Reflection

Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.

- Lao Tzu

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons.

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One piece wonder

I'm a sucker for all things vintage, specifically from the 50s and 60s.  I think it stems from my love of Mad Men, baseball and antique kitchen appliances.  I've been noticing a lot of cute one pieces in recent months - many with a pin up-esque feel to them.  They're cute and flirty and don't leave you showing your midriff.  How very ladylike...or come hither, whichever you prefer!  Check out some of my favs from around the web. 

Clockwise from top left: Striped skirted suit from Macys at $79 (on sale), Maillot suit from Anthropologie at $158,Navy polka dots from Boden at $68 (!!), Oahu suit for Lands End at $36 (on sale woo!), One strap suit from Gap at $59, Twist front suit from JCrew at $88.
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Summer Book Club - 2011

Summer is always the time of year when I read the most.  Between traveling, the beach and warm evenings in the hammock, I usually gobble up books.  I'm also in stockpile mode adding some intriguing literature to my Kindle.  I'm sharing a few of my recent reads for your beach bag; if you want to comment and add others, please do so - I'm always up for a great book recommendation!

If you liked, James Harriot's All Creatures Great and Small, or John Grogan's Marley and Me, you'll love....Huck by Janet Elder.  This is a charming story of a family's poodle who becomes lost while they're away on vacation.  $12.49 on Amazon.

If you liked Jon Krakauer's Into The Wild, you'll love....David Miller's AWOL on the Appalachian Trail.  It's a 40-something year old man's story of hiking the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine after he quit his job as a software engineer.  It's not too touchy feely and a page turner.  It's straightforward and I think most people can relate to the I-can't-deal-with-my-job-I'm-going-to-quit-tomorrow sentiment.  From $5.99 on Amazon.

If you like chic lot, Sophia Kinsella and Jennifer Weiner, you'll love ......Jen Lancaster's Such a Pretty Fat.  Another laugh out loud funny novel that's a quick read.  I love her self-deprecating sense of humor.  Plus, it's an easy read and you can easily put it down if you need to scope out a hottie with a body on the beach.   From $9.57 on Amazon.

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Confession Tuesday

I think I'm too independent for my own good sometimes, but yet I sometimes feel VERY self-conscious when I don't have plans on a Friday or Saturday night.
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Monday Meals - Summer Salad

I brought this salad to a Memorial Day BBQ today and it was a big hit...mostly with the girls, but I'm always happy to bring the "healthy" dish to the party! :)  You can include pretty much any combo of summer veggies.  I imagine this being a yummy staple for all of my farmer's market finds as the summer progresses.  It's flavorful and fresh - perfect for a hot summer evening! 

Summer Corn Salad (serves 6-8)

• 3 ears of yellow corn
• 1 large tomato, seeded and diced
• 1 orange bell pepper, cored and roughly chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
• 2-3 scallions, chopped
• juice of 1/2 lime
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 tsp cilantro, chopped
• coarse salt and pepper

1. Cook corn and cut kernels off the cob.
2. Add all veggies in a large bowl and mix together.  Add lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, salt and pepper and mix well.

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Happy Memorial Day weekend!

Best wishes for a happy and safe weekend!  Here are a few things on my mind as we kick off another summer.

Photo sources clockwise from top left: Hot dog, Charcoal grill, Lilly Pulitzer dress, Polka dot bikini, Bathing beauties, Cold one.
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Plastic Bag Storage

I've previously written about what you can do with those pesky plastic, grocery bags here, but now I've got a simple and easy tip (thanks to my Aunt) for storing them.  You can use one of those mountable plastic bag holders that cost some coin (I do!), or you can go the "free" route.  Enter your empty tissue box.  Instead of tossing it in the recycling bin, fill it with your cast off plastic grocery sacs and store in a pantry, garage or cabinet.  You'll be very organized when you need to line your bathroom trash bag or pack your sneakers in your suitcase.

Thanks Auntie Chris!!

*Photo courtesy of Kleenex.
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Confession Tuesday - Burgers

I love Big Macs.  They're one of my fav fast food choices.  This love affair started young, when I was seven years old.  The special sauce, lettuce, onion, two patties...makes me salivate.  Before you gag, I'm sure you all have a weird, low brow food you love as well. 

If you feel like joining in today's confession, do tell - what low brow food do you love?! :)

*Photo from McDonalds.
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Confession Tuesday

In an effort to expand my horizons of the information I share on this blog, I thought of a new "column" for Tuesdays.  And no, I'm not Catholic, but it will take the form of a mini-confessional, which will offer a glimpse into the real PTHH, when I'm not PTHH'ing. 

So for the inaugural post, here's my first confessional.  I sing to my dog.  A lot.  Like almost every day.  It's not like I sing existing songs.  I make up my own.  And you'll never, ever hear them unless you've bugged my house.  It's my little special time with my baby, aka pupster.  And what exactly do I sing to an animal that can't understand my songs you ask.  Usually things like how cute and shaggy she is, sometimes how it's time for bed, time for breakfast/dinner, how she's stinky, getting on my nerves, etc.  You name it, I've engineered a silly song to sing to her about it. Ok, enough confession.  Until next week, I bid you adieu from the confines of my virtual confessional...
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Monday Meals - Steak Marinade

I love steak.  It's definitely one of my favorite meals, but the price is a ready deterrent to frequent filet dinners.  There are some less pricey cuts, but sometimes they're not as easy on the taste buds.  Take lond broil aka flank steak.  It can be a little tough, but with a nice long marinade and a great sear, it can be delicious.

Flank Steak Marinade

• 1-2 lb flank steak
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• juice from 1 lime
• 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 tsp salt

Mix the ingredients well and top the steak in a shallow pan.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.  Then grill the steak over med-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side.
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Moms are great

Happy Mother's Day!!

I was lucky enough to spend a great, girlie weekend with my mama last weekend and will see her again next weekend!  So we're doing bookend-style Mother's day celebrations!

As I get older, I find myself more and more grateful for my Mom.  Must be that whole maturity thing!  But all joking aside, I don't know what I would do without her some days.  Between coaxing me through the last 4 miles of our half marathon, sending me a Lilly Pulitzer Easter basket, sharing good advice over the phone, and teaching me how to bake the best chocolate chip cookies ever, she's a huge part of my life.  I hope you take some time today to reflect and thank your Mom for everything she does for you, too!

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Cheap and Cheerful Sandals

I love when the temperature finally warms up enough to kick off your winter shoes and let your tootsies hang loose in some cute sandals.  I scoured the internet for some cute, hot-now looks at a good price.  All of these beauties are under $20, so maybe you can score a few cute new pairs for this season.

Clockwise from top left: Braided Leather Sandals from Forever21 at $7.50; Merona Emeline Braided Flat Sandals from Target at $15; Striped Sandal from Target at $12.99; Perl Flat from Target at $12.99; Woven Sandals from Old Navy at $19.95; Ruffle Sandals from Walmart at $15.
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It's AC season

Don't forget to change your AC filter so you don't end up needing one of these!

*Photo from gtVintage on etsy.
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Wednesday night musing - DVD organization

I was sort of daydreaming while finishing up a little work on my laptop tonight...and by sort of, I mean most definitely.  I found myself staring off into space...in the direction of my TV stand.  And for some unknown reason, I started wondering how people organize their DVDs.  I alphabetize mine...yup, I'm that nerdy/anal retentive.  Well, let's be clear.  I alphabetize movies.  Then I have my Wii games together.  Finally, I group TV series or box sets together, by series, in order of season or by type.  Example: TV series are together and movie box sets are together. 

All of this thought of media organization brought me to my next thought...how I organize my books.  I organize my bookshelves by color or size of book.  I realize that DVD cases are all the same size so this really isn't an issue.  It's interesting isn't it, the varying ways we catalog our media?  I thought it was...at least for that fleeting moment when I was avoiding updating a Power Point brief...  So how do you organize your media - books, CDs, DVDs, records, etc.?

*Photo from Apartment Therapy.
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Wine aisle confusion

Remember how I promised that I was going to document my favorite wines so I wasn't so confused on the wine aisle?  Guess what, it was gloriously simple?  As simple as 2 or 3 clicks on my cell phone.  When I have a bottle I like, I take a picture of the label and save it on your phone.  Heck, make a picasa album, but as long as you have it stored in an easily accessible place, i.e. you can "see" it while you're at the grocery store, you're golden.  Easy peasy...and you won't find yourself with that icky chardonnay that you've already tried and hated once again!
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Hoppy Easter

Clockwise from top left: Chloe Dress by Lilly Pulitzer, my sweet Flurrie bunny, Chick Towels from Crate and Barrel, Pink hydrangeas, Mud Pie Platter from Amazon, Easter Tree from Martha Stewart
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What's in a name?

Names are a big deal.  I can guarantee with near 100% certainty that all parents spend a lot of time thinking about their child's moniker.  I love nicknames.  I've had many over my lifetime - peanut, Chris Jr (I'm named after my Aunt), little Chris, Chris, Chrissy, etc.  In college, there were a few Christines in my sorority so I was called by my last name, which was a-okay with me.  Most of the time nicknames are given by family or close friends, so it can be awkward and borderline inappropriate when others give them to you. 

One of my most gigantic pet peeves is when random acquaintances, practically strangers, give you a nickname.  I've recently been noticing a preponderance of random nicknames around the office.  I've been called "Chris" quite a few times by some newfound colleagues.  And mind you, these aren't the colleagues that hit happy hour with me, so we're not exactly buddy buddy.  It's a little weird and I feel like I should correct the issue, but don't want to create trouble and am not sure it's really that big a deal.  The funny thing is that I always sign emails with my full first name or my initials at the office, so I would hope that's correction enough.  A few of my coworkers call me by my initials, but this is a close bunch and it's something that I've put out there.  But for those who have shortened my name to a single syllable, it's a little odd and somewhat inappropriate.

So to my friends in the ether, do me this favor and stop giving random coworkers nicknames.  It's weird and uncomfortable.  If you want to shorten someone's name, it may not be a big deal, but get their blessing before you accidentally create an awkward situation. 
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Monday Meals - fail

I promised myself that I would return to blogging today.  Yesterday I was excited and today I'm majorly unmotivated.  I have some ideas for posts this week, just not interested in writing.  So I'll leave you with a quick story that will prove to you that I have my I Love Lucy and anti-homemaker moments.

The scene: Friday night, in the kitchen, cooking dinner

The meal: pork tenderloin (one of my favs), sweet potatoes, green beans

The scenario: I went to turn down the oven after the first 30 minutes of cooking the pork.  The bottom of the pan (where there was white wine and a touch of olive oil), was burnt crispy and smoking.  I turned the oven down and then added the remaining wine in my measuring cup.  And before I knew what hit me, there was a crack and glass was flying ALL over the kitchen.  Yup, the glass pan basically blew up when I added the liquid...that was not the same temp as the pan.  It wasn't pyrex so it was a legit break.  The pic below is a glimpse into the rest of my Friday night - cleaning up.  Thank goodness for baby gates (to keep the dog out of the kitchen), vacuums and flip flops (which kept my feet mostly unscathed).

Quite the return, eh?
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The happiest place on earth

My beautiful alma mater, Bucknell University...

The men's basketball team plays UConn today in the first round of the NCAA tournament.  Go Bison!!  Let's repeat 2005!

*Photo from Bucknell.
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Monday Musings

Today was my first time back in the gym since the race.  I have been sick since I got back and also enjoying my new found sedentary lifestyle, hence the 2 week hiatus.  But in true fashion, I knew it wouldn't be lasting as I'm a gym rat and enjoy the opportunity to blow off steam at the end of the day.  As I grabbed my towel, water bottle and shuffle, I realized that I had no idea what song played as I crossed the finish line.  This was a nice little carrot that made me eager to find an elliptical machine at the gym and click "play." 

As soon as I hit the play button, I relived this "amazing journey" (okay, I'm watching the Bachelor as I type this...) and it brought me back in time.  This song also happened to play as I was running down Main Street in Magic Kingdom (mile 5.5-ish).  I remember feeling like I was running on a cloud and grinned from ear to ear as hundreds of people cheered for us as we rapidly approached the gorgeous castle.  Awesome and very vivid memory!

I also remember at around mile 8 or 9, desperately needing a pick me up as I struggled with what I then thought was a mental block, but really proved to be completely physical (see also: one hour in medical tent post-race).  I clicked through what seemed like a gazillion songs on my shuffle until I found it again.  And then, I likely listened to it on repeat for the rest of the race.  To be honest, I don't really remember and details for the last hour or so are quite fuzzy.  This still bums me out because even though I felt awful, I wish I had better (dare I say happier) memories.  But I know that a good beat helped me cross that line as Mom and I "sprinted" past a LOT of people for the last mile or so...a quick burst of musical-enduced energy was all I needed.  And it felt good to tick off competitors that close to the line.

As I happily bopped around on the elliptical tonight and reveled in my low-impact workout, I contemplated another half marathon and what it would take for me to cross the line again...and I thought about one with clearer memories and a more healthy end to the race.  Who knows, maybe I won't swear off running after all.
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Race recap

When I desperately pleaded for my Mom and Aunt to join me in the Disney Princess Half Marathon, I didn't think there was a chance that one, let alone both of them would bite.  Lucky for me, they did and we had an awesome time at the race!  My Mom and I finished in under 2:30 which was my initial goal.  And best of all, my sweet Auntie won her age category!!  Pretty amazing, eh?  She finished in 1:55 and was in the first corral of elite runners.  We are so proud of her!

Clockwise from top left: Getting my race bib at the Expo; the course map, our insane wake-up time; Mom and I clocked our chip times on our watches (she finished one second before me!); Getting ready to line up in our corral; the 3 finishers (I have a new top...I'll explain later); and Mom in line at the Expo

After the race, we stayed for a few days of fun in the parks.  And for the first two days, we wore our post-race duds.  For the first day, I made us t-shirts that said "We love Disney so much we ran through it" and on the 2nd day, we wore our "I did it" race shirts.  It was awesome getting so many compliments from the park employees.  We even picked up a few freebies when they found out we had a winner in our group!

Clockwise from top left: Auntie and I enjoying Expedition Everest; meeting Pooh bear; meeting Mickey and Minnie...the perfect end to our day in Magic Kingdom; Mom and I in Epcot with the beautiful topiaries;me with Piglet and Eeyore topiary...Mom pointed this out as we ran by but unfortunately I as too tired to enjoy it; the group in Animal Kingdom; the group in front of the castle.

The lows:
* The Expo - we waited nearly 2 hours to get our bibs
* Hanging out in the medical tent for an hour post race with a fever, low blood pressure and other scary vitals.  Luckily the medical team was amazing and got me back to normal quickly.  But I did get a free shirt (note the red shirt in our medal photo).

The highs:
* Auntie's awesome win!
* Finishing the race within my goal time
* Running down Main Street in Magic Kingdom with a million people cheering for you
* Sharing an awesome experience with my Mom and godmother
* The medical staff
* Enjoying the Florida sun
* Seeing characters and all sorts of cool Disney stuff as we ran the course

Overall, it was a pretty amazing experience and I am so proud that we finished the race!  After all the medical drama, I likely won't be running another half anytime soon, but I am so glad to have checked that box off my list!
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Me again

Yes, I know February was a dead zone for me.  I was lacking inspiration and busy with a major milestone...more on that in another post. 

Like I've mentioned previously, I'm part of a small contingent of gals who still wears a suit to work every day.  And unfortunately, the Ann Taylor at our local (more high-end) mall recently closed, so I've been left with fewer brick and mortar options for suit shopping.  But alas, I perservered (suit shopping is a challenge, my friends) and  found a hidden gem last fall - Ross.  You know the discount store, like Marshall's and TJ Maxx?  It's a gold mine for suits, typically late in the summer or early in the fall.  They carry Calvin Klein, Nine West, Elie Tahari and Ann Klein.  I bought 3 - two Calvin Klein and one Ann Klein...for under $200.  Pretty awesome, eh?  The only hitch is that they weren't petite sizes so alas, they were a big lengthy on my 5'3'' frame.  As you know, one of my mantras is a good tailor is worth its weight in gold.  I took my new purchases to the tailor and for $30 each, I had both the sleeves and pants/skirts hemmed.  Now they look like they were custom fit for me...at a grand total of $90 each!

When I'm looking at "cheap" suits that will require alterations, I usually look for simple detailing and an overall decent fit.  For example, sleeves with buttons will be more costly to hem because the buttons may need to be moved and even a new button hole created.  I also look to find pants and skirts that fit in the waist and hips.  Typically, alterations to the body of an outfit are more expensive, so I look for a reasonable fit.  And another general rule, anything with a lining will be more expensive for alterations, because there are two fabrics/layers to adjust.  Happy shopping! 

*Photo courtesy of Overstock.
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Who knew...role reversal

Hi Bloggers,
Is there a good app for the iphone for blogger?  I just upgraded from my flip phone to an iphone and I'm looking to add blogging to my repertoire of neat things I can do from my phone.  Help a girl out!

Thanks,
PTHH
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The final countdown

...Until we run our half marathon in Disney World! 

I'm nervous and excited and jittery...and let's be honest here friends, I will be relieved when it's over.  While training for a half isn't a huge time commitment, it's something.  I've been diligent about my training runs and have dedicated a few hours every weekend to pounding the pavement.  I'm excited to share this "milestone" with my Mom and Aunt.  I've got my sneaks, fav running duds and my ipod shuffle all ready and then Mickey, you better get ready cause I'm coming for a smooch!
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give me a break

As I've been training for my half marathon, I've been really needing some excuses opportunities to cross train and get a break from the intensity and weight-bearing nature of running.  So if you've ever wondered what runners do on their "off" workouts, here's my answer...

Michael Jackson Experience for Wii...my blinds are always tightly drawn when I'm trying to perfect the thriller dance. 

P.S. I'm awesome; I dare you to challenge me to a dance off.  Bring it!

Ahh the elliptical machine, you make me happy, at least whenever there aren't 30 of my newest friends at the gym all trying to vie for your love in this new year's resolution gym season.

My shaggy dog always can use an extra walk during the week.  It's nice bonding time for us and it's a relaxing, quick way to get some exercise after a day at the office.

What did you do to maintain your sanity and exercise on your off days when training for some sort of race, be it a marathon or a tri?

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Hope springs eternal

This is the time every year where I start to feel myself longing, almost desperately, for spring weather.  It's been winter for 3 solid months and I'm over it.  I'm ready to go pantyhose-less, turn in my wool coat for the year and open the windows on my way home from work.  On this dreary, chilly evening, I was greeted by a few spring catalogs.  And as I settled in for the night with a glass of pinot grigio, a slice of frozen pizza and a large green salad, I started perusing the latest Land's End catalog.  I've never been a big shopper at Land's End mostly because I've been a loyal LL Bean shopper for most of my adult life.  But last fall, a dear friend alerted me to Land's End awesome down vests...on sale for $25...and I was hooked!  I was amazed to find some super duper cute spring duds that I was dying to share.  I have a feeling one or more of these may end up in the UPS delivery man's truck en route to my home very, very soon!

Merriweather Coat at $89.50

Sailor T-shirt Dress at $59.50

Emma Classic Capstone Ballet Flats at $49.50

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Game day dip

If you're hosting or heading out to a party at a friends, I have a superbly easy recipe that is perfect for tomorrow's game.  Definitely a good recipe for men too!

Buffalo Chicken Dip

• 2 cans chicken breast or about 2 C cooked, chopped chicken
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 C ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 1/4-1/2 C hot sauce, depending on your taste (I like Frank's)
• 1 C shredded cheddar cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In large sauce pan, heat chicken, cream cheese, dressing and hot sauce, until heated and mixed well - the mixture should be creamy.
3. Pour mixture in ceramic baking dish - a deep dish pie pan works well.  Top with cheddar cheese and bake for about 30 minutes, or until cheese starts to brown slightly.

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On the Run

One of the things that's been great about my recent running kick is that it's an easy workout to take on the road.  Whether it's visiting friends or family or a business trip, running doesn't require much equipment and allows you to explore your surroundings a bit.  My favorite tool for planning a run at home and on the road is Map My Run. 

It's a website that allows you to create a route and it measures the distance, whether it's in a park or along main roads.  You can also calculate elevation to show changes and vertical distance traveled.   It's totally free and also gives you the peace of mind that the route you envisioned from your hotel room isn't double the distance you can handle.  It's a great substitute for a pricey watch that tracks your distance and helps you pre-plan your route.  I've found it particularly useful planning my long training runs in preparation for our half marathon. 

The only con of this wonderful tool is that once you register, you will get some newsletters and updates, which I usually, upon receipt, immediately delete.  Luckily, they have a simple opt out function so your inbox doesn't get clogged.
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Great new book

I just returned home from my business trip (sorry for being so MIA) and am very eager to share a wonderful book that accompanied me on my journey.

Half Broke Horses, by Jeannette Walls.  She also wrote The Glass Castle, which was also fabulous.  Half Broke Horses is about the author's grandmother and her life in the West as a teacher, taxi driver, wife and mother.  It's a quick read and I love the author's style of short chapters - it makes it easy to pick up and put down quickly.  It was a wonderful Christmas gift (thanks Auntie Allie!) and a welcome addition to my carry on bag once my laptop died on our long flights!
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Now Boarding

I'm off on a business trip for the next 8 days and figured it was worth a post on how I prepare for a long flight.  We are hitting 2 sites, which means LOTS of flying time.  Luckily these two destinations are sunny and warm this time of year so I have very little room to complain.  When you go on any business trip, you have to be conscious of balancing work and play, especially when like I do, you travel with a client.  And lucky for me, 20+ hours of flying time in 8 days will more than adequately offer me time for both.  I have my laptop bag filled with my computer, work notebook and all the files and supplies that I need for our trip.  And then I have the "fun bag" - a small leather tote filled with some essentials for the long flights on the horizon.

 It's a tidy tote that works for daytime meetings and is a good purse for out to dinner in the evenings.  I like to stuff it with all sorts of fun things to keep me happy for these long journeys.

1. Glasses - I always wear them instead of my contacts because my eyes get so dry, but I always pack my contacts as well for when I get off the flight.

2. Snacks!  Peanut butter crackers are an old stand by.

3. Pashmina/scarf - doubles as a blanket...you never know when those icky blue ones were last washed on the plane.

4. DVDs...your own are better than the Hannah Montana movie they're showing on the flight.

5. Kindle - endless reading material.

6. Sudoku - quick entertainment for shorter layovers and when you're out of movies, books and work to do.

7. Another snack...homemade trail mix.  Mine is a mixture of almonds, peanuts, dried cherries, dried cranberries and a handful of white and dark chocolate chips.

8. My fav make-up bag stocked with tissues, toothbrush, vitamins and painkillers.

9. Quart-sized ziploc with toiletries- I pack my contacts and solution, deodorant, toothpaste, lipstick/gloss, facial moisturizer, hand sanitizer and tide to go pen.

10. Sunglasses...so you cover up those bags, er I mean look stylish from the moment you step off the plane.

Related posts: On the road again, Hotel sweet hotel, Now departing gate 1.

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Monday Meals: One pot chicken "stew"

I have been working on incorporating more protein in my diet since I started running.  I feel like I have a lot more energy and I don't get hungry as often...everybody wins!  This recipe evolved out of using some ingredients hanging around in the fridge and was surprisingly tasty!

One pot chicken "stew"

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into 1-2 inch pieces
• 3-4 slices bacon, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1-2 C assorted veggies - I used bell peppers, corn and onion.  Broccoli, green beans, spinach and peas would also be great.
• 1/2-1 C white wine
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp parsley
• 1/2 tsp thyme

1. In large soup pot, cook bacon over med-high heat, until cooked through.  Remove from pan and place on a plate, lined with a paper towel.
2. Add the chicken and cook 4-5 minutes or until no longer pink.
3. Add onions and veggies and cook for about 2-3 minutes.  Add wine and cook another 3-4 minutes.
4. Add vinegar and seasonings.  Taste and continue to season, if desired.  Let simmer a few minutes so the flavors combine.

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Running on empty

Saturday was a big day for me as it was a big milestone as I get closer to one of my thirty before thirty goals - the half marathon.  Saturday was my first 10 mile run.  It was a big deal in my mind - more than double the distance that I've ever run before I started training for the half, but I was ready.  I bought some new pants (aka compression tights) for these chilly winter runs (it was about freezing on Saturday morning with ice still on the roads...brrrr) and got myself a training belt, equipped with two small water bottles to help fight dehydration while away from home.  I even brought my cell phone after a friend recommended that I bring it when I run alone and especially for long distances.  I looked like a real pro and was ready to conquer my longest distance yet...or so I thought.

I am certainly not a runner by birth - I am more of an aquatic species than a land species.  I was a swimmer in high school and college, aptly called  a "wethead" during my college days.  I was comfortable in a speedo in front of hundreds of people; I was used to waking up at ungodly hours to punish my mind and body; I know what it's like to have lycra eat the skin on your neck (we called that a "suit hickey"); and I know the best shampoos for avoiding the green tint in your hair.  I was used to muscle-numbing practices where you swam endless laps only to find you'd barely made your interval and had exactly 2 seconds of rest before your next set.  It was brutal, but it was my way of life.  I think at one point, I swam 11 miles in one day during one particular hell week (the grueling training period between Christmas and New Years - a tradition for my year-'round team while I was in high school).  Yes, that's right - 11 miles.  That's 17,600 yards and 704 laps for those interested in the computation.  Brutal.  Insane.  Ouch.  Those are the words that come to mind. 

While I could, at one time (very far in the rear view mirror) swim 10+ miles, I found myself doubting my physical capacity around mile 2 of my run on Saturday.  If I was in the pool, I would have been more stable; my capabilities were tested and verified week after week.  But out on the open road, not so much.  I longed to turn around and just go home and try again on Sunday.  I wanted to walk the entire 10 miles.  Every 10 seconds, I was negotiating with myself.  It was terrible.  After about 3.5 miles, I flipped thru my shuffle to find a great song to psych myself up.  I found one - Check it out by will.i.am and Nicki Minaj.  I cranked up the volume and tried to lose myself in a good jam.  No matter how many things I thought about - my upcoming work trip, the actual race, my dear friend J who just ran a full marathon in Philly, this blog post, the snack I would eat post-run, rugs I liked for my living room (ahem, another post) - I couldn't lose myself in the rhythm of my stride or a song.  I think a few times I yelled at myself (yes, out loud) to try to find a rhythm or find some inspiration to meld mind and body.  No dice.  Around mile 5, I hit a decent stride for a mile or two.  Once I spotted the 7-11 that marks the turn to the homestretch, I practically sprinted the last 2 miles, somehow trying to make up for my lackluster start.  But who am I kidding, I was trying to finish in a respectable time and not look like a sluggish fool while I jogged down the main road that takes me home.  The entire hour and 40 minutes was a struggle. 

Above all else, it was a mental challenge and I was prepared for a physical challenge on this particular Saturday.  I even had the pricey gear to prove it.  I found myself wondering what the heck I was doing, questioning my physical and mental ardor for this race and vehemently conceding that I was no runner.



Sweaty, red-faced, aching and relieved.
Mmm Gatorade...



Even back at home, I was still beating myself up.  I'm not used to fighting my psyche for that long.  But after I stretched and took a 40 minute (no kidding) steaming hot shower, I felt a bit more limber and was able to reflect a bit more positively on the run.  While it didn't feel like it, I triumphed.  I beat myself at my own silly mind games.  It was an ugly battle, but I know I can do it.

I'll try the 10 miler again this Saturday, hopefully with a bit more ease on both the mental and physical front.  As my swim coach, Mike, used to remind us frequently, that which does not kill you, makes you stronger (he was a big Nietzsche fan...probably fan of the Evil Empire too, given the torture we endured in the pool).  While I hope to whittle my waistline and get in great shape in this process, I think deep down that my mind will be the stronger part of me in the end.

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Rug Shopping

I am a bad home shopper.  It takes me months and months to pick something.  I tend to generally be a picky shopper when it comes to spending lots of money, which is definitely a good quality.  But I often find myself frozen with indecision when it comes to home shopping.  It took me about 6 months to finally select the couch for our den.  And I'm facing the same indecision about a rug for our living room as part of our redecorating project.  I have some ideas and inspiration, but they're all over the map. 

Clockwise from top left: Red and Gold Wool Rug from Overstock; Bird Floral Rug from Pottery Barn; Martha Stewart Faux Bois Rug from Home Decorators; Beige Wool Rug from Overstock

I've learned a few things about selecting a rug.
1. Size Matters - Before you can start shopping, you really need to know precisely what sizes will work in the room.  I used a good tape measure and some painters tape to mark the corners of various sizes, which was helpful to visually show the size.

2. Know your floor color - I learned quickly after hitting a few rug and furniture store that the floor color matters more than I anticipated.  With a light colored floor, you are supposed to go darker in rug color and with a dark floor, the opposite.  Since our floors are a medium wood, we can go either way.  Who knew?

3. Know your style - While my ideas seem all over the map, they're all pretty traditional.  I know that I don't want a Jackson Pollack inspired paint splatter rug in bright colors.  Alternatively, I know I don't want a black-background oriental.  I have a general idea of colors and styles that will work with our taste and furniture. 

4. Take note of the material - I was amazed to learn that a lot of rugs are made with polypropylene, which is used to make plastic.  Who wants a plastic rug?  It doesn't sound cozy, nor does it sound like the sort of material that I want to cover our floor.  If you bargain shop, you can find some great deals on wool or other natural rugs.

5. Take your time - I went braindead after 3 stores on a Saturday afternoon.  It's exhausting to look at hundreds of rugs.  And more than exhausting, they start to blend together.  I can only imagine how the hubs felt...

I'm leaning towards one of the above and am eagerly looking forward to finishing our living room and will most certainly share the before and after photos.  Have you had trouble buying rugs?
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Citrus juice tip

Did you know...

If you're looking to juice a lemon or a lime, roll it on your counter under your hands, applying some light pressure.  It will help loosen up the pulp so it will juice more easily. 

*Photo courtesy of recipe tips.
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Home Office how to

The home office is an art form.  It can be challenging to motivate yourself to work among your comfy bed, TV, constant household chores and the kitchen.  And being that I work from home (and happily touted our home office makeover last winter here, here and here) from time to time, I thought I would offer my best advice on creating a comfortable, yet productive space.  I also solicited input from a few friends and co-workers who work remotely consistently and found some key themes from each of them.  The home office must meet the needs for anyone intending to conduct business there.  It must be a space where you can shut off the rest of the house, i.e. probably shouldn't be a lap desk in bed or a mini desk in your kitchen.  It must have adequate work space and be a place where you can be productive.

1. The basics.  You'll no doubt, need basic office supplies including the following:

• Pens and pencils
• Paper - notepads, sticky notes, printer paper
• Stapler and staples
• Paper clips
• File folders

2. Stay connected.  Computer, phone, printer and fax machine (if this is how you roll) are essentials.  A land line is nice for conference calls or other phone calls...hey, I like having one when I need to call a utility company and am on hold endlessly.

3. Work space.  Make sure you have some open space for any writing or paperwork you may have to do.  I try to keep at least 1/2 of our corner desk available for work space, whether it's jotting notes in my to-do list or commenting on a hard copy of a document. 

4. Creativity is cool.  Another aspect of a home office that can be helpful, particularly if you're in a visually-oriented field is the idea board, which is basically a beautified bulletin board that can hold any ideas, photos or other items that help complete a thought or project.  In my field, I could happily make use of an idea board with some of our graphics, flow charts and the like.

5. Chair.  No one wants to sit in an uncomfortable chair all day long.  Find one that works for you with an adjustable seat height and recline feature.  Your local office supply store and many furniture stores carry office chairs with lots of adjustments to ensure a good fit.  And you can always add a nice temperpedic cushion to help cushion your bum.

6. Lighting.  Nothing makes a work space more challenging than dim or poor lighting.  An overhead light may not work while you're bent over your desk, hard at work.  I have both a desk lamp and a standing, floor lamp in addition to our ceiling light.  But whatever you pick for lighting, I try to stay away from fluorescent and the energy efficient (don't hate me) bulbs because the light is so bright - they remind me of scarily white lights from an alien space ship or something like that.  Ok, I'm reaching, but I much prefer softer light.

7. Creature comforts.  A mouse pad with a photo of your cat, a soft candle or a pink gel pen might not be office essentials, but if they make you happy and make you more enthusiastic to do your job or finish any lingering paperwork, go ahead with your bad self!

  

*Photos from Martha Stewart.
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Monday Meals - quick and easy

Isn't it enough to go back to work after a week and a half off, let alone cook dinner?  I mean, I love being a modern housewife and all, but really I have to cook dinner too?!  The first day back at work is always a long day and I'm trying to avoid the inevitable plop-on-the-sofa-and-not-move scenario when I get home today.  So, I did a little bit of advance planning and put together a very simple dinner.

I'm working hard at better meal planning during the week so as to avoid copious amounts of take-out and the sometimes inevitable grouchy-pants dinner hour where I'm rushing around trying to put together a meal planned at the 11th hour.  That means I'll be using my trusty white board in the kitchen to pen some ideas over the weekend.  And while I'm sometimes motivated to try something elaborate and wow the hubs on a weeknight, I'll start off the new year simply. 

Quick and easy pesto shrimp
* 14-18 medium, frozen peel and eat shrimp, thawed and peeled
* 2 Tbsp prepared pesto
* 1 Tbsp white wine
* Cooking spray

Heat skillet over medium-high heat.  Spray with cooking spray.  Add the shrimp and wine and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and no longer opaque.

Serve over pasta or rice.  Add some bagged salad with a vinaigrette and a glass of crisp, white wine and you've got yourself a meal!
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Happy New Year!

Happy New Year dear friends!  I hope 2010 brings you only the best things in life - laughter, love and good fortune!

I am eagerly looking forward to a new year and instead of resolutions am working on a few themes for myself.  It may be cheesy, but I think some mental and emotional improvement is on the horizon this year.  I'm thinking about forgiveness, unconditional love, patience and charity.  These may be the sort of pie-in-the-sky cheesy ideas that we all think about every so often, but I'm going to make a concerted effort to improve, acknowledge and ponder each and what it means in my life every day.  So, here's to the best year yet!  I am after all, turning the dreaded 3-0 this year and I'm going to focus on life and keeping up with my thirty before thirty list. 

Planner from LilyJaneStationary on etsy.
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