new years eve 5k

last 5k of 2010...

24:49.

goin' out on top

Marci's Favorite Things 2010 - OTHER SHIZ

So we've covered Movies, TV, Music and Books... I guess that's all really under the umbrella of "Entertainment." I know you must be thinking to yourselves... "What else besides entertainment was Marci keen on this year?" For Oprah, it was Z shaped brownie pans. But I'm not Oprah...here's what else made me happy this year:

nike+ sportband - greatest thing I could have asked my grandma to give me for my birthday last year. It's basically a watch that I wear while I run, and it lets me know my speed, my total time, my distance, calories burned and the actual time. Then I can hook that shiz up to nike+ online and they will show me all my runs so I can compare and challenge myself. I use it just about every day. Super convenient and great to track my progress.

real simple magazine - I think the main target demographic for this magazine is like 40-60 year old women, but I guess that just means I'm an "old soul." It has great design, some really good tips on organizing stuff around the house, and my favorite part - easy and delicious recipes! It's helping me prep to do a good job of being somebody's wife some day (fingers crossed).

white thermal shirt - I got a white thermal shirt at the Gap that I love. I know it sounds weird, but sometimes the simplest items make me so happy to wear. I throw it on with some JEANS, BOOTS and my orange hat and I look like I'm ready to go a-huntin'.

sperry boots - I got my first pair of these boots last December, and was given another as a present in early 2010. Thank goodness, because I wore the CRAP outta the first pair, and recently have begun wearing in pair #2. I love wearing them with...just about everything. Best boots ever.

crossfit- This is not a fitness program for the lazy... although I guess I'm pretty lazy most of the time. Except when I'm working out. Every day they post a new "workout of the day" on their site, and every day this work out gets my heart beating real good. Also very interesting philosophy about fitness and staying in good shape. Check out their website if you're looking to push yourself.

guacamole - I don't know how much there is to say about this except that it is delicious. I wish I had some right now.

baileys on the rocks - I guess this has been a more recent addition to the list, but nothing much beats a delicious glass of baileys on the rocks when you're hanging out at Malone's on a Monday night. And Tuesday....and Wednesday...you get the point...(side note: when you drink a bar out of a specific drink, does it mean you have a problem?)

orange cashmere hat - I decided to treat myself at J Crew a couple months ago with a cashmere winter hat. I decided to further treat myself by choosing the most ridiculous color. I now have an orange cashmere hat. and I love it and will continue wearing it no matter how many people make fun of me for it. I know deep down they jus' jealous.

fantasy sports - Football, Baseball, Basketball, Beat the Streak, Pigskin Pick Em...I could go on and on. I just love me some fantasy sports. First off, it helps me quench my hunger for gambling without throwing away $100 at the casino on Christmas night (whoops). Secondly, it gives me something to do at work after I get home from a long, hard day's work. Lastly, throwing around fantasy sports stats is a stellar way to pick up a guy at a bar. Or watching your fantasy athletes on TV is a stellar way to pass the time when no one at a bar is talking to you...

the b.s. report- I read Bill Simmons "Book of Basketball" this year without knowing much about him. Now I'm always on the lookout for his next article on espn.com, and I also frequently look out for editions of the BS Report that pique my interest. I love Bill's writing style, but the thing I like best about the Sportsguy are his BS Reports with the Czar of Reality television. I never thought I would not only find people as well versed in reality TV as myself, but also ones that watch ALL THE SAME SHOWS as me. Even Bad Girls Club ("This is insanity..."). If you like sports and pop culture, and you're ever bored at work on a weekend or in the evening time, definitely check it out.

OK, I think that's about all I have time for now. 2010 was a year with some good shiz in it, as you can see. Hopefully 2011 will be ever better. But as long as I can still have guacamole and bailey's on the rocks (though not at the same time), there will be a smile on my face. Or maybe just a smirk. Either way, it will look like I'm mildly amused.

misguided ghosts. paramore.

Marci's Favorite Things 2010 - BOOKS!

Taking public transportation to work is the pits. I have to stand the entire way, and usually am surrounded by strangers that are way too close to my personal space for my liking. But if I have a good book along for the ride, the trip seems to go surprisingly fast! And sometimes is even enjoyable. Imagine that! Here are some of my favorite page tuners that I read in 2010:

The Help - I can't quite remember if I read this one in 2009 or 2010, but either way it deserves a read by all. It's a story that focuses mainly on three women in the early 1960s - Skeeter, a 22 year old woman who was brought up in a fairly wealthy Southern family, a black maid who has made a life of raising other people's children, and a feisty short black woman who can cook up a meal or a controversy with ease. These three women begin to work in tandem on something that will change them--and their town--forever. It's a page turner, and inspirational to boot.

Never Let Me Go - This haunting novel follows Kathy, a "carer," as she recounts memories of her childhood, and specifically the complicated relationships between her and her two best friends, Ruth and Tommy. While it seems that they are just being brought up in a boarding school, there is more to their story than it seems and once you discover what secrets lie in their world, it will both frighten you and sadden you.

Game Change - Politics is often wacky, and apparently also very much like a mix between high school and a soap opera (like The OC!). This non-fiction work follows the 2008 presidential election and all it's players, digging into their personal stories, triumphs, secrets and more... Get all the dirt on Hillary, Bill, Obama, Palin, and McCain too. It's pretty interesting to hear about what goes on behind the scenes...

Freedom - It was an Oprah pick so it's only fitting that it's part of my favorite things of 2010. I'm actually reading it now, about 100 pages out from finishing, so I can't tell you if the ending is satisfying. But the story is woven beautifully, highlighting how life can take us places we never expected, how people can know what they really want but not act on it; plus the overall theme of trying to be a "good person" will have you questioning parts of your own life.

One Day - This novel checks in on two people on the same day, for 20 years of their lives. We see their relationship develop and twist and turn, until finally ending in a way you'd never expect. Quick-moving and ultimately heart wrenching, it's a good read that makes you feel something.

Mockingjay - The last book of The Hunger Games series was released this year and needless to say, I loved it! For more about my love for this series, click here.

The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest - The last book of yet another trilogy, Hornet's Nest brings us to the conclusion of Lisbeth Salander's story, complete with a great trial scene and the usual Kale Blomkvist journalistic detective work. Though Lisbeth is not as active in this book as she was in stories past, the book itself moves along nicely and brings the story to a great end.

That's about it! If you're looking for something to read, check these titles out. Or go to the library and pick one out yo'self. I'm not your personal book shopper.

run 1 mile
row 2k
run 1 mile
27:47

holidays are tough.

merry christmas

Merry Christmas to all! Hope the day is filled with family, fun and love.

wod:
100 burpees for time.
7:54. had to stop for a few seconds at 17 because Reese was very curious about what was going on.

christmas eve wod!

Tabata "Bottom to Bottom" Squat
Run 1 mile

15 reps min/ 7:55

LEG BURNER!

cool down: walked reeeeeese.

wods

yesterday:
5 rounds for time of:
250 M rows
12 OH squats (#20)
9:22

today:
warm up - 1 mile run
75 power snatch (#30)
5:58

tomorrow:
shufflin' up to buffaloooo

Marci’s Favorite Things 2010 - MUSIC

This is a tough one for me, I’m not really into music enough to offer a comprehensive glimpse into this year’s best albums, and I don’t get the chance to listen to the radio that often, so I’m sure I’ve missed some of Hot 99’s hits. But I guess all I can share with you is what I know, so here’s some songs I liked a lot in 2010:

Telephone - Beyonce & GaGa
Gotta rep my girl here, and I guess you gotta give GaGs some credit for a crazy year as well.

Weary Kind - Ryan Bingham
Technically I guess this was 2009, part of the Crazy Heart soundtrack. But it’s beautiful and I’m still feeling it so it counts in my book.

Fuck You - Cee Lo Green
Even without the cussin’ it’d still be catchy.

I and Love and You - The Avett Brothers
Also not sure if this was 2010, but I saw them in concert this year, so… it counts! Love all their stuff.

The Katy Perry Trifecta - Teenage Dream, California Gurls, Firework
Her songs are fun to sing. Her reward? One raunchy British man. For life!

Love the way you Lie - Em ft. RiRi
Great comeback by Em. Even though this song was overplayed, you can’t ignore that it’s a great track.

Little Lion Man - Mumford and Sons
Actually check out their whole album - Sigh No More. Awesome, I love writing to it.

Rude Boy - Rihanna
Sexy. ‘nuff said.

Runaway - Kanye West
How can you hate Kanye when he’s putting out albums like “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”?

Who Knows, Who Cares - Local Natives
I love this shiz.

Hoover guest pick:
Raise Your Glass - Pink
Probably because of the really great line “So if you’re too school for cool…” (see what Pink did there?)

And as always, these are just a sampling. There were many other AMAZING songs this year (Bieber fever) that we did not list here. Hope you enjoy!

get excited

new, EXTENDED jersey shore trailer hollllerrrr

Jersey Shore - MTV Shows

in honor of santa....

beardfolio on the behance network. check it.

Marci's Favorite Things - 2010 - TELEVISION

Today we're talking TV. I think I watch a pretty decent amount of television, mostly because I am so cool that I would rather come home after a day of work by myself and watch television than go out and party. Does this make me a loser? Maybe. But it's in my genes! My dad's favorite hobby is "laying on the couch watching the T-V" (TV spoken in some weird accent he does). So I guess I was predisposed to take a liking to my couch as well. So here's the best of what I saw whilst sitting on my couch this past year:

TRUE BLOOD - I hadn't seen this show at all until this year, so it might give it a slight advantage that I was able to watch Seasons 1, 2, and 3 all in succession. And boy was it glorious. Once I got over the initial shock of crazy porno-like sex scenes, there was nothing that could tear my attention away from this show. Season 3, which was actually the season of 2010, was just as crazy as the first two, and the introduction of werewolves gave us another SMOKIN' hot dude on the show. Hey, I'll take it.
Best part of the show (besides Eric/Sookie love scenes): The way Bill says "SOOKIE."

MODERN FAMILY - I was a bit hesitant when I first heard about this show and it's premise. But boy did it prove me wrong. Hilarious writing, great physical comedy, and an amazing ensemble make for television that I look forward to watching every week - and that makes me laugh out loud, too. If you haven't seen it, get into it. If you have a family (especially a tight-knit one), you're sure to get some laughs.
Best part of the show: Cam. Or Phil. Or Manny. Or Luke.... do I have to pick just one?

MAD MEN - I've written about this show on my blog before. It's just amazing, and this season did not disappoint. The ending threw me for a big loop, but overall this season was great, expanding on characters, giving us some very unexpected plot points (Joan preggers, Don married), and also giving us one of the best episodes I think ever in this series -- The Suitcase. This episode had to be a universal crowd pleaser, showing Don and Peggy as intimately as we've ever seen them - AMAZING.
Weirdest part of the show: Besides the impromptu engagement? Glenn. That kid freaks me out.


FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS - Now in it's final season on DirecTV (to come to NBC later on), this show is one of the most well done pieces of television I think I've ever seen. Taking the entire series as a whole, every story line, every character, and every football game has been relatable, strong and emotional (I'm omitting the "Landry Kills a Guy" storyline. Everyone has a bad idea now and then). Anchored by one of the most admirable and real-to-life married couples in anything I've ever seen (Coach & Mrs. Taylor), this show has given us some real great entertainment (and provided me with many sobfests). I'll probably be crying the most when it's all over, though.
Best part of the show: Two words - Tim Riggins. (I'll amend this for if you're a guy... Two words - Lyla Garrity)


JERSEY SHORE - This show changed the face of reality tv forever. Was it for the best? I'll let you decide. I just know I can't turn away. They'll be back for more on Jan 6...
Funniest Brawl Ever: Snooks vs. Angelina



Honorable Mentions: Glee, The Office, 30 Rock, Top Chef All Stars

Shows I hear are really great but haven't gotten around to catching up to yet: Boardwalk Empire, Dexter, Parks & Rec, Community

funny looking animal of the week!

wod

"nutts"

For time:
10 push-ups
80 pound Deadlift, 15 reps
25 Box jumps
50 Pull-ups
100 Wallball shots, 10 pounds
200 Double-unders
Run 400 meters (treadmill 2.5 incline)

24:45

Marci’s Favorite Things - 2010 - MOVIES

Oprah and I are alike in many ways — we both are worldwide superstars, have our own television shows and give away hundreds of thousands of dollars of amazing gifts to studio audiences once a year. So in the spirit of being just like Oprah, I’ve decided to share all of my favorite things with you fine folks. So here goes!

MOVIES
I have not kept up with movies as much as I would have liked to this year, but I think I saw a fair amount. I will however, be trying to get a lot of movie watching in during the week between Christmas and New Year’s — including Blue Valentine, True Grit, Never Let Me Go, and The King’s Speech (to name a few…)

But out of the films I have seen so far, here’s what I think you should all take the time to see:

The Kids are Alright - This movie was amazing. They portrayed the concept of family and marriage so well; the fact that the story centers around a lesbian couple doesn’t even register as the main theme of the movie. We get to see some very well-developed characters dealing with interesting scenarios, and there were a few scenes of this movie that I felt as if I personally connected to the emotions the characters were feeling (the college drop-off scene, or when Nic puts the pieces of the puzzle together during the big dinner scene). Beautifully acted, written and directed. Check it out.

Inception - We heard the hype before it came out, and it’s safe to say that Inception lived up to everything it was supposed to be. Gripping, imaginative and thrilling, first we learn the rules of the dream world, and then we watch on the edge of our seats as our protagonists are immersed in it. And if that isn’t enough, the mystery behind Leo’s character adds to what is already a cerebral rollercoaster. Props to Nolan and co. for making a film that respects the American public enough to give them something that challenges their minds.

Toy Story 3 - Witty, clever, and nostalgic. The geniuses at Pixar just know how to do it. We get to see the characters we’ve grown to know and love as they try to deal with Andy’s departure from college, and a relocation to a day care with an evil stuffed animal-tator. This one brings laughs, and a few tears as well as we are reminded why the first two movies were such a cultural phenomenon.

Get Him to the Greek - This one surprised me, as I didn’t expect it to be very good, especially since Aldus Snow got on my nerves a bit in Forgetting Sarah Marshall. But in this movie, his character really worked for me, and despite a few weird plot twists and turns, I still really enjoyed film. It was entertaining and funny, if a bit vulgar. Extra props to P Diddy for stealing a lot of scenes in this one.

The Town -Ben Affleck’s more than just a pretty face — guy can direct, too. This movie about a bank heist that leads to a love story gives us a gritty view of Boston, and the characters that can’t seem to shake the cycle of violence they were raised into. Even though Blake Lively’s portrayal of a drug-addicted ex-lover seemed a bit off to me (the accent was a bit much, no?), the rest of the cast makes up for it. Makes for an exciting, tense few hours.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 - If you’ve been keeping up with this series, it’s only logical that you want to see the latest installment. As we near the end of the story, it’s so interesting to see how grown up the main characters have become, and how creative of a world JK Rowling created in writing the HP books. Though this isn’t the most action packed film yet, it sure sets us up for a crazy ending to the series.

Honorable Mention: The Social Network, Despicable Me, Love and Other Drugs

Again, this is just a short list, and I’m sure I’m missing some great films… it’s tough to keep up with all the newest releases.

Stay tuned for the next installment where my Favorite TV Shows of the year will be REVEALED (collective gasp from audience).

"Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out."
- John Wooden

wod

run 1600 M
rest 3 minutes
run 1200 M
rest 2 minutes
run 800 M
rest 1 minute
run 400 M

7:41, 5:57, 4:07, 2:01

total: 25:46

heard it babysitting...

val: do you know...can you spell i cup?

me: i dunno, why don't you spell it?

val: I-C-U-P. (crazy laughter). get it? i see you pee! (crazy laughter)

me: did you just learn that one?

val: no, i learned it like a thousand days ago. like last week.

if i were a carpenter - tim hardin

more amazing photos here.

j crew's holiday mix up!

The other night I received a jacket I had ordered from j crew. it was both the WRONG SIZE and the WRONG COLOR. But, in a Chrismukah miracle-sorta way, the color turned out to be the one I really wanted, but wasn't available when I ordered, and the size ended up fitting me!

Also the expected ship date wasn't supposedly until January 16, so it was an extra special bonus that it arrived in time for use during some of the coldest winter months. What a warm surprise!

So I guess I'd like to take this time to thank either j crew for messing up my order, or santa for making dreams come true.


me in my new jacket...just kidding. thats a model. almost fooled you though.