Pomplamoose

My co-worker Mike told me about the group Pomplamoose this morning. He had heard their interview on NPR and was telling me he almost likes their version of Single Ladies more than Beyonce's. That's quite a statement so, of course, I had to check them out. They are pretty fantastic. I love their "do it yourself attitude." Jack and Nataly have such a hip sound and style and I dig Nataly's voice - it's like Regina Spektor meets Adele. I loved what she said at the end of the article, "People think that all of these things have to be done by geniuses behind huge desks or at the top of skyscrapers, but you can just go online and do it yourself." What a positive and hopeful message. I highly recommend checking out more of their stuff on YouTube (if you haven't already) - Beat It, If You Think You Need Some Lovin, September - it's all so good!

F for Pandas

I had to read this article after seeing the title - a title that reminded me a lot of the Panda's indoor volleyball season.

One Day Without Shoes

Today the people from TOMS have asked that people try going without shoes for the day or just part of the day to bring attention to all those who have to go without shoes day in and day out.

This is something I know I definitely take for granted. When getting ready to go somewhere, I don't even think about the fact that I should count my blessings that I have shoes to wear. My attention is strictly focused not on A pair of shoes, but which pair - with the deciding factors being type, style, color, etc. How sad that something I find so common, like shoes, can be thought of as a luxury to somebody else.

I posted about TOMS before, and I'm happy to do so again. I love what this organization is doing and love love LOVE my TOMS, so definitely check out their website and consider buying a pair. A cute/unique pair of shoes for you, and a pair for a child in need!

New Kicks

After about a year of half-hearted attempts at looking for a new pair of running shoes, I finally made a purchase last night. It was a long, overdue purchase. I've had my current pair of shoes for nearly 2 years now, and after getting back into the running game, and with the much anticipated Dam to Dam race nearing, I knew it was time to get serious.

So without further ado....

These were really the only ones that caught my eye enough to want to try them on. They are super light and comfortable (for the 2 minutes I wore them around the store). And the reviews I've read online are mostly positive.

Speaking of reviews, a few personal ones I've gotten thus far:

*Super fantastic

*Snappy and Snazzy

*"I dig"

Easter Weekend Highlights

I spent this past weekend celebrating Easter with my family at home...here are a few highlights:

Friday:
* My tunes blaring, a phone call, and rainy conditions on and off to keep me from getting too bored on the drive home.
*Cheese pizza and a nice cold Bud Light for supper
*Testing my piano-playing skills. It all was coming back to me - just like riding a bicycle. I played a little Lion King, 90's hits including Four Non Blondes', "What's Up", and my favorite beginner songs, "Swans on the Lake", "Moon Man", and "The Party".

Saturday:
*Running 8 miles with Katie and Erin along the riverfront.
*Lunch at Yen Cheng with my mom, best friend Sarah, her fiancee, and her mom
*Visiting my Grandma
*Grilling Steak and vegetables for supper
*Playing Ring Around the Rosey and No More Monkeys Jumping On the Bed with Regan

Sunday:
*Easter Sunday Mass
*A delicious brunch at home
*Pizza and movie night hosted by LW and JW

All in all, a great weekend!

March Goes Out Like a Bad Ass Lamb

March 31st and it's currently 76 degrees! You can't help but smile on a day like today, even if you are stuck inside for most of it.

I did take advantage of the gorgeous weather by walking over my lunch hour (...and a half) with Sarah and Derrick. The warm sunshine blanketing us as we walked plus the good company of friends was a great improvement from cafeteria land. The only thing that would make it better would be having my denim mini and Uggs to prance around in.

Here's to plenty more BEA-utiful days such as today!

Run This Town

I'm well on my way to completing my goal of 10 races in 2010. This weekend I got two more under my belt, the Rebuild Haiti 5K on Saturday and the Friendly Sons of St Patrick 10K yesterday. 4 down, 6 more to go!

Saturday's run was tougher than I expected. The cold, cloudy, and windy morning made it a bit difficult. Add in the fact that I felt like I had a 50 LB weight attached to my right leg, and it made for a challenging 3.1 miles.

Yesterday's 10K went much better. The better weather and good company I had (I made JW stick by me since I gave my Ipod to Les after she gave hers a bath in the washing machine) made for a much easier race, even though it was twice as long. I will say, after running the Shamrock Shuffle, it's going to take a pretty spectacular race to top that, but it was still fun. Kyle, Sarah, Rod, and Naomi also participated - Naomi's first big run since 7th grade! Way to go Naomi!

Here's a post-race pic - Team Hot Sundae at it again.