Findings and Adventures in the Life of Katie Dinterman

I've moved...

2010-07-30T11:15:00.002-04:00

check out my new blog, Run Little Legs!, at: http://runlittlelegs.wordpress.com/

LOVE MEXICAN: Guac & Veggie Burritos

2010-06-06T21:32:00.008-04:00

Guacamole is one of my favorite things to make. It's so EASY and DELICIOUS! When I'm in a hurry, I grab a Trader Joe's Guacamole Kit. But, when I'm a) not at Trader Joe's or b) Trader Joe's is closed and I am forced to go to another grocery store (it's OK if its the Harris Teeter), I get the following:

2 avocados

1 small onion

1 medium tomato

2 cloves garlic

1 jalapeno

cilantro (optional)

Then I slice, dice and mash everything up and dig in with some blue corn tortilla chips!

(the Habanero/Lime salsa from TJ's was delicious, too)

Another Mexican favorite: veggie burritos wrapped in whole wheat tortillas.

I sautee peppers (one of each color: red, green, yellow and orange) and an onion while I boil whole wheat or Spanish rice.

Toss in some leftover guacamole and some plain Greek yogurt (a great healthy substitute for sour cream) with the sauteed vegetables and rice. Dig in!!

Found at Wegmans...

2010-06-06T21:05:00.003-04:00

... WOW! Can you believe these are $299.99/lb?! And they are locked!!

Though they look like pieces of poop, they are actually very cherished among fancy foodies. They are mushrooms that are harvested underground. Apparently chefs shave the truffles and sprinkle it over dishes or they will rub it over food. I would love to try one... but NOT for $299.99/lb!

Found at Harris Teeter...

2010-06-06T20:58:00.003-04:00

... a South African Baby Pineapple!

I didn't buy it at the time because I didn't know what to do with it. I later found out you can eat it like a regular pineapple, but because there is no core, the whole thing (minus the skin) is edible. So cute!!

I love Subway

2010-05-25T15:16:00.003-04:00

Last week when I went to Subway for lunch, I got this:

I texted to sign up for SUBWAY Mobile. Today, I got a free vegetarian 6-inch sub with my Sun Chips and Fuze Iced Green Tea. I hope I keep getting good coupons!

Today has been productive. I sold back my Statistics book and got $77.50. Yay! I need to grab a new pair or two of Balega running socks for the summer. I have a lot of thicker socks, but now that it is getting hotter outside, I feel like my feet are getting overheated. Weird, I know, but I feel much more comfortable with thinner socks in the heat because my feet breathe better. I also want to try compression socks. Perhaps I only need it on my left foot where the cyst is. I usually go to the Potomac River Running store, but I may stop in to Pacers in Arlington on my way into DC tonight to check out the store. I've only been once briefly when I went to pick up my race packet for the 4-miler that I didn't run.

I am running the DCCS 8K this Saturday, and I am very excited about it because the race starts at 6:30pm. I've never run an evening race, but I think I'm going to like it because I am a better evening runner than morning runner. However, I haven't been running more than 3-4 miles at a time, so I am cautious about how this ~5 mile race will go. I'll probably be totally fine. The expo is on the same day at Lululemon in Georgetown starting around noon. The course runs on the Capital Crescent Trail, which I've never run before, and there is a post-race celebration at Chadwick's on Water Street. I'm all over some post-race Chili Nachos Grande. However, I've also been dying to go here:

Cantina Marina. They have mini corn dogs and cajun fare. Plus, it has outdoor seating and it is supposed to be nice out.

Found in the driveway...

2010-05-23T00:17:00.003-04:00

... a really big slug! (ew -- look at it's gross trail!!)

See it next to my foot? I can't believe I got that close to it.

NYC is always a good time!

2010-05-19T21:28:00.007-04:00

Sangria in the Upper West Side.

Ice cream in Central Park.

Veggies, hummus, cheese & crackers for dinner.

Champagne dance parties in the apartment.

Sporting trendy shades.

And late night hot dogs from Gray's Papaya, yum!

Did I mention I love J.Crew?!

2010-05-19T21:24:00.003-04:00

My boss gave me this fabulous gift at work today. How AWESOME is this steel water bottle? I love it.

Tuna Noodle Casserole

2010-05-12T21:17:00.005-04:00

I absolutely LOVE comfort food, I just don't love that it is so bad for me. I took a tuna noodle casserole recipe and modified it. Here's how it turned out...

- Boil whole wheat pasta (I used about half of this box)

- Combine 2 cans of low-sodium cream of mushroom soup, half a large bag of frozen peas, half a large bag of frozen broccoli and two small cans of tuna (Chicken of the Sea!)

- In a casserole dish, mix together the boiled pasta with the soup, tuna and veggies. Top with a thin layer of parmesan cheese and Italian seasoned bread crumbs.

- Pop that dish in the oven for about 30 minutes on 350 degrees.

- Serve up on a faux plaid/wooden plate with an old souvenir beer cup you got from your Key West vacation (filled with ice cold water, of course).

Found in Harris Teeter...

2010-05-05T22:41:00.000-04:00

... this will make you never want to eat a Twinkie again.

Finals Week... bleh

2010-05-03T14:16:00.002-04:00

I was up until 2 am studying with a classmate for a test I have on Wednesday. I got up this morning for my 8 am doctor's appointment. It was time for us to look at my MRI from last week to find out what the heck is in my foot that is causing me such pain. Turns out, I have a joint cyst growing around a nerve and a blood vessel. The only way to get rid of it is surgery. I'd be on crutches for about a week or two until I feel better to walk on it. Then I just wait for it to heal. Oy. The doctor said no running for 6 weeks. I think I may go nuts.

Anyway, my prerequisite classes will be finished on Thursday. That is the day of my last final. Yippee!! Then all nursing classes begin in August!! I've already signed up for my classes and been awarded financial aid. I am so excited, and I am no longer bummed about not getting into Georgetown. Actually, I think that Maryland will be a much better fit for me. So, it all worked out.

I will be taking 18 credit hours the first semester. My classes are:

NURS 501: Pathopharmacology and Pharmacology Bases for Nursing Practice (5)

NURS 503: Health Assessment (3)

NURS 505: Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice (4)

NURS 507: Introduction to Nursing and the Clinical Nurse Leader Role (3)

NURS 622: Systems and Populations in Health Care (3)

It is going to be A LOT of work, but I can do it. I can't wait to start clinicals and actually apply what I learn to the real world.

In about a month or so, I really need to start the apartment hunt for a lease beginning August 1. I don't know too much about Baltimore, so I plan on taking a trip or two up there and just walk around to get a feel for what areas are alright and what areas are not so good. If anyone knows anything about Baltimore and/or the area around UMAB, let me know! I could use all the advice I can get.

Found in Chapel Hill (a long time ago)...

2010-04-28T09:27:00.002-04:00

nope, no words.

Hey, I got crabs! (+ other fun stuff)

2010-04-28T08:43:00.005-04:00

This past weekend was perhaps the most social engagements I've had in a while. Friday night, I met up with my friend, Amy, from Carolina for happy hour drinks (she was in town interviewing for jobs.) For some odd reason, we didn't get a picture together, so I dug up this oldie-but-goodie. She's in the middle.

Then I was off to have dinner and drinks with Tim and his best buddy from college, who in all the three years we've been together, I've never met.

Next stop, Clarendon Ballroom for my friend Gina's birthday party. I met up with all my fellow J. Crewbies to celebrate.

The next day, Tim and I had friends over to his place for crabs. He went down to the Maine Avenue Fish Market and bought a dozen and a half crabs. I was responsible for everything else -- we had corn cobs, okra, biscuits, caesar salad and brie + french bread for appetizers. I took pictures of the crabs before we tossed them into the pot. Then forgot to take pictures of the table all set :( We put down newspaper and just had a feast, cracking the crabs right there on the table. It was very fun, but I was so tired from the night before that I could barely keep my eyes open. Next, I want to have a crawfish broil.

Found in on Maple Avenue in Vienna...

2010-04-20T11:35:00.004-04:00

... Maryland, MD doesn't exist. Fail.

Findings & Adventures Update

2010-04-19T22:19:00.006-04:00

I realize it has been a very long time since I've made a blog post. I will give you a brief synopsis. Since the half marathon, the following has happened in my life:

- I have been waitlisted at Georgetown University.

- I have decided to go to the University of Maryland Baltimore to get my Master of Science in Nursing (Clinical Nurse Leader Program). To note: all the other programs would have been just another bachelor's degree. This program is much more badass. It will take me 16 months to complete, and I will graduate at the end of 2011.

- I am no longer running the half marathon in April. I thought I had a stress fracture on my metatarsals (foot bones), so went to the sports medicine doctor. Turns out, I don't. But there is a bumpy-thingy there that is of concern, so tomorrow I am going to the hospital to get an MRI to see if we can figure out what the heck is wrong with my foot so that I can run again.

- I saw the liberty bell.

I also realized I forgot to share some post-race celebration photos with you all:

Post-race meal at the Sunburnt Calf. We both had the Burger with the Lot: burger, egg, bacon, beets, fried onion, pineapple, lettuce, tomato and cheese. Hey, we just burned over 1,500+ calories throughout the whole ordeal. We deserved it.

We then spent the rest of the day in the apartment watching really trashy TV. It was amazing.

Allison and I celebrated our 13.1 with a bottle of champagne. The next day, of course, because after the race it was all we could do to to get up, walk across the street, eat a burger, then get back to the apartment.

Here I am just casually sipping some bubbly while sporting my race medal. "Dahhhhhhling, the race was faaaaaabulous!"

And dancing helped us loosen up our sore muscles.

Half Marathon Finisher: Giddy-up NYC!

2010-03-23T19:49:00.003-04:00

I completed the NYC Half Marathon this past Sunday -- and boy was that tough! I ran with my good friend Allison (of Allison Felicia Photography) and neither of us trained very well AT ALL. We felt like we were going to DIE. By the time we got to 10 miles, I hit a wall. It was like all of a sudden I ran out of energy and strength. My mind just said, "put one foot in front of the other. It'll be over soon."

Needless to say, I did not PR. Here are my results compared to the half marathon I ran last year:

2009: National SunTrust Half Marathon; Washington, DC

Official Time -- 1:51:08 -- 8:29 min/mile

Unofficial (Garmin) Time -- 13.34 miles -- 1:51:00 -- 8:19 min/mile

2010: NYC Half Marathon; New York, NY

Official Time -- 2:02:34 -- 9:22 min/mile

Unofficial (Garmin) Time -- 13.33 miles -- 2:02:45 -- 9:12 min/mile

Does this happen to anyone else? My Garmin seems to be consistently off on distance.

Allison and I are running the More Magazine|Fitness Magazine Women's Half Marathon on April 25 in Central Park. This time around, we made a little 5-week plan. After all the pain we had, we decided it was a fantastic idea to really train this time.

Light Dinner: Still New Grub

2010-03-10T17:31:00.003-05:00

Those who know me well know that I really love ugly, tacky things. While living in New York, I found these fabulous plates at Urban Outfitters in the sale bin. SOLD! I bough four and wish I had bought much more. They had been packed since I moved here, and I decided last night was the night to bring them back out. They made me VERY happy.

Because I had an oh-so-delicious $5 footlong for lunch, I wasn't very hungry for dinner. So, it was a small one. Three new Trader Joe's things: Sesame Soy Ginger Vinagrette salad dressing (with spinach), Dubliner Cheese & crackers (aged cheese with a distinctive taste and a natural hint of sweetner -- imported from Ireland) and Newton's Folly beer. Loved it all. The beer was a cider beer, which I'm always a huge fan of in small amounts. Topped it all off with a sweet potato, a classic.

New Try: TJ's Simmer Sauce & Beer

2010-03-09T19:51:00.006-05:00

I loved the last few new foods I tried from Trader Joe's, so on my shopping endeavor this week, I wanted to pick up some more new grub to try. This week, I picked up a sampling of new beers (you can buy them individually and mix-and-match.) I also picked up Trader Joe's Thai Green Curry Simmer Sauce to try with chicken. Here were the ingredients to this delicious dinner:

How I made it:

I cooked the boil-in-bag jasmine rice per the directions on the box while making the other half of the dish. I cut up one chicken breast and cooked the pieces with a little bit of olive oil in the pan. Once the chicken was done, I threw in the simmer sauce (enough sauce to my personal liking), frozen peas and cashews. Let it all simmer while the rice was finishing up.

THEN... combined in a bowl and enjoyed with one of the new brews I bought: Anchor Steam Beer, brewed in San Francisco. Tim is in San Fran on business right now, so I drank to him.

On the workout front, I went for my first bike ride yesterday on my new bike! It was so beautiful out, I took the bike down to the WO&D trail and biked for almost 45 minutes. I didn't want to go for too long -- I'd like to start slow so my body can get used to riding. I haven't really done any heavy riding since middle school (and this type of riding consisted of riding up to the neighborhood pool and back.)

Another fun little tidbit: on my run this morning, I spotted something very unique and cool in my neighbor's trash. Yes, I know this sounds gross, but my neighbor had clearly gone through his/her attic and put a bunch of suitcases, games and furniture out on the street for collecting. So, it is not trash in the sense that I combed through banana peels and leftover Chinese (ew!) This is all a very normal thing in NYC, so I didn't think anything of it when I drove back to her house to pick up this very cool 1940's-style suitcase with an old ("antique") airline tag still attached to the handle. I am very excited about it! It's going to be a great decorating piece.

PB&Js and New York City

2010-03-08T11:43:00.006-05:00

So it's been a while since my last post. Sorry to all my few loyal followers who were anxious to see how else I was going to use my Pumpkin Butter. I have found that it tastes fantastic as a compliment to peanut butter. I put it on a whole wheat english muffin with bananas and PB -- ate it like a sandwich. It was delicious.

Another oh-so-very delicious concoction I made with the Pumpkin Butter was a twist on the PB&J a la Heather from Trials of Training -- warm apples + PB + Pumpkin Butter + agave syrup on bread. I was too excited to eat it to take a picture. By the time I thought of it, it was already sitting in my tummy. The key here: definitely warm up the apples. I put them in the toaster oven with the bread.

Just me reverting back to childhood years in the Upper West Side before the 10-miler.

I spent the weekend in NYC. It was the first time I had been back since moving, and it was nice to get back up there. I stayed with my good friend Allison in her new apartment on the Upper West Side. We had a blast -- finished 10 miles in Central Park on Saturday before going out for our friend Christine's birthday.

After dinner, we went to Madame Geneva's. It's a speakeasy-type bar with a secret entrance. Can you see the door knocker? That's the entrance to the bar. It is in the back of a restaurant called Double Crown. They are famous for their vodka/gin and jam drinks. I had the pineapple flavor. Yummy. Unfortunately, the reviews we had read said that this was an intimate setting, but once we got in to the secret bar, we were standing shoulder-to-shoulder with everyone else, and it took almost 30-40 minutes to get one drink. It was ridiculous. Glad we went, drinks were good, but atmosphere was more than sub-par.

Feeling adventurous in my grocery shopping today...

2010-02-25T22:35:00.007-05:00

Today was grocery shopping day at Trader Joe's. I was feeling a little adventurous, so I decided to pick out some new food items that I've never tried before. First, I bought new marinade called "Island Soyaki." It is made with preservative-free soy sauce, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger and sesame seeds. I picked up some chicken breasts and, excited to try the Island Soyaki ASAP, immediately marinaded them once I got home.

The chicken marinaded for about 4 hours in the fridge. I sauteed the chicken breast, cooked up some quinoa in organic chicken broth with spinach and oregano and nuked a sweet potato (ah, how I love the sweet potato! They are so underrated). I also drizzled a itty-bitty bit of extra sauce on top of the chicken just to make sure I had the flavor.

The verdict? D-to the-E-to the-L-I-C-I-O-U-S. This marinade comes highly recommended.

For dessert, I had another new food item: Pumpkin Butter. This had always been on the shelf at TJ's right next to the almond butter that I buy almost weekly. I've always wondered if this was any good, but never before had the guts to stick it in the cart and try it. Today was the day.

The jar recommends using the Pumpkin Butter as a "pastry filling, poultry glaze, ice cream topping, on toast or mixed with fat free cream cheese." Ice cream topping sounded great to me tonight, so I dropped in a scoop of vanilla bean and about a tablespoon of the pumpkin butter.

My thoughts? It was quite overwhelming. Good, but I think I put too much in there. I was disappointed that I didn't love it. I wanted to. I just couldn't get over how sweet it was. Tomorrow morning, I'm going to try putting a little bit on my toast.

Has anyone else tried pumpkin butter and love it? What do you do with it that makes it a tasty addition to your food?

Shoe Analysis

2010-02-20T23:09:00.007-05:00

"Momma always says there's an awful lot you could tell about a person by their shoes. Where they're going. Where they've been." -- Forrest Gump

So, I bought a new pair of shoes. Same ones as before: Asics Nimbus. They are a neutral shoe, which makes sense that I am most comfortable in them because I have high arches. I've been wearing Asics for years - I love the way they fit; I think they are very comfortable and provide me enough stability and enough cushioning. Other neutral shoes I've tried are very stiff around the balls of my feet - especially Brooks. It feels like there is a circular piece of raised plywood right on the ball of my foot and it is really uncomfortable to walk, let alone run. For me, they just don't work.

Anyway, I've had prescription orthotics for years. I used to have pain in my arches and couldn't find an insert that relieved it. Coach Dad took me to the podiatrist, who then molded my foot and later sent me perfect orthotics to place in my shoe. This happened waaaaay back when I was in college. I can't remember exactly when, sometime between 2004-2007. That means that these orthotics are at least 3 years old but could be up to 6 years old. I think they are still okay to run in -- they should last about 5 years -- but they only have a few more years left in them until I need to see a podiatrist and get my feet molded again. They've been amazing. I no longer have arch problems and am pretty pain-free when I run.

When I bought my new pair of shoes, I wanted to try to analyze my running style by looking at and comparing the wear-and-tear from the previous shoes. Here is what I found:

I noticed that the heel is the most worn-down part of the shoe. A lot of heel wear correlates with an overstride, meaning that I need to make sure I have adequate cushioning back there. when running, it would be helpful to create less of an impact on my heel by remembering to shorten my stride. I should also incorporate more speed work into my training to help my legs learn to be more efficient with a shorter stride.

There is also a lot of wear on the outsides of my shoes. Looks like I am underpronating (supinating) a bit - my foot is not rolling inwards enough after I land. All of the force of my stride is going to hit the outside of my foot and cause lower leg pain (ah! could this be the reason for my chronic ankle pain?!)

I found this great photo on RunnersWorld.com wiki that illustrates the different gaits of underpronation, normal and overpronation.

It's really helpful in understanding where you'd most likely see wear-and-tear in certain spots if you are a pronator, normal, etc.

I'd like to hear from others if they've had experience analyzing their old shoes.

Found in the backyard...

2010-02-20T23:06:00.003-05:00

... at Tim's place: Ricky, my favorite stray cat, peeking into the window!

Found at Thai Coast...

2010-02-20T23:03:00.003-05:00

... (@ L St. & Pennsylvania Ave.) my order of pineapple fried rice -- shaped like a heart. It was yummy. I was in the clean plate club at the end of lunch.

Yummy Meat Lover's Pizza

2010-02-17T21:23:00.005-05:00

This little Southern Irish girl decided to make a pizza pie -- with real pizza dough. I didn't make the dough (I'll work up to it), I got Trader Joe's pre-made whole wheat dough. I had to get out the rolling pin, flour -- the whole nine yards. With "Mambo Italiano" playing softly in the background, I began rolling the dough into a very awkward-looking blob.

I tossed the dough up over my head and it landed perfectly onto this greased pizza baking sheet.

I had leftover pizza ingredients from when my cousin and I made a pizza over the infamous DC snowmageddon #2. Last time, we made the pizza with a Boboli crust -- all we had to do was cut it out of the bag and put it on the sheet. Thus, this experience compared to the last pizza-making experience seemed more authentic.

I had tomato sauce, reduced fat mozz & 2% milk mexican cheese, LOADS of pepperoni, organic grilled chicken and turkey sausage.

Tossed that bad boy in the oven at 425 degrees for 15 minutes and... WHAM! What now?!

We have an amazing pseudo-homemade meat lover's pizza. It was DE-LICIOUS! Next time, I want to craft a veggie lover's pie.

Pepper, Spinach & Chicken Quiche

2010-02-17T12:20:00.005-05:00

Ingredients:

pre-made pie crust

1 green pepper

1 red pepper

1/3 c. spinach

1/4 c. pre-cooked chicken

2% cheese (I used 1/2 c. mozz & 1/2 c. cheddar)

4 eggs

1/2 c. half and half

1/2 c. soy milk

Directions:

With a little olive oil, sautee the peppers, chicken and spinach until the peppers and spinach are soft.

Meanwhile, pre-cook the pie crust for about 10 minutes. This is pretty easy to do since sauteeing will take you maybe about 10-15 minutes -- so just pop the pie crust in before and take it out after.

Put the peppers, spinach and chicken in the pre-baked pie crust.

Spread a bit of cheese on top - maybe about half. The other half will be used later in the egg mixture.

In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, cheese, half and half, milk (and some salt & pepper) together. Pour the mixture in to the pie crust. Wait about 10 minutes for the quiche to cool before slicing up and digging in!

Pop the quiche into the oven at 495 degrees for 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 350 degrees for another 20 minutes, or until the top is brown.

I HATE the snow because it ruins everything, Part II

2010-02-11T21:48:00.002-05:00

For the second round of the DC Blizzard of 2010, I made it back over to Nana's in Vienna. When I got there, I found out my cousin Danny was also staying over for a few days. Fun! Before the second wave started, we scurried out to Harris Teeter for reinforcements. We bought LOTS of peppers, turkey sausage, bundles of cheese made with 2% milk and other good stuff.

The first night, we made pizza. It included whole-wheat crust, 2% milk mozz, turkey sausage, red peppers, green peppers and pepperoni. We split it into fourths and one piece was MORE than enough!

The next morning, we took leftover peppers and sausage and made omelets. Topped off with a fruit smoothie, we were stuffed for the rest of the day... It held me over til dinner -- past the Jillian Michaels Shred 1 & 3 plus a 10-minute yoga routine.

The second night (no picture, sorry!) we made fresh guacamole to eat with Red, Hot & Blues. For dinner, we had quesadillas filled with chicken, peppers, mexican cheese made with 2% milk along with some spices: cumin, red pepper flakes, chili powder. With sides of Spanish rice and black beans. We were STUFFED - again!

When it stopped snowing, Dan and I broke out the shovels and cleared out the 1.5 feet of snow that had accumulated on the driveway. It took us about two and a half hours together to shovel it all out. That gave me automatic clearance to sit down with a massive root beer float and eat the leftover guacamole and chips from the night before.

Tomorrow I have a flight to Texas for a wedding this weekend. Tim and I are getting to BWI early tomorrow (flight is at 5:10pm) to see if we could grab standby on an earlier flight so we don't have to get in so late. The original plan was to leave today (Thursday) to San Antonio, stay with my parents and then drive to Corpus Christi late Friday afternoon -- dinner with groom's friends on Friday night then the wedding on Saturday -- then drive back to San Antonio and stay another night with my parents. Because of the storm, our flight was cancelled and we have to fly to Houston, land at 9pm, drive four hours to Corpus Christi, then continue with original plans. I'm glad we still get to see my parents, even if it is just for one night.

Battle of the Blizzard of 2010

2010-02-09T10:33:00.007-05:00

The Villain

The Weapon

The Warrior

The Fight

We had no shovel. Tim was going to try to use an empty pizza box to dig us out. I suggested pans. They worked. We did dig ourselves out of there. We saw the world -- and it didn't look good. Snow everywhere.

After a while, Tim's very nice neighbors let us borrow their shovel. Progress became much quicker.

OMG Will it ever stop?! I HATE the snow because it ruins everything, Part I.

2010-02-08T19:39:00.004-05:00

View from Tim's english basement during the first snow storm. We had to use pots & pans to get us out of there (more to come on that later when I have my plug-in card and can upload pictures from my camera.)

New warnings in effect:

Issued by The National Weather Service
Baltimore/Washington, MD
6:04 pm EST, Mon., Feb. 8, 2010

... WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TUESDAY TO 7 PM EST WEDNESDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TUESDAY TO 7 PM EST WEDNESDAY.

* PRECIPITATION TYPE... SNOW.

* ACCUMULATIONS... 10 TO 20 INCHES.

* TIMING... MID-AFTERNOON TUESDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

* TEMPERATURES... TEMPERATURES NEAR FREEZING AT THE ONSET TUESDAY AFTERNOON. TEMPERATURES WILL DROP INTO THE UPPER 20S TUESDAY NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY.

* WINDS... LIGHT SOUTHEASTERLY WINDS TUESDAY BECOMING NORTHWESTERLY 15 TO 25 MPH WEDNESDAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. THE COMBINATION OF SNOW AND STRONG WINDS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS.

WHAT THE HECK?! My car is trapped in NW DC and it's not coming out any time soon. We tried tonight. Failed miserably. I got stuck in the middle of the road for about half an hour not being able to go forward or backwards. After a lot of try and might (and rock salt) we got it back into the parking spot. I'm leaving it there.

Tim and I have a wedding to go to this weekend in Texas. We are leaving Thursday afternoon. I wanted to try to get home before the second wind hit, but after the car 'adventure' from tonight, I don't think that is going to happen. Which means that I won't get home to pack for the wedding. Which means I will bring the belongings I have with me now and nothing else. I have to buy a dress for this weekend and something else besides sweats to wear. Not pleased, especially since I had a cute outfit already picked out.

In addition, I haven't worked out since the 8-mile run last Thursday. I'm going nuts. I want to run. Thanks for ruining my life, mother nature.

Okay, time to stop this trip to negative town. This will be an adventure. I'll come up with the most creative way to survive this week as I possibly can -- then blog about it. :)

So easy to deceive...

2010-02-07T21:09:00.001-05:00

Before...

After...

I transformed just like Heidi Montag! And I think I like myself better before.

Found at Harris Teeter ...

2010-02-03T21:06:00.002-05:00

... WEIRD!

Found in Dupont Circle ...

2010-02-03T20:57:00.002-05:00

... driving in front of me. Kinda nerve-wracking, isn't it?

Reflective Gear and Nursing Applications

2010-01-31T09:58:00.005-05:00

I have finished my applications for four nursing schools -- Georgetown University (my very first choice), George Washington University, George Mason University and Marymount University. You'd think once the applications were in, I would be able to breathe, but I am now more nervous than ever. I am afraid that the nursing schools will decide that I am not good enough to get in, just like UNC did to me. And then I will be stuck. I will have no direction. I will be lost. I will not know what to do with my life. I will be a wreck. So, from now until April-ish, I will worry. And run. Lots.

In running news, I had RSVPed to run with the DC Cap Striders last Thursday for their Smithsonian run. I got off work around 5/5:15. It usually takes me 5-10 minutes to get home. That night, I didn't get home until 6 -- the run started at 6:30 downtown. Rush hour was bad, but what was worse was that I literally sat at a light for 40 minutes and it never once went green. People were driving over the median to make U-turns, trying to go other ways. I ended up going to the right lane, turning right, then looping around. That took me about 20-30 minutes. Oh it was so bad. I ended up running by myself in Vienna.

I wore my reflective gear for the first time. I had this suspender-type gear on with a blinking light in the back (I was running on the W&OD trail, so wanted to clip the light on the back to make sure bikers could see me.) Some middle school kids made fun of me along my run. Brats. Ugh, I hate the suburbs!

10-Minute Morning Yoga Workout

2010-01-26T08:05:00.002-05:00

Good morning! I woke up with my entire body feeling sore (from what, I don't know). I found this nice little 10-minute morning workout yoga video that I kind of like. I did it once after my Shred workout yesterday, then woke up first thing today and did it.

Watch 10-minute Yoga. in Sports | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

A la Pam from The Office

2010-01-21T23:52:00.005-05:00

This is only one of a million trillion reasons why I love Becky. One of my best friends was having a little trouble with her creamer in the work fridge. Obviously, we all know that when someone buys something, puts their name on it, and puts it in the community fridge, it is exclusively for their use. We all know that there is that one jerk in the office who doesn't quite get that concept. Becky bought her own coffee creamer with her name clearly written on the bottle, and wouldn't you know it? Some scumbag used it all. Without asking. As Stephanie Tanner would say, "HOW RUDE!"

My advice? Remember the episode of The Office where someone doesn't clean the microwave and Pam writes a note on it: "Sincerely, Disappointed," and everyone gets mad about the sign? It's also the same episode that Michael buys caprese salad, thinking it is weed, and tries to plant it in Toby's drawer. Anyway, I suggested Becky take a tip from the episode and write her own little note. She sent a picture.

How do you like my cheap sunglasses?!

2010-01-20T22:48:00.003-05:00

Now that I've got contacts, I can buy as many as my little heart desires. :)

Race #3 This Season!

2010-01-20T14:25:00.002-05:00

Signed up for another one! This race is part of the Pacer's running series here in DC. There's a post-race party @ the pub :)

Best little blender EVER

2010-01-20T08:57:00.002-05:00

I've had this since my Mom sent it to me for my birthday, and I've used it almost every day. I just now realized I hadn't blogged about how AMAZING this little blender is. It's a single-serving blender, you take the cup off the blendy part and drink straight from it. I think everyone should get one. It's quick & easy. Less clean-up than a regular blender. Plus, so cute.

I made a not-so-green Green Monster this morning. I added 1/2 cup spinach, 1/2 cup mixed berries, 1 banana, 1 tbsp flax seeds and 1 cup soy milk. Yum yum yum yum yum. Thanks, Mom!

Down, but not out...

2010-01-19T21:17:00.003-05:00

I started to feel under the weather last Wednesday/Thursday. Then I started feeling a little bit better on Friday -- enough to get in my week's "long run" (7 miles). Then afterwards, I felt bad again! Rats. So, I decided to take a few days off -- I gave myself Saturday, Sunday and Monday to rest, take LOTS of DayQuil/NyQuil and suck on cough drops like my life depended on it. I wreaked of cough medicine. I was disgusting. I had to work on Monday, and a few times I started coughing so bad WHILE I was with customers that I couldn't even talk. I started tearing up and had to run to the back for water. Very embarrassing.

Luckily, I was feeling much better today. Enough to go out for a 5-miler in Vienna. The weather was so nice out today -- it got into the 60s! And while enjoying my run, I passed by my J.Crew co-worker. What a surprise! It was so fun to see a familiar face during my run.

I hope the weather keeps getting warmer. Once it does, I'd like to join a running group here in DC. I've never been in a running group, and I'd really like to meet new people to run with and hang out with.

Run for the Hills!!

2010-01-16T09:20:00.002-05:00

This time around, I am incorporating hill training and some speed work into my half training schedule. Wednesday was day #1, and the results looked a little like this:

Warm-up -- 0.46 mi @ 8:59/mi
Lap 1 -- 1:55, 7:34/mi
Lap 2 -- 1:53, 7:17/mi
Lap 3 -- 1:46, 7:23/mi
Lap 4 -- 1:57, 7:44/mi
Lap 5 -- 1:53, 7:33/mi
Lap 6 -- 1:53, 7:42/mi
Cool-down -- 0.45 mi @ 10:39/mi

Not too bad for the first go around.

Why do hill training? Running hills helps you go faster. When you speed up the hills, you are training your fast-twitch muscles, getting yourself used to running sprints. The hill provides a strength-building component, it puts the same demands on your leg muscles as weight training does -- it is just more specific to running. Additionally, the explosive, jumping action of uphill running improves elasticity in those muscles. It's an awesome cardiovascular + strength workout. Another benefit? Running uphill lessens the force of impact on each footfall, so your risk of injury is reduced.

Why do I like hill training? It makes me feel tougher. I haven't yet seen an improvement in my running (though I anticipate I will in the next week or so, not just because of the hills), but I do feel like I can tackle the regular hills on my runs with much greater mental capacity. I feel like more of a badass. I can think, "No problem. I've kicked butt on hills bigger than this before. Let's go." Plus, I know I'm probably a huge weirdo for saying this, but I love the burn in my lungs, the feeling in my legs like they can't go any further, the heart racing and the push back I give myself when my body says it can't go anymore and the mind says, "just a few steps more."

Ladies & Gentlemen: I am AMOEBA-FREE!!

2010-01-12T22:34:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I went to the eye doctor for a check-up on that pesky amoeba (acanthamoeba, better known as "Ned") who has been living in my eyes for the past 8 months. He has been WAY past his welcome.

I have fabulous news -- he's GONE! I am scheduled to get fitted for contacts next Monday. I can't wait. Being able to run without my glasses is going to feel so amazing. No slippage. No foggage. Nothing making my earphones slip off my ears. Pure freedom.

Not to mention I am now going to look 10x more attractive without my four eyes.

As far as training goes, I got in 4 miles yesterday and did some stretching & strength today, which included Level 3 of Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred. One thing that is very frustrating in my training right now is how slow I am compared to where I was last year. I slipped up in October and stopped running for about two months, so it should be expected that I would be slow, but my pace is almost a whole minute slower than it was last year! It is so frustrating -- is it that Vienna, VA is much hillier than Hoboken, NJ? Perhaps. I was used to running along the river with a gorgeous view of NYC. There, running was ALWAYS a treat. Now, I have views of shopping centers along Maple Avenue. Tell me again why I moved down here?? Oh yeah, because I wanted to actually be IN the District of Columbia, not the suburbs. ugh. It's okay, I'll get there -- I just have to get through nursing school first. I can't be Negative Nancy here.

Speaking of my running routes, I'm getting a little bored of running the same route over and over again, but the roads here are still snowy/icy, I would rather stick to what I know is safe rather than risk an injury, right? I think once the snow melts away and I can get back on the W&OD trail, the workouts may feel better. Soon, I'd like to start running with a club in the DC-area. I haven't done the best job of making lots of friends here, so I'd like to start making some new running buddies so I have a little extra motivation. Plus, running buddies are fun.

On tap tomorrow is a 6 x 400m workout. I know of a good hill here that I'll use, which I think will be good for the workout. Mr. Hal Higdon doesn't say that it has to be a hill workout, but I think it will be challenging and fun. I'll let you know how bad my quads are screaming after I'm done.

Other things on my plate: get another part-time job (it's all about the benjamins, baby), finish up nursing school applications and perfecting my schedule for this semester. I'm taking Microbiology, Bio-medical Ethics and Statistics.

Half Marathon Training: Giddy-up New York!

2010-01-10T22:40:00.009-05:00

So, I'd like to make it my goal to post a little bit more about running. I am more than happy to be back into it and to be training for my second half marathon. Obviously, the full back in November did not work out, but like Coach Dad told me, it will take some time to build up to the full. So, I thought I'd post my workout plan. I am going to follow the same method I used for the first half marathon since it was so successful for me -- an old school "chore chart" with gold stars. Yes, ladies and gentleman, I take it back to elementary school days where you got stickers for every little accomplishment you made. The stickers make me happy. Really happy.

Today, I went on my "long run," which is really only six miles. Let me tell you what -- it is COLD out there. There is a great running trail only about 2 miles away from the house, the W&OD Trail (used to be an old railroad line), which is fabulous for long runs. Too bad its covered with snow right now. I have had a few close calls running across the slippery, icy streets here, so my runs have been a little slower. I tried to do some of the 6 on the trail, but no dice. I almost face planted. Thanks, but I'd rather keep all my teeth in my head. So I ran along Maple Ave. here in Vienna, which is nice, but there are only so many times you can run the same route until you get bored...

Anyway, so here is a close-up of the schedule. I started a week late. You can see what I've already accomplished based on my golden stars. And yes, I give myself a star for rest days as well. Make fun of me all you want, I don't care. The stars make me feel good about myself.

During the stretch and strengthen days, I plan on popping in my Jillian Michaels 30-day Shred DVD and doing a workout or two, I might do some yoga or I may see what's on FitTV at the time. I'll also be modifying some of the running workouts as needed.

I am also going to try to eat better. One of my New Year's resolutions was to drink more tea. Another was to eat more vegetables. Anyway, my favorite way to start out the day is with this power breakfast:

It includes:

- Whole Wheat English Muffin with Almond Butter

- 2 Eggs, overhard

- A Delightful Green Monster (spinach or kale, 1 tbsp. flax seeds, 1 banana, 1/4 c. blueberries, 1/4 c. strawberries and ~1 c. soy milk) By the way, a lot of people have told me that they think this drink looks gross and they get sick to their stomach when they see it. My response: don't knock it til you've tried it. It's delicious.

And speaking of food, I'm about to write a complaint to Outback Steakhouse about their pathetic vegetable serving. I ordered a side of grilled vegetables and got: two small onion slices, two mushrooms, one piece of a red pepper, and two small slices of zucchini. Um, what? C'mon, guys. I told the waiter that this could not possibly be one whole serving of vegetables for a dinner meal. He kindly got his manager to bring me out some more. It included the same count of vegetables.

I mean, really, Outback? Are times so tough that you can't serve a decent side dish of grilled vegetables? But I looked over and saw that the man who ordered fries on the side had more than enough to last him the whole week. No wonder America is so fat. Step up, Outback.

How I Rang in 2010

2010-01-04T11:04:00.004-05:00

Becky drove up to DC on a whim to spend New Year's with me. (My first visitor in DC!) We went to a party in Arlington that our friend Kristin's boyfriend's friend was hosting. I poofed up my hair. I meant to use my Bump-It, but didn't have enough time to figure out how to finagle it in my hair right. Ugh. I'll find another event to wear them to.

On New Year's Day, Becky and I toured DC. We hit all the major monuments: Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington, White House. It was so cold out (glad I bought my puffer jacket!) And we were really happy to sit down at the end of the day at Old Ebbitt Grill.

On her last day here, we were able to hit up the American History Museum first thing in the morning before she had to get on the road and I had to go to work.

Next time she visits (when it's warmer), we are going to take a long run around the district and get in on a Segway tour. I'm hoping we can ride the paddleboats on the river as well.

The Holiday Season

2010-01-04T10:08:00.008-05:00

First of all, I realized that I forgot to post pictures from San Antonio Thanksgiving. Mom & Dad took me to the Riverwalk for dinner. We had awesome mexican food (my favorite!) The Riverwalk was totally lit up for Christmas - lights everywhere. It was really crowded, too. And there are no railings between the sidewalk and the river. I'm surprised I didn't see anyone fall in.

Nana and I ate dinner at Maplewood Grill on Christmas Eve, then I went over to Aunt Laura's house to drop her off. I visited with them a while, then headed back to Nana's place to sleep. I woke up on Christmas Day, did my Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred workout DVD, threw in some laundry, packed, then hopped in the car to visit my family down in Newport News.

The day after Christmas, we went to Busch Gardens. This is the first year that Busch Gardens was open during the holiday season, and it was such a great idea! We had a blast. One roller coaster was open: the Griffon. It's the world's tallest, floorless dive coaster. Pretty badass. Dad, Bob (brother) and I rode it first thing -- and last thing. After eating a massive German sausage dinner at das Festhaus, we noticed that the roller coaster was still running. So, I tossed my purse to my Mom while Dad, Bob and I ran to get in line. We thought that my Mom and grandparents were further away waiting for us. Little did we know they were sitting on a bench in between the exit and entrance. After riding that second time, we decided to go again... and again... and again... we rode the Griffon 5 times in a row. Bob and I convinced Dad to text Mom "The line is really long. Should be on soon." Bob knew my Mom and grandparents were sitting right there. My Dad and I didn't. We thought we were being clever. Dad got in trouble.

On Monday, I went to the Newport News SPCA with my cousin Lilly, Mom and Tim (who had taken a Greyhound down there on Sunday.) The NN SPCA is like nothing else. In addition to cats and dogs, they have lions, baboons, kangaroos, goats, llamas, etc. It's like a small zoo.

My Mom and I fed the goats.

Lilly and Tim, not so much into the feeding of the goats...

... they much preferred the kangaroo.

Before we left, we took a few pictures. I got this gem: Tim is smiling!

And the whole Dougherty/Dinterman/Barker group: (thank you, photographer Tim)

End of Semester Report --

2009-12-25T09:11:00.002-05:00

It's official -- I made a 4.0 this semester!! (that's what I wished for when I blew out my birthday candles)

Nursing prereq classes I successfully completed with a perfect A this semester:

- Anatomy & Physiology I

- Anatomy & Physiology II

- Developmental Psychology

- Nutrition I

Prereqs I will conquer next semester before nursing school:

- Microbiology

- Statistics

- Biomedical Ethics

*Now that my transcript looks awesome, it's time to focus on nursing school apps this winter break!

New Race!

2009-12-22T12:19:00.003-05:00

Just signed up for my next half-marathon. Well, possibly my third. I applied for entry into the New York City Half Marathon on March 21st. The lottery will be held January 6, so I will know then!

BUT I am definitely running the More Magazine|Fitness Magazine Women's Half Marathon in NYC on April 25th. I'm trying to get a few friends to sign up with me so I have other people to carbo-load with the night before and then chow down on NYC diner omelets & biscuits when the race is over.

I found that full marathon training while in school is really difficult, especially when I need to get hours in at work too. I simply do not have the time for 28/20-milers (rats!) But 13.1 miles? That I can do! I plan on doing the same type of training I did for my first half marathon: Hal Higdon's schedule. I'll print out the schedule (with maybe a few modifications for speed work) and then give myself a star sticker every time I complete a workout. Dorky, I know. But hey, it kept me motivated and happy. It works, why change it?

I'm really excited to be running in New York again soon! I'm still a part of the NYRR club. Best road runner's club in the country. I'm sure there are good clubs in DC, too. I know I need to join one soon.

Winter Workout

2009-12-19T11:39:00.003-05:00

Over a foot of snow already...

Shoveling snow for an hour burns about 500 calories. Yay!

This is all the progress I made this morning... rats!

It doesn't show signs of stopping...

2009-12-19T09:55:00.002-05:00

... my car at 9:00 am this morning -- buried in snow! Just look at our storm warning below!

Good thing I bought this new coat from J. Crew yesterday! We are having a massive sale on winter coats.

Issued by The National Weather Service
Baltimore/Washington, MD
9:08 am EST, Sat., Dec. 19, 2009

... BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EST THIS EVENING... ... WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM EST SUNDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A BLIZZARD WARNING... WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EST THIS EVENING. THE WINTER STORM WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM EST SUNDAY.

* PRECIPITATION TYPE... SNOW.

* ACCUMULATIONS... HEAVY SNOW WITH ACCUMULATIONS OF 12 TO 22 INCHES THROUGH TONIGHT.

* TIMING... SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH EARLY SUNDAY MORNING. SNOW WILL BE HEAVIEST BETWEEN 8 AM AND 6 PM TODAY.

* TEMPERATURES... UPPER 20S TO LOWER 30S THROUGH THE EVENT... LOW TO MID 30S IN COASTAL SOUTHERN MARYLAND.

* WINDS... 15 TO 25 MPH... WITH GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH DURING THE DAY TODAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A BLIZZARD WARNING MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. FALLING AND BLOWING SNOW WITH STRONG WINDS AND POOR VISIBILITIES ARE LIKELY. THIS WILL LEAD TO WHITEOUT CONDITIONS... MAKING TRAVEL EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. DO NOT TRAVEL. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL... HAVE A WINTER SURVIVAL KIT WITH YOU. IF YOU GET STRANDED... STAY WITH YOUR VEHICLE.

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW... SLEET... AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

Found on the bulletin board at NOVA Community College...

2009-12-19T09:54:00.001-05:00

... no words. I have no idea what this ad means.

Making Sweet Green Tea

2009-12-19T09:38:00.003-05:00

Now what kind of southern girl would I be if I couldn't whip up a proper batch of sweet tea? The other day, I had a craving, but all I had was green tea in the house. Green tea is great for you: it is packed with antioxidants, helps fight cancer, maintains a healthy heart and aids in weight loss. All these health benefits that the green tea has made me feel a million times better about dumping sugar into the mix!

Here's how I made Sweet Green Tea.

1. Boil 3 bags of green tea and 2 cups of water. Once at boil, take off high heat and let the tea packets seep.

2. Add between 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of sugar to your pitcher. The amount of sugar you put in will most likely depend on how much southern you think you can handle.

3. Then, pour the freshly made green tea into your super cute pitcher. Stir.

4. Once the sugar has dissolved, add more water and some ice -- stir some more.

5. Then pour in a glass and enjoy!

Found on North Capitol Street...

2009-12-19T09:35:00.003-05:00

... if you are bragging about being a "Woman-Owned & Managed Company," why are you naming your business "Spartan Man?"

Vienna stopped traffic for this?!

2009-12-19T09:29:00.002-05:00

Santa on a motorcycle. I guess his favorite elf is in the side car with him?? Look closely...

It's finals week...

2009-12-12T12:18:00.003-05:00

Too good not to post: Smart Sperm!

2009-12-08T22:08:00.001-05:00

NOTE: This is not gross, it is very funny.

Heard on WASHFM (DC's "official" X-mas station)...

2009-12-08T20:40:00.002-05:00

... the WORST excuse for a Christmas song EVER:

Same Old Lang Syne
by Dan Fogelberg

Met my old lover in the grocery store
The snow was falling Christmas Eve
I stole behind her in the frozen foods
And I touched her on the sleeve

She didn't recognize the face at first
But then her eyes flew open wide
She went to hug me and she spilled her purse
And we laughed until we cried

We took her groceries to the checkout stand
The food was totalled up and bagged
We stood there lost in our embarrassment
As the conversation dragged

We went to have ourselves a drink or two
But couldn't find an open bar
We bought a six-pack at the liquor store
And we drank it in her car

We drank a toast to innocence, we drank a toast to now
And tried to reach beyond the emptiness but neither one knew how

She said she'd married her an architect
Who kept her warm and safe and dry
She would have liked to say she loved the man
But she didn't like to lie

I said the years had been a friend to her
And that her eyes were still as blue
But in those eyes I wasn't sure if I saw doubt or gratitude
She said she saw me in the record stores
And that I must be doing well
I said the audience was heavenly but the traveling was hell

We drank a toast to innocence, we drank a toast to now
And tried to reach beyond the emptiness but neither one knew how
We drank a toast to innocence, we drank a toast to time
Reliving in our eloquence, another 'auld lang syne'

The beer was empty and our tongues were tired
And running out of things to say
She gave a kiss to me as I got out and I watched her drive away
Just for a moment I was back at school
And felt that old familiar pain
And as I turned to make my way back home
The snow turned in to rain...

MTV's Jersey Shore... "Shore" to Please!

2009-12-02T11:46:00.003-05:00

"MTV is taking you inside a shore house like you've never seen full of the hottest, tannest, craziest guidos. They keep their hair high, their muscles juiced and their fists pumping all summer long! So don't be a hater -- MTV's new series: Jersey Shore. Get ready for a whole new crazy."

Premiers Thursday, December 3rd at 10/9c.

Meet the cast:

Gag me!

2009-11-27T18:05:00.004-05:00

Why did they put a picture of a stick of butter on there? I can't imagine the nasty glutton who picks this up based on the packaging alone. Ew ew ew ew ew!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T18:40:00.000-05:00

Found on the way to the metro from Tim's place...

2009-11-25T22:58:00.003-05:00

... bullet holes in this parked car. There was a boot on it and a black plastic bag duct-taped where the back passenger door should be. I was too chicken to stick around to take more photos. Can you blame me?

The Awkward Thanksgiving Letter

2009-11-20T10:48:00.000-05:00

Thank you, Mell, for showing me this:

From: Marney

As you all know a fabulous Thanksgiving Dinner does not make itself. I need to ask each of you to help by bringing something to complete the meal. I truly appreciate your offers to assist with the meal preparation.

Now, while I do have quite a sense of humor and joke around all the time, I COULD NOT BE MORE SERIOUS when I am providing you with your Thanksgiving instructions and orders. I am very particular, so please perform your task EXACTLY as I have requested and read your portion very carefully. If I ask you to bring your offering in a container that has a lid, bring your offering in a container WITH A LID, NOT ALUMINUM FOIL! If I ask you to bring a serving spoon for your dish, BRING A SERVING SPOON, NOT A SOUP SPOON! And please do not forget anything.
All food that is to be cooked should already be prepared, bring it hot and ready to serve, warm or room temp. These are your ONLY THREE options. Anything meant to be served cold should, of course, already be cold.

HJB—Dinner wine

The Mike Byron Family
1. Turnips in a casserole with a lid and a serving spoon. Please do not fill the casserole all the way up to the top, it gets too messy. I know this may come as a bit of a surprise to you, but most of us hate turnips so don’t feel like you a have to feed an army.
2. Two half gallons of ice cream, one must be VANILLA, I don’t care what the other one is. No store brands please. I did see an ad this morning for Hagan Daz Peppermint Bark Ice Cream, yum!! (no pressure here, though).
3. Toppings for the ice cream.
4. A case of bottled water, NOT gallons, any brand is ok.

The Bob Byron Family
1. Green beans or asparagus (not both) in a casserole with a lid and a serving spoon. If you are making the green beans, please prepare FOUR pounds, if you are making asparagus please prepare FIVE pounds. It is up to you how you wish to prepare them, no soupy sauces, no cheese (you know how Mike is), a light sprinkling of toasted nuts, or pancetta, or some EVOO would be a nice way to jazz them up.
2. A case of beer of your choice (I have Coors Light and Corona) or a bottle of clos du bois chardonnay (you will have to let me know which you will bring prior to 11/22).

The Lisa Byron Chesterford Family
1. Lisa as a married woman you are now required to contribute at the adult level. You can bring an hors d’ouvres. A few helpful hints/suggestions. Keep it very light, and non-filling, NO COCKTAIL SAUCE, no beans of any kind. I think your best bet would be a platter of fresh veggies and dip. Not a huge platter mind you (i.e., not the plastic platter from the supermarket).

The Michelle Bobble Family
1. Stuffing in a casserole with a serving spoon. Please make the stuffing sans meat.
2. 2.5-3 qts. of mashed squash in a casserole with a lid and serving spoon
3. Proscuitto pin wheel – please stick to the recipe, no need to bring a plate.
4. A pie knife

The June Davis Family
1. 15 LBS of mashed potatoes in a casserole with a serving spoon. Please do not use the over-size blue serving dish you used last year. Because you are making such a large batch you can do one of two things: put half the mash in a regulation size casserole with lid and put the other half in a plastic container and we can just replenish with that or use two regulation size casserole dishes with lids. Only one serving spoon is needed.
2. A bottle of clos du bois chardonnay

The Amy Misto Family (why do I even bother she will never read this)
1. A pumpkin pie in a pie dish (please use my silver palate recipe) no knife needed.
2. An apple pie in a pie dish, you can use your own recipe, no knife needed.

Looking forward to the 28th!!

Marney

http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/2009/07/01/awkward-family-story-the-thanksgiving-letter/

Ew... Any mold-ologists around??

2009-11-18T19:24:00.002-05:00

What the heck kind of mold has grown on my fruit?! Why does it have spikes?

Tough morning.

2009-11-05T09:56:00.003-05:00

I ripped a massive hole in my jeans this morning. So NOT awesome.

R.I.P. my $30 Canal Street Rock & Republics. You lasted a good four years. You looked fabulous with my super cute cowboy boots. I'll never know if you were a knock-off or a stolen legit pair.

Snuggie for Dogs?!

2009-10-30T10:56:00.004-04:00

This just makes me want a dog even more. Especially for this upcoming winter.

Squirrely!

2009-10-30T09:36:00.003-04:00

Remember Simon?

And even mini-Simon?!

Well, I got more squirrel stuff to talk about.

You see, Nana - for as long as I've known her - hates squirrels. HATES THEM. She'd be very displeased to see Simon on her way to work every day. I mean, just look at this award her co-workers had presented her about 20 years ago (p.s. a lot of people call her Mike):

"No this is not an award for someone who squirrels away her money... This award is presented to amateur-marksmen, Mike Dinterman, for keeping little rat-like varmints out of Vienna."

This is where we differ. I think squirrels are amazing. I'm happy to have this little display in the front yard of the house:

So, quite often when I'm hanging out in the kitchen, I get a little glimpse of a squirrel or two hanging out on the back deck. It always makes me happy. I think they are cute. I spied one eating a nut the other day and ran to grab my camera.

Then, not long after the spotting, he was gone. Only to leave a few remnants of his visit here on the deck railing:

Pieces of his nut he was eating! So cute!!

Dear New Jersey...

2009-10-25T22:19:00.001-04:00

... I miss you.

Last bit of paradise...

2009-10-23T08:57:00.005-04:00

The whole time I was in Key West, I kept eyeing this shirt. The thing is, I never bought it because I was afraid to spend the money -- I still regret not having it in my dresser now.

Tim and I went on a great all-day excursion where we went kayaking, snorkeling and jet skiing.

And, on this trip, we docked at a barge where the jet skis were, and the company had another treat for us -- the BANANA BOAT. Who wants to ride the banana?! NOT US.

On the jet skis. I let Tim drive because I'm such a nice girlfriend.

I think I look badass jumping off the jet ski here. Even though I probably don't, really.

The next day, we went out again on a morning snorkeling trip. I wish I had an underwater camera with me because I saw a shark on this one! It swam right past my leg. I got really scared and quickly (quietly!) swam away. Later, I find out it's just a nurse shark.

Tim with goggle face!
Afterwards, we went out to eat at this amazing restaurant on the water. These crab cakes were da bomb.com.

Then, I went to the bathroom at this restaurant and this was written on the stall. Weird? I think so. And I know what you might be thinking. The answer is no, I did not call that number.

I zoomed in a bunch, but there are these crazy tiny birds that peck at the sand all day. We thought they couldn't fly, but then we scared them and they went up in the air.

Can you tell where the water ends and the sky begins?
Key West was paradise. I wasn't ready to leave. Reality is a drag.

Guess how fast I'm going?!

2009-10-23T08:53:00.003-04:00

The car we rented in Key West was Canadian and went in km/hour. For a while, I thought this thing was broken. And I was amazed that the Pontiac Vibe could hit 220.

Heard in Key West...

2009-10-02T18:50:00.003-04:00

... last night. Tim and I were sitting at this bar when a very "toasty" local started chatting with us. She asked us where we were from, etc. Then, she said, "I notice no wedding rings so you aren't married, but are you two a couple?"

"Yes," we replied.

"How long have you two been together?"

"Um, something like two and a half or three years."

Her response to me: "Ohhhh.... and you still let him wear that shirt?!"

It is his favorite plaid Polo short-sleeved button-up. It's really not THAT bad. It's not like he looks like Dwight Schrute when he's wearing it or anything.

"Well, I like this shirt..." Tim said.

"Hm. You're better off telling people you lost a bet," she responded.

Wow! Poor Tim. I couldn't say anything because I was too busy falling off my bar stool laughing.

Wednesday in Key West

2009-10-01T08:04:00.003-04:00

We were scheduled to snorkel this afternoon, so we went into town for a few drinks, conch fritters and such -- then the boat left without us. Luckily, we rescheduled for Friday morning without a problem.

Our first Duval Street bar destination was The Bull & Whistle. This place has three levels. The first two are just regular bars, but the third rooftop level is the "clothing optional" section. We checked it out. There were maybe four people up there, including the bartender, and none of them were naked. Anyway, we hung out on the first level and got this free gift: "Gone to Pee ... Leave My Drink Alone." I grabbed a bunch more. These are fantastic. I'll carry them with me in my bag, next to my monogrammed coozie.

Also at the bar, Todd's mom was performing. Tim requested, "A Little Less Conversation."

More crazy birds found on the island...

... aren't they nutty?!
We biked over to a restaurant that our bike rental guy suggested: The Shrimp Shack. Man, talk about a shady 'hood. There are two restaurants in the middle of, well, nowhere (right past the trailer park). We got there and found out that The Shrimp Shack was closed until October. Thank God there was another restaurant: Hogfish Bar and Grill, which ended up being fantastic (duh, look at the picture -- a little piece of NJ right there in KW). I had crab-stuffed jumbo shrimp, in case you were wondering. I'm sure you probably weren't.

Key West... Day 1, 2, & 3

2009-09-29T17:14:00.008-04:00

We flew in to Miami on Saturday, stayed the night at Tim's college buddy's place in Ft. Lauderdale, then got up early on Sunday to drive down to Key West ... US 1!

When we got to the hotel, we rented bikes from a local business -- Tightwad Bicycles -- very nice guy owns the place.

We walked around Duval Street on Sunday night and ate wonderful fish/shrimp & chips. We found the Smallest Bar in Key West:

We biked around the island all day on Monday. We split a very delicious crab cake sandwich & fries from Guy Harvey's for lunch.

We ventured out to the southernmost point in the United States:

We visited the Little White House, which served as the command headquarters of the naval station during the Spanish American War, WWI and WWII. This was also President Truman's winter home.

Tim and I couldn't decide if this was cool or not:

There are SO MANY roosters on this island...

... and other crazy birds!

After cruising around the island, we hung out on our private beach.

Tuesday -- Fishing in the Keys!

I caught three fish; Tim caught zero. He was supportive, though!

Tim carried our (my) fish (in the cooler) home on his bike.

Packing for Key West

2009-09-25T08:28:00.003-04:00

I perhaps have too much stuff...

... to easily fit in here:

AHHHHH!!! 1 Week in Key West. Leaving tomorrow morning. I need enough regular clothes, running clothes, my toiletries, my laptop and my school work. I wish teleportation was possible.

By the way --

2009-09-22T08:18:00.003-04:00

So, Anthropologie didn't quite work out. I decided it just wasn't a good fit for what I was looking for in a part-time job. My last day was this past Saturday.

Well, what happened? I got a call from J.Crew!

I interviewed at J.Crew and really liked the company & the environment. Plus, quite a bit of my wardrobe already comes from J.Crew. When they called and offered me a position, I obviously took it. I went in yesterday to fill out paperwork. The people there were so friendly, and the supervisors were excited for me to start working. I train this Wednesday. I.COULD.NOT.BE.MORE.EXCITED!

p.s. this is amazing: a few J.Crew fanatics out there -- J.CrewAholics and J.Crew Aficionada. ha!

Why I Hate Whole Foods...

2009-09-22T08:08:00.002-04:00

I applied for a part-time position as a cashier at our local Whole Foods (I heard they gave part-time employees health benefits, so I thought, hey, why not?) Their application process for a measly cashier was ridiculous. They had you send a resume and cover letter and everything. Way too intense to bag groceries, but I thought I'd have the job in the bag (get it?! Like, bagging groceries?!) Here's the response I got from them.

Dear Katherine:

Thank you for your interest in the Customer Service Cashier position at Whole Foods Market in 143 Maple Ave East Vienna, VA 22180 US. We have reviewed your application, carefully considered your qualifications, and have decided to continue to pursue other applicants for this position who more closely match the needs of the position.

However, your profile and resume will remain in our searchable database where you may maintain and update it as often as necessary. We encourage you to visit our online job postings (https://jobs2-wholefoods.icims.com/) often as our job openings are updated frequently.

Thank you again for your interest in Whole Foods Market and best of luck in your career search.

Sincerely,

Whole Foods Market Recruiting Team (Mid-Atlantic Region)

Excuse me, WHAT? I'm not QUALIFIED?! You are pursuing other applicants who match the needs of that position, like what else could you ask for -- I have a degree from one of the top public universities in the country. What, do I need to have a master's degree in Food Scanning or something? Whole Foods: you are a bunch of idiots. Whatever, I don't need you. I'm shopping at Trader Joe's and the Giant. TAKE THAT.

Key West in 1 Week!

2009-09-20T11:41:00.001-04:00

I'm supposed to go about 20 miles next weekend. Key West is a small place, so I was worried I might not have enough distance. Thanks to Coach Dad, who introduced me to mapmyrun.com, I've found a nice little route!

Island Run
Find more Runs in Key West, Florida

A little something inspiring

2009-09-19T23:57:00.003-04:00

Pulled this one out of my old quote bank recently for someone close to me who is going through a tough time. Wanted to share it with everyone.

Life isn’t fair.

That’s a hard thing to find out, but sooner or later, everyone does. Still, I always feel sad and disappointed when someone I care about, like you, has to face such a difficult time. You didn’t cause it, you didn’t deserve it, and there’s no easy way to fix it. You simply have to live through it. As times goes by, you’ll rise above it.

I know, because I know you.

The things that happen around you can’t change the qualities within you—the honesty and courage, the caring, and the certainty that you are a good and worthy person.

What happened to you isn’t fair.

But I believe someday you’ll discover there’s a meaning in it, a meaning that will have a purpose in your life you can’t even imagine right now. Hold on to these thoughts until then.

Know that those who care about you will be right by your side.

Found in my front yard...

2009-09-19T23:41:00.004-04:00

... a garden gnome!

He's not as great as Simon, but no other garden ornament ever will be. Probably.

Local bar scene... this one's for Wiese.

2009-09-18T12:25:00.008-04:00

So, Nana's house has a full bar in the basement that everyone used to hang out and booze it up in. Unfortunately, this all happened before I was legal... well, before I was even born, really. Nana and Grandad used to love to have people over and entertain (note above: one of the many picture collages hanging on the wall depicting all of the drunk guests). You can still see remnants of the fun in the cabinet below:

One thing I noticed around the house -- not just in the basement -- is all the whiskey sour mix. Why? That's what they all liked to drink! Nana said they'd go out to dinner and come back and drink whiskey sours.
Kitchen whiskey sour mix, spelt incorrectly. I don't trust any of these mixes, but this one especially. Poor grammar on products is always a red flag. p.s. I love this kitchen towel.
This one is THE BEST. I'll be blogging about expiration dates found in Nana's house because, well, it's always a treat to see a 1970-something food product still around. It feels like I've time travelled to the past. Note the date on this Instant Whiskey Sour Cocktail Mix: OCT '74. Nice.
Let's see... can I make it my goal to restore the basement bar scene? Only time will tell.

I know I'm a bad blogger lately...

2009-09-18T10:08:00.008-04:00

I've been a terrible blogger. My life turned so hectic lately. My mind is focused on one thing, and one thing only: NURSING SCHOOL. I've been studying like a mad woman and looking for hospital opportunities like crazy. Looks like I'm doing well so far: I had my first two exams yesterday (Anatomy I exam and Anatomy II exam), and found out that I got an A on my Anatomy II exam! I've mastered the nervous system!! I feel really good about the Anatomy I exam -- I'll know results in about a week. Today, I'm going to drop off my application for one of the hospitals I want to volunteer at. I don't want to lose focus here. I guess you could say I'm "keeping my eye on the prize." And what am I keeping my eye on??

p.s. So, I was taking pictures for later blog posts today and all of a sudden the camera blacks out and says, "Lens error, please restart." After turning off then back on a bunch of times, recharging the battery, etc., I got a bright idea (stolen from childhood memories). I blew on the lens, Super Nintendo-style. Remember when a game wouldn't work, you'd take it out and blow on it? Then it magically worked again. That's just what I did. Guess what? Camera's fine. I'm glad I was a kid in the 90's.

Century Post!

2009-09-07T22:42:00.003-04:00

This is my 100th blog post. YAY!

I'm starting to settle into a groove here. I am no longer unconsciously clenching my jaw, so that's good -- means I'm not as stressed as I was before. Classes are going well, I like my professors and, even more importantly, I really like what I'm studying. I talked with a Georgetown admissions advisor who told me I'd be safe to drop my Microbiology class and take it with my Statistics course next semester. So, I'm focusing on Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Nutrition and Developmental Psychology this semester. Go me!!

Well, I worked my third shift in retail today. I learned of a new weakness I have: folding clothes. I'm really bad. Like, embarrassingly bad. Thankfully, nobody pays too much attention. They know I try because I spread out the shirt, take time to fold it over in a crease just so... fold, fold, then flip the shirt over and it just looks stupid. How was I supposed to know I would be bad at folding clothes?! I put all mine on a hanger or ball it up in a drawer. It looked easy enough, but too time consuming. I blame it on my mother -- she didn't make me do enough chores as a child!

Good news: found a FABULOUS running store very close to home: Potomac River Running Store. It is my new obsession. I picked up the newest issue of Washington Running Report and a bunch of race brochures to see what's going on in the area. Another bonus -- Trader Joe's is right next door!

OK, time for bed. I'm taking Nana to get a root canal tomorrow. Can you believe she was planning on driving herself to and from?! I said, "Nana, you're going to be too drugged up from the anesthesia and pain killers." "Really?! You think so?" "Um, yeah. It's a ROOT CANAL. I'm driving you." She said her number one goal in life right now is to keep all of her teeth in her head. She never wants to have to put her teeth in a jar at night. I love Nana, she cracks me up.

Hired!

2009-09-02T21:39:00.004-04:00

I interviewed at Anthropologie today and... guess what?! (what?) I GOT THE JOB! Yay for a part-time job at a super duper awesome store. Now, here's hoping that I don't blow it on all the cool merchandise they've got in there. I mean, hey, I still have bills to pay. Can't forget about those things. They're such a pain!

p.s. I sat on this chair during the interview. How cute is it?!

When you hate your license picture...

2009-08-31T15:00:00.004-04:00

It's been a while since I've taken an ID photo that I've truly hated. Take a look at my NJ license. I was pretty pleased with the way the picture came out:

However, my Virginia driver's license came in the mail today. And I'm mortified.

First off, what is going on with my bangs?! They look greased and plastered. I swear I took a shower that morning. I even curled my hair. And put on make-up. But you can't tell, now can you? Second, WHY is my face so fat?! Oh, maybe because the state of Virginia doesn't let you smile when you are taking your driver's license photo. Is it a crime to look happy? Does a smile make a license less secure? Jerks. Virginia should change its slogan. It's no longer "Virginia is for Lovers," it should be "Virginia is for people who look mad" because that's what everyone's VA ID looks like!!!

Now I can't wait to move and get a new license picture. This one stinks. I miss New Jersey.

Settling in...

2009-08-30T18:40:00.005-04:00

Okay, yeah, I know it's been a while. I'm moved in, Tim's moved in, I've started classes, still looking for a part-time job...

So, Mom and I survived the week-long drive from San Antonio to DC, DC to NY train ride, NY to DC U-Haul trip with Tim. It was nice for her to come up to Hoboken to help me out, obviously because I needed help, but she also got to see where I lived. We ate the BEST half price happy hour sushi at Sushi Lounge in Hoboken TWO nights in a row. First night, we went out for drinks at Black Bear so she could catch the Braves game:

The next morning, we grabbed breakfast at this yummy Cuban diner on Washington Street called La Isla. She had an omelette, I had huevos rancheros. It was amazing.

Now, I'm in school. I'm taking Nutrition and Developmental Psychology and re-taking Anatomy and Physiology I & II (for better grades) at the community college here. Next semester, I'll take Statistics and re-take Microbiology (again, for a better grade). I'm applying for accelerated BSN nursing programs at Georgetown University (my first choice!) and George Mason University. I'm applying to other places, but those two are my main focus. They'll take about 12-16 months to complete. Georgetown has this awesome scholarship that will pay 80 percent of your tuition if you commit to working at the Washington Hospital Center for three years. Um...80 percent of tuition covered and a guaranteed job? Sign me up! The advisor said about 50-60 students are enrolled each semester, and 42 are awarded the scholarship.

I'd LOVE to get a part-time job working in a hospital, but at this point, I just need a paycheck. Boy, I wish I had a money tree. Anyone wanna send me one for my backyard? ;) I'll definitely be volunteering at a hospital and trying to find a super nice nurse who will let me shadow her. Want and need to be in a nurse's environment.

Unfortunately, I've been behind on my running -- SHAME SHAME SHAME!!! Now that I'm working myself into a groove though, I'll be back into it in no time. I'm out in Vienna (end of the orange line!) and there are great running trails around here. I also like that it is hilly. I need that kind of training.

Anyway, my posts from now on should be much more frequent and interesting. Tim's new neighborhood is quite interesting. Stay tuned for fun posts about that!

Life Update...

2009-08-23T23:14:00.002-04:00

Made the drive from San Antonio to DC in the Camry. In one weekend, made the move from Hoboken to DC in the U-Haul and helped Tim move from old apartment to new apartment. First class is Tuesday. Still looking for a part-time job. More details to come. So tired.

Sammy Sheds

2009-08-15T14:27:00.003-04:00

If you've ever met Sammy, you know this is no exaggeration. He sheds. Like crazy. So, my parents bought this thing called a "Furmenator," and its like a fine-tooth comb that you use to brush the dog every day to keep his shedding down. It doesn't really work for Sam. He still sheds.

I furmenated Sam for about 30 minutes today. My mom and I both furmenated him for maybe an hour or so the day before. Take a look at the pile of fur:

Then Sammy got up and rubbed against me, and a clump of hair came off on my shorts. There is no hope for him. We still love him, though.

Progress made so far...

2009-08-13T14:32:00.002-04:00

... books, clothes and shoes packed. Three boxes full. Still have knicknacks, picture frames, sheets and stuff to pack. Doing well, though.

I'm also eating the food in my pantry to clear it out as much as possible before the big move next weekend, which means I'm eating really bizarre meals. Like lunch today: fried eggs and lima beans.

Tomorrow -- San Antonio. Next week -- the BIG DRIVE!

Found in Hoboken...

2009-08-12T18:51:00.004-04:00

want one?

Good Stuff

2009-08-12T10:22:00.002-04:00

Found on Emergiblog. Love it.

Back from Beachin' It

2009-08-12T09:19:00.004-04:00

After much needed R&R time at the beach (Stone Harbor, NJ), I am back in Hoboken and getting ready to pack up the apartment. Everything is going to happen really fast in these next two weeks.

But first -- the beach. Absolutely fabulous. Included one trip to the Borgata in Atlantic City (I won $3!), a bike ride to Brian's Waffle House in Avalon for "Brian's Big Bonanza Breakfast", a massive peanut butter chocolate sundae and lots of ocean time (with lots of sunscreen). Just what I needed after 'retirement.' Ha!

Now -- need to find boxes and start packing. I leave for San Antonio on Friday. Mom and I take a drive to DC, drop off the car, take the train to Hoboken and get me out of here.

Buying books today, too. So much going on.

This is fun!

2009-08-06T23:42:00.003-04:00

http://www.yearbookyourself.com/

1952

1962
1964
1966
1970
1974
1978
1984 (birth year!)
1992
1996

Found in this morning's NY Metro...

2009-08-06T17:51:00.005-04:00

A MUST READ!

Woman: I love carnival ride

PHILADELPHIA. A Pennsylvania woman claiming objectum sexuality — a medical condition that causes a person to become physically attracted to inanimate objects — plans to marry a magic carpet carnival ride, which she fell in love with at age 13, the Telegraph reports. Amy Wolfe, 33, claims to have courted the 80-foot gondola ride some 3,000 times in the past decade. “I love him as much as women love their husbands and know we’ll be together forever,” she said. Wolfe said she will change her name to Weber, in honor of the manufacturer of the “1001 Nachts” ride.

Yes, this article appeared right next to this other one that reports that the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust has reminded birdwatchers that their hides are for "quiet enjoyment," not sex. The article notes that there were noise complaints...

... and both articles appear beneath "Recession of the sexes: Women shop; men cry"

What?!?!

Seen in Hoboken...

2009-08-06T15:46:00.002-04:00

... a peach rolling across the sidewalk in front of the fruit stand at Garden of Eden. The produce stocker ran to the curb to pick it up. Then he put it back on the pile. Ew. I'm going to wash my fruit a lot better from now on.

By the way, tomorrow is my last day at work. Saturday, I go to the shore for 4 days! In about two weeks, I'll be starting classes. Wow!

Heart Rate Test Results, Part II

2009-08-03T23:17:00.004-04:00

So what did Coach Dad do with my heart rate test results?? He calculated my spread (140 bpm).

What does that mean?

I can now use that as a tool for my runs. For long runs, I want to try to stay around 60-65% of my spread. He showed me this nifty formula to help me see what my heart rate range should be:

55 + (.60 X 140) = 139 bpm to 55 + (.65 X 140) = 146 bpm

Though this is not supposed to dictate my pace -- I should still be shooting for the 9:15/9:45 min per mile range for training.

When I'm running shorter distances, like 5-7 miles, I need to aim for 80-85% of my spread -- 167 to 174 bpm.

One very important note: I should be avoiding getting my heart rate up into the red zone at all costs when it is hot out. This is 85-90% of my spread (174 to 181 bpm). Coach Dad says that it takes a long time to recover after hitting that point.

The biggest problem I'll have now that I know all this jazz about heart rates is being able to actually see what it is on my Garmin watch. The number is teeny tiny in the upper right hand corner, and I can't figure out how to make the heart rate number bigger!

Caroline's Wedding

2009-08-03T07:12:00.006-04:00

Matt & Caroline Nichols

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Wedding at Gaither Chapel in Montreat, NC

Reception at Windows on the Park in Asheville, NC

The bride & groom headed for their honeymoon in Mexico!

... and the rest of the wedding party and guests head out for more cocktails in downtown Asheville...

Friday, July 30, 2009

Dessert and Dancing after the Rehearsal Dinner at Homewood in Asheville, NC

Heart Rate Test Results

2009-07-26T13:12:00.003-04:00

FINALLY completed my max heart rate and resting heart rate test & called Coach Dad with results:

Max Heart Rate: 194 bpm

Resting Heart Rate: 56 bpm

He was taking a dip in the pool after his run when I called to give results. I'm just awaiting further coaching direction now!

Found in Hoboken...

2009-07-25T15:36:00.002-04:00

Kramer?

Richmond Course

2009-07-24T22:56:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Coach Dad for the clip! Gets me pumped for the race!!

Tasty Tilapia!

2009-07-24T21:43:00.004-04:00

Like I said this morning, dinner tonight would be Tilapia Puttanesca. I steamed the green beans I got for free yesterday and boiled brown rice. The "puttanesca" involved sauteeing onions and garlic, then throwing in homemade crushed tomatoes (boil tomatoes, remove skin, crush with a fork!), pitted French black olives, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt & pepper. Sprinkled it all with parmesan and fresh (free) parsley.

I opened a bottle of pre-made sangria, threw some peaches and plumbs in there. The sangria = not so good. Oh, well! It looked nice in the presentation.

Just sat back and watched trashy TV. Early to bed for a good run & some packing tomorrow! Oh yeah, and I have to go back to the office because I forgot my $110 amoeba drops in the fridge. Ugh!

Tell us how you really feel, Hoboken

2009-07-24T21:21:00.004-04:00

Did you hear about New Jersey's massive scandal? Real classy.

Newly elected Hoboken mayor was involved with several other NJ politicians and rabbis (yes, rabbis!)

The Star-Ledger reports: The arrests were the result of two separate investigations that used the same informant, a man who moved easily between the world of the rabbis and the world of Jersey politics. The rabbis are charged with operating a money-laundering network by funneling cash through yeshivas and nonprofit organizations they were associated with. The politicians are accused of taking outright bribes in exchange for favors.

In addition, these guys were a part of an organ trafficking scam by buying organs cheap from vulnerable people in Israel and selling them for a massive profit to desperate people in the United States. Real classy, guys.

Another funny one

2009-07-24T10:43:00.002-04:00

Thank you, Tony, for making my day so much brighter with this:

why is this video so large?

Fresh fruits and veggies!

2009-07-23T23:45:00.011-04:00

This morning at the PATH station, Sobe reps were handing out FREE Lifewater (gala apple in the picture not included in giveaway.) I got "Yumberry Pomegranate." Though I'm not a huge fan of the zero-calorie flavored/vitamin-enhanced waters, I appreciate the effort and the free beverage. Thanks, Sobe! I drank half. I think this will taste better when I water the other half down.

Then... more free stuff!!

My wonderful roommate, Claudia, is part of a food co-op. Every week, she picks up fresh vegetables and sometimes fruit grown from local farmers. Since Claudia is out of town this weekend -- :( -- she asked if I'd like to go pick up the allotment this week. Free & fresh fruits and veggies? Yes, please!

I got:

3/4 lb. fava beans
1.5 lb. cucumbers
1/2 lb. carrots
3/4 lb. swiss chard
2 large onions
2 oz. parsley
1/2 lb mixed beans (green and black)
3 lb. Peaches!

... and the grandaddy score of them all: 5 lb. Plums!!!

Carrots were super dirty (duh, Katie! they come from the ground!!)

Mom and I were up late tonight i-video-Chatting away. Time for me to get some shut eye!

Found in Times Square...

2009-07-22T23:07:00.006-04:00

We are doing a PR event in Times Square at work, so I had to walk down and check out the venue. One thing I love and will miss about New York -- all the bizarre things I see.

You've heard about the Naked Cowboy -- there's also a Naked Cowgirl. However, this one was an impostor with very saggy boobs. She was not the Naked Cowgirl of nakedcowgirlny.com, who sports star-shaped, USA-colored pasties and an American flag skirt.

You have to look closely at this one -- to the left of the street sign: Obama Condoms. Just what couples want to incorporate in the bedroom, I'm sure.

Look down below! This crazy boy is dressed as black Spiderman. He was stealthing around pretending to shoot out webs from his hand.

... and I was only in TS to walk down the block, check out the venue, and walk back. Imagine if I had hung out there all day...