As the summer draws to a close, the first thought that runs through my head is that of sorrow for the loss of the long hot days that are good for nothing more than lounging around in the sun. Farewell to the epic brunches, the ones where you start at noon and you stay all afternoon just drinking, eating and chatting. Farewell to the warm summer nights that beg you to stay out just a little longer, for one more drink. Farewell to the afternoons of sunning. Farewell to electric fans and AC. Farewell to cute little sun dresses and tank tops.
I spent the last day of summer doing as much as I could to hold on a moment longer to yet another glorious New York summer. I woke up around 9 to a cool breeze coming through my window and relaxed for about an hour. I got up, put on a sweatshirt to lessen that slight morning chill as you get out of bed, and then cleaned house cause I'm too busy during the week. I carefully crafted an outfit for the day, including jacket and scarf just because its been a little chilly.
Lauren Loeb and I met for brunch in the West Village. We went to this adorable little place with garden seating where we sat in the shade sipping coffee. What a perfect morning. Following brunch we wandered to a couple of stores before parting ways.
I then headed uptown to watch the Jets/ Pats (go Pats!) and Redskins/Rams (Go Redskins!) games with my older brother at this bar called "ship of fools." Perfect name for a sports bar. Its actually a really cool set up and you have to make reservations ahead of time to guarantee a table, not overly crowded. I was originally not invited to this event because it was an all boys event, but Tom told me to join when it was just him and Neal. We watched the games while drinking beer, though I was a little lost. Not going to lie I know baseball way better than I know football.
It was great sitting in the bar in a sweatshirt, jeans and flip flops. I was cozy but comfortable.
Following the games, we headed to my brother's neighborhood to get cookies at this fantastic little bakery. I love that late afternoon sun, when its starting to set around 5pm. I stayed over there, just chilling until the sun went down and I realized I had to get home to watch the Emmy's because one of my bosses was on it.
As I reached home, I realized that today I was not holding on to the summer but rather embracing the spirit of the fall. Sitting around watching football all afternoon with the boys was so much fun. I love that I can now comfortably wear a jacket or sweatshirt with out being to hot, and the cool breezes that help balance out the moments in the sun.
Fall finally arrives and I remember growing up with Fall Baseball, High School football games, theatre rehearsals, camping, smores, apple cider, hayrides, concerts on the beach while huddled in blankets and sweatshirts; fall is quite possibly the best season, the best of both worlds. Baseball and football, summer dresses and sweatshirts, Iced coffee and apple cider, campfires with warm glows. Its falling in love all over again.
20 September 2009
19 September 2009
Wine Tasting
As we know, I am a lover of wine. White or red, sparkling or not, I can appreciate a good wine. Its getting to the point again where a glass of good wine is necessary to calm me down after a long work day. Don't worry, this wont last long, we are just about to start production and my days are getting longer and longer. I come home from work pumped and need an easy wind down (I'm no wino...).
I could spend hours in a wine store. Examining the many bottles of wine, trying to decide what I want. Generally I go with a little of this and a little of that, stock myself up so that the time I spend seems well worth its while. Recently though I have been even more and more indecisive, its like I'm afraid to commit to a decision because I don't want to rule out some other wine I could be drinking.
There is always the type that is new and fresh. The label catches your eye, and the description intrigues you. You've not tasted it yet so you don't quite know what to think. It looks interesting enough, not too pricey, it could become my new go to wine. Is it worth the risk? What if it's too sweet, or too dry? Is the blend of flavors interesting enough, or is it too pretentious for your taste? It has a surprising look to it, as any red wine should. I certainly find red wine delightful.
Then there is the simple and cheep one. Its not bad, just never quite what you want. I mean it will make you feel good for a while? But how long? And how quickly would it turn to vinegar? Do you settle? I don't generally go for the sweeter reds. I mean there's really no risk involved, its kind of safe because its always there. They continuously try to sell you on it, but you're still not quite sold.
You're old faithful is always tempting even though you like to try new things. You know you shouldn't keep indulging yourself in it, but the quality only improves with age. Generally bold, surprises you every time about how easy and smooth it goes down. A deep red with deep flavor, you can never go wrong here and yet you can't always have it. As much as you hate to over indulge, you know you have to once in a while. Only because you never know when it will, if ever be available to you again.
Winery wines intrigue me most. You have to go away to sample, or happen to attend an event that chose to use those wines. Normally, with my luck, they are always ones that I can't quite find anywhere else. Its a subtle flavor that you don't always get, took you by surprise. Its not your usual glass of wine, but you were pleasantly pleased. You try it once and want more. Now you wander wine stores looking for something that intrigues you more or just as much, but you cant find something that quite compares. You consider traveling to go back for seconds? Is it worth it, you could make a weekend out of it? It might be nice to get away. Then again, maybe you were too buzzed when you first tried it to really appreciate it, wine always tastes better after a glass or two. Is it worth the risk?
Yes these thoughts run through my head, maybe I think to much? Okay so I definitely think too much, about everything. What can I say, I like to complicate things. I will probably just settle on something new and fun, like I always do. Syrah is a good go to one, never lets me down... I wish I could find a good guy like that
I could spend hours in a wine store. Examining the many bottles of wine, trying to decide what I want. Generally I go with a little of this and a little of that, stock myself up so that the time I spend seems well worth its while. Recently though I have been even more and more indecisive, its like I'm afraid to commit to a decision because I don't want to rule out some other wine I could be drinking.
There is always the type that is new and fresh. The label catches your eye, and the description intrigues you. You've not tasted it yet so you don't quite know what to think. It looks interesting enough, not too pricey, it could become my new go to wine. Is it worth the risk? What if it's too sweet, or too dry? Is the blend of flavors interesting enough, or is it too pretentious for your taste? It has a surprising look to it, as any red wine should. I certainly find red wine delightful.
Then there is the simple and cheep one. Its not bad, just never quite what you want. I mean it will make you feel good for a while? But how long? And how quickly would it turn to vinegar? Do you settle? I don't generally go for the sweeter reds. I mean there's really no risk involved, its kind of safe because its always there. They continuously try to sell you on it, but you're still not quite sold.
You're old faithful is always tempting even though you like to try new things. You know you shouldn't keep indulging yourself in it, but the quality only improves with age. Generally bold, surprises you every time about how easy and smooth it goes down. A deep red with deep flavor, you can never go wrong here and yet you can't always have it. As much as you hate to over indulge, you know you have to once in a while. Only because you never know when it will, if ever be available to you again.
Winery wines intrigue me most. You have to go away to sample, or happen to attend an event that chose to use those wines. Normally, with my luck, they are always ones that I can't quite find anywhere else. Its a subtle flavor that you don't always get, took you by surprise. Its not your usual glass of wine, but you were pleasantly pleased. You try it once and want more. Now you wander wine stores looking for something that intrigues you more or just as much, but you cant find something that quite compares. You consider traveling to go back for seconds? Is it worth it, you could make a weekend out of it? It might be nice to get away. Then again, maybe you were too buzzed when you first tried it to really appreciate it, wine always tastes better after a glass or two. Is it worth the risk?
Yes these thoughts run through my head, maybe I think to much? Okay so I definitely think too much, about everything. What can I say, I like to complicate things. I will probably just settle on something new and fun, like I always do. Syrah is a good go to one, never lets me down... I wish I could find a good guy like that
12 September 2009
Runner's High
When I first started running I told my dad how incredible it was that running was the only activity I could do where my head just stops thinking and focuses on whats directly ahead of me. It's the only thing I can do to really clear my mind. He said something to the effect of: its amazing what happens when you deprive your body of oxygen. Thanks dad, now people are going to think I'm obsessed with some weird fetish. No, no, just running.
I do have to say though, the more I ran, the more my mind cleared. As someone who puts too much thought into everything, it was nice finally being able to turn it all off. I have never experienced a more calming activity, I have never experienced my own ability to really focus on one thing for a while. It helps me better appreciate and understand the rest of my world.
I won't lie, the single greatest moment of my year thus far was crossing that finish line. Something I had worked so hard for. 6 months ago i might not have crossed it. But I did, and here I am a week later still riding on that runner's high.
The actual day of the race I was nervous. I had butterflies in my tummy and I didn't know what to think. My friends were up in the 17th Corral and I was suppose to be in the 26th because when I signed up I had no concept of timing .
My friends and I got stuck in a bathroom line and by the time we were done the groups were lining up. My friends told me to just start with them and I could lag back when ever I needed to. So I did. The race had begun, I started my play list with "Dirty Little Secret," and I paced myself with my friend Sarah.
I paced with her for 9 miles, making brief stops for water, cytomax and disgusting goo. At mile 6.5 we saw two other JMU girls and so we started the fight song, quite a few more JMU alums joined in. Go Dukes! We reached mile 3, Sarah looks over at me and says "Maura, Ive hardly run a half mile with you before and here we are on mile 3." She kept checking in on me, but as long as we were both still chatting, we knew our pacing was good.
Camp Pendleton killed me (go figure) because it was out in the open sunlight for 3 miles. Because of it I had to stop at mile 9 and start walking. Sarah and I did a cheer for mile 9 and she kept going while I walked a bit. Soon enough I was running again. Run walk, Run walk, for the rest of the race.
As I near the boardwalk my theme song, "Hanging by a Moment," comes on. How appropriate, you have no idea. I am jogging there and determined to full out run the last half mile. So I do. I'm on the home stretch and "Harder to Breathe" plays. I start to sprint. I cross the finish line after 2hours, 27 minutes and 54 seconds, 3 minutes (to the second) after Sarah. I am in a state of pure ecstasy.
Two thoughts run through my head: 1. Oh dear lord, I just finished! 2. WTF did I just put myself through? Beyond that I didn't think much beyond "keep walking," "ooh water," "ooh cold towel," "ooh banana."
We all might be crazy. Yes, I probably should have tried a 5k or a 10k before I tackled a half marathon. When have I ever done things the logical way though. I dove head first. When I do things, I do them right; Go big, or go home. It was amazing.
I don't remember when I was last so focused or so committed to anything. I spend most of my time making sure I am not tied too tightly to anything. Sometimes I wonder if I am missing out in this way. The feeling I had here was one of the most amazing things I have ever felt, definitely one of my top 10 all time best moments.
And to think, I was never a runner until I decided to run a half marathon. Rock and Roll it.
I do have to say though, the more I ran, the more my mind cleared. As someone who puts too much thought into everything, it was nice finally being able to turn it all off. I have never experienced a more calming activity, I have never experienced my own ability to really focus on one thing for a while. It helps me better appreciate and understand the rest of my world.
I won't lie, the single greatest moment of my year thus far was crossing that finish line. Something I had worked so hard for. 6 months ago i might not have crossed it. But I did, and here I am a week later still riding on that runner's high.
The actual day of the race I was nervous. I had butterflies in my tummy and I didn't know what to think. My friends were up in the 17th Corral and I was suppose to be in the 26th because when I signed up I had no concept of timing .
My friends and I got stuck in a bathroom line and by the time we were done the groups were lining up. My friends told me to just start with them and I could lag back when ever I needed to. So I did. The race had begun, I started my play list with "Dirty Little Secret," and I paced myself with my friend Sarah.
I paced with her for 9 miles, making brief stops for water, cytomax and disgusting goo. At mile 6.5 we saw two other JMU girls and so we started the fight song, quite a few more JMU alums joined in. Go Dukes! We reached mile 3, Sarah looks over at me and says "Maura, Ive hardly run a half mile with you before and here we are on mile 3." She kept checking in on me, but as long as we were both still chatting, we knew our pacing was good.
Camp Pendleton killed me (go figure) because it was out in the open sunlight for 3 miles. Because of it I had to stop at mile 9 and start walking. Sarah and I did a cheer for mile 9 and she kept going while I walked a bit. Soon enough I was running again. Run walk, Run walk, for the rest of the race.
As I near the boardwalk my theme song, "Hanging by a Moment," comes on. How appropriate, you have no idea. I am jogging there and determined to full out run the last half mile. So I do. I'm on the home stretch and "Harder to Breathe" plays. I start to sprint. I cross the finish line after 2hours, 27 minutes and 54 seconds, 3 minutes (to the second) after Sarah. I am in a state of pure ecstasy.
Two thoughts run through my head: 1. Oh dear lord, I just finished! 2. WTF did I just put myself through? Beyond that I didn't think much beyond "keep walking," "ooh water," "ooh cold towel," "ooh banana."
We all might be crazy. Yes, I probably should have tried a 5k or a 10k before I tackled a half marathon. When have I ever done things the logical way though. I dove head first. When I do things, I do them right; Go big, or go home. It was amazing.
I don't remember when I was last so focused or so committed to anything. I spend most of my time making sure I am not tied too tightly to anything. Sometimes I wonder if I am missing out in this way. The feeling I had here was one of the most amazing things I have ever felt, definitely one of my top 10 all time best moments.
And to think, I was never a runner until I decided to run a half marathon. Rock and Roll it.
Finishing Moments, but before reflective post
Last full song listened to: Hanging by a Moment
Song I crossed Finish Line to: Harder to Breathe
You have no idea how appropriate these two are
Song I crossed Finish Line to: Harder to Breathe
You have no idea how appropriate these two are
05 September 2009
Rock and Roll It
So here's the deal, as it is the Rock and Roll Half Marathon that I am doing, I thought it only appropriate to share my playlist with the world: (You get bonus points for commenting on my musical preferences for running- upbeat and fun)
- All American Rejects: Dirty Little Secret
- Cartel: Honestly
- GooGoo Dolls: Slide
- Ace of Base: The Sign
- Artic Monkies: I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor
- Bad Wizard: Sky High
- Britney Spears: Baby One More Time
- Michelle Branch: Everywhere
- Guns and Roses: Sweet Child of Mine
- Heart: What about Love
- Jimmy Eat World: The Sweetness
- Justing Timberlake: Sexy Back
- Journey: Dont Stop Believing
- Kelly Clarkson: Since You've Been Gone
- Goo Goo Dolls: Black Balloon
- Black Eyed Peas: Lets Get it Started
- Cranberries: Linger
- CheapTrick: I Want You To Want Me
- Aerosmith: Love in an Elevator
- All American Rejects: Swing Swing
- Amy Winehouse: Rhab
- Bangles: Manic Monday
- Dave Matthews Band: Crash
- Dave Matthews Band: Satellite
- Eagle Eye Cherry: Save Tonight
- Eddie Money: Take Me Home Tonight
- The Fray: How to Save Life
- Quietdrive: Time After Time
- Rock Kills Kid: Hope Song
- J. Giles Band: Centerfold
- Rick Springfield: Jesse's Girl
- The Clash: London Calling
- Guns and Roses: Paradise City
- Hootie and the Blowfish: Hold My Hand
- Incubus: Drive
- JoJo: Fairy Tales
- The Killers: Somebody Told Me
- KT Tunstill: Black Horse and Cherry Tree
- LifeHouse: Hanging By a Moment
- Maroon 5: Harder to Breathe
- Matchbox Twenty: If You're Gone
- Michael Jackson: Billie Jean
- Nine Days: Story of a Girl
- No Doubt: Just a Girl
- No Doubt: Spiderwebs
- N'Sync: I Want You Back
- Oasis: Champagne Supernova
- Pink: Who Knew
- Pearl Jam: Light My Fire
- Raconteurs: Steady as She Goes
- Sister Hazel: Change Your Mind
- Spice Girls: Wannabe
- Sugar Ray: Every Morning
- Third Eye Blind: Never Let You Go
- Travis: Side
- U2: Beautiful Day
- Van Halen: Man on a Mission
- Vertical Horizon: Everything you want
- The Wallflowers: Letters from the Wasteland
- White Snake: Here I go Again
- The Who: Pinball Wizard
- Spice Girls: Love thing
- Puddle of Mudd: Blurry
- Paula Abdul: Straight Up
- Panic at the Disco: I write Sins Not Tragedies
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)