Happy E-arth Day, Everyone! I think I want to celebrate by watching a Nature documentary (it's date night, so don't tell B :) A few of my favorites: DisneyNature's Earth or Oceans, Tapped (about the bottled water industry; how it's affecting the environment and how water from your tap is cleaner and regulated more than what's in that bottle) or Chasing Ice (shows you exactly how global warming is affecting glaciers. It's pretty mind blowing)
Today also happens to be the 15th anniversary of Disney's Animal Kingdom. Happy 15th, DAK! You've come a long way from the park that I worked at so long ago (yikes!); Most of the people I worked with opened the park and it was very different. Now, I can't even imagine Asia without Expedition Everest or Dinoland USA without Chester and Hesters Dino-Rama. I do have a new found appreciation for Tarzan Rocks! and am totally sad it's gone (not bias or anything).
Im alive :) I promise. I guess when I'm not running, I don't have a lot to say except walking around in running clothes on the weekend is super comfie.
I just realized, for the 1st time in over a year, I am not half marathon ready. That's crazy. And I'm going a little crazy. June needs to get here already.
Anyway, here's a glimpse at what's been going on in my life via Instagram. I'm posting this via the app and it won't let me give you captions. Boo. Will add as soon as I can! UPDATED!
Date Night #1: Went to see Dark Shadows
Theatre in East Village's carpet.
Our favorite date night spot reopened as a different pizza place (previously Piola).
Looks completely different and they don't have my favorite pizza anymore :( Must stalk the Piola website to find out when the franchise will be opening another one in the city. I need my Lisbon!
Date night #2.
Nothing throws you into a nasty teenage flashback like attending the concert of one of your favorite bands from the 90s. Apparently the rules of concert attending have changed. We hung in the back as to not get trampled, but apparently that is the new place to act an ass. Our friends who wanted to mosh and get crazy pushed their way to the front only to find that's where the people who wanted to watch the show were. Strange, yes?
Date #3
Our favorite place to chill out when NYC summers get too hot.
Copper Union.
Yes, I apparently have been spending a lot of time in the East Village.
My trustly Lil Rambo.
That's his name when I plug him into my computer. Do you name your ipod/ iphone?
And this temporary tattoo is still going strong. What do they make these things with nowadays?
Wore a short sleeved shirt to a meeting last week. Oops.
Do you have any visible tattoos?
Im contemplating getting a running tattoo. I was going to after my 1st half but I think I'm going to wait until i complete the NYCM. I can't decide what I'd want. I know I want it on my foot though.
If you were to get a running related tattoo what would you want to get?
We interrupt the regularly scheduled blogging to talk about food.
No I'm not turning into a food blogger (that would be weird and I'm embarrassed about what I eat. It's not pretty or what a person who runs multiple half marathons in a month should be fueling with). I am definitely not a foodie, but I did discover this amazing recipe and I need to share it.
No, mine does not look like theirs. I don't like olives.
Yall, this is de-lish. I almost ate that entire bowl (It's easily over 4 servings. It makes a ton!). I'm not normally a couscous fan (I'd rather taboule's cracked wheat) and I usually prefer my chickpeas mashed up in hummus, but something about this recipe told me I had to try it.
I'm not really a cook (not that this required much cooking) but I was browsing the Trader Joe's website and I stumbled upon their recipe section. I will admit I'm also going to try the Pork tacos and the chicken glaze. It's my favorite store; even if it gets so crowded the line wraps around the store and my anxiety shoots through the roof. And of course, it doesn't hurt that their branding rocks my socks!
Anyway. This made my day and I thought yall should know.
A fews weeks ago, Anna Banana forwarded me over an RSVP to this thing called "IntenSati on The Intrepid". With the subject line of it being a Yoga class, I thought it would be super fun to be apart of something outside like that. As I was getting ready last night, I decided to look more closely at the invite and google the website of this.
What is intenSati?
Get moving and have fun by participating in NYC’s largest ever IntenSati class – and certainly the first and only class on an aircraft carrier! IntenSati is a revolutionary workout fusing high energy aerobics, martial arts, dance, yoga and strength conditioning with spoken affirmations, providing a heart-pumping, exhilarating work out that builds physical, mental and spiritual muscle. IntenSati classes sell out instantly throughout the city, so now’s your chance to experience this workout!
Um, yea. NOT yoga.
Can I preface this with I hate taking classes? I get way to overeager to do the moves perfectly when I'm supposed to modify because I have messed up knees. I get frustrated when I can't do them perfectly and feel like an idiot. I never feel good after and my knees usually hate me a ton the next day.
But we went anyway to check it out. And thank goodness we did! It. was. so. much. fun!
So, there we were at 11:00AM on a Sunday.
Co-founders of HEALTHCLASS2.0, Ellen Gustafson and Natalia Petrzela, talked about the Intrepid’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs for girls and HEALTHCLASS2.0 (www.healthclass.org), a path-breaking public school program empowering children and their communities to engage in new conversations about health, food and exercise and to bring about transformation in their own lives and the world around them. (taken from the facebook invite) After we went up to the deck for the class.
On our way up, we were talking to some girls who were IntenSati regulars who warned us it is a little bit like a cult with the chanting, but not to worry. Because that made us feel better. But once they started the work out, it wasn't very "chanty". There was an affirmation that the instuctor repeated, which went with the movements. There was no pressure to say it at all, but I found saying it out loud made it that much more fun! The Hudson was loud, so if the workout got too intense and screaming made you feel better, then no one could tell the difference. It really was the best workout I think I've ever had. Along with a great work out, which I'm sure I'm going to feel tomorrow, it made me feel good as a person.
The class.
Before we knew what we were getting into.
After the class. Still smiles!
With the price of the class, admission to the museum was included (if you didn't know, The Intrepid is a Navy ship that was active during WWII. Now it's a museum with all kinds of fun stuff.)
So we played!
We totally kicked out a few kids to do this.
Pilots must be very short. Anna fit perfectly. I did not.
We sat and watched the Kamakazi film which was a little too intense for our Sunday morning.
It was a great way to spend a Sunday morning!
You should seriously check out this movement. Patricia Moreno, founder of Satilife and instructor for our class, is incredibly inspiring. As were her assistants (seriously, if I keep going to classes can I have their arms?!) On her site, her schedule says she teaches at Equinox. Looks like I might need a membership.
Do you have a favorite class that makes you feel good physically and mentally?
Well, I'm in the audience, but same difference, right?!
A few weeks ago, as we were watching daytime television, I decided I wanted to go to a taping. I mean, what's the use of living in NYC if I don't take advantage? Totally random, I know, but that's how I roll.
The only taping I had ever been to was for the Rosie O'Donnell Show. I was working at Disney and her show took over the Beauty and The Beast theater for a week (yes, I'm showing my age and I'm totally ok with it, dammit). I wasn't at all interested in going. This was the during the height of her popularity and we're talking sleeping in the MK parking lot just to get a chance to be on the show, no thankyou. Then a co-worker went and got the Bear in the Big Blue House Cha Cha Cha Doll. OMG, yall. I needed that doll in my life. So, I gathered a few crazy friends and we camped out all night, and alas, no Cha Cha Cha Doll at that taping. Boo. I was super pissed, but I got a kush ball (remember those?! Yes. I'm ok with my age. Shut. It) But don't you worry. I found it and bought it. In case yall have no idea what I'm talking about, I found this video for your musical enjoyment:
Yes, it is amazing. My 19 year old self had to have this doll. Why? I still don't know but watching this totally had me rolling, so clearly it still makes me happy.
And we are moving on.
We all know better than to think I'm getting my happy ass out of bed for a morning taping of GMA or The Today Show, but did you know that a lot of shows tape during the day?! What?! I know. We happened to be watching The Chew at the time, so that's who I looked up and applied for tickets for. And guess what? We got them!
That Tuesday, my audience member partner and I decided to make a date out of it. We woke up at a normal hour and headed to 67th and CPW (which the area is so residential, if you didn't know the studios where there, you'd totally miss them) to see Mario Batali, Clinton Kelly, Carla Hall, Daphne Oz and Michael Symon.
Confession? I have no idea who any of these people are. I'm not a foodie. I don't watch reality TV. And if we are really being honest, I'm not even the demographic. Everyone in line was older and housewife-esque. I was very concerned they could sense I didn't know anything and I was going to get kicked out at any moment.
But they didn't. In fact, it was a lot of fun! The audience warmer/ comedian RC Smith was super awesome. He was really funny and apparently an actual stand-up comedian. Everything seemed really laid back. The studio was small, which the magic of TV makes look HUGE! During commercial breaks, Carla comes out and dances with the audience. They played I will survive and Clinton joined her. It was hysterical. The hosts seem like they are having a blast and love what they do. . .and why not? I'd love to get paid to eat! Too bad, I'm pretty sure it involves cooking. That would be a bad bad plan.
Bonus? Paula Abdul was the special guest. Better bonus? The audience got label makers! What?! Don't be jelly. We are talking PC connectible multi-faceted label makers. The thing is huge! But I'm super excited. I have no idea what I want to label first!
Once the taping was over, The cast came out into the audience and talked to them. I thought that was really nice, you know even though I had no idea who they were. Later, as I was researching for this post, I found out Daphne is Dr. Oz's daughter. I didn't realize he was old enough to have a daughter close to my age. The other hosts, besides Clinton Kelly, were all on one kind of cooking competition show or another. This show was only their 101st. I didn't realize they were so new, but it's definitely a cute show, especially if you are into food. Even if not, they have other segments and it's totally worth it. . you know, as long as it's not on at the same time as The Price is Right. I jest!
Figured since it was a food show they would feed us, but no. After smelling all the delish-ness they were making, we were starving! So we ended this cute date day at Shake Shack, where we found the perfect time to go without a line. What?! Win Win!
The loot!
Verdict? I totally want to go to more show tapings! I didn't realize it could be this easy and fun! What next? The View apparently tapes in the same studio. . . hmmmmmm. .maybe next time! I wish I would've figured this out months ago!
What's your favorite Daytime show? What show would you like to watching a taping of?
I'm new to the yoga world since I found out it's really good for you as a runner, but I would not consider myself a yogi. Since getting into it, I'm a super fan for what it stands for and the principles of the practice. I am all about meditation and getting to know my body on a spiritual level and all that new-age hippie junk that sometimes makes me worry about myself when I spout it out loud. . . but whatever. I'm ok with it. It makes me feel good and that's all that matters.
I also get that it's trendy at the moment and with any large trend, there are a ton of bad apples that like to ruin a good thing. I've had personal encounters with humans who preach the word of wellness. . but at the end of the day are really bad people. I'm still confused as to how someone can practice this amazing art and turn around and act in the complete opposite manner in which it stands. The more I get involved with fitness, the more I'm noticing this. This baffles me, especially coming from a running world where everyone is supportive of each other and genuinely motivational. I feel like in the yoga community, it's very much a sorority and I already belong to one, thankyouverymuch. (note: I am not in any way saying I think I act like a perfect person ever. I struggle just like everyone else, but I also believe in treating others the way you wish to be treated in every aspect of life. Again, sometimes I mess up, but I can assure you, it's something I'm always striving for. Unfortunately, it seems a ton of people forgot that very small lesson I learned in kindergarten). All this kind of reminds me a lot of organized religion and why I don't agree with it. . . but that's a whole different story for a whole different day and hence why I like to practice my yoga in the comfort of my own apt. My favorite video instructor feels the same way (I knew I liked her for a reason!) and probably says it a lot better than I could, so you should check it out.
Apparently, there is a 15 minute fame scandal involving yoga drama, but from what I understand, this isn't really new to yoga or anything else for that matter. Sex and Scandal is apart of every aspect of American society, so having it penetrate this isn't all that surprising to me. Why do these things still catch the media's attention? It should be news if a company ISN'T involved in a scandal.
Anyone have thoughts on this?
Moving on to the critics, seriously New York Times, any physical activity can wreck your body if you're not doing it correctly. Duh. And this is also another reason I will stick to my beginner videos and not try to do any cray cray poses that will get me in trouble!
What yoga pose is your favorite? What yoga pose will you never try because it looks cray cray?
Miraculously, I woke up on Christmas morning and finished my b2b 8 mile run. How I managed this is still a mystery. Christmas eve was action packed full of activities sans a nap. Helping Santa also took longer than expected, so when 5:30am rolled around, I really have no idea I actually got out of bed.
The first 3 times nearly killed me. Even with the ice bath, I didn't think I could do it. It was terrible, yall. But then? It was ok. I was good. It felt like I just had to run the rust from the day before off. It still sucked, but it became bearable. Then? It started raining. It would only rain for 5 or so minutes at a time and by the time I had dried off from one shower, it would start again. I had half a mind to just end it early, but I decided since I was already wet and nowhere near the car, I should just suck it up. I'm glad I got that run out of the way. It really helped me believe I can actually do this and survive. So YaY! And YaY! for a rest day.
The second leg run I decided to run through Lafreniere park. This is what it looked like that morning:
Rainy and Gross. Booo.
Chickens. Seriously.
Lots of ducks, too.
A few nights ago, this is what looked like:
We went to see the lights that used to be in front of Al Copeland's (the founder of Popeye's) house. The amount of lights were so obnoxious, his neighbors complained and he donated the light to the park and that's where they live now.
Saints and The Lombardi trophy.
Mr. Bingle is a New Orleans tradition.
A Crawfish boil!
Then we got out and walked through.
This is what they did when I told them to look cute.
Me, my momma and my favorite nieces!
They're super fun.
They wish.
How's everyone else's training going? What about your holidays?
Soooooo, if you've been reading my blog, you know I'm a fan of the iPhone app, Instagram. I like it, bc I can take a normal pic with my camera then drop it in instagram and play with all kinds of filters. So, either way you have the original picture incase you f-up your instragram. Unlike, Hipstamatic, which I feel is for elitist photographer wannabes (or I'm just bitter I can't figure it out)- you have to take the picture in their app with a weird peephole and hope to Allah it comes out how you wanted. If you're a photographer and understand all that stuff, I'm sure it's amazing for you. I, however, do not get it and am lazy.
Moving on, Friday night at Jingle Ball, Instagram was set up outside MSG. The cool part? If you took a pic at the concert and tagged it with the #Z100onfuse, the pic would be sent to them and they'd print it out for you. I am a super fan of this, except the photo paper quality was seriously lacking. I've been to a few parties where they have something similar and the photos are better. Still an awesome concept, though. I loved that you didn't have to be at a specific place (i.e. a booth or in front of a specific camera), all you had to do was put the hashtag and it sent it from your phone.
Yes, we hijacked a mobile Rangers stand and took a pic in it.
This is when I found out about another awesome like app, lemeleme! Same concept, cooler filters.
Check it out:
Instagram: Walden (I think)
lemeleme: Godfather
lemeleme: Crayon
Those are just the more different ones, but generally the filters are the same. Anyway, I'm still a hardcore Instagram fan but lemeleme is awesome, too! Just thought I'd share the wealth of info.
In case you don't already follow me on twitter, today has been a very very bad New York day. That one little tweet had to be written and re-written about 5 times because I was so upset. I assure you, it does not accurately portray how close I truly was to committing a crime, being able to plead insanity and get away with it. Within the past few months, my already very low opinion of the human race has plummeted even farther into believing it the cesspool of inequity that it is.
I am bitter. I am jaded. And I'm ok with that.
Today was a perfect day to drink a glass of wine to relax (and maybe do some yoga. . b/c that's an excellent combination if I do say so myself! I kid. I kid.), and in thinking that, I wanted to share with the world my contribution to Thanksgiving dinner:
Picked solely on their label's design because seriously? Who would trust me with anything else?
How amazing is this?! Is it wine? Is it Coconut water? Does it even matter?
Unfortunately, I do not have an extra bottle of wine in the house to pop open for this very special occasion of drinking my sorrows away. Instead? I have left over hard liquor from the hurricane party.
Fly has decided to nominate me for an award (YaY! and Thank you!) and seeing as I have been blogger blocked, this seems like fun, right?!
The rules of this nomination are:
I get to tell you seven random things about myself as well as pass on the award to seven other great bloggers (see below).
Nominees, in order to accept this award you must:
-Thank and link back to the person who awarded you
-Write seven random things about yourself.
-Award seven other awesome and inspiring bloggers.
Are we ready?
7 random things you don't know about me yet:
I gave myself bangs last night. That was interesting. I haven't had a haircut since like March? It's really long now, and I only trust 2 people in the world to cut my hair. Both are in New Orleans so I'm screwed til Christmas. And I will bitch about it, every day (according to some people) til I get it cut. So, anyway, I've been missing my bangs, so I cut them myself. They're not even, but I live in Williamsburg. I can get away with it.
I ran an entire 5k last week and forgot to tell yall about that amazing accomplishment. Yes, I have finished 6 half marathons, but I have never run an entire 5k. On a treadmill, no less. It was originally "see if you can run 30 minutes straight" and then it turned into "see if you can run a 5k". I have also decided I need a present for that accomplishment, I just haven't gotten around to it.
Another present I haven't gotten around to? My lululemon for not smoking for 3 months. It's over 6 right now. But being funemployed and all, I really don't need to be buying that even if I go to the outlets.
I might be a multi- half marathoner, but I'm still lazy when it comes to walking around in New York City. I get shit for it all the time and I don't care. The less time I spend trying to navigate through idiots, the happier I am.
I have a step son. He's a 7yr old Boxer. We get along famously.
I am not packed for DC. This does not make me feel good, but whatever. It's going to be a redonkulously short trip, which actually makes me happy because I hate DC with a passion. Depending on how this trip goes, I might even be persuaded to sign up for the Run for Chocolate 15k. But I don't know, that's a lot of DC time.
I just ate an entire roll of Ritz crackers with cream cheese on top and a bag of popcorn for dinner. How's that for carb loading?
Then again, I could be totally wrong. I was at a diner in Wburg and there were a ton of Occupy Wall Street newsletters. I was like Score! I can finally read what this is all about- but they were all in Spanish. I took that as, I'm not supposed to know what this is about and I'm done.
I was all about learning about this protest, until when asked what their demands were, they couldn't come up with a unified answer. But then again, that was weeks ago. Have they gotten their shit together yet? I don't know. All the news is reporting about is trying to evict them to clean the park. And I'm tired of watching pointless videos on youTube in hopes they will inform me of something useful that I can form an opinion on.
I'm a person who just acquired tons of student loan debt to follow my passion and now I can't find a job (did I forget to mention that? yea. I'm funemployed.) and I also have a huge disdain for corporate America. Aren't those the same people protesting right now? Should I be down there? Are there bongos and weed smoking? because then I'm totally out.
It's a shame really. They had so much power. I hope they get it together soon and if they have gotten it together, then it would be awesome if there was some responsible journalism going on.
Until then, if someone has some insight, please let me know.
Happy E-arth Day, Everyone! I think I want to celebrate by watching a Nature documentary (it's date night, so don't tell B :) A few of my favorites: DisneyNature's Earth or Oceans, Tapped (about the bottled water industry; how it's affecting the environment and how water from your tap is cleaner and regulated more than what's in that bottle) or Chasing Ice (shows you exactly how global warming is affecting glaciers. It's pretty mind blowing) 
