Shortly after arriving in DC my best friend and maid of honor has informed me that I will be running in the George Washington Parkway Classic- a 10 mile race on April 26th!
I had talked previously about wanting to run a half marathon sometime before the wedding, but because I wasn't sure if I was heading down to DC and after thinking about the time needed to prepare for a race of that length, I dropped the idea. I have continued to run at the gym for the past couple of weeks though (with the exception of taking a week off when I was sick), but instead of upping my mileage, I have been constantly running 4-5 miles each time.
While that is great, I really wish that I would have known about this race so that I could have been running longer distances! I now have a month to double my mileage. Hopefully this is possible!??!
Last week I ran three times- running 4 miles each day, and then walking another mile. I was hoping to run 6 miles last Saturday, but the gym was so hot that I gave up after 4 miles.
Time to get crackin'!!
3.31.2009
3.30.2009
Random happenings
Today I leave for DC! Hopefully I don't hit too much traffic on my drive down....
Yesterday one of my bridesmaids emailed me to tell me that she is three days late. As in, she might be pregnant. None of my bridesmaids live anywhere the wedding site- in fact, this bridesmaid is clear across the country. I started doing the math on my fingers and the beginning of October is right about the third trimester when she wouldn't be able to fly. YIKES! I am not going to start freaking out just yet, nor am I going to run around trying to find another bridesmaid. However, I might have to start thinking about other people as she doesn't have the time to drive all the way out to NH if she is not able to fly....
This weekend when CP and I were out to dinner, he told me that he finds the word fiance funny. So, when he speaks about me at work, he usually refers to me as his wife. I was like, uhhhh...you kind of skipped an important step! He just shrugged his shoulders and said that saying wife is easier than girlfriend because it implies a serious relationship, that we live together, etc. If he just used the term girlfriend than he would have to explain the relationship a bit more to people. He is so funny some times. Although, I guess when I am struggling to not giggle when calling him my husband (seriously- I'm like 12), he is going to have no problems calling me his wife!
Yesterday one of my bridesmaids emailed me to tell me that she is three days late. As in, she might be pregnant. None of my bridesmaids live anywhere the wedding site- in fact, this bridesmaid is clear across the country. I started doing the math on my fingers and the beginning of October is right about the third trimester when she wouldn't be able to fly. YIKES! I am not going to start freaking out just yet, nor am I going to run around trying to find another bridesmaid. However, I might have to start thinking about other people as she doesn't have the time to drive all the way out to NH if she is not able to fly....
This weekend when CP and I were out to dinner, he told me that he finds the word fiance funny. So, when he speaks about me at work, he usually refers to me as his wife. I was like, uhhhh...you kind of skipped an important step! He just shrugged his shoulders and said that saying wife is easier than girlfriend because it implies a serious relationship, that we live together, etc. If he just used the term girlfriend than he would have to explain the relationship a bit more to people. He is so funny some times. Although, I guess when I am struggling to not giggle when calling him my husband (seriously- I'm like 12), he is going to have no problems calling me his wife!
3.29.2009
No motivation
I have absolutely NO motivation to pack for DC. It is 2pm and I have yet to do anything. If I don't pack, does it mean that I don't have to leave CP and Fuzzy Britches???
No? Dammit.
No? Dammit.
3.27.2009
National Public Radio
You all know my love of National Public Radio....it is how I stay sane with my two hour commute every day to work! Well good news- NPR has record ratings!
My guess as to why NPR is doing so well? Because websites like CNN.com have iReports- random people putting up silly pictures, videos, and short blurbs about their lives such as this one. Not to mention being able to buy a CNN tshirt that has some random headline of the day on it. HUH? This is news? I don't think so.
As 24 hour news stations try to "entertain" people instead of informing them, I think that people such as myself simply want the news. And I believe that NPR does just that.
Although they are achieving record ratings, NPR still has had to lay off some employees. Their corporate sponsorship is down and gifts from individuals is down. So if you are a fan of NPR as I am, next time you hear an on-air fund drive, think about giving if you can.
My guess as to why NPR is doing so well? Because websites like CNN.com have iReports- random people putting up silly pictures, videos, and short blurbs about their lives such as this one. Not to mention being able to buy a CNN tshirt that has some random headline of the day on it. HUH? This is news? I don't think so.
As 24 hour news stations try to "entertain" people instead of informing them, I think that people such as myself simply want the news. And I believe that NPR does just that.
Although they are achieving record ratings, NPR still has had to lay off some employees. Their corporate sponsorship is down and gifts from individuals is down. So if you are a fan of NPR as I am, next time you hear an on-air fund drive, think about giving if you can.
3.26.2009
Bad DC list
Things that I am going to miss while I am in DC (warning: this might get sappy!):
*Kissing CP as he leaves for work in the morning
*Kissing CP as he gets home from work
*Kissing CP before we go to sleep
*Snuggling with CP on the couch as we watch a movie
*Having CP cook me a delicious dinner
*Having a partner in the fight to lose weight. When I am in DC I won't have anyone to police me!
*Coming home to Fuzzy Britches jumping up and down because she is so excited to see me
*The relative peace and quiet of our town. No traffic noise, no people yelling, etc.
*With little to no ambient light, I will miss looking up at the sky and seeing all of the stars every night as I take Fuzzy Britches out.
*Part of the kayaking season will be spent down in DC
*DC gets really hot in the summer
*Spending "quality time" with CP
*Random hugs with CP and Fuzzy Britches
*Phone conversations with CP. It's much harder if one of us has had a bad/ hard day to deal with it in person rather than over the phone.
*Dealing with wedding stuff from afar. And then when I am home every other weekend, we aren't going to be able to relax....instead having to do lots of wedding stuff.
*Having to spend our own money for me to fly home
*In general, just not having CP and Fuzzy Britches to come home to
CP and I know how to deal with the long distance, having done it for a year and a half while I was in law school and he had to travel for work. We were hoping that we never had to do it again, but at least we know that this is only until July....
*Kissing CP as he leaves for work in the morning
*Kissing CP as he gets home from work
*Kissing CP before we go to sleep
*Snuggling with CP on the couch as we watch a movie
*Having CP cook me a delicious dinner
*Having a partner in the fight to lose weight. When I am in DC I won't have anyone to police me!
*Coming home to Fuzzy Britches jumping up and down because she is so excited to see me
*The relative peace and quiet of our town. No traffic noise, no people yelling, etc.
*With little to no ambient light, I will miss looking up at the sky and seeing all of the stars every night as I take Fuzzy Britches out.
*Part of the kayaking season will be spent down in DC
*DC gets really hot in the summer
*Spending "quality time" with CP
*Random hugs with CP and Fuzzy Britches
*Phone conversations with CP. It's much harder if one of us has had a bad/ hard day to deal with it in person rather than over the phone.
*Dealing with wedding stuff from afar. And then when I am home every other weekend, we aren't going to be able to relax....instead having to do lots of wedding stuff.
*Having to spend our own money for me to fly home
*In general, just not having CP and Fuzzy Britches to come home to
CP and I know how to deal with the long distance, having done it for a year and a half while I was in law school and he had to travel for work. We were hoping that we never had to do it again, but at least we know that this is only until July....
3.25.2009
BlogDrive
One of the bloggers I admire has decided to do a BlogDrive in support of a local theater in Chicago. Please read her plea here and donate!
Good DC list
Things that excite me about my three month stay in DC:
*Commuting via the Metro as opposed to my current two hour commute
*Having friends close by (as in TWO BLOCKS AWAY) as opposed to over an hour
*Networking possibilities
*Not having to worry about someone staying sober in order to drive home. Metro baby!
*Having a gym at both work AND my apartment complex. Also BOTH have free fitness classes!
*A rooftop pool
*Warmer weather than MA (but I'm sure I won't be saying that when it gets too hot!)
*Interesting restaurants instead of the lack of choices we have in our small town
*Restaurants that deliver!
*Seeing my maid of honor on a regular basis
*Fun events that will happen every weekend
*More everyday walking
*Running outside on basically flat grounds as opposed to the hills around here
*Full control over the TV so that I can plug in the Wii Fit whenever I want (instead of fighting for time with CP)
So uhhh....here is hoping that I don't take advantage of ALL of the bad food choices available to me and use the time that I have to myself to throw myself into working out. I am bringing my Wii Fit down, along with my workout DVDs and hope to work out in the morning AND after work most days.
I have decided against training for a half-marathon, simply because I don't think that I am going to have the time, but maybe I can find a 10 mile race or half marathon that happens right before the wedding?
*Commuting via the Metro as opposed to my current two hour commute
*Having friends close by (as in TWO BLOCKS AWAY) as opposed to over an hour
*Networking possibilities
*Not having to worry about someone staying sober in order to drive home. Metro baby!
*Having a gym at both work AND my apartment complex. Also BOTH have free fitness classes!
*A rooftop pool
*Warmer weather than MA (but I'm sure I won't be saying that when it gets too hot!)
*Interesting restaurants instead of the lack of choices we have in our small town
*Restaurants that deliver!
*Seeing my maid of honor on a regular basis
*Fun events that will happen every weekend
*More everyday walking
*Running outside on basically flat grounds as opposed to the hills around here
*Full control over the TV so that I can plug in the Wii Fit whenever I want (instead of fighting for time with CP)
So uhhh....here is hoping that I don't take advantage of ALL of the bad food choices available to me and use the time that I have to myself to throw myself into working out. I am bringing my Wii Fit down, along with my workout DVDs and hope to work out in the morning AND after work most days.
I have decided against training for a half-marathon, simply because I don't think that I am going to have the time, but maybe I can find a 10 mile race or half marathon that happens right before the wedding?
3.24.2009
Rushing to wrap things up
So Friday afternoon I got a surprise phone call from my manager- I am headed down to DC for three months. As of the day before, my rotation down there was postponed, if not cancelled entirely. So this was quite a change of events.
Yesterday and today I have been rushing around trying to get everything ready. Contacting friends in DC to tell them that I will see them soon (including my maid of honor J). Forwarding my mail. Getting my housing all set. Wrapping up all of my projects here at work. Phew!
I leave Monday, my first day is Tuesday. I will stay at a very nice apartment complex through a furnished corporate housing company that is only two blocks from one of my college friends. Unfortunately they are not able to get me in on Monday, so I have to stay at a hotel for three nights and then move in after work on the 2nd. Oh well.
Poor CP is going to be stuck in our small town with Fuzzy Britches as his only friend within an hour drive. I hope that he decides to come down twice as opposed to just once, but we’ll see. That means having to figure out what to do with the dog, but maybe we can use my per diem for that. There are obviously many more things going on in DC!
I offered to help him do a bunch of household things before I left, but he said no because he needs things to do while I am gone! So sad. He also hasn’t done his own laundry in two years (seriously) so I fear coming back to large loads of laundry! Not to mention garbage piled up in our trash bin outside because he won’t remember that he has to put it out before leaving for work on Thursday. He IS 32, but still- I do a lot of those things at home because he simply doesn't remember.
While I am looking forward to the opportunity, I am very sad that CP and I will be apart for three months. I know that our relationship can handle it, but that's not to say that it will be fun...
Yesterday and today I have been rushing around trying to get everything ready. Contacting friends in DC to tell them that I will see them soon (including my maid of honor J). Forwarding my mail. Getting my housing all set. Wrapping up all of my projects here at work. Phew!
I leave Monday, my first day is Tuesday. I will stay at a very nice apartment complex through a furnished corporate housing company that is only two blocks from one of my college friends. Unfortunately they are not able to get me in on Monday, so I have to stay at a hotel for three nights and then move in after work on the 2nd. Oh well.
Poor CP is going to be stuck in our small town with Fuzzy Britches as his only friend within an hour drive. I hope that he decides to come down twice as opposed to just once, but we’ll see. That means having to figure out what to do with the dog, but maybe we can use my per diem for that. There are obviously many more things going on in DC!
I offered to help him do a bunch of household things before I left, but he said no because he needs things to do while I am gone! So sad. He also hasn’t done his own laundry in two years (seriously) so I fear coming back to large loads of laundry! Not to mention garbage piled up in our trash bin outside because he won’t remember that he has to put it out before leaving for work on Thursday. He IS 32, but still- I do a lot of those things at home because he simply doesn't remember.
While I am looking forward to the opportunity, I am very sad that CP and I will be apart for three months. I know that our relationship can handle it, but that's not to say that it will be fun...
3.23.2009
CP and I set out to do a few wedding errands this weekend. The first thing on our list? Buy the wedding rings we picked out the weekend before. CP wanted a fairly plain wedding band, so his ring is similar to this:
I was hoping for just a plain band, but frankly, my engagement ring is too big for that and it looks like I am not wearing a wedding band at all. The next best thing was a band with very small diamonds, so I picked something similar to this:
(I think he thinks that the "hammered" look is manly or something. I don't particularly care- just as long as he wears the ring!)
I was hoping for just a plain band, but frankly, my engagement ring is too big for that and it looks like I am not wearing a wedding band at all. The next best thing was a band with very small diamonds, so I picked something similar to this:
I have to say, it was a little weird to pay for the rings and then walk out of the store without them in our hands! They will both take about a month to come in and then the store will do free engraving. Did anyone else engrave their rings? CP and I don’t want anything cheesy or sappy- we will probably just get our wedding date engraved on the rings. Any other thoughts?
After ring shopping, CP and I headed over to the paper store to check out invitations. We looked at invitations last weekend a bit to get an idea of what was out there. By the way, invitations and all of the inserts are expensive! Luckily we don’t have to do a separate reception card because our ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception are all at the same place! We are leaning towards these invitations:
At one point we were discussing changing the color of the font on the invitations above. CP hung his head and said, "man, I can't believe that I am actually arguing between a ginger color and a mocha color." Ha ha.
We also made our plane flights down to Johannesburg. Right now we can’t fly out until Sunday- over a week after our wedding- but we can call back up until a month before we leave to see if two spots open on an earlier flight either on Friday or Saturday so that we can get down to Africa earlier!
3.20.2009
Already sick of being sick
So this whole getting sick thing? Really stinks. I woke up last night because snot was dripping out of my nose. Ewww. CP also seems to have picked up some version of my sickness because he claims to have a sore throat. He certainly has picked up the volume with his snoring the past couple of days....
I truly know that I am sick when I am not hungry. And I have not been hungry since Monday night. With a sore throat all I want is soup and tea. CP and I did have a bunch of salads planned for the week, but those plans had to be scrapped for homemade chicken soup.
The one good thing about being sick? You lose weight really quickly. As in, 5 pounds in three days. But losing that much weight so quickly is not healthy (unless you are in the first week of The Biggest Loser). I am trying to drink tons of fluids so that I stay hydrated and hopefully I will get over my sickness soon. Saturday we are meeting CP's dad out for dinner at a Portugese restaurant and I want to be able to taste it!
I truly know that I am sick when I am not hungry. And I have not been hungry since Monday night. With a sore throat all I want is soup and tea. CP and I did have a bunch of salads planned for the week, but those plans had to be scrapped for homemade chicken soup.
The one good thing about being sick? You lose weight really quickly. As in, 5 pounds in three days. But losing that much weight so quickly is not healthy (unless you are in the first week of The Biggest Loser). I am trying to drink tons of fluids so that I stay hydrated and hopefully I will get over my sickness soon. Saturday we are meeting CP's dad out for dinner at a Portugese restaurant and I want to be able to taste it!
3.19.2009
Getting old
As I was reading about how this lady knew that she was an adult because she had food in her fridge all the time, I had to giggle. Yesterday I stayed home from work sick again. I contemplated going in, but I had an awful sinus headache, my throat was still killing me, and I still couldn't swallow.
After calling out of work, I ended up sleeping until almost 11am! Clearly my body needed it. I spent some much needed time on the couch with our DVR, before finally deciding that if I was home and not dying, then I should at least get some things done around the house. That my friends, is a telltale sign that I am getting old.
I decided to go through my closet to give away all of my clothes that are too big or that I never wear. It was actually sort of fun because I was able to try on and fit into clothes that I haven't worn since probably second year of law school (it's at least been a year). When we moved out east, I decided that I was going to lose weight so I kept my smaller clothes so that I wouldn't have to spend money buying new clothes.
I also decided to start on the laundry so that I might not have to do as much this weekend. And I tidied up around the house. All of this made me feel accomplished, instead of feeling like a blob on the couch all day.
After calling out of work, I ended up sleeping until almost 11am! Clearly my body needed it. I spent some much needed time on the couch with our DVR, before finally deciding that if I was home and not dying, then I should at least get some things done around the house. That my friends, is a telltale sign that I am getting old.
I decided to go through my closet to give away all of my clothes that are too big or that I never wear. It was actually sort of fun because I was able to try on and fit into clothes that I haven't worn since probably second year of law school (it's at least been a year). When we moved out east, I decided that I was going to lose weight so I kept my smaller clothes so that I wouldn't have to spend money buying new clothes.
I also decided to start on the laundry so that I might not have to do as much this weekend. And I tidied up around the house. All of this made me feel accomplished, instead of feeling like a blob on the couch all day.
3.18.2009
I'm like awesome 'n stuff
Wow I am so honored! The pretty lady from this blog has given me an award! And by the way, if you are not already reading her blog? You should. She just got engaged!
“These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.”
So I have decided to give this award to the following blogs:
1. Du Wax Loolu. I'm sure that Jess gets a ridonkulous number of awards because her blog is so popular, but her blog is so fun to read! And now she has a new city, a new house, and a new dog to blog about!
2. Jonniker. This lady just had a baby so go congratulate her! She is not afraid to be blunt- a girl after my own heart!
3. Somi. This lady is always ready with a lot of helpful advice- whether it be wedding advice, working out advice, or just random encouraging comments.
4. These Little Moments. This lady has had some unfortunate things happen to her recently, but is somehow STILL upbeat and adorable. Plus she has an adorable big puppy just like me!
5. Musings, Graces, and Fate. This lady is also engaged so it's fun to read about her planning and how it is going.
6. Stylish Handwriting. She doesn't live in the same city as her boy and he is dealing with law school (something I know alllll too well). That's amazing right there!
7. Another Excuse to Procrastinate. I'm pretty sure she loves her dog just as much as I love Fuzzy Britches!
8. Burlap Condoms. Her "David Caruso war" with her fiance? Hilarious!
3.17.2009
It finally got me
So sorry for falling off the face of the earth for a few days....actually, no, I don't apologize. I was busy and had a lot of things going on- which I'm sure all of you can understand. I would rather have a post about something and miss a few days instead of feeling like I need to post about nothing just so that I can say that I have posted.
Anywhoodle, I am currently on my couch with a very sore throat and an inability to swallow. Awesome. I went to bed fine last night, having run 4 miles and walked another 3/4 of a mile to cool down. I had a healthy dinner of a big salad and was going to bed at a normal time. When I woke up at 3am to use the bathroom, my throat felt a little funny.
When CP's alarm went off this morning I went to fall back asleep and realized that swallowing was very difficult. I groaned as my alarm went off and contemplated calling out of work. But no- today was the day that I was going to find out what was going on with my program at work. So I dragged myself out of bed and headed into work. Turns out, we weren't told anything of substance so I still have no idea what is going on. I don't even know if I will be going down to DC (umm hi I am supposed to leave in less than 2 weeks!) for three months. *sigh* So I left work four hours early. Hopefully CP can pick me up some Nyquil or something on the way home so that I can knock myself out.
You know how I was saying that I hadn't gotten sick this winter because I was eating so well? I totally jinxed myself!
Anywhoodle, I am currently on my couch with a very sore throat and an inability to swallow. Awesome. I went to bed fine last night, having run 4 miles and walked another 3/4 of a mile to cool down. I had a healthy dinner of a big salad and was going to bed at a normal time. When I woke up at 3am to use the bathroom, my throat felt a little funny.
When CP's alarm went off this morning I went to fall back asleep and realized that swallowing was very difficult. I groaned as my alarm went off and contemplated calling out of work. But no- today was the day that I was going to find out what was going on with my program at work. So I dragged myself out of bed and headed into work. Turns out, we weren't told anything of substance so I still have no idea what is going on. I don't even know if I will be going down to DC (umm hi I am supposed to leave in less than 2 weeks!) for three months. *sigh* So I left work four hours early. Hopefully CP can pick me up some Nyquil or something on the way home so that I can knock myself out.
You know how I was saying that I hadn't gotten sick this winter because I was eating so well? I totally jinxed myself!
3.12.2009
Back on the wagon
After a good couple of months working out and eating healthy, I totally fell off the wagon last week. I was suddenly too tired to go to the gym after work. I also thought that eating an entire bag of buttered popcorn was a good “snack.” *groan* In addition, CP and I went down to NYC for a friend’s birthday. Not only did the night consist of lots of alcohol- sangria, beer, mango mojito, jack & coke*, shots, etc., but we went to a very delicious Peruvian restaurant called Pio Pio. For anyone that lives in NYC, this place is very good AND inexpensive. I didn’t realize that Peruvians made so much fried food though… Fried food= not good for the diet! Needless to say, I did not lose any weight last week!
CP and I have been tired all week from our 4am bedtime on Saturday night. I just can’t party like I used to without feeling the consequences! We did go to the gym on Monday, but I haven’t been in the past two days. I have had training two hours away from my house so after a long day of training and then a 4 hour total commute, I have just wanted to curl up on the couch. In addition, instead of putting out healthy food during training like salad, the restaurant put out pastries, heavy pasta in rich sauces, and vegetables drenched in butter. Ugh.
I can totally feel the difference when I am not eating well and not exercising. I didn’t like it. My stomach hasn’t been happy. I have trouble falling asleep. I am convinced that I have not been sick this winter because I have been eating so much fruit and exercising.
Today I decided that I am hopping back up on the wagon though. During lunch I went downstairs to the gym and ran 3 miles before rushing off to shower. I almost decided to do an easy workout on the elliptical since I am planning on going to the gym again tonight to do weight training, but then decided to buck up and run. It felt great!
And as soon as I came back upstairs into work? Two people asked me if I have been losing weight because “I look great.” Woo hoo!
*I don’t even LIKE jack & cokes! I meant to say rum & coke to the waitress and had a brain fart I guess! Don’t worry- I powered through it. :-)
CP and I have been tired all week from our 4am bedtime on Saturday night. I just can’t party like I used to without feeling the consequences! We did go to the gym on Monday, but I haven’t been in the past two days. I have had training two hours away from my house so after a long day of training and then a 4 hour total commute, I have just wanted to curl up on the couch. In addition, instead of putting out healthy food during training like salad, the restaurant put out pastries, heavy pasta in rich sauces, and vegetables drenched in butter. Ugh.
I can totally feel the difference when I am not eating well and not exercising. I didn’t like it. My stomach hasn’t been happy. I have trouble falling asleep. I am convinced that I have not been sick this winter because I have been eating so much fruit and exercising.
Today I decided that I am hopping back up on the wagon though. During lunch I went downstairs to the gym and ran 3 miles before rushing off to shower. I almost decided to do an easy workout on the elliptical since I am planning on going to the gym again tonight to do weight training, but then decided to buck up and run. It felt great!
And as soon as I came back upstairs into work? Two people asked me if I have been losing weight because “I look great.” Woo hoo!
*I don’t even LIKE jack & cokes! I meant to say rum & coke to the waitress and had a brain fart I guess! Don’t worry- I powered through it. :-)
3.11.2009
New reading needed
Before I update my blogroll, I wanted to see if there are any blogs you guys think I should check out. Leave the address in the comments!
3.10.2009
I win????
After not discussing honeymoon stuff last night, I received the following email this morning from CP:
I'll trade you one trip to Africa in exchange for the following:
1. Promise that we make it to the Galapagos before 10 years of marriage.
2. A new laptop to be purchased prior to the wedding for home and/or travel. It needs to be nice enough to be able to edit pictures.
This was after I had almost made up my mind to cave into the Galapagos- after reading that it might shut down to tourism fairly soon.
So I sent him back this reply:
1. I promise that we will go to the Galapagos as a celebratory trip after you finish your MBA.* We will start saving after we pay off the honeymoon!
2. We can buy a new laptop.
Ain't compromise great? :-)
*CP has yet to start his MBA schooling and hasn't even taken the GMATs yet (still studying).
I'll trade you one trip to Africa in exchange for the following:
1. Promise that we make it to the Galapagos before 10 years of marriage.
2. A new laptop to be purchased prior to the wedding for home and/or travel. It needs to be nice enough to be able to edit pictures.
This was after I had almost made up my mind to cave into the Galapagos- after reading that it might shut down to tourism fairly soon.
So I sent him back this reply:
1. I promise that we will go to the Galapagos as a celebratory trip after you finish your MBA.* We will start saving after we pay off the honeymoon!
2. We can buy a new laptop.
Ain't compromise great? :-)
*CP has yet to start his MBA schooling and hasn't even taken the GMATs yet (still studying).
3.09.2009
Honeymoon deadlock
Another wedding decision made! I finally went to a bridal store solely for the purpose of looking at bridesmaid dresses. After doing A LOT of internet searches, I decided to go with Jasmine Bridal for the dresses. The dresses are inexpensive and they have a bunch of styles. I have simply told the girls the fabric (chiffon), color (navy), and length (tea length) and have sent them off to figure out which dress they would like to buy. They are spending $150 or so on the dress (before alterations if they are needed), so they might as well get something that flatters their particular body type.
However, CP and I stuck on another decision that we thought we had figured out: the honeymoon. We made our decision to go to the Galapagos a while back, but as we were looking into different trips, flights, etc. we figured out that it was going to be a really expensive place to go. Plus, we would contact a tour operator and talk to them once or twice before they fell off the face of the earth. Very frustrating.
I’m not sure how I started to think about South Africa again, but I did some searching and found an inexpensive trip to Mozambique and South Africa. The trip would start on the beaches of Mozambique (which are supposedly amazing), where we would do 5 days of scuba diving. It is supposedly a great place for diving, with warm weather and tons of interesting sea life (including sharks). Then, the tour moves to Kruger National Park in South Africa where it would be four days of animal watching- lions, tigers, zebras, giraffes, etc. For instance, this is the hotel where we would stay- hi umm zebra hanging out while we are having breakfast? Priceless!
I am ALL about this trip. CP is ALL about the Galapagos.
The Galapagos trip would be about 4 days of diving (one of them with playful sea lions which CP desperately wants to do). Otherwise, it would be hiking a volcano, kayaking, and checking out the local wildlife- including things like the blue footed booby (tee hee), seen here:
Either trip would be amazing. We would have free flights down to either location. The Galapagos trip would be a little more expensive (because Mozambique is ridiculously cheap). Help us decide?
However, CP and I stuck on another decision that we thought we had figured out: the honeymoon. We made our decision to go to the Galapagos a while back, but as we were looking into different trips, flights, etc. we figured out that it was going to be a really expensive place to go. Plus, we would contact a tour operator and talk to them once or twice before they fell off the face of the earth. Very frustrating.
I’m not sure how I started to think about South Africa again, but I did some searching and found an inexpensive trip to Mozambique and South Africa. The trip would start on the beaches of Mozambique (which are supposedly amazing), where we would do 5 days of scuba diving. It is supposedly a great place for diving, with warm weather and tons of interesting sea life (including sharks). Then, the tour moves to Kruger National Park in South Africa where it would be four days of animal watching- lions, tigers, zebras, giraffes, etc. For instance, this is the hotel where we would stay- hi umm zebra hanging out while we are having breakfast? Priceless!
I am ALL about this trip. CP is ALL about the Galapagos.
The Galapagos trip would be about 4 days of diving (one of them with playful sea lions which CP desperately wants to do). Otherwise, it would be hiking a volcano, kayaking, and checking out the local wildlife- including things like the blue footed booby (tee hee), seen here:
Either trip would be amazing. We would have free flights down to either location. The Galapagos trip would be a little more expensive (because Mozambique is ridiculously cheap). Help us decide?
3.06.2009
Rumors
Last week, I received a weird email from my manager. It was extremely vague saying that the program is “going through a transition” and we will “get details soon.” She also wanted “to address rumors” that have been circulating (huh? I haven’t heard any rumors).
This woman is ridiculous. Sending an email to all of us in the program, most of who do not have face-to-face contact with her is causing all of us to talk MORE about what could be going on. In fact, I emailed people that I know to find out if they knew anything about the rumors!
It reminds me of an email that was circulated first year of law school. For those of you that haven’t been to law school, first year is a lot like high school. The cliques, the gossip, everyone knowing everyone else’s business, etc. Second semester an email was sent around to a large number of people in my section trying to dispel three rumors that had been circulating. The email was hilarious because I had never heard anyone talk about the three rumors and of course once you circulate something in print, it gets forwarded around to the entire class! Good times.
Needless to say, my manager said that we wouldn’t be adversely affected by whatever is going on, but I don’t believe anything this woman says. I wonder how long it will take to find out what is going on….
*UPDATE*
I just received an email from another person that helps out with my program:
Also, I am no longer as accessible with the [redacted] Program. My duties are limited. Further information will be forthcoming on this matter.
Best of luck.
WTF????
This woman is ridiculous. Sending an email to all of us in the program, most of who do not have face-to-face contact with her is causing all of us to talk MORE about what could be going on. In fact, I emailed people that I know to find out if they knew anything about the rumors!
It reminds me of an email that was circulated first year of law school. For those of you that haven’t been to law school, first year is a lot like high school. The cliques, the gossip, everyone knowing everyone else’s business, etc. Second semester an email was sent around to a large number of people in my section trying to dispel three rumors that had been circulating. The email was hilarious because I had never heard anyone talk about the three rumors and of course once you circulate something in print, it gets forwarded around to the entire class! Good times.
Needless to say, my manager said that we wouldn’t be adversely affected by whatever is going on, but I don’t believe anything this woman says. I wonder how long it will take to find out what is going on….
*UPDATE*
I just received an email from another person that helps out with my program:
Also, I am no longer as accessible with the [redacted] Program. My duties are limited. Further information will be forthcoming on this matter.
Best of luck.
WTF????
3.05.2009
The Bachelor
I didn't watch this past season of The Bachelor. I had watched it in the past, but CP is not a huge fan of some of my reality shows, so I have cut down on a lot of them. However, I do read a blog about reality tv shows, so I knew that "THE MOST SHOCKING BACHELOR FINALE EVER" was going to happen this week. I decided to DVR the after the rose ceremony.
The next day, everyone was talking about Jason and how he proposed to one girl, only to figure out 6 weeks later that he actually was in love with the girl that he dumped on the final show. People were calling him an "a**hole" or "the douchelor." You get the point.
Now, I think that it was a d*ck move to break up with the girl he proposed to on national television. Why not do it before the show so that she is not shocked? However, these people only date for what? 6 weeks before he is supposed to make a decision? He didn't spend those entire 6 weeks with one girl- he is dating a bunch at the same time. People always make fun of The Bachelor because the couples all break up after the show. Well what do you expect?
They are taken on "fantasy dates" that would AT BEST happen once a year on an anniversary in the real world AND they are in a vacuum. No dealing with work, family, friends, other stresses, etc. while you are on the show. No internet or television either (the horror!). How can you fully be yourself when you know you are on national television and you have no distractions?
If the girl he proposed to wasn't the one, then kudos to him for figuring that out. Why have yet another divorce happen if you figure out the mistake before the wedding?
The previous bachelor that rejected both girls? Good for him to recognize that neither girl was right for him. The previous bachelor that gave the girl a promise ring instead of a wedding ring? Good for him for standing up to producers and refusing to propose if he wasn't sure or ready.
Don't get me wrong....I feel awful for the girl that got proposed to, and then dumped on national television. Like she said, he ruined the chance that she would get one and only one proposal in her life. But it is better that he figure it out sooner rather than later.
*Interested in seeing emails between the dumpor and the dumpee? Check out here.
The next day, everyone was talking about Jason and how he proposed to one girl, only to figure out 6 weeks later that he actually was in love with the girl that he dumped on the final show. People were calling him an "a**hole" or "the douchelor." You get the point.
Now, I think that it was a d*ck move to break up with the girl he proposed to on national television. Why not do it before the show so that she is not shocked? However, these people only date for what? 6 weeks before he is supposed to make a decision? He didn't spend those entire 6 weeks with one girl- he is dating a bunch at the same time. People always make fun of The Bachelor because the couples all break up after the show. Well what do you expect?
They are taken on "fantasy dates" that would AT BEST happen once a year on an anniversary in the real world AND they are in a vacuum. No dealing with work, family, friends, other stresses, etc. while you are on the show. No internet or television either (the horror!). How can you fully be yourself when you know you are on national television and you have no distractions?
If the girl he proposed to wasn't the one, then kudos to him for figuring that out. Why have yet another divorce happen if you figure out the mistake before the wedding?
The previous bachelor that rejected both girls? Good for him to recognize that neither girl was right for him. The previous bachelor that gave the girl a promise ring instead of a wedding ring? Good for him for standing up to producers and refusing to propose if he wasn't sure or ready.
Don't get me wrong....I feel awful for the girl that got proposed to, and then dumped on national television. Like she said, he ruined the chance that she would get one and only one proposal in her life. But it is better that he figure it out sooner rather than later.
*Interested in seeing emails between the dumpor and the dumpee? Check out here.
3.04.2009
Food makes people funny
So about a month ago one of my coworkers had a lap band procedure. Basically, they make your stomach smaller so that you can’t eat as much and therefore lose weight. I guess she had been thinking about it for the past couple of years, but finally decided to go through with it. I think that it is supposed to be less intrusive than a gastric bypass surgery.
Pretty quickly after the procedure she dropped 13 pounds. This coworker is probably about 5’5”, 300 pounds so it wasn’t too noticeable. During that time she was mainly drinking diet Atkins shakes and on a liquid diet. I’m not sure if that was doctor prescribed or something that she decided to do on her own.
However, she has since recovered from her procedure and unfortunately, is back to her unhealthy eating ways. Yesterday we had a baby shower here at work and instead of eating the fruit on the table, she grabbed a cookie and a handful of Doritos. According to previous conversations, that amount of food would fill her up so instead of eating something healthy, her lunch was junk with no nutritional value.
Now this woman can clearly do whatever she wants. She obviously wants to lose weight or else she would not have had the procedure. However, shouldn’t this procedure come with nutritional counseling or something so that she can learn better eating habits? Not only is a sugar cookie and Doritos not good for you (calorie-wise), but that means that for that meal, she didn’t add any nutrients into her body. I am certainly not judging her for cheating once in a while because I certainly do it myself. But unfortunately, I see this woman eating small quantities of unhealthy food all the time now and I feel bad for her.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On a somewhat-related topic, I am annoyed at another woman at work. Last month when she saw me eating fruit around lunch time she made a comment that I was already on my wedding starvation diet (yeah right). I tried to brush it off, but then again yesterday she saw me eating leftover steamed green beans for part of my lunch. She then said, “is that what you eat all the time?” in a very snotty way. What is her deal? She is larger than me….probably by at least 60 pounds. But why the hating?
Pretty quickly after the procedure she dropped 13 pounds. This coworker is probably about 5’5”, 300 pounds so it wasn’t too noticeable. During that time she was mainly drinking diet Atkins shakes and on a liquid diet. I’m not sure if that was doctor prescribed or something that she decided to do on her own.
However, she has since recovered from her procedure and unfortunately, is back to her unhealthy eating ways. Yesterday we had a baby shower here at work and instead of eating the fruit on the table, she grabbed a cookie and a handful of Doritos. According to previous conversations, that amount of food would fill her up so instead of eating something healthy, her lunch was junk with no nutritional value.
Now this woman can clearly do whatever she wants. She obviously wants to lose weight or else she would not have had the procedure. However, shouldn’t this procedure come with nutritional counseling or something so that she can learn better eating habits? Not only is a sugar cookie and Doritos not good for you (calorie-wise), but that means that for that meal, she didn’t add any nutrients into her body. I am certainly not judging her for cheating once in a while because I certainly do it myself. But unfortunately, I see this woman eating small quantities of unhealthy food all the time now and I feel bad for her.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On a somewhat-related topic, I am annoyed at another woman at work. Last month when she saw me eating fruit around lunch time she made a comment that I was already on my wedding starvation diet (yeah right). I tried to brush it off, but then again yesterday she saw me eating leftover steamed green beans for part of my lunch. She then said, “is that what you eat all the time?” in a very snotty way. What is her deal? She is larger than me….probably by at least 60 pounds. But why the hating?
3.03.2009
Awesomeness
Yesterday both CP and I had a snow day! We did some wedding-related stuff while sitting on the couch, watching tv near the fire. CP ventured out to shovel twice, but other than that, there was no braving the cold.
When searching The Knot for invitation wording, I came upon the following Question & Answer:
Q. I have heard there is an address where I can send the President a wedding invitation. Do you know what it is?
A. Here’s what you’re looking for:
The President & Mrs. Bush
The White House
Greetings Office, Room 39
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20502
You will receive a pre-printed card with the signatures of the President and First Lady -- which makes a wonderful keepsake.
Holy crap! CP and I then decided that we are going to send a wedding invitation to the Obamas- hopefully they follow the Bush tradition and send a card back in response! :-)
When searching The Knot for invitation wording, I came upon the following Question & Answer:
Q. I have heard there is an address where I can send the President a wedding invitation. Do you know what it is?
A. Here’s what you’re looking for:
The President & Mrs. Bush
The White House
Greetings Office, Room 39
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20502
You will receive a pre-printed card with the signatures of the President and First Lady -- which makes a wonderful keepsake.
Holy crap! CP and I then decided that we are going to send a wedding invitation to the Obamas- hopefully they follow the Bush tradition and send a card back in response! :-)
3.02.2009
Busy kitchen bee
This weekend I was a busy cooker! Because all of the recipes were so successful, I thought that I would share them with you guys.
Curry Chicken Cauliflower
2 tbsp canola oil
2 chicken breasts, cut up
1 large onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp minced fresh ginger
5 tsp curry powder
2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp fenugreek seeds
2 cups water
1 cup tomato puree
1 head cauliflower, cut into 1-inch pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Cayenne
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Heat the oil over medium heat in a large, nonstick saucepan. Saute the chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, curry powder, garam masala, cumin seeds, and fenugreek in the oil until the onion is soft, about 8 minutes. Don’t let the spices scorch; lower the heat as needed.
Stir in the water, tomato puree, and cauliflower. Cover and simmer until the cauliflower is tender, about 20 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Just before serving, stir in the cilantro. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Notes: flavorful and super yummy!
Beef and Barley Soup
Cooking spray
2 cups chopped onion
1 pound chuck steak, cut into ½ inch cubes
1 ½ cups chopped carrot (about 4)
1 cup chopped celery (about 4 stalks)
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup uncooked pearl barley
5 cups fat-free, less-sodium beef broth
2 cups water
½ cup tomato puree
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 bay leaves
Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add chopped onion and beef to pan; cook 10 minutes or until onion is tender and beef is browned, stirring occasionally.
Add chopped carrot and celery to pan, cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in garlic, cook 30 seconds. Stir in barley and remaining ingredients, and bring to a boil.
Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 40 minutes or until the barley is done and vegetables are tender. Discard bay leaves.
This recipe makes 6 servings- each serving is only 275 calories!
Notes: Lots of flavor and very filling! I also added a bit of fresh rosemary and thyme to the soup with about 20 minutes left.
Whole-Wheat Pitas
1 tablespoon sugar
1 package dry yeast (about 2 ¼ tsp)
1 cup + 2 tbsp warm water (100-110 degrees)
2 ¼ cups bread flour- I used regular all-purpose flour
1 cup white whole-wheat flour- I used 100% whole wheat flour
2 tbsp 2% Greek style yogurt
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
¾ tsp salt
Cooking spray
Dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Add bread flour, ¾ cup of whole-wheat flour, yogurt, oil, and salt to the yeast mixture; beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead dough until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes); add enough of remaining whole-wheat flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands. Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (I used the oven with a wet cloth over top of bowl), free from drafts, for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
Position the oven rack on the lowest shelf. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees.
Divide the dough into 8 portions. Working with one portion at a time, gently roll each portion into a 5 ½ inch circle. Place 4 dough circles on each of 2 baking sheets heavily coated with cooking spray. Bake, 1 sheet at a time, for 8 minutes or until puffed and browned. Cool on a wire rack.
Recipe makes 8 servings (8 pitas)- each pita is 211 calories.
Notes: I was surprised at how easy this recipe is! I need to work on getting the pitas to be more circular, instead of rectangular, but they tasted great with the hummus we bought earlier that day!
Curry Chicken Cauliflower
2 tbsp canola oil
2 chicken breasts, cut up
1 large onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp minced fresh ginger
5 tsp curry powder
2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp fenugreek seeds
2 cups water
1 cup tomato puree
1 head cauliflower, cut into 1-inch pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Cayenne
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Heat the oil over medium heat in a large, nonstick saucepan. Saute the chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, curry powder, garam masala, cumin seeds, and fenugreek in the oil until the onion is soft, about 8 minutes. Don’t let the spices scorch; lower the heat as needed.
Stir in the water, tomato puree, and cauliflower. Cover and simmer until the cauliflower is tender, about 20 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Just before serving, stir in the cilantro. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Notes: flavorful and super yummy!
Beef and Barley Soup
Cooking spray
2 cups chopped onion
1 pound chuck steak, cut into ½ inch cubes
1 ½ cups chopped carrot (about 4)
1 cup chopped celery (about 4 stalks)
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup uncooked pearl barley
5 cups fat-free, less-sodium beef broth
2 cups water
½ cup tomato puree
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 bay leaves
Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add chopped onion and beef to pan; cook 10 minutes or until onion is tender and beef is browned, stirring occasionally.
Add chopped carrot and celery to pan, cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in garlic, cook 30 seconds. Stir in barley and remaining ingredients, and bring to a boil.
Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 40 minutes or until the barley is done and vegetables are tender. Discard bay leaves.
This recipe makes 6 servings- each serving is only 275 calories!
Notes: Lots of flavor and very filling! I also added a bit of fresh rosemary and thyme to the soup with about 20 minutes left.
Whole-Wheat Pitas
1 tablespoon sugar
1 package dry yeast (about 2 ¼ tsp)
1 cup + 2 tbsp warm water (100-110 degrees)
2 ¼ cups bread flour- I used regular all-purpose flour
1 cup white whole-wheat flour- I used 100% whole wheat flour
2 tbsp 2% Greek style yogurt
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
¾ tsp salt
Cooking spray
Dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Add bread flour, ¾ cup of whole-wheat flour, yogurt, oil, and salt to the yeast mixture; beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead dough until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes); add enough of remaining whole-wheat flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands. Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (I used the oven with a wet cloth over top of bowl), free from drafts, for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
Position the oven rack on the lowest shelf. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees.
Divide the dough into 8 portions. Working with one portion at a time, gently roll each portion into a 5 ½ inch circle. Place 4 dough circles on each of 2 baking sheets heavily coated with cooking spray. Bake, 1 sheet at a time, for 8 minutes or until puffed and browned. Cool on a wire rack.
Recipe makes 8 servings (8 pitas)- each pita is 211 calories.
Notes: I was surprised at how easy this recipe is! I need to work on getting the pitas to be more circular, instead of rectangular, but they tasted great with the hummus we bought earlier that day!
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