Deliciousness

Oh, the lovely chocolate bar. A client of mine enjoys dark chocolate while sipping on a fabulous glass of Cabernet so i chose to purchase a few different and exotic chocolates as a Christmas gift. Well one of the chocolate bars didn't quite make it into the bag...it made it into my mouth. I know, truly pitiful. I believe it is my duty to share my experience because it was GREAT! The brand is called Vosges and it is a magnificent chocolate. The bar consisted of 55% cacao, cinnamon and Mexican ancho y chipotle chillies...DELISH! There are even instructions on the back on exactly how to eat "the bar." They are as follows: "BREATHE... Close your eyes and take three deep Ujjayi breaths (for those that do not know what an Ujjayi breath is...Ujjayi breathing is a breath technique employed in a variety of Hindu and Taoist Yoga practices. In relation to Hindu Yoga, it is sometimes called "the ocean breath". Unlike some other forms of pranayama, the ujjayi breath is typically done in association with asana practice. Ujjayi is a diaphragmatic breath, which first fills the lower belly (activating the first and second chakras), rises to the lower rib cage (the third and fourth chakras), and finally moves into the upper chest and throat.) Moving on...
SEE...There should be a glossy shine to the chocolate bar, indicating a good temper. SMELL...Inhale the chocolate, fruit, herb or spice notes deeply through your nose. SNAP...Hear a crisp, ringing pop...you will hear the loudest snap with dark chocolate, a soft break with milk chocolate and a faint whisper with white chocolate. TASTE...Take a small bite, within thirty seconds, the chocolate will slowly begin to melt around your tongue. Take a deep breath and notice the lingerings of flavor and sensation..." No joke. I felt as though I should light up a cigarette or something afterward... now, that my friends, is some serious chocolate. Here is the website for those curious: http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/ Keep in mind, I am not a huge dark chocolate fan but this particular bar was phenomenal...the chili and cinnamon combo was Mmmm, Mmmm, Mmmm! Don't forget to use your Ujjayi breath. Namaste!

Snow day

Took the girls to Kyburz ( up hwy 50 just past Placerville) to enjoy the snow on Friday the 26th.

As you can see, Claire did not enjoy the Winter Wonderland quite as much as Hannah...very cold! Snow was light, fluffy and very dry...great for skiing. Hopefully, I can get some skiing in after the first of the year...it was really breathtaking!

Mission accomplished!

10.4 miles on Saturday, December 27! Weather was great and I actually brought along a water bottle to stay hydrated this time...hydration, funny little concept. It's amazing how many times I almost got hit by a car. I have even stopped listening to music when i run, regardless of how safe the ear piece. I have found that i have to be hyper-aware of traffic because people DO NOT pay attention when they drive...I am guilty of that as well! I was literally in front of a car that was stopped and she started to drive right into me....Ummmmmmm...Hello??? She looked up from whatever it was she was doing and gave me a shrug. sad. Anyway, I will plan to get a good 5 miles in on Wednesday, December 31 and try for 11 miles on Saturday January 3rd if weather permits. New Years eve right around the corner...drinkies, shenanigans, etc., etc., etc!!!

December 23, 2008

I thought this blog would be a great way to journal my mission toward finishing my first marathon in September 2009 for my 40th birthday. Not an easy task considering the marathon is in Kaua'i. When I mentioned to my fellow runners where i would be doing this marathon , their smiles faded and the questions started."Do you realize how hot and humid it will be? The hills? Are you sure you want to do this?" Yes. I started running again about three months ago (knee was sore for most of the Summer...sad) and it seems to be going rather well. I finished 9.2 miles last week and intend to finish 10 this weekend. My body reminds me every time that i am no longer 25 years old but it feels great when i finish. Christmas has been a huge distraction with the training but will definitely have a more structured program after the first of the year. My first half marathon will be in March which will give me a slight indication of what i am in store for. O.k., ten miles this weekend? we'll see...