Running Goals

I wish I could say that it has been easy to get back to working out and running since having a baby.  It has been so hard to figure out a good time on works days.  But ready or not, I have a few races to run. 

When we decided to make the move to NYC one of the first things that I added to the list of things we have to do is the NYRR 9+1 program to get into the NYC marathon.  The program is to run 9 races and volunteer once all within one year and then you are able to get into the marathon.  There is little chance that I would be able to get into this marathon otherwise so I am super excited to have the opportunity to do this program.

Saturday we went out in the mist/rain to run the first of nine races.  It was my first race post-baby. And my longest post-baby run. 

We then mapped out our strategy for finishing the program and timing our next eight races.  Sunday is our second race.  Spring is going to be busy as I don't want to chance being able to get into the 2014 marathon!  Goals are good.

Understanding Exposure

Looking to take better photos? Maybe you want to take better photos for your personal albums, for sharing your crafty or home decor skills on your blog, or because you have recently found yourself wanting to understand your camera better or maybe something entirely different. 

Regardless of what is driving the desire to improve photography skills or whether you are using a point and shoot or an SLR, the book Understanding Exposure will be an enormously valuable resource and wealth of information.

This book is just excellent.  It breaks down the technical side of photography in way that allows you to gain an understanding of how to manage your camera to get the effect you are looking for in a shot.  There are awesome pointers for the settings you will want to use for different situations (sunsets, snow, forest areas, portraits versus landscape, etc) in mostcases for both SLR and point and shoot. 

I received this book as a gift from my husband and loved it.  I personally found the book to be a truly fantastic resource and very easy to jump in and out of... which allowed me to practice/soak in a section at a time.  But it could also be poured through in a relatively brief amount of time.  This past summer I took an Intermediate Photography course and quite frankly - a good 1/2 of the course covered the material that I learned in this book. 

If you want to take better photographs having a firm grasp of how to decide and dictate the exposure will absolutely help you make progress on that goal. 

You can likely find Understanding Exposure at your local library (CPL has several of the second edition and a couple of the most recent third edition) or if you prefer to keep it for your own personal library it is at most of the bookstores and on amazon.

2011 Resolutions & Projects

Happy new year, friends!  I hope everyone had a lovely time celebrating.

Are your resolutions set?  This year I am kind of at a loss on deciding my resolutions. 

Normally, I am a huge fan of resolution and goal setting.  Makes sense as I am a plan for it and make it happen kind of person. 

Thinking of things I want to do in the next six months has been much more fruitful. I have a nicely grouped list of projects and things I want to do.  The "make" section is quite robust so there will be lots to share in the next couple of months!

Resolutions for 2010

Happy new year!  It seems to me that there is a serious amount of positive energy going into 2010, do you feel it too?  I just know that there are amazing moments ahead of us.  So it is time to scribble down our resolutions so that we can work towards being the best versions of ourselves.

And as I do love setting resolutions and the subsequent action plans on how I will reach them, here is what I am what I am going to be working on in 2010...

Be healthy and active.

• This is the year that I am going to shed that last 10 pounds.  No if, and, or but. 
• I will train for and run a marathon.  I have wanted to do this for at least six years and this year it is time.
• I will practice yoga on a regular basis.  I always feel amazing after yoga and it is time to make it a regular part of my life.

Declutter.

• Stop the continuous multi-tasking.  I need to declutter and focus on the moment, even the daily activity type of moments.  It will all get done but it doesn't need to be all at the same time.
• Organize my home and clear out the clutter.  It is time to toss, file, and get some baskets. 
• Stop watching mindless crap television programming.  If there isn't anything worthwhile on maybe it is a good time to read a book! :)

Pursue hobbies.

• I will take a photograph everyday... The 365 projects are always such an inspiration and I am really excited to do this project.
• Sew and craft more.
• Cook and bake all kinds of new recipes and then share on Two Cooks One Kitchen.
• Decide what to do about In This Instance.  The first year of this blog I was heavily into wedding planning and the second year I decided to just free form blog on whatever was catching my attention... But now I am feeling as though I want more focus with this blog. 

Love my career.

• It is time to figure out a long-term career plan.  What I want out of my professional life has evolved a lot in the past year.  I want to realign my career plan with one that I will feel good about, enjoy my day, and make a positive impact in some way.
• Be patient and don't sweat the small stuff. 

 This is going to be an awesome year, I just know it. 

{image via ffffound}

Annual Review

I have been feeling quite reflective the past couple of weeks as I say goodbye to 2009 and this little space has not escaped the reach of my analysis.  I find that before starting a new goal or action plan it is so very important to take a moment to look at (what I would call at work) the historicals.  It was kind of funny year for my blog as I transitioned from blogging about weddings to more everyday type of moments.  And while I hadn't logged into Google Analytics in as long as I can remember, I had fun seeing what people were reading and finding the most on In This Instance.

Post voted most popular by way of Google Analytics from 12/2008 to 12/2009:

• Bridal Style: Purple Shoes
• Simple & Sweet Valentine's Dessert
• An Earthy Toned Living Room
• The Ceremony
• The Blue+Red+Iowa Baby Shower
• A Light Airy Dessert: Angel Food Cupcakes

Tags voted most popular by way of Google Analytics from 12/2008 to 12/2009:

• Home Decor
• Inspiration Board
• All About The Shoes
• Baby Shower
• My Wedding
• Living Well

A few of my favorite posts from 2009 are (in no particular order)...

• The Little Something Extra
• Mid-Summer Fun
• Easy Breezy Spring Lunch
• Excess
• Invention & Progression

One of the lovely things about blogging is that you can look back at what was catching your eye, on your mind, and grabbing your attention at various points during the year.  Thank you for being there to share these little moments!  I have been dreaming up post and project ideas for In This Instance for 2010 left and right and am ready to see where this next year takes us. 

{image via decor8)