Umm, hello? Where did January go?! No wonder I’m finding myself planning get togethers so far in advance! Back in the first week of December I was planning a brunch for 8 and the first date we could all land on was way out in February. I remember thinking how far away it was and now it’s just around the corner! Just yesterday my friends and I were looking at our April calendars — APRIL! — to pencil in a few dates which prompted me to have them set my birthday aside. Now they want to know if they should have their guys set it aside as well and I’m thinking, gosh, I have no idea! It’s only February! Do you find yourself planning simple get togethers way in advance or are my friends and I just overly zealous, overly busy, planners for doing this?

As for my January 30-day challenge, I managed to limit myself to eating out 5 times which isn’t great, but I have to say it’s a whole lot less than what had become habit. Also, each time was an out-of-the-ordinary invitation (friend visiting from out of town, etc.) which made the act of dining out special again. I saved some money in the process, too. Although, not as much as I’d hoped. I find myself at Trader Joes about every other day picking up perishable items. Makes me feel rather European. While studying abroad in Italy I’d pretty much go to the local market EVERY DAY to pick up fresh ingredients. In Italy I ate a lot of insalata caprese, pastas, and bruschetta. Over the past month, I got really creative with my sandwiches. I even dusted off my George Foreman Grill from my college days to make paninis!

Half marathon training is moving right along. Haha, get it? I ran 7.5 miles on Saturday and I distinctly remember thinking at one point that I had improved over my last long run. I flew right by places I stopped to stretch last week and I felt strong. I think my new shoes helped me go the extra distance, too. I definitely had happy feet! The only drawback to training is my constant hunger. I thought it was bad before but now it’s in overdrive! My Kashi Strawberry Fields wouldn’t cut it this morning. Instead, I scrambled three eggs and ate it along with a giant gourmet pesto bagel and cream cheese. Now, off to devour lunch. Oh, hey, another sandwich!