Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Recipe for happiness

Remove worries from your mind
Remove hatred from your heart
Live Simply
Desire Little
Give much

Monday, December 4, 2006

FIRST DAY OF SNOW!!!

WAAAAA WHOOOOO!!!!! (and a little bit of brrrr.)

It's absolutely lovely.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Birthday Countdown Continues

2 days until I'm 29! Then, the countdown to 30... Why is that such a milestone? Should there be things I "need" to get accomplished before I'm 30? What will my goals for age 29 be? 28 was pretty good...I moved back to Boston, got my first professional certification, continued developing a wonderful relationship with A, and spent more time with my parents than I have in any other year since starting college. What fun peeps they are!

I'm laying down (building) the brickwork for an adult career and perhaps even establishment of my own family. That progress will continue into age 29...Are there more professional certifications and perhaps home buying in the future? YIKES! I think it's official that adulthood is here. Trust me, I'm listening to the child within...or shall I say, the traveler within. Spain has recently popped onto the list. I've never considered it as a desirable destination before, but yesterday it sounded good. Other top places on the list are Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, and Japan (yes, again). More local destinations include NYC, Nova Scotia, Montreal.....How do we get sponsored to travel for a year? Is one year on the road too much to ask for in a person's life?

Random Advice: So, our car was looking a little dirty (well kind of like a sand pit with all the stuff collected on the floor). I was feeling like it was run down and was drooling over new cars (how wasteful, I know). This weekend, I vacuumed the car, cleaned the dashboard, etc and now it's just like new! Who knew that a little act of cleaning the car could have such a big effect. What a beautiful little car I have now.
(This theory applies to bathrooms also)

Monday, November 27, 2006

Turkey Week!

How was your turkey week? Our Turkey Week was chock full of Family Fun Activities. The week kicked-off with a visit to Body Worlds 2 at the Boston Science Museum and continued right on through to the latest in Fashion at the Museum of Fine Arts and a walking tour of the Freedom Trail. The 3-D culture was maxed out at that point so we hit the 2-D movies (Déjà vu and Casino Royale) after porking out on Turkey. (Can you say ‘porking out’ when referring to the bird?)

Of course, as per our family customs there was a lot more eating than just the turkey meal… We visited the Parker House and indulged in the famous Parker House rolls and official Boston Crème Pie. Yes, this is the restaurant that invented the Parker House rolls and Boston Crème Pie. No, they do not know why it is called pie when it’s really a cake. We asked.

We also fit in an afternoon of high tea at the Boston Harbor Hotel. It’s always a favorite. Yum.

Game of the week: Monopoly! Wow, talk about getting to know you’re family… This game will show you who’s in it for the money and who’s willing to lay on the guilt to get the money! We played the current version where you collect $2 Million for passing go. Check this out.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Friday, November 17, 2006

Best Snowboarding Lesson Ever!

last night...on the hill near my house...no snow...no snowboards...but the best snowboarding lesson I've had!

A talked me through how it all works, the hip turning, the pushing from your heel... We envisioned going down the mountain to the right, and then shifting the weight to go to the left. I can envision myself snowboarding now. This is more than I did the times I actually tried snowboarding with snow and a snowboard.

Just you wait. I'm going to tear down those slopes this year! Queen Latifah in Last Holiday is my inspiration. If she can do it, so can I. Right?

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Countdown begins!

Only 15 Days until we get to celebrate another year of life with Wingnut!

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

News from the Wingnut Frontlines

It’s been an action packed week around the Wingnut household. We hosted a good friend from sunny Sacramento for six days. His visit took us up to Maine to go Rock Hunting! He knew what he was doing. He could actually find crystals and such. I focused on the rock hunting outfit, as that is the most important part of any hunting expedition. We didn't find any bears or meese on our adventure. We bashed rocks with hammers and had a blast in the fresh air. Did you know they crumble under pressure? There were lots of sparkly flakes in these rocks. They have a name…and I knew the name last week. Hmmm… sparkly flakey things… Well, it was almost like books of plastic pages in the rocks. We have some at home. It’s fun stuff. Word on the street is that they used it in the 40s to make snow for the movies.

After our action packed day in Maine, we toured Coolidge Corner and took a trip in to the game store in preparation of Game Night! This store is the best place ever! There’s puzzles and games up the wazooo. Anything you could dream of, they have it! We picked up Super Scrabble and Pitch It! (a game of storytelling). Super Scrabble has more squares on the board (three extra rows), double the letter tiles, quadruple letter scores, and quadruple word scores. What fun!

Game Night, however, featured good friends (that’s what really makes it), homemade soups (turkey chili and clam chowdah), cornbread and snacks! Oh yes, let’s not forget the delicious salad and brownies brought by the good friends. Are you wondering about the games? We played Cranium (the Turbo edition)! It was wild! There was acting, drawing, putty sculpting, and mind bending word games. This sounds like a commercial huh? The game is perfect for parties and great for teams of three or more J Of course, my team won, but who’s keeping track?

We goofed around with Pitch It for a while and had a lot of laughs. It’s a great improvisational game and perfect for sitting around the campfire. (No, we didn’t have a campfire this time…. My house would’ve burned down if we did.)

The female multi-taskers also convened the first meeting of our newly started Book Club! We’ll get a website going and a link for all of you who’d like to follow along virtually. The first book is “The Alchemist” by Paolo Coehlo. I’m loving it so far! The Book Club’s theme is “quality fiction”.

Stay tuned….

Wednesday, November 8, 2006

Where's my sticker?

Yesterday was election day. I did my research. I went into the polling place as an educated voter. I marked all the little bubbles and fed my sheet into the machine. I looked everywhere for the person passing out the "I Voted" stickers, but they weren't there. Actually, I didn't see anyone all day wearing a "I Voted" sticker. Personally, I love the reward...and am sad there were no stickers. Does Massachusetts not believe in "I Voted" stickers?

Thursday, November 2, 2006

Snow?

They say it's going to snow soon....

Here's a snowflake site that Pops passed along. If you are in sunny California, you can get a snowflake print to hang on your wall and pretend like it's winter!

I love winter hats and gloves. Yippeee!!!

Driving Practice

Do you need practice parking?

Check this out!!!

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

Only one month left...


Today marks one month before my birthday!

I know you're all dying to find out the results from the Halloween Coloring Contest. Well, we had two excellent entries! I'll post a picture soon...Right now they are welcoming the mail man with their display on the front door.

Halloween was a smashing success in our neighborhood. We got two, yes you can count them on one hand, trick-or-treaters! Of course, we weren't home between 6:30 and 8pm so I don't know how many trick-or-treaters came by in that time... Huey welcomed them, I'm sure. That's Huey in the picture.

Dad passed a fun site along: If you didn't have time to carve your pumpkin, go here

Happy Post-Halloween. Happy One Month Until My Birthday! (presents area always accepted)

Friday, October 20, 2006

Halloween Coloring Contest

Need ideas for your local Halloween Coloring Contest? Get out those crayons, markers, colored pencils, glue, glitter, etc.... Go HERE for some halloween printables. This is the warm up to pumpkin carving next weekend!

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Looking for Cupcakes?

Get them at Party Favors in Brookline!
They are yummy. See....don't they look yummy?

Friday, October 13, 2006

tickled ears

Do the guitars tickle your ears too? I was strolling through the fall colored trees on Winchester street the other morning (iPOD plugged into my ears) and when the guitar strumming came one my ears tickled! Other times I feel like I'm in a live concert, there are people clapping all around me.

It's amazing what those little buds can do. It completely changes the feel of my surroundings, makes the rest of the world surreal.

Here's a pic of me ready to run the blue hills trail race.... I'm hitting a new trail this weekend.

Thursday, October 5, 2006

Dessert Sushi!


The Gilmore Girls mentioned dessert sushi this week. What a great concept! Being the blogger that I am, I googled it.... (It appears that they weren't the first ones to come up with the idea). Anyhow there is tons of room for creativity in the dessert sushi business! This picture links to a site with tons of ideas. Imagine gummy worms wrapped in rice krispie treats and fruit rollups for the seaweed.

Tuesday, October 3, 2006

breath-freshening lip balm: mint


It's delicious! Anna got a sample on Jet Blue and I made it last an entire week. Yummy stuff.
Today I licked the last I could out of the little sample bubble... so sad. I guess it's sold at Sephora.
Made by bliss.

Monday, October 2, 2006

Trail Running!

What better way to spend a Sunday morning than running a 10K in the woods? It was the annual Houghton's Pond Trail Race here in Massachusetts. It was my first official trail run and an absolute blast! I even ran a pretty good time. 1 hour and 1 minute including a stop to pee behind a tree. Hey, when nature calls, what are you going to do?

I know I haven't written since July, but I'm back in action. Stay tuned and log in often.

Waaaaaa Whoooooo!!!!

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

To LyssM

Congratulations! Go to http://www.locksoflove.org/ for info on where to sendyour ponytail. I hope someone can use it!

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Buffalos!


Here's that buffalo that charged our car in Yellowstone. ------------>








And here are some buffalo butts. I was scared of them when they came so close to my window...I snapped the pic and rolled up the window!

Monday, June 12, 2006

Arrival!

The furniture came last night at 8:30pm. Yes, Sunday night at 8:30pm. It was quite a saga...the whole four weeks of the moving experience and last night alone. A is home sorting through the damage and salvaging the peices that are intact right now. (Okay, it's not that bad..but all of our boxes looked really squished coming off that truck!) I may post more on the moving drama....but for now, we're working on documenting the damage.

In lighter news...we saw the neighborhood raccoon yesterday...and this time there were 4 babies with it! So cute! (Well, cute when they are crawling on the neighbor's house and not mine.)

We also had a wonderful walk along the Charles River and into Harvard Square. We enjoyed the sunshine and played frisbee in the muddy grass.

Friday, June 9, 2006

Back in the Game

I went for a run last night. The first one since before "the move" which was almost 4 weeks ago! It was a short run distance wise but included a very large hill! I live on a hill so it provides a great place for training...up and down....up and down... there just happen to be convenient roads that go AROUND the hill for the lazy times. Last night I ran up and over the hill. Man did that hurt! It feels good to be back in the game though.

Hopefully, there'll be more running this weekend. Perhaps the Chestnut Hill Reservoir which has a nice path all the way around it.

This weekend also involves a visit to the Boston Pops with my Mom and Pops to listen to their rendition of some Beatles classics.

Hopefully, just maybe, if the stars are in alignment, a moving truck will bring us our furniture. No breaths are being held, believe me!

Monday, June 5, 2006

Shop to Sit

This was our motto yesterday as we explored Jordan’s furniture in Natick, MA. We tried out all of the couches (except the gaudy ones) and just enjoyed sitting on couches while pondering what we want for our living room. Can you believe someone actually tried to sell us a Zebra skinned ottoman?
In other news…

We had a very rainy weekend here in New England. Thanks to Mom and Dad for hosting us…we enjoyed a real bed (yes pull out couches seem like real beds to us at this point), homemade omelets, and a nice dinner at Skipjack’s. Still no furniture…it should be here this week. A had his first trip to the Christmas Tree Shops. What a haven that place is! If the movers never arrive, at least we have some patio chairs now.

Coons in the Hood

Yup, I saw him in the flesh. No, he didn’t have a turtle, two opossums, and a family of porcupines accompanying him. Sunday morning I found a trash bag on our back patio torn into and chicken bones scattered all over the place. Sunday evening I saw a raccoon climbing on the second story balcony of the house next door. It was still very light outside, and he didn’t seem very shy at all. I wonder if he has a name.

Perhaps he is just known as “The Masked Scavenger of Brighton”.

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

We're Back!

I know you’ve all been waiting for the story of the move… Well, I’ve finally taken a moment to jot it down. Enjoy!

Everyone said moving was a pain…I’ve done it many many times (cross country twice before!) but somehow repressed the “painful” feeling of moving. Or perhaps all of my other moving experiences just went so smoothly that it really wasn’t painful. I owe many thanks to my family and my friends for helping me move. I’ve never had a shortage of help during a move. Aren’t people wonderful?

Well, this time, it hasn’t gone so smoothly. I totally let the movers screw me over and charge me tons of money for packing materials I didn’t ask them to use. I’m not getting into the story here, because it’s too emotional. Let’s just say, I learned a big lesson, and I’m sorry to A for roping him into my stupid mistakes.

It’s beyond two weeks since Moving Day and our furniture and prize possessions are on a truck somewhere in the U.S.A. (I hope). The moving company was very excited to tell me that “It’s on its way!”. I thought it would be here a week ago!!!

A and I are making the most of an empty two bedroom apartment with an air mattress and internet TV. Are you aware of the free TV shows you can watch on ABC.com. It’s only until June 30th. Check it out! We have an omelet pan, a spatula, a toaster, a few plates, silverware, and towels for the shower. Actually, we are feeling pretty functional in our sparse new home. A is missing having a chair and table, but come on…who said life should be luxurious? (coming from the person who sits in a cushy chair at work all day!)

The Road Trip: Fabulous!!!
I flew to San Jose on Friday May 12th and raided my Sis’ house for boxes, tape, etc. It was great to see Mom there! We’re such coast hoppers. Sis drove me to Sacramento (even though she was feeling sick) that night. Friday night (late) and all day Saturday were spent packing stuff into boxes and getting ready for the movers. C & S came up from San Francisco for a last hurrah, which was a nice mellow dinner at Pyramid. It was nice to chat and catch up! Sunday morning, the movers arrived, and wrapped my furniture in cardboard that they proceeded to charge me an arm and a leg for! It was hot, and everything was moving so fast, I didn’t process until later what went on. Anyway, I cleaned and mopped the apartment after the movers were gone…and we were feeling a little anxious with their handling of our stuff. Around 3pm on Sunday the car was loaded, the apartment was clean, we had said good bye to Sis and hoped she felt better when she got back to Sunnyvale. Allergies were driving us both crazy in Sacramento. A and I hit the road! This was the moment. The start of our road trip!

First stop, two miles away, the Blue Gecko bar and grill to hang with our friends. A did a great job rounding up the troops, and I thank all of you that came to wish us farewell. It was a wonderful reunion for me and great to see everyone before heading out. Around 8pm, we hit the road for real. Well, we had to drop of the apartment keys in Roseville, and get gas. It’s a good thing we don’t believe in omens because, guess what happened at the gas station? We hadn’t even left the Sacramento region…. We were sitting at the gas station, finished pumping our gas, looking at the map and discussing how far to drive that night when….. several police cars race down the street with sirens blaring…a few moments later a speeding truck lands in front of us and skids across the gas station (avoiding the pumps) and stops only because it runs into some parked cars. Police surround the stopped vehicle, pull out the driver and two female passengers, throw them on the ground and hold them at gun point. There were guns everywhere. Scary! The police got everyone under control and the scene calmed down pretty quickly… did anyone see this on the news or read about it in the paper? The truck had come barreling through an intersection, crashing into a car in the intersection, knocking over a street light, hopping a median and causing all kinds of mess. Once things were calm, we continued onto our road trip. A seemed fine, I was a little shaken up by the whole thing.

Night 1: Lovelock, Nevada. A small truck stop kind of town…turned out to be the most expensive hotel of the trip at $70 for the night. We ate breakfast the next morning at a Mexican diner that “also serves American food”.

Night 2: Idaho Falls, Idaho. We strategically placed ourselves for a day of fun in Grand Tetons and Yellowstone the next day. We strolled a little (turned out to be quite a long stroll along the river) in Idaho Falls and I learned about rivers, dams, water pressure, and energy generation. It’s nice knowing a water resource engineer! They have a very nice river walking path and it was a beautiful night for a stroll. A super fancy Best Western for only $60 a night. It’s nice what you get for your dollar in the Mid west. This was the start of our free continental breakfast theme for the trip…biscuits and gravy! (along with the muffins, bagels, etc.)

Night 3: Billings, Montana. We took our time driving through Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the Grand Tetons National Park, and Yellowstone. We arrived at Old Faithful just in time for it to erupt. Then walked around some of the geysers. It really does feel like being on a different planet (if we could really imagine what it’s like to be on a different planet). I’ll upload some pics soon. We saw plenty of Bison!...in fact we had to share the road with them….Okay, so I was scared at the way they were coming straight at the car, but no one was injured.

Night 4: Soux Falls, South Dakota. On the drive we went through the area of General Custer’s last stand, so A taught me about Custer’s mission to defeat the Indians and the time period when white folk were warring with Indians to take their land, etc. We also did lessons on how to use the compass and are now more confident in our “on the fly” navigation skills. It’s tricky when the car is moving! Between A’s analytical “this is the way it works mind” and my summer camp experiences we have the whole navigating process figured out.

Night 5: South Bend, Indiana. Sorry I didn’t call Mairead! I realized afterward that you actually live in South Bend…. We were tired of the typical diner fare so we picked up Chinese food take out and watched HBO in the Motel 6 room. Yup, we were livin’ it up. The entire night (including dinner) cost $48! By this time in the trip we were deep into our borrowed Audio Books (yippee for Boston Public Library). We had finished the third part of the five part trilogy of the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy Radio Show and were well into Around the World in 80 Days (unabridged) read by Jim Dale (who reads the Harry Potter Audio Books). I slept through much of the Hitchhikers Guide, but really enjoyed Around the World in 80 Days.

Night 6: Longmeadow, Massachusetts. It was a long trek, but not so unbearable….we landed at A’s aunt’s house around 10:30pm after driving through Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. The exciting part is that she lives just near the border to Connecticut so we got to add that state to our road trip too! We didn’t take a detour to Niagara Falls, so A will just have to see the seventh wonder of the world another time… It was great to meet the family in Longmeadow and stroll through Longmeadow days the next morning.

Night 7: Quincy, Massachusetts. We went to our apartment in Brighton. Woo Hoo!!! We’re home!!! We futzed around..unloaded the car, found out the phone is not working..and went to Mom and Dad’s place in Quincy for a real bed and food.

Night 8: Brighton, Massachusetts.

And now, you are caught up to speed! We’ve been living on our air mattress for a week and a half now. Mom was kind enough to take us shopping for area rugs, Costco goods, etc. So, we have plenty of toilet paper, and really aren’t doing badly. We are having fun exploring our new neighborhood.

A’s broken thumb is healing and he’s feeling more independent with everyday tasks like tying his shoes.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Wingnut Philosophies

As I depart for a cross-country move (this is number three!), I leave you with these ideas to ponder. Keep in mind, I'll be enjoying the blue skies of the mid west over the next week! (oh yeah, there will be some hectic packing involved beforehand...)

I’ve been testing out / considering some life mottos these past few weeks. Do you have a motto that you live by? If you do, you know that it’s tough to stick to it through everything!

One that has done me very well was a promise to myself to not regret any decisions I’ve made. I figured that if I considered the decision at the time, then it was the right decision, regardless of what I think when I look back on it. It worked out really well for many many years. Now, however, there are a few things that I feel guilty for…I’m not sure I could’ve done anything about them…and Sis would never believe that I have the ability to feel guilt, but I do. I still feel confident in the decisions I make and don’t feel too much regret….but life continues to get more complicated. YIKES! Who’s idea was it to grow up and be an adult anyway?

Some lessons I’ve learned:
Mom always told me I’m not an island. The decisions I make, affect other people. Okay. I get it. I try my best to consider those around me. Really, I do.

Mom also told me, that I need to live my life for me. Do what I want to do. Here I am, embracing the mindset of a freebird (except I plan to stay put for a while). You only get one life (at least in my belief system) and I plan to live it to the max! (I'm not sure what that means yet, but a year of travel is in the future for sure.) The wonderful thing is that I am constantly supported by my loving family and wonderful friends.


Here are some mottos for you to consider:

Live your dreams.

Make life fun (and adventurous).

No regrets (what's done is done...do you believe in Karma?).

Let the little things count! They can make you smile.

In closing, ask yourself these two questions. If you don’t make it happen, who will? Why not get what you want? Go for it! As Dr. Seuss would say, the world is yours!!!

Tuesday, May 9, 2006

Wingnut Training (the Running Update)

It’s been a while since you’ve had a Wingnut Training update. I bet you’re dying of curiosity! Oh no, wait, that’s what kills cats, not people. Hold your horses! It’s right here…the big update.

Remember that 10K I was training for? I know, you’re thinking…NO! I remember the half-marathon you were training for… Well, there’s no half marathon yet, but I did run my second 10K for the year on April 30th. My watch clocked 1 hour 4 minutes and 20 seconds. It was the James Joyce Ramble. Yup, readers dressed in period pieces were dotted throughout the course reading aloud from the works of James Joyce. I haven’t read any of his works, but I sensed a theme along the lines of “why have you left me my dear loved one?”. Info on the race is here: www.ramble.org









This is me running! Photo courtesy of Mom (my fan club). I must say, she is a great fan club! Thanks for cheering me on Mom! Can you see how happy I am to be nearing the finish line? Note the green socks. They are lucky.



Since the 10K, I’ve been keeping up that running schedule I got from Fleet Feet back in January. It works out pretty swell as a regular schedule. I run a few times during the week, and try to do long runs on the weekend. I hit Quincy hard this past Sunday. Up and down the big hill twice as a warm up, then the regular run. It was a good one! I was breathing hard for about an hour (which is close to six miles for me!). Monday night (yesterday) I reconvened with my regular Charles River running buddy and he commented on my speedy pace! I guess I’m improving. I’m starting to believe those old time runners now. They told me that as you put in more miles the speed will pick up naturally.



I think it's due to the Boston Creme donut I had from Dunkin' Donuts yesterday morning. America Runs on Dunkin'

Monday, May 8, 2006

Hair as a Donation....Donations for Hair

I'm growing my hair to donate it for wig production. It has to be 10" long to send it in. Maybe this could be a funraiser in itself! Just like pledging someone per mile for a race...How would you like to pledge per centimeter of hair I grow? Then of course, you can pay me a bonus when I reach the full 10". For those of you that have seen me lately, you know I have a LONG way to go to reach 10".

What do I need pledges ($$) for? Well, I plan to travel the world. When? As soon as I have enough money saved and can take a year off from the working world. I'll spread smiles along the way. That's a good cause right? Support me!

A says he'll grow a beard and accept pledges for his portion of our world travelling trip. Stay tuned for details on that.

All joking aside, I think that it's completely worth my while to grow out my hair (since I'm capable of doing so, and it's a beautiful color!) and donate it to children in need. Here's the info: Locks of Love

Do you want to donate your beautiful hair too?

Tuesday, May 2, 2006

The Tulips are in full bloom now...the trees are complete with blossoms. The Public Garden smells beautiful! (Well, it's raining today, but yesterday it was absolutely perfect!)...

Sorry, I haven't taken pictures, just enjoyed the walk through. If only H could see it now! It's so much better than when she was taking pictures a couple weeks ago.

There's a story from my trip to San Antonio being composed... stay tuned.

Can you believe it's May already? Happy May to you!

Friday, April 21, 2006

Spring Tulips!!

Spring!!! Tulips are up in the Public Garden!

They are sleeping in the morning when I walk by, and glowing vibrantly in the afternoon.

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Easter Tea

Easter Tea at the Boston Harbor Hotel was such a delight!

Pastries, sandwiches, scones, Oh My!

We had a fabulous time overlooking the harbor, sitting in regal chairs, and enjoying live piano music. (Apparently they do tea on a regular basis, when you're in town, we'll take you!)
Little tree blossoms are blowing in the breeze today.

(I saw the same bird watcher in the park this morning...He's devoted!)

Monday, April 17, 2006

Marathon finishers look TIRED, COLD, and IN GREAT PAIN. There have been thousands of them hobbling outside my office windows this afternoon. All sporting a silver (tin foil - ish) cape and looking very super hero!

Congrats to the finishers!!!!

Happy Boston Marathon Day!!

All the marathon runners (signified by the red plastic bags they are carrying) were convening at Park Street this morning doing the things that runners do before a race: shiver, use the porta-potty, and board a bus to the start line.

They looked excited, tired, and cold all at the same time. I walked through the crowds, past many more runners on their way to Park Street, and through the public garden on my usual path the work. I almost walked right into two bird watchers who were busy looking UP in the binoculars and not looking at where they were on the path. It seemed like they were spotting something fun, I hope it works out for them!

I start this day, thinking good thoughts for the marathoners!

Tuesday, April 4, 2006

Curling!!!

Okay, if you still haven’t learned about the sport of curling, get with the times! It became a winter Olympic sport within the last decade and has gotten TV coverage during the last two winter Olympics. It’s like totally hip right now. Here’s a website to bring you up to speed. (Keep in mind, speed is very critical to this game, and not often what the team wants…slowness is important!)

Being the hip people that we are, we attended the opening day of the Men’s World Curling Championships. They are going on all week right here, in Lowell, MA.

Wingnut News

We are enjoying the prospects of spring! We had a glorious weekend with sun and warmth! It was perfect weather for beginning an apartment search. This week I’m having fun exploring new neighborhoods in the Boston area and scoping out different apartments. Daylight savings has made the evening adventures very pleasant. Today, the pouring rain reminds me of Sacramento, CA.

On a reading note...I'm nearly finished with Confessions of a Shopaholic and totally angry at the main character. How can she be so irresponsible? The book aggravates me, but I can't stop reading...I have to see if she gets the reality check and puts her life in order.

On a running note...I've done a few runs along the Charles River. I love running in Boston! Not much time for running outside this week with the apartment searching....but I hope to fit in some good long runs to prep for the 10K on April 30th! Think speedy thoughts for me. I'm eating bananas to battle the cramp that was recurring during my runs. Darn side cramp! That just won't do during a race.

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Wingnut can read.

I just finished reading Snowflower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See.

I picked it up because I really enjoyed Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden (now a major motion picture). I haven't seen the movie yet..but I read the book a few years ago.

Snowflower and the Secret Fan takes place in the late 1800s in China. Being ignorant in most of our world's history, I learned a lot about the Chinese society of that time. The way women were only viewed as a means of producing sons. If there were too many daughters in a family they were just extra mouths to feed in a man's world. But, if a women, after suffering the awful foot binding process at the age of 6, could marry into a good family (because of her "beautiful feet") and produce sons, she could up her status in society. Otherwise, they were just useless. Basically, it's a wonderfully written book, but depressing to those of us who were ignorant of these happenings before reading the book. I recommend it to those of you who like the girly stuff.

With my Boston library card, I'm planning to conquer many books... I'm on to Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella.

Happy reading to you!

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Thank goodness for hot cups of tea!

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Cold and Blustery. That’s today in Boston. I love walking through the park in the morning, so I figured a hot chocolate purchased at one end would keep me warm through the park. The wind was sooo strong I thought I was going to blow away! I didn’t freeze though. Almost, but didn’t.

Bulbs are popping up in the Public Garden…a sure sign that spring is near!

Chewing dark blue gum today.

Thursday, March 9, 2006

I miss A. I miss him loads. No, I miss him a ton. No, I miss him two tons. No, I miss him three tons. No, I miss him a gazillion tons! Wait…is missing him “loads” more than missing him a “gazillion tons”? Well, you get the point.

M & D are super! They’re totally accommodating and fun to live with. Boston living is great!

It’s sad that Sis can’t pop in for a weekend visit…I’ll see her soon (never soon enough) but, it’s good to talk on the phone, and I know she’s doing grand, working hard and resting when she can. Love you Sis!

Monday, March 6, 2006

California Girl

I live in Boston now...well Quincy, MA actually. I lived in Boston before, so the place is not new, just the "right now" part is new. It still hasn't sunk in that I don't have a return flight home..weird. It feels normal here, since I know the area, and have friends already. YIPPEE! Aren't I lucky that they still like me despite my moving back to CA for a few years. For some reason they are all telling me that they knew I'd come back to Boston. I guess I can tell them they were right.

I walked through the Boston Common today on my way to work, watched people ice skating at Frog Pond, and watched ducks splashing around in the unfrozen part of the pond in the Public Garden. It's such a glorious city!

I'm settled in with M & D for a while....we ran several errands this weekend. M picked up a make up mirror, one that magnifies your face about a gazillion times and lights up so you can't miss a thing! Well, let me tell you, it certainly provides a completely different perspective on plucking one's eyebrows. Do you realize how many little hairs are on your face?

Also, I'm a podder now. A set me up with an iPod. I listened a little on the plane, but mostly today on the train. Haven't hit a bus yet... He put 2,000 songs on there which is approximately 7 days worth of music! I've got it set to shuffle and we'll see how long it actually takes me to hear all 2,000 songs. I must say, I was one of the cool kids on the train today..with earbuds in my ears and a pod in my pocket. Yeah, that's me, the epitome of cool!

Friday, March 3, 2006

Zzzz...

Wingnut is in flight today. The next post will be from Boston, her new place of residence!

A message from Wingnut's sister:

Click on the big pink button here everyday - Support Free Mammograms

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Time Flies!

Tomorrow is March! I was just about to ask how your New Year's Eve celebration was when all of a sudden it was time to flip the calendar to MARCH!! Can you believe it?

I'm starting a new job on Monday March 6th and am very excited! The past week and a half of packing and organizing has been amazingly productive. I surprise myself sometimes. Of course, there was also some time for the Gilmore Girls and bonding with my sister. I love her and her very realistic contract killer role playing abilities. I've only got two discs of Season 4 left...and Season 5 will have to wait until I get to Boston. (I switched back to the Gilmore Girls now).

It's been raining...

I've been exercising nonetheless. (This has become one of my favorite terms "nonetheless". I might be using it more than the term "bazillion".) The half-marathon training has officially ended, because I won't be here to run a half marathon. So I'll, amuse myself with 10Ks over the spring and summer, then train for a half marathon in the fall. Did I explain all of this already? I guess I'm still rationalizing for giving up on the training.

I only have one free personal trainer session left at the gym...just when I was starting to enjoy them. At least I'll be heading off to Boston in good shape. Even Sis said my poochies are looking slimmer. I will try hard to keep up the workout schedule in the snow and cold...thank goodness for indoor gyms.

That's enough babble for now.

Happy March Everyone!!!

Thursday, February 23, 2006

I realize that exercising is good for me...so I try to do it every day. Plus, it's fun! I like running, going to the gym, hiking, walking, etc. But, do you realize how much laundry this creates?

New Stuff

There are plenty of new posts today... so scroll down to be sure to catch it all!

Thanks for reading,
_W

Activity of the Day

TAXES! Have you done yours yet?

Wingnut Exercise Log

Just to keep the documentation going...

I hadn't run for several days (with the long weekend retreat and all...) But Tuesday, I hit the park..traversed 5 miles but only ran 2 of it. Wednesday night I attended the team workout. I love my new training shirt that came with the training program! I ran 5 miles with a buddy of mine and according to his watch we averaged 10:14 minute miles! WOW!! Plus, my knee is much better..no pains :)

I hit the gym this morning...my trainer flaked on me, and I had to work out by myself. Go Wingnut!

New Friendly Blog

I just learned that my good friend Mairead Case has been keeping a blog of her own. The link is on the sidebar: "nighttime //anytime (it's allright)". She's got a dream and real talent for creative writing..also a love for music so you'll find fun writing and music reviews on her site. Enjoy!

Olympics 2006

Have you been watching?

Isn't it great how the whole world puts their regular programming aside for the Olympics? I've been having a great time watching people, slide, glide, carve, twist, spin, jump, on snow and ice during these winter Olympics. I haven't caught any curling yet though... Maybe it's over already. I'm subject to the prime time on NBC with just basic cable..I suppose I could use the internet, but it's more fun to just see what's on when I have a chance to sit on the couch between the hours of 8 and 11.

Favorite Sport to watch thus far: Snowboard Cross
Sport I wish I could train for: Speed Skating (long track)

Returned!!!


And we didn't even get Lost. The coast was absolutely beautiful! Sunny, clear, windy, and cold. But not wet. Well, it was wet Saturday night as we drove in..some pretty hard rain with ice pellets banging on the windshield. Sunday and Monday couldn't have been clearer. This is a view from Trinidad Head.

We braved the winds on the coast, absorbed some sunshine, and strolled through the majestic redwoods. It was a beautiful weekend! Yes, there was some snow at the higher elevations of the King Range (mountains along the northern coast). It looked like someone had come through and sprinkled powdered sugar in the forest.

Friday, February 17, 2006

Gone to the Lost Coast

I'm off to the Lost Coast / Humboldt area for the weekend. I do not plan on remaining lost, but finding my way back at the end of President's Day on Monday...

A and I have a fancy room at the Shaw House Inn in Ferndale, CA.

Wingnut Exercise Log

Yes, I've been keeping on track with the running schedule... go legs go! I'm feeling a little tenderness in my right knee so I ice it after every run and make sure there is enough rest between runs.

Since I won't be in town for the Shamrock'n Half Marathon that this training schedule leads me to...I plan to just keep up the 10Ks over the summer and train for another half marathon in the fall.

Thus, I run 3 - 4 miles about 3 -4 days a week and this is pretty comfortable.

I've also been going to a personal trainer at 24 hour fitness.... 5 sessions came free with the membership. It's amazing how many muscles you can grow in 50 minutes! It is nice to be learning exercises that strengthen the rest of my leg muscles and will take strain away from my knees and ankles. Good ol' exercise science. Keepin' Wingnut healthy!!!

Darn Spiders! Why me?

I'm working on cleaning the house (as I do, every few months...) and last week, I hit the bathroom. Since the maintenance man was here and I'd cleared all of the stuff out of the way, I decided to clean the floor, toilet, etc. Well, while I'm hands and knees on the floor wiping away (you don't want to know what...I don't even know what..), in front of my face lands the ugliest spider I've ever seen!

Why me? Where did it come from? It just fell from the ceiling. Did it crawl on me before jumping onto the floor in front of my face? CREEPY!!!

Needless to say, it didn't last long. I squished it without hesitating about the thinness of my soggy paper towel. This is probably why they continue to come after me.

Sugar / Fat Bombs!

It's been a long time since the Krispy Kreme Donut "WOW" phase. You know, the phase were we went to KK to watch the hot donuts glide through the frosting "water" fall. But, today, on my drive back from Sunnyvale, I had a craving. I swung through the drive through of Krispy Kreme and ordered half a dozen assorted.

Right there in the car (within 3 miles of the shop) I ate three Krispy Kreme donuts. Shortly thereafter, I could literally feel my blood pressure rise! As I was driving, I could feel the veins in my neck and head pulsing from the sugar rush!. It was crazy. I'd recommend eating those sugar bombs in moderation :)

To top it off, I had two In & Out cheeseburgers (animal style) for dinner last night. Plus, I ate all my fries.

I told you this running stuff makes me hungry! Don't worry, this isn't a regular diet for me...it was just one day.

Thursday, February 9, 2006

Runner's Log #2

I rested my knees on Tuesday (for the King's) which worked out beautifully, becuase they felt phenominally better on Wednesday morning.

Of course, Wednesday evening was our speed workout. 14 minutes of warm-up, 22 minutes at "tempo" which means 'run fast', and 14 minutes of cool down. Emily will be proud, I chatted with other runners...something I've been hesitant to do until I built confidence in my running abilities.

How embarrasing is it to be jogging along (la la la) chatting with someone and then have to stop suddenly to walk?..they zooming ahead and wonder where you dropped off to (or perhaps they don't wonder and that makes you feel even worse!) Plus, I'm going through a transition, so I wasn't sure if I'd actually be committed to the running team for the entire length of it. Now, I realize that even though I won't be around for the whole thing, the little talks on the trail help us all. Emily was right!

I've noticed through the 10K on Sunday, and the practice last night, that people like to be asked how they are doing...it's amazing how conversation starts from there and it keeps you both going a little bit longer and faster than you would've on your own.

I think I'll continue chatting it up along the running trail. Hence the notion of a "running community".

Highlight of the run (aside from making new friends): Six or Seven Deer grazing near the river. One male had one huge antler and was missing the other. Surprisingly, he held his head straight up. It reminded me of the balance poses in Yoga. Even without both feet on the ground, our bodies can stand up straight. Amazing! The deer were cute...I reminisced about the family vacations in which Sis would count how many deer we saw throughout the length of the vacation.

Wednesday, February 8, 2006

King's Game Recap

We all met at D's house before the game. There, I ate almost half of a large pizza (not a smart strategy if one wants to chow on garlic fries, soft pretzel, and a churro at the game). We walked across the street to Arco Arena, found our seats. I talked and talked with my pals. Called some friends who were sitting on the other side of the arena. We looked at each other in our binoculars and waved. Wow, it's the second period already! I walked over to their section to say hi... They were planning to come over to my section at half time. Ok! Come over at half time!

By the time I got back to my section (the arena's pretty big!) it was half time, and I could see them heading my way! Talk talk talk.. how's it goin'? These are my work buddies. yada yada

3rd period starts and I'm off to get a churro. The only churro stand is on the other side of the arena. Huff, puff, stairs, wow! I made it back half way through the third period, enjoyed my churro and all of a sudden it was the fourth period. I'm not sure what happened to the first half of the fourth period but then the score was tied and it was a very exciting last 5 minutes of the game. Lots of standing and cheering....it was all very fun!

Synopsis: (for the family) My only Arco Arena snack was the churro...I was too full for garlic fries or a pretzel.

Tuesday, February 7, 2006

Runner's Log

It’s amazing what these little feet can do. Or perhaps I should say it’s amazing what following a training schedule can do!

Quick flash of the past few days:
Wednesday evening: speed workout with the Fleet Feet Team in slightly rainy weather
Thursday: rested...afternoon and evening were full of meetings
Friday evening: 30 minutes on the treadmill (running average of 11:45 or 12 min miles)
Saturday: Snowshoeing! We found snow huts (like igloos but made of snow). We were able to crawl inside and have four of us plus dog sitting in there chatting around our imaginary fire. Of course, if we had a real fire our snowgloo would've melted.

Sunday, I ran the Davis Stampede 10K with a time of 1 hour 9 minutes 18 seconds. That’s an average pace of 11 min 9 sec per mile! I’ve been running 12 minute miles in my workout runs, so this was speedy!!!

After the 10K, I bubble bathed, caught up with the fam via cell phone, and vegged on the couch for the superbowl game. Both A and I slept through the second quarter but woke up for the half-time show. Man those Rolling Stones are thin! Snacking through the third quarter resulted in winning the football pool! Congrats A! Too bad the score didn’t stay the same through the fourth quarter, we could have had more $$.

Get this, after the superbowl, I cooked! I made stuffed manicotti (a food that Sis and figured out is pretty simple to prepare actually). Sis, I’m not nearly as good at stuffing the manicotti as you are, but A is very grateful and loves it. It’s nice to have food for dinner.

Monday evening after work (we’re continuing on with the runner’s log now, pardon the intermission), I was scheduled to run for 35 – 40 minutes at a perceived effort of 70%. I probably ran at 85% instead, but I covered 4 miles in 43 minutes. I thought that was pretty swell!
My knees are taking a break today… This evening’s fun activity is attending a Sacramento King’s game with some fellow co-workers. In my mind, the $10 ticket is just a cover charge to be able to eat garlic fries and a churro. Of course, if I have time, I might catch a glimpse or two of the game. (I know my family understands).

Wednesday, February 1, 2006

Getting to Know Wingnut

Here are my responses to one of those e-mails full of questions! Phew... It's exhausting.

1. What time did you get up today? 740 am
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Hmmm...let me think...Syriana (in Boston with my parents)
4. What is your favorite TV show? Gilmore Girls
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? some kind of toasted something or other with cream cheese, peanut butter, cottage cheese, or jam on top.
6. Middle name? Marie
7. Favorite cuisine? japanese? I like everything! (almost. Mexican would be my least favorite)
8. What foods do you dislike? licorice, onions, spicy hot foods
9. What is your favorite chip flavor? salt and vinegar
10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? the one my sister made me for christmas
11. What kind of car do you drive? Why? Do you want to break my window too?
12. Favorite sandwich? turkey and avocado from Togo's OR any sandwich that I make (or Mom makes)
13. What characteristic do you detest? meanness and rudeness
14. Favorite item of clothing? Hmm.. what do I look cutest in? Oh, all my clothes!
15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would yougo? New Zealand, Alaska, so many places!
16. What color is your bathroom? White with blue diamonds in the tile...it's a rental
17. Favorite brand of clothing? Banana Republic (but you've got to have $$ to shop there often!)
18. Where would you retire to? How am I supposed to know that already?
19. What was your most memorable birthday? Memory..not my strong suit...
20. Favorite sport to watch? I love the Winter Olympics
21. Furthest place you are sending this? Massachusetts
24. Goal you have for yourself? To be the best person I can be
25. When is your birthday? Dec 1st
26. When is your Anniversary? Never been married.
27. Are you a morning person or a night person? it depends on the situation...if I'm lacking nightime activities and sleep early, then rise and shine baby! If nighttime activities are prevalent, please let me sleep in.
28. What is your shoe size? 8
29. Pets? nope... killed some fish while I was in highschool though. I don't think I was meant to have pets.
30. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? I'm training for a half-marathon and ran for 65 minutes on Sunday!
31. What did you want to be when you were little? Frederick Law Olmstead
32. What are you today? A planner (soon to be hazard mitigation planner)
33. What is your favorite candy? dark chocolate
34. What is your favorite flower? Gerber Daisy
35. What is a date on the calendar you are looking forward to? Every Day!
36. If you could have one wish what would it be? For my loved ones and friends to be happy always.

Question for my readers: Did I get the answers right? Some of you know me better than I know myself! Funny how that works, isn't it?

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Still Goin'

I've been sticking to the half-marathon training schedule...and ran for a ful 65 minutes on Sunday! Amazing.. I hit the treadmill last night, and was greatful for the 30 minute limit due to people waiting for the machines.

I've found that all this running makes me very very hungry.

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Cool Runnin'

Yes, Jamaica has a bobsled team... but now Sacramento has a new runner!

I'm in my third week of training to run a half marathon. There was a 2 mile "hump" for me that I just crossed! As a casual run / walker, I could cover two miles in about 25 minutes and that was good enough for me. I didn't see how my body would be able to run longer distances (without any walking breaks). I've always been a great long distance walker...this half marathon is my first attempt at being a long distance runner.

The training program is working! Monday evening I ran for 58 minutes, NO WALKING!!. Okay, I stopped at the bathroom, but ran all the way to the toilet, stopped the watch, and started it again as soon as I got up and began running again. So, I ran 58 minutes at a 12 min/mile pace consistently...the whole time!! It built confidence that my body can run for longer periods of time.

Thus, tonight, when we do our speed workout, I know I'll survive it. Tonight is 12 min warm-up, 16 min fast running, 12 min cool down. As long as I can keep my feet moving at a fast running motion for the 16 minutes, I'll be doing good. I'm excited for it :)

Think warm and speedy thoughts for me. (My running hat is hiding..maybe because it's too cold outside.)

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Happy Birthday Sis!

Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday dear Sister
Happy Birthday to YOU!!!!!!

We celebrated last weekend with a lavish evening in the city: A night at the St. Francis on Union Square, dinner at Cortez, and evening entertainment of Pirates of Penzance at the Yerba Buena Center for Performing Arts.

Every part was fun! P of P is very humorous and kept us on our toes :)

Thanks for having a birthday Sis!

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Philosophical Lesson # 717

Whooo arrrrre youuuu?

A famous quote by the caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland. I always liked the way he asked the question, with the smoke rings flowing as his tongue rolled the “r”.

He has a point though. Have you ever tried to answer that question? What does the answer look like? I realize now, (thanks Mom) that I’ve never asked myself this before. Of course, I know my name… and I know what kinds of things I’m good at…. I make friends very easily….but who am I?

How is a person defined? I don’t even know how to format the answer to this question.

Wingnut is pondering….

One motto I try to live by:

"If it's not fun, why do it?"
-Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream.

Please note, that with this mindset, I make "not fun" things, fun. I find it's a nice way to go through life :)

Monday, January 16, 2006

Restrooms and Parking

Have you ever entered a restroom with what seems like a bazillion stalls? It feels like you're walking down an endless aisle of stalls on either side... How do you choose one?

It's just like parking a car in a massive sea of asphalt painted with stripes.

Target one spot (or stall), position yourself accordingly, and turn on in.

Some people like to stay near the front, others go directly to the back of the lot (or aisle of stalls).

One bathroom in Disneyland surprised us when the aisle of stalls looped right around in a horshoe shape. If you're looking for the end of the aisle, all of a sudden you are back at the front!

Wingnutism # 73

Drama. It's the spice of life.

Be Dramatic!!

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

How does Starbucks lead to a Baking discussion?

Did you know that Starbuck’s prints a quote on their cups? I’m allowed to frequent the popular coffee shop this year, because my family and friends were kind enough to give me gift cards J

Anyway, my cup (with a non-fat chai latte) says The Way I See It #49

Baking may be regarded as a science, but it’s the chemistry between the ingredients and the cook that gives that gives desserts life. Baking is done out of love, to share with family and friends, to see them smile. – Anna Olson, Chef and hostess of the all-dessert show Sugar on Food Network Canada.

I haven’t noticed any life in the desserts I eat… If there is life, it is very short lived. Especially for the chocolate desserts.

I thought the chemistry was among the ingredients…not between the ingredients and the chef. Maybe that’s where I went wrong in burning a grilled cheese sandwich the other day. I guess, the bread and I weren’t meant for each other. I must say that I did make the grilled cheese with love. It was for A, not me. He smiled, even though it was burnt. Maybe Anna does have a point. (Yes, I do realize that grilled cheese sandwiches don’t count as “baking”. I’m taking a little bit of writer’s liberty with the interpretation.)

My sister did an immense amount of baking this holiday season, to show us how much we are loved. She even kept us on a regulated eating pattern for the cookies to make sure we had plenty for the night that counts the most: Christmas Eve. We didn’t need Santa to help us! We did a great job. Of course my dear friend down from Seattle baked some fabulous sugar cookies to show us her love also.

The way Wingnut sees it: Baking and cooking for other people is enjoyable. They appreciate the gesture (and hopefully the food too), and you are reminded about how good it feels to do something nice for someone else. (This is, of course, assuming that the recipients / eaters do say thank you and express their gratitude.)

Monday, January 9, 2006

Wingnut's Resolutions

Okay, so there area few minor resolutions that I made...but they are not that exciting and creative.

I resolve to cook more. "More" refers to more than once a month, because I think that's how often I cooked last year. I'm stocked up on cookbooks from Santa :)

I also resolve to build muscle to support strong bones. Yes, that's a creative way of saying I'm going to get in shape. This week I begin an eight week training program to run a half-marathon :)

I also hope to continue writing enlightened thoughts to this site on a regular basis throughout the year!

Thursday, January 5, 2006

Cheers to a New Year!!!

Can you believe it’s 2006? I know, you’ve heard that question a bazillion times already…. but it still baffles me. It seems like just yesterday I was in Boston celebrating the new millennium. Remember that? Everyone thought the computers were going to crash and the world was going to end.

This year I was in South Lake Tahoe playing Risk with some friends. I’m 28 and this was my first introduction to the game. I loved it!

The topic of the week seems to be New Year’s Resolutions. I can tell that the greater Sacramento population has resolved to go to the gym. Yoga was packed on Tuesday! I just tell people that I’m perfect, why would I make a resolution?

Okay, maybe this line works better for my mom… but I use it anyway. In reality, I’m always trying to improve the person that I am. I’ve found that the best way to be happy, is to be the best person I can be. So, I continue to try.

What creative New Year’s Resolutions did you make (or hear of )? Add a comment :)