Determined. To Be…

…a runner, a sister, a lover…living a fit and happy life.

Tag Archives: random


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12 utterly useless facts about me Friday.

This is a blatant rip-off of Ali’s post today – it made me laugh so hard, I just had to write one myself ;-) Some random and utterly useless facts about me on this fine FEF!

I seriously KEEP watching this video and laugh hysterically EVERY time. I first saw it at the gym yesterday and laughed like a fool while on the ‘mill (speed walking, mind you, not running, even though I wanted to!!), then again with M, as I showed him after the gym, then re-laughed at it IMing portions of it back and forth with Jess, and then AGAIN laughed at it with M as we were drifting off to sleep.

On that note, ever start laughing at something completely ridiculous and not even that funny, yet you find it utterly hilarious and can’t even stop laughing to explain why you are laughing? Happens to me far too often. Bonus points if it happens with my sisters, and we each know what we are laughing at by our facial gestures and guffaw and arm motions, but can’t spit the words out. Sister intuition ;-)

I HATE when the sheets aren’t tucked in on the bed. Don’t even get me started if the bottom of the sheets and comforter slide off the bed in any form or fashion. I will get up at 2 am and retuck the sheets. (before M and I moved in together, his bed was always a shitshow and I literally had to make his bed before I could sleep in it. LOL)

I hate when people whistle. M whistles and it is one thing that irritates me. Yet he’s actually a really good whistler. Nice and strong. LOL. But I still hate it.

I hate when I can’t type for sh*t. Like, every third word is mispelled because I am typing too fast, or the words are typed with random spaces, lik ethis. OMG it drives me batty, yet I can’t stop myself from typing slowe rso it doesn’t happe nagain. Gah! ;-)

I LOVE using QTips. It feels so good. Yes, I’m weird. And yes I know I’m not supposed to clean my ears with them. But, pray tell, what ARE you supposed to use them for, then??

I also love rubbing my eyes. But can only do that when my contacts are out, and then, game on, I can rub my eyes for a solid 5 minutes and it feels *almost* as good as using QTips.

I can’t swim. But we kinda knew this already.

I have a cleaning ritual. I clean our apartment top to bottom once a week (with mini cleanings throughout the week, of course). I ALWAYS start and end the same way. I can’t start in the middle, and I can’t skip a step, except juuuust one. Wrapping the chord around the vacuum when I am done (I know I have mentioned this before!). I abhor it. Almost always time it so M is still home and he can do it for me, or else I do it begrudgingly. Because Lord knows I couldn’t LEAVE the vacuum out all day.

I hate when my work email has a scroll bar. I file my emails as soon as I am done with whatever task is in said email. When I have a scrollbar, I have FAR too many things to do, and my goal each week is to shut down my computer with *no* scrollbar in my email. Yes, this is extremely type A.

I HATE lingering food smells. As in, the failed attempt at crab bisque M made last night that stunk up our apartment and lingered all night and this morning until aforementioned cleaning ritual commenced. Drives me absolutely bonkers. Who wants to wake up in the middle of the night and smell…crab? Gag. I legit tell M not to make fish when I am not home because he never turns the fan on to ventilate if I am not home ;-) #obsessmuch

I love house hunting…and it reminds me of the game the Sims. Just me? No? LOL. But truly, I do love looking at houses and dreaming up how it would look if I lived there. And – nice segue – M and I are looking at houses this weekend! I am sooooooo excited. We truly can’t move till at least June, with our lease, but it never hurts to start a smidge early, right?! ;-)

So what about you…anything random you feel like sharing? I’m looking forward to a fantastic weekend, filled with house hunting, a night out with a hot man (it’s M, just so we’re clear – LOL), Sunday Funday AND teaching my very first barre n9ne intensive (1 hr 15 mins of pure sweatastic awesomeness!!!). Happy weekend friends!!


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An update and tidbits.

Today’s an update and quasi random post kind of day.

An update on the knee. 

Well, it’s not much of a surprise to me, but after my first PT appointment today, it is indeed IT band syndrome that is affecting my knee when I run.   What was a surprise is that it is BOTH IT bands that are uber tight, yet, only my right knee is bothering me. The loose plan is for me to foam roll the crap out of my IT band (on both sides) between now and Friday’s appointment. At that appointment, she will have me run for a few minute and watch my gait (side note: I am ridiculousness excited to run, even if it is just for a few minutes!) and prescribe some strengthening exercises that we will work on for the next few weeks. I cannot run for at least a week, maybe two, and then she will have me slowly ramp up running again (yay!).

I actually feel really good about this and think, per today’s She Reads Truth, it all has a point. I am meant to learn from this – already, learning – I don’t stretch enough, nor foam roll (barely) at all, and I could only stay un-injured for so long, in my opinion. I am grateful to catch it early and fix it now. Now, to make this a habit, long term. I WILL. I MUST. It also tells me I need to continue to cross-train, keep my legs strong, spin, walk, work on stronger hamstrings (suggested exercises for the ole hammies welcomed!). 

Branching out, of the food variety.

It’s no secret that I have a love affair with oatmeal for breakfast. And wraps for lunch (of the Joseph’s, Flatout, and Fiber One variety!). Love, love, LOVE them. But lately, I have started to wonder if I need to branch out a little. Try some new options and intersperse them with my standbys. I will alternate lunches and do up some loaded salads (tuna, chicken salad, hard boiled eggs etc), but I always go back to wraps. And oatmeal for breakfast? Forget it, I never change this one. Hardly ever. Maybe eggs and toast for breakfast on a weekend day. But beyond that, not much.

I started a new board on Pinterest on all things Greek yogurt, because I want to play around with alternate breakfasts, like yogurt and fruit bowls, maybe a smoothie if I can find one that is fueling yet not uber caloric either. My mind is a little all over the place here. Because I like my go-to’s. I LOVE them. But I think change is good. So I look to you, friends, for your latest and greatest finds and suggestions! Please share :-)

Travel upcoming.

It’s that time again. More work travel abounds! A week from Sunday, I am off to California for my company’s sales kick off. It’s my third year attending, and while I hate leaving on a Sunday, I am actually looking forward to it this year…in large part because this girl is ALSO going to California for her sales kick off and it’s a town away from MINE (WHAT are the odds?!), so what did we do? Booked our return flight home from LAX together! That’s right, 6 hours of straight up FUN flying home. Probably the first time I will ever look forward to a long flight. We may have too much fun of the let’s have a drink (or 8) variety, but I think it shall be epic ;-)

And?

In April, M and I are going to Napa!! No, it’s not Healdsburg, BUT it’s a close second. He has a conference in Napa and of course I am tagging along. OF COURSE. Who wouldn’t!? So off we go in late April to Napa for a few days and then…to Southern Cali so I can go to work for a few days and finally – finally – show him around where I work, meet co-workers etc. I am REALLY excited about both parts of this trip!!

So, there ya have it, some random updates and tidbits on this Tuesday-can’t-believe-it’s-not-Wednesday post ;)

(PS bet you are surprised I didn’t write anything about barre n9ne in this post. Me too. Hehe. More on that later this week, I am thinking!) Don’t forget to share your latest foodie finds with meeeee! :-)

 

 


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5 for Friday!

Raise your hand if you are incredibly glad it is a) Friday and b) a long weekend!! *raising hand so high, like that eager 5th grader, holding it so high, you have to hold it up with the *other* arm high, because you really want everyone to know your hand is raised wicked high*

;-)

I’m gonna keep it simple and do a little 5 for Friday action. Here you be:

  • 3 ‘fit’ things I did on my trip this week: I went on 3 strong runs, outside, by myself. And save for a few side cramps (I’m always less hydrated when I travel, just by nature of less readily accessible water. Probably my number #1 peeve when I travel!), they were good, strong runs. I wasn’t up in my head, I smiled, I looked around, my mind wandered, I smelled flowers, I heard birds, I breathed fresh air, and it was honestly the best way to kick start my day (especially yesterday, before my long trek home. Nothing worse than parking my a$$ on a plane all day and being inactive before it!). I took a barre class at a local studio I discovered on one of my visits last fall. Got a mini-barre fix but admittedly cannot wait to get back to taking and teaching classes today and this weekend!
  • 2 meals I ate: Well, let’s back up. I made good choices during all of my meals this week. Yep, all of them. People ask me how I still manage to stay on track with my ‘number’ when I travel and my answer? While I can’t be sure, most of the time, what the calories are in a particular meal (unless I can find it online and I am a pro at googling, myfitnesspal’ing and web site stalking to find it!), I can draw conclusions based on said googling or ‘like’ restaurants or meals and simply make a choice that will satisfy me – high protein, lottsa veggies, and as fresh as possible. For example, at lunch with my boss, I ordered a roasted chicken salad, which came with dates (YUM!), almonds, corn, chicken, shredded cabbage, greens and goat cheese. When it arrived, I evaluated the cheese serving – and it was perfect, just a few crumbles (given that could be a huge hidden calorie bust!) and I requested dressing on the side, and with all those yummies loaded in, I didn’t even need the dressing. Had some olives and white bean hummus that my boss ordered as an app and ya know what? I was completely satisfied all the way through that barre class I took, did not even need an afternoon snack. Go figure. My most favorite meal was the Jamba Juice apple cinnamon oatmeal I scored (thanks sis for highly recommending a la Naomi!), holy CRAP, it was so good, I honestly was blown away. SO EFFING GOOD. (Oh, and I always pack a few Dove promises as a little treat before bed (just like at home!)).
  • Coolest thing that happened while I was traveling: M bought a new car! I totally CALLED it last weekend when he just happened to mentioned being interested in a possible trade in for his SUV for a Mitsubishi Lancer and I said, ‘you’re going to pick me up at the airport in a new car, aren’t you?’ And yep, I called it. Brand new black Lancer…and he looks HOT in it, let me tell you ;-) Swoon!
  • Number 1 thing I am looking forward to this weekend: The official kick-off to summer, plain and simple. The weather is going to cooperate, and I have lots of outdoor things planned, including my sister’s bash for my brother-in-law’s birthday, the BEACH and perhaps even a day trip to Maine (game day decision!), or another picnic at the park. There’s something so euphoric about summer, isn’t there?
  • Best part about coming home from this work trip: That first hug and kiss from M. And the realization that after 3 work trips in 6 weeks, I am DONE *fingers crossed* for the time being, and my next trip…only for pleasure, at the end of June. I’ll share more details soon, but it may have to do with wine ;-)

CHEERS friends, I hope you have a fabulous long weekend and spend as much time as humanly possible outside! I know I will be!!


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Some Friday lovin’ up in here!

It’s Friday (finally) and although it was a really great week, even with my work trip, traveling always makes the week pretty long and tiring, regardless. And given this particular weekend is staged for epic-ness, I can’t help but celebrate this day just a wee bit more than normal.

Soooo, some things I am lovin’ this Friday? Let’s discuss.

These sneakers I exchanged for the ones that just weren't a good fit. Ghost 4s! They've gotten me through several runs this week and so far, so good! My legs felt strong during my interval run in Chicago in particular. Could it be the breakthrough I needed?! #runchallenge <3

Capturing a gorgeous sunset patio-side on Monday night for (early) date night in before my trip to Chicago, with M. <3

Proof that anything grilled and any sauteed veggies atop wilted greens is a damn delish dinner (aforementioned date night dinner) <3

The NEW barre n9ne location...snapped a pic before Tuesday's 7 am class that I taught. It's beautiful and 5 mins from my house! And I am teaching 3-4X a week starting Monday!!! <3

Oatmeal goodness a la the Protein Bar Chicago with @amber4miles this week in Chicago. Dude. The place is DELISH and I wish there was one here!! (and for the record, Amber is AWESOME!)

My first solo dinner (full-on sit down meal, wine included!). Finally (wo)man'd up and ticked this off my travel bucket list this week. It felt damn good!!! and the food was utterly delish!

This man...who I cannot wait to surprise on Saturday with the most epic surprise party e-ver!!! <3

Wow, like half of these are food related. Go figure ;-) I am so excited for the weekend ahead, it’s a little ridiculous! The barre n9ne grand opening is tomorrow and it is going to be phenomenal! My sis and I worked our PR chops a bit and scored some awesome giveaways and samples (I’ll share more details on this on Monday and perhaps a giveaway of my OWN too!!), there will be demo classes, food, drink and fun, fun, fun. I cannot wait to share some pictures and more on Monday!!

Have a wonderful weekend friends!! And raise a glass on Saturday night to M, as we celebrate, will ya? ;-) *clink*


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(more) things I’m loving Friday!

I’ve done a few of these ‘things I’m loving’ Friday posts and figured since I have a little collection of favorite things in my brain at present, I’d share them with ya. I always find these types of posts to give a great tidbit or two when I read others who have written similarly-themed posts! TGIF friends!!!!

(more) things I’m loving Friday!

  • my barre n9ne playlist for my next class teaching (Sunday at 4:30!!): here’s a sampling of fun tunage I plan to play: Bon, Bon/Pitbull, Turn up the Music/Chris Brown, Pass at Me f. Pitbull/Timbaland, Rockstar101/Rhianna (LOVE this one), Wild Ones/Flo Rida f. Sia, On the Dancefloor/David Guetta (f. will.i.am), Where Them Girls At f. Nicki Minaj/David Guetta, Flo Rida (sensing a theme here?!)
  • Sparkling water in a wine glass. Seriously, try it. It just tastes fancy. and tricks my eye into thinking it’s *really* wine on days I am not drinking actual wine (for a girl that talks a lot about wine, I swear I really only have it on weekends and one night during the week!)
  • Sleeping with the windows open and birds chirping. BEST way to wake up. Ever.
  • New sneakers!! Scored a great pair of Saucony ProGrid Ride 4s last night at a local running store (got fitted for high arches, helps I do believe!).  Which leads me to the next favorite thing…
  • an AWESOME run with my sis today!! We did 7 miles and I haven’t done 7 in almost a month, so while I was a little nervous at first (why, no idea, it’s my sister for goodness sakes!), we had a pretty near-perfect run and the sneakers felt great! (still riding a runner high as we speak)
  • Skinny cow ice cream…and even better? Banana ‘mock’ ice cream. My friend Steph made this concoction: frozen banana, couple of chocolate chips, tsp of peanut butter, blend together, voila! SO GOOD! I did half of that with half cup of vanilla ice cream last night and it was utter perfection.
  • Friends that ‘get’ me. I feel surrounded by those that care about me and that I care about back, both ‘IRL’ and virtually. Feeling supported and liked is such a great feeling to give and reciprocate, isn’t it? (had to end with one sappy one…hehe).

See? awesome #rundate pic! I'm on the right, FYI (lol)

On that note, I am off to finish off this workday strong and enjoy a fun-filled weekend, rounded out by teaching at barre n9ne…what could be better than that? Cheers!

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