So, I've decided to train for the NYC Hot Chocolate 15k in December. I've been wanting to run a race in the park since moving up here and have needed some extra motivation lately to be more consistent in my exercise routine. I've decided to write about it here for accountability purposes. I will update you each week on what I did for training the week before and all you readers will serve as my accountability partners in this. Today, Sunday, is the first official day of my training schedule, but I began gearing up for it last week. The official training will last 11 weeks. Each week consists of running 3 times, cross-training twice (I'll probably go to spin class for this or take long walks), one day of extra stretching (sometimes I may go to yoga or pilates class for this), and one day of rest. Some weeks, I may miss a day and do two workouts one day to make up for it....last week was a good example of that! Here's what I did this week just to make sure I'm ready to jump into the real training schedule this week:
Sunday - bad, nothing!
Monday - bad, nothing!
Tuesday - ran 2 miles/walked 1 mile
Wednesday - 45 minute spin class /strength training
Thursday - ran 2 miles/walked 1 mile. Also, rode bike for 20 minutes to make-up for Monday!
Friday - Extended stretching & yoga to make-up for Sunday/ ran 2 miles/walked 1 mile
Saturday - DAY OF REST!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Rupert's Hello Deli
I walk home for lunch some days and did so on Monday. I was planning to stop by one of my favorite spots for a sandwich to eat, but I happened to pass the Hello Deli (from the Letterman show) and noticed it was open (it is almost ALWAYS closed). I decided to take advantage of it and go in. Once inside, I realized that they had a really good sandwich selection, so I ended up getting my sandwich there and it was pretty good. Rupert was there working on a computer, but he did stop to take my money! There seemed to be a lot of "regulars" coming in and Rupert knew all their names. So now, I want to go back frequently enough that he will learn my name, too!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
20@20
For the past two weeks, a ton of the off-Broadway shows have been on sale for $20, 20 minutes before the show starts. I didn't find this out until Wednesday and the sale was ending today, but I still managed to fit in 2 $20 shows. Thursday night, I went to see "Altar Boyz". I've been wanting to see this for over a year. It's a comedy about a Christian boy-band and won a lot of Tony's last year. I thought it was funny and entertaining, but I did not love it as much as I thought I might. Saturday night, I saw "My First Time", which is basically all about sex. It's sort of done along the lines of "Vagina Monologues" if you've seen that. So, it was definitely racy, but not horribly so. It was very funny.
Friday night, I went to see Joy's friend, Adam, play at a place in the East Village. He sings and plays the piano and he includes me on emails all the time trying solicit people to come out to one of his shows, but this was the first time I actually went. I was surprised at how much I liked his music! The place he played was nice too...it was the upstairs room of a bar and was set up really dark and cozy and had a white grand piano that he played. Afterwards, a group of us went to eat at a French-Moroccan restaurant. I wasn't very hungry, so I just got a little cheese plate with baguette. The cheese was rolled in herbs that were very spicy-hot, which I didn't expect and didn't like! Everyone else's food looked amazing though.
Saturday, my church had a block-party for the Upper East side. I volunteered and ending up spending 2 hours helping little kids make beaded bracelets and necklaces. It was fun and I thought we had a great turn-out.
Before the show Saturday night, Joy and I met for dinner at Blockheads- a Mexican restaurant with good food and margaritas that taste just like the ones in Texas- yum!
This morning, I went and taught S.S. at church- the 3/4 year-olds. We had more kids today than I am used to and it was a little crazy. The pastor's son is going through a really bad time of separation anxiety and throws really terrible fits. Since he's the first kid to arrive, the other kids come in to a screaming/crying boy and that scares them, so now they're ALL having separation anxiety! It doesn't last long for most of them, but poor little Jud is having a real hard time of it. I finally got him to calm down and then he was really sweet and then suddenly he wet his pants, which upset him. I had to get his mom at this point since she had the change of clothes and then when she brought him back with his clean jeans, we had to go through the whole raging fit again. She warned me he might pinch and boy did he. He basically grabbed the skin on my neck and twisted it in a way I've never been pinched before. It hurt!! It's weird thought, because after that whole experience this morning, I like him more than I ever had before. He kind of latched on to me after I calmed him down twice and then he was so sweet. I think he's just going through a rough time.
After church, I went down to MacDougal street - the area where Amber & I did the NYC food tour in July. There were so many restaurants our guide pointed out that I wanted to go back and try, so today, I tried The Hummus Place. It was really good, but tasted so different from hummus I am used to. I think this was the REAL stuff. Their pita bread was also amazing - so thick and fresh and warm!
I went to a wine-tasting class with Joy this afternoon. I was disappointed. It was at the restaurant where Ebonee's going-away party was last weekend. It gets really good reviews, but I didn't feel like I learned anything and it was not worth the money.
Tonight was church. I had another random run-in. After church, the guy I know from Columbia, who I also went to college with chased me down. He wanted to introduce me to a girl he had just met - who is also from Columbia, Mo! So weird to be standing in my church (which is still pretty small) in NYC with 2 other people from my hometown. She was a nice girl. A young one who has moved up here to try to become a star...she's auditioning. I've met a lot of those lately. Such is life in NYC!
Friday night, I went to see Joy's friend, Adam, play at a place in the East Village. He sings and plays the piano and he includes me on emails all the time trying solicit people to come out to one of his shows, but this was the first time I actually went. I was surprised at how much I liked his music! The place he played was nice too...it was the upstairs room of a bar and was set up really dark and cozy and had a white grand piano that he played. Afterwards, a group of us went to eat at a French-Moroccan restaurant. I wasn't very hungry, so I just got a little cheese plate with baguette. The cheese was rolled in herbs that were very spicy-hot, which I didn't expect and didn't like! Everyone else's food looked amazing though.
Saturday, my church had a block-party for the Upper East side. I volunteered and ending up spending 2 hours helping little kids make beaded bracelets and necklaces. It was fun and I thought we had a great turn-out.
Before the show Saturday night, Joy and I met for dinner at Blockheads- a Mexican restaurant with good food and margaritas that taste just like the ones in Texas- yum!
This morning, I went and taught S.S. at church- the 3/4 year-olds. We had more kids today than I am used to and it was a little crazy. The pastor's son is going through a really bad time of separation anxiety and throws really terrible fits. Since he's the first kid to arrive, the other kids come in to a screaming/crying boy and that scares them, so now they're ALL having separation anxiety! It doesn't last long for most of them, but poor little Jud is having a real hard time of it. I finally got him to calm down and then he was really sweet and then suddenly he wet his pants, which upset him. I had to get his mom at this point since she had the change of clothes and then when she brought him back with his clean jeans, we had to go through the whole raging fit again. She warned me he might pinch and boy did he. He basically grabbed the skin on my neck and twisted it in a way I've never been pinched before. It hurt!! It's weird thought, because after that whole experience this morning, I like him more than I ever had before. He kind of latched on to me after I calmed him down twice and then he was so sweet. I think he's just going through a rough time.
After church, I went down to MacDougal street - the area where Amber & I did the NYC food tour in July. There were so many restaurants our guide pointed out that I wanted to go back and try, so today, I tried The Hummus Place. It was really good, but tasted so different from hummus I am used to. I think this was the REAL stuff. Their pita bread was also amazing - so thick and fresh and warm!
I went to a wine-tasting class with Joy this afternoon. I was disappointed. It was at the restaurant where Ebonee's going-away party was last weekend. It gets really good reviews, but I didn't feel like I learned anything and it was not worth the money.
Tonight was church. I had another random run-in. After church, the guy I know from Columbia, who I also went to college with chased me down. He wanted to introduce me to a girl he had just met - who is also from Columbia, Mo! So weird to be standing in my church (which is still pretty small) in NYC with 2 other people from my hometown. She was a nice girl. A young one who has moved up here to try to become a star...she's auditioning. I've met a lot of those lately. Such is life in NYC!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Jennifer Garner
Tonight, I had one of my biggest celeb sightings yet...Jennifer Garner! I think the random sightings on the street or in a restaurant are the best ones, so this sighting gets extra points for that. I went for a long walk on the path along the river tonight. As I got further up north, the sun was starting to go down and I decided it might be smart to walk home up on the street, for safety purposes. At this point, I was up near the Upper West Side, so I decided to walk over to the nicer streets up there and then head south towards home. The few streets between the river and the nice part of UWS are kind of sketchy and that's where I was when I saw JG. I actually recognized her daughter first. JG was pushing her in a stroller and I noticed her and looked up and there was JG! I actually got a little crazy at this point and turned around and followed her a ways. She's going to be in a Broadway play that opens in November so I imagine she's moved the family here and is starting rehearsals. I knew my mom would be oh, so, excited if I could find out where she lived. I don't know if JG was lost or just out on a stroll or what, but she was kind of walking in circles. I followed her quite a while, mostly while still in the sketchy area, which seemed strange. Eventually she cut over to the nicer area, but I gave up after she turned around again at one point. It was pretty exciting for me, though! She seemed SO normal. Other people definitely recognized her as I would hear whispers of "oh my gosh, that was Jennifer Garner" or see people stop and turn around to stare at her. No one bothered her at all though, which I'm sure she appreciates. She was dressed cute, but casual, she was talking on her cell phone the whole time and often would peak over the stroller to make sure her daughter was okay or to say something to her. I couldn't believe she was just out and about all by herself! I hope I see her again while she's in town working!
NYC Weekend
This weekend was one of my favorites in NYC. I did a lot of truly “New York” things, was able to mark some new things off my “list to do” and it was really hot and sunny so I was able to get more of a tan than I’ve gotten all summer. It was great!
Friday night, I went with Joy to a Mets game. I was hesitant to go since I’d already been to two Mets games this year and was really wanting to go to a Yankees game, but decided to go anyway. It was fun and ended up being an exciting game. Afterwards, we went to grab a late dinner at Corner Bistro. This place is consistently ranked as the #1 burger in the USA. I’ve been wanting to go for over a year and never made it! It really was an excellent burger!
Saturday at noon, Joy and I met back up to get pedicures and go to brunch at Alice’s Tea Cup. I’ve only been to Alice’s once and was glad to go back. The food was really good, but the dining room was hot – too hot for me to have any hot tea and that’s the reason you go there! I’ll have to go back more this winter when I can enjoy the tea!
After brunch, I headed to the park on the river, just down the street from my apartment. I got to lay-out for a couple of hours – it was great! That night, I met up with a group for Ebonee’s going-away party. I don’t know Ebonee terribly well, but have been around her a few times and basically “crashed” her party. It was okay though. She is super cute and sweet. We went to dinner at Otto, which I’d been wanting to try because it’s on the list of 10 Best Ice Cream Sandwiches in NYC that I have (I’ve now tried 3 of the 10). Otto is an Italian restaurant and the chef is Mario Batali. He’s pretty famous – on the Food Network and Iron Chef- and he owns about 8-9 restaurants in the city, plus others in Las Vegas and LA. I’d been to one of the others here – Lupa- which was excellent. Otto was good, too. We ate family style, ordering a cheese plate and salad, a few pizzas and pastas. It was lots of fun! I got a gelato filled brioche ice cream sandwich that was really good, too!
After dinner, we headed to Little Branch. Possibly, THE coolest place I’ve been in NYC yet. I knew we were going somewhere for drinks, but wasn’t sure what type of place to expect. I do know Ebonee well enough to know it would be cool, but I didn’t expect it to be this cool! It was one of the secret, hidden speakeasy type places. We basically came to a random door in the middle of a street corner. Ebonee opened the door and I was like “where are we”?? Looking for a sign, I couldn’t even find one. The door opened straight into nothing but a stairwell. Once downstairs, it was a dark, quiet, jazz type bar. It smelled sooo amazing, too. We asked our waiter what the smell was and he wasn’t even sure, but guessed it was from all the mint they use in their drinks. It smelled like a day-spa! The waiter also pretended that we were actually back in the 1920’s, so when someone mentioned something about vodka, he acted like he had never heard of it. We just stayed for one drink – they’re really expensive- and by the time we left, there was a wait at the door (they have a maximum # they let in). It was fun to sit and chat and enjoy a new place though!
Sunday, I did more laying-out at the park on the river, followed by a run in Central Park. CP was crazy this weekend. I think everyone is panicked that we could be in our final days of summer to enjoy the sunshine and heat! Everyone in Manhattan must have been out there!
I went to church last night – we just started meeting at a new location and I really liked it. Afterwards, I went with two friends to a Cowboys watch-party. My friend, Erin, goes to a lot of these. It’s basically a group on the internet that all come to this bar to watch the games. It was a pretty random crowd, but really fun! The bar has a pretty good sized room in the back filled with couches and comfy chairs and a big flat-screen, so it was a great place to watch the game. I only stayed until a little past half-time, but I hope to watch again with the group sometime this season. I think I might be becoming a Tony Romo fan!
Friday night, I went with Joy to a Mets game. I was hesitant to go since I’d already been to two Mets games this year and was really wanting to go to a Yankees game, but decided to go anyway. It was fun and ended up being an exciting game. Afterwards, we went to grab a late dinner at Corner Bistro. This place is consistently ranked as the #1 burger in the USA. I’ve been wanting to go for over a year and never made it! It really was an excellent burger!
Saturday at noon, Joy and I met back up to get pedicures and go to brunch at Alice’s Tea Cup. I’ve only been to Alice’s once and was glad to go back. The food was really good, but the dining room was hot – too hot for me to have any hot tea and that’s the reason you go there! I’ll have to go back more this winter when I can enjoy the tea!
After brunch, I headed to the park on the river, just down the street from my apartment. I got to lay-out for a couple of hours – it was great! That night, I met up with a group for Ebonee’s going-away party. I don’t know Ebonee terribly well, but have been around her a few times and basically “crashed” her party. It was okay though. She is super cute and sweet. We went to dinner at Otto, which I’d been wanting to try because it’s on the list of 10 Best Ice Cream Sandwiches in NYC that I have (I’ve now tried 3 of the 10). Otto is an Italian restaurant and the chef is Mario Batali. He’s pretty famous – on the Food Network and Iron Chef- and he owns about 8-9 restaurants in the city, plus others in Las Vegas and LA. I’d been to one of the others here – Lupa- which was excellent. Otto was good, too. We ate family style, ordering a cheese plate and salad, a few pizzas and pastas. It was lots of fun! I got a gelato filled brioche ice cream sandwich that was really good, too!
After dinner, we headed to Little Branch. Possibly, THE coolest place I’ve been in NYC yet. I knew we were going somewhere for drinks, but wasn’t sure what type of place to expect. I do know Ebonee well enough to know it would be cool, but I didn’t expect it to be this cool! It was one of the secret, hidden speakeasy type places. We basically came to a random door in the middle of a street corner. Ebonee opened the door and I was like “where are we”?? Looking for a sign, I couldn’t even find one. The door opened straight into nothing but a stairwell. Once downstairs, it was a dark, quiet, jazz type bar. It smelled sooo amazing, too. We asked our waiter what the smell was and he wasn’t even sure, but guessed it was from all the mint they use in their drinks. It smelled like a day-spa! The waiter also pretended that we were actually back in the 1920’s, so when someone mentioned something about vodka, he acted like he had never heard of it. We just stayed for one drink – they’re really expensive- and by the time we left, there was a wait at the door (they have a maximum # they let in). It was fun to sit and chat and enjoy a new place though!
Sunday, I did more laying-out at the park on the river, followed by a run in Central Park. CP was crazy this weekend. I think everyone is panicked that we could be in our final days of summer to enjoy the sunshine and heat! Everyone in Manhattan must have been out there!
I went to church last night – we just started meeting at a new location and I really liked it. Afterwards, I went with two friends to a Cowboys watch-party. My friend, Erin, goes to a lot of these. It’s basically a group on the internet that all come to this bar to watch the games. It was a pretty random crowd, but really fun! The bar has a pretty good sized room in the back filled with couches and comfy chairs and a big flat-screen, so it was a great place to watch the game. I only stayed until a little past half-time, but I hope to watch again with the group sometime this season. I think I might be becoming a Tony Romo fan!
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Celebrity Sighting Successes!
It's been a big week of celebrity sightings so far! Tuesday night on my way home from work, I happened to be walk past The Letterman Show. I noticed a bunch of paparazzi hanging around, so I decided to wait. Up drives little Rachel Ray!! She drove up in her own car (a little Lexus SUV)! She was really cute and the paparazzi loved her. I tried to get some pics, but it was too crazy and they all came out very blurry. While I was waiting for her, I also happened to notice Biff Henderson standing around (he's the stage manager who Letterman often brings on camera).
So, that was really fun, but tonight was even better! My office building is catty-corner from Radio City Music Hall. Tonight, they were filming the Fashion Rocks Concert (to be aired tomorrow night). This week is Fashion Week in NYC, which means the city is filled with celebs. I decided to walk across the street after work and see if I could find the red carpet. I did! It was fun. I tried to get pictures of everyone, but am learning that it's pretty difficult at these things with all the people and excitement. Here's the ones that turned out okay, though:
Carrie Underwood - I love her!
Adam Levine & the rest of Maroon 5
Alicia Keys
Jessica Alba
Teri Hatcher
Jennifer Hudson - she got out of the car
on OUR side of the street and waved
to all the fans - super friendly!
Steven Tyler - he strolled down the red carpet
flanked by two tall skinny women (see the blond
one in this pic on the right). He was short!
Tyra Banks - SO tall!
Carmen Electra
Sophia Bush
Fifty Cent and LL Cool J
Other celebs I saw, but couldn't get good pics of included (I probably am forgetting some):
*Ashlee Simpson - she looked really good!
*Britney's Manny -- you know, that Perry guy who used to be her nanny. Apparently he is now Tyra Banks' assistant or something.
*Tommy Hillfiger
*Queen Latifah - much shorter than I expected. She was near Teri Hatcher and Teri was taller!
*Cuba Gooding, Jr. - he came up out of his sunroof and sat up top his SUV for a minute facing our direction so we could take pics, too. Mine turned out too dark though.
*FERGIE
*Gail, you know, that lady who is Oprah's BFF
*Ludacris
*Nicole Richie
*Jennifer Lopez
*Avril Lavigne
So, that was really fun, but tonight was even better! My office building is catty-corner from Radio City Music Hall. Tonight, they were filming the Fashion Rocks Concert (to be aired tomorrow night). This week is Fashion Week in NYC, which means the city is filled with celebs. I decided to walk across the street after work and see if I could find the red carpet. I did! It was fun. I tried to get pictures of everyone, but am learning that it's pretty difficult at these things with all the people and excitement. Here's the ones that turned out okay, though:
Carrie Underwood - I love her!
Adam Levine & the rest of Maroon 5
Alicia Keys
Jessica Alba
Teri Hatcher
Jennifer Hudson - she got out of the car
on OUR side of the street and waved
to all the fans - super friendly!
Steven Tyler - he strolled down the red carpet
flanked by two tall skinny women (see the blond
one in this pic on the right). He was short!
Tyra Banks - SO tall!
Carmen Electra
Sophia Bush
Fifty Cent and LL Cool J
Other celebs I saw, but couldn't get good pics of included (I probably am forgetting some):
*Ashlee Simpson - she looked really good!
*Britney's Manny -- you know, that Perry guy who used to be her nanny. Apparently he is now Tyra Banks' assistant or something.
*Tommy Hillfiger
*Queen Latifah - much shorter than I expected. She was near Teri Hatcher and Teri was taller!
*Cuba Gooding, Jr. - he came up out of his sunroof and sat up top his SUV for a minute facing our direction so we could take pics, too. Mine turned out too dark though.
*FERGIE
*Gail, you know, that lady who is Oprah's BFF
*Ludacris
*Nicole Richie
*Jennifer Lopez
*Avril Lavigne
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Labor Day in Chicago
I left for Chicago Friday after work (we always get out at 2:00 the day before Holiday weekends!). Two of my friends from high school, Maggie & Kate, live in Chicago. They happen to live in walking distance of each other, so that makes it super easy to visit and spend time with the both of them! Our friend, Jessica, also flew in from Austin. I haven't been with Jessica and Maggie since last Thanksgiving and it was the first time I'd seen Kate in almost two years! It really doesn't seem like it has been that long though. It isn't easy for all of us to get together anymore, but we sure do try and if 4 of us are together at once, that's pretty darn good! We had a lot of fun just hanging out, doing some "Chicago" things Jessica and I wanted to do and meeting the new BABIES of the group, Anna and Georgia! Here's the highlights:
**Second City. I've always wanted to go to this comedy club where many SNL stars have gotten their start. Jessica and Maggie went with me and we had fun. It was an entertaining show!
**Pizza from Giordano's. I really wanted some Chicago-style pizza while we were there, and this was the best! I had the spinach pizza and it was excellent. I think I will be hunting for some Chicago-style pizza here in NYC...surely someone in Manhattan has started making deep dish pies!
**Architectural cruise. We took a boat from Navy Pier on the river through downtown Chicago. It was really cool. The weather was great and Chicago has some really pretty and interesting buildings. It was a fun way to see the city. The water was soooo blue!!
**Bar-b-que at Kate & Joe's. We had an excellent meal with burgers, chicken and all the fixin's. We ate on the back porch and chatted for a couple of hours. Maggie's brother, Andy, was also in town, so he added a whole new perspective to the gang...the high school gossip talk was in high gear! I was amazed after sitting outside all night that I had not felt one mosquito bite nor had I had a fly come near my food. Is Chicago bug-free??
**Brunch Sunday morning at Kate's house. Jessica & I cooked for the whole crew. I made goat-cheese scrambled eggs for the first time and they were a hit...definitely a recipe to hold on to. Also, my favorite creme brulee french toast. It was also fun for me to be in a nice big, clean kitchen...not quite what I have here in NYC.
**Shopping in Lincoln Park. This is an area with cute shops we just wandered around for a while. I went to Paper Source, a great store I'd been to in DC. I got a couple of things for making my own cards...I need some new hobbies, especially with the cold, dreary winter coming soon!!
Jessica, Kate (with Georgia), Maggie, and I
Taking my Georgia-holding time!
And time with Maggie's girl, Anna
Jessica, Anna, Maggie, and I before brunch
Maggie, Jessica and I on the architectural cruise
Oprah's old condo. Maggie informed
**Breakfast at Ann Sathers. A highly regarded breakfast spot in Chicago where every meal comes with two huge, delicious cinnamon rolls (a meal all on their own)!
**Second City. I've always wanted to go to this comedy club where many SNL stars have gotten their start. Jessica and Maggie went with me and we had fun. It was an entertaining show!
**Pizza from Giordano's. I really wanted some Chicago-style pizza while we were there, and this was the best! I had the spinach pizza and it was excellent. I think I will be hunting for some Chicago-style pizza here in NYC...surely someone in Manhattan has started making deep dish pies!
**Architectural cruise. We took a boat from Navy Pier on the river through downtown Chicago. It was really cool. The weather was great and Chicago has some really pretty and interesting buildings. It was a fun way to see the city. The water was soooo blue!!
**Bar-b-que at Kate & Joe's. We had an excellent meal with burgers, chicken and all the fixin's. We ate on the back porch and chatted for a couple of hours. Maggie's brother, Andy, was also in town, so he added a whole new perspective to the gang...the high school gossip talk was in high gear! I was amazed after sitting outside all night that I had not felt one mosquito bite nor had I had a fly come near my food. Is Chicago bug-free??
**Brunch Sunday morning at Kate's house. Jessica & I cooked for the whole crew. I made goat-cheese scrambled eggs for the first time and they were a hit...definitely a recipe to hold on to. Also, my favorite creme brulee french toast. It was also fun for me to be in a nice big, clean kitchen...not quite what I have here in NYC.
**Shopping in Lincoln Park. This is an area with cute shops we just wandered around for a while. I went to Paper Source, a great store I'd been to in DC. I got a couple of things for making my own cards...I need some new hobbies, especially with the cold, dreary winter coming soon!!
Jessica, Kate (with Georgia), Maggie, and I
on Kate's porch the night of the bar-b-que
Taking my Georgia-holding time!
And time with Maggie's girl, Anna
Jessica, Anna, Maggie, and I before brunch
Monday morning
Maggie, Jessica and I on the architectural cruise
Oprah's old condo. Maggie informed
me that she used to occupy several
floors of this building.
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