The weekend in le nutshell

Hey y'aaallll. How were your weekends? Relaxing? Active? Fleeting? That's pretty how much I view the weekends. Do as many fun things as you can and try to sleep in at least one of the days.

Friday: I finally saw Indeed for the first time in a couple of months - so much has changed as they prepare to open for business in the next couple of weeks. 

Saturday: I woke up pretty early and immediately started painting. I've found that painting is a relaxing and rewarding way to start the day. Then I went for a run and headed out to meet my newish bloggy friend for brunch at Wilde Roast. Smoked gouda hashbrowns? Good-a. 

Then it was off to Indeed for my sister Nancy's birthday. We "sampled" the beer and got into some shenanigans throughout the evening. (My sister's name is Nan and the beer is called Shenanigans, get it?)

Sunday:I mostly recovered and then attended a wedding. I tried to buy balloons but was denied due to the helium shortage. Did you know that existed? Our helium reservoir that supplies 75% of the world's supply is running out, the price is spiking dramatically, and the helium we are using is going first toward hospitals for MRIs and other technology. Thus, no balloons for me. I guess MRIs might be more important, or something. Punny headlines read, "Senators see ballooning national crisis" and "Helium shortage deflates local businesses." 

Now, the real purpose of this post:

Happy [Belated] Birthday Ms. Nancy!
Nancy is my twin, but older, so not really. She is one of the most hard-working people I know, whose actual weakness in an interview would be that she cares too much. Always trying to do what is best for everyone around her, Nancy has a lot of people who look up to her and her intelligent, creative, stylish ways. She has influenced almost every facet of my life from what I studied in college, to my hobbies in crafting, down to the stores at which I shop. She supports me and encourages me and I appreciate it so much. Fancy Nancy, U R A Q T!

The weekend in le nutshell (belated)

Well, now that it's past mid-week, I guess I'll go ahead and share the weekend with you! Remember "the days are long, but the years are short" idea? Now I'm beginning to think that the days are short and the years are short too. JULY is upon us, people!

Friday was spent getting a ridiculously awful pedicure, then seeing my coworker DJ at Nomad World Pub. Ever see that Portlandia skit? "Come watch me DJ!"

Saturday started off with a couple hours at work, then I had a date to the Mill City Farmer's Market with Ashley. We headed over to Aster Cafe to meet Katrina for brunch, then parted ways. I headed to Goodwill and found some awesome shirts and cups. Then, headed out for a boat ride with some of my family and friends. My nephew Archie was so cayooot!

{Maybe he's perturbed because Willy Wonka is holding him}

{My mom is growing grapefruit!}

Afterwards, I arranged for a little bonfire at my sister Nancy's house. And now I've got Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire" in my head, although I do most of the time. I still need to write my own lyrics to that song.

Sunday involved crafting, cleaning, a bike ride to Izzy's, a bike ride to Eat Street, and finally, a late bedtime.

{Bike love}

I'd ask you how your weekends were, but it's probably time to ask what are you going to do this weekend?

{Raspberry soda at Eat Street Social}

She knows she can run a half marathon

You know the feeling of satisfaction you get when you cross an item off of a list? That was me on Sunday, x 100. A few years ago I set the goal to run a half marathon by the time I turned 30, and this past weekend, I accomplished that goal 4.5 years ahead of schedule.

Three months of training finally paid off. I’ll admit, I wasn’t strict to my training plan and missed a lot of runs. But I also completed a lot of them. I have been running since I was in track & field in junior high, but never to this extent. The training program encouraged me to run 3-5 times per week, varying in distance and pace. While I ignored the suggestions for pace, I ran as fast as I could each day which sometimes meant a 9-minute mile and other times meant closer to 12. I learned that I could run different distances, that I wasn’t a failure if I couldn’t go faster than 10 minutes per mile and that some days were good and some weren’t and that was okay.

As the weekend approached, I realized this was all becoming real. With a Saturday night carbed-out meal and an early bed time, I felt the jitters for the next day. Then Sunday came, and I felt oddly more calm. I started out toward the back of the pack and felt at ease as I crossed the start line, listening to The Naked and Famous. The first mile was the easiest mile ever, I couldn’t believe it passed so fast.

Then after mile 3, the faster-paced runners were looping around so I got to pass my boyfran Zebulon, and friends Leigh, David and Micah as I ran to the turnaround. Miles 3-6 really felt like nothing. I couldn’t believe this because a 10k used to seem unattainable to me and yet here I was, completing a 10k without feeling any boredom or pain. And then, there was a slight incline and the knowledge that I would soon be seeing my family and friends and the whole thing got a little harder. And then I heard the tambourine and the shouts of my name and I couldn’t have been happier. 

A mile later I saw my sister, her husband and my two nephews and that gave me the push I needed to get to the second turnaround. I had my name taped to my shirt both on the front and the back for the purpose of getting more encouragement from strangers. You would not believe how encouraging strangers and other runners are! I found a lot more bounce in my step once people were talking to me, cheering for me, urging me to continue.

Feeling great as I approached mile 12, I stumbled on my foot and rolled my ankle. OUCH. And then I hit “the wall.” I wanted so, SO bad to walk and just get this the H over with. And I slowed my pace and just as I was about to switch from a jog to a walk and let my body give in, my mind took over and said, “There is no way you are walking at this point. Not after you worked this hard. You get yourself in gear.” And so I did. And the last mile was probably the toughest. But then I saw my cheerleaders once again as I approached the end and that jolted me into a full-on sprint. I even heard spectators comment about how fast I was finishing, and that felt good. And then I drank some water. And then I wanted to puke and die. So that was how my half-marathon went.

To recap:

Training is good. Hal Higdon knows what’s up.

If you set a goal and you work towards it, by golly, you can do it!

Pace yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others. Do it for you.

Encouragement is highly encouraged.

If you hit a wall, let your brain take over and propel you forward. One foot in front of the other.

Drink water. Eat food. Don’t throw up.

Musings on the future:

Will I run a full marathon ever? No. I do not wish to.

Will I run a half-marathon again? Maybe. But not for a while.

Should you run a half-marathon? If you would like to.

Will I run a 10-mile, 8-mile, 10k, 8k or 5k? Yes.

Do I feel like a million bucks even though I’m sore as a mother effer? Yes.

Is it weird that I’m now picturing a million male deer? Yes.

Am I an oddity? You bet.

The annotated version:

 

Thanks for reading! I know this was a long one! TWSS.

The week, in le nutshell

Okay you guys, now that I've recovered from a jam-packed week, here is my reflection.

Wednesday was my first Twins game of the season and coincidentally the team's first win for the season. I must be a good luck charm! It was odd getting used to the new roster. I'll never get over that about baseball. Players come and go like it ain't no thang.

Thursday I had dinner at Eli’s in Northeast. (Yum!) Afterwards, I headed over to the Ritz Theater with the fashion writer for the Pioneer Press to watch the dress rehearsal of Fashionball, a benefit for Ballet of the Dolls and the Ritz Theater. You can read more about that event here. The Ritz Theater is a small theater tucked in Northeast Minneapolis - a place I’d love to go back to and support.

Friday was homemade pizza and wine (not homemade) at The Dr. and the Missus’ house, then it was off to the worst music venue to grace the state of Minnesota, The Myth. Had there been better drink selection, fewer people, better vantage points and more parking, I would have enjoyed this a little more. The only plus side is at the uber-tall boyfriend could lift me up once in a while to get a peek at the show. The band itself was very energetic and the vocals were great. But atmosphere can do a lot to a situation and a memory.

Saturday was a glorious wedding celebration for a long-time family friend. It started off with a tea ceremony, which led to a church ceremony, which led to a break in the day. Then it was onto dinner, dancing, and debauchery. Let’s just say that a complimentary bottle of Hennessey on each table might have been a miscalculated offering.

 {Going through the motions}

{Family portrait}

{Paper cranes only symbolize good things}

{The ceremony}

{This chicken and owl had a special message in their ceremony: they appreciate their ability to get married and will fight hard to extend those rights to everyone else. They also urge us all to do the same. I love these two.}

{And then the reception happened}

{Chinese decor}

Sunday was a full day of recovery from the previous nights. I had to drag myself out of bed to get to brunch which I talked about on Monday. It’s always worth it once you get yourself to do something, but the energy it takes is enough to deter many. Afterwards, I kept the couch warm for a few hours before trekking out, getting pizza, and going to bed. Worthless, I tell you!

On to the next!

Too much fun [and a birthday tribute]!

Καλημέρα! (Kalimera!) That’s Greek for good morning! I’m greeting you in Greek because yesterday was Greek Easter, a holiday I have probably celebrated as much as I have regular Easter because of my bff Jessica, although I didn’t celebrate yesterday, run-on sentence to the max. Instead, I had brunch with some lovely ladies to celebrate Jessica's birthday! We ate at Pat’s Tap in Minneapolis, which had the right ideas in mind, but had trouble executing them yesterday. (Poor service, okay food, inoperable skee ball machines). I'm mostly in support of it because the name of the establishment is a palindrome.

{Exhibit A of tucker-outage}

The weekend was crazy, as usual, just how I like it, but today I am completely tuckered out and somehow have to muster up energy to see Cults at First Avenue tonight. After tonight, I’m going into hibernation. It’s snowing out, so it’s fitting. I don’t even mind snow right now. I was a little shocked to see it this morning, despite the weather reports warning me about it last night, but it feels a little refreshing. I did feel bad for the worms who made their way out to the pavement, only to freeze to death. Anyway, no photos or energy yet to show you the weekend, so that will have to wait a day or two. Until then, it’s time for a birthday tribute!

Happy birthday to Ms. Jessica!

Oh where, oh where do I even begin? I've known Jessica since we were 9 years old. If you know how ancient I am, then you know this is a long time. We have shared neighborhoods, families, heat wave parties, classes, cooking lessons, heartbreak, success, concerts, vacations, and everything best friends could share. I could not have asked for a better fran to grow up right next door to. Jessica always cares so much for other people, it’s no wonder she’s graduating with a psychology degree and so interested in the human condition. Besides being intelligent and genuinely concerned about the state of the world, she’s fun, hilarious, the best auntie, and kind of a badass. Don’t mess with Jess. Happy birthday Loops, I hope it’s a great one full of good juju for the year to come.

The weekend, in le nutshell

I told you it was going to be a good weekend! This is how the story went: 

Friday:

{My boyfriend's brother, Zack, and his new wife Jaemie}

{The two sets of Mr. and Mrs. Will}

{Future Mr. and Mrs.? Cough, ahem}

{Sisters}

Saturday: 
After brunch with the newlyweds, it was time for Theodore's 2nd birthday party.

{Skeptical Archie}

{Still unsure}

{Yo Gabba Gabba cupcakes created by Carrie}

{Dark frosting has its downside}

{Theodore eating green grapes while opening gifts}

Sunday: I went for a long run to start the day off. Then I headed over to the boyfran's family's house where we had a delicious meal and watched the Masters on TV. Yes, I watched golf and enjoyed it. Then the five kids went on a bike ride through Downtown White Bear Lake and along the lake itself. We stopped at various points to play darts and eat pizza and it was so fun! And then, it was Monday. Let's try to spend this week with our heads and hearts up, only to get to another crazy and fun weekend.

{Away they go}

{Pier stop}

{Aww, nerdy}

Happy Weekend!!

Happy Friday! I am so incredibly excited for this weekend!! 

This is why:

Today: I have a half day at work, then it's time for primping and off to Stillwater to my boyfriend's brother's wedding. After the ceremony, we're headed out for dinner and a good time.

Tomorrow: Quick morning recovery from the wedding shenanigans will probably be in order and then I'm off to a 2nd birthday fiesta! Syrup and green grapes for everyone. (This is what my nephew requested for his birthday gifts and by golly, I shall oblige).

Sunday: Easter! I don't really celebrate, but the boyfriend's mother insists I do, and I love it. Pastels? Egg hunt? Chocolate? Brunch? Check, check, check, check!!

I'll be sure to recap here once the weekend is over and I have some photographic proof of what an excellent time I had. Yes, I'm planning for the future, but so what!

Have a great weekend people!! Use some exclamation points!!

A weekend of celebrations

Hello Monday, hello friends! This week is starting out blustery, rainy and cold. I actually do like rain, but lately it has been coinciding with allergy flare-ups and that makes for a stuffy atmosphere. On the other hand, I wasn’t ready for summer yet, so I’m glad for this change.

Anyway, the weekend weather was glor-i-ous! I spent Friday celebrating my brother-in-law's birthday on a little Northeast Minneapolis pub crawl. Saturday morning was a race to finish some bridal shower bunting with the help of my sister, Nancy.

{I love crafting}

Bridal showers can often be awkward and boring, but I should have known from the beginning that this one would not be like that, as it was hosted by my boyfriend's mother and she is anything but boring. We had delicious food, spiked punch, fun games, and even better company.

{Just one of the decadent desserts}

{Tulips, dice game, prizes}

Afterwards, I headed to a different bride's bachelorette party and had a long dinner at Kikugawa on Main (it was alright), karaoke at Boomtown (way more fun than I expected) and finally, too much embarrassing dancing at Honey Lounge (and consequent facebook barraging).

{Celine Dion at a Norebang place}

{A spiffy cocktail at Honey Lounge}

Sunday was a slow recovery with a trip to see The Hunger Games. I enjoyed the movie, but of course, there are always parts that are left out or skimmed over and you feel like they robbed the book of such great detail. In its defense, it was already 2.5 hours long and if you wanted a 4-hour long movie, then maybe you could have gotten it all. It made me go home and finish the second book and now, as expected, I am severely craving the third and final book. Ahh, the torture! Just so you know, I was purposely avoiding the "finish it in three days" method, because then I would have only had three days of it and not drawn it out as long as I possibly could. I've been told not to rush through it because it will leave you feeling deprived and devastated. Yes, books do this.

The weekend, in le nutshell

Ah, we meet again! The weekend was much too short but filled with lots of happiness and celebration!

On Friday I celebrated my friend's birthday by going to Comedy Sportz and then to William's Peanut Bar. We had a lot of fun playing skee ball and eating peanuts.

Saturday, I stopped in the middle of the road for two wild turkeys and after driving for a bit, decided I needed to turn around and follow them. They waddled pretty slowly to Party City and I snapped some photos of them and watched as people came out of the stores and realized there were two turkeys on the sidewalk. Hehe.

I spent St. Patrick's Day first at Stella's eating oysters and fish tacos, then hopped on my first-ever party bus, aptly named the Busweiser. We drove all around town and I had somuchfun with friends.

{Creative way to litter}

I

{The boyfriend and his best friend}

{Some of my bestest in the Midwestest}

We all donned our green in some shape or form. Mine was on the bottom, so it's hard to tell in photos.

{Most of the kids}

I guess some of you might know that I like to creAture watch. This means I make fun of people who wear, do or say things in public that they shouldn't. I know this is mean, but, honestly:

{Her shirt was slashed horizontally all down the chest}

{The end}

And one more thing before I go...

{Same same but different}

Happy Birthday to Mr. Nathan!

Nathan is my brother-in-law whom I have known since I was in elementary school. We share a love for baseball, brew, espresso (although mine is heavily sugared), sarcasm, travel, TV shows, and music. Many years ago, I was in a really low place in my life and ended up basically living at Nancy and Nathan's house. It took a lot for me to get out of bed and finally, Nathan had had enough of my self-pity and made me go to yoga with him. Yoga healed me mentally and emotionally and I am a completely different person because of it. And it all started with Nathan (and that wife of his). Happy Birthday Mr. Nathan!