 |
| You're a celebrity, not a super human. Unprotected sex = bad news bears, Hormone Boy. |
November Goal Update:
$7 spent on food as of 11/2/11
2 miles+weights on 11/1/11
Food log in full swing.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Post-It Wisdom Wednesday
November Goal Update:
$7 spent on food as of 11/2/11
2 miles+weights on 11/1/11
Food log in full swing.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Magical
11/1/11.
You know it's gonna be a magical day with a date like that!
Unfortunately *yawn* things are status quo today. It's just a regular old run of the mill Tuesday ...or is it?
Look, normally I don't dress up the boys. They know it's unnatural and wrong (except, Benny is oddly at peace with his beanie), but I saw these little hats and scarves at Target, of course, and couldn't resist. It was one of those Target trips where I was buying really boring things, trying to avoid the clothing and shoes sections, and they freakin' stuck canine Christmas garb on a home-cleaning-goods endcap. Ohhh, Target. Evil!
Other than that, today has been very unexceptional, much to my chagrin.
I took a couple days off running because I lost feeling in two toes on my left foot, and there was a disconcerting pain in my right buttock-hip. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday I'm going to need fully functioning hips, dammit! Anyways, today I'm getting back up on the horse - ok, it's a treadmill - to keep pounding out some mileage, then it's off to Bible study with my girls.
I'm excited that this movie comes out on DVD today. Ryan Goslin isn't normally my cup of tea (I'm not into blondes, sorry), but he got it RIGHT in this movie! Emma Stone and Steve Carell also definitely boosted my opinion of this "rom-comedrama."
November Goal Update:
$0 spent on food as of 11/1/11
Food&exercise log in progress
You know it's gonna be a magical day with a date like that!
Unfortunately *yawn* things are status quo today. It's just a regular old run of the mill Tuesday ...or is it?
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| Boys in Beanies!! |
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| Kind of looks like an owl wearing a turban... |
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| Rastafarian Weinie, Mon! |
Other than that, today has been very unexceptional, much to my chagrin.
I took a couple days off running because I lost feeling in two toes on my left foot, and there was a disconcerting pain in my right buttock-hip. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday I'm going to need fully functioning hips, dammit! Anyways, today I'm getting back up on the horse - ok, it's a treadmill - to keep pounding out some mileage, then it's off to Bible study with my girls.
I'm excited that this movie comes out on DVD today. Ryan Goslin isn't normally my cup of tea (I'm not into blondes, sorry), but he got it RIGHT in this movie! Emma Stone and Steve Carell also definitely boosted my opinion of this "rom-comedrama."
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| Hello, my darling. |
November Goal Update:
$0 spent on food as of 11/1/11
Food&exercise log in progress
Monday, October 31, 2011
October Recap/November Goals
October.
October was a really good, exceptionally trying month. All the rough patches were work related, and I'll leave it at that because as difficult as work can be, I am ever-grateful to be gainfully employed.
I spent a week in Villahermosa, Mexico for work and reconnected with a lot of people I worked with last year when I spent all of June in Villa. While I was overjoyed to see everyone again, when the trip was cut short, I was extremely grateful. My mom went through over six hours of surgery while I was gone, my boys were being boarded at a break-the-bank facility, and I was sick. On the plane ride back I thought about when I wanted to be a stewardess as a profession. How things change. It's pulling teeth to get me to leave these days. I thank God for a home I love, friends I cherish and a life I don't like to put on hold.
Back in Houston, the heat was making everyone a little crazy, the boys had a massive flea outbreak (accompanied by one tick), I put more mileage on my legs than ever before, I decided I'd spend Thanksgiving in Alaska, and I finally realized that nothing stands in my way of anything except myself.
November.
November's gonna be good. Like, silly, giddy, challenging, fulfilling good. Suffice it to say, my life looks a lot different than it did a year ago, and I'm so thankful and happy for the maelstrom of overwhelming pain and sadness it took to get me here.
Now, on to the fun stuff! Challenges!
1. I will not be spending more than $100 on food/groceries for the entire month. I read about this challenge on another blog; it's an effort to eat up all the pantry staples we accumulate, to each more fruits and vegetables, and to remember those who have to make-do all year long. This goes into effect tomorrow, and I'll keep you updated with weekly totals.
2. I will keep a daily food/exercise log. The truth is, marathon training has been amazing, but it hasn't been the fat-burner/muscle-builder I thought it would be. It's hard to change my diet/non-running-exercises at this point (the height of training), but I want to become more conscious/deliberate about the foods I eat and the ways I spend my gym time. (A subgoal would be to lose 5 lbs.)
3. Do yoga at least twice. Easy enough.
4. Read 3 books. I'm not quite halfway through "Sybil Exposed," and then I'm going to read "Once a Runner." Suggestions are always encouraged!
5. Take more pictures.
6. Have a blast in Alaska. Going to Alaska is a bucket list thing for me, and I'm so, so excited to be crossing this off! As soon as I get back, I'll cross off another line by running a marathon!
7. This is the fluff goal. Enjoy the end of this year. November and December lend themselves to tons of new memories, plenty of life-evaluating, and prepping for the upcoming new year. This year has been the most horrendously packaged gift, a precious blessing in the most terrible disguise. Though I'm ready to see it go, I want to honor the magical things that have come as a result of it.
October was a really good, exceptionally trying month. All the rough patches were work related, and I'll leave it at that because as difficult as work can be, I am ever-grateful to be gainfully employed.
I spent a week in Villahermosa, Mexico for work and reconnected with a lot of people I worked with last year when I spent all of June in Villa. While I was overjoyed to see everyone again, when the trip was cut short, I was extremely grateful. My mom went through over six hours of surgery while I was gone, my boys were being boarded at a break-the-bank facility, and I was sick. On the plane ride back I thought about when I wanted to be a stewardess as a profession. How things change. It's pulling teeth to get me to leave these days. I thank God for a home I love, friends I cherish and a life I don't like to put on hold.
Back in Houston, the heat was making everyone a little crazy, the boys had a massive flea outbreak (accompanied by one tick), I put more mileage on my legs than ever before, I decided I'd spend Thanksgiving in Alaska, and I finally realized that nothing stands in my way of anything except myself.
November's gonna be good. Like, silly, giddy, challenging, fulfilling good. Suffice it to say, my life looks a lot different than it did a year ago, and I'm so thankful and happy for the maelstrom of overwhelming pain and sadness it took to get me here.
Now, on to the fun stuff! Challenges!
1. I will not be spending more than $100 on food/groceries for the entire month. I read about this challenge on another blog; it's an effort to eat up all the pantry staples we accumulate, to each more fruits and vegetables, and to remember those who have to make-do all year long. This goes into effect tomorrow, and I'll keep you updated with weekly totals.
2. I will keep a daily food/exercise log. The truth is, marathon training has been amazing, but it hasn't been the fat-burner/muscle-builder I thought it would be. It's hard to change my diet/non-running-exercises at this point (the height of training), but I want to become more conscious/deliberate about the foods I eat and the ways I spend my gym time. (A subgoal would be to lose 5 lbs.)
3. Do yoga at least twice. Easy enough.
4. Read 3 books. I'm not quite halfway through "Sybil Exposed," and then I'm going to read "Once a Runner." Suggestions are always encouraged!
5. Take more pictures.
6. Have a blast in Alaska. Going to Alaska is a bucket list thing for me, and I'm so, so excited to be crossing this off! As soon as I get back, I'll cross off another line by running a marathon!
7. This is the fluff goal. Enjoy the end of this year. November and December lend themselves to tons of new memories, plenty of life-evaluating, and prepping for the upcoming new year. This year has been the most horrendously packaged gift, a precious blessing in the most terrible disguise. Though I'm ready to see it go, I want to honor the magical things that have come as a result of it.
20 Miles Strong!
I did it! I did it!
I ran not 1, not 5, not 10, not 13.1, not 15, but 20 miles this Saturday!
Finally, finally, I feel like I might be able to join the ranks of those who have crossed the 26.2 mile threshold. Still, though, my nerves were (are) not quite yet on solid ground.
The weather was absolutely perfect. I'd say it was the prettiest day in Houston so far this year - cold when we stopped for water/fuel, but perfect when we were on the move.
My running partner was none other than NinjaCupcake who kept me entertained with stories of living in Paris and training cats. With her charm and wit, I barely remembered that my ankles felt like they were going to snap off or that my knees were on the precipice of shattering. Maybe that's the real secret to running a marathon - all you really need are good shoes and great people to help you forget that you've been running for 4 hours straight.
Hope everyone enjoys a festive, fun and SAFE Halloween today! October seems like it's the last "real" month of the year - I spend the next two months in a whirlwind bliss of family, travel, running the marathon and prepping for the greatness that will be 2012.
Coming later today: October recap and November goals.
I ran not 1, not 5, not 10, not 13.1, not 15, but 20 miles this Saturday!
Finally, finally, I feel like I might be able to join the ranks of those who have crossed the 26.2 mile threshold. Still, though, my nerves were (are) not quite yet on solid ground.
The weather was absolutely perfect. I'd say it was the prettiest day in Houston so far this year - cold when we stopped for water/fuel, but perfect when we were on the move.
My running partner was none other than NinjaCupcake who kept me entertained with stories of living in Paris and training cats. With her charm and wit, I barely remembered that my ankles felt like they were going to snap off or that my knees were on the precipice of shattering. Maybe that's the real secret to running a marathon - all you really need are good shoes and great people to help you forget that you've been running for 4 hours straight.
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| Ninja and me, immediately post-run. We keep each other entertained with our love of rap and gangsterly things. |
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| 2-0 baby! |
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| Feelin' strong, Ready for brunch. |
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| The most beautiful combination of great weather, burger, mimosa and friends. Living the dream! |
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| Oooo Ninja! What she order? Fish Fi-let! |
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| The best way to celebrate a running milestone. Shout out to OJ (far right) who is running the NYC marathon this weekend! |
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| And now, we go our separate ways (me, I go to bed). |
Hope everyone enjoys a festive, fun and SAFE Halloween today! October seems like it's the last "real" month of the year - I spend the next two months in a whirlwind bliss of family, travel, running the marathon and prepping for the greatness that will be 2012.
Coming later today: October recap and November goals.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Books and 20 Miles
This week has not been ideal in terms of running. Work obligations became overwhelming in the latter days of the week, and something had to give. (I am hearing, "Excuses, excuses, excuses!" in my head right now.) I've gotten in 12 so far, and I'll do 3 more this afternoon, followed by 20 tomorrow.
Ah, the 20 mile mark. This thing is really starting to become a reality. I am almost convinced I can pull this off...but no, I won't be confident or assured until I cross the finish line on December 4.
Tomorrow's celebratory brunch will be at Empire Cafe with my two favorite runners, and truth be told, the promise of unlimited food might be what gets me through those last miles back to my car. And of course the opportunity for us to commisterate over things like chafing, chapping, waking up too early, gu's, gels, chafing, energy bars, hydration, sports bras, chafing, chafing, and people in our running group who smell weird.
I've been preparing mentally all week for this run. I'm freaked out yet doing my best to trust - trust in myself, in my preparation, in my running buddies, and in my ability to push through when things suck. This, by God, I have proven able to do.
So, onto a little book clubbin'.
Latest Read:
Honestly, didn't love it. The characters were kind of flat, and you could tell the author was trying to spin this magical story in an imaginative form of writing, but it didn't take. Missed the mark. There was, however, a storyline involving the death of a pet that left me sobbing - literally - one night in my bed, stroking Benny and Roger extremely pathetically.
Currently reading:
Ah, the 20 mile mark. This thing is really starting to become a reality. I am almost convinced I can pull this off...but no, I won't be confident or assured until I cross the finish line on December 4.
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| My first, but definitely not my last (Hello, New Orleans!) |
Tomorrow's celebratory brunch will be at Empire Cafe with my two favorite runners, and truth be told, the promise of unlimited food might be what gets me through those last miles back to my car. And of course the opportunity for us to commisterate over things like chafing, chapping, waking up too early, gu's, gels, chafing, energy bars, hydration, sports bras, chafing, chafing, and people in our running group who smell weird.
I've been preparing mentally all week for this run. I'm freaked out yet doing my best to trust - trust in myself, in my preparation, in my running buddies, and in my ability to push through when things suck. This, by God, I have proven able to do.
 |
| Well...by God and by Florence. |
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| And Jay and B, too. |
So, onto a little book clubbin'.
Latest Read:
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| On the Divinity of Second Chances, by Kaya McLaren |
Currently reading:
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| Sybil Exposed by Debbie Nathan |
Though not very far into this book, I'm very interested. It's an expose on the book titled (can you guess?) "Sybil" written in the 70's, which brought Multiple Personality Disorders into the limelight. However, the case based on "Sybil" was created through malpractice, abuse and extreme conflicts of interest between the patient, doctor and journalist. Still, if everything was a hoax, why did tens of thousands of people (mostly women by the way) resonate with the lie?
Future read:
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| Once a Runner by John L. Parker, Jr. |
This is another book I can't wait to dive into. A fictional work about what it takes to be a distance runner. Enough said.
Please note I'm an extremely judgemental, opinionated critic, and that goes for everything - books, movies, TV shows, characters, people, restaurants, etc. Cookies are pretty much the only exception. (Herego most of the preceeding categories can be positively affected by the presence of cookies.)
Three Things Thursday (Friday Edition)
One order of Three Things Thursday (Friday Edition) comin' up!
First of all, TTT wasn't created on Thursday because things got a little rowdy last night at none other than Benihana, if you can wrap your mind around that one. Started out innocent enough, then a couple Japanese beers and onion-volcanoes later, it's way past my blogtime. So without further ado...
1. I don't like Benihana at all.
Is that a shocker for anyone? It's overpriced, it's gimmicky, and the food really isn't that great. I didn't know anyone still ate there until last night, and then I realized it's the place you go with your grandparents...when you're in middle school.
So, note to all my potential suitors out there, don't take me to Benihana, or any other hibachi grill place for that matter. In fact, don't take me anywhere. Cook for me, grill for me, bake for me, and we'll get along juuuust fine.
2. My lunch breaks are incredibly hurried, unenjoyable and a source of great stress in my life.
I live about 25 minutes away from work, but I fly like a bat out of hell home every day to walk my little toots for about 7 minutes, then fly back down the highway, back to work, usually sweating, unfed and worried about how many wrecks I may have left in my wake. Here are some observations from my lunch yesterday.
3. There is nothing that a good glass of wine amongst girlfriends can't fix.
Often referred to as Whine&Wine, these outings are sure to boost quality of life and outlook on current situations. Yesterday, my sis, Dale, and I stopped in at Vintropolis for a pre-Benimania glass of house white. Not only did we get to sit outside to enjoy the cooler weather coming in, but we solved not a small number of the world's problems while we did it.
Sidenote: There are some misinformed out there who'd say I have no taste in wine. To them I say lower expectations mean I'm never disappointed in a cheap glass of house anything! And, more wine for me when you don't like your own! (Love you, Ninja. Can't wait for our Specs classes.)
So that was my Thursday, brought to you by Friday. Today and tomorrow should be very interesting - Saturday is my first 20 mile run! Commence freak out!
First of all, TTT wasn't created on Thursday because things got a little rowdy last night at none other than Benihana, if you can wrap your mind around that one. Started out innocent enough, then a couple Japanese beers and onion-volcanoes later, it's way past my blogtime. So without further ado...
1. I don't like Benihana at all.
Is that a shocker for anyone? It's overpriced, it's gimmicky, and the food really isn't that great. I didn't know anyone still ate there until last night, and then I realized it's the place you go with your grandparents...when you're in middle school.
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| Dear Hibachi Master, my plate is empty and my beer is warm. You've been playing with my food for 20 minutes - give me my rice! |
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| Hold the squash-train...you're not Japanese at all! |
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| I do welcome ANY opportunity to show my mad chopstick skillz. |
2. My lunch breaks are incredibly hurried, unenjoyable and a source of great stress in my life.
I live about 25 minutes away from work, but I fly like a bat out of hell home every day to walk my little toots for about 7 minutes, then fly back down the highway, back to work, usually sweating, unfed and worried about how many wrecks I may have left in my wake. Here are some observations from my lunch yesterday.
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| Know what those mean? Rain. Rain and cooler weather! |
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| Toot 1 and Toot 2, investigating a horse-mammoth-dog that lives in one of the townhomes near us (it's the beast poking it's head through the gate hole). Benny was doing his high-pitched, woman-whine and Roger was going all-out, uber-manly bark. |
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| The backside of our townhome complex looks like post-apocolyptic America, circa 2070. Did I just let the cat out of the bag? Yes, the world will end in 2070. Put it in your dayplanner. |
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| The best part is they leave those tractors out so when I'm walking the dogs at 5 in the morning, it really looks like a Transformers graveyard. Perfectly spooky for this time of year. (Hi, Downtown Houston, in the background!) |
3. There is nothing that a good glass of wine amongst girlfriends can't fix.
Often referred to as Whine&Wine, these outings are sure to boost quality of life and outlook on current situations. Yesterday, my sis, Dale, and I stopped in at Vintropolis for a pre-Benimania glass of house white. Not only did we get to sit outside to enjoy the cooler weather coming in, but we solved not a small number of the world's problems while we did it.
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| Practically RUNNING towards the wine. Or at least away from work. |
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| Hi. Welcome. |
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| Dear Sis, you're gorgeous and your red hair makes me super happy. |
So that was my Thursday, brought to you by Friday. Today and tomorrow should be very interesting - Saturday is my first 20 mile run! Commence freak out!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Wednesday Morning WIN!
I really, really dislike the grocery store. Correction - I love the grocery store, I hate grocery store traffic and mayhem. Consequently, I make quick trips throughout the week, usually before work (at 6 am) or during lunch. Going at bizarre hours usually means I am not equipped with a list, often leading to what the "experts" call impulse purchases.
Let me tell you, impulse purchases have been some of the best buys of my life. Case in point:
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| Land O Lakes Hot Chocolates: Mint, French Vanilla, Hazelnut and Chocolate SUPREME! |
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| Sipping, sipping... |
I sat in my cube this morning and cradled a steaming cup of Mint Hot Chocolate. I knew from the smell that life had been incomplete until this very day. Empty beyond comparison until the moment I put that orange cup to my lips.
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| MAJOR success! |
Dear cooler weather, I've all but given up on you, but that won't stop from heralding in the new season with gusto and ganas! I WILL drink hot chocolate, I WILL wear sweaters, and I WILL play Christmas tunes with or without you, cold weather!
Therapy tonight (love therapy. love it. love Carole.). We're dissecting dreams and talking about being heartbroken by female friends.
Workout tonight will be rushed if existent. Keep ya updated though fa sho.
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