A few shoutouts...

Since moving to DC in July of 2008, I have been spending my spare time getting involved with some really great organizations...

In August of 2008 I became a part of Greater DC Cares, which is basically a huge network connecting anyone who wants to volunteer with community service groups and events in the area. Due to my work schedule, I do not get to participate in a lot of their afternoon volunteering events, however, this past year I was able to be a project manager at both Servathon and the 9/11 Day of Service. Both of these events help to raise money for Greater DC Cares, which it uses to provide volunteers and services to thousands of non-profits in the DC Metro Area. On both these days volunteers perform community service projects benefiting local organizations. Having the opportunity to help out the National Park Service and the DC Firefighers Burn Foundation this year has really been amazing.

In January of 2009, I became involved with the DC Habitat for Humanity PR Committee. The committee meets once a month to come up with ideas and plan new fundraising events, take part in local festivals and events as the face of DC Habitat, and also to spread word and get donations for home dedication ceremonies. Since getting involved, I have attended quite a few happy hours all around DC and been able to check out some places I wouldn't normally have gone to. At the most recent meeting, someone had the idea of creating a house costume for someone to wear to get more people to come up to the Habitat booth at local festivals. Just a few days ago, myself and a few others constructed the costume -- it was a great way to express creativity that I haven't done in years. The great thing about DC Habitat is that you can get involved as much as your schedule allows.

Just this month I became involved with the planning committee for 2010's Taste of the Nation, an event to benefit Share our Strength. Still in the early stages, I am not sure what my role in this will be, but I have expressed an interest in the PR and Marketing committee, so we'll see how that goes. There are about 10 different planning committees.. it was hard choosing which one to get involved in.

I am always looking for ways to do more. I'll be sure to update my adventures more often.

New running shoes...

I've been looking for a new pair of running shoes since mine are just over a year old and have been through hell and back. I came across these and they seriously are the probably the most bizarre sneakers I've ever seen. Since I haven't bought sneakers in a while I didn't realize how much of an investment they were. Any suggestions for what I should be looking for in a good pair of running shoes!?

And so it begins...

Taken this morning at the AIDS Walk Washington 2009

This morning was the 2009 AIDS Walk Washington - a 5K Walk/Timed Run to benefit the Whitman-Walker Clinic. 1 in 20 adults in Washington DC has HIV, the highest rate in any city, so this event was not only important to raise money but also awareness. According to the AIDS Walk website, this years event raised over $760K!

Running on just enough sleep and iced coffee in hand, I ventured over to Pennsylvania Ave this morning to participate. Aaaaand next year I'll be participating in the timed run! Gonna start really hitting the gym and being healthier this Monday...(or maybe Tuesday!)

Any advice/information you have for me is greatly appreciated! Feel free to leave comments and holla (or tweet) atcha girl!

3 more photos after the jump!

Just a few days away...

I'm holed up in my apartment right now with an achy muscle in my right leg. I haven't been able to go to the gym since last Thursday(ish?) which has me feeling not too good.

Anyways, I guess I better rest up for Saturday... and figure out a better way to ease myself into running so that things like this don't happen more.

Looks like a few more days of laying around and snacking.. I'll be making some changes -- real soon.

I've never been much of a gadget person but...

Image courtesy of amazon.com

...I've always wanted a pedometer! I walk as much as I possibly can, so I'm interested to see how far I actually make it every day. Just don't call me a nerd when you see me walking around with this in my pocket!

So I'll never be able to beat this...

...and I'd like to think the BBC stole their inspiration for their article from my user name (Though that's obvi not the case!

Just another reason to love Eddie Izzard.

Keep on runnin'!

---Raquel

Maybe I'll try something new...

I just read that, for school-aged children with asthma at least, getting the flu shot is especially important because they experience much worse symptoms.

I've never gone to get a flu shot in my life, and although the last time I was diagnosed by a doctor as having the flu was when I was 8, every winter I seem to catch the same bug. The cold aggravates my asthma much more than it usually does and I feel fatigued very easily. It keeps me off my game for about a week (sometimes more) each winter.

Managing my asthma better experiment #1: Getting a flu shot and seeing how it helps me out this winter!


Update: Found this on the CDC's website. Looks like someone's gonna come face to face with her fear of needles in the near future.