Emphasis Added!

Born to Run

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:59:18 -0600

Born to Run: This might be just what I need to get me to lace up my shoes again. Thank you for the rec!

If you are a runner, you need to read this book. If you are friends with a runner, buy them the book. If you just appreciate a really kick ass athletic endeavor, you too should be reading this book. Seriously. Someone recommended this to me a few months ago and I smiled, thanked them for the reco and put it on my “to read” list, but wasn’t in a hurry. I’ve read Running with the Buffaloes at least 50 times, and someday hope to execute the amazing quarters workout of Once a Runner. Surely nothing else was going to make the ranks of running books I cannot put down, right? This book though… So good. It won’t just inspire you, it may change the way you run. :)

A few words on perks

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:12:00 -0600

I am as appreciative of moderately stocked supply closets and a (somewhat) reliable stream of water cooler jugs…as the next girl…but those perks don’t exactly ignite a passionate fire in one’s soul, right? And they certainly aren’t worthy of a dedicated blog post.

And then I started New Job and in the course of four short days…I have seen how perks can, in fact make you feel appreciated and cared for..that they can inspire employees to stay later/work harder/be better. Am I being a touch dramatic? I don’t know…you be the judge.

Soy, Rice, Skim, 2%, Cream…An array of milk options (and a cappuccino machine to steam milk-of-choice) for the Starbucks coffee they provide. Going from a career full of powdered creamer to soy milk feels like a gigantic upgrade.
Health benefits that cover maternity at 100%. I swear to god, I couldn’t make this up if I tried.
An extra power cord so that you don’t have to crawl under your desk every morning to plug-in your laptop. (Come on, how thoughtful is that?! Turns out, removing the regularly scheduled head-bang from your employee’s day does in fact improve their quality of life.)
A stocked fridge of Goose Island, Red Bull, Izze Sodas and more…however, you will find no bottled water. In an effort to be greener, each employee is given their own branded camel back bottle.
In-office cardio and yoga classes. And a towel service so you don’t have to bring your own.
And the food….I really tried not to be seduced by the caloric wooing, but I just couldn’t resist. Yesterday we had an all day brunch that included a crepe and omelette station, oatmeal bar, custard soaked french toast, pastry cart and tropical fruit spread. Not to mention the lunchtime salad offerings that include…edamame, marinated portobellos, jicama, roasted nuts, and a whole bunch of other dream ingredients.

I promise, I am not trying to be braggy braggy…but…well, New Job is with a company that keeps the perk-train rolling in such a way that it is sort of impossible not to be in awe of them. Their perks are worthy of props.

I had no idea places like this even existed.

I am highly considering doing a BluePrint Cleanse next week.

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:39:27 -0600

Then again, I would much rather spend the $375 on something other than not-eating….like say, Christmas gifts.

Thoughts on the matter?

Bad blogger

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:24:00 -0600

My blogging (in both frequency and content) has been marginal-at-best this week, and for that I apologize. Please know it has nothing to do with my feelings for you or a waning interest in this medium of self-~~obsession~~ expression..it is just that I have been busy as hell!

As if starting a new job isn’t overwhelming enough, our Children’s Choir Christmas show is this weekend meaning my nights are jammed with tech and dress rehearsals.

I have so many emails and comments just waiting for my attention…I promise you I will get back to you all, but ask for a few (more) days of patience.

I love and miss your asses.

Last night was my new company’s annual holiday...

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:08:00 -0600

Last night was my new company’s annual holiday party.

(Actually, the festivity was so much more than your average run of the mill seasonal soiree..the event definitely deserves an upgrade from “party” to Extravaganza!)

Held at the Museum of Contemporary Art, complete with branded ice sculptures, a sweet ass DJ and a photo booth…a photo booth people!

It was a spectacular night spent drinking an appropriate number of cocktails and getting to know all of my new coworkers.

Christmas & Company & Event Planning committee FTW!

scenes-from-my-hood: wishlist. skeleton key ring. ((via))

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:40:23 -0600

scenes-from-my-hood:

wishlist.

skeleton key ring.

((via))

The neighbors put up their Christmas lights!

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:15:52 -0600

The neighbors put up their Christmas lights!

"Dance like the photo’s not tagged, love like you’ve never been unfriended, tweet like nobody’s..."

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:55:12 -0600

“Dance like the photo’s not tagged, love like you’ve never been unfriended, tweet like nobody’s following.”

- via @zoegb914 (via jpbrunelle) (via kmaverick) (via caseyculture)

Margarita Caliente: Tequilla, Triple Sec, Fresh Lime Juice, A...

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:27:06 -0600

Margarita Caliente: Tequilla, Triple Sec, Fresh Lime Juice, A hint of berry, Habanero

Part Firewater, Part nectar of the gods….all parts awesome!

hautelikecouture: Perfect gift for your favorite...

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:40:39 -0600

hautelikecouture:

Perfect gift for your favorite fashionista.

Thanks, RZ!

$84 @ Amazon

If friendship were measured in dollars spent...

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:27:59 -0600

If these stores were people, I am certain we would be besties:

Target
Barneys NYC
Whole Foods
Museum of Contemporary Art Giftshop
ShopBop

What about you? What stores deserve a shout out?

“Atreyu…..call my name!” Considering I have...

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:32:00 -0600

“Atreyu…..call my name!”

Considering I have spent the the better part of the past 20 years desperately trying to be the Empress Child from the Neverending Story, it is really no surprise that I audibly gasped when spotting this Auryan Pendent on Outblush!

Now, if I can just get me a horse like Artax and a luckdragon like Falcor…I will be all set!

How do we feel about shopping on eBay?

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:40:00 -0600

What do you think… is it smart or sketch looking on eBay for designer deals?

Jimmy Choo being all ferosh with this patent leather...

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:27:22 -0600

Jimmy Choo being all ferosh with this patent leather hobo.

I’m just saying…

Freshman

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:57:00 -0600

For me, the telltale sign of newness is awkwardness.

Awkwardly stepping off the elevator and pausing for several moments too long in the lobby while trying to figure out if you are supposed to turn to the left or right to get to your workspace
Awkwardly trying to fit your computer in desktop docking station and even more awkwardly trying to jimmy it out of the station
Awkwardly staring at the coffee bar trying to locate the cups (all the while pretending you are not awkwardly surveying the countertops in search of said mugs…which are, in fact, located directly next to the coffee machine)
Awkwardly sending the new joiner handbook to the color printer 2 floors down.
Awkwardly (and actually) tripping on one of the giant neon beanbags laying in the middle of the office floor

And for me, the telltale sign of kindness is when people pretend not to notice your moments of extreme awkwardness.

I don’t know how I have not been laughed AT yet.

Spotted in Asheville: If I had a little girl I would be tempted...

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:54:23 -0600

Spotted in Asheville:

If I had a little girl I would be tempted to buy this for her, but it would really be for me.

If Big Bird was pink, and shaped like a Christmas Tree.

Julia Allison’s dream tree.

Fact: I love eggnog Fact: I avoid dairy Question: Has anyone...

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:01:58 -0600

Fact: I love eggnog

Fact: I avoid dairy

Question: Has anyone tried this stuff? What do you think…Yay or nay (I am accepting any and all suggestions for healthy eggnog alternatives)?

Today FOR THE WIN! First day of the new...

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:49:00 -0600

Today FOR THE WIN!

First day of the new job…rocked.

Highlights included: a 5 minute commute, a new computer, coming home from work and feeling proud of the place I had spent my day, a holiday party invite, grapefruit and fig salad, confirmation of health+dental+vision insurance, and a really really cool cube complete with one of those medicine balls that doubles as a chair (or can remain in the corner as decoration…which it will).

And do you know what my favorite part of the day was?

Meeting up with my husb in the condiment aisle of Whole Foods and sharing every detail of this new adventure.

(I generally try to avoid posting make-out pics…cause you know, they are annoying, but any expression of joy less than this would have done my day a disservice. I hope that is alright. xo to you too!)

The aforementioned, Potter Lion and the Rose B&B One...

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:57:21 -0600

The aforementioned, ~~Potter~~ Lion and the Rose B&B

One observation (I am going to try and keep this as appropriate as possible…), B&B’s are considered to be super romantic, right? But they are also really really quiet, which is great for relaxation…

…but um, makes husband/wife time somewhat challenging.

Vacay Highlights: My people

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:41:00 -0600

Family trip to Asheville!

I think it is rather remarkable how a group of people who may not share your genes or a lifetime of memories can become your family in the realest of ways.

This weekend, my (newer of the two) families gathered together from across the country to celebrate Dad H.

While together:

Historical tours (and group photos) were taken…

Laughs were shared…

And of course, hats were worn!

Thank you! I love you! Happy travels and even happier birthdays!