going the distance

... the distance being my lifespan.

I was at the gym today and ran sort of lackadaisical, without much gusto. And it occurred to me... with my first half marathon completed (in case you missed it), I need to reassess and set some running goals for the summer.

For upcoming races, I have a 10 miler in July, a half in September, and a few, smaller races in between. But, I worked my butt off to build up such incredible endurance and have conditioned my body to be able to run 13.1 miles so now, I am extraordinarily hesitant to back down in training.

(I am committed to becoming the "serial halver"... regardless of how many half marathon races I actually participate in... I want to always be prepared for one!)

Is a half marathon training regiment a realistic everyday, lifelong training guide? I've got my wits about me and I am a sensible girl... as in I know I'll have off days but I see the program as being totally adaptable and something that I can commit to... forever... evah.

Is this healthy? What do runners who are not training for anything in particular do to stay in shape and keep up the momentum? I am sort of confused right now, in this state of turmoil... not sure what to do with myrunningself.

(Me, Type A? Not at all.)

Perhaps I could make the half training plan a normal routine and then up the ante to get faster and stronger as the races draw near? Move onto a novice program, if you will.

I was actually quite surprised when I first assessed the plethora of half marathon training programs out there. While it takes massive amounts dedication and heart, truthfully, it really is not that difficult. It's amazing what our bodies are capable of. I impressed the crap out of myself (though, not Uta Pippig like). Aside from the sometimes grueling long run days, all else is very moderate in intensity.

Now, I don't mean to make it sound easy, by any means. I certainly had to work really hard to get to this point... a point that I look back and consider very much worth the effort.

But, friends have been asking me how far... how hard... how long... in regards to what I did to train.

How far did you have to run?

How hard was it?

How much did you workout?

I think people expect to hear that I ran upwards of 50 miles per week when, at the peak of my training, I was at about 30 miles per week. And when the inquirers hear this, its always like a little inspirational light bulb goes off in their head. They don't even have to say anything - the Really? Hmm. Maybe I could a half? is written all over their face. And when I offer an encouraging You should do it, most friends retort with a hem and haw about this, that, and the other... and I refuse to persuade; its a personal decision. All I am saying is that... it is possible.

The program that really worked for me included long, short, longER, and shortER runs mixed with quality cross training (elliptical and soccer) and strengthening sessions (weights, calisthenics, core). Everyday was something different and switching it up lended to a lack of redundancy which made it much easier for me to stay on course, literally and figuratively. This is the main reason I think the half plan will work for my day to day exercise. There is nothing that I hate more than monotany in working out. This is as important to my mind as it is my body... changing up intensity levels and routines keeps your focus and challenges your body.

On the slight contrary, I also operate most efficiently with a solid schedule in place. I cannot just go to the gym... and hop into a workout. I need to have a plan and know what I am going to do before I get there... and know what I am going to do for the next week so that I am benefitting all around and my total body is engaged. So - even though I like to switch up the routine from day to day, I rely on my schedule to know what the week of working out looks like. It makes me accountable.

For now, to keep me inspired, I think I will set the Blessing of the Fleet 10 miler on July 25th as my next goal race and will work to blast my 2007 PR of 1:35:33 out of the water to under 1:30:00. Considering I did 9:17 minute miles for a half marathon, I am very hopeful that this is possible... so long as I can keep up the momentum in training!!!

tune in...

As much as I am trying to be a model of health and change my life to be more wholesome and enriching... I just love me some TV. And, its not even that I like what the critics would call "good TV". I like a lot of CRAP and a lot of random "stuff".

So what's grabbed my attention lately...

How I Met Your Mother - if you are a twenty or young thirty something, you must start watching this show. It is the Friends of our generation... legen...wait for it, wait for it... dary. And despite being totally into each episode's plot, I am DYING to know how Ted met the Mother... but then the show would be over.

Greys Anatomy - I have watched this show since Season 1... and, I used to be obsessed with it. Now? Not so much. I think the characters have been over developed and many have actually become quite annoying. I still watch and am pushing for Meredith and McDreamy to end up together but then... what would the suspense be? George and Izzy? Gag!

Boston Legal - Denny Crane. I've watched this show intermittently since it first aired but I've recently fallen in love with it. The cast alone is worth the watch (James Spader, William Shatner, Candice Bergen, John Larroquette) but the way the writers poignantly inject current affairs into the script is absolutely *brilliant* (if you watch, you understand). And, James Spader? I never knew he was such a fabulous actor? I think I have a slight crush on him. And then there is Christian Clemenson whose character is just utterly adorable.

New Adventures of Old Christine - I must say that I am a tad bit jealous that whats her name... what IS her name... it reminds me of a dog... she was Elaine on Seinfeld JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS (thanks Google) looks more stunning at 47 than she did while on Seinfeld (over 10 years ago). She has a 6 pack for crying out loud! But, aside from being slightly obsessed with JLD, the show is actually quite funny and relatable.

American Idol - Despite the fact that this season has blown chunks been my least favorite of all seasons, I am still committed to watching. With David Archahpoopa still in the running, I am REALLY pushing for David Cook to win. DC not my favorite; DA NOT Idolable. Oh and Sayeesha... my estimation is that she'll be gone this week. And, I am still bitter about Carly and Michael Johns being ousted.

Little People Big World - This is a reality program on TLC about a family of 6 in Oregon, the Roloffs. The mom and dad (Amy and Matt) are little people, as in dwarfs. They have 4 children - 3 "average sized" (who actually appear to be quite tall) and 1 little person. Anyway - while I will admit that I started watching the show out of sheer fascination, I am now completely in love with the Roloff family. They have created an amazing life on a gorgeous farm and it is SO inspiring to watch their story as Kevin and I venture into adult life and consider family making.

The Hills - Laugh. Call me names. Make fun. Go ahead. I simply do not care. This show entertains the heck outta me. Though, I rarely get to watch an episode (Kevin cannot stomach) so when the opportunity arises, I generally am watching a marathon of it... such as this past week when Kevin retired to bed very early and I was not tired yet. I stayed up long enough to watch 4 full episodes... which, with DVR, took like 20 minutes total because MTV has so many gotdamn commercials that there are about 4 minutes of actual show time. ANYWAY - this is the show I turn to when I want to turn off my brain or numb my senses for a while. (I am SO over Heidi and Spencer. They pretty much need to disappear and stop trying so dang hard!)

Jeopardy - It's educational, what can I say? And Kevin and I are super competitive and like to challenge each other... and I tend to win (and by win, I mean, I have correctly guessed answered about 10 answers out of the dozens) so naturally, I go back for more bragging rights.

And there you have it. The good, the bad, and the necessary evils.

when i grow up, i wanna be...my mom?

In honor of Mother's Day... a repost!

Due to my young age and not actually being a MOTHER, I never realized how true the theory that most women turn into their mothers is until I became a sort-of wife to my live-in boyfriend, Kevin (who is now my husband) and a somewhat MOM to my beloved dog, Nala. Moving in with Kevin was where I first began acting like Queen Jean (my mom, as Kevin endearingly refers to her). I found myself getting frustrated with the very same things for which my mother once reprimanded me, my siblings and step-father back in the day. When I thought she may be a little crazy, now I realize it was years of repressed frustration coming out in her overreaction about the sink being full of dishes when there is a DISHWASHER directly NEXT to the sink. I totally get it because it’s happening to me.

From the bath towels being left on the floor rather than hung on the hook RIGHT ABOVE the floor to not closing the cereal box so when I pour my next bowl of Smart Start I am gnawing and scissoring on the supposed-to-be light and crunchy flakes to gross shaving remains (guck) spread all over the bathroom sink and floor to dirty clothes being strewn about the living room practically hanging from the ceiling fan.

At first, I took this very lightly and didn’t want to seem like the overbearing irrational house”wife” and I’d politely ask Kevin to be a little more considerate and hang up his towel or simply put his dirty laundry in the LAUNDRY basket and NOT in the living room on the papasan…I mean, they make a LAUNDRY basket specifically for THIS. Its not like it is complicated to open and close…OPEN the lid…THROW in the clothes…CLOSE the lid.

As months of this behavior from Kevin (whom I have affectionately deemed the Cat in the Hat) went on, I realized that my mother was actually quite SANE for NOT wringing our necks and that it can become unbearably frustrating. And my reactions are SO similar to hers. Rather than letting Kevin’s clothes stay strewn about, I pick them up and put them away, knowing full well that I should let them sit all over the house until he picks them up, but I simply CANNOT... and I never understood why my mom felt so compelled to clean up after us... until one day, I found myself grumbling about not wanting to pick up after Kevin and it occurred to me…this is what drives moms and wives to breaking points, to insanity. Back then, I didn't think it was a big deal for my sneakers and sports equipment to be piled in the foyer? I didn’t get it... until I started running my own home.

Without necessarily knowing it or doing it purposefully, my mom has taught me to take pride in my home and to cherish what I keep inside my home; to stand up for what I believe (whether it be as deep rooted as politics or as simple as cleaning up after oneself). Though I was aggravated and annoyed as she would rant about gathering everyone’s belongings and assign us chores, she was teaching us morals and values that I pray to one day instill in my own children... or Kevin for that matter. (Actually, Kevin has made dramatic improvements in the last 7 years and I cannot complain at all!!)

Though hesitant to point it out to me b/c A) its scary to admit that your girlfriend is a lot like her mother for fear of seeming attracted to her mother and B) as a woman, it is frightening to hear the first few times that you are so much like your mother, the woman you swore you would not be like for all of your adolescence, Kevin frequently reminds me that I am so much like my mom. I was offended at first because I wanted to be MY OWN person, not like ANYONE else – but now, I aspire to be MORE like her and to raise my someday children as she raised me... and to love them as unconditionally as she loves my 3 siblings and me.

She is such a free-spirited confident woman who sincerely does not care what people or society think of her. And through my teen years, I never understood why she wasn’t embarrassed as she sang OUTLOUD down the aisles of the market... I, of course, was mortified. But now I appreciate her little ways because it makes her so unique and it is truly one of her most appealing qualities. She literally sings to her own tune and stays true to herself, not compromising her goals, ethics or personality for anything or anyone.

Thankfully, I am starting to notice that I am a lot like her in the free-spirited nature. I am a little quirky and I often get puzzled looks thrown my way but – it doesn’t bother me like it used to. She gave me confidence in being myself. We have bonded over becoming so similar... and she is one of my favorite people on earth.

Even better, as she gets older, she somehow gets younger and more free-spirited. And she is morphing into my adored late grandmother whom, with all my might, I wish Kevin had gotten the chance to meet. She was a genuine soul and MY mom is turning into her! Its remarkable and I am so grateful because in a way, Kevin gets to meet my grandmother through my mother.

One day, I imagine, I will morph into my Mom and perhaps my daughter will feel as lucky as I do. I love you, Mom!

raising the bar...

And one, and two, and three, and four... and seven hundred fifty two...

That's me doing chin ups to the bar that I set for myself... and way surpassed. I've done more in the past 5 months than I have done in 29 years. Have I conveyed how good that feels?

YA FREAKING HOO! For real.

So. I've done almost all that I set out to do in 2008. This is all fine and well but now, I have a little dilemma?

Where do I go from here? How do I top what I have already done in the last 5 months? And, how do I keep up the momentum?

... I quit drinking for 2 months.
... I have gotten healthier than I have ever been.
... I completed my first (of many) half marathon.
... I cut back on my technology dependency.

I came into 2008 knowing this would be the most remarkable year in Sarah history and by golly, it sure as heck has.

Now what?

Being the little go-get-em goal setting maven that I am, I am setting some new bars to reach.

☼ QUIT YOUR WHINING! I would like to complain less. Wouldn't we all? Well, when you are deemed Complainy Mullaney (my maiden name), it is quite evident you have a complaining problem. SOOOOO, this summer, Kevin and I are going to take the 21 day No-Complaints challenge. The website and bracelet sort of scare me (is it just me?) so I think I will modify and use my own bracelet.

☼ LOCO FOR LOCAL! For the months of June, July, and August, I am going to become as much of a produce locavore as I possibly can. This means, I will attempt to only eat locally grown (within 100 mile radius) fruits and veggies. Hopefully this will be made much easier by Kevin's garden which will include green peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Additionally, we have a farmer next door who grows a number of other veggies and harvests (is that the right word?) eggs from his very own chickens... and he loves to share! :)

☼ RUN, SARAH, RUN! Well, its pretty obvious that the running bug has infested itself in my soul. So, I will continue my path and am going to shoot for yet another half marathon in September - the Wicked in Salem, Massachusetts. But meanwhile, I have committed to run a number of smaller races in between (see my list on the right?). And, I am REALLY REALLY REALLY interested in learning more about trail running in tha New England area. (However, still no desire to do 26.2.)

☼ YAK YAK YAK! Kayaking is something that Kevin and I have grown very fond of and what's best about it... its something we can do together, unlike soccer or running (Kevin's back injury prohibits him at the moment), so we're committed to doing a lot more kayaking this summer!

And, stay tuned for more random nonsense. I will get off my inspirational high horse at some point to talk about sub-reality TV and useless crap very soon. Exciting, I know.

13.1 miles in 2:01:31... and living to tell it!

So the race began...

Fortunately, it was a typical cattle herd movement getting through the first .25 miles so I was FORCED to go slower than I tend to go from the getgo. And then at about mile 1.5 it opened up enough for me to realize that holy moly, I am all alone, with 12 miles to go, and NO iPod.

Dear God, This is me. I know I haven't wrote, spoke, called, or prayed in a long time but I am here now. I am searching deep down in that big fat gut of mine for this power that I know I have. Help a sister out and let it shine! Dude... please. Love, me.

Sorry for the Eat. Pray. Love. interlude but that was just about what it was like. I hit a moment of panic and then I regained composure, it stopped raining, and I smiled. I would do this, dammit. It was happening and there was nothing that was going to stop me. (Nike ad, what?)

Kevin was planted just after mile 2... and being the mayor that he is, he was distracted screaming to someone else he knew as I was approaching him so I spotted him first and immediately ran over to him and yelled "HEY, KEVIN... BLAH BLAH BLAH", in some incomprehensible, slurring manner when what I really meant to say was "Meet me at the oranges at the finish... and no I don't need my iPod" but as I raced away with my passed off iPod... I didn't really care. It was a nice pick me up to see his face at that point.

Miles 3, 4, 5... good stuff. I was in a zone. Going through the motions, one foot in front of the other. My pace was under 9 minutes - I knew I'd have to slow it down for the middle chunk... cuz I run like a girl.

No, really.

My shirt was the best thing to happen to me. It was hot pink and, it proved to be the most amazing conversation starter, which is one of my favorite aspects of the road racing community... the camaraderie. The slogan was on the back of my shirt so as people would pass me (awesome), many took the time to chat for a few minutes about the shirt. And in 13.1 miles, we collectively came up with a number of scenarios that could be tagged onto I Run Like A Girl.



...perfectly.
... cuz Duh.
...but I drink like a man.
...faster than a cheap pair of panty hose.
...eat my dust (buster).
...who just beat you.
...whose got something to prove.
...and I'm damn proud of it.

These conversations made me smile... and therefore inspired me to keep going. Crazy or dramatic sounding. But true.

...

I trucked through mile 6 and 7 and just as I hit mile 8, I started to crumble a little. My emotions were getting the better of me and I actually was hit with the urge to cry... but not out of pain or exhaustion... simply because I was DOING IT. I was absolutely 100% going to complete this challenge.

I fought back the tears and focused on getting to mile 8 where I had bargained that I would stop at the water station and eat the gu. So, naturally, getting from mile 7 to mile 8 seemed like a marathon in and of itself. I was struggling and had some tightness in my chest. I was going at about a 9 minute/mile pace and was a little bit heartbroken that I couldn't up the ante at this point. I just did not have it in me.

I got to the stop, grabbed the water, sip, sip, sip and then downed the gu... but really, I never stopped running... like I said I would. Whoops. I was doing this quasi run thing... sort of like a crazy power walker, I suppose. And - I ate the gu after the water which was pretty much like getting peanut butter down a pasty mouth. Lovely. But, I managed.

Mile 8 and 9 were pretty uneventful. We traipsed through neighborhoods that in all of my 29 years living in RI, I had never been to... so that was interesting.

The scattered fans throughout the race were positively wonderful and inspiring. My favorite fans were the kids with outstretched hands, just waiting for a runner to give in to the "good game hand slap". I slapped (well, it was more of a sloppy-reach-out-and-tap-a-finger-or-two-slap) every single hand I saw because... this was another smile instigator and anything that made me smile, fueled me to keep going.

After mile 10, I knew that my Dad was going to be stationed on the road, ready to arm me with some more ammo... hand slap in position. I rounded the bend and with rather dismal weather (not really raining but just overall yucky), the fans were few and far between so despite my hot pink shirt and the thinning group of runners, I spotted my Dad before he saw me. I began fist pumping in the air and pointing to him in that you, you, you, Robert DeNiro sort of way. Then he saw me and mirrored my motions (chimp like, awesome.).

Looking good, Bim, looking good.

Hand slap.

Thanks, Dad... thanks for coming out!

That was about mile 10.3 and then I was in the home stretch. A little over 2 to go and I would be done.

Holy hell. That was the toughest 2.8 miles I have ever ran in my life. It was far more of a mental challenge to keep going because I was exhausted and crazy emotional and alone. The crowd of runners had really thinned out and I really had a lot of room to myself... which also meant I didn't have anyone to make breathless small talk with.

At about mile 11, a friend of mine caught up with me and we chatted for a few yards... I told her to go do her thing because I was dragging at that point and needed to reserve any remaining reserves for mile 12. She bolted off and then it was me, alone, again.

But, we were going downhill. Making our final descent into the Providence area. Please bring your seat backs into their full and upright locked position...

...and frickin' RUN, Sarah, RUN!

I was moaning ang groaning for the final mile. The detail police officers blocking traffic were practically yelling at us all to "KEEP RUNNING" and as much as I wanted to collapse, it helped. The home stretch was upon me and as I rubbernecked at a poor guy battling a late race injury... I tapped into my reserve and picked up the pace for the last .3 or .4 miles...

Bystanders gave heartfelt words of encouragement... I grumbled Oye yoy yoy back at them but kept smiling.

I rounded the bend and saw the finish line. Victory was mine and there were hundreds of people to witness. I sprinted as hard as I could for about 100 yards and heard family, friends, and strangers shouting for me.


The photo quality quite accurately depicts how I felt at this very moment, approaching the finish... blurry, pink, and hopeful.

I crossed at 2:01:31 and immediately started to cry. I was filled with an enormous sense of pride, emotion, and accomplishment.

I bent down to unlace my sneakers and turn in my time chip... and I let the tears flow, breathing heavy, and quietly crying. I wanted to get it out while I was on the ground, hidden from my friends... not sure what I was embarrassed about but I did not want to be dramatic. But, as I stood up, right in front of me were Melissa, Dot, and Patrick and I nearly lost it and then, I looked to my right and saw my Dad and my Kevin standing just beyond the gate with a huge proud grin and then... I sort of lost it...


There's no crying in RUNNING!

Oh well. Part of running like a girl, right?



Me, the kissy face little runner bee "ranked" at #647 (of 1387), folks! GO ME! And GO ALL 1387 of us for getting out there in what was supposed to be a weather cooperative day.

Its late in the race day evening and I am on cloud nine. Cramps and exhaustion no matter. I am soaring. I have not had such a proud moment in a very long time, if ever. And I have basked in it all day.

pre-race: the getting ready

While I was super excited and very well rested, race day started out a little glum. I awoke at 6:30am to a gray, damp, cold, mist (truly, the weather was absolutely attrocious). I shrugged it off the best I could. A little chilly rain was not going to stop me so I proceeded with my pre-race plan.

I ate breakfast. A oat and honey bagel with a light smear of peanut butter and a Bolthouse Mocha drink. And 32 ounces of water... because that is how I start every day, running, racing, or not. (I'm only a little OCD about hydration.)

Despite not being very hungry and having massive butterflies, I managed to chow down my bagel... as I bounced around the kitchen pep talking myself.

Pointing to my legs and then to my heart and head, I coached, Its you and me, mind and body, YOU and ME.

I then moved on to the gearing up portion of the morning where I assessed my outfit and made a gametime decision to add an underlayer for extra warmth.

Long sleeve, short sleeve, and shorts. I will be good, I told myself.

I tied my timing chip into my laces, almost feeling like an official runner... reality was setting in. I was getting more and more anxious by the minute.

Next step was to make sure my hair situation was solid. Hair elastics tight enough to hold my mane up in a ponytail/braid and a hairband to keep the fly aways from flying (in case the rain decided to stop and would no longer be there to slick my hair to my head.). Check, check.

Ok - time to go.

Kevin was psyched for me so, naturally, he agreed to drive me to the start and then get parking near the finish (so I would not have to walk too far after running 13.1, thankyouverymuch). So, in the car we went. As soon as we merged onto the highway, the heavens unloaded bucketloads of rain. It was so torrential that Kevin had to slow his driving to nearly 40mph, on a 65mph highway! Oye vey.

This is when the contemplation set in.

Do I really want to do this? Maybe there is a rain date? Am I even ready for this? What if I hurt myself? AM I going to be ABLE to run in this? I am SUCH a pudding when it comes to running in inclimate weather - that's what God invented treadmills for.

Kevin and I discussed the entire way there... and he was nervous for me... as any sane and caring husband would be.

BUT - before I let the doubt get the better of me, I resolved.

I have to do this. I have worked too hard for this and if there is no rain date, then that means... it is possible and I will do it.

So, 5 minutes later, I kissed Kevin goodbye, and bounced out of the car, into the rain, towards the start line... with a minor detour to the woods... to find a tree to squat behind. I was like a nervous puppy, not to mention I had already consumed over 32 ounces of liquid. Relief was necessary.

And then, after a few passing downpours, dancing around the start line with the other 2000 runners, and a minor delay in the start, the gun sounded and we were off.

(Race report to come...)

OH MY GAH!!!

The. Race. Is. In. Two. Days.

TWO DAYS!?


I think I just pooped my pants.

I should not even call it a "race" because I sure as heck will not be RACING anyone other than good ole' Mr. Will. Power.

After the delirium around mile 10 sets in, you'll see me on North Main Street doing the boxer dance... fists up... challenging Will and all his Power.

"You wanna go, Will? You wanna go? C'mon!? Is that all you got... I gotchoo... I gotchoo... I run faster than a cheap pair of pantyhose...."

(And yes, running makes me ghetto.)

In these final pre-race days, I've been doing what any good long distance runner (I am aspiring... a wannabe if you will) does the week before a long race. Its a week of healthy gluttony. (Sort of.)

I am psyching myself up with copious amounts of carboyummyhydrates. Normally, I am beating myself up for eating too many carbs but doctor's orders clearly state... CARBO LOAD! (Picture me headed to my kitchen in banzai fashion, with machete and all!)

Everyday this week, I've had a bagel for breakfast. A bread sandwich with a bag o chips for lunch. A potato for a snack. And pasta with a loaf slice of bread for dinner...

I kid, I kid. I've been eating healthy and balanced. Whole grains, veggies, fruit, protein, etc. Blah blah blah...

It is also taper week which means I am running very little distance at low intensity. The idea is to get your body into a rested state to regain the strength and chemical balance in your muscles (and brain!).

So far this week:
-> Monday: 3mi Easy / Abs
-> Tuesday: strength train legs
-> Wednesday: 3mi Moderate / Abs
-> Thursday: rest
-> Friday: 2.5 mi Moderate / Abs
(I've been following this plan from Runners World.)

But, carbo loading + tapering = I am going to be a blivit by the time the race gets here.

The combination of running and eating healthy has become a bit of a security blanket for me. I am fit (and frickin fabulous) because of my routine. So, changing it up and lessening the intensity is SCARY to me. I am not good with change (agreed Katie?) so I've been sort of a mental patient with this week's regiment. I am concerned that I am going to fall off the wagon, whack my head, scrape my elbows, and be so traumatized that I will never get back to my routine. Yes, I am dramatic and no, I am not hormonal. (Ok, maybe a little but you're not allowed to point that out... so you just shhhhuuush!)

Am I the only one to struggle with the concept of tapering? I understand it (sort of) but I just don't how this is making me more ready for Sunday. I am just trusting the 8 million sources that have told me so.

So - as I delve into my weekend, logging off the bloggy blog, I wish me well. If I don't come back, I've loved all 4 or 5 or maybe 6 of you, out there.

If you don't hear from me on Monday, send help!

Sox Appeal agent... or... wingman

As I briefly mentioned in my Disconnected post last week, I went with Melissa to the Sox Appeal casting call at Bob's Store in Cranston. (p.s. Is Bob's just a New England thing?)

Prior to the actual casting call day, I had acted as any good agent does... prepping her for any interview questions that she might be asked. Mostly, we reviewed the basic Red Sox information because though it is a dating show, it IS a requirement that all participants are Red Sox fans. So we went through the gamut.

Me: Who is your favorite player?
Mel: Jason Varitek

Me: Name 3 starting pitchers
Mel: Wakefield, Dice-k, Beckett

Me: Who would you marry?
Mel: Marry? Or... just like to go out with for a night... haha. Well, either way - Jacoby Ellsbury though... that might be illegal... is he even old enough?

Me: Who did the Sox play in the World Series last year?
Mel: Rockies

Me: And, in 2004?
Mel: ooh, ooh... I know this. Gimme a second... Cardinals!

So - I thought she was pretty set to go in the Red Sox department. I mean how much can they really expect you to know. She proved her fanship.

The next prep was in regards to attire. There was deliberation in what to wear. Should you go as if you want to score a date or should you go as a Red Sox fan? This was a dilemma. Ultimately, we concluded that she would wear cute jeans with a tee and bring a Sox hat... to assess the crowd and see if others were decked in Red Sox apparel.

The casting call opened at 10am (and was going until 6pm) but we anticipated crowds and a line so we met up at 9:30am to get there for 10am on the dot and figured we'd be there until noon or so.

We pulled into the parking lot... scattered with cars but not nearly as many people as we imagined. We parked right in front of the door and did a quick assesment of the 2 or 3 people we saw enter and exit the store and ALL were in Red Sox gear so Mel put on the cap. She looked so cute. (I looked like I had just rolled out of bed... because, turns out, I DID just roll out of bed... and of course, I did not shower because we were going running after the casting call.)

As we were getting out of the car, I spotted a camera guy. We did not even CONSIDER that they'd be filming for the show.

We walked towards the store and the uber animated camera guy came up and asked us if we were there for Sox Appeal. Mel said yes and I said "She is" as I bashfully stepped behind her. So he explained that he is cutting clips for the show and that he'd love to get some footage with her going through the process. I nodded with approval and I was SO excited thinking how cute she looked and how perfect she is for this. Then he looked at me for consent... and I was utterly confused and needed to clarify... I spoke slowly, "Wait... I. Am. Married. I am not here for the show... just here as the moral supporter". He laughed and said... "YOU are part of HER experience".

EMM EFF. I was in yoga pants (that I had worn the day before), a hoodie, and my hair was a mess. And, I did not have an ounce of makeup on because why WOULD I on a Saturday at 10am?

But, after I got over that, I got sort of giddy and could not stop laughing. So he told us what to do... but not what to say. I was like... "Is there some sort of script or something?". "Haha" - he laughs. I was serious. I am not a good candid person. I need rehearsal, lines, instruction, etc.

Anyway - Mel did great candidly. I laughed like a big jackass but tried to be the best wing man I could be. My shining moment was when we were walking into the store (camera guy was following close behind) and another candidate exits the store... I looked at him, turned back to Mel and said "Potential!".

The interview process was a cinch. She filled out a form asking about dating history, life, career, etc. Then she chatted with a casting agent for a few minutes about her application and we were off. She did great and we exited the store 10 minutes later. It was a very interesting experience.

She got a call back on the Monday after the casting call and has since had a 2nd interview in Boston. Fingers crossed for her - she is the perfect candidate... cute, witty, smart. Let's just hope that if she gets picked, they pair her up with an equally cute, witty, smart fellow... there were certainly some interesting folks at the casting call.

If this does not pan out for Mel, I am going to become Agent Cupid for my all of awesomely amazing single female friends (all incredibly smart, naturally beautiful, super witty, successful, etc). Applications are being accepted!

bang! bang!

Run for cover, I am shooting bullets...

● I must be dirtying many more clothes than usual. I FEEL LIKE I'VE BEEN DOING LAUNDRY NONSTOP. I don't know if its all the exercise or what... but I am entirely sick of it. I have NO issue putting it in the washer. But, I hang dry most of my clothes because I don't like colors to fade, sizes to shrink, or fabric to wear. So hanging dry all of these loads of laundry is tedious, I tell you.

● Whole Foods has the most amazing honey roasted peanut butter. Its one of my good problems.

● A not so good problem... I am ADDICTED to fudge pops.

● Is it bad that I have not printed a digital picture since my wedding... 2 years ago? Since then, I've probably taken at least 1000... at least. I am all about taking and tweaking them in Photoshop and using them to bedazzle my various social mediums or to create slideshows. I just feel like I am supposed to print some occasionally. But, then... they'd end up getting no love, sitting in the same box that the other hundreds of photos are currently in. Even my already created albums are hidden away in cabinets and get very limited attention.

● I put on my cute black Reef Flip Flops the other day and immediately smiled at my pretty pink toe(nail)s. Summer is almost here! *Sigh*

● We pulled a tick off of Nala the other day. Do you know how un-fun this is? Poor thing could not understand why her Daddy was manhandling her, holding her down while the Mommy was lighting matches in front of her to only bring that fire stick right to her head. She was VERY well behaved and that bastard of a tick was gone in seconds. Frontline, here we come.

● I am at a good place with my sweatshirt collection. There was a time that I thought I did not have many options and this feeling only intensified when I began working from home and donned sweats more often than anything else. But, over the last few months, I've garnered some incredibly amazing sweatshirts... at great prices, of course.

● In my reality TV world, I am so all done with this Brooke White chick on American Idol. I am over her hem and haw crap. I cannot believe she made it past Carly Smithson but I think Carly's tattooed face husband probably scared the bejesus out of all the conservative American Idol voters. In my best Simon voice "Sorry".

Thats about it in Sarah-land...

my birthday: a photo essay

My birthday month week has been absolutely amazing - even better than last year, the year of 7 cakes. I am not sure what I do to deserve such lavish celebrations (perhaps it is my incessant reminders that start 3 months out) but hell, I am not complaining! Its great.

I am spoiled. This, I know.

It started last weekend with Kevin presenting me with my brand new Wii... which I'd be lying if I said was a complete surprise. Poor Kevin had to deal with Wii-begging for months so, needless to say, I was overjoyed... almost in tears. Kevin never disappoints!!

During the week, I celebrated with various friends and had many wishes sent to me via snail mail, Hallmark.com, MySpace, email, singing telegram, etc. Flattery at its finest.

On Friday, my actual birthday (as if you didn't know), I was woken with a card and yet another gift from Kevin - a brand new Ellsbury tee shirt. (If you don't know what that means, frankly, I don't care.) YAY!!! Queen Jean (my mother, who is staying with us while visiting from Florida) treated me to breakfast... in my kitchen... where she presented me with some fabulous birthday goods - workout clothes, a hair wrap thingy, MONEY, and a super sweet card. Humbling, as usual.

After an endless day of work (broken up by lunch with Kevin), I clocked out at 4pm to get the weekend underway.

With Mom in town, we decided that Friday night, we'd go out to dinner with her and 2 of (3) my siblings at Waterplace Restaurant. One Tanqueray deep and the Queen was the life of the party, hamming it up with the staff and our intimate crew... and planning the presentation of my dessert... with the birthday song, and all. We had a great table, a great server, and a great time.


(Um no, I do not know what I am doing with my hand.)

After dinner, Mom, Kevin, and I continued the party and ventured out to hear some live music - one of Mom's favorite pasttimes. We enjoyed the ambiance, the music, and the heartbreak ending to the 12-inning Red Sox/Devil Rays game. A great time, nonetheless. I love any opportunity to hang with my Mom.



Saturday night was designated as friends and shenanigans night and I planned it would be the night that I cut loose - forget about my 2-month sobriety, my impending half marathon, and my overall healthy mission. I needed to get a little crazy (no, we're never gonna survive, unless), if you will.

I was told to be ready by 6:30pm.

So... I was ready by 6:45pm (fashionably late, naturally) when my first batch of friends arrived at my house... and then kicked me out so they could prepare whatever was in store. B-daddy kindnapped me... to the bar... which involved vodka. My favorite kind of hijacking.

Back at the ranch... we arrived to a slew of "Fiest-ivities". A sombrero and quasi "corsage" attached to me before I could even say Hola mis amigos. A taco station. Wall hangings (muchachos and muchachas). Banners. Dos Equis. Pinatas. Nachos. Pin the tail on the freaking Donkey. Mexican Music. Presents (yay!). Margaritas (don't they know what tequila does to me?... or maybe that was the point). And friends.

They did such an amazing job decorating, planning, cooking, orchestrating... amazing, I tell ya.

Present time was quite a tear jerker. Of course, I was given a Grab Bag (for a Girl) from the Dollar Tree. It was filled with some delectable treats... such as hair elastics, "bling", a stencil, a pencil (unsharpened... score!), bubbles, hair clips, PUFF PAINT. Awesome. It never gets old.


Then, there was this ginormous present and I had absolutely NO idea what to expect. I jokingly asked if it was a new Hoover because it is dog-shedding season and I desperately need a new vacuum. But, you'll never guess what was behind the wrapping...

"You've got to be freakin' kidding me!?" I was shocked. "You guys got me ROCKBAND!?!" I still wasn't convinced that it was actually Rockband... thought maybe they used the box to wrap something else. But no. It was REALLY Rockband.

Holy moly.

I wanted to run downstairs to our newly designated game room, hook it up, and ignore the fact that there is a fiesta happening upstairs... but I resisted. And then I almost cried. My friends are too generous. (Again, not complaining... just sayin!)

But, the night continued...

Pin the tail on the donkey was certainly a highlight (as were white shirts)... especially after a few drinks.





We tried to find a spot for the pinata but after some dog-poop scares... and witnessing Nala do "number 1", the desire to traipse through our lawn dwindled so we just bashed the crap out of it in my basement. CANDY!!!!!!!


A few drinks later, the warriors (aka non-preggos) ventured out to the bar to indulge in some more debauchery, dancing, and nonsense, of course. We had a great time...

posing...


loving...


smiling...


and watching some classic PDA!

(Notice the arrows. 2 seconds before this, they were making out... 3 seconds before this he was grabbing her... and 5 seconds before that, he was hitting on Mel. It could've been you, Mel... it could've been you.)

We really missed the folks that couldn't make it out to the bar but... to be honest, I was thankful we did not continue the party at my house as my Mom is staying with us and I did not want to expose her to the real havoc we tend to wreak. ;) Also, it made for a tremendously relaxing day yesterday. It was a day I spent ignoring all of my challenges. I did not run, I watched TV, I ate all sorts of crap, and in total gluttonous fashion, I lounged on the couch ALL day... without any guilt whatsoever. And to cap it off, my in-laws paid us a late afternoon visit for pizza and a round of Wii Bowling!

A fabulous end to a fabulous weekend.

(p.s. Is it Friday yet?)

self portrait

Don't mind if I do... it is my birthday and all.

Did you find what you were after?
The pain and the laughter brought you to your knees
But if the sun sets you free
You'll be free indeed
She's only happy in the sun...

(Just saying.)

husband portrait

Love.

vurp (EXCUSE me!)

Two nights ago, two of my bestest friends took me out for dinner (to celebrate my impending b-day, naturally) at a great spot in EG, one of my favorites - Cafe Fresco. We went the more caj (shorten casual) route and sat at the bar and ordered apps. A very K-Sarah-B thing to do.

We ordered a bottle of pinot grigio (ofcoursewedid), which clearly was killed in a matter of minutes... c'mon now? 1 bottle, 3 girls... gone. Well, actually, B managed to stay within the 1 bottle parameter but K and I apparently chugged the remainder, slammed our glasses down, and slid the glasses down to the bartender for another round... kidding about the chugging, slamming, and sliding... but we did order another round. For the girl who quit drinking for 2 months and really hasn't been drinking much since quitting the quitting... this was enough wine to have me glowing, slightly slurring, giddy, and maybe slightly dramatic (but only slightly).

The food was delish (Rachel Ray?) - eggplant wedges, crab cakes, strawberry/goat cheese/nutty salad, and a great basilly/cheesey/saucey/grilled pizza. Food, company, wine, service - all fabulous.

Following the indulging, we ventured back to B's amazing new apartment (exposed beams, high ceilings, ambient lighting, amazing!) to continue chit chatting, enjoy each other's company, open my presents!, and drink more wine (obviously). The night was great. I really miss my girlies and I don't see them often enough but... I am finding that it only makes for greater quality when we DO hang out.

So - I wake up yesterday... slightly foggy but generally OK. Just OK. I did not feel spring fresh, jumping out of bed... or anything close. It was more of a mumble-grumble-pry-myself-up motion. I peeled myself away from the bed and into the bathroom to brush the teeth. I glanced in the mirror.

Holy hell. Racoon eyes, hair a frazzled disaster, lines on the face. Awesome.

Brushing my teeth seemed useless. I could not get the taste of day old wine and crab cake/eggplant/garlic out of my mouth no matter how long or hard I brushed. Gargle gargle, paa tooeey! Spit mouthwash into sink. Taste still there. Blech. I chugged some water. Took 2 Excedrin. Gulped a b-vitamin enriched smoothtastic beverage. Taste STILL there. Ugh.

I headed out to the gym. With less than 2 weeks to the half marathon... everyday counts and I cannot skip a training day because of a hangover-ish feeling.

The. Run. Was. Hell. Chugga chug I went on the treadmill. Oozing out alcohol and any remaining garlic, smelling like a champ. Towards the very end of my struggle-of-a-run, I was so mad at myself for indulging in too much wine that I bumped up my speed and sprinted for a good chunk of time (read: 2 minutes). I would not be outdone by Cafe Fresco and girltime shenanigans. As I neared the end of my 5 mile session with hell run... I had this overwhelming feeling of quease in my stomach. It was sort of heartburn-esque, like the feeling you get when you take vitamins on an empty stomach. Yucka.

When it was over, I stopped the treadmill and stood stretching my dehydrated calves. And then... I vurped. My body convulsed a little and I shuddered it away. Mother truckin' nasty. I walked out of the gym barely composed, probably a little green (it was earth day and all)... and quite surprised that I had made it through my run without actually... you know.

But... the pain was worth it. I had a great time with my chicas and still managed to power through my run.

earth day

I love April. Its my birthday month (reminder: t-minus 3 days). Its the beginning of Spring. Its the celebration of Earth and life.

In honor of Mother lovin Earth, I'd like to share with you... my big bad green self and recap what I have done to become more earth-friendly. I really haven't gotten to this challenge full on yet. But, we are baby stepping towards progress (without really trying). And, Kevin is like Captain Organic over here so by proximity, I am sort of greener.

-> Grocery bags - we have been using canvas bags for a couple of years now. My challenge is in REMEMBERING to bring them with me to the grocery store. They always wind up in Kevin's car or the house and I only remember as I am in the checkout line. Doh!
-> Local produce - this summer I am really going to get into this Locavore concept... to some degree. But, even in the last year, we've really tried to adopt a more locally grown lifestyle. It helps that our neighbor is a tremendous farmer and provides us with eggs and vegetables almost daily in the summer.
-> Organics - this is pretty easy these days.
-> Recylcing - we recycle anything and everything. It really cuts down on our trash consumption.
-> Cleaning products - I've started to buy more "eco-friendly" cleaning products but... I have a tough time with this because nothing cleans like Clorox. So, I am striving to become more comfortable and to find stronger, earth friendly varieties.

What I have not done that is on my list...
-> Water bottles - we need to find a way to drink bottled water but limit our consumption of jugs and plastic bottles. We're thinking delivery service might be the best bet for us...
-> Light bulbs - we'd like to transition all of our light bulbs to energy efficient bulbs.
-> Composting - may sound gross but... we throw away so much food... not necessarily wasting food but peels from oranges or vegetable skins or parts. We are going to start composting this summer.
-> More locally grown produce - this summer, I am going to try my best to only buy produce that is locally grown (from farmers markets and what not). Thats challenge #4.

Anyway - thats us... trying to do our part in cleaning up our act on this globey globe.

Happy big blue and green Mother Earth day!

Fluffer Nutter

Food pretty much rules my life. While eating, I frequently find myself pondering what I am going to have NEXT, as a snack or a meal. Its gluttonous perhaps, but I am healthy and don't over indulge TOO often so, I like to think its just passion for food.

They say... you are what you eat. So, if that is the case, what am I? Let me go all MTV Cribs on you and give you a glimpse into my world, in the fashion of food.



SO much going on, right? My clothes closets are much more disappointing... though the sneaker collection is worth the peak. Some day...

Anyway.

Whats in your cupboard!?