Anastasia, AKA Bar Exam Smasher. And A Running Breakthrough!

My beautiful friend Anastasia has been such a wonderful addition to my life for the years I've known her.

She's compassionate, fun, loving, smart, and such a loyal friend I can truly count on. And that's been the case since the day I've met her.

Don't call her Nas. And it's not Aaa-nuh-stay-juh, either. Her name is Greek, and it's pronounced "Uh-nass-sta-see-uh." If you're teaching a kid to say it, tell him to say "uh, nice to see ya" really fast.

pretty, pretty Greek friend

Today's a big one for Anastasia. As this is posted, she's taking the Maryland Bar Exam to be a licensed attorney in her home state. And although I'd love to selfishly hope she doesn't get barred anywhere but Virginia (so she can live here and we'll all live happily ever after), I can't wish anything but the best for my dear friend.

I always selfishly talk about how these bar exams have taken my loved ones away from me (copious amounts of studying are not conducive to fun with Alyssa), but it's more important to highlight just how many months of hard work are put into these tests. I know, just as it did for the Virginia Bar, Anastasia's hard work is gonna pay off for her.  :)

Anastasia and I have been through a lot together in the few years we've known each other.

many races

 and QUITE a few miles...

lots of bottles of wine...

a whole lotta dancin'...

a bunch'a holidays (and the best halloween ever)...

And lots and lots and lots of support and love. I know I'd be lost without Anastasia, and I wish you the very best as you dominate this bar exam today and tomorrow.  :)

and after you do, these people will be waiting for you in VB
to come celebrate. ;)

Lots of love and luck to you, Anastasia Theodora! Hip, hip, hooray, you're almost done!


And some Running News...

I was hitting the treadmill yesterday, I got a text from Jamie proposing an evening run. I hopped off that tread at mile 3, headed home, and ran outside for a run with her.

BIG NEWS. I'm over my wussy refusal to run in the cold! It was a chilly one, and it didn't bother me at all. And including my quick gym run, I finished yesterday up with 9.5 miles.

I think between running earlier in the morning, running in the cold, and running with no ipod, I'm getting used to swingin' it and being a laid-back runner.

You don't phase me, cold!

Jamie's such a good influence on me. :)

What was your biggest recent running breakthrough?


Aaaand... I think I fixed the "comment" bug... users without a blog should now be able to post again (if you can't, let me know).