Chefin' It Up

The tables were turned last night and I actually cooked for the Captain. I have to share this recipe with you cuz it was tres delish and healthy. I made it up and the Cap was seriously impressed. I didn't really measure things, so bear with my crude recipe:

Chicken Marinade:
(I made this in the Magic Bullet)
Fresh squeezed lime juice (about 1/3 cup)
Olive Oil (about 1/4 cup)
Bunch of Cilantro
Garlic Clove
Tabasco
S&P

Cook up the chicken breasts in the marinade. I used those strips - they cook easier and were on sale :)

Then I made 1 c of Quinoa (per directions on box)
I let it cool a bit.
Toss in cut up, seeded/peeled cucumber
Toss in some fresh cilantro (cut up smaller)
Squeeze fresh lime juice.

Put Quinoa mixture in a pretty bowl.
Lay chicken strips over top.
Garnish with sliced Avocado and lime wedge.

Seriously, Rachel Ray ain't got shit on me. (And her stuff is WAY too fattening.)

RUNNING NEWS:
I am going to attempt some hills this weekend. Last time I did hills was not so good. Any hill training secrets?

Selfish Beotch

So I did it.

This morning.

I got my lazy butt up and went for a nice little run.

Only 3 miles and I struggled a little.

But I realized something...

Running is the ONLY thing I have going on right now that I do JUST FOR ME.

I feel like everything else right now is for other people - mostly WORK.

I may be selfish, but running gives me "Jessica time." It's MY thing where I focus on only ME.

So I can't give it up. And taking an extended hiatus just doesn't work for me.

No wonder I was going loco.

(Betty - go ahead and cancel my reservation. Plus, like everyone says - Promises is much better.)

And I must share this little ditty with you.

Post Running Treat: Chocolate Soy Milk

Post Running Disaster: Spilling Chocolate Soy Milk ALL over my bathroom (it looks like someone's ass exploded all over my walls!)

One Step Forward; Two Steps Back

One Step Forward:

**I actually washed my hair, put on make up and wore clothes that match!

Two Steps Back:

**Got home very late from work (too late to run, but not too late to drink a bottle of wine).

**Woke up with headache and didn't run again this morning.

The weather is perfect, but I'm stuck working like a mad woman. But I really can't complain because my next business trip makes Hawaii look like Galveston. I promise promise promise to get back out there by the weekend.

So, seriously anybody know how much the Betty costs these days?

Song of the Day: Save Me by Aimee Mann

What Happens Now?

What happens to a runner when she isn't running?

Well, I'll tell ya - it ain't pretty.

1. She uses the word "ain't."


2. She is tired and it shows in her eyes.


3. She is grumpy and snaps at everyone.


4. She shows up to work with no make up on and clothes that don't match.


5. She eats TWO huge cookies in one sitting.


6. Her stomach blows up like the biggest muffin you've ever seen.


7. Her self esteem plummets.


8. Her life falls apart.


9. She loses touch with reality.


10. She ends up at "The Betty."

Ok, I'm only at phase 6. But I'm scared people. I'm scrrrrrd. I can't get it back. I'm just out of touch with the runner inside. She's slipping away. How do I find her?

Song of the Day: Adrift by Jack Johnson (love this new cd)

Kona Recap

Thank you all so much for your warm thoughts about Grams. The Cap wants to dedicate all our dinners this week to her and her yummy recipes. Looks like I'll be skipping a weigh in next week.

Speaking of weigh ins - I bounced up to 139 from Hawaii, but considering all the booze, that isn't too bad. A quick recap for ya'll -then it's back to business (and by that, I mean working out, running, eating healthy, being psycho obsessive, etc.). And you will notice in the recap that there was no exercising at all.

We did A LOT of eating. The Captain is not one to skimp out on meals. I wanted to try to extend our budget by having small breakfasts or sharing a light lunch, but NOOOOOOOOO. Basically our main focus for each day became what we were going to eat next. (I seriously think that is an Italian trademark.) Therefore, the majority of our photos are while we are eating.

One day, we drove around the entire Big Island. Of course, I don't remember the exact mileage, because, well I don't really don't bother with those types of details while on vacation. What was cool, was not being on a schedule. We just drove and stopped when we wanted and kept driving when we wanted. I have this crazy

interest in taking pictures of cemeteries. They are just so beautiful to me.

We went to the volcano (big yawn) but I guess it's a must. So we took some pics and got back on the road.

We were on the hunt for cool beaches - that's more our style. We came across a really cool black sand beach. I thought that sand would get you really dirty - but it doesn't. There was a turtle just swimming right in the surf and a creepy goose wondering around like he owned the joint.

Other than eating, our main interest for the trip was true R&R. To me, that means SUN, WATER and COCKTAILS. Of course, the Captain is a brown bear and I'm a white rabbit, but he was the one who actually got sunburned. (He thinks he doesn't really need sunscreen and I re-apply all day long). YES, I know I am wearing the same swimsuit I had on LAST summer. I'm trying to get over it, but I'm not there yet.

It was a fantastic trip. I love traveling with The Captain. This was our first big trip together (I don't count Vegas or Palm Springs as real trips). Yeah for vacations! I really hope he comes with me more often when I travel for work.

But first. Back to the regularly scheduled exercise program. Staring Monday.

Almost Back to Reality

Hi everyone
Thanks for the comments. Sorry I have been MIA. Well, not really "sorry." It's been nice. But too quick. The Cap got here and the trip just FLEW by. I have not worked out a bit or even ran - unless you count "running to the bar." I will post some pics when I get home. We chilled like vegetables and even did some silly tourist stuff - like drive around the ENTIRE island (my idea).

He had to change his flight and go home a day early because his grams died. It's really sad because she was such a cool old Italian Grandma. The last time we saw her was Christmas and she is just so funny. She was complaining about the food even though it was soooo delish (but she didn't cook it). The sauce was too "this," the chicken was too "that," everything was taking too long. It was a good memory of her. She lived a very long happy life and she's in Heaven now with her husband that she loves so much. I feel like poo for not going home with the Cap for the funeral. I wanted to. Really wanted to. It was about $300 to change my flight and he already had to pay a bunch to change his. I would have paid, but he didn't want me to. Anyway, I'll be home later that night - but will miss the funeral.

Just thinking about being back is giving me anxiety. But I guess, that's reality - right? Well REALITY BITES.

Desk with a View

PS:

This is what I am staring at right now. Took the pic with my phone.

Sweeeeeeeeeet.

25 Hours until Happiness

The Cap gets here in 25 hours. Let the countdown begin.

Things going well. I was able to cram a 40 min workout in this morning. Trying to eat very light since bikini-bonanza starts soon. Seriously not excited about the dimpling thighs, but whatever. I also have an underground huge cyclops pimple brewing. And aunt flo decided to come to Hawaii too - that bitch.

I'm going to try to catch up on everyone's blogs right now. Been MIA from the computer for the past few days.

Peace. Out.

Product Whore...strikes again

I am a self proclaimed "PRODUCT WHORE." Basically, I love to try new products and even though I may really like them, even LOVE them, I will always be looking for the next best thing. And I will drop a product in a heart beat if something else comes along. I might go back, but I'm fickle and just cannot commit to one brand, nor do I think any woman ever should. There are just too many options out there. And if there's something that makes you excited to go home and wash your face or try a new anti-aging thing-a-ma-jigger, I say "Go for it!


Lemme tell ya: I have a new crush. I always buy "extra gifts" at Christmas just in case someone gets me something I didn't get them anything. Ya know what I mean - we all do it. I grabbed a couple extra "Travel Sets" from Philosophy. I had an extra one after the gift giving came and went. I threw it in my travel case and forgot about it until I got here in Hawaii!


I LOVE this stuff. I'll give you the run down:


Purity Face Cleanser: This stuff is light and smells so good - but it gets all your make up off including mascara.

Hope in a Jar: This is the moisturizer. It's also light, but heavy enough that my flaky skin doesn't show thru my make up.

Hope in a Tube: Eye and lip cream - very moisturizing. I just get so excited about extra stuff.


The shampoo and conditioner are "Grace." They smell amazing and my hair is silky and soft. I also have the "Grace" lotion. LOVE IT. Oh, and the lip balm is incredible. It has a very light tint and doesn't get all sticky or gooey.


Each product has a fun quote or saying on the jar/tube. For example, on the moisturizer it says:

" Where there is hope there can be faith. Where there is faith miracles can
occur."

Ahhhhhhh - now how can you not LOVE that? Even if it is short-lived...


Last... This pic is for Marcy.

#4 reason why I love hotels:

THE BATHROOM!

Don't pay any attention to the copious amounts of products on the counter or the sweaty running clothes hanging over the bath!

Waiting for Love to be in the Air

Since I'm away from my sweetheart this
Valentines Day, I thought I would do my favorite thing and WRITE A LIST to conjure up some Happy Valentine thoughts.

10 Silly Reasons I Heart the Captain:

1. He's tall
2. He cooks and cooks amazingly
3. He catches me delicious bass
4. He always gives me the last bite of something tastey.
5. He can fold sheets better than me, even though I have only seen him do it once.
6. He sends me flowers
7. He brags about my running and my blogging
8. He always pays for me to play poker when he knows that there is a slim to none chance that I will win.
9. He loves potty humor and all that entails.
10. He is the best snuggler ever!

Happy Valentine's Day - don't eat too much candy! A minute on the lips, a lifetime on the hips.

Thank God for Expense Reports

Aloha all,
Well I had a few people ask me what I do for a living that lands me in Hawaii. I'm an Event Planner. I specialize in high-end corporate incentive trips, but I also do a business meeting every now and then. So, that's what I do. It's really fun and I definately appreciate the travel, but it's really not as glamorous as it sounds. I do a lot of grunt work and basically act as a glorified babysitter.

I did get a nice 4.5 mile run in. It was warm and lovely outside, but let me tell ya - I haven't run since the race last Sunday and I'm still getting over this chest congestion thing. I know you shouldn't run with it, but I haven't been coughing that much thanks to my crack (I mean prescription Sudafed). But I felt like my lungs were going to pop out of my ribs. I only had on little cough attack at the end. Just glad to get some miles in.

After my run, I had a nice hot tea and bowl of steel cut oatmeal with fruit for the discount price of $20. Thank God for expense reports.

Back to work!

The Glamorous Life

Aloha...
Here is the view from room.

BUT...
I don't know if I mentioned that I am actually here in Hawaii for work. Seriously. The Captain does not arrive until this weekend.

So until then, I lead the oh-so-glamorous life of:
* Stuffing envelopes
* Cross referencing lists
* Sitting in a ballroom dungeon organizing gifts
* Book transfers, activities, dinners and all kinds of fun stuff for other people :)

Story of my life: In glamorous exotic desinations - stuck in the hotel with my laptop.
Flippin' Sweet.

Anyway, I'm prayin' for the weekend peeps - prayin' for the weekend! I think I am going to try to sneak in a little run right now!

Aloha :)

Surf City Half

Here are the lovely photos from Surf City (I mean WET CITY) Half Marathon. My legs look tan, but they are really red from frost-bite. I look very serious in the 2nd picture. Don't you love the cold weather gear that I own. HA HA.

Down and Out For The Count

The Captain and I have been on our own little island of sickness the past few days. Not a tropical island, but an island of full of phlem, coughing, snot, sweating, chills and so much more.

But we are leaving this island of sickness and heading to a tropical island SOON. 3 more days. I haven't had time to get a new bikini, sundress or anything. In fact, I'm still laid up so I doubt I will get around to any of that fun stuff. Hopefully I have some sunscreen left from last summer.

9 on the 9th? Well, I didn't show up. But I thought of all you runners as I snuggle up on the couch with my bwanky.

I need to get updated on blogs to see what's going on out there. Hope nobody else is sick.

We be "illen'

At the end of last week The Captain started to come down with a sore throat and cold. Of course I doubled up my vitamin C and did everything I could to stay healthy - especially because of my upcoming race.

So, I ran the race. In the rain.
And now I'm sick. Sore Throat. Cough. Muscle Aches.

Here's the thing...
EVERYONE seems to need to make a comment like this:
"Well, you probably shouldn't have run in the rain. That's why you're sick."

I have always been of the belief that one gets sick from bacteria and viruses - NOT from temperature or rain. Of course, this is what I retort in a snotty tone. I guess I take it personal when someone attacks RUNNING.

But my question to you all is this:
Do you think running in the rain is what gets people sick or being around OTHER sick people?

NEXT!

Not being one to sit around with no plans, let's see what's next on the agenda:

First up:

Nancy's 9 on the 9th

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How can I not run this virtual race? Nancy and I are practically engaged - and she's the best race coordinator EVAH. I just decided yesterday to run this and she was kind enough to let me register late and NOT charge me more! Due to my aversion to hearts though, I am not going to get a shirt. Sorry Nanc. I don't "do" hearts. ha ha. But I do run :)

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Then

Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon

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I'm going to make a Mother's Day Girls weekend with this one (Grams, Mom, Sis, Nieces & Aunt) ~ A good way to ensure a cheering section for me. ha ha Just kidding. This race has mad hills though - so I am going to need to start training hills and I HATE HILLS. But I'm never one to turn down a challenge. And best of all, the race ends with music and WINE. HELLO. Can you imagine a more perfect race for me???? I think not.

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Song of the Day: Almost Lover by A Fine Frenzy

The Big Chill: A Race Report

Come one, Come All to Sunny Southern California for an Ocean Front Run in the Warm California weather.

SCRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEETTTTTTCHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Oh Snap... wait a minute. It's flippin' 47 degrees and RAINING and WINDY!

I wake up to my phone ringing at about 5:30 am. It's my boss. She was running the full marathon. She calls to tell me that it looks like a cyclone down at the starting line and she's going home. The half marathon started an hour later (that's why I was still in bed).

So I sit up and look at the Captain. Should I run it? Shouldn't I? Should I? Shouldn't I? Of course, he wouldn't give me an answer, except to say that I will be regretting it all day if I don't try. (Dang, that man knows me well) So I decide to to just drive down to the starting line and see how it looks.

We arrive at Main St in Huntington Beach and I see all kinds of runners milling around in their ponchos and trash bags. That's when it hit me - THESE ARE MY PEOPLE. I am running this MO FO.

So the Captain got as close as possible to the starting line and dropped me off. I hovered under a building awning try to stay dry (didn't work so well with the wind). Then I realized that I was at the starting point for the 5k so I had to walk about 4 blocks to the Half Marathon Starting Point. There, we had to get in our corrals with no coverage from the rain. This is when the doubt kicked in. Standing there just getting pelted by rain from all directions, soaked through, freezing my tootsies off, I thought "Well, this was a mistake." If I could just start running, I would be better. But I had to wait for about 30 minutes. ARGH.

Then FINALLY - we're off. I was in the 3rd corral. I took off like a bat out of hell. (Where the heck did that saying come from?) I don't remember much except that my hands were so cold, I could barely change the songs on my iPod. I looked at my watch (didn't bring Big G) around mile 3 and realized that I was running about a 9 min/mile. That's way faster than normal. That's when it hit me - maybe, just MAYBE I could get the same time I did last year.

I kept that pace all the way until about mile 8 - where we did a turn around. BAM - the wind strikes again. This time it was blowing off the ocean (to the side) AND from the South. So my paced slowed a bit. I popped a caffeine shot block and kept going.

Mile 11 - I looked at my watch and realized I had 2 miles left and only 16 minutes if I wanted to beat my time. Was I going to give up? Oh hell no - I started picking people infront of me to pass up - skinny blond bitch was my first victim, then skinny tangled hair was my 2nd. That's when "Stronger" by Kanye West came on my iPod (that was my marathon song). I knew I had a chance. The last quarter mile, I cracked as fast as I could. I could do this!

Final Time: 2:03

I DID IT! (last year was 2:04). I have NO idea how, but I did it.

After the race, I grabbed my medal and kept running - straight to The Captains' car - where I jumped in to big dry towels and a warm cozy sweatshirt (oh, and a seat warmer pre-warmed up). He was so proud of me. He said "wow, you even beat a bunch of guys." For some reason, that is what he thinks is the cool - that I can run faster than some guys. ha ha.

Hopefully the Brightroom photos came out because there isn't one photo from that day! Stay tuned for those!

The Race is ON....

As most of you know, I'm running the Surf City Half Marathon this weekend. I ran this race last year (my first big race) and I finished in 2:04.

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Now, I know there is no way in heck-a-roo that I will beat that time for a few reasons:

1. I'm not as fit as I was last year.

2. I am running alone (my girlfriend last year really pushed me to pick up my pace).

3. I am slightly to moderately UNDERTRAINED.

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So taking these lame excuses into play, here are my race goals:

1. Have fun

2. Finish Strong - at least at 2:10

3. Make the Captain proud

4. Eat a crapload of food afterwards

Good luck to everyone else running this weekend.

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Song of the Day: Beware of the Boys by Panjabi MC (you gotta love the Night Rider theme music in the background)