Not what I expected.

I made my way over to the forest preserve for a run yesterday afternoon.  Being the gorgeous day that it was, it was crazy crowded.  But I was determined to run- dodging the walkers, children, bikers, rollerbladers, dogs, scooters… am I missing anybody?  Please holler if I am.

I ran a little under 2.5 miles at about an 8:35 pace.  This was the most I’ve ran since the last 5k I did.  So I guess it’s not bad.  My leg feels good.  But I was a little disappointed with the pace considering I had done 8:09 miles for the race.  I understand it’s a little different atmosphere and running by myself doesn’t quite give me that competitive attitude.  But still.  I just always feel like I’m having to start completely over!  I just hope that I’m not going to have any more leg problems from here on out.  I have a half to train for!

I also stretched it out with some Fitness Fusion yoga after the run.  But that was pretty uneventful.

Dinner, however, was not.  I broke out the chicken for this one.  Most of my days have been meatless as of late (with exception to the tuna), so I figured it might be time to get a different source of protein in my life.  Since I don’t have a grill, much to my dismay, I have to improvise.  Baked BBQ chicken sandwich anyone?I also threw in some aged white cheddar for good measure.  Other than feta, white cheddar is one of my favorites.  I like cheese that has a really strong flavor- otherwise, what’s the point?  The one exception is blue cheese.  Even though I’ve tried many times to like it, we just don’t get along.  Anyone else have a good favorite?  Or one you despise?

Mon and I decided it was high time we had a Sunday Funday.  We had been counteracting the suckiness of Tuesdays as of late, but we really wanted an excuse to see Kick-Ass sooner than later.  Usually I don’t participate in funding Nicholas Cage’s horrid acting quests, but the fact McLovin’ was in it balanced out my decision.

Um… wow.  The movie… uh… Do you know how Pineapple Express looked like it was going to be just a funny, light-hearted comedy about two dumb but lovable stoners then actually it was bloody and just weird?  That’s how Kick-Ass was.  I expected it to be about this nerdy kid who tries to fight crime.  With laughs.  And silliness.  Um.  Nope.  I’m hoping that’s what all the parents were thinking too when they brought their little boys with them to see the movie.  I’m actually judging a little that they even did that because the movie was rated “R” and called “Kick-Ass”.  Curse words don’t really bother me too much- but when I’m aware of younger ears in the theater, I get a little upset.  Same with when people’s heads are getting shot through.  I can’t even watch it- so why is an 11-year-old able to?  I dunno.  The movie itself was ok.  And there are funny parts.  But overall I didn’t really like it- not my thing.  And Nicholas Cage is still just creepy.  But that’s just my opinion.  Take it or leave it.

Today is the first day Jaime is back from her destination wedding.  I hope that means low stress at the office.  But it’s Monday, so I guess that would be wishful thinking.  We shall see…

Namaste, Jillian.

First off- thanks for all the sweet comments about the race!  I know it may have not been the smartest move given my chronic leg issues, but I really had so much fun doing it.  Secondly, I have been informed “twinge” is most likely a word and should be used often because it’s a good one.  So yeah…

I was a little sore yesterday.  I think a lot of it had to do with the fact I was off of running for three weeks and then suddenly blasted three miles in a race.  I am sure it’s mostly “good sore”- but am going to wait for the muscles to chill before I assess the whole leg situation.

Because I really felt like a good stretch, I decided yoga would be a good way to work it out.  After some exploration of Exercise TV, I found that Jillian Michael’s Yoga Meltdown was an option!  I hear good things about it from Marie on a pretty regular basis, so I decided to give it a try.  And I happen to love her other workouts (shout out to The Shred!).

It was a tough workout!  I found myself having to do some of the altered poses to chill out a little.  But I liked it!  Granted, Jillian isn’t the most soothing person to listen to for traditional yoga- but this isn’t really traditional anyways.  So it was ok.  I’d definitely do it again!  I just wish they had the Level 2 on Exercise TV, too.  Not that I would be able to do it right away- but I’m just sayin’.  And I’m totally feeling like I got a great stretch.  Success!

Because of poor planning, I did a double salad day.  I bought the bag of lettuce close to the weekend and didn’t really get a chance to eat it the last couple of days.  In order to not be wasteful, salad became my meals of the day because the lettuce was taking a turn for the worse.  But I made sure to make my dinner salad epic:Broccoli, mushrooms, peas, and sunflower seeds were overflowing out of the bowl!  I wish I could say I’m not a messy eater, but it definitely got everywhere when I tried to mix it up.  I have no patience when it comes to this kind of thing.  Oops…

Yoga and fresh eats all day- how refreshed should I be feeling right now? 

Not very… I’m tired.  Where’s my coffee?

Not much else to say today… I’m having lunch with my friend Jon who works nearby my office.  We’ve hit up Jason’s Deli the last couple of times we’ve met up, so I told him it was his choice this time and that he should find us a good Polish place to go- he lives next to quite a few and says authentic Polish food is amazing.  Since I haven’t had a lot of it, I said we should give it a go!

Also, in another effort to combat the suckiness of a Tuesday, Mon and I are taking a trip.  She’s a loyal customer of Mario Tricoci day spa and salon and is going tonight to get her hair ‘did.  And since they like her so much, they gave her a couple free sessions to come in and get your makeup done.  So she gave one to me.  Which is a blessing- this girl (pretend I’m pointing both thumbs at myself) is no artist when it comes to the face and such things involving brushes and liner.  I’m hoping to pick up some good tips.  Because I suck.  And it’s not beyond the realm of possibilities of the girl taking one look at my eyebrows and passing out.  That’s a whole other level of disaster I’ve got going on… I should know better.

I won’t be your friend. But I appreciate you.

I’m talking about yoga.  Yes I hated you.  But I get it.  I know now that you help me.  You help make my core stronger.  You help my flexibility.  You help me cross-train and become a better runner.  So thank you.  But I still don’t like you.

I went back and forth for a while when trying to decide if I should break out the yoga.  The leg is hanging in there.  I’m feeling pretty good about it.  Not good enough to run- I’ve become way too over-cautious to do that.  But good enough to do yoga.  So I turned on Exercise TV again and hit up the Fitness Fusion.  My only worry was the warrior series, but the leg hung in there and didn’t complain!  Progress…

Although it had been a little longer than I’d like to admit the last time I actually did it.  I’m sorry yoga, I know I started to ignore you when running came back into my life.  But you have to understand- running and I go way back.  And we’re in love.  No hard feelings… k? 

It’s not cardio- but I’ll happily take it!

So I made sure to have a good breakfast for LOTS of energy today.First of all because I’m somewhat short on sleep (I swear the full moon brings weird dreams- what is that about?!?!).  Secondly, because I have a super long road trip to Mid-MO to spend Easter weekend with the fam.  And the discussions of new construction on the news in the background of that picture will most likely screw me over in some way or another… blah. 

Before I continue, can I just say that now every time I have oats in a jar, I think about this cartoon my friend Ashlee sent me?  She seriously did crack up at my nut butter addiction…So basically, I’m stirring it in the jar going “megggggaaaaaa butttteeeeerrrrrr!!!!!!” in an unnatural sounding voice (high or low pitch, whichever works for you).  Yep.  It’s the little things, kids.  Just remember that…

Oh how I enjoy this trip.  Not.  Interstate 55 is the highway to nothingness.  At least last time I had some of my fav boys to keep me amused on the way to Mardi Gras in St. Louis.  I’m doing this one alone- and traveling about two hours longer… Ugh! 

But it’s aight.  I usually do ok on keeping myself entertained- the playlist has been updated.  There are people to call and catch up with.  I should be good!  But am always open for suggestions if you have ways of making long trips seem shorter (that are not drug induced anyways…)?  Originial plans were to leave after work and stop for the night in St. Louis.  But one of my fav girls, Laura, has to work pretty early on Friday.  So I think I’m just going to try to speed through StL, give a shout out to Busch Stadium on my way through (a little over 3 days until opening day, kids!), and be on my merry way into more highway and hills.  And not much else.  Peaceful… Almost too peaceful… ha ha

So there you have it!  Maybe if you’re lucky, I’ll have some sweet stories of random occurences that happened in the middle of Illinois.  Don’t hold your breath, but there’s always hope…  And cross your fingers that there’s no Children of the Corn incident that goes down if my car breaks down.  It’s a reoccurring concern of mine.

Have a good Thursday!    I’m excited because I found an excuse to get a Trader Joe’s trip in today over lunch- figured I’d pick up some wine and a few unique TJ items as a nice thing to bring home tonight since my fam doesn’t really get exposure to a store around them.  Not that they really care so much about that, but I still like bringing home fun things.   Can we make nut butter an Easter tradition?  Let’s try it…

My Friday Night in Pictures

The weekend is finally here!  After the crazy-busy weekend last week, I have no set plans and couldn’t be more content!  I’m looking forward to a relaxing evening… after my 45-minute Yoga Fitness Fusion, of course.  And this is how I’m planning for it to go.

Here is where I will be sitting:

Yeah, my futon.  I’m so college-like… And this is what I’ll be staring at:

Obviously, I choose to spend my money on entertainment instead of comfort (refer back to picture of the five-year-old futon I snagged from my little bro when they didn’t have room for it in his place).  This was my gift to myself, if you don’t remember, thanks to gift cards and Christmas donations (I would have never bought it completely by myself, I assure you). And this is what I’ll be watching on it at some point: I’m not the biggest follower of the whole Conan/Leno scandal, as big of a mess that it has become, but I’m curious as to how his last show is going to go.  Plus Will Ferrell’s going to be on.  And I heart Will.  As I watch, I’ll be drinking this:

Yep- that sure is $2.99 wine from Trader Joe’s.  It’s not my favorite, but for that price, it can come pretty close! Sadly, I’m going to empty the bottle soon.  And like I said earlier, no grocery shopping for a bit in order to detox the pantry.  So I’m enjoying every last drop- just short of licking the bottle.  Well… who knows.  Maybe I will if I’m thirsty enough. 2008 was a great year for wine… I’m so classy.

I just got a letter from my parents today with two things.  From my mom- an article containing a recipe for some chocolate coconut-filled cupcakes because she knows how I like to try my hand at gourmet cupcakes.  Those will have to wait- I’ve got a few others on the top of the list that I need to try first.  But they will be made at some point.  From my dad- $40 and a note that said to order a Lou Malnati’s deep dish and pick up some Goose Island 312 and to call him after to let him know how good it was.  My fam loves the deep dish and I always find a place to get some from when they come to visit… so he always asks if I’ve had any good pizza lately.  Guess I’ll have to order some soon… anyone hungry???  Those things are massive!  I’m making a point of saving that cash specifically for that- but it will have to wait until after I’m getting a little more cardio in on a regular basis- don’t really want a massive ass or heart-attack because I decided to indulge before then.  Well.  The heart-attack might happen either way.  But at least the ass issue will be under control.  Still dead- but great ass.  Yep… my logic amazes me.  But back to what I was trying to originally get at- my parents are so sweet!

Have a good weekend, kids!  I’m off to make myself long and lean.  And I might start on the Core Challenge Kloe started over at Three Green Leaves…  watch out now!

Too early for spring cleaning?

Ok, so the Trader Joe’s cashier recognizing my shopping/drinking habits really did bother me.  Not so much because my buying habits could be close to those of an up and coming alcoholic (for the record- I’m very much kidding.  At this point.), but because I’m there waaaayyyy too often.  Considering I do the majority of my shopping at a local grocery store chain.  And I still find reasons to go to TJ’s once or twice a week?  This is getting a little over the top.

It seems my pattern is this- I have a list for the essentials (usually fresh things such as milk, eggs, fresh veggies- basically whatever can’t be kept around for a long time).  Then I go- with the LIST, mind you- and end up picking up random things on sale, or that I’d like to try along the way.  And a lot of sale items have to be bought in three’s or five’s.  That’s how I end up with three boxes of the same kind of Kashi cereal in my pantry.  And how I end up owning eight boxes of cereal at a time for myself.

I’m terrified of getting my 15 minutes of fame on TLC as a Hoarder.  It’ll be a “Special Pantry Edition”.  I’ll be crying uncontrollably because I can’t stand the idea of throwing away that can of Spaghetti O’s that’s been hanging out for almost a year on the shelf.  Don’t ask how it got there- I really have no idea.  Or the four or five packets of Ramen- I guess I live vicariously as a college freshman through nostalgic eats…  Actually, I saved it purposely on my last move because my friend’s mother-in-law makes this amazing asian-style crispy salad with them.  I wanted to copy it and never got the recipe.  Fast forward to today- expired.

I went through a soup phase for awhile.  And then decided it really doesn’t fill me up like I want it to.  Instead it just makes me feel gross because of all the sodium or tastes disgusting because of the lack of sodium.  My one thing I’ve done well on is pasta.  I used to absent-mindedly buy it as a staple to have around.  But then I realized I was rushing to use it before the expiration date as well, and stopped buying it all together.  There’s only one or two boxes now… and I’ve got time before they hit the dust.  Although I ironically may have to dust them off before cooking…

And my poor refrigerator may topple over soon because of all the stuff crammed in the freezer on top and how empty the bottom is.  My mom always sends up meat and frozen veggies (straight from the farm).  But they don’t really get that I don’t cook up a pound of ground beef every other day…

So yeah- I need to scale down a bit.  I’m going to try and track down a food drive.  Also, maybe see how I can do without hitting the grocery store for a little while in efforts to minimize the clutter.  A detox of the pantry.  Because if I move again this year, I refuse to move ramen that was purchased when I still lived in Missouri.  That’s just sad.

Side Note:  Pilates tonight.  I’m gonna do like that annoyingly happy chick says and “feel it in my booty!”.  The challenge is can I do that with a straight face?

Today’s Workout Inspiration

Usually I curse through my yoga lengthening and strengthening session.  But it wasn’t so bad today.  Today I had this in mind:

Holy leg!!!  Jen Aniston has always been a favorite of mine and she really rocked the Golden Globes last night- she’s sexy, but still looks like the girl next door (if that makes any sense at all).  She’s not sickly skinny- just perfectly gorgeous!  Love it!

Anyhoo… like I said, my inner protesting was kept to a minimum.  I went to the workout room and got a few different arm weights in.  Then came back home to do another round of Yoga Fitness Fusion.  I’m starting to get a little better at balancing throughout the session.  And ironically, I think my favorite position is tree pose.  Because I really sucked at it when I first tried it- but I’m finally focused enough to get through it somewhat easily.  Yes kids, I’m coming around.  Slowly…

I sort of ransacked Trader Joe’s today.  Had to pick up some staples- like peanut butter… ha.  Speaking of peanut butter, my new fav snack might possibly be peanut butter filled pretzels.  I’ve seen them show up on a few blogs, so I thought I’d try them.  I’m probably not going to be allowed to buy them very often… I see a crazed obsession setting in. I’m also thinking I need to slow down the trips to Trader Joe’s- the cashier asked me why I wasn’t getting wine tonight.  What?  Or maybe I just need to cut back on the drinking so that it’s not something cashiers will comment on?  nah….

Excuse me now as I go plug in the N64.  I’ve got another little tournament scheduled with one of my fav boys again.  And I’m bound and determined to win at least three this time.  Video games are a serious addiction.  I’m only slightly embarrassed about it.

A Little Yoga and A Lot of Gibson’s…

So after my last post, I did crank up the Exercise TV…  Fitness Fusion for 45ish minutes.  Not my ideal workout, but hey- the girl keeps talking about the cardio in each move.  Wait- what was…. oh!  Was that my heart rate raising?  That little extra beat a minute?  Must have been…  As I look like an idiot trying to keep balanced in the privacy of my living room.  Whatever you say, lady- just make me long and lean… as quickly as possible. 

My carryout bag was bigger than most small children...

 

 Last night I took a little trip on the metra down to Rush Street for some seriously fine dining at Gibson’s Steakhouse.  This was my first time going, and for those of you not from Chicago- it’s a pretty well-known steakhouse in the area.  And can I just say?  AMAZING. 

A friend from grad school was in the city for business and asked if I wanted to meet up for dinner somewhere- his treat.  It was nice to catch up- and who am I to say no to a free meal?  We had reservations for 8:00 (due to the lack of flexibility in the train schedule for me).  And by the time we sat down to eat, I was a bit famished.  We ordered a bottle of wine.  I really had no intention to get even one drink, but he said he had quite the day and told me to pick a bottle.  It wasn’t hard to convince me that was a good idea. 

I had the broiled Norwegian salmon.  He had the Chicago cut steak.  Before we ordered, the waiter had asked if either of us had been there before- and when we said no, he brought out a plate containing all the different cuts of steak they offered.  A plate of raw meat…  I wasn’t going to get the steak to begin with- but that just pushed me to the salmon even more.  They also showed us the unprepared lobster tail- which was about as big as my forearm.  I didn’t realize that I would be fed for a week by coming here. 

Everything was soooo good.  I really do not enjoy just a large slab of steak- but I tried it.  The huge fat vein kinda turned me off…  We also split two sides (probably only needed one).  The double baked potato- we were gonna go for the baked sweet potato, but the waiter insisted otherwise…  and sautéed spinach and broccoli.  Sooooo yummy. 

Yep, my friend was staying in a hotel and had no place to put the leftovers- so guess who got them all?  I have a large lunch of salmon and double baked potato, plenty of spinach and broccoli (sooo making a veggie scramble with that) and even the steak.  I think I committed a sin by thin slicing the entire thing, but that’s the only way I’d eat it- by mixing it in to something.  Please don’t tell Gibson’s management on me… 

This morning was rough.  The couple glasses of wine mixed with a bad night of sleep is seriously no good.  I think I ended up drinking more of the wine.  The waiter seemed to favor my glass over my friend’s.  And I’m pretty sure he winked at my friend at one point.  Think again, buddy.  I raced my butt to that 10:30 metra train home. 

Because I obviously wasn’t getting any more sleep, at 6:00 this morning I decided to get up to do some AM Yoga.  I ended up with Pilates.  I don’t think I’ll do that 20-minute workout again.  Or at least not in the morning- that chick was way too chipper.  If she had giggled or said “ooohhhh, feel that one in your little booty?” one more time, it would have been over.  I think they should tape a workout with someone who is as harsh as I am at that time in the morning.  

On second thought, maybe that’s why they have Jillian Michaels on there…