Productive Spin

Just another manic Monday.

I wish it was Sunday.

Cause that’s my fun day.

Even though it was totally a run day.

That’s where The Bangles and I differ.

After dinner and dancing on Friday, I was pooped and worthless on Saturday. Which was fine. It was rainy and gross. The roommate and I assumed our positions on the sectional and were content with watching chick flicks all night.

The only thing in Red Box that wasn’t a “straight to DVD” or already seen by yours truly? A Dora the Explorer dvd of some variety and The Vow.

At least with Dora, I may have learned a few educational tid bits. With The Vow, I got to drool a little over Channing Tatum. And that was about it. The movie was “cute”, but nothing ground breakingly amazing.

Now I’m just dehydrated and out $1.20.

However, it paved the way for a productive lil’ Sunday. Or it could be considered that way if you spin it correctly.

Sleeping in was productive because I caught up on necessary sleep.

Eating pancakes is considered productive when they’re used to nourish a solid 4-mile run.

Peanut butter is one of my favorite things. Pancakes are another one of my favorite things. Weekends are another one of my favorite things. This was the only natural thing to do…

The run was nothing out of the ordinary. I always enjoy early weekend runs (early being 9ish) because there aren’t that many people up yet and I can zig and zag around the neighborhood in peace.

Sure does beat the gym.

I wasn’t so lucky with the crowds when it was time to hit Michigan Avenue. That’s to be expected, though. Shopping was productive because I pretended walking up and down Michigan was my “cool down” from the earlier run. That and I found a few things that won’t make me a social outcast in the coming summer months that can also double as office wear. Always a good thing. Even if my bank account doesn’t agree.

Eating was productive because I made use of many “almost expired but not quite” things in my refrigerator/pantry. Especially efficient on this particular day because I may have cut into my grocery budget to also help cover my retail adventure.

Pizza sounded delicious, but this was the closest thing I could come up with. We have a surplus of tortillas and I’m still having an affair with my roommate’s quesadilla maker.

Even with the growing obsession over the quesadilla maker, the roommate and I always manage to over buy tortillas. So along with the expired tortilla, I also cleaned out the pepperoni bought on a whim, black olives and mushrooms that have spent too much time in tupperware, and cheese that neither my roommate or I could 100% claim to have bought.

Pizza quesadilla? I may be on to something here…

The salad accompanying my pizza quesadilla looked a little sad. The lettuce was a day or two past its prime. I pretended not to notice.

See? My Sunday was SUPER productive. It all just depends on how you spin it.

Now if only I would have finished that laundry…

An Itch

After 4 days of visiting and traipsing around the city with my high school friends, it’s down to just me again.

Ho hum…

But maybe that’s a good thing. I probably need the sleep. Blood shot eyes confirm this.

After spending a night out in Wrigleyville, a day of shopping the neighborhood, block parties, a trip to the zoo, cheering friends on in races, eating out at a few local spots, movies, etc, we still weren’t done.

Clearly, this means we need to fuel up with breakfast again.

I still hate the word moist. Gross.

But anyway, I finally had an excuse to make Jessica’s Cake Batter Pancakes. There is no better way to impress your guests than with funfetti. And I had an itch for something sugary. Surprised?No you’re not. Don’t lie.

For the record, the sugar rush from the pancakes and the powdered sugar glaze will energize you for the entire rest of the morning. Promise.Just be mindful of the pancakes as they cook. Otherwise, you’ll end up with one black sheep in the bunch.I always burn at least one. Often more. 

Believe it or not, we fought over who would eat it. I ended up tossing it because I had made a recipe and a half and there were WAY too many pancakes. And no one really wanted it. We were just being polite. A rarity that sometimes happens in these parts.

Afterwards, we rode the train down to Michigan Avenue. Because we all had an itch to shop. However, our most important stop was our first one of the day:We wanted to say hi to Marilyn before the rain in the forecast became a legit concern.

This 26-foot statue of her from The Seven Year Itch was debuted on Friday. My friends arrived on Friday. Coincidence or fate?This is the first, but not the last, of many trips to say hey. That I am sure of.

After sweatin’ it out on the Magnificent Mile for most of the afternoon, the decision was made to stop off for a little happy hour celebration.

Which put the trip back home in the thick of rush hour traffic. Before a Cubs game.

Not the brightest move.

But hey- when you’re thirsty, you’re thirsty…

After coming home and cooling off, the three of us decided to sweat through a second outfit for the day and head to a bar advertising $3 burger and fries and dirty trivia night.

We were there for the food. And only the food. I swear.

Yet held our own up until the 3rd round.

Either way, a good way to end the extended weekend. Leaving me here. Once again.

I’ve still got a couple of days of recovery before another weekend hits me with full force.

Plenty of water will be involved. Along with a few of these:Because if I don’t watch it, my body is going to start figuring out where to stick all the grease and sugar for safe keeping.

Yikes.

Happy Hump Day, kiddos!

Sunday Afternoon Bender

I don’t like to shop for myself.

I know this screws up my whole “girly girl” persona, but it stresses me out. Shopping trips are dreaded almost as much as a trip to the dentist.

Helping friends find something they’re looking for? Ok, I’ll totally go along.

For myself? Blah…

Just like dentist trips, I need to start rewarding myself with ice cream at the end…

Anyway- maybe it was because I used to live in close proximity to the 5th (something like that) largest mall in the United States that came hand in hand with overwhelming anxiety and insane crowds. Or maybe it’s because I never truly have a lot of disposable income burning in the ol’ pocket.  Whatever the reason, I just don’t like it.

Online shopping is my friend.

However, I am a girly girl and was actually needing a nice cocktail dress for my friend’s rehearsal dinner and one or two staples in the summer wardrobe for work/casual affairs. Not “want”. “Need”. There’s a difference.

And that’s how I went on a bender…

Mon came down to see my new apartment and have a lil’ Sunday Funday downtown.

And this is how I experienced, for the first time, all that is The Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue.It’s astounding how much bigger this place looks from the inside- you just keep going up and up and up! And the jellyfish display for Shedd Aquarium was also pretty cool.  Ohhhhh pretttttyyyyy…

Wait… what was I talking about?

Oh yeah- 3 hours later, my credit card was exhausted and I was already trying to figure out what returns I’d be making in the next couple of weeks.

Or not. I mean… maybe I’ll just eat ramen for a few months to make ends meet?

However, that would probably lead to malnourishment. And then all the clothes bought on Sunday probably wouldn’t fit.

I just can’t win.

Either way, it’s safe to say, even with returning a few things, I’m set for the rehearsal dinner. And summer. Hooray!

Instead of ice cream for our success (let’s not live in TOO much excess), we decided dinner would be appropriate.

I chose Wishbone- a southern cooking restaurant that I’ve been to once before, but it’s so good, I had no problems going back.When shopping is your cardio for the day, it’s important to carb load with free cornbread.

All I could do was rave about the blackened catfish salad I had the last time, so when it was nowhere to be found on the menu (the menu changed after 15 months- imagine that), I had to switch it up with the blackened catfish entrée:Let’s discuss…

Rarely do I ever love coleslaw. If it’s too vinegar-y, I won’t touch it. This shiz was JUST right.

Also, I love sweet potatoes, but I never make them this decadent. They were above and beyond. I know the milk used wasn’t fat-free. And in every bite was a hint of pecans and brown sugar. Beautiful. The definition of delusionally happy.

After our little exploration of the city, we meandered (or waddled?) back to my place where Mon kindly offered to help me unload some odds and ends.Even with all the changes going on in my life this month, I know one thing for sure-

The two of us will never grow up.

Anyway, it’s Tuesday. So uh… good luck. 

Stupid Tuesdays…

The Chicago Bloggers Do Brunch

It’s much like a first date once you think about it.

There’s an awkward feeling as you head to the restaurant you decided on.  Will I recognize them?  What will we talk about?  Am I underdressed?  Overdressed?  Oh god… it’s raining, I’m going to look like a hot mess!

My plans to walk from the metra to Yolk were quickly changed when I departed the station into a downpour.  After about two blocks of fighting the elements with my umbrella, I took shelter under a random building.  And would like to give a sincere shout out of thanks to the navy seal that stood in the rain for a good while to hail a cab for me.  Thank you, sir!  Your mom (who was standing there) should be very proud.

Of course the rain slowed once I paid for the cab ride.  Figures.We ate at Yolk- a place popular for breakfast (um… duh).  They have a few locations, but Heba was sweet enough to set it all up at the one on East Ohio in the River East neighborhood.  It was pretty crowded, but after a small wait, we were accomodated nicely with a large round table. The waiter may have been a little annoyed that we were way too busy chit chatting to order…  oops! 

Yolk has a fantastic menu- the selections are seriously endless.  I couldn’t even narrow it down to if I was hungry for sweet or savory.  So I cheated.

Megan and I split two dishes to make the decision a little easier…Cinnamon french toast.  If you think you can’t make cinnamon rolls even more decadent, you’re wrong.  Dip it in egg and fry it like french toast.  Then we’ll talk.The Santa Fe Frittata.  Because we wanted bacon. So we scoured the menu for it.  And found a winner that also included potatoes, avocado, jalapenos and cheese.This could be one of the few times I wasn’t the only one taking pictures of my food.

Everything was delicious.  The salsa on my fritatta was spicy- which I LOVE.  And I made sure to have every bite of the cinnamon roll with icing on it.  Happy faces AND tummies.  A winning combo.Let’s see if I get this right…

Front Row: Kate, Katie and Heba

Back Row: Tracy, Kelly (avid reader!), Megan and me

This was such a fantastic group of ladies.  Sure, it’s a little strange at first- since we sort of “know” each other.  Some of us have met, some of us hadn’t.  Some of us blog, some of us don’t.  Some of us blog about fitness, some about health, some about food, some about life, etc.  But the conversation never stopped- or even slowed down.  I loved meeting you guys! 

Afterwards, Megan and I had planned a “wander” of the city.  The rain kept us a little nervous, but it cleared up enough for some window shopping on Michigan Avenue. 

Then we got thirsty.Jefferson Tap is conveniently located near the metra station.  It’s a casual neighborhood spot we ducked into for a while to watch some college football and chit chat.

Three hours later, the hunger hit again.  So we decided to split something (again).The Irish Nachos.  This was a gigantic plate (that could have fed a family of four) of waffle fries with all the toppings of traditional nachos.  I couldn’t stop raving about the sour cream.  It’s one thing I don’t keep in the house.  Not because I think it’s unhealthy and shouldn’t eat it.  But because I would find a way to incorporate it into every single meal I make.  No good.

I’m horrible about catching trains.  I usually make them, but it’s a down-to-the-wire ordeal every time.  This was no different.  We walked (err… speedwalked?) to the train station and it was literally me yelling over my shoulder ”nice to see you again, let’s hang out soon!” as I jump onto the train.  They closed the doors behind me.  And I was off. 

Whew…

Even with the weather, it was still a fun day in the city.  But this is Chicago- when is it not fun? 

Welcome to Sunday, everyone.  At some point today I’ve got to get myself moving.  I have a long run to do.  Which clearly has to be scheduled around the Chicago Bears game.  So I should probably get started.  Like now. 

Enjoy your day!

A Day of “Almost”

For our “staycation”, Mon and I stayed in the Hilton Suites right next to the Hancock Building- absolutely gorgeous.  I of course jumped on the bed when we got there (took my boots off first, of course- no need to pay for piercing the mattress).  Then we took a little tour of the hotel.  The pool and workout area were on the top floor.  And I will say, if I had a view like that, the treadmill runs would not be nearly as monotonous and boring.  Can you believe this?  I would never leave the gym… ever.

After the little tour, we got all ready and cute for the night we had ahead of us and went to the hotel bar for a drink:

Since people from their climbing team weren’t going to be able to attend the reception in the Signature Room on the 96th floor of the Hancock Building on Saturday night, I happily stepped in to take their place.  No one refuses a free meal from the Signature Room.  It was buffet style and it was fabulous.  I went back for seconds- but I blame the tiny plate.    Most of the options were pasta and little appetizers,  but I was ok with that- I don’t remember the last time I had tortellini.

As we were eating, two of the girls who were supposed to do it were calling/texting and saying they probably wouldn’t participate.  Enter me.  YES!  I will climb!  I was so lucky because I had already brought stuff down to run in, so it wouldn’t be a huge problem at all!  And I didn’t train for stair climbing at all, but I could do it!  So last night, it was decided I would be stepping in.  How cool!  I was going to climb!  For free!!! 

Since I was stepping in as a “climber” that night, I also snagged a swag bag- with a $15 gift certificate to drinks or food at the Signature Room.  Of course Mon and I decided to use it at the bar.  Don’t get excited- it covered one $13 drink.  We both had “Rush Streets”- which were iced kahlua, baileys, ameretto, and everything amazing- topped with whipped cream.  I like liquid dessert.  And because I like liquid dessert, I also went for a hot chocolate pixie- which was basically heavily spiked hot chocolate- even better than the Rush Street cocktail.

At that point, we were faced with two options.  Go out all dressed up and have quite a night out on the town.  Or explore the area- after going back to the hotel to change.  Because we both splurged for the extra cocktails at the bar, we decided to go for the second option.  We didn’t want to get too tipsy before the climb, didn’t want to kill our wallets, and could use the exercise to “help digest”.  Ugh- help digest.  That makes me sound old.

We took the walk down Michigan and did some window shopping as we gossiped and snapped pics.All the way to Cloud Gate… which is alot further than we originally planned!  And then turned around and went all the way back up Michigan.  The weather was tolerable, but we both snuggled like children into our beds when we got back.  Aaaahhhh.

I had a few issues sleeping because I was still processing my agreement to climb.  Am I really going to climb up 94 flights of stairs???  What if it kills my knees?  What if I can’t make it?  How am I going to carry my camera with me the entire time (important things, you know…)?  Monica’s phone rang at 7:30 the next morning.  And she talked to her friend who organized the event.  Both girls who had sworn they weren’t doing it had decided to jump back in.  What?!?!  Nooooooo!  I was a little disappointed.  I knew it’d be fun.  But that’s ok- back to my original plan- the run along the lake shore.  I was ok with that. 

They were the “flyin’ Hawaiians” (yes, they watched CNN to keep tabs on the tsunami situation- making sure it would still be an acceptable name to keep) and made their way to the Hancock Building across the street and I set off to run.  I’ll discuss the run later.  Other things to discuss now- but here’s Mon in her climbing gear: Too funny.  I don’t understand why she didn’t go with the coconut bra that came with the skirt, but I guess maybe after 20 flights or so, it might start to chaff….

I made sure to get back and be showered by the time they made it back to the hotel room.  Mon burst in- “I’m the only one who didn’t make it!!!  AAAHHHHH!”  Of course I didn’t believe her- she had been training for this thing for months. 

Whatever Mon.  Don’t lie.

She was serious.  After discussing it in detail, we decided she was probably a little claustrophobic and had too much coffee and not enough breakfast beforehand.  It probably didn’t help that people had been climbing for three hours at that point (they have spaced out starting times for over a five-hour span) and it most likely smelled like body odor and Bengay. Her pace was a good one- and she felt great.  Then, she started to black out a little and get dizzy.  And ran out the 10th floor stairwell exit… to hurl.  Of course, when this happens, they take it seriously.  Blood sugar was checked, water was supplied, and she just couldn’t keep going up because she was too dizzy.  Poor thing… although she laughed about the entire thing.  I’m pretty sure she was the most prepared.  But the Hancock won the battle.  Boooo…

Afterwards, the reception for the runners and friends/family only provided chips and pretzels to participants.  This just would not do.  So we went to a restaurant called Feast a few blocks up the street.  I all but licked my plate.  After a granola bar for breakfast (probably 300 calories short of what I usually eat) and a run- it was past lunch time and I was STARVING.  I had a custom omelette with mushrooms, feta, spinach and chicken sausage.  I took an awesome pic of it on my phone, but my computer is refusing to recognize it.  So I can’t get the photo at this moment in time.  Just imagine omelette awesomeness…

I almost got to do the Hustle.  Mon almost finished it (ok, not “almost”, but it was just an unfortunate nonfinish).  But even after the “almosts” we had, the little trip downtown was so much fun!  And exhausting…  I will now be taking my spot on the couch to finish out a lazy afternoon.  Have a good end of the weekend! 

My Feet Hurt. Part One.

I was a little nervous about Laura’s visit.  Mostly because I’m quite the planner.  And I had no idea until pretty much the day before when she was coming, if anyone was coming with her, etc.  I figured, if anything, we could just take the metra into the city Friday night and wander for awhile.  It’s pretty easy to keep yourself entertained while doing that.  So Laura found her way to my humble little apartment.  Hugs.  And we got ready and were off.  We made it downtown before 7:30.  Originally, I had hoped to get to a spot to catch the sunset over the skyline.  Of course, we were surrounded by buildings and it was cloudy- so that happened at some point as we were walking toward Millenium Park.  We weren’t going to stop at the Bean, but when we saw it, we figured we might as well.  And I got to see the two temporary Pavilion sculptures.  One was being worked on and gated off.  The one that was open was kind of neat.  We took pictures and were going to walk away.  Then the colors changed to pink and we jumped back in to try and catch it.  I was amused for a little while with that one.  Unfortunately when I pulled out my camera, I realized it was dead.  Crap! I have absolutely no idea how I let that happen.  I’m the one person who always has the camera within reach and fully charged.  It was a mystery.  Laura had hers, though.  No worries!

We walked up Michigan and then I realized we had gone a little too far and already passed up Navy Pier.  So back we went.  We made it.  After quite a lot of walking.  But we were both ok with it.  That was my exercise of the day and Laura got to see a little bit of the fabulous Magnificent Mile and Northwestern University.  I actually remember randomly walking past it once when I was lost with Annie.  Weird how random things pop back into my head from a couple years ago.  Deja Vu.

Once we got to Navy Pier, we had to make a quick decision about if we wanted to see the view by starlight boat tour or ferris wheel.  We took the cheaper option- and I couldn’t remember the last time I had been in a ferris wheel…  Apparently Laura and I interrupted date night down there.  And I learned, from the couple waiting in  line in front of us, pink fishnet is not a fashion statement.  It’s just down right trashy.  Oh wait… I already knew that.  The $6 single-rotation ride was fun.  You go up much higher than you first realize.  The lights along the pier and lake were gorgeous.  Laura took enough pics for the both of us…

We had walked a really long time.  And it had been a long day.  We needed a cocktail.  Badly.  I was on the verge of getting cranky otherwise…  So we looked around the pier.  I really wanted to check out Harry Caray’s.  But it’s not opening until later this fall.  Damn.  So we settled on Charlie’s Ale House.  Cocktail numero uno.  It felt pretty good.  Probably because we were slightly dehydrated from walking for so long without eating or drinking anything.  We looked at the time and decided to slowly walk back to the train station.  The plan was to stop in a couple places and wherever we were at midnight, we were going to take a cab the rest of the way.

We ended up making it to one spot.  PJ Clarke’s on Illinois Street.  I liked it.  Another one of those places where you couldn’t see much of the wall because it was lined with crappy headshots from the 80′s and 90′s.  Quaint.  Laura and I sat and drank and took some shots.  We got to catch up and get a little silly.  We stayed longer than planned.  So that was the only stop.  But it was a good one!

We took the cab at midnight (it’s like we’re Cinderella, really…).  And got to the train station reasonably early.  Early enough, actually, to take a soco lime shot in The News Room at the station.  I doubt the bartender there liked us.  I showed my unsatisfaction when he said he didn’t make red-headed sluts.  I thought by now that was a staple in the shot lists of any bars that serve women?  Not quite…  We got on the train kind of early.  Unhappy about the overwhelming smell of Arby’s surrounding us.  I swear half the people on the train had it.  And we wanted it.  Damn curly fries… how I love you so! 

We both woke up the next day still tired from all the walking we had done the night before.  It’s what we spent half of our night doing!  I was concerned about my planned outting to the city that night… we were exhausted…

If Cheetahs are sprinters, why isn’t this the 100-meter dash instead?

Various people asked me what I would be doing on Friday night.  I laughed and said I was making a point of not drinking and going to bed somewhat early.  They looked confused until I told them I was running in a 5K on Saturday morning.  Then they were confused in a different way because they didn’t see me as a runner.  Surprise…

We were up by 7:30 on a Saturday morning.  That should not be allowed.  Nothing good can come out of getting up that early.  But we did.  And we bundled up.  It was cold.  Not as cold as the Shamrock Shuffle last week, but very chilly nonetheless.  We cabbed it over to a corner of Lincoln Park that was already bustling with people.  Neither one of us had done this before- so we were a little lost in what we needed to do.  Good thing the registration table was clearly marked.  We grabbed the free long-sleeve tees and our numbers.  And realized we still had about 40 minutes to spare before the start of the race.  So we walked around- more to keep warm than to stretch out our muscles.  I’m not kidding- it was COLD.  There were a few things to do- exhibits, things for kids to do, info about the organization, etc.  Niki and I hoped they would have baby cheetahs there to see.  No such luck.  Oh well- a suggestion for next year.

Right at 9:00 we were in place- surrounded by hundreds of people.  Niki’s a bit claustrophobic, so thankfully that didn’t last long.  Soon, we were running.  And running.  And we ran the whole thing- which I had been nervous about not accomplishing (cold air, wind coming off the lake- eek).  When we were running, Niki kept swearing she would never do this again.  She changed her mind a little after we finished.  It was a very empowering thing to do.  I, on the other hand, knew right away I was going to be signing up for another one.  Loved it!  We pushed ourselves- we got faster each mile instead of the other way around.  I loved passing people.  I didn’t realize I was so competitive.  Why haven’t I been doing races sooner?

We got through the finish line.  And looked at each other.  We were f-ing starving.  Niki said she knew of a place nearby, so we went.  It was Original Pancake House- an Illinois chain.  This particular one was tucked away in the basement of a high rise.  We saw other runners who had the same idea as we did- luckily we beat the crowd (must be because we run like the wind!).  The menu reminded me of Walker Brothers.  Almost exactly- I’m wondering if they have the same owners?  I was ecstatic- I talk about the oven baked omelets that Walker Brothers has to anyone who will listen.  So you know what I got.  It had mushrooms and bacon in it.  Yum.  I will eat mushrooms in pretty much anything.  I’m slightly obsessed.  And I ate the whole damn thing- don’t judge, I just ran a 5k!

After breakfast, I experienced another first- Chicago Public Transportation.  We took the bus to Michigan Avenue.  I had asked the night before how close they lived to Michigan because I needed to go to Tiffany’s.  I had taken my parents to Michigan Avenue in October, and we went into Tiffany’s because my mom had never been.  And I figured she’d like seeing all the sparkly things as much as I do…  Dad sat and waited patiently- obviously not his kind of place.  But he did tell my mom, who was looking wistfully at all the charms, to buy a little something.  She declined, but you could tell she didn’t really mean it.  I took a mental note.  Her birthday’s next week, and I figured if we all chipped in, we could get her something pretty that comes in that little blue box that everyone loves.  Niki insisted on going with me.  I told her not to worry about it, that I didn’t want to make her feel like she had to go- but she had never gone inside and was curious. 

We rode the bus all the way to the front of Tiffany’s.  We were both a little apprehensive about going inside in our running gear, but there really wasn’t a more convenient time to go.  Besides, judge all they want, I knew I was going to be leaving the store with something and that’s all they really needed to know.  I knew exactly what I wanted, so I described it, they pulled it out of the case, and I bought it.  Spending money can happen so quickly.  Niki approved and said her mom would probably love it- so that’s a good sign my mom will, too.  Now I have the little blue bag with the little blue box sitting in my room waiting to take the trip to KC next week.  I wish I had a little blue box for myself sitting there, too.  I really loved this collection of necklaces with key charms on them.  So cute!  It would have been really easy to swipe my credit card again- but I restrained.  Just like my mom did.  I hate being so damn responsible.