Category Archives: Humans

Today: Romance is alive and well.

14 February 2012

3 Comments

Truly.  I saw it with my own eyes on a doorstep in the South End this morning.  Chivalry may be dead (who knows?), but romance is alive and well.

If that’s not enough to melt your heart, welp… you just may be a lost cause.  Just kidding.  And yes, it did occur to me that these petals could be a sign of a bouquet gone wrong, but I am fairly certain this was intentional.  And incredibly sweet.

Also On Tap for Today:

What’s the most romantic thing you’ve witnessed lately?

Today: 11 things (including something especially… weird).

14 February 2012

10 Comments

You may have seen the “Eleven Things” posts circulating around the internet lately.  Whitney, a fellow Bostonian and FitFluential Ambassador recently tagged me.  She and I had a lovely dinner last week at Franklin Cafe, and chatted about everything from work, yoga, and relays to house-hunting. I usually shy away from these types of things, but I could not say no to Whitney.  Plus, I like things that come with rules.  So there’s that.

RULES

1. Post these rules. 
2. You must post 11 random things about yourself.
3. Answer the questions the person who tagged you set for you in their post.
4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
5. Go to their blog and tell them you’ve tagged them.
6. No stuff in the tagging section about you are tagged if you are reading this. You legitimately have to tag 11 people.

Without further ado, eleven random things about me:

1.  I am the second of four children.
2. In fourth grade, one of my classmates stabbed me (unintentionally, I assume) with a pencil.  The pencil tip is still in my hand.  For real.  Weird, I know.
3. I met Al Sharpton and Hillary Clinton in the same week.  I was 18.  And socially awkward. (Not much has changed.)
4.  I would be lost without my day planner.
5.  I don’t trust fax machines and firmly believe that we should stop using them.
6. I will probably cry when Picnik goes away.
7. My confirmation name is Blaise.  Like the saint, not the American Gladiator.
8.  I majored in French and minored in Fine Arts in college.
9.  I am prejudiced against cats.
10. I love crime shows (actual crime, not so much).
11.  “Walking in Memphis” is probably my favorite song of all time.
And here are my answers to Whitney‘s eleven questions:

1.  If you had to choose, would you pick running over yoga or vice versa?

Yoga.  Mostly because I can’t sneak in a nap while running.

2.  Kindle, iPad or Actual Book?

Actual book.  For sure.

3.  Favorite fitness magazine and why?

I am a magazine junkie, but Self has always been a favorite.  I love their focus on balance and happiness, and have been reading since I was high school.

4.  Favorite vegetable and favorite way to cook it?

I really dislike cooked vegetables.  Raw or bust.

5.  What is your favorite kind of sweet? Cake, ice cream, cookies, tortes, you name it!

Junior Mints. :)

Very out of focus. I blame the sugar coma.

6.  The Olympics are this summer, what sport are you excited to watch?

I am obsessed with the Olympics.  I seriously cannot wait for all of the swimming events (especially relays), diving, tennis… let’s see… track and field, gymnastics… you get the point.  I have never paid much attention to Olympic boxing, but now that I have a teensy bit of experience, I will definitely be watching this year and hoping to learn a thing or two.

7.  What kind of running shoes do you wear? Why?

I’ve worn Mizuno Wave Alchemys for four or five years now.  They fit my feet, plain and simple.

9.  What kind of yoga mat do you have? Do you even have a yoga mat?

I use an Aurorae classic mat.  I love their colors, and the feel of the mat, but it gets a bit slippery, especially during hot yoga when I am sweating like a man.  In my quest for a solution, I discovered that Aurorae sells small rosin bags for this express purpose.   I haven’t used it yet, but am looking forward to giving it a try. I keep a G2 Lifestyles Trainermat at my desk, for use in the rare event that I have 20 minutes to take a lunch break and can fit in a little stretch.

10.  What is your favorite topic to blog/write about?

I love writing about entertaining, running trials and triumphs, and Clark.  Clark brings all the boys to the yard readers to the blog.

11.  What do you do for a day job?

I work in the non-profit sector.  Aren’t I mysterious?

And now, I shall tag the following people: Bridget of Yogurt and Berries, Jessica of Dairy Free Betty, Jaime of Embracing Balance, Halley of Blunder Construction, Colleen of the daily craic, Michelle of Hit the Bricks, Mattie of Comfy and Confident, Michelle of Fun and Fearless in Beantown, Meghan of Travel Wine & Dine, Cynthia of It All Changes, and Erin of Big Girl Feats.

Here are my 11 questions for you lovely ladies:

  1. If you could pick your theme song, what would it be?
  2. What is your favorite local restaurant?
  3. What day of the week were you born?
  4. Tea or coffee?
  5. Pants or skirts?
  6. Where would you go on your ideal vacation?
  7. What’s your favorite day of the week?
  8. Are you an early bird or a night owl?
  9. What is your favorite sport to watch?
  10. Do you have a secret talent?
  11. What is your go-to workout song?

Can’t wait to read your answers.  And, um, if you happen to know anything about the longterm effects of pencil tips living below your skin…. please.  Get in touch.

Also On Tap for Today:

Did you ever send a chain letter and have it work out?  I am still waiting for those 21 pairs of socks to arrive.

Today: I want to write the world a valentine.

13 February 2012

3 Comments

February 14th marks a day to be as openly mushy (or, if you’re so inclined, as miserable) as you like.  Personally, I wish that childhood tradition of handwriting a valentine to everyone in the class (regardless of how annoying, tall, loud, or smelly one might be) carried over into adulthood.  Wouldn’t it be lovely to acknowledge the whole red line car, or Starbucks line, or cubicle row with a box of conversation hearts?  Or a cardboard fold-over Sesame Street card, affixed with a tiny red heart sticker?

When I was younger, and my grandfather was still alive, my grandmother would sign all of our birthday cards like this:  ”Love, xGrandma and Grandpao”  Just like a hug and a kiss, the two of them belonged together.  In some ways, it was as if my birthday card was also a valentine, from one grandparent to another.  I often think about that sweet signature when I sign my own name on birthday or Christmas cards.  I think about them a lot when I think about love.

Whether it’s a note to your better half, a phone call to a parent, an extra game of fetch with your furry pal, or a flower for a friend, valentines need not be limited to just one day.  After all, what bad could come from sending a little bit of extra love out into the world?

I hope you all have a very happy Valentine’s Day.

Also On Tap for Today:

Did you write valentines to classmates as a kid?

 

Today: And the winner is… {Sparkly Soul giveaway}

2 February 2012

6 Comments

Well, hey.  I needed to hire an assistant to wade through all of those fantastic Sparkly Soul giveaway entries.  Sadly, my assistant decided to take a nap, and then crawl into his crate with a giant stuffed dinosaur.  Typical.

Without further ado…. the winner! (If you listen closely, you can hear Clark snoring at the beginning of this video. Muhahaha.)  Oh, and that wink was a space filler.  This was all above board, I can be trusted.

Congratulations, Sarah!

Please send me an email at ontapfortoday(at)gmail.com and I will make sure you’re sparkling in no time.  For everyone else, Sparkly Soul is offering a 15% discount on all orders placed now through March 1, 2012 (my birthday… hint, hint).  Simply enter FitFluential at checkout.  Thank you so much for taking the time to enter; and special thanks to Sparkly Soul for the bling. ;-)

Also On Tap for Today:

Did anyone else stay up past their bedtime to watch Pee-Wee Herman on Top Chef?

Today: Let the countdown begin.

31 January 2012

9 Comments

In a mere thirty days, I will be thirty.  It’s been nine years since my last milestone birthday, and man, what a difference those years make.  I spent my twenty-first birthday in Montreal, drinking buckets of Labatt Blue and speaking French (specifically, C’est mon anniversaire. Je vais vomir.) with the lovely people of the Quebec province.

The twenties have spanned quite the spectrum for me.  I have lived in two college dorms, my parents’ home (where quarters were not required for laundry and my roommates, better known as Mom and Dad, were totally cool), an apartment in Coolidge Corner, and our condo in South Boston.  I’ve worked at two organizations (despite hearing at my high school graduation that our generation would switch jobs five hundred times during our first ten years out of college), been promoted three times, and had precisely one feral cat die under my car during the span of a workday.

While in my twenties, I’ve been single, single, single, not single, and engaged.  I met a couple of non-ones during my twenties, before meeting the one weeks before turning 25.  Somehow I tricked Nick into falling in love with me, finding me a French bulldog, and agreeing to spend the rest of his life with me.  As a twenty-something, I’ve seen my older brother graduate from law school and my younger sister and brother graduate from college and enter law school and graduate school, respectively.  During my twenties, the four of us landed in Boston.  We are but a bridge away from one another.  I’ve watched in awe as all of my siblings turned into real live adults, following the example our parents set so well for us.

The twenties had its ups and its downs.  All of the worry about finding a job, and then finding the right job, and then finding a job that paid more than $13,000 (you’ve got to start somewhere… and, um, that’s where I started), finding roommates that wouldn’t kill me in my sleep, finding a non-hideous outfit for my 10 year reunion, finding my better half, and finding myself?  It was all worth it.  It was worth it because I get to enter the next decade of my life more confident, more accomplished, and more interesting than I was ten years ago.  I get to spend my thirties with a stronger body, a stronger brain, and a more full heart.

Let the countdown begin.

Also On Tap for Today:

What was the best part of your twenties?  Or thirties?  Or whatever-ies?

Today: A good start.

31 January 2012

4 Comments

A new day, a new week, and almost a new month.  Despite losing our playoff soccer game by one measly goal, I feel like things are off to a good start.  This may be an overshare, but I’ve taken to keeping fresh flowers in the bathroom so I am greeted by something happy and living (in addition to Nick and Clark, obviously) first thing in the morning.  I think it helps start things off on a lovely note.

I managed to get today’s breakfast and lunch all packed up, the dishes done, and my bag ready to go last night.  I am truly amazed by the amount of time I usually manage to waste before heading out the door in the morning.  Perhaps this weekend’s conference inspired me to get my act together.

After a short break, Clark is happily back at The Pawsitive Dog for day school.  He’s doing his best to start back on the right paw, but apparently he’s been a bit naughty as of late… which makes me love him even more.  Apparently someone left a door open today and, ever the opportunist, he went on a little adventure through the neighboring pet store.  What a goober.

Nick and I picked up the little guy before heading to our soccer game, which ended rather disappointingly.  We were the #2 seed heading into tonight’s championship games, but lost our first game.  Per usual, we had no girl subs, and I walked away from the field feeling utterly wiped.  When we returned home, I caught a glimpse of a box that recently arrived and just like that, instasmile.  With January wrapping up, it’s time to dig into my foodie penpal package. I was lucky enough to receive the most fantastic package from Alex of yums and loves.  As soon as I learned that she has a Frenchie named Clarence, I knew we could be kindred spirits.

Alex sent me a Frenchie memo pad, which you might recognize from Clark’s 2nd birthday when I came out of the crazy dog lady closet, creating goodie bags for all of Clark’s four-legged friends.  Thanks for replenishing my stash, Alex!  She also included a copy of Everyday Food, one of my favorite sources for tasty, healthy recipes. Other goodies included snickerdoodle animal crackers (straight into my little lunch bag those go!), tiramsu almonds, glazed almonds with honey, cranberries and sea salt, a bar of dark chocolate and Barney Butter packets (a favorite around our condo).  Alex completely spoiled me.  Thank you so much!

If you’d like to participate in this fun monthly exchange, hop on over to Lindsay’s blog for more information.

After such a good start to the week, it’s time to slip on my sparkliest shoes and relax a bit.  It’s likely I’ll be trading them for snow boots tomorrow morning, but that’s fine by me. ;-)

Also On Tap for Today:

Is your week off to a good start?  What does February have in store for you?

Today: The good, the bad, and the sparkly.

27 January 2012

75 Comments

Let’s start with the bad.  And end with the sparkly.

After days spent looped out on cold medicine (due to illness, not recreational use… obvi), I am finally feeling back to (mostly) normal.  The fact that my monster cold came to town during two of the busiest weeks of my professional life was unhelpful, to say the least.  I find that getting all dolled up, giving speeches, kicking ass and taking names, and fundraising are most effectively done without a man voice (unless you’re a man), without a fever, and without an endlessly running rose.  With all that behind me, I free to spend an entire Friday evening doing nothing except talking to my dog in made up accents, listening to Duffy and reading magazines.  Oh, and eating.

Despite being under the weather and working 12 hour days, I’ve managed to fit in a few good things this week.  My Monday night soccer team is blazing a path to glory (or whatever), heading into next week’s championship round.  During this week’s game, I didn’t score a single goal (which is better than scoring one goal on your own net… which has happened before… twice), but I was a veritable fortress on defense.  At the risk of being a sexist piglet, I can’t help but squeal with delight when I shut down burly, athletic men as they dribble towards the net with the ball.  Especially when they look surprised.  Even more so when they look angry.

After getting a bit too caught up in the competitive spirit last season, my goal for this season (besides getting goals) was to not swear on the field.  Or succumb to some sort of rage blackout like I did that time someone slide-tackled Nick and nearly ripped off his leg.  So far, so good.  With two games to go, I have been all manners and grace this season.  (While I apologize for sounding like a complete egomaniac at the moment, rest assured that my ego was placed firmly in check earlier this week, as I bounded out of the yoga studio all high on my back bending abilities and promptly fell down a flight of stairs.  Truly, it has been that kind of a week.)

My Thursday night soccer team has also been a source of goodness.  I arrived late to last night’s game, having come directly from my work event, changed from a cocktail dress into my sweet uniform in the car and flew onto the field with a full face of makeup.  Nothing says, “I’m here to play” quite like a winged eye, Nars’ pinkest shade of blush, and some subtly simmering lids.  While I probably should have gone to bed instead, burning off a bit of stress and laughing with my teammates was the perfect way to wind down a crazy day.  I am really thankful for the opportunity to play with such a fun, supportive, goofy group.

When I finally made it home, my brain would not turn off.  I have it on good authority that turning the TV on does not help you wind down.  I can’t help but ignore the research when my DVR has one of my favorite shows of all time ready and waiting, though.

[Image source]

I can barely make it through the first minute of an episode of An Idiot Abroad without dissolving into a fit of laughter.  I used to listen to The Ricky Gervais Show podcast in the car but got to the point these same laughing fits became an impairment to my driving.  While watching television in the wee hours of the morning is decidedly bad for you, laughter is most certainly good.

Now all that’s left to do is sparkle.

The lovely people at Sparkly Soul recently sent me two of their truly sparkly headbands, and they’ve got a pair tucked away for you, too.  I recently got a shorter and sweeter hairdo (so short and sweet that it barely fits into a ponystub, let alone a ponytail), complete with un-requested side swept bangs.  The haircut is a story for another day, but needless to say, these headbands could not have arrived at a better time.

[Image source]

Not only do Sparkly Soul headbands look adorable, they don’t budge.  Not during yoga inversions, not during flying leaps across the soccer field, not during runs, not turn the most rough and tumble boxing workout and (as I learned last weekend) not during naps or entire days spent in bed.  The soft velvet lining means no headaches, no snarls, and no hair dents.  If you’ve never experienced a hair dent, don’t ask questions.  Just consider yourself one of the few and fortunate.  Given my choice of colors, I opted for silver (to match my engagement ring… just kidding… kind of) and red for an upcoming Valentine’s Day race.  I am tempted to order the rest of the rainbow.  They’re that good.  Let the record reflect that I have no cold medicine to blame for my enthusiasm, just a really great product.

Would you like a Sparkly Soul headband or two for yourself?  The generous people at Sparkly Soul is offering one of their wide headbands and one of their thin headbands (in colors of your choosing) to one lucky reader. Headband Head on over to sparklysoul.com to check out their offerings and leave a comment below with your favorite color(s).  I will announce a winner at the end of the day on Wednesday, February 1st.  Yes, it’s February next week. 

  • For an extra entry, feel free to tweet:  “I want to win a @SPARKLYSOULINC non-slip headband from @ElizabethEv! Enter to win here: http://wp.me/pySBS-1oE”

If you’d like to learn more about Sparkly Soul, I recommend connecting with them on Twitter or Facebook.  They also have some pretty great Pinterest boards.  Disclaimer: I received two Sparkly Soul headbands free of charge, but was not compensated for my glowing review, nor for hosting this giveaway.  My opinions are all my own.  Preach it.

Also On Tap for Today:

  • Getting excited for Be Healthy Boston :)
  • Drinking lots of tea
  • Visting with my parents!  Woooo!

Pick a color.  Any color.  Where do you plan to sparkle this weekend?

Today: Woe is me.

22 January 2012

5 Comments

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: Patriots and paleo.

15 January 2012

10 Comments

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.

10 January 2012

7 Comments

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?