Weekend Update: Run Like the Wind Edition

Good Morning, Kittens!

As you may recall the Marine Corps Marathon and 10K were on Sunday. I had to wake up VERY early (but not as early as Tomokito). I was out of the house at 6AM and at the starting line for the 10K a little after 7. Ray met me there. We huddled together with the frozen masses until it was time to start (at 8!). OMG. It was so cold. And there were several icy spots on the bridges. Yikes. Fortunately, neither of us fell and broke a hip.

So here are my results:

Time: 0:57:14

Overall Place: 1584 (out of 6867)

Sex Place: My house. Haha. 1002 (out of 2708 Males)

Pace: 9:13/mile

Not too shabby, eh?

After the race, Ray went home, and I crossed the bridge to cheer Tomokito on (as you may remember, she ran the actual marathon). I met my neighbor, K-Factor, at Mile 10 (just under the Kennedy Center). Tomokito saw us before we saw her. Crazy.

Then, we went to have food (K-Factor and I. Tomokito was still running). And, we managed to catch her again at Mile 15-ish. And, then, we walked to Mile 20 to watch Tomokito Beat the Bridge (you have to make the final bridge before 2PM or you have to board the Bus of Shame and get driven to the Finish Line). She made it with plenty of time to spare. She also totally ignored us as we were yelling and screaming for her. Apparently, Tomokito was more interested in her Gu than in her fan base.

K-Factor and I walked back to her car and drove to Silver Spring. I finished the vacuuming and sweeping. Then, I took a nap. Then, I showered and got ready for Tomokito's (and the rest of Team Run for Japan) Congratulations Party. It was a lot of fun. The chili I made was delicious (Oprah's Pumpkin Vegetarian Chili). and Mike (Who Makes Cakes) made a cake:

A good time was had by all. I didn't get to bed until around 11. So very tired.

And a little stiff this morning. Ow.

Have a great day!

*smooches*

Saturday Rambling

Good Afternoon, Kittens! Look, I'm getting all 100 Days of October!

It would seem I haven't blogged since Wednesday morning. Hm.

So, lessee ... Wednesday night I did Laundry.

Thursday, I blobbed (and picked up my MCM 10K Bib).

Friday, I had a long, unproductive meeting. Then, I picked up my MCM 10K T-shirt (a.k.a. the not nearly as cute as last years and quite possibly the ugliest t-shirt ever). For comparison's sake, here's last year's shirt. After work, I met a friend at the Ritz-Carlton for happy hour. That was fun.

Then, I came home and froze. Apparently, our heat stopped working (some problem with the thermostat). It is working now (obv):



I have been cleaning and running errands (in the "wintry mix") all day today. I am hosting a post-Marathon soirree for Tomokito and the rest of her Run for Japan team tomorrow evening. It should be fun (and it's making me get my house all cleanish.

Tomorrow, I'll get up and run the 10K. Then, I'll go hang out along the route to cheer on my friends who are running the marathon. Should be a good time ... unless it is too cold. I have my superspecial (and expensive!) running gloves and hat ready to wear.

Oh, so there is an interesting story behind my whole running the MCM 10K this year. I wasn't planning on it at all, except a certain Mom Who Marathons, emailed me and said she signed up. So I signed up to run with her. BUT, then, she couldn't make it.

Fortunately, my SuperCute Friend (and ex), Ray, is taking her bib and running as the Hot 40-Year-Old Mom Who Marathons. Yay! I won't be running alone.

Have a great rest of your weekend!
*smooches*

Alas, Poor Bowl, I Knew It Well, Horatio

Good Morning, Kittens!

I was actually busy at work yesterday (I know! WTF?), so I didn't have time to tell you all about my exciting Monday.

Lessee ... I woke up. And then I went to the dermatologist for an Annual Mole Check. If you have never had one (I never had), be advised: The doctor is *very* thorough.

Luckily, I have no mole-y melanomas. Yay! And he said that I don't really need an Annual Mole Check. More like an Every 3 to 4 Years Mole Check (Tri to Quadrennial Mole Check, I suppose).

Oh! I forgot to mention that on the bus ride to the Silver Spring metro station, I ran into a cute neighborhood gay. We've hung out before. He's supercute, young, not very bright, and *ahem* rather well-endowed. SO I'VE HEARD! We were totally like "we have to hang out again." So maybe we will later this week. ANYWAYz ...

After the appointment ended, I headed home and to Trader Joe's, where I spent a ridiculous amount of money. Then, I went to Whole Foods, because Trader Joe's doesn't carry canned pumpkin puree (and I need the canned pumpkin puree for a party I am having on Sunday. I am making Pumpkin Chili (although I will be modifying the recipe a smidge (namely because kidney beans = EW))).

After Whole Foods, I treated myself to Breakfast for Lunch (and a Mimosa) at Eggspectations in hip, happenin' Downtown Silver Spring. Then, I came home and did a little house stuff. Nothing too exciting.

That evening, I headed to the pottery studio ... where I discovered that my beautiful bowl (pictured above) had cracked. WAAAAH! So sad. Someone is not going to have a Merry Xmas now ;-) Somehow, through my devastation, I managed to throw two bowls ...



Which I think I will turn into Yarn Bowls (like this, only not quite so hideous).

Home and, then, bed.

Tuesday, as I said, was busy-ish at work. My end of FY11 reporting will be coming due soon (even though we haven't received a due date, I am trying to get everything finished up). Plus, my final Energy Awareness Event is this morning. AND, I think my head might explode. Huzzah!

Oh, and during lunch break, I ran into another SuperCute Friend (who is -unfortunately- all boo'ed up). We made plans to have happy hour on Friday. Yayz!

Once home from work, I went for a 3 mile run. Cooked braised and glazed brussels sprouts for dinner. And avoided cleaning my house even though I am hosting a party on Sunday.

Have a great day!
*smooches*

Weekend Update: Hot Mess Edition

Good Morning, Kittens!

What a wack-o-matic weekend. So much fun. So much booze. So much hangover.

On Friday, after work, I met SCGB at 9 (the bar formerly known as Mova which was formerly known as Halo). Same great bar. Same great 2-for-1 Happy Hour. I had two delicious Makers Mark Manhattans (dry, with a twist). SCGB was drinking Dark and Stormies. Nomz. One of the bartenders was SuperCUTEZ! He reminded me both in looks and voice of the guy I was dating this summer who disappeared. Needless to say, I gave him a big tip. *wink*

PERVY MONKEYS!

SCGB and I left 9 and had dinner at Thai Tanic. Oh, the Thai restaurant puns. They keeeeeeeeell me. BUT, Thai Tanic is so delicious. I hadn't eaten there in ages and had forgotten how truly yummy it is. I had veggie drunken noodle. So spicy. So good. Mmmm.

Then, SCGB and I parted ways. On the way home, I stopped by the Whole Foods and bought a pumpkin to carve. And, I had to carry the damn thing home because I missed the bus. Heavy pumpkins are heavy.

Saturday morning? Slightly overhung. But, I did manage to go for a 7 mile run. Yay me! I did a little tidying up, and took a couple of photos for my 2012 Puntabulous Calendar (I'm March).

Around 3, Tomokito and Hana came down to carve pumpkins. Later, K-Factor and the Canadian and their niece (who is a little younger than Hana) joined us. Good times.

After they left, I contacted a gentleman caller who I went out with once before (several months ago). He didn't call back, so I busied myself making dinner. Then, he called. He said he would pick me up in about 30 minutes ... which was not enough time for me to finish cooking/eating dinner (big. mistake).

We started off at 8407(?) Kitchen Bar, the over-priced restaurant with good cocktails near Silver Spring Metro Station. We each had two cocktails at the bar, but none of the food was appealing to me (plus, the food there is v. expensive. Like, srsly, New York City prices in fucking Silver Spring). Anyway, the guy (who we shall refer to as V) paid. Yay!

Then, we walked to the Fire Station. Which is a restaurant. In an old fire station. We had chocolate martinis there. I had two. And, let's just say that 4 cocktails on an empty stomach makes for a very durnk VUBOQ.

"How drunk?" you might ask. So drunk that V and I were making out at the bar. I don't normally do that. He is a very good kisser, though.

So drunk that we made out in his car in the parking garage.

So drunk that there may (or may not) have been reciprocal oral secks in his car in front of my building.

Um. Yeah. I was beyond beyond.

BUT, it was super fun. And, I hope I haven't scared him off from wanting to see me again.

Needless to say, Sunday morning? Very. Over. Hung.

Somehow, I managed to get to the Whole Foods to buy some chrysanthemums (3/$12 ... I bought 5). And plant them.

And, then, I drove to the pottery studio ... without my wallet (oops).

I trimmed one large bowl. However, hangover + spinning pottery = very bad idea. Totes queasy. So, rather than throw any more pots (and risk throwing up), I drove home.

And, then, I walked to El Golfo for the wonderful healing power of spinach enchiladas and sangria.

Once home, I made habenero hot sauce. And did a little knitting. Ate dinner. Drank wine. Went to bed.

Today, I have a dermatologist appointment. I have to go to Trader Joe's. And, I have pottery class in the evening. Good times.

Have a beautiful day!
*smooches*

The Weekend Approacheth

Good morning, kittens!

 

Not much has happened the past few days, other than me trying (and failing) to catch up on my sleep.  Oh well.  at least I have a 3-day weekend to look forward to.  Yayz!

 

And what will I be doing this weekend?  Hm ....

 

Tonight, I am having happy hour with SCGB.

Tomorrow, I have to run about 7 miles (the MCM 10K is NEXT WEEK!) *and* Tomokito and (no longer Baby) Hana are coming down to carve pumpkins and drink boozy beverages.  Well, Hana won't have any boozy beverages.  M will also be carving a pumpkin in Vegas.  So we are having a little contest to see who can carve the best one (me, obv.).  The winner gets XXX pix!  Yay for sexting!

Sunday, I will be going to the pottery studio and probably doing other stuff, too.

And, on Monday, I have an appointment with the dermatologist.  Mole check!  Sweet.  I also hope to be hanging out with the ShallowGal (remember her? She used to blog).

 

I have a tentative martini date which has yet to be scheduled.  I need to get on that.

And I'll be cleaning and grocery shopping and making delicious habenero hot sauce at some point during this weekend.

 

The cleaning is important because I'm hosting a little congratulatory party next Sunday for Tomokito (and friends).  She (and these friends) have decided to run the Marine Corps Marathon!  26-point-2 miles, kittens.  MILES!  And, they are trying to raise -at least- $2000 for the victims of the Japanese Earthquake/Tsunami. Yay them!  If you'd like to support their cause, click on this link.  If every reader of this blog donated $5, Team Run Japan would earn at least $15.  Maybe more!

 

and that's about it.  Have a great day!

*smooches*

Tired

Good sleepy morning, kittens.

 

I am one tired VUBOQ.  After not sleeping well on Monday night, I was hoping Tuesday would provide some much needed relief.  And it did!

 

Just not in the form of sleep.

 

More like in the form of a hot 26-year-old ex-Marine ... oh, yeah.  It was like that.  We met online, maybe two years ago.  He was home for the holidays.  I sort of ignored his message (because, hello?  16 year age difference).  He was persistent.  We started chatting.  He went back to Arizona (where he was stationed).  We continued to chat.  He left the Marines and moved back to Maryland.  We met up and had a really fun time.  Then, he, as he put it, "fell off the map."  I was, like, well, that was weird. But, whatever. I moved on.

 

Recently we reconnected.  And, last night, we had a date.  We went to Mandalay, the Burmese restaurant in Silver Spring.  It was delicious.  Then, he drove us back to my place.  We talked.  Had tea.  And, well, y'know ... some Quality Nekkid Time.

 

There are some benefits to having a sleepover with a 26-year-old.

 

There are also some drawbacks.  Namely, not actually sleeping.

 

There may have also been some early morning fun after the alarm went off ...

 

So, as we were getting ready for work, I thanked him for a nice time and said I looked forward to seeing him again in a year.  He laughed and said it would be sooner than that.

 

Although not *that* soon ...probably some time next month.

 

I have a feeling things are going to be getting complicated ...

 

I also have a feeling that I will be going to bed early tonight.

 

Have a great day!

*smooches*

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ironing. Pottery. Knitting.

Good Morning, Kittens.

 

OMG.  I think I had the worst night's sleep EVER.  I am so groggy/tired/bleah.  Yuck.  Needless to say, I am slowly (very slowly) easing into the day.

 

Yesterday, I did a shit-ton of ironing - 15 shirts.  and a pair of pants! Then, I took a nap.  Yay for naps!

 

Then, I knitted for a bit. I am almost finished my friend's Panda Scarf.  All I have to do are the ears and the eyes.  It hink it's going to be supercute when finished.

 

I made dinner - stirfried onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, baby bokchoy, and tofu.  Tasty!

 

On my way to pottery class, I stopped by the Giant to buy saline solution and bleach.  Once at class, I trimmed a bowl.  And, then, I turned a rather lopsided vase into a pitcher.  I still have a large flat bowl to trim.  I would have trimmed it last night, but I had started to feel a little queasy.  I thought it would be best to call it a night.  So, I went home, got my stuff together for today, and went to bed.

 

Not much on my schedule for today.  I may be meeting a friend for dinner after work.  But that's about it.

 

Have a wonderful day!

*smooches*

Weekend Update: It's Decorative Gourd Season, Motherfuckers Edition

Good Morning, Kittens.

I posted this link on the Facebooks over the weekend, but it is worth repeating here: It's Decorative Gourd Season, Motherfuckers.

My weekend has been superubercrazybusyfun. Friday night, Eric from Baltimore came down. Along with Tomokito, we headed into the DeeCee for a night of dancing fun. We ended up at Cobalt, which has an $8 cover ... BUT, from 11 to midnight, they have free vodka cocktails. Oh, yeah. We definitely drank our $8 worth. Boozy dance-y good times.

We got home around 3AM. *yawnz*

Saturday morning, I went for a three-point-five mile run. I did a little grocery shopping at the Whole Foodz. I made a delicious potato salad for dinner (as well as sauteed red kale and a quorn "chicken" cutlet with gruyere). Totes nomz.

Then, Mike (Who Makes Cakes) picked me up and we went to a party in Hyattsville. It was fun(ish). No cute boys ... except for one Kenyan guy (who was -unfortunately- very straight). We made s'mores. And drank lots.

I got home around 1AM. *yawnz*

Sunday, I went to pottery studio. I threw a bowl and a vase (which I think I may turn into a pitcher because the top of it seemed a little wonky). Then, I headed over to hang with Mike (Who Makes Cakes), Jim, and Brianna. Mike made pizza. Nom! And we watched "The Conspirator." And I may (or may not) have drank an entire bottle of wine.

I didn't get home until this morning. Yay for crashing at Mike's! And, Yay for not having to work this Monday!

Today, I am cleaning and ironing and cleaning some more. And maybe knitting. And, then, I'm going to the pottery class.

Hope you have a brilliant day!
*smooches*

Where Has This Week Gone?

Good Morning, Kittens!

 

I have fallen a bit off the blogging bandwagon, so I have quite a few things to fill you in on.

 

Monday, I was one sore puppy.  I guess running 10 miles will do that to you.  After pulling myself out of bed and getting all cleaned up, I hobbled into DC, where I met my friend, CJ, for lunch at Sei in Penn Quarter.  The food was good (if a bit overpriced).  Then, we went shopping.  I didn't buy anything.  Yay me!

 

I went home.  Blobbed.  And, then, drove to pottery class.  I didn't do much.  I glazed several things.  I hope they turn out well.

 

For some reason (old age?), I can't remember what I did on Tuesday evening.  I'm sure it was SuperFun and you should all be jealous of me.

 

Wednesday, I hosted a guest speaker at work from DC Water.  She was awesome (and we got free water bottles!), but the turn-out was lower than I had hoped.  Oh, well.  I am having two more guest speakers come in later this month (it's Energy Awareness Month!).  Maybe more people will show up for them.  We shall see ... If not, I think I'm not going to bother with it next year.  Once home, I did laundry and talked to my BFF from college.

 

Last night, G-Force and the Nuge came over.  We had post-Army 10-Miler drinks on Sunday.  During that time, it came up that the Nuge does remodeling/construction for a living.  He offered to take a look at my kitchen and help me with it.  Suh-WEET!  So we had a bottle of wine, some snacks, and some serious kitchen talk.  Good times.  If all goes well, maybe I can get this kitchen shit together soon.  Yay!  It would be so nice to have a kitchen with counterspace, drawers, storage space and a working oven.

 

I had really wanted to make this soup for dinner; however, Whole Foods was out of canned pumpkin.  They had canned pumpkin pie mix (which I thought would've been GROSS in the soup).  Disappointed.

 

Today, we are watching the documentary, Tapped, during lunch as another Energy Awareness Month activity.  This evening, Eric from Baltimore is coming down.  He, Tomokito, and I are heading out to paint the town pink (with glittery sparkles).  Tomorrow, depending on the weather and my hangover, I may be going up to Northern Maryland for a Autumnal foliage viewing trip with a friend.  And, on Sunday, I will go to the pottery studio.

 

I am off -again!- on Monday.  I don't really have any plans, but I do need to devote some time to cleaning and decluttering.  I don't want to become a hoarder!

 

Have a great day and a superfab weekend!

*smooches*

Weekend Update: Run for the Hills Edition

Good morning, Kittens!

Well, we did it! I finished the Army 10-Miler and didn't die (completely).

My official results were:

Net Time: 1:39:09
Pace: 9:54
Overall: 12321/21914
Gender: 8359/12245
Age Div (40-44): 1411/2103

Not too bad. My pre-surgery goal was to complete it in under 1:30. My post-surgery-i-couldn't-train-as-much goal was to complete it in under 2 hours. So, Yay me! I guess at some point there will be photos posted and I will be able to snag them.

As for the rest of the weekend, on Friday, I slept in (yay!) and, then, went to pick-up my race packet. After that, I went to the pottery studio. I spent most of the time trimming and attaching handles ...



Then, I had a boozy late lunch at Adega.

Spent the rest of the afternoon/evening knitting and watching Mad Men.

Saturday was such a beautiful day! I wandered around Downtown Silver Spring for quite some time. Then, I came home and blobbed and knitted and watched Mad Men. I also cooked pasta for dinner (carb-loading before the big race).

Sunday was the race. Afterwards, I came home. Took a nap. Ate a little bit. Then, Tomokito, K-Factor, and I walked up to McGintys for Post-Army 10-Miler Drink-a-thon. That was a lot of fun. Gayle and the Nuge joined us. And Mario. And SCGB. And a couple of Gayle's friends. Good times!

I came home, knat and watched the last two episodes of Downton Abbey, Season 1. So good. AND, I am almost finished my BFF's PandaScarf:



It's going to be sooooo cute (I hope).

And that's about it (so far). I am off today and have lots of fun plans!

Have a wonderful day!
*smooches*

Run Like the Wind

Good Morning, Kittens.

Today is my Friday! AND, it's a four-day weekend. Halle-fucking-lujah! My weekend was looking like it would be pretty uneventful, until last night when, all of a sudden, plans started being made ...

After work today, I have to go for a short run (maybe 2 miles). Friday morning, I may make another short run before going to my work site (ugh) to pick up my Army 10-Miler Race Packet! Then, I'm going to the pottery studio. After that, I *may* be meeting a friend for food/drinks (he still hasn't confirmed. bastard). Saturday, I am resting, relaxing, maybe cleaning, possibly grocery shopping, and carb-loading. Yay! Carbs!

Because, Sunday is the Army 10-Miler! I am so unprepared I hope I don't die. I was on track to be SuperAwesome, but having surgery sort of threw me off. Durgh. I hope to finish in under 2 hours, but we'll see ...

Later on Sunday Afternoon, some of my friends will be gathering somewhere for post-run booziness. And, finally, on Monday, I will be hanging out with CJ - lunch and a movie. And, then, going to pottery class. Good times!

And, that will be my weekend. Be thinking of me on Sunday morning!

*smooches*

Weekend Update: Baby It's Cold Outside Edition

Good morning, Kittens!

What a weekend of doing almost absolutely nothing ...

Friday, I had a super fun happy hour at Bar Dupont. Then, I came home and blobbed.

Saturday, I got up and (after waiting for the rain to abate and then getting caught in it) ran for 8(ish) miles. And, then, I ordered a pizza. Nom. Pizza.

Later, Tomokito came down for martini time.

Afterwards, I joined K-Factor and the Canadian (and two of their friends) for a delicious dinner. Nom nom nom.

On Sunday, I went to the pottery studio ... I made the pitcher pictured above. I also did a little experimental bowl like thing. It started out like this:



Then, I tossed it around on the table, and it ended up like this:



I'm not sure if I like it.

Then, I came home and watched Episodes 3-5 of "Downton Abbey" ... It is fabulous. And that was my weekend ... Or at least the highlights of it.

Have a happy Monday!
*smooches*