We’re watching the SNL political special right now. It’s true. Will Forte is highly undervalued on this show. If you don’t believe me, go watch the Fancypants skit with Michael Phelps. Or any of the Tim Calhoun sketches. Just putting that out there.
Yesterday I had a horrible run. It was only 4 miles, but my achilles was sore, my shoes- which I’ve decided that I HATE- were cutting into the tops of my feet, and I was just off. It’s only 10 weeks until the marathon and maybe I’m starting to mentally freak out a little (am I logging enough miles, am I running fast enough, etc…). But 2 things happened between then and now, and I actually had a fabulous 7 mile run at the lake this morning.
FIRST: I got a package in the mail from my college friend, Carolyn. She lives in NYC, recently graduated from culinary school and now is a recipes editor for Gourmet magazine (sweet, no?). Here’s what was inside:
Isn’t that awesome? I absolutely love it. Running + Design = Genius.
SECOND: I ran across a posting from Heather at HangryPants here, and she referenced this NY Times article about the importance of relaxing while running. So today I tried to do what the article said and just release all of the tension in my neck/shoulders. I also gave myself a mental break by not looking at the Garmin every 2 seconds to see if I was on pace. I just enjoyed the scenery. Verdict? The run was about 500 times more enjoyable. And the time wasn’t bad either- about 62 minutes. So thanks for the article, Heather!
Today was the big dessert day! I finished filling the tartlet shells with key lime and then piped on some whipped cream:
And everything actually fit in the back of the Prius! Set up for the reception:
I haven’t been back to my old company in over 4 months- it was really weird making that same drive again. But I had so much fun catching up with all of my coworkers. I miss you guys! Tom filled me in on his newest culinary endeavor: homemade salsa (someday I will be brave enough to fire up our gas grill… someday). And I had a really cute photo of Katherine sampling one of the truffles but I accidentally deleted it off of my camera 
Is there a way to recover deleted photos off a digital camera??? Anybody?
So it was a great day but I’m exhausted. To my blogger friends- today has been nuts, but I’m looking forward to catching up on all of your posts tomorrow after class!! Off to convert some recipes (I think we’re baking acorn squash).
PS- Don’t even get me started on Project Runway this week. I can’t talk about it lest my head explode from anger and memories of Kinley’s whiiiiiiiiiiiine.
SURVEY TIME:
What is one skill that you’ve always wanted to learn?
I don’t know why, but I’d really like to learn to play the cello. Learning Spanish would be great, too. For some reason my elementary school thought that FRENCH would be a better option. Hello- or should I say Hola? – we’re in Texas.
One more thing… some of you said that you were interested in buying that new Giada cookbook. I just got an email from Borders and apparently the book is going to be 50% off tomorrow (Saturday) only. Just a heads up!
The treats you made for the company were awesome! I brought some home for Chachis and Alexandra and you made me a hero!
WOW, cooking for the Ziglar Team. I’m very impressed!
Keep up the GREAT work and please tell Tom Archie said hi the next time you see him.
Blessings.
Heather, it was SO GOOD to see you yesterday! The desserts were to die for – they were a HUGE hit with everybody! Thank you for your hard work. Don’t forget Michael’s offer to invest in your store when you get ready to do that! I will be availble to give your goods a “taste drive”. I mean, we wouldn’t want you to have inferior products, now would we? Oh, I’m such a good friend.
I’m so happy to hear the run went so well today! When I run I like to not look at my watch because really, the more I look, the more discouraged I get and it feels like time is passing by so slow…and I did the same thing yesterday during my run; relaxing my shoulders and even my legs/feet to help me fun…felt soooo awesome!!!
and those desserts freak’n rock!
I’ve always wanted to learn how to play the guitar, but I’ve also always wanted to learn how to salsa dance…even though i’m so embarassed to dance just normally! hehe!
cute tarts
and i LOVE that plate!!! i’m too tired, to think right now, but i know there are many things i’d still like to learn… 
You have a Prius? What do you think of it? I really, really wanted one, but it was out of my price range.
I am going to look into that article that HP recommended – sounds like it’s a good read.
Big Dessert Day sounds like it went well! I forget what you used to do??
Regarding skills – I was actually obsessed with playing the violin for a while. I even had an old boyfriend who bought me one as a birthday present. I took a few lessons and decided I was too old to be taught new tricks. Who knows, maybe someday?
Sometimes when I read your blog, it’s like reading inside my brain. I was just thinking yesterday during his Hall and Oates skit, that we don’t see enough of Will Forte on SNL. I’ve also wanted to play the cello – it’s my favorite string instrument. Lastly, I opted to study French in HS, then minored in it in college, despite the fact that I lived in Texas and everything is now in English AND Spanish.
Your desserts look amazing. Yum.
Love that plate!!!
Congrats on a better run. I sometimes have trouble relaxing during my runs as well.
Have a good weekend!
I have days like that when my legs will not move, then the next day I’m much better. A lot of it is mental I think.
Kinley is whiney, but I like her stuff.
I want to learn lots of things. Right now, I wish I could learn how to decorate cakes.
Wow! Does Caroline have the best life?! I want to be her friend too!
I’m SOOOO glad that article was helpful for you and your running experience.
I’ve always wanted to learn Spanish FLUENTLY. Taking it in college was great, but I forgot most of it. And yes, in Texas, it’s practically a basic need.
Love the plate!
All the desserts look so pretty! Yum!
I want to learn how to make bread and pizza dough from scratch. Hopefully I’ll try to one day soon!
Hi, just wanted to stop by and say hi!!! Your training for a marathon right?? My marathon will be next year!! I tried going garmin-less a few times and i felt naked!! Like i was missing a part of my outfit or something!!! I must try to relax more during my runs and just enjoy the outdoors!!!
Thanks for a great post!!
Michelle