Today: Woe is me.

My eyes are watering, my nose is running, my head is throbbing, and my whole body aches.  I am a hot mess.  A hot mess that spent 25 minutes in the cold and flu aisle at Target on Thursday, trying to match my symptoms to various boxes and bottles.  I have head congestion… but not chest congestion.  But I might have chest congestion tomorrow, if my head congestion moves south (I imagine that’s where it would go, since there’s nothing north of my head.  Besides my out of control hair.).

I thought about buying a new themometer, and administering it in the ladies’ room.  If I have a fever, it would be helpful to know.  So I can make sure I buy the fever-reducing stuff.  Is there a way to tell the difference between having “chills” and being just plain old cold?

I went home with a variety of potions, and seem to be on the mend.  I am trying to stay hydrated, but after several nights of mouth-breathing, everything tastes like an old sock.  Even water.  Regardless of how many times I brush my teeth.  After blowing my nose raw, it’s a merry shade of pink.  I’ve covered it in Vaseline.  I am not sure that’s accomplishing anything, other than making in insides of my nostrils very shiny.

While I stimulate the antibacterial segment of the economy, I hope you all are having a much more lovely, germ-free weekend.  Oh, and go Patriots.

Also On Tap for Today:

Are you a big baby (like me, clearly) or a good patient?

Today: Let it flow.

I had every intention of waking up early this morning and seizing the day, but ten o’clock rolled around and I was still snug in bed.  The shock of single digit temperatures certainly woke me (and my furry sidekick) up in a hurry.

After a very brisk walk with Clark, I headed to Dedham to for my first platelet appointment in over a year.  I used to give every month, but sort of fell out of the habit.  I always get a bit nervous before donating, but once I am all bundled up in my cozy, heated chair all I can think is let it flow.  And by it, I mean my blood.  I’ve got O- blood, which makes me a universal donor, and have never minded needles, so giving blood or platelets seems like an obvious way to help out.  Plus, I am easily persuaded by charts.

[Image source]

The process is a bit different from donating whole blood.  I usually give platelets using both arms, and today the process took over three hours.  Essentially, blood is drawn from one arm and the cells are separated.  Platelets are removed and collected (in my case, from my left arm), and the remaining blood cells are returned, along with some saline (through an IV my right arm).  The sensation of having the blood returned is a bit strange (I sometimes get a metallic taste in my mouth, and a feeling of fluttering at the vein), but it’s not at all painful.

Check out my sweet bandages... and man-ish thumbs.

Donors are given their choice of movies, plenty of warm blankets, and Tums (I am not sure why… but um, I take all of them.  No questions asked.).   I’ve learned my lesson the hard way (trying not to cry while watching The Blind Side, while attached to a blood sucking machine, while in a room full of strangers… not a good look), and usually watch an old standby.  Today it was The Devil Wears Prada, followed by the end of the Ravens and Texans game.  Feet up, limitless supply of juice.  Not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

If you’re considering donating and have questions, let me know.  I’m not a phlebotomist (such a fun word), nor do I play one on TV, but I sort of know what I am talking about.

I got home just in time to let it flow at South Boston Yoga.  I loved my first class there last Sunday and decided to advantage of their new student special ($25 for two weeks of unlimited classes).  I’ve taken classes here and there, and always leave feeling more limber, more balanced and more smiley… but I have never really committed to a regular practice.  Perhaps 2012 will be the year I become a yogi.  Who knows.  I’m already seeing improvements, though.  Last week I stayed in bridge pose, afraid to take on the wheel.  This week: proverbial balls to the wall.  It was, um, wheelie exhilarating.  Bahaha.

It’s past my bedtime.

Also On Tap for Today:

What was the highlight of your weekend?  

Today: Patriots and paleo.

There are two (possibly more… maybe, like, six or seven) things in the Universe that I know almost nothing about. Football and the much buzzed about “paleo diet” are two such things. What do you do when you’re totally out of the loop? Throw a (very exclusive small) party. And pretend you know what you’re talking about. With the New England Patriots playing the Denver Bronco in some sort of playoff game, and Nick participating in a paleo challenge at his Crossfit box (in normal human language, that’s a gym), the need for a get together seemed obvious. Helloooo, paleo and Patriots… they both start with p. (I am pathetic. That’s another p word.)

Though I aspire to eat as thoughtfully as my fiance does, sometimes I’d rather just eat nachos and call it a night. And I am fairly certain I would be the first member of the tribe to go extinct were I living in caveman times. I’d much prefer a blade of grass over a wooly mammoth leg, or whatever. While the paleo diet may not be for me, I’m usually up for something new. Especially if it involves feeding people.

According to The Paleo Diet Lifestyle,

A Paleo diet, also known as paleolithic diet or caveman diet, is all about natural foods to help achieve great health and a perfect physique. The human body evolved for more than 2 million years with the food found in nature: game meat, fish, vegetables, wild fruits, eggs and nuts. The human race was thriving on this diet high in animal fat and proteins and low in carbohydrates, but things changed when we introduced unnatural foods to our bodies.

Clark thinks he invented paleo. He’s like, “Dude. I’ve been eating fresh vegetables and nasty ass raw bones since you got me. If you’d let me forage for berries and magic mushrooms, I would. Old news. Give me a grain-free treat.” So sassy, that one (in my imagination, at least). Needless to say, I have a lot to learn.

Meanwhile, anything I know about football I learned from watching my younger brother play. And from listening to sports radio during my measly commute. Driving home earlier this week, a caller mentioned a poll running on the Denver Post’s website asking readers, “Whose life would you rather live: Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s or Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow’s?” Is it wrong that I would rather be Tim Tebow? Man Uggs, Super Bowl rings, ponytails and supermodel wives are all well and good… but, um… no thanks. I am easily overwhelmed.

Being easily overwhelmed seemed like a perfectly good reason to hand off (hey, that’s sort of a football phrase) the paleo chicken wing responsibilities to Nick. Being a vegetarian who has undercooked meat on more than one occassion is an equally valid reason. I stuck to less terrifying recipes, ones that bore a lower risk of me giving away botulism:

  • Gazpacho
  • Shrimp ceviche
  • Paleo “sushi” (hollowed cucumbers stuffed with sliced turkey and avocado)
In addition to the wings, Nick also whipped up paleo-friendly margaritas and cantaloupe with prosciutto. He has also perfected a delicious granola recipe that includes pepitas, almonds, sunflower seeds, and coconut. It makes the perfect football snack. Our friends Tina and Mal joined us for the game, and brought the most delicious spinach dip, along with fresh vegetables and veggie chips. The four six of us (Frenchie and pug included) always have such a great time together.

When it was all said and done, the Patriots won quite definitively and the paleo-inspired food seemed to be touchdown dance-worthy. I am beginning to wonder if Clark those cavemen and women were on to something. On second though, those suckers didn’t have stoves. Or sports radio. Or mascara.

Also On Tap for Today:

Who would you rather be, Tom Brady or Tim Tebow? Who would you rather eat like, me or my dog? (Just kidding… unless you’re going to answer.)

Today: With flair.

Every now and then, life requires us to do rather unpleasant things.  Like, collect a poop specimen from your dog’s um… poop, for example.   In attempt to tackle such a task with style and flair, I dropped the little sample holder thing into this festive gift bag before heading to the vet.

The only thing worse than carrying around a festive gift bag full of crap (quite literally), was disappointing the vet tech who presumed he was receiving a post-holiday gift from a devoted client.  Yikes.

Also On Tap for Today:

What did you do with flair today?

Today: What a difference a year makes.

My collection of crowned jewels jewelry has grown to include three very important items since January 9, 2011: two marathon medals and one very sparkly engagement ring.

Truth be told, I expected (and hoped!) that Nick and I would get married.  I guess that’s what happens when you find your better half in the world: you hope that, somehow, that person will be by your side for always.  Regardless of my hopes and expectations, I was completely surprised when Nick proposed to me on the roof of our building that Friday night in early September.  I cried like a total goober.  I was so overcome by the excitement of our future together, that I could not even begin to think about a ring, too.  Goodness gracious.  It’s been on my finger ever since.  Except when I’m at boxing.  Totally unsafe.

While my marathon medals pale in comparison (and significance, obvi), I am still quite proud to have them in my jewelry box.  If you had told me  that I’d have both of these suckers in my possession this time last year, I am not sure I would believe you.  Mostly because I still didn’t believe someone like me could be a marathoner.  Let alone a two-time marathoner.  And a resounding hell naw to being a two-time marathoner contemplating a third.

What a difference a year makes.  Training for and completing both races took a tremendous amount of effort and time, but above all, it took believing in myself.  And a lot of Gu.

Also On Tap for Today:

What’s your favorite piece of jewelry?

Today: New year, new OJ.

Has anyone else grown weary of the “new year, new you” messaging swirling around the Universe lately?  I don’t know about you, but I feel like the same old me… regardless of how many new resolutions and goals I am working toward in 2012.  I did get a new post-workout beverage of choice, though.  So there’s that.

I recently received the opportunity to try out Tropicana’s new line of juice beverages, Trop50.  Trop50 boasts 50% less sugar and fewer calories than similar beverages, without adding artificial sweeteners.  While I may prefer firing up my juicer and squeezing my own cup of OJ (as in orange juice, not um… OJ Simpson), a tall glass of Trop50 with Calcium and Vitamin D hit the spot after a particularly tough boxing class this week.  No firing up of machinery required.  I liked the orange variety so much, that I headed back to the store (with my own cold, hard cash in hand) and picked up a bottle of Pomegranate Blueberry.  I am a sucker for antioxidants…  and I think it will mix well with vodka and soda water.  Let’s be real.

Speaking of being real, Trop50 recently launched a new Facebook app, giving humans like you and me the change to get real about resolutions and the motivation behind them.  Their resolution creator is rather fun to play with, and generates resolutions (and the true motivation behind them) that are far more exciting than my “brush your teeth for a full 2 minutes, morning and night.”  Share your “true resolution” and earn Trop50 coupons and the chance to win a $1,000 gift card.  That’ll buy you a whooole lotta juice, or OJ Simpson memorabilia.  No judgement here.

For more information, and to declare your true resolution, head on over to Facebook.

Disclosure:  I received a complimentary coupon, redeemable for one bottle of Trop50.  I was not compensated for sharing my opinions on the product, nor for posting this… post.  Cool, thanks.  

Also On Tap for Today:

  • Yoga class (because I am too lazy to stretch)
  • Downton Abbey is back :)
  • Food shopping, laundry, and other Sunday things

Have you done anything new and noteworthy this year?

Today: You gotta let your soul shine.

I haven’t missed a single day of running this year.  Mostly because there’s only been a single day this year.  I cranked up the music this morning (including my favorite warm-up jam, The Return to Innocence, straight from 1994), and headed for the waterfront.

Despite having slept in, the streets were still deserted, and I had the Harborwalk all to myself.  Which meant a lot of singing along to the Allman Brothers, at the top of my lungs.  I was thinking how 2011 will be hard to top, running-wise, but I am looking forward to taking on new challenges, including a relay with some of my favorite people.  My race plan, so far:

February

March

April

May

July

September

October

December

No marathon this year, no traveling for races.  I am planning to keep things simple in 2012.  Please remind me of this intention when I inevitably go off the reservation and end up registering for who knows what.  :)

Also On Tap for Today:

Do you have any fun races or events planned for 2012?

Today: This is the perfect time.

This has been quite the year.  From running my first and second marathons, to great adventures with friends and family, and celebrating happy news, I am bidding a very fond adieu to 2011.  When the clock strikes midnight, I’ll be looking forward to an incredible year ahead– a year when I will become an aunt, a wife (yeeeeeee!), a rocket scientist, a better friend, a more efficient worker, a stronger boxer, a swifter runner, a more adventurous cook… and who knows what else.  I hope 2012 has nothing but good things in store for you.

Also On Tap for Today:

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

Today: Hot sauce in the mailbox.

After a particularly busy end to the year, I am playing a bit of catch up.  I have not one, but two month’s worth of Foodie Pen Pal packages to share.  In November, I receive a lovely package from Lindsay, who organizes this fabulous exchange each month (click here to learn more about participating).  She sent me all kinds of Ohioan (is that a word?) goodies!

We immediately broke into her homemade pumpkin, cranberry and chocolate chip bars– they were delicious!  I am not usually a fan of pumpkin, but Lindsay may have converted me.  She also sent a few cooking magazines, locally made peanut butter and raspberry jam (one of my favorite pre-run combinations), really tasty crackers and chipotle salsa, granola and buckeye-flavored coffee.  I loved it all– especially the jam.

In December, Laura spoiled me with a box full of Texas treats.

She sent me an adorable questionnaire, and armed with my answers, got to shopping. I was delighted by her selections!  From organic whole wheat pasta to authentic Texas hot sauce, Laura knew just what to send. :)  She also included Justin’s dark chocolate peanut butter cups, instant refried beans, salsa verde straight from Fort Worth, and the most adorable Bunny Bars.

I definitely recommend checking out Lindsay’s and Laura’s blogs. :)

Participating in Foodie Pen Pals has been a great way to “discover” blogs, while sampling food from around the country.  I love perusing the aisles of my own local markets each month, scouting out the perfect items to send from Boston.  Our mail carrier might be suspicious of all the hot sauce coming my way, but um… please…  keep it coming.

Also On Tap for Today:

What’s your favorite local product?

Today: Hot on my heels.

I promise to stop talking about Christmas the moment our tree comes down (which will be tomorrow, to the tune of $20 made payable to our condo association… we’re picky about pine needles in the lobby around here apparently), but what follows was just too rich to keep for myself.

I love race photos.  I just do.  I’m smiling manically in nearly every one that has ever been taken of me, despite having a broken foot towards the end of a marathon, or chafing in places I didn’t know I had during a particularly toasty 10k.  What can I say?  Any day I get to run is a good one.  Especially when Santa himself is hot on my heels.

I’m normally a rule follower, and not a rule breaker, but I figured since I am going to purchase this photo, it might be ok to share it prematurely…. maybe?  What if I apologize right above the part where I’m being explicitly told not to share it… period?  What a moral dilemma.  I suppose I will leave this up until my conscience gets the better of me.  In the meantime, note to self:  black leg warmers and white kicks is not my best look.

Ho-ho-hope you’re having a lovely Tuesday.

Also On Tap for Today:

Do you smile in your race photos, or do you prefer to be a bit more aerodynamic?