First things first

I’m goin’ straight over to that Lion. We have a little history together…..

I absolutely can.NOT. wait to be back in that place. Just for a few days. Just a little dose of Penn State.

That’s all I’ve got today. It’s consuming my mind.

Sooo….BYE! Have fabulous weekends and dress up as something crazy for me, since I won’t. I prefer to be harassed by the drunkies all night for opting for an orange t-shirt and smoky eyes (hmm, even that sounds like a big effort. yah. we’ll see.).

Happy halloweeeeen!

Welcoming Liz Leemoooonnnn

Oprah won’t say it (according to the preview), but don’t worry, I will!

It has the same effect.

Still don’t know if I’m going to State College this weekend, thats up in the air. I could be leaving tomorrow, or early Saturday morning, orrrrr next weekend. No idea, still deciding. Which only gives me reason to further procrastinate the packing idea. Not that I needed one.

Either way, it’s actually Thursday, which means a lot of good things. Most importantly, the return of “30 Rock“, coming on right after “the Office”. Yessssss. I love good TV.  If you haven’t watched this show yet, get.on.it. You can’t hate a show with Tina Fey and Tracy Morgan. That’s two different kinds of comedy brilliantly blended together. With the addiction of the smart-ass (Alec Baldwin). Basically meaning, it’s perfect.

Last night I had absolutely zero desire to do homework, which came at a bad time, since apparently there is Nothing to watch on Wednesday nights…..in the absence of Heidi and Tim Gunn of course….. What do you watch on wednesday nights ???? All I could do was sit around and look at the magazines my Mom brought me last week and flip channels, until I started seeing Obama on every channel. This intrigued and entertained me for at least half an hour. Smart planning there, he knew nothing else was worth watching. And my guess is nobody would’ve cared even if this 30 minutes had pushed back the World Series. Which it did not.

In other news, I have nothing exciting to tell you.

Just watch be excited that tomorrow is Friday.

I’ll choose to think it’s Thursday

“‘The Godfather’ is the answer to all your questions.
What day of the week is it? ‘Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Wednesdayyy‘.”
-“you’ve got mail”-

I keep getting confused. I’m totally thrown off. With the parents here, homework and productivity in general was put on hold for about 4 days. I spent Sunday playing catch up, which really just resulted in getting about 1/2 as much done as I wanted to, because um, it was sunny outside. And that’s just not a good mix with homework. It was a very eventful 4 days, and I still have a little story for ya about watching an amazing PENN STATE victory (yes yes yes!!!) while doing some networking. But that’s a lot of typing for a non-thursday. We’ll do that later.

We usually have a “class day” on Monday, but this week it’s moved to Friday. This is also throwing me off. It means I’ve already been at the hospital two days, which is fine, but then usually that’d make tomorrow Thursday. Clearly, tomorrow is not Thursday. Ahhhhhh. It feels like it should be. Then I could watch “the office” and “30 Rock” (finallyyyyy) and pack for my trip this weekend. That sounds so much better than Wednesday. Which means nothing now that Project Runway is over. Gah.

Have my ramblings confused you yet?

Maybe if enough people think it’s Thursday we can just go with that. Like when Dwight thought it was Friday, but it was really Thursday, so Jim tried to keep him goin with that. I love that show.

Anyway. I guess it’s Wednesday. Which means I still have two days to pack. Or….two days to plan what I’m going to pack. And to wash those things before I pack them. And decide if I’m doing the Halloween custome thing.

In the meantime, I’m going to just going to say it’s Thursday. Join in if you’d like. Maybe it’ll make the work-day more enjoyable? Well, at least until tomorrow…..

This is my treadmill theory

After two weeks of nothing but treadmill-running, I finally ventured outside again. Because it was absolutely gorgeous, and I have to take advantage of it while i can. Plus, I sweat like a crazy person in that gym, and it gets a little tiring.

Treadmills have their assets. You always know how far you’ve gone, even if it is just a little bit off. You know how long you’ve been running, and you can even make some hills if you want (which I never do, because thats too hard. but ya know, if you wanted to….). But the best part, you always know your pace. For interval training, I think this is awesome. There’s no doubt that you’ll keep that 7:23 minute/mile pace because if you don’t, well, you’ll fly off the machine. Which will probably hurt a lot more than the last lap of that fast mile. And that’s more than enough motivation for me.

But then there’s that whole running-inside thing. And when it’s still 60º and sunny, and the leaves are changing into their gorgeous oranges and yellows, and it’s just that perfect fall day…..there’s absolutely no reason to be inside. I’m ooout.

As soon as I got started I looked down to see Garmin reporting a “8:06 min/mile” pace. My thoughts: Uh whaaat? Sweet. I’ll take it.

I felt awesome, I knew I was going fast, but it was natural. I wasn’t pushing it, just goin’ with it. And I actually kept the pace between 8:00-8:25 for the entire run, which may have only been 4 miles. but thats a pretty quick 4 miles for me. I easily could’ve run 4 more. Except I was getting sweaty and the parents were picking me up for dinner in about half an hour. Must. Stop. and Shower.

I don’t know if it was the feeling of freedom; not being confined to that rotating belt and that number telling me how fast/slow I’m going. Or the 60º sunshine in late October (omg, please don’t go anywhere.). Or just the fact that for almost 3 weeks I’ve been running in a way that I’ve been forced to keep a pace, so that’s just where I’m at. I just don’t know, but I love it.

A treadmill might not give you the hills and turns and sunshine and scenery, but it definitely still gives you a workout. Along with a little threat to keep your pace. I like it.

If I’ve said it once

I’ll say it again…..

This dinner is.amaaaazing.

Green Chile-Chicken Casserole

Best part, it’s from Cooking Light. GO!
Down in the South-WEST, we know do green-chile. And we do it So well.
It’s spicy, it’s tasty, and it makes all things wonderful.

Tonight we decided to cook dinner in the apt, so after work the parents took me to Target and the grocery store. Which means I stocked up, and we also got a few items to make a nice little dinner with.  I picked this recipe, that I love, and that I will absolutely never take the time to do by myself. Even if it only takes all of ~40 minutes. Total. And it’s on the healthy side. Add some salsa, and oooh, it’s amazing.

Thought I’d share it with you, even though I’m sure somewhere on here I’ve posted it before. Yup. I love it that much. And figured maybe on your weekend you’d feel adventurous and try somethin’ on the wiiild side. And by wild, I mean home-made Mexican food. Cause really, you never know how that will turn out.

The up side to stayin’ in; now I have leftovers. Yummmm.

Just goes to show

I’ve never really followed a training plan for running. I use them as guidelines, and I tear them out of Runner’s World to use when I’m getting really bored with a routine. But doing it run-for-run, and goin strong? Yah. Haven’t done that.

I usually go with a simple formula:
1 long run. 1 interval run. 2 ‘regular’ runs (easy). 1 tempo run.

Hmm, I dont’ even follow that every week. I go with what I feel like doing, and what I know won’t kill me. Some days are better than others; some days I can run a 7:30 mile for an interval, and some days I’m at  a 9 minute-mile pace and I feel like passing out in the grass and taking a nap.

You just never know.

Which is why I’ve never even tried a “plan”. I guess for ‘fear’ I’d get out of line? Not sure if that’s the right word, but it seems like you miss one workout, then maybe one more, and then you’re lost. And dependent on a plan that isn’t working. Is that what happens? Or do you just pick up where you left off? Does it work? Are there answers?!?! Gah.

So. Anyway. Runner’s World.com has this amazing tool that makes a plan for you. All you have to type in is your last finish time (or maybe your “goal” time), what you’re training for, and how “hard” you want to train. I did this. And they came up with a pretty interesting little running calendar for me. In fact, I think I like it.

I figure now is the time to test things out. I’m between races, and I’m not trying to do anything crazy. I’ll see what works, and what doesn’t, without screwing anything up.  I put in an “average” finish time, since my 3 have been a little up and down. And my training level is “moderate”. Which could mean anything according to those crazy elite runners that are probably calculating my special workouts. And by crazy, I mean awesome. Obviously. I love them.

The formula is still somewhat similar: 1 long run, 1 ‘interval’ run (for 3 weeks, then 1 off), and 2-3 “easy” or “moderate” runs. Paces and distances all provided. But with all the specifics, it’s pretty different than what I’ve actually done (aside from the one Long). But it’s just for me. And that just goes to show, this running thing is completely. ALL. about you. Whats not to love about that?

Prepping for the parents

The parents are back in town!

Driving in from WV, they’ll get here around 5. If you wondering why they’re in WV (nope. I’m not from WV), it has to do with conference things. Those fancy get togethers where people sit in lectures all day, and get compensated by a free stay at a fancy hotel. And muffin breakfasts. Pretty sweet deal, yea?

So, they’re coming from one of those. I’ve put out the warning: You will be driving on the DC-Beltway. There will be traffic. And, in other words, I’ll probably see you around…..6 or 7…? Sounds about right.

Since I’m usually off around 4, this gives me plenty of time to spice up the place. Vacuum (which makes everything look So clean. without much effort. Good stuff.), do laundry, make the kitchen look tidy…..that stuff you’re supposed to do anyway, but put off until you think somebody might notice. Well, I vacuum my room like once a week. Maybe because it calms me, maybe because it’s the sanitary thing to do…but mostly, because it’s a quick distraction from homework and it’s my substitution for weight lifting. Which never made anything look clean. And makes your hands smell weird (ew).

My Dad has never been in the area, and he appreciates everything travel-related. And he’s a serious history-buff. I’ll still be at work Thursday and Friday, but I have no doubt they’ll find many ways to distract themselves. In fact, I’ll probably lose them to old War sites and history museums and scenic drives where the leaves are changing (seriously. it’s gooorgeous here right now). Until we meet up for happy-hour of course.

Anyway. I’m exciiiited. My parents are pretty fun to have around. I pointed out to them that they’ll be here just in time for dinner tomorrow night. Very nice planning on their part. So my job is to find a ‘new’ place to eat. Which isn’t hard, because I’ve gone out to eat like, umm…..twice?…since I’ve lived here. It’s not in the budget!! Target and Outlet malls are.

So thats my hump-day excitement. Yesssss, family time!

Something like Dora, or a Turtle

I’m not so into the costume-thing on Halloween. Mostly because I don’t like spending money on something I’ll definitely wear only one time, and will likely freeeeeze in. Not cool.

But since I’ll probably be in Happy Valley for the holiday (yess!), I’m considering it (dressing up). And trying to come up with something simple. I pitched my idea to Jack for thoughts….

Green sweatpants, little green T-shirt, purple headband, little brown backpack.

Which would obviously be a teenage-mutant-ninja-turtle. Riiiight? Yes. It’s comfy, easy, I get to wear a purple headband (which I was corrected, should actually go over my eyes. How did I miss that?! I need to step it up on my TMNT over here), and I could put stuff in my backpack. Meaning I don’t have to bring a purse, and I could carry a “water”-bottle around with me. I’m such a cheap date. Also, I tried this last year and it didn’t fly. And I’m still thinkin’ it would’ve been greeeat.

Well. Jack response? “Uh…..’Dora the Explorer’?”

This means three things:

1) I laughed. For a long time…..

2) I might need to reconsider my costume. Because that’s also awesome! I could still carry a backpack, and I could walk around talking in simple Spanish phrases all night! Just try to say that doesn’t sound like a good time. It totally does.

3) Jack knows too much about “Dora the Explorer”.

Now I can’t decide if I should be Dora, a Turtle, or save my money and use it on $1 pizza at the end of the night. Either way I’m totally carrying a back-pack. It just makes sense.

A wedding weekend

Is glamorous.

And way too much fun. Leaving me completely exhausted today from hours of dancing, free drinks, and being with people that I loooove.

I’m ready. Jack is not.

When we checked into the hotel, we got a bag-of-goodies. Courtesy of the Bride & Groom. I thought this was so cute. And delicious.

This was our (the BMs) bouquet. It’s so lovely. I’m absolutely in love with the colors.

Yum. Isn’t it beautiful?? And So.Tasty.

favorite wedding moment: after being introduced, we (the bridal party + newlyweds) performed a dance to “Thriller”, which they taught us the night before. And it was awesome. And we wore plastic-fang-teeth. Yup.

memorable moment: when the game was over, and Penn State beat Michigan for the first time in 9 years, the DJ played one of our songs, and Every Penn Stater in the room (quiiiite a lot) started  chanting “P-S-U!!!”. and the photographer gathered up all the alumni and got a picture. Generations of us. Looove it.

Aaaaand back to reality. Oh, Monday.

Feeling all growed up

Left work today all decked out in my “business casual”, and went to Target. Well, I would’ve gone home but I’d only have about ten minutes to be there and then I’d have to hit the road again. And, really, when do I not go to Target? Yah.

Anyway. It was all en route to pick up the boyfriend from the airport. Yessss! Airport reunions are fun. Plus it means I get to go into “Hudson News” and read People, Cosmo, Fitness, etc.

So Jack is here (yessss!!), with his suits all packed for this weekend (yum). He’s been helping me pick out which dress to wear to the Rehearsal/dinner, and I’m helping him pick out which tie to wear to go with my dress for Saturday. We’re going to a wedding together. Whoa.

I get to head out of work a little early so we can actually make it to the Rehearsal in Philly. Which is greeeeat, because 1) obviously, I should be at the rehearsal, and 2) it means I miss all that crazy-weekend/baltimore/this area is WAY too crowded-traffic. I’m just excited I get to wear a dress Friday night and Saturday night. And get all glammed up. And go to a wedding with the *best* date. And be in one of my best friend’s weddings!

Whew. I’m just feeling all grown up over here.

Hope you are all having weekends equally as fabulous! Even if that means enjoying some Ben & Jerry’s fro-yo and nice long movie night.