Snowy Thursday

This morning while driving into work I was convinced that I was going to write an explosive, ranty post in regards to how horrific Maryland is at clearing their highways of snow.

Lucky for you guys, I’m already over it.

Today did mark my first Maryland snowfall since moving here, and even though everyone freaked out and refused to drive normally, it still made me pretty happy.

Supposedly it’s National Peanut Butter Day? And National Canned Beer Day? And Compliment Day?  I don’t make this stuff up. Have I mentioned you guys are the best readers ever?

I went on a super cold 7 miles after work yesterday, and I’m pretty sure I gave myself permanent skin damage. That may be an exaggeration, I’m not sure yet. Regardless, my face felt raw afterwards and I couldn't feel my fingers. I've had my fair share of single digit temperature runs when I lived in Colorado, but I’m pretty convinced that this ‘humid’ Maryland type of cold is similar to a heat seeking missile… it gets in your bones.

I tucked my Under Armour cold gear top into my compression pants and it looked like I was running in a body suit which I’m sure was a sight to see. Sorry I'm not sorry that I didn't take a picture of it.

Two more reasons for you think I’m weird:

1. I wore my compression socks to work today.

2. My ideal start to dinner when its 20 degrees outside is a smoothie. I don’t have an explanation for it really.

Nonetheless, I promised my banana-hater coworker that I would make her a banana-less smoothie. Here’s what I came up with.

Cherry Almond Smoothie

-1 cup (frozen or raw) pitted cherries

-1 heaping scoop of almond butter

-1 TB of vanilla extract

-Ice

-1 cup of milk (I used vanilla soy)

*I also added a dash of ginger for a little spice

  

These guys are from Target I believe?

This smoothie was light and delicious, it really surprised me. It also gave me a brain freeze.

That's all for today folks. I plan to throw some weights around after work, and hopefully dance practice with Andrew. You should see the looks we get from his roommates when we clear out his living room and yell at each other practice our most recent moves.  :)

Cheers my friends!

My Lion King Pal

Today began with a fantastic breakfast of cranberry walnut pancakes, with one of my best friends in the entire world. Who, as of a week ago, is ENGAGED!

Danielle and I met the summer before we went into kindergarten, and instantly became the best of pals.

From soccer and softball teams, to catching lady bugs wearing out matching Lion King overalls, we were one of the strangest pairs around. Still are, as a matter of fact. All throughout elementary school teachers would get the two of us confused, and I believe it was up until 7th grade that we played out elaborate soap operas with our barbies. Is 7th grade too old? Hold your judgement.

We had our ups and downs in our friendship, as anyone does, yet we've always managed to stay close and updated on each others lives. And now, nearly 20 years later, I get to stand in her wedding this summer! I couldn't be more pumped! Congrats again Danielle and Jeff!

Breakfast was supposed to be followed by a 7 mile run at race pace. Unfortunately, when the afternoon rolled around and wind chills were still below zero, I just couldn't get myself to do it. I wouldn't say that I hate running in cold, but it's the wind that gets me.  So, defeated, I headed down into my basement to do intervals on the dreaded treadmill for an hour, while watching The Biggest Loser and listening to the new Dierks Bentley album. Ya win some ya lose some.

In other news, they're forecasting some 50 degree days in Columbia next week, and I couldn't be more pumped about it. Here we go.