The Story So Far

Since this is a purported running-cum-beginning triathlete blog, let's get that stuff out of the way pronto.

Sunday: 5 mile run, wherein I used every bit of strategy I've learned over the past three years (not):
10:24
10:07
11:03
11:41
12:02

Monday: 15 mile bike, in 1:14, doing intervals 12 min on/3 min off (yes, it would be nice if that meant ON and OFF the bike, but no. It doesn't. I asked.) Time: 1:14 or 12:16 mph

Tuesday: 1200 m swim, which took 38 minutes. Apparently? That's S-L-O-W.

So if you're a runner triathlete, that's the end of this post! Have a great week!

However, if you possess a morbid curiosity, read on...

As you know, I have to look decent at Number One Daughter's looming graduation, but I can't look like I'm trying. I have to look like, "Oh I dress like this every day."

After extensive consultation, [NOTE: Runner Susan LINK FIXED! CLICK HERE!!] Runner Susan decided I needed a personal shopper. Nevermind she's in Texas and I'm in Maryland where I live across the street from Nordstrom's. Susan had to send me the number for the Nordstrom's FREE personal shopper (Libby, Nordstrom's Bethesda) and then she had to harangue me until I actually made an appointment. She wore me down and I called. The personal shopper asked me a few questions on the phone and when I got there, she already had stuff picked out based on my description of "needing to look my age, but not so much."

Have I mentioned how much I loathe and detest shopping? No?

Anyhoo, I had a camera with me because Runner Susan made me take one.

And, she is also is MAKING ME DO THIS. (For the record: I am lodging an official protest against RS on behalf of all people who HATE the way they look in photos (not that you'd know it on this blog) for making me look like a big show-off-y person who can't get enough photos of herself in public. It's not me, it's HER.)

Here we go:
Outfit 1



Outfit 2



Outfit 3



Outfit 4



Outfit 5



Outfit 6



Outfit 7



Outfit 8



Outfit 9, the ONLY outfit I ordered on my own. Step away from the online shopping.

I have never had such a painless shopping experience in my life. My personal shopper gave me two dresses to try before she pronounced me low-waisted and said "dresses are out!" She'd take one look at an outfit and say, "Nope." I loved her! It was like having a best friend who just knows— and isn't afraid to say.

I bought one of these outfits which I can wear not only at graduation, but also at work. Trés practical, non?

I was home in 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Girls, this service is FREE. As in FREE.

I don't understand why everyone on earth doesn't know about this! It's FREE!

So which one did I end up with? You decide.

Happy Birthday, Renée!

A birthday dinner!

I met Renée the first week of college at Boston University, September 1975. We lived in the same dorm, Rich Hall, but she lived two floors above me, and I lived on the "experimental floor," called "Middle Earth." You had to write an essay to get accepted to Middle Earth. God, I'd give anything to see that essay now. I'm sure it's cringeworthy.

Rich Hall, scenic third building on the right

We met because we both volunteered to help put together a "coffeehouse" in the lobby of Rich Hall, which would meet on Saturday nights.

So quaint!

Anywho, Renée went on to become a famous photojournalist for the Boston Herald, and I ... learned to blog.

Sigh.

Renée is now starting her own business. Need a photographer? Stop looking NOW and click here.

The best thing about Renee is she laughs at all (most) of my jokes, (as do I), so when we're together we spend a lot of time laughing.

The worst thing about her is she looks EXACTLY the same as when she was 18.

So, Renée was in town and stopped by for girl's night and a birthday dinner. (Technically her birthday was December 2007, but let's not be sticklers.)

Though it may look like slop on a plate,(we're not on "Top Chef" here people), I can assure you it was wholly gourmet fare:
1. Swordfish marinated in some Thai seasonings, simmer on the stovetop for 10 minutes (all they have to do to get me to buy something at Whole Foods is to give me a sample. I'm the ultimate consumer),
2. the famous brussels sprouts,
3. baked potato, and
4. apple and manchego cheese salad (sort of this recipe).

All this after
On Sunday:
1. Bell-ringing in the a.m. (no one was hurt, always a plus),
2. another one-hour ride (12.5 miles) followed by a 10 min run (this is called a brick. A mini-brick) and
On Saturday:
3. Possibly the crappiest run of my life with my tri-group. There was a run clinic at Pacers, followed by a 45-min run up the Custis trail, another trail that seemingly defies the laws of nature by going up in both directions. It was hot on Saturday and I finished. That's all I'll say about that.
4. Also on Saturday, the famous personal shopper appointment. But that deserves its own post.

Stay tuned.