Love and Marriage: Fall Wedding #1

My beautiful jungle sister L got married this weekend in what could quite possibly be one of the best wedding ceremonies I've had the privilege of going to. Not only is she and her hubby super cute....their wedding reception had a magical flair to it. L's love of Harry Potter was mixed into the after ceremony celebration. It was so fun and classy! 

And I caught the bouquet, so I'm suing L and K for false advertising if I'm not married by next year.

 

Congrats L and K. You're Minga family is so happy for you! 

Week five, live from the Windy City.

This week marks the first of a three week tour of the Midwest. Right now, I'm on my way home from Chicago...after a quick stop in Wisconsin. A state I haven't been to in a very, very long time. So long in fact, that I don't ever remember going to it in the first place. 

To be honest, all I know about WI is:

1) They have the Green Bay Packers. (A team the Hawks have already beaten this year. Just saying. #12). 

2) A number of the girls' baseball teams from my all-time favorite movie, A League of Their Own, were from WI towns. (And I want to visit them all). 

3) Russell Wilson played for a University in WI. 

4) Madison is apparently one of the best college towns in the US. 

When I told people that I was going to WI, they all responded that I just had to try the cheese. And the beer. Since I can't drink the beer, I obviously had to get my hands on some of that squeaky cheese. 

Through some googling, I found a place called "Mars Cheese Castle." I mean, come on. Who wouldn't stop?! 

It turns out this place is not a castle made out of cheese, but a glorified grocery store with a large mouse state and a lot of random trinkets. It is, shaped as a large castle though. It may have taken me longer to drive my way through the construction then it did for me to visit the store, but still a good stop. 

Here is what I learned about WI from my brief visit:

1. They are obsessed with a pastry called a "Kringle." For what I could gather this has nothing to do with Santa Clause. But it is a large, ring shaped Danish-esque treat. Didn't try it, but they looked pret good.

2. The state is filled with adorable towns, with cute little houses that remind me of my childhood dollhouse. No cookie cutters here. 

3. People weren't kidding about the cheese. It's good. 

After WI, I found myself back in Chicago. As I couldn't get a flight back to Oak Town that night, I wanted to take advantage of being back in the land of Oprah. As we all know, I love theater and Chicago is a fantastic theater town. I got last minute, half-price tickets to Steppenwolf's production of "The Night Alive" I had no idea what the show was about, but I did know that I would someday need to see a show at this iconic theater company. This seemed like the perfect opportunity. I ended up scoring a front row seat. It turned out to be an odd show, filled with great acting. Glad I got to see it. 

After the show, I went on a little hot dog venture before making my way to my hotel. I'd never had a Chicago style dog before (I'm more of a plain, costco hotdog kind of girl) so for this trip, I wanted to finally get my hands on one of those fancy dogs. I searched for the best hot dog in Chicago...and found a place called, Gene and Jude's. This place had a ton of press. It had been on the food network, Rachel Ray, countless food magazines and best of lists. I'm guessing Obama has probably eaten here at one point.  

The tiny little drive-in pretty much only served 1 type of hotdog...it had peppers, onions and mustard on it. The dog was also topped with French fries (crazy.) All for under 3 dollars. Holla'.

Let me tell you. It did not disappoint. America May have gotten this one right. That hotdog was damn good. 

Though the adventures continue, I'm glad to be on my way home after almost two weeks away.   Peace out Midwest. See you next week. 

This week also adds two new states to my state challenge. Semester count: 12 in 5 weeks. 

#bam 

Beating the Blerch

Blerch: (noun). A mythical creature that each person has inside of them telling them that napping, eating and any sort of gluttonous lifestyle is far better, more rewarding and more fulfilling than any sort of physical activity or exertion. Why work out, when you could nap instead? The Blerch was created by a PNW comic, The Oatmeal, and is wildly popular amongst runners, non-runners and all those in between. 

Back in March, the Oatmeal announced that he would be hosting a 10k/half/marathon in the Seattle area. I got pretty excited because it sounded like fun: a race with Nutella, grape soda and cake?! Sign me up. Apparently, this was the race to end all races because it seemed like the entire world wanted to get on board. The race sold out in less than 30 minutes. I never even had a chance.

Talk about extreme disappointment. There was a waitlist, so I signed up, but didn't think I'd even have a chance. 

Turns out, a lot of people also signed up....and The Oatmeal ended up adding a second day of running. I.was.in. 

Well, after months of waiting, The Beat the Blerch weekend was finally here. 

I went into Seattle to pick up my packet and ended up getting a signed copy of The Oatmeal's new book. He even drew each person their own little blerch. Seeing as it was Blue Friday, I obviously asked him to make it a Seahawks fan. 

Pretty awesome. 

There were a ton of people there. Each race had been open to 2000 people per day. It was great to meet so many people. There were a lot of different fitness levels and there were a lot of people running for the first time. Clearly, the Blerch had inspired a lot of people to get moving. 

While waiting in line, I met a bunch of people who were running together and called themselves "Team Fatties." They all met online, through the race Facebook page and formed a group that supported each other during training. They were planning on running more races together in the future. I loved that. 

The actual race was at Snoqualmie Valley trail in Carnation, WA. I'd never done any sort of trail running before, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. It was definitely a much harder run than I am used to, but it was also much prettier. I thought it was a great place for the event. My mom and I drove down early on Saturday and got to watch the half/marathoners start their races. Someday, I'd like to do a marathon. 

Not anytime soon. But someday. 

During the race, there were people dressed up as blerchs, there was a Sasquatch and at some mile markers, there were couches that people could take a break on. It was hilarious. 

At the halfway point, mile 3, there was also the promised cake and Nutella sandwiches. Not quite the best mid-race snack, but totally worth at least a bite of each. 

It wasn't my fastest race by far, but it was probably the funniest, best spirited crowd....minus the Seahawks one I did a few weeks ago. 

I ended up with a rad medal and some pretty cool swag. 

Put a bird on it....

Right now, I'm sitting in my hotel room, watching The Conjuring, packing for the next hotel stay and wondering which travel dress is the cleanest for tomorrow's visit. Clearly, living the glamorous life...

It's week four and I'll be honest. I.am.feeling.it. 

Road weary. 

I feel like it always happens about a third of the way through the season. You realize you've already come so far....but you still have so many more weeks to go. You get overwhelmed. You panic a bit. You begin to question your life decisions. But instead of spending the night whining....I try to spend the  night wine-ing. With friends. Because that's really the only way to get through it.

You count your blessings as you sip your wine glasses and pretty soon, you forget that you're exhauseted and lose the longing for your own bed.  And you say to yourself... 

"This ain't so bad."

It may be the alcohol**. But more likely it's because the company you're keeping is making you laugh so hard, you can't help but forget your troubles (come on get happy...) 

I started the week off in Idaho with this group: 

I haven't spent much time in Boise, so I took an hour before our group dinner to peruse the downtown. Other then being incredibly hot, it was a cute little area. I always judge a city by their bookstores and their coffee shops. Boise had a great little independent store.

After the fair, a few of us walked over to the famous BSU football field. It sure was blue. 

After a dash to the airport, I ended up in Portland. Another west coast city I haven't gotten to know too well. 

I really liked the downtown. It was totally walkable and is home to Voodoo Doughnuts. Quite possibly, the most intense doughnut experience I've ever had. As you walk in, all you can smell is dough and sugar and possibly diabetes. 

I don't even really like doughnuts, and I'm technically not supposed to eat them since they are filled with gluten. But they are famous and have been featured on television. And you know how I love to pretend to be trendy. 

So I went to grab a box for my family and tried one myself. I was more overwhelmed by the choices and in fear of having a panic attack, I told the cashier that I needed 12 doughnuts. Stat. I didn't care what they were as long as they didn't throw the penis shaped one in there because there would be children present upon eating.

And I didn't want to be responsible for giving them some sort of food complex.

I'm sort of disgusted to look at that box.

But you only live once right? 

Down the street from Voodoo is Powell bookstore. Quite possibly the biggest book store I've ever been to. I was completely overwhelmed (may have been an aftershock from the doughnut experience) but I loved that place. I ended up getting one of Gillian Flynn's books because it was on sale and I was in OR. 

The land of no sales tax. 

If you're following the state count, I've been able to now add Oregon to my growing list. Potrlandia, Portlandia...

State tally: 10. 

** I don't condone drinking your sorrows away. However, with a good bottle of Malbec by your side, you can get through anything. 

I found myself in the midst of a snowstorm

That sort of sounds like a life metaphor, but I literally mean, I found myself in a snowstorm this week. 

In September. 

With 11 days before it is technically even the fall season (meaning it was a SUMMER snowstorm) northern Colorado and Wyoming saw flurries of snow. Of course while I was in town. With only three pairs of sandals and sundresses. 

What are the chances? 

I guess I shouldn't be surprised. This exact week last year, Colorado got hit with a 100 year flood and nearly drowned me out of the state. Can we finally agree that there is some sort of environmental change a happenin?

What if it's me? What if I'm like the Elsa of the West? Maybe I need to stop coming to Colorado. 

After singing the tunes of Frozen, I took a few seconds to build a tiny snowman (had to be done). 

Other than a fluke frolic in the snow, week three was pretty fun. One of the best parts about fall travel are not only a flux in reward points, but roadie reunions happen left and right. 

It's sort of like a summer camp reunion. We act like we haven't seen each other in years, giggle through each other's summer adventures, and spend hours gorging ourselves with delicious, yet incredibly unhealthy food. 

(Think less s'mores, more wine). 

I realize that I am incredibly lucky to have this group of colleagues on the road with me. People from other fields often find it weird that I know my "competitors" so well. Many are surprised that we all hang out on a regular basis. 

These aren't just colleagues, but friends. Good ones. Ones that are gems and make this job worth it. 

I'd be sad and lost and probably incredibly bored without them. I can't wait till 20 years from now when we can all meet up and reminisce about those old days on the road. 

Week three was also the beginning of silly travel that doesn't always make sense....but we do what we gotta do to get to the places we gotta be. 

That should be put on a tshirt. Or at least a bumper sticker. 

I ended up starting the week in CO. Took a quick jaunt up to WA (like ya do) and ended up back in CO before heading to Wyoming. 

For those of you keeping track, that's four planes in five days, three states, two rental cars and one tired road warrior. 

Since the weather was so wonky, most of us the road were unprepared for freezing temps and rain. 

Can we say amateurs?  

During an outside fair in CO, we learned to combat the frostbite with sock mittens and photobooth participation. 

I think we could all be worthy contenders on a season of survivor. 

And to add to my state sign collection, I have two shiny new photos this week: 

 

Tales from a wannabe athlete

So, this just happened.

Sometimes, in the middle of the night, I get over zealous with my abilities and am often times able to convince myself that anything is possible. Signing up for the Las Vegas Half Marathon is exhibit A. 

Last night, in a fit of boredom and insomnia, I found myself booking travel to Las Vegas and registering for a second dose of 13.1. I remember thinking, "Well, it's such a good deal on the hotel, how can I pass that up?"

Clearly, I've forgotten the painful recovery of the last half I did. 

Just to clarify, this wasn't a complete spur of the moment event (have you met me?). But a race I've been considering for a long time....I just needed to suffer from lack of sleep to convince myself to do it. Awhile ago, Friend G told me about her experience with the run and how much she loved it. 

It instantly (along with a Disney run) became a bucket list item. 

This will be my first Rock n Roll half marathon and I'm really excited. Snoop Dog (or lion or puma or whatever he's calling himself now) is the opening headliner and there is entertainment every mile. What makes this race even better (yes, better than dropping like its hot...) is that it's run at night. All the casinos will be lit up and it'll be real different from any other race I've done. Probably from any race I'll ever do again. 

The best part of all this is that I don't even like Vegas all that much. Vegas likes stilettos, copious amounts of alcohol and high matinence. I like books and netflix and yoga wear. It seems so fun and bright and sparkly though that I'll throw on a cute running outfit, carry some neon glow in the dark lights and run till dawn. 

Or at least for two and a half hours after sunset. Running till dawn would be ridiculous. 

Heartspots: Pullman, WA

Week two on the road has brought me back to one of my most favorite places: Pullman, WA. Yes, I know, that sounds weird (esp. to you Westsiders). However, as a WSU grad, the rolling fields of The Palouse have this magical draw to them that you can't help but love.  

Most people don't understand the draw of Pullman. Sure, it's in the middle of nowhere. Sure, there's not a lot to do. Sure, it gets a silly wrap for being surrounded by cows, wheat and republicans. But there is something special about it. The the way the tiny town drives you crazy while you're a student, but immediately tugs at your heart as soon as you leave it. 

I still remember the first time I ever caught glimpse of campus. My family and I were going to visit on one of the Senior preview days. I had been recently accepted into the school and was in the midst of deciding where I'd end up. 

I never really thought it would be Pullman. 

As my family and I drove into town, we ultimately missed campus completely, even though we could see its red brick buildings from afar, we ended up on the road to Idaho. Once we finally made it, I instantly knew. I remember a teacher of mine told us all one day that when you find you're place, you'll know it right away.

And she was right. Pullman felt like home and I knew this is where I was meant to be. 

Between football games (an era when the Cougs were PAC-10 champs....the gold ole days), late nights at Cougar Country, hitching rides to Walmart and mad dashes up and down icy hills to get to class, my four years in town were incredibly memorable. 

Coming back years later is always fun. Seeing how much town has changed, how big campus is growing, how young the students are (we were never like these kids. Holy crap). The Daily Grind is still the best coffee shop. The family that runs my favorite Chinese restaurant is still doing business. The Coug is there, but Shakers is not (probably a good thing). The church I attended up on the hill is still just as massive and filled with families that I knew when I was a student. The Cub is new, fancy and without a bowling alley. There's still cheese and ice cream and Todd Hall and bears and the Rec. And Beasley and....

Maybe this is the nostalgia that all college students feel once they leave their small college towns. But probably not. Because Pullman is the best. And if you disagree, it's because you never had the pleasure of getting to know it. 

How sad for you.

Go Cougs. 

This week also marked the official beginning of the semester (yes, I know that technically I had events two weeks ago, but they don't count...Pullman is always the kickoff. Always.) I was so incredibly happy to be reunited with this group of people. They are a haven on the road and I am lucky to know each and every one of them.

Plus, I got two new states for my self-imposed state challenge. #gome 

Didn't we just win the Super Bowl?

Seriously. How is it football season again?

Not that I'm at all complaining (#GoCougs. #GoHawks.)

As the end of pre-season (I sound so sporty) came to a close, this week brought with it multiple celebrations of this time honored, all-American sport. And for once, my team are returning champions.

Well, one of them at least. (Come on, Cougs).

Living down in the Bay Area, Seattle sports tend to be a bit underappreciated (though locals tend to use stronger words of disdain). Friend S and I got last minute tickets to go to the Seahawk vs. Raider game here in Oakland. Since the beginning of time, I have always said I would never, ever go to a Raiders game. The games looked so scary and dangerous and like I place I could quite possibly get shanked at.

However, my love for the Seahawks and determination to see them play a game this year won over any sort of inward fear I may have had for my safety.

(Sporting events make people do crazy things sometimes)

I'd never been to a NFL game before, so I was excited...and somewhat terrified to go to my first game. In Oakland. With the Raiders.

And their scary fans.

However, I must admit. Everyone we met both during the tailgating and in the game, were incredibly nice. I think it may because we, as fans, have at least one commonality:

We had a ton of Raider fans coming over to chat, take pictures and just sort of hang out. It was really good 'ole, not scary fun. There were a lot of 12s at the game!

The game itself was a bit of a disappointment. I keep reminding myself that we were watching the 3rd/4th strings playing, so really, a loss to Oakland means nothing...really, not at all an indicator of future success or failure. We had great seats and were able to see all of our favorite players (even if they were all on the sidelines...Shoutout Russell, Richard and Marshawn) Brian Walters**, my family's self-designated star player did get a lot of game time, so that was kind of cool (except for when he caused a turnover...but we won't linger on that).

This is probably the closet I'll ever get to the field until the Seahawks suck again (never, won't happen) so I enjoyed it as much as possible.

On top of going to the game, I ended up being in Seattle the same weekend as a ton of opening game festivities. My cousins: J1, J2, G and I signed up to do the NFL Seahawks 5K on Labor Day. I flew into Seattle on Sunday to hang out with the family and get ready for the work week.

We all got up bright and early for our 8 am race. Along with all the other 12s, we ran the SoDo streets in honor of the Hawks season opener.

It was a great race. Very relaxed and everyone was in great spirits. We had a great crowd of family in the stadium cheering us on as we crossed the finish line. For two of my cousins, this was their first "official" 5K....and they did awesome. Run J's Run!!

Gooooo Hawks.

**Brian Walters has since been cut from the team. So you know, there's that.

***Brian Walters was reinstated to the team as of Monday, Sept. 1. Really.