You asked, I answered

You asked--I answered :)

Thank y'all for playin' along--I had fun!

Enjoy getting to know me a little better.....

Zoë asked: If you could choose one designer brand for each of these categories, and own ONE item of each, who/what would it be?: (this is like a bucket list of fashion! I love it!)
a. Shoes: Stuart Weitzman. I know, no C. Loubs—can you believe it? I’d love C. Loubs, but, Stuart Weitzman always has such fun and girly shoes and once, there were pink ones with a bow! A bow! I die.
b. Coat: Always wanted a Burberry trench.
c. Dress: anything by Diane Von Furstenberg.
d. Handbag: A classic brown and tan LV. I don’t have one—yet.
e. Sunglasses: Chanel. Big ol’ face covering Jackie O style Chanel.

Lindsey asked...
If you could only have 2 beverages the rest of your life, what would they be?: Diet Coke and water. Or Powerade. No, water.

EmilyB asked...
What are your "must-haves" for running....gear, apparel, food, etc...?: Good socks (I wear Nike dry fit socks)—having good socks makes a huge difference. Thin or thick, whatever works for you. My fuel belt. I have an anxiety attack if I go on a run without it. My Nike capris or shorts depending on the weather, a good fitting sports bra (I wear Under Armour) and non chafing dri fit top or tank top (Reebok makes my favorite tank)….And in terms of food, well pre run, I don’t eat—I know, shame! Unless it’s a race in which I’ll be up for a good 2 hours before the race, then I eat—toast with peanut butter and chocolate chips. The chocolate chips are a deal breaker. I also run with Luna Moons for mid run fuel and Cliff Shot Bloks as well. I like the orange and the black cherry Shot Bloks (they both have caffeine!) and the blueberry Luna Moons.

Patience asked...
Why did you start running? Why do you continue to run?: I started running years ago just to run. Then, I got lazy. Then, I started running because my work was going to do a relay –that fell through, but, I kept running. Originally to lose weight, and then because I started entering races. I keep running because it’s “me time” and because I love races—I’m not fast, but, I love doing it. I keep racing for Operation Jack and I want to run as many races in 2010 for Operation Jack as I possibly can.

Heather asked...
What accomplishment are you most proud of?: Finishing my first marathon is up there, but, winning a court case and getting case law in California changed to protect people is pretty damn huge. (I don't know if that makes sense--I'm not a lawyer, so, I guess "I" didn't win, my side won...anyways....)

Polka Dots & Protein Bars asked…
What is one thing that you couldn't get through the day without?: Diet Coke. Seriously. How sad is that? I’d say my husband, but, occasionally we’ve gone a day without talking—but, I do love him a whole bunch.

Beside Target and Anthropologie what are your other favorite stores?: I love Nordstrom because it’s a fancy people’s Target! Ha. I also really like Gap because they have great jeans and J. Crew. I also like little boutique-y stores back in California, I’ve yet to find any in Dallas that I like.

Classy Fab Sarah asked...
What are your favorite items in your wardrobe (extra points for the cheapest, most favorite items)?: Ohh, I love my J. Crew boots, and my orange Audrey Hepburn coat that I got over Christmas. And my wool jacket from J. Crew. Those are my favorites because they’re the nicest things I own! My all time go to’s are probably my gray slacks from Dillards, black flats from Target and a black dress I got at Target years ago. It goes with everything and can be fancy or casual. Also, Target has really cute dresses in stock right now.

What does your basic beauty/grooming routine consist of?: AM, brush teeth and floss, mouthwash, then anti wrinkle serum (for hypothetical wrinkles, of course), lotion with SPF mixed with sunless tanner, foundation, eye shadow, tons of blush, oodles of mascara and chapstick. My hair depends on if I run in the morning or afternoon—oftentimes a low ponytail or I curl the ends under. I’m fairly low maintenance in that regard. Although, when I have time (read: don’t oversleep) I’ll do big Texas hair which I love. At night, same deal with the teeth and then just my lovely bye-bye wrinkle serum.

Milltini asked...
How do you manage a pretty intense training schedule (i.e. training for a marathon) and the rest of your life (work, husband, friends, dog)?: Ha, that’s funny. I didn’t. Well, I did for a while. September and October I was sick a lot (not running related) and it took a toll on everything in my life. My November I had things under control. I approached running like my job—get up, run, just do it. I always try to run in the morning that way it’s done, I can’t make excuses and it makes my day better. When I looked at it like a job, it was a lot easier to do. Also, fear was a big motivator—I didn’t want to crash and burn at the marathon. Getting it out of the way before work meant I had time at night to run errands, make dinner, clean and spend time with my husband, friends and puppies.

d.a.r. asked...
I also wanna know how you find time to run so much, share your secrets!!: My alarm is set for 5:30 (or earlier) every morning. It sucks. I’m in bed by 9:30 if I can help it. I pack my gym bag and get my work clothes ready around 8:30. I have a routine. It’s pretty lame, but, I get to watch my favorite TV shows later thanks to OnDemand TV since I’m in bed before anything comes on! I run before work if I can help it, and sometimes will run at lunch if it’s something short. Rarely, rarely after work. I don’t have time!

Also, tell me about your running clothes. What are your faves?: Nike Dry Fit shorts and capris, Reebok tank tops, Under Armour dry fit tee shirts. My staples. And, I will say that Target has a pretty decent line too. I have two capris from there, several running skirts and my winter running pants are from Target as well. They’ve really stepped it up lately. They also have a long sleeve dry fit shirt for cold weather I really want!

Any recommendations for fueling during a half?: Invest in a fuel belt—I’m obsessed with water and I need water when I need it and don’t want to wait for the water stops on a course—but, that’s just me. Also, take along some Gu or Bloks, whatever works for you. Chances are you’ll get hungry mid race and need something to calm your stomach. My stomach is usually talkin’ to me mid way through a half so I want something in it besides water! And of course, breakfast of champions: toast with peanut butter and chocolate chips!

Brittany Ann asked....
Well, I'm not gonna lie, blog block or no, you peeked my interest: So whatcha get at Target?: Let’s see, mousse, a new headband, sunless tanner, mouthwash, lotion, Iams dog food, a big ol’ hurricane candle holder, new candle, Diet Coke and Fabreze.

Texan Couture asked...
How do you find motivation for your runs?: I think about my ever increasing waistline and the races I’ve signed up for—sure, I’m not fast, but, I want to finish each one thinking “good job!” so, I know that if I don’t at least try to run I’ll bomb at the race—and I do not want to do that!

What type of shoes are your favorite for running?: I was wearing New Balance 769s (and they were pink!) but, now I’m wearing Brooks Adrenaline 9. I loved the New Balances but, I’m a slight pronator and my ankles are weak so I needed something that had a bit more support especially on my double digit runs. So far, I love them.

What is your must have beauty item?: chapstick or lotion. My skin is always so dry!

Jessica asked...
where do you see yourself in 5 years?: Hopefully on a book tour with several little ones in tow! I said that a year ago, but, the sentiment remains the same. I hope to have a published book and a bambino or two.

ten years?: Hopefully writing as a profession, still running marathons, and getting to be a stay at home momma. I’d also like a vacation home. Or two. Dream big or go home—obviously.

Samma asked...
What is the book about?: I’m not going to get all “ooohhh I can’t tell you, you’ll steal my idea” because it’s pretty impossible for anyone to do that in this instance. It’s a semi autobiographical fiction about my life detailing the events after my mother’s death and how although life isn’t ever what we think it’s going to be, in the end, we get what we need. I know it sounds depressing, but, it’s really not! The point is that so much ridiculous stuff happened that is just too out of control not to share with the world (seriously, when we were about to lower my mom's casket into the grave, my step-dad threw himself on top of it, crushing all the flowers and proceeded to basically hump the casket. The world needs to hear these stories!). It addresses things in my life and how if you can’t look back and laugh, this world is going to take you for a ride. It’s supposed to be fun chick lit—I swear!

Morgan asked...
I want the whole lovey dovey story of how you and your man met!: Ha! We were “set up” by my best friend and his mom—who both still deny it to this very day! We worked at the same company and his family and my best friend (who I worked with) were really close. He and I were both newly out of relationships and I wanted nothing to do with dating but my BFF was getting sick of me being alone all the time (note: 6 months after my mom died, I was still fragile) so she tells me one day (exact words) “I’m not saying you need to marry him, just, go out to dinner or something”. Then, he’d “drop by” our office to talk to or pick up something from my BFF and we’d chat—then he stopped by once after I’d left looking for me… Then my BFF put my number on his windshield (because she’s evil)—he almost lost my number (because he didn’t see it for about 2 miles!) called me, we went out to dinner, closed down the restaurant, and were engaged a few months later and married 9 months after that. Whew. I should also mention that we both knew of each other before the “set up” and we hated each other. Ironic, right?

Also, does he run and how does he deal with your running?: He does not run, he’s a cyclist. He supports my running 100% getting up at ungodly hours to get to races and wander around for several hours, he encourages me and when it’s nice out, a lot of the time he’ll go for a ride and I’ll go for a run—not together, but, it’s still nice.

Favorite shoe?: currently my Brooks. I’ve tried 3 different shoes and these are my favorites so far. We’ll see how they hold up!

Favorite distance?: 15k or half marathon. The 15k is a fun nice distance and easily broken down into 5k increments which make it mentally easy. And I love the half marathon because it’s double digits and you still get bling even if you don’t place—and I never do!

If you could race any race in the world which one would it be and why?: Probably one of the those adventure marathons—they have them in Jordan, Iceland, places like that. I’d love to run the Petra Marathon because I’d love to go to Petra. How cool would that be?

Enough questions for you?: Never!

Sara asked...
Name your Top 5:
- places you want to travel to: Italy, Scotland, Africa, Argentina, the South Pacific.

- songs on your ipod (to run to): Don’t you judge me! These are my running songs. Gunpowder & Lead (Miranda Lambert), Mamma Mia (Abba), Bombs over Baghdad (Outkast), Sweet Home Alabama (Lynyrd Skynyrd), I Wanna Rock (Twisted Sister).

- favorite items in your closet: J. Crew boots, black dress, orange coat, pink cardigan, ruffled white tee shirt.

- actors you want to make out with: Hugh Jackman, Daniel Craig, Christian Bale, Bear Grylls, Simon Baker (are we seeing a trend?)

- favorite foods/meals/recipes:
foods—chocolate, grilled cheese (I’m 5), chips & salsa, good crusty sourdough bread, zucchini (yes, really!).
Meals—I love me a good ol’ bowl of lentil soup (bonus points for recipes from The Barefoot Contessa), a big happy salad, curry dishes and of course, anything chocolate (molten chocolate cake = my idea of heaven).
Recipes—I don’t know! I watch a lot of The Food Network (especially while at the gym—weird?) and get about 90% of what I cook from Giada or Ina. True story.

- favorite movies (and TV shows):
movies—The Sounds of Music, Gone With the Wind, The Great Race, Casablanca, What About Bob.
Tv shows—The Office, The Mentalist, What Not To Wear, Burn Notice, The Closer

Naturally Caffeinated Family asked...
how about where would you like to travel (and why=)): I’d really like to go all over—I know, a lot to ask, right? I guess there are some places I’d love to go more than others. I really want to go to Scotland because my mom’s family is Scottish and that would be a really neat experience. I’ve always wanted to go to Italy and am pretty sure you could park me there for 5 years and I’d be OK with that. It just seems hands down magical. I didn’t mention this in my tip 5 listed above, but, I’d really like to go back to the Virgin Islands—my mom had a friend with a house there so we went a lot when I was younger and those trips are hands down some of my greatest memories. I’d really like to go back and re-live that and share it with my husband. I’d love to go to Argentina because I think Patagonia would be so neat to see and hike and do all that. And the South Pacific—I mean, hello, beaches for miles? That’s my kind of place!

favorite ice cream flavor (an important question): Mint chip. Always has been.

if you could do anything (when we grow up) what would you do?: I want to be a mommy and a writer. Honestly, being a travel writer would be amazing.