Slacker

I have been a blog post slacker recently (as in for the past year and a half). Sorry about that, readers! I'm finally finished with my crazy spring race schedule and am gearing up for another long summer of marathon training. This means that all of my fun baking and cooking time has been reduced! I'm trying to find my motivation to post here more regularly.

Racing Progress

Well, I am mid "I went crazy signing up for races this spring", and so far, have been fairing just okay. I decided this was the year I tried to get a little faster. I am a little faster, but not quite where I want to be. I'm trying for a 2:15:00 half marathon (still with the penguins, but that's okay). I missed it the first try by 10 minutes. I did run a great 10 mile race over the weekend, clocking in at 1:48, and I have two more tries.

Until then, I shall keep running!

Running in cute clothes helps.

Shoe Paintings Complete!

I completed the paintings for the "A Walk in My Shoes" exhibit last week. I think they came out looking pretty great. I'm keeping the "High School Shoes" and pricing the rest to sell. I already posted the first two, and here are the rest.

Birthday Shoe


London Shoe

High School Shoe

Half Marathon Shoe

All Together Now

Update: "Walk In My Shoes" Paintings

I finished two of the paintings for the "Walk In My Shoes" exhibit last night. I also got the good news that one or both of them will be featured in the marketing materials for the exhibit! I'm so excited! I decided to title them to reflect why the shoes are special to me.

Chicago Shoes


Wedding Shoes

New Painting Series

I'm working on a six painting series for the "Walk in My Shoes" exhibit at the Columbia Art Center. It runs mid-late April. I started them last night, and even though I've only worked on them once, I think they're looking okay so far.

I chose 3 belted shoes and 3 shoes with laces for the paintings. I photographed them just as they were in my closet, and didn't do any re-arranging of anything.

I started the first 3 last night, and should have the second set started next week.

2012 - The Year of Racing

It appears as though I caught a serious racing bug in 2011. This year, I'm going to strive for the following:

Two 5K
One 10K
One 10 miler
Three 1/2 Marathons (2 in one week!)
One marathon

There might be another one mixed in there somewhere. We'll see!

Oops!

I forgot to add one of my favorite albums from 2011!

Unknown Mortal Orchestra - self titled


Their sound is awesome and cute. It almost seems as though this band is from a different time and place. Take a listen. You'll see what I mean.

And a few late entries...

The Black Keys - El Camino

Some have criticized them for selling out their sound. I don't understand it because they continue to sound pretty great. Sure, there's a song on here that's a combo rip off "Stairway to Heaven" and "Mary Jane's Last Dance". But, who cares.

The Roots - Undun

There are some real gems on this one. I love that there's a hip hop band out there. With a real drummer. Plus, it's pretty awesome what they pulled on M.Bachman on Jimmy Kimmel.

Favorite Albums of 2011

It's that time of year again! Time for the roundup of my favorite albums of the year. 2011 was an especially great year for music, especially women artists. Here's my list, in no particular order.

Wilco - The Whole Love

I was about to give up on this band. Their last few albums were so boring. This album reminded me why I loved them in the first place!

War On Drugs - Slave Ambient

A great record for a quiet Friday evening at home.

Tori Amos - Night of Hunters

I have loved Tori for so long. I don't care if she's not the most popular. She is a musical genius. Her albums of the last decade have been enjoyable, but there was usually only a song or two on each one I really loved. This album works the entire way through. I can't stop listening to it. Best when driving on a gray day.

Wild Flag - Wild Flag


These ladies rock. Enough said.

St. Vincent - Strange Mercy

Her guitar work cannot be denied. I think this album is alot more accessible than her last effort, Actor. A really great listen from beginning to end.

PJ Harvey - Let England Shake

I was against this album when I heard a sneak peak of it before it came out. Then I bought it and listened to it. One of her best. I don't know why I was so turned off by it at first. But, as I've learned throughout my life thus far, things I initially greatly dislike end up being my most favorites. (Twin Peaks, Tori Amos, Big Lebowski, etc).

Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes

Sensual and beautiful album. Her voice is captivating.

Black Lips - Arabia Mountain

The super fun party album of 2011. I dare you to listen to this and not dance around the room like a silly person.

Tom Waits - Bad as Me

Best album since Mule Variations. Some really great tunes from one of America's best song writers.

Running Apparel

So many of my friends have started running this year. I am so proud of them! Many of them have asked for running gear recommendations. I am of the opinion that, if you can put on a cute outfit, it makes getting out there on the sidewalks and roads easier. Here are some of my favorite cold weather options.

First up, Under Armour Frosty Tights. They are essential for cold weather running. I don't wear shorts over them, but some do. They were recommended to me by my sister years ago and I couldn't run without them!

UA EVO Hoody! I usually wear a long sleeve shirt or tank under this hoody. That's usually good even when it's cold. If it's really cold (below 30), I'll throw a fleece over it.

Newton Running Shoes. I love Newtons. They feel like the shoes I was always meant to have! But, they are not for everyone. I also love their funky colors.

Sweaty Bands. There are many retailers for these. They're ribbon with velvet backing, so you can wear a headband and it won't slip. If you have fine hair like me, these are a must! There are alot of sellers on etsy who also make and sell them.

Back!

Sorry I've been so MIA this year. I spent most of the summer training for a marathon, which I ran in the fall. So, now I'm back with more ramblings. More posts to come.