9 Mile Run Day!

So when I last left you, I was suffering from some shin splints DREADING my long run day this weekend. I ended up not running Thursday, Friday AND Saturday opting to strength train Thursday and Friday and kept on icing. Also? I invested in perhaps the greatest invention ever. Seriously

(Yes I got the pink one)

OMG!!!!! It's so....it's incredible. It's amazing. My legs have never felt better. I have no idea why I waited so long to buy one. I combined this amazing yoga sequence for runners from Fitsugar with using the roller and have never felt better. So needless to say my 9 mile run went awesome today! 9.02 miles in 1:26:40. If you're curious and feel like stalking me you can check out my Nike+ page! 

Alright last thing that I think helped me out keeping me pumped today was my new/rearranged playlist. So here it is in case you're looking for some new tunes to keep you going:

Naughty Girl- Beyonce

Starships- Nicki Minaj

Yeah!- Usher ft. Lil John & Ludacris

Stronger- Kanye West

Dirt Off Your Shoulder- Jay-Z

Lose Yourself- Eminem

Glad You Came- The Wanted

Dynamite- Taio Cruz

When I Grow Up- Pussycat Dolls

Give Me Everything- Pitbull ft. Neyo

Shake That- Eminem ft. Nate Dogg

Sexy And I Know It- LMFAO

Gonna Fly Now (Rocky Theme)- Bill Conti

Sorry For Party Rocking- LMFAO

River Deep, Mountain High- Celine Dion

Rocketeer- Far East Movement ft. Ryan Tedder

Hello- Martin Solveig ft. Dragonette

Party Rock Anthem- LMFAO

I definitely need something that I can either 1.) Picture myself dancing to, or 2.) Something that makes me picture myself as a total badass (see Eminem, Rocky Theme)

Can't believe I'm in my 8th week of training! Only 5 weeks left until race day!!!!

Cheers!

Marisa

25 Days of Birthmas Day 14: Shipping Internationally

Well guys, I learned some things today. Like shipping across the pond is not cheap. In fact it will most likely cost more than whatever you're shipping and will take an hour of your time at the post office because you filled out the WRONG customs sheet. Oh well, I"ll know better for next time and at least my Secret Santa gift is on it's way! I hope she likes it :)

Speaking of across the pond, I've decided that if I was to have a Birthmas party and could invite anyone I wanted it would primarily be a British party. For example:

(did someone call for a Doctor?)

David Tennant has to be there because he is pretty. And a Time Lord. 

Music will be provided for all party guests by

These handsome gents and...

These talented blokes

And of course sitting at my VIP table will be my very best friends

HRH The Duchess of Cambridge

The girl who made "short" okay

and last but certainly not least

The worlds teeny tiniest most fashionable mom who will teach me all of her secrets for when I eventually pop a kid out.

So there you have it. My Birthmas Party. Of course you're all invited too!

Cheers!

Marisa

P.S. Don't forget the giveaway ends tomorrow!

You keep alive a moment at a time...

Okay seriously Walk by the Foo Fighters has been on repeat non-stop up in here. Neighbors probably love it. But that line has always been my fav, because isn't it the truth? I used to be the queen of overreacting EVERYTHING HAS TO BE DONE NOW!!!! Anyone else know what I'm talking about? Some obstacle has been tossed in your path and you immediately lose focus on all the other things around you because you HAVE to fix this right now and then that's when you can't breathe, the shakes set in and food? Wait people are supposed to eat daily? Yeah that's how I used to live my life, one "crisis" to the next. Spending hours upon hours agonizing over a  seemingly impossible task or problem, thinking of how I'm going to fail and my life will end and I'll have no friends because who would be friends with a loser like me. This wasn't in the "plan" of how my life was supposed to go. It wasn't until my life did "end" that I actually was able to stop this behavior. Yes despite all the trepidation last year caused me I was faced with two options: I could continue with this self deprecating, anxiety ridden, emotionally damaging way of dealing with my life or, I could muster up the courage to face things head on, rationally, logically and without fear of an apocalyptic failure. 

Obviously I choose the latter option. Sure I still panic initially when I receive a huge blow whether it be emotionally or financially ( please see here) but now instead of letting that panic get the better of me for days or weeks I can take a deep breath, focus and evaluate. And still eat lunch too. Which is always awesome, because I love lunch. 

I'm not perfect. I'll be the first to admit that. There are certain times (ahem) a month that I can't control myself. Despite my best efforts I resort to talking to myself like a parent trying to rationalize with a 5 year old:

26 year old me: This is not acceptable. This is not how adults act.

5 year old me: But he didn't text me back and it's been 15 MINUTES! Whyyy????????

26 year old me: Because we are all adults and have jobs and other responsibilities we can't always reply to texts as quickly as we'd like.

5 year old me: No, no I think he's mad at me. I should call him. Right? Yeah I'll send another text then call. Maybe I should IM first...yeah IM, text, then call....

26 year old me: Dear God there is no hope.

Yes this is the conversation that takes place in my head with whatever minute event that is going on. Bestie didn't IM today at work, Boss didn't  say goodbye when he left, My cat didn't meow at me when I walked in the door. Does anyone else get as frustrated as me when this happens? It's like I know I'm being totally irrational but I Just. Can't. Stop. Please tell me I'm not alone.

Anyway moral of this story being, when big tasks seem overwhelming and daunting, take a step back, evaluate and plan the course of action best for you. Because as much as we'd all like to have our lives planned out for the next 5 to 10 years, when something goes awry and throws a wrench in those plans the turmoil it causes can make us miss some pretty amazing things going on around us.I'll be honest long distance relationship was not on the list of things I wanted to do in life. However I wouldn't trade it now for the world. It was the best leap of faith I've ever made. Had I listened to my first initial panic like, what if it snows so much in the winter we can't see each other? Seriously? It was July why would I be worrying about snow? But had I listened to that craziness, I'd be missing out on so much awesome right now. So friends, remember don't panic, breathe and take a step back. Stop worrying about the what ifs down the road and remember to just live a moment at a time.

Cheers,

Marisa

From bad to good

Thats how my day went. See this morning started out with some sad tears as little car was in need of some repairs that were well....quite pricey. So I basically spent the entire day crunching numbers, panicking, trying not to cry at work and figuring out every single worst case scenario I could come up with in my head. Needless to say by this afternoon I was a nervous wreck, sick and frustrated. However as I have done everyday since my 18th birthday and being on my own, I reminded myself that I would get nothing solved if I didn't keep a level head and remain calm. So I weighed my options, made some calls and when I walked out the door at 5 I had everything taken care of and my car will be all fixed tomorrow. No thanks to my mom. But that's a story for another day. Or week....maybe month.

Anyways, so as I'm on cloud 9 driving home thinking that this day couldn't possibly get any better I get home and grab the mail and what do I see??? A little package for me from Minnesota.

(Larabars and iPod car converter)

Drew sent me some good snacks and the capabilities for good music for my next road trip, since I complained that the only radio options in Minnesota are Jesus or country. After the terrible stressful day that I had then the relief of getting everything figured out, coming home to this was icing on the cake. Lucky for me my day ended with happy tears :)

Whew, that is all I have the energy for today folks. It has been a roller coaster of a day and I am spent. Hope everyone's hump day was far easier!

Cheers!

Marisa

TGUK, Minneapolis, and Real Maple Syrup

As you've probably gathered from the title I was in Minneapolis this weekend to see The Get Up Kids and stayed with one of my very best friends from college, Drew. Who made homemade maple syrup and gave me a bottle. Hence the real maple syrup. Now that that is cleared up, lets move on. 

Minneapolis houses a few pretty awesome things. The Mall of America, Ikea...okay two awesome things. 3 if you count Drew. The Get Up Kids were playing in Iowa City but I decided to just kill a bird with a stone and see a band and a friend and get out of Des Moines for the weekend. So my hungover self  (Happy Birthday Seth!!!) made the ever exciting drive to the Twin Cities. No I don't have any pictures from the drive. Have you ever driven from Des Moines to Minneapolis? Anyways, I was pretty much recovered by the time I arrived and actually felt that solid food was a good idea. So after being hungover all day resisting the urge to vom along Interstate 35, what is better than raw fish, eel and warm rice wine? Drew took me to Wakame by Lake Calhoun in the super hipster Uptown. It was absolutely amazing and know what was even better? Ben and Jerry's being next door. So naturally after dinner we hit it and I got my most favorite ice cream ON A CONE!!!!!!

(Late Night Snack!!!!)

Drew got his Late Night Snack in a dish and then was sad about it. Lucky for him I like him so I shared my cone.

After dinner and dessert, we did what anyone would naturally do next. Hit up the liquor store for some wine. 2 bottles of wine, Charlie the Unicorn, Kittens Inspired By Kittens later, I was well on my way to a repeat of the previous morning. However Sunday morning was 1 million times more awesome because it involved eggs, peanut butter and banana toast and french pressed coffee. And no not at a restaurant. I know be jealous. 

Sunday involved an Ikea excursion, and a viewing of Horrible Bosses which I thought was hilarious. Then it was time to get ready for The Get Up Kids!!!!!!!!

(Waiting for the bus taking pictures. Blue Moon Cafe.)

 

From the bus we took the "light rail". Which is basically Minneapolis speak for train.

Finally we arrived at our destination: the Triple Rock Social Club. I wish I had more pictures/ better pictures, but I think my camera has finally bit the dust. It's had a good life. RIP camera :(

 

So far I've seen Saves The Day, now The Get Up Kids. All thats left is Something Corporate and The Ataris and it will complete my high school band nostalgia tour. I don't know if it will happen, but I'll keep trying.

So! Kick ass, super awesome weekend of awesomeness. Which included a Monday breakfast of buttermilk and honey pancakes with blackberries and real maple syrup. Then I had to drive back to Des Moines. And this morning I had to make my own breakfast :( Booooooo.

Cheers!

Marisa

80/35

Okay so finally got my act together. And without further ado here was my 80/35 experience.

First started off with Bitch

Bitch is a feminist, punk, super awesome band. I wasn't sure what to expect but I absolutely loved them. I hope to see them again.

After Bitch was Jessica Lea Mayfield.

 

Girl is good, and not to mention super cute, but it was quite a shift from Bitch. Still if I was needing some calm music for blogging or chilling she'd be it. Then the generator blew and cut her set a littttle short. Which also put them even farther behind. That was cool though because then we got to hang out, drink sangria and meet new friends.

(You remember Bear Face right?)

We also had the opportunity to listen to the we're-working-on-fixing-the-generator music and get our dance on.

(Mike's only dance move...which resembles butter churning)

Once the generator was fixed Blackalicious was up next. I stuck around for a while but then got bored.

So I decided to go get a martini, and jot down some things I wanted to make sure made it into this post before I was too drunk. After my martini I met up with Mike and Kim at Cab Co. , then eventually made my way down to meet up with my other friends down at the Locust Tap.

All in all it was a fun night of music drinks, bears and dancing in Des Moines! Can't wait for next year. 

Cheers!

Marisa

A Little of 80/35

First off, hello new followers! Thanks for stopping by! This weekend was not only the 4th of July but also the music festival 80/35. I've been lazy and haven't bothered with my pics yet, so until I am able to do a proper write up, please enjoy some pics of my friend B and our friend we met, Bear Face.

 

Hope everyone had a super awesome All American and safe 4th of July!!!!

Cheers!

Marisa

Mumford and Sons

Was amazing!!!!!!!!! Aside from the girl in front of me who was smoking joints and jumping around like a spaz. (She eventually chucked her phone with one of her fist pumps) Please enjoy the photos! 

(Representing and starting the night off right)

(Matthew and The Atlas, they were really great check them out)

(Nathanial Rateliff and Fairchildren, check them out too)

(OMG MY BOYFRIEND!!!!!!!!!!!)

(OMG MY BOYFRIEND AGAIN!!!!!!!)

(Oh yeah, Marcus Mumford....JK He is amazing too)

(Ben Lovett...he plays the accordion too. Which is hot)

(Ted Dwane..bad ass bass player and funny guy)

There you have it Start listening to Mumford and Sons. But stay away from my boyfriend. Or else....

Cheers,

Marisa

Beer Olympics 2011

So in the effort to be a good sport about this whole fractured foot, I decided to try carrying on with my life and that meant attending the Beer Olympics at my friend John's house this weekend. I couldn't really participate, but I can drink beer and was given a hard hat, safety vest and a fire extinguisher and made the safety officer. Did I use the fire extinguisher you ask? Why yes I did. I put out a flaming tree stump. I may have asked someone to light it on fire so I could put it out, but whatever. It still counts and I am totally Fire Marshall Bill.

Anyways, there was a keg and even, an Olympic Flame

(seriously go check out the stuff he builds. He's like a mad scientist....who looks like a cross between Ryan Gosling and Jake Gyllenhaal, not like a creepy old dude with crazy white hair and huge glasses.)

I was put in charge of keeping score, which I did a reallly poor job of. I was also in charge of John's dog Vegas and his neighbors probably think someone from the local asylum escaped and kidnapped his dog because I was walking him around in the hard hat and safety vest...and I was also wearing my boot. Awesome I know. But at the end due to my poor score keeping abilities and all participants being drunk and not caring, everyone was a winner somehow!

(The bestie before the events testing out the podium she painted and holding up the sweet medals she made. )

That night since the bestie and I are drunks party like rockstars we went out to some local establishments where we met a really fun bunch of guys that were out for a bachelor party and one really weird dude that followed us into The Lift. I don't know if he thought throwing out 20 questions was a socially acceptable way to meet people or if he was just socially ackward. Either way he started out with "which one of us was the craziest" followed by "what is your most awesome make-out story". He took the cake though for having made out with a girl in a giant pumpkin. I know....we didn't ask too many questions.

I've learned though that life with this stupid boot isn't so bad. No I can't run and yes that sucks, but I can still be part of the human race and do things with my friends. And drink which really, is the most important thing. I'm off to see Mumford and Sons today which I'm soooooooooo excited for! Can't wait to tell you all about how I make Winston Marshall my new boyfriend. You're all going to be so jealous. 

Cheers!

Marisa

Thankful Tuesday

Newness!!!! In keeping with the theme of happiness being the purpose in life, I've decided to start a weekly post of things I'm thankful for. I don't do it often enough. I admit, I am human and prefer when things revolve around me. I need to start being less self centered and more selfless. So here we go, first Thankful Tuesday where I will list 5 things that I'm thankful for this week.

1.) My friends. To the bestie for always being my wingman, putting up with my obsession with the British monarchy and Kate Middleton, and for not judging me when I buy another new cocktail dress. Even when she knows I have 8 others in my closet. To Will for being my friend to the end and for all the countless shennanigans we've had (and will have!).  And to Zoli for hosting me out in Colorado. My first real vacation in yeeaarrssss. I can't tell you how excited I am :)

2.) The ability to purchase good nutritious food. This is something most of us probably take for granted. And I'm not even talking about the starving children around the world. (Which is NO joke btw) I'm talking about the people next door or down the street. With the economy the way it is right now so many people struggle to just put food on the table for their family that they don't have the luxury of worrying about organic, or gluten free or vegan. I am so thankful that I have an awesome job that allows me to keep food in my fridge and my body healthy.

3.) My roommate. She offered me a place to live when I needed one most. I'll always be thankful for that.

4.) My iPod. Silly I know, but music is my world, without it I'm totally lost. I started piano lessons when i was 5, so I haven't really known a world without it. Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake Finale moved me to tears the first time I played it when i was about 10 or 11 and still to this day does. I run faster when I hear Shakira singing in Spanish and fall asleep to the sound of a banjo. I'm thankful for so many different genres of music and my parents encouragement of a 5 year old who said she wanted to play piano.

5.) This here blog. Never ever ever thought I could be a blogger, but here I am! With people actually reading the inane ramblings from my semi-put together life. It's nice to have a way to open up and honestly it keeps sane sometimes. So tip of my hat to you for continually stopping by! I appreciate it and love meeting new people. So say hello!

There you have it. My first Thankful Tuesday. Thanks for being part of it!

P.S. Kelly over at The Pretty Bee is having a fabulous giveaway! Stop by and check it out!

Cheers!

Marisa

Getting Down On Friday...

Okay sorry, but that Rebecca Black song is on like constant play in my head. Don't ask questions. Just feel sorry for me. Anyway, I wish I had some awesomeness planned, but after last weekends many adventures I'm taking it easy. Like my idea of getting down on Friday include:

Running and pilates....if only I was in that awesome of shape.

Finishing up this absolutely amazing book. I highly recommend it. Although I admit, it's having the total opposite effect on me. It's making me want to climb Everest. Not scaring me away from it. Last thing I'm enjoying this Friday evening:

Skinny Cow Mint Ice Cream Sandwiches!!! I love mint ice cream it is my favorite!

Have a good weekend everyone, whether you are partying or laying low like me!

Oh and I will be laying low listening to (and dreaming about) these hot Brits.

 (Mumford & Sons)

British and a banjo? Yes please.

Alright kids I'm out!

Cheers

Marisa

*All images via Google

Spring Is Almost Here!

Apparently this is what almost spring looks like in Des Moines :

Don't act like you're not jealous. 

In other news the bestie and I ventured out to a new establishment tonight. See a very cool local cover band, The Snacks were shooting their very first music video at Fat Tony's. We'd never been, we like The Snacks so we ventured out. Let's just say it wasn't our scene...and they don't take debit cards which is always a downer for us as we never carry cash. But! We did get to be in a scene for the music video so, hopefully we make the final cut and look awesome :) If both of those things occur I'll post it when it's available. Anyway, it's late, it's snowing and I"m ready for Spring. 

Cheers,

Marisa

Running Playlist and Why I Keep The Windows Up When I Sing In The Car

Just out of curiosity do any of you HAVE to have an iPod when you run or workout? I am like Pavlov's dog and cannot run without my iPod. I'm conditioned to run faster and farther with music. Most likely it's all in my head but I just find it easier to run while rocking the f out. So I thought I'd share with you my current top 10 running songs:

1.) Everything I Own (Vanessa Hudgens from the movie Bandslam)

2.) Born This Way (Lady Gaga.....duh)

3.) More (Usher)

4.) P.I.M.P (50 Cent)

5.) Waka Waka (Shakira)

6.) The Distance (Cake)

7.) Don't Stop Me Now (Queen)

8.) Dirt Off Your Shoulder (Jay-Z)

9.) Freak The Freak Out (Victoria Justice)

10.) Sugar In Your Gas Tank (Less Than Jake)

You are right now either 1.) Laughing 2.) Staring blankly at your monitor or C.) Breathing a sigh of relief that someone else listens to extremely random music like you. Trust me the rest of the playlist is just as crazy. Anyway on to a story that never dies and ties into my random love of gangster rap. 

Once upon a time when I was just a college junior who had not a care in the world, would drive around windows down singing loud and proud inviting everyone in cars around me to soak up my awesomeness. So one warm July day, I've got my windows down and I'm rapping my little Caucasian girl heart out when I stop at a red light. Now what I'm about to tell you is key: I was rapping Kanye West's "Gold Digger". Yeah Kanye. West. Gold. Digger. So here I am rapping in my car thinking I'm a baller when I look out my window and see this attractive African American guy laugh his ass off. At me. Not just at me but at me rapping. I would've given anything for non power windows that day because I promise you I would've had them cranked up in 5 seconds. I have never been so mortified in my life. This picture accurately describes how I felt:

(Holllaaaaa if you're a Wangsta like me)

And that friends is why I now never ever ever ever sing with my windows rolled down. I don't care if it's freaking something people would expect me to be singing in my car like, Jewel or Sarah McClaughlin (which might actually be just as embarrassing.....) the windows stay up. Anyone else have an embarrassing car singing story????

Gangsta Cheers,

Marisa

*Image via google

Gainesville Rock City

What a weekend! Things got started with a bang with the Less Than Jake concert at People's Court. Last time I saw them it was 2007 so needless to say I was soooooooooo stoked.

(and all the kids on the floor got their skank on )**

Nothing gets me going like a good ska show, and boy was it good. I've loved LTJ for years and have always been a ska kid at heart. And can I just say, I can out skank anyone. Go ahead challenge me. I dare you. And of course with an amazing ska show and braving the pit like a fool comes some injuries. Worst being when I took a flying forearm to the nose. It's a little bruised but it could be worse. Less noticeable than my arm bruises

Ah well. A small price to pay for a night of awesomeness. Luckily I had my favorite little brother from another mother there with me in case some serious shit went down.

(Yay vodka!!!!!)

Saturday was date night and of course it involved sushi. Take me to sushi twice in one week and I'm sold. After glorious sushi we (and by we I mean him because I wasn't even a girl scout) built a fire indoors while it snowed outside and enjoyed probably one to many martinis. I know. Feel free to barf all over my blog from the sweetness. :) 

And that my friends brings us to Super Bowl Sunday. And since I was raised in Bears country (and raised a Packers hater for life) I just have to say GO STEELERS!

Skank and Ska Cheers,

Marisa

**Less Than Jake Photos via Metromix Des Moines

I like pleasure spiked with pain...

And music is my aeroplane..........Ohhhhhhhhhhh man I cannot tell you how happy I am that it is Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!! Such a crazy week although I did have a freaking awesome day yesterday. Just one of those days where everything was going great and other unexpected great things happened. Love days like that ya know? Anyway, I have been jonesing for a new tattoo like whoa. I've had some ideas in mind for a while but still not 100% sure. My ideas are:

(Image via google)

Enso, better known as a Zen Circle (enso means circle in Japanese) Been wanting this one for about well over a year now. Placement is still my issue with it though. Any thoughts? I only have 1 small tattoo now so the possibilities are endless!

The other idea I have is fairly new:

(Image via google)

A Phoenix. Only cooler than that one. I need someone to draw one up for me. Hear that artist friends? Only don't worry I'll be cooler anyways because I'm lacking the tramp-stamp.

Both have some meaning to me, the zen circle because it'd be a constant reminder that intellectual reasoning is not all thats important and introspection and quiet meditation need to be a priority. The phoenix for it's known symbolic meaning of death and rebirth. A reminder that from the ashes springs new life.

Sorry to get all philosophical on you when talking about tattoos. So thoughts? Ideas? Do you hate them? Let me know.......

Happy Friday Loves!

Excuse me just a minute...

I've been avoiding doing a post completely about A & I for fear of driving everyone away with my giddy little girl antics but you know what? It's my blog and I'll do what I want. So everyone, meet A.

(Please disregard my serious need for a haircut)

I know it's only been a short while but the state of being that I'm in is a complete 180 from a month ago. A month ago I was convinced that I'd never find anyone ever again, that would make me feel special, important and pretty and all that other good stuff. I was so wrong. Okay and I know I said I was done with musicians after my last little mix up but I am telling myself that since A is a jazz musician and not the typical rock and roller I go for, it's a-okay. (No pun intended, haha) I'm having a hard time figuring out what to write, I'm not sure how to put it in words, but it just feels right. Sounds crazy I know, told you crazy girl antics but whatever. He's a nice, smart, caring talented guy and I'm a lucky girl. Plus the Art Center was our first date, and I flipping love the Art Center. So, he wins extra super rainbow glitter points for that. Now all I have to do is take him to Noodle Zoo because he's never been and no one who lives in the DSM should be deprived of Noodle Zoo.

Alright well if you made it all the way through, you're a good friend. And if you're in Des Moines, go to Noodle Zoo. Like now.