Yoga and Fires and Runs...Oh My!

Blogging is tough stuff, especially doing it every day. I struggle to find something interesting to write about on a daily basis (perhaps this is why 2 birdies & a bart only has 3 followers?).  Regardless, here's a few of my favorite, or at least more interesting, happenings this week...

Yoga: I went to a 60 minute power yoga class…my first one in a VERY long time. I’m trying to make yoga a habit as it’s something I KNOW would benefit me greatly – both from a physical and mental perspective. Unfortunately…I hate yoga. Yep, I said it…I’ve tried multiple classes (though sporadically) and just haven’t found a type of yoga that suits me. I figure if I’m going to do an activity for which I’ll be uncomfortable for 30+ minutes then it better at least burn enough calories to allow for a froyo (+ extra toppings) indulgence afterwards…alas I will keep trying…I really want to like it….

FIRE IN DA HOUSE: So apparently my toaster is not one in which you can leave a piece of toast (or in my case a veggie burger), go about your business and trust that in a minute or two your toasty smackrel will pop up, ready for eating…and more importantly, your toaster will turn off. How I haven’t figured this out after 2 years with the same toaster I do not know. Sadly, I left my veggie burger in the toaster…went about my business for a minute or two…forgot about my veggie burger so a minute or two actually turned into twenty…and did not realize my mistake until smoke was billowing out of my kitchen. There wasn’t an actual fire but my toaster did melt and there was enough smoke to set off every alarm in my house. I have smelled like a burnt veggie burger for the last three days…and in case you were wondering…I don’t smell good. 

Long Run: I had time to do a 12 mile long run and meet up with friends for dinner afterwards….it was glorious.

That’s a long enough post for now…

Happy weekend!

Magpie

Sephora, DWTS, Music, & a Little Running

I am a firm believer that with every experience we learn something new and hopefully grow to be better people. A few years ago I moved to Arizona where I gained a newfound appreciation for exercise, highlights, and Sephora (I bet that's not quite the insightful follow up you were expecting.) Although these experiences didn't make me a better person they did lead to a mini addiction and my first guilty pleasure of this post: Sephora. While I've learned to tame my spending sprees a few makeup items always appear in my bag.

• Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion: Absolutely amazing! Keeps my eye makeup in place whether I'm running after students in the hall, running for actual exercise, enjoying a movie, or having fun with friends. 
• Benefit COARLista: Blush - who knew! MagPie got this for my b-day and I must say I love it! It stays on my cheeks all day long, brightens my face, and has officially reintroduced me to the power of blush.
• Sephora Collection Jumbo Liner: I like it as eyeliner or eyeshadow.

Have you ever listened to a song that immediately brings back memories? I have had many - Mmm Bop, Something to Talk About, Every Rose Has It's Thorn...don't ask, but Lil John's "Get Low" will always hold a special place in my heart. Maybe it was the small victory I had against my high school nemisis at a school dance (no it was not a dance off - I only wish I could be that cool)  or perhaps just all the fun times with good friends when this song came out. Whatever the reason "Get Low" is admittedly a guilty pleasure and another reason to like the movie "The Proposal."

Not exactly my favorite days of the week, I always look forward to Monday and Tuesday evening for one particular reason: Dancing With The Stars (or as us fans have come to know it: DWTS)

Despite practicing jive moves around the house, I still await a phone call from ABC execs to be cast as the newest "star." Perhaps they just need to see this skill in person...

On a side note I mentioned I was getting back into running. I am proud to report I ran for 20 minutes this morning with some hill work involved. Big Sur here I come! 

 www.asktherunnerdude.com

Now all I need is a cool running alias like Thunderbolt or Dash

Happy Weekend!

J.

Eenie meenie miney Marathon

I mentioned a couple days ago I had decided to do a full marathon. I’ve done several half marathons and after each one thought…who could run two of those in a row? Maybe it’s because I haven’t run a half marathon in over a year or maybe it’s because everyone has marathon fever and I’ve caught it….or maybe there’s a part of me that thinks (in spite of years of competing) “how can I call myself a runner if I haven’t run a marathon?” Even though I would never tell a fellow, self-proclaimed runner that running a marathon is a necessity to earning the right to such a title, I seem to hold myself to a different standard at times. I think it’s a character flaw as much as it shows strength of character to push yourself to achieve expectations you would never hold of someone else…it can lead to both great and terrible outcomes. I think it is a trait common among many of us “runners.” Anyone have thoughts on this…?

Anyways, back to my marathon. I signed up super early for a marathon in April...

I know this is a difficult marathon to run and I’m a little nervous about making it my first marathon…but I chose it for the following reasons:

1)   I want an experience…not just a race. I’ve run many races….some I remember, others that were forgettable. While I doubt I’ll forget my first marathon regardless of where it is, why not complete it on one of the most beautiful courses in the country. And a grand piano? – Love it.

Running the Bolder Boulder...one of my favorite annual races

2)   It’s in the states, and a not too difficult plane ride for my family, meaning I am able to recruit the other bird and my mom to come suffer the 10.6 miler while I live it up/die a slow death during 26.2.  It’s that whole misery loves company thing…

3)   Timing – it’s in April, which gives me ample time to prepare. Prone to injuries, I want to take my time building a solid base this fall, allowing my body to acclimate to longer distances, before I officially start training in January.

I’ve been perusing through training plans but am not sold on any one plan just yet. My main goal is to finish. With that said, I also want to be in good enough marathon shape that I can enjoy this race (mostly) rather than cry/crap my pants all the way to the finish line. 

I do not know this person...I unfortunately know his problem...

 Anyone run Big Sur? What type of training plan did you use…and what workouts helped you prepare for those hills?!

Happy running!

Magpie

Manic Mondays & the hunt for a new handbag

Either something was in the air today or my t-shirt was an omen - whatever the reason it felt like the week regressed back to Monday. I was screamed at, kicked in the shins, and way too many stomps to the toes were taken. Luckily the school nurse gave me some bandaids to sport over my black leggings and believe it or not I think the children in question were genuinely sorry for their actions after seeing my extensive bandages. That is until they come back tomorrow...

On another note I am officially on the hunt for a new handbag. My current nine west cross body is no longer holding up, tear. I think you can see some serious rippage along the top left corner.

It was summertime and I was sick of oversized handbags. This crossbody came as the perfect fit for me. It sort of reminds me of the Rebecca Minkoff Three Zip Rocker Crossbody I had been admiring.

 www.endless.com

Anyways - back to my handbag hunt. The problem is it is insanely hard for me to buy new handbags. I look for something fashionable I can use no matter what the current trend, sturdy, goes with most my clothes, and is not ridiculously expensive - it is a handbag, after all. Perhaps a bit of a purse snob, but I've been known to end a 6 month. search only to find the winner in the back of some TJ Maxx rack.

I'm sure readers of perchedbirdie.blogspot.com will be on the edge of their seats awaiting an update on the search for my new perfect handbag :)

On a side note - I need to seriously begin running more consistently. I agreed to a 10 mile race this April (the most I've ever run is 6 miles)...YIKES!

J.

Wedgin' Wednesday!!

It’s my 4^th favorite day of the week (right behind Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) - WEDNESDAY!! In honor of Wednesday this post is dedicated to my new wedges. Aside from the times my running shoes actually make it onto my feet, I am known for being a sandal and flats girl (winter is a tough, tough time). It’s not too often that I find a higher shoe I actually like enough to wear more than once so you can imagine my surprise and excitement when I found these little gems:

Coconut Peppy Wedge Sandal

I’ve been admiring the brand Coconuts for the past couple months online (www.piperlime.com = amazing). Reviews are usually positive about style and comfort not to mention a variety of their wedges are under 4” – saving me from feeling like Andre the Giant. I was absolutely ecstatic when I found a pair IN PERSON! I didn’t have to wait for delivery or wonder whether the item would even fit or look good. Thank you DSW!

Pros:

Style
Comfortable (this statement comes from a girl who lives in t-strap sandals)
Not too high
Budget friendly – retailed @ $70, DSW @ $44 & with sale I paid $32 + taxes

Cons:
Might be too wide for people with narrow feet (MagPie – aka “Bacon Feet”)

Happy Wednesday Everybody!

I can just FEEL a comment coming on soon!  Anyone?........Bueller?...........
XO JayBird

Misto, Misto get me outta here

I’m finishing up a couple weeks of vacation - I’ve had a few obligations here and there but for the most part it’s been a much needed break after several months of ball busting. I haven’t shared too much about what I do, aside from running and making awesome cob. I’m a medical student, in my fourth and final year, woohoo! After third year, fourth year is a breeze (for the most part). It’s an elective year so you can make your own schedule (again, for the most part).  It’s 10:30 in the morning, on a Tuesday, and I’m sitting at Starbucks enjoying a soy pumpkin spice misto (I just discovered this drink and I think I’m in love) and I don’t got sh## to do…it is awesome. 

                                                                   Cheers to you, Starbucks!

Ok, actually there is some stuff I have to do…but I’m prioritizing this post because updates from 2 birdies & a bart are in such high demand (I’m quite confident the only people who read this are the two birds and that mysterious bart who has yet to post).

In other, equally exciting news, I’m trying a new workout class tonight…Bodypump. I’m not sure exactly what this will entail as I’ve never been to one of these classes before but I’m assuming there will be weights, lots of “pumping”, and an inner monologue consisting primarily of swear words. 

 

Magpie

Gear grinding and a marathon

To quote Peter Griffin…”You know what really grinds my gears?”

Airport security. Let me preface this with the fact that I absolutely appreciate/understand the need for additional security in airports…buuuuut there’s something about having my undergarments flung about in front of hundreds of people that really grinds my gears. Yesterday, as a TSA agent walks my direction with my backpack held over their head, I was trying to imagine what I could possibly have in there that looked suspicious under x-ray…after meticulously sorting through ALL articles of clothing, the man holds up the item in question…a makeup brush. Serial?

On to something else…this blog is supposed to be about anything and everything that interests us, the bloggers. Our hope is that by casting a broad enough net we might actually recruit a few interested readers (although comments remain at zero, I have high hopes). Well…something that interests me is running. I love to run, I’ve been doing it for years now. I did compete once upon a time, now it is purely recreational. After my years of competition ended, I struggled with being able to really enjoy a run. I was always focused on distance and pace, what interval workout I was going to do… I hated any runs over an hour because I couldn’t get myself to slow down enough to really enjoy them. The concept of running “just to run” was foreign to me. 

Eventually, I broke the pattern. Running became a means of not only staying physically active, but also of maintaining my mental and emotional health. Now feeling that I’ve perfected the art of slow, “relaxing” runs, I’m ready to up the intensity again and tackle something I never thought I’d do…the marathon….more on that to come (your excitement is palpable)

Happy Monday!

Magpie