All About the Race

On Saturday night Mark and I went to dinner at Paolo's (spaghetti dinner, you know) and went to bed at around 11:30pm.  I was definitely nervous, nervous about waking up on time, nervous about how cold it would be in the morning, nervous if I had trained enough, or in the right way.  Nervous!

Sunday morning at 5am came earlier than I anticipated.  But, after a night of much interrupted sleep I was feeling a sense of now or never.  I made my pre-race breakfast, oatmeal and almond butter, and a banana and drank, and drank, and drank (lots of water).

If you're wondering what to wear if you're running 10 miles and it is 33 degrees outside, you may follow my lead: long leggings (cotton/spandex), a wicking sports bra, a base layer long sleeve t-shirt, a Marmot zip up jacket, and a headband.  It is cold at 5am, but around mile 3 it really does start to warm up as evidenced by the trail of jackets, gloves, a shirts on the street.

As I have said, this was my first race.  Sometime in the early morning hours as I wandered around the base of the Washington Monument, my nerves dissipated and were replaced with excitement (as well as an urgency to pee - see above about the water).  I felt my muscles warm up and relax, and that sense of fear about not being able to do this thing, this race, turned into excitement as a smile spread across my face.

I didn't run the best race, I got a cramp, I had to walk for a portion.  But, I finished.  I came running into the finish line as my husband and sister watched and cheered me on and finished in just under 2 hours.  

As I ran faster towards the finish line, I wasn't thinking anything.  I was just running (I know, very Forrest Gump).  When I crossed I felt everything.  I felt salt on my forehead, the cold chill on sweat soaked clothes, and absolute joy.  I wasn't tired.  I was proud.

I hope you'll take some time to make a goal, whatever it is, and train towards it.  That feeling at the end, it's amazing.

It Won't be Cold Forever, Spring Will Come

Say what you will about the traffic, the economy, the politics; Florida is a special kind of place, it is sunny, fresh, embraces rhinestones and diamonds for daytime, has a lot of love, and takes pride in its sunshiney-ness with streets named after flowers, fruits and tropical birds like Flamingo Road and Orange Drive.  

Hollywood Beach

As I mentioned I spent the weekend at home visiting my parents.  I flew in Friday evening and had dinner with my parents at home.  Saturday morning I went for a training run for my upcoming race (it's 3 days away!), and then I spent lunch with my dad's parents for lunch and a baking lesson, recipe coming soon.  

Lunch at Nanny and Poppy's

On Sunday I went to my mom's favorite place, the beach.

Hollywood Beach

Hollywood Beach

I haven't been in 80+ degree weather in quite some time, and I haven't been to the beach since Thanksgiving.  It was a good reminder of what is to come.  So, my friends in cold locations, please know it won't be cold forever, the rain will stop, you'll be able to put your coats, scarves, and wellies away.

The sun will come out soon, and it will be beautiful.

And when it does, please don't forget your sunscreen.

2010: A big year, like HUGE

Hi friends,

Welcome back and welcome to 2011.  On a personal note, I can say that I have never grown, learned or celebrated more than I did in 2010. 

With my best friends and bridal party after a surprise DC bachelorette party

When I went from a Miss to a Mrs.

Enjoying the sunshine in Mexico

One with nature in Jackson, Wyoming

The Graduate

Moving day

The Golden Triangle in India

Birthday Stone Crabs

New Years Eve 2010

I am so grateful for this journey and excited for what comes next. 

Only the best for all the best. 

Cheers to 11!

She's a Daddy's Girl

That's me.  To be fair, I am also a mama's girl - but that is sort of the beauty of having two really amazing parents.   Today's is my dad's birthday - and I generally like to think of myself as his best birthday present 26 years ago.

Along the way my dad has given me more than a few gifts.  

My dad is the reason I make faces, test out accents and enjoy the spotlight.  My dad is the middle child, and he adores his big brother and little brother - giving my sister and I a model for real sibling love.  He admires his parents, so, and I think gets many of his dance moves from them.  He loves my mom, her dog, and their kids and never hesitates to tell them so (maybe not the dog as much).  He is the best boss, and truly the benchmark to which I have held every employer to.  He lives his life with integrity, honesty and compassion - those are priceless values.  He is the reason I can make a jump shot, know how to properly make an "awesome bite" and quote movie lines.  He has a drink, and it's always with a twist of lemon.  My dad has good taste, when I was growing up he was often called upon to give a second opinion on an outfit as I walked out for the day.  My dad can tell a story, give a speech, and dance with the best of them.  He is sensitive, he cries (it's not just my mom that I get that from).  He loved our wedding.  He is "old fashioned" because he believes in hard work, getting the job done and doing the right thing.   He is a strummer, a singer, a golden-rule player.  He is also my friend.

He is the reason that my sister and I can stand on our own, believe in ourselves, live our lives with integrity.   

Dad, happy birthday, I love you.

A Moment of Summer

As it gets colder here in DC, and as I count down the days until we go to Florida, I realize how long it has been since I've been home - almost ten months.  I have seen my parents and family in that time, but it's not the same as being home.  

Home, now that I don't live there, is about my mom and dad.  Today is my mom's birthday - (Happy Birthday, Mom) and since you haven't met my mom too many times here on TDB, I figured I would play catch up.

My mom is hard working; a friend to her friends, to her kids, to her kids' friends; she believes in the fourth quarter, in good company and in her daughters; she is a back scratcher, a hugger, a phone call away; she is a crier (she is where I get my "on like a faucet" emotions from); she is a do-er, and she just does; she goes above and beyond (can you imagine your mom getting on an airplane at 6am with frozen matzo ball soup and a cooked turkey and flying to your dorm to make a Passover dinner for you and your friends, none of whom celebrate Passover?); she is unintentionally funny; she is fiercely protective; she will climb mountains for the causes she believes in; she a baker, not because she knows people love cookies, but because she knows people love when other people think of them; she is a cheerleader; she is still a beach babe (seriously, not a Sunday goes by when you won't find my mom at her temple, the shady spot between the palms); she is generous of her time, energy, and spirit; she is a mom to everyone who meets her; she is my best friend; she is a moment of summer all throughout the year.

Happy Birthday, Mom - and many more!

Simple Things

I was off the computer yesterday and in a way being detached from all of the technology that surrounds me was a welcomed break.

So in a moment of reflection I thought of some of my favorite things, that happen everyday, and that don't ever go out of season or style.

10. The first fall breeze
9. A sweater that's too big so you can pretend it's a blanket
8. Holding hands
7. Soup, any kind but really by any kind I mean matzo ball or chicken noodle (which is really the same thing)
6. Grilled cheese sandwiches
5. Touching toes in bed
4. Old pictures
3. Popcorn and m&m candy
2. My family's support
1. My husband

Surround yourself with your favorite things, I am.

Are You Ready for Football?

The other day I mentioned that something I love about fall is the start of the football season.  Growing up in Florida, and more specifically with my parents it is difficult to escape football fever.  

Football has been a part of family life since the beginning, I was born on a Monday, before the kick off of a Dolphins/Jets game. In high school I went to every single University of Miami home game, spring practice, fan day, etc with my mom.  The running joke is that my dad declines going because my mom is just that intense.  

We've stood in the rain, amongst drunks, amidst the chaos, rattle and decay that was the Orange Bowl, stood in the 4th quarter, shaken when the canons erupt for touchdown after touchdown, and have cried with the stellar victories and crushing defeats.

I love football, a good sports movie, and sports montage in my book, is the best.  I keep my loyalties to three teams, the Miami Hurricanes, Miami Dolphins and my husband's fantasy team.  It's the best way to spend an afternoon in the fall.   

Enjoying the Bounty

For the past few days my home Internet has been down - which means I haven't been able to share pictures I have taken, or any new recipes.  I'm overflowing with sweets and savories!

As an appe-teaser, enjoy some of the bounty from our trip to the Bloomingdale Farmer's Market.

Parsley, Sage and Basil from our Friend's Backyard Garden

25 Pounds of Sauce Tomatoes - lots of chopping for lots of delicious homemade sauces.

Beets and Radishes that were used for Sunday's Lunch

Shots of Espresso to end the day

The table is set for a Sunday feast - recipes to follow!

"Mule!" "Nag!"

Today my sister moves back to Washington, DC.

Like me, she went to college in the DC area (Maryland), and as far as college goes, that's where our similarities end. She participated in Greek Life, I did not. She has a huge group of girlfriends and is easily the life of the party, I enjoy planning the party. She is truly the youngest child, and I am the oldest child.

In growing up though I have always admired her, her sense of self, joy, the energy and enthusiasm she brings to her life and the way she encounters all people without an ounce of judgment.

As little girls we would plot our next business venture; we sold painting on the boardwalk, lemonade on the corner, hand beaded necklaces to anyone who was interested and started a local baby-sitters club. Watch movies, a favorite for many reasons was a League of Their Own, and if we were ever punished and sent to our adjoining rooms, we'd each sit in our closets and talk to each other through the shared wall.

During our overlapping college time, it's fair to say that for a period we did not hang out as often as our grandmothers would ask if we did, but somehow, magically, we became two fairly similar girls. We're both likely to roll our eyes a little too freely, cry a bit easily, smile widely, and cherish the same moments.

Personal photo

Somehow we've both grown up. She can call me out (and does), and usually I can do the same. She looks out for me, and I will always look out for her. She is selfless and so spirited as she proved in the last year by putting others before her (myself included) during the year of wedding planning and Maid of Honor-hood, as she was going through all the trials and travails of her senior year of college.

Image by Ashley Colhouer Photography

And, somewhere a long the way our sisterhood became a true friendship, still a little competitive, but always my best friend, and now housemate?!

Yes, she get's her own room in the new house while she begins to navigate post-college life in DC and we're so excited to have her here! I can't wait to share in this new stage of adult hood with her.

King and Queen of America

There is no American icon I enjoy more than Jackie Kennedy, and by extension John F. Kennedy, Caroline, John Jr, and the brothers Robert and Teddy.

I think my interest stems from my dad's tendency to tell stories of the 1960's glamour and coming of age, (before his stories of civil rights, civil unrest and the Viet Nam war - but we'll save that history lesson for another day), and also because I don't think there is any American, or otherwise, woman who has personified timeless style better than Jacqueline Kennedy. Besides, who doens't love a square jaw and sharp features :)

I stumbled on this picture today on another blog, Snippet & Ink and had to share it.
This photo and many, many more amazing photos of the entire Kennedy family can be found at here. You'll love it, I very easily lost track of time.

Life gives you Lemon Meringue Pie

Two things to know about me:

1. If I am going to someone's home I will always offer to bring something
2. I am a pie girl, I take the buttery, fruity, chocolatey, sweet, savory type over cake on nearly any day.

Okay, back to present, last Sunday an invite for Father's Day and my sister-in-law's mom's birthday linner is sent out. It turns out my sister-in-law's mom's favorite dessert is Lemon Meringue Pie. Full disclosure, I have never made a meringue, I have never made a lemon pie, and I have actually never tasted a lemon meringue pie. Sounds good, I can do this. By Thursday the above mentioned really starts to sink in. By Friday I am actively looking for recipes (thank you www.epicurious.com). By Saturday I am grocery shopping, and by Saturday evening a panic is starting to settle in.

Sunday I bake.

Ingredients: Pie crust, you'll get this recipe at another time. Because of the doubt I was feeling about the filling and the topping I went with a store bought. Homemade or store bought you'll want to use pie weights (rice, beans, pie beads) and pierce the dough with a fork - like you might have done with a frozen tv dinner's plastic wrap as a kid.

Filling
1 cup sugar

5 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup water
1/2 cup milk
4 large egg yolks
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tsp fresh lemon zest

Meringue
4 large egg whites
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 cup of sugar

Recipe from Gourmet Magazine, 1995

Make filling:
In a heavy saucepan whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt and gradually whisk in water and milk, whisking until cornstarch is dissolved.

In a bowl whisk together egg yolks. Cook milk mixture over moderate heat, whisking, until it comes to a boil, this happens all of a sudden and the mixture is surprisingly thick.

Take the pan off the stovetop and gradually mix into the egg yolks, whisking all the while so that your eggs aren't scrambled. Return egg and cornstarch+milk mix to the stove. Simmer mixture, whisking, 3 minutes.

Remove pan from heat and whisk in butter, lemon juice, and zest until butter is melted. Cover surface of filling with plastic wrap.

Make meringue:
In a large glass or metal bowl with an electric mixer beat egg whites with cream of tartar and a pinch of salt until they hold soft peaks. Beat in sugar in a slow stream, beating until meringue just holds stiff peaks.

Pour filling into shell and spread meringue on top, covering filling completely, sealing it to pastry. I found it worked best to allow the meringue to lap up onto the baked pie crust. Draw meringue up into peaks and bake pie in middle of oven at 350 until meringue is golden, about 15 minutes.

Somewhere along these steps the first pie crust that I blind baked shrunk in the pan, do not forget to pierce the dough! So as I continued to mix, blend and whisk I snacked along the way on shrunken pie crust - it tastes just as good as you'd imagine, very.

The meringue was definitely the most intimidating, it's very humid in DC (not good for flully egg whites) and after watching many episodes of Alton Brown I imagined it would be something you would have to learn how to make only from practice. Hah! Alton is such a good teacher, it worked! I just kept looking for the peaks. That's them in picture #3.

Success! The pie was delicious, the meringue did shrink up a little bit and slide across the filling. So, while it didn't look as picture perfect upon delivery as it did on the counter, it did get good reviews for taste. Things I would do differently next time: Put the meringue directly on the warm filling, this helps to set the egg whites; not drive 2+ hours before it gets served, this allowed the meringue to ride a slip and slide all the way there.