Oh yes she did! I (once again) dropped off the face of the earth.
I could blame my long absence on a multitude of things, among them a ski trip (see previous post), another half marathon (this one!), a ridiculous number of social and networking events (yes, it's a tough life I lead), the Texas Independence Relay, SXSW and a last minute trip to NY to see my brother Gil, who was home from Afghanistan. But I won't. Well, not really.
Fortunately, things are (sorta) calming down. I still don't have a free weekend until the middle of May, but the whirlwind weeks of running and catching planes and hopping between three events in one evening are on a hiatus for at least a month and a half. (The only exception to this is the MS 150, but after the last few crazy weeks, it sounds as relaxing as a spa weekend with girlfriends.)
So now I'm back to catching up on sleeping, cleaning out my inbox, and trying to save some moola, especially since my checking account currently resembles a big black hole. The other thing I'm doing? Revisiting my to do list, aka resolutions. (Remember those? No? That's ok. I didn't either.) Here's a recap on where I stand:
To-do number 1: update my blog more often. Ha. That's funny.
To-do number 2: stop reading crap. I did breakdown and read the last Larsson book (not worth your time, fyi) but right now I'm finishing this book, which is much more inline with what I should be reading. That said, I haven't cracked open even one book on my list. Oh dear.
To-do number 3: get more sleep. Yeah, right.
To-do number 4: do a triathalon. Not yet, but it will happen, although it might make it easier if I swim more than 1x per quarter. The spring sprint isn't happening, but hopefully I'll do one in the summer or early fall.
To-do number 5: rid my life of people and things that don't make me happy. I've been somewhat successful on this one, although I sorta think I may be a bit of a glutton for punishment. I'll analyze that with a shrink another time.
To-do number 6: be a grown up, get my own place. Too early to even comment on this one.
To-do number 7: um, oops. Never did a to-do number 7. Or 8. Or 9 or 10. And since my track record ain't so hot right now, I think I should just stick to trying to accomplish the first 6 I have for now. My list of 10 is now a list of 6. I'm changing the rules in the middle of the game 'cause that's how I roll.
And with that... I'm passing out. I have a post due for my company's blog tomorrow (it's a comparison of ereaders! exciting stuff!) and a newsletter article about my major SXSW takeaways. You best believe I'm re-purposing those for this blog, so get ready to read, folks.
XOXO
Showing posts with label Houston. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Houston. Show all posts
Monday, March 28, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Half marathon recap...and number 7 on my to do list
Hey folks,
Yes, I'm slacking -- again! -- when updating my blog. So sue me. I'm trying to write more frequently, but being lazy is a constant issue I struggle with...hence, delayed postings.
Moving on...
So YES -- I ran the Houston half marathon last weekend! I would put the professional photos up but 1) they are awful and 2) I can't bring myself to pay for photos of myself. I am sure my dad will find the pics online, buy 'em and send them to me. If that happens, I'll post a couple here and on FB. But like I said, they are bad. I look miserable and SUPER pale in all of them.
But, enough about how I look when I race. How did I run? Not badly! If you recall, my goal time was 1:48, and I crossed the finish line at 1:48:17. Close enough in my book -- I'll just round down. Sadly, this run was NOT as much fun as my half last year. Not sure why, but I couldn't get into a groove.
If you want a full recap, my split times were as follows:
Mile 1: 8:29
Mile 2: 8:20
Mile 3: 8:18
At this point, I'm feeling pretty good. On track with my usual negative split percentages to average under an 8:15 pace...maybe I could do a bit above an 8 minute pace??? I'm getting stoked! The other thing that made this part of the race pretty cool: I wasn't the tallest person running! I ran behind Clyde Drexler for miles .5-1.5. His legs were super long -- he looked like he was running in slow motion. I bet I look that way, too. Anyway, after a mile or so trailing him, he sped up and I stayed behind to keep the people with shorter legs company.
Mile 4, 5 and 6: 8:11, 8:10 and 8:04. This is when things got hard. At mile 5 I began to get a side stitch, so I did my obnoxious pregnant lady breathing and (luckily!) it went away when I got to mile 6. I struggle with side cramps a lot...very annoying. Anyway, despite the cramp, my pace increased because I (figuratively) ran into one of my cycling instructors, a tall South African guy named Hans. He was doing the full and averaging about an 8 minute pace, so I followed him for a bit. The guy is a big Ironman, so like my pal Clyde, he soon went ahead and I kept on (more slowly) trucking.
So now the race wasn't much fun. It was rainy and humid, I was sweating a ton and I was tired, even a little out of breath. Y'all know that I don't like to get out of breath....
Mile 7: 8:07
Mile 8: 8:16
Mile 9: 8:11
So I slowed down a bit. I also accidentally high fived a homeless guy. He looked really excited...and then I saw the grocery cart. Oh well. I'm sure at that point in the race I was way grosser and germier than he was.
More split times:
Mile 10: 8:15
Mile 11: 8:09 (A boost of energy thanks my awesome friends cheering me on from my running club, BON!)
Mile 12: 7:56 (Almost there....I should have been going a lot faster though. :( )
Mile 13: Not sure...guessing about 7:50. At this point, I was too tired to click the "lap" button on my Garmin. Yes, I realize this is pathetic.
So there you have it. Half marathon #2 done. Thus far, I've done one half marathon injured and one without much training....I think if I can combine an injury free season with a training regimen I actually follow, 1:45 will be easy to break. So that's the goal for next year -- 1:45. (Or even 1:43 'cause I like random numbers better...)
I'm running the Austin half in a week and half, but it's for fun only. Or at least, that's the plan. I do get competitive, so that could change. God, I hope the weather is better than it was last weekend....I HATE HUMIDITY.
So to close out this post (I need to crash): to-do item #7 for 2011 is...STOP CURSING. I realized over the weekend that I curse way too much. It's really not necessary -- and it makes me sound like I was raised in a trailer park. So...I'm going to try cut back on the R-rated words. No more! (And yes, please yell at me -- even curse at me, that;s ok! -- if I break this to-do list item. I'm sure I will.)
Night folks! xoxo
Yes, I'm slacking -- again! -- when updating my blog. So sue me. I'm trying to write more frequently, but being lazy is a constant issue I struggle with...hence, delayed postings.
Moving on...
So YES -- I ran the Houston half marathon last weekend! I would put the professional photos up but 1) they are awful and 2) I can't bring myself to pay for photos of myself. I am sure my dad will find the pics online, buy 'em and send them to me. If that happens, I'll post a couple here and on FB. But like I said, they are bad. I look miserable and SUPER pale in all of them.
But, enough about how I look when I race. How did I run? Not badly! If you recall, my goal time was 1:48, and I crossed the finish line at 1:48:17. Close enough in my book -- I'll just round down. Sadly, this run was NOT as much fun as my half last year. Not sure why, but I couldn't get into a groove.
If you want a full recap, my split times were as follows:
Mile 1: 8:29
Mile 2: 8:20
Mile 3: 8:18
At this point, I'm feeling pretty good. On track with my usual negative split percentages to average under an 8:15 pace...maybe I could do a bit above an 8 minute pace??? I'm getting stoked! The other thing that made this part of the race pretty cool: I wasn't the tallest person running! I ran behind Clyde Drexler for miles .5-1.5. His legs were super long -- he looked like he was running in slow motion. I bet I look that way, too. Anyway, after a mile or so trailing him, he sped up and I stayed behind to keep the people with shorter legs company.
Mile 4, 5 and 6: 8:11, 8:10 and 8:04. This is when things got hard. At mile 5 I began to get a side stitch, so I did my obnoxious pregnant lady breathing and (luckily!) it went away when I got to mile 6. I struggle with side cramps a lot...very annoying. Anyway, despite the cramp, my pace increased because I (figuratively) ran into one of my cycling instructors, a tall South African guy named Hans. He was doing the full and averaging about an 8 minute pace, so I followed him for a bit. The guy is a big Ironman, so like my pal Clyde, he soon went ahead and I kept on (more slowly) trucking.
So now the race wasn't much fun. It was rainy and humid, I was sweating a ton and I was tired, even a little out of breath. Y'all know that I don't like to get out of breath....
Mile 7: 8:07
Mile 8: 8:16
Mile 9: 8:11
So I slowed down a bit. I also accidentally high fived a homeless guy. He looked really excited...and then I saw the grocery cart. Oh well. I'm sure at that point in the race I was way grosser and germier than he was.
More split times:
Mile 10: 8:15
Mile 11: 8:09 (A boost of energy thanks my awesome friends cheering me on from my running club, BON!)
Mile 12: 7:56 (Almost there....I should have been going a lot faster though. :( )
Mile 13: Not sure...guessing about 7:50. At this point, I was too tired to click the "lap" button on my Garmin. Yes, I realize this is pathetic.
So there you have it. Half marathon #2 done. Thus far, I've done one half marathon injured and one without much training....I think if I can combine an injury free season with a training regimen I actually follow, 1:45 will be easy to break. So that's the goal for next year -- 1:45. (Or even 1:43 'cause I like random numbers better...)
I'm running the Austin half in a week and half, but it's for fun only. Or at least, that's the plan. I do get competitive, so that could change. God, I hope the weather is better than it was last weekend....I HATE HUMIDITY.
So to close out this post (I need to crash): to-do item #7 for 2011 is...STOP CURSING. I realized over the weekend that I curse way too much. It's really not necessary -- and it makes me sound like I was raised in a trailer park. So...I'm going to try cut back on the R-rated words. No more! (And yes, please yell at me -- even curse at me, that;s ok! -- if I break this to-do list item. I'm sure I will.)
Night folks! xoxo
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Eek.
OK, so I've already dropped the ball when it comes to my 2011 to-dos. I'm 1) not updating my blog and 2) definitely not getting enough sleep. Oh, and my reading list? Yeah. I'm not even reading crap now. I'm reading nothing.
I suck. My bad.
Anyway, it is a new week so the past will be the past and I'll move on. This week, btw, is the half marathon! WOOHOO! So excited! :) Like I said, 1:48 would be great, but I haven't been training that well and per the negative split calculator I just looked up...well, it may not happen. I always start my runs slowly and then increase the pace, but the negative pace calculator wants me to start at 8:25! (BTW, if you don't know what negative splits are, read about 'em here.)
I think I have to use the calculator I looked up as a general guide only. I run a pretty ridiculous negative split (example: my 13 mile run was a 9 min pace the first few miles and then about 8 minute or under for the last couple miles...a difference much greater than the average -2% negative split most people see.) For the training run, my avg pace was 8:30, so I hope in the race with all the ppl cheering me on I'll be able to average about 8:15. So if you live in Houston -- come and cheer for me!
But enough about pace and negative splits and boring stuff like that. I'm just STOKED to run this year! Unlike in the past, I'm not freaking out about this race. I know I didn't train the way I was supposed to...I also know that I have the potential to run WAY faster if I do train properly. I hope that this half and the one I do in a few weeks (Austin baby with my friend Brittany!) will kick me into gear and force me to start taking my training seriously. I really think I have the potential to be a pretty strong recreational athlete (some would argue I already am) but I want to be better. I really want to run a half in under 1:45 soon, but to do that I need to start including tempo and speed work into my runs. (Might also help if I run more than 2x a week....)
It's gonna be a busy week at work but I will make an effort to blog a few more times. We have our company retreat this weekend, and I have a TON of work to do for it. (I've been tasked with helping develop our 2011-12 digital strategy and so far, I have nothing to show for it other than some brilliant ideas floating around in my head. Gotta get them on paper STAT.)
So with that....good night folks! I spent about 2 hours cleaning my room and getting rid of old stuff I didn't need, so not only is my room clean (thanks not to my poor cleaning skills, but those of my maid) it's also ORGANIZED! But now, I need to sleep. To-do list to continue this week.
XOXO
I suck. My bad.
Anyway, it is a new week so the past will be the past and I'll move on. This week, btw, is the half marathon! WOOHOO! So excited! :) Like I said, 1:48 would be great, but I haven't been training that well and per the negative split calculator I just looked up...well, it may not happen. I always start my runs slowly and then increase the pace, but the negative pace calculator wants me to start at 8:25! (BTW, if you don't know what negative splits are, read about 'em here.)
I think I have to use the calculator I looked up as a general guide only. I run a pretty ridiculous negative split (example: my 13 mile run was a 9 min pace the first few miles and then about 8 minute or under for the last couple miles...a difference much greater than the average -2% negative split most people see.) For the training run, my avg pace was 8:30, so I hope in the race with all the ppl cheering me on I'll be able to average about 8:15. So if you live in Houston -- come and cheer for me!
But enough about pace and negative splits and boring stuff like that. I'm just STOKED to run this year! Unlike in the past, I'm not freaking out about this race. I know I didn't train the way I was supposed to...I also know that I have the potential to run WAY faster if I do train properly. I hope that this half and the one I do in a few weeks (Austin baby with my friend Brittany!) will kick me into gear and force me to start taking my training seriously. I really think I have the potential to be a pretty strong recreational athlete (some would argue I already am) but I want to be better. I really want to run a half in under 1:45 soon, but to do that I need to start including tempo and speed work into my runs. (Might also help if I run more than 2x a week....)
It's gonna be a busy week at work but I will make an effort to blog a few more times. We have our company retreat this weekend, and I have a TON of work to do for it. (I've been tasked with helping develop our 2011-12 digital strategy and so far, I have nothing to show for it other than some brilliant ideas floating around in my head. Gotta get them on paper STAT.)
So with that....good night folks! I spent about 2 hours cleaning my room and getting rid of old stuff I didn't need, so not only is my room clean (thanks not to my poor cleaning skills, but those of my maid) it's also ORGANIZED! But now, I need to sleep. To-do list to continue this week.
XOXO
Friday, January 14, 2011
Why 2011 is going to rock. Part 1.
(Disclaimer: this post sounds like I overdosed on Prozac. If insanely happy people annoy you, stop reading this now. You have been warned.)
I am in an AWESOME mood today. Why? Because today I got some really, really, REALLY exciting news.
Come March 11 - 15th, yours truly (and this guy) will be attending SXSWi! I am so stoked! For those of you unfamiliar with SXSWi, read about it here. We'll be soaking up loads of digital and social media goodies to bring back and share with the crew at the 'Pont. I couldn't be more excited to partake in such a fantastic event!
But that's not it. This year is going to rock for so many reasons! Here are just a few of the things I have to look forward to: the half marathon (maybe 2), a week of skiing, MS 150 training, SXSWi, more skiing, the actual MS 150, my first tri...and that's just 'til May! Also plotting a VERY cool trip in late summer/fall -- deets TBD but passport will be required. And around that same time, my brother Gil will be back from Afghanistan and Robby will be at flight school only a few hours away in Alabama. Added bonus: I have several friends (and my parents!) planning trips to Houston in the next few months.
I LOVE LIFE!
Now off to bed -- I have an 8 miler tomorrow morning! WOOHOO!
XOXO
I am in an AWESOME mood today. Why? Because today I got some really, really, REALLY exciting news.
Come March 11 - 15th, yours truly (and this guy) will be attending SXSWi! I am so stoked! For those of you unfamiliar with SXSWi, read about it here. We'll be soaking up loads of digital and social media goodies to bring back and share with the crew at the 'Pont. I couldn't be more excited to partake in such a fantastic event!
But that's not it. This year is going to rock for so many reasons! Here are just a few of the things I have to look forward to: the half marathon (maybe 2), a week of skiing, MS 150 training, SXSWi, more skiing, the actual MS 150, my first tri...and that's just 'til May! Also plotting a VERY cool trip in late summer/fall -- deets TBD but passport will be required. And around that same time, my brother Gil will be back from Afghanistan and Robby will be at flight school only a few hours away in Alabama. Added bonus: I have several friends (and my parents!) planning trips to Houston in the next few months.
I LOVE LIFE!
Now off to bed -- I have an 8 miler tomorrow morning! WOOHOO!
XOXO
Monday, January 10, 2011
Number 6!
Number 6 on my to-do list for 2011:
Be a grown up. (aka get my own place!)
Here's my story:
Like most northeastern gals, I did the requisite post-college drill: after graduating from a small northeastern college w/ an obscure degree (um, hello French Lit....), my pals and I moved ourselves into a TINY (but hip) Boston apartment, paid an exorbitant monthly rent and resigned ourselves to double beds in 10 x 10 rooms.
Fast forward a few years (during which time I moved into a mouse-infested but rocking 12 person house -- ask me about the legendary parties we used to hold) and I'm in TX, where everything is bigger and, some would argue, better. It's certainly a lot cheaper. Yet even with extra space and cheaper rents, I'm still living like a 23 year old. I don't own anything but bedroom furniture, a desk and about a million books. I still sleep on the same double bed I bought right after I graduated. My bed spread and sheets don't match, and don't even ask me about my bathroom towels....
Some people would call my room/style eclectic, but I don't think they'd mean it as a compliment.
So.... 2011 is gonna be the year I grow up, suck it up and do the things that most 28 year old college grads do. Like, get my own apartment. Buy a couch, a TV and a kitchen appliance other than a blender, martini glasses and cookie cutters. I don't know when I'm going to do this. I don't have a lease and my roommate Amy (shout out one of the best roomies EVER!) doesn't seem in a hurry to kick me out. But it will happen this year. It has too.
And since we've taken a trip down memory lane in this post...
Here's a somewhat recent photo of my first roomies out of college -- Katherine (aka Kma) and Emily (aka Eminem). I have some photos of us when we were 21 and 22 but they are awful, or at least they are of me. 'Twas clearly one of my "ugly stages."
When I moved out of the apartment I shared with Em and Katherine, I moved into a super fun house with 11 other roomies -- 2 girls and 9 guys. It was an AWESOME group of people. Think The Real World, but with MIT, Ivy League and liberal arts grads. Here are photos from some of the crazy parties we used to throw. Yes, that dance floor was my living room. The other room was our front hall. Like I said, we threw good parties.
Be a grown up. (aka get my own place!)
Here's my story:
Like most northeastern gals, I did the requisite post-college drill: after graduating from a small northeastern college w/ an obscure degree (um, hello French Lit....), my pals and I moved ourselves into a TINY (but hip) Boston apartment, paid an exorbitant monthly rent and resigned ourselves to double beds in 10 x 10 rooms.
Fast forward a few years (during which time I moved into a mouse-infested but rocking 12 person house -- ask me about the legendary parties we used to hold) and I'm in TX, where everything is bigger and, some would argue, better. It's certainly a lot cheaper. Yet even with extra space and cheaper rents, I'm still living like a 23 year old. I don't own anything but bedroom furniture, a desk and about a million books. I still sleep on the same double bed I bought right after I graduated. My bed spread and sheets don't match, and don't even ask me about my bathroom towels....
Some people would call my room/style eclectic, but I don't think they'd mean it as a compliment.
So.... 2011 is gonna be the year I grow up, suck it up and do the things that most 28 year old college grads do. Like, get my own apartment. Buy a couch, a TV and a kitchen appliance other than a blender, martini glasses and cookie cutters. I don't know when I'm going to do this. I don't have a lease and my roommate Amy (shout out one of the best roomies EVER!) doesn't seem in a hurry to kick me out. But it will happen this year. It has too.
And since we've taken a trip down memory lane in this post...
Here's a somewhat recent photo of my first roomies out of college -- Katherine (aka Kma) and Emily (aka Eminem). I have some photos of us when we were 21 and 22 but they are awful, or at least they are of me. 'Twas clearly one of my "ugly stages."
When I moved out of the apartment I shared with Em and Katherine, I moved into a super fun house with 11 other roomies -- 2 girls and 9 guys. It was an AWESOME group of people. Think The Real World, but with MIT, Ivy League and liberal arts grads. Here are photos from some of the crazy parties we used to throw. Yes, that dance floor was my living room. The other room was our front hall. Like I said, we threw good parties.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
I need some iron
Happy Sunday folks!
My run Saturday AM was glorious -- great weather, great company and great time (about 8:30 for 12.5/6ish miles). Barring any bad weather, illness, etc. I should be able to do the Houston half at about an 8:15 pace....so about 1:48ish. If I trained properly for this race -- (surprise!) I didn't -- I'd be able to crush 1:45 I think. But I'm lazy and hate tempo runs and speed work. We'll just wait and see what Jan. 30 brings. Whatever the outcome, I'm looking forward to the half being over so I can sleep in on Saturdays again. (Or at least until late February when my Saturday AM bike rides kick off.)
In the meantime, check out my bruised leg! I got a massage on my IT band after my run yesterday. Didn't think much of it although my IT band was sore last night and this AM -- more than usual. So I show up to do a recovery 3 miler and yoga class today and one of my friends asks: "Jen, what happened to your leg???" I had no idea what she was talking about -- til I looked down and saw THIS!!!!
At least I now know why my IT bad was sore....and where NOT to get a massage again.
My run Saturday AM was glorious -- great weather, great company and great time (about 8:30 for 12.5/6ish miles). Barring any bad weather, illness, etc. I should be able to do the Houston half at about an 8:15 pace....so about 1:48ish. If I trained properly for this race -- (surprise!) I didn't -- I'd be able to crush 1:45 I think. But I'm lazy and hate tempo runs and speed work. We'll just wait and see what Jan. 30 brings. Whatever the outcome, I'm looking forward to the half being over so I can sleep in on Saturdays again. (Or at least until late February when my Saturday AM bike rides kick off.)
In the meantime, check out my bruised leg! I got a massage on my IT band after my run yesterday. Didn't think much of it although my IT band was sore last night and this AM -- more than usual. So I show up to do a recovery 3 miler and yoga class today and one of my friends asks: "Jen, what happened to your leg???" I had no idea what she was talking about -- til I looked down and saw THIS!!!!
At least I now know why my IT bad was sore....and where NOT to get a massage again.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Number 4! And 5!
Drum roll please....
I've now updated my blog three days in a row??? THREE DAYS IN A ROW! I'm a rock star!
Now, onto business: to do items for 2011, numbers 4 and 5.
#4. Do a triathlon. EVERYONE assumes I do them. And when I tell them I don't....well, this is how the convo usually goes:
THEM: "What races are you signed up for this spring?"
ME: "I'm doing the Houston half."
THEM: "No, I mean, after that." (SILENT THOUGHT TO MYSELF: You mean the Houston half doesn't count as my one race for 2011???)
ME: "...."
THEM: "Do you do triathlons?"
ME:"Uh..."
THEM (with a look of shock, horror and disgust): "You don't do triathlons? Really??" (SILENT THOUGHT TO MYSELF: Um, do you know how lazy I am???)
ME: "Uh, maybe next year."
I've said 'maybe next year' for the last two years. In 2011, it's time to say 'YES! I'm doing a triathlon!' And you know what? I don't think I'll suck! I'm a pretty strong runner and biker, and as for swimming, well, I don't drown. This is the year I'm going to DO IT. I'm thinking about a spring sprint with with my friend Kristin. Houston peeps, any tris you recommend??
#5. On a more serious note....item number 5 involves some heavy spring cleaning. In 2011, I'm ridding my life of people and things that don't make me happy. I've spent WAY too much time trying to make sad and miserable people happy, and I've wasted WAY too many hours doing things I think I "should" do and not things I want to do. But that's changing.
In 2011, I'm not spending time w/ people who don't bring positive vibes to my life. I'm also not forcing myself to do something that doesn't make me happy in some way. (Example "something": gourmet cooking. I hate it and I suck at it. So friends, moving forward you'll just have to deal with my boring marinated chicken, overcooked pasta and ginormous salads. At least I make a mean, and some would say, kinda gourmet-y cookie.)
Tomorrow morning I have a 13 mile run, so don't expect any post until tomorrow afternoon or Sunday. In the meantime, HAPPY FRIDAY! Have a beer or two for me tonight at happy hour -- I'll be at home hydrating (on water) and going to bed at 9 pm. Fun times.
I've now updated my blog three days in a row??? THREE DAYS IN A ROW! I'm a rock star!
Now, onto business: to do items for 2011, numbers 4 and 5.
#4. Do a triathlon. EVERYONE assumes I do them. And when I tell them I don't....well, this is how the convo usually goes:
THEM: "What races are you signed up for this spring?"
ME: "I'm doing the Houston half."
THEM: "No, I mean, after that." (SILENT THOUGHT TO MYSELF: You mean the Houston half doesn't count as my one race for 2011???)
ME: "...."
THEM: "Do you do triathlons?"
ME:"Uh..."
THEM (with a look of shock, horror and disgust): "You don't do triathlons? Really??" (SILENT THOUGHT TO MYSELF: Um, do you know how lazy I am???)
ME: "Uh, maybe next year."
I've said 'maybe next year' for the last two years. In 2011, it's time to say 'YES! I'm doing a triathlon!' And you know what? I don't think I'll suck! I'm a pretty strong runner and biker, and as for swimming, well, I don't drown. This is the year I'm going to DO IT. I'm thinking about a spring sprint with with my friend Kristin. Houston peeps, any tris you recommend??
#5. On a more serious note....item number 5 involves some heavy spring cleaning. In 2011, I'm ridding my life of people and things that don't make me happy. I've spent WAY too much time trying to make sad and miserable people happy, and I've wasted WAY too many hours doing things I think I "should" do and not things I want to do. But that's changing.
In 2011, I'm not spending time w/ people who don't bring positive vibes to my life. I'm also not forcing myself to do something that doesn't make me happy in some way. (Example "something": gourmet cooking. I hate it and I suck at it. So friends, moving forward you'll just have to deal with my boring marinated chicken, overcooked pasta and ginormous salads. At least I make a mean, and some would say, kinda gourmet-y cookie.)
Tomorrow morning I have a 13 mile run, so don't expect any post until tomorrow afternoon or Sunday. In the meantime, HAPPY FRIDAY! Have a beer or two for me tonight at happy hour -- I'll be at home hydrating (on water) and going to bed at 9 pm. Fun times.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Social Media ... is it a fad?
This video was shown at the Pierpont Digital Bootcamp (#dbcpierpont, @pierpontcom on Twitter). It's f'ing awesome -- and very inspiring for a digital geek like myself. Know someone who thinks social media is a fad? Send 'em this video.
(P.S. Thanks to @elehr, @brittneydanne, @lindseydonnell, @briguyblock, @nancylsims, @denise_patrick, @nicolehub, @stacy_armijo, @helenrod, and everyone else who is not on Twitter for an AWESOME bootcamp! Y'all rocked my Friday the 13th!)
(P.S. Thanks to @elehr, @brittneydanne, @lindseydonnell, @briguyblock, @nancylsims, @denise_patrick, @nicolehub, @stacy_armijo, @helenrod, and everyone else who is not on Twitter for an AWESOME bootcamp! Y'all rocked my Friday the 13th!)
Friday, April 24, 2009
I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream....
For Ice Cream!
Read an article today about how Houston's fave artery-clogging, mixin-lovin' ice cream shop, Marble Slab, is rebranding itself. Courtesy of MarketingDaily:
"This spring, the chain, which has more than 390 locations in 35 states, Canada, Mexico, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and the U.A.E., will roll out redesigned packaging on all containers and point-of-purchase materials. The new containers will highlight the tagline "Find Happiness Within" and move from plastic to paper to be more environmentally friendly. "
Other rebranding initiatives include a new website that will appear more "high-end" as well as new store designs in a pink and brown palette.
Interesting. Marble Slab has always been the ugly stepsibling to other ice cream shops (think Cold Stone and the new tart places that seem to be popping up everywhere). The new brand is supposed to change this by connecting customers with the "gourmet" ice cream experience they're looking for. I don't know if I buy the whole gourmet ice cream thing, but hey, my fave ice cream is a Wendy's frosty, so I don't exactly have refined taste.
It will certainly be interesting to see what happens. Admittedly, my eyebrows do raise (just a little) about an ice cream shop trying to appear more high end in this economic climate. Given the slowing sales at Starbucks and the (relative) stability of it's blue collar competitor, Dunkin' Donuts, going high end seems like a suicide wish. I guess only time -- or a couple banana splits -- will tell.
Read an article today about how Houston's fave artery-clogging, mixin-lovin' ice cream shop, Marble Slab, is rebranding itself. Courtesy of MarketingDaily:
"This spring, the chain, which has more than 390 locations in 35 states, Canada, Mexico, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and the U.A.E., will roll out redesigned packaging on all containers and point-of-purchase materials. The new containers will highlight the tagline "Find Happiness Within" and move from plastic to paper to be more environmentally friendly. "
Other rebranding initiatives include a new website that will appear more "high-end" as well as new store designs in a pink and brown palette.
Interesting. Marble Slab has always been the ugly stepsibling to other ice cream shops (think Cold Stone and the new tart places that seem to be popping up everywhere). The new brand is supposed to change this by connecting customers with the "gourmet" ice cream experience they're looking for. I don't know if I buy the whole gourmet ice cream thing, but hey, my fave ice cream is a Wendy's frosty, so I don't exactly have refined taste.
It will certainly be interesting to see what happens. Admittedly, my eyebrows do raise (just a little) about an ice cream shop trying to appear more high end in this economic climate. Given the slowing sales at Starbucks and the (relative) stability of it's blue collar competitor, Dunkin' Donuts, going high end seems like a suicide wish. I guess only time -- or a couple banana splits -- will tell.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
When your marketing firm has bad ads
Hi all,
In Austin this weekend with the lovely Ms. Carolyn Goodwin. So far, it's been a perfect weekend --- too much food, too much wine, and too much sleep. Perfect.
At one part during the weekend, Carolyn's mom showed us an ad for a marketing firm in The Woodlands. "Have you heard of them?" Neither Carolyn nor I were familiar with the company (who shall remain nameless) but within 5 seconds we were both grimacing. Why? The ad, for said marketing firm, was awful.
I always find it humorous when marketing or advertising companies boast generic logos, advertisements created in word, or (worst of all) websites reminiscent of 1999. Yikes. What are these companies thinking? Sure, the average person isn't going to know great design from good design, but bad design? Sorry to break it to you -- they know. And the worst part? An advertising company with bad marketing materials is like a surgeon marketing a recent malpractice suit, or a home builder publicly admitting that his homes have leaky roofs.
My current company is doing stuff the right way. We're in the process of reworking our website -- admittedly it's overdue -- but in the meantime we've resisted keeping our old, out-dated site up. Although not having a web site is risky, we recognize that having a BAD site up is far worst.
What do you think? Are you equally as repulsed by marketing and advertising companies whose design or writing leaves much to be desired? Or am I just overly critical?
In Austin this weekend with the lovely Ms. Carolyn Goodwin. So far, it's been a perfect weekend --- too much food, too much wine, and too much sleep. Perfect.
At one part during the weekend, Carolyn's mom showed us an ad for a marketing firm in The Woodlands. "Have you heard of them?" Neither Carolyn nor I were familiar with the company (who shall remain nameless) but within 5 seconds we were both grimacing. Why? The ad, for said marketing firm, was awful.
I always find it humorous when marketing or advertising companies boast generic logos, advertisements created in word, or (worst of all) websites reminiscent of 1999. Yikes. What are these companies thinking? Sure, the average person isn't going to know great design from good design, but bad design? Sorry to break it to you -- they know. And the worst part? An advertising company with bad marketing materials is like a surgeon marketing a recent malpractice suit, or a home builder publicly admitting that his homes have leaky roofs.
My current company is doing stuff the right way. We're in the process of reworking our website -- admittedly it's overdue -- but in the meantime we've resisted keeping our old, out-dated site up. Although not having a web site is risky, we recognize that having a BAD site up is far worst.
What do you think? Are you equally as repulsed by marketing and advertising companies whose design or writing leaves much to be desired? Or am I just overly critical?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Worst Billboard Ever
The Most Dangerous Billboard EVER.
Check it out: this is a billboard on I-10 (right near my house!) that encourages you to text RODEO to 52257 in order to win free Rodeo seats. Only problem? It's a billboard. Which means people will read it when driving. Which means people will text while driving. Great......
I wonder if Miller Light will pay the texters' deductibles when they run off the road....
Check it out: this is a billboard on I-10 (right near my house!) that encourages you to text RODEO to 52257 in order to win free Rodeo seats. Only problem? It's a billboard. Which means people will read it when driving. Which means people will text while driving. Great......
I wonder if Miller Light will pay the texters' deductibles when they run off the road....
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Picture This
Have some some empty wall space? The Houston Center for Photography is having its annual print auction to raise funds for the center's operating budget. The auction is Thursday, Feb. 12 -- just in time for some last minute Valentine's Day shopping, no? Estimated values range from $50 to $9,000. (And, in case you're wondering, 9K gets you the portrait of O'Keefe above, taken by William Clift in 1981.)
Here's are some more pics to soak in:
Brian Finke
Obama, 2008
Tom Baril
Lisanthus, 1998
Krista Steinke
This Little One Had None, 2006
Angilee Wilkerson
Released, 2008
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
New Year's Resolutions, the gym, and screw the a**hole who took my parking spot
So the new year has arrived! And with it comes the annual migration of guilt-ridden souls to the gym. They swarm to the nearest treadmill, set the speed to a nice, comfortable jog and try to sweat off their excess holiday weight and 6 months of wasted gym membership fees.
Usually, I think it's great when people get off the couch and start moving. But when they all do it at once (January 1, anyone???), it strikes a nerve in me. Why? Because they take my spinning spot, they take my parking spot, and they make me wait 30 minutes for treadmill.
Yesterday I forwent my morning gym ritual in the name some extra shuteye. I came thisclose to eschewing the gym altogether, but my pants were feeling a bit a tight, so I knew I needed to haul my booty to Fit for a 5:30 spin class. All was well on the way there -- I was humming along to some Madonna, daydreaming about dinner (hey, it's what gets me through the class!) and feeling pretty all-around fabulous. Then I got to the parking lot. And there was not one free space. I kid you not. No.parking.at.all.
I whipped around to the other side of the building and parked near a pizza joint. Great, just what I need to get motivated -- the smell of delicious pepperoni pizza. I was tempted to forget the workout and just chow down on some good ol' Italian pie, but I resisted and walked around to the front of the building. It was now 1 minute to 5:30, and I knew I was in trouble. The class may be completely full.
The entrance was like a Jimmy Choo 50% off sale. Men and women, young and old, cramming three people at once into the front door. I pushed my way through and ran up the stairs where I met the backside of my enemy -- another woman in cycling shoes and Spanx-tight bike shorts.
She was ahead of me, but my legs are long, so we reached the class at the same time. Our eyes met -- who would give up? I thought briefly about my "sorta" new year's resolution (be nice....remember?) but this was no time for kindness. I was here to sweat, not become Mother Theresa. So I ignored formalities (she was technically there first) and threw open the class door, surveying the crowded room. There was one seat left. Who would get it? Would I need to reenact the scene below with my new spandex-wearing enemy?
I know, the suspense must be killing you. Although it kind of ruins the story, the instructor gave up her bike, so in the end we both got seats. However, I was relegated to the far side of the room, so I couldn't see myself in the mirror as I pedaled away. (I am sure that sounds conceited, but watching myself really helps with my technique. I swear!)
Class was over an hour later and I was home soon after, stuffing my face with some delish mac n'cheese. But the whole ordeal was just annoying. A class shouldn't go from 10 people to 40 in one week...and how dare that new guy take MY usual bike! Fortunately I'll only have to deal with this insanity for another couple of weeks...come February, the gym will be back to its normal, empty self. God bless broken resolutions.
XOXO,
Jen
Usually, I think it's great when people get off the couch and start moving. But when they all do it at once (January 1, anyone???), it strikes a nerve in me. Why? Because they take my spinning spot, they take my parking spot, and they make me wait 30 minutes for treadmill.
Yesterday I forwent my morning gym ritual in the name some extra shuteye. I came thisclose to eschewing the gym altogether, but my pants were feeling a bit a tight, so I knew I needed to haul my booty to Fit for a 5:30 spin class. All was well on the way there -- I was humming along to some Madonna, daydreaming about dinner (hey, it's what gets me through the class!) and feeling pretty all-around fabulous. Then I got to the parking lot. And there was not one free space. I kid you not. No.parking.at.all.
I whipped around to the other side of the building and parked near a pizza joint. Great, just what I need to get motivated -- the smell of delicious pepperoni pizza. I was tempted to forget the workout and just chow down on some good ol' Italian pie, but I resisted and walked around to the front of the building. It was now 1 minute to 5:30, and I knew I was in trouble. The class may be completely full.
The entrance was like a Jimmy Choo 50% off sale. Men and women, young and old, cramming three people at once into the front door. I pushed my way through and ran up the stairs where I met the backside of my enemy -- another woman in cycling shoes and Spanx-tight bike shorts.
She was ahead of me, but my legs are long, so we reached the class at the same time. Our eyes met -- who would give up? I thought briefly about my "sorta" new year's resolution (be nice....remember?) but this was no time for kindness. I was here to sweat, not become Mother Theresa. So I ignored formalities (she was technically there first) and threw open the class door, surveying the crowded room. There was one seat left. Who would get it? Would I need to reenact the scene below with my new spandex-wearing enemy?
I know, the suspense must be killing you. Although it kind of ruins the story, the instructor gave up her bike, so in the end we both got seats. However, I was relegated to the far side of the room, so I couldn't see myself in the mirror as I pedaled away. (I am sure that sounds conceited, but watching myself really helps with my technique. I swear!)
Class was over an hour later and I was home soon after, stuffing my face with some delish mac n'cheese. But the whole ordeal was just annoying. A class shouldn't go from 10 people to 40 in one week...and how dare that new guy take MY usual bike! Fortunately I'll only have to deal with this insanity for another couple of weeks...come February, the gym will be back to its normal, empty self. God bless broken resolutions.
XOXO,
Jen
Sunday, November 30, 2008
At the airport...
Hey all.
I am at the Syracuse Airport right now and yes, it is snowing. Are you surprised? It is always snowing in upstate NY.
In some respects, I absolutely love snow (skiing anyone?) but the shoveling, salt-stained shoes, and inevitable airplane delays are a bit tiresome. Plus, my poor blood has become incredibly thin, thanks in no small part to the Houston heat. Thus, I am freezing 24/7.
But enough complaining. This Thanksgiving was absolutely awesome. I loved spending time with my folks and brothers -- after all, I don't get to see them that much. Although I love Houston, I am finding that the older I get, the closer I want to be to my family. Who would have thought that Jen Pearsall would want to return to Carthage, NY?
Anyway, I better get going -- the plane will hopefully begin boarding soon. Oh wait, maybe not -- there is a freaking blizzard outside now.....
I am at the Syracuse Airport right now and yes, it is snowing. Are you surprised? It is always snowing in upstate NY.
In some respects, I absolutely love snow (skiing anyone?) but the shoveling, salt-stained shoes, and inevitable airplane delays are a bit tiresome. Plus, my poor blood has become incredibly thin, thanks in no small part to the Houston heat. Thus, I am freezing 24/7.
But enough complaining. This Thanksgiving was absolutely awesome. I loved spending time with my folks and brothers -- after all, I don't get to see them that much. Although I love Houston, I am finding that the older I get, the closer I want to be to my family. Who would have thought that Jen Pearsall would want to return to Carthage, NY?
Anyway, I better get going -- the plane will hopefully begin boarding soon. Oh wait, maybe not -- there is a freaking blizzard outside now.....
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