It's 2016!! We made it...actually, we're already 8 days into it...and I've been blogger tardy.
A couple of big changes marked the start of 2016, and thus explain my absence. The biggest of these was my starting graduate school this week, and so many evening my free time is consumed with reading, or writing, or homework, or other schooly kinds of things. That doesn't leave a lot of extra time to blog, and one of my assignments this semesters is actually to create a learning blog, so who knows what will become of "Going the Distance" as this new endeavor plays out. But at least for now, I'll post here as long as time permits!
And so, without further ado, to kick off the new year, here are four thoughts for 2016.
1. 2016 presents: grown-up Harry Potter and African American Hermione: If you haven't already heard, there is a new stage play coming out about Harry Potter's grown-up life, and what becomes of his friends from Hogwarts. The play in and of itself made headlines, but the internet darn near broke when it was announced that an African American actress would play Hermione. Don't expect this story to go away this year as the premier date of the production gets closer. JK Rowling and Emma Watson have both come out in support of the casting decision, but people will likely continue to talk about, debate about, criticize, and praise the decision until the actual show starts and "new Hermione" can stand alone on her own merits as a character and actress. In the mean time, for a less controversial, and very nerdy, dose of Harry Potter for the new year, get yourself sorted with this new sorting hat quiz --> CLICK HERE.
2. 2016 presents: the gym will be full for the next month and then will return to its regularly scheduled programming: There are times I use my gym membership more than others. Summer is hard to make myself go to the gym because it's nice outside and I can run the trails around our house...a much better option than the treadmill! I don't like the treadmill in general, so even in the winter I have to really get motivated to venture to the gym instead of stay on my bike trainer at home from November - March. January, however, is particularly tedious to go to the gym because EVERYONE AND THEIR MOTHER is there jump starting their new year's resolution. The parking lots get crowded. The machines and treadmills fill up. The locker room becomes uncomfortably crowded. And then, about February, things clear out again and life goes back to normal! If exercise was on your resolution list, good for you! If it wasn't...that's ok too! Also, don't forget that not every workout plan is for everybody, so if you're showing up to the gym this week and hating the treadmill, don't worry...that's normal. And if you're starting crossfit for the first time, well...you should talk to Mookie...or watch this video! -->CLICK HERE.
3. 2016 presents: everyone you know is getting married: 2015 was the year of my own wedding, and 2014 was the year of my proposal, so this thought comes with no judgment whatsoever...but it seems like 2016 has become the year everyone else I know is getting married/engaged. Don't get me wrong...this is a good thing, and I'm happy for everyone as getting engaged/married has been one of the most awesome things about the last couple years. However, if you're on social media at all, you're probably starting to feel a little overloaded with everyone's posting, and ring picks, and Pinteresting, and DIY wedding ideas. So...here's a game for you to get through the next couple weeks...months...or years...
4. 2016 presents: we're pretty much out of ideas, so lots of books are being turned into movies this year: Did you know that there are at least 19 books that are being turned into major motion pictures this year. Might be time to beef up your reading list if you're the kind of person who doesn't want the book spoiled by the movie... If you're a person who doesn't like it when movies ruin books, well then maybe keep these off your list for a while! --> CLICK HERE.
Happy Wild Card Weekend! Once again, my efforts to achieve fantasy football prowess have fallen short, but at least there are still games to watch for a few more weeks. Plus, I no longer have to cheer for teams I otherwise don't care about or would prefer to see lose! (Vikings....Patriots....Steelers....)
Happy Trails,
3. 2016 presents: everyone you know is getting married: 2015 was the year of my own wedding, and 2014 was the year of my proposal, so this thought comes with no judgment whatsoever...but it seems like 2016 has become the year everyone else I know is getting married/engaged. Don't get me wrong...this is a good thing, and I'm happy for everyone as getting engaged/married has been one of the most awesome things about the last couple years. However, if you're on social media at all, you're probably starting to feel a little overloaded with everyone's posting, and ring picks, and Pinteresting, and DIY wedding ideas. So...here's a game for you to get through the next couple weeks...months...or years...
4. 2016 presents: we're pretty much out of ideas, so lots of books are being turned into movies this year: Did you know that there are at least 19 books that are being turned into major motion pictures this year. Might be time to beef up your reading list if you're the kind of person who doesn't want the book spoiled by the movie... If you're a person who doesn't like it when movies ruin books, well then maybe keep these off your list for a while! --> CLICK HERE.
Happy Wild Card Weekend! Once again, my efforts to achieve fantasy football prowess have fallen short, but at least there are still games to watch for a few more weeks. Plus, I no longer have to cheer for teams I otherwise don't care about or would prefer to see lose! (Vikings....Patriots....Steelers....)
Happy Trails,
