city cowgirls and boy

If there was any doubt that I had fun, awesome friends, last night would have wiped it clean.  When Megan and I put line dancing on the Top 10 of 2010, I don't think we had any idea that we were going to get so into character -- cowboy boots, check; cowboy hat, check!  Or that we'd have friends whose boots were ready for a night out!

Megan and I started the night with a trip to Smoque BBQ where we proceeded to consume more brisket, pulled pork and ribs than advisable for two girls.  But, we did it in the most lady-like fashion possible, only briefly considering the bib style "tuck your napkin in your top" option, & thankfully, neither of us got BBQ sauce on our dress!  If you're in Chicago, love BBQ and have never been to Smoque, I highly recommend it.  Be prepared to wait in line.

Bellies sufficiently stuffed, it was time to get those boots scootin'!   Unfortunately, there was a line to get in at Houndstooth and Angie doesn't wait in line.  Alright, clarification - I will absolutely wait in line for food if I think it's worth it (ie - Smoque BBQ); I will almost never wait in line to get into a bar because experience tells me it is usually the opposite of 'worth it'.  Plan B - Carol's Pub.  Megan, Christy, Erica and I walked into "World Famous Karaoke" and pushed the number of people in the bar to just over 20 including the bartenders, waitress and karaoke dj.  Wow.  After a few rounds of video photo hunt, the bar started to fill up a little, Mike arrived and saved us from a leering man, entertained us and got the crowd going with his performance of Sweet Child o' Mine, and we managed a few steps of line dancing back in our corner of the bar.  All in all, fun night filled with lots of laughter.

Not quite what we had envisioned, but it will count for now.  We received a tip that Honky Tonk BBQ has a live band and people get up and dance during dinner.  It's on the "summer fun" list.  I think my cowboy boots and hat need another outing or two anyway!  And last I heard, Mike was on the hunt for a big belt buckle.  Thanks to Christy, Erica and Mike for being fabulous friends ready for a good time!  To be continued ....

favorite people

As I sat here at my computer trying to choose this week's reason from my "I run" list, I reflected on the day and my choice was easy.  Granted, on this amazingly gorgeous Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, many reasons come to mind.  It was a perfect morning for a run and there wasn't a single minute of my 10 miles with my own personal coach riding alongside me (there were only 2 of us who showed up for the training run this morning) that I wasn't thankful to be running.  But I chose this week's reason for the fun-filled hours that followed this morning's run.  It is not entirely different from last week's reason, however last week's focus was camaraderie while out running and this week's focus is on the friendships that become part of life outside of running. 

To fully appreciate the magnitude, I have to go back several years.  When I trained for my second half marathon (2005), I met a remarkable woman who has since become many things to me - real estate agent, role model and dear friend.  Beth was in the same pace group as 2 of my friends and I, and over the course of those sometimes dreadful winter training runs, she became a friend.  I moved to New York that spring, but we kept in touch occasionally.  Beth increased her training and running took its place in her life.  Work and travel took over my life and running took a backseat.  As I began considering relocating back to Chicago, Beth was one of the first people I contacted.  I was thinking about buying a condo and I knew she would be the perfect person to help me find my new home.  Even though I put my  buying plans on hold for a few years, she eventually did find me an amazing home that suits me perfectly.  But her contribution to my life doesn't end there.   I woke up one day in early January and decided it was time for running to take its place in my life again.  A few weeks later, Beth took me as a guest to a running class she had been going to as part of her training for the Boston Marathon.  We had planned to meet for a glass of wine that night, and I believe her exact words were - "Why don't you come to this core running class with me first.  The guy who leads the class is so enthusiastic, you'll love it".  What the heck, I gave it a try.  And Beth was right, I loved it.  Ok, in all honesty, I was so sore after that first class that I told myself I had 2 choices:  1) start going every week, or 2) never do that to myself again.  If you've read any of my previous blogs, you know I chose the former.  

Core Running led me to Chicago Fit ... which brings me back to today's reason that I run.  After this morning's run, one of the girls in the group hosted brunch at her home.  I'm not sure she planned for several of us to enjoy the better part of 5 hours eating, drinking, talking and laughing on her front lawn, but somehow that's how it turned out!  A beautiful day surrounded by great friends, all of whom I have met in the past 2-4 months, if not even more recently.  I could not have asked for a better day!

I run because some of my favorite people in life are those that I have met through running.  Beth continues to be a dear friend.  She has qualified for the Boston Marathon twice since we trained together all those years ago; I am proud of her and inspired by her, and I look forward to the day when I can run fast enough to train with her again!  As for Coach Mike, Beth was right, he is enthusiastic and full of energy, even at 6 am. He's also got some pretty sweet dance moves.  The rest of the gang - I can't list them all here, but I'm sure their names will find their way into the blog sooner or later - give me endless reasons to look forward to the several times a week workouts and make getting out of bed at 5 am everyday except Sunday less dreadful.  I love that they are already making their way into the memories that enrich my life.

simple joy

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to "cater" my first event when a friend hosted a fundraiser on his rooftop.  I put it in quotes because he says I catered the party, I say I helped him out by bringing a few dishes to go with the burgers, brats, etc that he was serving.  No matter what you call it, it was the first time I made more than a small amount of food for someone else's guests.  Feeding people is nothing new to me, but there is no real pressure in feeding your family and friends.  They will appreciate you for the effort even if the food isn't amazing.  Feeding someone else's guests is different.  You're putting yourself on the line.  The thought of a rooftop full of hungry people and bad food is a nightmare!  Thankfully, that wasn't the reality.  In reality, the food got several compliments, a few people asked for recipes, a few asked how/where I came up with my recipes, and at least one person asked why.

Why?  I love the question.  Subconsciously, it's something that has often rolled around in my mind.  But no one had ever asked the question, and I had not spent much time thinking about it on a conscious level.  Cooking and entertaining guests in my home was something that I enjoyed and I was content to let that be my "reason".  It's time to reveal the rest of the story.

I cook because I love food, I like trying new things and I like the challenge of making something at home that you would be "wow"-ed by even if it was served to you in a restaurant.  (As long as you can get past my imperfect plating skills!)  Equally as much, I appreciate the simplicity of a dish that requires few ingredients but can still impress your taste buds.  I like the creativity in throwing in a little of this or a little of that or taking a chance and altering a recipe just to see.  And I like learning to taste.  Not to just say "this is good", but to really TASTE.  To be able to identify what I am tasting and store those flavors and associations for when I may need to call on them when there is "something" missing from a dish.  There is such a simple joy in knowing and appreciating what I am eating.

I cook for other people because it gives me the opportunity to bring happiness, even if only short-lived, to others.  I was surprised (and delighted) by the reactions and compliments at the party a few weeks ago.  Considering the atmosphere in my home each month for Sunday Supper and the wonderful time my Mom, Grandma and aunts had when I hosted them in Chicago the past few years, maybe I shouldn't have been, but I was.  I'm not someone who likes being the center of attention and I'm not very comfortable receiving praise or recognition.  My greatest joy that night came from seeing all of the smiles, happy faces, clean plates and trips back to the table for more food.  Food makes people happy.  For me, there is simple joy in bringing happiness to people, and I am able to do that through something I find great joy in doing.  Isn't that what life is all about?

When the day comes that I am able to spend more time doing this thing that brings me such simple joy, I suppose I may have to thank my first "customer" with a hefty discount!  Thanks, Mike, for the opportunity and for asking the question.

June Sunday Supper - June 20

Yes, June 20th is Father's Day, but it got the most votes.  If you're not spending it with your Father, I'm sure he'd be glad to know you were enjoying great food with friends!

I have a feeling that June's Sunday Supper could become an annual event, so I'm going ahead and putting it out there -- 1st Annual BBQ Wars.  This year will feature BBQ brisket 3 ways - KC style, Carolina style and Texas style.  Bring your appetite and your favorite BBQ side.  Please let me know if you're attending so I will have enough BBQ.

common ground

There is something about heading out for a long run that puts you on instant common ground with other runners.  Sure, you are pounding the same pavement for minutes, possibly hours, on end, but it goes deeper.  There is a camaraderie amongst runners that lives in their heart and soul.  We all run for different reasons, but there is a mutual respect, an inherent support system, an instant friendship in being out there together.  I have been running with Chicago Fit, my marathon training team, for 6 weeks and with each week's long run, I get to know more people.  We start running and the judgements that often tend to cloud our lives drain into the pavement with the first few steps.  Everything else falls away, nothing else matters, we are all the same.  With each week, I add more friends.  I hear their stories and my life is enhanced.  Our support group grows.  I think of the bond of friendship that still exists with my cross country teammates from high school and I am no longer surprised by the new friendships filling my life.  I am grateful and appreciative of their simplicity and tenacity.  Every week, I am reminded that this camaraderie is one of the reasons that I run.  It is uplifting.  Nothing else matters, we are all the same.

what do fish, pork and fire in the hole have in common?

Sunday Supper!  Since I just got back from visiting friends (and making new friends!) in Texas, I figured I might as well bring a little of the cuisine and that cowgirl spirit to Chicago.

On the cuisine side, we had two types of tacos - fish and carnitas (pulled pork) - guacamole, and a black bean salad.  I am a big fan of fish tacos, but I must say, the pork was out of this world!  And, really, who doesn't love pork?!

Of course, no Tex Mex meal would be complete without homemade margaritas, a Corona or two, and a fire in the hole shot!  (see previous blog post for fire in the hole)  Look how excited these guests are to tip back their jalapeno!  Word to the wise - don't touch your lips to the jalapeno if you don't want that tingling sensation!

My "cowgirl spirit" shone through in my big, fancy belt buckle and cowboy boots!  Megan wore her new boots (thank you Texas!) too.  We might have discovered a few more proud owners of cowboy boots in the crowd.  Sneak peak into the future -- night out to involve line dancing and bull riding!  Yee-haw!

Thanks, friends, for another great Sunday Supper!

Little things

On my short walk to meet for today's long run, I was marveling at the beauty surrounding me and thinking back to all the times when running has allowed me to discover a new, deeper appreciation for all of the little things in life that we routinely take for granted.  It was a beautiful and sunny morning.  There is nothing like the peace and quiet of a city that is just beginning to come to life at 6:05 am on Saturday morning.  Suddenly, despite being in the middle of Chicago, I notice the little things that you might get anywhere -- birds chirping, the glare of the early morning sunshine, the slight chill that is wearing off as the sun rises, the smell of the trees and flowers in bloom.  It is often easy to forget these things when living amidst towering highrises, the constant hum of traffic, honking horns, blaring sirens.

I remember one particular Saturday morning run when I lived in New York City.  It was shortly after I had moved to the city and I was out for a short 3-4 mile run around 7 am.  I fell in love that day.  The side of the city I saw that morning -- quiet as could be, shop owners out hosing down the sidewalk in front of their shop, no cars in sight, smells of fresh flowers being set out at the bodegas -- was so quaint and charming, it was alluring in an entirely different way than the buzz of the city that bewitches so many.  The New York City that I miss is a NYC that I never would have discovered if it weren't for running.

Perfect thoughts as I set out on this week's journey.  I run because it allows me to discover a side to a city that I might miss otherwise; it re-awakens me to the little things, the amazing things, the beautiful things that are always here around us if we take pause to notice.  Running along the Chicago lakefront in the early morning hours of a beautiful sunny day never grows old.  A simply amazing & refreshing way to start a new day.

eating my way through Texas

Though I didn't write much about food while I was away, believe me when I say it certainly was not because I didn't eat much.  Holy cow.  We definitely erred more on the side of overindulging.  (Which could explain why I thought I might die at boot camp this morning!)  It was a week of eating and drinking like I have not had since .... well, possibly Argentina, but more likely back to South Africa.  6 months ago. I hope it's more than 6 months before I do this to myself again.  Don't get me wrong, it was all FABULOUS!!  Unfortunately, the detox is brutal once you hit the glorious 3-0.  You'd think I would have learned that in the past nearly 2 years.  Oh well, some things aren't worth remembering when there is so much great food to try in so little time!  :)

Dallas kicked off with champagne on the patio with Jill upon arrival.  I won't say exactly how much champagne, suffice it to say it wasn't only one glass.  Next up, a cute Italian spot (can't remember name), R&D Kitchen, Taco Diner, Nick & Sam's Grill, and Bolsa.  Then on to Austin for The Belmont, Muck n Dave's Texas BBQ (food trailer!), Hula Hut, Ranch 616, Hut's Hamburgers, Jeffrey's, and some other taco bar.  And I think I just gained another 5 pounds thinking about it all again.

I only have 2 pictures of the food.  I must have been preoccupied with other things.  Or a little fuzzy from the drinks that accompanied most of those meals.  But, hey, it was vacation - isn't that what it's all about?!

Here we have some mighty delicious Texas BBQ, straight from a food trailer.  And then fried oysters, two ways, at Jeffrey's.  Did I mention that they fry almost everything in Texas?

Trip was a blast, but glad to be home and back to my normal eating habits.  Wishing I had my very own scooter though!  (Thanks for taking me for a spin, Andrew!)

sisterly love

I come back to Kansas several times a year because even though Chicago is my home, Kansas will always be home in my heart.  My family is here, my foundation is here, cherished memories are here, and two precious little girls who can absolutely make my day and make me long for home all at the same time are here.  Spending time with them the past few days reminded me of the amazing bond of sisterly love.  Two perfect words to describe these pictures.

My two sisters and I aren't quite as adorable anymore so no pictures of the 3 of us this time.  But we are still known to all crawl into the same bed to talk when we're home together.  There's nothing else like it.  Love you girls!

Fire in the Hole!

Freshly-cored jalapeno filled with Tito's vodka, Paula's TX Orange and fresh lime juice with a Coronita chaser.  It's the official drink of Austin (last year, anyway), and we kicked off the night with one.  It was the beginning of the end, dancing ensued.  What a fun night in Austin!

Run to Remember

As I sit here at 8:45 am in running clothes, socks and shoes on the floor next to me, in my Austin hotel room, I am thankful for awesome friends who will get up early and run with me when I'm on "vacation".  Thanks JJ and Meggo!

When I decided to run the marathon this year, I wanted a reason bigger than me.  Despite the many charities affiliated with the Chicago Marathon, choosing my charity wasn't difficult.  I wanted a charity that had influenced my life so I chose to participate in National Hospice Foundation's Run to Remember.  I'm running in honor of my grandpa and to raise awareness of and support for hospice care.

Today marks the launch of my fundraising website.  To see my story, please visit the website and pass it along to your friends.  You can donate through my site or email me directly at akbezdek@me.com if you want to send a check.  Emails with your words of encouragement and support are also GREATLY appreciated!  If hospice care has touched your life, please share your story.  I would love to hear them & carry them along the way with me.

http://www.active.com/donate/runtoremember2010/ABezdek

Hello Austin!

Hit the trail again today, making the short (relative to my other days on the road this week!) drive from Dallas to Austin.  As I rolled into town, I looked down to the see the temperature gauge on my dash announcing a blazing hot 96 degrees.  Oh good heavens, what am I doing here?!  I think I started sweating at the mere thought of getting out of the car!

But, here I am .... and ya'll can't even tell anymore that I don't belong in Texas!  Look out Austin, it's girls weekend!

Bishop Arts Wine Walk

Free wine and discount shopping.  Yes, please.  Jill and her fabulous friends took me to the Bishop Arts District tonight for Wine Walk.  Boutique shopping, discounts and free drinks = girls night!  One shop was serving an apple-tini, which I would normally pass up, but since they matched my skirt, it was only appropriate for me to sample.  For the photo op.

Afterward, we went to Bolsa.  Great food, AWESOME drinks.  (Chicago friends - note I "borrowed" a drink menu so can make them for you!)  Many drinks with whiskey.  Yummy, yummy!

The Dallas girls have been great and welcomed me as one of their own.  Can't wait to visit again!  Off to meet Megan in Austin tomorrow - YAY!

rompin' around

Lesson learned:  Cinco de Mayo in Texas is a BIG deal.  No joke.  Jill and I had to arrive at the restaurant by 4 pm to get a table.  Being the trendy, classy ladies we are, we arrived in style.  You may not know it yet, but rompers are back in.  We romped it up, 70s style.  And then had a few margaritas.  Cheers!

guilty pleasure

Three letters.  B.L.T.  Bacon (surprise, surprise), lettuce, tomato.  On grilled texas toast, light on the mayo, it must be REAL mayo, and extra tomato.  I certainly won't claim that I have only one guilty pleasure - life is too short!! - but a well-made BLT is pretty darn high on the list.  The very best is with lettuce and tomato from grandpa's garden.

In a pinch, the BLT from Sonic drive-in will more than suffice.  First admission:  I ate one on Saturday on the drive from Chicago to Kansas.  (For those of you who don't know Sonic, I should tell you that they also have the best ice.  Yes, ice.  Call me weird, but I know several other midwesterners who stand behind me.)  Second admission:  my sister brought lunch home today and guess what?!  Sonic BLT.  YES!!  We hadn't talked about BLTs or my stop on Saturday.  When she asked if I wanted lunch, I said "sure, bring me whatever you are having".  Apparently some things run in the family.  :)

Two Sonic BLTs in three days ... good thing I brought my "traveling gym"!!

Run for love

By the time I finally arrived in Topeka today, I was having mixed feelings about lacing up my shoes.  After 10 hours in the car (driving from Chicago), I was ready to get moving, but 2 adorable nieces were waiting to see Aunt Angie!  Luckily, Addison was at the zoo and I was able to squeeze in a few quick minutes of bonding time with Caylee before she started to wail.  That was my cue to head out for this week's long run.  

For old times sake, I thought it might be nice to run around Lake Shawnee.  When we used to do this 6-miler in high school, it seemed soooooo far.  I have never run the whole thing since and was curious to see how it would feel.  It brought back many wonderful memories.  I don't know if it was the Kansas air or extra endorphins from that trip down memory lane, but I covered the distance in nearly the same amount of time it took me all those years ago.  Almost 1 minute per mile faster than my target long run pace.  Impressive!

This trip down memory lane wouldn't be complete without a hearty chuckle over what got me running in the first place.  I will never forget the day very early into our freshman year that my best friend approached me with this "great idea".  You see, she fancied this older boy.  He was on the cross country team.  She was going to join the team.  And she wanted me to do it too.  Being the best friend, I really had no choice.  I joined the cross country team and went to my first race 2 or 3 days later.  I had never run 2 miles prior to this race (ok, and I suppose I can't even say I did at this particular race since I had to walk a short amount); I only owned gym shoes at this point, "real" running shoes weren't purchased until the following week; and I wasn't quite sure I was all that fond of this sport.    Yet, over the course of that first season, I became a runner.  My relationship with running has lasted through the years; her relationship with the guy, on the other hand, was pretty short-lived.  She did, however, go on to marry a different guy from the team.  They are still happily married with two children.

It still makes me laugh, we must have been crazy!  Then again, maybe we had it right all along.  I'm certain I have a better chance of meeting the man of my dreams on a running path than in a bar.  Pretty good motivation to lace up those shoes!