candy coated rose petals

Today, I set out to tackle my scheduled 10-mile run. As with the 8-mile run last week, I went along the lakefront in order to have an easier ability to run such a distance. I set out pretty early, waking around 6, so I could be running no later than 8. I took the train over to Millennium Park and started running south from the corner of Monroe and Lake Shore Drive. I ran around the museum campus to about 42nd Avenue, before turning back. When I turned around, at 5 miles, I tried out some Gu I picked up at Sports Authority. This squeezable endurance gel supplies you with the energy and nutrients you need when training for long-distance marathons. I tried the Tri-Berry flavor, which wasn’t awful. It certainly wasn’t great, but it wasn’t bad either. It took me almost 3 miles to consume the entire pack, but I feel like it helped a bit. I’m looking forward to trying the Lime flavor, hoping it will be better.

The run itself went alright. I again maintained my 10- to 10 1/2-mile pace with no problem. I was a little tired at the beginning, but I just let my body get into a rhythm. One thing I’m pretty happy about is being able to maintain my pace throughout a run, and knowing when to back off or push harder.

About 7 miles in, the GPS on my phone stopped working, so my tracked run was messed up, and missing about 1 1/2 miles toward the end. At any rate, it was pretty easy to figure out when to stop since I went halfway before turning back.

After my run, I hung out with my cousin and walked around the Loyola campus, which I hope will help with my muscles. Now that I’m home, I’m looking forward to sitting around and relaxing. I definitely think some yoga tomorrow would be wise. At this point my weekday runs are getting longer, continuing to up my mileage each week. So I want to focus on staying as limber and stretched as possible, without overdoing it.

Schedule for Week 5:
Monday – Run 3 miles
Tuesday – Run 5 miles
Wednesday – Off
Thursday – Run 3 miles
Friday – Off
Saturday – Run 10 miles
Sunday – Off
TOTAL: 16 miles

Look. at. this. It’s a teal ottoman I found at Target. You know that shopping moment when you’re looking for something specific, and right when you’re giving up hope, the store gray clouds part, the fluorescent light beams down and you discover what you’ve been seeking all along. Finding this ottoman was kind of like that.

The cubby has some great upholstery, a lot nicer than the cheap suede version also available. It also has some extra storage within, which should come in handy. I haven’t decided what to store in there, but the options are endless. (Alright, not actually endless considering the size of the cubby.)

It sits perfectly in the corner by my doorway where I can drop my bags on the way in. Now I don’t have to pile my bags on the floor. And did I mention it’s teal? Squeeee.

I’ve had this rolling desk cart since my college years. My desk, which is quite large, didn’t have any drawers, so in order to solve a girl’s need to put her desk supplies in drawers, I got this.

And for year’s it’s collected dust. And all the objects that sat upon it, collected dust. And it would drive my little cleaning self crazy to deal with cleaning the dust off of staplers, staple removers, white out bottles and other miscellaneous office supplies.

Until I had a revelation:

Why not turn my little desk drawer cart into an end table instead? Of course, because the top of the cart has a bunch of little cubbies, I needed to come up with a way for other objects to sit on top of it. I found this mat that fit the dimensions pretty well, and was able to put a vase and candle votive on top of my cart. Now, what once was an eye sore, is now a beautiful element in my bedroom. Rehab success!

When I stayed at my mom’s the other week for a childhood friend’s wedding that was out in the suburbs, I wanted to surprise my mom by finally making the bedroom valence she had been wanting. We had picked out the fabric ages ago, and I just need to dedicate a couple of hours to sewing it up.

At this point, I’ve made three valences in her house already. You could say I’m working my way around the house. Because of the wedding festivities taking place throughout the weekend, I reserved Sunday morning, before heading back into the city, to whip this out. Sunday morning I got all set to make the valence. I had cut the fabric, started some initial ironing, pinned the first hem. I passed the first hem through the machine and went to pass the second and my machine stopped working. What?!?! Why are you not working, I yelled at it. It just stopped running, and didn’t start running even after 30 minutes. I thought maybe the motor overheated, which is why I waited, but the longer I waited, the more impatient I got to get home and do all of the other chores I would need to accomplish before the start of the week. So I went home.

A day or so later, I checked my sewing machine, and sure enough, it was working fine. So over the next few days I worked on getting the valence finished so I could get it hung before my mom returned from a weeklong vacation. Friday morning, I woke pretty early and actually finished. I packed it up and headed to my mom’s after work. It was hung with plenty of time and my mom was surprised, and appreciative.

Now, you want to make your own, right? Making a valence really isn’t that difficult. I figured it out, using a store-bought example, and it took no time.

You will need fabric three times the length of the window you want to frame. If you use one kind of fabric, just buy the right amount of yardage lengthwise and you’ll be set to go. You’ll want to sew a hem on the short ends. A variation of this is fold and iron a hem and leave it unsewn for a nicer edge on both sides. It really doesn’t matter which you choose to do, since most valences wrap around the sides and that edge often goes unnoticed, or unseen.

The width of a yard of fabric makes a nice length (from top to bottom) for most windows, so you typically don’t need to make a lot of cuts, although you can do so if you choose. Next you want to hem the fabric lengthwise; be sure to fold the right sides into one another when making this pass, so your side edge hems will be on the inside once you turn in right side out.

Once you’ve done that, you turn the piece inside out. This is a good time to do a final ironing of the piece to set the right creases, and make sure the fabric is smooth. Now you’ll need to mark up the fabric to sew room for the curtain rod to slip through. Measure the one you have, but a lot of them come in 1- or 3-inch widths. For my mom’s, the bar was 3 inches, so I created a very roomy 3 inches for the bar. I give the top of the valence (before the top of the bar) about 3 inches in this case. This makes marking the fabric pretty easy to make these passes because it’s about 3 and 6 inches. Mark the back of the fabric with a sewing pencil in a color that stands out enough for you to see it. I typically run the machine on the outside edges of my markings just to make sure that the fabric doesn’t pinch the bar. Once you’ve ironed and marked, pass the fabric through the sewing machine along the lines.

Two-fabric varation

Now let’s say you want to use two kinds of fabric—let’s say the facing fabric is really nice and a bit more costly, or it’s sheer and you need to back it with a solid fabric. In this case you’ll be making two panels if you were going to make a valence for a window like my mom’s. In this case, you buy one and a half the length of the window in each fabric. Then you cut the yard in half (widthwise, not lengthwise) and you make two panels facing one with the nicer fabric, and one with the liner fabric.

For the most part, you’ll be doing the same thing as the one-fabric method, sewing the ends and making the bar pocket. However, one thing I found when doing this method is that I didn’t want to see the seam of the fabrics meeting from below (where most people will view the valence from the vantage point of the floor). To get rid of this, I typically wrap the nicer fabric over the edge to the back a few inches so that you see a nice crease in that fabric from the bottom. Then I trim the excess from the backing fabric (basically the few inches that the nicer fabric took up in the back) so the top edges line up, making pinning easier. When you’re all said and done, you turn the valence inside out to iron a nice firm crease at the bottom. A passersby would never know that there’s a hem in the back, and you’ve created a really professional looking window treatment.

Now you’re ready to hang the valence and step back in awe of your amazing craftiness.

I want a lot of things right now that seem and feel out of reach. Besides wanting world peace and equality for all, altruistic and lofty sentiments many claim to pursue, however, no less important of wishes, I also want a few things from my life. These things I want vary in size, color, intention and magnitude, yet are all attainable in one form or another. They represent, what some might call, the pursuit of happiness. As in, if I pursue them, and attain them, I will achieve happiness.

Of course, you could argue that if I were truly happy, I’d be happy with what I have and where I am now, with no additional achievements or changes. Happiness comes from within. Happiness is sourced from the soul. Happiness is what you make of it. Happiness is where the heart is.

But I know deep down that, even though I am the source of my own happiness and that I should be happy with what I have right now, this very minute, a few aspirations and goals never hurt anyone. And achieving these goals will get me one step closer to something. What that is, who knows.

So what is it I want, you ask? Well, besides the canned beauty queen and politician’s answer, I would like the following, in no particular order, at least in the near future-ish.

First, I’d like to achieve some work-life balance. I’d like to feel that the time I spend at work is worthwhile, the money I make there will support what I want to do with my life and that the things I spend my life doing are giving me value in a way that can’t be quantified. This is probably one of the most sought-after goals for most working stiffs, and especially cubicle-bound computer jockeys. It would be great to feel really passionate about the work I do each day. I get general satisfaction, but sometimes I long for that burning fire of inspiration to be there each and every day as I toil through my to-do list. I don’t know how that will be achieved necessarily. I’ve toyed with side projects and volunteering in areas that I hope will fulfill me. Not having a clear idea of what this all means in tangible, real goals makes this a difficult goal to complete.

I think first off I need to find some side projects that make me excited that I can devote some time to. I know, I know, you’re probably thinking, “Aren’t you busy enough already? Don’t you run yourself into the ground with all that you do? How would you find time?” These are valid questions, and I can say that in part, I probably waste a lot of time on unnecessary tasks. Things I think fulfill me but don’t. Such as Twitter (chat with me @lusciousluka)—I enjoy Twitter immensely, but at the end of the day, I sometimes wonder if all that I put into Twitter gives me something back.

Some side projects that may fuel this inspirational outlet I’m longing for might be volunteering or doing more writing. Something definitely with a creative edge would be good. Of course, I have to seriously consider how much time I could devote to all of this extra stuff. Again, the idea hasn’t fully formulated in my head.

All of this will hopefully make me feel like my “work” is valuable on a bigger level. Hopefully, that circles back to my career and guides me to new opportunities and better horizons.

My next goal is to focus more on creating a positive outlet for my creative self. This sort of relates to the work-balance goal, but more on a personal level rather than guiding any professional development or aspirations. I just need to get back to crafting, whether that’s my words or knitted garments or whatever else. I feel in the last year or so, I have let my blog turn into less of writing vehicle and more of a showcase of photos and less text. I don’t have a problem with that necessarily; I like journaling what I’m up to and pictures are a great way to do that. However, I want to get back to longer prose that challenges me as a writer and makes me think as a person. I think some ideas I have for the blog in the near future will help inspire more writing and creativity. As for crafting and knitting, I just need to carve out some time to dedicate to it. It’s no joke that one of my desires (that I display on the right rail of this blog routinely) is to have more hours in each day. There is simply not enough time for me to accomplish everything in a single 24-hour stretch.

Which leads me to my next goal: more time to spend with the people and hobbies I love. I’m not really sure how I’ll spend more time with people when I’m adding “side projects” and more crafting but at least the “hobbies I love” part of the goal will be achieved. I just want to feel like I’m spending my non-work hours in a valid, constructive and fulfilling manner. This is probably because I’m constantly trying to ascend as a person into something greater than I am. It’s kind of exhausting, but it’s part of my psyche. I’ve always kind of been that way. Maybe another way I should look at time spent though, would be to appreciate the time spent in the first place, thus getting more value out of it, rather than trying to squeeze even more out my already packed schedule and life.

With all of this betterment, it would be a poor choice not to focus on a better wellness and fitness regimen. This regimen wouldn’t just benefit my body, but also my mind and soul. I’ve been feeling really scattered, and stretched thin. Remember the part in The Lord of the Rings where Bilbo Baggins says he’s getting old?

I’m old, Gandalf. I know I don’t look it, but I’m beginning to feel it in my heart. I feel … thin. Sort of stretched, like … butter scraped over too much bread. I need a holiday. A very long holiday.

I’ve been feeling a little like that. Actually, I probably feel like that at a minimal level most of the time. But I’ve been feeling it a lot lately. And it is very unsettling (thus the partial name of this blog entry). I’m hoping with getting into a fitness routine (aka the running) and adding yoga (I’m supposed to on Sundays … ) and trying out meditation (I keep meaning to, I swear), maybe I’ll start to feel more in focus again. Maybe. I’m hoping by blogging a little, and getting back into it more regularly, that will help resolve some of this unsettling feeling too. I have so many writing ideas and so many things I want to say. If I can get them out, get them written down, then maybe—maybe—I’ll achieve some feeling of resolution. I’ll withhold judgment until the end on this one though.

And lastly, and probably the most materialistic of goals and wants, is to get a bigger place. Don’t get me wrong: I love my place. It’s cute and it suits my belongings and my building neighbors are nice. My neighborhood is less so, including some of the folks I share an alley with, with their late-night volleyball games and amateur car mechanic hobbies. (Have I mentioned yet that they were outside making a lot of noise until at least 3 am Sunday night? Yeah, go to bed!) I want a second bedroom, not only to use as a spare room for guests, but also to use as my office, fitness room and craft room. I have BIG dreams for that room. I’d like a patio. However, I don’t want to give up the space I have (especially my storage space and yard for barbecues and parties). I’d also like to be closer to the El and maybe away from loud, disrespectful neighbors. This goal probably can’t be achieved unless the work-life balance goal shifts or changes, but a Luka can dream, right?

So those are some goals, and those are some reasons why I feel unsettled and unresolved. Hopefully that deep-seated feeling will nudge me to figure out what I’m really looking for, and result in some of these goals being crossed off the list. Until then, I’ll continue blogging about my daily escapades and trouble making, and I hope you continue to read. I don’t get a lot of comments, so feel free to comment away on any of my ramblings. Meet you back here some time tomorrow?

I’m talking nails. That’s right. I discovered that Essie makes a matte finish top coat called Matte About You, and I thought I’d experiment with it. My right hand is freshly painted with the blue nail color, displaying a normal nail polish finish. The left hand has the matte top coat applied. The picture isn’t great (you have no idea how hard it is to take a picture of both your hands. Imagine my chin positioned to press the shutter button on my phone), but you can see a slight light reflection in the nails on the right hand that you don’t see on the left. The matte top coat creates a dull, cool finish over the color of your choice.  I wouldn’t choose to use it every day, but it was fun to play with.

By the way, if you haven’t already checked out Essie, their nail color is incredible. I was a diehard OPI user for many years, but still experienced early chipping and peeling. I have far less issues with Essie. I’m not sure why that it is, but I’m going with it.

Today is the first day of my 30-day no car challenge. I have to say, I have mixed emotions. I’m excited by the challenge: reacquainting myself with my bike, getting more exercise through walking, discovering the possibilities (and likely frustrations of the Chicago public transit system), reducing my impact on the environment, and hopefully my wallet. But of course I have reservations: It’s going to take a lot longer to get where I want to go … or maybe I just think that’s the case. Because time passes a lot faster when you think you’re in control. Or better put, I feel more in control of my destiny behind the wheel rather than having someone else direct my travels.

In reality, there is probably only a few trips I routinely take that will take me longer. Once you add in getting into the car, driving to my destination and parking, it’s about the same as it would be to choose another option. The problem, the predicament, is planning ahead. Knowing my route, and my travel options besides my car, is probably going to be the biggest lesson in store for me in the next 30 days.

For example, going to work each day may take me an additional 15 minutes each way, but I’ll have to time when I leave my house just right and know the train schedule. Going to my weekly karaoke bar may take longer, but I can enjoy my evening’s worth of beverages without worry. Grocery shopping will be different, but as many of my friends, I tend to have way more food in the house than I need, so it will be good to get to the point where I’m only getting groceries for that I need for the week.

All of this time spent on the train or bus won’t be time wasted. No, I look forward to knitting and reading during my commute. It’ll be good to tackle my WIPs and work my way through the giant stack of unread magazines that have piled up this summer.

So although I am a little worried on how I’ll make my way around, I think it’ll be fun. And of course, there’s a reason I chose a summer month to do this challenge: less weather to contend with.

Happy 30 days without a car!

I don’t know if it was the weather, or if I wore myself out from all of the Indian wedding festivities (blog to come soon), but I had very little energy all week. I tried to run, and had all of the intention to do so, and every morning I woke feeling like a truck had run me down. I wasn’t sick but I definitely felt fatigued and exhausted.

My normal approach to situations like this is to push through, further exhausting myself and making the situation worse. My close friends have seen me do this, and even when I’m beside myself in this exhausting state, I just can’t quit. But I could tell I was past my limit and so I pulled back and took it easy all week. This was pretty remarkable for me since I had lots of goals I had to abandon. And I had to skip two workouts, which was unfortunate but I probably needed it.

I am proud to say that I completed my 8-mile run though—now the farthest distance I have ever run in my life. I decided to head to the Lakefront path because any distance more than six miles in my neighborhood Logan Square can be difficult to complete. So I drove over to the path and parked by Irving Park. I decided to run north, trying to avoid the crowds of people getting their daily exercise in.

It was an interesting run, and I liked the scenery, but I reached Sheridan (and thus the end of the path) before I reached the halfway point of my distance (aka 4 miles). So next time, I’m going to run south instead, so I can run halfway before turning around. In the end, I only had to run a mile past my car and back to complete the distance. It wasn’t until the last mile that I really felt worn out. I also experienced some chills, which I can’t decide if I overdid it with the running, or if the heat was getting to me. I kept experiencing the chills throughout the day, so I’m betting it was the heat.

I also was extremely dehydrated all day, though I did use my new hydration belt. I have trouble drinking water during races, or more correctly, every time I do I feel sick and nauseous, so I avoid drinking while I run. But now with distances like the half marathon, I’m going to have to drink water of some sort while running. So for these longer runs, I’ve forced myself to drink water every mile (or unless I’m really thirsty). I’m happy to report that I was able to drink throughout my 8-mile run with no problem. Hopefully this is symbolic of running to come.

Next week, my long run will take my 10 miles. I’m starting to get nervous about these longer distances, although that seems silly since I continue to meet the distance challenge each time.

I’m hoping next week, I’ll be able to complete the full week of training. I better rest up (and stretch) for the big week.

Schedule for Week 4:
Monday – Run 3 miles
Tuesday – Run 5 miles Ran 3 miles instead
Wednesday – Off
Thursday – Run 3 miles Felt really tired
Friday – Off
Saturday – Run 8 miles
Sunday – Off
TOTAL: 19 miles 11 miles

I met Stephanie Izard a few weekends ago because ChicagoMag.com was conducting a videoshoot on how to create a bbq. It took place for most of a morning, but was a really cool experience: not only to participate in a videoshoot, but also to see how one is put together.

Of course Izard was endearing, friendly and funny. She’s very personable and easy going. I enjoyed watching her chat up the host and the audience.

Because I’m a fangirl, and because I could, I asked Izard to pose with me in a picture. She was very courteous, even though it’s an awkward situation all around. (Check out my awesome elephant dress I got from Anthropologie recently!)

Overall, I had a great time.

So follow Izard @StephAndTheGoat to learn more about her new restaurant, cookbook and more.

Also watch the teaser video (see if you can spot me)., watch each video in the grilling series and check out the behind the scenes photos (see me on slide 34).

• Oysters with Horseradish Aioli and Pancetta
• Spicy Shrimp with Garlic Confit and Homemade Pita
• Broccoli with Crispy Onions and Bleu Cheese Cream
• Lamb-Stuffed Calamari with Crispy Shallots
• Citrus Bourbon Cocktail with Fresh Apricots and Vanilla

Week 3 was a success! Despite a busy week, and other activities going on, I ran my schedule with amazement. I even had a wedding Saturday morning, and made it out there to run six miles beforehand. I’m actually pretty proud of myself.

The fronts of my calves have been tightening, but my kneel stretching has certainly helped loosen things up. I’m looking forward to longer distances next weekend.

Schedule for Week 3:
Monday – Run 3 miles
Tuesday – Run 4 miles
Wednesday – Off
Thursday – Run 3 miles
Friday – Off
Saturday – Run 6 miles
Sunday – Off
TOTAL: 16 miles