I like projects. I like DIY anything. I like getting in over my head and filling my teeny tiny apartment (more on the apartment soon) with free things from Craigslist with the idea that I will make them look better than ever and have nice people (also from Craigslist) pay me money for them.  Well, yesterday during my daily Craigslist search I came across a posting for free wooden folding chairs in need of some major TLC.  They had my name written all over them so while wearing my brand new white dress (good one Alison) on I went and picked up 3 1/2 sets of double wooden folding chairs and brought them back to my place.  Here are the chairs when once I got them upstairs (some of my neighbors had looks on their faces like 'why are you bringing trash into the building?' but that didn't stop me!):

Once I figure out what parts went to which chair and what I could realistically fix from the group I settled on three pairs, brought them inside and got to sanding down the first one.  After two hours of bicep grueling back and forth with some granulated paper I called it a night.  Goodbye black paint, hello natural wood!  There's a ton more sanding to go but along with some screws and glue these should be in tip top usable shape in no time. Or that's the hope anyway.  Here they are in their new home ready taking it easy for the rest of the night. I hope they're happy because I sure am.

Today is one of those days where everything seems to be going right.  I don't want to jinx it but I have a good feeling about this summer and things to come.  A full update tonight on a crazy project I just got myself into and other exciting things like BBQ, my hair, and a new toothbrush.  

For now I will leave you with this.  Tiny animals in coffee cups. Yes please!

Another video worth watching. If only NYC would allow moments like this.

A video worth watching. Stat.

SURPRISE!

We flew down to Charlotte to surprise my mom yesterday for Memorial Day weekend and boy was it hard to keep the trip a secret.  Her birthday is next weekend but we thought it would be nice to have the extra day at home to relax and be together. She cried and laughed and was in complete shock.  Success!

I love New York and especially Brooklyn but when you have the slow pace of the south seeping into your bones (along with pitchers of sweet tea) it definitely does a body and mind good. More pictures to come but here's a view from their kitchen table.  The perfect view for a relaxing morning!

I've been a member of a book club for a little over a year now but I've had to miss the last few meetings.  I've been reading other books or just well, not reading much to be honest but! that's all about to change. This month's book is Fifty Shades of Grey.  Now, before googling this book last week I had only heard of the book maybe twice and without any context but once I started talking to people about it my nervous 13 year old self began to find this pretty hilarious. I'm slightly nervous to read such trash but I also think it's the perfect book to kick off the summer.  Have you read it?  What other books are good for the summer? I need to start reading list. I like lists.

Here are some quality readings from the book for your enjoyment:

Snow White and the Huntsman cast reading

Ellen Degeneres

A very Brooklyn weekend indeed!

Saturday was the NYRR 5 Borough Series: Brooklyn Half Marathon starting in Prospect Park and ending in Coney Island.  Let's just say that this was by far one of my biggest personal accomplishments to date. I finished in 1 hour 58 minutes, averaging a 9:01 mile.  Woo hoo! From the training leading up to the race, to the mental power it took to get past mile 10, all I have to say is, 'Boy am I glad it's over and man does my lower half hurt.'  Here are a few pictures from the day:


       

The one picture I don't have is from the Cyclone ride I took right after the race.  It's a tradition my friend has and though it didn't seem like the smartest choice at the time since all I wanted to do was lay down in the middle of boardwalk and take a nap, it ended up being a thrill and a great way to end the event.  

Then it was onto my first BBQ of the summer at a friend's house in my neighborhood followed by some of the best sleep I've had in months.

Sunday was spent at The Great Googa Mooga Festival, also in Prospect Park. An event full of food, music and sunshine. The lines were long but for some it was well worth it from the looks on some happy hipsters faces.  I was more interested in moseying around, people watching, making sure my sunblock was holding up, and stretching my worn out limbs from the race the previous day.  My phone died before I could take pictures but it was a beautiful relaxing day, which was just what the doctor ordered.  

After a weekend like this I could definitely do with a few extra hours before work begins again but before I know it it will be Friday again with another fun filled weekend ahead!

2 awesome things happened today.

First, I ran 4 miles in 30 minutes which is crazy super fast for me but I was feeling good so I went for it. It was a great feeling since today was my last run before the big 13.1 on Saturday.  Oh boy is all I can say to that!

Second, after my run I wanted to pick up some food and all I could think of was cereal. My first idea was the corner deli by my apartment but then I thought, 'why I don't pop into this here Rite-Aid right in front of me and see if they have anything'.  Boy did they!  Check this out:

2, count em, 2! boxes of my favorite Cheerios for five bucks.  I feel like my Dad right now when he tells me he had lunch at Wendy's for three dollars. My middle name should be 'bar-gain' cause I love good one. Thanks Rite-Aid. It's the small things like this that make my day!

Hope you had an equally great day!

I read my horoscope on the 1st of every month. I know, I'm one of those people. I can't help it.  Even though it's the middle of the May I bring this up because I really want to get my hair cut.  Right now it looks something like this:

I don't want to cut it all off like I did a few years ago but I need to make a change.  I'm think something like this:

The only problem is that my horoscope told me not to do anything 'drastic to my look' before June 27. June 27th!! That over a month away.  If there's one thing I've learned from living in New York City, it's patience.  So here goes.  T-minus 42 days to the big chop.

So much has been going on! Well, not so much, but some fun things for sure.  The most fun (or maybe I should say interesting) was my friend's handbag line photo shoot this past Saturday.  She asked me and another friend to model the bags for the launch of her new line. The most difficult was probably trying to make sure I had good posture, didn't have awkward hands or a weird expression on my face all at once.  This is who I was trying to channel internally, I can only hope some of it came through!

It was a lot more nerve-wracking than I thought but I hope the pictures turned out great and that the launch of her bag line is a huge success!

I want all of this.  Even the bad vision so I have a reason to wear the glasses.

I ran 10 miles this morning!  The farthest I've run so far.  Training for this half marathon has been hard but once I cross the finish line I know it will all be worth it...or something.

For now I feel like this:

Have a great Saturday!

Let's end my first blogging night with this.  My favorite word, balls.  Yep you read that right. Enjoy! 

So, this marks my first day as a blogger.  Woo hoo! I never thought I would be saying that but there are many things I thought I would never say or do in the past so why not keep surprising myself and keep life interesting!  


I guess I'll start with my after work field trip today to the 9/11 Memorial.  It's always a good thing to take a moment and remember why I work where I do.  All I can say is that those working to rebuild ground zero and care for the memorial have created something special and meaningful.  It will always be a place where we can go to remember those that lost their lives but I hope to also remember that it's a place that has been rebuilt from literally the under-ground up into a beautiful park by a huge number of loving and collaborative people.  If we can continue to come together, remember together and look forward together we can do some truly amazing things.  


Here are just a few photos from my visit.  They don't do the park justice. I highly recommend you make a visit to see it.  It will be worth it.