Christmas decorating with friends

This is a quick post to get some more pictures up. B and I spend the evening tree-decorating and gingerbread house making with friends. Uh, as you can see, the men were extremely happy about the tree:

New York

Well, the dramatic results period is over - I passed the NY Bar too! Whew! I think the biggest impression I've felt is thankfulness that I never have to study for either Bar again and that all that time wasn't wasted. I hope to catch up on blogs and commenting - I have lots of reading to do :)

Now, on to -- what? I don't know, but here are some pictures from our trip to the city on Veteran's Day. We seem to be on a cycle - I think I posted pictures from the city around this time last year. I hope everyone is doing well and I will be writing something more interesting soon; just wanted to post these pictures and the Bar news! (Best quote of the day from B while in NY, at a fancy italian clothing store (after the pretentious but friendly saleswoman just alerted us to the fact that yes, the $5,000 suits are indeed on sale for a measly $3,000 to $4,000 here's B- - "I can't take it...between the smell (there was what must have been toxic amounts of fancy cologne wafting around every corner), the french rock and the retarded clothes, I have to get the F out of here.") I know, I don't swear but somehow the quote just isn't as funny if its not the exact words.

Getting sworn in

Could it be? I'm finally considered an attorney! Happy day!

Whoah...

Now that is a costume:

The Results

I can happily report that I passed the Bar...and more importantly B is home for good!! WOO-HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. I must say it has been a happy day and now there is a 3 day weekend, what more could I ask?!

And Here It Is...........

Well, the day has arrived. Tommorrow I find out if I passed the Connecticut Bar exam, and, much more importantly - B returns home from training for good! I can't wait (for B) but can't help feeling nervous about the Bar. I need to rest on that scripture - "faith is the substance of things hoped for". Even writing that I am reminded how far askew my priorities fall sometimes. The way it is easier to get to church or find time to pray when there is something I am worried about, and how easy it is to get wrapped up in selfish things during my free time now that I'm done with school.

That being said, I find myself wondering lately what exactly "It" is - passing the Bar? Finding that job that you were made to do? I just don't know. If it isn't obvious I have felt restless about the area that is my job lately. I'll be checking in again about that soon.

On a random note and sort of following in Brittny's line of thought about her 8 cookies - I have been eating almond and peanut butter like crazy, like, spoonfuls of it by itself every night. Weird huh? I must just be nuts....OK, OK, sorry....

Welcome home B! It has been too long!

Anniversary Blues

Trish's lovely post about her and Lee's anniversary got me thinking and wishing....B is still not home and our anniversary is this Sunday. 5 whole years of being with your best friend, that's a blessing not many people receive. These several months of being here on my own have helped me to realize how I make some things like alone time way too important. I'm so happy that my other half will be returning soon and that empty spot will be full again....

So there's just no way to keep this post from turning into a mushy meltdown, and I'm not apologizing. There have been lots of schooling, lots of different job positions and experiences prancing through both of our lives. But I realize as I sit here tonight how our marriage is a pillar of strength in my life. When I get too hermit-like (which I often do), B is there to liven things up and encourage (eeekk!) socializing. When I am taking something too seriously he is there to help me see it in another light, give encouragement or just make me laugh about the situation. If we need a quiet day together, we have our Sunday afternoon rides around town - just being together. And best of all...he helps me do pull-ups...OK, just kidding about that last one (he does help me but I suppose that's not why our marriage is a pillar of strength)...(and my arms HAVE gone from spaghetti to angel hair in the months he's been gone)...but I digress. B, I love you very much, and I'm so glad we are married, Happy early Anniversary!

"He is now to be among you at the calling of your hearts. Rest assured this troubador is acting on His part. The union of your spirits here has caused Him to remain, for whenever two or more of you are gathered in His name, There is love. There is love. "

Visiting B!

I'm back from my visit with B in Florida. It was so good to see him - it has been 2 months! Amazing how much a spouse becomes part of you and part of your life, I feel like half of me is missing while he is gone. In a way it made me more sad to visit because I was reminded of all the little things I miss about B, how much we laugh together, how I don't care about anything else when we are hanging out. But I will write more later, I want to get some pictures up since my internet has been acting up lately.



B is probably not gonna like that I put this one up but I don't care! I think he looks great! Woo hoo!

Vermont and Lack of B

I tried not to let a month slip by without updating. But I didn't have too much to write about after the Bar. B left to go to a 3 month training out of state for his new federal job and I've been here on my own. I don't like it! I don't do well trying to develop my own routine I'm finding and of course I miss B. I've been working out too much and watching too much TV and not getting anything done. Isn't that always the way? You promise yourself you will accomplish all of these things "when". In my case, "when the Bar is over"; "when I finish all this studying". Let's just say the accomplishment standard has been set extremely low - I get excited when I do a load of laundry and actually fold it. I even got giddy the other day when I returned a bunch of cans in our basement that have been waiting to be recycled.

Alas, there was some fun this month - I went to Vermont to visit my family with my folks. It was kind of like being a teenager again, driving up with Dad, eating dinner with them every night. I was very thankful to spend some time with my Dad. He is very quiet but he's someone that has a lot to say when you're on a one to one basis, so it was really fun sitting and talking to him after dinner at night, or just being in the same room together while we read our books. Every once in awhile a chuckle would happen, then "what?" then more conversation :) I know, we are a thrill a minute. But I don't care, I think that quiet nature is ingrained in me too.

Courtesy of my cousin Brett - the closest I have to a brother in addition to my brothers in law and 2 other cousins :) - here are some pictures of me, Brett and my Aunt Connie - so glad I got to see them. (I didn't have my camera so there are no pictures of my parents unless my Dad sends me some).

And look out - I gave waterskiing a go (I think I was in high school the last time I attempted this). If the pictures were closer you would be able to note the strained smile on my face - I was desperately trying not to exhibit the panic I was feeling when a wave came. Mercifully, Brett did not take a picture of me skiing on my face (at least I don't think he did - hmmm, I better find his blog!)

Well, guess that's about all for now. I hope everyone is well - I keep reading updates, I've just been bad about commenting (like I said, the whole "when this, when that" syndrome is in full effect as far as doing anything constructive). Everyone be blessed and have a wonderful and peaceful evening.

So..Tired...Can't See........Getting Dark......

Just kidding! But I am struggling with jumpstarting studying (just took a 6 hour, 200 multiple choice run through of the multi state bar exam - I know, everyone stop being so jealous) so here I am again. A new recipe for turkey burgers:

1.25 lbs ground turkey (breast meat only)
one 8 oz package sliced bella mushrooms chopped in the food processor
1 grated white onion
1 egg
3 tblspn Worcestershire Sauce
2 tblspn ground romano cheese
salt and pepper
2 minced garlic cloves
1 tspn tarragon

4 or 5 whole wheat pitas
sliced red onion
5 or 6 leaves of romain lettuce

Special ketchup
1/2 cup regular ketchup
3 tblspns worchestershire sauce
Mix 'em up

Mix all ingredients up until the pitas with your hands (this is oddly therapeutic) then divide into 4 or 5 patties (make them indent a bit in the middle) 1.5 tblspns of olive oil on a hot griddle and cook them each side about 6 minutes each - they must be cooked through all the way. If not sure, push on with your finger, the patty should keep shape and bounce back when its done. Serve inside the pitas w/ red onion, lettuce and special ketchup on the side. Also good with these are sweet potato oven fries (slices em, drizzle a little olive oil, salt and pepper, bake at 450 until crisp outside, tender inside.)

OK, thanks for listening, I think I can get my studying on now...Stand back, I'm goin' in!

God's Grace will Get you Through

I just wanted to write about some scripture that has helped to keep me going everyday, maybe if you are dealing with something that is difficult or tiring, it might bring you comfort and strength too. When I have days that get too overwhelming, or I become afraid that I will never finish what needs to be done for the Bar, or worry whether I'm headed in the right direction for work, or just those little things about life that get in their sometimes and disrupt your day, irritate, or maybe push you to become impatient with people or life in general, I always come back to this when I ask God for help:

Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:1 & 2

Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing...Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40: 26 & 28-31




I'm adding a picture of my friend Sara and I at her wedding because she's one of my best friends and my running buddy. When we run together, for me, it sort of physically symbolizes relying on God for strength - that life can be long and tiring, and sometimes there are things you just don't want to do, but God is always there with you no matter what. And when He knows you need it, he inserts people into your life and puts you in others' lives to encourage each other and bring joy and happiness. You don't have to carry everything by yourself.

In the Throes of Bar Studying

I have been reluctant to post about my studying for the Bar;
a. Because its fairly boring; and
b. If I don't pass this is not gonna be a fun follow-up in the fall!

But I can't take it and I need to write. I've been checking in with everyone's blogs though, just not being very active in writing myself, which is no good. Even now I don't have too much to update about. I graduated from law school at the end of May, that was the first big "whew!" Now its the Bar - NY and CT. I can't explain how all-consuming it is or how easily it incites panic attacks when I come across an assigned study exercise that I didn't do. I guess its a lot like a marathon in that I just need to stop whining and keep doing as much as possible everyday and don't look back. Ick, I'm boring myself just writing about this. The one good thing is that I'm doing at-home study on an ipod, this new thing that Barbri (the company that has basically a monopoly on Bar study) has which at least lets me listen to the lectures repetitively while I run, so I can still get some exercise in. I've been working half days til 1pm, I come home and listen to my lecture about 4 hours and make dinner and then try to do as much studying as possible. Poor B either goes to work out or uses ear phones for anything else like the computer, video games, etc. at night

The biggest thing that I missed during law school was having dinner at night with B, so at least we've been able to do that even with the studying. I'm convincing myself that staying physically healthy is necessary to do well on the Bar (not just a needed distraction) :) So I'm hoping to run a full marathon this October. I've been running 5 miles several times a week in the wee hours of the morn and 8 miles on Saturdays which I'm gonna need to up but probably after the bar.

Oh, on that note, I tried a new pizza recipe that B loves (it's lox pizza - if you don't like smoked salmon, you might enjoy this b/c the salmon gets baked and crispier then if you just have it on a sandwich) any way, here it is:

Whole Wheat pizza crust (makes two 10-12 inch crusts)
1.5 cups warm water
1 tblspn olive oil
1/2 tspn salt
1.5 cups all purpose unbleached flour
2 cups whole wheat flour
1tspn organic sugar
1 tblspn yeast
1tspn italian seasoning
Mix in bread machine on dough only setting (add ingredients in the order I listed)

Topping (for 1 pizza)
1/4 cup light cream cheese
1 tblspn lemon juice
1tspn dried dillweed
dash of salt and pepper (watch the salt - lox is already very salty and baking it really brings out the smoky flavor)

1/2 package Nova Lox
1/2 red onion, sliced thinly
2 or 3 roma tomatoes sliced thinly (or 1/3 cup canned, drained diced tomatoes)

Roll out 1 pizza crust to a square or circle (sprinkly board with cornmeal so it doesn't stick - you may have to use a generous amount of cornmeal b/c this dough is very moist - it's necessary to keep it tender since its whole wheat flour). Bake in 400 degree oven for about 10 minutes. Let cool about 5 minutes. Spread cream cheese mixture over crust and then layer thin pieces of lox, onion and tomatoes, back in the oven to bake for about 15 minutes (watch carefully that lox does not over cook) Slice into 8 pieces.

I usually serve with a spinach salad with red onions, dried cranberries, shredded carrots, corn, peas, cucumber (whatever veggies you have lying around). For dressing I like straight balsamic vinegar but here's a different one to whir up in the food processor:

1 very small peeled garlic clove (can use 1/2 tspn garlic powder if you don't want the flavor as intense)
dash of salt and pepper
1 tblspn plain, nonfat greek yogurt
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

-this dressing makes it necessary to have either the corn, dried cranberries or some sort of fruit in the salad to sweeten a little b/c its pretty intense - but I promise it will clear your sinuses :).

Here's one more recipe for pesto with a twist that goes great on a whole wheat flat bread sandwich w/ fresh mozzarella and fresh baby spinach:

1/2 cup chick peas

1 cup fresh basil

1/2 tspn olive oil

1 tblspn parmesan cheese

2 garlic cloves

1/2 cup canned, drained diced tomatoes

salt and pepper to taste

1 tblspn lemon juice

whir all in food processor (makes about 4 sandwiches) I press them in the foreman grill or in a skillet on the stove top (You can use the same recipe above for the whole wheat flat bread, just don't roll it out as thin so you can slice each piece for sandwiches. If I make it this way I also brush the dough w/ olive oil and salt and pepper before baking.

OK, I think I better get back on the studying wagon. Thank you all for sharing your daily lives, it helps keep me going to read up! Have a blessed day.

Just Checking In..........

It's been forever since I have written but I've been keeping up on everyone's news. As law school draws to a close I'm feeling overwhelmed with bar applications, finals and bar review documents and I'm seeing just how short my patience can be. I don't have too many interesting things to talk about but just wanted to check in. I hope to be past all of this bar application business and finals in the next few weeks; there is an end in sight I think............
Here are a few pictures of the Swiss Miss's birthday - she just turned 90! I hope I'm still joking the way she is at her age. Don't you love that I'm going on and on about stress over the bar and school yet here I sit posting pictures? Oh well, I'll keep it short. Can I just say once again how much I admire everyone with children and those who have the joy of new babies? I always try to think of that to keep my silly school stress in perspective. It's not as important as a new life! Thankfully B has been his usual patient and humorous self with me and he knows its just gonna get worse with the bar approaching. I suppose I better be off to work on a take home but hope all are well and I continue to keep updated - the stories and happening s help me remember there is life outside of the NY practice statutes!

Gearing Up for a Race

Trish, of "The Dish From Trish" has suggested that I write about prepping for a race - being that there do seem to be lots of different ideas out there for how to keep at a workout routine or how to go about getting in shape, here's my thing (with the caveat that I am no expert at this and sometimes also get too obsessive, so please keep that in mind and take all with a grain of salt):

When I first started running, I would do a relaxed jog for 2 - 3 miles, about 3 times a week. I always prefer running outside when possible, even if it's really cold, I just bundle up in lots of fleece and go. Outdoor running seems less monotonous to me and you get some fresh air and some scenery at the same time. I know most people like to have music while they run, but I have also found this to be a great time to be alone with your thoughts, or prayers or whatever is on your mind, this time to myself is a big reason I enjoy running. I have seen articles lately about how noisy our lives have gotten and I have to agree. When I think of how often I am checking my email, surfing the internet, or just have the TV on for background noise, I see that there is not much quiet time in my life and I'm sure many have the same experience. The pastor Charles Stanley emphasized in one of his sermons how we always have a "moment of silence" to remember a loved one who has passed away or to show respect for those lost during major tragedies. He made the point that "one moment" is probably all we could take without becoming extremely uncomfortable - I think its true and troublesome.

Anyway, back to the running thing. Eventually my friend Sara came along (see her in the post below) and convinced me to start running longer. She is also faster than me so she was a great buddy for me as I was beginning. Its great to have someone to run with who is a little faster and has a little more endurance when you are starting out because they will push you and you will find you can do more than you think you can. Before I knew it, Sara and I were running 5 miles a day 4 to 5 times a week. Now even though I don't always follow my own advice, taking at least one day off per week is very important for your body to be able to mend and so you can get stronger. Otherwise you will become exhausted and eventually you might even acquire an injury. I have also found that it's a good idea to cross-train (I find elliptical machines ideal, especially the ones with the arm levers usually these are the days I also lift a little, do squats, crunches - I love to use the giant ball for lower ab workouts, I place it between my feet and lift the ball and lower as I lie flat on the mat - I do 2 or 3 sets of 10 (also good light work for your inner thighs), on the last one I hold the ball in my hands and just pulse up between my knees for a little upper ab work), on your off days from running (but don't forget to completely take a break one day per week) - just stretching on that day is good.

Time of day is important only in how it fits into your schedule. Since I work all day and go to school at night until 9 or 10 most weekdays, getting up at 5:30 is the only way I can do it during the week. I try to get in 50-60 minutes of cardio 5 to 6 days per week (so 5 or 6 miles of running or a combo of elliptical and treadmill walking uphill) I know it is hard when you are busy to fit in an hour of exercise - for me it is a priority b/c I know how tired I would become from sitting all day at work and all night at school. Also, breaking it into 30 minute increments - one in a.m.; one in p.m. works fine too. It all comes down to making this time for yourself a priority. When I am feeling particularly de-motivated, I know if I can at least get myself out of bed and into the bathroom then I'll follow through.

The first race I ran with Sara was a 10k, which is about 6.2 miles. Races are great because you have the camaraderie of everyone being out there to be competitive and healthy. In my experience people are always very supportive and encouraging. Always keep in mind that you can run 1 or 2 miles more in a race than you normally train for. I think its all the people and adrenaline that push you through. There are a lot of great books about different training methods - one that I found helpful is: "The Complete Book of Running for Women" by Claire Kowalchik.

Also keep in mind that as you increase the length of your runs, your appetite will increase. It is very important to increase your food intake with healthy choices, because this is what is giving you the energy to complete those runs and also helping your body recover and heal in between. Personally, over the last few years I have greatly reduced the amount of red meat I eat, now I only eat it maybe once a month. I try to have about 3 days a week of no meat at all - I have found that is a great way to increase variety in my diet, trying vegetarian recipes and incorporating more legumes, nuts and other forms of protein. I try to avoid all packaged types of snacks like cookies, chips and pretzels. I'd rather have fresh-baked desserts anyway! A typical menu on a day when I go for a good run (5 to 8 miles) would consist of:

Breakfast:
1 serving irish oatmeal (1/4 cup steel cut oats and 1 tspn flax seed cooked in 1 cup water) sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg, mix in one small mashed banana and 2 teaspoons of nonfat plain greek yogurt. 1 cup chai tea with skim milk

Lunch:
Salad with spinach, red onion, sliced carrot, 1 or 2 chopped dried apricots, sprinkle with pepper and dried basil, splash of balsamic vinegar;

1 organic granny smith apple (they tend to be big), sliced and dipped in a mix of sprinkle of cinnamon, 1 tblspn lowfat cream cheese, and 1 tblspn natural almond or peanut butter *never the processed kind, the label should read :" peanuts" or "almonds" and that's it, and you should have to refrigerate it to keep the oil from separating.

1 stonyfield farm yokids yogurt (this is a fruit yogurt that seems to be relatively low in sugar - and has no sugar substitutes which I find do strange things to my digestive tract)
1 cup tea, coffee or seltzer water.

Afternoon snack: Apple or grapefruit slices

Dinner

I will post some recipes for some of my favorites; it really depends what we hav on hand.

One I love: slow baked salmon with mashed herb peas and asian green beans

Another one I made recently: vegetable chick pea pizza w/ whole wheat crust.

Dessert: depends, sometimes I just have another apple with the almond butter mix (I am in love with peanut and almond butter) there is also this kind called "I love peanut butter" that is cinnamon raisin peanut butter (does have some sugar in the form of evaporated cane juice)

Also I have a bread maker so sometimes I'll have a slice of some sort of fresh whole grain bread with the peanut butter.

When training for a race its a good idea to avoid sugary snacks most days of the week if you can and go for wholesome healthy snacks.

As you increase your distance, you will become more aware of your breathing as well. While I do prefer running outside, I have found that a good way to increase your speed is by running on the treadmill. This way you can't relax into a slower pace (which I have a tendency to do if I am running long distances outside). In a 30-40 minute run I try to run at an 8 minute pace for 8 minutes (which is 7.5 mph - that's very fast for me and then 8mph for a minute if I can; on a good day I'll keep the pace at 7mph the whole time; for comparison a 10 minute mile is 6mph)I think it also helps your muscle memory in knowing how you feel funning at certain speeds. I think when you are first beginning, a 10 minute mile is a great but still comfortable rate to shoot for. One thing I like to do outside is to pick a point in the distance (not too far, maybe the next mailbox on the road) and sprint to it, then return to your comfort speed, repeat every few minutes through out the run. Fast walking is also a great way to get started, then slowly add in little increments of jogging - maybe just 2 minutes at first. Your body will tell you when you can do more. Fast walking on a treadmill is great - also experiment with the incline and see how fast you can walk on a hill, you can work up quite a sweat this way!

One thing to emphasize also is stretching. Very important to avoid injury. Before I run I do very light stretching - muscles are not warm, therefore not very flexible I usually just do the "downward facing dog" (in yoga, you have all 4's down, legs straight, butt way up) then I stretch the front of my thighs by standing and holding my foot to my butt, some brief shoulder rolls and I'm off. After sometimes I stretch in the shower (in the interest of time)- more hamstring stretching, neck, ankle, deep breathing.

Finally to gear up for a run like a half marathon, it comes down to having at least one or two days per week to run 10 to 13 miles, the other 2 or 3 days I run 5-7 miles, cross-train on remaining and on the off day just stretch (good to do the off day right after the long run b/c your knees will really feel it at this distance). Well, in the interest of my droning on and on I guess I'll post this. Hope it is helpful for someone! Have a happy and healthy week!

Pensacola Double Bridge Run Weekend

This weekend my friend Sara and I ran the Double Bridge Run in Pensacola, FL. It's a 15k, and I think we did pretty well - it took us 90 minutes to finish. But the most important thing was meeting up and spending time together. Sometimes life gets so busy I forget how important it is to just spend time with your girlfriends. Girl talk can be so soothing to your soul - so can eating 3 krispy kreme donuts in one sitting! Here we are at the run (those are t-shirts that Sara made; they say: "team turtle" as you can see we are fast like lightening :)
Here we are at Krispy Kreme irritating the people in back of us by having the cashier take our picture. We thought it would be pushing it to have her take another of us with a donut:
This is at a restaurant called "Fish House" in downtown Pensacola. You know you are getting old when you start making the same requests that your mom always made that embarassed you; like asking the waittress to take your picture.

And more eating at Bagelheads (this place is the best!)
You also know you are getting old when you do a cartwheel and feel like you sprained and or broke both wrists.
Guess that's all for now. Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Payment Made

I know this is not too interesting - but I straightened out the payment with the books - just wanted to write it b/c I said I would :) I might be poorer, but I sure feel better!

That Manhattan Trip I was Talking About....

Here are some of those pictures I was talking about the guinea hen posting. B and I went to Manhattan for the day this week and met my brother in law for a coffee break from his work (he is a lawyer in the city):

While we were walking by the Fox News studio, Juliet from "The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet" stopped us and interviewed us about pick-up lines, but they only put B on TV for a fraction of a second. Oh well, there goes our chances of being famous :)

As you can see, we caught a glimpse of the Christmas tree before they took it down.

Well, time for me to get back to reading my law school books that I didn't pay for yet (see post below); more on that later this week! Everyone have a blessed week and restful evening.