Final February Favorites ~ 2.27.15

Guess what? It’s almost March, which means it’s almost daylight savings, which means it’s almost spring, which almost means it’s almost SUMMER!

Honestly I’m more of a spring kind of gal but living life in short shorts, bathing suits, and basking in the endless sunshine don’t sound too bad either.  This whole business of 20F needs to end.  As a matter of fact, I had a friend in LA who sent a snap chat complaining about how cold she was.  It was 60F.  No sympathy.

So I swear I’m cultivating some great posts…down the road.  For now, enjoy the hodge-podge of thoughts and links that I have stumbled upon lately.

~ Wednesday’s bridge workout with one of my favorites.  This girl has such energy and her spontaneous dancing? on point.  She may have sang an amazing round of happy birthday this morning and the cashier brought a piece of cake to the table just because. ~

  ~ NP is famous (if you already didn’t know) ~  Today’s workout was strategically located near Rock Center, but more importantly in front of a few news studios  where we just happened to make it on camera.  Made it on this morning’s Squak Box where they were discussing the current tech bubble (around 1:31, we are in the far right corner)

~ Llamas on the Loose ~  Please tell me you saw this as the top news yesterday.  I was dying.  If I haven’t made you watch Llamas With Hats 2, watch now.  Cracks me up every time.  No judgement and definitely not my mom’s favorite video.  What can I say?  Sometimes I refuse to act my age.

~ 13 Breakfast Choices and What they Say About You ~ My sister is totally #1.  that is, she is way mature beyond her classmates and totally has her life together.  Myself?  Maybe I’ll bounce between Greek yogurt and juice.  Too bad they don’t have a bullet for spoonfuls of peanut butter straight out of the jar. #classy

Gary Vaynerchuk’s Monday Morning video (**This has some adult language so either wear headphones, don’t watch, or just laugh along 🙂  You have been warned)

~ Things that Only Runners Understand ~  Weekends/holidays/birthdays filled with running, foam rolling, or dropping money to run and get sweaty?  Truth.  I had the opportunity to meet the sweet Janae back at Blend 2014 and she really is the nicest person you will ever encounter.  Too bad I didn’t know her when we both lived in Santa Clara/San Jose area!

~ The North Face Endurance Challenge Park City, UT (Sept 26-27) ~ I reeeeaaaaalllly want to do this race.  So there’s actually one in May that’s right here in New York (or rather slightly north of the city).  I wasn’t able to get a team together or sign up for the half (see below), so I’m hoping I can make this fall race and world takeover work.

While I won’t be on the November Project travel station or race station this May, I will be representing NYC in Philly’s Broad Street 10 Miler.  My family friend has run this race a couple of times and so when the opportunity to enter the lottery came around, it was a no-brainer.*  Well, turns out I do have some luck on my side and so I’ll be cruising through Philly on May 3.  Perfect early-birthday present for myself.   (*This is usually how my sign-ups work.  Impulsive with my credit-card memorized – See Dad, I use my cash flow in a responsible manner…working out and staying healthy)

As for this weekend, I’ve got some plans to run, juice (green juice folks, just green juice), eat, sleep, run, brunch, and maybe some other normal people activities thrown in there.

Have a Fabulous Friday and see you on the other side (in March)

Friday Favorites ~ 2.20.15

Welcome to the end of the week my friends.  I for one am stoked for the weekend because Sunday’s NYC forecast calls for temps in the 40’s!!  Yes, that’s right, I’m excited to get away from the negative temps that Chicago has been absolutely brutal.

>> what a view.  I guess you could say I’m lucky to work in such a place <<

>> networking spin class with some AWNY pals <<

Working out is attractive, am I right?  What about running dates?  Haven’t had any of those but personally would prefer it because it would offer a quick getaway (just kidding, maybe) and is perfectly priced.   Well, if you do find yourself on one, definitely read through some of the tips about the “Dos and Don’ts of Running Dates“.  Hm, no spitting? Yeah, that’s probably a good idea.  Good thing I don’t follow that rule.  Sorry Mom.

>> festive cookie pies ~ would you believe that this was created from a simple box of funfetti mix? just getting a little crafty and creative and making my coworkers oh-so happy <<

I’ve decided to attempt giving up coffee + sweets for Lent, (though, this was pre-written and two days in, I may have broken down) but thank you Self for the news that a bit of java before working out can put you in a better state of mind and give you that extra nudge to train harder.  Supposedly in the study, those who caffeinated pre-workout ate about 72 calories less than those with the placebo.  I guess every calorie counts, right?

>> More November Project Workouts <<

This last week I had the chance to visit our Chicago office and help train some of my colleagues in digital.  Basically we learned that digital has a lot more hurdles to cross than linear and we just like to be difficult.  Isn’t that nice 🙂 But, the benefit of getting sent a night early is that I was able to attend another November Project tribe’s workout.  Now, I know that I’m slightly biased by my home tribe, so I won’t say too much (but NP_NYC for the win) because they were quite welcoming and put on a great Wednesday workout.  It was a different kind of sunrise (a -16F sort of sunrise) and workout filled with running and deck of cards drills.

Please don’t assume I have gained 20 pounds of blubber this winter.  I swear that’s legitimately 6 shirts/jackets layered on top of one another.  Also notice the super red cheeks.  That’s what you get for running in -16 weather.  At least I can say that I’ve survived running in such cold weather. Ah throwback to the days where we though anything below 62 was chilly.  Yes, that’s California thinking for you.

Somehow I also happened to miss the workout where Bojan was coming to NYC. Ah well, I met both Bojan and Brogan when NP dominated #mile14 of the 2014 NYC Marathon.

You know, traveling out to Chicago made me realize how much I have grown to love New York between the people at work and at workouts to the things that I do and see on a daily basis.  I’m sure I would get the hang of things eventually (not that it will ever happen…no, not moving to Chicago), but it just wasn’t my home.

“Don’t let other people tell you what you want.” – Pat Riley

What are some of your weekend plans?

Throwback Thursday ~ Barcelona Travels

Currently my sister is spending the semester abroad in Copenhagen and as she ventures off on her adventures, it got me reminiscing about the time I spent in Spain.  I can’t believe it’s been over three years since I spent three and a half months in Barcelona but sometimes it feels like just last year.

This little gem happened to be my first attempt at blogging.  It’s safe to say I fell in love with it.  Sometimes I go back to my old posts and scroll through the thoughts and pictures, amazed at how much has and hasn’t changed over the years.   Good times and some more stressful times of course, but it was one helluva growth opportunity.  Sure, every 21 year old says that about the time they spent in Europe 😉 But really, there’s way too much to say about that time so I’ll just leave it in the best way I know how – pictures.

>> our “familia” w/ Marie Carmen, one of our primos, me, liz, conchita <<

>> mnac <<
museu nacional d’art de catalunya

>> tapas for dayssssss <<

>> our school (IES) running club <<

>> one of Gaudi’s creations in the parc de la ciutadella <<

>> This may be where a majority of my savings went…I convinced myself that having gelato in Europe was a once in a lifetime opportunity (or you know, maybe 20-30 times in Europe) <<

>> peace.love.cava <<

>> I think that I love living in New York because it reminds me of Barcelona in a way.  The endless routes to walk across the city, the tall(ish) buildings, something new and surprising to see around every corner, and oh, the walking.  What can I say, I love to be active <<

>> race everything <<

>> Montjuïc Castle <<

>> cheering on our barça boys at Camp Nou <<

“In the end we only regret the chances we didn’t take” – unknown

Weekend Update

First off, thank goodness for three day weekends.  Yes, here here to the Presidents!  While we may not have gone on an epic adventure – no skiing, surfing, or road trips, one can always use an extra day.  Yesterday’s forecast of 10F with strong wind chills had me inside all.day.long.

I’d say about half of my instagram feed was filled with pictures of people at the beach, hiking, or running in some sunny west coast location.  Nope, here I went for the rest/relaxation angle with Scandinavia trip planning, Downton Abbey, and Lululemon yoga.

>> this was actually from Friday, which was equally as cold.  the worst part was the bone chilling wind whipping in my face after running to/during/after a NP workout on the Hudson river <<

Back in October, I decided to purchase a beginner’s 25-class special from Yoga to the People.  Yeah, I still have 9 classes left with two weeks to go and there’s a 100% I’m not going to use them all.  Between work, spin, and running/NP (which I prefer to yoga, even though cross-training and stretching is just as important), it may not be a priority.  But sitting through 3 1/2 hours of SNL skits is totally a priority.

Three ad a half hours could not begin to show what an epic all the best moments of SNL over the past 40 years.  I admit, I’ve never been good at staying up to watch, but the top clips and holiday specials get me every time.  Just watching the 40th anniversary special on Sunday, I realized how stacked the list of members, guests, and musical appearances has been.  Plus, laughing makes the world a better place. Just throwing that out there.

>> one of my favorite comedians/actors <<

>> No, not all of us Californians talk like this (especially not like Taylor Swift’s awful impersonation), but we do like to talk about our commutes and the various freeways <<

More Cowbell

>> best group of folks and my favorite regular skit.  my favorite might be the one when Seth gave Kelloggs a tough time for dropping their sponsorship with Michael Phelps <<

But in other news, I did do more than just sit on my rear and watch tv.  Maybe.  The fun started on Friday with a chilly freezing workout around 79th/Hudson with November Project.  My phone listed the temperature as 9F, but I forgot to factor in the wind chill and the fact that I live on the east side and we were working out along the west and water.   You regret it if you don’t go and you regret it if you do.

>> A new favorite (flat white) to reward myself and warm myself up <<

>> oh look, another token snowy Central Park shot <<

Saturday’s long(ish) run with Sarah and her boyfriend around Central Park.  Honestly we jetted out like bats out of hell and while I could maintain the pace for about half of the park, I didn’t want to drag them down and let them go on their merry way.  We exchanged hugs and then I met up with a few November Project peeps for the rest of the run.  One free juice + homemade brunch later and I was one happy camper.

>> one memorable galentine’s night filled with fancy cocktails, white lasagna, and good times at Houston Hall.  seriously, if you are in the area and are looking for a good time, this is a great place to go <<

Today will probably be spent packing for an impromptu work trip to Chicago (weather permitting…curse you winter storms), working out in some form (running + body pump?), a trip to SOHO with Lindsay, and catching up on the Bachelor.

How was your Valentine’s day?  Any plans for the day off?

February Friday Favorites ~ 2.13.15

The days come and go and the winter remains.  Thank you kind groundhog for predicting six more weeks of winter.

>> No matter the weather, we come out in full force to run.  #raceeverything <<

This happened.  I mean, can you just look at some of the headliners?  Farmborough Country concert here we come (although we still have four and a half months to get excited/ready/look good in boots and cutoff jeans) 😉

 If I lived in San Francisco, I would probably have this SF Neighborhood Guide of things to do, see, and eat on my wall.  I have somewhat of an obsession with the blog The Well Traveled Wife and all her glorious finds.  Everything looks so clean and crisp and ever so chic.

>> ME WANT COOKIE <<

I have yet to visit the Levain Bakery but apparently their chocolate chip cookies are out of this world.  Ah, if only cookies fit in the food pyramid as well as kale and keifer do.  Anyways, Broma Bakery has an excellent copy-cat recipe for you to recreate these bad boys in the comfort of your own home.  Maybe mix up a batch for a house-warming gift or a movie night at home.

 (source)

These need to happen.  Now.  Well, maybe it would be dangerous to bake since I’ve decided to give up sweets/coffee for lent, but that doesn’t start until Wednesday.  So I guess we are in the clear.  On the other hand, a more mental challenge would be the 30-Day Minimalist Challenge.  Declutter, break free, and just be you.

 Speaking of breaking free, one must really read The Healthy Maven’s latest post on accepting yourself and your body.  I think we all struggle to find ourselves and find happiness with our genes.  So many good points here.  You go girl.

>>  Peace, love, November Project.  Worth the early alarms and chilly chilly temperatures. <<

Of course, when I’m not running or spinning, I am doing my best to stretch and go to yoga.  Most of the days that I set out my yoga mat and clothes, I end up snoozing through my 5:45 alarm.  I know that I should wake up and make the trek across town, but somehow it doesn’t have the same allure as my nice pillow.  I was all into the above class because 1) it was free 2) we got free swag afterwards 3) it was with some November Project friends.

Go Home Snow … And Other Random Thoughts

Snow.  Not cool.  Ok, maybe slightly cool. But it’s February and I want to run on Saturday and the forecast calls for 80% chance of snow.  We’ll see how that works out.  Today’s post calls for an epic arrangement of random thoughts, so please enjoy.  It’s just about all that I can handle and frankly need a random post right about now.  A big thank you to Amanda for hosting.

I would not make a good full-time writer.   My ability to concentrate long enough to write a cohesive post has somehow disappeared.  Studying skills?  Forget it.  Now I flip-flop between wanting to draft posts for every day of the week and actually arriving home from work only thinking about changing into athletic clothes, making dinner, stretching, catching an episode of one of the ten shows I have missed, and then crashing into my bed.  Working full time, keeping up with blogging and hobbies, and finding time to be social is tough.  Boy, I give mega-props to you bloggers who keep it up.

I have however always thought about writing a children’s book with my mom.  Goodness knows we have enough topics to write about – the Bodie man and his various adventures or even the shenanigans that happen in our home town.  Ok, the last idea would have to be written under a pen-name and most definitely published (though it’s not a given) after we move out.  But, Helen of Pasadena was a hit, so why not give it a shot.

Matsumotos Shaved Ice
Haleiwa, HI 96712

Best.shaved ice.ever. I recently heard through the grapevine that my parents are planning a trip to Hawaii. Hm, maybe I should find a way to snag vacation days and find myself a ticket.  Just kidding, I’ll let them have their fun as empty nesters.  But still, the allure of sun, surf, and shaved ice.  It may be too difficult to resist.

Let’s talk about how obsessed our culture is with technology and cell phones.  When I got into the elevator to have lunch in our cafeteria, three other people jumped in and immediately brought out their phones.  This happens every.single.place I go.  Walking along the sidewalk?  Yep.  In the subway?  Yep.  Again, I’m often just as guilty but I’m just saying we are going to have some serious neck and back problems in the next 10-20 years.

How 11 Words and 5 Minutes Can Make Every Day the Best One Ever

Have you seen “50 First Dates”?  Now, I’m not much of an Adam Sandler fan, but using the movie as reference and how Drew Barrymore has to be reminded every single day about her life and schedule.  There are certainly days where I have to remind myself why I’m waking up so early or what I have on task for the day.  It’s not like I lost my memory, but I do have to have a small heart-to-heart/pump-up conversation with myself, especially on Mondays. Posts like these remind me that it’s normal.  Or so I keep telling myself that.

You know those bloggers from the west coast who post pictures of the ocean or mountains on their days of?  Yeah, I used to be one of those. Until I got a real job and moved to the east coast.  Now I’m just making myself jealous by going through all the top eats and sights from the beloved Sunset Magazine website.

My fellow November Project peeps are amazing bloggers.  It’s actually thanks to Ali and Sarah that I found out about NP and made the decision to start showing up.  Actually a double thanks to Ali for an awesome run last Saturday and including me in her post (day year made by the way).  This girl is a phenomenon and I highly recommend checking her hilarious posts.  Filled with sarcasm, good fun, and rocking the neon like no-other, I’m sure you won’t regret it.

Power on my friends, the weekend is near.