My mom sneaking a piece of Mother's Day cake and my brother in the background.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Racing and Then Racing More
I participated in the Splash and Dash last Thursday evening in 100 degree temps. It was a quick swim and a 5K run and I got to say, the water was nice and inviting, despite the hoards of blood thirsty triathletes waiting to kick and drown me through the water. During the run my face felt hot. I've never had my face feel hot to the point I thought it was going to burn off my neck. But it was a good confidence booster for the triathlon on Saturday.
Saturday, I participated in the Danskin SheRox Triathlon and loved, loved it. I forget how much I love triathlons till I do a real open water, hard core, in the heat of the desert type of triathlon. But, this one was all women and no, I did not miss the men. All the women were commenting on how everything was cleaner; the port a potties were so much cleaner; the bike course was so much safer--no men coming at me at 25 miles per hour yelling at me to "get to the right" and then when I do, they come within 2 inches of me anyway. Thank goodness for all female triathlons, as much as I love men, this was a nice change of style, but not change of pace. I still tried, despite hardly swimming or biking lately. In my age group, I placed 19th out of 81 in the swim, 14th out of 81 in the run...and 54th out of 81 in the bike...sheepish face. I know it! I am not a biker. I am more of a casual shift gears all the time type of biker, which will not win me any races. The people who win triathlons are the bike handlers, plain and simple. It is the longest portion of the race and the toughest and I think, most dangerous, although people who hate to swim wouldn't concur. Overall I came in 25th out of 81, but if I had biked the way I should have, I would have been 15th out of 81. I usually bike faster. I even biked faster in a half ironman than I did in this race. I need to get myself motivated to bike more somehow. I promise myself after my marathon I will crank the bike out more often. It's just so much work and so much gear and too many cars to run me over.
I participated in the Splash and Dash last Thursday evening in 100 degree temps. It was a quick swim and a 5K run and I got to say, the water was nice and inviting, despite the hoards of blood thirsty triathletes waiting to kick and drown me through the water. During the run my face felt hot. I've never had my face feel hot to the point I thought it was going to burn off my neck. But it was a good confidence booster for the triathlon on Saturday.
Saturday, I participated in the Danskin SheRox Triathlon and loved, loved it. I forget how much I love triathlons till I do a real open water, hard core, in the heat of the desert type of triathlon. But, this one was all women and no, I did not miss the men. All the women were commenting on how everything was cleaner; the port a potties were so much cleaner; the bike course was so much safer--no men coming at me at 25 miles per hour yelling at me to "get to the right" and then when I do, they come within 2 inches of me anyway. Thank goodness for all female triathlons, as much as I love men, this was a nice change of style, but not change of pace. I still tried, despite hardly swimming or biking lately. In my age group, I placed 19th out of 81 in the swim, 14th out of 81 in the run...and 54th out of 81 in the bike...sheepish face. I know it! I am not a biker. I am more of a casual shift gears all the time type of biker, which will not win me any races. The people who win triathlons are the bike handlers, plain and simple. It is the longest portion of the race and the toughest and I think, most dangerous, although people who hate to swim wouldn't concur. Overall I came in 25th out of 81, but if I had biked the way I should have, I would have been 15th out of 81. I usually bike faster. I even biked faster in a half ironman than I did in this race. I need to get myself motivated to bike more somehow. I promise myself after my marathon I will crank the bike out more often. It's just so much work and so much gear and too many cars to run me over.
Being single
So two single episodes happened to me the past weekend:
1. I went out dancing with two girlfriends from work and their husbands, so I was totally the fifth wheel. They ended up salsa dancing with their significant others and I became what is sadly known as the wallflower. Plus, it was in a Latin club, so I stood out like a sore thumb. I am 6'0 tall and blonde, which is instant freak of nature in these clubs. Men would come by and try to reach the top of my head and state "bastante alta" meaning, way tall.
2. I am training for an upcoming marathon and put in 20 miles in near 100 degrees, so I decided to treat myself to breakfast. I had a gift card leftover from Christmas, so put it to use. However, when I got to the restaurant, it was jam packed, so I asked if I could get some food to go and had a menu in my hand that stated they offered food to go on Saturday and Sunday. Well, the hostess said "No, we don't offer food to go," well, then why do you even have these menus which clearly state that you do? She just said, "well, we just don't do it." So I asked if I could put my name down for a table. She then stated, "We don't serve single people. If you want you can sit at the bar, but that's it." So Crackers and Co. I hope you get bad press and I am telling everyone not to eat there. Single people deserve just as much respect. I have money, too and I get hungry, too.
So two single episodes happened to me the past weekend:
1. I went out dancing with two girlfriends from work and their husbands, so I was totally the fifth wheel. They ended up salsa dancing with their significant others and I became what is sadly known as the wallflower. Plus, it was in a Latin club, so I stood out like a sore thumb. I am 6'0 tall and blonde, which is instant freak of nature in these clubs. Men would come by and try to reach the top of my head and state "bastante alta" meaning, way tall.
2. I am training for an upcoming marathon and put in 20 miles in near 100 degrees, so I decided to treat myself to breakfast. I had a gift card leftover from Christmas, so put it to use. However, when I got to the restaurant, it was jam packed, so I asked if I could get some food to go and had a menu in my hand that stated they offered food to go on Saturday and Sunday. Well, the hostess said "No, we don't offer food to go," well, then why do you even have these menus which clearly state that you do? She just said, "well, we just don't do it." So I asked if I could put my name down for a table. She then stated, "We don't serve single people. If you want you can sit at the bar, but that's it." So Crackers and Co. I hope you get bad press and I am telling everyone not to eat there. Single people deserve just as much respect. I have money, too and I get hungry, too.
Curtis Stone Part II
Well, I had a golf tournament at work, which I happily volunteered to work. Not spending the day in front of a computer? Sounds good to me! But I found out I had to be there at 5:45am to set up, which ended up being okay. "Maybe you'll meet a guy," "You never know who you might meet there," all my girlfriends at work told me. Of course that didn't happen, but that's okay because my heart belongs to another....the Aussie Curtis Stone who I luckily met again! Twice in five days. I went to LA for my birthday as I wrote about in another post and met him at the Festival of Books, but then I found out that he would be in Scottsdale, Arizona signing copies of his cookbook and doing a demonstration.
So my heart fluttered and I magically found myself driving to Scottsdale to meet him again. It's like my car was on auto drive. He was gorgeous and super cute and used the word "mate" a lot, which is one of my favorite words from down under. He brought up this girl on to the stage and he cooked for her and fed her. I would have died. She was soooo lucky and she looked like she would just pass out. I probably would have.
Everyone asked if we were engaged yet, but sadly no. I did find this on You Tube and I think someone may have beat me to it. He did write it in stone...excuse the pun...so maybe my shot with Curtis is over:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jidqhxzq5nA
Well, I had a golf tournament at work, which I happily volunteered to work. Not spending the day in front of a computer? Sounds good to me! But I found out I had to be there at 5:45am to set up, which ended up being okay. "Maybe you'll meet a guy," "You never know who you might meet there," all my girlfriends at work told me. Of course that didn't happen, but that's okay because my heart belongs to another....the Aussie Curtis Stone who I luckily met again! Twice in five days. I went to LA for my birthday as I wrote about in another post and met him at the Festival of Books, but then I found out that he would be in Scottsdale, Arizona signing copies of his cookbook and doing a demonstration.
So my heart fluttered and I magically found myself driving to Scottsdale to meet him again. It's like my car was on auto drive. He was gorgeous and super cute and used the word "mate" a lot, which is one of my favorite words from down under. He brought up this girl on to the stage and he cooked for her and fed her. I would have died. She was soooo lucky and she looked like she would just pass out. I probably would have.
Everyone asked if we were engaged yet, but sadly no. I did find this on You Tube and I think someone may have beat me to it. He did write it in stone...excuse the pun...so maybe my shot with Curtis is over:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jidqhxzq5nA
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Update
So I did kill the plant I got for my birthday. I vowed to have it at least a week. I didn't manage to make it that long.
I am also the new Running Examiner at examiner.com.
You can check out my articles here.
So I did kill the plant I got for my birthday. I vowed to have it at least a week. I didn't manage to make it that long.
I am also the new Running Examiner at examiner.com.
You can check out my articles here.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Best Birthday Ever, Part II
So on Sunday I had the best day ever! I have a huge crush on Australian chef Curtis Stone. I am not afraid to admit it. He is a gorgeous man who can cook and he speaks Australian. Well, he was coming to the Festival of Books and I had to be there. I had dreamed about what it would be like to meet him, and let me tell you, he did not disappoint. It was perfect!
He put on a wonderful cooking demonstration and had all the ladies swooning. Afterwards, he was signing copies of his cookbook. I stood in line to buy the cookbook so I could finally meet my Australian dreamboat and the person right in front of me bought the last one! No!!!
But alas, my friend Vicki saved the day. Apparently, they announced to the crowd (after I had taken off in a desperate attempt to find a cookbook) that anyone wishing to donate to charity could take Curtis Stone's poster and cookbook and move to the front of the line. So, Vicki, being my superwoman, whipped open her wallet, thrust money in front of him and gave me the best birthday present...a meeting with Curtis Stone. It was all too fabulous and I was just gushing. Lucky girl or what? I was so nervous I couldn't even speak to him. He asked me how I was doing and all I could say was...it's my birthday. So lovely, beautiful Curtis signed his poster and wrote in the cookbook "Happy, happy birthday Jennifer, love Curtis Stone XX" XX!! I got an XX from Curtis? So is XX a hug or a kiss? I don't know xoxoxo, which is which. I'll pretend it is the kiss. This photo is my new wallpaper.
Second year in a row I was wished happy birthday by an Australian man. Again I say, lucky girl or what?
Do I look like I'm in love with this Aussie? Curtis Stone and I (he's touching me!)
I'm giddy as a school girl
Thank you Vicki!
So I'm flying high. Then that night my dad calls me to wish me happy birthday and says he is going to San Francisco the next day.
On Monday, my actual birthday, my family friends, my mom and I take a long drive to Laguna Beach for brunch. I ordered pancakes that tasted like birthday cake with sweet Maple syrup. As my taste buds were watering, my mom all of a sudden starts screaming..."OH my gosh" and in walks my dad!! Totally surprising me for my birthday. We are in this no-name restaurant over 90 minutes from LA and in walks my father with a birthday card signed by him and my brothers! What a total surprise. This weekend can't get any better. Best birthday yet!
We take a walk down to the water and I enjoy the sand slipping beneath my toes.
Me
My dad-didn't expect to spend my b-day with him
After brunch, my dad and friends left me and mom to do a little retail therapy. I also enjoyed my first experience at Pinkberry.
My mom and I watched a movie and enjoyed the last minutes in Los Angeles. Perfect weather, perfect friends, perfect Aussie Curtis Stone, and a perfect birthday.
Thank you to everyone who made it so special. I have been just glowing.
So on Sunday I had the best day ever! I have a huge crush on Australian chef Curtis Stone. I am not afraid to admit it. He is a gorgeous man who can cook and he speaks Australian. Well, he was coming to the Festival of Books and I had to be there. I had dreamed about what it would be like to meet him, and let me tell you, he did not disappoint. It was perfect!
He put on a wonderful cooking demonstration and had all the ladies swooning. Afterwards, he was signing copies of his cookbook. I stood in line to buy the cookbook so I could finally meet my Australian dreamboat and the person right in front of me bought the last one! No!!!
But alas, my friend Vicki saved the day. Apparently, they announced to the crowd (after I had taken off in a desperate attempt to find a cookbook) that anyone wishing to donate to charity could take Curtis Stone's poster and cookbook and move to the front of the line. So, Vicki, being my superwoman, whipped open her wallet, thrust money in front of him and gave me the best birthday present...a meeting with Curtis Stone. It was all too fabulous and I was just gushing. Lucky girl or what? I was so nervous I couldn't even speak to him. He asked me how I was doing and all I could say was...it's my birthday. So lovely, beautiful Curtis signed his poster and wrote in the cookbook "Happy, happy birthday Jennifer, love Curtis Stone XX" XX!! I got an XX from Curtis? So is XX a hug or a kiss? I don't know xoxoxo, which is which. I'll pretend it is the kiss. This photo is my new wallpaper.
Second year in a row I was wished happy birthday by an Australian man. Again I say, lucky girl or what?
Do I look like I'm in love with this Aussie? Curtis Stone and I (he's touching me!)
I'm giddy as a school girl
Thank you Vicki!
So I'm flying high. Then that night my dad calls me to wish me happy birthday and says he is going to San Francisco the next day.
On Monday, my actual birthday, my family friends, my mom and I take a long drive to Laguna Beach for brunch. I ordered pancakes that tasted like birthday cake with sweet Maple syrup. As my taste buds were watering, my mom all of a sudden starts screaming..."OH my gosh" and in walks my dad!! Totally surprising me for my birthday. We are in this no-name restaurant over 90 minutes from LA and in walks my father with a birthday card signed by him and my brothers! What a total surprise. This weekend can't get any better. Best birthday yet!
We take a walk down to the water and I enjoy the sand slipping beneath my toes.
Me
My dad-didn't expect to spend my b-day with him
After brunch, my dad and friends left me and mom to do a little retail therapy. I also enjoyed my first experience at Pinkberry.
My mom and I watched a movie and enjoyed the last minutes in Los Angeles. Perfect weather, perfect friends, perfect Aussie Curtis Stone, and a perfect birthday.
Thank you to everyone who made it so special. I have been just glowing.
Best Birthday Ever!
My birthday weekend started with a cute decorating of my office by some very nice co-workers. I received chocolates and a plant, which I vow to not kill. At least not this week.
Then I set off to Los Angeles to meet up with some family friends. Saturday morning my mom, family friend Vicki, and I started out the day early to catch a bus to the Los Angeles Festival of Books. It was a really big deal. We had two authors on our bus discuss their books and writing and all the beautiful literary parts of their lives. Then we hit the festival where I went to a panel with Diahann Carroll, listened to Kristin Chenoweth, Alyssa Milano, Brooke Shields, Tom Bergeron from Dancing with the Stars, and the people of Millionaire Matchmaker from Bravo TV. It was a beautiful day and I am so jealous of all that LA has to offer. An appearance by any one of these stars would be a big deal in my homestate and would probably cost money, but here it was all gratis.
Tom Bergeron and I
Millionaire Matchmaker Gang
Diahann Carroll
Kristin Chenoweth
Brooke Shields
Then after all this, we got on the bus to come back to Pasadena. On the bus ride, there was a drawing for two bags of books--two winners total. This entire bus was full and guess who won? My mom and I. Out of all the people on the bus, we won both of the bags chock full of books. Unfortunately, the books were pretty much bottom of the barrel books: How to Build a Spaceship, Top Ramen and I, Your Best Birth Ever, The Joys of Knitting, etc, etc, but still...I won something!
Then I met my great uncle who lives in Pasadena for dinner. He bought me a delicious gourmet cake.
My birthday weekend started with a cute decorating of my office by some very nice co-workers. I received chocolates and a plant, which I vow to not kill. At least not this week.
Then I set off to Los Angeles to meet up with some family friends. Saturday morning my mom, family friend Vicki, and I started out the day early to catch a bus to the Los Angeles Festival of Books. It was a really big deal. We had two authors on our bus discuss their books and writing and all the beautiful literary parts of their lives. Then we hit the festival where I went to a panel with Diahann Carroll, listened to Kristin Chenoweth, Alyssa Milano, Brooke Shields, Tom Bergeron from Dancing with the Stars, and the people of Millionaire Matchmaker from Bravo TV. It was a beautiful day and I am so jealous of all that LA has to offer. An appearance by any one of these stars would be a big deal in my homestate and would probably cost money, but here it was all gratis.
Tom Bergeron and I
Millionaire Matchmaker Gang
Diahann Carroll
Kristin Chenoweth
Brooke Shields
Then after all this, we got on the bus to come back to Pasadena. On the bus ride, there was a drawing for two bags of books--two winners total. This entire bus was full and guess who won? My mom and I. Out of all the people on the bus, we won both of the bags chock full of books. Unfortunately, the books were pretty much bottom of the barrel books: How to Build a Spaceship, Top Ramen and I, Your Best Birth Ever, The Joys of Knitting, etc, etc, but still...I won something!
Then I met my great uncle who lives in Pasadena for dinner. He bought me a delicious gourmet cake.
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