Saturday, May 23, 2009

Littlesack is on Vacation

By the time you read this post, I will be in Italy! for a ten day tour of Southern Italy.
(photo courtesy of photobucket)

I will be back on June 3, hopefully with plenty of my own photos to share. I hope everyone has a fantastic holiday weekend and can't wait to catch up when I get back!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Marathon Playlist 2009

I've spent the past few days compiling lists of songs for my marathon playlist. My old playlist was pretty tired and needed some help. I'm also notoriously bad at making playlists; putting long jam band songs on running playlists, etc.

So, from suggestions from the bloggy world, my own list, and Chic Runner's running playlist, I have the beginings of Marathon 2009 Playlist. If you look at this list you might think I'm schizophrenic- the songs range from the beatles, 80s hair bands, songs that were popular 3-5 years ago and some pretty dirty rap songs! But, I just like to mix it up when I'm out on the trail for a long time.

But, I still need about an hour of music, so, please continue to leave suggestions. Thanks!

So, here it is:

Born in the USA- Bruce Springsteen

Journey Don't Stop Believing

California Phantom Planet (The OC Soundtrack)

Call On Me Eric Prydz

Colt 45 Afroman

Crazy Gnarls Barkley

Crazy Bitch Buckcherry

Crush Dave Matthews Band

Sledgehammer DMB

The Final Countdown Europe (I had this as the very last song to the Baltimore Half Marathon last year and it was surreal moment. I could barely hear it as I was running down the finishing chute through Camden yards towards Raven's Stadium, it was really awesome.)

F.B.I. Kelly Bell Band (This is a local Baltimore Band, but i HIGHLY reccommend him, he is awesome!)

Fat Bottomed Girls (Live) Queen + Paul Rodgers Reaching

Fool In the Rain Led Zeppelin

fuck it Eamon

Get Right (Remix) Jennifer Lopez ft. Fabolous

Give It Away Red Hot Chili Peppers

Helter Skelter Across the Universe

Hips Don't Lie 3:40 Shakira ft Wyclef Jean

Hollaback Girl Gwen Stefani

I'm In Miami Bitch LMFAO

Jerk It Out Caesars

just dance jamiroquia

Just Dance Lady GaGa & Colby O'Donis

lets get retarted in here black eyed peas

Love In An Elevator Aerosmith

Move Along The All-American Rejects

Mr. Brightside The Killers

Gin and Juice OAR

PROMISCUOS GIRL Nelly Furtado ft. Timbaland

Quality Control Jurassic 5

Revolution The Beatles

Temperature Sean Paul

Seduce Me Tonight Flashdance soundtrack

Seven Nation Army White

Single Ladies Beyoncé

So What Pink

Somebody Told Me The Killers

That was a crazy game of poker O.A.R.)

There It Go (The Whistle Song) Juelz Santana

Istanbull They Might Be Giants

Tripping Billies DMB

The Way You Make Me Feel Michael Jackson

We're Not Gonna Take It Twisted Sister

We Didn't Start the Fire Billy Joel

We Will Rock You Queen

What's Your Fantasy Ludacris & Shawna

Whenever, Wherever Shakira

99 Problems DJ Danger Mouse

Monday, May 18, 2009

Running Playlists

As I've mentioned a few times, I'm training for the Baltimore Marathon in October. I ran the half last year and since it didn't kill me, I decided to take the plunge and run the whole thing.

But, my ipod needs some serious updating. I've got a "Half Marathon" play list, but I need over 2 more hours of songs to get me through the whole thing (and all the training I have planned from now until October).

So, ladies, I'm asking for your help. Can you comment with some of your favorite songs to run/work out to? I like to run to songs that are upbeat/ have a faster beat and will listen to mostly everything (except Country).

Can't wait to read your suggestions

Saturday, May 16, 2009

My Mother

A few weeks ago I was out with some friends and jokingly someone said to someone else, "That really isn't what you were planning on wearing tonight?" Totally sarcastic and joking. It became a running joke for the night--"You decided on that hairstyle, those shoes, etc."
The type of joke that is only allowable between really close girlfriends.

Later in the night we joked that this type of snide remark is something my mother would say, totally seriously.

Cut to Saturday afternoon, I was eating lunch trying to peacefully read the comics. When, from my mother comes, "So, I guess you aren't going to be getting a hair cut before we leave for Italy. It's a little out of shape."

Seriously?

No, mother, in fact, I WILL NOT be getting a hair cut before we go. I'm growing it out and Italy or not, I'm not cutting it. And, to add insult to injury, I will be wearing those totally comfy cotton capris you hate on our flight, you can roll your eyes all you want. I do not care.

I'm going to start slipping some Xanex into her O.J.

PS- On a lighter note, the always fashionable Mrs. Potts is having a really good give-a-way!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

A Special Thursday Edition of Not Me! Monday

Welcome to a Special Thursday edition of Not Me! Monday. This just deserved a post all on its own and one of those things that would only happen to me.

This entire story, most definitely DID NOT happen to me:

So, I was off work yesterday and so was my dad and we decided to enjoy the nice weather and take a bike ride on the local trail. I was really looking forward to a long and intense cross-training workout and had planned on making it about an hour and a half long ride. About 30 minutes in, my dad decides he is going to head back home, so I continue to the end of the trail by myself.

Less than a minute later, my bike feels really funny, so I stop to take a look at it. Something was wrong with my back tire so that part of it was swollen and ballooning over the rim. Every time the fat part of the tire got back around to the frame of the bike, it struggled to make it through. So, I got back on my bike and said to myself, "This tire isn't going to last long, I better turn around and try and catch my dad to see if he has a patch kit."

...and then POP! My entire tire blew out. Like, not like, oh a tiny little hole, the entire tire was separated from the rim and tube. F*CK. Luckily I had my cell phone, so I called my house, and left a message for my dad to come get me when he got back.

But, I was pissed. My workout had been cut really short and I wasn't going to just sit on the side of the trail until my dad came back with his car. and this is where the story gets interesting.

I decided to run with my bike as far as I could until my dad called me back. Let me paint a picture for you of what this looked like.
1. I was wearing my bike shorts, which are basically spandex with a seat cushion, which really only serves to make my ginormous butt look even bigger.
2. I wear my hair in two low pigtails when i ride b/c a helmet won't fit over a pony-tail.
3. I have grease all over my hands, shirt and face, from messing with my bike chains.
4. I am running...with a bike next to me! I have no balance to begin with, but with this contraption, I was all over the place.

It was truly ridiculous, and every bike rider I passed (very graciously) asked if I was okay, so they got a close-up of my absurd attire.

I mean, I would never leave the house looking like this and would never decide to run with a bike... these are just things a self-respecting girl doesn't do, right?!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Not Me! Monday

I've missed a few Not Me! Monday's, so hopefully this week will make up for the lack of sarcasm.

In case you haven't been introduced to Not Me! Monday, yet, here are a few details. This fun game originated with MckMama. Here are the rules to playing, but in sum, you just list a lot of things you "didn't" (read: actually did) do this weekend/past week. All in the name of admitting that we all make mistakes and aren't perfect.

This past week...

(I work on the third floor of my building. When I'm being lazy I take the elevator down). I did not walk into the elevator push "3" (when I was on level three) and then get pissy with the elevator because it wasn't going down to level 1. It did not take me more than 30 seconds to realize I was on level 3 and needed to push level 1. I did not do this twice in one day.

I did not do a happy wiggle dance when I was able to buy jeans in a pant size I have not seen for quite some time. =)

I certainly did not buy the same exact shirt in ten different colors from the gap. I have WAY more fashion sense than that and would never do something like that.

I also most definitely did not spend an EXORBITANT amount of money on a pair of sandals for Italy. I did not justify this purchase by telling myself that the money would be worth it since they were the only pair I could find that were practical, yet cute (and did not look like either something my mother or father would wear).

What didn't you do?!

Happy Mothers Day!

Ladies that are Mothers, or soon-to-be mothers, I wish you a Happy Mother's Day! I hope you find it relaxing and enjoyable. And, please know that even if your little ones never say it, they really do appreciate all that you do.

Here is a picture of me and my own mama and my sister at a Mother's Day Tea yesterday. (I'm on the left.)

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Italia in T- 18 days!

That's right, ladies, I'm going to Italy!!!!* In 2.5 weeks!

I've never been to Europe, so I am beyond excited for this 10 day trip with my parents and older sister. I am Italian on both sides, a history buff, and lover of all things beautiful, so this trip is going to be majestic, beautiful, and perfecto! (plus I get to use my fake Italian accent, by adding vowels to the end of every word. You know, like... ohh Ia likea mya spaghettia!)

Anyways, I get the feeling that lots of you laides have been overseas and I am seeking out your advice. What to wear, what not to miss, etc.

But really, I need some advice on what shoes to wear. I need a comforatable pair of walking shoes that I can wear all day and that don't look dumb or geeky. Idealy, I'd like a pair that works with shorts/shirts and pants. I know this is asking alot, but any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks ladies! Looking forward to your thoughts.

*Pending any massive piggy-flu outbreak. =(

Monday, May 4, 2009

Making Tracks for Celiacs Race Report

Sometimes I think the races I sign up for are worth the entry fee based solely on the swag (shit we all get) I get. T-shirts, chapstick samples, a key pocket, whatever. I love it all.

Sunday was the "Making Tracks for Celiacs" 5k, that my family, friends, and I have participated in for the past 3 or 4 years. As I mentioned before, my sister and I have Celiac Disease (an intolerance to gluten and wheat). Next to Christmas, it is probably my favorite day of the year. Tons of gluten-free vendors come and give out free samples and of course, sell their products. It is the mecca of gluten-free-ness. My sister's best friend calls it "Happy Celiac Day."

My goal for the race is to get done asap so that I can get to the swag, because wow, there was a ton of free samples. You basically take a shopping bag and go through the vendors and put a sample or two of the goodies in your bag. (My bag is sooo full because my friends all get bags too and give it all to me- I feel like Halloween). I also ate the best pizza ever, some amazing donuts, and a english muffin that resembled the real thing so perfectly I couldn't stop sampling. Oh, and the cinamon buns were FABULOUS. (I, of course, also bought a bunch of these yummy products).

But, the best vendor was a total surprise--> Joe Corbis?! apparently they make the best chocolate chip cookie I've had since being gluten-free. It was so freikin fantastic I ate three cookies. (I've probably eaten less than 10 cookies in total since being gluten free- five years ago). They were so good, I couldn't stop talking about them. And, I bought a tub of dough so I could make them at home. And then, I realized, I had cookie dough that could be eaten out of the tub! Oh! My! Goodness! I can't even tell you how excited I was about this! Cookie dough?! I thought this was a relic of my past.

Anyways, the whole day was fabulous, and I can't wait for next year's run.

In addition to the run, this past weekend was Alumni Weekend for my college team. It involves an entire weekend of getting all the alumni together and drinking and partying like we did when we were in college. We all had a blast, but I haven't drank like that in a long time--- closing the bar on Friday and Saturday, and day drinking on Saturday (while playing soccer). It was great to see all the girls and I couldn't have been happier spending time with my best gal pals for two nights in a row.

Did I mention I closed the bar Saturday and then got up at 7 for the 5k on Sunday? It wasn't terribly rough- but being awake after 5 hours of sleep and two days of drinking wasn't that awesome either. So, my time wasn't fantastic (31 something), but I wasn't really planning on "racing" since I knew I'd be out the night before. I was just planning on running and chatting with my friends along the way. And...getting some great free swag...Mission Accomplished?

How was your weekend?!