sidebar | life and training 12.25-12.31
HAPPY NEW YEAR YOU FOOLS.
I did absolutely nothing on NYE. How about you?
I haven’t put much effort into New Year’s celebrating for years now. I live very close to our city’s annual fireworks, and usually hearing them is enough – besides, I don’t have the energy or desire to wake up at midnight and waltz over in my PJs to watch the display. I’d rather sleep, damn it. I did set an alarm for 11:59 to text a few people the obligatory “Happy New Year!” shebang. So festive of me.
But, let’s backtrack a bit. Monday was Christmas, and the day was quite underwhelming. I slept three hours the previous night, got up for an 8 mile run, then kinda melted into the couch for the rest of the day after presents. Later in the day I went to my mom’s to open the gifts there and have dinner, but I left soonafter and collapsed into a very satisfying snooze at home.
I think I mentioned this in last week’s Sidebar, but the general indifference to the holidays this year was an overwhelming verdict amongst many folk I spoke to. My hairdresser said that Disney was exceptionally crazy this year, according to some of her family. I dunno, I guess everyone wanted to escape their house and into magicland?
But, when Christmas slid away rather hunchbacked, my birthday settled in. Year 30. I actually do feel different, and talked about that a bit in my Bourbon Mocha Layer Cake writeup. On Friday, the day prior, I snipped my hair off and rebuzzed my undercut. This is the shortest my hair’s been in years, and I fucking love it. I drove over to Angry Chair again for their grilled shrimp tacos and a 16oz nitro, and some quiet time before going home. Lovely little solo date.
The day of, I started up the morning with a 30 minute run, 30 minute walk, and 30 minute gym session. So neurotic. Then, brunch at Psomi. Holy shit was it good. Even the simple Americano was delicious, with that little sesame cookie on the side. We split a spanakopita strata and I ordered the avocado bagel with smoked salmon. Fabulous. I could’ve probably gone hard on many menu items but a) my stomach is only so large and b) it isn’t a cheap establishment. But so worth it.
Visited my mom right after, where I received the cutest sheep Oreos (I didn’t take a photo of them, my bad) and hung out for a bit. Then came home for cake and a short hiatus to figure out why my car was starting to overheat and make weird whirring noises. I suspect the radiator. Finished off the night with some calamari and an espresso martini from Market at Edition, a beautiful space in the hotel on Water Street. Not the best espresso martini I’ve ever had, but it was pretty solid.
Then, NYE I was basically useless. Went grocery shopping then laid around all day doing nothing. I did set up a new layout in my bullet journal that I’m kinda excited about – but I’m always excited about bullet journaling at the beginning of the year and being very meticulous before everything inevitably goes to shit. Well, maybe not to shit, but I get lazy and sloppy eventually.
As far as resolutions go, I’m not a resolutions ho. Ha. One thing my mom said that really stuck with me was that I need to go into maintenance mode a little. Reclaim my time, my space, take care of myself, get my affairs in order. That sounds morbid. I ain’t planning on dying, sheesh. Rather, I need to care for my body and my soul a little more. I say some form of that every year, but this year is especially important, methinks.
What goals or intentions do you have for 2024? I just hope everyone has a bit gentler of a year. Seems like the going trend of 2023 was a painful collective growth. Perhaps the final step in cycling out of the pandemic – maybe 2024 will feel a bit less phlegmy. Least, we can all hope so.
The Fuck We Cooking This Week?
…Finally gonna make that salad I’ve mentioned for the past two weeks. Heh. Heh.
…Some kinda salmon, cos I honestly want salmon.
A Few Things I’m Digging
Tacos…Been making fish tacos a lot at home lately. Bought a bag of Gorton’s beer battered fish and just plop a couple filets on warm tortillas with cabbage slaw and homemade chipotle mayo. Delish.
Joggers…These Stars Above joggers will always be my favorite cozies. So perfect in chillier weather – I’ll wear them as PJs or just when I’m having a lazy-ass day.
Cake…Obviously, my birthday cake is finding its way into my maw during many periods of the day. Just so damn good.
Shops & Wish List
Fashion
Target…Really wanting all the cozy shit right now. Maybe cos it’s been cold out. Like this half zip pullover, crewneck pullover, this sandwash half zip, and love this ribbed long sleeve crop. Not cozy but this puckered knit tank is super cute too.
Week in Training
Monday, 12.25 (MERRY CHRISTMAS!): 8 miles, 10.05 pace
Holly jolly still-drunken 4 am miles. Slept probably 3 hours the previous night (3 very shitty hours) but can’t escape my sense of routine, so off I went! Wore my favorite reindeer socks and a Santa hat so felt quite festive.
Tuesday, 12.26: 6.02 miles, 9:58 pace
Didn’t feel my best on this run, but it was okay, and I got to enjoy a Swoon peach iced tea on the walk home, which is always a bonus.
Wednesday, 12.27: 7 miles, 10:05 pace
Got really nice out, so lengthened out this trot since I don’t know how much time I’ll have over the next couple days.
Thursday, 12.28: 4 miles, 9:41 pace
A rushed morning run in the rain. So cozy afterwards: hot shower and warm PJs, then a hot mug of coffee made this early trot worthwhile. Definitely not used to running in the morning anymore so this was actually a big jarring.
Friday, 12.29: 6.08 miles, 9:53 pace
Rattled this one out before getting my hair chopped off. Felt so good out, though I was in a bit of a foul mood so I didn’t enjoy it proper.
Saturday, 12.30 (HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME): 3.17 miles, 9:28 pace + 30 minute walk (2.11 miles) + 30 minute strength
Ringing in year 30 with a few 30 minute sessions. Trying to feel good on this birthday of mine – it was a chilly morning and I managed to overdress regardless, but enjoyed being outside for some alone time. Came back inside for a hot brew and a stroopwafel. Happy little predawn.
Sunday, 12.31: 5 mile walk (1:15:43)
Not much energy or desire to run, so I chose lots of sleep instead and got a brisk walk in.
Total running mileage: 34.3
