Bomb.com

I recently, much to the detriment of the budget, rekindled my love for J. Crew.  Things were rocky between us for a few years, but we've worked out our differences.  I got a wee bit excited when this email arrived in my inbox this afternoon....

Once and awhile, J. Crew will open up it's factory store online for a weekend.  If you are in need of anything, take advantage while you can!  And please let me know what you bought so that I can live vicariously through you.  As SkinnyRunner would say, bomb.com.  Happy Friday!

Better Late Than Never...

Jumping on the bandwagon (a few days late):

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?

Started a blog. Ran an 8k. Took up photography.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I wanted to be healthier both mentally and physically in 2010. I think I've improved a lot mentally, but physically, I'm still a work in progress. I also wanted to work on trying new things, which I've done better at, but I know I need to continue challenging myself in 2011.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes! Ibby, Karly and Jill all gave birth to beautiful baby girls. Maybe there are some boys in store for 2011?

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Fortunately, no.

5. What countries did you visit?

Mexico in January and Grand Cayman in December.

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?

A Master's Degree!

7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

* June 27, when Mrs. Foot and I met for brunch to celebrate her birthday, and she surprised me with the cutest Cooper-inspired stationary. It wasn't as much about the gift (which I loved), but just a moment that stands out and always reminds me that I'm surrounding by the most thoughtful and loving friends I could ever ask for. Thank you!

* July 4, when Emily invited me to spend the day at the pool and going to a Nationals game. It was the hottest.day.ever but we had fun, and it was a very Washingtonian way to spend Independence Day!

* September 25, when Sarah and Travis tied the knot in Richmond, Virginia. So much love :)

* October 31, a day I spent with JB, cheering her sister on at the USMC Marathon. I had so much fun that day, and was really moved by the love and support JB showed for her sister, and all the hard work the runners put into their fundraising and training efforts. I think that's the day I told myself that I have to get back into the running saddle. So inspiring!

* December 23, when Ashley and I went to the Capitals v. Penguins game at Verizon Center. It was hands down the best sporting event I've ever been to, and even though the Caps ended up losing in a shootout, it was a fabulous night spent with one of my favorites. A new tradition, for sure!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Running my first 8k, and making the responsible (albeit tough) decision to move home and work on finishing grad school.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Probably financially. I've definitely improved, but there are just so many pretty things out there I want to buy! I wish I had taken more advantage of living at home and paid off more student loans, build up savings, etc.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing major. And actually, I think 2010 was one of my healthiest years in terms of not coming down with any really bad colds, etc. Vitamins are working! I did get a tibia stress fracture after running the 8k, but with a few weeks of rest, that healed itself pretty well.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
A dSLR camera and a Kindle.

12. Where did most of your money go?
Paying off some of my student loans, and lots of consumer debt. Again, I like pretty things...

13. What did you get really excited about?
As cheesy at it sounds, life. I think I began to understand the whole "work to live" mentality versus always being concerned with climbing the corporate ladder and that being my biggest drive in life. I feel much more balanced now, and I'm happier.

14. What song will always remind you of 2010?
"Intro" by The Xx. It's the song from Apolo Ohno's AT&T commercial that played during the 2010 Vancover Olympics. Ya'll know how I get about the Olympics ;-)

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? Happier, by far.
– thinner or fatter? About the same.
– richer or poorer? A little less poor?

16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Photography. I need all the practice I can get! And putting myself out there more. I really need help in that area...

17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worrying about the small stuff, and being insecure about things I can't control.

18. How did you spend Christmas?
A low-key day with the family.

19. What was your favorite TV program?
Modern Family. Makes me laugh out loud like an idiot, and it reminds me not to take life too seriously.

20. What were your favorite books of the year?
The Help and The Hunger Games trilogy.

21. What was your favorite music from this year?
Eminem and anything Lil Wayne.  Both get me moving.

 22. What were your favorite films of the year?
Harry Potter, 7 Pt. 1.

23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I spent my 27th birthday in Grand Cayman with the family.

24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Maybe to have been in a serious relationship, but I guess that can cut both ways.

25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
As much as it pains me to say it... simple and comfy. I didn't have the best year in terms of loving the way I look, so I stuck to the basics.

26. What kept you sane?
My friends, Cooper, and working out. Oh, and Venti Soy Lattes.
 
27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
Leave negativity behind at the end of the day, and treat each morning as a fresh start.

Girl Talk

The only thing (besides a new outfit), that motivates me to workout is a good playlist on the trusty iPod.  I came across an album called "All Day" by Girl Talk via another blog, and I love it!  Girl Talk is a mash-up artist that combines songs to make one continuous playlist that's over an hour long and perfect for the gym and/or running.  The songs are also shortened, so there's lots of changes in beat and variety.  The album is free, too.  As a heads up, there's plenty of explicit language, so if you're not a fan of the F-bomb, I'd take a pass.

Here's a preview:

Happy listening!

2011 Resolution Run 5K Recap

Happy 2011!  I survived the Resolution Run 5K in Baltimore on Saturday.  The race wasn't chip-timed, but I'm estimating that we finished somewhere around 40-41 minutes.  What's even more exciting is that we actually finished!  Little did I know, but the course is about 60% hills.  It was a bitch.

I can't find any good pictures to prove my point, but Patterson Park, where the race took place, is incredibly hilly.  Below is a picture of a cool building (?) that we passed between miles 1-2.  This was at the top of the biggest climb, which I swear was at least half a mile of straight hiking.  There were plenty of curse words exchanged by this point.  The top of the hill was very pretty though... I enjoyed the view between grunts, hacks and breathlessness. :)

(Source)

The race wasn't the most organized (we didn't even know where the starting line was until about 5 minutes before the race), but the organizers and runners were all really nice and supportive, and it made for a great time.  Also, since the race is only run within the park, there weren't any streets closed, police activity, etc.  We arrived about an hour and half early and found a parking spot right near the park with no problem, and it was a breeze getting out of the park after the race.  I love cities that aren't a logistical nightmare.

In February, I'm registered for the "Love The Run You're With" 5k in Pentagon Row, and in March I'll hopefully repeat (more successfully this time!) the St. Patrick's Day 8k in DC.  Fingers crossed for good health and continued improvement. 

Thanks to everyone for all the support leading up to this race.  And to Emmy, for running the damn thing with me! :)

Waka Waka!

I'm working on a playlist for the Resolution 5k that I'm running this Saturday, and I came across the music video for one of my favorite songs from 2010 -- Shakira's "Waka Waka" (theme song from the World Cup).  If you like soccer, you'll probably also enjoy this video.  This time for Africa :)

Quantum Leap

I'm not a huge fan of New Year's resolutions, only because I have a tendency to be over zealous and set lofty goals that never really seem to pan out.  But, along with so many others, I'm hoping to continue to work on being healthy and getting into shape in 2011.  As to not get caught up in the numbers game, I'm planning to use a Quantum Scale to help me stay motivated.

I usually hate scales, and avoid them at all costs.  But after reading about this one in Women's Health, I'm giving it a shot.  What's nice is that this scale doesn't actually show your weight, rather you weigh in once at the beginning, and then after that, you get an update your total weight lost/gained, as a way to keeping your mind focused on the smaller goals, versus getting caught up in that scary three-digit number that pops up whenever you hop on.  I did a ton of research before deciding on this option, and it's definitely not for everyone (for instance, it only tracks one person's progress, so it wouldn't be helpful for a couple or family). 

I'm hoping it will work for me.  I'm going to set small goals every month, and see how it goes.  Between running and (trying) to eat healthier, I'm hoping I'll strike a good balance.

Here's to 2011 :-)

Resolution-ing

A couple months back, I wrote about starting the Couch to 5K program.  I've completed about six of the nine weeks of the program (skipped a few weeks for various reasons), and so far so good.  I'm now running close to 5 minute intervals without any major pain in the shins or hip.  Success!

Speaking of running, I'm officially registered for the 2011 Resolution Run 5K in Charm City (Baltimore) on New Year's Day!

I'm really excited for this race, and I figure it's a good way to kick off the New Year.  I've even roped in a friend (who's never raced before) to run it with me -- should be fun!  So far, the weather gods are smiling down on us, with temperatures expected in the low 50's on Saturday.  Let's hope it stays that way.  I'm not a happy runner when I'm cold. 

Hope it goes well!  I still can't believe 2011 is right around the corner...

Life's a Beach

I'm back -- bright eyed and bushy tailed!  Vacation was wonderful.  It was a very low-key week, which was relaxing and just what I needed.  We stayed at a resort on the far end of Grand Cayman, and while the weather wasn't perfect, we did get a few sunny days and I managed to get a little bit of a tan.  Hooray!   Here are a few pictures from the trip.

The view from our porch.  Life is good!

Sunrise on the beach.  So peaceful.

Baby palm. Adorable!

View down the beach, to the resort next door.

And our place, Grand Morritt's.

Best seat in the house!  This is my desktop wallpaper right now.  A welcome break from reality :)

Food all day, indeed.  I ate and ate.  

The parental unit, humoring while I make them do posed shots....

I was kicking myself for not bringing a zoom lens (I was using a 50mm 1.8) -- these wind surfers were  awesome and could 20 ft. jumps.  Impressive!

Mid-week, we ventured into Georgetown for some shopping.  The mother and I both scored sweet deals on watches.  I opted for a classic stainless steel (with some bling, of course):

  Michele Deco 16

Merry Christmas to me!  

Speaking of Christmas, I hope everyone had a great holiday!  After mass on Christmas Eve, we woke up for a big breakfast and opened up our gifts in front of our make shift tree (a plant with one string of lights.  I wish I were joking!).  Next year we'll be more festive, I promise :-)