Part two of the condo search begins tomorrow. I am seeing two great places - one on the Hill that is an amazing location and in my price range, but a little small, and one in Dupont that is a bit bigger but out of my price range. I would need the seller to come down A LOT (like, 20%) in order to afford this place, but I figure I'll look at it anyway.
So, wish me luck. For now, I'm inside on a rainy afternoon with a cat sleeping on my feet, so for the moment things couldn't be better.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
This is Hard
The condo search continues. I am doing the second wave of viewings this Thursday. So far, I have found a great 1-bedroom condo that is very, very reasonably priced, and it's right around the corner from my office. The problem is that it's very far from the metro - over a mile to the safer one, less than a mile to a different metro but that would not be a safe walk at night. Also, there has been a lot of shooting about two blocks to the east.
I'm also looking at a studio condo in Dupont that is smaller and more expensive but a great location, and hoping to look at a smaller condo on the Hill that is, as I said, small but in a neighborhood I absolutely love.
I think at the end of the day that I would prefer to have less space if it means a great neighborhood. And since I don't have a car, I need to feel absolutely comfortable walking to the metro at night. I don't want to feel like a prisoner in my home, that's not cool.
But, I'd have a bedroom. I've never had a bedroom in my whole adult life!
Sigh... lots of decisions... lots of things to weigh.
I'm also looking at a studio condo in Dupont that is smaller and more expensive but a great location, and hoping to look at a smaller condo on the Hill that is, as I said, small but in a neighborhood I absolutely love.
I think at the end of the day that I would prefer to have less space if it means a great neighborhood. And since I don't have a car, I need to feel absolutely comfortable walking to the metro at night. I don't want to feel like a prisoner in my home, that's not cool.
But, I'd have a bedroom. I've never had a bedroom in my whole adult life!
Sigh... lots of decisions... lots of things to weigh.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Boring Post
I don't have much to say but I feel like I should write something or else my readers will become bored with me!
The condo in Cleveland Park I was interested in fell through due to some disclosure by the listing agent. The next wave of property viewings begins on Thursday. I have m eye on three great studios... so... we'll see how that goes.
I have a laptop! Now I can blog and twit and email without ever leaving the couch. How, oh how did I previously manage to walk three steps over to my desk every time I wanted to use the computer? Glad I don't have to do THAT anymore.
My body is still happier not running. I'm more flexible, leaner, and the calluses on my feet have completely healed themselves. I am greatly looking forward to the hot summer months now that I know I won't have to run through them.
I got accepted to speak at a conference in New Orleans in August! Yes it will be hotter than Hades, but I've never been to NO and it boggles my mind that I am going to be flown down, put up, and given a per diem to speak for twenty minutes.
The Wings swept Round One of the playoffs and we're taking a little break while Chicago and Calgary finish their matchup. Looks like we'll be playing Chicago which is a little alarming... they're a very physical team, and we're a very old team. We'll have to out-finesse them and make sure we stay healthy and whole.
That's it! I'm just doing laundry this morning and about to hit the kettlebells. More later!
The condo in Cleveland Park I was interested in fell through due to some disclosure by the listing agent. The next wave of property viewings begins on Thursday. I have m eye on three great studios... so... we'll see how that goes.
I have a laptop! Now I can blog and twit and email without ever leaving the couch. How, oh how did I previously manage to walk three steps over to my desk every time I wanted to use the computer? Glad I don't have to do THAT anymore.
My body is still happier not running. I'm more flexible, leaner, and the calluses on my feet have completely healed themselves. I am greatly looking forward to the hot summer months now that I know I won't have to run through them.
I got accepted to speak at a conference in New Orleans in August! Yes it will be hotter than Hades, but I've never been to NO and it boggles my mind that I am going to be flown down, put up, and given a per diem to speak for twenty minutes.
The Wings swept Round One of the playoffs and we're taking a little break while Chicago and Calgary finish their matchup. Looks like we'll be playing Chicago which is a little alarming... they're a very physical team, and we're a very old team. We'll have to out-finesse them and make sure we stay healthy and whole.
That's it! I'm just doing laundry this morning and about to hit the kettlebells. More later!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Eye Candy
I'm in the mood for some hotness.
Curtis Stone
Tony Leung
Franke Potente
Gabriel Byrne
Nicole Linkletter
Zhang Ziyi
Curtis Stone
Tony Leung
Franke Potente
Gabriel Byrne
Nicole Linkletter
Zhang Ziyi
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Happy Body
Finally - a beautiful DC spring day! After a rainy start to the week it was gorgeous today, gorgeous enough to go for a nice long run on Roosevelt Island. Not sure where my cardio endurance went (well, I do know where it went... ) so the distance was a bit of a struggle, but it was difficult to care because the sun was shining and the birds were singing!
In just about thirty minutes, the Red Wings will kick off their bid for the Stanley Cup against the Columbus Blue Jackets. I will be glued to the set.
Oh right - my happy body - well, I don't know! Weight training and a break from running have been treating me well. The ugly and painful calluses on my feet have all but disappeared. My upper body is becoming more strong and toned. My yoga practice is happier. I'm less stressed.
I saw my first condo today. A great price and fantastic location, but in shambled, and bank-owned so was being sold as-is. And while I certainly don't need a brand-new or renovated place, I do need something in move-in condition, and this wasn't it. Oh well. There are plenty more places to be seen, and I'm just excited to have the process begun!
In just about thirty minutes, the Red Wings will kick off their bid for the Stanley Cup against the Columbus Blue Jackets. I will be glued to the set.
Oh right - my happy body - well, I don't know! Weight training and a break from running have been treating me well. The ugly and painful calluses on my feet have all but disappeared. My upper body is becoming more strong and toned. My yoga practice is happier. I'm less stressed.
I saw my first condo today. A great price and fantastic location, but in shambled, and bank-owned so was being sold as-is. And while I certainly don't need a brand-new or renovated place, I do need something in move-in condition, and this wasn't it. Oh well. There are plenty more places to be seen, and I'm just excited to have the process begun!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Random Stuff
1. I now have a laptop. And wireless internet. Now there is no reason to ever get off my couch except to grab additional handfuls of peanut m&ms from the freezer.
2. The condo search is kicking off into full gear. I have meetings with realtors tomorrow and Thursday, after which I'll choose one and start looking.
3. My body is happy. A little less running, a little more weight-lifting, a better diet, and things are looking good. The blisters have come off my feet, I'm more flexible, I don't constantly battle hunger during the workday, and my arms are becoming more defined.
4. The Red Wings have entered Stanley Cup playoffs. We kick off round one against the Columbus Blue Jackets this Thursday. LET'S GO RED WINGS (clap clap clapclapclap).
5. I have Thursday off! It's DC Emancipation Day - the day that President Lincoln freed the slaves in DC. It's been a local government federal holiday for a couple years now. I think it's weird, but I'm not complaining.
2. The condo search is kicking off into full gear. I have meetings with realtors tomorrow and Thursday, after which I'll choose one and start looking.
3. My body is happy. A little less running, a little more weight-lifting, a better diet, and things are looking good. The blisters have come off my feet, I'm more flexible, I don't constantly battle hunger during the workday, and my arms are becoming more defined.
4. The Red Wings have entered Stanley Cup playoffs. We kick off round one against the Columbus Blue Jackets this Thursday. LET'S GO RED WINGS (clap clap clapclapclap).
5. I have Thursday off! It's DC Emancipation Day - the day that President Lincoln freed the slaves in DC. It's been a local government federal holiday for a couple years now. I think it's weird, but I'm not complaining.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
BIG NEWS
No, I do not have cancer. Sorry to disappoint you, Matt.
The news is (drumroll please) - I have decided to enter the real estate market. I am officially looking for a condo.
I have consultations with two realtors this week, after which I will make a choice and start looking.
I'm already having multiple anxiety attacks not unlike what I imagine labor contractions to feel like. But I am excited. I'm ready, in all ways. Now I just have to endure the process, which is sure to be overwhelming, but totally worth it in the end.
The news is (drumroll please) - I have decided to enter the real estate market. I am officially looking for a condo.
I have consultations with two realtors this week, after which I will make a choice and start looking.
I'm already having multiple anxiety attacks not unlike what I imagine labor contractions to feel like. But I am excited. I'm ready, in all ways. Now I just have to endure the process, which is sure to be overwhelming, but totally worth it in the end.
Friday, April 10, 2009
New Food Regimen
So this is how it usually goes for me:
Breakfast at home a little before 6am. By 8:30-9am I am starving. I eat a snack which holds me over until about 11:30am, at which point I eat lunch. Then, for the remainder of my work day, I am pretty hungry and will end up either going across to the cafe for a snack ($$$) or giving in and using the vending machine (gross).
I have tried all kinds of snacks and bringing tons of food to work for afternoon pick-me-ups but just can't seem to get past the feeling of constantly being hungry at work. I end up spending too much money or eating too much junk.
I have decided to try something different. Today I brought oatmeal, raisins, milk, and tea to work along with a mug, bowl, and spoon. I will start eating breakfast (oatmeal) at work around 7:30-8am. Hopefully this will push lunch back a bit and leave me full for the afternoon so I am not either scrounging for something unhealthy or stuffing my face as soon as I get home.
Today I tried it for the first time. I did eat a little bit of yogurt with almonds at home a little before 6am, then made some oatmeal around 9am. It is now a little after noon and I am still satisfied from my oatmeal and not yet hungry for lunch. Also, now I can make tea at my desk and not spend money at Starbucks!*
*I will probably still make one morning run to Starbucks for my tea, but that is as much to get out of the office and get some fresh air as it is for the warm beverage.
Breakfast at home a little before 6am. By 8:30-9am I am starving. I eat a snack which holds me over until about 11:30am, at which point I eat lunch. Then, for the remainder of my work day, I am pretty hungry and will end up either going across to the cafe for a snack ($$$) or giving in and using the vending machine (gross).
I have tried all kinds of snacks and bringing tons of food to work for afternoon pick-me-ups but just can't seem to get past the feeling of constantly being hungry at work. I end up spending too much money or eating too much junk.
I have decided to try something different. Today I brought oatmeal, raisins, milk, and tea to work along with a mug, bowl, and spoon. I will start eating breakfast (oatmeal) at work around 7:30-8am. Hopefully this will push lunch back a bit and leave me full for the afternoon so I am not either scrounging for something unhealthy or stuffing my face as soon as I get home.
Today I tried it for the first time. I did eat a little bit of yogurt with almonds at home a little before 6am, then made some oatmeal around 9am. It is now a little after noon and I am still satisfied from my oatmeal and not yet hungry for lunch. Also, now I can make tea at my desk and not spend money at Starbucks!*
*I will probably still make one morning run to Starbucks for my tea, but that is as much to get out of the office and get some fresh air as it is for the warm beverage.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Books Galore
Well, halfway through the day today my computer decided to stop working, so I took a walk through Adams Morgan to Idle Time and proceeded to drop $65 on used books!
From the psychology section:
The Therapist's Handbook: Treatment Methods of Mental Disorders
Masturbation: From Infancy to Senescence
From the philosophy section:
The Basic Works of Aristotle
From the religion section:
A Vow of Conversation: Merton's Journals from 1964-1965
The True Solitude
Good day... plus, by the time I got back my systems had come back online, so I was able to finish the day productively, get home to my Pilates workout, and blog a bit. Now I'm going to get a snack and look at my new (old) books!
From the psychology section:
The Therapist's Handbook: Treatment Methods of Mental Disorders
Masturbation: From Infancy to Senescence
From the philosophy section:
The Basic Works of Aristotle
From the religion section:
A Vow of Conversation: Merton's Journals from 1964-1965
The True Solitude
Good day... plus, by the time I got back my systems had come back online, so I was able to finish the day productively, get home to my Pilates workout, and blog a bit. Now I'm going to get a snack and look at my new (old) books!
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Confession
I am a lump. Nothing but a big lump.
I got cocky after switching to the 5k and went out last night and stayed out too late and drank too much wine and didn't even make it to the start of the race.
Sigh....
Oh well - I am doing my kettlebells and pilates and yoga and going out for a run tomorrow. So maybe not a TOTAL lump...
I got cocky after switching to the 5k and went out last night and stayed out too late and drank too much wine and didn't even make it to the start of the race.
Sigh....
Oh well - I am doing my kettlebells and pilates and yoga and going out for a run tomorrow. So maybe not a TOTAL lump...
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
COMPROMISE
Okay people, I figured it out. I am going to follow in Matt's footsteps and drop from the Cherry Blossom 10-Mile race down to the 5k.
That way, I still accomplish something, I'm not totally lazy, and yet I'm not pushing myself beyong my current physical capabilities.
This afternoon will mark the first of my pilates workouts. I'm going to give pilates and yoga (and the occasional weekend run) eight weeks and see what happens. Maybe I'll even make an attempt at chronicling my progress....
That way, I still accomplish something, I'm not totally lazy, and yet I'm not pushing myself beyong my current physical capabilities.
This afternoon will mark the first of my pilates workouts. I'm going to give pilates and yoga (and the occasional weekend run) eight weeks and see what happens. Maybe I'll even make an attempt at chronicling my progress....
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sick and dying
I have never had such a drop-down knock-out cold. I took two days off of work! I can't remember if I've ever taken TWO sick days in a row.
Good god. I think I'm about ready to rejoin the world of the living. As for my 10-mile race? The fates have conspired against me. I might be ready to hang up my running shoes for the summer. Or maybe not. Should I summon some race-day mojo and just go for it? Not sure yet.
Good god. I think I'm about ready to rejoin the world of the living. As for my 10-mile race? The fates have conspired against me. I might be ready to hang up my running shoes for the summer. Or maybe not. Should I summon some race-day mojo and just go for it? Not sure yet.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Bruised and Bloody
I still have a needle track in the form of a big ugly bruise on my arm from where I had blood drawn over a week ago. I seriously look like an addict, or a domestic violence victim.
And then, a second ago, I ripped the back of my hand sitting down at my desk. Yes, people, I bloodied myself SITTING DOWN. Is this what my life has come to?
And then, a second ago, I ripped the back of my hand sitting down at my desk. Yes, people, I bloodied myself SITTING DOWN. Is this what my life has come to?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Pressing On
Don't get me wrong - I was happy enough to sleep in last Saturday, wake up at a leisurely hour, and watch the National Marathon finishers while drinking my second cup of tea! This little break from self-punishment has done me well. The problem is that I have a 10-miler coming up in two weeks and I am probably going to be undertrained!
My current attitude is Oh Well. I'll finish, and probably easily. Will I have the best time? No. Will I have MY best time? Nah. Do I really, really care? In the grand scheme of things? Not in the slightest.
In fact, I'm seriously thinking of taking the hottest summer months off from running and focusing on weights, pilates, and yoga. I mean, why the hell not?
My current attitude is Oh Well. I'll finish, and probably easily. Will I have the best time? No. Will I have MY best time? Nah. Do I really, really care? In the grand scheme of things? Not in the slightest.
In fact, I'm seriously thinking of taking the hottest summer months off from running and focusing on weights, pilates, and yoga. I mean, why the hell not?
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Feeling Good
The Wings have clinched their playoff spot and continue to dominate the League with a 3-2 win over Philadelphia last night, after being down two in the second period.
I've run three days in a row and had two great yoga practices as well.
I'm eating well - mostly clean, a few Cadbury eggs, but the main thing is I'm not sweating it!
The gorgeous afternoon sun haloed all the dust particles on my coffee table, so I whipped out the supplies and cleaned my entire apartment. I feel light and clean and airy.
I feel good.
I've run three days in a row and had two great yoga practices as well.
I'm eating well - mostly clean, a few Cadbury eggs, but the main thing is I'm not sweating it!
The gorgeous afternoon sun haloed all the dust particles on my coffee table, so I whipped out the supplies and cleaned my entire apartment. I feel light and clean and airy.
I feel good.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Back in the Saddle... sort of
Lately I have not felt like doing anything productive. All I want to do is lounge around and read my book, watch movies, cook, go on walks. Running? Happy Hour? Eh.. I'll pass.
I was afraid this might happen. Is it as simple as inertia? Is is that my body, now at rest, wants to stay at rest?
When I'm in high training mode my life is a model of productivity. My flat is clean and tidy, I'm a machine at work, evenings are overscheduled and yet I'm early for everything. But now that I've stepped back from racing, I've become a total Type B. I don't want to be anywhere at a particular time. I skipped yoga this morning not because I didn't want to practice but because I didn't want to practice at 10:30. I just wasn't ready. I don't want to look at the clock or make any firm commitments.
See? This is why I'm always going 100mph... because if I slow down I'm afraid I'll settle in at zero.
I was afraid this might happen. Is it as simple as inertia? Is is that my body, now at rest, wants to stay at rest?
When I'm in high training mode my life is a model of productivity. My flat is clean and tidy, I'm a machine at work, evenings are overscheduled and yet I'm early for everything. But now that I've stepped back from racing, I've become a total Type B. I don't want to be anywhere at a particular time. I skipped yoga this morning not because I didn't want to practice but because I didn't want to practice at 10:30. I just wasn't ready. I don't want to look at the clock or make any firm commitments.
See? This is why I'm always going 100mph... because if I slow down I'm afraid I'll settle in at zero.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Just One More Day Please!
I have had a nice little break from my running and yoga routine. Both Wednesday and Thursday after work I got in bed instead of suiting up and hitting the pavement. On Wednesday for the first time I can remember I took a two-hour nap. Thursday I didn't sleep but got a lot of reading done and stayed cozy under the covers with the windows thrown open and the cool air coming in.
And today... I just want one more day to go home and get in comfy clothes and chill out. So I am going to skip my usual Friday afternoon yoga class. Tomorrow I'll pick it up again with a relaxing run, Sunday back to yoga, and I'll get back on the (slower moving) wagon. I do have a fun run coming up in a few weeks, after all! But just for fun.
And today... I just want one more day to go home and get in comfy clothes and chill out. So I am going to skip my usual Friday afternoon yoga class. Tomorrow I'll pick it up again with a relaxing run, Sunday back to yoga, and I'll get back on the (slower moving) wagon. I do have a fun run coming up in a few weeks, after all! But just for fun.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
I have a new love
Pandora.com
OMG. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Basically, you just type in the name of a song or artist that you like and it will compile a playlist for you with similar songs/bands. And it's free. I typed in "Liz Carroll" and am listening to the most awesome mix of Irish and bluegrass music... stuff I've never heard before.
SWEET!
OMG. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Basically, you just type in the name of a song or artist that you like and it will compile a playlist for you with similar songs/bands. And it's free. I typed in "Liz Carroll" and am listening to the most awesome mix of Irish and bluegrass music... stuff I've never heard before.
SWEET!
Reining in my freak
Lately I have been acting like (more of) a control freak (than usual). It is annoying me and I'm sure it's annoying my friends. So, my rememdy is to go home after work and open all the windows and pile lots of blankets over myself and take a nice long nap without setting my alarm clock. Wake up, do some yoga, and commence the annual spring purge... cleaning out closets and cupboards always brings me the sense of control I crave without having to take it out on other people. Trip to Goodwill is scheduled for Saturday.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Dream
I dreamt that I was attending a funeral, but the way we walked into the church was the way you'd walk as if you were in a wedding. Then it was all outside, and I was in the front row of the outside church and even though it was daytime I could see two moons that were full. They were beautiful, but the earth was orbiting so fast that I couldn't get a good photo of them.
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