I'm back...sort of

For all of you (by ALL I mean two)wondering "hey, Allison has not posted anything for a while" allow me to fill you in with my whereabouts. I have been in my den. Working on my classes for my Master's degree in Literacy. Not the most exciting excuse in the world, but it does zap a majority of my energy for writing.

Every so often, an idea for a blog entry pops into my mind... and then I realize I have a paper due or a discussion post to write. What I present to you today is a mishmash of random thoughts, questions and happenings that have been entering my mind as of late:

1) In a desperate attempt to hold on to my youth, I have been a faithful viewer of the show "Pretty Little Liars" on ABC family. Tomorrow, "A" will be revealed! I have not been this excited for a season final since Beverly Hills 90210 (the REAL one) featuring Mel and Jackie's wedding. So excited that I have even joined the Facebook group for the show, along with the other (mostly teenage) fans.

2) This is my 2nd year doing Crossfit and I decided to enter the "Crossfit Games" which is open to all athletes. Each week there is a new workout and scores are posted online. Currently I am ranked 2000 something in the world which I thought was fairly decent... until I discovered a woman who is THIRTY WEEKS pregnant is way ahead of me! Still though, I have surprised myself with my strength and ability over the last few weeks, especially during one workout where I had to "snatch" 75lbs!

3) I have a new reading obsession that began back when it snowed in January... The Hunger Games Trilogy. I actually finished the books in three consecutive days and I did not want the third one to end. Unlike the Twilight books, these feature a STRONG female protagonist with an actual personality.

Usually I am not a fan of Sci-Fi/Dystopian literature and gravitate toward historical or realistic-fiction, but these books have converted me temporarily. Hopefully the movie (which I plan to see this Friday) does the books justice.

4) Even though it snowed today, I am very much looking forward to spring. Sandals and open-toed shoes, bright printed skirts, colorful pants and new sunglasses. I love spring and summer fashion, no matter how briefly the seasons may last here in Washington. Not to mention the outdoor happy hours, taking Teddy on walks in the late evening (when it is still light out) and running outside without a fleece on!

5)Since heading back to school (well, virtually anyways)I have come to appreciate the easy time I had when in high school and college. It is clear to me know that I took this all for granted when I was younger. Working 50 hours per week and THEN having to do homework directly relating to said job is not my idea of a good time. Hopefully it will all be worth it in the end when I earn my pay raise...

I would love to write more, but I have been starring at the computer screen for over four hours today to write a paper on incorporating vocabulary into Instruction. Riveting, I know.