My favorite inappropriate Christmas song --
with zooey deschanel being quite the aggressor!
Friday, December 21, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
the longest race
On Sunday, I did something amazing.
I finished a 12k race... that's nearly 7.5 miles!
The longest distance I've ever ran!
I've always enjoyed running, never very fast, but I enjoy the raw connection you have with your body while running. It's euphoric, very me vs me, power through this mentally and physically. I've been running 5k's (3.3 mi) since I was in middle school, only to stop when I tore my ACL and otherwise mangled my knee in June 2010. A year after my initial surgery, I couldn't run more than a mile without being exhausted or have severe knee aching - this led to another, less invasive, surgery (Sept 2011) to remove scar tissue (see: cyclops lesion). Afterwards, I was able to, almost immediately, straighten my leg and finally gain a sense of confidence in my body I've been very much lacking.
In June 2012 I made a challenge to myself: 6 months of 5k's and finish the 7th month with a 10k.
So I ran,
and ran,
and then came time to look for a 10k. I was nervous. The longest length of run I've done to that point was a 4 mile run in November. So, with the encouragement of my Wellness Coach, I signed up and made a training plan. I was to work out (gym/ dvd) 3x a week and run once or twice a week. But as the days got shorter and my work days longer I wasn't finding the time to increase my runs over the 3-4 mile mark. However, I found myself building endurance and the 3 miles became easier and I wasn't dead after my 4 mile runs.
Before I knew it, race day arrived. I was nervous... that kind of nervous that turns into self hating. I tried to get into a zone, but was frustrated because I forgot to charge my watch, so I wouldn't know what my pace was... forgot to set up a playlist on my mp3 player. Ben suggested using a pandora station on my phone and seeing if there was a gps app I could use to track my time. I reminded myself that I had set a goal - It was reasonable, I wasn't going to finish last and if I did, that would be OK because this was going to be a big accomplishment for me!
Ben and the other 5k'ers took off first. The 12k'ers lined up and the race was underway.
I overheard someone around me (near the 2k mark) that they were running a 10:50 pace. I remember being so amazed at this. I was feeling really good, and we we coming up to our first big hill challenge. I think knowing that I was way ahead of my 13:00 to 14:00 minute pace time goal and feeling really good physically just put me into this "I'm doing this" mode. I kept the pace up, and before I knew it I was at the 5k mark, thinking "here's my standard distance and I'm flying by!"
And then Kesha's "Take it off" came on the pandora station at the 6k marker and I got my second wind. This was it. This is the farthest I've ever ran. I couldn't stop smiling. The next few k's were a blur - my pace was good, I hadn't stopped to walk, I hadn't stopped smiling. Then I got to the 10k marker. This is where my fuse started burning out. My legs were aching and my feet hurt with every new step. I couldn't get my body to go faster... so I settled into my new, slower rhythm and reminded myself that every step was closer to the finish. 11k felt like a lifetime to get to, but it also reminded me that I had less than a mile to go... and anyone can do a mile.
And then I saw the finish line (which luckily was at the bottom of a small hill!) and it was glorious. Then I had an involuntary response that gives me goosebumps just thinking about it:
My eyes welled up with tears as I approached the finish line.
I cannot explain the immense flood of emotion that came with finishing the longest race I've ever ran. I cannot explain the intense pride and love I had for my body. My body, I spend so much time hating it's size and shape. My body, ran 7.5 miles using all its muscles and mechanics. My body is so much more capable than I ever gave it credit for.
And that's why I cried - because I'm so much more capable than I ever gave myself credit for.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Look what we did!
Ben and I finished the farmhouse table, and we are just totally in love with it - check out more pictures on our house blog
Friday, December 14, 2012
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
How to Impress: Dinner and Networking Event
Ok, so you have a big interview or a professional event like a networking dinner - how do you say "I'm smart, I'm a hard worker, and I'm going to be damn good at this job"? Dress to impress.
I work in the engineering and technology field - there are not many times women get to show their fashion sense. However, don't think it goes unnoticed.
While working a career fair booth, there are a few things I like to see - and a lot I don't like to see. It's about first impressions, so make it count.
What works:
- Clean and neutral cuts. I want to spend more time looking at your resume than being distracted by too many layers, too much jewelry, or too many prints.
- Have personality! Wear clothes that are comfortable enough or close to your normal work wear as possible (then turn it one notch higher). If you're comfortable in your clothes you'll be much more comfortable to talk to. Your personality will be what stays with me when you walk away and I decide which pile to put your resume in.
- Don't be afraid to be feminine. Often times, in a work world like Engineering, women tend to put the bulky clothes on and wear greys, navy, or black. I don't need to be working with more guys, there's enough already. Invest in figure flattering clothes and shoes you can walk for days in.
- Remember to smile and shake firmly. please. really.
What doesn't work:
- Trying too hard. Your sky high heels, your super trendy dress and cropped jacket. I get it, you like to buy clothes for the now. It becomes too much of a distraction and you will be remembered for your over the top look than your work experience.
- Wearing clothes that are too small, too big, or with too many holes. Again, it's distracting from your personality and resume. Keep your look clean and professional.
- Lack of general hygiene. It might be obvious but I have encountered it many times. The first thing we do when you come up to my company's booth is make eye contact - so I'm already staring at your head, your greasy hair, maybe your 13 y/o butterfly hair clips, or your very under plucked eyebrows. I'll notice your half painted or chipped nails after the handshake too. While these aren't deal breakers (maybe you're having a bad day?) - it does project a certain "I don't care about this" attitude which is a turn off when I'm looking to help hire you
Share your career fair and networking experiences below!
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Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Our Reception - special touches
This Christmas, Ben and I are finally going back home to Pittsburgh. The first time back since our Wedding (August 2010). It's crazy how time flies - and to think that I haven't seen my parents in almost a year and a half (even more crazy!).
So I thought I would relive our wedding just a little bit while I wallow in my homesickness!
These were some of the special DIY touches we included in our wedding -
ribbon, signs, diy flowers and photobooth, and homemade touches made our reception special
Oh! and we contacted our caterer from the wedding and asked if we could pick up some wedding pies for the holiday. We loved them so much but weren't able to take any back to Seattle, so this will be a real treat. If you need food or event planning in western PA, I highly recommend Rick at JPCevents.
Table Numbers: Nerdy Baby flash cards
Love is Sweet banner and photobooth props : Little Retreats
Fabric for the flag banner and table settings
pink garland and paper straws : shopsweetlulu
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Groom Style
Grooms and groomsmen.. and their style!
I've always been a big fan of classic suit colors and bright, fun accents (ties! suspenders!).
I've always been a big fan of classic suit colors and bright, fun accents (ties! suspenders!).
Guilty:
Included a picture from our wedding.
Our guys were just so well dressed :)
Monday, November 26, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Re-design
I've been mulling over a new re-design of this blog lately.
Mostly I want to push it out of "after work hobby" to "after work passion."
I've enjoyed this month of almost daily (every other day?) updates but really want to push it to the next level. I want to add a weekly feature and update the page so it doesn't look like a standard blogger template. This personalization should add more interest and hopefully create a following.
I plan on adding more posts featuring stories and personal experiences. I currently shy away from too much detail and being real with the problems I (and maybe you?) face.
I found these great color palettes on DesignSeeds and am really attracted to these color schemes. I want to keep it light and fun but not introduce too many "girly" colors. What do you think?
Mostly I want to push it out of "after work hobby" to "after work passion."
I've enjoyed this month of almost daily (every other day?) updates but really want to push it to the next level. I want to add a weekly feature and update the page so it doesn't look like a standard blogger template. This personalization should add more interest and hopefully create a following.
I plan on adding more posts featuring stories and personal experiences. I currently shy away from too much detail and being real with the problems I (and maybe you?) face.
I found these great color palettes on DesignSeeds and am really attracted to these color schemes. I want to keep it light and fun but not introduce too many "girly" colors. What do you think?
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
growing into a career
When I was in middle school, maybe early high school, I changed my current career ambitions of being a teacher to being someone that was important enough to have their name in a textbook. I know, it's an odd thing to aspire to be, but it's actually still true today. I've always wanted to do big, important things. I have always found immense satisfaction in leading a group, being in charge, and pushing myself to do more good and better.
This perspective change helped to shift what I wanted to be when I grew up. It put a very academic focus on my future career. I would read about what Newton, Franklin, Tesla, and Crick did and how valuable their thoughts were to the scientific community. I envied their accomplishments and their Nobel prizes! It resonated with me and gave me reason to load up on science courses through high school.
I eventually discovered what an Engineer was from my dad, who was a Computer Engineer by training and experience - not by education.
Landing Page 10.8.12-SHARE-WEB from GoldieBlox on Vimeo.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Party Dress
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| alice+olivia |
If you have $800 to spend on your holiday get-up or a really rad wedding dress... this is your party dress
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Take the small wins
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| FLORENCE + THE MACHINE |
I have been working on grounding myself and keeping perspective on life.
Only looking for the big wins, the big milestones, the overall presentation of life -- I forgot what it's like to enjoy the baby steps and small accomplishments. No one can go from A to Z in one day. Lifestyle Changes and Whole Wellness takes time.
So let's celebrate!
This Fall I've
- Signed up with a personal trainer (once a week) and set a training/ running plan in place for my 12k in December. I forgot how much better I feel after going to the gym. I feel more awake, think more clearly, and appreciate that my body still knows how to squat, curl, and hold a plank.
- Paid off my car a month early! This clears up a chunk of change to put towards our credit card. What a relief to feel just a little bit more free from debt! Next up are tackling my student loans (which are in three different sites/locations - how annoying)!
- Gone on two trips - one to Portland and one to Houston. Reconnected with amazing friends and otherwise had a fantastic time on each!
Keep Positive,
Dana
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Traveling to the SWE Conference
Yesterday I started my journey to Houston, TX for the Annual Society of Women Engineers Conference (WE12). It is literally one of my favorite weeks in the year - I've made friends and networked with many women from across the country and this week I get to see them all again. It's a lot of networking, advancing, & sisterhood, with many professional development sessions and workshops throughout the week.
I was bumped to First Class on my 4.5hr flight yesterday morning. Which is an excellent way to start any trip - Thanks United Airlines! It has only been the second time up there in big seat heaven and was treated to breakfast this time around! Besides getting a drink the moment you sit down, it's 100% personal service the entire flight.
On the flight, I started reading the book "All your Worth" - which has been truly eye opening. I was a little hesitant because it was written in 2008 and I wasn't sure of its relevancy. But so far it has been spot on and a really can't-put-the-book-down read. Can't wait to go home and put our finances in order!
Today's schedule includes a trip to the local Farmer's Market followed by a few hours of SWE Committee Meetings.
On the flight, I started reading the book "All your Worth" - which has been truly eye opening. I was a little hesitant because it was written in 2008 and I wasn't sure of its relevancy. But so far it has been spot on and a really can't-put-the-book-down read. Can't wait to go home and put our finances in order!
Today's schedule includes a trip to the local Farmer's Market followed by a few hours of SWE Committee Meetings.
Monday, November 05, 2012
Copy Cat Bag
Are you on the Cambridge Satchel Company bandwagon? Their gorgeous bags have been popping up all over US Shipping-friendly stores like Bloomingdales and ASOS. I've been especially intrigued by them because I desperately need a bag with structure that doesn't become a bottomless, glorified trash can.
And while perusing the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale I found a very, very similar bag... on sale for about a quarter of the price ($58).
So do I sacrifice quality and originality for a more budget friendly find?
Sunday, November 04, 2012
My go-to jewelry
From the last post you've probably, correctly, assumed I missed the "how to be a girly girl" chapter of my adolescents -- and had a lot of making up to do in my 20's. I did grow up with an older sister who thankfully did my makeup for Prom and bought me my first piece of nice jewelry. We are over 4 years apart in age, so there wasn't much sister/sister bonding beyond that.
My lack of real jewelry appreciation led me to buy several sale jewelry from Express and The Limited in college. All those pieces were incredibly boring, cheap, and lasted only a few years before decaying or breaking. Then I hit a "omg crafts and local artists" period of my life when I grew up and moved out on my own. I appreciate their love of their craft and one of a kind feel each piece has.
If you're in Seattle, I highly recommend visiting the summer and winter Urban Craft Uprising Fairs. Tons of amazing artists with a large variety of crafts and homemade items. Nationally, the Renegade craft fair is supposed to be spectacular, and I hope to attend one in the near future.
And my love affair with Etsy is strong and well known (I will never forget when my treasury list went to the front page - famous!!). I want to showcase some great, mostly northwest, jewelry crafters tonight:
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| Stone and Honey |
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| Deuce |
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| elephantine |
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| Foxtail |
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| RachelPfeffer |
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| Roots and Feathers |
I might have a thing for triangles, arrows, and pyrite.
Saturday, November 03, 2012
Braids
You know how girls are often jealous of other girls who have straight hair when they have crazy spirals... and vice versa? Yea, that's me 100% - I'm a straight hair, boring brunette lady who has always wanted crazy big, colorful hair. I'm also that way about braids - I never learned to french braid and have the bare basic skills to pull a braid together. I'm not much of a hair stylist and if I can't curl it, thank goodness for bobby pins to whip something up!
So I'm currently lusting over these styles:
find more at http://pinterest.com/yogurtcupcakes/hair-inspirations/
So I'm currently lusting over these styles:
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| reverse braid and bun |
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| High Crown Braid |
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| thick braid crown |
find more at http://pinterest.com/yogurtcupcakes/hair-inspirations/
Thursday, November 01, 2012
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