and, of course, had a stuffed pizza at Giordano’s. He took me to see Jersey Boys and have dinner at Nick’s Fish Market one night [id'nt he so sweet?!].  Loved loved Loved the show.

Ah yes, it was a wonderful [and eventful] holiday with the ones I love. Cheers to 09, friends – make it fantastic!

The RCA Dome in Indianapolis was imploded this morning. I watched on TV, it was pretty incredible.

I worked in the building for a few years, until our offices relocated for the constuction of the convention center and Lucas Oil Stadium. And of course, along with thousands of others, I spent many Sundays cheering on my Colts in the Dome.

But tomorrow is a new day in Indianapolis, and like I said -  it’s going to be pretty incredible.

I’ve [so far] made it successfully through a busy week filled with birthday celebrations and holiday parties – all while battling something of the respiratory genre. I’m tired and I have almost no voice left, but nothing will keep me from enjoying all that glitters at Christmas!

Downtown Indy’s tree and my tree.

Pan au chocolate made with European chocolates and my nutcracker purchased on my trip earlier this fall.