This weekend I explored Old Town in Albuquerque. Lots of shops selling turquoise and silver around a town green. No, no dreamcatchers. Must have been sold out. On the town green was a gazebo where performers dressed up in Mexican attire and danced, sang, or played instruments. I ate lunch in a small Mexican restaurant behind an old church. Very charming and fun. Among all these attractions, however, I found one hot spot that was somehow not sold out: the Rattlesnake Museum.
I had been planning on tricking my father into a visit to the museum ever since I found out about its existence, but I just couldn’t wait that long. My father is not what you would call a friend of reptiles. One very vivid childhood memory consists of an unnamed oldest sister putting a garter snake in a shoebox and giving it to my dad. Let’s just say some snakes can fly:) I learned more about rattlesnakes than anyone would ever want to know. Except for my sister Mary. For some crazy reason the girl used to work in a REPTILE SHOW. And she even knew the reptiles' names. There are red rattlesnakes. There are black ones. There are rattlesnakes with horns over their eyes. Yes, they all have rattles. Yes, they only had live snakes at this museum. And yes, just as I thought I was doing very well being calm while surrounded by snakes, I almost had a heart attack when my phone vibrated in my purse and I thought it was a rattlesnake. So, Father dearest, I would brave this museum for you any time. But of course I took some pictures. You are more than welcome!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
New Mexican Style...

I took German for four years in high school. I even dreamt in German one night and couldn't remember English for about half an hour in the morning. Frau Buller and I will always be friends. But this is really not taking me very far in the Southwest. I pronounce "pollo" like the sport polo. When I was in San Diego, a concierge almost spit Coke out her nose when I pronounced it "La Jolla" instead of "La Hoya." These are not good traits when moving to New Mexico. But I think I've gotten better. I've at least progressed to pronouncing it "Heymez Mountains" for the "Jemez Mountains."
I am of course loving New Mexico. On Sunday I will have been here for two weeks, but it feels like I've been here longer. I am so antsy to take advantage of everything! I am right by the foothills, and it looks a lot like Salt Lake. I so miss my friends and family, but there's not much I can do about it right now. I've been able to go on an adventure or two while adjusting to work, but been pretty exhausted trying to unpack and just figure out where the bathroom is at work. Nonetheless, I am drawing from some resources to try something new every week.
Two weeks ago was Bandelier National Monument by Los Alamos, NM. I learned two very important things here: I don't like Bed and Breakfasts where the couple lives there, and I don't like hiking by myself. Boring. A cute old couple lived at the Bed and Breakfast, but I felt like I was visiting at my grandparents' house and couldn't do normal things I would do at a hotel like sleep in and watch a movie with lots of treats spread out on my bed. Plus, the grandpa (not really one, but it felt like one) told me my biological clock was probably ticking. Do not ever say that to someone traveling by themselves, fyi. Or say that to anyone, ever. It's weird.
Bandelier was amazing--lots of archeological finds, where Indians used to live. You had to climb up really tall ladders to get to the places where they would live. Sounds much more intense than it really was, especially since I think I maybe saw a lady in high heels. I am finished with taking ranger recommendations. Last year a ranger in Southern Utah with crazy eyes told us a hike was "crazy hard" and we would be stuck in tons of water. Bone dry, and very easy. A ranger here told me a hike was her favorite because of all the archeological finds and it was so different from the rest of the hikes. Fast forward to me deciding to turn it into a trail run because it was boring and just like what I had hiked an hour before. Still fun, but still...
Standby for last weekend's and this weekend's adventures...
I am of course loving New Mexico. On Sunday I will have been here for two weeks, but it feels like I've been here longer. I am so antsy to take advantage of everything! I am right by the foothills, and it looks a lot like Salt Lake. I so miss my friends and family, but there's not much I can do about it right now. I've been able to go on an adventure or two while adjusting to work, but been pretty exhausted trying to unpack and just figure out where the bathroom is at work. Nonetheless, I am drawing from some resources to try something new every week.
Two weeks ago was Bandelier National Monument by Los Alamos, NM. I learned two very important things here: I don't like Bed and Breakfasts where the couple lives there, and I don't like hiking by myself. Boring. A cute old couple lived at the Bed and Breakfast, but I felt like I was visiting at my grandparents' house and couldn't do normal things I would do at a hotel like sleep in and watch a movie with lots of treats spread out on my bed. Plus, the grandpa (not really one, but it felt like one) told me my biological clock was probably ticking. Do not ever say that to someone traveling by themselves, fyi. Or say that to anyone, ever. It's weird.
Bandelier was amazing--lots of archeological finds, where Indians used to live. You had to climb up really tall ladders to get to the places where they would live. Sounds much more intense than it really was, especially since I think I maybe saw a lady in high heels. I am finished with taking ranger recommendations. Last year a ranger in Southern Utah with crazy eyes told us a hike was "crazy hard" and we would be stuck in tons of water. Bone dry, and very easy. A ranger here told me a hike was her favorite because of all the archeological finds and it was so different from the rest of the hikes. Fast forward to me deciding to turn it into a trail run because it was boring and just like what I had hiked an hour before. Still fun, but still...
Standby for last weekend's and this weekend's adventures...
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday and Wednesday Play Time...
I realize this is probably the most boring blog in the world, but it will have to do for a while. I am dragging today, but hopefully will feel refreshed later today! I think I will, either from Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi.
Tuesday workout:
Morning: Get up at 5:15 to sit on the freeway because a hamburger driver fell asleep at the wheel. Missed the workout and went to work early instead:(
Evening workout
TABATA something else:
8 rounds of each exercise; 20 seconds all out and 10 seconds rest:
Pull-ups
Push-ups
Sit-ups
Squats
Rowing
Total score: 406. Yay!
50 push-ups
Evening workout #2:
5 rounds of:
Bike 5 min
Squats 1 min
Lunges 1 min per leg
Calf raises 1 min
Evening workout #3:
Yoga for 75 min
Apparently I have been channeling yoga too much with my pushups--I keep going forward instead of straight down. I was told this makes them a lot harder. I hope so!
Wednesday am:
The only reason I got up today is because I would feel really lazy if I slept in. I felt like I've been hit by a truck and my arms are too tired to put on eyeliner. Sad.
For time (32:40):
25 push press (65#)
50 24" box jumps (I am lucky I did not fall flat on my face!)
25 push jerk (65#)
50 pushups
50 burpees
I threw in 50 situps and 48 pull-ups just for fun.
Time to get jazzed about my evening workout! Not there yet... :)
Tuesday workout:
Morning: Get up at 5:15 to sit on the freeway because a hamburger driver fell asleep at the wheel. Missed the workout and went to work early instead:(
Evening workout
TABATA something else:
8 rounds of each exercise; 20 seconds all out and 10 seconds rest:
Pull-ups
Push-ups
Sit-ups
Squats
Rowing
Total score: 406. Yay!
50 push-ups
Evening workout #2:
5 rounds of:
Bike 5 min
Squats 1 min
Lunges 1 min per leg
Calf raises 1 min
Evening workout #3:
Yoga for 75 min
Apparently I have been channeling yoga too much with my pushups--I keep going forward instead of straight down. I was told this makes them a lot harder. I hope so!
Wednesday am:
The only reason I got up today is because I would feel really lazy if I slept in. I felt like I've been hit by a truck and my arms are too tired to put on eyeliner. Sad.
For time (32:40):
25 push press (65#)
50 24" box jumps (I am lucky I did not fall flat on my face!)
25 push jerk (65#)
50 pushups
50 burpees
I threw in 50 situps and 48 pull-ups just for fun.
Time to get jazzed about my evening workout! Not there yet... :)
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday's Fun
So I decided to go to Barnes and Noble this morning for a little bit of inspiration. I found a magazine of bodybuilding, which is the GROSSEST thing known to mankind. This magazine was seriously like a train wreck--I couldn't look away at the grotesqueness inside. Tell me what thoughts spring to mind when you see this picture! I'll share a few of mine:- Where does he buy clothes?
- What color is his real skin?
- How fast would I run if I saw him in an alley, or in a grocery store?
- Where is the nearest bakery so I can ensure I NEVER look like this?
Now, my little accountability for today's workout!!
Morning:
7x3 heavy front squats (75 lbs) (ok; heavy for me)
50 24" box jumps
5o situps
50 pushups
25 pullups
Evening:
8 mile run
50 pushups
I also threw a 2 hour snowshoe in the afternoon, but that's not really a workout--pure fun. Up the side of Millcreek, then down Pipeline trail. Good stuff!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday workouts
Jacko, I tried eating lots of cookies. I had to taste test all of them to see what would work best. Not shocking that oatmeal raisin doesn't do anything. I don't even know why this is a cookie. Disgusting. I had to eat an extra chocolate chip just to get that horrible taste out of my mouth. Such a burden I bear, taste testing cookies for all mankind.
Thursday workout
Ran 2 miles
Friday workout
Lift arms, pushups
5000 m row
100 double unders (two times jump rope before hitting the ground)
5000 m row
Saturday workout
Rowing competition: I won the 1000m, and second place in the 2000m! I would have won the 2000m, but it was right after the last one and I was smoked!
1 mile run
50 Pushups
Sunday workout
Skiing!
Must do better next week. At least by eating more cookies.
Thursday workout
Ran 2 miles
Friday workout
Lift arms, pushups
5000 m row
100 double unders (two times jump rope before hitting the ground)
5000 m row
Saturday workout
Rowing competition: I won the 1000m, and second place in the 2000m! I would have won the 2000m, but it was right after the last one and I was smoked!
1 mile run
50 Pushups
Sunday workout
Skiing!
Must do better next week. At least by eating more cookies.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
New Beginnings....
Super restless is my middle name. I am feeling really in limbo and need some new goals. I feel like I've not been doing things purposefully lately, with a clear intent. I think setting some goals will help me focus. So while I chew on my new goals, I am going to start posting my daily workouts so I have some accountability. I realize none of you want to read them; but it will help me look back and keep track. If anyone has some fun goals in mind to give my training some focus, let me know!
Morning workout:
CrossFit
Core work
Night time Workout
Core work
Morning workout:
CrossFit
- 3 rounds for time:
- 1 clean and jerk (all with 35#)
- 5 overhead squats
- 10 cleans
- 15 pull-ups (assisted)
- Take total time, then do max ring dips and subtract. 8:12 minus 5
Core work
- 2:00 plank
- 30 situps
- 1:00 plank
- 30 situps
- :30 plank
- 30 situps
Night time Workout
- Run 3.3 miles easy (with Safari!)
- Treadmill/pace work:
- Run 5:00 warmup, then repeat 4x:
- 1/2 mile goal pace
- Walk 1:00
- 1/4 mile goal pace
- Walk 2:00
- Repeat 4x:
- Bike 5:00
- Calf 1:00
- Squats 1:00
- Walking lungs 2:00
Core work
- Flutter kicks: 100 in between each set
- Pushups: sets of 20, up to 200
- Situps: sets of 50, up to 250
Saturday, December 13, 2008
No frosting? What is this world coming to?

I realize many people use blogs to post their opinions about world events. And yes, of course I have opinions and care a lot about the fact that the White House has a $700 BILLION bailout “plan” for Wall Street, the EU just approved a $267 BB bailout involving 30 countries, BofA is going to cut 35,000 jobs over the next while, and there is alarming violence in Greece without any specific end in mind. But not only do I not want to write about that, no one wants to read about it. We are all living it. So instead I will focus today on three things that I would much rather talk about: brownies, Walmart, and Christmas songs.
Skinny People Don’t Know Brownies
I went to pick up some takeout tonight and ordered a brownie. I get home, unwrap my dinner (yes, it was more than just the brownie…this time) and it has NO FROSTING. Are you kidding me? Do I look like someone who doesn’t want frosting? No one ever mistakenly calls me “petite,” and I didn’t order a Diet Coke. The reason they had so many left is because no one orders a non-frosting brownie if there is the option of the frosted one. Everyone knows that. The girl was so skinny I suspect she doesn’t eat brownies, so she doesn’t know the rules. This is still no excuse. This is innate human behavior we are talking about. This reminds me of when you order McDonald’s or any drive through, and you drive all the way home before you check the bag. Inevitably, you will have a Sausage-only McGriddle instead of the sans-Sausage McGriddle you ordered. You have to weigh whether the mistake is worth driving ALL the way back, sitting in line again, and chancing another screw-up. No one is going to drive back.
People at Wal-Mart Make Me Confident in My Future
Be prepared for this excerpt to sound elitist. It will. I don’t hate the concept of Wal-Mart. I don’t hate all Wal-Marts. But every time I go to the Wal-Mart by my house, I am on edge for hours afterward. With the segment of society I typically interact with, I forget people like this exist. People who discipline their children by screaming “I’ll show YOU how to hit!” and lead them down the aisle by their ear. Full-grown “adults” who buy Tinkerbell footsie pajamas. Everyone moves so slow, as if they have all day to spend in the store, and no matter what I do, I CANNOT go as fast as I’d like! Most days I wonder if I could actually shoot someone. One trip to Wal-Mart and I have no doubt that I can. I would start that minute.
Stick With the Christmas Classics
Why is anyone trying to write more Christmas songs? They are nothing short of HORRIBLE. One such example: “Jingle, Jingle Jingle; You will hear my sleigh bells ring; I am old Kris Kringle; I am the king of jingling! Ho ho!" Yikes is right. This is almost as bad as The Terminator in "Jingle All the Way." We really don’t need any songs other than “Silver Bells,” “The Christmas Song,” and “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” do we? There is one exception. There is one Christmas song that has been written post-1960s that I actually like: “All I Want For Christmas is You.” I cannot force myself to type who sings this as I despise this artist with my entire being. EVERYTHING about this artist. Any guesses?
But yes, shockingly enough, there is of course more going on in my life than brownies and Wal-Mart. My life is fabulous, as always. There is just about enough snow to go skiing. I am happily not dating ANYONE at the minute. I retake my PFT (that’s physical fitness test) on 22 December, and I can do 27 pushups as of today. That’s right, 27. No, I can’t believe it either.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)