I'm going barefoot.....maybe?

So after reading Born To Run a few months ago and attempting to be an "in the know" runner I've been interested in all the minimalist and barefoot running buzz. Can it truly cure runners knee? Because after weeks of physical therapy during my marathon training, I still couldn't walk right for a few days following the Bayshore. So is running barefoot (or in minimalist shoes) truly going to cure all my running aliments? In January I even attended a Good Form Running class, which helped me determine I heel-strike; however, the difficult part was correcting the form. Since it was winter at the time I would run on the treadmill, which was prefect time to run barefoot. Although I didn't feel that my running form was changing significantly during my barefoot treadmill runs. However, I'm still fully committed to improving my running form...a perfectly healthy 25-year old should be able to run & run & run & run without any knee pain whatsoever.

Of course, I'd seen, read and heard about the Vibram FiveFingers; however, there was no way I was going to commit to the shoes (which are not cheap) without knowing whether barefoot/minimalist shoes were for me. Over the past several months I've decided the Merrell Pace Glove would be the perfect mesh for me, designed with minimal support and sole, but still lace up similar to a "traditional" running shoe. So they combine what I'm interested in with FiveFingers with my "traditional" running shoe (Mizuno Wave Alchemys)? We will see, I'm planning to finally purchase a pair in the short-term future and put them to the test. Obviously going through the appropriate wear-in/break-in phase. Can they cure my runner's knee and put me on track for half marathons in the fall or the Green Bay marathon next year.....or sometime in the future. Bring it.

Project Time

Since becoming homeowners last November we've learned all about the many joys of home ownership. One of the projects we've seen fully completed was the "blue room" or my "project room". Dubbed the "blue room" for the blue carpet (as hideous as it sounds). Below is the room pre-project. White walls with multiple holes filled in, blue carpet, and outdated white kiddy ceiling fan.


We decided to keep the room bright and opted for a blue/gray color on the wall, remove the blue carpet and replace it with brown carpet, and a new ceiling fan.


One project down and several to go; however, we are well on our way. Next on the list is the living and dining room area, for which we just finalized the color scheme. Light tan/khaki with sage as the accent wall.

Also making progress all my hand-planted bulbs are preparing to bloom any day now! My expectations were they would bloom sometime in August, so any day now would be perfectly aligned with my expectations.

Murphy's Law in Action

Ever feel like the adage "anything that can go wrong will go wrong" can be so accurate it is almost depressing? Or the spin-off of Murphy's Law "give the most inappropriate time for something to go wrong, that's when it will occur."

Well last week ....as our ceiling began to fall, I sure felt like whoever Murphy's law is named after was proud of his gremlins and the giggled watching his law flip my week upside down. Now, the ceilling situation alone was a dilemma; however, it was compounded by the fact that my partner in home ownership and life was OOT (out.of.town!) not only him, but everyone at the top of my emergency phone list chain of command (Ryan, my dad, his dad). All 3 were enjoying vacation, while I'm trapped with my collapsing ceiling. It sounds highly dramatic, but at the time is was a bit concerning.

Once I learned the first order of business was to prop the ceiling with 2x4's it led to more dilemmas.

1. 2x4's inside a Prius, that's a joke, right?
2. Me, sawing 2x4's to the appropriate length, that's a farce, right? I'm not even trusted to cut vegetables.
3. Propping the appropriately sized 2x4's to support the ceiling until a contractor and permanent fix are decided upon. Wait, am I candid camera, in my own home?

Luckily, I convinced a contractor to come and setup props to hold the ceiling temporarily (phew!). So what caused the ceiling to collapse? Laminate ceilings....note if you ever look at a home built in the mid-1970's - are the ceilings laminate ceilings?

In the long-run, we now have a contractor setup to come permanently fix the ceilings (throughout our home) and my better half is now back from vacation.

À bientôt!

Cool Things In GR

Since I've lived in GR (Grand Rapids for those non-Michiganders) for 9-months now, I'm almost an official Grand Rapidian (yes, that is a real term). I've noticed Grand Rapids tries really hard to be really cool, and since I'm really nerdy, it is cool enough for me. There a few things I strongly believe GR has going for it: several colleges in town, several large medical facilities, close proximity to Lake Michigan, good restaurants, several trails for hiking, running, walking, cycling, etc., summer festivals, and because of that there is a relatively large population of outdoor enthusiasts, compared to other Michigan cities. Note: we are not comparing ourselves to Denver, California or other typically uber-outdoorsy locations; only other Michigan cities.

What are my favorite things about GR? Several items listed above.....trails, relatively dog-friendly (at least my neighborhood), good shopping (mix of typical chain stores and local boutiques), and a solid base for runners (driven by places like Gazelle's and Metro Health).

So what made me attribute a whole blog to my love of GR....well that solid base of runners decided to organize a fundraiser for Joplin, MO - which I think is awesome. Instead of collecting registration fees, everything will be donated to Joplin's local United Way. So on June 26, hopefully a huge group of people will be ready to run, walk and raise money for Joplin, which doesn't get any better.

This race alone could be a reason people in Grand Rapids are cool. Of course, this won't be the only city organizing a Benefit for Boomtown, but I'm very happy to live in town with one.

Success

Do you ever wonder what success feels like? What its like to be livin' the dream? Well I wonder about both sometimes....and I definitely can't say I've experienced the latter (other than sarcastically, of course); however, last weekend I experienced the former. I completed my first marathon....not a half (that was done in March).....but a FULL marathon. Yes, 26.2 miles or 138,336 feet. I can officially proudly display the 26.2 bumper sticker on my Prius, rock the marathon shirt (and socks!), and confidently run any distance less than a marathon forever.

Was I fast? No....5:01:35 was how long it took me to complete my marathon. I had to stop and pee 4 TIMES! Which is just ridiculous! My goal was sub-5 hours, but all my damn pee stops screwed me.

A good question....where do I go from here? An ultra....hell no. A tri.....maybe, although that requires a higher level of up-front capital.....new road bike, tri suit. Although I do enjoy all 3 sports....I swam before I ran and technically, I probably biked before I swam. However, my old Schwinn with the basket on the front is not designed for racing. For now, I'll stick with running - maybe I'll do a half again this fall and some 10K's this summer. After a marathon I can do anything, right?

So success feels like your legs can't possibly move any further and the final mile is the longest mile you've ever run. Lucky for me, I never hit a wall....thanks to my sport beans (huge fan), eating carbs for 4 solid days ahead of time (yes, all carbs), and consuming a generous amount of gatorade (probably did not help the multiple pee stops). At the end I proudly rocked my medal, despite being uber slow. I now have a starting point and maybe someday I'll record a better time. Just looking for a training partner this time. Any takers?

26.2

My oh my, its been such a long time blog. Now that I have no followers I can write whatever I want knowing that it is highly unlikely to be read by anyone.

Then I can officially announce on my blog I am running my first marathon in 6 days.....6 DAYS! While almost anyone I'm close with knew about this day a long time ago.....I didn't share it with the greater world.

I've been registered for the marathon since December 6, 2010. I've been training since November 2010 and officially since January. Why did I decide to register? Another bucket list item that will hopefully be completed next Saturday morning/early afternoon. This year I turned 25....which means, I am getting old.....now I have to round up to 30......I'm in the box marked 25-29.....I'm not getting any younger so it would only get more difficult to run a marathon with age.

I ran all winter (often outdoors) in my thermal gear and spike tracks for my shoes and now summer is quickly approaching and I'm crossing my fingers for cooler weather next weekend.

Do I have a goal time? Hell no.....unlike some of my runner friends, I'm simply a person who pretends to be a runner....a wanna be runner. Therefore, my goal is simply to finish under 6 hours....why 6 hours, well the finish line closes at 6 hours, and I want that damn finishers medal.

The course (Traverse City Bayshore) is supposed to be flat & fast - therefore I fully expect to be the last person to finish. Maybe I should have picked a race that wasn't a speed marathon? Oh well, this one fit my time requirements - close to my 25th birthday. The Kalamazoo Marathon wasn't announced yet, so that one didn't work. Of course, I only recently learned about the Green Bay Marathon, which yes, means if I survive this race in 6 days, I'll be considering the Green Bay Marathon at some point in my life.

Another question I've been asked recently: Are you prepared? Dumb question, let's see no I just figured I could run 26.2 miles after sitting on my ass all winter. DUH! No, I've been running all fall, winter and spring. Easily completing my first 1/2 marathon, a 25K, and a few other races along the way. My longest run-to-date....20 miles.....only a 10K more would complete the marathon.

And how am I feeling? One word, nervous. Why? I expect myself to finish, my family expects me to finish (hell, they are waking up at 5 AM next Saturday to come spend 6 hours watching me run), people know I'm running this race and think I can finish, the lady who sold me my new running shoes in January at Gazelles gave me that look like no way, honey - and of course, I must prove her wrong, all the weeks I went to PT to build up my knee strength better pay off for something. Therefore, failure is not an option. Its 26.2 or bust.

My reward when I finish? Well, when I originally registered it was getting my registration fees back from Ryan....however, with all the money I've spent on gear, other race fees, etc. It's kind of a moot point now. My real reward is the 26.2 car magnet that will be prominently placed on the back of my Prius....or the fact that proving if you push yourself, you can do things you never imagined possible......

6 days.

Antique Market Find

Occasionally I troll antique markets looking for something I "need" that some old person owns. I realize I'm stereotyping the average antique market seller as old - but have you ever been to an antique market? If not, they are 90% of the time old/retired folks selling items. Now, I have no issues with them, personally I find antique markets entertaining and could care less who is selling their goods. Honestly at least someone out there is willing to keep me entertained by unique, sometimes moldy smelling goods.

Last week during one of my many weekends spent in St. Joe I went to check out Antiques on The Bluff. First, I'm glad it's a dog-friendly market otherwise I would be unable to support it. Lake Orion has a non-dog-friendly farmers market, of which I do not support. Overall, I thought Antiques on The Bluff was impressive. I'm sure it was one it's biggest weekends, being Labor Day Weekend and all. My one lovely purchase was the great fleur de lis pitcher above. I love anything with French ties so of course, I love anything with the French royal symbol of fleur de lis.

As an experienced market shopper I first look through the whole market to make sure there isn't anything more worth my money. After trolling the entire market I realize the only thing I "need" is the pitcher and return back to purchase it. After negotiating the price with the seller he asks why the Boy Scouts pitcher is appealing. I inform him the pitcher isn't a Boy Scouts pitcher, simply fleur de lis are on the pitcher. Yes, the boy scouts use this symbol but I'm pretty sure French royalty were around before Billy and his Boy Scouts. Clearly his knowledge of his goods was lacking. Anywho, the pitcher is clearly now is a better home where it's symbolism is more appreciated.

TJ Maxx Adventures

The older I get the more deal-focused I become. Recently (by recent I mean within the past year) I've become addicted to the clearance sections of Nordstrom's Rack and TJ Maxx. Overall, I enjoy these stores no matter what, and Ryan can attest I'll spend hours trolling the racks looking for deals. Sometimes when I'm bored I'll just troll around looking for deals. Today I went to TJ Maxx searching for a reusable wine tote, similar to the Built totes, to no avail, only lunch pails to be had.

But I wasn't disappointed instead I scored a pencil holder for my desk on clearance for $3 and it's cute. I strongly considered purchasing a Gaiam yoga mat tote bag on clearance for $3, but then realized I already have a tote that can also carry my yoga block thus the mat-only bag is useless. Other products in consideration from the TJ's clearance rack: 2 red doggie dishes with dog prints for $3/piece. My willpower won here as Jillie's current dish works fine and I couldn't tell if they were dog prints or cat prints. Whenever I need party gifts or prize gifts my first stop is the TJ's clearance area, for a recent party I scored a candle, a bath/body set, and a stationary set all for $3-$4/each. Considering they were all cute and/or smelled nice that was a win in my book. My key to gift giving is to always make my money so as far as possible and get the most for my money. How appropriate that the Rue La La Final Sale is today & tomorrow.......

Ma Vie Dans La D

Translation: My Life in The D. I feel like that sounds so much cooler than it really is.....ah, life.

In the past 2+ years I've lived in many cities. 2 major ones at that. From Kalamazoo to Chicago to Portage to Lake Orion. I like to think I'm a classy nomad. In each city I live in I try to find cool things to do (easy in Chicago - difficult in Portage). For example, if there is a farmer's market nearby you can bet I know about it, and these days if it's dog-friendly you can bet I visit.

In Chicago, my favorite market was the Randolph Street Market - if you haven't been I highly reccomend it. I scored a gorgeous antique clutch - that later became my wedding day bag. I missed out on an adorable popcorn bowl set that I still look for today (damn it!). In Portage, I was a weekly patron of the Chesteron Farmer's Market (still the best farmer's market to-date, there is a cheese shop that I still order from via online) and the Portage Farmer's Market (in Portage I rode my bike with basket & all to stock-up). Which brings me to Lake Orion and The D, my two best events so far: The Eastern Market and the Pontiac Silverdome Drive-in. Eastern Market was great - I scored 2 hanging baskets for $5 and some great deals on produce. No vegetarian can pass that up. The Drive-in was great because a. it's dog-friendly! b. what's not to love about a Drive-in. However, my biggest mistake with the drive-in was not bringing my own food....rookie mistake! Next time, I'm bringing lots of my own snacks and a cooler for my bevs.

Hopefully more fun events in the D to come, those are just my 2 favorite thus far.

The Bachelorette

This season I've gone again started watching crap TV.....hey, there isn't much on during the summer months! The Bachelorette has reeled me in as their precious viewing bait. Sad, but true. Every Monday night I sit in front of my TV wondering just who Ali will choose....Frank, Roberto or Chris (because lets be real those are the top 3). I'll tell you what's going to happen because I am an excellent facial expression reviewer. Ali LOVES Frank, but Frank like many American men has commitment issues. It's an age old issue Ali, just deal with it. And Frank, did you really think going on a reality dating show would help you get over your commitment issues? Next, Roberto let's be honest here Ali just wants to hook-up with Roberto, one & done. Classic. Chris has the true husband potential, however he's from the Northeast and she's from the West Coast, done & done, not gonna happen. Overall, great casting Chris Harrison & ABC. Looks like Trista & Ryan are still your only fairy tale story.

Last night was probably the most entertaining, Justin's voicemails....priceless. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Shouldn't have screwed your girlfriend over TWICE!

Ah, it's the small things in life that entertain me....like reality TV...life at it's classiest.

Am I Invisible?

Last night I was getting dinner at the local Panera Bread (let's be honest I'm no cook). I place my order and patiently wait at the pick-up area for my dinner. No one else is around at the time and the two "Panera Professionals" were supposed to be making my sandwich and instead they were slightly screwing around. Not that I truly cared honestly I was in no rush, it was a Wednesday night after all. However, after about 5 minutes a couple walks up to the waiting are and are told by the "Panera Professionals" there food will be ready in just a minute. Wait what about me, I've already been waiting?! This was the first sign I was invisible. Then after 2 minutes more the "Panera Professional" tries to hand my food to the female half of this couple!! This was a turning point for me where I learned that I truly am invisible.

Blog Blackout

I know I've been MIA in the blogging world for 2 months! That's craziness....how are all my old friends and co-workers supposed to keep up-to-date on my life without my blog. Well have no fear wedding season is here. And boy, will I have lots to blog about. I'm in 3 weddings this summer and last weekend was the start of a long wedding season to come. My dear friend Angie had her bridal shower last weekend or I should say I hosted it! That's right the hostess with the mostest...c'est moi!

During my 2-month blogging hiatus Jillie graduated from intermediate dog class and is now a dogcamp regular boss. She was also attacked by a bitchy Shiba Inu at the park. Jillie is sort of a wimp or princess, as I like to think. Basically she's not guard dog hence my desire for a second canine companion with guard dog qualities. I'm voting for a doberman. Better than Brinks, because it will kill a burglar.

Prius Test Drive #3

I consider myself a bargain-hunter/shopper and I am no different when it comes to buying a car. If I could go to an auto auction I would but I know nothing about cars so that wouldn't be of any use to me. I've been closely watching Autotrader to scope out the stock and today I found a decently priced Prius from some import dealer. After a bit of searching I became slightly worried it was a place run by the Russian mafia. Trying to not be judgmental I figured I would give the place a fair shot.

Well I show up and go into the front door (which was unlocked) and no one is around. After a few "hellos" and thinking to myself this is how all horror movies start (dark, rainy, shady looking building, with no one around) I return to my car. I figure I should at least drive around back and scope things out, I pull up and it appears this is where some cars go to die or maybe be revived as many were new but wrecked. Again with the Hitchcock music playing in my head I continue my auto adventure. I walk into the garage again with the "hellos" and the first Russian greets me (doesn't speak English) I attempt to explain I'm there to look at a Prius I saw online. He leaves and out comes the boss, who speaks English. I explain why I am there again and he then disappears to get the keys and comes back with the keys and a battery starter....wait, so you're telling me the car doesn't start? This is the first thing that comes to mind. Well no, the car parked behind it wouldn't start. Anyways the car looked nice but I'm not confident it would be the smartest place to purchase a vehicle....

And my search continues tomorrow with some Toyota dealership in Clinton Township..

Need: New Whip

Last week I took my Alleycat aka Oldsmobile Alero (2001 edition - classic) to the shop for a "routine" check-up. Only to find out she needs $990 worth of repairs and soon. She is leaking coolant into the oil pan....grrrrreat. Well as you can imagine my current whip is worth about about the same amount as those repairs so that's a no-go. As of last Thursday I am currently in the car market. Some whips in contention (please stop reading now if you are an American car only kinda person)

• Toyota Prius (duh, what car matches my personality better than a Prius). Potential concerns: does it drive well in the snow? I've heard repairs are expensive and batteries need to be replaced often. Has the whole recall issue, has it been fixed?
• Hyundai Sonata. Went to drive a Mazada 6 and saw this car and decided to drive it. Solid whip, solid price, Ryan loves it. Gas mileage is mediocre as this is a full-size sedan.
• All compact cars and SUV's are ruled out
• The only potential GM car in contention is the Malibu which isn't that appealing

Today I went to test drive a Prius and the salesman was horrible. Knew nothing about the car - I was basically selling the car to myself....horrible and disappointing. My search continues but who knew car shopping sucked so bad.

Dog Daycamp Week 3!

Jillie will be starting week 3 at Petsmart Doggie Daycamp this week! She goes once a week and spends the entire day at camp. The first week I was really nervous, maybe she wouldn't make friends, what if the other dogs didn't like here. Well no worries here, Jillie made lots of friends, as usual. Her first 2 weeks have gone well and all the employees at Daycamp know Jillie and I well now. (Probably know Jillie well and I am probably just Jillie's Mom.)

Week 1 her "pawgress report" said she made 3 new friends and week 2 she had made 5 new friends....she has to be the most popular dog in camp by now. I'm going to attribute this to her being maniac. Jillie is rarely worn-out...not after daycamp, dog parks, runs, walks, etc. Last Monday, while completing our taxes (and evidently neglecting my dog) she ate a pair of my work pants. Yes, literally ate a hole through them. Awesome. Ah, the joys of being a dog owner. At the moment, she is quitely sitting in my lap (clearly, she loves this blog post) but at a moments notice that cuteness changes into her being a maniac.

Taxes Are Done!!

Woop woop!! I just completed our taxes for 2009. It was no small feat either, I completed our federal and 3 states (Michigan, Indiana and Illinois). Unfortunately, my least favorite state is also the state we owe money to! Damn you Hoosiers and that would happen. Now that my taxes are done I can update my followers on my most recent life adventures....



My first ticket...thank you Auburn Hills Police for solving the world's toughest crimes and making a grown woman cry on her way to work. Last week after taking my dog to her first day of daycamp I was pulled over for speeding en route to the office. All the usual attempts to get out of my ticket were epic failures....balling my eyes out, the fact that I still had an out-of-state license and was new to the area....this guy meant business. To make matters even worst my license was confiscated!! What am I a convict?! Well no, it's because I was technically from out-of-state and evidently they don't want me skipping town and not paying my ticket. Later that day I had to go post bond of $20 and get my license back....BEST.DAY.EVER. Don't worry friends more to come here in the next 1-2 months I'll be receiving my court date so I can make my plea in court. Power suit please....

Anywho life lesson learned....don't speed in Auburn Hills and don't speed when you are out of your homestate!

We Are Famous!!

Well no not really, my blog isn't that popular...yet. However, our cake did make it on Dee's website! We also just found out our wedding pictures will be put into a local Southwest Michigan magazine to advertise our florist. And who says I have bad taste.

Thank You Gilt Groupe

It's been awhile since I've trolled the wonderful sample site that is Gilt Groupe. Lord knows I don't need to be on there anyways. The only sale I can never pass up if the Cole Haan shoe sale, which was today!

Now, this summer I am in 3 weddings!! (Don't worry I'm not that popular, it just so happens nearly all my girlfriends are getting married this summer.) Now I was hoping I can wear silver shoes for at least 2 out of 3. Hence the need for shoes and these Cole Haan's are perfect! Plus, so comfy because they have the Nike Air technology, great for standing all day!! Double bonus I had a $25 Gilt Groupe credit (Thanks Jess!).

Dear Michael Buble....I Love You

Sorry Ryan :)

It's true is concert is now less than 1 month away!! Hooray because I am in the 15th row! When I bought the tickets the concert seemed so far away and now it's almost here. After I bought the tickets I get some concert updates now and the most recent was informing me that the tour is sponsored by Nordstrom's. How appropriate my favorite chain (Nordstorm Rack is my favorite store) and my favorite singer.

When Allergies Attack!

This weekend was quite eventful in the land of dogs. Jillie had an allergy attack. Yes, my poor baby got very sick and had to go the puppy ER. We don't know what caused the attack, and most likely never will. For the next time we are armed with meds, in case of a puppy emergency.

I had never seen an allergic reaction in a dog before, but right away I knew that's what was happening. How can an 11-pound dog get so sick and swollen so fast, only one thing, a severe allergic reaction. Since we were out-of-town it was doubly difficult, as we couldn't contact Jillie's regular vet. We called literally every vet office in Southwest Michigan to find someone who would treat our dog on a Saturday night. Finally we got ahold of Dr. Ed in St. Joe, who paused spending time with his kids to come and rescue my kid. First, we gave Jillie a 25 mg Benadyrl for the ride to the vet. This helped stop the swelling increase (at this point Jillie looked like a Basset Hound). At the vet Jillie was given a shot to reduce the swelling, itching and vomiting. We were given pills in case this ever happened again. Like an ever-ready mom they now get prominent positioning my purse, which is always with me.

Why do I share this story with my 5-10 followers. To let you know all know what a puppy allergic reaction looks like and how to treat it....immediately give your dog a Benadyrl and call the ER vet.