I cannot wait for breakfast tomorrow.
I have eggs, shallot, garlic, smoked salmon, spinach, and cheddar cheese. I am going to make the omelette of my life.
But first - yoga, then a mellow Halloween get-together with girlfriends.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Rainy Run
One of the perils of being car-less is that I am outside a lot. And since I wasn't diligent about checking the weather this morning, I found myself leaving work in a steady rainstorm with no umbrella.
My office is not near the metro. So... I set off on a five-block trek to the U-St station, determined to run an errand in Silver Spring. The errand was also not near the metro. When I hit my transfer point at Fort Totten, the rain had increased and I said, screw it... the errand can wait, I'm going home.
By the time I got home, the rain had stopped! So I took advantage of the dry spot and went out for an easy four-mile run, my first since the half-marathon last weekend.
Man... did it feel good to Just Run. No mileage quota to worry about, no splits to time. Just running. And when I turned a little early to close off the loop, I could feel the panic start to rise (No! Must keep going! Could add 1.5 miles if I continue down Connecticut Ave a little further!) before I realized that... I can turn whenever the hell I want and it doesn't matter because I'm not training for anything!
I stopped quickly at the grocery store and when I emerged, it was raining again. So I was happy to have snagged a little reprieve from the rain to get me back in my shoes.
I wore my race t-shirt which depicts the Detroit Half Marathon logo. The logo is great - purposefully or not, it looks like Detroit is giving the world the finger! A big F-YOU from Motown... totally appropriate. I love it.
I can't find a picture of the logo itself, but basically, it's the Renaissance Center (photo below) and the right half is red with a maple leaf (for Canada) while the right half is blue with a star (for the stars and stripes). Just the way it looks, juxtaposed against the white of the shirt, really looks like the skyline is flipping the bird. Hehe.
My office is not near the metro. So... I set off on a five-block trek to the U-St station, determined to run an errand in Silver Spring. The errand was also not near the metro. When I hit my transfer point at Fort Totten, the rain had increased and I said, screw it... the errand can wait, I'm going home.
By the time I got home, the rain had stopped! So I took advantage of the dry spot and went out for an easy four-mile run, my first since the half-marathon last weekend.
Man... did it feel good to Just Run. No mileage quota to worry about, no splits to time. Just running. And when I turned a little early to close off the loop, I could feel the panic start to rise (No! Must keep going! Could add 1.5 miles if I continue down Connecticut Ave a little further!) before I realized that... I can turn whenever the hell I want and it doesn't matter because I'm not training for anything!
I stopped quickly at the grocery store and when I emerged, it was raining again. So I was happy to have snagged a little reprieve from the rain to get me back in my shoes.
I wore my race t-shirt which depicts the Detroit Half Marathon logo. The logo is great - purposefully or not, it looks like Detroit is giving the world the finger! A big F-YOU from Motown... totally appropriate. I love it.
I can't find a picture of the logo itself, but basically, it's the Renaissance Center (photo below) and the right half is red with a maple leaf (for Canada) while the right half is blue with a star (for the stars and stripes). Just the way it looks, juxtaposed against the white of the shirt, really looks like the skyline is flipping the bird. Hehe.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Swimming in Smalls
Okay. Don't kill me for this post. I realize that what I'm about to describe is a "high-quality problem" - but it's frustrating.
I went to one of my favorite clothing stores yesterday in the hopes of finding some fall/winter basics. This is a tried-and-true store for me. Things fit, they're stylish, and affordable.
Yesterday, I tried on about 15 pieces, all smalls, and they were enormous on me. What the hell. Someone of my stature should be a MEDIUM, not a small, certainly not an extra-small (which, though not huge on me, didn't fit quite right either).
Having clothes not fit because they're too big is just as frustrating as having them not fit because they're too small, especially because there's no reason why clothes shouldn't fit me! I'm average weight, well-proportioned. I don't have extra long legs or inordinately wide hips or shoulders. Maybe it was the cut - but EVERYTHING hung like a sack on me and it was so, so frustrating.
GAH.
The more frustrated I got the worse luck I seemed to have, so finally I gave up and went shoe-shopping, which is decidedly less stressful, body-image wise. I found three cute pairs - one that will be perfect for Laura's wedding, and two basic fall flats.
I still need to update my fall wardrobe, though, so I'll give it another try this week, hopefully with better results.
I went to one of my favorite clothing stores yesterday in the hopes of finding some fall/winter basics. This is a tried-and-true store for me. Things fit, they're stylish, and affordable.
Yesterday, I tried on about 15 pieces, all smalls, and they were enormous on me. What the hell. Someone of my stature should be a MEDIUM, not a small, certainly not an extra-small (which, though not huge on me, didn't fit quite right either).
Having clothes not fit because they're too big is just as frustrating as having them not fit because they're too small, especially because there's no reason why clothes shouldn't fit me! I'm average weight, well-proportioned. I don't have extra long legs or inordinately wide hips or shoulders. Maybe it was the cut - but EVERYTHING hung like a sack on me and it was so, so frustrating.
GAH.
The more frustrated I got the worse luck I seemed to have, so finally I gave up and went shoe-shopping, which is decidedly less stressful, body-image wise. I found three cute pairs - one that will be perfect for Laura's wedding, and two basic fall flats.
I still need to update my fall wardrobe, though, so I'll give it another try this week, hopefully with better results.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
One-Timer
I never, ever post stuff like this. But this is interesting. So here goes.
How Racism Works...
What if John McCain were a former president of the Harvard Law Review?
What if Barack Obama finished fifth from the bottom of his graduating class?
What if McCain had only married once and Obama was a divorcee?
What if Obama had met his second wife in a bar and had a long affair while he was still married?
What if McCain were still married to the first woman he said 'I do' to?
What if Obama were the candidate who left his first wife after she no longer measured up to his standards?
What if Michelle Obama were a wife who not only became addicted to pain killers, but acquired them illegally through her charitable organization?
What if Cindy McCain graduated from Harvard?
What if Obama were a member of the Keating-5? (Five US senators accused of corruption in 1989 igniting a major political scandal as part of the savings and loan scandal in the late 1980's and early 1990's)
What if Obama couldn't read from a teleprompter.
What if McCain were a charismatic,eloquent speaker?
What if Obama was the one who had military experience that included discipline problems and a record of crashing seven planes?
What if Obama was the one who was known to publicly display a serious anger management problem?
What if Michele Obama's family had made their money from beer distribution?
What if things were switched around?
Would the country's collective point of view be different?
What if the Obama had paraded five children across the stage following the debate including a 3 month old infant and an uwed, pregnant teenage daughter?
If these questions reflected reality, do you really believe the election numbers would be as close as they are?
This is what racism does. It covers up, rationalizes and minimizes positive qualities in one candidate and emphasizes negative qualities in another when there is a color difference.
You are The Boss... which team would you hire?
With America facing historic debt, two wars, stumbling health care, a weakened dollar, all-time high prison population, mortgage crises, bank foreclosures, etc.
Educational Background:
Obama:
Columbia University - B.A. Political Science with a Specialization in International Relations.
Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude
Biden:
University of Delaware - B.A. in History and B.A. in Political Science.
Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)
vs.
McCain:
United States Naval Academy - Class rank: 894 of 899
Palin:
Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester
North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general study
University of Idaho - 2 semesters - journalism
Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester
University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in Journalism
Education isn't everything, but this is about the two highest offices in the land as well as our standing in the world.
Now, which team are you going to hire ?
How Racism Works...
What if John McCain were a former president of the Harvard Law Review?
What if Barack Obama finished fifth from the bottom of his graduating class?
What if McCain had only married once and Obama was a divorcee?
What if Obama had met his second wife in a bar and had a long affair while he was still married?
What if McCain were still married to the first woman he said 'I do' to?
What if Obama were the candidate who left his first wife after she no longer measured up to his standards?
What if Michelle Obama were a wife who not only became addicted to pain killers, but acquired them illegally through her charitable organization?
What if Cindy McCain graduated from Harvard?
What if Obama were a member of the Keating-5? (Five US senators accused of corruption in 1989 igniting a major political scandal as part of the savings and loan scandal in the late 1980's and early 1990's)
What if Obama couldn't read from a teleprompter.
What if McCain were a charismatic,eloquent speaker?
What if Obama was the one who had military experience that included discipline problems and a record of crashing seven planes?
What if Obama was the one who was known to publicly display a serious anger management problem?
What if Michele Obama's family had made their money from beer distribution?
What if things were switched around?
Would the country's collective point of view be different?
What if the Obama had paraded five children across the stage following the debate including a 3 month old infant and an uwed, pregnant teenage daughter?
If these questions reflected reality, do you really believe the election numbers would be as close as they are?
This is what racism does. It covers up, rationalizes and minimizes positive qualities in one candidate and emphasizes negative qualities in another when there is a color difference.
You are The Boss... which team would you hire?
With America facing historic debt, two wars, stumbling health care, a weakened dollar, all-time high prison population, mortgage crises, bank foreclosures, etc.
Educational Background:
Obama:
Columbia University - B.A. Political Science with a Specialization in International Relations.
Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude
Biden:
University of Delaware - B.A. in History and B.A. in Political Science.
Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)
vs.
McCain:
United States Naval Academy - Class rank: 894 of 899
Palin:
Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester
North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general study
University of Idaho - 2 semesters - journalism
Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester
University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in Journalism
Education isn't everything, but this is about the two highest offices in the land as well as our standing in the world.
Now, which team are you going to hire ?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Do I have cellulite?!
Until yesterday I hadn't the foggiest idea if I did or not, but now I'm pretty sure I do.
Grrr... on Saturday at the Health & Fitness Expo, where runners check in for their race and pick up their numbers, browse vendors and try out samples of energy drinks, gels, and gear, I entered a drawing sponsored by the American Laser Center.
Lo and behold, I won a $300 coupon towards laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, or cellulite reduction.
OMG. Do I even HAVE cellulite? Suddenly I'm extremely self-conscious about it! What the heck? I've never even thought about such a thing unil the chick called me and now I'm obsessing!
Knowing that these procedures are extremely expensive, and because I am try to age gracefully and naturally, I will not be redeeming my discount... I mean, I don't need to, right?
RIGHT?!?
Grrr... on Saturday at the Health & Fitness Expo, where runners check in for their race and pick up their numbers, browse vendors and try out samples of energy drinks, gels, and gear, I entered a drawing sponsored by the American Laser Center.
Lo and behold, I won a $300 coupon towards laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, or cellulite reduction.
OMG. Do I even HAVE cellulite? Suddenly I'm extremely self-conscious about it! What the heck? I've never even thought about such a thing unil the chick called me and now I'm obsessing!
Knowing that these procedures are extremely expensive, and because I am try to age gracefully and naturally, I will not be redeeming my discount... I mean, I don't need to, right?
RIGHT?!?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Half-Marathon Report
On Sunday I ran the Detroit Half-Marathon. My father also ran the half and his wife ran the fourth leg of the full marathon relay.
We had to be downtown pretty early so Melissa could get her shuttle out to Belle Isle. It was very cold - about 35-degrees, and since we knew it would get up to about 60 by the end of the race, we chose to wear shorts and short sleeves (or, in my case, no sleeves), just trying to keep warm under some cheapie thin plastic ponchos we purchased at the Expo the night before.
The race got underway right on time, but with 10,000 runners ahead of us we had trouble setting an early fast pace. The roads were thick with athletes all the way to the Ambassador Bridge (mile 3) and the fact that one lane of the bridge was open to traffic cause a major bottleneck and about 30 seconds of walking, which frustrated me because I had been training hills and really wanted to power up the incline.
The crowd thinned out through Canada (miles 4-9) and another 30 seconds or so were added to our time because of a much-needed pit stop at mile 5.
The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel was the best part of the race for me. I loved the feeling of being under water, and we had plenty of space to pick up our pace by then, and pick it up we did. Having battled one debilitating cramp a few miles back, I was ready to open it up and fly under the river and up into the sunlight. Customs Agents were waiting for us on the Detroit side, kindly staying out of the way but checking bib numbers for the first half-mile above water.
Right around mile 10, then, I came down with my third (and final) cramp of the race. It was one of those side-stitches that just doubles you over. So frustrating. I didn't stop though, just sqeezed my side and tried to breathe, all the while looking desperately for the 10-mile marker. If I could pass ten, I knew I had it in the bag.
Mile ten came, but slowly, and the cramp persisted all the way to the end of the race. As we turned the corner and approached the final stretch, I saw a very fast female runner rounding the corner from the other direction. As we ran, neck and neck, I heard the announcer say, "And in first place, unexpectedly, is [insert long and complex eastern European name]!" and realized that I was running in alongside the full marathon winner!
My father and I finished the race side by side, crossing the line at 2:30:18. A little slower than I hoped, but our halfway time was 1:22:17, which means we ran a negative split. A faster second half was my goal, along with breaking 2:30:00. So, one goal accomplished, the other barely eluded me... but at least I have something to work toward during the next one!
Thanks to all who texted, twitted, and emailed their support... thinking of you thinking of me kept me going during the tough times.
We had to be downtown pretty early so Melissa could get her shuttle out to Belle Isle. It was very cold - about 35-degrees, and since we knew it would get up to about 60 by the end of the race, we chose to wear shorts and short sleeves (or, in my case, no sleeves), just trying to keep warm under some cheapie thin plastic ponchos we purchased at the Expo the night before.
The race got underway right on time, but with 10,000 runners ahead of us we had trouble setting an early fast pace. The roads were thick with athletes all the way to the Ambassador Bridge (mile 3) and the fact that one lane of the bridge was open to traffic cause a major bottleneck and about 30 seconds of walking, which frustrated me because I had been training hills and really wanted to power up the incline.
The crowd thinned out through Canada (miles 4-9) and another 30 seconds or so were added to our time because of a much-needed pit stop at mile 5.
The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel was the best part of the race for me. I loved the feeling of being under water, and we had plenty of space to pick up our pace by then, and pick it up we did. Having battled one debilitating cramp a few miles back, I was ready to open it up and fly under the river and up into the sunlight. Customs Agents were waiting for us on the Detroit side, kindly staying out of the way but checking bib numbers for the first half-mile above water.
Right around mile 10, then, I came down with my third (and final) cramp of the race. It was one of those side-stitches that just doubles you over. So frustrating. I didn't stop though, just sqeezed my side and tried to breathe, all the while looking desperately for the 10-mile marker. If I could pass ten, I knew I had it in the bag.
Mile ten came, but slowly, and the cramp persisted all the way to the end of the race. As we turned the corner and approached the final stretch, I saw a very fast female runner rounding the corner from the other direction. As we ran, neck and neck, I heard the announcer say, "And in first place, unexpectedly, is [insert long and complex eastern European name]!" and realized that I was running in alongside the full marathon winner!
My father and I finished the race side by side, crossing the line at 2:30:18. A little slower than I hoped, but our halfway time was 1:22:17, which means we ran a negative split. A faster second half was my goal, along with breaking 2:30:00. So, one goal accomplished, the other barely eluded me... but at least I have something to work toward during the next one!
Thanks to all who texted, twitted, and emailed their support... thinking of you thinking of me kept me going during the tough times.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Almost There
I went for my final taper run this afternoon and felt great. Race clothes are clean and drying, apartment is clean as well.
I just need to pack and put in a couple hours at the office tomorrow... then pick up my rental car and hit the road!
I probably won't be blogging from Michigan, but I will be sending updates to Twitter, so you can log onto this page and check my sidebar to find out what's shakin.'
And, if you happen to be awake (which I don't recommend) and are so inclined, you can track my progress on race day at www.detroitmarathon.com I think you just need my last name - there are three of us with the same last name in the race. You know which one is me. Race starts at 7:15am on Sunday and you can track runners anytime after it starts. Just be warned that with so many people running, I may not cross the START line for 15-20 minutes after the gun goes off... but I will be running...
Thanks to everyone who has been so supportive of my little endeavor.
Ciao for now!
I just need to pack and put in a couple hours at the office tomorrow... then pick up my rental car and hit the road!
I probably won't be blogging from Michigan, but I will be sending updates to Twitter, so you can log onto this page and check my sidebar to find out what's shakin.'
And, if you happen to be awake (which I don't recommend) and are so inclined, you can track my progress on race day at www.detroitmarathon.com I think you just need my last name - there are three of us with the same last name in the race. You know which one is me. Race starts at 7:15am on Sunday and you can track runners anytime after it starts. Just be warned that with so many people running, I may not cross the START line for 15-20 minutes after the gun goes off... but I will be running...
Thanks to everyone who has been so supportive of my little endeavor.
Ciao for now!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Pre-Race Jitters!
Keith says to enjoy the rollercoaster of emotions... and what a rollercoaster it it. One moment I feel serenely prepared, the next moment I couldn't care less, soon thereafter I'm panicking because if only I had TWO MORE WEEKS I would be ready for this race.
It doesn't help that I just got bleach in my eye trying to clean the bathroom.
I keep thinking I'm leaving tomorrow, but I'm not. I'm leaving on Friday. Here's what I need to do between now and then:
Line up cat care - DONE! (Thanks - you know who you are!)
Easy 4-mile run in race clothes - TOMORROW after work
Clean flat - TOMORROW after work
Wash race clothes, pack - TOMORROW after work
Pick up rental car and hit road - FRIDAY early afternoon
So... I'm pretty much ready... just need to get organized tomorrow and hit the road. My cold seems to be on the way out. It was very mild, which I attribute to my nearly impeccable diet over the past few weeks, regular exercise, and plenty of sleep. And by plenty, I mean PLENTY - I've been sleeping at least eight hours overnight plus an average of one two-hour nap every day. I need it, and clearly my immune system is thanking me.
On that note, I'm not sure if I'll stay up to watch the debate tonight... my mind is made up, so I'm happy enough to catch the highlights on tomorrow's news. I'd rather get to bed on time and continue my health push. It is crunch time, after all.
It doesn't help that I just got bleach in my eye trying to clean the bathroom.
I keep thinking I'm leaving tomorrow, but I'm not. I'm leaving on Friday. Here's what I need to do between now and then:
Line up cat care - DONE! (Thanks - you know who you are!)
Easy 4-mile run in race clothes - TOMORROW after work
Clean flat - TOMORROW after work
Wash race clothes, pack - TOMORROW after work
Pick up rental car and hit road - FRIDAY early afternoon
So... I'm pretty much ready... just need to get organized tomorrow and hit the road. My cold seems to be on the way out. It was very mild, which I attribute to my nearly impeccable diet over the past few weeks, regular exercise, and plenty of sleep. And by plenty, I mean PLENTY - I've been sleeping at least eight hours overnight plus an average of one two-hour nap every day. I need it, and clearly my immune system is thanking me.
On that note, I'm not sure if I'll stay up to watch the debate tonight... my mind is made up, so I'm happy enough to catch the highlights on tomorrow's news. I'd rather get to bed on time and continue my health push. It is crunch time, after all.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Whine and Complain
So... I am sick and exhausted and my half-marathon is approaching and all I want to do is stay home and drink tea and not talk to anyone but one of my dearest friends is getting married this afternoon and there's been a ton of stuff happening this weekend that I wanted to be a part of. The ceremony is today and last night at the rehearsal dinner it was pretty clear to me that the girl who was supposed to give me a ride to the church didn't want to, so I let her off the hook and told her I would find my own way.
The church is in Georgetown but not near the metro, so I thought I would either walk 1.5 miles to Tenleytown and catch the bus down Wisconsin Ave to O St (in a hip-hugging red dress - NOT the best option) or just call a cab.
I ordered a cab online this morning but then they called me and said that they do not pre-order cabs for intra-city trips, only to the airport or whatnot, but if I just called a few minutes before I need to leave they would send a cab no problem.
So, fine. I managed to pull on some clothes and traipse down to Giant to restock on decongestants and tea and also get some cash to pay the cab driver, but when I grabbed my wallet I didn't realize that I had pretty much cleaned it out last night so I could carry the essentials (ID, debit card, etc) in a cute little clutch purse that matched my slate gray dress.
It was only when I was trying to pay for my groceries that I realized I a) would not be able to purchase the Tylenol because Giant requires ID for that sort of thing and b) would not be able to get cash for the cab because my debit card was at home with my ID. ARGGGH. Luckily I had a credit card on me so not all was lost.
So I went next door to CVS who's cashier sold me the Tylenol without checking my ID and then just came home. I am too lazy to go all the way ("all the way" - two and a half blocks) back down to the bank to get cash to pay the cab driver... so I guess I will end up taking a bus to the wedding.
Can we say, classy??
I suppose another option is to try to call for a cab that would let me pay for a credit card. Maybe I'll try that route. It has to be possible, right?!
The church is in Georgetown but not near the metro, so I thought I would either walk 1.5 miles to Tenleytown and catch the bus down Wisconsin Ave to O St (in a hip-hugging red dress - NOT the best option) or just call a cab.
I ordered a cab online this morning but then they called me and said that they do not pre-order cabs for intra-city trips, only to the airport or whatnot, but if I just called a few minutes before I need to leave they would send a cab no problem.
So, fine. I managed to pull on some clothes and traipse down to Giant to restock on decongestants and tea and also get some cash to pay the cab driver, but when I grabbed my wallet I didn't realize that I had pretty much cleaned it out last night so I could carry the essentials (ID, debit card, etc) in a cute little clutch purse that matched my slate gray dress.
It was only when I was trying to pay for my groceries that I realized I a) would not be able to purchase the Tylenol because Giant requires ID for that sort of thing and b) would not be able to get cash for the cab because my debit card was at home with my ID. ARGGGH. Luckily I had a credit card on me so not all was lost.
So I went next door to CVS who's cashier sold me the Tylenol without checking my ID and then just came home. I am too lazy to go all the way ("all the way" - two and a half blocks) back down to the bank to get cash to pay the cab driver... so I guess I will end up taking a bus to the wedding.
Can we say, classy??
I suppose another option is to try to call for a cab that would let me pay for a credit card. Maybe I'll try that route. It has to be possible, right?!
Friday, October 10, 2008
My Worst Nightmare
Okay, maybe the title is hyperbole. But only slight hyperbole.
I think I'm getting sick. One week out from my half-marathon. This is Not Good.
I left work early today and slept for a couple hours... woke feeling no worse, and maybe a little better. I have a big wedding weekend coming up - a bridal shower tonight, a tea in the morning, rehearsal/rehearsal dinner tomorrow night, and the wedding itself on Sunday.
Somehow, I'm going to have to squeeze in two runs amid all the traveling back and forth to Shirlington/Alexandria which, without a car, will be very time-consuming. The good news is that Monday is a federal holiday. My goal is to do an easy long run (~10 miles) and talk to as few people as possible.
If I can make it through this weekend without developing a full-blown cold, I should be home free.
I think I'm getting sick. One week out from my half-marathon. This is Not Good.
I left work early today and slept for a couple hours... woke feeling no worse, and maybe a little better. I have a big wedding weekend coming up - a bridal shower tonight, a tea in the morning, rehearsal/rehearsal dinner tomorrow night, and the wedding itself on Sunday.
Somehow, I'm going to have to squeeze in two runs amid all the traveling back and forth to Shirlington/Alexandria which, without a car, will be very time-consuming. The good news is that Monday is a federal holiday. My goal is to do an easy long run (~10 miles) and talk to as few people as possible.
If I can make it through this weekend without developing a full-blown cold, I should be home free.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Dining In
I needed a nourishing meal after my 7-mile run this evening. This is what I came up with:
Quinoa and chicken drizzled in olive oil with a "Rainbow Salad" of greens, tri-color peppers, carrot, sprouts, and a little goat cheese in a homemade vinaigrette... all against the backdrop of my fruit bowl. Dessert will be fresh blueberries and pomegranate green tea.
Quinoa and chicken drizzled in olive oil with a "Rainbow Salad" of greens, tri-color peppers, carrot, sprouts, and a little goat cheese in a homemade vinaigrette... all against the backdrop of my fruit bowl. Dessert will be fresh blueberries and pomegranate green tea.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Slight Anxiety
I feel anxious right now.
I hate, hate, hate anxiety.
There's so much going on in my life. One wedding passed, two more upcoming - the one this weekend requiring a ton of travel back and forth from Alexandria which, without a car, is difficult. Lots of time, too much time, I need to keep running and I'm afraid that the weekend will be so hectic that I literally won't find two consecutive hours to run. The problem is that after the two hours spent running, I'll need to find another hour to get to Alexandria for the lingerie party/tea/rehearsal dinner/a million other events.
This coming weekend is pivotal. It's the last weekend before I start tapering for the half-marathon. I'm nervous. I'm worried.
I'm also facing a bit of a dilemma in my professional life. It's probably a "high-quality problem," i.e., one that most people would like to have... but it's stressing me out because there are a lot of unknowns. I don't like unknowns. I don't like to trust God. I want to just rely on myself, but I can't because I don't know what the outcomes of some of the decisions will be... and that really worries me.
I feel lucky, though, to have such a multi-faceted life: work, church, running, yoga, Irish music. All these things have bearing on my happiness, and so if something goes wrong in one area, I still have a pretty good chance of staying happy and content overall. I need to remember that if I make a choice and it doesn't work perfectly, that life is still worth living. Easier said than done, though, and I'm having a really hard time thinking clearly because I don't have one second to sit still with all this activity in my life right now.
The monastery looks better and better every day...
I hate, hate, hate anxiety.
There's so much going on in my life. One wedding passed, two more upcoming - the one this weekend requiring a ton of travel back and forth from Alexandria which, without a car, is difficult. Lots of time, too much time, I need to keep running and I'm afraid that the weekend will be so hectic that I literally won't find two consecutive hours to run. The problem is that after the two hours spent running, I'll need to find another hour to get to Alexandria for the lingerie party/tea/rehearsal dinner/a million other events.
This coming weekend is pivotal. It's the last weekend before I start tapering for the half-marathon. I'm nervous. I'm worried.
I'm also facing a bit of a dilemma in my professional life. It's probably a "high-quality problem," i.e., one that most people would like to have... but it's stressing me out because there are a lot of unknowns. I don't like unknowns. I don't like to trust God. I want to just rely on myself, but I can't because I don't know what the outcomes of some of the decisions will be... and that really worries me.
I feel lucky, though, to have such a multi-faceted life: work, church, running, yoga, Irish music. All these things have bearing on my happiness, and so if something goes wrong in one area, I still have a pretty good chance of staying happy and content overall. I need to remember that if I make a choice and it doesn't work perfectly, that life is still worth living. Easier said than done, though, and I'm having a really hard time thinking clearly because I don't have one second to sit still with all this activity in my life right now.
The monastery looks better and better every day...
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Cuisine de Marriage
My cousin just got married at the National Museum for Women in the Arts... and a spectacular affair it was. Perhaps the nicest wedding I've ever attended.
This was the menu. Definitely worth posting:
First Course:
Wild forest mushroom and gorgonzola tart with shot of soup: with mache greens and roasted pepper vinaigrette. Accompained by an autumnal soup of butternut squash.
Entree:
Chicken roulade with spinach and sun dried tomatoes: boneless chicken breast stuffed with sauteed spinach, sun dried tomatoes and goat cheese. Served with a caramalized onion sauce.
Corn Souffle Timbale: silver queen corn timbale crowned with a tomato concasse
Haricots Verts Bundles: crisp haricots verts dressed with sweet butter, bundled and tied with a carrot tie.
Dessert:
Wedding Cake
Chocolate Buffet
The mother of the bride made over 700 chocolates which were beautifully laid out for sampling... I took some home (most def) and am trying HARD not to scarf them down as I type.
Best of luck in your marriage, JP and Kristin.
This was the menu. Definitely worth posting:
First Course:
Wild forest mushroom and gorgonzola tart with shot of soup: with mache greens and roasted pepper vinaigrette. Accompained by an autumnal soup of butternut squash.
Entree:
Chicken roulade with spinach and sun dried tomatoes: boneless chicken breast stuffed with sauteed spinach, sun dried tomatoes and goat cheese. Served with a caramalized onion sauce.
Corn Souffle Timbale: silver queen corn timbale crowned with a tomato concasse
Haricots Verts Bundles: crisp haricots verts dressed with sweet butter, bundled and tied with a carrot tie.
Dessert:
Wedding Cake
Chocolate Buffet
The mother of the bride made over 700 chocolates which were beautifully laid out for sampling... I took some home (most def) and am trying HARD not to scarf them down as I type.
Best of luck in your marriage, JP and Kristin.
Cryptix
Plans are in the making! Exciting plans. I will say no more lest I jinx myself... but stay tuned!
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
A Quick Breather
I have another free evening to get my act together before all hell breaks loose both in my professional and personal life. Speaking engagements, weddings, alumni receptions (which I wouldn't go to except someone from Hillsdale emailed me specifically and said they wanted to see me), work at the office is piling up exponentially, and I really need to push the mileage here in the next few weeks if I am going to perform well in the race.
I'm really trying not to let all this activity change my disposition. But when I don't get enough unstructured time to myself, I become sort of an unpleasant person to be around. Sometimes I think I am unpleasant person anyway, but that is for another post. I just hate it when I can feel myself getting sarcastic, losing my sense of humor, getting lectury and condescending. It's frustrating when I can feel the worst parts of myself becoming the most prominent parts and there's little I can do to stop it. And then I feel like withdrawing from the world and not inflicting my awful self on people, which adds to the frustration of being so busy, which increases the number and level of my personality flaws... and suddenly I wonder what the hell really IS stopping me from moving to a monastery or just leaving to teach English in Korea or something.
I'm really trying not to let all this activity change my disposition. But when I don't get enough unstructured time to myself, I become sort of an unpleasant person to be around. Sometimes I think I am unpleasant person anyway, but that is for another post. I just hate it when I can feel myself getting sarcastic, losing my sense of humor, getting lectury and condescending. It's frustrating when I can feel the worst parts of myself becoming the most prominent parts and there's little I can do to stop it. And then I feel like withdrawing from the world and not inflicting my awful self on people, which adds to the frustration of being so busy, which increases the number and level of my personality flaws... and suddenly I wonder what the hell really IS stopping me from moving to a monastery or just leaving to teach English in Korea or something.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Crunch Time
I'm about three weeks out from my half-marathon. This is officially crunch time. I've clearled my schedule until October 19th, with the exception of a dinner thing with an out of town friend, a quick trip to Richmond, a tune or two on Wednesdays, and weddings the next two weekends. Weekdays are to be devoted to running and conditioning as well as rest. Maintaining good health is just as important as maintaining mileage right now. Catching a cold would suck big time.
Aside from a super-strict training routine until my taper begins, I am also imposing some dietary changes. Dairy and alcohol are stricken, as are all animal proteins with the exception of lean chicken. Sweets and desserts are forbidden.
If it's true that athletes perform the way they practice, then consistency and drive these next three weeks are vital to my success.
Aside from a super-strict training routine until my taper begins, I am also imposing some dietary changes. Dairy and alcohol are stricken, as are all animal proteins with the exception of lean chicken. Sweets and desserts are forbidden.
If it's true that athletes perform the way they practice, then consistency and drive these next three weeks are vital to my success.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Good Intentions
Well, I meant to write a witty and detailed post about giving my first-ever bouzouki lesson to a very apt and talented student, John's super lame absence from the RiRa session, the MO on my metro train last night, and the fact that this week has gone totally down the drain in terms of running, but I ended up working a twelve hour shift today and just don't have the details in me.
So, stay tuned, and if the memories listed above haven't dissolved inside my feeble, almost-30 year old brain, I'll see what I can pull together tomorrow.
So, stay tuned, and if the memories listed above haven't dissolved inside my feeble, almost-30 year old brain, I'll see what I can pull together tomorrow.
Monday, September 22, 2008
I Quit (Twice)
After five days of running and yoga, my legs felt heavy and tired this morning when I woke up, but after work I went out for a spin anyway. What a mistake. I didn't make it one mile before I. Just. Stopped.
My hamstrings were screaming, everything felt heavy, my mouth was dry. This was bad. So I stopped and turned around and started walking home... and the funniest thing happened.
I began the usual self-deprecation and scolding, but my heart just wasn't in it. The enthusiasm that ordinarily accompanies my harsh dressing-down was absent. The inner monologue felt forced and mechanical. And so I stopped that too. I stopped beating myself up and just walked home. I didn't finish my run, so what. The world is not going to grind to a halt, my body will not turn to flab. In fact, I will probably be STRONGER tomorrow having quit my run and rested.
I am too cynical to figure this a psychological breakthrough, but I'm also not about to question a good thing.
Off tonight for sushi and a tune at Nanny O'Brien's. Should be fun, stay posted for reports of any hijinks!
My hamstrings were screaming, everything felt heavy, my mouth was dry. This was bad. So I stopped and turned around and started walking home... and the funniest thing happened.
I began the usual self-deprecation and scolding, but my heart just wasn't in it. The enthusiasm that ordinarily accompanies my harsh dressing-down was absent. The inner monologue felt forced and mechanical. And so I stopped that too. I stopped beating myself up and just walked home. I didn't finish my run, so what. The world is not going to grind to a halt, my body will not turn to flab. In fact, I will probably be STRONGER tomorrow having quit my run and rested.
I am too cynical to figure this a psychological breakthrough, but I'm also not about to question a good thing.
Off tonight for sushi and a tune at Nanny O'Brien's. Should be fun, stay posted for reports of any hijinks!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Embracing the Curls!
So I came across a great article on how to care for curly hair and have decided to vary my routine and see if I can't get my fabulous head of hair looking even more goddess-like!
So far I have changed three things about my hair-care and with great results.
1. I am no longer shampooing my hair. Instead, I will gently massage the scalp with a dollop of conditioner to loosen dirt and rinse through before actually conditioning the locks. This is because, apparently, shampoos contain a chemical that is extremely drying to curly hair and strips the hair of it's naturally moisturizing oils.
2. I am using a curl-enhancing mousse. I have, at times, used a leave-in conditioner after towel-drying, but never an actual styling "product" designed for curly hair.
3. Instead of using the classic "turban" method whereby a plain bath towel is wrapped around the hair and piled on top of the head for drying, I am now using the "plopping" method whereby a wicking towel or cotton t-shirt is placed on a flat surface and the top of the head is placed directly in the center of the t-shirt, which is then wrapped around the head and secured for fifteen minutes (after mousse application). The benefits to this method over the turban method are twofold, as I understand it:
a. Wicking or cotton material actually pulls moisture out of the hair. This serves as a de-frizzing agent, whereas terrycloth isn't very absorbent and redistributes water back into the hair follicles, causing flyaways and frizz.
b. Securing the curls in a pile on top of the head sets their shapes so it holds better as it dries.
I am just about to embark on day two of my new routine. I still have a bit of experimenting to go in terms of product, and I probably will end up using a gentle shampoo once or twice a week. Regardless, I am thrilled with my "new" curls and can't wait to flaunt them!
So far I have changed three things about my hair-care and with great results.
1. I am no longer shampooing my hair. Instead, I will gently massage the scalp with a dollop of conditioner to loosen dirt and rinse through before actually conditioning the locks. This is because, apparently, shampoos contain a chemical that is extremely drying to curly hair and strips the hair of it's naturally moisturizing oils.
2. I am using a curl-enhancing mousse. I have, at times, used a leave-in conditioner after towel-drying, but never an actual styling "product" designed for curly hair.
3. Instead of using the classic "turban" method whereby a plain bath towel is wrapped around the hair and piled on top of the head for drying, I am now using the "plopping" method whereby a wicking towel or cotton t-shirt is placed on a flat surface and the top of the head is placed directly in the center of the t-shirt, which is then wrapped around the head and secured for fifteen minutes (after mousse application). The benefits to this method over the turban method are twofold, as I understand it:
a. Wicking or cotton material actually pulls moisture out of the hair. This serves as a de-frizzing agent, whereas terrycloth isn't very absorbent and redistributes water back into the hair follicles, causing flyaways and frizz.
b. Securing the curls in a pile on top of the head sets their shapes so it holds better as it dries.
I am just about to embark on day two of my new routine. I still have a bit of experimenting to go in terms of product, and I probably will end up using a gentle shampoo once or twice a week. Regardless, I am thrilled with my "new" curls and can't wait to flaunt them!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Updates
I've been twittering so much lately that I almost forget to blog! Let's see... what can I tell you...
Well, Skwigg was lucky enough to find a good stylist for her curly hair. I have never been so lucky. Even my stylists who have curls of their own and insist they can cut ringlets just don't get how to TRIM THE ENDS so that I can maintain (and improve)length. I now resort to asking friends/my mom to cut my hair under close supervision. It seems to work so far.
The Stanley Cup champs will take on the Eastern Conference finalists on January 31, 2009 at the Verizon Center in DC. I just shelled out big bucks for my ticket... I am broke but blissful. I have a great seat and look foward to a great match. I am ordinarily pretty frugal.. so I figure a little splurge on my passion is a good diversion from the norm. The norm being my uber-scheduled, highly-controlled, never-anything-in-excess, ascetic existence.
I'm heading out in a few minutes with a new friend to meet up with some old friends for grilled food, good drinks, and a few tunes on a Capitol Hill roof.
Well, Skwigg was lucky enough to find a good stylist for her curly hair. I have never been so lucky. Even my stylists who have curls of their own and insist they can cut ringlets just don't get how to TRIM THE ENDS so that I can maintain (and improve)length. I now resort to asking friends/my mom to cut my hair under close supervision. It seems to work so far.
The Stanley Cup champs will take on the Eastern Conference finalists on January 31, 2009 at the Verizon Center in DC. I just shelled out big bucks for my ticket... I am broke but blissful. I have a great seat and look foward to a great match. I am ordinarily pretty frugal.. so I figure a little splurge on my passion is a good diversion from the norm. The norm being my uber-scheduled, highly-controlled, never-anything-in-excess, ascetic existence.
I'm heading out in a few minutes with a new friend to meet up with some old friends for grilled food, good drinks, and a few tunes on a Capitol Hill roof.
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