Marine Corps Marathon 2006

I completed my third Marathon. (That's a sentence I never thought I'd be able to say!)

In honor of my Florida home.. I wore my Minnie Mouse ears for the race. Here I am smiling...(that's because the race hadn't started yet!)

The Marine Corps Marathon turned out to be a tough race. Because of that, it was a great feeling of accomplishment that went with me across the finish line.

My good friend and running partner was there for the second half of the race to keep me going all the way to the finish line! Thank you so much for being there.

Fannie Mae Walk For The Homeless

This year I was chosen to be part of the Martin family annual Fannie Mae Walk for the Homeless team. It was a chilly morning, but it felt good to be out showing our support for a great program.

The 19th Annual Fannie Mae Walk for the Homeless is Saturday, November 18. This is a great opportunity for exercise and to raise funds and awareness for homelessness. It will take place on the National Mall, Washington, D.C., between 4th and 7th Streets, N.W.

Singer and songwriter Jewel will serve as the honorary chair of the 2006 Fannie Mae Foundation Help the Homeless Program and Walkathon. Jewel will bring a powerful and personal perspective when she speaks at the 2006 Help the Homeless Walkathon.

The Fannie Mae Foundation Help the Homeless Program raises awareness and funds for Washington metropolitan area organizations that are working to prevent and end homelessness, with an emphasis on programs that help homeless people return to independent living. The Help the Homeless Program also fosters volunteerism in service to the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless.

http://www.helpthehomelessdc.org/

How I Learned to Cook

Three Chefs: Anthony Bourdain, Jose Andres and Michel Richard

Thanks to a tornado watch and heavy rain all day, I was able to go tonight to this lecture given by the Smithsonian Resident Associate Program. It was a sold out show but some people stayed inside because of the rain and I was able to get a ticket on stand by. I'm so glad I went.

All three chefs were very entertaining to listen to
Every chef has to learn how to cook, whether in grandma’s kitchen or at a professional culinary institute, or perhaps both. Three superstar chefs return to the Smithsonian to recount true tales of the early days in their culinary educations.

Sometimes hilarious, sometimes touching, but always entertaining, chefs Anthony Bourdain, Jose Andres, and Michel Richard recount their first experiences in the kitchen, the miraculous moments that made them want to cook forever, and the unexpected epiphanies that occured just when they thought they knew it all. If you love food and cooking, their stories are an irresistible treat.

Bourdain is executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles in New York, and the star of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations on the Travel Channel.

Richard is owner and executive chef of Citronelle and author of Happy in the Kitchen.

Andres is executive chef at Jaleo, Cafe Atlantico, and Oyamel, and host of Vamos a cocinar on Television Espanola.

The book How I Learned to Cook: Culinary Educations from the World’s Greatest Chefs (Bloomsbury)—which features essays by more than 25 professional chefs, including this evening’s three guest chefs—is available for signing after the program.

Like OMG Becki !?!?

OK so we may have been older than most of the people in the room. So what.?!? We had a great time.

I went last night to DAR Constitution Hall in DC to see the top 10 competitors from the FOX show "So You Think You Can Dance."

It was a great time. The dancers were amazing. They performed some of the favorite dances from the show and a few new ones.

"Oh and and like OMG I like totally heart Travis."

We don't need no stinking badges!

All you need to keep people from stealing your tomatoes is a few no trespass signs and a lock on the gate.

Matt and I put up these extra security measures a few weeks ago. Since then we have had a lot of red tomatoes. YEA!

So never fear community gardener.. There's hope out there for all of us.

Thief in the Garden

Last night Matt and I went to the garden to water the plants and to check on the progress of the tomato plants. We had a bet going. Matt thought the fruit would be ripe, I thought no way. Well, we will never know who was right. Someone went in and stole my tomatoes right off the plants.

It makes me very sad. It's bad enough to have someone steal a material possession of yours. However, these things are often replaceable. My tomatoes were a product of my hard work.

I'm feeling in the dumps and not motivated to keep gardening in a community garden where your plants are unprotected from intruders.

I so envy people who have yards at their houses where they can spend time planting things.

Knowing occasionally that things will be eaten by critters is an expected event when you are a Gardner. While it's upsetting to have your fruits, veggies, and plants eaten by animals. You can almost feel OK about it, knowing that animals are part of nature. Gardner's always plant extra for the bugs and animals. But when a person goes into your garden and takes what isn't theirs. It's just shameful.

Next time you have to bring dessert...

I suggest you bring this.

Black-Bottom Peanut Butter Mousse Pie

Sunday evening we went to our friends house for a cook out and I brought this pie.




It was gone before I had time to make sure everyone had a piece.

Yum.

For a pretty presentation, drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.

Nonstick vegetable oil spray
7 whole graham crackers, coarsely broken
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
4 tablespoons sugar, divided
1 1/3 cups bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips (about 8 ounces)
2/3 cup plus 1 3/4 cups chilled whipping cream, divided
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
6 ounces (1 cup) peanut butter chips
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (do not use old-fashioned style or freshly ground)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 9-inch-diameter glass pie dish with nonstick spray. Blend graham crackers, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar in processor until moist clumps form. Press crumb mixture over bottom and up sides of prepared pie dish. Bake crust until lightly browned, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine chocolate chips, 2/3 cup cream, corn syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium heat until chocolate softens, about 3 minutes. Whisk until melted and smooth. Spread chocolate mixture over bottom of crust. Freeze 10 minutes.

Microwave peanut butter chips and 3/4 cup cream in large microwave-safe bowl on medium heat at 15-second intervals just until chips soften, stirring often. Whisk in peanut butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Cool to barely lukewarm. Beat remaining 1 cup cream and 2 tablespoons sugar in medium bowl until very thick but not yet holding peaks; fold into peanut butter mixture in 3 additions. Spoon mousse over chocolate layer. Chill at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.

Makes 8 to 10 servings.
Bon Appétit August 2006
Epicurious.com

Meet the new member of our family

This is Allie.

We brought Allie home from the Animal Welfare League of Arlington on Sunday August 13, 2006. They had so many cute cats that are waiting for homes. They also have dogs, rabbits, hamsters, birds and few Guinea pigs too. If your looking for a new friend, they are a good place to start.
http://www.awla.org/index.shtml



So far she seems to be a pretty cool cat. She really likes her new pink mouse and sleeping in the dresser drawer with Matts basketball shorts. (there's really no accounting for taste)













She likes to attack her new toy.. Here's a picture
of her in full mouser mode.. Go Allie ! Go!

Tomato Watch

I'm having a little friendly competition with my dad. While I was in Florida for Memorial Day weekend I gave him some tomato seeds for his birthday. He thought it would be fun to see who had better 'luck' with the plants this year.

My babies were planted June 4. I went out to the garden two weeks ago to water and took a few pictures. They are looking great.

Now remember, these pictures are from July 22nd. This past Saturday July 29th I was out there again (without my camera) and a lot of the plants had tomatoes on them ! Pretty cool.

We planted Brandywine, they are heirloom seeds dating back to 1885. They are known for their great flavor and the fruits get up to 1 pound.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we get to eat some before the birds do.

I also planted a lot of basil.. so I'm looking forward to tomato, basil and mozzarella! Yum!!

More Advil.. For the love of Monkeys..More Advil !!!

Saturday morning my marathon training group decided to get an early start to avoid running in the hotter part of the day. So we met at 5 am ! Sounds like a good idea... until the alarm clock goes off at 4:15.

We started our run at Dangerfield Island. We went south towards Mt. Vernon to the 4 mile marker. Then we turn around and go back.

We ran a total of 16 miles.

Ouch... my legs still hurt.

Good news.. next Saturday .. we are only running 8 miles. ! woo hoo!

Keep the rain out of the beer !

It was a great game last night, even if it was raining when we got there. Eventually the rain let up, but D.C. United didn't scoring 4 goals against Celtic FC. Here is how the game was described on the D.C. United web page. "D.C. United welcomed another high-profile European club to the nation's capital on a wet, sultry night at RFK Stadium on Wednesday, but the Black-and-Red were hardly generous hosts as they dismantled a Celtic FC 4-0 in a comprehensive performance from start to finish. "

(I'll be selling my garbage bag inspired designs on line in the months to come. They are easy to wear and washable ! )

Can't get enough international soccer?

I'm really looking forward to the game tonight. It would be brilliant if DC could continue it's amazing streak of wins against a giant like Celtic !

Killer Rabbits in DC??? It's True!!

Matt and I went to see SPAMalot tonight. It was so great. Almost the same as the movie but with some new funny scenes... I recommend it to everyone .. if you have a chance to see it.. get tickets!

Panda-monium

I got to go to the zoo finally and see Tai Shan for myself... after watching him on the 'panda-cam' for months..


Here is Tian Tian the papa panda


















And Mei Xiang and Tai Shan DC's favorite panda!





















For more information about the pandas at the National Zoo visit :http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/

Disney Marathon 2006

I trained and ran Disney this year with a great friend. We had a blast.! I wish I had pictures of our fabulous garbage bag suits we had on pre-race to keep warm.

Looking forward to Disney '07 !

Cruisin the Carribbean

Yes, Dinner was lovely....



Umm.. wait.. something's going on....




Hey!! How'd the waiter get under there??!?!?




Aaahhh.. Where I'd like to be now... toes in the sand .. looking out at the ocean..

Holiday Season Kick-Off

Oh.. the fun tourist pictures that everyone takes when the go to places like Colonial Williamsburg..

Here Matt and I are stuck in the stockade before watching the Grand Illumination.

[Experience a memorable holiday event at Colonial Williamsburgs Grand Illumination. A magnificent fireworks display will take place simultaneously at three locations in the Historic Area, concluding a weekend of old-fashioned merriment and cheer, and heralding the start of the holiday season.]

Sunday we went to the Williamsburg Winery for their December Open House and wine tasting.

Who Says First Dates Can't Be Great ?

The Event:
THE BLACKOUT
Sunday, October 30, 2005
DC United - Chicago Fire
Kickoff 4:30 pm
RFK Stadium


The invitees:
Me, Matt, a group of people he plays soccer with, and his two good friends from high school (who happen to be women)

The challenge:
Meet new guy, be cute, funny, interesting, AND try to make sure that his female friends like you too!

The plan:
Have friend/co-worker/soccer fan(Thanks T!) fill you in on local soccer hangouts like Summers in Arlington, teach you cool DC United soccer lingo like La Barra Brava, the Screaming Eagles, La Norte, review the FIFA rules of soccer, (find out what a FIFA is?!), go shopping and purchase red and black face paint. (OK maybe not)

The result:
[D.C. United saw their bid to repeat as MLS Cup champion ended at the conference semifinal stage, suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat by the Chicago Fire in the second leg on Sunday afternoon at RFK Stadium.]

OK so it wasn't a good day for DC United.. but it was a great date for us. We had a fun time at the game, went to dinner after had great conversation and a lot in common.





Game Day Photos From: Yellow Card Journalism Photo Service http://www.ibiblio.org/footy/


The next day made plans for Date 2: Fall Foliage Frolicking on Skyline Drive and a pick-your-own apple orchard.. I was told they would have apple trees, homemade pies, and cute farm animals... doesn't get any better than that.!

Hey.. It's supposed to be the Army 10 Miler !

This years Army 10 miler.. turned out to be the Army 11 something miler.. Thanks to everyone I trained with in the DC Road Runers.. to our coaches and the great people in my group.! Here is a photo of the 'official' finish line.. that we never got to cross.... and a picture of my group coach, my friend and myself crossing the 'unofficial' finish line... :)

How Men Should Be...

At my feet..... :)

Running Last Night

Lions and Tigers.. but no Bears

While running last night I saw some pretty neat things.. besides the usual hills in Rock Creek Park .... I saw.. a baby elephant, a giraffe or two, some monkeys, really cute prairie dogs, a crazy squirrel, and a cheetah.. all in DC.. pretty cool..... I love living here

Mud it's not just for facials

mud .. it's not just for facials..

Last night after work .. I went with R* out to Rock Creek Park.. and we did some trail running..on part of the Western Ridge trail.. It was a blast. It's so much fun to be outside running around in the park.. sooo much better than running on treadmills, concrete, tracks, umm airports, pretty much more fun than running anywhere.

We saw lots of deer, lightning bugs, ate some wild raspberries (not WHILE we were running).. we had to cut past this one part of the golf course…. Which was pretty funny.. when a few golf balls went popping off trees near us.. FORE!!! .. And I thought we just had to keep our eye out for murderers in the woods.. who knew we had to look out for stray golf balls too!

Before we left R* watered the plants in the community garden near the park.. I got to take home a bunch of tomatoes and green beans.. yum.. I can't wait to have them with dinner tomorrow night.. Thanks R*!

My legs were DONE .. by the time I took the metro home. climbed the escalator stairs.. I get home and just want to go to bed.. but.. there was a Dominion power truck in the driveway.. and the elevators in the building were out!! More stairs!! Luckily I only live on the 4th floor .. (stalkers take note) .. [ahhh.. but I've moved since then....]

What I learned last night :

Wild Raspberries are a million times better than the ones in the stores.

There are deer in DC! Who knew?!

Lightning bugs are awesome.. they make everything twinkle like Disney World.

I'll never take elevators for granted again.

Running on trails outside on the dirt, up the hills, over the rocks and streams is fantastic fun.. and the people you get to share that with … well they know you like no one else does.

Showers

We are having a bridal shower at work today for a co-worker.. Why is it that we celebrate and buy presents for a girl who 'finds a guy.. and gets married..' .. Why don't we throw parties for single girls.. as a kind of congratulations.. you got away from that guy! Or way to avoid trouble with that one.. Congratulations! Here are some dishes... It's just not fair.. :( Single girls need dishes too..)

Cherry Blossoms in DC

When I took this picture it reminded me of a poem....

In a Station of the Metro
by: Ezra Pound

The apparition of these faces in the crowd;
Petals on a wet, black bough.

Disney Marathon 2005

Disney 2005... My first marathon experience..