On Saturday, I ran out to do an early morning errand and, at the last second, grabbed my book to read as a way to pass the time on the train. But instead of going straight home after my errand was done, my plans for the day changed and I ended up not making it back to the apartment until around 7 p.m. No big deal, except that I had my book in-hand all day without a shoulder bag or purse big enough to fit it while I walked around.

The interesting part is that I ended up crushing over 100 pages throughout the course of the day. I was sort of astonished at how many down time moments cropped up—not just on the train, but at the farmer’s market, in the park, even just waiting for Matt to run in and out of a store. Holding my book in my hands meant that it was the first thing I thought to do when I had time to pass. Usually, I’d just be reaching for my phone. Now, I’m almost done with my book!

Sort of makes you think about technology dependency, right? Don’t get me wrong, I still love my iPhone, but replacing it with my book for a day felt kind of nice.

What are you reading right now?

We did it! As I mentioned, my dad, sister and I all signed up to run the Scottish Run 10K with New York Road Runners in Central Park. This was no easy feat! Aside from the actual running part, my dad and sister had to travel into town for the race. My sister flew in all the way from LA!

My mom and Matt were our cheerleaders for the race. We needed someone to take the pics and document this awesome family moment! That said, credit goes to my sister for catching the family selfie above.

This race was extra special for my dad because it was was my sister’s first organized race. She’s a huge runner (she runs 6 miles a day on the west coast!), but has never signed up for an official road race with other people. She handled it like a pro—and ran an 8 minute mile!

My favorite part about the Scottish Run is the bag-pipers that appear at every mile marker. It’s such a nice way to celebrate the small victories—and so encouraging when you’re rounding the bend.

Here’s a shot of me crossing the finish line. I love that Matt snapped this pic right when I was standing on top of the traffic directional, “Slow.” I was the last to finish of the three of us, but I ran the whole way. Still, my pace just tends to be, well, slow. 😉

Have you ever run a road race? What did you think?

Happy Friday, my darling readers! Whew, what a week. I’m excited for a couple of days off. Plus, my parents and sister are coming into town to run a 10K in Central Park (remember when my dad and I ran one before?). I’m excited—but also a teeny tiny bit nervous. Will let you know how it goes! Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead. Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

The prettiest spring dress.

Brooklyn Bridge Park, before and after.

Whoa, Tom Brady!

Questions from Carrie Bradshaw.

A completely free workout.

I need to get tickets to this.

Because Cate Blanchett is awesome.

Pet portraits.

Get to know the MGM lion.

A flower garden hangs in Tokyo. Love!

(Image via Pinterest)

Now that April has arrived, my spring vacation (Matt and I are calling it “spring break”) is drawing near. Instead of traveling somewhere by plane, we’re road tripping down to the South with stops planned in D.C. to see the Cherry Blossoms….

…and Savannah (as I mentioned before) to see the charming old houses and the Spanish Moss. For travel recommendations in this small town, I’ve been deferring to Sarah’s picks over at Note to Self.

After Savannah, we’re Charleston-bound. I really want to get dinner (or at least cocktails!) at Husk while we’re there. The chef (Sean Brock) won a James Beard award for his authentic Southern cuisine. He says, “If it doesn’t come from the South, it’s not coming through the door.” I’m on board with that!

Matt’s family is joining us for the beginning of the trip, but for the last few days, we’re on our own. Our plan is to check out St. Simon’s Island and also, Beaufort, South Carolina, rated one of the best small towns in America by multiple magazines, including the Smithsonian.

That’s our itinerary—and I can’t wait! It seems so peaceful and relaxing. Also, it will be fun to drive the whole way (although we are taking a train to D.C. to shave a little bit of time off the trip).

Do you have any spring travels planned? Where are you headed?

(Image 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

I’ve talked about this before: April Fool’s Day might just be Matt’s favorite holiday. As a result, for obvious reasons, it’s become my least favorite. He’s pretty sneaky with his pranks—his parents and sister have any told me that he sometimes spends weeks (even months!) planning them in advance.

One year, he replaced our purple Method countertop cleaner with purple gatorade. Then, pretending to clean, he proceeded to drink straight from the bottle in front of me. Needless to say, I freaked! He thought he was quite clever (and promised he washed that bottle out a million times before swapping out the liquids).

So, if you’re looking for me today, you’ll find me…on my toes…waiting to see what tricks Matt has up his sleeve! 😉

Happy April Fool’s Day!

PS: A few easy ideas for April Fool’s pranks (in case you need one!).

(Image via Pinterest)