Good food and great company

#16. Host a dinner party.

When I sat down to make my 30 before 30 list, I did a lot of Googling. I Googled sample 30-before-30 lists and got tons of hits. These helped me curate my own personal list, and one of things that kept coming back (aside from travel, that was a big one) was hosting some sort of an event. I love the idea of connecting with people over good food and drinks, and that's how this one landed on the list.

A challenge of this was scheduling: during the school year, everyone is bedraggled and tired and I couldn't see myself putting together a three course dinner and being in a good enough mood to entertain. So, I kept putting it off. That is, until the marvelous Julia Krakauer told me she would be coming to Austin in July. Jackpot.

Julia is one of my oldest, dearest friends (we met in 6th grade) and gets equally excited about things like hosting a dinner party. (Maybe this is why we get along so well. I'm sure it doesn't hurt.) I asked her if she would help me pull this off and to my extreme delight, she agreed! I immediately started thinking of the menu and guest list, we picked a date while she would be here, and now it's happening wheeeee!

The week before, I kept alternating between "I'm so excited!" and "OHMYGOD everyone is going to be in my house and I have to clean and what if there's a cockroach and there's cat hair everywhere" so you could say it's been a bit of a roller coaster so far. Preparations so far have included everything from buying a new table to fit everyone, getting around to hanging pictures in my house, and cocktail mixing/tasting by Julia. Once she arrived, we got down to business shopping, chopping, arranging, cooking, tasting, etc.

The flower queen at work

Menu

Featured cocktail: The Palomaesque from Food and Wine Magazine, carefully curated and crafted by Julia. 

Appetizers: Chips and assorted salsas.

Course 1: Gazpacho from this recipe. We used peppers from my farmshare, which made it extra delicious.

Course 2: Tacos! (Obviously.) We did two different types of tacos: Spaghetti squash and black bean from Smitten Kitchen and Caramelized Pork Tacos with Cucumber and Pineapple Salsa from one of my favorite food bloggers.

Course 3: No dinner party is complete without dessert. Brown sugar cake with ricotta mousse and blueberry sauce (from Food and Wine) rounded out the evening.

Takeaways:

1) Having another person help me with all the preparation was HUGE. Chopping would have taken me three times as long, there may have been zero flowers, and the cocktail game would have suffered if Julia had not been here. I think if I were to do one on my own in the future, I would make one dish and have everyone else bring a side dish to complement. Otherwise, I can see how it would be absolutely overwhelming. 

2) I let go early on of the expectation that things would be perfect, and that helped me to enjoy everything much more.

3) Listening (and singing along) to Taylor Swift while doing prep work helped calm my nerves.

4) I wish I had taken more pictures, but I think the fact that I wasn't reaching for my phone during the dinner is a testament to how "in the moment" I was, which is more important to me anyway.

5) It was one of the most fun nights I've had this summer, with some of my favorite people all gathered in my house having good food, conversation, and drinks.

Taco assembly line

Daniel trying to befriend Miranda

13 down. 17 to go!

Green thumbery

#15. Start and maintain my own garden (herbs ok!). 

When I lived right next to UT, my apartment complex had a community garden. While my commitment was minimal (think once-a-week watering), I was still allowed and even encouraged to reap the benefits of the plants. (Homegrown tomatoes are AMAZING.) I decided that when I got my own place with some outdoor real estate, I wanted to grow my own garden!

Fast forward two years. I'd become slightly obsessed with herb gardens (maybe because they're so small and cute? I'm still not sure.). I potted three different types, and was ready to see my green thumb at work!

Look!! They're sprouting!

Then I got a cat.

And not just any cat, but a cat who has made it her life's work to destroy every living green  thing that I bring in through the door. Ok. This was not going to work. I gave up.

Until! Until 2019, when 1) I moved to a place with a patio that got more sun and 2) the farmshare program I subscribe to (jbgorganic.com) had a transplant sale. You could get any seedlings of your favorite vegetable or fruit for $3. I hemmed and hawed, and finally clicked "purchase." If not now, when??

I got one each of cilantro, tomatoes, and sweet peppers. I planted them in mid-March, and we'll see how they (and I) do! 

Ok little seedlings, let's do this.

Three weeks after I planted the seedlings, I started seeing some little green tomatoes!

Look how cute they are!!

Then--oh my--they got bigger and turned orange! I hadn't killed them! (Though I had a couple of close calls with the leaves looking a little sad.) I picked three when they looked like they might burst off of the branches and immediately washed and ate them. So sweet. So warm. So good.

First harvest! They were delicious.

The cilantro plant has been sprouting flowers, so I think I might've messed up on that one. I probably should've started to harvest the cilantro as soon as I got it. The pepper plant is sprouting slowly but surely! I'm not sure what color or size I should expect them to be when they're ready to be picked. 

Takeaways:
1) Get more seedlings. Now I understand why the default amount of seedlings to purchase online was three. Next time I will buy at least three tomato plants.
2) Don't forget to water the plants! I had some close calls where I walked out of my house on the way to work and went, "Ahh! My tomato plant needs watering!"
3) If I get any more plants, I will need an actual planter box (they are expensive!!). For this year, I was ok with just pots.
4) Get different varieties of plants! I think next year I'll aim for tomatoes, peppers, green onions, and maybe another. 
5) I was weirdly more excited about the tomatoes than the herbs.

12 down. 18 to go!

Run, Sophie, Run!

#14. Run a half marathon.

I have always been SO impressed by distance runners. The stamina and mental game of keeping your legs moving for that long has always made me feel like if I could do that, I could do ANYTHING. For this goal, I thought I should start with a shorter distance, so I settled for a half marathon: 13.1 miles. I've hiked 14ers that are this long, but that was over an entire day, with breaks for rest and food. This promised to be different.

Finish line 2018 with CAP10K's armadillo mascot

Starting my sophomore year in college, I got into running races. I had run casually at home while I was in high school with friends who ran cross country or track (just to stay in shape, and I wasn't on any team), but at Michigan I got interested in running timed events. After my first one, where I got to finish a 5K on the 50 yard line of the Big House, I was HOOKED. If only each race had such an epic ending!

Anyway, I ran a number of 5Ks with varying personal timed success (running after a breakup did wonders for my PR). Then, when I moved to Texas, I decided to start getting serious about this...sort of. I ran a couple of 10Ks with Audrey (she's the only reason I got to the finish line both times!) and finally in April 2018 after the second one, I decided to take the plunge: I signed up for the Houston Half Marathon at the end of October.

BSOM strong and hook 'em Horns! Cap10K 2016

People kept asking me, "Why Houston?" First of all, they advertise it as flat, which was appealing. Second of all, it was far enough away that I would have time to train, but not too far away that I would lose my nerve...

So, I started training! With the help and support of my new triathlete friend and accountabili-buddy AJ, I started running 3-ish times a week. Running in the summer in Texas was a struggle, but you figure out ways to make it better...like leaving a water bottle filled with cold water in the car for the end of the run, bringing a towel and a different shirt to change into for the ride home, finding routes that are 90% shaded, soaking running shorts in a water/vinegar mix to keep them from absolutely reeking, and waking up early to get out before the sun.

I'm writing this at the end of August, with 2 months left before the race...

9 weeks to race day: Ran 8 miles on Sunday around Lady Bird Lake. That's the farthest I've ever run to date! The next day, my legs were really sore. I have to remember to stretch after each run, and I really should get back into yoga as cross training. It makes a difference! Also, AJ just told me I should be running a semi-long distance on the day after my long run for the week so I "get used to running on tired legs." Guess we will be doing that from now on...

8 weeks to race day: I slept in longer than I wanted to before this week's long run (9 miles) and I paid for it by having to run in the sun, and also using most of my morning for the run. Gotta get out earlier next week. 

7 weeks to race day: I was a little better about doing other runs during the week this week, and also I returned to yoga! It definitely helps. Audrey came to town to play with ASO/live in my apartment and I convinced her to run with me. We did the 7 mile loop downtown and it was such a treat to run with a friend!

6 weeks to race day: Finally hit double digits on my long run for the first time ever. Because of ASO starting back up and other factors, it was a bit of a struggle fest but I made it. I MADE IT. I'm committed to keeping up running whatever distance I can during the week to make these long runs easier. Yes, I know, I'm kinda late to this game but better late than never...right??

A gorgeous view of the Austin skyline from my 10 mile run on 9/16

(Side note: I had the realization this week that on morning runs during the week, I feel rushed and like I need to get home to do work immediately, so it always ends up being a speed workout and I take about 2 minutes per mile off my pace. I'm sure this is beneficial in some ways....or at least I hope it is.)

5 weeks to race day: Ok, ok, I was just ok about running during the week. I logged 7 miles during the week and then hit 11.1 (!!) for my long run on Sunday. Only 2 miles left to add on before I hit the half marathon distance! This is starting to feel not only doable but absolutely possible, which is an amazing feeling to me.

There was a race around my usual route downtown so I headed back to a beautiful residential stretch that I frequented before I left Texas earlier this summer. I haven't quite been able to get myself out on a Monday morning to "run on tired legs" but maybe it will happen yet...maybe...

4 weeks to race day: This week sucked. I barely got out during the week, and then on Friday, while attempting to do a handstand in yoga class, I crashed out of it onto the floor and onto my right side, bruising my thigh. I tested it out on a short run on Saturday and wow did it hurt--but Sunday was ok. I couldn't quite get up to my goal of 12 miles, I was a tenth of a mile short. I think I also need to take a look at my nutrition, since I didn't feel energized enough today. 

3 weeks to race day: Y'all, this week was even worse than last week. I was thrown into a depressive slump and *could* *not* get out of bed in the mornings. It was hard enough to get up to go to work, let alone get up earlier to run. Don't ever let anyone tell you that depression and its manifestations are not real. 

I managed to get in a run on Saturday in between students, but it was too little too late. My long run on Sunday hit my mileage goal (13!!) but WOW did it wipe me out. I spent the next 2.5 hours lying in bed. Yikes! I realized maybe I needed to be adding in tempo runs to my workouts, so that I improve the quality of my running and not just the number of miles. It may be too late for that now...

2 weeks to race day: Because TLU had fall break on Thursday, that was one less day I had to teach this week. I used that morning to go for a glorious fall run instead during the week! Add in some yoga and another short run of interval training, and I was a happy running camper this week. My final long run of this training season was 13.1 miles on Sunday--the half marathon distance. Now the tapering begins!

1 week to race day: Ever notice how after a really stressful event, you get sick? Well, after an audition on Monday, I came down with a cold. Ugh. Trying to recuperate took most of my time, but I found that running actually helped with symptoms other than fatigue. My "long run" was only 6.8 miles, due to the tapering. The goal is to keep doing cross training and speed workouts (ha) until the race. (EDIT: I ended up doing a track workout and also running with Shoal Creek Striders in this tapering week. Good decision on both fronts!) Down to the final stretch....

RACE DAY

Wow, it's finally here! I was a little nervous when we started--will my training hold up? What if my left leg gives me problems or my right calf seizes up or my right groin muscle starts to hurt or I trip and fall like I did last weekend and there's blood everywhere?--but before I knew it I had run 3 miles and was feeling great. I kept on chugging and at the final mile, I felt this huge smile spread across my face. I was doing it, really doing this!! Crossing the finish line felt amazing! 

That's the look of pure joy right there

My official time was 2:13:43, with an average pace of 10:13/mile. I'm already planning my next one (likely the 3M Half in Austin in January), and searching for a friend to run with me :)

Post race party with the Houston skyline

I did it!

One of my favorite things after races is how much free food they give you.

There are some thank yous to be said before moving on. First, huge thanks to my parents and all of my friends who patiently listened to me yap on about my training, mileage, and other random things about running, and sent me love and support all the way to the finish line. 

Second, thanks to Tonya for hosting me during the weekend I was in Houston, and being a wonderful carb-loading partner! 

Third, shout out to the following podcasts for keeping me company during all my training runs and the race: The Adventure Zone (highly recommend!), Serial, and Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! 

Finally, thank you to AJ for keeping me accountable in my training, always being willing to give running advice or suggest new routes, and for steadfastly believing in me even when I didn't believe in myself.

11 done. 19 to go!

Slovenia

11.8: Slovenia

While Sarah and I were in Croatia, it seemed only natural to take a day trip Slovenia since we were so close (only about 2.5 hours by bus)! One early morning, we walked to the bus station and boarded a bus to spend the day in Ljubljana (pronounced "loo-blee-awna). It was rainy and overcast, but we arrived in the city of beautiful architecture with Rick Steves in our pocket and ready to explore.

We went to the house of famed Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik, which has been turned into a museum since his death. It was fascinating to see where he lived, worked, and slept as recently as 60 years ago! Plečnik was responsible for designing much of Ljubljana.

His work table

 Side door of the house

As we wandered from the house back to the main square, we found a music store (I insisted we go in--and I found sheet music to a piece I needed to buy!) as well as the university, the library of which had been designed by (you guessed it) Plecnik. 

We had wine for lunch, followed by the best Indian food I've ever had (yes, in that order)!

The afternoon brought with it a compulsory visit to the castle, which places a large emphasis on dragons as its main security. This is also seen on the bridge in the main square, which has sculptures of dragons on either side.

View of Ljubljana from the top of the castle

A dragon on the dragon bridge

Ljubljana was a beautiful city--I loved that the rivers ran right through the main area of town and the bridges were a central part of the city's architecture. Even though it was urban, there was a very nature-y feel to it. It was the perfect day trip!

Croatia

11.7: Croatia

Last year, Sarah had proposed Croatia as a potential place to go. But since I was already heading north before she flew over, we decided to table Croatia as a vacation spot. This year, it worked out well to go there after Italy. I arrived on a Friday night during a thunderstorm after my flight was delayed and Lufthansa lost my luggage for 30 hours. Not the greatest of beginnings!

But then Sarah arrived, and we had a lovely time! We were in the capital city of Zagreb. Most of the touristy places are on the Croatian coast, which is a six hour drive from Zagreb. This meant the places we went were relatively empty of tourists and most importantly, cheap!

For our first day, we turned to Rick Steves and did a walking tour through the Old Town. We also visited the Museum of Broken Relationships (fascinating), saw the "changing of the guard" outside of the church (after seeing the changing of the guard last year in Copenhagen, this was not quite the same but rather more like a parade), visited the Cathedral, and had a lovely selection of local cheese and wine for dinner.

For our second day, we walked around the Old Town and tried to get to the area called New Town, but the heat beat us and we ended up back at our Airbnb with some local goodies to rest during the afternoon instead. We did find the University of Zagreb Academy of Music and some lovely botanical gardens on our walk!

Zagreb Academy of Music

Botanical Gardens

We knew we couldn't go to Croatia and not visit Plitvice Lakes National Park. We did this on a national holiday (Assumption of Mary), and so did all of the other tourists. The line to get in the park wrapped around the entrance, but thankfully didn't take too terribly long to move through. And, once we were in, the lakes were absolutely worth it. I think easily half of my pictures are from this one day. What a beautiful place in this world!

For my last full day in Zagreb, we visited the Museum of Technology (where some of the items on display looked suspiciously like items that my parents still have in their house), the Museum of Naive Art, and had an absolutely amazing dinner, where we discussed next year's travel plans :)

From the Museum of Naive Art. It's St. Mark's Basilica,
which I saw just a week before in Venice!

A local shop up the street from our Airbnb

My first time trying swordfish

Chicken stuffed with prosciutto and cheese

Pork tenderloin stuffed with prosciutto and cheese--noticing a trend?

Croatia was a beautiful country with really fascinating history. I had a great time with Sarah, and would love to return someday to see some of the smaller towns, famous castles, and the famed Dalmatian coast.