Post #100!

I've made it to my 100th post! And on Christmas Eve, none the less! Let me tell you, I did NOT plan it that way. I don't think I am even remotely that talented.

Most people are probably traveling or busy picking up last minute gifts, cooking, or frolicking in the snow somewhere! Woody and I are crossing our fingers that our plane leaves LGA and arrives safely in Minneapolis. The joys of winter travel! ;)

So... I've seen quite a few bloggers do special posts for their 100th, and being the follower that I am, have planned something similar for you today. Here it goes.

10 of 10 (10 things for 10 topics)

My 10 Favorite Healthy Foods: 1) apples, 2) bananas, 3) sweet potatoes, 4) fresh corn on the cob, 5) blueberries, 6) almonds, 7) avocado, 8) peanut butter, 9) dark chocolate, 10) yogurt
My 10 Favorite Un-healthy Foods: 1) chocolate, 2) cookies, 3) ice cream, 4) grilled cheese sandwiches, 5) pasties (a Finnish dish), 6) waffle fries, 7) french toast, 8) homefries, 9) brownies, 10) new england clam chowder
My 10 Favorite Places: 1) Mill Point, 2) Traverse City, 3) Michigan State Campus, 4) Little Dix Bay, 5) London, 6) Montreal, 7) Venice, 8) Leelanau & Old Mission Peninsulas, 9) Central Park, 10) home (in NYC & Okemos)
10 Places I Want to Go Someday: 1) Cuba, 2) Napa Valley, 3) Boston, 4) Greece, 5) Rome, 6) Ireland, 7) Finland, 8) Seattle, 9) Portugal, 10) Denver
10 Things I Find Annoying at the Gym or While Running (for fun or in races): 1) people who don't wear appropriate clothing, 2) when people move weights and don't put them back, 3) when people don't wipe their sweat off the machine they were just on for an hr, 4) excessive grunting, 5) when people talk too loudly, especially on their phone, 6) heavy feet, 7) when someone cuts me off during a race, 8) when someone starts a race in a coral that is too fast for them 9) when someone is not mindful of the fact that other people are running on the same path or working out in the same area as them, 10) when people flex in the mirror incessantly, checking themselves out
The 10 Best Running "Tools": 1) The Stick, 2) good shoes, 3) fuel belt, 4) iPod, 5) a good watch, 6) socks that stay put, 7) WATER, 8) Gels/Shot Blocks/fuel in general, 9) ice baths (even though they can be excruciating!), 10) compression socks
10 Reasons Why I LOVE Running: 1) it's a great way to enjoy the outdoors, 2) a great workout (that's pretty obvious), 3) the sense of accomplishment I feel when I've finished a great run or completed a race, 4) an opportunity to either block everything out and focus on running or to think about things, 5) cute running clothes(!), 6) the awesomeness of race day excitement, 7) it's good for my physical health & my soul, 8) great way to spend time with friends, 9) I now LOVE adding to my race medal collection, 10) the post run chocolate milk!
10 Great Places to Run or Races to Race: 1) Central Park, 2) Berlin, 3) Hudson River Park, 4) the Chanhassen, MN area (the lakes are beautiful at sunrise!), 5) Montreal, 6) NYC Marathon, 7) Mini 10K, 8) Scotland Run, 9) Japan Day 4 miler, 10) The NYC 1/2 Marathon
10 Simple Things that Make Me Smile: 1) a hug from my husband, 2) warm, sunny days, 3) perfectly timing with the bus or subway, 4) watching kids laugh and play without a care, 5) a piece of really good chocolate, 6) hearing a really great song, especially one sung by Ella Fitzgerald, 7) watching a classic episode of "Friends," 8) finishing a great workout, 9) wearing a new outfit for the first time, 10) hearing about a friend's accomplishment
10 Things I'm Thankful For: 1) my uber-supportive parents, my sister & her family, 2) my amazing husband, 3) a comfortable, safe home with plenty to eat, 3) wonderful friends & family, 4) the ability & desire to run, 5) the opportunity to live & work in NYC, 6) a great education, 7) my hopes & dreams, 8) opportunities to travel, 9) that I live in the US, 10) everyone who reads this blog!

So..... that's it! I hope you've enjoyed my lists and I look forward to sharing a lot more with you in the months to come!

Please send good thoughts in the general direction of LaGuardia Airport, that we might actually get out this afternoon and land safely in Minneapolis. I'm taking my computer with me, so I'll post pictures from the land of snow!! If you're traveling over the holidays too, I hope your travels are safe and easy.



Merry Christmas Eve!!