Rants, Recipes, and Running

Normal people escape winter to sunny and warm climates. Places where you can BBQ in a tshirt in January. Lounge by the pool in February. Wear shorts year round. I live in one of those places ;) Instead of escaping somewhere warm....we like to escape somewhere with cool temps and snow! Well, Ryan really made an escape this Monday - as he is in a winter climate in NY for the next 3 months. But that is for work. And believe me, if he wasn't living in a hotel -- I'd be joining him. But my work-from-home job requires a hard-wire internet due to security purposes. And we have a 65 lb Golden Retriever. I have blogged often about "Mount Lemmon" here in Tucson that is always at least 20 degrees cooler, has amazing pines, fresh air, camping, and hiking. In the winter, if Tucson is getting a lot of rain - that means Mount Lemmon is getting snow. There is actually a ski lodge. Not the best skiing - as there is really only 1 slope and it is EXTREMELY steep. But....it...

Resolutions? Goals? Bucket List. Because I like lists. 2017 - bring it on. This is my list, in no particular order of importance - just things I'd like to check off the list when we ring in 2018 next year... It makes me fill better if I was unable to check something off the list. In opposed to "I didn't reach my goal." or "I failed miserably at the resolutions this year" Get my recipes organized Qualify for the Boston Marathon during my 2.24.17 marathon -- (goal time is 3:25) Run a half marathon in 1:35 Run 2017 miles Don't miss mass. Become a subject matter expert in at least 2 quality areas (boring work stuff) ;) By the end of the year, be submitting application to become a coach at work (which is my companies term for a "manager") Visit NYC Touch the Statue of Liberty (do they let you do that?) Run in Central Park Eat a hot dog from a New York City hot dog stand. (I don't even like hot dogs...but it's necessar...

And just when I felt like I was getting into a rhythm of 2016....2017 is knocking at our door. I entered 2016 thinking life would be very different than how it turned out! And that's not such a bad thing! This is a long post - but a lot happened in 2016. These yearly recaps are always fun to look back on for myself. So don't feel obligated to scroll through a dissertation of my life in 2016 ;). January - I started the year off on January 1 with a 20 mile run, for a marathon I was training for that I never got to complete because I had to go to Tampa, FL for training for my new job. Why yes I'm still bitter, because I have trained for 5 marathons, and only been able to race and complete 2. Our house went on the market on January 6, as we were getting ready to start our migration around the country. We had a cash offer by January 10. We were moved out by January 25 - and entered apartment living! (Our 1st time in the 8 years we have been together!) February - I ...

What a great weekend this has been!! I absolutely love December and all the holiday parties, food, and fun. And being this was the only weekend Ryan had off -- we packed it full of good times!!  We have a group of 5 really good friends/couples that have started a "dinner party group". Every month someone hosts the dinner party. The host makes the main dish, has a theme, and everyone brings a side dish/appetizer/dessert to complement! Friday night we hosted - and it was our 2nd party -- and it is so much fun! Ryan and I decided to go with "Thai night", since that is our favorite cuisine to cook. We made Shrimp and Chicken Pad Thai. And I had to go to a special Asian grocery store (LeeLee's) to get the ingredients. So in other words...it was the "real deal". It was SO good! We didn't get any photos of us cooking or our food. But we did get a few photos post dinner of the game playing ;) We played the game "Watch Ya Mouth" - you w...

As Advent and Christmas season is among us, I thought I'd share my thoughts and joys via blog with different themes throughout the month.  This is my absolute favorite time of the year, for a variety of reasons.  1. The temperatures start to get amazing in Tucon. 30-40's at night. 60's during the day. Cool enough for tights, leggings, and sweaters. Warm enough to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine.  2. I adore Christmas music, decorations, lights, garland, and everything glistening. 3. The food!  The drink! An excuse to spend every weekend baking something new. Sipping Christmas themed cocktails or delicious red wine. Gingerbread, peppermints, fudge.....ahhhh So for post #1, I share my favorite: The fireplace.  Ryan and I have lived in 4 houses, and 2 apartments - and this is our 1st with a fireplace! I have dreamt of decorating a mantle for years - so am very pleased we get that in this home.  Our fireplace was converted into a do...

I know, I know - Thanksgiving was 2 days ago. But I have to do a little reflection post of the season. I also haven't had a personal computer for several weeks. (long story). So alas, I make time for a little reflection and tribute post to those things I am thankful for. Because isn't the entire holiday season a time of thanksgiving, love, and joy? I write this post at a Starbucks in Las Vegas, as my dear husband does grad schoolhomework. For the hotel he is living at for 3 weeks has unreliable Wifi. Needless to say, he is excited to come home! ;) So greetings from Sin City! 2016 has been a whirlwind of a year. We have had many changes and different things thrown at us, and when I look back to a year ago - I feel like I, too, have changed. But if you aren't changing, you aren't growing. I am thankful for a home . The obvious shelter, air conditioning, pillow to rest my head on. But beyond that....we purchased a new home this year that will be our "foreve...

Sunday I competed in the final race of the "Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown Race Series". Remember that big shooting that happened in Tucson where Gabby Giffords was shot? Well, one of the victims was Gabe Zimmerman, who was an avid runner in the community. Tucson has started a charity race series in honor of Gabe. It's a great series full of good people, community, and support -- and the 3 races really showcase how beautiful Tucson is. It starts with the Downtown 5K in May, which is a night race. It's a fast, flat race through Downtown Tucson as the sun sets. And the post race party has a giant block party with bands, food trucks, and all the bars/restaurants give discounts to anyone wearing a race bib! This is the crew of ladies on Race #1. Ryan and I did get a photo together, I just cannnot seem to find it ;) I PR'd my 5K in this one and ran the 5K in 20:19, which was a 6:30 pace. My goal is to break 20 minutes next year!  Race 2 is the Saguaro National P...