I Love Packing

When I was young, I would spend a lot of time putting together packing lists whenever we were going on a trip. Growing up in Michigan, most of these trips were either going to our cottage Up North, traveling to New Jersey to visit my Grandparents or, in middle school and high school, going to band camp in the summer (yes, I went to band camp). I spent a lot of time planning what to take with me when we went camping out West for a month when I was in middle school, then in high school when I went to Europe one summer. My mom might correct me here, but I think the only time I really made lists like this was when I was getting ready for a trip. Looking back on it, I think I spent so much time and effort planning what to pack because I was so excited about the trip. I think I loved traveling, whether a weekend trip to the cottage or a trip to another continent, even when I was a kid.

Traveling brings new adventures and new understandings. It’s a chance to escape the normal routine and learn something new. I haven’t been out of NYC since February. It hurts to even write that. I can’t believe it’s been that long, but it explains why I’ve been so easily irritated lately. I find myself even more annoyed than usual with the person who rushes on the subway car before anyone can get off or who decides it’s okay to stand on the left side of the escalator even though that’s clearly the side for people who want to keep moving. I need to get away.

Thankfully, it’s happening this weekend! Woody is picking me up from work tomorrow and we’re heading out of town! You see, Saturday is a pretty special day for us. It’s our 5th anniversary! We decided to celebrate with a long weekend in the Finger Lakes region. We plan to spend the weekend exploring wineries, little lake side towns and a state park or two. Oh, and a lot of R&R. I’m hoping to get in a run or two as well.

Well, it’s getting late. Gotta finish packing and go to sleep! Hitting the gym in the morning!

 

• Do you like to travel?
• What’s one item you can’t go on a trip without?

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Today’s workout -

• 45min elliptical
• 3x10 upright row
• 3x10 lateral arm raise
• 3x10 step ups
• 3x10 single leg bosu ball balance
• 125 ab exercises
• 1x50sec plank
• stretching

Rainy Day Sunday

What do you do on a day like this?


there should be more buildings in this picture


Eat some of these...

and then meet up with great girlfriends...

not a picture from Sunday

for a chick-flick movie marathon!

Bridesmaids was totally hilarious, while as inappropriate as you'd expect from a Judd Apatow film. But, that's what they were going for! Something Borrowed, was cute and definitely a chick flick. It was a great afternoon and I can't wait till we can do it again.

Saturday morning, I ran a mile. It was a slow mile, and on the treadmill, but it was the first mile I've run in over a month. I went into it with clear limits. I would stop the second it started to hurt, but if it didn't hurt, I would stop at a mile and not an inch further. It didn't hurt, my form felt really good, so I stopped when the distance read 1.00. I did a bunch of stretching before hand, warmed up with a quarter mile walk at a quick pace and then followed it with another quarter mile, stretching and 10 minutes on the elliptical to finish my cardio. Nearly 24 hours later and I haven't felt any pain! I'm definitely taking this slow but I have races I want to run. If it means I only run two or three times a week, then that's what it's going to take. I don't need to break speed records, I just want to be a part of it all again. And have fun.

• What was the best part of your weekend?

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Friday's workout -
None. Rest day!
(If you didn't know, Blogger was down Friday and is why I haven't posted since Wednesday!)

Saturday's workout -
1mile run
.5mile warm-up/cool-down
10min elliptical
2x15 lat arm raise
2x20 weighted side bend
150 crunches
3x15 reverse crunches
2x20 tricep kickbacks
2x20 bicep curls
foam roller
stretching

Sunday's workout -
20min elliptical
100 crunches
2x20 hammer curl
2x20 bent row
2x20 lat pull down
2x60sec superman
stretching

Today's workout -
25min elliptical
100 crunches
3x15 reverse crunches
2x20 cable push-down
2x20 overhead tricep extension
2x20 front arm raise
3x15 back extension
stretching
foam roller

What's Going On?

I'll try to make this short because it has absolutely nothing to do with the usual topics of this blog. If you just want running news, head to the bottom of the post. (I won't blame you if you do!)

Last night on my way to Zumba, I was running a bit late because I had to wait quite a while for a 6 train. When I got off at Grand Central to get the 4/5 the crowd on the platform was huge; 4-6 people deep. The first train came and I knew I wasn't going to get on. I looked down towards the next car and there were just as many people trying to get on. All of a sudden I noticed a woman stepping into the car and I knew something was off. Next thing I know I see hands against her pushing her back off the car. She stepped back on. Again, she was physically pushed off. Seconds later a fight broke out; she was punching the woman who pushed her and the woman was punching and pushing back. It seemed like eternity before some guys stepped on and pulled them apart. I couldn't believe I was witnessing a fight between two grown women.

Yesterday morning I saw YouTube footage of a fight at an IHOP restaurant. A few weeks ago it was footage of high school kids beating up on a Burger King worker who was trying to stop a food fight. And how many times have we seen video, taken by teenagers and posted on YouTube of group beatings of other teens?

What is wrong with us? Why are people so pushy? Why are people so defensive and angry? So determined to get somewhere fast that they don't care about human decency. That they don't have any respect for anyone else. I admit it, sometimes I get frustrated on the subway after a long day of work when I'm being pushed around so people can stuff themselves onto the car. But that's only if I'm already on the car, because I can't stand being packed like a sardine and I'd rather wait for the next train than get pushed around. Why are so many people looking for a fight? Where did things go wrong?

We don't have hands to hit, voices to curse, and feet to kick. I'm really disturbed by how people can be so hateful. Isn't it exhausting to be mad all the time?

Maybe we all need a little more yoga and a few more early morning runs in our lives. A few deep breaths each day. I much rather spend my time laughing and making good memories.

Okay. Rant over and onto a happier topic. Today was my first speedwork session for my 10-miler training. It went pretty well, I think. I've never done speedwork on my own and definitely never on a treadmill. I came up with a plan on how to tackle it and went with it! I started with my usual 0.15mile walk to warm-up, but then did 1 mile at 6.2m/hr pace. Then I started the intervals. 4x800 was on the plan for today. Between each half mile interval I jogged for a quarter mile (or one lap on a 400m track). After the intervals were done I finished up with another 1mile cool-down run and 0.15mile walk. If you're wondering, I came up with 0.15miles for my warm-up/cool-down walk distance because it helps warm up my legs but it doesn't take up too much of the time I have in the morning. Overall, I think this workout went well. I'll push the pace a little next time (in two weeks) but I also have to add another repeat! Next Wednesday is a tempo run. Tomorrow calls for an easy 2 mile run, but I'll probably do 3 or 4 miles.

• Do you prefer to defuse or ignore a tense situation?
• Walk away or confront?
• Do you do speedwork intervals in your training?

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Last night's workout -
Zumba

Today's workout -
1mile warm-up
4x800 intervals
1mile cool-down
lots of stretching

Getting Ready for 2011

I've said it before, I'm a media sponge. Admittedly there are many others who are able to absorb more than I, but I'd un-scientifically estimate that about 90% of my average waking day involves some sort of media.

I watch the news at the gym while I'm on the elliptical. We watch the news getting ready for work. I blog before work and try to read at least one or two others while eating breakfast. A book or magazine is with me during my morning commute. At work I'm on email all day long, both work & personal, I check FB, twitter, and various news sites throughout the day. Right now, I have 10 windows open in Explorer. Once I make it back home we're watching the news or The Daily Show and then whatever other TV show we're addicted to is on that night. And most nights the computer is on after dinner so I can finish reading any articles I didn't get to during the day or new blogs that have been posted. Does this sound familiar?

Over the years I've also signed up for a lot of email newsletters. Unfortunately, most of them are daily and my inbox is filled with more of these than emails from friends or family. They arrive in my work and personal email in-boxes. What's worse is that I want to read them all. If I don't, how do I know what's going on? There is so much information out there and so much happening every moment, I feel lost when I can't read the headlines at the very least just to get a snapshot. It would be impossible to read every article or tweet. Which reminds me, how do people tweet so much every day? Granted, less than a quarter of all twitter users actually use it a lot. But those who do, do a lot! Some days I will tweet frequently, but most days are pretty sporadic. All I hope is that I'm offering worth while tidbits of info (aside from the occasional "it's so cold in here!").

One of my goals for 2011 is to reduce the number of email newsletters I get. But where do I begin to cut?

• AdAge Daily
• MediaVOX
• Ragan's Daily Headlines (PR Industry)
• HARO (yes, this could probably go but it's so interesting to see what people are writing about!)
• NY Times Media Decoder
• ProBlogger Blog Tips
• NY Times Today
• TastingTable NYC
• Vital Juice Everywhere
• Vital Juice New York
• Pop Sugar Daily Digest
• Daily Candy
• Flavorpill
• Jetsetter
• Tablet
• The Beauty Bean
• Eat This, Not That
• Weight Watchers
• Hungry Girl
• Healthy Bitch Daily
• Runner's World
• Women's Health Daily Dose
• New York Road Runners
• Living Social
• Groupon
• And 1 (or 6) retailers and blog feeds

Wow, typing all this out makes me a little nauseous! I have gained at least a few insights from all of these, but there are definitely a few here that I can get rid of. Others though, I just can't part with. I imagine that hitting the 'unsubscribe' button while cleaning out my inbox will be a bit refreshing and will help me start 2011 feeling a bit lighter and my life a little less cluttered. Who knows, I might find a few extra minutes each day that I can reallocate to running or relaxing with my husband!

To be accountable for cleaning out my inboxes, in two weeks I'm going to revisit this post and report on how I've done!

Do you have an unhealthy addiction to media and e-newsletters like I do? Are you planning to lighten your inbox a little come 2011?

(fyi - if you want info on any of these newsletters or websites, just email me or leave a comment)
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today's workout -
40min elliptical
3x10 upright row
3x12 overhead tricep extension
3x10 weighted side bend
3x10 cable pull twists

Weekend Warrior

We had a busy weekend! I'm kind of exhausted and not everything is done, but I'm really happy about all we accomplished. We even got a little bit of time Sunday evening to relax...a little.

Since I started running again after my latest foot injury, my weekend workouts have mostly just consisted of running and/or yoga. While I was injured and before I started training for the marathon last year, I would extend my weekend workouts to take advantage of the fact that I didn't have to rush to work. Well, I've decided that it's about time I start doing that again. I liked being done with laundry and my cleaning duties on Sunday morning before 11:30am, but if I'm going to drop these few pesky pounds and pump up a little, I have to make some changes.

Last week I added 5 minutes to my time on the elliptical each morning. It's not a lot, but it's something. I also increased the intensity for a portion of the time.

Saturday and Sunday after my runs I came inside and headed to the gym in our building for workout pt 2: core work, stretching, strength training and a little more cardio time.

I felt great and accomplished each morning by the end. Well rounded workouts. Neither were too heavy with the weights, but it's more than I was doing before and on weekends when I'm not quite so busy, then I'll be able to spend a bit more time on it.

Each run was pretty good. I hadn't run since last Saturday, but my legs were really loose Saturday morning. It was pretty cold but the sun was shining brightly and that helped warm me up. Sunday was a different story though. It was a few degrees warmer but also really cloudy so it felt colder. The tights feel great, but they definitely were not enough for the temps. At least not for me. My legs were cold the entire time and my quads started hurting a bit by mile 5. Plus, there was a strong headwind running north along the East River which made it tougher. It was still a pretty good run though and I'm glad I got out there.

On the life side of things, we also got a lot done. A little Christmas shopping, grocery shopping, bought a new table lamp to match one we already have, finally hung some pictures on the walls after four months being in this apartment, wrote some Christmas cards, cleaned the apartment, hit up the last New Amsterdam Market until Spring, spent some quality girl time with Kether and Grace, and cooked two really tasty and healthy dinners for us. And after a busy weekend, we indulged in a little treat my parents sent us: Boomchunkas! (my favorite cookie ever)

I still have some things to do this week before my parents arrive, but I'm confident it will all get done and we'll have a great visit!

How do you deal with the busy holiday season?

The Week Ahead:
book review: "Run to Overcome"
Columbia winter coat & hat review
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Saturday's workout -
6mile run
20min elliptical
3x10 squat/ball throw
125 crunches
3x10 hammer curls
3x10 bicep curls
1x50sec plank
stretching

Sunday's workout -
5.5mile run
20minute elliptical
3x10 weighted side bends
3x10 overhead tricep extension
100 crunches
stretching

today's workout -
50min/5.7mile elliptical
3x10 lateral arm raise
3x10 front arm raise
stretching

The Case for Vacation

When I started my first full time job after college I was determined to work diligently, do more than was expected and work as many hours as necessary to get the job done and stand out. Loving the company and the work didn't hurt either. But I wasn't so concerned with taking too many vacation days and even with taking a few trips home and having family visit, I stacked up vacation days like no other. I know many people who do this, capping their days so they stop accruing. My Dad worked so much he had built up month's of vacation! Other than taking time for our wedding and honeymoon a few years back, I was well on my way down this road. It was almost a game to see how many days someone could roll over!

When I was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease I was hit with a major reality check. I realized this whole thing was crazy! Why am I spending my life in my office? I would eat breakfast and lunch each day at my desk, and sometimes dinner too. Crazy.

A study done earlier this year by the research firm StudyLogic of 1500 people found that by August, 22% of the respondents had not taken any vacation or planned to. Of that 22% most said they were either too stressed out by work responsibilities to take time off or too busy to plan a vacation. What's almost worse is that 64% said they either cancelled or postponed vacation due to work.

I think part of this is due to our culture, and has been for a long time. The average number of vacation days in many European countries can total a month or more each year. In the US, we're lucky to have 10. There's a sense that doing nothing, or relaxing, is also being lazy. And when you're trying to advance in your job, or just keep your job in this economy, being lazy is not something to be proud of. The problem though, is that by not taking vacation days, we're doing a disservice to ourselves, our loved ones and our employers.

We need vacations to stay balanced. Even for those of us who relieve stress with running, yoga, swimming, biking, cooking, etc. need a real break from our daily life. We need to change things up to keep our minds and souls fresh. By taking vacation, we're less likely to burnout from long work weeks and high stress. Vacation is a time to unplug and reconnect with ones self and loved ones. We can discover new hobbies and interests. When we return from vacation, we're refreshed and (after a little adjustment) ready to tackle projects again with more creativity and a new outlook.

One key thing to remember though - set boundaries. Keep the blackberry turned off. For most of us, the world won't end if we don't respond to a work email immediately! Enjoy where you are and who you're with.

Most of you know I started a new job at the end of the Summer. I'm thankful to have it, but now I have fewer vacation days to enjoy so I need to be smart about how I use them. Part of me is happy that this company doesn't let us roll over days because it means I have to use them next year or I loose them! Just like I'm planning what races to run next year, Woody and I started discussing our vacations. We both have quite a few places on our 'must visit' lists, and we need to start checking them off! For next year we're planning on a long weekend in Florida for my mother-in-law's Birthday, a long weekend in Philly for my Birthday/Broadstreet 10 Mile Run, another long weekend in either North or South Carolina, a week in Seattle, and at least one more long weekend in Michigan in October for my Dad's Birthday/MSU football game/Detroit Half Marathon. I am really excited about these trips and can't wait to start planning! (If you have advice on which Summer month is the best to visit the Carolina's or Seattle, I'd love to hear it!)

Work is important to me, and I still do my best and intend to advance within the company, but I am not letting my life slip by me while I do it. It's not good for anyone involved and it's much more fun this way!

 you can't convince me that you wouldn't want to spend a week here!

We were so relaxed on our honeymoon it spilled over for weeks when we got home!

What's your take on vacation days? Do you use all of yours? 
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today's workout -
unfortunately, none. I woke up to howling winds and rain so I reset my alarm and decided to switch my rest day. I'll go Friday instead!

The Six Letter 'S' Word

You know what I'm talking about. The evil foe that will drag us down, keep us awake at night, follow us every minute of the day. It has the ability turn the happiest, most exciting event into something excruciating. It can wreak havoc on our appetite, and slow us down on our favorite run. It can eat away at us mercilessly. It can take a mental and physical toll.

Stress is not our friend.

Yesterday, the stress that had been building up in me just came to a head. My gym workouts had been extending throughout the day the last few weeks because I've been feeling like I'm carrying around a 50lb weight on my shoulders. Some people may think that being out of work is great - you have all this free time on your hands to do whatever you like, right? Nope. Not really.

The job search.... a death in the family.... a nagging foot injury that keeps me from running.... an apartment search.... a new leadership role with the YPC.... the job search.... wanting to improve this blog.... freelance work.... health issues.... interviews.... the thought of having to move a week after a family vacation.... a foot injury holding me back....

This and more has just been piling up, desperately needing to be released like the lava from the volcano in Iceland. Yesterday I felt like I was suffocating under it all and couldn't take it anymore. I had spent most of the day on the computer inside our apartment. It was gloomy, rainy and humid outside. Truthfully, I felt defeated. By the time Woody got home from work I was completely overwhelmed and exhausted. I just wanted the day to be over, and I hate days like that. We only get a certain number of days in our life, so it's a shame to want to rush through them!

I decided I had to get out and go for a walk, so I put on my shoes, grabbed my iPod and water bottle and left. I went up to Carl Schurz Park along the East River and just sat there, watching the water flow, barges go by, people running along the path, kids playing and dogs running around the dog park. I was listening to an an album by one of my favorite artists - Matt Hales. He writes amazing lyrics and melodies; they instantly eased my mind, a little. 

By the time I got home I knew how to solve one issue. Woody and I talked about it and we decided to get more details about a particular apartment and if there aren't any big surprises, we're going to submit an application. It's not ideal, but the kitchen is pretty amazing and that's rare in this city.

While there are still a lot of things weighing me down, I'm feeling a little better this morning. I had a good walk last night that cleared my mind and a good, hard workout this morning that got me ready for a new day. I usually deal with stress by going for a run or working out. Last night the evening walk listening to beautiful music helped me come to terms with a decision that had to be made. And if I stick to a weekly yoga class, that will also help me manage my stress. Starting now, I'm going to do more to de-stress and not let it build up like it has been. Stress is not going to pull me down!

It's hard to really enjoy life if we're stressed out all the time, and there is plenty to stress about these days, so the trick is finding ways that help you cope with it. How do you manage stress?
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workout stats -
25minutes StairMaster
13miles bike
3x10 arm extension
3x10 arm curls
3x10 seated row
3x10 lat pulldown
stretching

Letting It Flow

This morning while I was trying to roll out some sore spots in my quads at the end of my workout (my legs were dragging this morning) I was thinking back over the weekend and how great it was. I didn't have many commitments and for the most part, ended up just letting it flow as it came - aside from my regular date with the gym.

Typically I like to have everything planned out, at least a couple days in advance. I like to know my schedule so I can make plans and know what to expect. For the most part, I don't see anything wrong with that, I think it is a pretty good way to be, actually. This past weekend started out no different. Saturday after the gym I had everything planned so I could meet up with a friend around 2pm for a walk in the park. Not long before we were to meet the plans changed and were pushed back a couple hours. Instead of worrying how it would change my day and the fact that I missed out on a trip to the farmers market with Woody, I picked up my book and headed outside to read while I waited for her call. The rest of the day was perfect. I had such a great time walking through Central Park, catching up with a good friend and enjoying the great weather. I really can't complain about any part of the weekend. It was pretty great.

Well, until I had trouble falling asleep last night, but that was my own fault. I spent the last half hour or so flipping through travel brochures planning our upcoming vacation in northern Michigan. I love going up there so I'm sure over the next few weeks my mind will drift quite a few times, thinking about all the great things we can do. Or, not do! We'll have a basic plan for the week, but leave room for roaming and getting side tracked. That's one of the best parts about vacations, right? Maybe we should leave a little room during our 'normal' life to be side tracked. Never know what might happen!

How was your weekend? Do you like planning things out or taking life as it comes?

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workout stats -
20mi bike
12x3 hammer curls
12x3 hamstring deadlift, bicep curl, shoulder press combo
10x4 one arm bent row (ea arm)
100 various crunches
foam roller and stretching

My Dream Town

Since I was laid off, quite a few people have asked me if Woody and I would leave New York City. I always find this to be an odd question because I never would even think that people would leave their cities or towns because someone lost their job. Woody has a great job, we have an apartment here, and I would like to think that I have just as many chances (if not more) of finding a job here as anywhere else. That doesn't mean we haven't discussed moving, we have for a while, but more in terms of 'some day.' We know we won't live here for the rest of our lives - we're mid-western kids at heart and want to own a home one day. While we've discussed it a bit, I've been thinking of the place where I'd like to move some day more, since people started asking me about it.

Whenever I go home, like this past weekend, I think about how I couldn't live there any longer. At least not in that particular town. It's too spread out and people are forced to drive everywhere. That's just not who I am anymore. It's great to visit, but after living in the city for 6 years now (wow, I just realized I passed my 6 yr anniversary!), I am addicted to walking everywhere. I need and crave that movement and activity. So, here is just a small list of the things I'd look for in a city if we were to move. It's interesting, because most of them have something to do with living out a healthy lifestyle.

1. Clean air
2. Grass and parks
3. At least one body of water nearby
4. Walkable town
5. Ability to be a one hybrid car family
6. Running/walking trails (and golf courses for Woody) close by
7. Races within easy driving distance
8. Emphasis in the community on recycling, health, and fitness
9. A local farmers market
10. Family friendly
11. A plethora of cultural activities - concerts, art exhibits, museums, etc.
12. A growing or stable economy

These are all characteristics of my ideal town. I'd love to wake up, go for a run and then walk to downtown to pick up groceries or have brunch and stop by a good bookstore. To visualize it, it is completely different from where we live right now, but it sounds exactly the same. Don't get me wrong, after living here we won't be moving to a small town hours away from an airport, but someplace with a slightly slower pace.

I wouldn't mind a view like this!

I believe that where we live plays such a huge part in our happiness. Do you love where you live and wouldn't trade it for any other place? Or do you dream of something else? What are your top 'must haves'?
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Workout Stats -
13.5mi bike
200 crunches
2x25 sec planks
3x10 ea: leg curl, leg extension, leg press

Body & Soul

Very late post for me, I know. Don't worry, I was up early as usual, just late getting to this.

I hit the gym for a quick warm up on the treadmill and then headed up to the 2nd fl for my biceps & back workout (see this post for details). Then I headed over to the annex location of our gym to try Urban Rebounding. Yes, I tried two new fitness classes this week. I think know this is a record for me!

In keeping with tradition, here's a quick review:

New York Sports Club - Urban Rebounding
1470 First Ave (b/t 76th &77th), 212.288.5700
$0 with membership
55 minutes long, reservation required

Expectations: I saw the Urban Rebounding sessions at the SELF Magazine Workout in the Park during the spring but that's all I really knew of it. It's a cardio workout using a mini-trampoline, possibly incorporating light dumbbells.

Studio: This class is taught in the annex studio around the corner from the main gym. The annex is in the basement of a building and consists of a studio for spinning classes, a large gym studio with high ceilings, a small lobby area and two very old, out of date and in desperate need of a renovation, locker rooms (well, I assume the men's locker room is in as bad of shape as the women's). Studio is equipped with yoga mats, trunks of dumbbells, steps, risers, mini trampolines and other equipment, I'm sure.

Instructor: The class was led by Kama, who also led the class before and yoga class afterwards. She was nice and energetic but didn't engage the students very often, didn't provide tips for first-timers (I wasn't the only one) and didn't seem to pay attention to the different levels of students. Not the bet teacher I've had, but not the worst, either.

Overall Impression: The studio was cold, so I didn't sweat much, but I think in a normal situation it would bring on a good sweat (which I look for in a cardio workout). Definitely a unique workout that reminded me of childhood jumping on a trampoline with my sister and friends. I can see how someone could get injured though, if not paying attention to where their placing their feet. Moves included jumping jacks, various kicks, 'bunny hop,' big jumps, twists, jabs, running, and a few others. Using weights would have intensified the workout but that wasn't provided as an option (or at least the teacher didn't mention it), but there's really only so much you can do on a mini-trampoline. I may try this class out at another gym with another teacher, but I doubt it will become a regular part of my routine. It was worth a try, for sure. Nice way to mix things up a little.

One thing is for sure, I did work up an appetite! So I walked home briskly through the frigid temps to make my breakfast - a nice bowl of oatmeal with banana and almond butter along with a great cup of coffee - the perfect warm up.

Gracela came over a few hours later for an afternoon of girl talk & a chick flick. Woody hung around for a bit then left to check out an interesting exhibit at the main library. Gracela and I decided to make a healthy treat and watch "Bride Wars" which I had in our netflix queue. (Okay movie, but wouldn't make my top 5 list of chick flicks. Glad I didn't spend money to see it in the theater).

First, we put together a small fruit salad with an apple, pear, grapes, and pineapple, to snack on. Then, we made another recipe from the 101cookbooks website. This time the Peanut Butter Krispy Treats. Pretty simple ingredients list: peanut butter, maple syrup, crisp brown rice cereal, agar agar flakes (found in health food stores), a little bit of sea salt (don't think this is really needed), and toasted pistachios.

 Basically, it's a 'grown-up' version of a rice crispy treat - without the butter and marshmallows.

We used all the right ingredients, in the right amounts (except for the salt, used half) but something seemed to go wrong.

They look like the picture and taste fantastic, but they did not firm up like I was imagining and crumbled as soon as we took a bite! Woody agreed with us when he returned that the taste is great, but definitely a bit messy. Gracela suggested putting it on top of yogurt, which I think is a great idea! I do want to try this again and see if I can make it work because I think these would be great treats for a party or gift. As long as you like peanut butter and pistachios, this is delicious!

I had a really great afternoon and was reminded, once again, about the importance of friendship. It's especially great to have a friend who shares the same priorities and ideas that I do, so we can enjoy simple things like a chick flick and healthy treats together! It's definitely important to take time every once in a while to 'check out' of the crazy, stressed out world we all live in and just have fun and exist. 

Now, I'm doing laundry and thinking about watching the Grammy's. Really. Some people do still watch it! (At least I'll watch Jeff Beck's performance. Imelda May is singing with him!!)

Did you find any time to 'check out' and have fun this weekend!? Oh, and just curious.

Dinner With Friends

Last night was one of those nights that left my soul feeling full and renewed. A perfect evening with friends that everyone needs now and again.

I met Gracela and Special K (you've read about our adventures before, here) for dinner at a cute little restuarant near Gramercy, Penelope. I've wanted to go here for quite a while to try their well reviewed weekend brunch, but the line has always been around the corner! We got there early enough so only a few tables were occupied, but there was a wait by the time we left. Our waiter gave us our space as we chatted for a good 20 minutes before we even ordered!

The food was delicious, the atmosphere quaint and comfortable, and the company was perfect. We chatted about the past, recent life changes, and our upcoming adventures. It was just one of those nights that could have continued for hours and hours. I think having friends like this is so important for our souls and minds. As much as eating well and being active, having good conversations with friends we can count on are integral to good health. It's especially great when those friends are the same ones who you can enjoy healthy activities with!

I'm so thankful for my friends who inspire me every day.

Farmer's Market, Meditation, & Yoga

Yesterday was a pretty fantastic day (well, besides the Spartan loss, but we'll just overlook that).

I started my day with a PB&J sandwich and banana before heading out bright and early for the Farmer's Market. I wanted to pick up some of the stuff for our Thanksgiving meal so I won't have to get it all at one time (today we are on a mission for the turkey). I loaded my bags with potatoes (3 kinds), apples, apple cider, pink(!) radishes, onions, and a tri-color bunch of carrots! I got 6 large carrots - orange, yellow, and purple - for $1.75! This is why I love the market! There are such wonderful and interesting things and for very reasonable prices! Plus, I'm supporting local (within 200 miles) farmers and vendors.

Then, I headed back up to our apartment to unload my loot and get my stuff together for the rest of my day.

I met up with my friends and fellow health enthusiasts, Gracela and Special K, at the Chopra Center & Spa in Midtown. Deepak Chopra teamed up with his friend, hotelier Vikram Chatwal, to create a destination in Midtown Manhattan to "calm the chaotic lives of busy New Yorkers" that ties in with Chatwal's hotel, Dream. We decided to try out their guided meditation session. They offer these sessions daily, for no cost! After descending from the storefront located on Broadway, we entered a beautiful but simple space that included the front desk for the spa and the yoga rooms. We put out shoes in the cubby holes and made our way into the dimly lit room with dark wood floors and maroon walls. A kind woman, Lauren, welcomed us and after learning it was our first time, showed us where to store our stuff and where to find the props - bolsters and blankets. She put backrests (like beach chairs) in a circle on the floor and we found three spots.

There were 9 participants, apart from Lauren, with one other woman new to meditation. Lauren explained that meditation is simple, but very difficult. The purpose is to free our minds, to open our minds, and push out all thoughts. In order to meditate, one tool that can be used is to focus on your breath using a mantra. These mantras are not said aloud, however, like in some yoga classes. I wasn't sure how I would do with this since my mind is going a million miles a minute all the time, but I wanted to try. We got comfortable, Lauren turned the lights down lower and put a lit candle in the middle of the circle. The next twenty minutes were both quite slow and extremely fast. It was difficult for me to push the thoughts out of my mind, but I did my best not to fall asleep and to focus on my breath! It was amazing how different it was inside that room compared to out on the street from which we had just come. Some of the other participants arrived in regular clothes - jeans, sweaters - and were obviously taking a break out of their day. What a great idea! We left feeling refreshed even though I know I didn't truly meditate. It was still a great way to break up my day and just relax and check out for a few minutes. As you can see, we were all smiles leaving our first guided meditation session!

Next we jumped on the N train and headed down to Union Square. Yes, my second trip to the Farmer's Market. It was a bit busier this time but we got apples and apple cider for a quick snack before we walked down to Yoga To The People on St. Marks Place for yoga.

Some of you who read this blog and know about my foot might be thinking "Yoga? Can she do that?" Well, thanks for worrying! I asked my doc on Tuesday specifically about yoga and he said it was fine as long as I modify any poses that might hurt or even stop if its uncomfortable. I did forgo a few poses that required me to balance on my right foot, but for the most part, it was fine!

So, Yoga To The People has studios in NYC and Berkeley, CA and San Francisco. The idea behind the studio is to make yoga available to everyone, not just those with enough money to fork over hundreds of dollars a month for classes. They ask for a donation of $10 but they'll take however much or little you have to give. Mats can be rented for a buck or two and water is a dollar. We walked up to the second floor - several people ahead of us and more behind - to find shelves in the hall for shoes and LOTS of people. The space was buzzing and I'm glad we got there when we did. The 2nd Fl studio teacher - a cute and energetic punk rock yogi - was instructing people that two studios on the 3rd Fl were also open but there was still space in hers. We stayed on the second floor and found space towards the back. Not long later, the instructor was moving people around to fit 9 mats in each row and by the time class began, there were probably more than 60 people in the space. I have never been in such a large class. Our mats were about an inch apart. We started in child's pose for a few minutes and then, it began.


The next hour was a fast paced workout focusing on balance, lengthening, strengthening, and quickness! At one point during the abs series, I could not keep up, and I wasn't alone! Another thing I have to mention, was the noise level! I haven't taken too many yoga classes, and 99% have been at my gym, but I've never been in a class where people make so much noise breathing in and out! If you take yoga, do you do this? I'm fine with it, but seriously, some of these people were REALLY loud! anyway, I thought it was a good class, I sweated a lot, and felt worked out. This morning, too, I am definitely feeling it!

After class, we wanted a bit of nourishment and ducked into a cute diner that always seems to be busy - The Smith. Gracela and Special K both opted for omelets, but I went for a great veggie sandwich - avocado, tomato, cucumber, sprouts, and goat cheese on whole grain bread. I also switched out the fries for the home fries. Which was both a great idea and a bad one. They were amazing, and I am picky about my home fries! These would rank in my top 5 for sure! I ate them all (bad) and took home half of my sandwich for later.














Overall, we had a fantastic day! I think we'll all be making return visits to the Chopra Center for more meditation sessions (the best part is that it is only two blocks from our office!) and even though Yoga to The People was really packed tight with people, I think I'm going to try it out again too! I definitely recommend both of these places to everyone who lives in the city, or anyone visiting. Great, low cost ways to relax and get a bit of exercise!

Here are the details:
Chopra Center & Spa
1710 Broadway 212.246.7600
Free Daily Guided Meditation


Yoga To The People
12 St Marks St 917.573.9642
Power Vinyasa

Addicted.... to Email

Are you like so many other Americans, addicted to email?

I spend the majority of my workday at my desk (hard at work, of course) and find myself constantly checking my email in outlook. I can't even begin to estimate how many times I check email during the day and how many emails I write or receive. My inbox is out of control, even though I have more than 30, possibly 40, separate folders for specific projects or people. It's pretty insane. I admit it. I also have a blackberry. We all do. This city is overflowing with them. I estimate, with absolutely no scientific data, that there may be more blackberry's and iPhones than people who actually live in the city. Teenagers have Blackberry's!

I used to have my blackberry on all the time. Well, I was usually pretty good and wouldn't turn it on before work, but it would be on AT work (let me clarify, it was given to me by my employer, it's not a personal device), I'd check it on my way home, and multiple times at night before going to bed. I would turn it on as soon as I got home from the gym or a run on Saturday and Sunday mornings and it would stay on until I turned out the lights. My husband was happy to hear that I wouldn't be able to get reception at our honeymoon location, although he was prepared to hide it for the week. I usually take it on vacation, but try my best only to check in once or twice a day (depending on what's happening in the office).

While I'm still a non-stop email checker at my desk, I have been better this year about turning off the blackberry. I don't neglect my job duties, but I need to give my eyes (and fingers) a rest sometimes. We all do. While they are genius inventions at points (in emergency, to stay in touch with people, etc) at times they seem to get in the way of real life. The life that is right in front of our faces.

I see people (and I have been one of them) who 'check out' of what's happening around them and bury their face in their blackberry. I know people who check their blackberry's while they're sitting at dinner at a restaurant with friends or family, instead of talking to the people they are with. People email during meetings. During class. On the subway. They even keep it on at night on their bed stand! Isn't there any place we can break free and just be?

I LOVE staying in touch with people on email (feel free to reach out! I'd love to hear from you!) but do we have to live our life by it?

Are you addicted to email? Facebook (another one of my vices)? Do you find yourself having to force yourself or someone else to put the blackberry away? I'd LOVE to hear your thoughts on this, cause I know that some people think it's absolutely necessary to be reachable and responsive every moment of the day.

I hope you all have a great day and take a few 'email free' minutes for yourself!

What Makes You Happy?

I feel so badly for people who are grumpy first thing in the morning. I wonder if they woke up that way or if something happened. It's just not a good a good way to start the day. You're really not giving it a chance. Hopefully, though, something will turn their mood around.

Even if I'm having a rough time or am stressed out about something, I try to focus on something that makes me happy so I don't let it get the best of me. Of course, I am human, and it doesn't always work, but I try.

What makes you happy?

For me, it can be any number of things. A great concert. A hug from my husband after a long day. An invigorating workout. A really delicious warm chocolate chip cookie. A hilarious movie. Blue sky and a cool breeze. Holding a door open for a mother pushing a loaded stroller and a talkative kid. Beautiful flowers. I could go on, but I'll stop.

I hope you have a good day and find many things to be happy about.

A Fresh Start

Monday is a great day for a fresh start. The beginning of a new week, new adventures, new responsibilities, events. Last night I attended a celebration honoring three women who were awarded grants from the Carefree Fresh Start Fund in partnership with Step Up Women’s Network. We gathered at the posh Spa Chakra on Fifth for cocktails, hor dourves, networking and celebrating the idea of fresh starts and change.

Thousands of women submitted essays explaining why they were deserving of a grant from Carefree to make a fresh start in life. Carefree provided $25,000 to 10 courageous and deserving women, women who are just like you and me. Three of the women attended the event: two who are struggling with health issues and one who is faced with debt while trying to raise a family.

There were also two featured speakers – Ariane de Bonvoisin, a change expert, author, and founder of The First 30 Days.com. She spoke about the fact that we are all facing change, that it is the word of the year and century. She spoke about several of her top tips when facing change – either self imposed or forced upon us. One is the idea of ‘Change GPS.’ As with the GPS in your car, you have a start location and an end location. It doesn’t care about where you were yesterday or what you did earlier this morning. If you want to make a change you need a start and an end. If you’re trying to lose weight, don’t worry about the cookie you ate yesterday or the run you didn’t do, but make today the start and decide where you want to end up then map out your path. However, when mapping out your path, don’t expect change to come quickly. Give yourself time. Change doesn’t happen in a day or a week, but you may be in a completely different place three or six months from now. When you’re making a change, whether it is your health, your job, or a relationship, you need a support system. Friends, family, colleagues, they can always be there for you and you can go to them for support. The second speaker was the actress Kelly Rutherford, well known for her role on Gossip Girl. She spoke about how the biggest change recently in her life has been becoming a mom. She experiences a fresh start whenever she gets a chance to take a shower or the first massage she had after giving birth. She also made a fresh start after having children when she realized that she needed to take care of herself and her diet not just for cosmetic reasons, but also so she will be around and healthy to see her children grow up. Yes, I think her life is a bit different than most of ours, but it’s all relative. A fresh start can be something as significant as taking responsibility for our health with a complete overhaul, moving across the country or seeking a new job, or as simple as eating more fruit each day, walking to work, or helping an elderly neighbor.

We shouldn’t be afraid of change and taking steps, big or small, towards a fresh start. We all deserve it. Every single one of us. We all deserve to be happy and healthy.

Are you in search of a fresh start?