First Annual Wolfpack Christmas/Hanukkah/Festivus

Nothing beats celebrating the holidays over and over again. Especially after the fact! Unlike my teacher friends, I had to go back to work on Tuesday, so having a post-Christmas celebration to look forward to on Wednesday was a perfect way to break up the week!

The decorations at my place are still going strong - even if the stockings are a bit lighter. The tree has gained new decorations, in the form of these gorgeous dangly earrings from my roomie/bestie Nic:

I'm thankful that I have friends who know me so well! And with this being such a short week (I'm taking Friday off to start New Year's early in Atlantic City), a Wednesday night shindig was a perfect way to break things up.

But I'm still working on 100 things to do in 2012. Expect to see them after January 1.  Until then, I'm still brainstorming. I want 100 meaningful, yet totally doable goals. HELP!

Push It

The holidays are over, and so are the excuses. This might be a short week (I have off Monday and Friday), but that doesn't mean it's going to be short on exercising. I know this weekend is going to be full of debauchery (two concerts, Atlantic City and New Year's Eve), so that means this week is all about being well behaved.

not exactly a shot that screams "well behaved".

I do pretty well with eating at work. I try to eat what I pack for lunch, and I keep herbal tea and Cheerios in my desk to snack on. But the last two weeks were too easy to cheat after work, between parties and dinners. I like to follow the 80/20 rule -- I eat well 80% of the time, and splurge 20%. But if I'm not working out, I shouldn't even get that 20% wiggle room.

This week is going to be all about discipline. I love how Fit Chick in the City does "Say It, Do It", to be accountable for workouts, so here's mine:
Tuesday: Run/Arms
Wednesday: Run/Legs
Thursday: Run/Arms

Plus Thursday and Friday I will be at concerts - so spending a little time in the mosh pit has to count as an extra workout :)

Enter: my new plan. I need to sign up for a half marathon for 2012 so I have a solid deadline. I'm thinking maybe a 10K sometime in the spring, and a half in the summer.

we love an excuse to dress up. and match. fun race day outfits are a must!

Any ideas for some fun races? I'd love an excuse to travel, all ideas are welcome!

A Long December

Well, the month might've been long (I think any month with 31 days should by definition be deemed "long") but now it's almost over, and so is 2011. I'd like to add, that I definitely wrote "2001" on a Christmas card I was sending out. It was to a friend who appreciated a good throwback, but left me wondering - did I wrote 2001 on other cards as well?

circa 2001. freshmen year at uha. d complex.

Feel free to let me know if you received an outdated Christmas card. But just be happy I sent you one :)

Back to the New Year talk. Lots of bloggers (and I guess people in general) make those 100 things in 100 days lists (or maybe its 101 in 1001 days?). I don't know what the official name is, but in 2012, I'm into it. I'm making a list of 100 things I'd like to do in 2012. And you should do. And then post your list so I can see if there's anything on your list that I want to do. And then maybe we can do it together (or not, because maybe that's creepy).

Now that we're in the awkward week after Christmas, but before New Year's - it can be kind of depressing. Lucky for me, I've got a busy schedule with work and friends that the time should fly by! Making my list of 100 things should help time fly too.

What are you most excited about as we enter 2012?

Happy Festivus!

Well, since you last heard from me, my laptop died and a whole slew of winter holidays and events occurred. Here's the quick wrap up:

Decorated the mini tree

Celebrated Hanukkah

Drank gingerbread martinis

And received what is going to be the best book EVER

Yup, that's it. The last 22 days of my life can be summed up in those four photos. (Not really, but I'm hoping it will hold you over until there's a REAL post)

I hope you had a fabulous time celebrating whatever winter holiday it is that you celebrate! xoxo

last friday night

I've always thought Saturday was the night for fun. And sometimes it is. But I've realized (through the words of Katy Perry) that a lot of crazy stuff goes down on Fridays! This week, my weekend really started on Thursday. Like I told you, I went to see Chris Carraba from Dashboard Confessional on Thursday night. But as soon as we emerged from the subway station, tons of outdoor kiosks were set up in Union Square. This resulted in some shopping and sampling before meeting friends for a few drinks. We had some chocolate, some cider donuts, bought earrings and an evil eye! There may have been a little champagne involved as well!

We hit Haru for happy hour and indulged in some wine, edamame and sushi. Then we found our friends and hit the show.

just hanging out. waiting for chris.

chris' water bottle. winning!

Of course going to work Friday morning wasn't particularly fun, but I made it. We headed back into the city after work Friday for a going away shindig, where we proceeded to not check train times for our ride home. Without a train to catch, we drank too many shots, took too many pictures, and had too much fun. We took the train back in the morning and after a cup of coffee and a taylor ham, egg and cheese on a poppy seed bagel, I got a second wind. But by 11AM I was pooped and was ready for a nap. I didn't open my eyes again until 4PM! I had sleep to make up for from Thursday! That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

the guest of honor. clearly an end of the night shot.

Katy Perry knows: we took too many shots, think we kissed but I forgot. Thankfully the night was NOT an epic fail. But Saturday definitely was. It was spent in sweats on the couch. But that means Sunday is the kick-off to a GREAT week, including tough workouts, logging overtime at work, and getting some Christmas shopping done.

Does having a little too much make you want to work our harder? Or does it set you back? I need to be hardcore at the gym this week!

party like it's 1999

My ten year reunion was last weekend. I think my idea of what it would be like has dramatically changed (more than once) since graduating in 2001. I had a serious boyfriend all throughout college, and we moved into together a year after I graduated. We were on the marriage track. You know, until we weren't. I don't regret the relationship, but I definitely regret things I did (and didn't do). They say (and by they, I mean Sex and the City) that it takes half as long as the relationship to get over it. This means I've got another six months before I'm really OVER it. Let me tell you, seven years was a long time, but this three and half since seems even longer in some ways, and like no time at all in another way.

Needless to say, I might not be where I thought I'd be, but I'm happy nonetheless! I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. So back to the reunion. I totally forgot to take pictures, but I'm sure some will be posted on Facebook, and I can hijack them! I'm grateful that I still have some of my fabulous friends from high school, and even before!

nothing beats sleepover pictures. i still wear those glasses. to bed.

whatever! (it was 1996 afterall)

8th grade dance.

prom. 2011.

But the throwbacks don't end there. I also went to see Dashboard Confessional this week. Now that's a band who REALLY makes me feel young again. I remember blasting those cd's anytime a boy wronged me. Hell, I was belting it out even when I was happy. And I still am! That music also makes me think of college, and of some guy whipping out his acoustic guitar and singing for the ladies. My very own prom date (seen above) was known to do just that.

this short man makes beautiful music. definitely a panty dropper!

The show was fabulous as expected, even though our friend couldn't make it at the last minute. We met up with other friends and a fun night that started with shopping in Union Square and ended "stealing" a cab from another girl. I was disappointed that Chris didn't play an encore though.

Ah, got to love acoustic performances. Especially ones where you can hear me, Rob and a million other people singing louder than the performer. I'm seeing Taking Back Sunday and Bouncing Souls later on this month, and I can't wait!

The excitement of the holidays makes it easy to get distracted from the real world (you know work, the gym), but I've been making progress. I've even dragged Nicole to the gym when she didn't want to be dragged. I know she was happier for it in the end though. And I always am too, because I work out better when I'm with someone else, even if we're each doing our own thing.

I'm finally reading again too. I miss book club. Once the holidays are over, book club is back on! I got so many books at the library this week, and am currently reading "Desperation" by Stephen King. So far - so creepy! Between watching murder mysteries and reading creepy books, I'm setting myself up for nightmares.

he's just not that into you

I think I'm the only girl who means it when she says doesn't want a relationship or commitment. I know other girls say it, but then they freak out. And that is why this ad on Craig's List made my day:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/m4w/2703020265.html

these kids know how it works.

Who is this guy and where do I find him? Tthis guy sounds perfect for me. He's an excellent cuddler, he cooks, is willing to take cheesy pictures, and wants NO commitment. I'm swooning. I know, there's something wrong with me. If Justin Timberlake wanted to be my FWB, I'd take it! Don't get me wrong, I like a little bit of companionship (I can take a night cuddling on the couch or one drinking and dancing), but I can't take somebody too clingy. Or that wants to see me more than, maybe um, once a week. What can I say - I REALLY value my space.



A girl I know was complaining today about her boyfriend. One that she's only known a few weeks. About how he is being distant. I LOVE distant. This friend, not so much. Why is it that girls can't resist sending just ONE more text. Ladies: guys like a chase! They want to call you. Always keep them wanting more. I sound like Patti Stanger, don't I?

soulmates!

Maybe (just maybe) when the right stud comes along, my mind will change. I'm not counting on that though!! I'm still thinking that Carrie Bradshaw had it right when she said "maybe our girlfriends are our soulmates, and guys are just people to have fun with."

love!

boredom

It's official. I'm in a rut. I'm sick of running. Well, I guess I'm being dramatic. I'm not sick of it. I just get a little bored. There's no one there to push me. I mean, if I could get zombies to run after me, that would be a different story. But seeing as there's no zombies around New Jersey, I'm screwed.

I miss spin! I miss being in a class, and being pushed by someone other than myself. So now I'm on a mission to find a gym that has spin, that isn't insanely overpriced. I do miss NYSC, but living in a building with a gym, I can't fathom paying a huge gym membership price. What I DO wish I had was a Soul Cycle. I know it's ridiculously expensive, but I am dying to try it. Seeing as I'm just a hop, skip and a jump from NYC, there's no excuse. It's on my exercise bucket list! 

Those leggings have spiderwebs on them. forgot leggings, and went to target, and this is all i could find. I wasn't missing class

What helps you out of an exercise rut?

thanksgiving: take two

So what's better than one Thanksgiving? Well, that would be TWO celebrations. My girls and I decided we needed to celebrate a holiday dear to us (c'mon, any day about eating and food is great) with even more food. This is really a third Thanksgiving, considering my office did quite the feast on Wednesday.

The gym is going to be my BFF next week. I make excuses when I don't go early in the morning, so I'm telling you here first - I have a schedule for the week: three days a week (this week Tues-Thurs) I will run in the morning before work. Since Monday is a sleepy day, if I'm feeling it, I'll go early, if not, I'll go later. And Friday, I'll go late, since I will be out late on Thursday night for a concert.

I'm hoping that making a plan (and writing it in my Lilly planner) will help keep me on track! What keeps you on track?

gobble gobble

While I know we all have so much to be thankful for, I feel more thankful than usual this year!

I am beyond thankful for an amazing family, made up of people that are not only my blood, but also my friends.

core four. boot edition.

I am thankful for fabulous friends, both old and new. I'm grateful to be around the kind of people who make me laugh so hard I cry, who would be there for me if I ever did cry, and have given me some of the best memories.

"and I'm proud to be an American"

who thought it was appropriate to lift our legs for this one?

I am thankful for my new (newish?) job. It is not at all what I had in mind, but I love the people, the dress code (none) and the work.

I am thankful for all things pumpkin flavored. It puts me in the Fall spirit, even when the weather doesn't.

What are you thankful for?

Turkey Trot

I don't really need an excuse to head to the Jersey Shore, but a Turkey Trot that starts and ends near my favorite bar -- now that is the BEST reason to be in Squan in the off-season. Now this Trot I've been talking about -- it's a five mile run. And when I first heard this, I was psyched, and thought it was a good even to "train" for. But what did I do? I WALKED the one mile. Yup, walked. We clocked in at a respectable 17 and half or so minutes.

But in my defense, I DID participate in a raucous scavenger hunt at the bar the night before, which ended in me winning a ski trip!

Any night that starts AND ends with jello shots is a success if you ask me. Doesn't always feel that way in the morning though. We walked our mile and set up shop outside our friend's house to offer beer and shots to the "real" runners of the five miler.

It was a BEAUTIFUL day for running. Or watching. And drinking beers. And singing so loudly your throat hurts. Because that's what I did on Saturday. How was your weekend?!

going commando

Over the weekend I'm out shopping (what else is new?) and I come across running shorts that are lined - with, underwear?! Now I've heard of runners going commando, but these shorts really threw me for a loop. Could I possibly run in these shorts? And would I like it?

Well the shorts were on sale. And there were enough for me and my three besties that are running (walking? shufflin?) in a Turkey Trot this weekend. Nike shorts for $9? I was sold.

Don't pay $28 -- I SWEAR they were $9 at the outlet. http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikeplus/en_US/commerce/women?hf=10001^4294967132^4294962511&t=Women%27s%20Clothing%20Bottoms#/?ll=en_US&ct=US&pid=474849&cid=102201&pgid=474850&p=PDP

So what did I do when I got home from a long day of shopping? I threw the shorts in the washing machine, and laid on the couch like a bum! What did I do the next day? I put on these babies with nothing else (well nothing else on the bottom) and made my way to the gym.

And you know what? I kind of liked it! The shorts themselves were awesome - didn't ride up, and were super comfy. I love that they're made of dry fit material. I usually run in leggings - I'm a slave to Danskin leggings, but I might have to look into Nike dry fit leggings if they're anything like these shorts.

So my vote - the shorts are awesome. Now the real question is -- how will they look at the Turkey Trot?!

nyc marathon - 2011

Apparently all my Facebook posts leading up to the marathon led my Facebook public to think that I was running the marathon. HA! I wish I was at the point where I could run even 10 miles, let alone 26.2. Instead, I ran around the city watching a friend run. Being in the city for the marathon is amazing. The energy is high, and people are in great spirits. The weather was beyond beautiful, probably in the low 60's, so it was particularly great for spectating (is that a word? can it be?)


Instead of focusing on my own running schedule, I spent the pre-marathon week making AMAZING t-shirts.  I think I missed my calling. You know, the calling to be a t-shirt maker for fun events. I wonder how I could parlay this into a career...

We started in Brooklyn, at mile 2:

And made our way through the boroughs:

and all the way to the finish line:

Or at least pretty close to the end...

All in all, it was a pretty fabulous day! And if you need shirts for your next event, call me!

Happy Halloween

Who'd of thought there would be snow on the ground for trick or treating? Lucky for me (and the kids who are my neighbors), I live in a high rise, so you don't even need to step outside for candy -- or the gym! And even though my Halloween was kind of ruined - I DID celebrate Halloween hardcore this summer:

We were the Village People. A lot of YMCA-ing went on in preperation of this moment.

I'm super excited to be heading into the the city for the weekend to watch a friend run the NYCM. It has also inspired me to get my run on. It feels good to be running regularly again, even if it is on a treadmill.
I've got this skinny girl on my fridge for inspiration:

FYI - that's me, circa 2003. The best inspiration is YOURSELF!

Halloween = Fail

Dear Mother Nature,
Thanks for ruining my favorite holiday. I understand that Halloween is ACTUALLY on Monday, but Saturday night is the adult Trick or Treat night. And thanks to SNOW in October, I spent Saturday night on my couch (albeit, with power and my besties). We're in a fight.
Love, Sash

PS: At least this girl had fun.

Hello, Fall!

Well I'm not homeless! Instead, Nic and I are all settled in our digs. And by settled, I mean that there are bags and boxed scattered throughout the apartment. But that's ok, because unpacking is a process. It helps that we are hosting some friends for Halloween pregaming, so that should spur me on to clean things up a bit.

Fall things that have made me happy so far:

bar crawls (with ugly shirts)

the hunt!! (far hills steeple chase)

There's so many fabulous fall activities that I am still looking forward to. The crisp weather is perfect for outdoor activities. You know, like running. But have I ran outside on the gorgeous paths in my complex? Nope. But I have been hitting the gym. I'm trying to get back in the swing of things, getting to the gym before work so I can't make excuses.

What motivates you to get to the gym (or outside) to work out when all you want to do is either go out and enjoy the weather (or snuggle)?

burnt out

It's 9PM, and this girl is ready for bed. Besides a new season, and a new job, I'm also moving! This last week was madness as I've been packing and planning the move. Thus, I've been eating poorly, not running enough, and just cranky overall.   The new place has amazing trails to run through right outside my window! Plus a gym! No excuses for this girl. Especially considering I'm doing a Turkey Trot the week before Thanksgiving! I'm not sure if I want to be an indian or a pilgrim - hmm, decisions, decisions!!

i'm baaaack

To say I was a slacker this summer is an understatement. I spent most Thursdays through Mondays on the beach with my best friends, and many amazing new friends. Needless to say, fall is a welcome change. As much fun as I had, I need some stability and routine in my life! Enter: new job!! I'm working in the literary world, and so far, I love it. I also love that there is absolutely NO dress code. This job is absolute heaven for me.

I can't wait for fall to be in full swing. I love pumpkins and Halloween, and the leaves changing color.  This is also my favorite weather to run in. I've been running a lot, and am seriously looking into half marathons for the spring. October is a crazy month, but I'm looking forward to returning to the blog world - with both writing AND reading my favorite blogs.

the summer of B's

this summer is going to be the summer of B's. beach. best friends. bars. boys. bar exam. birthdays.  i know what you're thinking - none of those b's have to do with exercise. but i swear i'll be running/spinning/not being lazy.  lucky me - i have the first birthday of the summer, the kick-off birthday. i love having a birthday in late may. i feel like the weather is usually great, and people are always in a great mood to party party party!

BEACH!

BESTIES! (drinking booze lol)



BIRTHDAY cupcakes! 

BIRTHDAY bar crawl - golf themed!

me as a BARRISTER (aka: lawyer in Australia)

i'm sure you'll notice there aren't any boys in those pictures. probably because although i say it, it is definitely not the main purpose of our ventures. if we meet nice boys, its great, but i have to say, i have to say our best memories are on girls' nights.

on that note -- i'm off to the beach, to celebrate my birthday, with my besties! can't wait. i should also add that my law school graduation is this weekend also. is it strange i'm more excited for summer, than i am to graduate law school? i guess its because graduation = bar exam, and that's nothing to celebrate. i'll be much happier when that exam is done, at the end of july (you'll hear about that later).

what are your memorial day plans? while there's usually lots of drinking and dancing, let's not forget to remember the soldiers who fight for our freedom everyday <3

mosquito bites = summer

i'm one of those people who gets bitten by mosquitos like crazy! when i was a baby, i got bit and the bite was so big my mom took me took to the pediatrician because she thought i was going to die (i was her first, she was over-dramatic). clearly, i lived to tell the story, but i still get bites like crazy. on a trip to jamaica my legs were literally covered. we lost count at 32 bites. on one leg.

well today is the day. i woke up with a mosquito bite on my leg, and thought: summer is here!!!! i know summer doesn't really start until tomorrow for us northeasterner's.

(memorial day weekend = start of summer, labor day weekend = end of summer)

i am even more excited because this summer i have a summer house at the jersey shore. c'mon you know you want to fist pump to that! i know i do :)  i'm in a house with some of my best girlfriends, right on the beach. it's going to be an amazing summer. now i also have that pesky little thing called the bar exam, but we'll get to that later.

this week has been crazy getting ready for the house. i was in charge of all the house supplies, as well as getting all of my stuff in order. but that didn't stop me from picking up some skirts at H&M and cute dresses at Old Navy. i also treated myself to the cutest cooler bag from Lilly Pulitzer. its so big it will definitely double as a beach bag. and it came with a beer can/wine opener.

summer shopping! and some oldies...

packed and ready to roll. note: this doesn't include food or clothes :)

all this beach preperation has also had my butt in the gym hardcore. i've been making it to spin at least 5 days a week, but i know i need to reach out of my comfort zone. my feet had been giving me trouble, so i've laid off the running for a bit. but tonight, i'm going to try a body conditioning class at NYSC. i'm excited, because i love weight training. plus, if i work hard, i'll earn a slice of cheesecake (hitting cheesecake factory post-gym for a birthday dinner with my girls to kick off our weekend a little early).

how do you switch up your workouts? i feel like spin is the best cardio - but i need motivation in weights.

what are you summer plans? do you love the beach as much as i do?