Tennis, anyone?

So today, I played tennis. Lan, Matt, and their neighbor Anil (am I spelling that right?) and I went to play at the GSK courts, which was a lot of fun. It was about 73 and sunny, so perfect weather for running around outside! And although we lost to Matt & Lan 6-3, 6-2, I think I had a pretty good effort on the day. Apparently tennis is not something I'm a natural at...thanks to lack of hand/eye coordination in sports. But I think with practice, I'll be better at it.

Otherwise, things are status quo here. Eric will be here next weekend for my birthday weekend of fun. I wrote out my training schedule for the Boogie Marathon on June 13, and will start it in earnest tomorrow. This week's plan was just to be consistent. I tweaked long run days so that most of them are actually during the week--I'll run them at Umstead or another not-my-neighborhood place to get some variety; and once I start work, I'll move them to either the evenings or weekends. This week's plan is:

Monday-6 miles

Tuesday-4 miles

Wednesday-5 miles

Thursday-12 miles

Friday-6 miles

Saturday/Sunday: Off

For a total of 33 miles. About an 8 mile jump from what I've been doing the past few weeks, but should be ok since I'm staying there for another three weeks.

Friday was a great day--I spent most of it at Archiver's working on the wedding album. I finished all but one layout of our portraits, and I should be able to finish that layout during the week this week. Yesterday, I ran, then went for dinner at Steph & Brandon's. Steph made pizza, which was awesome--one was eggplant with garlic & cilantro, the other was southwestern--corn, black beans, bbq sauce, and smoked mozzerella. It reminded me again that we need to get a baking stone. They're super useful, and man, they make great pizza!

Tomorrow after my run, I have the world's most exciting day planned. First, oil change and car inspection, then have to take driver's license written test and get my new license, then have to get new tags, since mine expire on Tuesday. Every year I get to thank Georgia for giving me the best birthday gift--a huge bill from the DMV. At least this year I don't have to pay Georgia...just North Carolina. Oy. The day will end with some studying and class. Wow, I lead an exciting life!

Next weekend should be fun. I think part of the weekend will involve playing frisbee of some sort. Apparently there is a story involving Eric and Matt and frisbee golf, but I'm not privy to it yet. Off to watch a movie now, then bed! Happy Spring!

Another Week, Another Update

So...Eric is back to Atlanta today. :( I keep hoping that next time will be the time he gets to stay here for good, but I don't think it will be. This is week 7 of living in North Carolina without him, and while I'm not having trouble filling my time with activities and busy-ness, I wish I didn't have to and we could just live together already!

Rosanne & Marty were here for a visit this weekend, we did all sorts of stuff--dinner at Top of the Hill, the Tobacco Museum, went to a plantation, dinner at Nana's, and some shopping.

Top of the Hill has left our list of go-to restaurants, the service wasn't great, and the food was pretty bad. Note to restaurants where we eat: 1) Rolls should not be a) stale and b) noticeably store-bought. 2) Dense, unflavorful cake should not pretend to be a Blondie. I am a Blondie connoisseur, and will discover this. And I will not be back to your restaurant...Ever.

Nana's was great. We will definitely go back there--Eric and I both had the duck over spetzle with a sweet raisin sauce; it was out of this world delicious! In addition to Ro & Marty, our Penn State friends came too, and everyone had great food (and hopefully a great time!) I did discover that no, I sure don't like beets. Still.

The third restaurant of the weekend was Satisfaction in Durham. Bar atmosphere, but with homemade pizza and ranch dressing...by far the best pizza and best ranch I've had in years (really, best ranch since Pizza Express in Bloomington). Servers were super nice, and it was a nice low-key place to have lunch.

The weather this weekend has been utterly miserable. Poured for four straight days, and didn't get above 45 the whole time. UGH! It's about 60 now, so I'll head out for a run in a little while.

In other news, I'm officially starting my job search today. Eric and I agreed that I would apply for three positions every day until I find something. I've already identified two today, I just have to get my cover letters and resumes together to send out. We're both hoping I find something I love--I went back and forth with a love/hate relationship at my last position, and the emotional stress of the work made it really difficult to get up and actually work many days. It's never a good feeling to feel like you have to change the world, but at the same time knowing nothing you do changes the system--which is the cause of the problems in the first place. So for this round of job hunting (I like to think of it as career path #2), I've done some soul-searching to figure out what I'd like to be doing. This will hopefully provide me (and Eric) with a true work-life balance, and provide me with a much broader base for the work I do--thus lessening the stress load carried, and renewing my love of law and problem solving. So now: need to find a job!

Otherwise, Happy St. Patrick's day! A week from today I'll be another year older (and wiser, thanks to everything we've been through in the last year!) Eric's next visit will be the weekend after my birthday, so 10 sleeps from now. I suppose I'll head out for a run now!

Next Race

Wow, most of my posts have been about running today. Guess that's what's on my mind :)

I printed the application for my next race today. Read the scary/funny disclaimer, and thought I should post it. Probably not for your peace of mind, and probably not to encourage anyone reading to actually come out to the race (except Eric, my aid station!) Here goes...

Waiver and Release

I realize June in North Carolina is hot and humid. Most people and doctors advise against running in heat and humidity. Also, running at night presents special problems such as seeing where you are stepping and watching out for cars. (so far, not bad. here comes the 'uhoh what have i done' part...) I understand that this area has specific hazards such as rattlesnakes, copperheads, polecats, wildcats, and rednecks who like to drink and drive and throw things. (yikes...!) I know that 26 miles can be tough under any conditions but with the possible conditions in this event 26 miles could turn out to be much more of a challenge than I expected. Nevertheless, I like to struggle and really, really want to participate regardless of the expected pain or risk.

(here's the legal mumbo-jumbo part) Therefore, I want everyone to know that I am not being forced to do this event and I agree for myself and any survivors or possible claimants that I may leave behind, to save, release, and keep harmless the Mangum Track Club, its members, the Runners From Hell and any volunteers or sponsors or any other helpers that may be involved with this event from all liability, claims, or demands for damages incurred by participation in this event or any of its parts.

(some more fun...) I assume all responsibility for my participation and certify that I am properly trained, mentally fit, and medically able to participate in this hot, hilly, and possibly night marathon. I agree to use a light after dark. I will not litter. I will not kill snakes....Knowing everything in this waiver has not deterred me from entering this event and my signature below indicates that I have read and agree to all this stuff and still intend to participate. I also promise to have fun.

Mary here: I think this may be the greatest event waiver (or contract generally) that I've ever read. And I'm a lawyer! My jaw dropped after I read it and then read on the web that the only hazard that they have not *yet* seen is a polecat...I thought "what am I getting into!?"

At least Eric will be with the other spectators at the only aid station drinking beer and eating BBQ while I'm out dodging poisonous snakes and large mountain cats in the dark!

If you're wondering, and think the course sounds like fun (no more than a mile of flat in each 10-mile loop...), feel free to join me! It's the Boogie Marathon, in Ellerbe, North Carolina. June 13, 2009 at 6pm. Packet pickup is at 5, and registration is open until they have 75 participants in the marathon, and about that number in the 50-miler (or May 23, whichever is first). Last year 46 people finished the marathon. MAYBE I'LL PLACE!!! My current marathon time would put me 8th overall in the women's group...and who knows for age group! Maybe it will be my first AG win :) (So there!)

Nice post from another runner...

My online running acquaintance, gnu, posted this in her blog today:

_________________________________________________________________

In talking with other runners, I have learned that I am one of the lucky ones. Not everyone has the support of their non-running friends and family. Therefore, today I just wanted to dedicate some space in my blog to all of the non-runners who are supportive of their non-runner.

To all of you who might:

Stick up for a runner who always leaves the party early...
Schedule your party around a training plan so you know your runner can stay out late...
Change around your weekend plans to accommodate training...
Plan your vacation around racing or training...
Refrain from rolling your eyes at the pile of shoes...
Make pancakes for your runner while she's in the shower after a long run...
Attend every race, even if they aren't as exciting for you as they are for your runner...
Ask your runner about training even though you know she'll go on and on...
Act impressed by the above conversation every time...
Watch in shock and awe at the amount of food your runner can put away but never comment...
Put "the kit" including gatorade, body glide, chapstick, tissues, water, etc in the car and drive the long run route backwards to make sure your runner is okay...
Drive your runner some weird distance away so she can run home again...
Be patient with your runner when weekend naps become more frequent...
And make a hundred other sacrifices big and small...

I just want to say thank you :)

_____________________________________________________________

I thought it was extra-appropriate, since Eric is my non-runner. He's always supportive, even when I drive him a little nuts!

Last day without daylight savings time!

And it's been nice! It was 80F here today, with only a few wispy clouds in the sky. When I left home this morning it was just cool enough for a sweatshirt (with flip-flops of course, it was going to be 80 already!) When I got out of my exam at 11:15, it was blazing! Wonderful :)

I went for a good run today. Slow, but good, about four miles. Some observations:

• Dogwoods are in bloom. They smell delicious! And it's better they bloom now so I can run through them instead of when the bees are out next month!
• Daffodils are blooming again too. I was really worried that the snow on Sunday/Monday would kill them for good, but I think they were just pretending to be wilted and dead :) Tricky buggers!
• I wore a tank top on my run today, and I have a tan line to show for it.

I also took a few minutes to make up our once-a-month-cooking menu for the next 6 weeks (8 possibly, this is a lot of food!). Here it is. Some are sides only (potatoes, etc), but see what you think!

• Oriental Mini Meatloaves with Honey Garlic Sauce
• Pizza Bagel Bites
• Chicken Thighs with Lime and Honey
• Make-Ahead Chimichangas
• Spiced Citrus Chicken
• Veggie-Stuffed Pasta Shells
• Macaroni & Cheese
• Twice-Baked Potatoes
• Two-Cheese Pasta and Broccoli Casserole
• Pineapple Chicken
• BBQ Chicken Calzones
• Sweet Salsa Chicken
• Chicken and Broccoli Pasta with Pesto

All good, I think. I'm sure Eric would prefer more red meat and less chicken, but he can make his opinion known when he moves here for good! :) (I actually told him the menu and he likes it...but I know how much he likes steak and other beef products).

So tonight after I have a shower and a snack, I'll head out and shop for the day of cooking, and when I get home from that I'll get everything ready to cook. I also need to bake a loaf or two of bread tonight--I'm going to try this recipe for Honey of an Oatmeal Bread along with this recipe for homemade Pita Bread. Hmm. Maybe I should find a recipe for homemade hummus if I'm making pitas...

Anyway, tomorrow I don't know for sure what's going on. I'm contemplating going to the beach, so as not to waste another 80 degree day. Although, I could use another run, probably a long one this time, and if I stayed here, I could start on the cooking, order some photos, and unpack more. I don't know. But whatever I do, it will be fun, since my stressful weeks are over!

I scheduled a haircut for Thursday. I'm going to the Aveda Institute--where haircuts are only $19! Although...last time I went to Aveda (in Atlanta), I cried in the parking lot b/c I hated my color. Eric was able to convince me it wasn't that bad, but since he's not here this time around, I'm only going for a cut. Color is a little too daring for me this week! The school is in Chapel Hill, so it will be nice to see Franklin Street without the snow, like was there earlier this week when we were there! I also scheduled a blood donation for March 20, and signed up for Scrap Mania for that day also. I can't wait!

Speaking of scheduling, Eric will be so proud. I have stopped using my paper planner! All the appointments that got scheduled today were electronic, using ical. I'm a little nervous about it, but figure once I sync my itouch (as soon as I find the cord, rolling eyes!), then I'll have my up-to-date schedule at my fingertips! I wonder if I could set it to sync wirelessly...that would be useful!

Off to get stuff done now! Class starts again on Monday night (Capital Transactions), so I need to make the best of my weekend!

Stressful weeks are almost gone...

The bar is over, and my corporate tax final is over...which means all that's left is finishing up my independent study paper outline and taking the MPRE on Saturday. All manageable. Whew!

It will be nice to take some time off from having a crazy life! I'm going to start back working at the CAC next week with a project or two, and will also start seriously looking for a job at some point next week. My to-do list is getting funner, at least! Left for this week/next week are:

• School registration/financial aid stuff
• Car registration/new driver's license
• Do taxes and FAFSA
• Finish unpacking
• Scrapbook :)
• Put together a training plan for the rest of the year (and the four marathons coming up between now and January!)
• Go for some runs

That's it! All fun or interesting things, for the most part! Can't wait to get started on them!

Today holds a few hours of working on my outline, and then running a few errands (Target, grocery, specialty pet food store). We've decided to change the cats' food to something healthier for them. So despite the added cost, we're hoping it helps with barf issues. Then watching a movie tonight--my first netflix dvd is supposed to be delivered this afternoon!

Car Troubles...

So Monday night, Eric goes out to his car to unload some things he brought up with him, and to get the car ready for the early-morning drive back to Atlanta on Tuesday. He came back up without anything, to tell me that his car won't unlock. (Keep in mind, it hadn't gotten about 30 here in days, and there was snow everywhere, etc). Turns out his locks had frozen shut on both doors of his car!

We called AAA, and the guy who answered said they couldn't do anything, we would need to drive to WalMart and get some silicone spray to unstick them. (Good thing we had a second car...or driving anywhere wouldn't have happened! I think this guy was an idiot--he also told Eric that unfreezing locks wasn't an included AAA service. Sorry, but if they can unlock doors, they should be able to open locks...). So we went to WalMart. Let me just say, the people working at WalMart at midnight don't know anything about anything. We (on our own) figured out what to use, and then asked a guy working there what his opinion was, and he told us to get de-icer that was labeled "for engines." Huh. Didn't know our engine was iced over. Just thought it was the locks. Whatever.

So we head back to the condo, where Eric spends a few minutes trying to squeeze the teeny spray nozzle into the key hole, and squirting spray like crazy into the locks. Nothing.

Plan B: Heat up the car key and see if that does the trick. Eric found a lighter, and tried this. Nothing.

Plan C: Call AAA back and tell them that we tried what they suggested, we still can't get into the car (seriously, if we had an extension cord to use with a blow dryer or something, this step would have been unnecessary. But come on, we live in a condo, just moved, and it's 1am--we don't want to go back to the store to get an extension cord. Plus we have AAA--we should be able to get them to do something with our money!)

Plan C...well it started off well. Eric got a different girl on the phone, and she offered to send someone out. Great. Well, she calls back a half hour later and tells us the first people won't be able to make it, but they're sending someone else. Get a call from people #2, give them directions, they don't show. AAA calls to make sure they came, we say no, they send a third company out. They're supposed to be there by 3:15 (in the morning). 3:15, nobody has come yet. 4:15, Eric gets a call asking for directions. 4:45, they finally show up. (Keep in mind, until 3:15, Eric was sleeping on the couch, and I was still awake so I'd hear the phone. At 3:15, we both went to bed.) 4:50, Eric comes in and tells me he's going to the store, since the guy couldn't do anything (and despite a specific request by Eric for them to bring an extension cord, they don't--and they have nothing to de-ice the locks with).

5:15, Eric comes home from the store (with an extension cord) and goes back to bed. He was supposed to leave at 4:30 to get back to Tech in time for his noon meeting, obviously this isn't happening now! We wake up about 10, and Eric goes downstairs only to find that his car is parked in the sun and the locks have unfrozen on their own.

Lesson of the night: Patience, apparently. Leaving Durham at 4am is never a good idea, this just showed us why. But at least we got to sleep in together for one more day before he left to go back to Atlanta!

Chapel Hill

So Monday, March 2, Eric and I drove into Chapel Hill together for the first time.

For those of you who don't know:

• Chapel Hill was founded in 1793.
• UNC was chartered in the Constitution of 1776.

It had snowed Sunday night, so the drive in (about 15 minutes) was beautiful--snow-covered trees, roads, everything. We parked near Franklin Street, and decided to take a walk around campus before having a late lunch. It was freezing outside, so both of us were bundled up in our coats, hats, scarves, gloves, two pairs of socks, etc. We walked all the way across campus, saw the building that Eric will be working in, and headed back to Franklin Street. We checked out some of the shops, including UNC gear shops, and then headed for lunch.

We had a really nice, relaxed lunch at Top of the Hill restaurant, which is actually at the top of Chapel Hill, and overlooks everything around. The food was superb, and the beer was great too! I had a grilled veggie pannini with sweet potato fries, and Eric had the cheeseburger with beer-battered french fries. We both had the white ale, which was perfect!

This was a nice way to spend the day together after a busy weekend with friends.

Eric came to visit!

So today is the second day since Eric left Durham to go back to Atlanta.

He got here last Thursday night/Friday morning (it was about 2am). I was so happy to see him! I hate that we can only see each other every other week or so until he's done at Tech. Which means I was even happier that he came late Thursday instead of Friday after work like he'd been planning to. We slept in on Friday, did a little housework, ran some errands, and then had Matt & Lan over for dinner and wii Friday night. It was lots of fun, and I learned the lesson that I don't need ziti for 20 when there are only 4 of us eating. Oops. At least we have two extra casseroles in the freezer now!

Saturday we started off with a workout (30-day shred, by Jillian Michaels). It kicked both of our butts, and we were only on Level 1, Day 1! After that, we met Matt & Lan at Neo China for dim sum, which was delicious! I couldn't eat a lot of the food (pork/shrimp issues here), but what I had was just as good as I remembered from the last time we went! We're considering taking Eric's parents there when they come to visit next week.

Saturday night was Brandon's 30's birthday party. It was great! Steph hosted, and had a wine tasting for their friends. We tasted some great, and not-so-great wines from around the world. Cory, from Sanguine Addictions, was there to educate us...it was lots of fun!

Our favorites:

• 2008 Messias Santolo, Vinho Verde (Portugal).
• 2006 Carro, Tinto (Spain/Murcia/Yecla).
• 2007 Kaiken, Malbec (Argentina/Mendoza).
• 2007 Hey Mambo, Sultry Red (California).

We liked, but didn't love:

• 2007 Huber, Gruner Veltliner (Austria).
• 2007 Santa Barbara, Chardonnay (California/Santa Barbara).
• 2007 Chateau de Segries, Cotes du Rhone (France/Southern Rhone Valley).

We probably wouldn't try again:

• 2005 Crinella, Russian River Sauvignon Blanc (California/Sonoma/Russian River).
• 2006 Latour, Pinot Noir "Valmoissine" (France/Languedoc).

Overall, it was a really fun time. It was lots of fun to try different wines that we'd never tried before, and even more fun to spend several hours with friends--old and new. (And I finally met Martha! But that's a story for another day!)

Sunday we hung out all day, and went to see Slumdog Millionaire. Really good movie. Eric LOVED it, I thought it was good. Matt went with us, and we think he liked it too. Sunday night it snowed! We got about 3-4" accumulated, and even today there's still some on the ground.

Monday we went to Chapel Hill, but that gets its own post. Monday night we had an adventure too, but that also gets its own post! Eric ended up leaving about 11am Tuesday to head back to Atlanta. Thankfully the snow had melted there, so he was able to get back and work for a little while Tuesday afternoon/evening.