I have a problem...

I have a serious problem. Some might call it an eating disorder, I call it a workout disorder.

I cannot workout without thinking about how I am going to reward myself with food, after my workout. Usually it is just a 100 calorie pack of cookies from Trader Joe's. Sometimes it goes as far as deciding to get ice cream that evening, then the rest of my run is taken up by weighting the benefits and differences of mint chip vs cookie dough ice cream.

But today, I hit a new low. I was starting my 30 minute walk when I went by my favorite sushi restaurant. I walked in and picked up a takeout menu. I read the menu throughout my entire 30 minute walk. All the way from Armitage and Halsted to Halsted and North (and back) I pondered what sounded better, crab rangoon or shrimp and tofu egg rolls. Do I prefer tuna/avocado maki or namassake maki?

I highly recommend ShineMordia. I will work on my disorder...but what is wrong with rewarding yourself, everyday, after you complete a routine task?

A tale of my two cities...part one

No, I will not start with the Dover Mail.

Cincinnati and Chicago both have special places in my heart, and both bother me to no end. The next few posts will explore my love/hate relationship with each of my two cities.

Cincinnati is where I started. In many ways, the best thing about Cincinnati are all of it's nicknames: The Queen City, The Queen of the West, The Blue Chip City, The City of Seven Hills, and my personal favorite - Porkopolis.

These names bring a sense of charm which, frankly, Cincinnati does not always show. At a recent work event the CVB of Cincinnati was an exhibitor. While other cities showcased their city's stellar cuisine, Cincinnati had a full court of Cornhole.

Why not have a head to head competition of LaRosa's vs Chicago style pizza? Why not bring a girl some Skyline? Why the HECK didn't they bring me some ever lovin' Greaters! (feel free to order me some by clicking on the image to the left).

But that is not to say Cincinnati is all bad. I happen to enjoy Newport on the Levee very much - but actually, that is in Kentucky. Goetta Fest has it's quirky fun aspects - but actually that is in Kentucky too. Hmmmm.

Mark Twain said:

"When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Cincinnati because it's always twenty years behind the times."

There is: Art Museum, riverfront, Mount Adams, Mount Airy, Skyline, LaRosa's, Greaters, Buskins, Playhouse, the old Riverfront Stadium...and my family. My family has been and will remain to be in Cincinnati forever. From First Avenue to Lombardy Street to Pontius to Sarah's Oak Drive my family will be in Cincinnati and that will make me put up with Cornhole, and Kroger's' and the riducious flight to CVG. It is my hometown, my first city.

Look for part two on Chicago in the coming days...

My first 5K

I will be running my first 5K this September 15th. It is for the Chicago AIDS Run/Walk. I paid the extra 5 bucks to get the chip to time my run, but honestly, I am a little scared I am not going to make it. Okay, that isn't quite true. I am afraid I am not going to make it on my terms.

6 months ago I would not have considered myself competitive. But watching other runners pass me on the trail, well, pisses me off. I guess that is good motivation, but is that the kind of person I want to be? The kind of person that constantly compares herself to everyone around her?

By the end of this week, I will have my first 20 minute run in. If I survive that, I think I will make it - but i doubt I will be setting any records.

Check out my AIDS Run/Walk website. And feel free to sponsor me if you are able.

Why do people think it is okay?

Why do people think it is okay to put their baby in a "My mom is a fox" onesie?

Why do people think it is okay to eat ice cream out of the pint container while walking down the lake front running path?

Why do people think it is okay to wear spandex?

Why do people think it is okay to do these things? Is it okay if I tell them that it's not? I have seen all of these things recently. It was painful, but I survived. If you see any of the above, please help me help them and tell them that is is not okay.