A month in bullet form

Since I disappeared from the blogging world for a month, I'll catch you up on my life in bullet form (it's better that way, trust me):

• I spent a weekend in Savannah. I went on a ghost tour (appropriate since it’s the most haunted city in the US), and for the first time on a ghost tour, I actually got a little scared. I still don't believe in ghosts (I’m waiting for them to prove it to me), but I still like hunting them. I blame those cheesy boys from "Ghost Adventures."

• I spent a long weekend in Biloxi. The area is so pretty, and everyone is so nice. And, I did something amazing: I ran my longest distance ever on a treadmill. The hotel gym had adequate air conditioning, a fan on the treadmill, a TV on the treadmill, and a great view of the pool and gulf (a nice change from my craptastic condo gym).

• My dad visited over the Fourth of July, and we went to five baseball games in five days. We also saw the Rays win five games, including a sweep of the Chicago White Sox. If that wasn’t sweet enough, I also got a batting practice ball and photos with Raymond and DJ Kitty.

• I participated in a two-week boot camp that I adored. I’d still be doing it if it was still happening.
• I did another spin class, and I really, really liked it this time. I think my bike was adjusted just right this time. That, in combination with a fabulous teacher (my sweet and talented friend, Danielle, from running group), made it pretty awesome.
• I tried a hot yoga class for the first time, and I sweat a ridiculous amount. And I wanted to laugh almost the entire time. How in the heck are you supposed to grab your arm if you can’t get a grip due to profuse sweating? I mean, this is a really humorous situation. Apparently, laughing is frowned upon in these establishments, though. But, I went back a second time. And, I’m going to a class tonight. Mainly because I have a Living Social deal for a month of unlimited classes. Well, and I kind of like it. And, I get to see this girl, which makes it awesome.
• After the group fitness adventures, I decided that it’s definitely for me. I love the camaraderie, motivation and encouragement from working out in a group setting. It just makes it more fun.
• I fell in love with this song. Please do not judge my musical taste on this (although you’ve probably lost any hope in me having decent musical taste since I like Justin Bieber). The good news is I know it’s terrible. The bad news is I sing along and car dance the crap out of it. (Note: It could be offensive to some.)

 

• I’ve officially entered into the “eat-all-watermelon” season. Peaches are my favorite fruit, but I crave watermelon, and I want to eat it every day while it's in season. 

Have you been to Savannah? Biloxi? What is your farthest distance on a treadmill? Do you adore mascots as much as me? Tried a boot camp, spin or yoga class? Do you have the urge to giggle at yoga?

An impromptu trip ... and race

In the last few days, my boyfriend and I decided to take a trip to the Biloxi-New Orleans area.

Yes, it's rather last minute. And yes, I usually like to plan trips. But, this was too good to pass up.

First, I love the area. Second, there is a race nearby. This was the selling point for me.

After my glorious half marathon on Sunday, I am all about running. When my boyfriend suggested a destination race, I immediately said, "yes, please" (or something to that effect).  

Yay, running! Where can I run next?

I was shocked and excited. Why shocked? He's not a huge fan of races. He's not an early morning person, and he doesn't understand why you'd pay someone to run (yes, he's one of those people). So, when he suggested traveling somewhere for a race, I jumped on it. 

My first thought: Vegas. Unfortunately, Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas isn't until November (I really want to do that race). Then, I started thinking closer. And, since we both love the Gulf Coast, that area seemed like a logical choice.

Thankfully, the Long Beach Carnival Classic Half Marathon and 5K is on Saturday, and I'm registered for the half. (I immediately started thinking of all the Long Beach rap references: "so much drama in the L-B-C," "Long Beach in da house!" and "Compton and Long Beach together, now you know you in trouble," right off the top of my head). And, then I decided they need a race shirt that says, "So much runnin' in the L-B-C." Right?!? I guess they're not technically talking about Long Beach, Mississippi, but I think it could work.

So, back-to-back half marathons. I'm pumped. I had such a great race on Sunday, I can't help but think good things for Saturday. Why? Cooler weather and a flat, coastal route. I've never done a destination half marathon, so I'll see how it goes. But, secretively (or not really), I'm really excited and optimistic.

Have you ever done back-to-back races? How did you feel? Have you ever done a destination race? Did you like it?

It pays to know a gambler

In unplanned news, I spent a long weekend in Biloxi, Miss., and New Orleans.

This trip rocked. Why?

1.  It was free. I'm not a gambler, but my boyfriend is. Apparently, casinos really want you to come and gamble in their casino and will pay for your flight and room at a swanky hotel. 

2.  My boyfriend's high school friend lives in Pensacola, Fla., so he made the trip over to visit on Friday. He is the truest Southern gentleman I've ever met.

Nice that we use the crappy cell photo camera instead of the
impressive Nikon around Dain's neck.

3.  We saw an awesome show (Fata Morgana) at Beau Rivage for an awesome price ($9.95 per ticket). It was a Cirque-style show without the Cirque-style price, and it was amazing.

These dudes blew my mind. Photo courtesy of Beau Rivage.

4.  Our hotel (Beau Rivage) has an amazing gym, which I utilized!  
 
5.  Our hotel also has an amazing view, which I enjoyed.

6.  This was only my second trip to New Orleans, but I fell even more in love. This city is so fun to explore. 

7.  New Orleans makes the best Bloody Marys (tomato juice makes them healthy, right?). Each place has their own take on it. The most interesting ingredient: Guinness. 
 
8.  I really enjoy my job (most of the time), but a break is pretty darn fantastic.

Taking a break from breaks

After a two-week break from work, I’d like to say I’m refreshed and renewed. But, it would be a lie.

Unfortunately, along with my two-week break from work, I took a two-week break from blogging, an almost two-week break from the computer, a two-week break from eating or drinking anything remotely healthy (OK, that's not entirely true, but I ate a lot of crap), and a one-week break from running. So, now I feel like crap. But, with the new year comes a new me (or so it seems like the thing to say).

Prior to being new and improved, here’s what happened:

I never really got in the Christmas spirit this year, and I don’t know why. I put up the Christmas tree late. I started listening to Christmas music late. I never watched Christmas Vacation or Elf. I didn’t send out Christmas cards. Any gift I sent was late, and I still haven’t sent some (oops). I’m even still waiting on one of my brother’s gifts to arrive so that I can send it late.

I did receive this awesome Elvis ornament from Rachael (Thanks!) via Jenny’s Christmas ornament exchange. It rocks! And it arrived on time (unlike the one I sent). Sorry, Rachael.

Christmas was nice, but I still wasn’t in the holiday spirit. I even slept the latest on Christmas morning. That never happens. Well, every other day it does, but not that day.

After the Christmas festivities (and after family left town), I still had a week of vacation. So, we decided to take a trip. A dreaded road trip. I hate road trips. I hate sitting in the car for much more than an hour. So, an 8-hour car ride is my idea of torture. But, driving meant that Chloe could come with us. I guess she’s worth it.

This is at the Hard Rock in Biloxi. Chloe likes Billy Idol, apparently.

Family photo on the beach. It was cold. Like 62 degrees!

After spending a few days in Biloxi, Mississippi, we headed to Destin, Florida, to spend the new year with friends. After celebrating last New Year’s Eve out with sparkley hats, noisemakers and champagne, I was ready to do it again. Unfortunately, our friends were not. They claim New Year’s Eve is amateur drunk night. They are probably right, but I was a bit disappointed. So, we hung out at their beach condo (not a bad deal, I guess), grilled steaks, drank lots of wine (and champagne at midnight), watched fireworks and rang in 2012.

After getting home (finally … I still hate road trips), I had a day to put away the Christmas decorations, do laundry, watch some pretty awesome bowl games (although the best is yet to come … Cotton Bowl on Jan. 6 – go Cats!), relax (and not get in the car once) and try to head off the looming doom of returning to work.

Even though there is some reluctance about returning to work (not that work is bad (most of the time), but if given the choice, I’d rather not work), I am ready to return to a schedule. A schedule that includes running on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings. I’ve missed it.