First of all, IT issues. And that would be IT as in I – T, not it. If you’re reading via Google reader, you may not have noticed that my layout and heading have CHANGED. This was not exactly intentional, but in updating my previous theme, it wiped out my custom header and personalized settings. FAIL! However, it did force me to spruce things up a little around here. So if you’re reading ing Google Reader, please (!!) click on over and tell me what you think of the new header, the layout, what am I missing (?), and any other comments. Minnesota Nice comments though – that constructive criticism.   Here is what I have noticed, and would love your help if you are blogging/internet/html savvy and know how to fix it!

1. When you are on the main homepage, just reading the posts through scrolling down (versus clicking on each individual post), there is no link to leave a comment!?!? This used to be linked down by the tags, at the bottom of each post. How/where do I edit the html code to put that back in?
2. When I list things… the text is all squished together. I don’t like it. How could I make it 1.5 spaced like the rest of the text?

Um… that’s actually all I can think of that’s different. My pages tabs have moved to the right side bar, my “fueled by” sponsors/links have moved over to the right side, and so has my search bar… what am I forgetting about?

Just to note in the mean time, you CAN still comment! (haha, no pressure though.) You just have to on an individual post page (click on the title of the post) and scroll to the bottom. Frustrating, I know, but hopefully I’ll have it figured out soon!

OK, now we begin.

In all of seven days, I’m going to be renewing my student status and heading back to campus at my dearly beloved University of Minnesota. And trust me, this girl will not be dragging her feet. Summer 2010 will not exactly be looked upon “fondly” in my books. Alright, no B.S. – it was truthfully the worst summer I have ever had. I’m looking forward for this summer to be done, and I’m ready to just leave it at that – close the chapter, and turn a new page.

ANYWAYS.

What am I looking forward to other than summer ending? A lot. Copious amounts. Heaps, loads, MUCHO!! But for the sake of time (and your sanity) I betcha I can break it down to three:

SCHOOL

Yes. I am looking forward to school. Class. Homework. Cadavers, textbooks, exams – bring it. I know my major is the right fit for me because I get out of bed and I’m excited about it. Every. Damn. Day. And AMEN for that, because I went through that year and a half of unsureness when I started out doing architecture. (THROWWW BACK POST! I look so young! [Edit: that was only two years ago you doof!] I miss my dad!!!) And that’s OK – if I have any young guns out there going off to college (or still in high school!!), let me tell you two things. A) Say HI!! One of my new favorite people in the world left her first comment recently, and I love that girl! I want to hear from you!! Oh yea… B) You do not need to know what you want do do/be “when you grow up” when you go to college. That’s what college is for! Take classes outside your comfort zone. Use your general eds to explore different fields and see what really lights your fire. [That sounded dirty when I reread for editing. How old am I??]

On track… on track.

I’m excited and looking forward to school. Here is my schedule for the fall semester – classes only. I may or may not be adding on one more 1 credit class (another PE – Kines needs 5 to graduate, and I’m at 3) but I need to wait and see how some other things (that I’m also looking forward to!) pan out.

1. Into to Kinesiology. Yes. I am taking this way late in the game. Oops!
2. Sports Psychology.
3. Intermediate Swimming. Will get to do my own workouts, since the prereq for “intermediate” is “PE 1007 or equiv, proficient ability to swim 100 meters or instr consent.” 100 meters? I think I’ve got it covered.
4. Human Physiology + Lab
5. Motor Development Across the Lifespan
6. [Potentially.....] another PE, Monday nights, 6:45 – 8:30

TRAINING

It probably doesn’t blow your mind that I’m looking forward to training, but when you hear that I’m still not running… it might. Its true – I was SUPER down about not being able to run – pretty much this whole summer. And I’m definitely still bummed about that. But I am in the hands of some of the best sports medicine doctors the Twin Cities has to offer, and for that, I am so grateful. I feel so solid in the decisions I’ve made about racing and training this year, so solid in my coach, my goals, and the plans she has given me to help me reach them, and more solid than flipping Fort Snelling in having given this one over to God.

And also pretty solid in rocking my new prescription sleeve. It makes me feel like I’m almost still a runner. Did I mention I love my sports med team?

Note: nope – I’m not on the UMN XC team. Just a groupie. :/

MY FUTURE

I will tell myself over and over again, until it’s permanently engraved in my mind. I can do anything through Him who strengthens me. I’m entering the new school year with a good attitude, a solid head on my shoulders (jeeez, you’d think I like the word solid or something… [note the official sarcasm color]) and a strong hand of faith on my shoulder. There are plenty of opportunities out there just waiting to be seized, and oh man, do I plan on seizing. In fact, I plan on going pro at it, so watch out! This summer blowed, but that doesn’t mean the rest of the year has to.

Life is only what you make of it my friends. If you’re questioning whether or not your makin’ of it… I ask you this: If not today… then when? (That is a direct shout out to YOU mama bear! I love you!!)

Alright kiddos… [I do realize the majority of my readers are older than me... I should change that out. This editing-post-writing is a good thing. Highly recommended.] Scratch that. Alright compadres, it’s time to wrap. The Twins just beat the Tigers. The world is right. (Or is it solid..?) And it’s bedtime.

READER Qs: Are you tech savvy//very empathetic, and can help me fix my html to make the comment link reappear? What are you taking this semester if you are still in school? What was your favorite course in college if you are all done?

Sleep tight!
-E

[Sorry guys... this isn't the "clue"-ed at post mentioned previously, but that one's not time-sensitive so it can wait. But while I'm inserting this ETA... I might as well say ENTER THE SUBWAY GIFTCARD GIVEAWAY! You have until tomorrow, midnight, central time!]

THURS 05.06.10

• 8:30 am – 7 mile run, accompanied by Breakaway Ministries and my homeboy Señor Dios.
• 10:47 am - Read email that 100% made my day. Possibly year. More later (maybe)!
• 11:00 am – Condo showing. PERFECT location/price. Only they neglected to mention that it’s a basement apartment.  No graicas.
• 12:00 pm – Bike 6 miles to class
• 12:45 pm – LAST class of spring semester 2010!! Spent practicing my active listening skills (aka dominating at Words With Friends…)

Cred. to my photographer extraordinaire Mrs. Grace!

• 2:00 pm – Continue bike ride for 20 more miles. Gomer bailed on me somewhere around mile 17… >=(
• 3:45 pm – Be held off for work until 5:30, so decide to make my first attempt with the crockpot. It’s cookin’ now!
• 4:15 pm – (present time) Do the DTR Rain dance… send a prayer, make a sacrifice stew. Do SOMETHING to make the weather slightly more pleasant so I don’t get called off!!

And that is my day thus far. I really don’t have much else to tell you, except go enter the Subway Giveaway, and have a lovely Thursday night! Ohh no I lied – one more thing…

Summer classes.

I’ve took one last summer to knock out my last general ed, and let me be real here, it blowed. It’s 90° degrees out, you wanna be running, biking, laying out by the beach, going on a picnic, pretty much anything but sitting inside in a classroom. It’s like lecture on Saturday, right Lizzzz? No fun. BUT, then I found out this class was offered. And now here I am hoping it’s not filled because I really want in! I’ll preface it by saying that this prof is amazing and never once will you feel like you’re wasting time in his classes. It’s apparent from day one that he knows his stuff, he’s passionate about it. Anyway, here we go:

_______________________

KIN 5729: Pediatric Exercise – Concepts and Applications

9:05 – 11:15 am … M/T/W/TH … May 24th – June 1oth

Course Description:
The aim of this couse is to address the current understanding of pediatric medicine and exercise physiology. This course will explore the use of physical activity and weight management in the treatment of various diseases (i.e., obesity) that affect children and adolescents. Lectures will cover the metabolic, physiologic and molecular responses to exercise in healthy and diseased states. A current understanding of the basic anatomy and physiology of children compared to adults will be provided. Topics include strategies for exercise prescription in various applied and clinical situations. This 2 credit course will be composed of interactive seminars, lectures, and demonstration.

_______________________

Um, how AWESOME does that sound?! Like my blogbuddy Kelly, I’m really passionate about encouraging physical activity in youth. But this class also brings in the medical component to it – using physical activity to treat disease, looking at the physiological responses in the body to exercise, and if you know me, you’ll know that they could have hooked me with the “anatomy & physiology” alone. A&P has been my absolute favorite part of my education thus far, and maybe because I’ve taken them through the kinesiology department, so they have a bit of an exercise science spin, but I LOVE it! So anyways, my question is pretty simple: do I take the class, or not? Well, it seems simple. But here’s my [tangled] thought process:

PROS

• It’s obviously a really interesting subject to me – something I’m passionate about!
• It counts towards the 9 KIN credits I need for the clinical movement subplan.
• The professor is fantastic!
• It’s only 14 days for two credits.
• Some of my good kines buddies are registered!

CONS

• It does NOT count as one of my med OR physical therapy prereqs (I’m still not decided as you can tell…). Although no matter what, it will “look good” on my resume, and it will show where my passions lie.
• It’s during the SUMMER…
• It’s during the MORNING in the summer… my favorite time!!
• It costs $$. Obvio. So if it’s not a class that “counts” then I really need to think about Can I afford to take this?

Haha, sorry – I know this isn’t what you guys come here to read. But maybe some of you can shed your insight on it. READER’S Qs: Have you taken summer classes? Are you taking anything this summer? If so, what? And for me to get to know some of you better, What is your major? Or, what did you study when you were in college?

OK, I’m done for real now. I’m happy to be DONE with classes [for now], and I hope my fellow collegians are winding down too! I have ONE final to dominate next Wednesday, and please believe, there will be celebration when that one’s over and done!

[Hopefully] Off to work! Ciao.
-E

Current status: I’m only 21 minutes in to what will be 120 minutes on the X-Runner, so apologies if this gets a little lengthy! Today was officially declared a no-running day, as I’ve been trying to stick to only 4 days a week, and unfortunately I already capped that this week! Will be running tomorrow anyways, riding on Saturday, and racing on Sunday! Numerous items on the agenda today, and since I have 100 more minutes ahead of me… I think I have time for a little PhotoShop love:

Well that took long enough! I’m now at 55 minutes. Good thing I still have 1:05  to go…

1. Mail Bag

I mentioned last week that my next post would be comin’ out of the mail bag — it’s a question I’ve received enough times (or at least similar enough) from readers that I figured it was time to answer on the blog.

Hi I just found your blog. First of all, you are am amazing athlete! You are such a fast runner – so inspirational.

I was wondering what your diet is like so that you have enough energy to fuel your training and develop muscles and strength while staying so lean? Do you eat smaller meals more frequently? What are you meals like?

Also, how did you start doing triathlons. Did you know how to swim before? How often do you train? Sorry for all the questions. Take your time. I know you’re a busy girl! Any advice would help. Thanks!
–
Jessica Lee

First things first – THANKS!! – I have been running for a loooong time, so success has definitely required work. But I can promise you that there are lots of faster runners out there. Given that I’ve come back from a fractured femoral neck, twice, I’ll take what I can get!

Question one: diet. This year my diet has gone under some changes because I finally have the guidance of an awesome nutrition and strength coach, Jodi, from Model Per4mance. Prior to working with MP4, I had the opportunity to work with a pretty awesome dietitian in Boston, but a lot of my “theories” or beliefs just come from trial and error. Before MP4 I was eating about the same calorie-wise, but I definitely ate more processed foods. I’m not talkin’ like Ho-Hos and a Coke for lunch, but think Kashi GoLean Rolls… microwaveable meals… etc. My current diet is a 90/10 = 90% whole, fresh, from nature foods… and 10% fun. There has to be room in your life for going out to eat with the boy, or that biga$$ cookie you know you want. If there is no “it” you crave, or if all your cravings are for healthy foods, then fine. But if you DO ever want something “unhealthy” and you’re like me, you’ll just keep eating other things until you finally squash that craving, wishing you just ate what you really wanted in the first place. It’s a lesson learned, for sure.

Frequency of meals? Would be better referred to as “frequency of food” because “meals” don’t really happen per se. I’d like to work on balancing the food out a little more evenly through out the day, but essentially I graze, or small “meals” throughout the day. It works for me. You gotta do what works for you!

“Lean” is only partially attributed to diet. I would say more of it comes from strength training.

Question two: training. Like I said, I’ve fractured my femoral neck, twice. You can read about the first time + surgery, and the second time (no surgery).  I have a genetic condition called fibrous dysplasia… a condition where a section of my hip is super soft – more like scar tissue. After surgery (December 2008) I knew that if I was running at all, I definitely wouldn’t be running as much. Enter: triathlon. It gets me off of my feet for 2/3rds of my training. So I guess I should thank my geneticFAIL hip because that’s where it all started!

Swimming was a prior activity for sure – I had been tossed in a pool since I was like 1 year old. Swam for the YWCA Uptown Otters from 5th grade through 8th, and I also swam Varsity my freshman year in high school. If you haven’t concluded yet though, it’s not exactly my favorite.

I am part of two teams – the University of Minnesota Triathlon Team, and Peace Coffee Racing, so training happens… all the time. I take a rest day when I need to. I don’t always stick to the “schedule” because I feel like when you feel good, you shouldn’t “save it” for tomorrow’s tempo or interval or long ride. [If you have time...] You should let your body dictate what it wants to do.

I think that about covers it, and WOW – I gotta move on!

2. USAT Collegiate Nationals

[ETA: Hahah.. ran out of time. Used my last 30 minutes on the stair mountain because that’s something I almost never get to do.. and want to use this “free day” to (as my boyfriend’s Sundays are declared) do what I want. True story kids… want to know where I am right now? Doin' what I want, I can tell you that!]

“]Ahem… USAT Collegiate Nationals. The race I have been building up to be THE race for the last how many months. The ultimate in team bonding… 20+ hours in a 15-passenger van with the crew. And where am I right now? At the lake.

Say whaaat?

A couple weeks ago, some family events were presented to me that I had not been previously privy to. (Fun fact of the day… “unprivy” is evidently not a word.) I don’t need to waste time on details, but they involve my Singaporean relatives and sister and B-I-L coming to Minneapolis for the 16^th/17^th/18^th … and those days only – Singaporean relatives that I have not yet had the chance to meet. If you’ve been a reader for a while now, you might remember my qualms last year about leaving Boston and transferring back home to the University of Minnesota: the basis of my whole move was that I wanted to be closer to family. I was sick of missing Thanksgiving, missing Easter, missing birthdays, state hockey tournaments, missing FAMILY. So to have this big family deal going on this one weekend, and electively chose to not be there, seemed like it was going against my values a little bit. I know… its Nationals… but there will be next year. I have no clue when the next time these guys will fly all the way from Singapore. There are a couple other contributing factors, but overall, I feel very good about my decision.

I will still be acting as “reporter” for my team, and will be in constant contact with them via phone and online. If you want to stay up to date on the University of Minnesota Triathlon team and their venture to Collegiate Nationals, please see the first installment in my post on Minnesota Tri News! There will be more to come soon!

3. Peace Coffee Racing

Because I am not in Texas this weekend… I will be doing a race that Peace Coffee is sponsoring on April 18^th. Please believe that no matter what I was going to be racing this weekend. Its early enough on Sunday morning… not going to interfere with the fam-o plans… but I am very excited to be doing it! AND it’s for a good cause – EARTH DAY! I’m down.

4. Giveaway preview

Scroll up. Study the photo. Can you guess what the next giveaway is??

Aright… This gets it’s own collage…

5. LIFE

Here is just a little bit of life lately:

Upper left photo – note not me, with the “oh-shit-how-do-i-clip-out-not-funny!” face (new to the Kilo at the time of that picture), but the P.O.S. Honda in the background. I shouldn’t say that… she’s been a good car. Many many miles on her, like all Honda’s should, and many good times. Picked up my first puppy and she threw up all over the floor in the front seat on the way home. Crazy High school memories with the girls, one in particular possibly intoxicated with way too much Patrone and her feet out the window. Changing my first tire. Getting hit by my own friend in a rain storm. Like I said, many good times. I just changed the oil today, and turns out she has about $800 worth of work needing to be done. $800 worth of money that I don’t have. Conversed with the padre on this one, and we decided that this summer would be the right time for me to get a different car. Don’t think it’s just because of these repairs – this decision is about $5,000 in repairs OVERDUE. So if you have any [used] car shopping advice for me, I would take it all with open ears.

Upper right photo – That is a man. Sleeping in a box. And that is what I will turn into (not a man, but sleeping in a box…) if I don’t figure out my housing sitch for the next year. OK… truthfully it’s not at that point. My lease isn’t up until the end of June, but I really want to have it squared away – it’s stressing me out!! It would be sick if I was living with another kines. student because we’d be working on/interested in the same stuff, but obviously that’s not a requirement of mine. Ahhh I just want to decide!

Imaginary photo – Starting work back at the restaurant this week!! Those are legit exclamation marks. I am SO excited!

Wow. Record for longest D.T.R. post? Possibly. Apologies (or not – haha you’re ready for me to be done I’m sure!) but I got to get to some real work… aka this VO2 Max lab report that I have been working on for howw long? If you stuck with this whole post, I hope you can feel my love for you!! Till next time amigos.

-E

This is going to be SUPER short and sweet, as it is Sunday night, and tomorrow I have a test in my Measurement & Eval. In Kinesiology class. (How’s that for a mouthful? I like MEinKIN better!) I’m pretty much set to go, but I need to make sure I have all the terms down, and remember how to calculate Phi scores from a double classification tables and whatnot. Fun fun.

Anyways, I’m writing to you today for several reasons. I had my second “long run” today (first was last Sunday), and I am very aware at the moment of the times I’m running – currently and in the past. I’m definitely not the pace I “used to be”, but now it seems like “used to” is such a long time ago! And my “long run” gets quotes because what is considered “long” at the moment used to be my midweek mid-distance run! My girl Karyn asked me a while ago about Boston Marathon, remembering that I’m registered, but wondering if I’m running or not? In short, the answer is nope, and I’m actually OK with that. I have big tri plans this summer, and with racing at Nationals in April, my mind is focused on other things. But it’s been a while since I’ve done checked in medically with all the hip related business, so I just wanted to give a fair warning of what’s to come.

That’s not the only thing coming though… here’s what is on tap:

• Hip & running update, updated race calendar
• TRAIN On Top: Volume 4 – CYCLING
• My new team – Peace Coffee Racing!
• Awesome new strength & nutrition coach – Model Per4mance!
• A new superfood/hydration/delicious recipe… PROMISE!

And the last thing I want to leave you with is a passage from the bible. I’ve said before that I really am not trying to push my faith off on anyone, so hopefully if the Bible or just religion in general isn’t your thing, you can read this next passage as just a tiny part of a story with an awesome meaning. My cousin has 27-29 on the back of his hockey helmet. When I read it, I definitely thought of Erica, because I feel (especially with her upcoming running ventures) that it really fits her and the way she lives her life. Not only because she shares my name, but because she is awesome all around, you should definitely check out her blog if you’ve haven’t yet!

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore, I run in such a way, not as without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.”
(I Corinthians 9:24-27).

Hope you have a lovely night. If you have Caribou Coffee in your neck of the woods, don’t forget about their $1 Coffee Mondays!! I always brew my “first cup” at home, but it is a nice treat to make Monday’s not so rough.
-E

p.s. Jocelyn knows how to spread the cheer, and Megan’s got the goods!!

Sunday Long “Run”

Poppin (Remix) – Christ Brown ft. Lil Wayne & Juelz Santana

Today, being a Sunday, would mean it’s a long run day. We haven’t discussed my running status much as of late, because well, there really isn’t a status. It’s been constantly changing! For the month of December, running was super minimal. (read: like 30 miles for the entire MONTH maybe?) No – its most def. not because I can’t handle the Minnesota winters – we all know I’ve got that covered. Unfortunately.. it would be the hip. Again. My next “big” Dr. appointment is February 8th. Maybe I’ll know more after that, but at this point, this is what I do know: (words of my lovely sports med doc:) “It’s not going to just break through while you’re out there – if you want to be running, and it isn’t excruciatingly painful, you might as well.”

High Definition – Lupe Fiasco ft. Snoop Dog & Pooh Bear

So since January, I’ve taken that and run with it, literally. My milage is still NOTHING like “normal”, but at least I’m running a few days a week. However, no weekend long run for me. So today’s “long run” is brought to you by my Octane Q47 (or what I refer to typically as my “xRunner”) machine… lookin a little like this:

Dirt Off Your Shoulder – Jay Z

And since I have two hours scheduled with this bad boy, I figured what a better time to give you my ellipti/run/music rundown. What you see in BOLD and PURPLE are the songs that are playing currently while I am typing. Yes. Blogging while working out is pretty much the only way I have time for this right now. And since right now I have, oh… an hour and 44 minutes left, you get lots of songs.  My iTunes is on Shuffle btw, but I’m skipping around a bit if I hit a song I don’t like.

Beggin – Madcon

As you can also see, I’m not writing a ton in between what are anywhere between 4-5 minute songs. That’s because blogging, as I’m sure all of you who have your own site know, takes mucho tiempo.

Track 7 – Grey’s Anatomy Soundtrack

(Don’t know the actual name… really not a fan of this song… but it gives you an idea of the eclectness of my iTunes.) Which brings me to the next item on my agenda…

Future Updating Schedule:

Guarantees – Atmosphere

It’s no joke that I am super busy this semester. But this blog is really important to me, and I actually really LIKE doing it! My iCal last week looked a little like this, and this is even just a four day week, with school just having started, so not a ton of homework yet. This also doesn’t show the 6 credits of online classes I have currently going on! Ayyy. Contemplating dropping Physics this semester, but that doesn’t seem like a good plan because I still need to take it at some point. All the classes I’m taking right now are ones I need to eventually take! Thank you God for inventing iCal…

This Is What It’s Made For – Usher

Because of this insanity, my posting schedule will most likely be once or twice a week. It will also probably be a bit more to the point and content driven than all this extra curricular stuff. Actually.. no, it probably wont. That’s just how I roll. If you’ve seen some of my tweets lately though, you know I got a lot going on:

• 20 credits
• 2 labs
• 2 jobs
• boyfriend
• family/friends
• the Tri team
• Dr. TriRunner
• the Tri team’s website – I just took this one on, but I’m excited about it!

There’s no blame or fingers to be pointed (other than at myself )… this is what I get myself into. Welcome to the life of a Type A (+) overscheduler. Moving on…

Real As It Gets – Jay Z ft. Young Jeezy

On Friday I promised you a gear review, and that’s what I have for you now!

Cycling & Winter Running Socks: Review

You – Atmosphere

First up, my loves of all time: SMARTWOOL. More specifically, their Ultra Light Cushion Women’s Cycling socks:

These were a gift from the boy, and damn, does he know how to pick em’! I love the way these hug my arches in just the right spot, and I don’t have to fold them over because they’re so effing big or have the “heel” be sitting at my ankle! I wear these in spin right now and they are PERFECT! They come up just high enough so my shimano shoes don’t cut into my leg, but they’re still “ankle socks.” Final Grade: A

Dirt Off Your Shoulders Vs. Bittersweet Symphony Remix – Jay Z & The Verve

Next: CRAFT Pro Warm Quarter Running Sock

Alright.. when I told you everything  you’d ever want to know about WINTER RUNNING… I told you how much my feet/hands circulation sucks. Well that post needs a revision: my feet/hand circulation SUCKS when I’m not properly prepared!!

Jesus Walks – Kanye West

This was also included in a x-mas gift from the boy (he’s winning in all corners here!) and DAYYYNG. I. Love. Keep in mind that these were not sent to me by the company – this review is solely based on my usage of said socks and happy warm toes. These. Are. FANTASTIC. On a run where my fingers were frozen solid through… think permafrost frozen… my feet were SO toasty, but not sweaty! Just happy, happy toes. Thankkk you to novio and thank you to Craft! Final Grade: A+

Real World – Match Box Twenty

(Haha! I told you it was on shuffle!)  While were on the subject of SOCKS, I will say that I am yet to wear my supafly Kayano Left and Right specific running socks that my mom gave me for Christmas. I feel like these need to be reserved for races or special occasion / monumental runs only. Q: Do you have any clothes like that? I definitely have a racing only sports bra!

Push It Remix – Camron ft. Jim Jones, Juelz, and Lil Wayne

Annnd that’s one hour down! Love it! What I don’t love is this weekend is “Open House” weekend at my gym. Read: Way super overcrowded!! Un momentitio chicos… bathroom break.

OK! Hour two.. start it off with an all time favorite:

I’ll Be Missing You – P. Diddy ft. Faith Evans

This is also where I switch to going backwards and up the resistance a bit! Annnd make sure I’m continuing to hydrate:

Baby It’s Cold Outside – James Taylor ft. Natalie Cole

(Hahaha!! Don’t judge!) Ok so I’m starting to really enjoy this live blogging thing. Pictured above (excuse the blurriness.. I took it one handed and moving) is the new LEMON LIME Powerade Zero! But not only Powerade kids.. that would be Lemon Lime PowerDew. If you haven’t done the PowerDew yet.. hop on it. And make sure to tell me what you think!!! And because we’re talking about beverages and hydrating….

Nilla’ Mint Coffee Recovery Shake:

Hotel California – The Eagles

I also told you last Friday that I had a recipe coming! I fell in love the second this cool, creamy shake of shining glory touched my lips. Not exaggerating.

Always Coming Back Home to You – Atmosphere

Thankfully that was not a 4:26 am photo! Here’s what we got goin’ on:

• Chocolate Mint Coffee, (.5 – 1 cup, depending on preference of taste and texture) cooled (a la Ghiradelli – sent to my by my absolute fave SwimBuddy Lizzy)
• 2 scoops Vanilla protein powder
• Xanthan gum
• Ice ( I use about 6 regular sized cubes)

If you tragically are not able to find this miraculous mint coffee, as I no longer am because I ran out and apparently this is a seasonal delicacy, I have moved on to using regular coffee (or espresso to be more accurate), dark coco powder, and mint extract. Place all ingredients in blender of choice, and get to town.

Say Shhh – Atmosphere

(If you’re from MN.. GET that song. Has been a favorite of mine for a lonnnng time!) Depending on the type of protein powder you choose to use, you can get upwards of 20g of protein here! Other variations: you could use chocolate flavored protein powder and nix the cocoa powder. You could do half coffee/half milk (or milk alternative). If you’re lucky enough to have any leftover Girlscout Thinmint cookies stashed in your  freezer… send them all to me one or two blended up in the drink would lead to nilla/choco/mint ecstacy. Caution.

When’s the Last Time – Clipse ft. Pharell

As you can see, I did this in my Magic Bullet and it barely fit. I’m still praying that the folks from VitaMix HQ over in Cleveland, Ohio will find this lil runner/triathlete/future doctor and realize:

Dang – this girl really needs a Vita Mix in her life. Her future depends on it. How can we help?

I have an extra kidney if any of your employees need it. We could work out a deal. KIDDING!!! Kinda…

Bout It – Yung Joc ft. 3LW (Step Up Soundtrack)

Alright – decision time: I have half an hour of this “run” left… and there are still about a billion things I have on my “to post” list. I wanna give you a GU2:10 (or Goal Update for those who haven’t mastered the Dr.TriRunner terminology…) but I think I will wait till January is over and  give you a complete one month perspective.

Maria Maria – Carlos Santana ft. Wyclef Jean

(Yes, I really did only type that much in the time it took to play all of Bout It. Not a short song.. but I’m sweating more liquid than my shower gives on a good water pressure day. Haha what an attractive mental picture..) What I think needs to happen right now, since I neglected it on Friday, is a little guilt relief. That’s right kids – sounds like a…

Sunday Friday Confessional:

What We Talkin’ Bout – Jay Z ft. Luke Steele

You know the rules of the game: there are none. Nothing is off limits. You fess up, I fess up. We all feel better. This is a practice I have very much loved ever since my very first ever Friday Confessional back in November of 2008. One year ago I was fessing up to this:

1. I’ve become rather spiteful without running. I’ve seen other people running outside or hearing them talk about running and wished they couldn’t run too. It’s like if I can’t run, no one else should. 
2. I stole my roommates pack of Cinnamon Spice gum off her desk. Sorry Laur – I owe you.
3. I ODed on Cinnamon Toast Crunch one night in the beginning of the week. I literally had FIVE bowls. Just dry. Back to back.  And I felt sick as hell afterwards/the next morning. It was completely emotional and very delicious. But I don’t need to do that again.
4. I paid $55 for unlimited group fitness at the Marino. And I’m yet to take ONE class. I signed up for abs tonight and spinning tomorrow morning.
5. I accidentally brought home a pool belt from the Y. And it is sitting under my bed. And it’s mine.

Ever The Same – Rob Thomas

Have I changed? Let’s see…
#1 – I am currently running, but nothing like “I used to.” But my thoughts on that one are much more stemming from frustration.. not “spite.” Or at least I’d like to think so.
#2 – No stealing gum. I have a plentiful stock of my Stride favorites.
#3 – No more CTC sadly – I no longer have “the caf,” and therefore no longer have open access to crack this goodness. Probably a good thing.

Nothing Ever Hurt Like You – James Morrison

#4 – $55 seems like a steal when you’re paying $68/month for a gym membership. Nuff said.
#5 – That pool belt fits me perfectly

This week I’m going to confess only one thing to you in the blog word, because a) I only have 7 minutes left and I want time to make a song wrap-up, and b) I’ve been pretty darn good this week if I do say so myself. Here we go:

Move If You Wanna – Mims

1. I have become increasingly reliant on sleep aids. Tylenol PM, Simply Sleep.. the melatonin ain’t doin jack isht. It’s at the point where if I don’t take anything, I just don’t get tired. No matter what. Friday night – took nothing. Fell “asleep” around 4 am. Was already awake when my alarm went off at 8am. I’m fessing up to this one because it’s actually a problem. I plan on talking to my doc about it at my next appointment. Which I am yet to schedule. :/

That’s all I have time for kids! This was a GOOD POST if you ask me! Sorry if I overwhelmed you with all of  this at once though. Here is the…

Long “Run” Song Wrap-up:

Encore – Jay Z (good song to end on!)
Poppin (Remix) – Christ Brown ft. Lil Wayne & Juelz Santana
High Definition – Lupe Fiasco ft. Snoop Dog & Pooh Bear
Dirt Off Your Shoulder – Jay Z
Beggin – Madcon
Track 7 – Grey’s Anatomy Soundtrack
Guarantees – Atmosphere
This Is What It’s Made For – Usher
Real As It Gets – Jay Z ft. Young Jeezy
You – Atmosphere
Dirt Off Your Shoulders Vs. Bittersweet Symphony Remix – Jay Z & The Verve
Jesus Walks – Kanye West
Real World – Match Box Twenty
Push It Remix – Camron ft. Jim Jones, Juelz, and Lil Wayne
I’ll Be Missing You – P. Diddy ft. Faith Evans
Baby It’s Cold Outside – James Taylor ft. Natalie Cole
Hotel California – The Eagles
Always Coming Back Home to You – Atmosphere
Say Shhh – Atmosphere
When’s the Last Time – Clipse ft. Pharell
Bout It – Yung Joc ft. 3LW (Step Up Soundtrack)
Maria Maria – Carlos Santana ft. Wyclef Jean
What We Talkin’ Bout – Jay Z ft. Luke Steele
Ever The Same – Rob Thomas
Nothing Ever Hurt Like You – James Morrison
Move If You Wanna – Mims

[Change of location - the workout went wonderfully! No pain, sweated my a$$ off, and feel good. At home now.] Hope you enjoyed this post as much as I did! I have two pages that should be up and running soon: music, and the return of my blogroll (finally)! There are more layout/style changes to come too. For now, if you’re looking for music (like the Reader’s Choice Ultimate Mix) just click on the “music” tag in the right column! Gotta go for now peeps – my VIKES are playing tonight!

-E

I can’t give my full attention to everything and expect it to be my best, which is truly what I expect of myself. So, as much as I love reading all your blogs and attempting to write humorous comments to brighten your day, I just can’t keep up.  Life is meant to be lived…like in the outside world, not just in the blog world of healthy living. -Mama Holly

Anywho, I’m here now, and I’m ready to catch up with you all! First things first:

FRIDAY CONFESSIONAL

If you are unfamiliar with my practice of Friday Confessional (which occasionally happens on a Sunday… or Tuesday.. you know how I do ), it’s just something I do to get out all the little things that have accumulated over the week. “Things” may come in a variety of forms or flavors – admitting to the meanass thoughts you had about that chick “running” at school, admitting to eating an entire 8 serving bag of popcorn in one day, whatever. Ish happens. Here we go:

1. I just finally dragged my butt back to the pool today after a 9-day hiatus. It. Was. Rough.
2. I completely ignored the pain I was feeling in my foot and ran on it anyways on Wednesday. I’m 97% sure it’s a tendon strain from wearing a pair of Uggs that are 3 sizes too large. P.s. Does anyone want to buy a pair of tall chocolate Uggs?
3. I am finally being real with myself and admitting to how astronomically high my grocery bill really is. One person. $400+ dollars / month. Definitely could use some help with that!

Hah hopefully my mom is in one of her “forgetting to check the blog” phases, because if she sees how much I’m spending on groceries, she’d flip! Here’s the thing though – I save more money through sales and coupons than almost anyone I know. I don’t buy prepackaged meals (with the exception of my beloved eggrolls.. but that’s a different story) or fancy brand stuff… I don’t shop at Whole Foods or the traditionally “more expensive” stores, I don’t let anything go bad in my fridge. What’s the deal? If any of you have had to put yourself on a grocery budget, and did so successfully, please clue me in!

RUNNING NEWS:

My slow return to running seems to be going well. I say “seems” because without any pain receptors* in my femoral neck area.. it’s sort of hard to tell. (*Please note that that is an extreme exaggeration. I know I have pain receptors to some extent – they’re just kinda fried.) I was feeling a “sensation”, which seems to be the word of choice, about a week or so ago. I talked to my PT and explained what I was feeling, and when I was feeling it, and she didn’t seem overly concerned. She asked me to keep note of when/where the “sensation” was happening to make sure there wasn’t a pattern of always-when-running or always-during-impact-activities. That would be a bad sign. Luckily, that’s not the case right now. And since I talked to the PT and got that off my chest, it seems like those “sensations” have all but disappeared. So much of this game is mental. (If you’re new to the blog and don’t have a clue about my hip, THIS is the last post when I got cleared to start running again, and you can definitely click on “surgery” “recovery” or “doctors” in the tag cloud, or enter “fibrous dysplasia” in the search box.)

I’m at 6 miles right now.. and I think I’ll just hold it there for a while. My doctor gave me clearance to return to 10ish when I feel ready, but at this point, I guess I’d rather be slightly over-cautions than do anything dumb. I had plans of doing the Securian Frozen Half, but we’ll just have to wait and see.

I AM doing my first “organized” run since the fracture though.. TOMORROW! I’ll be trottin along for the Reindeer Run 5K at Lake Harriet. It is very critical that we note here – this is a “fun run”.. no racing involved. Haha even though I just tagged this post with “race”. Really though, they’re not even keeping times, there’s a costume contest, a stroller walk, there is no race involved. And if you know me.. you know I really just wanted the shirt anyways.

SCHOOL:

Because I do a lil of that too. Holy 15 days man… how did that happen? That’s all I have left before I am FREE for a month+ winter break! It definitely crept up on me, which can partially explain my lack of posting this last week. There was definitely a day when I skipped going to a party to sit on my butt for 6 straight hours and just pour out on this paper. Skipping a party.. for a PAPER.. that I found out on Monday with said paper in hand wasn’t even due until Wednesday. Ayyyy. Anyways, I have loved my classes this semester, but I’m really looking forward to the classes I’m taking next semester too! Here’s what Spring 09 looks like for a particular redheaded kinesiology premed major:

• Physics w/ Lab – 4 credits
• Statistics – 4 credits
• Directed Study/Research – 4 credits
• Measurement & Evaluation in Kinesiology – 3 credits
• Sport in a Diverse Society – 3 credits
• Medical Terminology – 2 credits

TOTAL: 20 credits.

Yikes!! I may or may not be dropping one of those classes… it’s just that anything over 15 is free here at the U of MN, and if you can handle the stress, it’s definitely worth it financially to take extra credits.

[EEDDIITT: Location / day change. Now @ home, post Reindeer Run.. I guess "life happened!"]

Umm aright, this is very representative of how my blogging has been lately. I’ll have a post all ready and set to go, say I’m going to get it up when I get home, and then…? Ohh life. To be fair, I had a lot of fun last night AND managed to get a lot done!

The Reindeer Run was FUN.. but woa dang – super cold! And I did everything with NO coffee this morning. AND a smile on my face. First time for everything! Although I think my life would have been a little brighter with some of this:

I need to wrap this here, complete or not, because my mamacita and I are headed to Farmer’s Market to go get a christmas tree! While the big decorating will be goin’ on at mom’s house… I was given a little som’n myself to bring in some christmas cheer:

Happiest time of the year

(Grrr.. haven’t figured out how to embed video with new self hosted. Help?) Just change the words up a lil bit and you’re good to go. Hah – I think I’ve probably blogged about 5 different times about how much I love Sundays. Not going to lie though… I am getting excited for christmas songs to start playing on the radio.. christmas lights going up.. the HOLLIDAZZLE!! Can’t wait! Haha no one shoot me for saying that. I was going through photos on my phone… I took this the DAY after Halloween:

Yikes! I was just checking to see if there were any cute halloweeny coffee mugs on sale, and then tripped over a reindeer and faceplanted into a pile of gingerbread christmas cookies. (Kidding! Although that wouldn’t be such a bad thing to faceplant into….) Let’s get through Thanksgiving first, but then please believe, I will be going alllll out.

p.s. (and then I promise, I’m moving on) did you know Thanksgiving is my FAVORITE 2nd FAVORITE holiday? (Favorite has always gone to Easter, and that’s not changing any time soon!) I loveeee Thanksgiving because

1. it’s smack dab between my mom’s birthday and mine
2. at least in our family, it is such a WARM get together. all of us gathered at one house (we’re hosting this year.. I don’t know the official count but I know it’s over 20!) , no stress of presents, just family, food, and loove <3
3. it’s in FALL! Although being that I live in MN, there have been many a snowy thanksgiving day
4. puuumpkin
5. the family walk. which happens at just about every holiday we celebrate as a family that involves a rather large meal (thanksgiving.. christmas.. easter.. birthdays.. reunions.. haha basically every get together involves a large meal)

Good things. Moving on!

GIVEAWAY

So glad to see the entries coming in on my POPCHIPS GIVEAWAY! You still have until Wednesday night, so fret not my friends, but I would say go do it NOW because we all know how it goes when you say “Oh, I’ll come back and do it later” and then you check my blog on Thursday saying “wasn’t there something SWEET going on at Dr.TriRunner last week?” and then comes the compulsory smack to the forehead when you see that YOU were not the winner because indeed YOU didn’t enter! Let’s avoid that, shall we? GO ENTER NOW!

RUNNING NEWS:

And that would FINALLY include some real running.. not just on the dang xRunner and all this RSC business. As of Monday, I have had THREE successful lovely half hour runs, as prescribed. I will fess up (since there were no Friday Confessionals this week.. my bad) that I ran outside one of the days instead of on the treadmill (shhhhh) BUT I ran on the grass/dirt on the side of the path. I always run on that anyways! Here is my train of thought – tell me if this makes sense:

So I understand that the treadmill is a softer surface to run on then cement or pavement. Obvio. But softer than grass or dirt? Maybe once Minnesota hits our frozen tundra/arctic phase come December or January, but we’re not there yet. The grass is pretty darn forgiving, and in fact, according to the RunnersWorld staff over in good ol’ BritLand (that one’s for YOU my love!), it’s “better”. There are some cons associated with running on grass (instability), but I would consider myself a “seasoned grass-runner” being that for at least 70% of my runs I hop down on the dirt trail. Plus… do I need to even mention the entertainment factor? Look at the Runnin’ It page, and see reasons Why I Run. Even back in 2008 (haha how’s that for a throw back post? That egg plant parm looks good!!) I was b!tchin about the treadmill. Nooo thanks.

Anyways, long story short – I ran outside on Friday. And it was WONDERFUL.

I have properly inserted my temporary orthotics. Thank you Dr. Scholls.

One in each

I did get an actual scrip for real orthotics, but I need to see first if my insurance will cover it. In the mean time, I have had good success with using a heal lift in my left shoe, so that’s what you see here.

CHECKIN OUT

Time for me to get a move on. I apologize for the lack of blogging this week, but I have been entirely robbed of any social life by this:

Wasn’t I just blogging about my last anatomy exam? Oh wait. Yes.. Yes I was. Test on Monday tomorrow!! Eeep!

And last item before I leave – I have to toot my own horn here for a sec. I’ve gotten to be quite the fried rice connoisseur:

All ready for some sriracha lovin. And yes, I am using a plastic bin full of sweatshirts as a table. Look at that goodness:

Crappy lighting. Not at all crappy food! I go on little kicks with foods, as many of us do, and fried rice (or just asian in general) has definitely been the theme of the week.

Questions for you!

1. What’s your current food craze?
2. What’s your favorite holiday? Do you go all out? What are your traditions?
3. Are you a treadmill runner? I know my girl F.I.T.C. is a champ at knocking out the 6, 7, 10 milers on the dreaddy no problem. I don’t know how she does it?
4. Have you entered my giveaway yet? Hahah.. no? GO DO IT!

Happy Sunday!

-E

p.s. I’m not the only one havin’ a giveaway!

Last night something came over me, and apparently the roomie too. For whatever reason it was absolutely necessary that we stay up and watch Scrubs until 1:00am. On a WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

Whoooo does that?

Because of my mandatory-8-hour rule, and because my first class isn’t until 11:15, I skipped the gym, turned off the alarm, had a super random dream, but woke up feeling much better than I think I would have had I dragged myself to go do cardio. (RSC to be specific ) However, as “refreshed” as I may have been, apparently my mind was still running a little behind. Hence this tragedy happened to my morning coffee:

My morning cup of black gold turned into a morning cup of black NaCl onion garlic paprika cup of NASTY. I realized it the second I sprinkled it on and did my best to skim the spices off the top, but no amount of skimming could remedy this catastrophe, and down the drain it went.

Despite the absence of caffeine this morning that would usually leave me dragging, I was feeling just fine. In large part I’ll attribute that to the SUN that finally decided to reappear over our lovely city of Mini-apple. Splendid. I had a really fun first class.. we broke into three groups based on our personality types (A, B, C) and the got in little groups and just talked about how we act in different situations. I’ve mentioned before, I’m type A to the max.. probably type A+, but it was hilarious  to talk to the guys in my group about what we do when we’re waiting for someone who’s late.. have a slow car pull out in front of us.. or even just how extreme we take playing a board game (Grandma.. you’re goin DOWN). The class is called Lifetime Health & Wellness, and it’s through my major department (Kinesiology)… definitely my favorite!

Anywho my kiddies.. I will keep this brief because I need to meet the kids for SPIN soon! Tomorrow is TEAM MOVIE NIGHT and I’m hosting, so I have to hit Target on the way home to pick up some movie snacks! I mostly just didn’t want to go too long without posting, but also, I wanted to make sure I’m keeping alla YOU in the loop! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled, because there are some big exciting things coming to RunRoamRecycle! Some will be happening sooner rather than later, but in short, I’m pumped. And you should be too!

Until soon mis amigos!
-E

LAST DAY TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY

so if you haven’t yet done it, step ya game up and send me a photo already! Yes folks, it is really that easy.

I also needed to say that I just bought 48 bags of popcorn for $1.89 because I love Costco and I also happen to love coupons and I’m a boss (warning – mucho profanity ahead with that one). Really though… I am.

(excuse the blurries.. la madre doesn’t have practice taking photos on a cell phone)

Whhoooo does that? I felt like I was holding a child. A child stuffed with three types of meat, cheddar, swiss, and tomato slices. Beast. Or I guess I should say “Big. Overloaded. Sub. Sandwich.”

So basically, you really should go enter the giveaway. And then my friends, life will be complete.

Innn other news – so I told you about the bone growth stimulator. Well, turns out with insurance and the whole the 80/20 deal, my “20%” is $700. Somehow I don’t think that fits in my college budget. BUT!!! Silver lining here.. maybe. Hopefully! As an independent and a student, I qualify for financial assistance. So if everything works out (go find some wood – knock on it!!) then I wouldn’t have to pay anything out of pocket. I’m prayin!!

I may not be eating any BOSS sammies, but I definitely am still getting good solid training in, and the appetite is high, in true Sperly fashion. My mom and I made our mother-daughter-tradition venture over to Costco today to get some goodies. As mentioned above, BOSS Orville Redenbacher popcorn – my favorite!! – had a coupon in the biweekly Costco Coupon book. $4 off an already low price of $5.97, making my 48 bags of salty goodness only $1.97. Also included in the purchases were many a produce: broccoli slaw, tomatoes, asparagus, mushroooms, and sugar snap peas, as well as my staple of all staples: egggg beaters a la Kirkland. I really do love Costco.

Wait wasn’t I talking about training? Right. So Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday is SPIN on my schedule, and this morning SPIN I did. It is not running, but at least it makes me sweat and I feel like I’m working. NTM, my Thursday/Saturday instructor is also a BOSS (how convenient) and he makes it that much more appealing to go to class. He had a sub today (as in substitute teacher, not SUB sandwich. I’ve moved on), and she is ALSO really great. My list of I-Like-You-Spin-Instructors is short and selective, but these two are both on the top. If you’re ever venturing into the world of Lifetime Spinning.. lemme know and I’ll hook you up.

I took this photo a long time ago, and have been meaning to post it, because really, I do love my gym. BOSS? Hahha yeah I think so. This is over the railing, going down into the world of cardio/weights. I especially love my gym when I’m injured, as in now. They have so many options, and so many classes! In place of our run workouts on my practice schedule, I have “RSC” – otherwise known as Running Simulating Cardio. My favorite machine isn’t included in that picture, and it’s definitely NOT running (I don’t count it as “x miles” or any of that b.s. business…) but it is good. Good indeed.

Alright kids, that’s about as much random goodness I have time for today. If I didn’t mention it before, I got a research position at school through my kinesiology department and am a co-investigator on an awesome study we are about to start! I have to finish my IRB training, which if you’ve had to do it before, is loooooong, tedious, and did I say long?  I think I need to go pop some popcorn…

Love,
-E

Go. Do. It. Now!

Helllooo blog buddies. Apparently I’m all about alliteration today… so sorry if it gets overkill! It’s only noon, so it may be a little too early to determine this Monday as “magnificent”.. but so far it’s off to a muy bueno beginning. Here has been my day thus far:

• 7:20 – wake up call
• 8:10 – leave hose to catch bus to school
• 9:00 – practice: 4,000 meter swim
• 11:15 – ROCK my anatomy exam!!!!!

Clearly this last one is makin my day. The occipital protuberance.. serous fluid.. and synovial joints aint got nothin on me baby!! The test was on 11 chapters (half of our book!) so it was a lot of material. We were aloud to make a “cheat sheet” – 8×11, front and back, whatever you can fit on it.. mine sheet took me about five hours to make! I think I only used it for like three or four questions though.. it feels so good to go into a test actually excited about it because you’re PREPARED and your brain is so effing saturated that you know everything you can possibly know!

Well now that I got that out…! Just a heads up, this is a pretty NRR (non-running-related) post… so if you’re waiting for that one about injury prevention – this isn’t it! (Still  coming though.. promise! Going to the Underwater Treadmill dealio soon!)

Time to move on to other important matters:

Snack like no one’s watching!

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while.. you know that I luuurve my popchips. Love as in I could buy a bag at 2:00, and it might very well be gone by 10:00. I’ve made all sorts of crazy creations with my pleasurable little poppers… nachos, chili dippers, taco salads, you name it. They’re also the perfect snack to bring when you’re going to a potluck.. a MOVIE.. a team dinner

[This is supposed to be a photo of the awesome package.. but apparently it's still on my camera at home!! I'll upload when I get there!]

Not too long ago, Shana, part of my snackfamily over at popchips was awesome enough to send me a sample pack! What I really had wanted to get was a racing jersey to sport the popchips logo.. but they don’t have those. Yet. I got an awesome t-shirt to sport in the mean time!! I just feel like Popchips is such a fun, upbeat company, but they also work so well with my athletic lifestyle! They’re “love, without the handles” and they’re a healthy (delicious) snack I can plain take on-the-go, eat em’ at home, or make them into a more elaborate meal. Here’s my official rundown on the flavors that were included in the box, in order of my favorite to least favorite. And by “least favorite”, I mean that in a liked it a lot, but SOMEONE had to come last! kind of way! Here we go:

1. Cheddar Potato – I. Love. Cheddar. Pretty much cheddar anything. Don’t even get me started on cheezy popcorn because I’ll never get to the end of this post! I feel like the cheddar popchips have juuust the right amount of cheezygoodness to satisfy that craving, but it’s not overkill. Actually, my VERY FAVORITE POPCHIPS EVER are the Golden Cheddar MULTIGRAIN flavor. There is absolutely nothing they could do to make those better in my opinion. Pure goodness on a plate napkin? straight out of the bag? You know how I do

2. Salt & Pepper Potato – These are soooo good! Aside from the little kick you get from the pepper, I think these are also one of my favorites for their versatility! I mentioned popchip nachos.. and these are BOMB just for that reason. These make fantastic soup dippers/cruncher topping. My favorite is with thick creamy tomato basil bisque (a la French Meadow if possible!!). Heaaaven!

3. Sour Cream & Onion Potato – Alright. Who doesn’t like sour cream & onion chips? Haha for some reason I feel like that is such a guilty flavor! Maybe because I’m remembering regular Ruffles potato chips with the sour cream & onion DIP.. the dip being the guilty factor! Honestly guys, if you like sour cream & onion, these are for you!

4. Barbeque Potato – favorite #4. These have a reallly strong barbeque flavor, so if you want mild, then pick a different flavor. But I definitely don’t want mild, so I think these are great! The only reason these aren’t higher up on my list is because the only way I have figured out how to eat them thus far is just plain. Nothing wrong with that, but sometimes I like to get creative! What are other ways you do up your BBQ chips? I’m open for suggestions!

5. Original Potato – Really, these last three were all so hard to rank. They’re ALLLL good! The original flavor is great because you can dip it, top it, crunch it, and really get crafty here. These were my very favorite for making nachos until I found the Salt & Pepper flavor. Salty crunchy good!

6. Sea Salt & Vinegar Potato – Alright.. here’s my explanation. I have some weird thing with acidity. Or maybe it’s like a brine flavor that I can’t do? I don’t know.. but it prohibits me from eating olives, ketchup, really anything with that briney flavor. Sea Salt & Vinegar chips have always fallen under that same taste-category for me. I don’t know how to explain it.. it hurts my tongue? The problem is though, I still LOVE these chips!! Hahah so I eat them anyways.. and then my tongue is like swollen! It’s not a popchip problem – I promise you that. It happened when I bought a bag of Sea Salt & Vinegar soy crisps too… bummer! These are my mom’s favorite flavor though!

So those were the 6 that were in the box. How awesome is Shana! Like I said though.. they now make MULTIGRAIN flavors, and the Golden Harvest Cheddar is by farrrr my very favorite. I have also tried the Multigrain Sea Salt, and those are great too! There is a Parmesan Garlic Potato flavor which I have yet to find at any of my local grocery stores… but I am dying to try it! I said I love cheese. Parmesan = cheese. Something tells me those chips are golden.

If you can find popchips near you, I think they definitely outshine any of the other chips out there on the market. And if I need to include a disclaimer.. (yeah.. enough with you new blogging protocol rules…) I can tell you that obviously popchips sent these to me, but in no way was it dependent on a review by me, much less a positive one. Trust me.. if there’s something I don’t like, I’ll be the first to let you know!

Well how’s THAT for a good start to the week! The rest of my day is pretty scheduled, just the way I like it, and it looks a little somethin’ like this:

• 3:30 – practice/PT exercies
• 5:30 – WORK! Just a couple hours tonight. I’m liking makin $$
• 8:00 – hopefully earlier? Hit the grocery store on my way home. My fridge looks naked.
• 11:00 – again, hopefully earlier! SLEEEEEP

I’m trying to implement a new 11:00 rule – must be IN BED by 11:00. I have been trying to work on getting more sleep for howww long? I set the alarm on my phone to go off at 10:30, so it’s my little reminder that if I’m not already getting ready for bed, I need to start makin’ my way to it. Yesterday I FAILED and wasn’t in bed until 12:15.. which for me, is pretty ridiculous for a Sunday night! I had just spend the last like 6 hours at the coffee shop though making that study guide, so when I got home at 8:45 I felt like I had barely been home all day. Because I hadn’t! Anyways.. I’m going to try and work really hard on this new 11:00 thing, because SLEEP* is an important component of recovery! Not to mention.. I’m a bltch when I don’t get my 8 hours of Zzzs. (* OMG. For this reason alone I am so happy I decided to keep blogging. That post was from my freshman year in college when I used to nap every day in Coffman. And that hummus!!! I haven’t had that in SOOO long but will definitely be picking some up at the store tonight!)

Well, I’m off to catch the bus! I’m uh.. not attending my math class today. My 2nd class of the day was canceled, and I have math last, so I’d just be hangin around all day. Plus I talked to the professor and the material we’re covering today is stuff I’m solid on. No biggie! Plus, that lets me get practice done early, which lets me get to work tonight, which makes me a Money Maker. Yessir!

Seeee ya.
-E

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