Whew! I have no words for how busy the last few months have been. One of these days I will put a play-by-play into words. For now, I will leave you with these photos:
Our Marriage Turned Three!
I dressed up as Danaerys Targaryean for a 5k!
I ran the Color Run…in 30 minutes
Completed my first ever Turkey Trot 8k in 57 minutes
Celebrated the 2nd Annual Treat Yourself Thanksgiving with these lovely ladies.
Life is Good!
THF
Posted by twentyhappyfeet on November 28, 2012
http://twentyhappyfeet.com/2012/11/28/time-warp/
I love to run. It’s a fairly new love affair; and lately my love tank has been close to empty. I’m busy with school, I’m trying to balance life, and I’m really lacking in the motivation department. I mean, after a clinicals, working overnights on the weekend, and squeezing in a long walk with the dogs, I’m pretty much on empty by mid-week. The cycle starts all over again on Thursday. I have all but given up on my Pikermi training. I think I’m averaging about 3-5 miles a week!
I also love beer. With Fall just hitting its stride, I’m anticipating enjoying Pumpkin Ales, Hoppy Ales, you name it! Right now it seems that my beer intake is over shadowing my mileage. This has got to change!
Well, a couple of weeks ago, I found the perfect combination of both of my loves: running and beer. I joined a run club that is sponsored by a neighborhood brewery. It’s a ton of fun, and the runs are broken down into 1, 3, and 5 mile routes that end in hanging out and sampling beers.
Tonight, I participated in NoDa Brewery’s RunFest. It was the perfect combination of running, socializing, and beer dranking! RunFest is a joint charity effort by TrySports and Running Works. A donation of gently worn running gear or $5 goes towards helping fund running groups and skills building workshops for the homeless community. I was all in!
Group photo from 9/13…my maiden voyage with NoDa Brewing Run Club
I did a slow and easy 3 mile run. I worked in some intervals due to some flaring back issues. That’s a whole other story. I finished in just under 37 minutes…I think. My runkeeper app kept dropping its GPS signal. So I can’t really say how fast I was running. Whatever!
I think I’m on an upswing with my running game. I’m planning to register for a couple of races in October, and still plan on nailing a 1/2 marathon in February!
I love how my knees look like boobs!
Posted by twentyhappyfeet on September 19, 2012
http://twentyhappyfeet.com/2012/09/19/refilling-my-love-tank/
This week’s Pikermi training started off great. Monday was cross-training/rest day, Tuesday I did 2 miles @ 10min per mile, and then Wednesday happened. We got into a little vintage rock n’ roll, and a whole lotta beer. It was one of those spontaneous nights. A guest at Husby’s hotel just happens to be a comedian with connections. His name is Craig Gass. Many of you might recall him as the guy that Miranda (Sex & the City) hooks up with while attempting Weight Watchers. Kinda gross and super funny episode.
Anyhoo, comedian-guy tells us to meet him at the “will call” window, and he shows up with 2 VIP passes for KISS! We were totally stoked! My first KISS experience was in the basement of our home in South Dakota. My brother used to listen to “Plaster Caster” and “Christine 16″ non-stop. You could imagine my excitement when we were told that not only would we be down in front for the show; but we also would be meeting the band and taking photos! Yesss!
Post shoulder rub from Mr. Simmons
The show was great! You wouldn’t believe that these guys have been at it for nearly 40 years. Gene Simmons is mesmerizing!
Friday came with a tingle in my throat and horrendous sneezing fits. That lead to Saturday night’s 12 hour shift with progressing illness taking hold. Sunday was spent sleeping into the evening hours, with said illness worsening to back-breaking cough, sniffles, and the threat of a fever! Those symptoms had me down; but not enough to keep me from these guys:
The Toadies
More on that in a bit!
THF
Posted by twentyhappyfeet on July 31, 2012
http://twentyhappyfeet.com/2012/07/31/derailment-and-time-traveling/
The second half of “Best Vacation Week Ever” had more sweet surprises. I started day three with a visit to my friend L’s farm. There were horses, dogs, cats, and a Princess!
Princess
L’s daughter, Lil’ L is an AMAZING young rider. She’s self-taught and dripping in ribbons! I’m so proud of her, and look forward to her take-over in the dressage world. Here she is on one of her projects…a Curly Horse named Harley.
I apologize for the sucky video…I’m a rookie!
A Pre-Birthday dinner happened at Harbor House in Decatur. There’s a cozy little side bar with live music, and a bocce ball court. Totally made me nostalgic for Martha’s Vineyard!
A couple of Ruby Red cocktails and a steamer basket of snowcrab legs makes for a happy Un-Birthday dinner.
Followed by more cocktails, silliness, and a failed attempt at watching: Girls, Game of Thrones, and TrueBlood.
Peach & Mint Concoction by A Sensible Habit
Doggie Obedience Training by A King In Love
I love the spontaneity of Atlanta life.
THF
Posted by twentyhappyfeet on July 12, 2012
http://twentyhappyfeet.com/2012/07/12/summer-surprises-ii/
The week of July 4th is going down as the Best Week Ever of Summer Break! I don’t even know where to begin. Let’s see…a mohawk happened, there was a reunion of sorts, a grueling 10k, fireworks,BEER, pizza, and much more!
Vacation week began with a quick drive down the road to Atlanta. My home, my city; but it’s changing so much…I don’t know my way around anymore. Sigh. Reunion #1- my oldest and dear friend T, flew in from Florida to run the Peachtree Road Race. It was like we were 12 years old again. All giddy and smiley, I even choked back a couple of tears. It was sooo good to see her! We met up with my host Brandy of A Sensible Habit, and Cassi of A King In Love for pre-race pasta dinner at Osteria de Figo. Super yummy! One of my favorite eateries in Atlanta. The Fungi sauce is unforgettably good!
Figo Fungi sauce
The 4th was Peachtree Road Race Day. It was hot. It was humid. It was hilly! I got my butt handed to me!!!
Photo Finish
The elevation killed me. I was moving my legs; but they didn’t feel like they were covering much ground. I’m not gonna lie, “Cardiac Hill” turned me into a wuss- a sweaty, walking wuss! I finished in 1:21:18. I’m not complaining. It was a tough course and I’m satisfied with just finishing the race.
Post-race festivities: a couple of rounds of beers and Chicken Rolls at my old workplace Charlie G’s. You don’t know gooey goodness until you’ve stuffed a few of these down your gullet!
Brandy and I ended the day with 4th of July Fireworks in downtown Decatur. There’s nothing like viewing the show from a rooftop. Work in a few more beers, shots of Jameson from the bottle, and a gaggle of children running around…and you find me bubbling over with anxiety! The fireworks were amazing from the roof. There was even some bell-ringing during the finale!
What a couple of days!
Posted by twentyhappyfeet on July 11, 2012
http://twentyhappyfeet.com/2012/07/11/summer-surprises/
Vacation week is over. Boooooo. I had a blast! Stay tuned for a full recap.
Posted by twentyhappyfeet on July 10, 2012
http://twentyhappyfeet.com/2012/07/10/summer-surprise-sampler/
This happened last night:
Big Eddie and Little Mutant Eddie
The husband and I went to see Iron Maiden. The show was all that I had hoped for. Bruce’s voice was outstanding, the pyrotechnics did not disappoint, and the Eddie set changes were awesome! The only let down was that they did not play “Hallowed Be Thy Name”. Overall, great show! Husby called it the Iron Maiden ”bucket list” tour; I like to think of it as one of my bucket list items. Check!
Husby and Mr. Whiting enjoying Alice Cooper
I do wish that I was old enough to see them when they were a younger band, like, back in the 80′s. Either way, I’m really glad I got to see them at all.
Another highlight of the night was hanging out with these guys:
The X and The Mrs.
Coincidentally, my (ex-boy)friend and his wife were making a vacation stop in my town. Aaaand, it just so happens that they also had tickets to the show. We had a very brief tailgate and a great time. It was nice to catch up and meet his Mrs. She is a super cool girl! I mean, she DIYed Iron Maiden nail art! They are such a lovely couple. I hope this is the beginning of a new friendship.
The Mrs., being a badass
Needless to say, today will be a day of recuperation.
Breakfast was not a “clean” meal; but it sure was tasty!
Pimento Cheese, fried egg, and bacon sandwich!
Self explanatory; but I would highly recommend making your own Pimento Cheese spread or use a good brand like “Ruth’s”.
Pimento Cheese Recipe:
Grate the cheeses. Mix all of the ingredients together. Chill.
Enjoy
Posted by twentyhappyfeet on June 22, 2012
http://twentyhappyfeet.com/2012/06/22/whats-old-is-new/
Today is a day to remember and honor those that have served and given their lives for our country. Many of us will be outdoors, manning the barbecue grill, and pounding beers. Others will be in foreign lands, manning a combat vehicle, or pounding the pavement to keep their countrymen safe. Some may lose their lives or limb. Let’s not forget them.
Dad in Vietnam
My Dad served in Vietnam. While most boys were drafted to go, my father volunteered. I have the highest respect for his bravery, and am so thankful for his safe return. Today, I will honor the memory of those that sacrificed their lives.
I’m sure that Dad is going to be grilling today. My favorite childhood memories involve barbecues and get-togethers. Daddy loves to throw down on some ribs and chicken!
In honor of Dad, our Pre Memorial day dinner:
Tomato Salad with Spinach and Goat Cheese
Honey Balsamic Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
One of Dad’s favorite vegetables is the sweet potato. Sweet potato salad is a delicious alternative to traditional potato salad. Roasted sweet potatoes are even better!
Here’s my recipe:
2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, sliced into 1/2″ thick rounds
1/4 cup of sunflower seeds
1/4 cup of dried cranberries
2-3 tablespoons of mayo
1/2 cup of sliced onion (red or Vidalia)
1 tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
Toss the sweet potato in about 1 tbsp. of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper
Grill on both sides for about 10 minutes, or until soft…not mushy or burned
Cool
Whisk mayo and vinegar together
Cut potatoes into cubes
Gently fold into mayo and vinegar, add onions, sunflower seeds, and cranberries
Refrigerate for about 30 minutes
Enjoy!
THF
Posted by twentyhappyfeet on May 28, 2012
http://twentyhappyfeet.com/2012/05/28/things-remembered/
It’s Easter Sunday, and many of you are sitting in the pews dressed in your Sunday bests. Hallelujah, Amen! Others may be celebrating this day in different ways. Like reflecting on the resurrection while taking a peaceful hike, or going for a long run. Maybe some of you are sleeping in and re-enacting your own resurrection. I’m having a “she has risen” moment of my own. The last two days have been spent hovering between nausea and pounding head pain. Gotta love migraines! Today, however, I feel closer to normal. Thank, God! Hallelujah, Amen.
Today will be marked with baskets filled with chocolate bunnies and little trinkets, Easter egg hunts and peanut butter eggs! Dinner is traditionally a ham or rack of lamb. But what if you’re on a tight budget? What if ham is not your thing? What if you’ve had your fill of chocolate, and don’t care much for boiled eggs?
How about a batch of Easter cupcakes?! Throw together some Ultimate Vanilla Cupckaes with pastel colored buttercream and sprinkles!
Instead of a ham, try something fun, like Braised Pork belly or a juicy brined Pork Tenderloin.
Click the links for recipes.
Enjoy!
Posted by twentyhappyfeet on April 8, 2012
http://twentyhappyfeet.com/2012/04/08/bunnies-baskets-eggs-and-ham/
Spring is my second favorite time of the year. Fall is my first. This is how Spring is celebrated in India.
Holi is a two day festival where EVERYONE: regardless of gender, age, or social class come together and rejoice the end of winter. It is marked by the throwing of colorful and scented powder on celebratees!
This is how Americans put a fun twist on Holi.
There are several Color Run events across the country. Charlotte is hosting the 5k in October…my favorite time of year. I am registering as soon as it opens!
Posted by twentyhappyfeet on April 4, 2012
http://twentyhappyfeet.com/2012/04/04/living-in-color/
