ruminations
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so long … farewell
Auf wiedersehen, good night.
I’m a big grown up girl, but I still get a little weepy when my man goes away for long periods of time.
Luckily, everyone has really stepped up to the plate, and I should be able to get through the next few days (weeks?) just fine. I’ve got cooking experiments to do, work obligations that are a mile high, and lots of cleaning (I decided awhile ago that I would holy stone the entire apartment while the man was internationally jet-setting).
We set up Skype today (wow, that’s a cool thing!) so I’ll be able to show him all my attempts at cooking solo. And of course, he can keep up with my inner monologue through this blog (his true motives come to light! nah … just kidding!).
As a ‘last supper’ we ventured out to a neighborhood joint and enjoyed a delish Greek pizza (to absolutely be replicated over the next few days!) and the totally guilty pleasure of indulging in gossip TV. ** I did not know that so many completely unimportant and irrelevant things were happening in Hollywood that TMZ felt the need to document. Wow!
In the immortal words of the entire cast of The Sound of Music (yes, I make a lot of musical theatre references … because it was my first & everlasting love) ~ The sun has gone to bed and so must I … so long, farewell, auf wiedersehen good night … The man has an early flight, and I want as much snuggle time as possible before he goes!
all good things …
Must eventually come to an end.
I was bereft in 2007 when the pages dwindled and finally, I read the last words of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I’d pre-ordered my copy, and had driven straight over to the bookstore at midnight to pick it up upon its release. (Yes, I was 27). I did not go dressed in costume (although I was in the minority) and my companion, who had never read a word of HP in his life, was less than amused.
It didn’t matter to me. When I got home, I turned on the light by the couch, and settled in to read “just the first chapter” … until 6am. I remember how gingerly I opened the cover, and the sound of the binding and paper crinkling and cracking. I remember smoothing the first page of text, and reading quotes by Aeschylus and William Penn. I remember tears prickling my eyes as I read the inner flap of the book’s jacket. No tidily written blurb about what was to come. Just this ~ ” We now present the seventh and final installment in the epic tale of Harry Potter.”
I’d come to the Potterverse late … but not as late as some. Diagnosed with mononucleosis during my junior year of college, my mother (who had just read HP #1) suggested I give the books a try. I believe my initial reaction was to turn my nose up at the idea of reading a kid’s book.
But ….
I was trapped in a bed with very little else to do of which I was capable.
And thus began my ten year (and counting) love affair with Harry Potter.
When I began reading about his adventures at Hogwarts, the first four books had been published, and both #3 and #4 were available only in hardcover. I read those first four books in three days.
And then I waited two more years before Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was released. I distinctly remember two friends and myself sitting together in the living room of an apartment, reading silently for hours. We’d take mini-breaks and discuss what we’d read so far. I finished the book at 4am, during a thunderstorm, and I remember lying in my bed with tears streaming down my face. I was devastated at the loss of a character (I’m trying not to put in spoilers, because if you haven’t actually read the books, you should). I was tormented by the darkness of this fifth installation (debatably my favorite other than the last, and by far the worst movie adaptation). I couldn’t believe it was over … and wasn’t sure when the next tale would come.
Last summer I decided that prior to the movie release of HP and the Deathly Hallows Part I, I was going to introduce John to the magic of J.K. Rowling’s original story telling. We own all the books (and all the movies, which he’s seen), but I knew that getting him to pick it up and read it ahead of all the other books stacked on his nightstand would be a challenge. So for his birthday, I bought the book on audio CD.
It was genius. Each drive to work we would listen with baited breath to Jim Dale narrate the story. Towards the end, John would get into the car for our drive home and immediately turn on the stereo. As the final chapters approached, we lay on our couches at night listening to Harry Potter. It was magic in and of itself. (He has mentioned ~ and not totally begrudgingly ~ that having listened to #6 and #7, both those movies were disppointing … but I say ‘So what?’ ~ I’d rather he experienced the truth for at least one of the books!).
Tonight is really the end. No more movies to be released, no more books full of stories set in the magical wizarding world. It’s bittersweet. At 10.15 this evening, as we settle into our seats and the lights dim, for us, the final movie-making chapter of Harry Potter will commence.
I know I won’t stop reading (and listening!) to the books. Or stop watching the movies. I’m excited to see this last chapter on the silver screen, just as I was eagerly excited to hold in my hands and read the final book upon its release four years ago.
It doesn’t change the element of sadness that underlies it. But, as we all know, all good things must come to an end. And the books, and stories within in them, aren’t just good. They are, and will remain, great.
right now
I had a totally different idea of what I would pontificate on this evening. It involved ‘brownies’ and ‘from scratch’ ~ but due to an unexpected evening happy hour, I am going to have to post pone my attempts to recreate a masterpiece I experienced today until Thursday ~ as tomorrow is occupied with WeHangsDay, and I have a pretty nifty plan in store!
Some thoughts I have right now:
1. Never ever do ‘Insanity’ after 2 glasses of wine, steak tartar and a soy chai latte on the drive home. Ever. I’m very serious about this. It wasn’t until the last ten minutes that I could fully concentrate on working out and not on keeping the contents of my stomach right where they were (aka, in my stomach). I confused ambition & will power with common sense. Whoops.
2. Air conditioning is a beautiful thing.
3. ‘Radio Times’ with Marty Moscowan on NPR can be a truly thought-provoking two hours. I’m still mulling over this morning’s discussion on journalism ethics.
4. I write this blog for me mostly (it’s my hobby, remember? hehe!), and love that anyone reads it and enjoys it. But I really love it when my Mama Bear reads it, because she’s totally my hero and idol and all that I wish and strive to be as a human being. And when she reads my words and likes them, I need no other praise.
5. When I cook something good, my heart hurts that my grandmother isn’t here to see it. She would have been more than surprised that I ever made something edible, but she also would have been infinitely proud. I miss her every single day.
6. I’m very nervous about the current state of the NFL. Please, dear Football Gods, please give us a 2011 season. I’ll even take eight games only if necessary. But don’t cancel it entirely.
7. I love these lines from one of my favorite movies ~ and I’ve never even been to Iowa. Must be awfully beautiful and magical. (Guess the movie!)
“Is this heaven?”
“No… it’s Iowa!”
P.S. While searching for an image, I found out they made a Field of Dreams 2 … which just almost upset my poor stomach as much as ‘Insanity.’ Yowza, what a bad idea!
8. I love learning. I miss learning. If only there was a great class I could audit on Roman anthropology and mythology, I’d be there in a hot second.
9. I have a countdown on for two things ~ I know, decadent, eh? July 15th ~ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II hits theatres, and so do John and I to see it. Unfortunately, my HP movie buddy from the last few years will be in Maine (boo!) but I’m gonna see it on opening day anyway. Also equally important (and marked in bold red in my date book since February when the date was announced) is the release of Daniel Silva’s new Gabriel Allon book, Portrait of a Spy. I’m totally addicted to the series, and mark the release dates of the newest addition every year. That’s on July 19th, and I will be waiting outside B & N in Rittenhouse first thing Tuesday morning. Yippee!!
10. I really can’t wait to make those brownies. But after ‘Insanity’ today, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy them. But man oh man, they were soooooooooo good.
new quest
Today, John and I trekked over to our new gym ~ literally, as it’s within walking distance of our house.
And my new goal began.
I’d like to run a 5K or two, and then the Broad Street run next spring, followed by ~ if I can keep up with it and my legs are cooperative ~ a half marathon next fall.
Let me tell you, after my brief sojourn on the treadmill, I have a long way to go.
But I’ll mark it anyway. I spent 42 minutes on the treadmill. I jogged the first mile in a little over ten minutes. I walked at a 2.0 incline for a few minutes (probably about a half mile or so), and then I jogged another mile. This one felt waaaaay better than the first mile (which made me wonder if my new, year-long goal was something beyond lofty). I hit a nice stride, and felt a bit more confident. I petered out at 30 minutes, then pushed myself to finish the third mile strong ~ which I hit at 34 minutes. I’d hoped to do three miles in 30 minutes, but seeing as it’s my first time on a treadmill in over a year and half, I’ll take the 34.
Then I walked til John was done lifting at a slight incline. My quads hate me right now.
It’s dinner and relax time. We’re gonna munch on some fresh tomatoes that came home with us yesterday, and a few Trader Joe snacks while watching ‘MasterChef.’
Enjoy your Monday night!
road block
I was so pumped on Saturday, because I made it through Max Interval Cardio without taking many breaks, and managed to do all the moves in each interval, sometimes slower than the pros, but pretty consistently, which was not bad, if I say so myself. Which I did. All Saturday night.
I also said ‘Ouch’ a lot on Saturday night, because I tweaked a muscle in my back.
So today, when I woke up nice and early to greet Shaun T. with a smile after taking a wee break yesterday, I was pretty bummed that my energy level and ability to get through today’s workout ~ Max Interval Plyo (the Doozer workout which I did last week with flying colors) ~ was pretty sub-par.
The other slightly discouraging thing is that I only have six days of ‘Insanity’ left ~ which would be good if I felt like the stride I was hitting in my progress on Thursday and Saturday of last week were continuing onward and upward. Instead, I feel like I’ve hit a road block.
Oh Monday. Usually I don’t mind you so much.
frolf … or so they say
Despite our best intentions of going to play disc golf over John’s birthday weekend, it just didn’t happen.
Fast forward to today. John and I had gone our separate ways last night ~ he hung out with some college buddies, and I met up with an old co-worker (okay, I admit it, one of my most favorite ex-co-workers EVER and we haven’t seen each other in months). While I was sipping cold Bud Light at a darkly lit bar in the city, John was in the ‘burbs, plotting our weekend activities. So this morning, his fraternity brother came over for breakfast, and following perfectly cooked eggs and sausage (done by the man) we all headed out to play disc golf. Or frolf (which is a word that I may dislike more than blog ~ the jury is still out).
Disc golf is pretty fun.
I almost got hit in the head and the leg several times (mental note: don’t take pictures and ponder where Jorge Dos would explore on a Saturday morning at a busy Frisbee Golf course). But in general, it was fun.
Now, let me clarify. I didn’t play. I was a little hesitant about the whole thing, because I can’t even through a regular Frisbee, let alone throw one accurately enough to get it into a basket at the end of a ‘golf hole.’
But I think I’ve warmed up to it enough to try it out next time.
Here are some pics from today. You know you’re thinking ~ Wow, that looks like a beautiful place to walk through on a Saturday afternoon. Just remember, keep your wits about you, or you may get hit!
Jorge Dos on our way to the course
teeing off at one
the game begins
ahhh, nature
on a quest to find the 'bee
we are!
ummm... it fell over here?
gorgeous-ness
Nature is a very beautiful lady when she gets all done up!
I love the next picture ~ if only I’d snapped a millisecond sooner when he was still in mid-swing! But it was my favorite tee-box. So picturesque.
power shot!
I think, after it’s all said and done, that while I’m enthusiastic to give it a try, it will always be called disc golf in our house. Jury’s in. Decision rendered.
oh happy day!
I have been very into watching Secretariat recently. ** As a side-note, I can watch the same movie over and over again ~ for days, sometimes weeks on end (Field of Dreams comes to mind). ** But, to the point, there is something so uplifting about the story of a woman who believed in her gut instinct and knowledge, and fought tooth and nail without much support, to fulfill a dream. And what a reward at the end of it all ….
The story of Secretariat is remarkable, and to this day, he is considered one of the best athletes that ever lived. It’s incredible, really.
Watching the recreation of the Belmont Stakes of ’73 in the movie, I can’t help but feel my heart flutter with excitement as Secretariat rounds the final corner, and continues surging for the finish line. His time and margin of victory, to this point, have never been matched. No one has even come close. If nothing else, that’s amazingly impressive. 
(** For anyone who feels that movies gloss over reality, and paint prettier pictures than actually existed – which is more often than not, true – you should check out the words of Penny Chenery’s youngest son here.)
That’s the thing about sports ~ and any kind of sport, really. The wonder it inspires in those of us who aren’t amazingly skilled, to watch those who are excel in ways that sometimes defy imagination. It’s breath-taking, adrenaline-pumping … one of life’s daily miracles.
Speaking of miracles … another movie that I have over-played is Miracle, the story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team and -this is shocking, I know- the end of that movie (real audio from the actual game) gives me shivers.
“Do you believe in miracles?… YES!” Thank you Al Michaels, for one of the best sound bites in the history of sports. Not just hockey. Sports. Full stop.
Sports’ triumphs, often depicted in movies, can lift a country during a time of need (Jim Braddock, The Cinderella Man, Seabiscuit in Seabiscuit), support civil rights (Mohammad Ali, Ali) embody the morals of a people (the 1980 U.S. hockey team defeating the Soviets at the height of the Cold War, Miracle), reinforce womens’ struggle for equality (Penny Chenery, Secretariat) … really, do any number of things. Including uniting a group of people, and teaching us to believe. Because sports exist in black and white, as so little else does in our ever-evolving culture, and in times of trial, or worry, having answers gives people security. Sports give people hope.
Sixty minutes. One team wins, one team loses. And that depends on the level of performance and strategy during those constantly ticking seconds. Trust me, after this past Super Bowl, I’m intimately familiar with how important those 60 minutes are.
Nine innings. Eighteen holes. Mental toughness. Physical skill.
At the end, the score says what you accomplished, and it’s either good enough, or it’s not. There is no middle ground. It’s refreshing. It’s a relief. There’s a finality that is comforting to sports.
I am a big fan. Clearly!
That’s why it’s such a bummer I’m not better at them! However, Shaun T. and I once again had a fairly successful workout. It was the “bad workout” (aka, the one the always summons the Doozer)and not only did the Doozer not arrive, but I felt really good about my progress. Truth be told, I’m nervous to admit that – for fear that tomorrow, I will crash and burn. Ah well, we will see.
I feel it's important that you all meet Shaun T., too. Say hello.
He’s smilin’ because he loves it! (If you ever endeavor to do the workouts, you’ll find that pretty funny).
Last night’s WeHangsDay was a doozy. Our friends’ surprised John with a bag full of great BBQin’ loot to celebrate his 30th. I’m a little jealous, I have to admit! And dinner was great ~ pork tenderloin on the grill, mango salsa with a kick, and mushrooms (need I say more… really!), tomatoes, zucchini (mmmm….) and cauliflower on the grill. Yum. And … pretty good for a person, if I do say so myself! We also enjoyed some very delightful vino (keep an eye out for it on ‘in vino e verita’). All in all, a slice of perfection. Thank you, Man Cave. 😀
Also, they brought me back a present I have to share as soon as the camera is charged. Everyone, please wait with baited to breath to meet Jorge Dos. Adventures to follow. 😉
Tonight, because I’m a socializing diva (ha!), our neighbors came down to dine. We served white wine (obv!), baked salmon with an avocado cream sauce (told you I can’t resist that little green fruit), fresh broccoli from our landlords’ garden (totally flavorful ~ muchas gracias to our lovely land-people!), and little red baby new potatoes boiled and served with a drizzle of EVOO, salt and pepper. Here’s how I did it ~
~ First, I filled a saucepan with water and added the potatoes (baby red bliss). I brought the water to a slow boil, and let them cook happily away while I composed the rest of the dish. I checked on them periodically, and when they were soft (I tested by poking with a pointy knife), I pulled them off the burner and let them sit.
Meanwhile …
~ I separated the huge head of broccoli into bite size pieces, and then put them on a foil covered cookie sheet, sprinkled a little sea salt and EVOO and then popped them into the oven which was preheated to 375 for about seven minutes (note: when the broccoli starts to make audible noise from sizzling, it’s done ~ there were some crispy bits, but that added to the deliciousness).
~ Next, my fresh salmon filets. I seasoned with salt and pepper and a little white wine. Then, I baked them at 375 for about twelve minutes ~ the flesh had turned a nice light pink color, but the fish was firm to the touch.
~ While the fish cooked in the oven, I quartered two avocados, and with a whisk, smashed them up with two dollops of mayonnaise, some S & P, and a splash of soy sauce. Pretty much guacamole ~ only this time, I had a heavier hand with the mayo.
~ When the salmon was plated, and the avocado cream sauce plopped on top, I drained the potatoes, and drizzled them with EVOO, salt and pepper and some parsley flakes (green is such a lovely color … oh wait, that’s right, it is my favorite!).
I also braved making angel food cake to serve strawberry shortcake (for John’s b-day I used store bought ‘dessert cups’ and I was not a fan). Even angel food cake from a box is challenging. Just FYI.
my teeny work station
Either way, it was pretty good (sans burnt bottom).
A triumph Mrs. Cratchit! A triumph! (I will use this many times, so it’s probably a good thing to advise that this expression will make frequent appearances).
I love dinner parties. If only I could afford to entertain every day …. Ahhh.
Dreams.
wed.nes.day.
breaking the fast
It’s my favorite day of the week. I don’t know why, but I’ve always loved the Wednesday. 😀
Have a champion breakfast this morning. As I told John, I bought raspberries because they were on sale at the market. Meaning, they had raspberries they were selling. (I just can’t resist …!)
Raspberries are hands down my most favorite food. I have the best memories of going raspberry picking as a child in the borderlands of Scotland with my Granny, my Mama Bear and my little brother. We would pick baskets and baskets full of raspberries and gooseberries (which did not leave the same lasting impression on my taste buds) … and I would be stuffed by the time we left, because I would have eaten so many warm raspberries right off the vine.
Mmmm. Memories. There is nothing quite as heavenly as fresh raspberries with English heavy cream. Makes me want to check flights right now! Although sadly, the raspberry farm we used to go to has been closed for many years.
I would like to add for posterity that raspberries are best enjoyed in their native form … raspberry-flavored candy, etc just isn’t the same as pure, unadulterated raspberry. Why mess with perfection, I say?
- pure heaven
Last night, John and I hosted his closest friend from high school for dinner, and a movie. He is being deployed in August (yes, he’s one of those very brave, noble and admirable people who protect our country and I am totally in awe of that) and he was on his way home from wrapping things up at the base. Occasionally, he crashes on our couch (we’re a good mid-point between base and home, so it works out!).
The more the merrier, I say!
I had a whole meal planned out and then John dropped the bomb … his buddy is allergic to chicken (there goes my BBQ chicken pizza idea). So we improvised a bit. Using some frozen short ribs, we did a BBQ short rib pizza, and then a shrimp & pesto pizza with cilantro garnish. Both were pretty yummy (but not, I will admit, on the good end of the healthy scale). Pizza can be a lot healthier than it might appear at first … and we like making it at home because it allows us to get all kinds of creative (you can’t even imagine some of the pizzas we’ve made … and surprisingly, they are all good!).
I was pretty pleased with how they looked … I like when food looks appetizing.
Clearly, after enjoying a few slices of pie and a glass of vino bianco, I knew that I had to get serious about my workout this morning.
It was tough getting back into ‘Insanity’ after four days of total slacking! And today, my body was still sore from my afternoon workout yesterday.
But, amazingly, the workout felt okay today. I guess after two weeks of really not feeling like any progress was being made, that’s a good sign. My quads still feel shaky towards the end of the workouts, and the Doozer makes a daily appearance. But it’s getting much better!
Whew! I was beginning to worry that something was seriously wrong, and I’d never feel in shape again for the rest of my life (there’s that tendency toward hyperbole rearing it’s ugly head again!).
Well, cheerios and raspberries have disappeared, so I guess it’s onward and upward to get some work done.
Tonight is WeHangsDay for the first time in about three weeks … we’ll be heading over to the Man Cave this evening for din din. Thank goodness, cuz I don’t know that I have any ideas for dinner whatsoever! Gotta start thinking for next week ….
Happy Hump Day! Have a good one! 🙂
ladies, all the ladies
Check these out if you haven’t … they are scrum-diddli-umptious! My brother’s lady love, Eli, introduced me, and I cannot thank her enough!
and it friggin' tastes like a s'mores, too!
Had a much more successful reunion with Shaun T. than I had anticipated … the workout (while still reminding me of self-imposed torture) was much easier to keep up with today. Very uplifting. I think it may have something to do with the Luna Protein Bar (chocolate peanut butter!) I scarfed before buckling down to the Max Interval Circuit (which is the über long one, btw).
I’m starting to get that getting healthy is an on-going process … I just have to keep my chin up and keep trying my best ~ even when I have a bad day. Little by little I know I’ll make progress. (The turtle and the hare come to mind … my patience wishes that results arrived like the hare … but my mind & body are hoping that by getting there via the turtle, the results last longer).
It’s funny how just when I thought I had hit a brick wall 45 million feet thick (I exaggerate a little sometimes … I’m sure you’ve picked up on that) ~ today happens, and all of a sudden, Shaun T. doesn’t look like such a sadist.
But, that is just today! 😉
tigger-licious
I sat bolt upright this morning when I remembered that Rooney (my Mini) had an appointment with destiny at 8am. Well, not really destiny, more like inspectors … but since her tags expired last Thursday, it was pretty important that I get my hiney out of bed and over to the dealership asap.
Unfortunately, I hadn’t set an alarm, so I was running juuuust a leeeettle beet late. Whoops.
Luckily, the people who work for Mini are potentially the nicest people on the face of the planet. Big props to Mini for being a pretty rockstar company.
A short 45 minutes later (and a delish soy chai from Starbucks) Rooney was ready to hit the road, and she’d even gotten a bath. If you noticed, she’s the gorgeous colors of the Pittsburgh Steelers ~
house-warming present from my Mama Bear
And she’s named after the family who has owned and run one of the NFL’s best franchises since the Steelers were founded (and originally called the Pirates!), the Rooney’s. Clearly, I’m biased, but I have great admiration for a family that runs their business with the kind of integrity, spirit and soul that the Rooney’s possess (and, to be fair to the man, the Mara’s -owners of the Giants- have, too). As we like to say, real football teams don’t have cheerleaders!
So, I wanted to follow up quickly to my Eeyore Day last week. It’s always rough when you get the glums, and can’t seem to shake them. And I think the best thing to do is dig deep, and take action instead of giving in to being bummed.
Some things I did last Thursday to cheer myself up.
I painted my little piggies.
french done at home
It took me a little bit more time than usual ~ I used to do french pedis all the time, but got out of the habit~ … and I’m glad I did it. It always makes a girl feel good when her toes look nice in sandals, right?
I drank a lot of water.
I always try to drink a lot of water, but being hydrated definitely helps kick fatigue. Plus, when you do Insanity work outs (like most workouts), you sweat so much, that you have to keep re-hydrating.
Sometimes, I don’t want to drink any more water, but I forced myself to on Thursday ~ I try to drink my minimum of 64 ounces a day, and more if I can. Just constantly drinkin’ agua. Yummy.
I went outside and enjoyed some new flowers that are blooming. Somehow, if you’re stuck inside all day, it’s way more depressing. Gotta get some A & D from natural sun rays …
Pretty purple to go with the dazzling orange of our Tiger Lilies.
I also tried the massage techniques described in my GOOP newsletter. Once I stopped thinking about it, and expecting miracles to happen, it was pretty relaxing. But I’m gonna guess that it’s not as satisfying as having someone else do the massaging (which costs moola that I don’t currently have … bummer).
One thing I have absolutely learned over time is that when I eat well, and exercise, I feel better. Thursday was an anomaly … I hadn’t had too many glasses of vino, or eaten junk food. I was just weighed down by stress. And stress can wreak havoc on a person physically and mentally.
Shaun T. and I didn’t have a wildly successful workout, but it did boost my spirits a bit, and combined with a little water and some pampering (in the form of a home pedi), I was feeling better by the time I curled up in bed.
The hardest thing to do is find the will to put the workout duds on, and get motivated to get sweaty. Especially when all I wanted to do was stay snuggled in bed. But the days that I sleep in feel less productive and more frustrating than the ones when I get my butt out of bed. Early bedtime and good rest is way better than ‘sleeping in,’ which just kind of leaves me groggy all day. Something of a letdown of a revelation, but it’s better to know than to keep feeling yuck.
I’ve got 16 more days of ‘Insanity’, and then I’m hoping that the Planet Fitness is open across the street (no words can describe how totally psyched John and I were when it was finally revealed that the empty car dealership on our street was becoming a gym … fabuloso!). I have a couple ideas up my sleeve to keep myself working out and moving forward & motivated. But I’m not ready to share yet, so when I am, y’all will be the first to know.
Enjoy the short week! In the infamous words of Gupta from “The Terminal” (and a favorite expression of a great friend & myself) …
Don’t hate the Toosday! 😀
D5 Creation