A Million Tiny Pieces

I've always maintained that "healthy living" shouldn't be one neurotic, self-loathing, military-like lifestyle, but rather a series of a million tiny pieces -- choices, if you will -- that you can tweak and change at any minute.  I beat myself up a lot over making what I deem to be "stupid" decisions (ie, the wrong choices), but usually find a way to bring it back around again and balance out my sins (ie, impulsive desires) with my saints (ie, mindful choices).  This week was a great example --

I was traveling.  I was tired.  It was hot.  I was CRANKY.  I wanted to do nothing but shovel pizza and wine into my mouth with the remote control balancing on my tummy.  Yet on Friday morning, I still managed to get up and at least go for a walk, when I quickly realized it was too hot and hilly to run.

I spent Saturday mostly sitting, and after a healthy breakfast, had a less than stellar lunch.  I was dehydrated (not enough water at this conference, which is unusual), and cranky.  I hit the airport... where I definitely drank more wine than necessary, but also talked myself into a salad for dinner, rather than the chicken crispers and fries that called my name.  Sunday didn't involve the best food choices, but also not the worst -- I could have grabbed chinese food instead of the sub I had for lunch -- and yesterday, my work-at-home day was so blissful I barely have the words

I woke up inspired to cook on Monday -- probably due to the fact that I'd been eating out of hotel rooms and airplanes for the past few days.  I just wanted to CREATE.  I hit the grocery store for a major stock up, then threw the windows open and set to work. 

By the end of the day when I got ready to head over to my brother and sister-in-law's house for dinner, I had two loaves of beer bread in the oven, a giant pot of homemade soup stock on the stove, white turkey chili in the crock pot, and a beet/radish/leek/feta tart cooling on the counter.  The house smelled amazing -- I could barely force myself to leave -- but more importantly, I felt calm. 

Mindful.  Satisfied.  Content. 

And even though I didn't go out for an intentional workout, it was a day reminiscent of those that I spent working from home -- I was on my feet for 80% of the day -- and by the time I got home from dinner, I fell into deep sleep easily and quickly.  I didn't need that last glass of wine or piece of chocolate; I didn't feel compelled to play around on the internet all night or stay up too late watching TV.  I was satisfied and "used up," ready for yesterday to end and today to start.




Cooking (well, any kind of creating, really) is practically a spiritual experience for me.  The creative expression lets my mind run free (I don't normally use recipes - I just make stuff up), while the awakening of the senses (sight, smell, touch, taste), fills me up in a way that reduces my desire to "grab" at things to satisfy whatever impulse strikes me.  I'm taking a photography class tonight, and I'm anticipating similar feelings.

I woke up alarm-free at 5:30 AM today -- and for the past 45 minutes have been quietly folding laundry, doing a few dishes, packing a lunch and prepping for the day ahead. 


Plan for the day:
B: eggs, polenta, cheese (6)
S: Vegetables w/ hummus (2)
L: White turkey chili w/ cheese & tortilla chips; granola bar (10)
S: apple (1)
D: Depends on what time I get home -- either some sort of pasta, or a chicken breast /baked potato / vegetable (9 points to "spend")

Off and running,
~Jessica

Terrific Two's!

I'm still sweating it out in Asheville (Um, my "run" this morning was a fairly pathetic attempt at hobbling through heat and elevation), but I'd be terribly remiss if I didn't call out the fact that today is my sweet niece Abby's 2nd birthday. 

TWO! 

I cannot believe that it has been 2 years since all 3-and-a-half pounds of her burst into this world -- kinda like her auntie Jess, she was impatient to get out into the world and start being the life of the party.  And that now she's a big ball of happy, smiley, chatty, skipping energy and enthusiasm.  This kid has the best disposition of any I've ever met!

Happy birthday, Abby Marie, I love you to pieces!  And Marc and Meredith, you're not so bad either,. ;-)

I am just sick and sad over the fact that I'm working hundreds of miles away, instead of having dinner with my beloved family.  Miss you!

Off and running,
~Auntie Jess

Heat Wave

Apparently, in some parts of the country, it is still hot out.  I'm in Asheville, North Carolina, attending the Type A Mom* conference, and it is in the 90s -- a detail that managed to escape my attention when I packed my giant red suitcase full of jeans, sweaters, and suits. 

Uh, oops?

So as I'm sure you can imagine, I'm a wee bit miserable right now. I've been imagining brisk morning runs in the North Carolina air, and instead I've been in my bed in the air conditioning since about 7:30 PM. 

The Manfriend loves this weather - his response when I told him it was 92 and humid? 

"Nice!" 

My response?

"I'll take snow and cold over this any day"**

I love it when it is warm -- who doesn't?  But when it is HOT, I just turn into a slug.  The windows get closed, the sweatpants are my uniform, and the TV stays permanantly set to ON.  I have no energy and no interested in being active.  When it is freezing cold, at least I want to work out to warm up!

I've not had a great week in terms of exercise and food.  And that's frustrating.  Its another "one step forward, two steps back" situation -- after 3 great runs last week / weekend, I spent Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday making less than steller choices with evening food (breakfasts and lunches were great), and not moving my butt enough.

The good news is that this is the last trip of its kind for the forseeable future -- sure, I might have a day trip to Omaha or Milwaukee, but nothing involving 8 hours of travel (srsly, I left my house at 7:45 AM this morning, and arrived in Asheville-via-Atlanta around 4 PM), and a suitcase I can barely lift. 

On that note - it is almost midnight, and I still have pipe dreams of a morning run.  So it is time to shut down and shut my eyes.

Off and running,
~Jessica


*I'm sure you're asking -- Jessica, why are you (an unmarried, childless woman) attending a conference called Type A Mom?  Well, a big part of my job is executing blogger outreach on behalf of Country Inns & Suites By Carlson -- and our biggest demographic chunk is the Mom... so I'm here as a corporate sponsor, to network, attend sessions, man the exhibit booth, etc.
**If you remind me of this in the middle of February, I reserve the right to smack you.

Rejoining the Wolf Pack

I saw them out on the taper today - the marathoners.  It seems hard to believe that a week from Sunday, it will be three years since I ran 26.2, which means that a week ago TODAY, I was the one out on the taper.

It will be my birthday weekend, of course, and I suppose I'll celebrate once again by watching the runners... this time, my brother and sister in law will be running the 10K on Saturday and I'll head out to watch.  On Sunday, I'll head down to the end of my street, like usual, to show my support for those going the distance.

It isn't a coincidence that I'm slowly but surely finding my running groove again at this time of year --  the weather always inspires me, and the kinship of fellow runners on the trails and parkways makes me feel a part of a new sort of sorority -- one marked by head nods, good mornings, and breathless hellos as we focus on putting one foot in front of the other over and over again.  We ran in packs and as solo athletes today.  And for the first time in a REALLY long time, I remembered what it felt like to run with the wolves.

When I ran on Thursday evening, it felt good to get back out there, but I imagine it was similar to what the tin man felt on the road to Oz sans oil can -- creaky, awkward, and just plain wrong.  The movements felt unfamiliar -- like I was learning to walk rather than remembering to run.  I struggled to put one foot in front of another, and rather than smooth, fluid movements, I felt more like I was making clunky and awkward movements that didn't really make sense.  Even though I persevered for 32 minutes, I never really found my stride.  Last night, my friend Kath emailed me this link to this video, which instantly brought tears to my eyes and reminded me exactly what I started down this journey in the first place... and why I'm too stubborn to give up. 

Today was a whole other story - almost like I woke up with that video on my mind.  I was out there early, my favorite time to run.  The Manfriend and I had gone to a party last night, but returned home by 11 PM and had zonked out on the sofa and retreated to before midnight.  I woke up at 6 AM, and forced myself to stay in bed until 7:30... but as I restlessly dozed in and out of sleep, my thoughts went to the pavement: where were my favorite running pants? Where was my heart rate monitor?  Was my iPod charged up? Could I grab clothes, heart rate monitor, and robe all in one fell swoop as I slipped from bed, and shut the bedroom door on my way into the other room, as to not completely wake up the Manfriend?

Success.

10 minutes later, I was running -- and this time it made sense.  Movements were fluid, muscle had memory, and I had FORM.  No side ache, no foot pain, no heartburn.

Just the staccato of my feet set against some really great music.

The stats:
Time: Ran 41 minutes, walked 19
Max HR: 157
Calories burned: approximately 550 (there were a few minutes where my HR monitor blanked out, so I can't be completely accurate)
Distance: Approximately 4 miles

And the rest of the morning was the best part -- home to stretch, shower, and crawl back into bed for a few hours of blissful sleep... then a smoothie and some sofa time before the Manfriend headed home for a few hours.  And today?  I'm due at his place to depart for a party around 5:30 PM, but the afternoon is a blank slate.  Yoga? Mow the lawn? Finally finish my book? 

Today was the kind of morning that makes me think that (maybe, someday) another marathon is possible... 

(maybe. someday.)

Off and running,
~Jessica

Why I Love Kate Winslet

There's a lot of heavy stuff in this piece, and I could talk about it for pages and hours, but it gets really interesting right around 3:45.  I work in advertising / marketing, and I see firsthand how images are altered all the time -- in my case, they aren't pictures of beautiful women, but things are never as they appear (try going to a food stylist shoot sometime).  The thoughts conveyed here are important -- young women don't need to see these images and think that they are all supposed to be size 2 supermodels with giant breasts, million mile legs, and no pores. 

Men (well, and women too!) if you have a young impressionable woman in your life -- friend, sister, daughter -- I encourage you to look at the world through her eyes for a minute.  Think about the way you want her to be judged -- not only by her peers, but by herself -- and then try to reframe one little thing to make her world a better place.  Hide the Cosmo.  Turn off the Miss America pageant.  Walk away from the MTV videos depicting images of women's bodies, objectified for male approval.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One night, the Manfriend and I were playing a trivia game and the question was asked "What celebrity does your partner remind you of?"  He selected Kate Winslet.

Thanks baby. :-)

Off and running,
~Jessica

The Slowest Penguin

Tuesday, my eating and drinking was a mess, and I spent all day Wednesday pissed off about it.  Which meant that the majority of today, I was mopey and feeling sorry for myself.  Until about 7 PM, when I decided it was time to wash, starch, iron, and put on my big girl underpants and get over it.

It is cool out -- overcast -- very little sun, and kinda wet and rainy all day.  The weather basically matched my mood.  But my saving grace for today: I'd gotten like 9 solid hours of sleep last night.

I'd had had an off-site meeting at 2 PM which meant that I was home much earlier than usual this evening.  And I was starving, which meant I ate a very early dinner, which meant that by 7 PM, I was watching crappy reality TV, twiddling my thumbs, and moping... which is when I decided it was time to put on the big girl undies.

Inexplicably, I felt like running for the first time in months.  I sprained my ankle back in June and I don't think I've run since then.  Overall, I"ve been trying to be very gentle with myself lately in regards to exercise, recognizing that I'm not the marathoning whippersnapper that I was almost 3 (gasp!) years ago, and that even though I'm in pretty good shape, a year in high heels and at a desk job has taken a toll on my athletic prowess.  Whereas in the past I may have forced a run out of guilt or obligation, I haven't even considered it in recent months.

Wordlessly, I got up, changed clothes, put on my heart rate monitor and my iPod, and walked out the front door.  In 3 minutes and 51 seconds, I was running jogging, and I didn't stop for 32 minutes.

DID YOU HEAR THAT?  I RAN FOR 32 MINUTES WITHOUT STOPPING.

Every single part of my body hates me right now (except my brain), and I MIGHT be paralyzed by morning, but damn does it feel good to know that I've still got it.

I ran along the parkway -- the same parkway where I watched my brother run the marathon; the same parkway where 2 years later, I ran the same marathon; the same parkway where I cried, when I was first introduced to The Penguin - John Bingham - and his famous phrase that changed my life:

"The miracle isn't that I finished, the miracle is that I had the courage to start."

And it's true -- no matter how many times you try, fail, start, stop, falter, freak out, and start again, it is an act of bravery.  Starting is scary.  Believing in yourself is terrifying at times.  But really, what's the worst thing that can happen?

So whatever you're wrestling with; whatever you're putting off... whatever it is that you believe you cannot do, take this moment -- right now, and start.  Write it down. Make a plan. Take a leap of faith.

I guarantee its a step you won't regret.

Off and running,
~Jessica

Put Me In, Coach

I had an interesting afternoon -- after posting early this morning about my quest for balance and career happiness, we had a team off-site meeting to talk about the results of our company-wide Employee Engagement Survey.  While the company scored quite well (and I believe we are mostly happy employees), our little department scored HORRENDOUSLY in the work/life balance category.  So our off-site meeting was two-fold: first we heard from HR, where we talked through the results of the actual survey.  Then we heard from a personal life coach, Mary Verstreate of Leading Edge Coaching, to talk about tools for work/life balance. 

Since this is a huge personal passion of mine, I obviously thoroughly enjoyed what she had to say -- more importantly, I was thrilled that my workaholic co-workers (myself included), were taking time to think about and discuss tools for balanced living.  I found it reassuring and reaffirming that the coach had a lot of things to say that were very similar to things I encourage people to do -- and habits that I have consistently and successfully implemented in my own life. 

I walked away with several thoughts, namely:

• You don't have to be a professional coach or a therapist to "walk the talk" and lead / live by example.  I find myself in conversations several times a week with other women (mostly women -- sometimes men, but their issues are different), about how to prioritize health, nutrition, fitness, etc.  And most importantly, how to prioritize OURSELVES in a life and environment where often we're expected to put ourselves "dead last" simply because that's what expected.  I think that I've done a very good job of bucking that trend and always at least prioritizing a few things: exercise, food prep / planning, and down time / alone time (the last is very easy for me because I live alone and I don't have kids, but even so, it is easy to get sucked into things that you think you "should" be doing even when it isn't the best choice.  The first two -- exercise / food -- are easier for me that those who are married with kids, but still pose some challenges.  
• Mindfulness is king.  I know that when I talk about these things with others, I am more apt to do them.  Over lips and fingertips, you know?
• Being an example is also a powerful thing (ie, "Shame is a powerful motivator").  I'm not about to sit at my desk eating a cheeseburger when I've just extolled the virtues of grains, vegetables, and whole, natural unprocessed foods).
• That said, a cheeseburger and a coke till has its place... because it is all about balance, right?
• There's a famous Mother Theresa quote: "Be the change you want to see in the world," and today it hit me how "local" that quote can be.  If I want my work environment to be one of balance and health, I need to BE that change.  I have never sat around waiting for people to do things for me or make things happen for me, so why would I expect this to be any different?
• Even though I make a lot of healthy choices each day, I have a lot of room for improvement.  One of the questions that Mary asked us was about what changes / goals we could implement and how quickly.  Well, first, the answer is "immediately if not sooner," but my answers were as important as the non-exerciser: I can take 10 minute walks a few times a day.  I can drink more water.  I can finally kick the last of the diet coke / coffee habit.  In summary: we can always do better.
• Everybody has their cross to bear: I get frustrated because I feel like I work harder at weight management / nutrition /exercise than anybody I know, but at the same time, I feel like it is 10 times harder for me.  I don't think this is an untrue statement.  But what are OTHER people working on 10 times harder than me, that for me comes easily?  I can't answer that questions, but I have to believe it is true, or I'll go insane.
• There is a great feeling of under-appreciation in my department...  everybody feels overworked and like nobody really notices or appreciates what we do.  We're understaffed and lacking clear direction from the high HIGH level execs. All I'm going to say about THAT is that if WE are feeling that way, I'm sure our leaders are as well, so today I took the step to tell MY leader that she is doing a good job, and we appreciate her.  Because we do.  Again -- "be the change you want to see in the world," right?  It is never a bad idea to tell people they are loved.  I am reminded of my personal beliefs: that you catch more flies with honey, that the kind path is always the right one, and that everybody is happier when being appreciated.
• Lastly -- we talked a lot about leadership and we were asked to write down our views of a leader.  I had a lot to say about this, but I have always gone by these basic beliefs: 
• The definition of a leader is to serve.  
• People rise to the level of expectation that you set for them.  
• Everybody's time is valuable. 
• Integrity is EVERYTHING.  
• Be candid.  
• Don't be pretentious.  
• SAY THANK YOU (and mean it).

A reassuring thing that the team all committed to do as much as possible, knowing that it won't be possible: meeting-free Fridays, a reduction in meetings so that we have more time to produce actual work, monthly team lunches (just some time to socialize -- because we truly do all LIKE each other a lot and enjoy each others company, when we can take the time), and a renewed commitment to following up with fairly specific notes / accountabilities after each meeting, so that there is no question about who is doing what, when, and why.

SO, this was a random and unexpected post from me today, but things I feel really good about having experienced and having said.


Now I want to hear from you:

• What are your beliefs about leadership?
• How do you "walk the talk"?
• How do you deal with low morale at work?

 And on that note - after a very long day, I'm going to sit on my patio in this gorgeous weather and indulge in a glass of wine.

Off and running,
~Jessica

The map above is of the arboretum -- if you look to the lower right, there is a "Three Mile Drive" that is both a walking and driving route throughout the most picturesque parts of the arboretum.  I'm not sure if it is actually only three miles: given that I walked around for 3 HOURS, it seems like it must have been longer than that!  There were definitely a lot of hills, and beautiful terrain.

When I got home, I spent some time looking for photography classes and was pretty psyched to find two inexpensive Minneapolis Community Ed classes that I think I'll be signing up for -- two classes, 4 weeks each, one is classroom style and one is a class where we go out to "the best shooting spots in the twin cities."  For $45 each, I figure I can't go wrong.

Yesterday's field trip reminded me of a few things -- namely that when I disconnect from the computer / cell phone for a while and enjoy a great combination of exercise and nature, I feel incredibly peaceful and content for the rest of the day.  After I got home, I stretched, knocked a few things off the to-do list, ate a healthy dinner, watched a little TV, read for a while and was sound asleep by 10:15 PM.  I woke up this morning feeling rested, focused, and ready to be productive.  '

Secondly -- I commented the other day on the idea of "go out and start creating," and yesterday was another reminder that I'm happiest when I'm CREATING things.  Cooking. Taking pictures. Making music. Writing.  Planning events.  Decorating.  These are the pasttimes that fill me up emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. 

Now the big question - how to find a way to make a living that way?  There are a few blogs I follow of young women who have struck out and made this work -- Jen over at Follow My Bliss is a great example of "making a living without a job," as her enterpreneurial skills and passions have led her away from the desk job and towards the things she loves creating: writing, acting, baking.  The ChiPassionistas over at "Pursuing Our Passion" left their cushy agency jobs and started their own business.  I had the good fortune to hear them speak at BlogHer last month and was inspired by their determination to do what makes them HAPPY.

I've spent the last decade chasing the almighty dollar, and while I don't think that is a bad thing for somebody in my situation (unmarried, 30s), I also feel a very deep longing to chase the almighty passion instead -- and the first thing I think of when I think of "passion" is my roots as a musician, somebody who was the happiest when tinkering at the piano, standing behind a mic, or playing the flute.  While I don't think that music is my calling anymore, I have found similar artistry in cooking and writing, and hopefully now photography.  At the same time, I feel strongly about helping people to find balance, happiness, and health. 

There's gotta be a way to make that work for me, right?

Personal training w/ a nutrition angle?  Food writer?  Recipe make-over artist?  Food photographer? Personal weight loss coach?  
Lots to think about.

Off and running,
~Jessica

A Thousand Words

I did a lot of picture posting over the weekend, because words can't do certain things justice.

I'm continuing that trend here -- hey, anybody in the Mpls area know of a great, inexpensive photography class where they take you out to different locations to try shots?  I've taken a classroom class before (hated it), and I know that Nat'l Camera offers a class (not interested - same instructor as the class I didn't care for), and I can't seem to find anything else....

I took today off of work and spent the majority of it at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.  It was arguably the most beautiful day of the year, and I can't believe my good fortune to be able to enjoy it.

I spent about 3 hours on my feet - walking around, shooting the scenery, enjoying the fresh air and the cloudless sky... I could use about a month more of cabin / outdoor / non-work time. 


A girl can dream, right?

(I threw a coin in the fountain, just in case... )

Off and running,
~Jessica

Cabin Bliss (Part Deaux)

Just returned from a 45 minute solo kayaking trip - the wind finally calmed down, the lake is like glass, and it must be nearing 80 degrees.  Not a lot of "weekenders" around post Labor Day, so we enjoyed a lot of quiet up here. 

Do I really hafta go home!?

Off and running,
~Jessica

Weekend at the Lake

I had a delightful day here yesterday -- the weather was pretty beautiful throughout the majority of the afternoon.  As soon as the Manfriend started making his journey from Minneapolis, it started clouding up and the wind was super intense.  Boo.  We had a quiet night -- because I got struck down with one of my "scary migraines" around 8 PM...

Today -- the lake is calm, no more wind... still overcast and cool.  Friends should be arriving around noon.  Fingers crossed that the sun burns through!

Off and running,
~Jessica

Getting Lost Will Help You Find Yourself

Have you ever been lost? 

(I mean that both literally and figuratively).  

I have been lost.
Very lost. 
VERY VERY lost. 

(Both literally and figuratively).

Lost in London.  Lost in Detroit.  Lost in NYC. 
Lost in my job.  Lost in my (former) relationship.  Lost in LIFE.

It's no joke, getting / being lost helps you to find yourself.  When you're lost, you're forced to figure some stuff out.  And then when you do, you find yourself so happily, gratefully, blissfully FOUND that you alternately laugh and cry while you wonder how the hell you stayed lost for so long.

I'm in Hayward, WI, alone at my family lake home -- I got here around 9 PM, after stopping for groceries about 45 minute away from the house... after a delightful "chick dinner" of baguette, goat cheese, grapes, wine, and chocolate, I fell into an early deep sleep and got up early for a cuppa decaf and a 7 AM conference call with Singapore.

I am SO glad that I drove up last night, instead of rushing to get here this morning, however one of the reasons I wanted to get here last night is so that after my conference call, I could grab the kayak and scoot out onto the glassy, empty lake for a peaceful paddle before the weekenders arrived.


Notsomuch.

It is windy and the lake is rocky - not great kayaking weather since I'd be rowing against the current.  I guess I'll go for a walk / run instead.

And then there are errands to run, things to be done, and a massage to be had in "downtown" Hayward!  The Manfriend will join me this afternoon / evening, and some friends later tonight.  Depending on the weather, it will either be a weekend of walks, boat rides, fishing and sun, or beer, fires, trivial pursuit and laughter. 

Works for me, either way.

Until later... I hope you enjoy the graphic above, which I found this on a friend / former client's blog this morning, and just had to share:

Do things that you love. Wear your passion. Go out and start creating.

I love it.

Off and running,
~Jessica

Nothin' But Blue Sky

A picture of this morning's gorgeous sky, taken during my 60 minute pre-work walk... it wasn't anything fancy or high powered, just a lovely stroll on the parkway, enjoying the sounds of my creek, the wind, etc.

Happy Friday Thursday, everybody -- I'm h-h-heading to h-h-Hayward this evening for a relaxing weekend at the lake!

Off and running,
~Jessica

Today's Route

To Lake Harriet, most of the way around, and home via city streets (I was running short on time).  About 9 miles. 

After work, I mowed the lawn -- then walked to the nearby sushi restaurant to pick up dinner (decided to cook tonight's planned dinner tomorrow -- was too exhausted to cook!). 

Goal is to get up and get SOME sort of exercise Thursday morning before work, but honestly, my hamstrings are so sore that I'm not sure what I'll be able to do. 

I should sleep very well tonight.

Off and running,
~Jessica

I Want A New Drug

(I started today off with a glorious bike ride, so make sure you read on to hear all about it -- but first I want to talk about something else).
I can't remember whether or not I've talked about it on this blog, but I gave up caffeine and diet soda back in April.  April 18th to be exact.  I went cold turkey, and pretty much didn't touch the stuff until the last 2 weeks.  I might have had 2 cups of decaf and a few diet Sprites or regular cokes, but other than that, I was quite devoted to giving up my addiction.  There were a few reasons for this -- one is that I struggle with heartburn when my diet isn't spot-on, and I felt like the acid in coffee and carbonation in diet coke probably weren't helping.  Second, I had become convinced that caffeine was giving me headache issues and also causing some anxiety issues.  THIRD, diet coke is basically rat poison, so there's no harm in giving that up, right?

(When I first joined Weight Watchers and weaned myself off of diet coke, I did it by switching first to sprite, then diet sprite, and then sparkling water -- I found that what I REALLY craved was the fizz, not the flavor).

Anyway, so this uncaffeinated life was going well -- I was sleeping better, feeling better... and then for some reason over the past couple of weeks, I started cheating - diet cokes with lunch and dinner, a cup of coffee or two (or three) here and there.  My sleep went to total shit, and I lacked the energy to get up and moving right away. 

This week I decided to "Cold Turkey it" again -- I haven't had a sip of caffeine since Monday morning (I know, it is only Wednesday), and already I feel better.  I had a great workout after work (swam laps for 60 minutes), slept like a rock last night (fell asleep around 9:45!), and then popped up at 6:15 for a glorious morning bike ride, to and around Lake Harriet and home (65 minutes, and about 550 calories burned). 

My conclusion? 

Caffeine might give me an instant boost, but in the long run, it hurts my healthy efforts.  I don't sleep as well (no matter what time of day I consume it), I don't feel as good, and even the momentary high is NOTHING compared to the energy infusion I get from a great workout -- this morning I feel like I'm flying, and I got up at 6 AM and burned almost 600 calories before hitting the shower.

This isn't to say I'm never going to enjoy a soda or a cup of coffee again - but for now, I'm going to stick to decaf and sparkling water as much as I can, and see how it affects my health and my life.

As an early birthday gift to myself, I bought this great little device from H2OAudio - it is a waterproof casing for my iPod shuffle that has earbuds built in, and attaches to the back of my goggles - thus enabling me to have music while swimming laps!  I was super excited to test it out last night, and it didn't disappoint - it took a little messing around to get the position of the device correct, but the sound quality is flawless and the earbuds stayed put through 60 minutes of lap swimming.  My only issue now is actually with my goggles, which are fogging up much too fast and frequently -- but they're cheap goggles, so I'm sure that will be an easy and cheap fix.  I highly recommend and if I could put this in my OpenSky Shop, I would do so in a heartbeat. 

Below, a few shots from this morning's ride... stunning!
 

• 
  
  I think I need a new bike helmet, as mine doesn't feel like it fits correctly, and the chin strap is all wacky.  Anybody have any recommendations?
• 
  
  Same goes for a bike pump - I just feel like mine isn't working correctly, though I could be totally wrong.
• 
  
  How much caffeine do you consume?  Do you feel that it impacts you positively, negative, etc?

In OTHER exciting news - I'm headed momentarily to get my scar lasered off.  Not really sure what to expect.  I don't know if it will take 5 seconds or an hour; if it will be painless or painful... I'm told that it will be VERY red for a week, and then will look much better than it does right now.  If that is the case, I'll be thrilled!

Off and running,

~Jessica

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Thanks to Huey Lewis for today's title)

I want a new drug
One that won't make me sick
One that won' make me crash my car
Or make me feel three feet thick

I want a new drug
One that won't hurt my head
One that won't make my mouth too dry
Or make my eyes too red

One that won't make me nervous
Wondering what to do
One that makes me feel like I feel when I'm with you
When I'm alone with you

I want a new drug
One that won't spill
One that don't cost too much
Or come in a pillI want a new drug
One that won't go away
One that won't keep me up all night
One that won't make me sleep all day

One that won't make me nervous
Wondering what to do
One that makes me feel like I feel when I'm with you
When I'm alone with you I'm alone with you baby

I want a new drug
One that does what it should
One that won't make me feel too bad
One that won't make me feel too good

I want a new drug
One with no doubt
One that won't make me talk too much Or make my face break out

One that won't make me nervous
Wondering what to do
One that makes me feel like I feel when I'm with you.

Labor (Of Love) Day

After a weekend that included a really fun outdoor baseball game, beers on the patio, painting the Manfriend's living room hallway, a massive trip to Home Depot, and at long last a REALLY good night's sleep, I woke up this morning in a chipper mood -- windows open, sunny sky (which later gave way to rain), and plenty-o-energy.  While the Manfriend slept, I did a very quick overhaul of my cupboards and fridge, before creating a meal plan, a grocery list and hitting the store.  I was feeling an intense sensation of domesticity this morning and for WHATEVER reason, felt the compulsion to bake.  By 9:45 AM, there was coffee brewing, muffins baking, Brandi Carlile playing, breeze blowing, and bright yellow flowers resting in a vase on my dining room table.

I have no idea why I woke up with baking on the brain -- I'm not much of a baker, to be honest -- too scientific, too detailed... too formulaic.  What I love about cooking is that I can just do "a little of this, a little of that" and come up with something fantastic, even if the results are not necessarily what I had in mind.  I understand the place and process of oils, seasonings, starches, vegetables and proteins and how they all work together.  I'm much better with "savory" than "sweet," which is why it was such a shock when THESE came out of my oven, looking absolutely gorgeous:

Raspberry Vanilla muffins -- and I'd love to give you a recipe, but true to form, I didn't really follow "just one recipe," which is why it was even more surprising that they were completely delicious.  Here's an approximation of what I did:

3 cups flour
3/4 cups sugar
1 TBSP baking soda
1 TBSP baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup of melted butter
1 cup vanilla greek yogurt (I used Oikos - nonfat)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 package of fresh raspberries

I mixed all the dry ingredients; then added the wet ingredients... it didn't mix well with a spoon, so quite honestly, I ended up mashing it all together with my hands, then adding the raspberries and mashing some more, then forming into little balls and placing in the muffin tins... baked at 400 for about 20 minutes, and it made 12 nice sized muffins.  They are an eentsy bit on the dry side, but very tasty, and clock in around 5 weight watchers points or 250 calories each. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a week of careful food planning, as I didn't want to overbuy -- I'm heading to the cabin on Thursday night / Friday morning, and won't be back until Sunday night.  That said, I wanted to make sure I had everything on hand to eat responsibly this week.  I have smoothie ingredients for breakfast, and after surveying the contents of my fridge / freezer / cupboards, decided on turkey burgers for lunch (and dinner tonight).  I used to make turkey burgers all the time when I worked at home, because I could freeze them raw and then toss on the George Foreman for a quick lunch -- this time I've cooked them all in advance, and will assemble and nuke at work.

1 lb extra lean ground turkey
3 medium shallots, finely chopped and sauteed in some extra virgin olive oil
A handful of cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup of italian breadcrumbs
1 egg, lightly beaten
A few squirts of lemon dijon mustard

Mix it all up and form into patties -- this made 5 -- and grill on the George Foreman for about 5-6 minutes.  Refrigerate / freeze for future use or eat immediately.  They clock in around 4 weight watchers points or 200 calories, and pack somewhere in the neighborhood of 26 grams of protein. 


I'll be enjoying one tonight for dinner, on one of these... with some havarti on top, a side of sweet potato fries and a zucchini salad.  For lunches the rest of the week, they'll be accompanied by some baked lays, vegetables w/ hummus, and a dove dark chocolate square -- the perfect little indulgence to end every meal.


Off and running,
~Jessica

Freebie Friday - And The Winner Is...

Ohmygosh, I got so wrapped up in work and meetings today that I forgot to do my noontime drawing!

Never fear, I've done it now...

Here was my process...

I went to www.random.org...
I assigned a number, 1 through 4, to each person who left a comment (I assigned the numbers in the exact order that they are listed in the comments section), and entered a value of 1-4 to the random number generator...

... that is the screen shot - although it is teeny tiny, and I'm not sure if you can see it, the winning number is in the text box on the middle right of the page....

And the winner is...

3!

Anneke!!!!

(Anneke, I have your email and maybe even your address, so no worries there -- I'll get the gratitude journal out to you asap!)

Hope everybody has an absolutely wonderful Labor Day weekend!

Off and running,
~Jessica

Freebie Friday

Just a quick reminder that there are a few hours left to enter to win the Gratitude Journal from my Open Sky Shop -- here's how:

1) Visit the post
2) Click "Like this on facebook" at the end of the post
3) Leave a comment in the comment section on the post!
4) Check back to see if you won -- I'll try to contact the winner via email right away, but if you don't leave your email address in the comment, I can't do that -- so make sure you come back to see if you won!

There are currently only 3 people entered, so odds are good! I'll be entering the names into an online randomizer and drawing a winner around noon.

Happy Friday, ya'll, and good luck!

Off and running,
~Jessica

Let It Ride

I had a stressful day at work yesterday - I'm not gonna get into it, but let's just say that it was stressful.  And it concluded with the entire company battling traffic to get to a mandatory meeting in downtown Minneapolis... which meant battling our way out of downtown traffic right during rush hour.

Brilliant! 

Actually, the drive home was shorter for me than coming from the office, because I can see downtown from my house, but work 15 miles from home, but it was still a bit nerve-wracking, given all the construction and downtown street closures I wasn't aware of, combined with the road rage of downtown workers.


I did THIS the whole way home*:

Devil: Crack a bottle of wine!  Order a pizza!
Angel: You REALLY don't want to do that -- you had your whole day planned out.

Devil: Do it Do it Do it Do it.  Pansy.
Angel: Maybe just ONE of those things...
Devil: LAME! You worked hard, you deserve it.  You're just gonna turn your laptop back on and work all night anyway!
Angel: You don't need booze and grease to make you feel better...  Sparkling water and make your own dinner.
Devil: You are such a fun-hater.  Can we at least get the pizza?
Angel: Mmm, how about something a little healthier...
Devil: I hate you.
Angel: You'll thank me tomorrow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the end, I did order dinner.  Chinese food.  Steamed vegetables and chicken in black bean sauce.  And some spicy noodles.  I made a plate of the mixture of the three, decided actually it wasn't that good, tossed what I didn't eat, and then pumped up my bike tires** and did this:

Over 7 miles in 45 minutes.  Not bad at all.  It was dusk -- the sun was going down, the air was cool and fresh -- it just SMELLED good -- and I stopped off to snap some absolutely gorgeous pictures of the lake before contniuing onward, where I arrived home, sweaty, happy, tired, and calm.

It was another reminder that I am in control of my actions.  Every action is a choice, and I always have the opportunity to listen to the proverbial devil on my shoulder and cave to my impulses, or I can make a better choice and listen to my more angelic side.

It rained like crazy last night -- much needed rain that will hopefully crack open my grass seed -- I slept with the window cracked open, a slight breeze through my bedroom, and the A/C blessedly OFF.  This morning, I could have stayed in bed all day, but at the same time woke up refreshed and ready to tackle the day head on.

Off and riding,

~Jessica

*I totally look like this.  Haha.  If I had time, I'd actually dig out and scan pictures of myself in angel and devil costumes - I have gone as both for Halloween!

**When will I learn that I must pump up my tires very frequently?? When I went out to ride last week, it felt like the most difficult ride EVER... but last night felt effortless (well, not quite effortless, but you know what I mean). 

Bad Words

The C Word.

(No, not THAT C-word!  My mother reads this blog!)

I'm talking about The Big C.  Cancer.  I had my follow up appointment today for my "skin cancer" surgery, and it went really well -- like, it lasted 14 minutes.  He just wanted to check the scar, feel it for the internal sutures (yep, they're still there, dissolving VERY slowly, and still VERY deep, but less evident), and then schedule another appointment for next Wednesday for me to come back and get that thing lasered off. 

RAD. 

They are going to take a laser to my skin!  Apparently he thinks that it will continue to get lighter, but he thinks that a laser will really improve the appearance and make it less pink.  It will look WORSE for a week, but then drastically better.  Good stuff.  So, bring it on. 

Wednesday. Noon. I get lasered.

And speaking of cancer, have you been watching the new Laura Linney show The C Word?  I'm in love with it.  Seriously.  Best show in ages.  And set in Minneapolis.  Which brings me to...

The F Word.

(NO, not that F word.  My mother reads this blog!)

FALL.  Today is the first day of meteorological fall, and I couldn't be happier -- 70s (even 60s!), sunny, blue skied... showers tomorrow, but mostly, what I refer to as "bliss weather."  Weather where I can turn the A/C off, throw the windows wide open, and enjoy the fresh breeze that blows through my house.  Weather where I can hit the pavement and enjoy the weather, rather than sweating to death.  GOOD STUFF.

I can't wait!  But to some people, in the Midwest in particular, Fall is a dirty word -- mostly because of what directly follows it.  The worst of all words -- WINTER.  I can only hope that our winter will be as unseasonably warm as our summer, but somehow I don't think that's gonna happen.  I'm sure in the dead of February, when I'm kvetching about plowing my driveway by 7 AM in order to make it to work by 8, you'll all kindly remind me of dislike of the heat and humidity... By then I'll be craving it.  :-)

I'm pretty excited to stare down the next two of a short weeks, as well -- Monday, obviously, is Labor Day... and then I am taking Friday and the following Monday off, because we'll be h-h-heading to Hayward with some friends for a glorious final summer weekend at the cabin.  No major plans for Labor Day, except that we are going to the Twins game on Saturday.  Good times. 

• What's your usual strategy to get through the typical "Beer and BBQ" weekends, like Labor Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July?
• What is your favorite time of year?  Weather for exercise?
• Have you ever had a laser procedure, and if so, what was it like? Pain? Results? Side effects?

Plan for the day:
B: smoothie
L: quinoa chicken salad, baked ruffles, vegetables w/ hummus, granola bar
S: grapes!
D: fillet, baked potato, broccolini!
Exercise: probably a long walk or a bike ride after I get home from work.
Off and running,
~Jessica

PS: Just another helpful reminder to slap on some SPF if you're going to be outside -- no matter what meteorological season it may be.