T-28 Days

That’s right, people, as of tomorrow, if I remember correctly, its just the length of time of a stint in rehab (28 days) separating me and 40,000 of my closest friends from the NYC Marathon.

No matter what happens, I'm pretty confident I'll beat Katie Holmes' time.

Before I go on, I want to share one of the great running tragedies of my life – those cute headbands everyone wears never stay on my head. I know, its tragic. My outfit would be made so much better with a sparkly headband.

This never stays on my head. I know, upsetting.

I’ve spent many a run readjusting them to no avail. I thought about pinning them on with bobby pins and then I realized that was going overboard. Alas, I will just stick to wearing the J.Crew ones that I bought too many of several years ago to work.

In other news, lately, the Garmin and I have been getting along ok. I don’t know why. Maybe its because I’ve turned off autolap or maybe its because I’ve had several good workouts and races recently that make me really not care what the Garmin says most of the time. Or maybe its because I’ve had lots of nice fast people run with me lately who have been the bearers of the watch.

This is when Megan so kindly ran an entire half marathon with me and told me what each mile split was. I had my watch going the whole time, but never had to look at it, which was fantastic.

Speaking of workout where I had a bearer of the watch, last Wednesday I did 3 x 2 miles which were supposed to be at marathon pace. The previous week I did a ladder workout that was 400, 800, 1200, 1600, and then a 2K. I had no idea how fast I was supposed to run for any of those so I just kind of ran how I felt, trying to stay conservative in the beginning so I would make it through the whole thing. It was actually kind of fun – you had to be smart to be successful (or at least that’s what I thought) at this workout. It was kind of like a game to me.

In that ladder workout I ran each part in the following: 1:48, 3:40, 5:28, 7:27, 9:19. I’m no math genius, but I’m pretty sure this is faster than MP (8:12 — not 8:13 nor 8:11, duh.) So, you think I’d be pretty confident I could do 3 x 2 miles at MP, right? WRONG.

Thankfully, because I have my awesome training journal, I figured out that any MP miles give me running anxiety a well before so I could try to figure out what to do about it. I came up with about a dozen mental strategies (which I wrote down in said journal) most of which primarily centered on not thinking of running miles at MP as a “test” that you can fail, which is what I tend to turn it into.

This is what I do every night minus the being left handed thing. I do wear a sweat band, obviously.

Quick tangent – I feel like maybe I should walk around NYC during the marathon [weekend, not during the actual thing] and preach the gospel of this little gem of a training journal, similar to what the Mormons do when they go around on their year off? mission? pilgrimage?

Anyways, I lucked out in the end and Susan ran the whole workout with me (even though she ran a MARATHON the Sunday before?! I don’t know how that’s possible either) so she was in charge of making sure we were running the correct pace. I didn’t have to think about anything except for keeping up with her and focusing on how I was feeling. Well, I guess she did roughly tell me if we were too fast, too slow, or just right (remind you of Goldilocks and the porridge anyone?) Again, it was fantastic (well, the last one I was kind of ready for it to be over, but that’s beside the point) and I ran all of them around MP, anywhere from 8-8:20. Consistency isn’t my thing, people.

So, I guess I have 28 days to figure out how to channel whatever I did last week in both that half marathon and workout where I knew how fast I was running, but was able to let go of the numbers and just focus on how I felt. Unfortunately, I won’t have a running elf with me at the marathon that can be in charge of the watch/Garmin so I will have to look at it.

I think Dobby would be a good running elf as he is light and agile.

Alright, people, time to tell me – I ran 18 miles today. You know what I always crave after a long run. DIET COKE. Today, I drank one of these:

"Grown Up Soda." It was very good.

TELL ME: WHAT DO YOU ALWAYS WANT AFTER A LONG RUN?

I’m now waiting on a cheeseburger to be delivered to me and I’m really excited about it. I’m also in the midst of changing out all my summer clothes with my winter clothes, which is proving trying as summer clothes take up so much space and all my winter clothes are fiting — first world problems.

Good luck to all the people I know running marathons or races of any variety this weekend!

Until next time…

What’s Up Wednesday

Several developments to report:

1. My nails – a beautiful creation. I know I went all trendy tweeny-bopper here copying Miley, Vanessa Hudgens, and the rest of the teenagers who have more money than I could ever dream of, but I couldn’t help myself.

Vanessa's Version

 

My version take 1...

 

My version take 2...

I had to show you both pictures because the first one makes the green finger look mint candy apple-ish, which it is not. It is darker and, in fact, Turquoise and Caicos by Essie. The rest of my nails are Capri by Essie which is quickly ousting Clambake as my favorite summer color.

Clearly, nail color choices are very important to me.

2. Gymnastics National Championships this week! So, if you’re wondering what I’m doing if not at work or working on Cookies, I’m on gymnastike and youtube watching video updates people post.

Jordyn Wieber is my predicted winner, barring disaster. I think she’ll beat Rebecca Bross, the defending champ, just because Bross has been out all year with injury.

3. My planner getting WATER DAMAGE. This isn’t rocking my week, but I feel the need to tell you all about it because, if you’ve read any past posts, you know I am in love with my planner. It came all the way from South Korea to me to become my paper brain. And, it is that, my paper brain. MY LIFE IS IN THAT PLANNER.

Needless, to say I got very distressed when water spilled on it (the top edge near the binding — ie water damage on every page). Of course, I came home and blowed dried it. It is still in once piece, thank God.

Proof that this came from South Korea. You know, a map of South Korea in the back in case I want to brush up on my South Korean geography.

This planner is very curious to me because it came from South Korea, is written in English, but is called “Journal: Un Jour de Reve” which is French (the “un jour de reve” part). My planner is not only amazing at keeping me organized, but also multi-cultural.

4. HAIR FEATHERS FALLING OUT. This also is NOT rocking my week, but, again, I felt the need to tell you all as I espoused my love for hair feathers and how they complete me on this blog. At work on Monday my first little bunch of hair feathers came out after I accidentally pulled on the hair they were attached to.

Bye, Bye Hair Feathers...(that's my planner there, too)

It was a traumatic experience, to say the least. I didn’t realize how much they had become a part of me. I had to call my hair person in TN, Mallory (who totally gets me and that hair feathers are essential), to calm me down and give me instructions as to how to get them placed back in my hair. I need to find a place here that does hair feathers or link extensions — anyone know of any of those places?

Oh yeah, that’s right. Those bad boys are going back in my hair. Thankfully, at least I have the other 3 in my hair.

5. Getting Bulk Pulled Pork From the Place Down the Street. Let’s be honest people, I’m not going to make pulled pork. I was craving it today and went to the place around the corner (Waterfront Alehouse, if you were curious) and asked if by chance I could get a 1/4 lb of the good stuff. They said they had never had this request before and were a little baffled by my request. Clearly, New Yorkers do not know what’s up when it comes to proper barbecue meat consumption.

My request was granted and I now have enough pulled pork to last me 3-4 meals. SCORE.

6. People Who Thinking Running Is Fun and Cool. Its nice to get the “oh, you wanna run sometime?” reaction rather than “dear Lord, running 6 miles, that sounds terrible!” Thanks to Susan for meeting up with me today for some early morning mileage. Medical running people, UNITE. (However, I was one of the latter people for a very long time, so I can’t really talk…I get them.)

That is what is rocking my week.

Besides procuring a permit from Parks and Rec so I can have my bake sale, which, speaking of, anyone got any gluten free recipes out there?!?

What’s making your boat float these days?

Tell me.

Until next time…

Making a List, Checking It Twice

No, I am not Santa. But, I am making a list (well, really I make lists, plural, but I’m only going to talk about one list), but, first, a little background info.

I have a little black book (LBB). Its by Moleskine. The pages are unbelievably smooth and when you write it feels like butter. If only Moleskine made a planner as awesome as my one from South Korea.

In my LBB, I put random things, such as:

….comics I like…

"Boy, I'm glad I'm not a lizard..."

(sometimes I think “Wham! Trapped inside a bottle” and laugh to myself, probably scaring people around me)

…quotes I like…

I'm really only very good at drawing stars. So, I draw lots of them.

(Chem nerds, take note — do you notice the sign for concentration is around the word?!? Super cool, Meggie)

…and now, a “Reasons Why NYC 26.2 Will Go Well” list…

Yes, that is a post it covering the actual list itself.

(I can’t show you the list because its kind of embarassing…)

I was feeling all Debbie-Downer about running last week and starting to give into logic, meaning thinking about how I cannot conceive a reasonable way my marathon goal is possible. I mean, running at marathon pace right now isn’t exactly a walk in the park or leisurely in the least. I actually have to concentrate if I’m running at marathon pace.

I made this list at about 10:30 last night and instantly felt better. And, my run this morning was fantastic, despite losing roughly a 1/4th of my body weight in sweat.

Fun Fact: I lost 5 lbs of water on my long run the other week. The humidity must go.

Making this list made me feel instantly better and confident, like I had some plan (besides my actual training plan) as to how I was going to conquer all 5 boroughs.

I’ve tried to etch this list into my brain and whenever I feel all doom and gloom and imagine myself shuffling through the Bronx, I pick one of the things out on my list and think about it.

Kind of like when Phoebe slaps Rachel on “Friends” as part of conversion therapy — or whatever she called it.

I highly suggest you make your own list.

Now, before I go I need you to RUN over to Oiselle and buy these shorts:

The Lori Short

If you’ve read any of my other posts, you know I am a tempo short devotee (even though I don’t like tempo runs, ironic?). However, these little guys I think are soon to replace the tempos as my favorite running shorts.

Seriously, trying them on was like a religious experience. I felt like a changed woman. The waistband creates no muffin top and makes me feel skinny — WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE?!?

I loved them so much, I also ordered the “Distance” shorts in orange.

So, people, Nike’s already made enough money off their tempo shorts….go show my Oiselle buddies (ok, I’m not actually buddies with them but the notes the send with the packages makes me feel that way) some love.

So, people, tell me:

1. What would you put on your list? (ok, maybe not a fair question since I didn’t show you mine, you can also tell me what you think is on my list then if you enjoy guessing games like I do)

2. What are your favorite running shorts?

3. What are you favorite running shoes?

My favorite shoes are my Nike Lunar Elites. I ran in the Lunarglides for a long time. I just switched over and, let me tell you, the elites make me feel like an elite. They’re much lighter than the Lunarglides. And just amazing overall. (I’m clearly really good at describing my footwear.)

Until next time…

 

Culinarily Challenged

Ok, its not so much that I’m culinarily challenged, its just that I never cook. Therefore, the kitchen area presents a challenge for me. Before I go on, I must show you something amazing and life changing.

Remember that make-up organizer from Target that I raved about? Well, I’m going to rave about it again. Check. This. Out.

Compartments = Happiness

Like I said, life changing.

If you want me to organize your kitchen, I’m your girl. If you want me to cook for you, I hope you like peanut butter and jelly or salad from a bag. Or pasta. Or microwave rice. Or chicken. Or my best dish, cereal.

Two of my old teammates and I (Katie and Jackie) went out to Katie’s house on Long Island (in LI? on LI? hmm) this weekend to chillax by the pool and escape the city. And to hang out with this guy, Mr. Rudy:

He thinks he's a person (shh don't tell him he's not).

Last night, Katie and I had this bright idea that we should grill out (in the South, we call it grilling out and you people up here and on the West Coast call it “bbqing” – I assure you, if it doesn’t involve ribs or bbq sauce, it is not bbqing in my world).

Katie knows how to turn on the grill. I know how to observe politely and make sure the burgers are done so we all don’t come down with  E. coli 0157:H7 induced hemolytic-uremic syndrome and subsequent acute renal failure (there will be no dialysis on my burger watch). Beyond that, we are completely useless.

Thank God for Jackie.

While Jackie provided this (seasoned burgers with a bunch of stuff in them):

It was very delicious. Thanks, Jack.

Katie and I could provide this:

Cheese for said awesome burger, which didn't really need it because it was so awesome.

Jackie whipped us up some guac:

Well, Jackie did grow up in SoCal...

Katie and I poured salad from a bag:

Ok, we did also chop some vegetables...true kitchen skills.

Needless to say, I need to beef up on my kitchen skills if I’m going to subsist off of foods other than take-out, PB and J, and cereal, even though I do hold a special place in my heart for frosted mini wheats.

I don't have the kitchen skills of Paula, yet, but I do appreciate butter, as we all know Paula does (God bless her internist or cardiologist).

Since we’re on the topic of easy recipes, I will share with you my fool-proof, anyone can make it, and ready in apprx 2 min recipe:

Take microwaveable brown rice. Microwave for 90 sec. In those 90 seconds, open a can of tuna packed in olive oil and get our parmesan cheese. When rice is done, mix those two thing (tuna, p. cheese) into brown rice. Boom. Dinner.

I also live off of that meal. Trust me, the tuna packed in olive oil is >>> tuna packed in water. I got on the olive oil train when I was a nanny in Italy and refuse to go back to water tuna. At least for this meal, which is really the only time I use tuna.

So, people, please, give me your fool-proof recipes. No fancy terms. If it involves a microwave or toaster oven, all the better.

Finally, please observe Mr. Rudy giving me a kiss post-long run:

I actually wanted a pic with him, but ended up getting a Rudy-pup kiss.

Another, finally, please observe the awesome-ness of these shoes:

Too bright? Nahhhh...

These are racing flats. I wish I were a legit enough runner to legitimize having racing flats. But, I’m not. So, I’ll just have to keep working on becoming a baller so I can have special, awesome shoes for racing.

Or maybe I should just buy them anyways in anticipation of said baller-ness. Thoughts? Too much?!?

Ok, people, recap: easy recipes; thoughts on racing flats.

Until next time…

What’s Up Wednesday

I’ll tell you what’s up…

1. Aura reading: No, I did not get my aura read. But, I could if I wanted to, as evidenced by this:

Would my aura be tainted by my perfume?

When I saw this, it made my think of this from Friends:

I don’t plan on getting my aura analyzed, but the option is always there (and it is for you, too, dear readers — 31st or 32nd street between Park and Lex I think.).

2. My keychain: You could view this as overly narcissistic or a good reminder to love thyself (and, obviously, thy neighbor).

It says, "I <3 Me."

I’m going with the latter.

3. Getting two dressings with your salad. Sometimes, I just can’t make up my mind….ok, all the time. I always want vinegar, because I enjoy a good acidity rush, but then I always want another one, in case vinegar isn’t doing it for me that day (I switch it up between balsamic and red wine vinegars depending on my mood). Today, it was ranch and red wine vinegar, obviously both on the side, so as not to mix.

Name me a food that this is not good on.

4. Obsessively cleaning and organizing your stuff. And scented cleaning products. Sunday in my world is always cleaning and reorganizing day, so as to get everything back “in order” for the upcoming week. This week, I reorganized my kitchen, cleaned my bathroom, and my room itself. The one thing I did not do is change the sheets…shame on me.

I'm really into these dual action lysol wipes -- one side is rough so as to help you clean off dirt and grime while also killing bacteria -- WHAT MORE COULD I WANT IN LIFE?!?

I get great satisfaction out of the quasi-bleachy + lemony fresh smell that fills my apartment after my cleaning sesh. They say cleanliness is next to Godliness. If so, I was Saint Swiffer on Sunday.

5. “Voting.”: This core strengthening regimen is brought to this blog by Jonathan Phillips, core enthusiast (and a good runner, too). I was introduced to this back in the winter and I was rocking the vote there for a little bit. Then, alas, election season ended for me. In keeping with my “I’m going to have abs of steel” campaign, I plan to try to vote more often now. FYI its called “voting” because of some auto-correct mix up. It is as follows (and sorry if I do a bad job describing it):

The whole thing takes 5 min. Then you rest for a minute and then repeat. You repeat it 3 times for a total of 15 minutes of work and 2 minutes of rest.

1.       Leg Lift Hold – 30 sec
2.       Hamstring Bridge – 30 sec
3.       Side Plank – 30 sec
4.       Regular Plank – 30 sec
5.       Other Side Plank – 30 sec
6.       Crunches – 30 sec
7.       Alternating Legs Thingy – 1 min (one leg drops and other is stationary parallel to ground but bent at knee ie thigh is perpendicular to ground)
8.       Superman – 30 sec
9.       Pushups – 30 sec (or if you’re me, you only do 10 pushups)

I think I can take 17 min out of my day to rock the vote, right?

THANK YOU SO MUCH for your comments on tempo runs — I will reply to those later. They are really helping me. Keep ‘em coming, if you have anything to say (which I hope you do!)

Tell me, what rocks your world? (this week or always)

Until next time…

What’s Up Wednesday

Here’s what rocking my world this week or what rocks my world in general and I’m just choosing to tell you about it this week.

1. My planner that I ordered from Korea. OBSESSED. So much room to write, graph paper so you can write in nice straight lines. It is the ultimate of planners. Sometimes I just take it out and look at how beautiful it is.

Last week. Look so much room to write and organize your life!

This week. Plasticy thing is the insert to mark what week you're at.

Yes, I write lame affirmations to myself and put the BelieveIAm tag/sticker thing in the plastic insert all as reminders to myself for my now-15.5 week campaign for positive attitude, self belief, pretending I’m a bad-ass campaign. Don’t judge. I think it works, maybe… talk to me in November.

2. Erika’s Post-Boston Picture. This is my favorite post-race picture of all time. A big thanks to Erika for sending and allowing me to post it.

So many possibilities for captions...where to begin?

I think this picture captures the true essence of how you feel after 26.2 miles. Like “what just happened to me and why is this guy telling me to open my foil and where is the nearest Cinnabon for calorie replenishment?” To all those people who can smile and wave, I envy you because I cannot — I look very similar to this and, after both marathons I’ve run, have felt like I may never walk normally again (I tried to upload the video I have of my post-marathon walk in which I’m basically moaning and asking for a wheelchair, but can’t figure out how to…sorry).

3. My “Strong” Tank. I feel strong when I wear it. Like its rubbing strongness off on me  because it says it on there. I know…another one of my irrational beliefs. Hey, whatever makes my boat float, right?

I wish I were as skinny as this girl. I wouldve posted a pic of me in, but this girl makes it look better. WHY MUST I HAVE A DESSERT ADDICTION?

PS – its super soft so I’d put it in the category of “hanging out clothes,” a category my mom invented. I love it so much, I may wear it to work on Friday. Ok, fine, here’s me in it…I already posted the picture anyways.

Don't worry, I won't wear it with tempo shorts to work. Although I would if I could.

4. Stylemint.com. Tshirts picked out by Mary Kate and Ashley just for you. What more can I want in life considering I’m obsessed with MK and A minus the drug addictions, eating disorders, and smoking habits? What can I say – I grew up on the MK and A videos (we’re the exact same age) and may or may not have applied to NYU for undergrad initially because they were going there (don’t worry my decision was based on real things, not Olsen Twins). I got alerted to this by the Zoe Report today, the daily newsletter from Rachel Zoe. Ba-na-nas!

5. My 3 year old friend, “Paperclip.” Paperclip is his alias in case any pedophiles or rapists read this so they won’t know his name to allure him in a mall (I watch too much Nancy Grace). Paperclip is my multi-talented, 3 year old neighbor that my sister and I have been babysitting since he was born (his family is good family friends of ours). His repertoire of talents include, but are not limited to:

GUITAR

Paperclip serenading me.

 KARATE/GYMNASTICS

No one taught him that --- talent I tell you!

And, finally, his new obsession:

TENNIS

Yes, that is tournagrip on his 3 year old sized racquet. This budding prodigy won't just use any overgrip!

Ready for DOMINATION!

Paperclip first saw tennis at my house when my brother was hitting with his coach and was entranced and told us “he wanted to play dis basketball, too!”. (He thought it was basketball because there was also a goal on the court.) So, my tennis-obsessed family has taken it upon ourselves to turn this tennis enthusiast into the next Lleyton Hewitt minus the bad attitude. Training currently consists of making his swing less of baseball swing and more of an actual forehand.

So, that’s what’s rocking my world.

Ok, I must go to bed so I can wake up and run before it becomes 3000F outside and I get running nausea again. I’m supposed to 2-3 miles of my run tomorrow at 10 sec/mile faster than MP. When I first read that I was all like “oh, I totally go this” and now I’m kind of thinking “I so don’t got that.” And, I’m probably going to blame the heat when I’m running and think “I so don’t got this” instead of recognizing that I actually “so don’t got this.” Right now, at least.

You see why I have to write little notes to myself. I am a chronic doubter. WHY CANT I JUST RUN LIKE A NORMAL PERSON AND ACTUALLY THINK I CAN DO “XX:XX” TIME? Story of my life.

So, TELL ME – what’s rocking you world this week and do you have to write little “I can do it” notes to yourself?

Until next time…

What’s Up Wednesday: Target Edition

I know its not quite Wednesday, yet, but its almost Wednesday…so deal with it.

I went to Target today. I swear, every time I go to Target, its like a religious experience. Target could make anyone turn to Jesus. And, if not, Bloomingdale’s would definitely do the trick. 40 Carrots frozen yogurt at Bloomies = heaven in a cup.

I went to Target to get a card and left Target with the card + some other things I didn’t need, but, at the same time, desperately had to have.

1. Neon Pink Running Shorts: You will not get lost in a crowd with these. What more did I need than another pair of obnoxiously vibrant running shorts?

Not Nike Tempos, but still pretty fantastic.

2. $1 makeup: That’s right, loyal readership, ONE DOLLAR. Its like they were practically giving it to me! My go-to Stila bronzer cost $28. My Starbucks in the am costs more than this bronzer. You can see why I desperately needed this. Here’s hoping it doesn’t make me look like a whore.

ONE DOLLAR -- believe it.

3. Makeup Organizer: For the record, this is my sister’s makeup and she has more than I do, but you get the picture. I’m bringing one of these bad boys back to my NYC shoebox to rock my makeup drawer. Cleanliness, organization, order — that’s what gets me up in the morning.

Ally's pride and joy this afternoon!

4. Bedazzled Stapler: Do you think I could get this past airport security? If not, it will have to stay here in TN, but I saw this and, for $3.99, SOMEONE in my family needed to have this.

A glam slam

5. Organize-HER: It took all my willpower not to buy these organizational/calendar-ey things that I was trying to convince myself I need. Remember, I ordered my new planner from Korea.

I probably wouldn't use this, right?

I think this is meant more for moms....with families to organize...

So, that + some Disney princess body wash = my trip to Target. This trip involved no clothes (besides the shorts)…usually I rock the Target clothes, shoes, and jewelry section pretty hard. I just don’t think I have any more room in my shoebox in NYC for more clothes, shoes, and jewelry.

From last week’s version of this post, my BelieveIAm.com shirts came in and those, too, are pretty freaking awesome. So awesome, in fact, my sister is stealing one of mine. Which clearly means I’ll have to order more.

Can you find the hidden word? Its like hidden pictures from Highlights mag!

 

3 words in this one. The first letter of each actually spells out my initials...

Ignore the post-tennis clinic look. (For the record, I broke out the swinging volley and drop shot today – it was very satisfying.) Ally is stealing the grey one (and sharing it with my mom).

They’re really comfortably, which works well with my “living the dream” lifestyle. Goes well with Nike tempos or pajama bottoms…

The tag is kind of cute, too. I would be into tags.

I think the tag is a sticker, but I haven't tried to peel it off, yet.

And, the last thing that’s rocking my world this week is Taylor Swift. I listened to “Sparks Fly” on repeat through an entire 4 mile run the other day.

Don’t judge.

Please, do tell me — what’s rocking your world this week?!? 

Also, can you see the words in the shirts?! NO CHEATING.

Allison, my sis, gives a shout out to the blog and the following message: “The makeup organizer was life changing today. $7.99. Buy it. Everyone needs to watch Teen Mom…also life changing.”

My sister, Allison (or Ally), on the left.

Stuff I Love, Love, Love This Week

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!? 3 days in a row. Clearly, I have a lot of free time on my hands these days.

Here’s what’s rocking my world this week:

[Also, grammar nerds, can you use two contractions in a row like I just did?]

1. Water in a “Jug”: Ahh, takes me back to my tennis days. With my little bro still playing tennis, we have plenty of these around the house. Anyways, I’m telling you, go get yourself one of these:

Best thing to happen to water since ice.

and then add water and ice. Water will never have tasted so good. Bonus – your ice turns to what one of my tennis buddies termed “white ice.” Basically, the ice is softer and easier to eat…and, therefore, amazing.

2. Oreo Cheesecake Ice Cream from Bruster’s: Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), there is a Bruster’s right behind my house. Since I’ve been home, I’ve had ice cream every night. And every night its a tough call between Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla or Brusters. After recently discovering Oreo Cheesecake ice cream, Blue Bell has gotten the shaft. I know, it sounds a little rich and gross, but I assure you it’s not. At this rate, I’m going to be waddling the NYC Marathon, not running.

3. My New Planner: I don’t have it, yet, as it has to be shipped from Korea (obviously South Korea – I do know who are allies and enemies are unlike Sarah Palin). I found it from another blog and the person who writes it is a doctor. So, if its good enough for doctors and Koreans, its definitely good enough for me. I basically liked the set up of it and that you can start using it at any time of the year (ie at the beginning of an academic year and not a calendar year, as I buy new planners at the beginning of an academic year)

I got the rose pink - you're shocked, right?

4. Tennis: Both playing and watching tennis. Right now, I’m writing this as I have breakfast at Wimbledon, as I have almost every morning these past 2 weeks. I also rocked a women’s interclub (read: mom’s league) clinic yesterday and may even bust out my skills in a match while I’m at home. I most enjoy just going out in my backyard and hitting with my little bro, as I don’t have to worry about anything but groundstrokes and hitting the ball as hard as I can when I hit with him. Sometimes I add a shriek or grunt so I feel more like Sharapova.

I've been using my brother's Technifibre racquets -- I actually like them. Similar to my Babolat Pure Drive.

5. BelieveIAm.Com: I know I already wrote about this, so I’m sorry you have to hear about it again, but I thought it deserved place on my list because I love, love, love their stuff. I haven’t gotten my threads in, yet, but when I do, you know you’ll be hearing about it. I’m debating whether to get the “Strong” tank next or the “Mind Body Soul” shirt next….or the “Beautiful” shirt for when I feel fat, which is almost everyday (note to self: stop eating ice cream). I’ll probably just have to get them ALL. Did I mention I have a shopping problem?

Pink + Flowers = I MUST HAVE IT.

I am awaiting the training diary with bated breath as I would for the next Harry Potter book. That’s a strong feeling if you know me and my obsession with Harry Potter.

I also spend my copious amounts of free time now trying to turn words into flowers. Its reminded me of how I have no artistic abilities.

So, that’s what’s rocking my world this week.

I will now try to pull myself away from the TV to go run. Of course, I have waited again until the hottest part of the day to go run because I just can’t bear to not have breakfast at Wimbledon and can’t get myself up before Wimbledon comes on to go run.

Since it will be so hot, I should get ice cream after, right? YES.

What’s rocking your world this week? (Besides Little Wayne, Erika.)