25 things...thoughts to end the year.

Rules: Once you are tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits or goals about yourself. At the end, choose 25 people to tag. You have to tag the person that tagged you.

1. I'm learning to like being quieter.

2. Good things are just around the corner...and patience is the lesson I'm (re)learning.

3. I could eat a bacon, egg & cheese sandwich every day and not feel guilty.

4. I miss my friends. A lot.

5. I feel a little bit like I'm in purgatory now, but know that I'll look back on this in a few months/weeks/years and realize I should have enjoyed the downtime more.

6. After not living anywhere near my family for most of my adult life, I'm really enjoying being near them...even when they make me nutso.

7. My nephew makes my ovaries work overtime. Only MY kids-to-be will sleep...

8. I keep running across stories of people who's Karma caught up to them (in an "ick" way) and it reminds me that the high road is ALWAYS the path.

9. I actually like running in the middle of a snowstorm.

10. Part of me wants to sell all my stuff, let someone 'borrow' my dogs for a while, and disappear on a round-the-world trip. And another part of me wants to find a 'real' job, play house, fall in love, make babies, and settle down. Which part should I nurture?

11. I think grunder-punders - or "underpants" as my sister calls them - are superbly ugly.

12. I wonder which of my business plans I'll finish first...and set in motion!

13. I've enjoyed going backwards down Memory Lane, even when the memories were dark and ugly.

14. I love working, but definitely appreciate the notion of being a Lady Who Lunches.

15. I wish I saw my British family more often.

16. I really want to kiss a cute, good-smoochin' man to ring in the New Year.

17. I know a whole heckuva lotta peeps, but only a few of them have seen me sad, vulnerable, or been asked for help.

18. I'm working on being more vulnerable, but not doing very well. ;)

19. I believe in the law of Karma and reincarnation.

20. I have the best used library card in Washtenaw County!

21. I think my dogs see/feel ghosts at my sister's house. (sorry, Jess)

22. I really want Cottage Inn pizza.

23. I'm not what I would call "high maintenance," but I definitely use some high maintenance - high end? - things

24. Coffee makes me a MUCH nicer person.

25. I still don't understand why Q-Tips have an expiration date. And I don't know what squirrel poop looks like. Or where midgets buy their thigh-high stockings. Those are the most perplexing questions of 2008...

Let's go Blue!

And, no, Morgan, NOT the Giants.

So, Sunday morning, I woke up in a giant puddle of water, aka my parents' basement. No shizzle. All the snow we've had in the last couple weeks was melted by the rain last weekend...and my parents live halfway down a hill. Yep, youz gots it - FLOODING.

Not like I was floating in water, but it has definitely ruined all the carpets and the futon that was underneath my lovely air mattress. Good times, man.

But. At least they have power. And heat. And I'm hiding out at my sister's while she, her BF, and the Delicious Nephew are out West.

The really bad news? I've already finished all of Californication season 2. Mmmm...Hank Moody!

Really?

Here's a new one for me: q-tips have an expiration date.

Wha'?!?! Huh? HOW?

Best compliments?!

I was recently told that I was one of the "most fun people" an age-old friend of mine has known in his lifetime. And, I gotta say, that's one of the BEST compliments I've ever had. "MOST fun"?! Go me!

Another one came, randomly, when I was heading in to the City from The Hawk on the bus. One of those hot, humid, nasty August days in NYC and I'd been waiting for the bus for (what felt like) forEVER. Got on the bus and had to go alllll the way to the back for a seat. There was a guy sitting across the aisle from me singing along in a very "outdoor voice" to whatever was on his Discman (not kidding)...very irritating - loud singing in a closed area, total bus faux-pas. Well, just before I got off the bus, he pulled a headphone off and said, "Girl, I know you're sittin' down, but you have got the best legs I've seen in a long time."

Ha! And I didn't even know he'd glanced my way. Made me smile AND feel like a jerk for being irritated in his general direction.

Your bestest compliments ever? Don't be shy now...share away!!!

what santa gave me for christmas...

ok, maybe not Santa. there's a slight chance my hormones may be to blame. it's more interesting, not to mention convenient, to blame santa!

so, what IS the present? it's a small condominium complex of a pimple lodged directly under my right nostril. lovely. and ri-DIC-ulously painful. i don't think it's one pimple; it really is a condo complex...there's at least a zillion teeny pimps make one grandiose one.

the treatment is an icepack and some zit cream. gorgeous. but who wants their holiday family photos including a second nose?!

my new fave word.

ficando

"A Portuguese expression that means they are kissing and doing other things but without any obligation of being faithful or getting into a relationship afterwards."

Nice! Santa, can I have one of these tucked in my stocking on Christmas morning???

what i learned today...

- in order to have a successful outdoor run in a Michigan winter, it's not the layers that are important, but whether or not the roads are plowed.

- it IS possible to overdress (and sweat your ass off) for a run in 4-degree weather. [Two pairs of long johns, a Cap 4 Patagonia turtleneck, smartwool socks, and a windbreaker? Really? that's overdressed?!]

- when 4 wheel drive vehicles are having a tough time on the roads, it's probably NOT time to go for a run.

- people slow down for runners in this hood when the weather's great, but speed up when the roads are nearly impassable. totally logical.

- running for 31:28 feels more difficult than running a half marathon. in Alaska.

- joan jett makes killer running music!

I think I now understand the appeal of a treadmill.

It's a British invasion...

My Dad's back in the States (from Greece) for a coupla weeks, so it's all things Britannia for a while. From some serious tea steeping, to horrible old English 'comedy,' to the age-old jokes my Dad and Uncle used to drown us with.

Now, if only I could find some Marks'n'Sparks pork pies.

i wasn't an american citizen.

I found out today that I haven't been listed as an American Citizen - for 28 years!!! Huh. I have a Social Security Card/Number. I have a Passport (ok, I've got 2 but who's counting?). I went to go get a replacement Social Security Card today and the woman looked at me like I was foreign.

(hahaha - technically, I AM foreign)

Apparently, I've been listed not as an "American Citizen Born Abroad," but "Foreign." Even though my parents took my AMERICAN passport with them when they registered my sister and I with the Social Security Administration when we moved here in 1980. Gives one a whole lot of faith in the efficacy of our government, eh?

And you'll be thrilled to know that I am now listed as an American Citizen. Because I am.

I'll take "Donuts with a side of donuts," please.

Who knew that there was a 'race' in Raleigh that involved running with a side of Krispy Kremes? Not kidding. I even read about it in this month's Runner's World! More than that, some of my friends and I are thinking about invading Raleigh that weekend - ok, I'd be returning - to take part in the Hot Donut Deliciousness.

Here's the skinny (punny, aren't I?): it's a fundraiser for the NC Children's Hospital that starts at the NCSU Belltower. You run from there to the downtown Krispy Kreme (only a couple miles and RIGHT BY MY OLD APARTMENT!!!), scarf a dozen donuts, and run the 2 miles back to the Belltower. Winners get donut-shaped medals and a dozen (more) donuts.

So, Raleighwood friends, you in? Jamie, Tall Beth, Short Beth, Chele, Zieggy, Kathleen, Wendy K, Buckner, Okons, Eric, Erik, Mara, Jodi, Greg, Aden, DeWitte, who's gonna be in town on February 7th. Most importantly, who wants to play hotelier to a bunch of super fun chicks?!?!?!

Oh the stories that Krispy Kreme could tell...

Check out the website and don't forget to register!!!

birthday prezzies.

This year, it's a toss-up for fave present. Is it the 90-minute massage that the BLonger surprised me with? Or was it using the birthday spending money my mom gave me to buy dinner at the Bellagio Buffet?

No, I'm not kidding. 'Twas one of the best meals I've ever had - ever...and it was a buffet! Unlimited helpings. Delicious combinations. I rarely eat dessert and I ate Napoleons 'til I had to unbutton my pants. I even had pasta - "carbo-loading" and all that.

But massages do rock. I'll letchy'all know post-massage - yay tomorrow! - how it goes. I asked for a sports massage and someone who's comfortable with a deep tissue work. It'll probably hurt like hell and be delicious all at the same time! Purrrrrr.....

And....I'm home.

Whirlwind trip to Vegas! Fun on SOOOOO many levels. My feeling lonely-ness was definitely cured a little this weekend. There's nothing like hanging out with some of your favoritest friends ever to make a girl feel loved!!!

Great stories. Great food (and lots of it). Great giggles. Adventures of all sizes, shapes, and colors, mischief, a wee bit of mayhem, and a butt-load of merriment...zackly what I needed!!!

Speaking of butts, mine's better. C'mon, you know you wanted to know! Definitely not nearly as 'broken' as it was this time last week and will be even better post-chiropractor and post-massage (thanks Crawdad!!!) tomorrow. Whew.

The race itself? Alright. Running the Strip rocked, but the rest of the course sucked - b-o-r-i-n-g. Totally unprepared water stations and they were out of water AND Gatorade for several of them (not a good thing in the event world). Signage? What signage?

And the medal SUCKED. Tiny and boring. Rumor on the street is that the race was sold to Elite Racing of Rock'n'Roll Race fame - might have to go back and run it again just to get some killer bling in medal form!!

Overall, a fantastic birthday. Can't wait for the next one!!!

before i go to vegas thoughts...

1. muscle relaxer makes me not feel like my butt is even a little bit broken.

2. my broken butt isn't AS broken as it was. perversely, working out made it feel BETTER.

3. i realized tonight that i have a rather long list of crushes. and, oddly?, sadly?, that list might include Dog the Bounty Hunter's tallest son. no, no, no, NOT Dog. and not even the short son...just the tall one. sad, right?

4. don't even ask, because i'm not gonna publicize my list o'crushes. why? to protect the guilty: me.

5. my space bar is starting to stick on my laptop. well, maybe stick isn't the right word because it doesn't actually work all the time. i don't always get an immediate space...irritating.

6. i'm going to vegas tomorrow. with some of my best girlie friends. and, this time, there's a very good chance that what happens in vegas will indeed stay in vegas...or at least a LOT of it might stay there.

7. HAPPY ALMOST BIRTHDAY TO ME! HAPPY ALMOST BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!

8. when i get back from vegas, i need to really, seriously get on with my life. no more "retirement." not only does it not pay well, but i don't like feeling useless or directionless. suggestions? anyone? anyone?

9. my dog partially invest a dead, poisoned mouse today. i think she knew i was planning on leaving for 5 days...but, still, that's not nice.

hasta la pasta!!! i'm NOT taking my computer with me...offline for 5 whole days!!!!

seriously?

so, just to prove that dogs really ARE just like kids, mine are acting out big time. BIG. TIME. No, I haven't pulled out the bags to pack - yet. But they must know something's up because...

One seems to have twisted/pulled something in one of his legs and is limping rather pitifully.

And the other - THE OTHER - left me a present. In the form of a very dead, partially chewed up mouse. As in it's dead because my mom and I put poison in the ceiling after we found a dead mouse a few weeks ago. So, um, yeah, my dog CHEWED UP (and probably swallowed) A POISONED MOUSE.

And guess who's going away for the next 4.5 days?! To Vegas. For my BIRTHDAY.

Seriously?!?!

dammit. dammit. dammit.

FRUSTRATED would be an understatement. Just opened a document I've spent a gazillion hours compiling, alphabetizing, proofreading, and typing...and the whole thing's corrupted. Luckily I can't connect to my mother's printer, so I HAPPENED to have an earlier version, so I don't have to start completely from zero. But. Still.

Irritated. And it's due tomorrow. Gonna be a long night. Only had 3 more entries. BAH.

Why am I blogging? Because I'm too pissed in this moment to look at it and taking a mental break. Effin' computer.

monday, monday...

1. Saw an ambulance driving down the road today. And GET THIS - people actually pulled over to let it pass. Crazy. SOOOOO not NYC.

2. I done hurt maself...and probably shouldn't run this weekend in Vegas. But...

3. I'm GOIN' TO VEGAS!!! With some of my favoritest peeps ever. And there's gonna be fun. And mischief. And merriment. And, yes, some running.

4. I've been playing detective into my own past and it's a little weird. Reconnecting with people I, quite literally, haven't even thought about in 20 years. And I've lived a lotta places and gone to even more schools!

5. I've been workin' out. Check it out.

6. I'm gonna be hangin' out with the nephew at least one day a week for the month of December. My sister has to (finally) go back to work, so I get to play with StinkButt.

7. My sister has another thing coming if she thinks that *I'll* be the one that makes this kid loud and chatty. Granted, he is a talker and super busy (even at 5 mo), but has she looked at herSELF lately? She's no wallflower.

8. BTW, for all y'all out there who may have reacted with a "you are SO loud, Hannah" to the above statement, I haven't always been this loud and, um, forthcoming. I am, believe it or not, the QUIET female in my family. My dad is, indeedy, the quietest in our family. Poor, out-talked man. ;)

9. Tell me this isn't the most delicious baby ever (yes, it's the delicious nephew):

statutes of limitations & Quincy Jones

I caught the tail-end of the Quincy Jones interview on NPR the other night and was fascinated...enough that I'm relistening to the interview online right now.

I actually had no idea that "Q" is such an amazingly accomplished musician. I mean, sure, I know that he's a PROLIFIC producer, but I was clueless about his early life - Chicago gangsters, meeting Ray Charles in Seattle when he was just 14, wanting to tour with Lionel Hampton at the age of, creating music for Frank Sinatra...the list of accomplishments continues for miles.

One thing really stuck out for me, though. He talks about overcoming all his "stuff," attributing much of his success to not having a mother - he says the (and I'm paraphrasing a little) "statute of limitations has expired on childhood traumas. Get over it and get on with your life." I LOVE that. It's so in line with what I believe - you either choose to win or you choose to lose. "Q" chose to win and not let his life be hampered by his "stuff."

Listen to the interview, read about Quincy Jones, or listen to the interview here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96579839. (My favorite part of the interview begins at about 10:40.)

One of my fave organizations...with a dream job.

Too bad I have no interest in moving back to the NYC area or to CT in particular, because the Hole in the Wall Gang is hiring a Director of Special Events.

Seriously. I LOVE this organization. Just like I loved the Silver Lining Ranch (not sure if it's still around as the website's all kinds of odd).

I also love that the Hole in the Gang's getting into races as one of their fundraising arms. I'd LOVE to develop and manage that program, but someone already has that job. Bummer. Once they start working with half marathons, maybe I'll do one for them.

While I'm chatting at-large about fundraising and some of my fave charities, I should throw out Team Tiara - who doesn't love a tiara?!?! - and Girls on the Run. One of the lowest minimum fundraising requirements in existence. So, go check out your local chapter. Maybe get involved. or just run a race, any race and raise a couple hundred bucks. Easy peasy.

Just sayin'...

really?

I woke up this morning from a dream that centered around fast-twitch muscles. Seriously. I think I'm sick...as in whacked out sick, not ill.

Dreaming about running?!?

snowy sundays.

Today was the first day of "real" snow...nothing stuck, really, but that could change overnight. Tons of flakes flurrying around and descending at a rather good clip. Can't lie, I was rather disappointed in the weather today - I needed to run 8-9 miles today...Vegas is JUST AROUND THE CORNER!!! And, yes, it crossed my mind - several times, in fact - to just not do it.

However. I've been "not doing it" all week. I crapped out last weekend at the Turkey Trot - stupid knee. And I took it easy running-wise this week to be "kind" to the ol' knee. I was NOT so lucky in the HyperFit sense, though. My ass was KICKED by my trainers this week...and my confidence seriously boosted as I learned some Olympic Lifting terms and moves.

So, I knew I had to run today. And I did! AND I had a really good run. The weather wasn't actually so bad to run in. Keep in mind that during the warmer times of the year, I'm a member of the "red-faced, obese man" group...as in I sweat a LOT and get tomato red, regardless of the shape I'm in. I just sweat a lot. And run hot...except for my extremities.

Ok, getting off-topic...sorry!

So, I ended up having a really good run. The iPod Gawds had a LOT to do with it, though. My random pacing mix shuffled in the most amazing order...it's so interesting to see just how much better I run when I've got good tunes to listen to. It was such a great compilation that I went back and saved it as a stand-alone playlist.

For the actual run, I did the first 3.5 mile loop solo, the second 3.5 with Maverick on a 20-foot leash so he could run, and the last 1.5 miles with Kali - she got the short run 'cuz she's my lil' Principesa...she loathes the cold.

Really good day running. On a crap weather day. Here we come, Vegas!!!!

Hope I haven't bored y'all to tears...

I *heart* Overheard in NY

What girl hasn't had a moment like this:

Woman on phone: So, should I continue not being a whore or should I go get an emergency Brazilian?

--Lexington Ave & 58th

* as posted on www.overheardinnewyork.com

snowshoe anyone?

One my bestest "Be Fri"s, Alice, and I did a snowshoeing 5k last year - the Romp to Stomp Breast Cancer. And we TOTALLY got into snowshoeing. I guess I'd have found out I loved it sooner if I'd lived somewhere with snow. Or snow and no public transportation.

Regardless, I just stumbled across this race in Traverse City in January. Anyone out there wanna road trip with me for some snowshoeing? Please? Pretty please. I'll be on my best - read: most fun, most witty, most social - behavior!!!!

I need friends in Michigan.

(This is me trying to not feel sad for myself that a whole buncha my "Be Fri"s are going to be palling around together in San Antonio this weekend. AND there'll be a Volpe. Man. I miss having a life.)

So What.

It's no secret. I LOVE Pink. No, not the color, but the rockstar. And her new song, So What, just happens to be one of my Top 5 songs ever. Great for running, great for rockin' out...great for break ups (not that I've had one in, well, eff, forever?!). I very, very rarely actually watch the videos to songs anymore, but this one, well, quite simply, it ROCKS.

Check it out. (Stupid embedding disabled. Boo.)

another something i like.

so, it's no secret that i love me some pirates. yum - "lawless miscreants." imagine my delight when an email was delivered to my inbox letting me know all about agent provocateur's new line. in case you missed the link, CLICK HERE.

now i just need to find a way to justify spending a gazillion bucks on sassy lingerie...or...hmmmm...someone to buy them for me. ;)

(hi mom!)

revised running schedule...

So, um, yeah. I didn't quite get around to running a couple of the races I thought I would. No Grete's - although I'll put it on next year's calendar!, because I left NYC the week before the race. No Detroit Free Press Half because my training tooooooootally tanked the last month I was in NYC...yeah, I was a little overwhelmed and stressed.

HOWEVER, Vegas is very firmly on the schedule! Hotel's booked, plane ticket purchased, costumes are being finalized. Oh yes - costumes! It's gonna be one helluva weekend for costumes!!! Stay tuned for pics...

Beyond that, I know I'm doing Gasparilla in Feb/March...yes, for the Maiden Voyage bell ringing, Becker! I might go do the Mardi Gras Half if Ashley can convince Foxy Bob that he wants to be in N'awlins for his 30th birthday.

Would LOVE to do the Flying Pig in May, but I'll have been in Tampa working the St. Anthony's Triathlon the week before.

Other than that, the only definite (or definite maybe?) is the Nike Women's Half in San Fran...and maybe the OBX half in November. Oooooo and the one in Maine with the 'token male runner.' My friends PRed there this year! And maybe one of John Bingham's races - penguin medals! 'Nuff said!!!

So...thoughts? Ideas? Any MUST DOs? Anything anyone's running that I might want to tag along? What's on YOUR schedule?

Oh. And, yeah. I promised Whitney that I'd do a sprint triathlon if she runs a half with me. Oy vey.

things I like...

That this is happening in NYC. Why, oh why, am I not there?!?!

And I'm soooooo glad that I'm living in a state - finally! - where they pass out "I voted" stickers. So I can actually go to Starbucks and claim my free java. Yum. And Yum.

Missing NYC.

I haven't missed NY much until today. See, today's the running of the NYC Marathon. And I've worked it the last couple of years. So, it's a little weird to be on the very outside and not even able to look in.

And by "look in," I mean cheer on the gazillions of friends who are running it this year. Actually, by this point, it's RAN. Alice set a PR - whoop, whoop! Ted, Ken, and Kathleen all ran their first full marathon! Whooo hooo! Patricia ran her 10th NYC race - and, I'm assuming, kicked some NYC ass!!!

Yep. I even miss the madness and mayhem that is the behind the scenes. The command trailer. The gators. The c-tainer. Unleashing 1000s of heat sheets. Making sure that everyone finds a spot on the ferry or a bus so they make their race start. Watching the elite racers prance about, warming up, from the Jersey dividers on the Verrazzano Bridge. Seeing the - literal - tons of discarded clothing being scooped up by bulldozers...after we've gotten all the buses off the Plaza, of course. Being in a police escort to make it back to the Finish in Central Park, hopefully in time to see the finishers.

I love event work. I really do. And this year, some of my event friends are having their first NYC Marathon - Evelyn, Adam, I hope you're still standing! MJ, Volpe, Decker, and all my other "veteran" friends, I hope this year's better than last!!!

I miss you. Bunches.

My life in "retirement."

1. Apparently, half a bottle of wine after 3 weeks of almost no alcohol (2 glasses of wine and 1 beer don't count...or compare) makes me a very serious, holy cow kinda lightweight.

2. Dragging 3, 7,000lb duffel bags in from the garage and down the basement stairs after half a bottle of wine after 3 weeks of abstinence, whilst wearing slippers...might be a bad idea.

3. If someone had told me that when I "grew up," I'd be totally comfortable rockin' out to my iPod in my grandparents' 13+ yr old mini van, I'd have called 'em NUTSO. But I am.

4. "Rockin' out" means cranking anything by Pink. The artist. The rockstar. "Leave me alone (I'm lonely)" might just be my anthem. Or "So what." Just sayin'...

5. I need some running discipline. Or maybe just people to run with. Like scheduled dates. Anyone? Anyone?

6. Oddly - and thankfully - I just got really busy this week. All kinds of things popped out of the woodwork this week/weekend...work to some volunteering, to some work to some babysitting. Methinks I could settle in to this life in Michigan...except...except...

7. ...'cepting the dungeon. I'm actually rather comfortable down here. It's just dark and windowless, so I have NO clue of the time (and can sleep all day rather easily!). And it might get super cold once it gets super cold outside. But the dogs and I have definitely settled in.

8. I'm totally digging the nephew. I think he digs me, too. Little does he know just how cool an Aunt I'll be - I mean, pirates rock!!! Regardless, it's fun to hang out with family - sis and mom included, not just the baybeeee.

9. Rumor has it, my Dad might be making an appearance. Stay tuned!

"Wild women of Whippoorwill" (sic)

I'm not kidding, this is one of the TRUEST laugh out loud moments I've had in a really, really long time. The laughter cackles in the background just make it THAT much better.

Ms. Chelle K., you're SO right, this would make one of the funniest, wild fundraisers EVER!

Again, here's a link to the video of the Wild Women of Whippoorwill! Check it out.

Update:
The whole thing is hilarious, but at 3:32 the folks behind the camera lose it (effin' funny!) with one of the pairs of women's solution to the problem. Not kidding, I'm crying!!!

Holy DELICIOUS, Batman!

'tis rare that I send around a recipe, but OHMIGOD my mom made this tonight and it was so good, I had to share. This might even be the kid-friendliest with veggies meal I've seen in a while. SO. GOOD. And, AND, I am not, not, not a fan of chard in any circumstance. Not kidding. Most importantly, though, holy crapola, the squash was amazing. We used Delicata squash and I would HIGHLY recommend it should you have it in your grocery stores. Never had it before, but it is now my hands down fave squash!!!

We used oregano because we had no sage. And this would provide a whole buncha leftovers for one person cooking...

I hope you enjoy as much as we did! No leftovers...


------------------------
Pork Medallions With Squash and Greens
The Washington Post, October 15, 2008

Dinner in 35 Minutes

* Course: Main Course
* Features: Fast, Kid-Friendly

Summary:

This dish comes from Christopher Blobaum, executive chef of the Inn at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, S.C. He accepted our challenge to make his restaurant recipe accessible for a weeknight cook. He prefers using delicata squash, which is available now at Washington-area farmers markets. We used prepped and packaged butternut squash, keeping the dinnertime clock in mind.

Grits are almost a given, in terms of complementary low-country side dishes. Here, it really works, catching the sweet-tart pan juices.

4 servings
Ingredients:

* 6 to 8 sage leaves, plus more for (optional) garnish
* 4 large cloves garlic
* 3 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* 12 ounces peeled and pre-cut butternut squash (may substitute 1 pound of delicata squash, peeled, cut in half, seeded and then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide crescents)
* 1 cup fresh apple cider
* 1/2 cup water
* 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar
* 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt, plus more to taste
* Freshly ground black pepper
* 2 pounds pork tenderloins
* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
* 8 ounces greens, such as collard, kale, rainbow or mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
* 2 to 4 tablespoons good-quality cider vinegar or red wine vinegar

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Coarsely chop the sage leaves. Cut the garlic into very thin slices.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large cast-iron or heatproof skillet over medium heat. Add the squash, then the sage, apple cider, water, sherry vinegar and season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine, then increase the heat to medium-high; bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes.

Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the cider has reduced to the consistency of a glaze and the squash is fork-tender. Transfer to the stove top; taste and season the mixture with more salt and pepper as needed.

While the squash is in the oven, trim the tenderloins of silver skin and any excess fat. Cut the trimmed tenderloins into evenly sized medallions about 1 1/2 inches thick; shape them to a uniform size and season with salt and pepper; place on a plate.

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil and the butter in a large saute pan or skillet over low heat, until the butter has melted. Add the garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the slices are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the garlic to a small dish.

While the garlic is cooking, wash and dry the greens. Cut out and discard any tough center veins and stems, if desired. Tear or shred the leaves.

Increase the heat to medium and add the greens to the saute pan or skillet used to cook the garlic. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, just until wilted; use tongs to keep them moving. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, stirring to combine. Return the garlic slices to the pan or skillet and mix to incorporate. Sprinkle with the vinegar to taste, then transfer to a bowl.

Heat the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of the oil in the same pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the medallions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork registers 150 on an instant-read thermometer. Return the garlic and greens to the pan or skillet, just to warm through.

When ready to serve, place a serving of greens, some of the squash and some pan juices on each plate, with a few of the medallions. Garnish with sage leaves, if desired; serve hot.
Recipe Source:

From Christopher Blobaum, executive chef of the Inn at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, S.C. As posted in the Washington Post.

Musings.

1. Why are you supposed to brush your teeth THEN floss? Logistically (yes, that's how I think about nearly everything), doesn't it make more sense to pick the schtuff outta your teeth with the floss and THEN to clean it all away by brushing?

2. I really like going to the Farmer's Market. Ann Arbor's is particularly wonderful. I just hate that you have to go so stinkin' early to get the best goods. Boo on weekend mornings!

3. Angelo's is just as good as I remembered it!!!

4. So, I'm applying for a job at REI. What are the chances that I'll actually bring any of my paycheck home, cute lil' Gearhead that I am?!

5. I've been here just over two weeks and I've already got part-time jobs lined up, some volunteer work, and a couple of races planned. Whoooo-eeee!

6. My nephew is indeed a-DOR-able!!! And he loves him some Auntie Hannah. Just sayin'...

7. I'm really not a fan of winter & it's fast approaching. Whatever happened to the Indian Summers of my youth?! Me who just donated my parka and down vest. Boo to winter!

8. Could it be that I'm actually thinking about staying in MI longer than just the end of the year? Egads. Who'da thunk?

9. Not being at the NYC Marathon this year is gonna be hard. So many friends running and working...and I don't get to come in to play. Boo on having no social life.

...but things are otherwise great!!! ;)

Oh dear. Please remove my computer...or block Coonhound rescue sites.

'Cuz I can't stop browsing. I'm still on the Coonies...haven't even touched the Bloodhound or Dobie sites.

And I want him. REALLY want him (even though I'm not a fan of the name). Gawd, he's GORGEOUS.

And there's Moose. I've been watching Moose for a while. Classic Coonie, just the way I love 'em.

If you like Rhodesian Ridgebacks (yes, a hound), then Ike is a very Rhodesian-lookin' boy. Talk about athletic!!

As goofy lookin', tooooootally houndy (in this case Bloodhound) pups go, Quigley is the perfect example of goofy hound. Look at the jowls!!!!

Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

Finally, because I truly love this organization, check out Toby (if only I currently had no dogs!!), Jake (ooooo - overgrown pup!), and Peyton (I love his - too intense? - stare).

If a certain Ms. Petunia had a link I could find, I'd also let you know about one of my favoritest rescue cases ever - the lovely, tiger-bodied (not color, just the walk) Petunia, one of the dollbabiest Pitties ever. See, I DO like girl dogs!!!

"Is our treatment of coonhounds a measure of our moral progress?"

I'm really good at torturing myself. How? Well, I'm NOT currently looking for any canine additions to my "pack," but, from time to time, I'll swing by a Coonhound rescue site to see what dogs are looking for forever homes.

Most of y'all know that I'm a sucka for a hound, particularly a classic-looking Coonie - think big, huge Bloodhound-y head, with massive ears and a big, blocky body (like this delicious beast). A lot of the dogs on the CoonhoundRescue.com site are just that...so, even though I say that I'll probably never have another hound and that my "next dog" will be a red male Dobie, who really knows what'll happen.

So, to torture myself, I went to the site today - it's rainy in Michigan and I'm just websurfing. The webmaster had posted this article and I feel it important to share.

While I think "coonhound" could be replaced in the article for many different breeds (or humans!), the article IS appropriate for a lot of the southern U.S. where hounds and hound mixes are predominant. (Sure, I could insert here how there are some rescue groups in NY who are importing hounds to the NY area and how that's irresponsible...but, well, I'll save that soapbox for another rainy day.) Americans think of pretty much everything as disposable, even our animals, and it DOES speak to our moral turpitude. The Coonhound that inspired this article is indicative of not just American selective blindness (think post-Katrina aftermath, no?), but just how trusting and willing to forgive rescued - or wanting-to-be-rescued - animals can be (another soapbox, I know, I know).

No, I know the entire population isn't corrupt. Get it. I know a slew of folks who could never, ever in a gazillion years be blind to the kind of suffering this sweet Coonie was showing - whether it was human or canine. Equally, however, I know folks who would never give two shits. I would only ask that we ALL keep our eyes open...and do what we can to alleviate suffering.

My answer to the question posed? Yes. Yes, our treatment of coonhounds is indeed a measure of our moral progress.

I'm so self-centered...

All I can do for the last day or so is stalk friends on Facebook (update your status already!!!) and scan for any mention of, you know, ME!

So, one of my long-standing Jen friends (I know a LOTTA Jens) changed her status to this last night:

Jennifer B is thinking about how even on Facebook, Hannah Ashmore is still the most social person she knows...

HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH.

I've known this particular Jen since I worked at Barnes and Noble part-time over a decade (scary!) ago. I had about a gazillion different social circles and I loved throwing parties to have everyone meet each other...the "I've heard SO MUCH about you-s" were rampant. Pat on the back me!

And, yes, I fully realize that not much has changed...I still have a gazillion social circles and things that I'm doing!

smooches,
socialite h

So going back to the late 80s...

My mom and one of her best friends are helping me earn my 'allowance' while I'm hanging' out. Huh? Well, while I'm figuring out where I want to go next and what job will take me there, I'm trying to find ways to make some $$. Not knowing how long I'll be here, it's a tad difficult to plan on much other than odd jobs...or retail. (Aaaahhhhhh!)

So, I'm gonna do some winter prep yardwork for both my mom and her best friend. How funny is that? Soooooo totally like getting an allowance for doing my chores. I'm just a little older, a little wiser, and actually looking FORWARD to spending time playing in the dirt!!!!

Yep, gardening is one of the things I've missed most. Yard work, here I come!!!

Say YES! to Michigan!

So, I'm here.

So far, nothing crazy happening...thank Gawd! I've been catching up on sleep - I've never met a more comfortable Aero Bed, but, then, I think I could sleep on a plank and be out for hours at this point. The basement (nope, haven't been locked in yet :) ) is lovely and dark, so I can sleep, truly, as much or as late as I like. I love retirement.

The dogs? Love it. New smells, lots of open space to run, stairs to fly up - and down!, more people they know to love them. Sure, they're still getting used to not being allowed on the furniture, but if that's the worst of their new situation then it can't be horrible, right?

The drive? Wasn't so bad. Long and VERY boring...not a 'good' radio station to be found ANYwhere in Pennsylvania. And I had no idea just how rural or hilly PA is! Horrible on the gas mileage. The dogs were AMAZING and so much better than I expected. They were so tired from 2 days of barking as we loaded the truck that they crashed for nearly all 600 miles. The cab was a lot higher than usual - in my brand new Budget truck!!, so 'twas a learning experience in trust for all of us.

Other than a minor wrong turn just before Toledo that got me using my CrackBerry's GPS and mapping function, and then exiting an exit too late off I-94 in Ypsi, we made it here in excellent time and shape. Truck got off-loaded Thursday and returned Friday. And, no, NO MORE TRUCK DRIVING. For quite some time.

Now it's time to figure out what I want to do professionally. More on that...

musings. i'm still procrastinating...

1. 2 days left in NYC and, yes, I'm not finished packing. And I worked the last 2 days on a (crazy) event...that left me super exhausted and, still, unpacked.

2. I'm so very, terribly, utterly ready to leave NYC. I'll miss my friends, public transportation, and the convenience of having anything you want whenever you want however you want. But that's it. Is that a lot?

3. I don't want to drive a truck again for a long, long, long time. After (barely) clipping another truck's mirror in DC, to a 1,200 mile long-haul in a 24-footer from DC to New Orleans, to - essentially - living in the cab of a 15-footer for the last 2 days, to, yes, taking care of my own move to Michigan (10-12 hours in a 16-footer with 100 lbs-worth of dog)...I have come to the conclusion that I'm not interested in being a long-haul trucker. Ever.

4. As much as it makes me nutso, I do love the event world. There's something bonding about being up all night, working your ass off, being soaking wet (sweat or rain), having dirty fingernails, playing with 'snips' and leathermen, having a crap-tacular event tan (think worse than farmer's)...the list could go on.

5. I have really great friends.

6. Coming out of semi-retirement is gonna be difficult. Especially as I'm heading into a true, indefinite period of retirement while I'm hanging out with the madre. Although, there are many odd jobs I could (and probably will) do, not knowing how long I'll be there makes decision-making difficult.

7. I was pulled over (in a truck) for the first time in nearly 10 years recently...and I haven't been that flustered or pee-my-pants nervous in a really long time.

8. I've been obsessing about what squirrel poop looks like. Anyone know? You see bum poo, dog poo, cat poo, and bird poo all the time. I've seen horse, elephant, sheep, goat, camel, and more. But I have no idea what squirrel poo looks like.

9. I'm tired. Really, really tired. Ok. Gotta go pack.

First goodbye - check!

My first goodbye was sprung upon me today. I get back from a grueling trip to DC by way of New Orleans (long story - ask if you dare :) ), to go play with My Main Man (MMM), Humphrey, Thursday morning. Get there, hangin' out, being smooched by a 2 1/2 year old Golden, and his dad (Linc) happens to let it slip that they're taking BACK off to the Adirondacks for another 10 days.

WHAT????

So, the tears immediately appear. And I cry the entire time Humph-a-dunk and I are out wandering the wilds of the UWS. MMM is being super patient and snuggly with me, trying to figure out what's going on.

It was a sudden rrrrrrrip of a goodbye, but, I can't lie, methinks it was actually less painful than saying little goodbyes for the next week.

That Linc is a good man...and a great friend. I'll miss him and our political chats just as much as I'll miss his lunk of a pooch!

Keepin' it real.

So, why is it that it's the most mundane of tasks that makes a move feel real? Changing my address for magazines and cancelling my gym membership made me feel like I'm moving.

Crap. I'm moving!

Randomness.

1. My newest self-challenge. Anyone wanna join me? I haven't, um, started yet...but I'm gonna!

2. I'm actually looking forward to spending some time with the fam (and new nephew!) in Michigan. Notsomuch looking forward to finishing the packing, having a stoop sale, loading the truck, driving 600 miles (with 2 dogs in the cab!), and then unloading the truck. But, hey, that's life, right???

3. My sleeping bag is even more traveled than *I* am!!! My friend, Evelyn, got a killer chance to go to Rwanda for a couple weeks and was told she might need a sleeping bag...so, The Marmot got to go! Unfortunately, she found out after lugging it all the way there that she, um, DIDN'T need it after all. But, hey, that's life, right? (Seeing a theme??)

4. I think I'm addicted to rotisserie chicken. My roommate has the Showtime Rotisserie and it ROCKS. I love it...and my dogs think it's better than TV - they just sit there watching and salivating.

5. I've been spending so much time meandering down Memory Lane that I decided to start looking up a whole bunch of folks I haven't talked to in a gazillion years. Some are Google-able, but even more are on Facebook! Who knew?!?! C'mon, Burks, get with the program. Everybody's doin' it!!!

6. Some really, truly interesting jobs crawled out of the woodwork this past week, so, fingers crossed, something happens!!! Granted, Dallas wouldn't be my first choice, but it would be an a-m-a-z-i-n-g opportunity. Just sayin'...

7. Fresh Direct boxes are the *perfect* size for packing books.

8. 35 days...and counting. Ouch.

9. There's a hurricane named after me!!!!! Although, I guess I shouldn't be happy that I'm bringing potential death and destruction to folks, huh?

It's a happy thought!

On a random sidenote, I'm totally addicted to Californication and The Tudors. Who knew Showtime had a respectable lineup??? And thank you Netflix for giving me a helluva lot of viewing pleasure!!!!

Holy crap...I hate it when I can't sleep!!

Yep. Woke up randomly in the middle of the night. Started out as one of those "I'm just rolling over" things, but has turned into a fully-fledged freak out. I was laying here thinking about all manner of really fun, peaceful night-time thoughts like: the logistics of leaving, when to rent a truck, will all my s&*% fit into a 16' truck like I hope/expect/need...you know, the easy things.

So, I decided I'd make myself feel better and actually price things out/quasi-plan rather than pontificate at 4:30am on Sunday morning. Well, eff me if it isn't going to cost a LOT to head to Michigan to go squat at my mom's house. $700 for the "privilege" of driving all my stuff cross-country by myself!!!!!!!! I figured it'd be expensive, but CRAP! Factor in some gas...whoa nelly.

And then, to make it, ya know, BETTER, I decided to look at actual driving dates. Well, it'll have to be mid-week the last week in September. Which, for some reason, FREAKS ME OUT even though it should all be expected. But no...I continue to freak out.

Fun. At not even 6:00am. Anyone have a AAA code I can use???

The Best Revenge.

Normally, I don't buy into the idea of revenge...never have, don't often now. I really do believe it's a waste of time and that, by hook or by crook, karma will getcha worse than I ever could.

So, why would I bring up revenge now, one could ponder. Well, because I am (sounds like: "because I said so," a la all our moms). I learned a really crappy lesson last night. One that - stupid hindsight - isn't really unexpected and is par for the effed up course as it pertains to this particular scenario.

No, I don't want to fully explain or, really, talk about it. Maybe tomorrow, but right now, I'm too raw and pissed off (mostly at myself) and hurt and livid. Many of y'all haven't ever seen me lose my temper. True, I get pissy-tacular a whole lot, but I can count on one hand the number of times I've truly gone apeshit. I'm pretty there right now...just nothing to do with it.

My revenge? Well, that's where I'll redirect all this anger. And what'll it be? To live a whole, happy life that's full of love. And I'll get ridiculously skinny in the process because all I want to do is run, kick and punch a bag, and lift weights furiously. I'm learning, today, that extreme anger motivates me to work out.

...by tomorrow, in all honesty, I'll probably be back to much more Sane Hannah. But right now, I'm not.

Clue: My Friskyscope as posted from earlier this week was dead on...read the 'sucky' part. Those who may be in the know, well, let's just say there I ran into the only person in NY I always see and really don't want to. No, that's not the part that makes me angry.

Friskyscope is SPOT ON!!!

This week's Friskyscope for me:

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

Career recognition will be at an all time high. Friendship satisfaction? Another high scorer. Love life? Less than stellar and not looking like it’s got any life coming to revive its dismal circumstances. Sure, that might be a sucky attitude to have, but this week, being a realist will save you much time and energy that you otherwise would have forced yourself to expend.

At least I know my priorities where already in alignment. Yep, "sucky" is an understatement...but, well, uh, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, right?!

I have the BEST friends. The B-E-S-T. My "Be Fri" friends...

(Just ask me. You know you wanna. "Be Fri"???)

One of the things I've been truly lucky to collect over the years is amazing - a-m-a-z-i-n-g - friends. Granted, I should amend that to "since I've been an adult"...but who's counting, right?

In my teens, the ones who stayed in touch became my Best Friends simply because we stayed in touch. And, truly, friends of "historical" context are wonderful...because they have the history. (Or is that "terrifying" and not "wonderful"??) Unfortunately, that's something I'm figuring out much later in life only because I've only stayed in touch with folks from high school on. But they ARE wonderful!!

In my 20s, I stumbled upon the most fantastic group of friends. The stories. The adventures. The fights, the make-ups, the horror, the happiness...part of being in your 20s and figuring it all out, right??? God bless 'em for forgiving me and letting me back into their lives. (No, I wasn't the nicest back then...my world was very (read: VERY) black and white...I haven't softened completely, but I've softened a LOT compared to then.)

In my 30s, I'm getting to know myself, really know myself. (Hey, my 30s aren't even half over yet! I'm workin' on it!!!) Getting to know yourself provides you with a wonderful - THE most wonderful - group of friends. I can quite honestly say that the friends I have now will be friends of mine for forever. They'll become the newest, improved-upon "historical" friends. And, yes, they're making NY a very difficult place to leave simply because they're here.

[NOTE: Interestingly, a high school "historical" friend can be included in the Now friends circle. What does "historical" squared mean???]

So, Peggy, Whitney, Alison, Lydia P., Kelly, Greer, Alice, Elynn, Stephanie B., Roooooooooney, Reeny, Christine K., Karen, Nancy, Shaina, Evelyn, vanO, Cass, Terri, Jen S., Renee...and my "token" men: Lincoln, Morgan, Volpe, Decker, Ken, MJ, Ted, and, yes, even Crawford & Lucas. J - you're in your own category altogether. You're not all here, physically, in NYC for my "NY years," but I will always associate our friendships with me being in NY. You've all had stiff competition from my friends "back in the day"...but let's just call this your official shout out. And then you can hug me awkwardly and pat me on the back when I start to cry whenever I see you next, m'kay???

I haven't always loved the lessons I've learned. And you certainly haven't loved me every moment of our friendship - and vice versa. But, Gawd, have you all played a super, duper, wonderful, ass-kickin', kick ass role in my life. Thank you.

No. Really. (Like Ev & I would do - REALLY? Really. Really!) Thank you. Thank. You.

P.S. "Stiff competition" includes, but is by no means limited to: Jammin' J, Amy B., Tall Beth, Short Beth, Michele (where's the cellulite?) S., Oy-yay Oy-yay, Zeiggy, Kat, Wendy K., Gooooot, Amanda Sue, Missy, Mary H., NeNa, Chele, Cindy R., the Furry Redhead, Kevin B., and ALL of the Hammers (but, really, Al - you rocked my world!).

P.P.S. If we're going old, old, OLD school, then "stiff competition" would be Greer (again), Carla, Sammy, Trish, Zaborowska, Miki...TASIS, Izmir, and Greenhills - all y'all made me just as nutty as a girl could possibly be and I LOVE having you as a part of my life. (I CAN blame it on you, right???)

P.P.P.S. The oldest school I can get is Harriet, Margaret S., Sasha used-to-be-C., Mom, Dad, and Jingles. I guess it's you kids that I should really credit with how wonderfully I've turned out, huh? ;)

Lookit what I found...

I found SO many treasures today, but one of them was this poem. And, yes, it resonated.

Imagine a Woman

Imagine a woman who believes it is right and good she is a woman.
Awoman who honors her experience and tells her stories.
Who refuses to carry the sins of others within her body and life.

Imagine a woman who trusts and respects herself.
A woman who listens to her needs and desires.
Who meets them with tenderness and grace.

Imagine a woman who acknowledges the past's influence on the present.
A woman who has walked through her past.
Who has healed into the present.

Imagine a woman who authors her own life.
A woman who exerts, initiates, and moves on her own behalf.
Who refuses to surrender except to her truest self and wisest voice.

Imagine a woman who names her own gods.
A woman who imagines the divine in her image and likeness.
Who designs a personal spirituality to inform her daily life.

Imagine a woman in love with her own body.
A woman who believes her body is enough, just as it is.
Who celebrates her body's rhythms and cycles as an exquisite resource.

Imagine a woman who honors the body of the Goddess in her changing body.
A woman who celebrates the accumulation of her years and her wisdom.
Who refuses to use her life energy disguising the changes in her body and life.

Imagine a woman who values the women in her life.
A woman who sits in circles of women.
Who is reminded of the truth about herself when she forgets.

Imagine yourself as this woman.

Pretty cool, huh?

Holy got my butt kicked yesterday!!!

And I'm so not kidding. I went to a random Total Body Conditioning class at the gym yesterday. I thought I'd been to this club and this time slot before, but, um, no. I was wrong. Way wrong.

She looked nice enough. Young and, yes, I may have assumed that youth = inexperience.

Wrong. Way wrong.

Holy butt-kicking workout. TBC is usually a pretty good overall workout - everything gets targeted at least a little bit. This class hit all muscle groups a LOT. It was much more like a personal training session at warp speed. She threw in functional training with kettle bell-like moves with 'traditional' free weight stuff.

The one that got me the most was a move that I can't even begin to describe other than it hurt. Which, yes, means it works. But, boy, did I find my abs. And my butt. And my back. And my shoulders. And my obliques.

One would assume I'd not want to go back...instead, when's the next one? ;)

52 card pick up.

It occurred to me this morning that my life, right now, resembles a game of 52 card pick up. Remember that game? How you toss THE ENTIRE DECK OF CARDS into the air and see where they land. Unfortunately, the sap that's tossing is me. Even more unfortunate is that the sap that gets to pick up - and live with - the pieces is also me.

It's gonna be a bit of a wild ride for the next few months. Have some gut feelings about certain things happening, but really? I have no control...and I kinda like it. Freaks me the eff out, but I like it.

Really.

Trimming the fat...

is difficult. But terribly necessary sometimes. I have 'things' I'm trimming - the stuff in my house, clothes, books...and a person here and there. Interesting how that happens, eh? How when you start to trim the 'stuff' that's not healthy for you, the Universe rewards you with healthy things, people, and places?

I get it logically. It's just more difficult to take action sometimes. I've had a few experiences of late, though, where it became really, REALLY, R-E-A-L-LY! easy to make that decision and take those actions.

Here's to me gettin' all healthy-like!

Running, running, and more running!

Yep, there are more half marathons on the schedule! If I'm still around, I plan on doing Grete's Great Gallop on October 4th (or 5th)...and saying hello for the last (local) time to my Avon Walk peeps at Closing Ceremonies.

If I do end up hanging out in Michigan for any length of time whilst job searching, then I'll do the Detroit Free Press Half Marathon, too. Just for fun and to give me something non-jobsearch-related to do!

A bunch of us are already registered for the Las Vegas Half Marathon in December. Talk about an awesome birthday road trip, right??? And - AND - there's a 'Showgirls' division!!! No, not for showgirls who want to run...but for folks who want to run dressed up as a Showgirl. How AWESOME!!!! Soooooooo gonna wear a costume!!! If nothing else, it's a guaran-damn-tee that I'll train my heiney off. There's nothing like the fear of exposed, jiggling body fat to get me running and to the gym.

And then we're on to next year...Gasparilla!!!! Everything's pirate-themed. I might even lie and say that it's my first Half Marathon just so they'll ring the Maiden Voyage bell for me and get my medal from a PIRATE!!!!

And, yes, I might even do ING Miami. Seriously.

The reason for all this running? Well, besides keeping me skinny and traveling again, check out Half2run.com...a half marathon in half the states! That's the goal!!!

I'm a huge fan!

Of the stink'n'drink! Takes me back to my old AWBC days when we'd be on the lot 'til FOREVER, come back to the hotel, and hit the bar. There's something powerfully (stinky) bonding about a bunch of event wack-a-doos sitting in a bar throwing 'em back.

Then people started to shower before coming back to the bar...bad, bad, bad!!! If I ever went up to my hotel room, there's no way I'm comin' back down.

I miss the good ol' days!

I can't believe Patrick Swayze is dying.

As I (re)watch Dirty Dancing for the gazillionth time, with Patrick Swayze lookin' smokin' hot and sexy and groovy, I can't believe he's dying. Yeah, yeah, I know that life AND death both happen, but seriously!??!?!

Johnny's gonna be gone? No invading my dance space? No sexy dancing with Baby...or bringing her out of the corner?

Sad, sad day 'twill be when he passes...

holy crap...

I know I'm awesome. My mom raised me to think so...she's ended nearly every conversation with me - ever! - by saying "you're the best!" But, um, wow. She just rewrote my (already pretty kick ass) resume...and I sound AMAZING. a-MAAAAAAAAAAA-zing. AMAZING.

Yes, I could go on ad nauseum. But 'amazing' pretty much covers it.

Moms rock. For SO many reasons. Appreciate yours. Now.

Amendment to change being good...(see below)

The only thing I DON'T like about change is the starting over with friends. Ok, so I'll walk into a new job and meet people. I'll volunteer or meet people through dog-related activities. Or maybe a running group or something. But I have such a wonderful, amazing, diverse range of friends here...I just wish I could bottle 'em up and take 'em with.

Yes, yes, I have fan-tab-u-lous friends all over the place. And, no, I haven't lost contact with many, many of them. Being in my nearly mid-30s, though, I'm sick of making new friends in new places. I've done it all my life.

So, who wants to move with me?? ;) Or I guess I could move where I already know peeps, huh?

change really is good...

Yes, so after a couple days of adjusting to a new, tighter deadline than expected, I'm ok. Most of my HOLY EFF reaction was much more because I hate being told what to do. ;) I'm just so not good at following other people's timelines. (And here I am going BACK to the working world? Oy vey!)

A little nervous, definitely some fear cropping up, but overall I'm really quite excited for a new adventure. Nothing like getting what you asked for, right? I can quite honestly say I have no idea where I'll end up. Or, really, what I'll be doing. I have ideas as to both - the what and the where, but who knows in the end?

So, I bought the space bags to start packing clothes. I'm starting the book and clothing purge on Thursday (I was blessed with a random day off!). My mom and I are working on my resume this morning so I can start sending it out to people fully updated and snazzified!

Mom was even rather receptive when I, somewhat tentatively, broached the subject of the dogs and I crashing with her in Michigan if, for some reason, the Magic Job doesn't materialize by September.

Options...there are always options!

90 days. or 3 months?

Why is it that saying "90 days" out loud gives me a feeling I can only akin to a heart attack? But that "3 months" doesn't reduce me to automatic panic? They're the same, right???

Well, this weekend, my landlord made me aware that I have 90 days, or 3 months, to be out of my apartment unless I want to sign a new, year-long lease. Nothing says, "Hannah your life is changing" quite like news like that, eh?

And, yeah, he sent me a text on July 4th. Happy freakin' Independence from life as you know it, eh?

So. Now. I guess I need a job and to move. Shite.

Musings.

1. I've never understood why FedEx and UPS trucks get tickets for double parking in NYC (and maybe other places, too). I mean, seriously??? There's no parking for normal vehicular traffic, so does anyone really expect FedEx/UPS to find a 'real' spot...especially when they're just going to be there for a handful of minutes?! I just scratch my head whenever I see a traffic cop ticketing a delivery vehicle...

2. I know it's rude to mention, but there are certain people whose mommas definitely did NOT raise 'em right. And there are some people you see just perpetuating the circle of unhealthy eating leading to a superbly unhealthy physical condition. For instance (you thought I wouldn't have an example??), the fat man - and I do mean F-A-T, not just pleasantly plump, I saw the other day who was slurping - SLUUUUUUUUUUURPING - every morsel possible off his double order of wings. I've never heard anyone make that noise before and it was, perhaps, one of the unsexiest things ever. Ever. So, how exactly is this an example of poor upbringing? Maybe it's the British in me, but we were not allowed to make noises like that at the dinner table...much less in public.

3. I hate meetings that don't start on time. Particularly meetings where the leaders are operating on the assumption people will be late, so you're told that the start time is 15 minutes before the actual start time. Not starting for a full half an hour after the REAL start time is just rude. Rude. Especially when I have a meeting with a McGinley to have an adult beverage. I mean, come on!

4. I'm gonna try and run 100 miles in the month of July. Why? Why not? I need to gather a bunch of base miles while I'm figuring out what my next half marathon will be, for starters. I also need a challenge to keep me motivated. But I might sweat to death. It is July. In New York. Am I an idiot?

5. I have a crush. And I'm not tellin' who he is!

6. Half2run.com. Check it out. Join Gaff, A-dawg, and me on our quest. I've got one down; 24 to go!!!

7. I'm moving. Not sure when. Or where. Or what I'll be doing. But I'm moving.

8. I slept with all 3 of our household canine companions last night. What started out as an adorable pile o'puppies, with a nicely carved spot pour moi, did NOT end up the same this morning. This time, it wasn't my 'kids' taking up all the room; Hershel-icious is a big ol' bed hog!!!! Luckily he's cute and a super snuggler...

9. Thunderstorms are sexy. SO sexy. And we've had a lot of 'em lately! My mind is perma-in-the-gutter. It's so tough being a woman in your 30s. ;)

Times they are a changing...

I can always tell when I'm leaving a more dormant, insular period of my life and heading into a whole lotta new. How? Well, it's kinda like watching a puppy grow...they start to sleep a whole lot, eat a TON, and their joints get super swollen and huge. Then - WHOOOSH - you've got a whole lot more dog than you did a week ago.

No, I'm not eating myself outta house and home. Nor am I sleeping too much (just sleeping well). My joints do hurt a bit, but that's because of all the running. What IS happening is that I want to write.

Most of y'all know that I like to write and have probably been the recipient of one - or too many! - of my 'newsletters.' Well, when I'm feeling more cocoon-y than butterfly, I tend to not write. I hibernate. And now? Notsomuch the hibernating...I've had all kinds of things that I want to say at my fingertips. Yes, some of what I want to say is more blog-appropriate soundbites, but there has been some truly creative writing as well. Delicious!

Alaska? Being in the middle of nowhere? Doing some traveling? Feeling better about the Winter Squish starting to disappear? Energized because I'm (literally) creating movement in my life? Let's go with all of the above...

Cool company, cooler behind-the-scenes...

So, from time to time, I stumble upon something I really think is cool. Browsing through some (seriously) old mail this weekend, I got to the Horny Toad - it's clothing, pervs!, catalog. Horny Toad and Patagonia catalogs are like novellas to me...I thoroughly enjoy reading them as much as I love the clothing. I'm a gear dork, I know.

Horny Toad has taken an interesting, offbeat, and not nearly common enough approach to warehousing and shipping. According to the catalog:

"Years ago, Horny Toad partnered with Search Developmental Center, a non-profit life-skills training group in Chicago that helps to change the lives of adults who have developmental disabilities. The partnership first gave rise to Planet Access Company (PAC), which provides training and work opportunities to this overlooked and underestimated population. Millions of Horny Toad items have been picked, packed, and shipped with unmatched reliability and enthusiasm by the PAC work crew - cool huh?"

Cool is an understatement. In a world where so much of our daily lives is imported from third world countries, it's fanTAStic to learn of U.S. companies who are more than simply conscientious, but taking a BIG (and more costly, presumably) step towards keeping their operations national if not local. Rock the eff on Horny Toad!!!

And - AND!! - Horny Toad + grant $$ + Search for Adventure = a reward vacation for the PAC Crew...with lucky Horny Toaders (employees, duh) getting to tag along. Win, win, win.

Read more here. And don't forget to buy Horny Toad!!!

PS Outside magazine calls the Horny Toad one of its best places to work in 2008!

I'm an auntie!

'Tis true! My sis (finally) had her lil' boy. 2:22 on a Friday afternoon, at 6 lbs 12 oz and 21 inches, Mr. Callum Long made his grand entrance. Coinky-dink that he was born at the same time of day on a Friday like I was? Hmmm...

NOTE: Of course there's back story...ask if you're interested. Maybe I'll spill the veddy, veddy interesting details. ;)

Daniel. And Mount McKinley.

The tone for my Alaska experience was set yesterday. If I can just keep this feeling ever-present for the entire trip, then I will have a wonderful, opening, life-changing experience.

I was working out at the Telectroscope yesterday as I have been on/off for the last month or so. It was another beastly hot day and our crap tanlines (think farmer's tan, but worse) just kept getting worse. 'Twas the end of my shift and, I can't lie, I was counting down the minutes. I was also trying - and failing - not to melt in the heat because I had to get to our pre-Alaska Team in Training meeting.

Across from the Telectrscope, on Pier 1 in Brooklyn Heights, there was a production crew setting up a stage and sound system to shoot a pre-recorded July 4th show - go Kenny Chesney! All day, the guys had been taking turns to wander over, trying to figure out what this Victorian-looking contraption was. As we're wont to do, we explained the story, blah blah blah - we're all people-persons, but, DUDE, we'd been there a month and there are only so many times you can schpiel it up!!

*pause.

Back story - so, I'd just finished telling a couple of the girls that I worked with about my preference for tall, strapping, good-lookin', broad-shouldered men who ooze charisma. Throw in a shaved head, a big nose, and some tattoos (all optional, never required)...well, this kitten purrs.

*unpause.

So, what walks up? Tall, strapping, charismatic man with deliciously broad shoulders. Sure he had hair (bald is NOT a requirement, Laila! I've dated men with hair!!), but he was definitely a man who commanded attention. Yum! Yes, I started schpieling...and (mildly) flirting. Ok. Fine. There wasn't mild flirting. I was full-on shakin' my tail feathers and batting my eyelashes. I can't help it!

He introduced himself (Daniel) and asked if I'd be around the following week, as the crew would be back for another shoot. I told him the Telectroscope project would be closing before then, but that I'd be in Alaska anywhoooo.

"Alaska? What's taking you there?" asked Mr. Strapping.

I gave my half marathon and Team in Training schpiel...and didn't fail to mention that I love the wildness of the Last Frontier. (Can't you just see the tail feathers shakin'??)

He, too, loves Alaska. And went there years ago for his own Last Frontier adventure and to spread his mother's grave dirt at the top of McKinley. He summited (19 days up, 3 to get down) and took a - small - souvenir home, a silver dollar-sized piece of rock. He finished his story by taking out the rock, saying that he'd been carrying it in his pocket every day for 17 years, and can't imagine not having it. I can imagine it's more like a worry stone now...something tangible and grounding.

Unfortunately, he had to get back to work, so my tail feathers put themselves back in their proper place, we shook hands, and he walked off. I changed out of my staff shirt, grabbed my bag, and was in the middle of saying goodbye to the girls when...

Yep, he came back. He stood there with Tori, Laila, and I, pulled out the rock and said, "I haven't ever done this. I want to give you some of the rock...I want you take me on your journey." And he broke the rock into two pieces, giving me one.

Big, strapping man with heart...and he teared up, too. And he was indeed with me in Alaska.

Defining moment. Will I ever see him again? I don't know. We didn't exchange information and I have no clue how to find him. If we're meant to cross paths again, then we will...the Universe is wonderfully sneaky like that. If not, then I hope he knows that he made a long-, long-lasting impression on this woman. And, no, not just because he was a hunka hunka burnin' man...there was so much more to that moment.

Thank you, Daniel. Thank you for running with me.

It's time to move on...what lies ahead I have no way of knowing!

Just like Tom Petty sings, it's time to get goin'! Yep, stay tuned for the deets, but I've realized that it's high time to get myself outta NYC. I know more what I want to be doing than where I want to do it...isn't that just SO typical of me?

The grass is growin'...

And, yes, I realize that has a whole lot to do with an approaching milestone: I've yet to live anywhere - in my entire life - longer than 5 years and 10 months. I start to get itchy at just about the 4 1/2 year mark and REALLY start to plan a move around 5 years. So, while NYC has been a wonderful growth experience on every level, I'm scoping a new adventure!

Is it really February already?

1. The Universe works in mysterious ways - it's been a rotten week and a wonderful one all at the same time. And it *all* has to do with my sense of self: when it's strong, I'm all powerful. It's been a good week in that sense...it just hurt a lot more than I ever thought it would.

2. I get a truly perverse sense of enjoyment when I see someone who hasn't cut the threads out of the back vent of their new winter coat. It makes me smile...even though I know it's not truly a kind thought that's passing.

3. I have FANTASTIC friends. In every way. EVERY way. My support system is more amazing than even I knew...my friends never cease to amaze - and humble - me.

4. I've got some seriously awesome travel and potential travel plans coming up...to parts of the country I've never been but always wanted to explore.

5. Winter sucks for training for a half marathon. Especially freezing rain.

6. Ever feel like you're on the brink? Teetering on the edge of wonderful? That's where I am right now. I've got some cool projects coming down the line, some renewed fitness goals, and - finally - something to get excited about.

7. I'm gonna fall in love this year. I just know it.

8. I've stumbled across a whole helluva lot of people from days gone by. It's been wonderful reconnecting...and it's been interesting to explore the feelings and memories that arise after all these connections. And looking at pictures of me when I was 15? Sadly, I don't look any different. Especially now that my hair's long again.

9. Life is fucking awesome. My attitude of gratitude is out of control. Yeah, I've had some shitty conversations and experiences this week, but they've been replaced by really, truly fanTAStic opportunities. So, what wins? Gratitude. I'm letting the rest go...even if it means silence.

Some days...

I have moments some days where I want to reconnect with people. Not the people who you simply lose touch with over the course of, well, life...those people that you have a 'thing' with. The 'thing' could be a superb fight with a friend, a breakup that you're not sure if the other person really gets that it was a breakup, or the like.

Some days.

And then I remember that neither party will be in the same place. We're both different people. The memories are just that - memories. And that makes me a little sad. Sad, but I still realize that there's space for new...and new is rarely bad. In fact, in my life, new effin' rocks.

For the first time in a while, my life feels 'new.' My two words for 2008 were, in fact, "re-engage" and "new." As much as I loathe him as an actor, my life actually feels a little like the Jim Carey movie that's coming out soon: Yes. it's about a man who says "YES" to everything that comes along...for an entire year. Talk about growth!

Well, I'm saying yes. It's not always comfortable. And some of my "yeses" I'm doing the legwork for to create the opportunity...but I'm still saying yes. And I sure did get re-engaged.

I could get all Oprah and throw in a token "Best Year Ever"...but, well, even I don't wanna get that cheesy. Let's just say that welcoming new is welcome!

Your new?