I went for a run yesterday. I haven't been running much lately; it's been hard finding a schedule that works for my new life. My hands have been really full with moving into my new place and jump starting my social life. But hey, I've moved in now! No more excuses. I'm going to run regularly again. I have a schedule posted on my closet door. Bring it on, life.

Anyway. I ran yesterday. It was my first run in my new neighborhood. I didn't quite go where I wanted to (I missed a turn!), but I found my way home just fine. I also found a couple little restaurants that I want to try later. It was my longest run yet. At Twin Oaks, I would always do the half block, which is a little less than 3 miles. At my parents' place, I would do this one trail, which is also about 3 miles. Yesterday, I walked for about a mile and a half through the stoplight-y part of town, and I ran for 3.6 miles. I wasn't dying or in pain or anything at the end of it. I felt comfortable, and strong, and a little tired. Today, I am not particularly sore. Bodies are so cool. My body is so capable. Life is pretty great.

Oh, on the topic of using my body, I started taking a belly dance class. Every Tuesday, I will be learning how to shimmy and shake from a very quirky Egyptian lady. My classmates are quite a collection of characters, too. I had my first class earlier this week.

More body stuff: I walk to work now! My new place is 1.2 miles from the school. Less car, more feet. I bought myself a pair of winter boots and a warm coat so that I will have no excuses come cooler weather.

I am thrilled to be out of my parents' basement. I mean, hey, I'm glad to have their support, and I'm glad to have had that option. I just feel much more like an independent, adult human being in my own space. Also, I can paint the walls. I painted my walls. They look awesome.

Things that make my new place feel like home: my guitar, background music, and plants. I planted some herbs in pots today. I ordered the seeds from Southern Exposure, which always give me a warm, fuzzy feeling. They haven't sprouted yet, obviously, but even just having some dirt in pots there on the windowsill makes things feel cozier. I'm not inspired enough to plant any fall crops in containers outside, but maybe I'll be more on top of that come spring. (We have a patio, but no yard. Container gardening is the name of the game here.)

Generally, I feel like my life is going shockingly well. I continue to be thrilled with my job. I feel healthy and happy. I feel like opportunities are spreading themselves thickly before me. Moving was an excellent decision. Good on you, severely distressed Joanna of a couple months ago, for taking that step.