If anyone is interested, I started a running blog. Truthfully, it's not all that interesting. Really just a place for me to record my running stats. But if you want, feel free to visit:
http://www.thelazyrunner.blogspot.com/
Enjoy (or not).
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Smiles
Some things that make me smile these days:
- Completing big tasks
-Drinking red wine
-Reading entertaining blogs of up and coming opera stars
-Thinking about traveling to a European city
-Sleeping with my window open
-Eating Italian chocolate
-Feeling chic
-Jazz
-Coffee (as always)
-Forcing myself to run during lunch
-Free Lipton cup of soup and saltines at work
-Cool days
-Ice Cream
-Buffalo chicken sandwiches
-Lovely music
-Bvlgari White Tea perfume
-Early nights
-Feeling skinny (whether true or not)
What makes you smile these days?
- Completing big tasks
-Drinking red wine
-Reading entertaining blogs of up and coming opera stars
-Thinking about traveling to a European city
-Sleeping with my window open
-Eating Italian chocolate
-Feeling chic
-Jazz
-Coffee (as always)
-Forcing myself to run during lunch
-Free Lipton cup of soup and saltines at work
-Cool days
-Ice Cream
-Buffalo chicken sandwiches
-Lovely music
-Bvlgari White Tea perfume
-Early nights
-Feeling skinny (whether true or not)
What makes you smile these days?
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Aida comes to Annapolis
Ok, so I haven't made a shameless plug for any of the concerts we've had recently. But, with the one coming up this weekend, I couldn't resist! The chorus I sing with is performing a semi-staged concert version of the opera Aida. The soloists are fantastic, the chorus will be great, the orchestra is wonderful...
If you've been to an opera and get tired of sitting through the slow recitatives...come Friday night for the interactive concert that will demonstrate how the opera is put together. Only the "big" scenes will be performed...and you'll get an inside look at what goes on.
If you're an opera fan and want to experience the whole thing, come Saturday night for the entire opera. I know most of my small readership is not in the Annapolis area, but for those of you who are...you should come. I know the tickets are expensive-ish...blah blah blah....but I really think the experience will be worth it. Don't believe me? Read this article in last weekend's Capital. Still not convinced? Well, purchase a ticket and come....if the show doesn't blow you away, I'll pay for your ticket. Deal? Click here to buy a ticket....
See you all this weekend...look for me in the chorus onstage! Thankfully, I will not be wearing a costume; just normal concert dress.
Ciao!
If you've been to an opera and get tired of sitting through the slow recitatives...come Friday night for the interactive concert that will demonstrate how the opera is put together. Only the "big" scenes will be performed...and you'll get an inside look at what goes on.
If you're an opera fan and want to experience the whole thing, come Saturday night for the entire opera. I know most of my small readership is not in the Annapolis area, but for those of you who are...you should come. I know the tickets are expensive-ish...blah blah blah....but I really think the experience will be worth it. Don't believe me? Read this article in last weekend's Capital. Still not convinced? Well, purchase a ticket and come....if the show doesn't blow you away, I'll pay for your ticket. Deal? Click here to buy a ticket....
See you all this weekend...look for me in the chorus onstage! Thankfully, I will not be wearing a costume; just normal concert dress.
Ciao!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Odds and Ends
Just a few thoughts that have been rattling around in my head:
-I'm so annoyed by drivers who drive in the middle lane at 5 mph under the speed limit! Really, if you aren't passing some one, get over! This has caused me much angst in the past few weeks during my commute. Seems like I need to find something else to think about as I am driving to and from work before I experience full-on road rage...
-I discovered the identity of an anonymous opera-blogger today. I've been trying to figure out who she is for the longest time...googling her based on hints and particular roles she mentions...but today I found her out based on an innocent fact she mentioned on her blog! Not that it matters...I will probably never see her perform or meet her in person. However, finally figuring out her identity did validate my google-stalker skills.
-I am learning how to add habits to my life one teensy habit at a time. I have a tendency to want to change my routine and my habits in one fell swoop. However, the habits I tend to stick with seem to be small ones that I add to my life gradually. My current "baby-step" habit is eating healthier- more fruits and veggies. So far, I've been doing well for about 5 days. I managed to tamp down the Chick fil A craving that arose this afternoon...but I'll probably let myself have it this weekend. I don't stick to rigid eating plans too well...
-Allergies are taking over my life. I keep taking medicine, but they still are bothering me. They are worse when I am at work....leading me to believe there might be mold growing in the vents. Maybe once everyone starts calling in sick they will check the vents...
That's about all for now. Sorry that I'm not more interesting, but my head is filled with goo.
-I'm so annoyed by drivers who drive in the middle lane at 5 mph under the speed limit! Really, if you aren't passing some one, get over! This has caused me much angst in the past few weeks during my commute. Seems like I need to find something else to think about as I am driving to and from work before I experience full-on road rage...
-I discovered the identity of an anonymous opera-blogger today. I've been trying to figure out who she is for the longest time...googling her based on hints and particular roles she mentions...but today I found her out based on an innocent fact she mentioned on her blog! Not that it matters...I will probably never see her perform or meet her in person. However, finally figuring out her identity did validate my google-stalker skills.
-I am learning how to add habits to my life one teensy habit at a time. I have a tendency to want to change my routine and my habits in one fell swoop. However, the habits I tend to stick with seem to be small ones that I add to my life gradually. My current "baby-step" habit is eating healthier- more fruits and veggies. So far, I've been doing well for about 5 days. I managed to tamp down the Chick fil A craving that arose this afternoon...but I'll probably let myself have it this weekend. I don't stick to rigid eating plans too well...
-Allergies are taking over my life. I keep taking medicine, but they still are bothering me. They are worse when I am at work....leading me to believe there might be mold growing in the vents. Maybe once everyone starts calling in sick they will check the vents...
That's about all for now. Sorry that I'm not more interesting, but my head is filled with goo.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Money Matters
***I think the dry spell of blog topics in my head has ended. Today, I can think of 4 topics that I want to blog about. However, I'll stick to one, make a list of the additional topics, and hopefully write more blogs in the next few days. Don't hold me to it, though...***
Today, I made huge progress in my financial life. I FINALLY paid off my credit card. In this post from January, I talked a bit about how the card got a balance...
Anyway, I won't post the exact balance that I was carrying, but suffice it to say it was fairly significant. It is a great feeling to have that paid off. Last year, I told my roommate Maureen that we would celebrate with champagne when I finally made the last payment, but of course she happens to be in Italy at the moment. So, we'll hopefully celebrate when she arrives home.
While I've been saving a bit in the midst of paying off debt (in both a regular savings and my 401K), now I can really start saving a fairly significant portion of my income. I think I've worked the kinks out of my budget so that I can have a modest quality of life with a few splurges here and there, but still save enough that I will be financially secure. As I wrote in January, this will be particularly significant once the house purchasing gets under way (we are currently a bit stalled waiting for both Sharon and Maureen to get their townhouses ready to put on the market). I'm not complaining about the wait, though...every month we delay helps me to be that much more financially secure. I would, however, like to be in our new house by the end of the year.
But I digress. Even though I've put myself on a somewhat restrictive budget, I still allow myself a few extravagances:
1. High-quality coffee. This should not come as a surprise to anyone who knows me well...my morning cup of coffee is definitely one of my joys in life. I'm a coffee snob and refuse to drink anything that costs less than $10 a pound. Of course, dire emergencies are an exception. My current favorite is City Dock Coffee's Boat Guys blend (sorry non-Annapolitans...City Dock is exclusively in the Annapolis area).
2. A good bottle of wine. I attribute this extravagance to Maureen. She is a wine snob, and has converted me, as well. I'm currently loving reds, but I'm sure I'll turn to whites again once the warm weather hits. Thankfully, our wine rack is pretty full at the moment thanks to some early winter sales, so I probably won't need to spend too much money in this area for awhile.
3. A nice dinner out 2 times a month. Interesting that my first 3 extravagances all fall in the food and beverage category...
4. Pedicures. As a runner, my feet get nasty dead skin. So, when I have to wear open-toe shoes, I get a pedicure. This includes fancy galas, some concerts, and most of the summer.
5. Expensive Shampoo and Conditioner- my shampoo is really expensive. Like $25 a bottle expensive. Very extravagant, I know. But, it keeps my color bright and makes my hair super-soft. Plus, I used to buy new shampoo almost every month trying to find something I liked (since I was 13). Now, a bottle lasts about 6 months, so I'm close to breaking even. And, I'm putting less waste into the environment.
6. iTunes purchases. I love iTunes. The idea that you can buy one song for $.99 still excites me. I've bought so many 80s songs and choral songs. I don't buy too many a month, but I'm definitely spending money. I even have a line-item in my budget for iTunes purchases. As long as I stick to that budget, I should be fine and be able to enjoy my music. Recently, I've gotten into downloading tv shows that I miss...then I'll watch them during lunch or long waits on my iPod. Yes...I'm one of "those" people. Forgive me.
There are also some things that I used to be extravagant about, but now I think- eh, I don't think I need a new (insert item from below). I'll make do with what I have. Of course, if I were crafty like my friends Kristena and Kristi, perhaps I could make a new (insert item from below) . Unfortunately, the time I spend at home these days consists of sleeping and eating. Maybe this summer I'll have time?
1. Bedding. I used to be obsessed with buying new bedding. I bought new sheets 2 or 3 times a year. Now, when the desire hits me I think- do I really want to spend $70 just for a new color on my bed?
2. A new car. I seem to have inherited my family's penchant for driving a car until it dies. Last year at this time I was contemplating a new car, but now I've decided my 7 year old Saturn needs to last me at least a few more years.
3. Clothes. I used to buy clothes all the time. At least once a month. Now, I look at my closet and am fairly pleased with what's there. I'll buy something on sale occasionally, and about 3 times a year I set aside some money to update a few looks with quality pieces. Do I walk through the mall and want to buy almost everything in sight? Of course. Do I want to spend $100 on a blouse or pair of shoes? Not on your life!
That seems to describe the financial transitions I've made in the past few years. Thankfully, I've become happier with the things I already have, but I can also make room in my life for those little extravagances that help make life a little more comfortable and enjoyable. Ultimately, though, it's people who help make the extravagances more enjoyable. A good bottle of wine is better shared among friends. A pedicure seems more decadent with a friend sitting in the chair beside me. Saturday morning coffee with the girls is my favorite coffee of the week. Thankfully, friendship is free!
Today, I made huge progress in my financial life. I FINALLY paid off my credit card. In this post from January, I talked a bit about how the card got a balance...
Anyway, I won't post the exact balance that I was carrying, but suffice it to say it was fairly significant. It is a great feeling to have that paid off. Last year, I told my roommate Maureen that we would celebrate with champagne when I finally made the last payment, but of course she happens to be in Italy at the moment. So, we'll hopefully celebrate when she arrives home.
While I've been saving a bit in the midst of paying off debt (in both a regular savings and my 401K), now I can really start saving a fairly significant portion of my income. I think I've worked the kinks out of my budget so that I can have a modest quality of life with a few splurges here and there, but still save enough that I will be financially secure. As I wrote in January, this will be particularly significant once the house purchasing gets under way (we are currently a bit stalled waiting for both Sharon and Maureen to get their townhouses ready to put on the market). I'm not complaining about the wait, though...every month we delay helps me to be that much more financially secure. I would, however, like to be in our new house by the end of the year.
But I digress. Even though I've put myself on a somewhat restrictive budget, I still allow myself a few extravagances:
1. High-quality coffee. This should not come as a surprise to anyone who knows me well...my morning cup of coffee is definitely one of my joys in life. I'm a coffee snob and refuse to drink anything that costs less than $10 a pound. Of course, dire emergencies are an exception. My current favorite is City Dock Coffee's Boat Guys blend (sorry non-Annapolitans...City Dock is exclusively in the Annapolis area).
2. A good bottle of wine. I attribute this extravagance to Maureen. She is a wine snob, and has converted me, as well. I'm currently loving reds, but I'm sure I'll turn to whites again once the warm weather hits. Thankfully, our wine rack is pretty full at the moment thanks to some early winter sales, so I probably won't need to spend too much money in this area for awhile.
3. A nice dinner out 2 times a month. Interesting that my first 3 extravagances all fall in the food and beverage category...
4. Pedicures. As a runner, my feet get nasty dead skin. So, when I have to wear open-toe shoes, I get a pedicure. This includes fancy galas, some concerts, and most of the summer.
5. Expensive Shampoo and Conditioner- my shampoo is really expensive. Like $25 a bottle expensive. Very extravagant, I know. But, it keeps my color bright and makes my hair super-soft. Plus, I used to buy new shampoo almost every month trying to find something I liked (since I was 13). Now, a bottle lasts about 6 months, so I'm close to breaking even. And, I'm putting less waste into the environment.
6. iTunes purchases. I love iTunes. The idea that you can buy one song for $.99 still excites me. I've bought so many 80s songs and choral songs. I don't buy too many a month, but I'm definitely spending money. I even have a line-item in my budget for iTunes purchases. As long as I stick to that budget, I should be fine and be able to enjoy my music. Recently, I've gotten into downloading tv shows that I miss...then I'll watch them during lunch or long waits on my iPod. Yes...I'm one of "those" people. Forgive me.
There are also some things that I used to be extravagant about, but now I think- eh, I don't think I need a new (insert item from below)
1. Bedding. I used to be obsessed with buying new bedding. I bought new sheets 2 or 3 times a year. Now, when the desire hits me I think- do I really want to spend $70 just for a new color on my bed?
2. A new car. I seem to have inherited my family's penchant for driving a car until it dies. Last year at this time I was contemplating a new car, but now I've decided my 7 year old Saturn needs to last me at least a few more years.
3. Clothes. I used to buy clothes all the time. At least once a month. Now, I look at my closet and am fairly pleased with what's there. I'll buy something on sale occasionally, and about 3 times a year I set aside some money to update a few looks with quality pieces. Do I walk through the mall and want to buy almost everything in sight? Of course. Do I want to spend $100 on a blouse or pair of shoes? Not on your life!
That seems to describe the financial transitions I've made in the past few years. Thankfully, I've become happier with the things I already have, but I can also make room in my life for those little extravagances that help make life a little more comfortable and enjoyable. Ultimately, though, it's people who help make the extravagances more enjoyable. A good bottle of wine is better shared among friends. A pedicure seems more decadent with a friend sitting in the chair beside me. Saturday morning coffee with the girls is my favorite coffee of the week. Thankfully, friendship is free!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Updates and a Meme
Weather
Have I been magically transported to Scotland? Observing the weather around here sure makes me think so...where, oh where is Spring? Of course, I think I'd be much happier if I were in Scotland...it is Scotland after all. I could also get a good cup of strong European coffee. Thankfully, I think Mr. Sun and his friend Ms. Warmer Temperatures are scheduled to make an appearance tomorrow. It is only this time of year that I sort of wish I still lived in SC...
Creatures
There is a creature currently residing around my vocal chords. He seems very much like this guy on the Mucinex commercials. Mr. Mucous, it's time for you to find a new home...
Meme
For lack of anything more interesting to post, I thought I'd try my hand at one of these Memes. Enjoy...and feel free to post your own should you feel the need...
What I was doing 10 years ago:
In the spring of 1998 I was a freshman in college, running track and enjoying life. My friends Rachel and Amy and I would have just returned from our wild trip to Palatka, Florida. Oh the memories...
Five snacks I enjoy:
1. Dark chocolate of any kind
2. Lime tortilla chips
3. Popcorn
4. Almonds, cheese and honey
5. tri-colored potato chips from Utz
Five Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. Buy a house
2. Travel the world
3. Buy a winery in Italy and France
4. Hire a personal trainer
5. Have a weekend "place" in NYC
Five Jobs I've had:
1. Hardee's Drive-thru queen
2. Build a Bear master bear builder
3. Bank Customer Service Rep
4. File Clerk
5. Software Trainer
Three of my Bad habits:
1. I bite my nails
2. Not emptying the dishwasher (it's my LEAST favorite chore)
3. Oversleeping
And now, here are 7 random facts about me:
1. I have a tiny mouth (literally speaking)
2. I make my bed every day
3. I used to be a pole vaulter
4. I'd love to have violet eyes
5. I secretly love Mary Kate and Ashley movies
6. I am a fabulous interpretive dancer
7. I've eaten cheeseburgers with the exact same condiments for 20 years- cheese, ketchup, and mayo only!
Until later...
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Updates, A Wedding, and the Baby Boom
I had a fantastic time in SC at my friend Katherine's wedding. Between dancing at the Bachelorette Party, catching up with old friends at the weekend's events, seeing a dear friend happily wedded, and fighting with an old roommate to catch the bouquet it was an eventful weekend! Unfortunately, I did not take such great care of my allergies, so I now have a touch of bronchitis and a hoarse voice. Oh well, I have 3 weeks before our next concert to get rid of what Maureen has deemed the "Aida hack".
I'm planning on resting A LOT this weekend so that I'll feel better next week and hopefully have some version of my voice back. Other than that, I really don't have a whole lot going on for the next few weeks.
Recently, I've noticed that many of my friends are pregnant or have had babies. There is definitely a Baby Boom going on in my circles! I am very excited for them all.
I'm planning on resting A LOT this weekend so that I'll feel better next week and hopefully have some version of my voice back. Other than that, I really don't have a whole lot going on for the next few weeks.
Recently, I've noticed that many of my friends are pregnant or have had babies. There is definitely a Baby Boom going on in my circles! I am very excited for them all.
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