In the spirit of last weekend, Chris and I went on another long bike ride, but only half as long as last weekend. He took me through a lot of neat bike trails through area parks, the majority of them following the Mississippi. The great thing is is that I think it will take me a long time to see all of the trails in the Twin Cities area. It's always interesting and exciting to ride on a new trail :)
Exciting news: Chris and I are going to have our own space soon! For those who didn't know, Chris's roommate bought a house and is moving out next Sunday. I am so excited!!!! I can't wait to have my own space again, and both me and Chris are excited about having all of our stuff in one place. There will be a lot of work to be done to fix the place up, and it will be difficult, but rewarding. I'm really jazzed about having my stuff in one place.
Crazy busy week last week at work since we were finishing up the budget book. I got in a few overtime hours (which I'm getting paid for - woohoo!!!). My internship lasts through the end of November, so I'm starting up the job search (which I hate). There are some interesting leads, but nothing to talk about yet.
23 September 2007
16 September 2007
41-Miler
This morning Chris and I did the Minneapolis Bike Tour and rode the 41-mile route. It took us around four hours to do, and I only felt like I was going to die once (there was one part where we went up two what I thought were significant hills in quick succession, and my asthma kicked in hardcore). That is the longest bike ride I've ever done, and all in all I feel pretty good about it.
Here's a map of the route so you can see where we rode (I'm terrible at explaining those kinds of things):
Chris said that I didn't look happy the entire ride, but the truth is I like doing those kinds of activities, but I really have to focus on breathing. Today was more of a mental challenge than a physical one because whenever my asthma kicks in, which is often, I have to calm myself down and focus on slowing my breathing down. I get frustrated whenever this happens, but have not found a way to prevent it except for not doing activities like riding, which I'm not willing to do. I have found that I can train my lungs to withstand a great deal of cardio without freaking out, but it takes a long time to build up that kind of endurance. I had it a couple of years ago, but my time was consumed my second year of grad school and I didn't dedicate the time or money to keep myself in that great of shape.
Now I'm trying to slowly get myself back into shape. I'm thinking that I might bike into work more frequently because this cooler weather is incredible to bike in and it would save me money on bus passes. I also am going to try to get myself in a routine of going on walks during the week so I can enjoy this weather while it lasts. We'll see if I'm actually committed to it. If not, I will continue to enjoy the bike riding that I do now and only complain about my breathing to myself and Chris (sorry Chris!).
Here's a map of the route so you can see where we rode (I'm terrible at explaining those kinds of things):
Chris said that I didn't look happy the entire ride, but the truth is I like doing those kinds of activities, but I really have to focus on breathing. Today was more of a mental challenge than a physical one because whenever my asthma kicks in, which is often, I have to calm myself down and focus on slowing my breathing down. I get frustrated whenever this happens, but have not found a way to prevent it except for not doing activities like riding, which I'm not willing to do. I have found that I can train my lungs to withstand a great deal of cardio without freaking out, but it takes a long time to build up that kind of endurance. I had it a couple of years ago, but my time was consumed my second year of grad school and I didn't dedicate the time or money to keep myself in that great of shape. Now I'm trying to slowly get myself back into shape. I'm thinking that I might bike into work more frequently because this cooler weather is incredible to bike in and it would save me money on bus passes. I also am going to try to get myself in a routine of going on walks during the week so I can enjoy this weather while it lasts. We'll see if I'm actually committed to it. If not, I will continue to enjoy the bike riding that I do now and only complain about my breathing to myself and Chris (sorry Chris!).
10 September 2007
Wedding Time
My cousin's wedding was last Saturday, and Chris and I got all gussied up for it. Here's proof of just how cute we were:
Wait a minute....that's not the right one.....
That's better!
I have to admit that even though it's a pain in the ass to get all dressed up like that (all the finger-and toenail painting is hard work!), it was fun to swish my skirt.
It was fun to see my cousin get married, the helpless romantic he is. His new wife Ann looked amazingly elegant and beautiful. It was neat to see my aunt and uncle (his dad and stepmom) get all emotional - big day for them too. Oh, and it was really great to see my dad in his outfit (hahaha - gotcha Dad!).
Wait a minute....that's not the right one.....
That's better! I have to admit that even though it's a pain in the ass to get all dressed up like that (all the finger-and toenail painting is hard work!), it was fun to swish my skirt.
It was fun to see my cousin get married, the helpless romantic he is. His new wife Ann looked amazingly elegant and beautiful. It was neat to see my aunt and uncle (his dad and stepmom) get all emotional - big day for them too. Oh, and it was really great to see my dad in his outfit (hahaha - gotcha Dad!).
08 September 2007
Close to Fall!
I am super excited for the fall weather: sweaters, pretty leaves, crisp mornings. And it's just around the corner. I went for a bike ride this morning down to Minnehaha Falls Park, and the crispness in the air was delightful. I can breathe so much easier and fall means my allergies get better. Woohoo!
We're off to my cousin's wedding this afternoon, which should be fun because it's going to be huge, but that also means that I have to look cute. So I should probably be painting my fingernails right now (that hasn't happened in a loooonnnnggggg time). Hopefully we'll get some good pictures (better get some good ones because it's rare for me and Chris to get all dressed up like this!). I don't know that people will even recognize me (hahaha).
We're off to my cousin's wedding this afternoon, which should be fun because it's going to be huge, but that also means that I have to look cute. So I should probably be painting my fingernails right now (that hasn't happened in a loooonnnnggggg time). Hopefully we'll get some good pictures (better get some good ones because it's rare for me and Chris to get all dressed up like this!). I don't know that people will even recognize me (hahaha).
27 August 2007
Nearly Free
I've been house-sitting for the past six weeks, and tonight I move out. Even though it was pretty nice to have a house all to myself (minus the dog and lizard), I am glad to be moving out. This goes to show that I am not at all ready or willing to have a house of my own. For my lifestyle, it's just too much work.
To be honest, I don't feel that I got a chance to fully enjoy having a house either because I've been running around so much. I am really excited to go up to my parents' place Labor Day weekend. There's a porch and a puppy calling my name...
To be honest, I don't feel that I got a chance to fully enjoy having a house either because I've been running around so much. I am really excited to go up to my parents' place Labor Day weekend. There's a porch and a puppy calling my name...
23 August 2007
New Hampshire Trip
We flew in Saturday afternoon, just long enough for me to see the Atlantic (and the pictures look just as dorky as when I saw the Pacific). Chris drove us up to Ipswich, where we went to a really nice beach. I have to say that I can't believe how many Dunkin' Donuts there are on the East Coast. Holy crap - it seemed like there was one every half mile!
We then drove to Gilford where we met Chris's parents for dinner. We were up bright and early at 4:45am (some earlier than others) to get ready and drive to the start of Kim's Timberman Half Ironman. We by chance found her before the swim to wish her luck and for Chris to take some pre-craziness pictures.
We cheered her on at the start and grabbed some spots to watch her come in. Then she transitioned lightening fast to the bike, which took the crazy and incredible woman just over three hours to do. Apparently the terrain is a little hilly out there (haha). To pass the time, we cheered on other racers coming in. Someone was silly enough to hand me a small cowbell, which I think was an inspiration to all the racers.
Then it was off to the run. Kim had to do two loops, and was incredible. She and her friend helped each other through the last part of the race. Side by side, they finished together. It was amazing to be able to cheer her on during this event after seeing how hard she trained and how dedicated she has become.
Later that day after Kim took an ice bath (eek!), we headed to Friendly's, an ice cream shop with something called a Jim Dandy, which is essentially a double banana split (Chris and I split one). After sending me into a sugar comatose, we headed into Newton (near Boston) to stay with one of Chris's friends. It was fun hanging out with them and we got to sleep in an incredibly comfortable bed. I was tempted to steal it.
Monday was a hurried day with Chris and I heading back to Minneapolis. Or so we thought. We ended up getting stuck overnight at Midway due to the weather conditions in Minneapolis. Who knew the southeastern part of the state was going to flood over the weekend, and that those storms were moving towards Chicago? We were one of the few lucky ones that were able to get onto the 6:15am flight out the next morning. Staying overnight at the airport wasn't that bad for me because I had a terrible migraine, so all I wanted to do was sleep anyway.
We got back home around nine the next morning, and tried to get ourselves together. We both smelled less than wonderful and were tired of traveling. Yes, I was still tired the whole morning after sleeping how many hours. I'm really glad that we were able to go support Kim. I'm proud of you K-Rex!
Here are some pictures:
My feet going in the Atlantic.
Crane Beach - perfect soft sand.
Lake Winnipesaukee, where Kim began her Timberman 70.3.
I don't know how she concentrated on the swim with scenes like this.
Kim and her friend Laura close to the finish line - way to go Kim!
We then drove to Gilford where we met Chris's parents for dinner. We were up bright and early at 4:45am (some earlier than others) to get ready and drive to the start of Kim's Timberman Half Ironman. We by chance found her before the swim to wish her luck and for Chris to take some pre-craziness pictures.
We cheered her on at the start and grabbed some spots to watch her come in. Then she transitioned lightening fast to the bike, which took the crazy and incredible woman just over three hours to do. Apparently the terrain is a little hilly out there (haha). To pass the time, we cheered on other racers coming in. Someone was silly enough to hand me a small cowbell, which I think was an inspiration to all the racers.
Then it was off to the run. Kim had to do two loops, and was incredible. She and her friend helped each other through the last part of the race. Side by side, they finished together. It was amazing to be able to cheer her on during this event after seeing how hard she trained and how dedicated she has become.
Later that day after Kim took an ice bath (eek!), we headed to Friendly's, an ice cream shop with something called a Jim Dandy, which is essentially a double banana split (Chris and I split one). After sending me into a sugar comatose, we headed into Newton (near Boston) to stay with one of Chris's friends. It was fun hanging out with them and we got to sleep in an incredibly comfortable bed. I was tempted to steal it.
Monday was a hurried day with Chris and I heading back to Minneapolis. Or so we thought. We ended up getting stuck overnight at Midway due to the weather conditions in Minneapolis. Who knew the southeastern part of the state was going to flood over the weekend, and that those storms were moving towards Chicago? We were one of the few lucky ones that were able to get onto the 6:15am flight out the next morning. Staying overnight at the airport wasn't that bad for me because I had a terrible migraine, so all I wanted to do was sleep anyway.
We got back home around nine the next morning, and tried to get ourselves together. We both smelled less than wonderful and were tired of traveling. Yes, I was still tired the whole morning after sleeping how many hours. I'm really glad that we were able to go support Kim. I'm proud of you K-Rex!
Here are some pictures:
My feet going in the Atlantic.
Crane Beach - perfect soft sand.
Lake Winnipesaukee, where Kim began her Timberman 70.3.
I don't know how she concentrated on the swim with scenes like this.
Kim and her friend Laura close to the finish line - way to go Kim!16 August 2007
NH, here we come!
Chris and I are going to New Hampshire this weekend to cheer on Kimmi during her half-Ironman (crazy girl - hope we don't embarrass you too much!). We leave Saturday morning, fly into Boston, then drive to Laconia. To be honest, I'm not sure where we are driving to, but it will be around there. We're going to be staying at a hotel with the fam and go cheer on Kimmi Sunday! We're going to visit one of Chris's friends on Monday, hopefully with the very tired and sore triathloner. haha.
I'm such a nerd because I'm really excited to take the lightrail to the Minneapolis airport - I haven't had a reason to take lightrail yet. And I'm super excited to hear some more of that Boston accent when we land. Hee hee! And I'm excited to see the Atlantic coast and see some of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. And I can't wait to take of and land! Maybe it's easier for me to just say that I'm excited for this, and to ask all of you to send Kimmi some good karma. She is gonna rock!
I'm such a nerd because I'm really excited to take the lightrail to the Minneapolis airport - I haven't had a reason to take lightrail yet. And I'm super excited to hear some more of that Boston accent when we land. Hee hee! And I'm excited to see the Atlantic coast and see some of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. And I can't wait to take of and land! Maybe it's easier for me to just say that I'm excited for this, and to ask all of you to send Kimmi some good karma. She is gonna rock!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
