Running, revisited

The last running I did was the 5k last year.  It went terribly and I was disappointed with myself and the event.  As it turns out, I had a fantastic reason for doing such a terrible job, but that's for another blog entirely.

I haven't run since.  I met a new friend whose health conscious life style inspired me (read: made me feel really really guilty).  So this week, I reintroduced myself to my running shoes and hit the trail.

I was surprised to find how much easier and more quickly I improved this time around.  I ran almost everyday this week.  I still hate it, but I hate it less and it's a relatively small time commitment for a seemingly large life benefit. 

Yesterday my sister visited and we contemplated a long distance running partnership.  I could certainly use the extra encouragement!  If we go through with it, I am going to name it Project Rerun.  I have to admit that after running with Cheryl yesterday, I'm happier to have her as a long distance running partner; she's too fast for me (and kinda relentless!). 

Date Night: a date that took my breath away.

Literally.

Last night Gavin and I went on a date to Infusion.  It's a little martini bar and restaurant in Ladera Ranch. 

We were a little disappointed in the ahi tower (our favorite appetizer).  As we ate it, Gavin reminded me that you're not supposed to order seafood on Sunday.  Opps.

It was too dark for Gavin's phone by the time dinner arrived.  He had the prime rib, which was fantastic.  I had lobster noodles that were less than stellar.  We both had pretty drinks.

Then we lost our breath!  No idea what happened.  I just was having a really hard time catching my breath and mentioned it to Gavin who said he was having the same problem. 

We came home and were fine.  No late night trip to the Emergency Room required!

Once upon a time...

In a city far far away I went on an urban safari for a friend...

I saw a warthog.

 

It's been a while since I've wanted an adventure or art. But maybe sooner than I thought...

What's for dinner? Raw.

Last week, I decided to investigate eating raw.  I first heard of raw from some blog hopping a few months ago and had discussed it with Alyssa, my token vegetarian. 

I can't claim that my understanding is entirely accurate, but from what I read, the general principle behind a raw diet is to eat things as close as possible to when they were growing, and in a state as close as possible to when they were growing.

The first day I had fresh fruit for lunch, sushi for lunch, and lettuce for dinner.

 
The lettuce was a weird craving and actually what caused me to decide to try the raw day.

I think the principles are great, but I'd need to be a whole lot more creative before I could actually stick to this type of diet.  Still, I think it's worth trying to incorporate into our eating on a regular basis. 

Coffee

An alert....

I now drink Coffee.  In addition, I've learned how to make coffee and clean the coffee machine.  It's like I'm a grown up or something.  And an engineer or something....

Weird.

What's for dinner? Easter Edition

For Easter, my sister came to visit and we cooked!

I was primarily responsible for the eggs (which came out lovely, although I failed to get a picture.  No idea how that happened!)

My sister made green bean casserole.  Gavin made the mashed potatoes and ham.  We didn't want a whole ham so we just bought already cooked sliced ham and fried it.  It was good and saved us having to suffer through weeks of ham sandwiches or the guilt of throwing them away.

My favorite part of our Easter dinner was our egg surprises. 

Last year, Gavin and I made these when we colored eggs.  We both put things inside for each other.  Both of us put things representing our wedding planning.  I wish I had the material to do it again this year, but there's always next year.  I suspect traditions aren't going to really survive this year, but maybe they'll come around again next year.