Today I am thankful for the library.
I mentioned my love of the library in one of my mid-month money manifesto posts, but it warrants a mention in this post series, too. Having access to a wonderful library has made it easy to stick to my commitment to not buy any books in 2012. Yes, there were times I couldn't read a book club book as there was a 1,000+ wait for a book, but besides that the library has been a godsend to me! I especially love checking out e-books. Even though the library is just a short detour on my walk home, I still appreciate not having to go there to pick up or drop off books.
There are so many that services that the library provides, so I know I am just experiencing the tip of the iceberg. For example, I would like to take advantage to the free museum passes that are available through the library.
Here is hoping that local libraries continue to be well-funded as I think they are SUCH an important resource!!
What are you thankful for today?
Monday, November 12, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
10 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 2
Today I am thankful for my health.
I think our health is something that we can at times take for granted. I know I certainly have at different points of my life. Luckily I have not had any serious illnesses, but I was quite sick last year for about 5 months and it definitely impacted my quality of life.
I often get frustrated because I feel like I do all the right things (exercise, get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet), but sometimes our health is just out of our control, as was the case last fall when I had a sinus infection that refused to go away, and ended up having sinus surgery. Surgery was my only option as no antibiotic could get rid of my infection, so it's not like I had a choice in the matter, but I was skeptical about whether it would truly fix things.
Well, I am thrilled to say it did! I have not had a sinus infection since my surgery and will say this is probably the healthiest year I have had in years!
Besides being thankful for the fact that sinus infections seem to be a thing of the past for me, I am also thankful for the healthy marathon training season I had. Becoming a runner has definitely hugely contributed to an improvement in my body image. As I've said before, I no longer obsess over my problem areas and instead am just thankful that my body can do things like run 26.2 consecutive miles! I mean, it's pretty amazing when you stop and think about it!
So here's to what will hopefully be another healthy year!
I think our health is something that we can at times take for granted. I know I certainly have at different points of my life. Luckily I have not had any serious illnesses, but I was quite sick last year for about 5 months and it definitely impacted my quality of life.
I often get frustrated because I feel like I do all the right things (exercise, get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet), but sometimes our health is just out of our control, as was the case last fall when I had a sinus infection that refused to go away, and ended up having sinus surgery. Surgery was my only option as no antibiotic could get rid of my infection, so it's not like I had a choice in the matter, but I was skeptical about whether it would truly fix things.
Well, I am thrilled to say it did! I have not had a sinus infection since my surgery and will say this is probably the healthiest year I have had in years!
Besides being thankful for the fact that sinus infections seem to be a thing of the past for me, I am also thankful for the healthy marathon training season I had. Becoming a runner has definitely hugely contributed to an improvement in my body image. As I've said before, I no longer obsess over my problem areas and instead am just thankful that my body can do things like run 26.2 consecutive miles! I mean, it's pretty amazing when you stop and think about it!
So here's to what will hopefully be another healthy year!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
10 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 1
Greetings from Dallas, Texas!! Today kicks off the start of my "10 Days of Thanksgiving" post series. Each year, I spend the 10 days leading up to Thanksgiving giving thanks for things, both big and small, that I am thankful for. In years past, others have joined along, so feel free to join in the fun! I know I have a tendency to overlook the things in my life that I have and focus on what I am working towards, so I love the holiday of Thanksgiving as it forces me to really think about what I am thankful for!
Today I am thankful for the nice ride bike sharing program as it significantly decreases my need to drive.
Oh how I love the bike share program. You all know that, of course, as I have talked about it several times, but I figured it was a good place to start as it is something that I utilize every day from mid-April to early November. I have put so many miles on those bikes, it's pretty amazing! I definitely drive far less as a result as it's often quicker to bike places than drive when you factor in parking.
They put the bikes away last week, and I was so sad to see them go! Now I will do far more walking to get places, which is still a better solution than driving!
Thanks to those bikes, I've saved gas money, reduced the wear and tear on my vehicle, and have burned lots of calories!
What is one thing you are thankful for today?
Today I am thankful for the nice ride bike sharing program as it significantly decreases my need to drive.
Oh how I love the bike share program. You all know that, of course, as I have talked about it several times, but I figured it was a good place to start as it is something that I utilize every day from mid-April to early November. I have put so many miles on those bikes, it's pretty amazing! I definitely drive far less as a result as it's often quicker to bike places than drive when you factor in parking.
They put the bikes away last week, and I was so sad to see them go! Now I will do far more walking to get places, which is still a better solution than driving!
Thanks to those bikes, I've saved gas money, reduced the wear and tear on my vehicle, and have burned lots of calories!
What is one thing you are thankful for today?
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
MSP > DAL > HOU > AUS > MSP
Hi friends! Happy Tuesday! Happy election day! As most of you know, I don't (willingly) talk politics, so all I will say is GET OUT THERE AND VOTE! I did!
My 1.5 week break from traveling came and went incredibly fast. Like I blinked and it was time to print my boarding pass. It is a little known fact that I am sort of obsessed with knowing airport codes (hence, the blog post title), and I use them when I talk about cities or in text messages, etc. I even got my previous boss to start to use airport codes when saving presentations as it was shorter/more efficient than spelling out the city.
So I hit the road again today. I fly out this evening for Dallas, will be there until Thursday, then head to Houston for a day, and then head to Austin for the weekend to spend time with my best friend from college! It's going to be a whirlwind week as I have a presentation on Wednesday morning and several client meetings.
I am looking forward to spending time in the Dallas and Houston sales offices, but I am most excited for quality time with these 2 ladies (and Heidi's husband, too, of course)!!
I'm looking forward to a weekend filled with reading books to Elle, drinking wine with Heidi, exploring Austin, and soaking up some sunshine!
Even though I'm traveling, I'll still be posting as I kick off my 10 Days of Thanksgiving post series on Thursday!! This is the 5th year in a row that I will do this post series! I am excited to kick it off as it's a really fun (and healthy) exercise to think of all the things and people in my life that I am thankful for! You should play along, if you feel so inclined!!
Do you have any dorky travel quirks? Besides being obsessed with knowing airport codes, I am also VERY obsessed with passport stamps. When I traveled through Europe in 2004, I would get SO excited every time we got a new passport stamp!
My 1.5 week break from traveling came and went incredibly fast. Like I blinked and it was time to print my boarding pass. It is a little known fact that I am sort of obsessed with knowing airport codes (hence, the blog post title), and I use them when I talk about cities or in text messages, etc. I even got my previous boss to start to use airport codes when saving presentations as it was shorter/more efficient than spelling out the city.
So I hit the road again today. I fly out this evening for Dallas, will be there until Thursday, then head to Houston for a day, and then head to Austin for the weekend to spend time with my best friend from college! It's going to be a whirlwind week as I have a presentation on Wednesday morning and several client meetings.
I am looking forward to spending time in the Dallas and Houston sales offices, but I am most excited for quality time with these 2 ladies (and Heidi's husband, too, of course)!!
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| This photo was taken when we met for lunch in September. Elle and I really hit it off, so I am excited for extra time with her! |
Even though I'm traveling, I'll still be posting as I kick off my 10 Days of Thanksgiving post series on Thursday!! This is the 5th year in a row that I will do this post series! I am excited to kick it off as it's a really fun (and healthy) exercise to think of all the things and people in my life that I am thankful for! You should play along, if you feel so inclined!!
Do you have any dorky travel quirks? Besides being obsessed with knowing airport codes, I am also VERY obsessed with passport stamps. When I traveled through Europe in 2004, I would get SO excited every time we got a new passport stamp!
Monday, November 5, 2012
4th Annual Julia Child Night!
Greetings and Happy Monday! I had an absolutely FABULOUS weekend. As you all know, Julia Child Night is something I look forward to for MONTHS, and this year's event did not disappoint.
I went over to my aunt & uncle's on Friday night to help make the ratatouille and coq au vin. Man, Julia does NOT cut any corners. These recipes have many steps, but all of the hard work and attention to detail really does pay off as every recipe I've made of hers is fan-freaking-tastic. And really, is there a better way to spend a Friday night than at the stove with 2 of my favorite people, with a glass of wine in hand? I don't think so.
Now I will let the pictures do the talking - and yes, there are MANY pictures! I'll start with some 'night before pictures' and then move into pictures from the big day!
Julia Child Night - Part Un
Julia Child Night - Part Deux
So there you have it! Another successful Julia Child Night. It was so fun to be surrounded by family, friends, and good food. I went home with a full belly - but more importantly, a full heart. I am so thankful that my aunt and uncle open up their home and put so much work into this fantastic evening - and I am happy to be their faithful sous chef! We are already brainstorming a menu for next year!
I went over to my aunt & uncle's on Friday night to help make the ratatouille and coq au vin. Man, Julia does NOT cut any corners. These recipes have many steps, but all of the hard work and attention to detail really does pay off as every recipe I've made of hers is fan-freaking-tastic. And really, is there a better way to spend a Friday night than at the stove with 2 of my favorite people, with a glass of wine in hand? I don't think so.
Now I will let the pictures do the talking - and yes, there are MANY pictures! I'll start with some 'night before pictures' and then move into pictures from the big day!
Julia Child Night - Part Un
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| We spent most of Friday night at the stove, sauteeing up a storm! I love how my aunt and I have the exact same apron in different colors!! |
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| The ratatouille, simmering away! |
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| We had to Flambe some bourbon for the Coq au Vin! |
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| The appetizer spread: French cheese, GF crackers, assorted olives, and Tapenade (super easy recipe for the tapenade can be found here) |
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| 2 of my nephews were there and had a blast playing with the cool toys my aunt and uncle keep around for the kiddos |
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| Stripes! Berets! Aprons! |
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| The first course was an amouse bouche of ratatouille |
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| Matthew LOVED the ratatouille - so much so that he licked his spoon clean. I was impressed he ate it all as it had eggplant, zucchini, onion, and peppers in it. The kids were sort of familiar with the dish having seen the Pixar film. |
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| Each courses required an assembly line approach for plating! |
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| The 2nd course was a potato leek soup, garnished with some sour cream and parsley |
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| The 3rd course was a grated carrot salad with currants, walnuts, and parsley. I twas a unique salad, but was a hit with everyone! |
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| Next up was the main course of Coq au Vin, mashed potatoes, and peas, served by my cousin's girlfriend, Ellen |
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| Last, but not least, was dessert. My sister-in-law made homemade vanilla ice cream, my mom made chocolate meringue cookies, and I purchased some salted caramel macarons from a local sweet shop! All delicious - all gluten free (everything we served was gluten free). |
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| Of course the night would not be complete without a photo of all the ladies in their aprons! |
Friday, November 2, 2012
5 on Friday
Woo hoo - I posted 5 times this week for the first time in AGES. This won't be a new trend, but it worked out this week! Here are 5 things on my mind this Friday.
1. Julia Child night is tomorrow night! Woo hip! I am heading over to my aunt & uncle's tonight to help make the main course (Coq au Vin) which we will warm tomorrow evening (it's even better the 2nd day). I am so excited for a weekend of good food, and especially time with my family. My parents and brother and his family will be there, in addition to other aunt/uncles/cousins. In total there will be 24 of us there, I think! I will post a recap at some point next week!!
2. I really need to buy another business suit. I do not want to buy another one, though. They are so expensive and I hate wearing them, but I have had to wear a suit twice a week lately and will need to wear one 3-4 days a week when traveling to Texas and California this month so I think it's time to buy another one. Le Sigh. They are so expensive. Thank goodness I got a 50% off coupon from Banana Republic for next weekend!
3. I activated a 30-day yoga pass on Sunday and have gone to 3 classes so far. I am loving the deep stretching - it's been a nice change of focus after being solely focused on running for the last 6 months.
4. I usually love Daylight Savings Time, but this year I am not looking forward to it getting darker earlier as I HATE running in the dark. My pace is significantly slower and I just feel 'off'. I don't feel scared, I think I just get disorientated. I wear a headlamp, which helps, but it's not the same as running in daylight.
5. I really can not wait to sleep in on Sunday morning. It's been awhile since I have slept in and my body REALLY needs it. So I guess the extra hour from DLS will be good in that regard!
Happy Friday everyone! What is on your mind today? Do you like Daylight Savings Time? Or do you live in a place that does not acknowledge it?
1. Julia Child night is tomorrow night! Woo hip! I am heading over to my aunt & uncle's tonight to help make the main course (Coq au Vin) which we will warm tomorrow evening (it's even better the 2nd day). I am so excited for a weekend of good food, and especially time with my family. My parents and brother and his family will be there, in addition to other aunt/uncles/cousins. In total there will be 24 of us there, I think! I will post a recap at some point next week!!
2. I really need to buy another business suit. I do not want to buy another one, though. They are so expensive and I hate wearing them, but I have had to wear a suit twice a week lately and will need to wear one 3-4 days a week when traveling to Texas and California this month so I think it's time to buy another one. Le Sigh. They are so expensive. Thank goodness I got a 50% off coupon from Banana Republic for next weekend!
3. I activated a 30-day yoga pass on Sunday and have gone to 3 classes so far. I am loving the deep stretching - it's been a nice change of focus after being solely focused on running for the last 6 months.
4. I usually love Daylight Savings Time, but this year I am not looking forward to it getting darker earlier as I HATE running in the dark. My pace is significantly slower and I just feel 'off'. I don't feel scared, I think I just get disorientated. I wear a headlamp, which helps, but it's not the same as running in daylight.
5. I really can not wait to sleep in on Sunday morning. It's been awhile since I have slept in and my body REALLY needs it. So I guess the extra hour from DLS will be good in that regard!
Happy Friday everyone! What is on your mind today? Do you like Daylight Savings Time? Or do you live in a place that does not acknowledge it?
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Music, Books, Miles, and Looks of October
Music:
Ho Hey by The Lumineers - Oh how I love this song! I need to check out this band and see if their album is worth buying (anyone own it out there?).
Not with Haste by Mumford and Sons - Oh my gosh, the Mumford & Sons new album ROCKS. I wasn't sure they could release something as good as their first album. Well, they did. This is my favorite song on the album. I love the last line: "And I will love with urgency but not with haste."
Books:
It was another strong reading month for me, thanks to all the plane travel I've done!
The Moment by Douglas Kennedy - Oh this book. It was so good, read in a flurry, bookmarked in many places, thought about as I fell asleep at night. It is the story of an American man and a German woman who fall in love in Berlin during the time of the cold war, amidst the complications of living in a divided city. He so artfully describes the beauty of falling in love. I could wax on poetically, instead I will close with one of the passages I bookmarked: 'We're all so preposterous, aren't we? Holding onto our torments, our agonies, our small dramas - and using them to sabotage that which was so want... And actually deserve.'
Prisoner of Tehran by Marina Nemat - This was our October book club book. It's a well-written memoir by a young woman who was imprisoned in Iran in the early 80s. It is a harrowing story but a fast an engaging read. I highly recommend it.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky - Another great young adult novel that is definitely a book adults will enjoy. I thought the writing was great!! I also had a chance to see the movie and thought they did a fantastic job turning it into a movie. The author wrote the screen play and directed it - and that was reflected in the quality of the movie.
Blackberry Winter by Sarah Jio - Sarah Jio strikes again! I read this book in the span of about 48 hours, so that should tell you how good it is! I think this is my favorite Jio book of her 3!! The story is engaging from the very beginning! Such a great book!!
The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom - This was a super fast read - I read it over the course of a day spent traveling. It was good but not as good as Albom's other books. I would give it 3.5 stars if that was an option.
Yes Chef by Marcus Samuelsson - I really enjoyed this book. I fell in love with Samuelsson when he was on Top Chef Masters years ago. If you are foodie who is interested in the restaurant industry, you will enjoy this book. Samuelsson did a great job writing this and I especially appreciate the fact that he owns up to mistakes he made along the way.
Miles:
My mileage was on the low side this month since I spent the whole month tapering, and then ran my marathon. I ran a total of 98.25 miles, which I am happy with! Most importantly, I ran a strong marathon!
Looks:
Look #1 (with a horrible background) is a dress I bought at Banana Republic. It's a very simple silhouette that is flattering for people like me that don't have curve. Also, I love that it's navy! I paired it with gray peep toe heels.
Look #2 is another Banana Republic outfit. When I saw the skirt was on display in the window, I was drawn into the store like a moth to a flame. I am STILL obsessed with mustard!!
Look #3 is my quirky shirt that I bought at the coolest t-shirt shop I've ever been to, which was in Des Moines. I think the shirt is hilarious!
Ho Hey by The Lumineers - Oh how I love this song! I need to check out this band and see if their album is worth buying (anyone own it out there?).
Not with Haste by Mumford and Sons - Oh my gosh, the Mumford & Sons new album ROCKS. I wasn't sure they could release something as good as their first album. Well, they did. This is my favorite song on the album. I love the last line: "And I will love with urgency but not with haste."
Books:
It was another strong reading month for me, thanks to all the plane travel I've done!
The Moment by Douglas Kennedy - Oh this book. It was so good, read in a flurry, bookmarked in many places, thought about as I fell asleep at night. It is the story of an American man and a German woman who fall in love in Berlin during the time of the cold war, amidst the complications of living in a divided city. He so artfully describes the beauty of falling in love. I could wax on poetically, instead I will close with one of the passages I bookmarked: 'We're all so preposterous, aren't we? Holding onto our torments, our agonies, our small dramas - and using them to sabotage that which was so want... And actually deserve.'
Prisoner of Tehran by Marina Nemat - This was our October book club book. It's a well-written memoir by a young woman who was imprisoned in Iran in the early 80s. It is a harrowing story but a fast an engaging read. I highly recommend it.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky - Another great young adult novel that is definitely a book adults will enjoy. I thought the writing was great!! I also had a chance to see the movie and thought they did a fantastic job turning it into a movie. The author wrote the screen play and directed it - and that was reflected in the quality of the movie.
Blackberry Winter by Sarah Jio - Sarah Jio strikes again! I read this book in the span of about 48 hours, so that should tell you how good it is! I think this is my favorite Jio book of her 3!! The story is engaging from the very beginning! Such a great book!!
The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom - This was a super fast read - I read it over the course of a day spent traveling. It was good but not as good as Albom's other books. I would give it 3.5 stars if that was an option.
Yes Chef by Marcus Samuelsson - I really enjoyed this book. I fell in love with Samuelsson when he was on Top Chef Masters years ago. If you are foodie who is interested in the restaurant industry, you will enjoy this book. Samuelsson did a great job writing this and I especially appreciate the fact that he owns up to mistakes he made along the way.
Miles:
My mileage was on the low side this month since I spent the whole month tapering, and then ran my marathon. I ran a total of 98.25 miles, which I am happy with! Most importantly, I ran a strong marathon!
Looks:
Look #1 (with a horrible background) is a dress I bought at Banana Republic. It's a very simple silhouette that is flattering for people like me that don't have curve. Also, I love that it's navy! I paired it with gray peep toe heels.
Look #2 is another Banana Republic outfit. When I saw the skirt was on display in the window, I was drawn into the store like a moth to a flame. I am STILL obsessed with mustard!!
Look #3 is my quirky shirt that I bought at the coolest t-shirt shop I've ever been to, which was in Des Moines. I think the shirt is hilarious!
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