As the post of the day.
Daniel and I took a road trip to Chicago yesterday to attend a Sacred Harp workshop and singing this weekend and just got home a few minutes ago. It was a fun trip, and I'm glad we went, but it feels too soon to have to get ready to go back to work again tomorrow.
Hope you all had a fun/relaxing/productive weekend!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Summer Infusion
Camera-phobe no more. This is my first Madison restaurant review!
After a week of cold and snow, I needed an escape to the islands. Last night we used a Groupon to try out Jolly Bob's, a "Jamaican" restaurant on the east side of town.
Next came dinner. I had almond-crusted shrimp in papaya sauce.
And Daniel had chicken curry.
Like pretty much every other restaurant on Willy St., this place looked like a dive from the outside, but had good food. There are not many places in Madison to get seafood that isn't fried cod. I would definitely go back, but wouldn't make it a priority because (like pretty much every other restaurant on Willy St.) it's a giant pain to park- especially during the winter.
Workout:
It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. 25 minutes into a great treadmill run yesterday morning, our downstairs neighbor started pounding on the door, screaming, "Stop! Stop! Go back to bed! It's too early!". So I had to get off the treadmill and finish my run outside. It's frustrating because 1) I was trying really hard to be quiet about it and 2) neither of our previous neighbors complained about it before. I think it's because there's so many people living in the apartment below us now that there are people sleeping in the living room- and in shifts (like sailors in the 1800s) because they complained about Daniel using it a 3 one afternoon a couple months ago because someone was sleeping. Oh well, they will probably be gone next year. I did feel kind of bad about ticking them off, so I left a note on the door apologizing for disturbing them and saying that it wouldn't happen again. I didn't want to start a large international conflict over a relatively minor event.
Unfortunately that also means I have to go run outside this morning in the COLD (-5 with gusty winds) because the gym doesn't open until late. But I'll bundle up and make the best of it.
Have a great Saturday!
After a week of cold and snow, I needed an escape to the islands. Last night we used a Groupon to try out Jolly Bob's, a "Jamaican" restaurant on the east side of town.
To add to the island experience, we were seated at a table over a heating vent. For me this was worth an extra dollar on the tip, but Daniel got so hot he had to cover it with a menu.
Dinner started off with wedge salads with four choices of "islandy" dressing. I chose a curry vinaigrette and Daniel's was creamy papaya (I think). The oranges were really tasty.
Next came dinner. I had almond-crusted shrimp in papaya sauce.
And Daniel had chicken curry.
Like pretty much every other restaurant on Willy St., this place looked like a dive from the outside, but had good food. There are not many places in Madison to get seafood that isn't fried cod. I would definitely go back, but wouldn't make it a priority because (like pretty much every other restaurant on Willy St.) it's a giant pain to park- especially during the winter.
Workout:
It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. 25 minutes into a great treadmill run yesterday morning, our downstairs neighbor started pounding on the door, screaming, "Stop! Stop! Go back to bed! It's too early!". So I had to get off the treadmill and finish my run outside. It's frustrating because 1) I was trying really hard to be quiet about it and 2) neither of our previous neighbors complained about it before. I think it's because there's so many people living in the apartment below us now that there are people sleeping in the living room- and in shifts (like sailors in the 1800s) because they complained about Daniel using it a 3 one afternoon a couple months ago because someone was sleeping. Oh well, they will probably be gone next year. I did feel kind of bad about ticking them off, so I left a note on the door apologizing for disturbing them and saying that it wouldn't happen again. I didn't want to start a large international conflict over a relatively minor event.
Unfortunately that also means I have to go run outside this morning in the COLD (-5 with gusty winds) because the gym doesn't open until late. But I'll bundle up and make the best of it.
Have a great Saturday!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Christmas vacation show and tell part 2
We're going to Disney World
Having grown up in Orlando, people always ask if I used to go to Disney all the time. Ummm... it's like $100 a ticket so... no. I've probably been more times than the national average, but that puts me at about 4-5 vs 1. But when we were visiting my parents, looking for something to do, we saw that The Grand Floridian (one of the Disney hotels) was displaying a 6ft tall gingerbread house that people could visit for free (the magic word).
Because none of us had been out to Disney in 10+ years, we decided to ride the monorail past the Magic Kingdom around to all the hotels.
While at the Polynesian, we saw a mother duck and her (probably robotic- nothing at Disney is actually real) cute baby ducklings.
We also drove over to Downtown Disney and saw the giant lego figures and ate Ghirardelli ice cream, but the place was packed so I didn't get any pictures. In fact, the Magic Kingdom was so busy that a couple days people were turned away because the park was full. In the words of the guy working the monorail at the Contemporary, "You don't want to go to Disney on the day there's a line for Small World."
We did a few other things- shop in TN, go to a play, see True Grit- but most of the rest of the trip was family-related.
We had Christmas dinner with my dad's side of the family.
Here's a "would have been good" picture of my brother and I and our significant others that I ruined by goofing off.
We spent New Year's with Daniel's family and saw his brother and his brother's wife and his dad's parents
It was a great trip, and I'm thankful that our job/school schedules allowed us so much time off. Even though I had a hard time going back to work Monday, I truly felt rested and ready to go after two weeks of relaxing family time.
Workout
Weights + 30 min easy elliptical at the gym yesterday. I'll say it again, I love UW with no undergrads! This morning I'm going to try running on our treadmill again. I thought our downstairs neighbors might be gone, but alas, they are not. But the weather isn't too horrible, so if they complain I'll just get dressed real quick and finish up outside.
TGIF!
Having grown up in Orlando, people always ask if I used to go to Disney all the time. Ummm... it's like $100 a ticket so... no. I've probably been more times than the national average, but that puts me at about 4-5 vs 1. But when we were visiting my parents, looking for something to do, we saw that The Grand Floridian (one of the Disney hotels) was displaying a 6ft tall gingerbread house that people could visit for free (the magic word).
Because none of us had been out to Disney in 10+ years, we decided to ride the monorail past the Magic Kingdom around to all the hotels.
While at the Polynesian, we saw a mother duck and her (probably robotic- nothing at Disney is actually real) cute baby ducklings.
We also drove over to Downtown Disney and saw the giant lego figures and ate Ghirardelli ice cream, but the place was packed so I didn't get any pictures. In fact, the Magic Kingdom was so busy that a couple days people were turned away because the park was full. In the words of the guy working the monorail at the Contemporary, "You don't want to go to Disney on the day there's a line for Small World."
We did a few other things- shop in TN, go to a play, see True Grit- but most of the rest of the trip was family-related.
We had Christmas dinner with my dad's side of the family.
Here's a "would have been good" picture of my brother and I and our significant others that I ruined by goofing off.
We spent New Year's with Daniel's family and saw his brother and his brother's wife and his dad's parents
It was a great trip, and I'm thankful that our job/school schedules allowed us so much time off. Even though I had a hard time going back to work Monday, I truly felt rested and ready to go after two weeks of relaxing family time.
Workout
Weights + 30 min easy elliptical at the gym yesterday. I'll say it again, I love UW with no undergrads! This morning I'm going to try running on our treadmill again. I thought our downstairs neighbors might be gone, but alas, they are not. But the weather isn't too horrible, so if they complain I'll just get dressed real quick and finish up outside.
TGIF!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Christmas vacation show and tell part 1
Manatees
When it gets cold enough in FL, Manatees that normally live in the Indian River move into Blue Springs, where the water stays a constant- warmer- temperature.
Because the water is clear (and the area is probably smaller), Blue Springs is the perfect place to see them.
The best picture I got was Lindsay Lohan Manatee with her tracking device:
We did this once before when I was in the 8th grade, and back then you could actually walk down to the water and pet the manatees (Manatees as a rule have type B personalities.), but someone probably tried to ride on one and you can't get down to the water to touch them anymore.
One thing that hasn't changed is a huge tree that got hit by lightning.
Same tree, 15 years ago:
Workout
I love UW when the undergrads aren't around! The gym has been dead every morning. I will be sad when the New Year's Resolution-ers get back in a few weeks.
Yesterday I ran 7mi on the treadmill doing treadmill track workout #2 from Training Plans for Multisport Athletes. I started the intervals at 8.0 and worked up to 8.5. I really like these workouts. They make the time fly by, and are definitely tough enough to satisfy resolution #4.
Right before vacation I had a reader ask about running outside during the winter. I definitely do it, but I've found that it doesn't work well for any kind of quality workout. It's just too hard to get going when it's really cold and there's ice and snow on the ground. As for what to wear- I'd say the closer you get to 0 (or below) and the longer you plan to be out- you should try to wear as much as possible. Up to a down jacket, if you've got it, put it on. Here's a post where I mention what I wear when it's really cold. For me, the hand and toe warmers are the thing that make the biggest difference in my comfort. Dr. TriRunner also has some excellent posts on winter running.
But I'll be warm and toasty inside today because it's a strength training day with maybe a little elliptical depending on the time.
When it gets cold enough in FL, Manatees that normally live in the Indian River move into Blue Springs, where the water stays a constant- warmer- temperature.
 |
| Manatee Hot Tub Time Machine? |
The best picture I got was Lindsay Lohan Manatee with her tracking device:
We did this once before when I was in the 8th grade, and back then you could actually walk down to the water and pet the manatees (Manatees as a rule have type B personalities.), but someone probably tried to ride on one and you can't get down to the water to touch them anymore.
One thing that hasn't changed is a huge tree that got hit by lightning.
 |
| Note the little kid posing in the background. |
 |
| Which answers the question, "Do I look the same as I did at 13?" Yes. I do. |
I love UW when the undergrads aren't around! The gym has been dead every morning. I will be sad when the New Year's Resolution-ers get back in a few weeks.
Yesterday I ran 7mi on the treadmill doing treadmill track workout #2 from Training Plans for Multisport Athletes. I started the intervals at 8.0 and worked up to 8.5. I really like these workouts. They make the time fly by, and are definitely tough enough to satisfy resolution #4.
Right before vacation I had a reader ask about running outside during the winter. I definitely do it, but I've found that it doesn't work well for any kind of quality workout. It's just too hard to get going when it's really cold and there's ice and snow on the ground. As for what to wear- I'd say the closer you get to 0 (or below) and the longer you plan to be out- you should try to wear as much as possible. Up to a down jacket, if you've got it, put it on. Here's a post where I mention what I wear when it's really cold. For me, the hand and toe warmers are the thing that make the biggest difference in my comfort. Dr. TriRunner also has some excellent posts on winter running.
But I'll be warm and toasty inside today because it's a strength training day with maybe a little elliptical depending on the time.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
I'm on a lake!
I'm on a lake. I'm on a big frozen lake.
I got the lake pictures (taken Monday) off my camera*
It's amazing how clear the ice was. If you looked down through the cracks (which were frozen back together) you could see that it was about 6in-1ft thick. See coworker Dan walking on water:
A picture looking back on campus from out on the ice:
Taking all the fear out of walking out on the lake- it was actually really shallow where we were walking. If the ice did crack the worst that would happen is wet feet. There's a piece of lake weed suspended in the ice:
Crazy ice fisherman:
Picture of downtown. If you squint, you can see the capital right in the middle:
Resolution update
I was on such a role with accomplishment yesterday I also checked off two resolution goals for the week.
The first was a little bit of a punt. I have cooked spinach before- and probably with eggs for dinner- but I didn't have a chance to do any real meal planning before we went to the store on Sunday, so my new veggie for the week is cooked spinach in a coconut curry frittata:
This was a little bland, but you can't really taste test the raw egg so we covered it in ketchup, and it wasn't too bad.
I also sent a Christmas letter electronically to a friend who let me know I accidentally sent her card without a letter or even signing it. Oops. I think I remember thinking I might not have filled up her card before I sent it, but I was so tired of doing cards at that point that I didn't worry about it. Anyway, she got to be my first "reach out and touch someone" of 2011.
Workout
I'm headed back to the gym this morning to do a treadmill track workout. It's gotten cold again- boo- but fortunately no snow buildup.
Stay warm out there!
*Thanks, Dr. T. for the suggestion. I was able to send a Pix Message to my e-mail account. Hopefully I will not have to un-thank you when I see my phone bill ;).
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Better
The pile of stuff in the living room (and my "to do" list) is still pretty large, but my existential angst* from yesterday has gone away, and I'm already feeling better about returning to "normal life".
Continuing the theme of focusing on the positive:
Continuing the theme of focusing on the positive:
- I had a slow but relatively warm 8mi run yesterday. Nearly all the ice on the sidewalks and streets has melted and we only got a light dusting of snow last night. We are expecting more snow this week so that may be the last one for awhile.
- I didn't return to 23098439 e-mails at work. I have two new projects that are interesting but not overwhelming.
- Because of an unusual thaw/freeze cycle, Lake Mendota froze clear, and I got to walk out on the ice and could see all the way through to the bottom of the lake. I have pictures but they were taken on my phone's camera so today's lunch time internet project will be to figure out how to get them on the computer.
- Even though I was tired from not sleeping well a couple nights ago, I had a fun with our church small group, eating brownies and playing Sporkle.
I'm headed to the gym this morning for weights. We don't have any plans for this evening so I'm hoping that I make a dent in the mountain 'o Christmas that's hanging out in the living room tonight. Have a good Tuesday!
* I love putting terms like this into Google Image just to see what comes up.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Vacation withdrawal
Happy New Year!
The last time I posted from our home computer was a lot like this one. I was up early. There was tons of stuff in the living room. There was snow in the forecast. But sadly instead of getting ready to go on a big, fun vacation, everything is waiting to be put away. The rush of endorphins from travel! family! Christmas! New Years! has dropped off and I feel sad and tired. But instead of focusing on the negative, I want to think about all the good things- I got to spend lots of time with my family and my in-laws, my vitamin-D levels are way up, I heard a reading of the great American novel, the Gators managed to pull out a win at the Outback Bowl, I'm rested, I have big plans for this year, our parking spot was clear of snow and ice when we got home last night, I'm about to go on my first run of 2011, and I look forward to sharing more about my trip and catching up on more of your 2010 recaps/ 2011 excitement.
The last time I posted from our home computer was a lot like this one. I was up early. There was tons of stuff in the living room. There was snow in the forecast. But sadly instead of getting ready to go on a big, fun vacation, everything is waiting to be put away. The rush of endorphins from travel! family! Christmas! New Years! has dropped off and I feel sad and tired. But instead of focusing on the negative, I want to think about all the good things- I got to spend lots of time with my family and my in-laws, my vitamin-D levels are way up, I heard a reading of the great American novel, the Gators managed to pull out a win at the Outback Bowl, I'm rested, I have big plans for this year, our parking spot was clear of snow and ice when we got home last night, I'm about to go on my first run of 2011, and I look forward to sharing more about my trip and catching up on more of your 2010 recaps/ 2011 excitement.
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