Cocktails and Cashmere

Hello...

2011-12-26T11:51:00.000-06:00

I'm still here. :)

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

I'm looking forward to chatting with you again in the new year. Yes, Cocktails & Cashmere will be back! We have lots to catch up on!

Last Day...

2011-10-20T13:13:00.000-05:00

Today is my last day at ZC. The last (almost) 2 years have went by so fast that I don't even know where the time has gone. It was a fun ride, but I'm ready to move on to a much larger company with more opportunties.

Below are a couple pics from a few weeks ago at work...

I bet you didn't think I worked with heavy equipment?

Well, the secret is out now. :)

I'm heading to the Legendary State to visit MOH K for the weekend and then I start the new gig on Monday. Stay tuned...

Quote of the Day...

2011-10-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

With only two days left at my current job I found this Steve Jobs quote quite fitting today.

As many of you know I've been dreaming of the day when "work" isn't really "work" and rather something I'm completely passionate about and truly enjoy doing everyday. With two (yes, two!!) new opportunties on the horizon I'm optomistic I will find what I'm looking for very soon!

Hi, I'm Mal and I Used To Be a Good Blogger...

2011-10-13T10:23:00.000-05:00

Wow, I've officially turned into the worst blogger of the year. I don't even know what happened, but I just fell off the face of the blog world for a few weeks. After an email from one of my favorite C&C readers I realized I have been completely out of the loop!

Well, I am here and was busier then ever while on my brief blogging hiatus...

I turned another twenty-something year older. I was lucky enough to spend my birthday toasting some great friends at their beautiful wedding in the Legendary State.

Cocktails & Cashmere turned another year older. A big thanks to all you that have been following along listening to my random musings for the past two years. I promise to return to being a better blogger.

I realized I'm no longer a twenty-something newlywed. I need to work on revamping my blog as I don't think being married 2.5 years constitutes being a newlywed anymore.

I planned another wedding! My little event planning business is slowly getting its legs...I wish I had time to invest all the work and energy needed to make it what I would adore it to be... maybe someday. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with a lovely bride and put together a fabulous Labor Day weekend affair. Yes, it was a lot of work and I slept for 2 straight days after it was over, but I loved every minute!

I got a new job! I start a week from Monday and SO excited for this wonderful new opportunity! It's going to be a great change for me professionally and personally.

I got a new car! My cute little Jetta just wasn't going to cut it for another winter of driving so Hubby MD decided to finally get me an SUV! We settled on a Mazda CX-7! My first ever brand spanking new car! I can't wait to pick it up bight and early Saturday morning!

I plan to return to regular posting, and I hope you will continue to read about my crazy busy twenty-something life!

Wanderlust...

2011-09-15T12:54:00.000-05:00

This word pretty much sums up my day dreaming for today..

Marathon Training Update...

2011-09-06T13:05:00.000-05:00

So...

You're probably wondering why I've been MIA lately on my marathon training recaps. (No, I'm not pregnant!)

At some point before/during/after running in the Warrior Dash in July I hurt my left knee. No, that's not the same knee I was icing that resulted in the frostbite incident. So for awhile I was dealing with dual knee injuries. After a couple weeks my right knee was back to normal, but I couldn't shake the pain in my left knee. Everytime I ran I was in immense pain... sometimes to the point of hopping home on one leg because I couldn't put any pressure on my left knee.

I reduced my mileage and took some time off from running and when I tried to get back into the swing of things again I was still in pain. So I took a little bit more time off and still nothing changed. It was becoming evident that my marathon goal was fading as my body was not logging the mileage it needed to be prepared and mentally my confidence was lacking. If you're a runner you know that running is way more mental than physcial and if you're not there mentally chances are you won't make it.

I kept on hoping that I would be able to recover and get a good month of training in before the race, but it didn't happen.

So after spending over the last month limping around, going down the stairs sideways, and cursing at my body for giving out on me I had to make the heartbreaking decision not to run the marathon next month for the following reasons:

It wasn't worth the risk of injuring myself any further and be told that I can never run again
I want to be able to walk when I'm 80
I'm not physically or mentally prepared for it
I don't want my first marathon to be a miserable experience because I'm in pain the entire time

Yes, I'm devasted. I've invested almost a year of sweat, tears, and sore muscles to get to the point where I felt confident in running a marathon only to not be able to do it because I got injured for the first time. I need to listen to by body though and take some time to let my knees recover.

I believe everything happens for a reason and apparently this just wasn't my time. There will be other marathons and once I get back to my old running routine I will sign up for another one and dominate! :)

Shoemare...

2011-09-06T12:39:00.001-05:00

Can someone please explain the shoe below to me?

Some sort of workboot / slipper / pump hybrid?

It's like a bad dream... or should I say "shoemare".

Sorry, DSW I will not be partaking in this trend.

Will you be rocking a pair of these this fall??

Quote Of The Day...

2011-08-30T12:08:00.000-05:00

Some day...

Blog Neglect...

2011-08-30T12:06:00.000-05:00

Hi lovelies...

Oh, my poor little blog has seriously been neglected the past couple weeks. :(

Things are crazy busy right now for me, but I promise to resume back to regular blogging soon. Please bare with me!

I have lots to catch you up on... marathon training, new recipes, weekend happenings, my little event planning business, and so much more!

Oh Monday, You're Back Already...

2011-08-22T16:33:00.000-05:00

Confession...

Per usual, the weekend went by way too fast and I'm not ready for another work week.

Successful People...

2011-08-19T08:35:00.000-05:00

I received a message via LinkedIn the other day from the Young Profressionals group I'm a member of discussing the common traits/qualities of highly successful people. As a working professional striving to to reach my desired level of "success" I found it interesting and thought I would share...

1.     They work hard! Yes, they play hard, too! They get up early, they rarely complain, they expect performance from others, but they expect extraordinary performance from themselves. Repeated, high-level success starts with a recognition that hard work pays off.

2.     They are incredibly curious and eager to learn. They study, ask questions and read—constantly! An interesting point, however: While most of them did well in school, the difference is that they apply or take advantage of what they learn. Repeated success is not about memorizing facts, it's about being able to take information and create, build, or apply it in new and important ways. Successful people want to learn everything about everything!

3.     They network. They know lots of people, and they know lots of different kinds of people. They listen to friends, neighbors, co- workers and bartenders. They don't have to be "the life of the party," in fact many are quiet, even shy, but they value people and they value relationships. Successful people have a Rolodex full of people who value their friendship and return their calls.

4.     They work on themselves and never quit! While the "over-night wonders" become arrogant and quickly disappear, really successful people work on their personality, their leadership skills, management skills, and every other detail of life. When a relationship or business deal goes sour, they assume they can learn from it and they expect to do better next time. Successful people don't tolerate flaws; they fix them!

5.     They are extraordinarily creative. They go around asking, "Why not?" They see new combinations, new possibilities, new opportunities and challenges where others see problems or limitations. They wake up in the middle of the night yelling, "I've got it!" They ask for advice, try things out, consult experts and amateurs, always looking for a better, faster, cheaper solution. Successful people create stuff!

6.     They are self-reliant and take responsibility. Incredibly successful people don't worry about blame, and they don't waste time complaining. They make decisions and move on.…Extremely successful people take the initiative and accept the responsibilities of success.

7.     They are usually relaxed and keep their perspective. Even in times of stress or turmoil, highly successful people keep their balance, they know the value of timing, humor, and patience. They rarely panic or make decisions on impulse. Unusually successful people breath easily, ask the right questions, and make sound decisions, even in a crisis.

8.     Extremely successful people live in the present moment. They know that "Now" is the only time they can control. They have a "gift" for looking people in the eye, listening to what is being said, enjoying a meal or fine wine, music or playing with a child. They never seem rushed, and they get a lot done! They take full advantage of each day. Successful people don't waste time, they use it!

9.     They "look over the horizon" to see the future. They observe trends, notice changes, see shifts, and hear the nuances that others miss. A basketball player wearing Nikes is trivial, the neighbor kid wearing them is interesting, your own teenager demanding them is an investment opportunity! Extremely successful people live in the present, with one eye on the future!

10. Repeatedly successful people respond instantly! When an investment isn't working out, they sell. When they see an opportunity, they make the call. If an important relationship is cooling down, they take time to renew it. When technology or a new competitor or a change in the economic situation requires an adjustment, they are the first and quickest to respond.

Uff-Da Summer Is Busy...

2011-08-15T13:10:00.000-05:00

Uff-da I've been MIA for awhile.

It's summer in Minnesota and that only means one thing... crazy busy! Due to our lack of nice weather year round us Minnesotans like to cram everything (BBQs, weddings, showers, festivals, concerts, etc.) into a 3-4 month span and then hibernate the rest of the year.

So, in addition to working my usual 8-5 (oh I long for summer vacations again) I've been busy spending time up at the lake, hitting up some country concerts at We Fest, nursing another knee injury, trying to get back on track with marathon training due to said injured knee, working on a landscaping project with Hubby MD, meeting friends for patio happy hours, working in the garden, cooking with all the fabulous produce available this time of year, and trying to retain some sort of sanity knowing that winter is just around the corner.

The next couple weeks will slow down for me so hopefully regular blogging can resume on C&C. I have a lot to share!

Cheers!

Quote Of The Day...

2011-08-15T13:00:00.000-05:00

Summer Loving...

2011-08-05T21:17:00.001-05:00

Beautiful summer weekend with my loves at a festie! Be back Monday!

Quote Of The Day...

2011-08-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

Marathon Training - Week 7 & 8 Recap

2011-08-02T09:13:00.001-05:00

Ugh, I'm getting behind on my weekly recaps!

The last 3 weeks of my training have been extremely hard for me - not the mileage but rather issues that kept me from being able to run. First, I had a knee injury that resulted in giving myself frostbite and then I got sick (like the plague sick).

Seriously, frostbite and the worst cold I've had in years both in July. In addition to the frostbite and being sick the humidity has been unbearable (like dewpoints in the mid 80's for the past 2 weeks) so I haven't been able to run outside and have been stuck on the dreadmill, which I hate.

Needless to say I'm ready for August and my training to get back on track so I can go into this marathon feeling prepared and properly trained.

Here is what was on the schedule for weeks 7 and 8 of my training...

Week 7 Recap
Sunday: 4 Miles + Strength + 15 Minute Yoga Abs
Monday: 5 Miles + Strength
Tuesday: 15 Minute Yoga Abs
Wednesday: Rest Day
Thursday: 2 Miles + 20 Minutes Stair Climber + Strength
Friday: Rest Day <---- sick
Saturday: 15 Minute Yoga Abs <---- sick

Week 7 Training Plan Miles = 28
Week 7 Total Miles = 11
Total Marathon Training Miles = 141

Week 7 was a bad week. That's all I have to say about it.

Week 8 Recap
Sunday: 7 Miles (4 miles and the Warrior Dash) + 15 Minute Yoga Abs
Monday: 2 Miles + 20 Minutes Stair Climber + Strength
Tuesday: Rest Day
Wednesday: 6 Miles
Thursday: 5 Miles + Strength
Friday: 15 Minute Yoga Abs
Saturday: 7 Miles + Minute Yoga Abs <---- Too humid to run!!

Week 8 Training Plan Miles = 29
Week 8 Total Miles = 27
Total Marathon Training Miles = 168

Week 8 was better...

I was close to my mileage goal, but I didn't get a good long run in for the second week in a row which is the most important run of the week. So, I'm disappointed about that but I'm staying optomistic that I'm going to have a great week 9 of training and I'll be injury and sick free going forward.

Uff-da marathon training is hard...

Quote Of The Day...

2011-07-28T08:50:00.002-05:00

Warrior Recap...

2011-07-26T13:51:00.004-05:00

On Sunday Hubby MD celebrated our second wedding anniversary like any normal couple does...

Running 3 miles up hill, jumping over fire, and crawling through mud! Nothing says "I love you" more than watching youe spouse crawl through a mud pitt.

I signed Hubby MD and I up in February to run the Warrior Dash and we had a total blast!

We drove to Hastings the morning of the race with Hubby MD's parents/photographers and caught a bus over to Afton Alps ski resort where the race took place. We ended up getting there an hour and half before our heat so we had time to walk around and scope everything out - Hubby MD even had time for a pre-race beer (which he regretted 10 minutes into the race)! Click to enlarge all photos!

I've never done a race like before as I traditionally do road races which have a much different atmosphere. The Warrior Dash had bands, beer, food vendors, people dressed in costmumes, and even a crazy beard contest.

Everyone out there was there to have a good time which made for a fun event!

There was definitly no shortage of mud around either.

Hubby MD's parents took the chairlift up to the spectator area so they could snap a few pictures of us during the race.

Here we go...

After we got up the ginormous hill that started the race we can to the first obstacle... The Treacherous Typhoon followed by Road Rage.

Basically you were blasted in the face with water from the snow making machines and then had to run over cars and tires soaking wet with slippery shoes!

It was pretty fun!

Then we were off to run up some more hills, climb up walls, crawl through a blackout tent, do a super fun slip and slide...

Hubby MD's parents made their way back down to the start so they could catch us do the last couple obstacles - the Warrior Roast and Muddy Mayhem!

Do you see us coming?

Now it was time to jump over the fire. Hubby MD went right down the middle and showed off his vertical skills.

I on the other hand took my 5' 2.75" legs to left corner and hopped over a few coals!

The final obstacle... The Muddy Mayhem

I was hoping to not get my hair full of mud as I fell in gracefully...

BUT Hubby MD thought it would be a good anniversary gift to cover every inch of me with mud...

And then laugh and run away...

I seriously couldn't see anything as I crawled through this nasty mud pitt...

Almost there... Do you see me??

Oh, look who came to see if I was ok...

Finally in the home stretch...

Officially Warriors!

Muddy warriors...

We ended up finishing in 35 minutes! Top 5% for me!

Time to clean off...

I had mud in places I didn't know it could even get!!

Our timing chips could be turned in for a free beer! Holler!

Seriously, the Warrior Dash was so much fun... even Hubby MD loved it! If you have the opportunity to ever participate, and don't mind having mud inside your ear for a few days, I would highly recommend doing it!

Now I need to find another race for Hubby MD to do with me... :)

Time Flies...

2011-07-25T11:44:00.000-05:00

Happy 2nd Anniversary, Hubby MD!

Wow, time flies when you're having fun!

I can't believe it's been two years already! It's seems like we just had one year anniversary a couple months ago!

Cheers to another year of wedded bliss and many more to come!

Millennials Need Fun...

2011-07-21T09:14:00.001-05:00

I've had numerous conversations over the past few years with friends, family, and co-workers about the cultural shift in the workplace that's happening due to my generation affectionately referred to as "millennials".

A "millennial" refers to someone who was born between 1977 and 1995. Also referred to as Generation Y, Generation Why, Generation Next and Echo Boomers, this group currently comprises one-third of the American workforce and will soon become the majority as they come of age. Estimated at 80 million, they outnumber baby boomers (73 million) and Generation X (49 million).

Unlike previous generations we (millennials) want to pursue more personal and meaningful careers, want workplace flexibility, and place a greater value on work-life balance. (Amen.)

A co-worker passed along this article, "Millenials Need Fun, Flexibility at Work" from CNN yesterday on the topic of millenials in the workplace that I thought was interesting. However, I don't think there are too many companies offering unlimited paid time off - if you know of one let me know!

I honestly think my generation of millennials is going to change the workplace - for the better. I'm hopeful we can cause a cultural shift so our lives are not consumed by work that is unfullfilling and instead will put our energy towards careers that we are passionate about so we can genuinely make a difference in this world. I'm also hopeful that we will be the generation that will close the gender wage gap by the time we hit retirement as well. It's a huge cultural change obviously, but we were raised with the attitude that we can do/be anything we want and I think we have the desire and drive to make change happen.

If you're a millennial what is your attitude towards the workplace? Do you think you place a higher value on a work-life balance than previous generations (your parents and/or grandparents)? Do you want a more personal satisfying career vs. just a "job" you go to everyday?

If you're not a millennial what are your thoughts on my generation and how we approach work?

I think there are some interesting years ahead...

I'm looking forward to seeing what we do to leave our impact on this country!

Quote Of The Day...

2011-07-20T13:22:00.000-05:00

I couldn't agree more!

I hope you're all having a beautiful summer afternoon! We're having a crazy heat wave here in Minneapolis - 100 degrees with dew points in the 80's! I wish I was laying by the pool sipping cocktails instead of working!

Marathon Training - Week 6 Recap

2011-07-18T13:42:00.002-05:00

Well week 6 of marathon training was, umm, for the lack of a better word, interesting...

I was nursing a knee injury from week 5 and decided to take things easy this week.

Apparently my definition of taking it easy means giving myself frostbite in July and taking a late night trip to the emergency room.

So, by Wednesday of last week I had 1 sore knee, 2 legs with frostbite, and 2 ice packs I never wanted to see again. Thankfully the frostbite healed up quickly and I only have a couple spots of discoloration left, but I'm still so embarassed over the whole situation. Ugh... I know I'll never hear the end of it.

Here is what was on the plan for week 6...

Here is how the week actually panned out...

Sunday: 5 Miles + Strength + 15 Minute Yoga Abs
Monday: 3 Miles + 15 Minute Yoga Abs
Tuesday: 2.5 Mile walk <---- FROSTBITE
Wednesday: 2.5 Mile walk + 15 Minute Yoga Abs
Thursday: 2 Miles + 60 Minutes Kickboxing
Friday: 15 Minute Yoga Abs
Saturday: 12 Miles + 15 Minute Yoga Abs

Week 6 Training Plan Miles = 25
Week 6 Total Miles = 22
Total Marathon Training Miles = 130

Obviously, you already know most of the lowlights from last week... sore knee, frostbite, and the trip to the emergency room. It was also extremely hot here last week with dew points levels at that of the Amazon Rainforest (no, that's not a joke). So, I was semi-relieved of my "easy week" as it was too hot to run outside and I would have been stuck running on the dreadmill.

The biggest highlight of last week was getting in a 12 mile run on Saturday without any knee pain during or after the run! Yay! I ran the first 10 miles outside at Clearly Lake Park with Hubby MD biking along side me, and the last 2 miles on the treadmill at the club as the sun came out and it was just too hot to run outside anymore.

I ended up with an overall pace of 7:40/mile for the 12 miles - not my best run but considering the humidity I'll take it. It was so handy to have Hubby MD bike with me on the run - he held my water, handed me GU Chomps at mile 6 and 8, and kept up the positive energy at the end when he knew I was about to overheat! I wonder if they will let me bring him along during the marathon as my "caddy"? :)

Despite all the mishaps early in the week it ended up to be not too bad of a week and I only missed my weekly mileage goal by 3 miles. I'm hoping to have an awesome week 7! The Saturday long run mileage is quickly increasing - 13 miles this week!

Only 76 days until the marathon! Giddy up!

I need a change of scenery...
If you're from the Minneapolis area I'm looking for some new paved paths to do my long Saturday runs on. So if you have a favorite park, lake, etc. that has a good running path let me know! If you want to run 13 miles on Saturday I'm in the market for a running buddy too! :)

Quote Of The Day...

2011-07-15T13:17:00.000-05:00

Kids For Sale...

2011-07-14T15:00:00.001-05:00

It looks like one of the moms on my street has had enough of summer vacation...

Ha! :)

Frostbite In July...

2011-07-14T09:54:00.001-05:00

It is real and can happen.

I have lived in Minnesota my whole entire twenty-something life and thankfully have never had frostbite... well that was until a couple days ago. As of Tuesday, July 12th, 2011 I officially can say I have had frostbite. Yes, you read that correctly. I got frostbite in the middle of July!

Remember those new ice packs Hubby MD got me for my sore knees?

Oh. Em. Gee.

Well those little buggers caused quite some damage on Tuesday night. Per the advice of Hubby MD I left them on my knees for 20 minutes (8:38 - 8:58 to be exact) and about 15 minutes after removing them my legs looked like this...

As someone who had never had frostbite before I was obviously freaking out and assuming that I was going to lose limbs. So, I checked into the ER...

If you can believe it I was the only patient in the ER for "possible frostbite in July". I would have thought there would have been a couple other people in being treated for the same thing, but it turned out I was the only one.

After an hour at the ER, and confirmation that I my legs would remain attached to my body, I just had to laugh at the situation. I mean seriously, who gets frostbite in Minnesota in July?! Honestly, this kind of thing would only happen to me. I literally have the worst luck and always have the most random things happen to me. Case in point, have you ever had any of the following things happen to you:

Hitting a wild turkey on the freeway going 80 mph?
Being charged with theft because you forgot to pay for your gas? (I was 17 and pumped $10 of gas and went into the gas station and purchased a Mt. Dew and forgot to say I had gas too)
Been hit in the head with a beer bottle that some random guy chucked across a field causing a huge bleeding gash in your head that ruined your new cream pea coat?
Get into a car that you think is a cab only to find out when you reach your destination that it actually wasn't a cab and just some random guy parked outside the bar?
Got frostbite in July?

I'm guessing not too many of you have had any of these things happen to you. Oh well, I'm glad I can keep life interesting for Hubby MD and my family/friends.

Hubby MD thinks I should run the marathon promoting awareness for "Frostbite in July For Runners".

I think I'm going back to using frozen vegetables to ice my knees...

Marathon Training Recap - Week 5

2011-07-12T13:30:00.002-05:00

Well, I think I jinxed myself last week when I declared I was still injury free because during week 5 I became officially injured....

Here is what was on tap for week 5 of marathon training...

Sunday: 4 Miles + Strength + 15 Minute Yoga Abs
Monday: 5 Miles + 15 Minute Yoga Abs
Tuesday: Rest Day
Wednesday: 3.5 Miles + 15 Minute Yoga Abs
Thursday: 4 Miles + Stength <--- officially declared myself injured
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: 15 Minute Yoga Abs

Week 5 Training Plan Miles = 27
Week 5 Total Miles = 17.5
Total Marathon Training Miles = 108

Week 5 Highlights

I'm still loving 15 minute yoga abs!
I got a run in on Sunday and Monday before hitting the pool and beach for some 4th of July fun!

Week 5 Lowlights

I didn't make my weekly mileage...

I have my first training injury.

For the last couple weeks my left knee has been bugging me - nothing serious but just more muscle aches and soreness after my runs than usual. Most of my evenings were spent on the couch like this...

Icing my knees with frozen vegetables! Thankfully Hubby MD did eventually get me real ice packs (I don't think he liked having dinner defrosted on my legss anymore)!

The pain in my knee continued to get worse so I eased up on the mid-week mileage and decided to skip my 12 mile run on Saturday to give it some extra rest. I ran again on Sunday and yesterday and ~~have decided~~ Hubby MD insisted I take the rest of the week off and see how it feels during my long run on Saturday. The pain is on the right side of my knee cap which we're thinking is some sort of strained muscle/ligament. I'm going to give it another week to see how it feels before I officially go in and get it checked out... mainly because I'm too nervous of what I'm going to hear.

I've logged over 330 miles on my legs since March so I guess a few days off won't kill me, but I'm not going to lie, it's going to be hard for me. I just have to listen to my body (and Hubby MD) and take some time off so I'm actually able to run this marathon I've spent so much time training for. So, I'm trying to stay optomistic and hoping by Saturday I'll be feeling great and back to normal. If not, I guess I'll be making an appointment with my doctor (who I happen to pass weekly on my runs while she's walking her dog) to make sure my leg isn't going to fall off.

So, I'll let you know next week how things are going and if a couple extra rest days did the trick or not. I'm sending lots of positive energy out into the universe that I'll be hitting the pavement again in no time and if you could too I would appreciate it! :)

Have you ever had an injury during training for a race? If so, what did you do to overcome it and get back on track with your training plan?

Office Humor...

2011-07-08T12:19:00.002-05:00

If you work in a professional setting I'm sure you know all about the office forwards that go around. Some are work appropriate and others are totally inappropriate. Well, my co-workers and I all share the same sense of humor (thankfully) and tend to lean more towards the inappropriate side. :) Here are few things that have had us giggling at our desks this week!

These hilarious "flyers making fun of other flyers"... (click to enlarge)

Facejacking (when someone takes over your Facebook page)...

Justin Bieber...

Haha!

Have a great weekend friends!

Quote of the Day...

2011-07-06T12:25:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite readers submitted these profound words for today's QOTD! Thanks for sharing, Bestie L!

If you have a favorite quote/saying that you would like to share please email me at cocktailsandcashmere@gmail.com

Running & Sunshine...

2011-07-05T13:20:00.000-05:00

These two pictures pretty much sum up my entire weekend...

Running and lounging in the sun were the only two things I did all weekend. I logged 19 miles over the weekend and hit up the lake on Saturday, the pool on Sunday, and the beach yesterday.

It was an absolutely perfect weekend with absolutely perfect weather. No complaints from this girl... well except having to come back to work today. :)

Marathon Training - Week 4 Recap

2011-07-05T13:10:00.002-05:00

Week 4 of marathon training is done and in the books! As with the previous 3 weeks the mileage wasn't bad and I'm still injury free! So, no complaints here!
Here is what was on the plan for week 4...

Week 4 Recap

Sunday: 30 Minutes Eliptical + Strength + 15 Minute Yoga Abs*
Monday: 5 Miles + 15 Minute Yoga Abs
Tuesday: 15 Minute Yoga Abs
Wednesday: 6 Miles + 15 Minute Yoga Abs
Thursday: 60 Minutes Kickboxing + 3 Miles
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: 10 Miles + 15 Minute Yoga Abs
Week 4 Training Plan Miles = 24
Week 4 Total Miles = 24
Total Marathon Training Miles = 90.5

*I bought the workout dvd, Bob Harper: Yoga for the Warrior, last week primarily for the 15 minute yoga ab workout that was also included on the dvd. It had great reviews and I was looking for a quicker ab workout than Jillian's 6 Week 6 Pack so I figured I'd give it a shot. I haven't tried the actual 60 minute yoga workout yet, but I was impressed with the 15 minute ab workout as it's challening, quick, and easy to incorporate into my day. I had a little challenge with myself to do the ab workout everyday last week... I almost made it.

Week 4 Highlights

Hitting my mileage goal!
Adding a new core workout into my routine!
A great 10 mile early Saturday morning run! Eventhough 5 miles were ran directly into the wind I still ended with an overall time of 1:18:00!
Remembering to bring water with me on all my runs this week. I've decided I need to bring water with me for the rest of the summer or the humidity may be the end of me.

Week 4 Lowlights

The humidity - it was 75%+ humidity all week! Needless to say I was a total sweaty mess after every run!
The instructor of my kickboxing class was out sick and the sub was horrible. Major bummer. I'm glad she did she she was subbing again this week so I know not to waste my time going again.

The countdown on my phone says the marathon is only 89 days away! Yikes, it's coming up fast!

Question: What type of hydration pack do you use when you're running (i.e. water belt, carry a bottle of water, etc). I have a couple water belts but I find them to be too clunky while I run (maybe I don't have the right kind). So, I tried carrying a bottle of water this week and a couple miles into my run the water was literally hot. Any recommendations on hydration packs or ways to keep my water cold would be helpful!

Happy Birthday, America...

2011-07-01T15:46:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday!

Happy 4th of July weekend!

The 4th of July is my absolute favorite holiday of the year! The lake, grilling, fireworks, cocktails, sunshine - what's not to love?! I will be spending my holiday weekend floating on the pontoon sipping cocktails with my family, grilling, having backyard bonfires, and soaking up the Minnesota sunshine!

After seeing these gorgeous 4th of July inspired tablescapes I'm thinking next year I may need to bring back the annual 4th of July party at the MD house...

Fabulous!

I hope you all have a wonderful, and safe, holiday weekend!

Happy 235th birthday, America!

Cheers!

Summer Reading List...

2011-06-29T15:30:00.002-05:00

One of my absolute favorite things to do on a beautiful summer day (after a nice long run of course) is to grab a cold cocktail and lounge out in the sun reading a good book!

Over the past couple years I've turned into quite a little book worm (nerd alert) and there is rarely a time when I'm not reading at least one, if not more, books.

Here is what I’ve read so far this summer…

Escape by Carolyn Jessop

Seventeen years after being forced into a polygamous marriage, Jessop escaped from the cult like Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints with her eight children. She recounts the horrid events that led her to break free from the oppressive world she knew and how she has managed to survive since escaping, despite threats and legal battles with her husband and the Church.

Unlike my two besties, MOH K and Bestie L, I traditionally gravitate more towards fiction books but this book came highly recommended by both of them so I gave it a whirl. After the first couple chapters I honestly could not put this book down. I literally read the whole thing in less than 48 hours. The book provided a completely shocking and almost appalling (imo) insight into the lives of those belonging to the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints. I just could not imagine living my life that way and being so disconnected from the rest of the world. Oh, and not to mention I’m too much of a feminist to be “owned” by my husband that this lifestyle would never fly with me. This book has been out awhile, but if you've not read this book yet it is a must read.

Term Limits by Vince Flynn

Taking America back...one politician at a time TERM LIMITS In one bloody night, three of Washington's most powerful politicians are executed with surgical precision. Their assassins then deliver a shocking ultimatum to the American government: set aside partisan politics and restore power to the people. No one, they warn, is out of their reach — not even the president. A joint FBI-CIA task force reveals the killers are elite military commandos, but no one knows exactly who they are or when they will strike next. Only Michael O'Rourke, a former U.S. Marine and freshman congressman, holds a clue to the violence: a haunting incident in his own past with explosive implications for his country's future....

Hubby MD introduced to me to this policitcal thriller series (I think there are 12 books in the series) by Vince Flynn, who happens to be a local Minnesota author, and now I'm hooked. I love these kind of action/thriller plot lines that leave you on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what happens and who is behind what. Since I enjoyed the first book in the series so much I went on to read book #2...

Transfer of Power

On a busy Washington morning, amid the shuffle of tourists and the brisk rush of government officials, the stately calm of the White House is shattered in a hail of gunfire. A group of terrorists has descended on the Executive Mansion, and gained access by means of a violent massacre that has left dozens of innocent bystanders murdered. Through the quick actions of the Secret Service, the president is evacuated to his underground bunker, but not before almost one hundred hostages are taken...

In book #2 you're introduced to the legendary Mitch Rapp who comes in to save the day, and America. Again, another political thriller with a suspensful plotline where terrorists are trying to take down America. It honestly took me longer to get into this book than the first one, but overall it was a good read. Hubby MD ensured me that the next few books in the series are really good and I have to keep going! If you like action/thriller storylines than I would highly recommend this series.

So that brings me what's on tap for my summer reading list...

I just started (as in I've only read the first chapter) Jodi Picoult's newest book, Sing You Home
The third book in the Vince Flynn series aptly titled, The Third Option
Sitting on my bookself waiting to be read, The Help

What's on your summer reading list?
Any recommendations to add to my list?

Quote Of The Day...

2011-06-29T08:34:00.000-05:00

Marathon Training Recap - Week 3

2011-06-28T09:35:00.002-05:00

Woah, Monday got away from me yesterday! It doesn't happen often, but I love when a Monday just flies by and the next thing you know it's Tuesday!

Last week was the third week in my marathon training plan and here is what was on tap (click to enlarge)...

Week 3 Recap

Sunday: Rest Day
Monday: 5 Miles
Tuesday: 20 Minutes Stair Climber + Strength + Core
Wednesday: 6 Miles + Core
Thursday: Rest Day (Went to HH with some college friends that were in town)
Friday: 2 Mile walk with Reggie
Saturday: 9 Miles + Level 1 Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6 Pack + 2 Mile walk with Reggie
Week 3 Training Plan Miles = 24
Week 3 Total Miles = 20
Total Marathon Training Miles = 66.5

So, I didn't hit my weekly mileage for the second week in a row. I'm not to upset about it though because I had such a great time catching up with the old college crew that it was totally worth missing a 4 mile run for.

It's become really hard balancing life and all the fun things I want to do all while trying to get my daily runs in. Sometimes getting a run in wins and sometimes going out for happy hour with friends wins. As long as I'm able to get in my long Saturday runs I'm ok with missing a shorter "junk mile" run during the week.

With the temperatures rising I'm going to need to start getting more runs in before work. However, I'm not a very good morning workout person so that's going to be a struggle for me. If you have any tips on how to get up and get motivated for a pre-work workout let me know!

The Sun Is Shining...

2011-06-24T13:09:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday Friends!

The sun is shining (finally!!), and the forecast for the weekend calls for lots more of it! Yay!

Hubby MD is up north getting rowdy on a boys (20 of them!) golf trip so I'm a bachelorette this weekend. ;)

While Hubby MD is teeing off all weekend my other main squeeze and I will be spending our weekend catching up on Y&R, getting a pedi, going on long runs, and lounging poolside reading while working on our summer tans.

I'm extremely looking forward to a low key and relaxing weekend at home.. I need it.

Have a wonderful weekend and I hope lots of sunshine is your forecast as well!

Cheers!

How Does Your Garden Grow...

2011-06-23T13:19:00.000-05:00

For years I had dreamed of having my own little vegetable garden where I could plant my favorite fresh vegetables and herbs in. Well, that wish became a reality in 2008 when Hubby MD and I bought our first house.
My first year as a "gardener" was more experimental than anything. I had no tools, no experience, and no idea what I was doing. I just planted some seeds (with love of course) and crossed my fingers hoping beautiful vegetables would immerge. Well my first year gardening was pretty much a failure, but I gave it another try again the next year and had moderate success and even more success the year after that.

So, now in my 4th year as an "official gardener" things are really starting to come together. Some key things I learned through my first few years as a Minnesota gardener through trial and error:

You need to start some seeds indoors over the winter if you want to have any vegetables to eat before summer ends (i.e. tomatoes and peppers)
You need to start said seeds even earlier in the winter than you think you should (like in March)
Don't plant your seedlings into the groun until the soil is warm enough (late May or early June)
Cucumbers, zucchini, and carrots should not be started indoors (that was a disaster)
Weeds just won't go away... you need to pull them out yourself
Rabbits enjoy your leafy vegetable plants so some sort of cage/chicken wire is needed around your bed
You need to water your garden everyday (unless it rains)
Miracle Grow is your friend
I needed new garden beds

I started my little seeds (tomatoes, bell peppers, and jalapenos) indoor even earlier than usual this year (early March) because I wanted to enjoy the fruits of my labor as soon as possible! Everything else was planted directly in the ground over Memorial Weekend.

Below is everything I planted this year. Lots of peppers, tomatoes, herbs, and new this year spinach! I also bought one banana pepper plant from the nursery by my house which I'm really excited about!

I start my seeds indoors using this magical device that I discovered in year two of gardening. Seriously, amazing.

The seeds sprout into these adorable little seedings in just a couple short weeks.

I then transfered each seedling into a 16 oz. keg cup to continue growing in until they were ready to be planted into the ground.

I looked like a weird plant lady, or an even weirder tippy cup player with a dirt fetish, with rows of keg cups in my basement and windows.

Eventually they all (well we had a few casualties) made it into the ground in the new garden bed Hubby MD made for me.

Hubby MD went up one notch on the "Handy Husband Meter" with this project. He's still working on finishing the landscaping around it but I'm very happy with my new raised bed.

The new garden beds is home to "Tomato Alley" and "Sgt. Pepper Place".

The old garden bed (which will get replaced next summer) has everything that was planted directly into the ground - zucchini, yellow squash, green onions, spinach, and herbs galore. I'm looking forward to fresh basil, oregano, garlic chives, and rosemary.

Everything has sprouted except for the rosemary which I will be replanting this weekend if the rain ever stops.

Things are looking pretty good if I don't say so myself ! I have one cherry tomato plant with a handful of tomatoes already on it and another 10 flowers! I can't wait to start picking fresh veggies for dinner! I'll keep you posted on how my garden progresses as the summer goes on!

Did you plant a garden? If so, any tips you can share and what did you plant?

Retro Camera...

2011-06-20T14:46:00.000-05:00

Some pictures from the weekend taken with the Retro Camera app that I'm totally obsessed with right now!

Fresh picked peonies from the backyard...

Afternoon cocktail on the deck...

My new purse...

Happy Hour with Hubby MD...

Chocolate. Enough said...

What's your favorite app right now?

Marathon Training Recap - Week 2

2011-06-20T12:48:00.003-05:00

Well, week 2 of marathon training is officially behind me and was very lackluster to say the least.

Here's what I had on tap... (click to enlarge)

Here's what actually panned out...

Week 2 Recap

Sunday: Rest Day (unplanned... a nap on the couch sounded so much better than going to the gym)
Monday: 5 Miles
Tuesday: Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6 Pack level 2
Wednesday: 5 Miles + Stength + Core
Thursday: Rest Day
Friday: 4 Miles + 10 Minutes Stair Climber + Core
Saturday: 6 Miles + Strength + Core

Week 2 Training Plan Miles = 23
Week 2 Total Miles = 20
Total Marathon Training Miles = 46.5

It was a bad week.

I didn't hit my mileage number and I blame it all on Jillian. I forgot how many lunges (I. Hate. Lunges.) were in level 2 of that dvd and my poor legs were left hurting and felt like a million pounds each for the next couple days thus making my runs on Wednesday and Friday very hard!

Week 1 Highlights

Getting to the gym on Wednesday morning before work for the second week in a row! I've been having a lot of after work committments lately so if I want to get my runs in I have to go bright and early!
Taking an impromtu day off on Friday to spend with Hubby MD for his birthday and going for a morning run "together" (we left at the same time, but ran different routes and distances and met up at the end).

Week 1 Lowlights

Jillian ruining my legs.
Missing kickboxing for the 2nd week in a row
Not getting my long run in on Saturday due to the lovely rainy and humid weather combination. I had to run on the treadmill instead and I could only muster out 6 miles... I honestly could not run another second on that machine.

I'm hoping for a much better week 3!

I would like to incorporate yoga into my weekly routine and am looking for a good dvd I can do at home.

Has anyone tried this dvd - Bob Harper: Yoga For The Warrior? I've heard it's good, but I'm always skeptical when buying workout dvds. Thoughts/feedback on it? Any other recommendations?

Someone Has a Birthday Today...

2011-06-17T07:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Hubby MD!

Look at all those candles! :)

I hope you have a wonderful birthday!

I'm looking forward to toasting another twenty-something birthday with you tonight!

Obscure Facebook Albums...

2011-06-16T10:44:00.000-05:00

The other day Hubby MD was trying to find a picture (I can't even remember of what) that was in one of my Facebook albums and commented he had no idea where to even look since all of my albums have obscure names that don't provide any insight into what the photos in the album are even of!

So, I read through them and literally could not stop laughing at the collection of album titles that I've generated!

Below are some of my favorite titles. Yes, I post a lot of pictures! What can I say, I love social media!

Walk It Out, Walk It Out, Walk It Out
Overly Sexual
Woop Woop Whapaton
Y&R
Keep Me Partying Till the AM
Oh Hot Damn, This Is My Jam
Baby, Baby, Baby
Do You Want a Teapot Miss Betker?
Festivus For The Rest Of Us
Do you know the difference between jelly and jam?
Bob and Sal have been living in sin for 21 years...
Shenanigans
More Shenanigans
Oops Mal and Laura did it again!
Bonzers up in smoke tour
Do you happen to have D batteries?
Table #16
Obvi
Charles is on the verge of getting fat
Captain Ron
Yea, it'sa party in the USA
Cabo Wabo
Jailor Serry's
Better Together
I could sell my jeans and buy your farm
Hey Stephen
We're gonna run this town tonight
Menace
Kurt Cobain vs. Latte
Walking in a winter wonderland
Farkle
Cilantro!
Titanic: Get a load of this ship
Can't be tamed
So did you guys have fun?
Roman Coke
I would need to care more
That's my prerogative
Kubes-a-Palooza
Summer time and the living's easy
What's a pager? Like a dollar a year?
Sprinkles and Spice
Crumpin in Fargo

I don't know how Hubby MD can't find what he's looking for? I think they are all pretty self explanatory and know exactly what pictures are in each album! :)

Do you do fun album names for your Facebook albums, or do you stick with a traditional "Summer 2011" type of name?

Quote Of The Day...

2011-06-14T12:47:00.000-05:00

Marathon Training Recap - Week 1

2011-06-13T13:00:00.002-05:00

Well, last week was my official first week of training for my first marathon in October!

Honestly, it was actually a pretty easy week considering the training plan started almost exactly where I left off with training for the Fargo Half Marathon. I know I won't be saying "it was a pretty easy week" for too long so I'll enjoy these first few low mileage weeks while I can!

Here is what was on the plan for week 1 (click to enlarge)

Week 1 Recap

Sunday: 7.5 Miles + Strength + Core
Monday: 1 Mile + 20 Minutes Stair Climber + Strength
Tuesday: Rest Day
Wednesday: 6 Miles + Core
Thursday: 4 Miles + 20 Minutes Stair Climber + Stength
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: 8 Miles + 2 Mile Walk

Week 1 Training Plan Miles = 22
Week 1 Total Miles = 26.5
Total Marathon Training Miles = 26.5

Week 1 Highlights

Logging more miles than the plan called for - can't beat that!
Going to the gym Wednesday morning for my 6 mile run. It was great to have that done for the day before 7:00 am, and it allowed me to hit up the salon after work instead!
Running 8 miles up north while camping! It was nice to have some new scenery to run to for my weekend long run!

Week 2 Lowlights

Being disappointed with the 16 week marathon training program I was going to join. I just didn't think I was going to be challenged with that program as there were few runners at my pace time. So, I'm going to do some training runs (speed workouts) with the running club I'm apart of at my gym instead and continue doing the long runs on my own.
Realizing that I'm not going to be able to do my Thursday runs and kickboxing class everyweek unless I workout twice. I'll see how it goes for awhile, but I may have to find another class that works better with my training plan.

All-in-all it was a great first week and I'm happy to have logged more miles than the plan called for. I'm hoping the next 17 weeks go as well and I continue to stay injury free!

Going Camping...

2011-06-10T08:28:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday Lovelies!

Hubby MD and I are heading up north to Mille Laces Kathio State Park for a little weekend camping trip with his family.

I'm looking forward to getting out of the city for a weekend filled with hiking the beautiful Minnesota landscape, cocktails and s'mores by the campfire, and cuddling under the stars with Hubby MD and Reggie.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Quote Of The Day...

2011-06-09T08:40:00.000-05:00

What I'm Loving Wednesday...

2011-06-08T13:19:00.002-05:00

I'm Loving...

That this is my first official week of marathon training! Check out my training plan under the running tab! Weekly recaps will start back up next week!

The 16 week marathon training program I'm joining tomorrow through a local running store. The program will ensure I'm training properly, provide nutrional advice, schedule weekly group runs, and ultimately help me achieve my finish time goal! I'm excited to meet some new friends to hit the pavement with this summer!

These 100 calorie wasabit light bites from Rainbow Foods. I'm also loving the 50 cent price tag!

The record breaking weather we're having! Yesterday, Minneapolis hit 103 degrees for a new June 7th record! We were also the hottest city on record in the country yesterday! It will be a short lived heat wave though as we're dropping over 40 degrees in the two days... gotta love Minnesota weather!

This video of the Minnesota Twins bullpen doing a bobsled dance!

That I went to the gym before work this morning and got my 6 mile run that was on tap for today done before 7:00 am! (However, I'm not loving that due to the insane heat wave I had to resort back to running on the dreadmill because it's not safe to be running outside right now.)

The delicious brushetta I made for dinner last night with fresh basil! I can't wait until I can use fresh tomatoes from the garden! The brushetta was the perfect accompaniment to a lovely grilled fish dinner on a hot summer night. I wish had some more for lunch today. Here's my recipe.

Easy Egg Bake...

2011-06-07T10:09:00.000-05:00

Hubby MD and I had a few friends stay over night on Saturday after our backyard bonfire. So, on Sunday morning I whipped up this easy peasy egg bake for breakfast for everyone.

I've been on an egg bake kick lately as this is the second one I've made in the past 2 weekends! They are so easy to make, perfect for a big group of people, and always a hit with breakfast guests.

I hadn't went grocery shopping for the week yet so I was a bit low on the ingreidents I would typically include, but it was still delicious nonetheless.

Easy Egg Bake

Ingredients
12 eggs, beaten (I added a little milk to mine)
1 small onion, diced*
2 cups shredded cheese (I used colby jack, but you can use your favorite kind)
8 slices of bread, cut into 1 inch cubes (I used whole wheat, but white would work as well)
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Combine eggs, 1 cup of shredded cheese, onion, basil, and salt/pepper into a bowl and mix. Pour mixture into a greased 9 x 13 baking dish.

Top egg mixture with bread cubes and remaining cup of shredded cheese and cover with tin foil.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, uncover, and bake until golden brown (another 15 - 20 minutes).

*I would have added diced green bell pepper and sliced mushrooms if I would have had them.

I made this dish vegetarian, but you could easily add ground sausage or bacon to this dish for the meat lovers in your life. :)

Enjoy!

Ah-Mazing...

2011-06-06T13:20:00.002-05:00

One word...

Ah-Mazing.

Yep, that pretty much sums up my whole weekend for two reasons.

First, the weather was absolutely gorgeous all weekend. It was one of the weekends that makes you forget all about January and February and their frigid temps from ever happening (damn you Minnesota summer weather, you get me every year).

Second, we spent the weekend at home! It's been awhile since I've spent an entire weekend at home and it was simply lovely.

Friday night Hubby MD and I had a little date night. We went out for Happy Hour at a local place called Molly Cool's Seafood Tavern and had the most ah-mazing ahi tuna crips as an appetizer.

I seriously could have ate 100 of these - so good! After dinner we stopped at our little local ice cream stand for some ice cream cones. Reg even got one... which immediately resulted in us having a dog with an insane sugar high!

Saturday morning Hubby MD and I walked in the Twin Cities Heart Walk at Target Field with a group from my company. Again, the weather was perfect so it was awesome to be outside!

My friend, Sara, was one of the organizers of the event and did such a great job! Way to go!

There were so many people walking the streets of downtown Minneapolis for the event - they were anticipating close to 30,000 walkers! I called it more a "Heart Shuffle" than a walk because we never did get up to a complete walking pace due to all the people.

Saturday afternoon I did some gardening (pics coming soon!) and planted some flowers. While I was outside I heard the ah-mazing sound of the ice cream truck coming down my street! Like a little kid I asked Hubby MD if he had any money and ran out into the street barefoot to flag down the ice cream man for my first treat of the summer!

I didn't have an ice cream truck go through the neighborhoods I grew up in so I have to take full advantage now an make up for those years! :)

Saturday night we enjoyed cocktails on the deck, went to dinner with some friends, and enjoyed our first backyard bonfire of the season. It was ah-mazing to be outside literally all day!

Sunday morning I got up early to make breakfast for our bonfire sleepover guests and went on a 7.5 mile run. After my run I spent the next 4 hours lounging here with Hubby MD...

Ah-Mazing.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend as well!

I Feel Happy With Myself...

2011-06-03T12:18:00.002-05:00

I saw this totally adorable speech from a little boy who just learned how to ride his bike on the news last night and had to share it with you! Loves it!

Thumbs up everybody! :)

Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Muffins...

2011-06-03T09:37:00.004-05:00

Last weekend Hubby MD and I went to the lake for the weekend with some friends. The best part about weekends at the lake with a big group of people is the food! Everyone brings delicious appetizers, baked goods, dips, salads, etc. and everything is community for all to enjoy.

Per a request, as part of my contribution to the "community food bank" I made corn salsa and bean salsa (I need to share these recipes with you because they are super easy to make and perfect to bring to a summer BBQ or party). I also made a batch of Creme de Menthe Chunk Cookies (if you haven't already, you seriously need to make these) and Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Muffins.

These little lovelies are a bite size piece of banana, peanut butter, and oatmeal goodness! I love the flavor combination of peanut butter and bananas and when you throw in the oats it just gets better! These muffins make a great snack, but they are also quick and easy to grab for breakfast. Hubby MD loves dipping them in his coffee!

Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Muffins
Adapted From: My Original Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients
1 cup sugar
2 cups flour
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup old fashioned oats

2 T honey

4 T water
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. soda
2 bananas

Directions
Cream together sugar and butter. Add in eggs, honey, peanut butter, vanilla, and water. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. (I added the oats last and hand mixed them in instead of using an electric mixer)

Top each muffin with oatmeal and a sprinkle of brown sugar before baking.

For mini muffins bake at 350 degrees 10 - 12 minutes. For regular muffins bake at 350 degrees for 15 - 18 minutes.

Enjoy!

Happy Adoptiversary...

2011-06-02T09:13:00.001-05:00

Two years ago Hubby MD and I went to visit his family in Iowa over Memorial Weekend. While we were there we made a quick stop at an animal shelter in a very small town to meet a puppy that Hubby MD saw on their website that needed a good home.

Hubby MD had literally spent months looking for the perfect dog for us to adopt and he assured me he had finally found the one! Our hearts immediately melted when this little guy walked up to us and collapsed on Hubby MD's feet...

Reggie and all his brothers and sisters were found on the side of the road by a farm in rural Iowa. The lady that ran the shelter wasn't exactly sure what breeds Reg is, but she guessed part beagle and part hound. Regardless of what he officially is we love our 'lil mutt all the same! :)

It was literally love at first site for Reggie and Hubby MD, and me too of course. How could anyone just leave this sweet puppy on the side of the road?!

We took a night to sleep on it and decide if we were ready for the added responsibilities that come with having a pet, especially an active puppy.

Hubby MD never had a pet growing up (unless you count his hermit crab, Hermie) so he said he had been waiting over 25 years for a dog and was ready.

So the next day we went back to the shelter to sign some papers and we took Reggie back to Minneapolis with us. It was an adjustement for Hubby MD and I for the first couple months, but I couldn't imagine our lives without him in it. He is seriously the sweetest, cuddliest, and most loving dog ever!

Happy Adoptiversay, Reg! I think this calls for some vanilla McDonald's ice cream cones (your favorite) to celebrate!

Sidenote...

If you're thinking about getting a new dog, cat, family pet, etc. I would highly recommend looking into adopting from a local shelter or humane society. Not only is adoption extremely affordable, but there are so many animals out there that need a good home and just want to be loved.

Quote Of The Day...

2011-06-01T09:09:00.000-05:00

R&R Is In Sight...

2011-05-27T08:16:00.001-05:00

Whew, it's finally Friday.

It was a long week.

I was recovering from the half marathon I ran last weekend pretty much all week. For some reason it really took a lot out me... I think I'm getting old.

I volunteered at Loaves & Fishes and recruited walkers and donations for my American Heart Association's Heart Walk Team.

I had to say goodbye to someone who has inspired me for alomst my whole life. Someone who has continually challenged me to dream big, and be the change I want to see in the world. Oprah, I will miss our daily talks but it's like you said it's not goodbye but rather until we meet again. One of my favorite messages from her final episode is below. I'm on the edge in my own career between the "just doing" and "doing what I love and is my calling" so it really spoke to me to think about what I want out of life and figure out how to make it happen.

"Everyone has a calling, and your real job in life is to figure out what that is and get about the business of doing it. You have to know what sparks the light in you so that you in your own way can illuminate the world. ... Wherever you are, that’s your stage, your circle of influence. That’s your talk show, that’s where your power lies. … You have the power to change somebody’s life."

I made muffins (recipe coming!), my favorite cookies, and delicious cake batter krispy treats for the weekend along with other yummy appetizers!

But, the busy week is almost over and some R&R is in sight! I am leaving work early today to hit the road (and hopefully beat traffic!) to spend the first "official weekend of summer" at the lake with some fabulous friends! Here is how I plan to spend the next few days...

Reg loves going for cruises around the lake!

I hope you all have a wonderful, and safe, Memorial Day weekend!

What Is Keeping You Up At Night...

2011-05-25T12:58:00.003-05:00

I came across this article, 10 Questions About Life As We Know It , on Glamour.com discussing the burning questions in life that keep us up at night.

Sometimes, late at night, after all the sheep have been counted, a woman can find herself staring at the ceiling, pondering the universe’s great mysteries. Here are a few that have been keeping us up:

No. 1
Why does Snooki make more money in two episodes than most teachers earn in an entire year?
No. 2
Why don’t airplane bathrooms have tampon dispensers? Where else are you going to find one at 30,000 feet?
No. 3
Why is everyone so worried about Jennifer Aniston getting married again and having children when George Clooney is in the same situation and obviously doing just fine?
No. 4
Why is Congress defunding birth control for women but promoting it for horses? (Truly! A new bill promotes using contraceptives to control the mustang population.)
No. 5
How does someone as hot as Chace Crawford ever leave the mirror? Does he have a timer?
No. 6
Why do female doctors in New York earn $17,000 a year less than male M.D.s? Isn’t the whole pay gap thing getting kinda tired?
No. 7
Why is it that women host talk shows during the day—and often in groups (The View, The Talk, Kathie Lee and Hoda)—while men get to do it solo at night?
No. 8
Why does everybody insist on calling guys who drink too much, beat their wives and spew venom “bad boys”? (Yes, Charlie Sheen, we mean you.) They’re bad men. Come on, guys, recess is over.
No. 9
How did noisy, crunchy popcorn become the standard movie-theater snack?
No. 10
Can someone explain why, in particular, there are so many vibrators shaped like rabbits and dolphins and…(purrr) Hello Kitty? Obviously, we could go on. (And we do! Try us at a cocktail party sometime.) So what did we miss? Post your own stumpers in the comments section below.

My favorites are #1, #5, and #7.

A few "life mysteries" that have kept me up at night...

Why does time go by so much faster during your days off then when you're at work?
How come traffic is always bad when you're running late?
Why do people talk on their phone while working out? Are they that important that they can't go 30 minutes on the elipitcal without taking a call?
On other gym note, why do some girls feel the need to put on a full face of makeup before working out when you're just going to sweat it off? Maybe said makeup girl is also above talking on phone while elipticalling (is that a word?) girl so she doesn't actually sweat?
What does my dog really do all day when we are at work?
Why is that we you go shopping for something specific you can never find anything you like, but when you go shopping just to browse you find a 100 things you like?
Why is that when I tell people that I'm a vegetarian the first questions they ask is, "How do you get your protein?" or "But, you eat chicken right?"
How is that we have a pill and/or drug for everything (headaches, colds, allergies, etc) but they have yet to come up with a pill that gets you drunk?
Why do guys always buy thier significant others a heart necklace??

What "mysteries" are keeping you up at night?

Fargo 1/2 Marathon Race Recap...

2011-05-24T10:03:00.003-05:00

Well friends, I survived another half marathon! We got back home on Sunday night after a great weekend in the Legendary State with some great friends!

Before I get into how the race went here is a quick recap of my training during the week of the race...

Week 11 Recap

Sunday: 4.5 Miles
Monday: 7 Miles
Tuesday: Rest Day
Wednesday: 10 Minutes Stair Climber + Strength + Core
Thursday: 4 Miles
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: Race Day! 13.1 Miles

Week 11 Training Plan Miles = 6 (not including the race)
Week 11 Total Miles = 15.5 (not including the race)
Total 1/2 Marathon Training Miles = 218.2

Wow! I can't believe I logged over 218 miles to get ready for this race!

On Friday night when Hubby MD and I got into town the first thing we did was go to the race expo and pick up my race packet and then check into our hotel. We met some friends for dinner and drinks at Maxwell's. I ordered the "A Portobello Mushroom Pretending to be a Burger" for my pre-race dinner.

It was pretty much amazing as were the sweet potato fries with an array of dipping sauces!

I also enjoyed a cosmo! I know most people don't drink the night prior to a big race, but it helps put me to sleep! ;) I sometimes have trouble falling asleep in hotel rooms so instead of risking tossing and turning all night I went with the Cosmo!

The morning of the race started like all other race mornings - get up early, eat toast with peanut butter and banana slices, and have a few cups of coffee. My fan club (Hubby MD, MOH K, KH, and CC) started the morning off with their massive bloody mary bar!

My race didn't start until 8:30 (which is actually kind of late for a race) so we arrived at the Fargo Dome around 7:30.

MOH K and KH ready to cheer me on!

I can't even believe it, but it didn't rain at all during the race! There was a 90% chance of rain so I wasn't too optomistic about the rain missing us. While I was waiting for the race to start it started to mist and I thought for sure it was going to start raining, but it didn't. It was slightly humid, but overall it was actually pretty ideal race conditions.

I decided to race in my new running skirt and I loved it. I think I will always race in a running skirt from now on. After waiting in line for 20 minutes it was finally game time!

Do you see me??

I ran by my fans shortly after the starting line and didn't see them again until I came across the finish line!

The race went by extremely fast and before I knew it I was rounding the corner to the finish line and my thrid half marathon was in the books and I got a PR !!

I had a great race both mentally and physically. I crossed the starting line ready to rock that race and didn't stop until I crossed the finish line 13.1 miles later. Here are my official race stats...

I took 40th place of all females! What?! Twenty-something me from the suburbs of Minneapolis took 40th place?! I still can't even believe that!

My garmin had the same finish time as my chip time, but it had me running 13.2 miles. I think all the weaving in and out of other runners added some extra distance.

It was a great race and since it didn't rain I'll be back again next year to try and PR for the 4th year in a row. My fans have already declared they are making signs to really amp up their "fanness" next year!

While running is a solo sport, getting through a race like this isn't a solo effort. Thank you all for following along on my training journey during the past 11 weeks. I've appreciated all of your words of encouragement and support. I hope you stick around for the next few months as I get ready for the biggest race of my life to-date, the Twin Cities Marathon, in October.

Also, a big thanks to my fabulous and amazing friends that came and cheered me on during the race as well as those of you that cheered for me from home - your support means so much to me. I'm so lucky to have so many great friends in my life. I know some of you don't understand why I like to "run for fun" but crossing that finish line seeing a few familiar faces cheering me on makes all the sweat, sore muscles, and miles logged worth it!

Last but not least, a huge THANK YOU to Hubby MD for all of his support and always being my #1 fan. He puts up with me coming home late from work because I have to run, rubs my sore and achy muscles, and always tells me how proud he is of me. His words of encouragment have gotten me through more miles over the last few years than he probably knows. He is truly one of the only people in my life that has always been there for me, supports any decision I make whole-heartedly, and is genuinely proud of me. ILY, Hubby MD!

Rainy Race Day...

2011-05-20T09:32:00.002-05:00

After 10+ weeks of training the big Race is tomorrow!

I've been crossing my fingers and putting so much positive energy out into the universe for good weather and race conditions for the past 10 weeks. Seriously, during every long run I said a little silent prayer for nice weather the day of the race.

Well, it doesn't look that panned out too well for me.

I could literally cry.

90% chance of heavy rain!

Are you kidding me?!

This is my third year in a row running this half marathon and the first year it snowed, last year it rained, and now it's going to rain again this year. Seriosuly?! I thought 3rd time would be the charm and we would get some decent weather. I guess there is a reason Fargo was named "America's Toughest (aka WORST) Weather City"!

Sorry, Fargo but depending on how things go tomorrow I don't know if I'll do this race for a 4th time. I'm over the cold, wind, snow, and rain.

I'll be back on Monday with a race recap of what may be my last ever run in the Legendary State...

Quote Of The Day...

2011-05-19T10:09:00.002-05:00

What I'm Loving Wednesday...

2011-05-18T14:28:00.001-05:00

I'm loving...

The MIMA (Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association) seminar, "Search and The Connected Consumer" I went to this morning at the Calhoun Beach Club as well as the lovely breakfast I enjoyed prior to the seminar on the rooftop patio overlooking the lake.

That Hubby MD is on board with me getting an ipad "for work" so I fit in with all the cool kids in marketing! I looked so 2008 at the seminar this morning with my lime green leather portfolio and note pad... an upgrade to an ipad and pink case is much needed!

The sunshine! Three days in a row now of beautiful weather! It's days like this that I love being a Minnesotan.

That I get to see my beautiful bestie MOH K in just two days!!

MOH K and I in Phoenix

My Reggie! No explanation needed... just look at that face!

Wanted: Totally Awesome Running Playlist...

2011-05-17T08:46:00.001-05:00

I am totally one of those people that cannot run without my ipod. Next to my Garmin it's my life line to get me through long runs.

I love getting lost in the music and my thoughts. I've said it before many times - running is like free therapy for me and is where I have the best inspiration, ideas, and learn the most about myself.

As my first race of the season approaches I want to put together a new totally awesome playlist to rock out to while running the streets of the Legendary State.

I need your help. I tend to always put the same 20 - 30 core songs on my playlists mixed in with a few randoms and could definatley use some new recommendations to add to the mix.

So...

What are your favorite running/workout songs?

What is the "ultimate" song that pumps you up?

Training Recap - Week 10

2011-05-16T12:31:00.002-05:00

Well the week of the race is finally here!! I'm getting so excited for the fun weekend that's on tap!

Here is what was on the schedule for week 10 of my training plan...

Week 10 Recap

Sunday: 30 Minutes Elipitical + Core

Monday: 4 Miles
Tuesday: Rest Day
Wednesday: 5 Miles + Strength + Core
Thursday: Rest Day
Friday: 3 Miles + 10 Minutes Stair Climber + Core
Saturday: Unplanned rest day!

Week 10 Training Plan Miles = 17
Week 10 Total Miles = 12
Total 1/2 Marathon Training Miles = 202.7

Week 10 Highlights

Holding a plank for 5 minutes straight! Hubby MD was pretty impressed!
Going to the gym on Friday morning before work! That literally has never happened!
Buying a new race day outfit!

Week 10 Lowlights

Getting stuck at work late on Thursday night so I couldn't go to my kickboxing class. It seriously ruined my day.
Rain ALL day on Saturday! I was up at 7:30 eager to get a 10+ miler in but the rain/mist never let up.

The plan for this week is very light, but since I didn't get a long run in on Saturday I'm going to do 8 - 10 miles tonight after work so I can get one final long run in before the race.

I feel like the past 10 weeks have went by so fast! It's hard to believe I logged 200+ miles in that time despite all the craptastic weather we've been having! I'm looking forward to officially start training for my first full marathon on May 29th!

Look for a complete race recap next week as well as my marathon training plan!

Quote Of The Day...

2011-05-12T08:20:00.000-05:00

Is it July...

2011-05-11T08:56:00.000-05:00

Apparently we are skipping spring and early summer this year in Minnesota and jumping right to the humid and muggy conditions of mid-July!

Check out the temp on my way home from work last night! Wowsa!

However, the effects of a humid 93 degree day came a couple hours later when we went into a severe weather watch and golf all sized hail starting coming down from the sky! It's crazy how the weather can just change instantly.

Regardless of the hail (as long as I'm not out driving in it!) I would still take 93 degrees over the temp on this January morning! Uff-da it was a cold winter this year!

What do you prefer... humid and 93 degress or bitterly cold and -25 below zero?

Training Recap - Week 9

2011-05-10T08:43:00.000-05:00

After a couple lackluster weeks I was finally able to have a good week and get in some decent long runs!

Here is what was on tap...

Week 9 Recap

Sunday: 7 Miles + Core
Monday: 20 Minutes Stair Climber + Core + Strength
Tuesday: 8 Miles
Wednesday: Rest Day
Thursday: 3 Miles + 60 Minutes Kickboxing
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: 10.7 Miles

Week 9 Training Plan Miles = 20
Week 9 Total Miles = 28.7
Total 1/2 Marathon Training Miles = 190.7

Week 9 Highlights

Sunshine! The sun made an appearance on Tuesday and Saturday and I took full advantage of the nice weather!
This awesome sauce run on Saturday morning! Nothing better than knocking out 10+ miles before 10:00 am!

Having the highest mileage week to-date this year!

Week 9 Lowlights

Nothing - it was a great week and the sun was shining!

I'm technically supposed to be in taper mode for the next two weeks, but I'm hoping to crank out another two 10+ mile runs before the race. I can't believe the race is already one week from Saturday! I'm looking forward to a fun weekend in the Legendary State with some great friends cheering me on!

Promarazzi...

2011-05-09T09:27:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's already Monday again. The weekend literally flew by!

On Saturday I spent the day being the "Promarazzi" follwoing my sister around town taking pictures of her.

First pic of the day before leaving my mom's house to meet her date...

Isn't her dress gorgeous?! I love that one strap dresses are back in this season, and you can't go wrong with anything that's Tiffany blue!

Lis Sis W and her favorite promarazzi sister...

Sister sandwich with the date. Don't they look so good?! I love black on black tuxes with just the tie and pocket square as a pop of color. Classic.

Their whole group of friends. They took a bus with 36 people to Dave & Busters for dinner and games before the dance. I thought that was such a fun idea! Lil Sis W said the bus was the best part of the whole day!

One more shot of the cute couple!

It was fun to see all the gorgeous dresses at grand march. I did however find a couple cases where the Fashion Police should have been called...

Example A

Why didn't anyone tell this poor girl that her whole bra was showing before she left the house?! I felt bad for her.

Example B

I just don't know about that feather skirt...

Thanks for putting up with me and all my picture taking Lil Sis W. :) I had a great time and I'm looking forward to doing it again next year!

Music Video Debut...

2011-05-06T10:24:00.000-05:00

When MOH K and I were on vacation in Pheonix we had one of the weirdest things happen to us. We were on the light rail heading to Tempe to go out one night and all of a sudden a camera crew tramples over MOH K's feet and this guy in a cheap blue polyester suit comes on the train playing the guitar and singing that annoying song Friday by Rebecca Black. After chatting with them we find out they work for a media company, Viral Oders, and were making a spoof music video of that song.

Well, the rest is history and MOH K and I are pretty much music video stars now.

Check out our music video debut around the 1:30 mark, and you can see us in the video a bit later too.

The guy with all the tatoos loved being in the video. Not kidding. He even loudly exclaimed, "I knew my time in prison and getting all these tatoos would pay off.

I'll try and not let the fame go to my head, but I can't make any promises.

It's Friday, Friday, Friday...

2011-05-06T09:57:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday lovelies!

I'm anxiously awaiting the clock to hit 5:00 so the work week is officially over.

Tonight I'm looking forward to a little date with Hubby MD to enjoy some of this...

And a few of these...

Saturday morning I'll be up bright and early to lace up my running shoes and hit the pavement (crossing my fingers for no rain!). After my run I'm meeting Hubby MD at the club for our first personal training session...

Saturday afternoon I'm going to my hometown for Lil Sis W's prom. She's going to look so fabulous! I can't wait to show you her dress! Here's a pic from last year...

On Sunday Hubby MD and I are going on a Mother's Day bike ride and out to lunch with his mom and dad..

Again, I'm crossing my fingers for no rain so we can do the 40 mile ride we want to do...

Busy weekend and before I know it Monday will be here again! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Training Recap - Week 7 & 8

2011-05-02T11:14:00.004-05:00

Double training post again this week!

I've been having a really hard time getting my miles logged the past two weeks with the weather. I'm starting to feel like spring/summer is never going to come to Minnesota this year. Yesterday I don't think we even made it to 40 degrees at my house and there were 25 mph winds and a wind chill. Honestly, the word "wind chill" should not even be apart of our vocabulary in May.

Here is what was on the plan for weeks 7 & 8...

Week 7 Recap

Sunday: 5 Miles + Core
Monday: 6 Miles + Core + Strength
Tuesday: Rest Day
Wednesday: Rest Day
Thursday: 2 Miles + Jillian Michaels Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism
Friday: Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6 Pack Level 1
Saturday: 10 Miles

Week 7 Training Plan Miles = 26
Week 7 Total Miles = 23
Total 1/2 Marathon Training Miles = 149.5

Week 7 Highlights

None. It was a bad week.

Week 7 Lowlights

On Thursday I opted to skip my kickboxing class to get another outdoor run in. Well at about 1.5 miles in it started pouring outside. Thankfully I went the route I did so I was still close enough to home that I could get back without getting drenched. I ended up doing a workout dvd instead to get a bit more cardio in for the day.
On Saturday I had a 12 mile run planned for myself to make up some missing miles. The run started off horribly as I was pulled over at the entrance of the park I went to run at for going 30 mph in a 10 mph zone. I swear, I didn't sign a sign even though the police officer told me I passed 4 on my way in. Thankfully he let me go with just a warning. About 7 miles into the run my feet were killing me so I stopped to check them out. I had the WORST blisters on both of my feet. I mean some of the worst I've ever seen. The only thing I can think of is my shoes were still damp from running in the rain on Thursday and caused the blisters. I kept going though and ended up running 10.22 miles in 1:15:00.

Week 8 Recap

Sunday: 6 Mile Walk (My blisters were killing me!!)
Monday: 5 Miles + Core
Tuesday: 20 minutes on stair climber + Stength + Core
Wednesday: Rest Day
Thursday: 6 Miles
Friday: Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6 Pack Level 1 + Habitat for Humanity (I was SO sore from this the next day!!)
Saturday: 1.5 Miles

Week 8 Training Plan Miles = 27
Week 8 Total Miles = 12.5
Total 1/2 Marathon Training Miles = 162

Well, that was a pathetic week. It was the lowest mileage week I've had in about 2 years. I was crazy busy with work, the club was closed for two days due to spring cleaning, and it cold and literally rained the whole week.

Week 8 Highlights

On Sunday my mom and I took the dogs for a 3.5 mile walk in the morning before Easter lunch, and Hubby MD and I went for another 2.5 mile walk that night with Reggie. It was refreshing to be outside!
My measly 1.5 mile run on Saturday was to one of the high schools in our town to watch Lil Sis W play in a basketball tournament. I didn't find out she was playing until a few hours beforehand so I decided to just run up to the game - Hubby MD even ran with me! It was a fun surprise to be able to see my sister!

Week 8 Lowlights

The blisters for last Saturday's run were killing me on Sunday! It was the nicest day of the week and I had a hard time even walking! Boo.
The biggest low for me was only running 12 miles! The combination of a busy work week, bad weather, and sore muscles/blisters finally caught up to me I think.

I slept 14+ hours on Friday night so I feel well rested and ready to get back on track this week. I'm crossing my fingers that the weather will cooperate so I can get a couple long runs in outside. I even have a personal training session on Saturday to really push my butt into gear - can't wait for that!

The 1/2 marathon is only 19 days away! I can't wait - it's going to be such a fun weekend!

Happy Birthday To You...

2011-04-28T13:19:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday To You,

Happy Birthday Lil Sis W

Happy Birthday To you!

My beautiful sister turns the big 17 today! Ok, so 17 isn't that exciting but she's only one year away from becoming an official adult... which means I'm only one year away from being officially old.

Hope you have a great birthday, and a great 17th year of life!

Lil Sis W, I love your strong and independent personality, your ability to not sweat the small stuff, and your passion to live life to it's fullest! Those are amazing qualities to have and I'm proud to call you my sister and friend! I love you!

Pity Party For One...

2011-04-28T13:08:00.000-05:00

It's been a LONG and STRESSFUL week and I'm having a pity party for myself today thinking about it.

Monday
I had to finalize the details for a major work event that was taking place on Tuesday. I went to the venue thinking I would only have to do a walk through to make sure everything was setup and ready to go for the next day. What did I find instead? Oh, the rental company didn't bother to set up the tables and chairs (which I paid them to do!), the table linens were a wrinkled disaster, and there were crushed cheetos all over the floor (I still can't figure out where the cheetos came from). So, I spent 4+ hours in my new 4" Nine West peep toe pumps setting up 200 chairs, 22 tables, trying to unwrinkle linens with my hands, and arranging centerpieces.

Cue the world's smallest violin.

Tuesday
I had a 1.5 hour commute due to the rain which caused me to be late (I hate being late) to arrive to the event. The event went great which is the most important thing, but my poor feet were dying by the end of it after standing in heels all day Monday and Tuesday.

Cue the world's smallest violin.

Wednesday
It was my work best friend's last day at our company. :( She left to pursue another career opportunity and I don't blame her. I'm happy for her, but sad for me. Now who am I going to chat about shoes with, help plan their wedding, and go grab iced coffees with??

Cue the world's smallest violin.

Thursday
I had to pitch a new marketing campaign this morning and it didn't go as well as I hoped it would. I get so frustrated when non-marketing/advertising/creative people go "I don't like that picture" or "I don't like that font" or "I don't like that color". Hello, I'm pitching a cohesive marketing campaign theme and not a what's your favorite font and color campaign. It's like when you buy a house and the realator tells you not to pay attention to the paint color because it can be changed but to focus on the "bones" of the house. Seriously, focus on the campaign theme and messaging and not the font color. So. Frustrating.

Cue the world's smallest violin.

Friday
I'm volunteering at Habitat for Humanity all day tomorrow and then my week is over!

Ok, put the violin away and cue the HH music!!

Quote Of The Day...

2011-04-21T12:31:00.000-05:00

ABC's of Me...

2011-04-19T07:00:00.001-05:00

A lot of bloggers have already posted this “ABC’s of Me” game, so I thought I would play along too. Who knows, maybe you'll learn something new about me!
A. Age: 27

B. Bed size: Queen. However, I only get about ¼ of it because Hubby MD and Reggie take up most of the room.

C. Chore you hate: Shoveling. I hate shoveling snow. I really just hate snow period.

D. Dogs: Reggie! We adopted Reg from a shelter and they think he's 1/2 beagle and 1/2 hound. We love our little mutt!

Sir Reginald

E. Essential start to your day: Coffee. Lots of coffee.

F. Favorite color: Pink!

G. Gold or silver: Sliver.

H. Height: 5’3” but if you want to get technical, I'm 5' 2 3/4"

I. Instruments you play: I don’t play anything now, but I played the flute 5th – 8th grade and I took piano lessons for 5+ years.

J. Job title: Marketing Specialist

K. Kids: Someday.

L. Live: In the ‘burbs of Minneapolis

M. Mom’s name: Laura, but she goes by Laurie

N. Nicknames: Mal, Mal Pal, Maltini

O. Overnight hospital stays: Only one. I was in the hospital for 3 weeks when I was 15 months old for an infection in my knee.

P. Pet peeve: When people are late... especially people who are always late to everything.

Q. Quote from a movie: “I totally paused!”

One of my favorite movies of all time!

R. Right or left handed: Right.

S. Siblings: Two sisters and one brother.

Lil Sis W and I

T. Time you wake up: Monday – Friday my first alarm goes off at 5:40 and I hit snooze until 6:00. Saturday & Sunday is fair game and depends on what we have going on.

U. Underwear: Thongs.

V. Vegetables you dislike: None. I’m a vegetarian so vegetables are my life line.

W. What makes you run late: Deciding what to wear and/or straightening my hair. However, I am rarely late as it is a huge peeve of mine when people are late.

X. X-Rays you’ve had: Chest, leg, arm, teeth.

Y. Yummy food you make: Sweet Treats!

Z. Zoo Animal Favorite: Monkeys.

Training Recap - Weeks 5 & 6

2011-04-18T12:56:00.003-05:00

With being gone on vacation last week I've gotten behind on my weekly training recaps. So, here's a quick recap of week 5 & 6!

The plan for weeks 5 & 6...

Week 5 Recap

Sunday: 5 Miles + Core
Monday: 4 Miles + Strength
Tuesday: Rest Day
Wednesday: Rest Day (went to HH and got a pedicure - doesn't get much better for a rest day!)
Thursday: 10 Miles (had to get a long run in before vacation!)
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: 5 Miles + Stength + Core (hotel gym)

Week 5 Training Plan Miles = 25
Week 5 Total Miles = 24
Total 1/2 Marathon Training Miles = 106

As always, I drastically deviated from my plan during week 5. Oh well, as long as I get the miles in I'm not too concerned.

Week 5 Highlights

HH and a pedicure on one of my rest days! My feet have never been so happy! However, I can't say the same for the girl having to work on them!
Knocking out this great 10 mile run before leaving for vacation - felt so great (minus the running into the wind for 6 miles part of it)!

Week 5 Lowlights

Not making my mileage for the week. I was only off by a mile, but it's still frustrating to an extreme perfectionist like myself.

---

Week 6
Sunday: 4 Miles + Core + Strength (hotel gym)
Monday: 2.5 Miles + 20 minutes eliptical + Core (last day in the hotel gym)
Tuesday: Rest Day
Wednesday: 6 Miles + Core
Thursday: 2 Miles + 60 minutes kickboxing
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: 6 Miles + Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6 Pack Level 1

Week 6 Training Plan Miles = 24
Week 6 Total Miles = 20.5
Total 1/2 Marathon Training Miles = 126.5

Week 6 Highlights

Vacation! Obviously I didn't hit my mileage for a second week, but I was on vacation so that made up for it!

Week 6 Lowlights

No outdoor runs at all this week - all miles logged on the dreadmill.
Snow in April! It snowed on Saturday 4 inches at our house and was freezing! I felt like we went back in time to January. So I didn't get my long run in outside and could only muster out a measly 6 miles on the dreadmill (my worst enemy right now).

I'm back on track and crossing my fingers for nice weather on Saturday so I can dominate the 12 miles I have planned!

Vacation Detox...

2011-04-15T08:57:00.000-05:00

I'm back from my vacation to the desert with MOH K.

I haven't downloaded the pics of my camera yet so a couple photo photos will have to do for now! :)

I'm tan.

I'm tired.

I'm behind at work.

I don't want to see another plate of nachos or any form of Mexican food in a long time.

I feel like it's Tuesday and not Friday.

I need a vacation detox.

Quote Of The Day...

2011-04-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

Quote Of The Day...

2011-04-07T09:54:00.000-05:00

One More Day...

2011-04-07T09:26:00.001-05:00

Until it's vacation time with my bestie, MOH K!

Phoenix, here we come! As you can see we both need some sun! ;)

MOH K got into town last night and we went to happy hour with my co-workers (she got to see all the crazies that work in the world of marketing/advertising) and then we got vacation pedicures!

Typically, I don't go for the foral design but I thought it would be fun for vacation!

Do you like my new Jessica Simpsons?

I am obsessed with her whole collection - shoes, purses, scarves, sunglasses. The girl may no longer be a pop star, but she sure has built herself one heck of a fashion empire. I wonder if she's hiring in the marketing department? I would totally work for free shoes! Don't worry Hubby MD, I'll get you some shoes too!

Time for work!

Have a wonderful day friends!

Training Recap - Week 4

2011-04-05T13:39:00.003-05:00

Week 4 Schedule...

Week 4 Recap

Sunday: 5 Miles + Jillian Michaels: 6 Weeks Six Pack Level 2
Monday: 2 mile walk with Hubby MD & Reggie (pseudo rest day)
Tuesday: 20 minutes stairclimber + 1 mile run + strength
Wednesday: 6 Miles
Thursday: 2 Miles + 60 minutes kickboxing
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: 9 Miles + core

Week 4 Training Plan Miles = 23
Week 4 Total Miles = 23

Total 1/2 Marathon Training Miles = 82

Week 4 Highlights

Going for a lovely walk with Hubby MD and Reg for an easy Monday workout!
Gorgeous running weather on Saturday!
Running with my sister! We had a nice 3 hour workout together on Saturday! We ran 3.5 miles to the club to do some core work, and then ran another 5.5 miles home. Well, I did another 5.5 miles! ;)

Week 4 Lowlights

Kickboxing on Thursday was one of the worst classes I've had. Ever. I've been going for the past 2.5 years every Thursday and last week was very subpar compared to normal.
Only doing the Jillian Michaels: 6 Weeks Six Pack DVD one time. I wanted to do it at least 3 in preparation for my upcoming vacay.
Jillian beating up my legs again with all the squats! I was sore until Tuesday from doing the workout on Sunday!

Things are still going well with the training. I'm looking forward race day coming... and going... so I can move on to official marathon training!

Adult Truths...

2011-04-05T12:52:00.011-05:00

A co-worker passed on these "adult truths" to me this morning. I had seen a few before, but nonetheless they still made me giggle!

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

22. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

23. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

24. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

My favorites - 7, 17, 18, 22, & 23!

Which "truths" are your favorite?

Quote Of The Day...

2011-03-31T08:35:00.002-05:00

The White Suit Trend...

2011-03-30T09:49:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things about being a twenty-something marketing professional is the dress code - I love business attire. Of course I have closet full of black, navy, brown, grey, etc. suits, but I'm missing one color...white!

I'm obsessing over all the white suits that have been hitting the store windows and runways this season! Hubby MD said I'm crazy to want a white suit, but I think the white jacket trend is fabulous and I want to jump on the train!

Here are some of my favorite looks...

My only reservations with getting a white suit is the fear of spilling Starbucks on it, sitting in something that leaves a nice stain on my rear end, and sweat showing (ugh, I have some severe overactive sweat glads, but that's another story). On the other hand, a white suit would be fun for spring/summer, look great with dark jeans for a casual work day, and would make me look really tan! :) Ugh, what's a twenty-something girl to do?

What do you think of the white suit trend? Should I got for it and get one, or pass on this look?

Training Recap - Week 3

2011-03-28T12:18:00.003-05:00

So here is what was on the plan for Week 3 (click to enlarge)

Week 3 Recap

Sunday: 7 Miles + Strength
Monday: 4 Miles (Outside!)
Tuesday: Jillian Michaels: 6 Weeks Six Pack Level 2
Wednesday: Rest Day
Thursday: 6 Miles + Core
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: 6 Miles
Week 3 Training Plan Miles = 22
Week 3 Total Miles = 23

Total 1/2 Marathon Training Miles = 59

With my busy work schedule and the weather still being cold I've come to find that what I have on my plan and what I actually end up doing don't always match up. For example, on Wednesday I had a six mile run planned but had to volunteer after work until 6:30. I would have totally went for a run outside afterwards if the weather had been cooperating, but there was no way I was hopping on a treadmill at 7:00 at night. So, I had to miss kickboxing on Thursday and get those miles in.

Training Highlights

I was able to get in one outdoor run this week! Not going to lie, it was chilly, but it felt great to breath some fresh air in my lungs!
My new shoes are broken in and my feet felt great all week!
I did level 2 of 6 Weeks Six Pack for the first time. I was surprised at how much leg work it had - lots of lunges which made for heavy and tired legs for a couple days.

Training Lowlights

The weather. It seriously needs to warm up here or I'm going to lose my mind.
Missing kickboxing on Thursday. I equate kickboxing to my form of therapy and use that 60 minutes to punch, hit, and kick out my frustration. Sometimes I imagine certain people when I'm punching... sometimes.
My long run on Saturday was only 6 miles. I just couldn't run another mile on the treadmill. So over it and ready to get outside!

Overall the first three weeks have not been bad. I'm looking forward to some warmer weather this upcoming weekend and getting a nice long run in. I'm crossing my fingers for a 10-miler!

Quote Of The Day...

2011-03-23T09:27:00.000-05:00

Training Recap - Week 2

2011-03-22T09:00:00.001-05:00

Below is what was on tap for week two of my training plan for the Fargo 1/2 marathon.

Week 2 Recap

Sunday: 5 Miles
Monday: 20 minutes on the stair climber + stength
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: 6 Miles (first outdoor run of the season!!)
Thursday: 3 Miles + 60 minute kickboxing class
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: Funeral (I was hoping to get my run in after the funeral, but that didn't pan out)

Week 2 Training Plan Miles = 22
Week 2 Total Miles = 14

Total Training Miles = 36

Training Highlights
Obviously, getting outside for a nice 6 miler and finally being able to use my new Garmin Foreunner 305 was a major highlight for me. It's so fun to see the pace you're running at during your run as well as get a breakdown of each miles pace when you're done. I don't know how I ran all those years without one!

Training Lowlights
We ended up having to go to an out-of-town funeral on Saturday so I wasn't able to get my long run for the week in. Obviously I was bummed to not log those miles, but that's just the way it goes sometimes. I've already made up 6 of those miles this week and might add the final two onto my long run on Saturday.

All-in-all not an impressive week, but I was able to get outside so I'm happy about that!

Hello, Springtime...

2011-03-21T12:20:00.000-05:00

After a long, cold, and snow filled winter I happily welcome spring back into my life today! Spring brings me one step closer to my favorite time of the year, summer!

I can't wait for blooming flowers, green grass, vegetable gardens, and sunshine!

Wishing you all a lovely first day of spring!

Happy Friday...

2011-03-18T09:12:00.000-05:00

It's been a long and kind of stressful week so I'm totally ready for the weekend and a much needed break from work for a couple days.

I'm looking forward to...

Having dinner and cocktails with some good friends after work tonight
Seeing my brother, sister, & MOH K (!!!)
Running outside in the sunshine! 8 miles on the training plan for Saturday!
Making iced coffee
Watching basketball with Hubby MD (Go Dukies!)
Sunday errand running
Cuddling with Reggie
Reading and napping

What are you up to this weekend?

Quote Of The Day...

2011-03-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Training Recap - Week 1...

2011-03-16T10:03:00.003-05:00

I'm officially in race training mode!

The first week of training for my first half marathon of the year started last week. I've never followed an "official" training plan before. Typically I would just run a few days a week, do core work a couple times a week, do a few arm lifts here and there and call it my "training plan". I know that I was going about training completely the wrong way and decided to do things differently this year, and by different I mean actually have a plan.

Have you noticed the new tabs at the top of Cocktails &Cashmere?

If you click on the running tab you'll see my "official" half marathon training plan. I put together a plan based off of Hal Higdon's training plan. This is my 3rd half marathon and I'm not too worried about the training as it's pretty similiar to what I'm already doing. The marathon training plan scares me a bit though. I'll post that once I get through this one!

I'm going to start doing a weekly "Running Recap" on Mondays so you can see how I did for the week vs. my plan. If you have any training tips/suggestions/recommendations I would love to hear them! My first marathon is on October 2nd so I have a lot of miles to log ahead of me and can use all the help I can get!

It's only the first week of recaps and I'm already behind schedule on posting it! Below is a quick overview of what I did last week. I promise they will be more exciting in the future!

Week 1 Recap
Sunday: 7 Miles
Monday: 5 Miles + Stength
Tuesday: Core
Wednesday: Rest Day
Thursday: 3 Miles + 60 minute kickboxing class
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: 7 Miles + Stength/Core

Training Plan Miles = 21
Total Miles = 22

Yay, a mile increase over the plan! Ok, I'll admit that I made this plan after I ran for the week so that's why I'm over on the mileage. Unfortunately, I had to run all 22 miles on the dreadmill. The weather is starting to warm up here and the snow is melting away so I'm hoping I can start logging some miles outside in the next couple weeks!

Have you started training for any races?

Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies...

2011-03-15T07:00:00.002-05:00

Do you ever get an urge to just bake something?

I do. All the time. Good for Hubby MD, but bad for my waistline.

I whipped up these absolutely delicious cookies the other night. They are a perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter mixed into a bite size chewy cookie.

You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now so you should just go ahead and bake these right away. Trust me, you won't be disappointed... and who cares what our waistline thinks anyway?

Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Adapted From All Recipes

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup peanut butter

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

2 eggs

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons water

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the honey, water, and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the peanut butter mixture. Fold in chocolate chips. Form into tablespoon size balls and place on a greased cookie sheet.

Bake for 7 - 8 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are golden. Allow cookies to cool for 1 minute on the cookie sheet before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy!

Cake Batter Krispy Treats...

2011-03-12T10:22:00.000-06:00

What do you get when you combine rice krispies, cake batter, and sprinkles?

Cake Batter Krispy Treats!

I made these fun treats as a light desert at a dinner party I had a couple weekends ago. We had steak, chicken, and shrimp kabobs for dinner so I didn't want to have a rich desert to follow and these super cute marshmallow squares of goodness fit the bill!

I have to warn you, they are very addicting! Hubby MD couldn't keep his hands off of them! I even had to resort to putting a "do not eat me" note on the pyrex containter so he didn't eat all of them before our guests even arrived!

Cake Batter Krispy Treats

Adapted From Rice Krispies

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter

1 bag of mini marshmallows

1/4 cup yellow cake mix

6 cups rice krispies cerel

Sprinkles (I used a 1.75 oz containter of multi-colored)

Directions

Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat and add marshmallows. Stir until they are almost completely melted. Add in cake mix one teaspoon at a time until it's combined with marshmallows. Stir in cerel until it's completely coated with the marshmallow mix. Add in half of the sprinkles and mix. Press into a baking dish (I used a 9 x 13 sprayed with non stick spray, but any size would work) and top with the remaining sprinkles. Let sit for 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

Enjoy!

Quote Of The Day...

2011-03-09T12:30:00.000-06:00

Starbucks Siren...

2011-03-08T13:01:00.005-06:00

Have you been to Starbucks yet this week? If not, pencil in a coffee run over lunch tomorrow so you can get your hands on one of these lovelies...

Starbuck Petites! I literally squealed with delight when I saw cake pops in the pastry display case on my coffee run today! I doubled squealed in delight when I read that all of the new mini treats have 200 calories or less!

Cake Pops were not the only change at my favorite caffeine haven today. Starbucks also launched their new logo yesterday featuring the Starbucks Siren.

Thoughts on the new look?

If I keep pounding iced coffees like I have been as of late I think I just may turn into the Starbucks Siren! I guess that wouldn't be too bad... if it meant I got free iced coffees.

The Institution of Marriage...

2011-03-04T12:25:00.001-06:00

I saw this status floating around on Facebook today that made me laugh, think, and shake my head in amazement...

So, let me get this straight...Charlie Sheen can make a "porn family", Kelsey Gramer can end a 15 year marriage over the phone, Larry King can be on divorce #9, Britney Spears had a 55 hour marriage, Jesse James and Tiger Woods, while married, were having sex with EVERYONE. Yet, the idea of same-sex marriage is going to destroy the institution of marriage? Really? Re-post if you are proud to support equal rights.

I know everyone won't agree, but personally I support this statement and equal rights.

Everyone mentioned above has 100% obliterated the meaning of the word "marriage". It's considered the norm in our society to cheat on your spouse, leave your spouse for someone else, and get divorced multiple times yet same-sex marriage is deemed ridiculous and immoral by so many people. How is that getting divorced nine times or cheating on your wife countless times isn't wrong, but same-sex marriage is?

Honestly, I just don't get it. We all are entitled to our own opinions, that's the beauty of being an American, but shouldn't we also all be entitled to equal rights, including being able to marry whomever we want?

I know it's a heavy topic for a Friday, but what are your thoughts on this issue?

Quote Of The Day...

2011-03-02T12:27:00.000-06:00

Sunshine Bound...

2011-02-28T12:45:00.001-06:00

There is finally a glimmer of light at the end of this long Minnesota winter tunnel. In five ~~short~~ weeks MOH K and I will be jetting off to spend a long weekend together in the desert!

Hello Phoenix, I can't wait to meet you!

I'm looing forward to sunshine, lounging by the pool, sipping cocktails, and spending time with my bestie! Neither one of us has ever been to Phoenix before so if you have recommendations of restuarants, spas, nightlife, etc. that we should check out we would like to hear them! I'm also looking for recommendations of good running/hiking trails in the area.

Have you ever been to Phoenix? If so, what's your favorite part about the city?

Big Mistake...

2011-02-24T09:27:00.002-06:00

I didn't turn down helping Vivian find new clothes in my store, but I did make a big mistake. Big. Huge!

Per usual I did my morning routine of reading my favorite blogs, catching up on Facebook, and checking our online banking statements to make sure all of our financial ducks are in a row. Everything was going fine until I checked the banking statements. I literally gasped at what I saw on my sceen. I had meant to make a $75 payment to one of our accounts but must have fat fingered the number pad and entered a payment of $750! Yeah, that's a big mistake! Big. Huge!

I called Hubby MD in a panic and he came to my rescue and was able to get us credited back for my mistake. The only downfall is we have to wait 10 - 14 days for a check to come. Seriously, who uses checks anymore? I paid online why can't I be refunded online? It's not the end of the world waiting for a check to come, but I would rather just have the whole mess fixed today and not in 10 - 14 business days.

Needless to say my Thursday is off to a rough start. I think I need a Starbucks... and smaller fingers.

Have you ever made a bill pay error?

Quote Of The Day...

2011-02-23T13:58:00.000-06:00

I totally agree! My best ideas don't come while I'm sitting at my desk. Rather they come during the time I spend away from my desk doing the things that feed my soul - running, frolicking with friends, lounging on the couch, people watching at the farmers market, drinking coffee, sipping cocktails on my deck, relaxing at the lake, day dreaming on a Saturday afternoon, etc.

Where do your best ideas come from?

Cookie Dough Truffles...

2011-02-22T07:00:00.001-06:00

Do you remember the oreo truffles?

Well friends, I have something even better!

Let me introduce you to Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles.

Ah-mazing!

Cookie Dough Truffles

adapated from Food Network

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
1 cup milk chocolate chips (regular or mini)
1 package chocolate almond bar/chocolate candy coating

Directions
In a large bowl cream butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer at medium speed until creamy. Add vanilla. Gradually beat in flour and add consensed milk. Add chocolate chips and mix well. Roll into 1 tablespoon balls and place on waxed paper; chill 2 hours. Note, the dough will be sticky so you may want to flour your hands.

Coating
Prepare almond bark according to the package. Dip cookie balls into melted chocolate coating to cover. Place on wax paper to let set. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

*Note, these are great to throw in the freezer and grab as a quick treat. Hubby MD and I actually prefer them frozen over not. Get crazy, give it a try!

This was my second time making these bite size balls of cookie dough bliss and I will be making them again. Soon. I made this batch to bring as Valentine treats for my co-workers!

I also made strawberry cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and pink sprinkles. Who doesn't love pink sprinkles? I lost count of how many truffles and cupcakes I ate. It must have been all that love in the air or something.

Enjoy!

No Big Deal...

2011-02-21T20:11:00.002-06:00

Just another typical weekend for us here in MinneSNOWta... no big deal.

15+ inches of snow in two days. nbd

11th snowiest winter on record to-date. nbd

Hubby MD having to drive to me work because my car couldn't get out our street. nbd

Shoveling the driveway three times and counting. nbd

Getting through the last two months of winter without losing my sanity... tbd

Quote Of The Day...

2011-02-17T08:52:00.003-06:00

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Do you have a favorite quote? If so, I would love to feature it on C&C. Email me at cocktailsandcashmere@gmail.com

Mourning...

2011-02-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

Friends, I'm in mourning.

Last week, one of my Genoa City favorites, Cane Ashby, was taken way before his time.

I've beeing watching Young & the Restless as long as I can remenber and I've never been so upset over someone being killed off the show. I wasn't even this upset when Drucilla fell off that cliff and was never found!

I loved Cane.

I loved Cane and Lily.

Sure, he lied about who he was when he first came to town but all he wanted was a real family. He captured my heart, and Lily's, with his suave Australian accent and seductive smile. Our time together was way too short.

Cane, you will be missed, but I'm secretly hoping you will be one of the lucky ones that wasn't actually killed and comes back in a couple years alive and well with the real story of what happened. Hey, it's a soap opera, it could happen.

It's Official...

2011-02-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

I'm running a marathon!

Last week I officially signed up to run my first marathon! I decided to run the TC (Twin Cities) Marathon in October. I figured I would be able to get the most fans come out to cheer me on if I did a local race where no-one had to travel. So, Minneapolis it is! I'm so excited and can't wait to get my training plan finalized and get running!

Last week I also signed up for a 1/2 marathon in May in the Lengendary State (hopefully this year my fans will get a picture of me finishing) and I'm still looking for a local 1/2 marathon to run with my sister in July/August timeframe. I might dabble in a few local 10k this summer as well to get a few more races in before the big one on October 2nd! It's going to be a fun race season - I can't wait!!

Have you signed up for any summer races? If so, which ones?