Love my early days…

The rest of the week consists of going in and leaving work early.  I am SO glad it’s like this.  Yesterday was gorgeous.  I had my running gear smashed into my work bag and was determined to get straight to the trail as soon as I left work.  And I did.  And it was crowded.  But that worked to my advantage.  I started with some squats.  Sort of.  Really, it was me pulling the hover move because I really had to pee before I started and the restrooms were still closed for the season.  So all that was left was a lone porta potty that had pee all over the seat.  Not ideal.  But like I said, the hover move warmed up some of the quad muscles. 

Anyways, I decided to stick with just one loop around the track.  I ended up running 2.8 miles with an 8:11 average pace.  Not bad!  I probably have a guy to thank for that.  I was doing my thing when he passed me.  I watched him slowly creep ahead and then said, “screw it, I know I could keep his pace.”  So I did. For about a mile.  Then I said, “screw it, I could totally pass him.”  So I did.  And then I said, “screw it, I could totally kick his ass.”  So I did.    Thanks for making me pick up my feet a little more, Mr. Random Running Dude.

And now I have a bone to pick.  I was the one to run out during lunch to run errands and pick up the cake for my boss’s birthday.  So I decided to grab a salad at the building next door (they have a cafeteria, too- which I consider better than the one in our building).Love their salad bar options.  LOVE them.  I was all about carrots, squash, garbanzo beans and some sunflower seeds.  My problem?  My problem that also occurs at my building’s cafeteria?  The salad dressing.  The options blow.  They blow hard.  It’s all creamy dressings.  And it’s not like it’s “low fat”.  It’s the serious stuff.  Unless you want olive oil.  And I don’t like plain olive oil on salad.  Sometimes I remember to bring in my own dressing.  But I don’t think that should be necessary if I’m already paying to eat their salad.  Don’t get me wrong- I don’t have anything against creamy dressing.  I love me some ranch.  And caesar.  And I’ll use them from time to time(which I did today).  But sometimes, I’d just like to have a simple vinaigrette.  Or lower fat option of any kind.  It might be a wise option to throw in there.  Because there’s still those people out there that load up on all this veggie goodness and then drown it in ranch.  And I mean DROWN it.  But think because it’s “salad”, it has to be healthy- no matter what.  I know a lot of people like this.  And it just bugs me.  Sometimes I just want to say, “dude, you would have been better off with the burger”.

It’s the little things that irk me sometimes.  Like I said, I’m totally ok with having it in moderation.  I just want another option.  Gah.  Stepping off my soap box now.  Because I’m pretty sure I fit a few little “irklings” in there to vent about when I only met to discuss one.

Oh the places where my mind goes…

I finished my Michael Pollan book.  The last section of “food rules” (more like guidelines to follow if you choose) was my favorite.  Some of the things he had to say were an interesting thing to think about.  Such as “avoid foods that make health claims” because of how processed this food could be.  I was also a fan of “don’t get your fuel from the same place your car does”.  That’s pretty self-explanatory.  I think I’ve said it before, but I really enjoyed his writing style more than anything.  Totally recommend the book- it can open your eyes to some new things.

Next on the list?  Pure entertainment.  I have a desire to read Chelsea Handler’s new book.  I was talking about it at work and one girl said she had the second book and let me borrow it.  So I’ll be reading Are You There, Vodka?  It’s Me, Chelsea.  I love her humor, so I figured I’d give it a shot.

And yeah, I still had a piece of cake.  After we all crowded into the break room- Office Space style.  It had green icing on it.  My tongue turned green.  Bright green.  Which was concerning.  Happy St. Patrick’s Day…And now the holiday is over and we’re already a day away from the weekend!  Getting up today was a little easier than yesterday.  Part of that was due to the fact I went to bed a little earlier (a little after 10:00).  Just call me grandma.

Coffee habit is still in place.  Don’t worry, I’m working on it… tomorrow.Even Vince is concerned about my recent increase in caffeine intake.  Oh dear…

Don’t worry, Vince.  I won two of those Love mugs in my gift basket from Jaime’s shower.  We can have matching cups of coffee tomorrow if you’d like…

Have a good one- we’re almost to the weekend!

A Contradiction

Yesterday I took a solo lunch for a little mental break.  Sometimes a girl just doesn’t feel social, ya know?  Maybe not- this is a blogging community- we thrive on social.  But whatev- bare with me!  So I snuck off to catch up on In Defense of Food.  The book has made an appearance or two on this blog, and yes, it’s taking me forever to read it.  I find it extremely entertaining and informative, but there’s  a lot of talk about studies and research.  And I think, as interesting as I find it, I revert to my old college self and my eyes start to glaze over after so long.  You know the feeling…

Either way, this is what happened: Yeah, that’s a Lean Cuisine.  Salmon basil to be exact.  Yeah, I question if it’s real salmon, too.  But I keep them on hand.  Especially for when I have crazy mornings.  I have no idea how, but time slipped away from me and it was five minutes before I had to get out the door and I’m still running around half-dressed with a toothbrush hanging out of my mouth.  I didn’t have time to get anything together, so I opened the freezer, closed my eyes, and grabbed.  This problem would most likely be avoided if I better prepare myself the night before.  But I don’t.  Ever.

I’m pretty sure Michael Pollan wouldn’t exactly approve of my lunch selection.  Especially as I was reading about the evils of processed foods.  But it’s better than what it could have been.  And it kept my tummy happy.     What is everyone elses’ go-to quick lunch?  I need ideas!!!!

I redeemed myself with this little number when I got home: Welcome back, broccoli!  It’s been… three days… oh dear!

I made it to the bridal shop for the dress measurements and such.  I had to register to be able to order from them.  I’m sure I’ll be getting calls and mailers from them now on a weekly basis.  Sweetness.  Just what a chronically single girl wants… ha.  Either way, I want to make it clear, I am not trying to get into the smallest size I possibly can with my next little rant.  I know my frame, I know my body, and I know how I fit into things.  That’s all.  So when the girl tells me she thinks I should order one size- and I straight up disagreed- there’s a reason.  Because last time I ordered that size, I spent more money altering the dress than what I paid for it. Not a joke.  Yes, I’m aware you’re the bridal shop expert, but I’ve been in enough weddings to have an idea of what’s going on with sizing.  Unfortunately, they didn’t have anything but a size that fit me about as good as a snuggie, so she said she’d measure me just in case (said with a skeptical eyebrow raise because we were still disagreeing).  Then she measured me and bit her tongue and her words were, “oh lucky you, you fit into a (enter size here)”.  Of course, I’m too old to point and sing “told ya so, told ya so”.  But I wanted to.  I just don’t understand why you have to make it such an unpleasant experience.  My friend is getting married.  I’m happy.  Don’t bring me down! Ah… adventures in wedding land!

I got home relieved to have that whole thing over.  That’s when I chilled out with above salad.  And relaxed… I didn’t run last night- my legs were feeling a little fatigued, but still did yoga so I’d feel like I got a little activity in for the day.  It was a nice session considering I hadn’t done it in a while.  The elliptical was contemplated for a bit- I could have if I wanted to.  But I really wanted to call it an official “rest day”.  It’s just as necessary to have one of these as much as a good workout.  I know.  Grrr…

I’m excited because I’m having lunch with my friend Jon today (who works near me) and he’s letting me pick where to go.  It’s not a sure thing, but I’m leaning towards Jason’s Deli!  My fave deli spot!

Getting Fidgety More Than Once

Hello Friday!  Why did you take so long to get here?

Eight hours of the office can be soooo draining at times.  Yes, I’ve been leaving with a rare burst of energy (magic is the only way to explain this one), but that doesn’t mean that the day itself isn’t a struggle.  I have a hard time sitting still.  I always have.  And it’s a real stretch for me to sit in a chair at a desk for that long.  Give me an excuse to get up and walk around the office, and I’ll do it.  I purposely only fill my water bottle halfway for that reason- so I have to get up more often to refill it.  Plus, the bathroom is down the hall, too- so yeah… it works.  That’s ridiculous.  And sorta sad.  But sometimes, a girl just wants to MOVE. 

Jaime even gave me a funny look when she said left her water bottle in my car (I drove us ladies out to lunch at Potbelly’s yesterday to celebrate a coworker’s last day) and I offered to get it for her.  She was about to go and buy a new one in the convenience store downstairs and I said, “nooooo!  I’ll go out and get it for you!  Just give me a couple minutes!  It’s only across the parking lot!”  Strange?  Maybe.  Was I acting like her bitch?  Sorta.  But I’m ok with that.  I got out of the office and was able to stretch my legs for a little.  Ahhhh…. Work becomes such an energy suck otherwise.  Anyone else have issues getting through the day like that?

For my run last night- I did 4.5 miles at a steadily increasing pace.  Until the last half-mile.  Then I just went balls to the wall.  Well, for me at least.  I did it at a 7:30 minute pace.  Which felt just lovely.  But let’s make it clear- that was only a half-mile.  Loooonnnnnngggg way to go before that pace starts taking over my run.

One thing that really was rough about this run was I really really had to go to the bathroom the ENTIRE time.  It was awful!  As soon as I got there, my “good” treadmill was open.  I had no choice but to take it when I had a chance.  As soon as I started my warm-up, though, I knew I should have made a quick potty-run before I started.  Should I start my run?  Should I jump off real quick and go?  What if someone takes it while I’m hanging out on the toilet?  I would have kicked myself.  So I stayed on.  I can hold it for 45ish minutes, right?  Riiiiight…  I really had the urge to cut my cool down short.  I didn’t, but I wanted to.  Oh my goodness I had to go.  Needless to say, this was not my favorite run.  Lame…   

No need to discuss dinner- we all know it was another broccoli creation.  It included cheddar and a pita.  Use your imagination.  Which reminds me- nice comments yesterday.  I’m glad I wasn’t the only picky child.  Broccoli and brussel sprouts seemed to be the winners.  I’m going to tell my mom that- make her feel a little better about her little girl being a non-eater until the age of 8…

Since I’ve been boring with my food, I have no choice but to leave you with this breakfast pic: Yes, I broke out the “dessert” oatmeal with my green tea for Friday (almond butter, chocolate chips, coconut, and a little cereal on top- I promise there IS oatmeal under it all).  And yes, I’m currently reading a little Michael Pollan.  I jumped on the bandwagon.  curiosity got the best of me.  I’ve been slow to get through it, but I do have to say- I like his no-nonsense writing style.  And he makes some good points.  That’s all I have to say about that for now (I’m really not that far into it yet). 

Happy Friday everyone!

Hey Bay-bay!

Yes, that is also a Hurricane Chris reference.  Anyone remember him?  I do.  He was a predrinking friend of mine with my roommate Mary.  Our bedrooms were right next to each other’s the last year I went to school at Mizzou.  And whenever that song came on, like little girls we would scream “Hey Bay-bay!” wherever we were and then proceed to the kitchen for a shot of Goldshlager.  Yes, that’s gross.  Yes it’s true, nothing good ever comes from starting a night out that way.  And yes, my fascination with hip hop lives on.  In case you were concerned. 

So getting away from the nostalgia, this cartoon made me giggle.  Good thing I have that Core Challenge to keep me in check… and I actually like doing pushups.  Of course I’m a far cry from Michelle Obama’s super arms, but hey- I take what I can get.

On an impulse, I bought that book by Michael Pollan, In the Defense of Food, that’s “all the rave” now thanks to Oprah.  I have no idea why.  I also threw in Jillian Michaels The Shread DVD workout so I could qualify for free shipping on Amazon.  Sure I had considered looking into buying it, but I got hit by the shopping bug and just went for it.  So I’ll be expecting those two items in the mail this week.  Hopefully I didn’t just waste my money.  Maybe after this month is over, I’ll be out-of-this-world toned and the healthiest eater you’ll ever know.  Doubtful.  But anything is possible.

Last night as I was in the middle of some random yoga pose, I noticed how crappy my feet look.  I think tonight after my little run and weightlifting session, I’m going to have to take care of that one.  I’m not a foot person, but that doesn’t mean I’m allowed to let them just go to crap either.  My little ladies need some love and color.

Have a good Monday!  I’m doing what I can- turns out less than five hours of sleep does not a happy Amy make.  Go figure.