Thursday, December 31, 2009

The Numbers are In (kinda)

I am usually very good about keeping track of data. It is something silly I do; however, I didn’t track my running until mid year and also I didn’t track my cycling because of a broken computer, but thinking back to the rides I did this year. I am guessing that was at around 500 miles, which is much less than 2008 and much much less than 2010 will be.

Here you have it.

Swimming = 40,600 meters (this is equal to 25.2276 miles)
Running = 150.95
Cycling = ? (~500 miles)

Next year I plan to track these on the side of my blog here…Just for fun.

I Agreed to What?!

Last night after a full day of snowboarding/skiing with my friends James and Craig. After a drive home with them each napping on and off and me consuming more caffeine than I really should have.

I decided to drop into the Red Rocks Lounge to enjoy a cocktail with some friends. All day my friend JT had been razing me about my decision to run the half marathon in October of next year. He called me a “pansy ass” for taking a ski lift up a mountain and told me the only way to redeem myself was to run the full marathon.

Whatever.

Well, fast forward to last night. While sitting at the bar he informed me that if I run the full marathon and finish, my buddy Kirk, will dress up in a full tux, follow me around for an entire day and evening and bring me beers, cocktails and pretty much act as my man servant. To sweeten the deal, from now until October of 2010, Kirk has to do sit-ups every day and continue running himself so he looks as fantastic as possible in the tuxedo.

So really this is for the health and fitness of my friend than myself. Right?

“Alright, I’ll do it…BUT I added I want this all to start the day I fly home from San Fran and a limo picking me up at the airport…”

I wonder if Kirk knows any of this?

We shall see….

Oh yes, there is a small side note. This marathon is all on a lottery, if I do not get in the wager is null and void.

Monday, December 28, 2009

2010 Events

My planned events for 2010 are:

January 1: Rescue Run 10K

January 17: Reverend Horton Heat @ The Black Sheep


(Tentative) February 3--? Escape to Belize

February 12: MY BIRTHDAY. Rumor has it there is a party planned for another
Lincoln baby in Manitou Springs, I’ll be crashing that party.

February 13: Manitou Springs Mardi Gras celebration. I will apologize now to my liver for how I will be abusing it that weekend.

March 6: English Beat and Fishbone @ Gothic Theater in Denver

March 7: English Beat @ Belly Up! In Aspen

June 5: Highlands Ranch “Tune-up” Triathlon

June 6: Elephant Rock Cycling Festival – Century Bike Ride

June 13: Mini Ha-Ha Triathlon

June 19: 20 Year High School Reunion (ouch!)


June 26-27: MS150 bike ride

July 25-31: RAGBRAI


August 15: Muddy Buddy


August 29: (two conflicting events)
Irongirl triathlon (my first open water swim tri—If I chose this event)
Venus De Miles 65 mile bike ride

September 4: Tenderfoot Mountain Triathlon


October 17: Nike half marathon in San Francisco. (Can you say tuxedo clad Firemen with Tiffany’s necklaces for finishers?—YUM!)


I did not list my snowboarding weekend plans. Let's just say every weekend and some week days January-March 2010 will be in the mountains taking advantage of my pass.

Happy Birthday Bawj!

Today would have been my childhood best friend’s birthday.

She would have been 38.

Her death 21 years ago wrecked me. That was my first experience with true grief, heartbreak, and sorrow.

The lessons I learned since then have made me the resilient person I am today.

People often comment on the level of my ability to heal and be healed. I truly believe the experiences I went through with Libby taught me how.

Rarely does a day go by that I don’t think of her.

Love the people in your life, hold them close and live, laugh and embrace every day.

Also, Never pass up the opportunity to share a laugh and create an inside joke with your friends.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Making a List, Checking it Twice

My nieces took their visit with Santa very seriously this year.

Natalie (5) made sure to write out her list so she didn't forget anything. She also helped Hailey (3) make her list.



After reading the list to Santa and having a good discussion with him. Natalie offered for him to keep the list so he didn't forget anything. She was thrilled that Santa kept the list and said he would make sure the elves saw it when they packed the sleigh.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Note to Self

One of my silly habits is to write random notes to myself, at random times.

Sometimes, years later I stumble upon an old note.

While cleaning my office/loft I found a note I must have written a few years ago.



Good words to live by.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Adventures in Tea: Chia



A few years ago I began a love affair with Chia tea, after buying the concentrate in stores and making it at home I knew there had to be a way to make it from 'scratch', with fresh spices, and no unknown additives and processed sugars.

Then one day one of my oldest girlfriends (not by age, but more diration of our friendship. Although I think she is a couple hours older than me--among other things we share a birthday--but that is a whole other post, isn't it?), Leslie, gave me this recipe.

I love her for it.

I love her for lots of things, but this Chia Recipe...well I am tickled pink over it.

It is better than any Oregon, Tazo, Big Train or any other mass produced Chia mix out there.

Plus, with this recipe you can add the sweetener of your choice. I prefer Agave Nectar. But if you want to add plain old sugar or honey that is fine also.

Ingredients include:
• 15 whole cloves
• 20 black peppercorns
• 3 sticks of cinnamon
• 20 whole cardamon pods (split the pods first)
• 8 fresh ginger root slices (1/4" thick, no need to peel)
• 1/2 teaspoon black tea leaves
• Milk and Honey to taste

Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Add Cloves and keep boiling while you add other spices (peppercorns, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger.

Let boil for 30 minutes, then let sit and simmer for 2-3 hours.

When ready to serve, remove from heat, add tea. Let cool.

To create Chia Latte. In a saucepan, mix equal parts tea and milk. Sweeten with honey/sugar/agave nectar to taste. Heat to a frothy boil while whisking.

Tea can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator.

Enjoy!

Books of 2009

These are the books I read in 2009.

I love to see what books people have read.

Maybe it is my own compulsion with keeping lists.

Maybe it is because I like to see what other people are reading and have read.

Maybe it goes back to my childhood, where our local library gave prizes for the most books read in the summer months, the more books read equaled a better prize. Usually free passes to the local swimming pool.

Maybe it is just another of my quirks.

Regardless, here is my list of books I read in 2009:

Sex and Bacon: Why I love Things That Are Very Very Bad for Me – Sarah Katherine Lewis

Middlesex – Jeffry Eugenides

Twilight – Stephanie Meyer
New Moon - Stephanie Meyer
Eclipse - Stephanie Meyer
Breaking Dawn - Stephanie Meyer

Journey of Souls: Case Studies of Life Between Lives – Michael Newton

Eat, Pray, Love – Elizabeth Gilbert

Water for Elephants – Sara Gruen

Running with Scissors – Augusten Burroughs

Wishful Drinking – Carrie Fisher

Call of the Wild – Jack London

The Jane Austen Book Club – Karen Joy Fowler

The Glass Castle: A Memoir – Jeanette Walls

Marrying Mozart – Stephanie Cowell

My Antonia – Willa Cather

Devil in the White City: Murder Magic and Madness at the Fair That Changed America – Erik Larson

Loving Frank – Nancy Horan

Slow Fat Triathlete – Jayne Williams

Always Looking Up – Michael J Fox

Revolutionary Road – Richard Yates

Perfection – Julie Merz

The Climb – Anatoli Boukreev

Lost – Joy Fielding

H.L. and Lyda – Margaret Hunt Hill

The River Killings - Merry Jones

Finally,
The book I am currently reading ever night before bed, and will continue into the new year.

Rock Canyon Race Report



What a great day. We have been experiencing crazy cold weather here in Colorado this past week or two, the only day where the daily high in Pueblo was to go above freezing was last Saturday.

Perfect, the high was projected to be 42 degrees. “great running temperature” I thought. What I failed to think was that high was to be met at noon or later and the race started at 9am. It was in the 20’s when the gun when off and we were still standing around and shivering at the start line.

I was reminded why I need to ask Santa for running tights this year. The knickers didn’t quite do it for me when I was standing around, but once we started running I was fine.

I didn’t really have many expectations for myself at this race since it had nearly been 2 years since I ran my first half marathon in January 2008 (Phoenix Rock and Roll). My training this summer was focused on Triathlons and Swimming, but since completely the Fall Series (barely because of back issues, but that is another story) I have been trying to stay motivated to train for this half.

With the angry back, cold weather and my lack of discipline, this race seemed to sneak up on me.

Thursday before the race my friend Rachel sent me a message and said she was on the fence if she should do this race or not. I told her I already registered so I was going.

This race is VERY low-key. It is a $20 entrance fee (compared to the $100+ for Rock n' Roll events), to preregister you mail a check to the Gold Dust Saloon in Pueblo.

There are no medals for finishers, but you do get a really cool sweatshirt with no advertisements or sponsor names, just the logo for the race.

Now that I think about it, I don’t even know if there were sponsorships, where there?

So race day came and my girlfriends all convened at my house at 7 am to head down to Pueblo. I was all frazzled having spent the week before commuting back and forth from Denver to hang out with my dad and not getting home until almost 10 pm the night before.

My ‘carb-loading’ dinner was a hospital salad I stole from my dad’s room service tray, a cup of applesauce and some left over mac and cheese I heated up when I got home. Not the dinner or champions I am afraid.

Surprisingly enough, I think I finally figured out my nutrition for my races. Unlike Tenderfoot Mountain; once race morning came, I felt great. I think I have been over eating prior to races. Good to know!

Tina (aka: Happy Sock), Rachel and I headed to Pueblo where we met up with other friends that were racing, including JT (aka: Brownie), Matt (aka:Blos), Katie (aka: $100), Lauren (aka: Nacheaux)—damn hashers .

Tina came strictly for moral and cheerleading support.


(that's not water in that dixie cup!)

Cheerleaders are important!

The race started and ended in Pueblo’s City Park: we did two laps around the park, then followed the path along the Arkansas River to Pueblo Reservoir then back to City park. There was one big hill, we went down the hill around ,mile three and back up at mile 12. It was at the top of this hill my friends were all standing, cheering and giving support since I was the last in our group to come in.

From Mile 8-12 I had a lady named Julie running with me, she liked my pace and was a lovely lady to meet/run with. Once we got within sight of the hill however I heard the cheers and had to turn it up and run up that hill. I hate running up hills. I can run down fine, but UP I suffer. At the top of the hill someone offers me a PBR—again, damn hashers. Now don’t get me wrong, I like beer, A LOT, but beer while running? Only if you want to see me instantly vomit.

After the hill Rachel ran along with me to the finish line.

2:44:06 was my final time. Also, My half-marathon PR.

Here I am crossing the finish line.




What a grand fun time!

Props to JT for taking third place, Rachel for completing her first half, and Tina for having the hardest job, standing and cheering in the freezing temps.

Next event: Phoenix Rock and Roll half. Let’s see what happens at sea level!!!

Doctor's Orders

Are for me to try to relax. My legs have recovered from last weekends half marathon and now it is time for some R&R.

Oh, you didn't know I ran a half marathon last weekend? Oh I did, in Pueblo, in 30 degree weater.

I have neglected this blog since my 'funployment' started. I promise to be better about that.

This weekend I will be heading into the high country, hanging out with an old girlfriend, drinking wine, hitting some hot springs and making some turns in some fresh snow.

YIP YIP YIPEEE!!!

I have been waiting nine months for this weekend to arrive.

The weekend where I kiss away my Fall Funk and head into my Winter Euphoric mood. Hello Ski season.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Saucey Ladies

The wine that Miss Stacee brought to Book Club this past week. It was Purr-fect.

Wanderlust

An old dear friend has come to visit.
His name is Wonderlust
In my search for my next adventure, next chapter, new beginning
He is guiding me to look at other places of residence
Not a lot is holding me in the town in which I live
In fact, lately I have felt like Alice in the shrinking room.
The City is shrinking around me
I see too many people I know,
Know more than I should
The anonymity I used to adore has disappeared.
This may be the growth I crave and need to embrace it.

The Week in Movies

I have always loved movies. This is a passion my mother and I share.
For her birthday this week we went to see Amelia. A fantastic movie about one of my favorite historical heroins.
The ending was no surprise, but interesting enough, just a couple of weeks ago I read an article that they may have recently discovered her final resting spot. Read it here.

Thursday evening, my friend Tina and I stayed up way past our bedtimes, agreeing to cancel our next day 5 am gym appointments and went to see one of the first showings of New Moon. The second in the Twilight saga. I admit, I have a school girl crush on Edward and the Twilight books were a small addiction to me. If you have not read them, don't start unless you have a couple weeks to devote to doing nothing but reading, because that is all you will do.

Finally, Friday afternoon, Liz and I went to see the french movie Coco Avant Chanel; or in English, Coco Before Chanel. Being a lifelong Chanel fan, I loved this movie. It had great insight into the world and mind of Gabrielle, aka Coco and her life as a young girl and designer. It left me with the question, I wonder what she would think of her designs today? She liked simple, classic lines and styles with not a lot of 'fluff'.

Hello....

Tap tap tap

Is this thing on?

No, I have not fallen off the planet, I have just been a busy bee living the dream.

I promise to update soon with lots of redundant stories of movies, beer festivals, napping on friends lawns (Oh I may leave that story out), Halloween, Homecoming and family happenings.

For now I gotta run and get ready for a glamorouse brunch at The Broadmoor with my dear friend Kirk.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

The Great Pumpkin

Weighs in at 1075 pounds.



I wish this was mine, I would carve it and jump inside to have a tea party with my friends. Who would join me?

The Next Great One?


Look out Wayne Gretzky

Colton James has your number

Now I know I am biased, but just look at that face. It is that looks that gets this aunt each and every time. I find myself saying things like "Of Course you can drive my car" (just kidding)

If your ever looking for fun and cheap entertainment, hit a pee-wee hockey practice sometime. Pure hilarity is certain to ensue

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Women Build Day



This past weekend I was able to participate and volunteer on a Habitat for Humanity
house in connection with “Women Build Day” with a few of my mates; Jessica, Stacee,and Jules.



My alter ego for the day was “Construction Barbie”. Complete with barbie belt, pink shoes, pink glasses and pink water bottle.

It was a successful day and we got the house completely wrapped in blueboard insulation. Jules and I did the back wall of the house. We didn’t realize when we picked this wall it would be the toughest with the angled eves. Being the daughter of an architect that loves strange angles, I welcomed the challenge. I had to dig deep into my high school geometry lessons, but the end product came out good and all were impressed.


At the end of it all, we had to sign our work.


As a public servant Jules took the opportunity for a little campaigning.