So this year, the marathon I chose to train for is on my birthday -- April 24. My parents, little sister, boyfriend and a handful of other favorite people of mine are all schlepping down to Nashville for the Country Music marathon so some of us can run 26.2 miles (and I will celebrate all of my 32 years).
However, I've had problem after problem this year. Bad shoulder. Wonky toes. Super sharp plantar fasciitis. And now I have yet another eerily familiar woe -- the dreaded posterior shin splints. My right leg's calf is soooo sore on one little spot specifically on the inside of that leg. Been there -- done that. In 2007 I had a sore posterior shin on that same right leg the month or two before the Marine Corps Marathon. I completed... in a lot of pain and with a handful of advils. And within three days afterwards, I couldn't put any weight on it at all and I learned I had a stress fracture in my tibia. Cut to 6-7 weeks of wearing an evil boot and having to go to the world's creepiest and flirtiest sports orthopedist. Bad news.
So I'm paranoid that this is what I may have again... I sit here with ice on my stupid calf and worry that I'll have to spend my birthday tortured as I watch all my loved ones run the race that I was supposed to be in. That could be a REALLY crappy birthday. I know I'm insane to want to run a full marathon on the one day of the year that is all about me... but the actual race day is the only reason I dare run in the first place. I hate running coincidentally... but the glory of the finish line always give me amnesia to the hard work and exhaustion of training. So I'm saying my prayers and hopefully this Cobra kicks in so I have health insurance (they say it will be retroactive but I don't trust it). I have 67 days to try to get back on this bandwagon that I can't seem to stay on for even a solid week. Here's hoping!
Showing posts with label birthday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label birthday. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Friday, April 24, 2009
Celebrity Sighting: Birthday Edition
I walked past America's Next Top Model judge Nigel Barker on Bleeker Street at lunch today. He was tall and super super hot.
He did NOT come up to me and say, "Happy birthday, baby. I'm your present. This is going to be the best damn year of both of our lives."
He did however make a funny look at me... probably because I was using profane and unladylike language while I was on the phone with my sister.
I'm so damn classy, I just can't help it.
He did NOT come up to me and say, "Happy birthday, baby. I'm your present. This is going to be the best damn year of both of our lives."
He did however make a funny look at me... probably because I was using profane and unladylike language while I was on the phone with my sister.
I'm so damn classy, I just can't help it.
Monday, August 25, 2008
I May be Belated but She's Still 33 Years of Fabulous!
Luckily, my sister Jessica is a very patient girl. Sorry I'm so crazy late!
I have so many memories of my last 30 years (her 33) with my older sister Jessica. She was the ultimate in childhood playmates. Flying kites, playing hide-n-seek in the corn, trying to trek to the "monster tree" at the other end of the neighbors field, playing in the woods, fun with Barbies (along with our Strawberry Shortcakes and Michael Jackson dolls), and coloring the drywall in our colorful playroom... and so many more tales that I could probably write hundreds of blog posts on!
Shockingly, I actually don't remember us fighting too much at all as kids. We had to be united in the middle of nowhere USA. And she was so patient with my shadowing her every step.
Then we entered the teenage years and, in high school, she flourished. She was the most talented in chorus, she loved playing tennis, and she got great grades. Guess what I did in high school... exactly the same damn things! I guess I continued to shadow her. What can I say? She inspired me to achieve what she had and I know I may not have set my goals so high if she hadn't paved the way.
Additionally, even as a young child, she had such an infatuation with reading and writing. That was the one area where, although I was always pretty good with those same disciplines, I did not want to shadow her. I knew her talents weren't something you could easily learn or try really hard to achieve... not that she didn't work her ass off through high school and college and beyond of course... but it came so naturally and brilliant to her that I had to watch at a distance in awe.
And now so many years later, she is a very talented writer in DC surviving in a field (newspaper journalism) that is sadly a dying industry. And although obviously the future is rocky, she perseveres where many have not.
She is married to an incredible man who is such a great addition to our wacky family (happy belated to you too Bill). As soon as I met him I knew he was the one. We met at a New Years party and bonded over magnetic poetry (which just got more and more interesting as the alcohol flowed). He was a riot and just as hilarious and fun as Jessica. And even more importantly, she adored him and he was able to recognize the many amazing characterics that I also adore her for. Its gotta be so tough for any man to compete with the bond between my sisters and I, not to mention simply keep up with Jessica's wit and sass, but Bill has proved he can handle all three of us (unless we're wielding paintball guns).
Lastly, she's additionally an inspiration as a mother. I obviously had a great one as my own inspiration, and Jessica reinforces it. Her personality throughout her life has been one of watchfulness and mothering both to myself and to our younger sister. So to be the mom of her two incredible children, let alone a phenomenal one at that, is not a stretch of the imagination nor a surprise. Even more amazing, is that at merely 4, her daughter Madeline reminds me SO much of Jessica. The way Madeline takes care of her younger brother Eli, is so Jessica as a big sister to me. Maddy will be a great mother, an amazing sister, a gorgeous sassy wit, and a smart and talented whatever-she-decides-to-be-someday.
Happy belated birthday, Jessica. I love you and I'm still inspired by you to this day.
I have so many memories of my last 30 years (her 33) with my older sister Jessica. She was the ultimate in childhood playmates. Flying kites, playing hide-n-seek in the corn, trying to trek to the "monster tree" at the other end of the neighbors field, playing in the woods, fun with Barbies (along with our Strawberry Shortcakes and Michael Jackson dolls), and coloring the drywall in our colorful playroom... and so many more tales that I could probably write hundreds of blog posts on!
Shockingly, I actually don't remember us fighting too much at all as kids. We had to be united in the middle of nowhere USA. And she was so patient with my shadowing her every step.
Then we entered the teenage years and, in high school, she flourished. She was the most talented in chorus, she loved playing tennis, and she got great grades. Guess what I did in high school... exactly the same damn things! I guess I continued to shadow her. What can I say? She inspired me to achieve what she had and I know I may not have set my goals so high if she hadn't paved the way.
Additionally, even as a young child, she had such an infatuation with reading and writing. That was the one area where, although I was always pretty good with those same disciplines, I did not want to shadow her. I knew her talents weren't something you could easily learn or try really hard to achieve... not that she didn't work her ass off through high school and college and beyond of course... but it came so naturally and brilliant to her that I had to watch at a distance in awe.
And now so many years later, she is a very talented writer in DC surviving in a field (newspaper journalism) that is sadly a dying industry. And although obviously the future is rocky, she perseveres where many have not.
She is married to an incredible man who is such a great addition to our wacky family (happy belated to you too Bill). As soon as I met him I knew he was the one. We met at a New Years party and bonded over magnetic poetry (which just got more and more interesting as the alcohol flowed). He was a riot and just as hilarious and fun as Jessica. And even more importantly, she adored him and he was able to recognize the many amazing characterics that I also adore her for. Its gotta be so tough for any man to compete with the bond between my sisters and I, not to mention simply keep up with Jessica's wit and sass, but Bill has proved he can handle all three of us (unless we're wielding paintball guns).
Lastly, she's additionally an inspiration as a mother. I obviously had a great one as my own inspiration, and Jessica reinforces it. Her personality throughout her life has been one of watchfulness and mothering both to myself and to our younger sister. So to be the mom of her two incredible children, let alone a phenomenal one at that, is not a stretch of the imagination nor a surprise. Even more amazing, is that at merely 4, her daughter Madeline reminds me SO much of Jessica. The way Madeline takes care of her younger brother Eli, is so Jessica as a big sister to me. Maddy will be a great mother, an amazing sister, a gorgeous sassy wit, and a smart and talented whatever-she-decides-to-be-someday.
Happy belated birthday, Jessica. I love you and I'm still inspired by you to this day.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Fruity Champagne Toasts to Bén on his birthday!
Happy birthday, Ben... hope you win $10K from all those scratch tickets I got you and that you have a great day!
(you look so sly in this random pic I found)
(you look so sly in this random pic I found)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Belated Birthday Love to My Favorite Little Sister
So my little sister Tessa turned 24 on Saturday (would have posted then but they didn't have wi-fi in the hot air balloon and she was getting drunk with mom and dad at the Country Concert that day anyhow... (yes, I'm serious)).
So just wanted to take a little minute to wish her a happy birthday and hope that her 24th will be her best year yet.
I have to confess, I was really pissed off at her when she was born. See, Sandy Hoying got to stand up in front of my Kindergarten class to announce the arrival of her new baby sister. But Tessa, the little brat, had to be born during the summer... so I never got the chance to stand in front of everyone and have my moment in the spotlight.
Over the next few years, I learned to take a back seat to her spotlight anyhow... see, she just HAPPENED to be the cutest damn kid ever. Seriously though... I think she is in the Guiness Book for that. Damn her again. But it was okay. I eventually got my revenge tormenting her by forcing her to eat cat food and star in my crappy homemade music videos to songs ranging from "Pretty Woman" to "I'm Too Sexy".
Then she grew up... and happened to become little miss popular. Seriously though, she has a knack for having deep friendships and meaningful bonds with everyone... no matter how old or young. She's just one of those people that everyone gravitates towards and adores the second they meet her. She also happens to be one of the funniest people I know so that doesn't hurt either.
Now that she's out of college and a bit more settled into her life, she still does such amazing things with it. She volunteers weekly with the Achilles Track Club (which has inspired me to get involved with them too), she has an amazing job at Nickelodeon that she's phenomenal at, she's living in one of the hardest cities to start out in (NYC), and despite her ups and downs with with her health, its never made her hesitate from training for and conquering marathons and triathlons. She never uses it as an excuse and it just drives her even more. If it wasn't for her running despite that it wasn't so easy at times, I would have never even thought I could do it too. I think of her so much when I go on my runs and now that we share this running habit, we've gotten so much closer because of it.
She's such an inspiration in all aspects to me... both in her strong friendships and giving nature to her determination in everything she sets her mind too.
I love you so much, Tessa... and, even though I've tormented you throughout the years, I really am so grateful that you are in my life and one of my two best friends.
As you would say when you were just a little kid: "Hugs, kisses, and pinches on the butt."
So just wanted to take a little minute to wish her a happy birthday and hope that her 24th will be her best year yet.
I have to confess, I was really pissed off at her when she was born. See, Sandy Hoying got to stand up in front of my Kindergarten class to announce the arrival of her new baby sister. But Tessa, the little brat, had to be born during the summer... so I never got the chance to stand in front of everyone and have my moment in the spotlight.
Over the next few years, I learned to take a back seat to her spotlight anyhow... see, she just HAPPENED to be the cutest damn kid ever. Seriously though... I think she is in the Guiness Book for that. Damn her again. But it was okay. I eventually got my revenge tormenting her by forcing her to eat cat food and star in my crappy homemade music videos to songs ranging from "Pretty Woman" to "I'm Too Sexy".
Then she grew up... and happened to become little miss popular. Seriously though, she has a knack for having deep friendships and meaningful bonds with everyone... no matter how old or young. She's just one of those people that everyone gravitates towards and adores the second they meet her. She also happens to be one of the funniest people I know so that doesn't hurt either.
Now that she's out of college and a bit more settled into her life, she still does such amazing things with it. She volunteers weekly with the Achilles Track Club (which has inspired me to get involved with them too), she has an amazing job at Nickelodeon that she's phenomenal at, she's living in one of the hardest cities to start out in (NYC), and despite her ups and downs with with her health, its never made her hesitate from training for and conquering marathons and triathlons. She never uses it as an excuse and it just drives her even more. If it wasn't for her running despite that it wasn't so easy at times, I would have never even thought I could do it too. I think of her so much when I go on my runs and now that we share this running habit, we've gotten so much closer because of it.
She's such an inspiration in all aspects to me... both in her strong friendships and giving nature to her determination in everything she sets her mind too.
I love you so much, Tessa... and, even though I've tormented you throughout the years, I really am so grateful that you are in my life and one of my two best friends.
As you would say when you were just a little kid: "Hugs, kisses, and pinches on the butt."
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Tomorrow is the Day...
The new iphone comes out tomorrow. Hopefully there will be enough that I will get mine too. I've officially waited almost 3 months since deciding that's what I wanted for my 30th birthday (April 24). I've never been this patient in my life... I am not, however, as patient as this man here who has parked his butt outside of the Boston Boylston Street since yesterday... and remains the ONLY one there in line. Hilarious.
Monday, May 12, 2008
More Photos from my Birthday Dinner
Jen sent a lovely collection of photos... where the heck is she in all of them though?!?
Thursday, May 1, 2008
The Big Birthday ... Continued
The 30th birthday is officially over, I've caught up on sleep, although I'm still waiting for someone to reveal that I am not actually an adult but a teenager in disguise (a la that dumb movie "13 Going on 30").
Last Friday, we went to the Beehive. It was a great time and I had many "Angels" -- a framboise and champagne cocktail. I did not, however, have any food. Apparently, turning 30 does not make one figure those kinds of basics out. Still had a blast, despite Raj getting kicked out for (1) being Canadian and (2) having a disgusting attitude. (Number 2 so not being true ever of Raj). Thanks to all who turned out. And my apologies for being drunk and silly.
Saturday night, the festivities continued. My sister Tessa and friends Jen + Lynn came up from NYC. We went to Stella with Liz, Kristen, Laura, Umar, Pierre, + Danielle for a fabulous dinner (mmmmm), fabulous conversations, fabulous friends, and fabulous gifts (books, a planter, jewelry, beauty products, ANOTHER cooking class and to go with it an AMAZING cleaver! I didn't even know I wanted a cleaver but I was tickled pink over it! Geniuses. My friends and all their amazing gifts (although unnecessary) are all geniuses and know me SO well!). I'm so grateful
The night continued upstairs at my apartment for a pajamie-jammie-jam. Candy, karaoke, movies, champagne, MATCHING PAJAMAS (how did I not get that photo!?), chocolate fondue. It was awesome... and, um, HELLO!?! Life List #109: Throw an old-school all-girls pajama party sleepover... CHECK!
Great birthday! Definitely better than when I rang in my last decade (nothing bad happened - I think it was just uneventful).
Thanks to everyone! Images to come in that sidebar soon!
Last Friday, we went to the Beehive. It was a great time and I had many "Angels" -- a framboise and champagne cocktail. I did not, however, have any food. Apparently, turning 30 does not make one figure those kinds of basics out. Still had a blast, despite Raj getting kicked out for (1) being Canadian and (2) having a disgusting attitude. (Number 2 so not being true ever of Raj). Thanks to all who turned out. And my apologies for being drunk and silly.
Saturday night, the festivities continued. My sister Tessa and friends Jen + Lynn came up from NYC. We went to Stella with Liz, Kristen, Laura, Umar, Pierre, + Danielle for a fabulous dinner (mmmmm), fabulous conversations, fabulous friends, and fabulous gifts (books, a planter, jewelry, beauty products, ANOTHER cooking class and to go with it an AMAZING cleaver! I didn't even know I wanted a cleaver but I was tickled pink over it! Geniuses. My friends and all their amazing gifts (although unnecessary) are all geniuses and know me SO well!). I'm so grateful
The night continued upstairs at my apartment for a pajamie-jammie-jam. Candy, karaoke, movies, champagne, MATCHING PAJAMAS (how did I not get that photo!?), chocolate fondue. It was awesome... and, um, HELLO!?! Life List #109: Throw an old-school all-girls pajama party sleepover... CHECK!
Great birthday! Definitely better than when I rang in my last decade (nothing bad happened - I think it was just uneventful).
Thanks to everyone! Images to come in that sidebar soon!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Do you Know Whose Birthday it is Today???
Barbara Streisands, actually. And Kelly Clarkson too.
Its been a great start to my thirysomethings -- flowers from Jessica, lots of email/phone birthday wishes, and last night something I've never had in my twenties, teens, or as a child -- A SURPRISE PARTY!!!
I really was totally fooled and totally surprised! It was so exciting! All from work and their significant others were there... along with my good friends Silvia, Christi, Jeff, and Sarah. We had pizza, cheese, chips and salsa, and, of course, CARROT CAKE! Oh, and lots of champagne (man, do they know me well).
I received some amazing gifts as well -- I'm officially spoiled! Thank you so much everyone! (if you couldn't make it, check out my slideshow on the sidebar in the right).
I love my thirties!
Its been a great start to my thirysomethings -- flowers from Jessica, lots of email/phone birthday wishes, and last night something I've never had in my twenties, teens, or as a child -- A SURPRISE PARTY!!!
I really was totally fooled and totally surprised! It was so exciting! All from work and their significant others were there... along with my good friends Silvia, Christi, Jeff, and Sarah. We had pizza, cheese, chips and salsa, and, of course, CARROT CAKE! Oh, and lots of champagne (man, do they know me well).
I received some amazing gifts as well -- I'm officially spoiled! Thank you so much everyone! (if you couldn't make it, check out my slideshow on the sidebar in the right).
I love my thirties!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Irving's Toy & Card Shop in Brookline
I'll tell you what — nothing makes you feel like a kid again like cheap plastic toys and awesome candy. In preparation for my "Sweet 16 (Plus 14)" Pajamie-Jam this weekend, I swept off at lunch today to Irving's Toy and Card Shop in Brookline. I had so much fun buying random toys like a Magic 8 Ball, Silly Putty, Slinky, Flutophone, an Echo Microphone and tons of yummy candies like Now&Later, Airheads, Ring Pops, Push Pops, Lemonheads, Atomic Firebombs, Nerds and more...
Check out this photo of the ever awesome Ethel who has been ringing up the old-time cash register since 1942! What a great institution!
Check out this photo of the ever awesome Ethel who has been ringing up the old-time cash register since 1942! What a great institution!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
My birthday week is off to a great start!
Today is a bevy of blog posts, eh?Well, its officially birthday week (big day is Thursday) and at my office yesterday, not one, not two, but THREE birthday packages arrived! And, they were all from my awesome friends Alex + Christine in Chicago. They are the most clever gift-givers ever.
Check it -- the first package (which didn't have a "from" anywhere on it so it brought this whole aura of mystery) was a gift certificate to the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts. The second package was an awesome box of various curry spices and bay leaves and such that smelled INTOXICATINGLY good. And the last package was from Amazon.com with an Indian cookbook! I love theme presents!!!
I'm so excited to test out some new recipes and take a class at the cooking school. I've fallen off the cooking band-wagon lately getting lots of take-out and frozen food and I really miss cooking... recipes to share later when I test them out!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Happy Hour at the Beehive - April 25
Yes, it may hard to believe when looking at my youthful fresh face (ha), but I turn 30 next Thursday. WOO HOOO!!! Thursday itself is a day including a physical at the doctor, lots of work, and probably a last minute house-cleaning for my weekend of visitors (not to mention PAJAMIE-JAM!). But on Friday, April 25, I'm having a little Happy Hour at the Beehive. Right after work (6:30ish). Lines usually start at 9ish on Fridays so come on the early side so you aren't waiting in a line...
Join me!
Join me!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Lift List #107: Do a Keg Stand with my Sisters
Check!
So I finally did my first keg-stand. Although it was an experiment for even the experienced keg-standers. Saturday night at my sister's house in Alexandria, we had wings, pizza, beer, bocce, and birthday cake. And three little girls fighting over princess costumes, of course. Oh, the drama of being 4 makes me appreciate turning 30.
The experiment part of the evening came when the liquor store didn't have a pony keg. And a full keg for 8 drinkers would result in some traumatizing things (or kegs and eggs the next morning before paintball... also probably traumatizing). So we got the good ole' Heineken Draught Keg... sweet. We basically put it on the ground and did hand stands in the mud. I definitely held my own compared to my sisters although my little sister easily kicked our butts (unfair advantage of being 23). And apparently, the Heiney keg is tougher to keg stand because it pours faster. So I did it... and passed the 10 second minimum implemented to count as a completed Life List item by the group.
Here's a photo of my gymnastic triumph (no... Tim is not spanking me!)
So I finally did my first keg-stand. Although it was an experiment for even the experienced keg-standers. Saturday night at my sister's house in Alexandria, we had wings, pizza, beer, bocce, and birthday cake. And three little girls fighting over princess costumes, of course. Oh, the drama of being 4 makes me appreciate turning 30.
The experiment part of the evening came when the liquor store didn't have a pony keg. And a full keg for 8 drinkers would result in some traumatizing things (or kegs and eggs the next morning before paintball... also probably traumatizing). So we got the good ole' Heineken Draught Keg... sweet. We basically put it on the ground and did hand stands in the mud. I definitely held my own compared to my sisters although my little sister easily kicked our butts (unfair advantage of being 23). And apparently, the Heiney keg is tougher to keg stand because it pours faster. So I did it... and passed the 10 second minimum implemented to count as a completed Life List item by the group.
Here's a photo of my gymnastic triumph (no... Tim is not spanking me!)
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
I Was Not Born to Be an Event Planner
For crying out loud... planning your own birthday party is a pain in the patootie. I need a boyfriend if only to take that task over.
But the evites have all gone out and the dinner reservations confirmed (not without drama first) and there's nothing more satisfying than rsvp's trickling in of who will be coming. Can't wait to share the photos from the big birthday weekend (the weekend of the 26th) and the one with my sisters this upcoming weekend (hullo... SKYDIVING!).
Lots of things will be checked off the big to do list.
But the evites have all gone out and the dinner reservations confirmed (not without drama first) and there's nothing more satisfying than rsvp's trickling in of who will be coming. Can't wait to share the photos from the big birthday weekend (the weekend of the 26th) and the one with my sisters this upcoming weekend (hullo... SKYDIVING!).
Lots of things will be checked off the big to do list.
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