Fresca & Molasses Cookies

My Dad’s Mom, my Grandma, Julie Michaud, better known to my cousins and me as Memé, or Memere, passed away a week ago today.  She was 86 and had been suffering with dementia, among other ailments, for the past couple of years. 

In my 28 years of knowing her, I have nothing but pleasant memories.  Here are a few of my favorites:

When I was 5 or 6 years old, I woke up early one morning and asked my parents to make me pancakes.  Still asleep, they turned me down.  Out of frustration and my desire for pancakes, I decided to walk to Meme’s house in Elmwood, about 2 miles away from home.  I don’t think I got down the block before my parents caught up with me.  From an early age I knew, had I made it there, I would have gotten what I wanted.  Meme’s house was our sanctuary.   She cooked us whatever we wanted, had kitchen cabinets stocked with cookies, a fridge filled with soda, an unlimited supply of knickknacks for us to play with, and never-ending love for her 18 grandchildren.

Growing up, my parents went out on dates most Saturday nights, which meant, my Sister and I spent at them Memé’s & Pepé’s house. As kids, Shawna and I would set up a few folding TV dinner tray tables in front of the open door of the front hall closet and play “interior designer” or “fashion designer”.  One of us would sit in the closet/office while the other would play the customer on the other side of the tables.  We would use the scrap material and buttons from our Memé’s work as a seamstress and create pretend dresses and curtains.  When we got tired of that, we watched Nick at Nite, drank chocolate milk, and eventually fell asleep on the living room couch or waterbed in her guest room.

Every year, sometimes twice a year, she would take my sister and I shopping for new school or spring clothes.   When we were younger, the $100 would go a long way at TJ Maxx or JC Penney.  As we got older, the budget remained the same even though our tastes changed and clothes more expensive.   We were still so appreciative.  Afterwards, she would take us out to lunch, usually to Burger King.  I always wanted McDonald’s, just across the street, but was too polite to speak up.   Plus, I knew she liked Burger King more.

As a college student, and French minor, I wrote her letters in French and she would write me back just the same.   I can’t write, or sadly even speak in French any more, but I like that we shared that connection, even if only for a semesters of my life.  I knew that made her proud.

I love that she met Jeff and adored him.  Before we moved to New York, we would have dinner with her and Pepe at their house. She would offer us red wine with ice and while Pepe would make anti-semitic jokes.  I was so embarrassed, but Jeff found it amusing.  He’d smirk at me and I new he was a keeper.  In the last few years of her life, sometimes she would have a hard time placing my face or name, but she always recognized Jeff and was quick to squeeze his hand hello.  That was good enough for me.

She will remain a fixture in my memory and heart just as much as she was a fixture at every swim meet, softball game, musical production, graduation, birthday party, art exhibition, family and holiday celebration.  

She will be missed.

Walking Fast and Running Slowly

I'm sitting at my kitchen table, procrastinating, because I know I should go for a run but I can't motivate.  It's not that I don't want to run today, I just wish I was already finished with it.  At this point, I'm running 2 or 3 times a week, but no more than 4 miles at a time.  Over the past month, my pace has dropped from a 8:30 to 11:00 minute mile, but I'm cool with that. Ideally, I'd like to keep up my running routine for as long as possible, hopefully, through my second trimester.

Danielle and Jeff checkin' out the Hotel des Artistes

Yesterday, I didn't work out, but I did cross one thing off my new New York City To Do List. We did a two-hour Big Onion Walking Tour of the Upper West Side with our friends, Ted, Danielle, and Danielle's sister Lisa, who was visiting from Buffalo.  Aside from the unseasonably cold and windy weather, the tour was great.  We learned about Lincoln Center, Central Park, Columbus Circle, Fordham University, and some other note-worthy buildings in the swanky 'hood.  Whatever calories were burned, were quickly put right back on over lunch at Patsy's.  I highly recommend both activities should you live in, or be visiting the NYC.  The tours are $15, and you just show up at the meeting place listed on the web site, no need to sign up or pay in advance.

Okay, that's it. I'm going to put on my sneakers.  I need some time to think about my upcoming challenges and goals and there's no better place to think, than on a run.

Big News, Little Rigs

If all goes according to plan, I’ll have some bigger (and hopefully, more rewarding) challenges and goals on my plate come this fall. I am excited to say that, Jeff and I are expecting a baby (aka Little Rigs), in September.  

Edie and Auntie rockin' the sweats!

Last fall, during our engagement, we thought we would start trying to conceive shortly following our February wedding. However, we returned from our honeymoon with a list of places we still wanted to visit, road races we wanted to run, professional milestones we wanted to reach, as well as invitations to a handful weddings we looked forward to attending. And, honestly, I wasn’t ready to put one of my favorite hobbies, drinking, on hiatus. 

Jeff rockin the Bjorn

So, we had a fabulous summer traveling, partying at our friend’s weddings, working hard, drinking often, staying fit and living the highlife of DINKs. Labor Day weekend, we flew out to Seattle and met, for the first time, our one-month old peach of a niece, Edie.   With the guidance of Shawna and Dave, I held her, changed her diaper, tried to sooth her to sleep, and dressed her in outfits matching my own.  We returned to New York with a fresh perspective on parenthood and the realization that, knowing us, there will always be a list of places to visit, races to run, professional milestones to make, parties to attend, drinks to be drunk, etc.   We talked it over for a few months and we accepted the fact that we would never be parents if we waited to complete the never-ending list of events and experiences that make life so much fun.  So instead of completing the list, we just added 'have a baby' to the list.  On a more serious note, Jeff and I have discussed parenting styles, hopes and fears since the beginning of our relationship.  I probably asked him our first date, at Hartford’s Trumbull Kitchen, how many kids he planned to have and his opinion on cloth vs. disposable diapers. We agreed, two to three and disposable.

Naturally, I miss uncorking a bottle of red wine on Friday nights and having impromptu sushi dinner dates, but it’s easier than I thought it would be to put them on hold for the time being.  Fortunately, the pregnancy has been really enjoyable so far, and I made it through my first trimester without any bouts of morning sickness, extreme fatigue, weird cravings or aversions.   Next month we'll have an anatomy-screening ultrasound to ensure that the baby has all of its parts and organs in all the right places.   At this time, most couples are told the baby’s gender, but Jeff and I are going to pass, and find out when we meet him/her in person.   

14 weeks

For the time being, we plan on staying in our apartment and over the course of this spring and summer will convert our 2^nd bedroom/office into the baby’s room.   We are currently in the process of looking at daycare facilities, which is easy, because there are only two places that allow 3-month olds, within walking distance.  Luckily, we really liked the first one we toured.   And slowly, the baby name list is growing, as is my baby bump.  

To summarize; I love being pregnant, Jeff and I are so excited and confident about being good parents.  Equally important, we are so appreciative to be surrounded by amazing friends and family that will be there to support and reassure us when I’m tired of being pregnant and we are scared and nervous about parenthood.   Let’s talk in August. 

Stop, Drop and Relax

This weekend, aside from throwing Jeff his 30^th birthday party, my goal was to relax.  To some, that may seem more like a reward, than a challenge, but to me, taking it easy is anything but easy.

I started on my path to relaxation early, on Thursday, by working from home.  After work, Jeff and I walked to and through my gym/sanctuary and ultimately, my favorite place in New York City, Prospect Park.  Before heading home, we popped into Park Slope's Chiles Y Chocolate, for some tasty chicken enchiladas.  I took a bath when we got home, which is something I haven’t done in many months.   When Jeff poked his head in to make sure I was still alive, I ask him to dim the lights and spritz lavender spray (which, oddly we have).  The bath was so nice, but Jeff, being accidently overzealous with the spray, eventually drove me out of the bathroom dripping wet and gasping for fresh air.

I got home from work and errands around 7:30PM on Friday and put on my slippers, scrubs, and apron (sexy, right?).  In addition to looking good in the process, my favorite thing to do when I get home from work, is make a mess in the kitchen.  Sometimes, such as in this case, I even make a meal in the process.   I baked chicken thighs dusted with Dijon mustard and bread crumbs, garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus with lemon and olive oil.    We ate our classy dinner while watching trashy shows, like Jersey Shore.  I was asleep by midnight. 

Saturday morning I woke up and walked 5 minutes up the block to my small little pilates studio for my 9:15AM hour long class.  Afterwards, I walked back towards our apartment but stopped by my coffee shop, Penny House Café, for his and her coffee and bagels to enjoy back at home.   I sat at my kitchen table, read Real Simple, enjoyed my breakfast, and soaked in the morning sun until my coffee was cold.   My sister and I agree that this time is the best time of the week and we both look forward to the time when we can share coffee and bagels together, on a regular basis. 

Around noon, I walked a mile, at a steady clip, listening to my iPod, to Atlantic Terminal for some retail therapy.   Usually, shopping at Atlantic Terminal stresses me out, but I was on a mission, and I found exactly what I was looking for right away, and on sale.  Afterwards, I walked another mile or so to my favorite yogurt shop, Yogo Monster, for a not-so balanced lunch.  Then, I headed around the corner to my nail salon, Classy Nails, for a manicure and pedicure for the bargain price of $25.00.  Once home, with a few hours to kill before the party, I took a cat nap, with Zeke on my chest and cucumbers on my eyes.   Total pet therapy.

Sunday morning I woke up and went for a walk/run around the park and picked up some flowers on the way home.   I spent the rest of the day cooking (chicken tortellini soup in the slow-cooker), reorganizing our bathroom and bedroom storage (with the help of our new super-storage bed), all of which I find very cathartic. 

By Sunday night, I felt relaxed, happy, organized and ready for the workweek ahead.  This spring, I hope to have more weekends like this one and I’ll keep this list handy just in case, I forget what it takes to take it easy.

Relaxation Pack Necessities:

Warm bath

Dimmed lights

Lavender spray (one spritz only)

Cat

Cucumber slices

Pilates

Music

Walking/Running

Flowers

Cooking

Slippers and scrubs

Mindless TV

Shopping (sometimes)

Coffee

Sunlight

Magazines

Reorganization

Afternoon nap 

Local joints

I'm Not Anxious, I'm Excited

My original intention was to post a new entry every week.  I started off strong, but recently, I have been struggling to meet that goal. 

For one, the traveling hasn’t let up.   We spent this past weekend in Vermont with good friends; Kacey, Charlie, Sue, Liza and Mike.  The trip started off with a nostalgic and incredibly satisfying meal at Friendly’s (I’m envisioning Brittany, pouting, out of jealousy, as she reads this) en route to Mount Snow.  Once we arrived at the condo, we had a great time snacking on cheese and crackers, sharing homemade meals, drinking and playing old school games, like “Never Have I Ever…” and Circle of Death.  We also spent a majority of the time asking extremely personal questions, more appropriate for couples counseling, than a ski weekend.   Good times.

Secondly, I spent the majority of last week preparing for the keynote presentation at SUNY’s Fashion Institute of Technology EduTech Conference.  I spent most of Tuesday fine-tuning the content and practicing the delivery, out loud, in front of the mirror.  By Wednesday, my throat was sore, and by Thursday, I was so sick of the material, I could barely review my notes without glazing over.

But, before I get any further; let me give you some background information.  

As many people do, I have dealt with anxiety for years.  The worst of it was during college and shortly thereafter.  It’s getting easier to manage, as I get older, more confident and more aware of coping techniques that work for me.   Positive thinking, positive visualization, and controlled breathing are tools I use every day to do things that make me anxious, such as running ½ marathons in August, or any other challenging physical activity, traveling to far and new places like Asia, living in NYC, a big and intimating city, and speaking publicly. 

Not surprisingly, I was so anxious about giving this presentation.   It hit a tipping point on Tuesday night.  

Thoughts on Tuesday: I might pass out or throw up on stage, shake and sweat uncontrollably under the strong lights, plus there’s a good change I’ll forget the entire presentation and run away in embarrassment, and it’s almost guaranteed that I won’t represent myself or my company in the best light.

It was exhausting thinking that way and the next morning I made a conscience decision to only have positive, calming thoughts.  

Thoughts from Wednesday on: I’m not nervous, I’m excited. I can’t wait to share this information with the audience, I’m a rock star, I’ve presented well in the past and I can do it again, I’m smart and a great speaker, I’m going to nail this.

And, I nailed it. I felt like a rock star. Twenty years ago, it would have been worthy of a Cone Head sundae celebration and serious amounts of praise from parents.  Instead, afterwards, I went to BRGR, sat at the counter and read the encouraging texts sent from Jeff and my Dad.  It's nice to know that no matter how old you are, whether or not you fail or succeed, you have fans. Just remember, be your own fan first.

My New York City To-Do List

My apologies for the lag in posting.  I've been playing catch-up ever since we returned from Alaska.  It didn't help that Jeff and I spent the weekend before last in Montreal, or rather on a 22-hour train ride to and from Montreal.  My parents flew up there (they're smart) for the weekend and extended the invitation for us to join them back in December.  And since it's become apparent that we lack the ability to turn down any invitation to travel, we accepted.  The flights were super expensive from New York ($500) and the train was very cheap ($80).  In retrospect, I should I have done some sort of time = money equation, before I jumped on that Amtrak sale.  

While riding the train, when I took a break from beating Jeff in both Scrabble and Monopoly (which, to be fair, rarely happens), I read my Principles of Real Estate Finance textbook.  Ironically, the chapter covered PV = FV − r·PV = FV/(1+r), which looks complicated, but is really just an equation for measuring the value of money over time.  Awesome.  I quickly skimmed through that chapter, in fear that if I took the time to crunch some numbers, it would be apparent that we had wasted both time and money by going to Montreal at all.


On a positive note, we got to spend two days wining, dining and shopping with my parents and there is no mathematical way to factor happiness into the equation.  So yes, we spent time and money, but we spent it in good company and I felt like we came out in the black.  On another positive note, the train ride allowed me plenty of time to dream up more challenges and to-do lists.   It also highlighted the fact that I'd like to take a break from traveling for a bit.  Therefore, I made a list of activities that I've always wanted to do, but never have in New York City, my own big backyard.

Here is my 2011 NYC To Do List:

Museums - Guggenheim,Whitney, Tenement Museum, Museum of Sex
Restaurants/Food - Peter Luger, Shake Shack, River Cafe, Popeye's Chicken, Katz's Deli, Doughnut Plant, Empire Diner, Eat from at least 5 well-known, highly reviewed food trucks.
Afternoon Event or Day Trip - Visit a few Hudson Valley towns via Metro North, New York Botanical Gardens, Forest Hills Gardens, Gospel Choir, Belmont Horse Race
Touristy - Double Decker Bus Tour, Onion Walking Tours in China Town and Harlem, Rockette's Christmas Show, Jersey Boys, Wicked
Night Life - Jazz Club, Burlesque Show 

I'm proud to see that the list isn't that daunting and I'm proud to say that it's because Jeff and I have done a really good job exploring NYC over the past 7 or so years.  We've visited tons of different of restaurants, bars, neighborhoods, and parks; we've watched tons of concerts, musicals, movies, parades, and participated in a crazy amount of road races, bikes tours, picnics, and double dates.  The list goes on.....

If you want to join me in any of the events/activities listed about, I'd love the company. Just let me know and we'll pick a date.

Home Sweet Home

Ice Museum near Fairbanks

We made it! It feels good to be back in the "lower 48" (that's what Alaskans call it).  We had a great trip and took advantage of every winter activity Alaska had to offer.  Here's a recap:

The 3-leg flight was annoyingly long, but luckily we were able to get a great view of the Northern Lights just before we landed in Fairbanks. Fairbanks was very cold, but also very dry.  The lack of moisture and constant below 0 temps leaves them with ice and perma-frost, but very little snow.  As we expected, this town did not have too much to offer aside from, interesting (i.e. odd, unattractive) local folk, the hot springs (which, thankfully, the locals were not in) and the ice museum.  Luckily, our train departed on Sunday, shortly after we arrived.  I was pleased to be on our way, but sad to give up the killer free breakfast at The Hampton Inn. 

Mount McKinley (on the right) - Tallest Mountain in U.S.

The train ride from Fairbanks to Anchorage took all day and was amazing! I would recommend it to anyone visiting Alaska.  We passed through small towns, the Denali National Park and saw hitchhikers (they can flag the train to stop in the winter), ice climbers, moose, caribou (reindeer are domesticated caribou), and Dall sheep.  It was hard to catch some sleep or read my book because I never wanted to stop looking out the window.

Me, not reading

We arranged for a car to pick us up from the train station and take us to our next hotel, about an hour south.  The driver apologized when he picked us up in a black stretch limousine, since we had requested a town car. Jeff laughed, I blushed, then we hopped right in and made our way in style to Girdwood.

Girdwood is a quaint, cool ski town where everyone knows one another and unlike Fairbanks, there's tons of white fluffy snow and everyone is good looking (especially our snowmobile guide, Matt, holla!).  The first day there we met Dario, a dog trainer, kennel owner and nine-time Iditarod veteran.  He showed what dog mushing is all about.....basically a lot of time, money, hard work and love for the dogs.

Expensive Hand Warmers

When we visited with the dogs at their kennels, old oil barrels outside, I was curious to know how the dogs don't freeze to death during the night.  But, as soon I picked up one of the puppies (the little guys sleep indoors) my fears were put to rest.  Holding the puppy was like holding a furnace. Finally, I was warm!  The ideal temperature for them to mush in is 20 below.  When we took a break from mushing, they immediately ate snow and laid their bellies in the snow to cool off.  Alaskan Huskies are bred for cold weather and trainers have more to worry about in the summer, which is when they train in their dog teams in pools and on glaciers.

Whoa!

The dogs love to pull the sled.  They howl, bark, fight, and jump until you let them mush.  And, then, they go silent.  They don't make a peep until you stop the sled.  Alaskan huskies go about 20 miles per hour, can make super sharp turns, can run on ice, are mutts, both male and female, are relatively small, averaging about 35-40 lbs. As you can see, I learned and retained a lot of information about dog sledding. It's such an interesting sport. I even kept a copy of the local newspaper that covered last week's big race, The Yukon Quest.

The next day we hit the slopes.  This time of the year, sun doesn't rise until about 8:30AM and doesn't peek over the mountain until 10:30AM, which is when the lifts open.  The steep mountain was quite intimidating but the fresh powder and sheer emptiness of it made it quite amazing.  There were no chair lift lines and no ice, which is basically unheard of for east coast skiers.  Jeff, whom only started skiing a few years ago, put me to shame, BIG TIME.  He tackled the black diamonds and white out conditions at the very top with pure style.  I was just happy not to take him down every time I stepped off the chair lift.

On our final day in Girdwood, we went snowmobiling, which neither of us have done before and but would definitely do again.  We each had our own snowmobile (Alaskans call them snow machines), which is a good thing because I took each turn slowly and safely, while Jeff basically did donuts and wheelies in the tracks of our experienced guide. For lunch, we roasted reindeer hot dogs, drank tea, and had Snickers toasted on a stick for dessert.  Yum!  While we ate we learned about how to fight off bears and escape an avalanche (both common in this neck of the woods).  I felt very bad-ass!  

Lunch time!

For the last leg of the trip, we made our way back to Anchorage.  We visited their art museum and learned about the gold rush, Eskimos, Alaska's wildlife and natural resources.

Following that and and a tasty King Crab leg lunch, we couldn't really find too much of interest, as you can see by the last two pictures.  But, we didn't mind.  We played scrabble at our hotel, packed for our early morning flight and I congratulated Jeff on completing a great challenge.