Book Review: Seriously I'm Kidding... by Ellen Degeneres

I recently joined audible.com because I thought it would be nice to have audio books to listen to while I'm walking the dogs and riding in the car. So far, I have listened to Tina Fey's Bossypants (horribly funny! I highly recommend) and Seriously I'm Kidding... by Ellen Degeneres. Both books were read by the author, which I found to be favorable and I enjoyed quite a bit. Although Ellen is one of my favorites, I was a little disappointed by her book. I'm not sure if I set the bar really high or what, but Tina Fey's book was a lot funnier. And also, much more blatantly inappropriate which is in turn hilarious.  Both are a good read, or "listen" in my case and worth purchasing.

So far I like being a member of audible because they give me a credit per month and it gives me a chance to get to those books that I don't have time to sit and read. I have not tried anything other than the type of book mentioned above, because I have to admit I am a little nervous about listening to a classic novel. I don't know, I guess I am just one of those readers that is so worried about missing something and I hang on every. single. word. With Ellen's book or Tina Fey's book, I wasn't too worried about missing a word or two. I will have to report back.

Next on the audio book list: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. New York Times best seller and it's about dogs. Can't go wrong.

Gifts from Auntie B

My nephew is almost 2 1/2 years old and I just gave him his first blanket made by Auntie B. My niece was much older than that when I finally made her a blanket (in all fairness, I didn't know how to crochet or do anything all that crafty when she was born).  I chose some colors that I already had, which was helpful because my yarn stash is finally going down after my surge of buying everything that I liked.  I'm posting this "pattern" of sorts so that beginner crocheters can see how easy it is to do. No pattern is really necessary, but it's nice to have something to follow along with even if it is simple.  Here is what I came up with:

Supplies:

• Size Q 15.75mm Hook
• Two-three skeins each of
• Vanna's Choice Linen
• Vanna's Choice Seaspray Mist
• One skein RedHeart Supersaver Royal Blue
• Garment Label (if you prefer to add one - I just used my sewing machine, but you could hand sew it too)

Pattern:

1. Take one strand of each color yarn (three total) and treat it as if the three together are one strand. Chain the width or length that you prefer. I honestly don't know how many I chained, but the blanket was about 2 1/2 feet wide and 4 feet long.
2. When you reach your desired length, single crochet in the second chain from the hook and in each chain until you reach the end of the row. (It is important that you go to the second chain/stitch on every row so that you maintain the same number of stitches. If you don't, your blanket will end up being uneven instead of straight. I have done this so many times and unraveled so many projects because of it!).
3. Chain one, and turn. Single crochet in the second stitch from the hook and in each stitch until you reach the end of the row.
4. Repeat #3 until the blanket is the desired length.
5. If desired, add a border - I used a single crochet border by using three strands of one color. Please see photos below. I think the border finishes the blanket nicely and it made it a little bit bigger.

While in process

Pre-border

Finished product

With Garment Label

18 is tough

ONE DAY, just merely thinking about blogging is going to generate a blog post. But, for now...it's getting me no where. I have honestly *thought* about blogging quite a bit over the last month. I know, that means nothing because I did not actually write a blog post for over a month.  So, what pushed me to actually write up a blog post today? A combination of inspiration from a professor I had in college (I looked her up today and discovered her amazing blog! Click Here for inspiration from a wonderful lady, Dr. Carolyn Weber) and I ran 18 miles today.

I ran 18 miles today. I ran 18 miles today! Holy crap. Let me first admit that I quit early. I was going for 20 miles, which might have been an unrealistic goal considering that the farthest I had run before today was 15 miles.  18 is good. And, 18 is tough. I had a good friend of mine confirm that. She has ran 18 miles many times. I believe her (not that I didn't before, but I admire her marathon training and know that she HAS TO know!). I have three weeks to go until I run the Chicago Marathon. 20 miles would have put me in a better position, but perhaps next week I will accomplish that feat.  If not, I will be fine. I'm pretty sure that I will finish. No doubt, I could have put a little more effort into my training. I could probably put a little more effort into a lot of things in my life if I wasn't stretched so thin.  What's that my Grandma used to say..."if you're going to sweep the floor half assed don't do it at all!" Luckily, I don't feel that I'm stretched so thin that I am "half-assing" anything...but you get the idea. Crunch time!

Happy Sunday. I got my run in before 11am so I could watch football!

Decisions

I have made a decision to be sugar (as much as possible) free and alcohol free for the rest of my marathon training.

Tonight, I am deciding to skip a free lawn concert so that I can study instead. The weather is beautiful.

These decisions may make the difference. These are my decisions.

Motivation

I had originally planned on having a very successful training month during July, but in hindsight I realize that I was being a bit over ambitious, especially considering that my sister got married mid-month. However, I could have ran more than I did. I took two and a half weeks off.

I am now finding that I have a boat load of motivation. For starters, I am motivated by my two and a half week break. I know that I cannot do that again before my marathon on October 7. I have also found motivation in the fact that I signed up (on Instagram - totally official) to do 45 miles in July (#45milesinJuly) and actually made the comment that I would probably finish that feat in a few days. Well, the statement is true, but not because I was running 13-milers every week in July, but because I waited and am now coming down to the wire and want to make sure I follow through!

I have also been motivated lately by the Olympic athletes. It's hard not to be. They are so amazing and have worked so hard. When I think that I do not want to run or start to tell myself that it would be ok to stop early, I remind myself of them and all of their hard work. This is the same concept that I used for motivation previously, and still use. I went and watched my mom complete a full Ironman and I frequently tell myself that my mom did that, 10 miles is nothing! No distance I will run will be comparable to the Ironman, so it's guaranteed to work!

I am hoping for a much better August, no matter how busy I get. I have to get up to 20 miles. I will find a way to stay motivated throughout the month. Just a little over two months until marathon day. I'm considering creating a board of some sort like this one that I found. That, or writing inspirational quotes on my mirrors! Whatever it takes!!

Each person is different in terms of staying motivated. What motivates you?

50 Shades of....

I honestly cannot tell you why I even picked up 50 Shades of Grey, let alone bought it.  It's most definitely not my type of book. Maybe it's because I enjoyed the Hunger Games series so much and it was wildly popular, so I thought the public opinion on books could be trusted. Who knows? My issue right now is that I am not reading.  I just cannot seem to get into that book. Perhaps it is too trashy and unrealistic? I'm not sure.  I'm not hopping on my soap box to bash the book.  Each to their own. What I am saying is that it's not for me and I think I will be putting it down so that I can pick up a book that actually makes me want to read.

10 miles closer to 26.2

I ran 10 miles today and, I'm not entirely sure why but I'm really proud that I completed it. It's not a half marathon. It's not that long of a distance considering the whole distance I will be running in October. I think I'm just really happy about it because it was doable, and I could have definitely kept going. It was one of the first times that I've felt confident that I really can run a full marathon. And, there wasn't a single moment where I thought to myself that I could stop before the 10 miles was over. I don't know if that's normal for runners, but occasionally I will tell myself that I want to run say 8 miles and by mile 6 I'm telling myself "you could stop at 6" as if to say that 6 is good enough. I hate that. It's not good enough! But, I should give myself a break - it's usually when my legs are really tight or something is hurting that I say that.

Whatever the reason for my happiness in my success, today was a good day in terms of training. I'm a little behind schedule for my original running plan, but I'll be ok.  Things are coming along.

Last week I decided that my Asics were done for, so I started using just my Newtons. I was worried about doing this because when I first got my Newtons, my legs got so sore (from doing too much too fast) that I could barely walk.  I'm starting to feel more comfortable with doing my long runs with them and think that it may actually even be better because now that I think about it, my Asics and my Newtons are so different that I was probably putting myself on a path to get injured by switching between the two so often.  Running in my Newtons feels so much easier, that's for sure. I would like to have an alternate pair of shoes, so I'm in the market for a new pair to accompany my Newtons. I'm not sure what I will come up with.

Mockingjay Schmockingjay

I started reading Mockingjay a month ago. Yeah, a month ago. Although I have heard poor reviews for the last book of the series, this is not the reason why it is taking me so long.  My sister's book club members have been incredibly busy and are still on book 2, so I have been trying my best to wait for them. I went on vacation and purposely brought a different book. I've been pushing magazines and newspapers up to my face before the book. But, I can't do it anymore!  Although I just said that the reason I'm taking so long is because of my book club, I can't help but think that if it was that great of a read, I wouldn't be pushing it aside so easily. Hmm...

I have 200 pages left, I will finish this week! Please do not disappoint Mockingjay!

The Woods

We live near the woods and often take our dogs for walks back there, so it's safe to say that I go into the woods just about every day. I know this is a little strange, but after reading The Hunger Games (I am almost done with book one) I look at the woods a bit different than I did before. I mean, I'm not out there looking for non-existent mockingjays - I haven't gone that mad yet. But, I feel as though I am more alert and aware of the things that are lurking in the woods as a result of reading this book. Or maybe it's just my imagination. Damn you Katniss Everdeen.

Racing the sun

It being Easter, I got started on my run a little late today. Late, like 6:30pm. The sun hasn't been going down until closer to 8 lately, but I had to put in 8 miles today and at a 10:30 pace, that's really pushin' it. Today, I was racing the sun to get my mileage in. Lucky for me, the sun went down around 7:50 but it wasn't totally dark until 8:15 or 8:30. Once again I was able to meet and exceed my goal even with this challenge thrown into the mix. I set out for 8 miles and ran 9. I'm not sure how long my body will allow this one mile increase each week, but I'm loving it. It feels so good to go out with a number in mind and be able to go beyond that. It feels better than good - it feels AMAZING. I know I'm not even to 10 miles, but the way things are going I am confident in my ability to be well-prepared for a full marathon. And, right now running is my outlet - I need it for my own sanity(crazy at work right now).  

When things get tough, better just go running...

The Hunger Games

Book One

I finally gave in and am reading The Hunger Games. I resisted for a while because I wasn't sure if this was just another Twilight phenomenon or something. But how could I not read this book? My sister is reading if for the second time and asked that we read it for our book club. I am so glad she brought it up. I'm only 50 pages in and I can't stop thinking about reading it more. So far, this book reminds me of The Giver by Lois Lowry, Nineteen Eighty Four by George Orwell...and that movie Hannah. I hope Katniss is like Hannah. Seriously. I'm only on book one, and I'm told it only gets better. I'm so excited about this, and totally kicking myself for waiting so long to pick it up! Oh well, I'm reading it now! I've only heard good reviews on these books, anyone hate it?

Marathon Training Guide

On February 1, 2012 I was registered for my first full marathon. My mom signed the both of us up, so no backing out. For those of you that know my mom, she's an incredible athlete and an Ironman. Yeah, an IRONMAN. So, we'll see if I can keep up with her!

I'm not sure it really sank in that I am running a marathon in October until about a week ago when I tried creating a training plan. Right now, I have 216 days until the Chicago Marathon. Seems like a long time, right? Wrong. That's 31 weeks. I'm sitting at 4 miles right now! Yikes.

Here is what I came up with for anyone that is looking for a marathon training plan, CLICK HERE. I think it will be challenging. I'm telling as many people as I can about this training plan so that I will stick to it!

Cupcakes :)

A couple of weeks ago I was asked to make cupcakes for a co-worker/friend's work baby shower. It has honestly been so long since I made cupcakes, and I couldn't tell you the last time I made them from scratch. I decided to go all out and try to make some vanilla bean cupcakes - who doesn't love vanilla bean. After some solid  research, I came up with this recipe from The Busty Baker. They turned out amazing. Not too sweet which created a perfect balance for the ridiculously sweet butter cream frosting that I chose to use from the Food Network. Needless to say, I will be returning to The Busty Baker for more guidance on baking.

Chobani Yogurt Pancakes

A while back I posted a recipe to facebook that I used at my sister's recommendation for Chobani Yogurt Pancakes. There is a Perfect Pancake recipe on the Chobani website, but based on the comments (and what my sister told me) the recipe isn't quite right. At any rate, the vortex of facebook's timeline sucked up my post and I cannot find it. So I re-created my own recipe! It's not in it's greatest form yet, but I used what I had on hand. We can make this healthier - suggestions welcome!

1 c.Whole Wheat Flour
1 c. Milk
2 smashed bananas
1 egg
1 6oz Chobani Vanilla Yogurt
1 tbsp Chia Seed


Serve with some turkey bacon and a Cup of Joe...perfect weekend run fuel!

P.s. My niece LOVED these so it's a good all around recipe.

Nike+

I finally bought the Nike+ sensor for my training. I'm pretty stoked because I have been looking at buying one of these for a while now. Hopefully the device meets my needs and expectations!

I'm so glad that there are options for people that don't wear Nike shoes to run. I cannot wear them, they are far too narrow for my feet. I am a little bummed that I have to order the universal case online to attach the sensor to my non-Nike shoes. Oh well, all in good time!

Newton Running Shoes

A couple of weeks ago, my mom declared that she was buying me and my sister each a pair of Newton running shoes. I have to admit that before she had said this, I had no idea what the big deal was, or that they even existed. I have always been partial to Asics, but I was totally sold on the Newton shoes and theory after reviewing the website and hearing my mom get so enthusiastic and excited about the shoes. You'll notice the size of the mid-foot location on the shoe, rather than the large heel that most running shoes have. I noted the difference right away just having my Asics sitting next to a pair of Newton's.

This is week two with the shoes and this morning I had my first set back: my legs were too sore to run. Last week I ran two miles and three different days. Let me just say this: they aren't kidding when they say start out slow. It is incredible how little I was using my calf muscles before. I'll be switching between my Asics and Newtons from now on - at least until I build up my muscles...

My mom then shared this link, and this link with me. I'm a little disappointed in myself for not doing my research! There is so much I have to learn about running still. I love that.


P.s. I'm still sold on Newton shoes and theory!

Christmas Gifts

I have dedicated myself to making crocheted Christmas gifts (not starting today-a while back!). That would explain my lack of attention to this blog. Have no fear readers, I will return. I have much to report on!

Pictures of gifts to come...after Christmas of course!

The squares are together!

After sitting on the back of my couch for at least a month, the squares for my niece's blanket are finally together! At first, I couldn't figure out how to do it, so I was discouraged and left them sitting. But last night I sat down with my book, determined to master it. I know, putting them together is truly simple. I'm not afraid anymore!

I joined the square motifs with a slip stitch which requires the use of a crochet hook (as opposed to joining with stitching which requires the use of a crochet needle). By using the slip stitch it creates a firm ridge on one side of the blanket, as you can see in the photo.

Now, for the border and finishing touches... much less intimidating for me!)