Get Naked with Urban Decay

For the past couple of months I have been looking for Urban Decay's Naked Palette.  It has been sold out everywhere.  This past week, I finally found it at Ulta's and am so happy that I finally tracked it down.  The colors are very pigmented and used with MAC Painterly, the shadows stayed on all day.  

I actually put makeup on today because it was Friday.  Products used:

Face

Bare Essentials Tan 

Benefit Hoola bronzer

Bare Essentials Sheer Radiance on cheeks

Bobbi Brown Apricot blush

Eyes

MAC painterly as base

Urban Decay naked all over eyelid

Urban Decay sin from lashes to crease
Urban Decay half baked from center of lid to outer corner
Urban Decay darkhorse at the outer corner of the lid

Lancome Defincils mascara in black 

Lined with Urban Decay zero and used the color Creep on top of the eyeliner to lock in the color and prevent smudging. 

Lips

MAC Twig

Indecisive about Filofaxes

For many years I used a Franklin Covey to organize my life and really appreciated how practical they are.  This past year however, I switched to using my blackberry to house all my appointments and what not.  I was getting use to the electronic format until my blackberry died.  I lost all my appointments, tasks, chores and it made me realize that a paper planner will not die, short of you losing it or it catching on fire.  I have been on the hunt for a new paper planner ever

In my quest, I jotted down a list of what I wanted in a planner. 

1. I need something that is small enough to fit into my handbag.  
2. It needs to be pretty (of course) and it needs to simple and easy to use.  
3. I needed a system that I could customize...sometimes I want to look at a monthly view and sometimes I want to look at my schedule via a weekly or daily view. 
4. I also wanted to have the capability of keeping a journal.  

While I loved using a Franklin Covey planner, it looked too corporate and wasn't pretty, fun or whimsical.  Like  most moms, my day doesn't end at 6PM and I felt that their planner really limited me on what I could fit in.  Also, I didn't like how expensive the planners and refills were. I had been dissatisfied for a while with their planners but just didn't have the time or energy to really research and figure out what I wanted. 

I started to browse through flickr for real life photos of people with their planners.  One jumped out at me was how many photos there were of filofaxes and how much people loved their planners.  Each person had different ways of setting up their filofaxes.  What really cemented filofax for me was posts I found at gala darling, the glamorous grad student, more magical ways and hang on little tomato. Everyone had their planners customized to their needs and it all worked for them and I really like the versatility of the planner.

So now, here is where I am a true Libra.  I have narrowed it down to the personal size because it will fit in my purse and I can carry it everywhere with me but I can't decide on the style.  I made up my mind last Friday that I wanted a filofax and found out that the University Book Store off of 45th sold them.  I called and confirmed they have the planners.  I rushed there after work and bought the personal sized finsbury in raspberry and it's a very nice planner.  The cost after tax was $71.18.  I came home and was sorely disappointed that the dates start on January 2011 and doesn't include the current months.  I don't want to wait until January to use this thing!  Here is the model I came bought:

The picture is very true to life and while I love it....I just wish it contained the 2010 & 2011 pages. 


I started combing the web over the weekend on where I can find binders that contain both the 2010 & 2011 pages.  That's when I saw the Malden in Crimson and Ochre. 


I think the leather on the Maldens are much softer and supple than the Finsbury Raspberry but I really hate the contrast stitching.  I really hate it and now I'm either going to be on the hunt to find the 2010 refills for cheap or returning the Raspberry and looking for another filofax design.  

Got my hair did :)

And, it's some kind of miracle because I put make up on 3 days in a row ;)  Anyhow, I get my hair done by Heather at Gary Manuel in Seattle.  She costs a car payment but I keep paying because I can never find someone who can cut and color the way she can.  She's seriously worth every cent I give her.  The good news I only see her every 4 months or so.  The bad news, I cry a little after I pay and tip her.  Today I lucked out because it wasn't that bad because we only did my roots and no highlights.  I may keep it like this until next summer.

I'm in search of new deep conditioner that can keep my hair moisturized and shiny.  I've tried them all with the exception of shu umera.  But, that is super expensive and I don't wanna pay full price ;)

Rave for Philosophy Miracle Worker

I may not wear a lot of makeup but I'm a girl who is religious about my skin.  I wear sunscreen 365 a year and it's SPF 60 from La Roche Posay.  I don't care if I'm naturally dark....I don't want to be dark and wrinkly!  Anyhow, for the past 10 years of my life, I've used the same products and am very hesitant to switch things up because I have freaky sensitive, acne prone skin.  But....I've discovered a new love.  It is this miracle product - it is soft and silky to the touch, it doesn't make my skin go crazy and I my skin loves it.  I am not gonna lie that I have okay skin to begin with (but only because I take care of it like it's my job) but this product may replace my hope in a jar moisturizer from philosophy.  This sinks right in, it's not greasy, but it keeps me moisturized all day.  I freaking love it!  Sephora, and Nordstrom sell this in a set for $110 with other products that also have great reviews.  QVC has the set for $126 but their set has the face wash included.  I don't need the face wash because I have a huge bottle that I buy once a year and I'm done.  I'm very tempted to get the set during Sephora's Friends and Family event.  Until then, I will shell out $55 to get this product.  Get yourself to Sephora or Nordstrom and ask for a sample. Your skin will love you :)

Finally, no dead.

Okay, I don't wear make up too often cause I am a super lazy ass.  Seriously.  I like to get up, shower, put my afro up in a bun and roll into work with sunscreen and some cherry chapstick.  But, on occasion, I can clean myself up.  After looking like death hit me in the face for a whole week, I decided to put some make up on and do something with my hair.  The breakdown and probably why I don't like to wear makeup - too many effing products and too much effing time to do the hair.  I'm super lazy.  Whatever, here it is:  


face:
shu umera base
mac studio fix powder in nc42
concealer mac nw30
Guerlain terracotta no 3 on cheeks
Nars Orgasm mixed with Milani Mango tango
LM secret brightening powder on the top of cheeks and under eyes

eyes:
NYX barely there, champaign, root beer
Stila stone and smog lightly blended end in the outer corners
mac smolder on top of lids
mac fab orchid on lower eyes
loreal voluminous mascara in black

lips:
lined with mac deverish
elizabeth arden 8 hour cream on top

I love October

Despite being home for a week due to strep throat, I'm extremely happy that October is here.  October, next to December, is my favorite month because of all the birthdays I get to celebrate - mine, my daughter's and my sister's.  I love when the weather changes and the air becomes just a bit crisper.  I love wearing clothes that are cozy and comfortable.  I love eating all the comfort food and just spending time indoors with my little ones.  Most people who live in the Seattle area dread the onslaught of rain that they know is coming - it leaves traffic a mess and it makes me amazed that people here really can't drive in the rain.  

We're also going to the pumpkin patch with the kids and I can't wait to start decorating the house with all the Halloween stuff.  Another thing I'm looking forward to is fall cleaning.  I know everyone spring cleans but in our house we also do a major cleaning in the fall.  On my To Do List: 

1. Purge our closets
2. Toss towels and linens that aren't usable to us or anyone else.
3. Cut back all the plants in the garden as needed.
4. Have someone come in and clean our carpets.
5. Go through our cupboards and toss anything that's expired etc. 
6. Go through our dishes etc and donate anything that has chips in them.  
7. Make a check list of everything we need for the colder months and try to stock up on items when they are on sale. 

 My challenge to myself this month is to try out new recipes and keep it a frugal month.

Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup

I love Taiwanese food and my hubby always takes me to Henry's Taiwan in Chinatown.  One of my favorite dishes is his Beef Noodle Soup.  It's delicious and super comforting to eat on a cold day.  I found a recipe on epicurious that I tried out this past weekend and it turned out great!  Got lots of compliments on it and requests from the husband and kids to put this in our rotation :)

Yield: Makes 4 main-course servings
Active Time: 40 min
Total Time: 4 1/2 hr

5 cups water
1 cup soy sauce
1 cup Chinese rice wine or medium-dry Sherry
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 (1-inch) cube peeled fresh ginger, smashed
1 bunch scallions, white parts smashed with flat side of a large knife and green parts chopped
3 garlic cloves, smashed
10 fresh cilantro stems plus 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro sprigs

2 (2-inch-long) pieces Asian dried tangerine peel*
4 whole star anise
1/4 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
2 1/2 pounds meaty beef short ribs
1 3/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth (14 ounces)
10 ounces dried Chinese wheat noodles* or linguine
1 cup fresh mung bean sprouts
4 tablespoons Chinese pickled mustard greens**
1 (4-inch-long) fresh red chile (optional), thinly sliced

Special equipment: cheesecloth

Bring water, soy sauce, rice wine, brown sugar, ginger, white parts of scallion, garlic, cilantro stems, tangerine peel, star anise, and red pepper flakes to a boil in a 5- to 6-quart pot, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes. Add short ribs and gently simmer, covered, turning occasionally, until meat is very tender but not falling apart, 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 hours. Let meat stand in cooking liquid, uncovered, 1 hour.

Transfer meat to a cutting board with tongs and discard bones and membranes, then cut meat across the grain into 1/2-inch-thick slices. 3Pour beef broth through a cheesecloth-lined sieve into a bowl and discard solids. Skim fat from cooking liquid and transfer liquid to a 3-quart saucepan. Add chicken broth and meat and reheat soup over moderately low heat.

Meanwhile, cook noodles in a 6- to 8-quart pot of (unsalted) boiling water until tender, about 7 minutes (14 to 15 minutes for linguine). Drain noodles well in a colander and divide among 4 large soup bowls.

Ladle broth over noodles and top with meat, scallion greens, bean sprouts, pickled mustard greens, cilantro sprigs, and red chile (if using).

WOTD 07-20-10

I just got done running 6 miles @ the local high school track.  It felt great to run outside instead of on a treadmill.

I'm still debating on whether or not I run another half or marathon this year.  I had such a blast at the Seattle Rock n Roll that I'm seriously contemplating the full next summer.  I just don't know if I will have the time committed to training for the full marathon.

Speaking of the Rock n Roll, I received an email for the Denver Rock n Roll...and I might just take advantage of it and run another half marathon before the Seattle Half Marathon.

Recent Happenings

I usually buy a lot of stuff at Nordstrom Anniversary Sale every year.  However, this year I went in with a list and only bought:

• Michael Kors Jet Set Iconic Watch 
• Philosophy Purity Face Wash
• Sweater

That's a real life picture of the watch taken with my crackberry.  I freaking love it because it's very sleek, oversized and looks substantial against my scrawny wrist!  At $149, it's a steal compared the the michele watch I really wanted which is about $3,000 (eek!).

Usually, there are a ton of shoes to choose from.  This year, I found the selection to be ... pretty blah!  I actually left the shoe department empty handed.  I'm hoping to check out some other sales to get my fall gear. 

I got my hair cut and colored again @ Gary Manuel.  I love the results but hate paying the price afterwards.  If anyone out there knows of anyone I can go to who can cut my hair and color it like this picture, please let me know.  I'm tired of paying an arm and a leg to get my hair done!

On the running front, I'm still doing my thing getting in runs 5-6 days a week.  I lost another 5 pounds which is great! But, according to the doctor, more still needs to be lost.  It's so hard for me to deal with this because on one hand I feel awesome, full of energy, and I fit all of my clothes.  On the other hand, if my doctor thinks I'm too heavy and that losing more weight will help prevent me from developing diabetes, liver disease etc I should be more proactive on losing weight.  But, I don't know how much more effort I can give since I'm already watching what I eat and avoid processed carbs.  I eat a lot of lean proteins and a ton of veggies.  Not to mention I exercise like a crack addict.  I guess it's just a slow process.  

Recipe: Sausage, Mozzarella, Broccoli rabe shells

OMG I made this for dinner tonight and substituted the pasta shells with whole wheat penne and spinach for the broccoli rabe and it is fanfrickingtastic!

The recipe is located here courtesy of Everday Food from PBS.  Or if you're too lazy to click on the link, here it is.  Enjoy!!!

ingredients 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 3 sprigs thyme coarse salt and ground pepper 2 garlic cloves, chopped 3 links spicy Italian sausage (3/4 pound total), casings removed 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes 8 ounces medium shell pasta 1 bunch broccoli rabe (about 1 pound), coarsely chopped 6 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2 inch pieces 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is golden brown, about 15 minutes (reduce heat if browning too quickly).
2. Add garlic and sausage. Cook, breaking meat up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon. Cook sauce until slightly thickened, 5 to 8 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Discard thyme.
3. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta 4 minutes less than package instructions. Add broccoli to pot and cook 15 seconds. Drain pasta and broccoli and return to pot. Stir in sausage mixture. Transfer to a 3-quart baking dish or divide among four 16-ounce gratin dishes. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake until cheese has melted and liquid is bubbling, about 15 minutes.

9 mile run today

Today's weather is fantastic in Seattle!  I'm getting ready to go on a 9 mile trek around Greenlake with nothing but my blackberry and ipod.  Gotta love summers in Seattle!

So sad

I'm feeling so sad and lost right.  Can't divulge why...just that I'm going through something so hard.  I don't know what I'm going to do.  It's like I have a fork in the road and not sure which way to go.  Sad, sad, sad.

WOrk out of the day 05-15-2010

Heading out to run 6 miles in the gorgeous sunshine.  Also will be doing a lot of leg work today.  Squats and lunges.  Lunges and squats.  And, abs.  Lots and lots of ab work today.

Work out of the day 05-14-2010

Really short on time yesterday morning and I only got in 2 miles of sprints intervals.

Work out of the day 05-13-2010

I had my doctor's appointment this morning and again doctor reiterated that I needed to drop more weight.  If I hang on to the extra weight there's 100% chance I will develop diabetes.  But first she said, "Great!  You lost 11 lbs!  Now I want you to drop 20 by the end of 2010!"  FML.


Anyhow,  this morning I ran 4 miles because I literally only had 40 minutes.  I vowed to return to complete my weight session, which I just finished. I worked on biceps, shoulders, triceps and abs.  Exercises are as follows:


bicep curls 3 sets of 12 @ 15lbs
seated bicep curls 3 sets of 10 @ 15 lbs
hammer curls 3 sets of 10 @ 12 lbs
cable curls 3 sets of 12 @ 45lbs
dips 3 sets of 10 (OUCH)
tricep pull downs 3 sets of 12 @ 50 lbs
one armed tricep kick backs 3 sets of 10 @ 10 lbs
300 crunches varying from bicycles, regular crunches, on the ball, hanging leg raises etc.  OUCH


Now, I'm getting ready to enjoy dinner consisting of salmon, spinach, brown rice and cucumber salad with a TON of water.  Cheers!

Super healthy hummus recipe

I love hummus but find that it can be really fattening if you buy store bought.  Since I love making as many foods as I can from scratch, I thought I'd pass along this recipe.

Ingredients


1 clove garlic

1 (19 ounce) can garbanzo beans, half the liquid reserved
4 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons tahini
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

In a blender, chop the garlic. Pour garbanzo beans into blender, reserving about a tablespoon for garnish. Place lemon juice, tahini, chopped garlic and salt in blender. Blend until creamy and well mixed.

Transfer the mixture to a medium serving bowl. Sprinkle with pepper and pour olive oil over the top. Garnish with reserved garbanzo beans.

Nutritional Information


Amount Per Serving Calories: 54
Total Fat: 2.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Original recipe can be found here.  Enjoy!

Chicken Pho (pho ga) Recipe

If you know me in real life, you know I love to eat and cook. It is so relaxing for me and I also love feeding my friends and family.  One thing I think every person should know how to make is pho.  This particular recipe is for Chicken Pho.  I'm thinking of having pho and inviting people to come over for pho cooking lesson at my casa.  


So....here's the recipe: 


For a 5-quart stock pot, you'll need:
1-lb package of Vietnamese Flat Thin Rice Noodles
1 whole chicken
1 onion
1 2-inch knob of ginger
1 stick of cinnamon
About 4 star anise pods
About a half a dozen cloves
About 4 cardamom pods if you have it
About half a head of garlic
2 tsp salt
Vietnamese Fish Sauce to taste (my favorite is three crab fish sauce : http://importfood.com/satc2401.html)

Serve with:
Bean Sprouts
Quartered limes
Sliced Scallions
Cilantro
Thinly sliced onions
Sriracha chili sauce (cock sauce)
Hoisin Suace

1. Char the spices (star anise, cinnamon, onions, cloves, garlic and ginger). I usually broil on high in the oven for 10 - 15 minutes. Cooking time depends on your oven...but I usually broil it enough so that the ginger is nicely browned...not black.
2. Put these items into a cheesecloth if you don't want spices to float around in the broth.
3. In a large stock pot, boil the 5 quarts of water and add whole chicken and above spices. Once water comes to a boil, add 2 tsp of salt and turn the heat down to medium low and let the stock simmer for about an hour.
4. My mom usually lets the chicken stock cool down and then refridgerates for a few hours so the fat has solidified and is easily scooped out.
5. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred the chicken into large chunks. Set aside.
6. Transfer the bones back into the pot and bring back to a boil. Simmer on low for another hour or so.
7. In a seperate pot, bring half a pot of water to boil so you can cook the pho noodles.
8. Once noodles are cooked, strain and move to a serving bowl, add desired amount of stock and serve with bean sprouts, etc.

I'm back!

Sorry for the long break in blogging.  I've since had the flu, sinus infection and ear infection all in the last couple of months.  Coupled with work, kids and life in general, it's needless to say that I've been absent.  


I was told by my doctor recently that I need to lose a ton of weight and due to my height (5'0") I should weight between 95 - 110 lbs in order to meet my BMI.  This is apparently very important due to my mom's underlying health issues - stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and recently diagnosed liver disease (NASH).  And of course, I weigh significantly more than 110 lbs.  


Since that appointment with my doctor, I've gone on a diet for the first time in my life.  I've always just worked out with the thought that since I work out so hard, I should be able to eat whatever I want.  Well, my doctor very sternly put me in my place and said that with all of my mom's issues, it's only a matter of time that I develop some of her symptoms if I don't take care of myself through diet and exercise. I can work out hardcore for days but my downfall is my diet.  I love food and being told I have to eat less of it made me super sad.    


To help me in my quest to lose weight, I've given up white rice completely and at first it was TORTUROUS.  I mean, if you know me, I love my rice.  I would eat rice for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and with everything.  I swear I was having rice withdrawals and even had dreams of sticking my face in the rice fields just to be close to it again.  But, I am very proud of myself because the last time I had white rice was on 04/19/2010.  I've only had about 2 servings (1/2 cup portions) of wild brown rice.  I think I'm over my period of missing rice, although I do crave yummy foods such as shrimp fried rice and congee.  I really, really, really love congee.  I mean, what's dim sum without congee???  Maybe that's why I won't go to dim sum anymore :(   


Additionally, I've also really tried to eat a very clean diet.  Instead of having a whole egg,  I now eat only egg whites.  I usually don't eat sweets either but the few occasions where I would indulge in banana bread or chocolate chip coffee are even more far and between.  I've also measured serving sizes to keep track of my calories.  I also try to make everything from scratch and the only way I've stuck to eating really clean is to pack my breakfast, lunch and snacks for work the night before.  I also log everything into www.fitday.com or in my blackberry app.  I'm allowed approximately 1600-1700 calories a day in order to lose about 1-2 lbs a week and tracking every morsel of food has really helped me stay on course.  A sample of my diet has looked like this: 


Breakfast:
1 egg yolk, 4 egg white omelet with handful of chopped spinach, 1/4 cup red bell peppers, 1/2 chicken w/ sausage apple.
1 red delicious apple

Snack:
1 cup Fage greek yogurt with 1 tablespoon of honey bunches of oat cereal and 1/4 cup frozen blue berries

Lunch:
2 cups Chicken stifry with chicken, red bell peppers, ginger and garlic

Snack:
1 large fugi apple w/ 2 tablespoons of Adams peanut butter

Grande soy hazel nut latte (iced)

Dinner:
Baked chicken breast with sauteed spinach, papaya salad and cucumber salad.

1.5 Gallons of water consumed. 


In addition to the "STOP everything you want because you want" diet I've also stepped up my work outs.  I've signed up for another half marathon on 06/27/10 and have followed a pretty strict running regime.  In order to balance my time and life the running now takes place daily at 5:00 AM instead of directly after work.  I only have 1 hour to get in my running since my gym doesn't open til 5:00 but this is enough time for me to get in 4-6 miles every morning.  I save my long runs for the weekends and if weather permits, I run outside at Green Lake or around Lake Washington.  I also love weight training so after work, I will accompany my mama or my sister to do at least a half hour of weights.  I also took up hot yoga and it has been fantastic for my running game because I have really tight hip flexors.  The yoga has helped to loosen them up and I find that I can run longer and faster.  I'm definitely incorporating it into my work out as much as I can during the week.  




Incorporating these changes have allowed me to lose 8 lbs since the end of March =)  

So Far Behind

Since my last post, I've had the flu and Bella has had bronchitis.  Man, it has sucked.  We are all, thankfully, feeling better and I can focus on running again.  I've decided to give LA Fitness a try since there's a location at the Everett Mall and I can always go to the Mill Creek location at the crack of dawn (4:30 AM) if I choose.  I will be heading over there try to negotiate a lower price than $29.99 per month . Heck, I'll even take $20 a month. 

In the meantime, did I mention that this no running has caused me to gain 5 lbs?  UGH.  I'll be at the gym tomorrow working on my fitness immediately after work and hopefully I'll be back in tip top shape :)

Cheers!

Interviewing Gyms

Ah, New Years is always a time where everyone makes resolutions to get in shape and lose weight.  This time of year is where gyms are over crowded with people who are full excitement (or dread) for getting in shape.  This is also probably the best time to join a gym because gyms expect the crowds of new people testing out gyms.  Which is handy because I'm taking applications for a new place to sweat 3-5 times a week.  

I've been a member of Bally's Total Fitness for about 10 years and have always loved them.  Loved them until last month, when we got into our first disagreement.  You see when I first joined the gym all of the equipment was available for use with the exception of the Pilates machine.  I was okay with this because they clearly spelled out what machines I could use and what I couldn't use.  So imagine my surprise when I couldn't locate a bosu ball to do my squats on.  I looked around everywhere and noticed a slew of them tucked in a room.  I grabbed one of them out and dragged it to the stretching area where they were kept previously.  Half way into my sets, a Bally employee approaches me and tells me that the equipment I was currently using is for Personal Training clients only and unless I was a client, I would need to return to the room.  This really irked me because Bally's has been trying relentlessly for me to sign up for personal training.  The answer is always the same, "thanks, but no thanks."  Now, I think good Personal Trainers are worth every dollar if that's what one needs to get motivated and stay motivated to work out.  I'm not one of those people because I love working out!  I don't need anyone to yell at me to go to the gym because it's become so automatic to me, kind of like brushing my teeth.  Plus, it helps that one of my best friends was a Personal Trainer and likes to work out with me.  I really don't think it's fair for Bally's to separate their customer base between elitists (personal training clients) and the average Joes.  Everyone who pays a monthly due should be able to use the equipment in the gym.  Period.  

I decided to start interviewing other gyms to see if maybe I could find a place who values my business and allows me to use equipment without signing up for Personal Training.  First on my list was LA Fitness.  I toured the Mill Creek gym at it's peak time so I can have a better understanding of the parking situation and basically whether or not I can get on a treadmill without having to wait.  What I found was that parking at that time frame was atrocious.  It took me nearly 15 minutes just to find parking.  Once inside I found that I could use the equipment without waiting in line.  I was in and out within an hour and a half.  The gym itself is very nice and clean.  One thing I didn't like was the fact that there were no TVs directly in front of the cardio machines.  And, the cardio machines were located upstairs and your view while doing your cardio is other people working out down below.  This was a big turn off for me because it makes it feel like a meat market.  Which, I can live without.  I just want to go in, run, do my weights and leave.  After my trial was up, I didn't sign up because I wasn't comfortable with the parking and the meat market mentality.  Also, the cost was $29.99 a month and I could work out in any gym I wanted.  While this sounds good, I currently only pay $10 a month for my Bally's membership.  

Next on my list is the gym offered by my work.  I am going to tour if this weekend.  The cost is also $29 a month, but they are open 24 hours/7 days a week.  

My preferred running shoe

I overpronate when I run, which means shin splints.  I got fitted at the Jock n' Jill in Greenlake and they recommended Asics Gel Kayanos along with some Superfeet insoles.  Solved my shin splint problems.  If you live in the Seattle area and want to get into running, I highly recommend you get fitted at a running store.  Either at Jock n Jill or at Roadrunners.  Your legs will thank you for it!

I love to run.

Quite a few people have been bugging me about blogging.  Specifically, blogging about my love for running.  My love affair with running started in the 7th grade when my PE teacher, Mrs. Cray, timed me running the mile.  Let me tell you, I'm a competitive person, especially when it comes to sports.  There was a gal named Kaoeu who was my friend but we would get into arguments and that day, she pissed me off and I used my anger to out run every kid in my 7th grade PE class.  That day, I ran the mile in about 6 minutes and 55 seconds.  My legs didn't hurt and I wasn't wheezing from running it...in short, I discovered that I loved it!  My love for running continued into high school and in college.  I was often the fastest girl in my classes.  Where my friends would groan with dread at having to run the mile, I welcomed it with open arms and a huge smile.  

Why do I love running so much?  Funny, because my sisters ask me this question all the time.  My answer is that I just love running because it makes me happy.  Truly.  There is nothing like being in a zone while racking up the miles. When I met my best friend, wifey extraordinaire, we bonded over our love of running.  I remember there were days where we would hang out by going out for runs together.  Some of the best memories of my youth!  

During my runs, I listen to techno music because I find that's the only music that goes fast enough for me to establish a quick rhythm.  Rap music is usually reserved for when I weight lift.  I often go to ituns and just randomly search for catchy song titles I've written down in my planner.  A great source for good techno music is on c89.5 (http://c895worldwide.com/).  It's one of the benefits of living around Seattle!  For whatever reason, I have runners block up until mile 2.  Every. Single. Time.  If I can make it past the 2 mile mark without stopping, my run is fantastic!  If I don't make it, well, let's just say that I play a lot of mind games with myself to continue running.   

Last November, I participated in my first half marathon and it was a fantastic experience!  I ran it with my little sister and I would absolutely do it again.  In fact, I was so energized, I've decided that I'm going to start training for the full marathon in June 2010 (Rock n Roll Marathon Seattle).  I'm hoping that I can remember to blog about my training here.  Who knows, this might really hold me accountable to the training.  

Happy reading and feel free to ask any questions you want :)