Friday, August 19, 2011
SMBHD - Doesn't Get Why I Clean For Guests
His rationale: He is not going to notice you didn't vacuum.
Mine: But I will.
It doesn't matter if someone's coming to visit for a day, a weekend, or two weeks. I still want my house to be as presentable as possible. Yes, I'm going to put more of an effort in for my in-laws and any other guests who would be staying for an extended period of time, but I'm still going to put an effort in for my BH's friend Mark who is only staying with us tonight through Sunday. Do I think people are going to think my house always looks like this? No. Do I try to make them think that? Nope. I'll fully admit to them that it's not normally this clean. I don't know, I just can't be laid back about it. BH is like, "No big deal, just make sure everything's off the bed in the guest bedroom, and he has some towels, he's not gonna care." He clearly doesn't get it! But I also can't explain it… I just… can't not put at least some effort into making our house look presentable. So I ended up staying up pretty late last night cleaning and getting things ready.
My BH sent me a very nice email this morning thanking me for all the effort I went to for this weekend. He appreciates it, but he still doesn't get it. Lol.
Ok so some of it may be because we rarely have anyone over our house. Our house isn't really conducive to having large groups over. Our living room can pretty much fit 6 people MAX - and really only 4 comfortably. And our back yard had a disgusting green pool in it up until a few days ago (courtesy of our neighbors, with whom we share the yard), so barbecues are pretty much out. I like to entertain. I like to cook for people. I want to have dinner parties and barbecues. Maybe this is why I want to buy a house so bad (probably). So, in addition to cleaning last night I also put a lasagna together (to be put in the oven for dinner tonight), and made sangria. And went to volleyball (first playoff game - we won!). And made dinner. And picked up my two cases of pumpkin beer!!! (I'm already starting to think I should get another one, because I'll be so sad when it's all gone…)
Am I crazy? Ok, yes is probably the answer in general, but I mean with regards to this post! :)
-C
xxx
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Super Yummy Gazpacho
Years ago, I would have gagged at the thought of eating gazpacho. Not the band (apparently there's a band??). The soup. It's a cold soup, and one of the two main ingredients is usually cucumbers. (The other is tomatoes, which is a "pro" for me.) I hate cucumbers. Not as much as I fear pickles (yes, I actually fear pickles, it's not a joke), but I do not like the taste of cucumbers. You will not find me slicing one up and eating it. Ever.
I can't remember the first time I had Gazpacho, but I know I wasn't a fan. I think I've tried it once a year and slowly came to enjoy it. Then about a month ago Tim and I went out for dinner at JG Domestic and I had the gazpacho basically just for the fact that it had goat cheese in it. I'll pretty much order anything with goat cheese in it. To my surprise, I LOVED IT.
And that's when I became obsessed with gazpacho. I wanted to make it, but wanted to make it right. I was too impatient so I went and bought some from Trader Joe's one day. I asked a worker there if it was spicy and she told me absolutely not. FALSE. Ok, yes, I have a very high sensitivity to spice, but still. "Absolutely not" should mean absolutely not. It was a little spicy, which, to me, means a lot spicy. Anyhoo - I then went in search of gazpacho recipes. I checked my fave food blogger websites, printed out their versions. Looked through my cookbooks, marked the pages. I have been pretty much obsessed with making the best damn gazpacho ever (ok, next to Jose Garces') for weeks now. I wanted it sweet - and for REAL "absolutely not" spicy - and tomatoey. I knew I had to succumb to putting cucumbers in there, but was determined to puree them to oblivion so that they would blend with everything else and I wouldn't be able to see them.
When we got back from England my obsession had reached it's peak - the day we got back I broke out all the print outs and cookbooks and went to work. I took a bit from this recipe, a bit from that one, and a bit of "hmm... I have that in my pantry", and here is what I came up with. Oh, I should probably tell you that it was YUMMY. And do you know how easy it is to make gazpacho? It all goes in the blender!!
Sorry for the lack of pictures. Tim makes fun of me when I take pictures of my food... plus my camera was in my room all 3 floors above the kitchen. But this is what it looks like.
Ingredients:
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp basil, chopped
- 1-1/2 cups tomato juice
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar
- 4 tbs. apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbs. olive oil
- salt, to taste
- goat cheese crumbles and grated parmesan cheese for serving
- 1/2 avocado, chopped, for serving
Instructions:
You literally just chop everything that needs to be chopped, reserve about a half cup of the tomatoes, and put everything else in the blender. Puree for a minute or two, until at desired consistency. Pour into a large bowl, add reserved tomatoes, and refrigerate for at least an hour. Serve with goat cheese crumbles, grated parmesan cheese, and avocado chunks. DONE.
Notes:
You may prefer to reserve some cucumbers for serving or add in some bell peppers or celery - go to! I love tomatoes and therefore wanted that to be the only "chunky" part of my soup (besides the cheese and avocado). I love bell peppers and celery in soups - but only in cooked soups. Also, when I first made this I used a can of vegetable broth, but didn't have any the second go 'round, so I used the tomato juice. I think it's yummier with the tomato juice, but do what you want!
I succeeded in making my perfect gazpacho, AND found out that I like the taste of cucumbers - but only if pureed and combined with other things. This soup is also perfect for bringing to work for lunch - no heating up required. I just let it sit at room temp for about 20 minutes before eating so it's not too cold.
Perfect.Summer.Soup.
I may make it every week until October.
-C
xxx
I can't remember the first time I had Gazpacho, but I know I wasn't a fan. I think I've tried it once a year and slowly came to enjoy it. Then about a month ago Tim and I went out for dinner at JG Domestic and I had the gazpacho basically just for the fact that it had goat cheese in it. I'll pretty much order anything with goat cheese in it. To my surprise, I LOVED IT.
And that's when I became obsessed with gazpacho. I wanted to make it, but wanted to make it right. I was too impatient so I went and bought some from Trader Joe's one day. I asked a worker there if it was spicy and she told me absolutely not. FALSE. Ok, yes, I have a very high sensitivity to spice, but still. "Absolutely not" should mean absolutely not. It was a little spicy, which, to me, means a lot spicy. Anyhoo - I then went in search of gazpacho recipes. I checked my fave food blogger websites, printed out their versions. Looked through my cookbooks, marked the pages. I have been pretty much obsessed with making the best damn gazpacho ever (ok, next to Jose Garces') for weeks now. I wanted it sweet - and for REAL "absolutely not" spicy - and tomatoey. I knew I had to succumb to putting cucumbers in there, but was determined to puree them to oblivion so that they would blend with everything else and I wouldn't be able to see them.
When we got back from England my obsession had reached it's peak - the day we got back I broke out all the print outs and cookbooks and went to work. I took a bit from this recipe, a bit from that one, and a bit of "hmm... I have that in my pantry", and here is what I came up with. Oh, I should probably tell you that it was YUMMY. And do you know how easy it is to make gazpacho? It all goes in the blender!!
Sorry for the lack of pictures. Tim makes fun of me when I take pictures of my food... plus my camera was in my room all 3 floors above the kitchen. But this is what it looks like.
Super Yummy Gazpacho
Ingredients:
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp basil, chopped
- 1-1/2 cups tomato juice
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar
- 4 tbs. apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbs. olive oil
- salt, to taste
- goat cheese crumbles and grated parmesan cheese for serving
- 1/2 avocado, chopped, for serving
Instructions:
You literally just chop everything that needs to be chopped, reserve about a half cup of the tomatoes, and put everything else in the blender. Puree for a minute or two, until at desired consistency. Pour into a large bowl, add reserved tomatoes, and refrigerate for at least an hour. Serve with goat cheese crumbles, grated parmesan cheese, and avocado chunks. DONE.
Notes:
You may prefer to reserve some cucumbers for serving or add in some bell peppers or celery - go to! I love tomatoes and therefore wanted that to be the only "chunky" part of my soup (besides the cheese and avocado). I love bell peppers and celery in soups - but only in cooked soups. Also, when I first made this I used a can of vegetable broth, but didn't have any the second go 'round, so I used the tomato juice. I think it's yummier with the tomato juice, but do what you want!
I succeeded in making my perfect gazpacho, AND found out that I like the taste of cucumbers - but only if pureed and combined with other things. This soup is also perfect for bringing to work for lunch - no heating up required. I just let it sit at room temp for about 20 minutes before eating so it's not too cold.
Perfect.Summer.Soup.
I may make it every week until October.
-C
xxx
Monday, August 15, 2011
Random Ramblings of the Week 8/15
These are just some random thoughts that go through my head that I know you all want to hear:
I'm pretty sure my favorite song of all time is "Tuesday's Gone" by Lynyrd Skynyrd. When I hear it it automatically makes me happy, and kind of makes me want to hippie dance. I don't think I'll EVER skip it when it comes up on my ipod. And I may play it 3 times in a row while I run because, yes, I can even listen to it when I run. It's that good. PS I'm pretty sure no one noticed, but I had the DJ play it at my wedding. He played it during dinner since that's as good a time as there is to play a 7 minute long slow song.
I AM SO EXCITED FOR PUMPKIN BEER.
Yes, I know that summer isn't over yet and it's almost like wishing it away... I can't help it. When we went on the Harpoon Brewery tour in Boston and I tried their Pumpkin Ale and then almost died it was so good, I asked the guy (you know, the guy) if it would make it down to Philadelphia. It was their first year distributing the Pumpkin so he said he wasn't sure, but that I should email them when I got home and suggest it so they know there's interest in the area. I did just that, and I even recommended two beer distributors in my neighborhood that I know have sold pumpkin ale in the past, and sold OUT of it. I got an email the other day saying both places were getting it and that I should call and reserve a case or 5. Reserved. I can't decide if it's sad or awesome that I have this much of an obsession with pumpkin ale. PS Tim won't kiss me or even come near me whatsoever when I've been drinking pumpkin ale. This, coming from the man who "hated" pumpkin pie before he even tried it, but now loves it. Whatever, he's not coming between me and my love for pumpkin ale. We'll just sit on opposite sides of the room until all 48 of my beers are gone. *shrug*
via Google Image Search
I miss 3D doritos. Who's with me??
via Google Image Search
Apparently I'm allergic to Burts Bees chapstick. Apparently I'm also not the only one. There are like 1,000 forums out there of people who are allergic to something that's in the BB chapstick. I have yet to figure it out what it is yet. Ok, I'm also allergic to this one pomegranate flavored Gap chapstick, so it's not just BB. How do I know? My lips sting and get red itchy bumps on them and the only thing I can do is use Vaseline or Blistex medicated chapstick on them. It's not fun. Tim was not sympathetic and told me that maybe I just use too much chapstick. Pssh. Is there such a thing?
PS - You may not know this, but I'm addicted to chapstick. For realz.
When I was at a wedding in England recently I busted out my Vaseline chapstick and this guy (who was drunk, and a little odd...) says to me, "Do you have cold sores?" in front of everyone at the table. I told him "No." with a weird look on my face like why would you, a stranger, ask me such a thing, and in front of so many people? (I think Tim was a little pissed, too.) Then he proceeded to stick his finger out and ask for some of my chapstick. I'm not big on sharing chapstick, especially with strangers, but he insisted and got all weird about it, so I gave him some. At least it was the Vaseline one, so it's not like a stick. If it was a stick I wouldn't have given it to him. Or I would have and then thrown it out. I don't know this guy!
I'm excited for Tim's friend to visit this weekend... but oddly it's because I want to cook for him. Well, for both of them, but I like cooking for people, and it's a chance to cook for more than just us for the first time in a while! Is that weird? Probably. Oh well. As soon as Tim mentioned "he's a student" so maybe I could cook instead of us going out the first night, I was like, YES! Tim has requested my lasagna. Works for me.
I love Jersey Shore an unhealthy amount. I laugh out loud so many times when I watch it. Plus it makes me want to have Sunday dinners. Also, I really related to the first episode this season where the girls were having issues with their hair dryers and straighteners (because of the voltages). I brought my curling iron with me to England and the barrel melted! Yes, melted. I picked it up and the barrel moved separately from the handle. Scary. The smell wasn't great either. I mean, it was pretty old... Istole acquired it from my mom years ago and have had it as long as I can remember (probably age 11). Anyway, I bought a new one last weekend that says it "works worldwide" and "automatically adjusts to different voltages". We'll see!
-C
xxx
I'm pretty sure my favorite song of all time is "Tuesday's Gone" by Lynyrd Skynyrd. When I hear it it automatically makes me happy, and kind of makes me want to hippie dance. I don't think I'll EVER skip it when it comes up on my ipod. And I may play it 3 times in a row while I run because, yes, I can even listen to it when I run. It's that good. PS I'm pretty sure no one noticed, but I had the DJ play it at my wedding. He played it during dinner since that's as good a time as there is to play a 7 minute long slow song.
I AM SO EXCITED FOR PUMPKIN BEER.
Yes, I know that summer isn't over yet and it's almost like wishing it away... I can't help it. When we went on the Harpoon Brewery tour in Boston and I tried their Pumpkin Ale and then almost died it was so good, I asked the guy (you know, the guy) if it would make it down to Philadelphia. It was their first year distributing the Pumpkin so he said he wasn't sure, but that I should email them when I got home and suggest it so they know there's interest in the area. I did just that, and I even recommended two beer distributors in my neighborhood that I know have sold pumpkin ale in the past, and sold OUT of it. I got an email the other day saying both places were getting it and that I should call and reserve a case or 5. Reserved. I can't decide if it's sad or awesome that I have this much of an obsession with pumpkin ale. PS Tim won't kiss me or even come near me whatsoever when I've been drinking pumpkin ale. This, coming from the man who "hated" pumpkin pie before he even tried it, but now loves it. Whatever, he's not coming between me and my love for pumpkin ale. We'll just sit on opposite sides of the room until all 48 of my beers are gone. *shrug*
via Google Image Search
I miss 3D doritos. Who's with me??
via Google Image Search
Apparently I'm allergic to Burts Bees chapstick. Apparently I'm also not the only one. There are like 1,000 forums out there of people who are allergic to something that's in the BB chapstick. I have yet to figure it out what it is yet. Ok, I'm also allergic to this one pomegranate flavored Gap chapstick, so it's not just BB. How do I know? My lips sting and get red itchy bumps on them and the only thing I can do is use Vaseline or Blistex medicated chapstick on them. It's not fun. Tim was not sympathetic and told me that maybe I just use too much chapstick. Pssh. Is there such a thing?
PS - You may not know this, but I'm addicted to chapstick. For realz.
When I was at a wedding in England recently I busted out my Vaseline chapstick and this guy (who was drunk, and a little odd...) says to me, "Do you have cold sores?" in front of everyone at the table. I told him "No." with a weird look on my face like why would you, a stranger, ask me such a thing, and in front of so many people? (I think Tim was a little pissed, too.) Then he proceeded to stick his finger out and ask for some of my chapstick. I'm not big on sharing chapstick, especially with strangers, but he insisted and got all weird about it, so I gave him some. At least it was the Vaseline one, so it's not like a stick. If it was a stick I wouldn't have given it to him. Or I would have and then thrown it out. I don't know this guy!
I'm excited for Tim's friend to visit this weekend... but oddly it's because I want to cook for him. Well, for both of them, but I like cooking for people, and it's a chance to cook for more than just us for the first time in a while! Is that weird? Probably. Oh well. As soon as Tim mentioned "he's a student" so maybe I could cook instead of us going out the first night, I was like, YES! Tim has requested my lasagna. Works for me.
I love Jersey Shore an unhealthy amount. I laugh out loud so many times when I watch it. Plus it makes me want to have Sunday dinners. Also, I really related to the first episode this season where the girls were having issues with their hair dryers and straighteners (because of the voltages). I brought my curling iron with me to England and the barrel melted! Yes, melted. I picked it up and the barrel moved separately from the handle. Scary. The smell wasn't great either. I mean, it was pretty old... I
-C
xxx
Friday, August 12, 2011
SMBHD - Steals My Bookmarks
I got my MIL's blessing for the SMBHD segments when we were in England, so that's good. She actually says she enjoys them. Probably because he tormented her for so many years and she can relate.
Have I mentioned I married a 5 year old? My BH has this ridiculous love of removing bookmarks from my books when I'm not looking... and also when I am. Sometimes, he will specifically seek out my book when I'm not in the room and take my bookmark out entirely... and sometimes he will just move it to a completely different section of the book. I never used to keep track of what page I was on, now I have to! I have to at least get a general idea of where I am in the book every time I put it down or else he'll catch me when I least expect it and I'll have no clue where to pick it up. When I pick it up and he's done this, he is SO proud of himself. I wish I could take a picture with my eyes so you could see this joyful/devilish look on his face, and record the he's-so-damn-proud-of-himself laughter that comes afterwards. I feel like typing it just doesn't do it justice.
He also really REALLY enjoys taking my bookmark out when I AM looking. Or, in the most recent case, I set my book down, open to my page (so no bookmark), and he grabbed it. I swear he had the look on his face of "Problem Child" or my family dog Boston who will grab something she knows she's not supposed to have and looks at you with this knowing, devilish look in her eyes... yeah, that's what my husband had the other night. We were both standing on our respective sides of the bed, he grabbed the book and stared me down with this devilish smirk on his face. I think I threatened him with everything I could think of - bodily harm, not cooking for him for a week, making him sleep in the guest bedroom... I swear we had a standoff for like ten minutes before he finally set it down - I won this round, but this has happened before, and will happen again, and I know I won't win them all... man, I've really got to think of some things to do to get him back. But he won't take it well at all. He can certainly dish it out, but can't take it back! I keep telling him it's like the Justin Timberlake song, "What goes around comes around." Oh, hm, I guess I could always get him back by posting things about him on a blog... did I mention he loves JT? True story. He says JT "throws some serious shapes." Which, in American, means "dances well".
In conclusion, I think this is a very good justification for why I need a Kindle for Christmas. :)
-C
xxx
Have I mentioned I married a 5 year old? My BH has this ridiculous love of removing bookmarks from my books when I'm not looking... and also when I am. Sometimes, he will specifically seek out my book when I'm not in the room and take my bookmark out entirely... and sometimes he will just move it to a completely different section of the book. I never used to keep track of what page I was on, now I have to! I have to at least get a general idea of where I am in the book every time I put it down or else he'll catch me when I least expect it and I'll have no clue where to pick it up. When I pick it up and he's done this, he is SO proud of himself. I wish I could take a picture with my eyes so you could see this joyful/devilish look on his face, and record the he's-so-damn-proud-of-himself laughter that comes afterwards. I feel like typing it just doesn't do it justice.
He also really REALLY enjoys taking my bookmark out when I AM looking. Or, in the most recent case, I set my book down, open to my page (so no bookmark), and he grabbed it. I swear he had the look on his face of "Problem Child" or my family dog Boston who will grab something she knows she's not supposed to have and looks at you with this knowing, devilish look in her eyes... yeah, that's what my husband had the other night. We were both standing on our respective sides of the bed, he grabbed the book and stared me down with this devilish smirk on his face. I think I threatened him with everything I could think of - bodily harm, not cooking for him for a week, making him sleep in the guest bedroom... I swear we had a standoff for like ten minutes before he finally set it down - I won this round, but this has happened before, and will happen again, and I know I won't win them all... man, I've really got to think of some things to do to get him back. But he won't take it well at all. He can certainly dish it out, but can't take it back! I keep telling him it's like the Justin Timberlake song, "What goes around comes around." Oh, hm, I guess I could always get him back by posting things about him on a blog... did I mention he loves JT? True story. He says JT "throws some serious shapes." Which, in American, means "dances well".
In conclusion, I think this is a very good justification for why I need a Kindle for Christmas. :)
-C
xxx
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Our Trip Across the Pond
We got back from our trip to England on Monday afternoon, and boy were we "knackered" (as my BH would say). It was a great trip, though! We got to stuff our faces with my mother in-law's delicious meals, see some of the Derbyshire countryside, SHOP, and go to his friend Smithy's wedding! More on the wedding to come, once I get around to taking all of the pictures off my camera - but it was awesome, and beautiful!
Guess what, Americans - it was about 65-70 degrees for our entire trip. Can you even imagine what that feels like?? I couldn't either. And now that I'm back I can't again. I even bought a jacket while I was there! And wore it to the airport, over a few layers of shirts, and jeans. Yeah, when we got into Philly I wasn't wearing the jacket... or the cardigan under it... or the t shirt. Just the tank top under it all (I really needed those pants that zip off to shorts), and was STILL sweating. Welcome home! It was nice to not sweat for a few days, and actually get to blow dry and straighten my hair. And wear foundation without it dripping down my face. Although I'm glad I brought jeans and cardigans, even when Tim scoffed at me and tried to tell me I wouldn't need them! Yes, yes I did need them actually!
So, shopping. Right. Because that's what you want to hear about, I just know it. The first day we were there we went to TK Maxx. Yes, you read that right. TK Maxx. In the UK they change the "J" to a "K". Why? I have no idea. When I first encountered one of those, Tim told me I was crazy to think it should be TJ Maxx. Obviously he underestimated my knowledge of the TJX Corporation that owns all TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Home Goods, and apparently TK Maxx stores. So his argument of "No, "K" is right." kind of went right out the window when I told him my rationale that it's owned by the TJX Corporation and therefore there is no good reason for the K to make an appearance. Mystery still unsolved. I could probably google it, but I don't feel like it. All I know is that it should be a J.
Anyhoo - first stop - TK Maxx. It was HUGE. I was in HEAVEN. I also had completely forgotten what my size was in the UK. I think the sizes are smaller there because all the smalls I picked up were super extra small. I was having a hard time spotting things quickly, especially when looking for skirts because they weren't listed as small or medium, only double digit numbers I'm not used to seeing. So I walked out of there with a pair of running pants... non exciting, I know. But wait! I also walked out of there with a super cute purse AND THIS:
Can you tell how big it is? Tim was like, "You are never going to get that thing home." But my MIL was like, "Use it as your neck pillow on the plane." I like how she thinks. Although I'm the one person who would get in trouble for that and end up having to pay $600 to check it so I ended up squishing it into my suitcase somehow. Also, I should point out that Tim's the one who showed me this pillow, and the ottoman next to it that I really wanted to ship home. So this is his fault, and therefore that's how I justify half of my luggage going into his suitcase for the trip home so that I could fit this pillow in mine. :)
The next day we went for a fish pedicure! (Me and my MIL, the men wouldn't even come in the shop!) I read an article about it a couple years ago, and have always wanted to try it, but it wasn't what I expected really! I don't know why, but I think I didn't expect to actually feel them, and maybe I didn't expect there to be so many! My mom would FREAK OUT. I just know it. I giggled like a little girl most of the time. I couldn't even look down at my feet for the first 5 minutes. It was so weird! But my feet were definitely nice and soft after, so job well done fishies.
After that we got to see Nottingham Castle (Castle Rock, actually, we didn't go up to the castle)
...and the oldest bar in England. No, really, it's been there since 1189AD. See?
We also took a picture with the Robin Hood statue, because we were in Nottingham after all… and apparently very near "Maid Marian Way".
We went for a hike in Derbyshire on Sunday and it was unexpectedly beautiful! Not that I thought it wouldn't be beautiful, I just didn't expect to see this:
As you can see, we were nowhere near the riots.
Also, any idea how I could ship this home??
I'm pretty sure I want need it.
-C
xxx
Guess what, Americans - it was about 65-70 degrees for our entire trip. Can you even imagine what that feels like?? I couldn't either. And now that I'm back I can't again. I even bought a jacket while I was there! And wore it to the airport, over a few layers of shirts, and jeans. Yeah, when we got into Philly I wasn't wearing the jacket... or the cardigan under it... or the t shirt. Just the tank top under it all (I really needed those pants that zip off to shorts), and was STILL sweating. Welcome home! It was nice to not sweat for a few days, and actually get to blow dry and straighten my hair. And wear foundation without it dripping down my face. Although I'm glad I brought jeans and cardigans, even when Tim scoffed at me and tried to tell me I wouldn't need them! Yes, yes I did need them actually!
So, shopping. Right. Because that's what you want to hear about, I just know it. The first day we were there we went to TK Maxx. Yes, you read that right. TK Maxx. In the UK they change the "J" to a "K". Why? I have no idea. When I first encountered one of those, Tim told me I was crazy to think it should be TJ Maxx. Obviously he underestimated my knowledge of the TJX Corporation that owns all TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Home Goods, and apparently TK Maxx stores. So his argument of "No, "K" is right." kind of went right out the window when I told him my rationale that it's owned by the TJX Corporation and therefore there is no good reason for the K to make an appearance. Mystery still unsolved. I could probably google it, but I don't feel like it. All I know is that it should be a J.
Anyhoo - first stop - TK Maxx. It was HUGE. I was in HEAVEN. I also had completely forgotten what my size was in the UK. I think the sizes are smaller there because all the smalls I picked up were super extra small. I was having a hard time spotting things quickly, especially when looking for skirts because they weren't listed as small or medium, only double digit numbers I'm not used to seeing. So I walked out of there with a pair of running pants... non exciting, I know. But wait! I also walked out of there with a super cute purse AND THIS:
Can you tell how big it is? Tim was like, "You are never going to get that thing home." But my MIL was like, "Use it as your neck pillow on the plane." I like how she thinks. Although I'm the one person who would get in trouble for that and end up having to pay $600 to check it so I ended up squishing it into my suitcase somehow. Also, I should point out that Tim's the one who showed me this pillow, and the ottoman next to it that I really wanted to ship home. So this is his fault, and therefore that's how I justify half of my luggage going into his suitcase for the trip home so that I could fit this pillow in mine. :)
The next day we went for a fish pedicure! (Me and my MIL, the men wouldn't even come in the shop!) I read an article about it a couple years ago, and have always wanted to try it, but it wasn't what I expected really! I don't know why, but I think I didn't expect to actually feel them, and maybe I didn't expect there to be so many! My mom would FREAK OUT. I just know it. I giggled like a little girl most of the time. I couldn't even look down at my feet for the first 5 minutes. It was so weird! But my feet were definitely nice and soft after, so job well done fishies.
After that we got to see Nottingham Castle (Castle Rock, actually, we didn't go up to the castle)
...and the oldest bar in England. No, really, it's been there since 1189AD. See?
We also took a picture with the Robin Hood statue, because we were in Nottingham after all… and apparently very near "Maid Marian Way".
We went for a hike in Derbyshire on Sunday and it was unexpectedly beautiful! Not that I thought it wouldn't be beautiful, I just didn't expect to see this:
As you can see, we were nowhere near the riots.
Also, any idea how I could ship this home??
I'm pretty sure I -C
xxx
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
SMBHD - Mocks My "Special" Running Approach
He doesn't even read my blog, so he doesn't know about this.
My BH goes to the gym, like, all the time. So usually when I run, he's already there, and when I get back, he's still there. Point is - he doesn't usually see me getting ready for my run and never sees me actually run since I refuse to run with him.
Why do I refuse to run with him? Every time he gets back from running he tells me about who he "beasted" on the trail. I wonder if these people know they're racing. He swears they do and they're in on it, too. I'm not so sure. I can't say that I've ever known if someone was trying to race me. Probably because I don't run fast. But anyway, that's why I don't run with him. Everything is a competition with him, and he's a much faster runner than me, so running together would not be a good thing for our marriage!
On the other hand, he refuses to run with me, too. Philly has like 1,800 runs every year - 5ks, 10ks, walk/runs, marathons, etc. I've done the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure before (5k), and would like to do something similar again because it's for a good cause, and it's about my limit to be honest. He REFUSES to do anything under 10k because it's "not worth it". Lol. What a running snob!!
Ok back to the matter at hand. My troublemaker of a BH mocks my running.
Randomly last week he started telling me I run like a grandpa. Remember, he does not run with me, so I guess since I told him I don't run fast, he now thinks I run like I'm 80 years old (and male). I don't even know how this came up, but it did. And of course he kept saying it, because he's a troublemaker like that.
I went running on Sunday when he had already gone to the gym for the day and I put my sunglasses on as I was leaving the house. It was mid-day, super hot out, and SUPER bright out. Sunglasses were necessary. He told me I looked like I should be in the Matrix. Then kept saying, "Bye Keanu Reeves! Keanu, have a good run! HAHAHAHA!" Did I mention he loves laughing at his own jokes? But ok for real, I have two options here - I wear my sporty sunglasses, or I wear my normal sunglasses. My normal sunglasses are like Mondo huge and A - would look stupid while running B - would leave me with huge white spots surrounding my eyes from any color I get.
Anyway, I'm posting this today because we're going to be in England tomorrow! And hopefully his mom and aunt will yell at him for making fun of me while we're there. :)
-C
xxx
My BH goes to the gym, like, all the time. So usually when I run, he's already there, and when I get back, he's still there. Point is - he doesn't usually see me getting ready for my run and never sees me actually run since I refuse to run with him.
Why do I refuse to run with him? Every time he gets back from running he tells me about who he "beasted" on the trail. I wonder if these people know they're racing. He swears they do and they're in on it, too. I'm not so sure. I can't say that I've ever known if someone was trying to race me. Probably because I don't run fast. But anyway, that's why I don't run with him. Everything is a competition with him, and he's a much faster runner than me, so running together would not be a good thing for our marriage!
On the other hand, he refuses to run with me, too. Philly has like 1,800 runs every year - 5ks, 10ks, walk/runs, marathons, etc. I've done the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure before (5k), and would like to do something similar again because it's for a good cause, and it's about my limit to be honest. He REFUSES to do anything under 10k because it's "not worth it". Lol. What a running snob!!
Ok back to the matter at hand. My troublemaker of a BH mocks my running.
Randomly last week he started telling me I run like a grandpa. Remember, he does not run with me, so I guess since I told him I don't run fast, he now thinks I run like I'm 80 years old (and male). I don't even know how this came up, but it did. And of course he kept saying it, because he's a troublemaker like that.
I went running on Sunday when he had already gone to the gym for the day and I put my sunglasses on as I was leaving the house. It was mid-day, super hot out, and SUPER bright out. Sunglasses were necessary. He told me I looked like I should be in the Matrix. Then kept saying, "Bye Keanu Reeves! Keanu, have a good run! HAHAHAHA!" Did I mention he loves laughing at his own jokes? But ok for real, I have two options here - I wear my sporty sunglasses, or I wear my normal sunglasses. My normal sunglasses are like Mondo huge and A - would look stupid while running B - would leave me with huge white spots surrounding my eyes from any color I get.
Anyway, I'm posting this today because we're going to be in England tomorrow! And hopefully his mom and aunt will yell at him for making fun of me while we're there. :)
-C
xxx
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
My "Special" Running Approach
I can't help but think when I run how much of a rookie I am. Yes, I am still a rookie (or at least I feel like one) even though I've been running since I was like 13. It's because I haven't kept running since I was 13. I think I just don't consider myself a "runner". I don't know if I'll ever be one of those people with an "I ♥ running" t shirt or stickers on my car. I don't ♥ it that much. Plus, I'd feel like a fraud because, like I said, I still feel like a rookie. Running's easy. You just move your feet. Which is probably why I do it. I don't have to go to a trainer and find out how to use my feet properly. I just move them and watch other people to make sure I move like they do. Easy enough. When I run I tend to think of my "special" approach to running and thought you'd really like to read about it. Ha.
I don't like to learn new exercises. I like to be able to just do it. Hence running is for me.
It took me a very long time (and several tries at this "consistent running thing") to figure out that I don't need to run fast.
I get "side stitches" if I run too fast, hence the need for running slower. Oddly enough, I only ever get them on my left side. I think my breathing has something to do with this as well.
I can't figure out how to breathe right. Yeah, for real. I think it's in through the nose, out through the mouth. When I concentrate on it too much I get really out of breath. If I don't concentrate on it I get side stitches. Lose-lose. Help?
I can't run uphill or downhill (slight grades only) or I get shin splints. I learned that the hard way many moons ago.
I FINALLY discovered the joys of running shorts. I guess I've always been under the impression that since I don't work out that much, why spend too much money on clothes to work out in? However, sometimes it pays off. Because apparently there have been running shorts out there all along that I never knew about and finally discovered and rock my world. I was in TJ Maxx (yeah, I still didn't pay a lot for them, but if I had known about these a long time ago before they hit TJ Maxx, I would've!), and picked up two pairs of running shorts to try on. The first were plain black. I went to put my feet through the holes and was like "WHOA WHOA whoa. Is this a men's bathing suit? What is up with the mesh underwear inside? Weird. NOPE." and didn't even try them on. The next pair had a green stripe on the side. So when I went to try them on, and found out they also had the mesh underwear inside… they got a chance (due to the green stripe). And I bought them. And I love them. No shorts riding up on me anymore! BONUS: there are tiny little pockets inside the shorts for a key or something, and the back one I use for my Ipod.
Until recently, and without my super awesome inside back pocketed shorts, I had no idea how to put my Ipod on without it getting in the way. I tried those arm strap thingers (I sweat too much under them and they annoy me). I don't like holding things when I run (plus, again, sweat too much and don't want my Ipod to get all sweaty!). And even now with the Shuffle (that clips on), I still didn't know of a good spot to clip it without my arms getting in the way. I would always find a way to knock it and get perilously close to it flying into the canal. Gross. I am NOT going in there. So thank god for those shorts because they now saved my Ipod as well.
I have a really hard time resisting the urge to mouth the words to some songs when I run. Sometimes I don't resist.
I have to chew gum when I run. This will probably make a trainer cringe, but I'm serious. I also get side stitches if I don't do this. My theory is that because I drink a ton of water on a daily basis, but refuse to carry a water bottle with me when I run because, as we've already discussed, I don't like running with things in my hands, that my body isn't used to going that long (and working that hard) without hydration. Gum keeps me hydrated by way of producing more saliva, I guess, but whatever, it works. It helps. And when I forget my gum? I get stitches and dry mouth and am miserable and don't run for as long. FACT: I also have to chew gum when I sing. I always used to chew gum in choral concerts and stuff and my instructor would always yell at me. But I didn't actually chew it, I just kept it in my mouth so my mouth wouldn't get dry.
I have to keep my hands open and (I guess) above my heart level when I run. I'm assuming it's my heart level - all I know is I have to keep them angled upwards and not fisted. If I keep them by my waist, or even when I'm walking if I keep them down by my sides, my fingers swell up like sausages. So when I'm doing the walking portion of my run (yes, I still have to do that a little), I have to keep my hands pumping or put them on my head. I can actually feel the swelling happening instantly if I don't.
Other people on the trail path probably look at me funny when I'm pumping my arms or putting them on my head while I'm walking. I wouldn't know because I avoid eye contact with them.
I don't want to know how far I actually run. I think it's because if I run 3 miles one day, and 1 mile the next, I'll feel like a failure. Versus if I run to the the fork in the path one day, and only to the red bridge the next, it doesn't feel like that. I only know that I run for about 45 minutes on an average day. Sooo... whatever that means. Yes, I suppose I do like to play mind games with myself.
I like to run outside so I can get some color. I usually wear very thin strapped tank tops to prevent major tan lines. I wish they would make tube tops that stay up while running.
My neighbors are probably going to notice soon that I only have one pair of running shorts. People sit on their front stoops in Manayunk, so I'm constantly running past the same people.
I'm sure this all gives you a fantastic picture of me running down the trail path along the dirty canal with a wedgie, accidentally ripping my Ipod out of my ears with my jazz hands, mouthing the words to "Last Night" by Katy Perry, while wearing a tube top.
I secretly hope that people don't notice my special-isms and think I look like an awesome runner. Or at least that they're not thinking I should be in the special olympics.
-C
xxx
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