Feaster Five Re-Cap

For me, Thanksgiving is about spending time with family, drinking lots of wine and eating fabulous food.  Thus, it was pretty surprising when I did something this Thanksgiving that I never thought I'd do...run a road race!  In Andover, the Feaster Five is a major road race that takes place every Thanksgiving morning.  When a co-worker mentioned it to me, I thought I'd sign up for it, especially since the runners pass right by our house.  I managed to convince Bret to do it as well.

It was a beautiful but chilly morning on Thursday.  We were bundled up and ready to go!

I've run the course a handful of times on my own and it is a bit challenging.  There is a pretty steep hill in the first mile.  The rest of the course is mostly flat but after the third mile, the home stretch is another steep hill.  The first hill actually went really well.  I think I was encouraged by all of the runners around me and they helped push me faster than I would have run on my own.  The last hill was a bit challenging.  I was definitely tired but I probably could have pushed myself a little more.

Overall, I thought I ran at a pretty good pace even though the race was a bit of a mess.  Walkers, runners with strollers, runners with dogs, families running four or five across made it an obstacle course to tuck in and out around them.  Parts of the course were really narrow to make room for the 5-mile race so it got a bit hectic.  Still, I was happy with my end time of 35:04, especially since I was running 36-37 minutes on my own.  I wish that I had pushed myself a little harder to get under 35 minutes, but I guess this just gives me a goal for next year!

Bret's bib unfortunately tore during his run and as a result, his time never got recorded.  He was definitely bummed, especially since this was his first 5K.  He faithfully ran with me the entire time but I know that he could have easily run faster than me if he wanted to. 

I originally ran my first 5K in April because it was an item to cross off on my 30 by 30 list.  I never thought that I would keep signing up for more.  I definitely never thought that I would have run three 5Ks in a year, or that Bret and I would ever run a race together!  While I still wouldn't call myself a runner, I've definitely started enjoying challenging and pushing myself with each race.  Bret and I are already talking about doing another one in Andover in April. 

For Bret and I, running the 5K together might be a new Thanksgiving tradition.  Tell me, how was your Thanksgiving?  Was it filled with old traditions or are did you start any new traditions? 

30 By 30: Wrestling?

For some strange reason, I have always loved watching wrestling.  Next to my deep love for Neil Diamond, a lot of people are often surprised at my knowledge of wrestling from the late 80s into mid-90s.  Favorite wrestler of all time?  Bret "the Hitman" Hart.  He truly is the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.  If you get enough cocktails in me, I will do the Ric Flair "Wooooo!" without hesitation.  I sometimes get misty-eyed when I discuss the deaths of wrestlers like "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Owen Hart, or the "British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith.

People always wonder what I could like about this "sport" (or should I say, sports entertainment).  I think it is the same reason that I love reality television.  There is over-the-top drama, twists and turns, and characters to love (or love to hate).  While my parents never had a problem with me watching wrestling, they definitely never would take me to a match.  I stopped watching wrestling regularly towards the end of high school and now I only occasionally watch it whenever Bret isn't home nothing else is on.

Still, my childhood love of wrestling is what encourage me to put attending a live WWE event on my 30 by 30 list.  And I was beyond excited to cross this one off the list on Monday at Monday Night Raw Supershow.  This was actually aired live on Monday night with a return visit from the Rock, who hasn't wrestled in quite some time!

Bret was slightly embarrassed to go with me....but I think he had fun in the end!  Here are some more photos from Monday night:

Commentator Jim Ross

John Cena and Mick Foley

Mark Henry and the Big Show

Mark Henry and the Big Show

Mark Henry and the Big Show

Kevin Nash!!!

Randy Orton

The Return of the Rock!

Did I mention that I met him once at my old gym?

"Boots to Asses!"

This was definitely a fun item to complete on my 30 by 30 list.  I now have finished one-third of my 30 by 30 list.  I can't wait to knock a few other items off my list in the next two months before this turns into a 30 while 30 list!


1. Run a 5K.

• B.A.A. 5K (April 2011)
• Lawyers Have Heart 5K (June 2011)

2. Go camping, like real camping...overnight...in a tent.

3. Pay off all of my credit card debt.

4. Attend a live WWE event (don't judge).

5. Make Gordon Hamersley's roast chicken.

6. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge.

7. Go out to dinner and a movie by myself.

8. Watch all three of the original Star Wars movies.

9. Boil a lobster by myself for the first time.

10. Write my will.

11. Write a letter of apology to someone that I have wronged and send it.

12. Experiment with molecular gastronomy.

13. Learn to drive stick shift.

14. Learn to make my own kimchi.

15. Learn how to change a car tire.

16. Go to a shooting range.

17. Redesign "Fun and Fearless in Beantown"

18. Launch a wedding website.

19. Cook a three-course vegan dinner for my vegan friends.

20. Make turducken for the first time.

21. Climb a mountain.

22. Complete thirty (30) hours of community service or volunteering.

• Completed four hours at the Greater Boston Food Bank.

23. Finish an entire plate of Hell Pasta from East Coast Grill.
24. Floss every day.

• So far I've only missed four days of flossing since January 14th!

25. Take a self-defense course.

26. Make homemade ice cream for the first time.

27. Make gnocchi for the first time.
28. Fly a kite.
29. Milk a cow.
30. Participate in a city dinner crawl, which means having cocktails, appetizer, dinner, dessert and post-dinner cocktails each at a different place in one city in one night.

My not-so-secret vice is my love for wrestling.  Tell me, what are some of your quirky vices?

30 by 30: Three Month Update

On Saturday, I spent the morning volunteering at the Greater Boston Food Bank with the UMass Amherst Greater Boston Alumni Group.  If you know me at all, you know that I'm very proud of my UMass roots and am very involved with the Steering Committee for the Greater Boston Alumni Group.  In fact, I've organized this volunteer event for the past two years!  We had a lot of fun and it was great to give back during this holiday weekend.

I completed about four hours of community service, and I've got twenty-six more hours to go for my 30 by 30 List!  I also thought this would be a great time to give my three month update on what I've checked off on the list thus far!

1. Run a 5K. - COMPLETED
2. Go camping, like real camping...overnight...in a tent.
3. Pay off all of my credit card debt.
4. Attend a live WWE event (don't judge).
5. Make Gordon Hamersley's roast chicken. - COMPLETED
6. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge.
7. Go out to dinner and a movie by myself.
8. Watch all three of the original Star Wars movies.
9. Boil a lobster by myself for the first time.
10. Write my will. - COMPLETED
11. Write a letter of apology to someone that I have wronged and send it.
12. Experiment with molecular gastronomy.
13. Learn to drive stick shift.
14. Learn to make my own kimchi.
15. Learn how to change a car tire.
16. Go to a shooting range.
17. Redesign "Fun and Fearless in Beantown" - COMPLETED.
18. Launch a wedding website. - COMPLETED
19. Cook a three-course vegan dinner for my vegan friends.
20. Make turducken for the first time.
21. Climb a mountain.
22. Complete thirty (30) hours of community service or volunteering.

• Completed four hours at the Greater Boston Food Bank.

23. Finish an entire plate of Hell Pasta from East Coast Grill. - COMPLETED
24. Floss every day - So far I've only missed four days of flossing since January 14th!
25. Take a self-defense course.
26. Make homemade ice cream for the first time.
27. Make gnocchi for the first time. - COMPLETED
28. Fly a kite.
29. Milk a cow.
30. Participate in a city dinner crawl, which means having cocktails, appetizer, dinner, dessert and post-dinner cocktails each at a different place in one city in one night.

I'm definitely looking for more community service and volunteer activities.  Tell me, do you volunteer in your community?  If so, what are some great volunteer opportunities?

30 by 30 Monthly Update

It has been a little over a month since I started my 30 by 30 List and I wanted to give a little update.  Very strangely, I haven't completed any of the cooking challenges.  I have, however, fully completed three items, which means that I have completed 1/10th of my list.  Woohoo!  Although it is a little daunting how much I have to do in the next eleven months, I'm feeling pretty proud of what I have accomplished thus far.

1.  Run a 5K.

2.  Go camping, like real camping...overnight...in a tent.

3.  Pay off all of my credit card debt.

4.  Attend a live WWE event (don't judge).

5.  Make Gordon Hamersley's roast chicken.

6.  Walk the Brooklyn Bridge.

7.  Go out to dinner and a movie by myself.

8.  Watch all three of the original Star Wars movies.

9.  Boil a lobster by myself for the first time.

10.  Write my will. - COMPLETED

11.  Write a letter of apology to someone that I have wronged and send it.

12.  Experiment with molecular gastronomy.

13.  Learn to drive stick shift.

14.  Learn to make my own kimchi.

15.  Learn how to change a car tire.

16.  Go to a shooting range.

17.  Redesign "Fun and Fearless in Beantown" - COMPLETED.

18.  Launch a wedding website. - COMPLETED

19.  Cook a three-course vegan dinner for my vegan friends.

20.  Make turducken for the first time.

21.  Climb a mountain.

22.  Complete thirty (30) hours of community service or volunteering.

23.  Finish an entire plate of Hell Pasta from East Coast Grill.

24.  Floss every day - So far I've only missed two days of flossing since January 14th! 

25.  Take a self-defense course.

26.  Make homemade ice cream for the first time.

27.  Make gnocchi for the first time.

28.  Fly a kite.

29.  Milk a cow.

30.  Participate in a city dinner crawl, which means having cocktails, appetizer, dinner, dessert and post-dinner cocktails each at a different place in one city in one night.

I'd love to hear one thing you've accomplished lately (whether big or small) that has you feeling proud?

Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

Last month I wrote about how I asked my best friend to be my maid of honor.  It has taken me some time but I've finally asked all of my bridesmaids if they would be in my wedding!

Again, I wanted to ask each of my friends in a personal manner.  I ordered these adorable cards on Zazzle:

I think the bride looks like me!

And I also gave them a tongue-in-cheek bridesmaid gift.

Photo Credit

And now that we finally have our bridal party and groomsmen in order...our officiant...and our wedding coordinator, I'd like to unveil our wedding website!  Bret and I have been working hard on this website for awhile and we're proud to finally launch it to the public.  Plus, we'll keep updating it as we get more details in order.

As a sidenote, this also means that I can check one more thing off by 30 by 30 List!  I've been meaning to give an update on my 30 by 30 List and hopefully I can get to that soon!

Happy Friday!  What have you accomplished this week?

Being Prepared...and Another Giveaway!

Even though it has been less than a month, I've slowly been plugging away at my 30 By 30 list.  After I made the list, I realized that a lot of the activity-based items are ones that need to be done in warmer months.  So I decided to plug away at some of the others that don't require sunshine, warmth or good weather since that doesn't seem to be happening in New England anytime soon.

Item #10 on my 30 By 30 list is to write my own will.  I know, it sounds pretty morbid but I think we all need to prepare ahead for our future.  As an attorney, I'm actually disappointed in myself for not doing this sooner.  I've drafted some estate planning documents for clients and I can't believe it has taken me so long to do one for myself.  Of course, these documents will slightly change once Bret and I get married and when we hopefully have kids someday, but for now, I'm happy that these documents are signed, sealed and notarized just in case.

I've promised to document as much of my 30 By 30 accomplishments on this blog.  There really wasn't much to this one except signing some documents so I decided to liven it up by doing a fun giveaway!  As part of my Boston Food Bloggers Launch Party swag bag, I received a free bowling pass to Kings at Legacy Place in Dedham, MA.  I love bowling, even though I am terrible at it!  Here is a photo of me and some friends at the Boston location of Kings a few years ago:

I'm offering up this free bowling pass to one lucky reader.  To enter, you just need to leave a comment on this blog about one thing you've accomplished lately.  It doesn't matter if it was a big accomplishment (like a promotion) or something small (like getting your sock drawer organized).  Just share with me one accomplishment by Sunday, February 6, 2011 at 11:59 PM.  Per usual, a winner will be selected by Random.org.

A New Look...and a Giveaway!

Fun and Fearless in Beantown is always evolving and changing.  This blog started out as a personal and private online journal and then turned into a food and lifestyle blog.  Through the blog, I've been presented with some wonderful opportunities and dining experiences, and I've also met some amazing people through the local blogging community.

Over the years, I've had several different looks and re-designs to the blog using free Blogger templates since I'm not the most tech-savvy person.  As Fun and Fearless in Beantown has taken a larger presence in my life, I've really been itching for a professional blog re-design.  In May, I won a gift certificate to April Showers Blog Design from one of my favorite blogs - Fantabulously Frugal.  My experience with April Showers Blog Design was one of the worst customer service experiences in my entire life.  After several emails in June describing what I'd like, I was promised a first draft by early August.  I never received a first draft in August nor an explanation as to why I didn't receive it.  After several follow-up emails, I was promised a first draft in October.  Again, I never received a first draft and no explanation.  After both emails from me and from Lisa of Fantabulously Frugal (who was so embarrassed by this situation and was so lovely in trying to straighten things out), I was promised a design by the end of the year.  Again, nothing was delivered and no explanation.  The emails I received from April Showers Blog Design were so unprofessional and I cannot believe a person can run her business in this manner.

Instead of letting this discourage me, I decided to move on and find someone else who would be happy for my business.  After tweeting about my frustration, I got a suggestion to reach out to Sarah Early of dodeline design.  I cannot say enough lovely things about Sarah.  From the first email, she totally got my vision of the blog and was upfront with me about estimated costs and time lines.  Sarah always emailed me when she said she would and her sincerity shined through in every communication.  I seriously recommend that you contact Sarah if you have any interests in re-designing your blog, new stationary or general graphic design work.  

So, it was great pleasure I introduce a newer and cleaner layout of Fun and Fearless in Beantown.  I've moved a lot of the sidebar items to tabbed pages and there is a wonderful new header using some of my favorite photos from the blog!  

In addition, redesigning Fun and Fearless in Beantown was #17 on my 30 by 30 List.  Since this is the first item I am crossing off my list, I'd like to celebrate with a fun giveaway!  As part of my Boston Food Bloggers Launch Party swag bag, I received a $20 dinner gift certificate for Aquitaine Bar a Vin Bistrot at Legacy Place in Dedham, Massachusetts.  I would love to offer this gift certificate to one of my lovely readers!  To enter, just leave any comment on my blog.  All comments must be entered by Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 11:59 PM EST and a winner will be chosen by Random.org!

30 By 30: Happy Birthday to Me!

I can't help it.  Even though I'm not a kid, I can't help but be excited for my birthday every year!  Since I am 29 today, I'm excited for my last year of my twenties before I hit the big 3-0!

Me at my 28th birthday party...well, the party before the party

Inspired by my friend Jen at Beantown Baker, I decided to create a list of thirty things that I would like accomplish during my last year of my twenties.  So, in no particular order, here goes:

1.  Run a 5K.
2.  Go camping, like real camping...overnight...in a tent.
3.  Pay off all of my credit card debt.
4.  Attend a live WWE event (don't judge).
5.  Make Gordon Hamersley's roast chicken.
6.  Walk the Brooklyn Bridge.
7.  Go out to dinner and a movie by myself.
8.  Watch all three of the original Star Wars movies.
9.  Boil a lobster by myself for the first time.
10.  Write my will.
11.  Write a letter of apology to someone that I have wronged and send it.
12.  Experiment with molecular gastronomy.
13.  Learn to drive stick shift.
14.  Learn to make my own kimchi.
15.  Learn how to change a car tire.
16.  Go to a shooting range.
17.  Redesign "Fun and Fearless in Beantown".
18.  Launch a wedding website.
19.  Cook a three-course vegan dinner for my vegan friends.
20.  Make turducken for the first time.
21.  Climb a mountain.
22.  Complete thirty (30) hours of community service or volunteering.
23.  Finish an entire plate of Hell Pasta from East Coast Grill.
24.  Floss every day.
25.  Take a self-defense course.
26.  Make homemade ice cream for the first time.
27.  Make gnocchi for the first time.
28.  Fly a kite.
29.  Milk a cow.
30.  Participate in a city dinner crawl, which means having cocktails, appetizer, dinner, dessert and post-dinner cocktails each at a different place in one city in one night.

My goal is to complete each of these thirty items before I turn 30 on January 14, 2012!  I will definitely try to document these activities via photos and my blog where possible (although I'm sure most of you don't want to see photos of me flossing).  And I am hoping to get other people involved with me in these activities so if you're interested in any of them, let me know!