I have been running for three, maybe four weeks now (it’s all part of Kelly’s fitness for wedding and for life program). And WOW, the difference between my first run and today’s are huge. I am really proud of this accomplishment because building endurance as a runner is really freakin’ hard and it takes consistency. But I think it’s great exercise as I am currently in a lull, waiting to get married and move, before committing to a gym (I cancelled my membership at Xsport when my car died). So I have to make due with exercises that I can tackle without any fancy gym equipment.
So far, so good!
Kelly’s tips for DOPE running:
1. Get GOOD music on your iPod- songs that bring out your endurance. I tend to count my miles in songs. I run about a 9-10 minute mile so that translates into about three songs per mile. Sometimes when I think about getting through three songs, that seems less daunting then tacking an extra mile onto my run. I’m a former dancer so the beat of music is very important- I need fast songs to run to, so I can run along with the beat.
2. Breathe through your nose. Sounds simple right? Perhaps I’m just an idiot, but it never occurred to me that I should strive to keep breathing through my nose over the course of my run. You lose more oxygen when breathing through your mouth, and it also gives you the dreaded ‘cotton mouth.’
3. Occasionally run with a partner to challenger yourself. Today I ran with my roomate and when the run started to get to me, I just began pacing my jog at the speed she was running- I kept pushing myself because I had an obligation to her. If I stopped running, then she would have had to either run alone or stop with me. Later on she mentioned that there were a few times that she wanted to stop, but she wouldn’t let herself. A running buddy WILL push you when you can’t push yourself (because let’s face it, sometimes I want to drop from exhaustion or hurl).
4. Log your jogs on a calendar. I’m striving for 3-4 jogs a week. So when I look at the calendar in my bedroom, I want to see the days filled in with the letters ‘R-U-N.’ It’s a mental thing- I don’t want to look at it and see that I’ve been slacking. If I don’t feel like running one day, that’s fine, but I will know that I need to make it up at some point during the week.
5. Ever hear that running is 80% mental? Find GOOD distractions. I personally LOVE to dog-stalk in my neighborhood- there are some adorable little pups running around and if I focus on all the cute canines, I forget that I’m actually cruising along. Audio books and people watching also help! Sometimes distractions can be unexpected- I wore a pair of yoga pants on a run (NOT A GOOD IDEA) and they kept sliding down and I kept having to yank them back up. Finally I rolled the waistband multiple times and managed to keep the pants in place (I did all of this while still running). By the time I refocused on the run, I realized I was more then 2/3 of the way done with my route.
6. Get into the groove. The worst part of a run is the beginning because I haven’t yet sunk into my ‘running rhythm.’ After about a mile or a mile and a half, I start to really feel strong and comfortable. Get OVER that initial hump of uncomfortable running- it’s smooth sailing from there.
I am SO the new age Richard Simmons, without the creep factor. And short shorts.
In no particular order…and just because I felt like it:
1. Willow. I saw a DVD of this flick at a friend’s house and when I confronted her (“Oh sweet Jesus, what the HELL is this?!!”), she got defensive and claimed it was her fiancee’s. To her own credit, she said she tried to watch it with him once and after 15 minutes, she gave up. Was too creeped out, I guess.
3. Poltergeist. I’m not sure what creeped me out more- the real life curse of this flick or the fact that the young girl DIED in the middle of filming this trilogy. Oh, and a fuzzy tv will never be the same to me ever again.
4. The Neverending Story. A flying luck dragon named Falkor, racing snails, a monstrosity dubbed ‘the nothing,’ and a childlike empress (yeah, that’s really her name- NBC To Catch a Predator, anyone???). Methinks a lot of drugs were involved in the writing of the book and script.
That’s about it for now. Don’t worry, I get creeped out pretty easily and will likely be adding more to this list in rapid succession.
I am not responsible for any wild screaming, absurd antics, or crazy behaviors, that may be provoked upon viewing of these photos taken on the set of New Moon in Montepulciano, Italy. Fanpires, brace yourselves.
Last night Fitz and I watched Frost / Nixon and it was excellent! Frank Langella was astounding as President Nixon- his mannerisms, voice, gestures, and smile were crafted to perfection.
Also in true Ron Howard form, I thoroughly enjoyed spotting Clint Howard working the cameras during the interview scenes. For those not in the know, Ron Howard typically places his brother Client in obscure roles within nearly all of his films. It’s a trademark I have grown to adore and appreciate.
But what really struck me about this film, was the actor playing David Frost. I was mesmerized by his performance over the course of the film- his growth from womanizing, comedic talk show host to savvy political inquirer was charming and enticing. But what was most remarkable to me, was that when I looked up the film on Google, I was SHOCKED to discover that this actor was New Moon’s very own Aro: Michael Sheen. I did not even recognize him in this film!!! But based upon his work in Frost/Nixon, I can safely say that Aro has been cast to perfection. Sheen is wonder to behold, and I eagerly await his portrayal of Aro, leader of the Volturri. Talk about having the ability to TRANSFORM- just Google Image him and you will see what I mean!
Disclaimer: I do not own the above images. Frost /Nixon photo courtesy of Flickr: beastandbean; Michael Sheen photo courtesy Wikipedia
So tonight I attended the Blackhawks playoff game and let me just say that apparently I am bad luck because the Red Wings destroyed us, spit on us, and ran away laughing. That being said, I’m proud of my team- no one ever said playing the Red Wings would be easy street. Detroit has crafted a powerful dynasty that has dominated the sport- Chicago brings fresh management and young talent to the mix. What has transpired is some astonishingly thrilling hockey. Unfortunately, tonight was not one of those nights. I’m now considering anti-depressants.
(on an unrelated note, I had no idea that some people just choose to send you wedding presents early- how thoughtful and awesome is that?)
Me: “OH. MY. GOD!!! New Silverware! Yay! It is so beautiful and shiny….and beautiful!!! YAY!” (takes breath)
Fitz: “Sweet present. But are you going to start hyperventilating?”
(As I swiftly put away each new delicate eating utensil) Me: “What should we do with this amalgamation of old silverware sets? Do you think your brother might want it?”
Fitz: (chuckles) “Um…no. I think at some point, old silverware just needs to go somewhere and die.”
Me: (gazing upon the drawer that is now very much considered a grave yard) “I suppose your right. But that kind of makes me sad so let’s just wait awhile and have two drawers of silverware in the mean time.”
Yes, that’s right. I have sympathy for certain things on occasion. This is the logic of grown woman, people!!!
Ooooohhh sparkly!
Disclaimer: I do not own this image. Courtesy of Crate & Barrel.
Are you shocked that I ALREADY found spoilers to New Moon? You can’t underestimate a fanpire! Or my Googling skills for that matter- I’m relentless!
CLICK HERE to check out the juicy details. I have to admit that these changes have me pretty excited. I’m always up for more action/fight scenes because I felt as though that was a compelling part of the Twilight series. I LOVED being scared and intrigued at the same time, and Stephenie Meyer did a great job of adding just enough horror to keep the story from being too romance-centric.
My thoughts: Kristen Stewart looks hella photoshopped. And isn’t the pose a bit odd? To have two dudes stand back-to-back with a girl sort of off to the side? Also, is it just me or is Rob Pattinson’s left hand ginormous?!
1. I am still full of quirks after all these years: no milk in my cereal, obsessed with vitamins and routine skin care, LOVE stupid humor movies, and I stalk the cute dogs in my neighborhood. And I dig that about myself.
2. Another year older means I need to really invest in a good eye cream.
3. I am still convinced that May is the most perfect month of the year- peaceful rain when needed, gloomy thunderstorms to remind us of the marvels of nature, and enough sunshine to bloom the tulips and erupt the joy within.
4. My family is the most thoughtful, generous, kind, and funny group of people I have ever encountered. They give me cut-to-the-chase advice, point out thoughtful perspectives, and are quick to engaged joke contests. There is no shortage of affection or encouragement…they are perfection.
5. While gifts are thoughtful, heartfelt, and most certainly appreciated during a recession when I’m broke as a joke and trying to pay for a wedding (AMEN!!!)…I can safely say that after 28 years on this Earth, the most important thing of all are the relationships you keep and the love you have in your heart.
6. As much as I love Chicago sports, I am also reminded how that sometimes feels like a sucker punch, and a kick in the junk, AND a b*tch slap across the face. Case in point: tonight’s Blackhawks loss to the Redwings. BOO. NOT a good birthday present.
7. Chocolate, wine, cheese, or pasta will make any bad day a good one.
8. Concerts and vacations will replenish your soul. Just be sure to take photos and write about your experiences…because those memories will carry you through that time in between.
9. Wouldn’t it be great if I knew how to Irish Dance?
10. Do something good every day. Eat something good every day.
11. THANK GOD for hair coloring. Seriously.
12. I can’t wait to learn how to play the guitar.
13. Create and manipulate your own destiny. I’m ending this ponder list on #13…historically an unlucky number. Too bad I make my own luck in life.
In a move that doesn’t even surprise my grandmother, Donald Trump announced that Miss California USA Carrie Prejean gets to keep her crown DESPITE accurate proof that she is in violation of her contract (stipulating that she must disclose whether or not she ever posed nude or partially nude in photographs…she didn’t to say the least).
Well, la-di-frickin’-da.
This from a man who will fire someone because it’s Wednesday?! Let’s face the facts: Donald Trump is Donald Trump- he is a business-booming, money-making, press-hungry machine and he has every right to be. He has condos to sell! Should he have taken away the crown and reign of Carrie Prejean, what would the news have to report? How many viewers would tune into NEXT YEAR’S pageant? What he did was brilliant- over the next 12 months Carrie Prejean will be watched like a hawk, her every move and word spoken will be followed and dissected, and referred back to this controversy. And any time a reporter picks up on it, the Miss USA and Miss Universe organization will be mentioned. The free publicity will run rampant across a variety of media outlets, including blogs like the one your reading right now.
Also, if we have learned anything, it is that Donald Trump is putty in the hands of beautiful women- they are his kryptonite. There wasn’t a chance in hell of Carrie losing her title. Trump was too fixated with her lost shirt to really even care.
And this concludes this episode of ‘Life lessons from one of our world’s billionaires.’
Back up….WHAT?! How is it possible that this film is nearly done shooting? I guess time really has been flying by!
After a quick Wiki check, I’m now seeing that filming in Montepulciano, Italy will take place later this month (righteous). Word on the street is that the Palazzo Communale may be used for the scene in which Edward threatens to ‘reveal’ himself (do you like how I gave that an ominous tone? Sounds so dirty). I have been to Italy before but I haven’t been to Montepulciano. However, the pictures I have found make it seem like a perfect choice for Twilight’s Volterra (even an actual Volterra exists…weird). The historic, majestic look of the area lend to a dark, mysterious tone that gives way to vampire royalty and secrecy. And the clock tower paints the picture that time is most certainly of the essence.
Technically, it is not a club, as I am the only member. But ‘Push Up Soloist’ doesn’t exactly vibe with the deal I’m cultivating, so I guess we’ll just have to deal.
Moving on…
I’ve decided to improve my upper body strength, which as of right now, is non-existent (case in point, I actually struggled with a revolving door the other day. My assistant swears those doors are really heavy, but I’m convinced she’s just trying to make me feel better). So what is one to do? Start small and get into a routine.
I’ve decided that Michelle Obama’s arms have taunted me long enough- I need some guns of my own (do you like my attempt to be ‘down with the kids’ there?). So I’ve decided to form my own push-up club and hold meetings in the mornings and evenings. I’m starting out basic and working my way up to multiple reps of various push up difficulty. Push ups are sooo excruciating because you really have to work at obtaining good form and building endurance. But once you get over that hump, it’s not so bad.
So right now I am only feeling mild pain from my push ups, but am feeling a little achy all over from running the past two days. But I have no complaints, it feels good to beat up my muscles every now and then!
Would you care to join my club? I’m thinking that with four months til my wedding, it would be nice to show up and be all like, “Hey everyone! Check out my awesome arms. I belong to a Push Up club.”
So join me- GI Jane style. Evening meeting starts in 45 minutes.
Posted by kellyq 
Posted by kellyq 
Posted by kellyq 
