It's Not Easy Being Green...

It's not that easy being green
Having to spend each day the color of the leaves
When I think it could be nicer being red, or yellow or gold
Or something much more colorful like that

It's not easy being green
It seems you blend in with so many other ordinary things
And people tend to pass you over 'cause you're
Not standing out like flashy sparkles in the water
Or stars in the sky

But green's the color of Spring
And green can be cool and friendly-like
And green can be big like an ocean, or important
Like a mountain, or tall like a tree

When green is all there is to be
It could make you wonder why, but why wonder why
Wonder, I am green and it'll do fine, it's beautiful
And I think it's what I want to be



Well, guess what?? I am here to tell you that IT IS EASY BEING GREEN!!! Green is all around you. In abundance this time of the year. You just have to look for it - grasp it. Eat it even. It tastes pretty good.

Wheatgrass shot anyone??
By the way, One Lucky Duck is the place above. It is in Manhattan in the Union Square area. Good stuff there.

Check out Anthony over at raw model and read though his amazing blog. I am certain I wrote about him before. He has this cool permaculture project going on in MN (his hometown) and its really pretty amazing. He had a vision - thought it through and made it happen.



If you want to go green, make some green juice. It's easy and delicious. I admit, my juicer has sat idle most of the winter but I am breaking it out and getting it going. Green juice is a terrific way to start your day. Just juice green. Plus of course some apples, lemons, ginger, pears maybe? Really whatever you like. And even if you think you won't like it, you will. You will love it when you feel the difference in your body and soul.

Green is a state of mind.

POM is good too. I received a free care package from Molly over at POM Wonderful













I wrote a review over at my running blog, here it is:
Molly over at POM Wonderful was extremely nice to send me a POM care package to taste and review. I received 8 - 8 oz bottles of POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice. Just quick, then I will give my review:

Health Benefits (Taken from pomwonderful.com)
POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice is the only pomegranate juice backed by $25 million in medical research. Actually, we are the only pomegranate juice backed by any medical research at all.
There has been a lot of talk lately about the role of pomegranates in promoting heart health, prostate health, and proper erectile function. But while these results are promising, keep in mind that all of the research has been done on POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice. Our juice comes from a unique pomegranate variety (the Wonderful), which is grown in a unique location (California), and which is juiced with proprietary technology (ours!). No other pomegranate juice can claim these distinctions, and no other brand has been clinically tested.

So what are the medical results on POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice? Go to the Health Benefits section of the website to read more.

My review:
I am a fan of tart tasting juices. Always have been. Give me cranberry with lemons squeezed in and I am in heaven. So, I was excited to get to try POM Wonderful. It is delicious and refreshing especially after a run. I like it because it is 100% authentic pomegranate juice, its all natural and contains no added sugars, preservatives, colors or cheap filler juices.
The pomegranates are grown in the San Joaquin Valley in California and its the “Wonderful” variety that is grown. Yes there is such a thing. Cool huh? I had no idea. But I find it interesting to read up on the Wonderful variety. Lots and lots of antioxidants. POM seems to have more and better antioxidants than red wine, grape juice, blueberry juice, cranberry juice, green tea, vitamin C and vitamin E.

It comes in very cute eye catching bottles. The juice itself is a beautiful crimson color. Very dark - you can almost see the health benefits floating around in there.
Pros:

It tastes good, its refreshing and its healthy.
It can be mixed with other things such as club soda for a nice cocktail.
It looks fancy in the glass.
Cons:

Unfortunately there is only one con for me. It is too expensive for my budget. At least in my local supermarket. 16oz bottle is $4.99. For a treat once in a while - sure. But, not on a regular basis. This of course has nothing to do with my actual review of the product. Just an observation that it is expensive in the stores.
Try it though. Its good stuff.

I'm shutting it down now!

There is no question that there is an unseen world. The problem is how far is it from Midtown and how late is it open? -- Woody Allen

I'm Drifting....

I am drifting far away and it's scaring me. I cannot seem to stop it. It is like being in the ocean and the waves carry you far. Far away from where you started. Then you cannot find your way back.

The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like the fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars..." Jack Kerouac


It is so fucked up. This drifting I feel. Why fight it? I think I may go with it. Flow with it. I can only end up in a good place. A better place. A different place. Yeah, thats it. Different.

Different is better.

When I run, I drift. To a much better place in my head. Running is good that way. It's great that way. I can't wait to reach that place in my head during my running. Sometimes, I just about get there, but stop. Thats fun too.

"To love is to suffer. To avoid suffering, one must not love. But then, one suffers from not loving. Therefore, to love is to suffer; not to love is to suffer; to suffer is to suffer. To be happy is to love. To be happy, then, is to suffer, but suffering makes one unhappy. Therefore, to be happy, one must love or love to suffer or suffer from too much happiness."
~Woody Allen


















Chocolate OR vanilla??

I know, you all drift towards one OR the other right?

RIP - Bea Arthur You'll Always Be My Sisters....Always!

Your friendship was something, I've never expected at this point in my life!

You'll always be my sisters. Always!

I loved Bea, she was so dry and witty. She had a great career and will be missed.

Rest in peace, Bea.

I'm not playing a role. I'm being myself, whatever the hell that is. Bea Arthur

What the What??

I know, I know you all thought you got rid of me!! You kinda did for 2 days and then this guy crotchety old man decides to rudely bestow yet another award on me!

This award is made just for being present in the blogosphere or just for "being there," so to speak.

Have I been there, "so to speak?" I have no fucking idea but Old Man I love ya for bestowing this award upon me.

Then there's this:









The rules of the zombie chicken say...

"The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words.

This is my blog, so my rules:
Those awards up there, I am bestowing them upon ALL OF YOU!!! Do with them as you please.

30 ROCK! That show made me LOL. Here are two lines that made me laugh. They are out of context but still....
Sociopath downgraded to extreme narcissist!!!
Isn't there a slanket somewhere you should be filling with your farts?

And then there's this:
The 30 Rock Dictionary:
Adorkable - Delightfully Dorky.
Are you cereal? A stupid way to say "Are you serious?"
Blamm-O A word Liz uses to describe something impressively efficient, often in disturbing contexts, as in the lady astronaut who wore diapers and drove hundreds of miles to confront her romantic rival. "Blamm-O. That was a lady with a plan."
Gazerk A description of when someone goes beyond berserk, but not all the way to insane. "People will go totally gazerk over the new doughnuts."
I want to go to there Self Explanatory
Lizzed laughing so hard you pee
Mind grapes A metaphorical fruit of the brain from which, when squeezed, secrete an abundance of knowledge.
What the what? an expression of amazement
Taste of the Lemon The action that usually leads to falling in love with Liz Lemon. Ex. "I had no choice. Had to give him a little taste of the Lemon. And it was not sour, my friend, not sour." 

I am now

Shut it Down!

When a situation is going awry and needs to be stopped.

I'll stop now.

Note To Self - Breathe

Happy Earth Day my lovely ecstatic beings. You are all so divine and beautiful. Let's celebrate life and our "mother" today! I am trying hard to keep my attention on the things that make the world a better place.

Today is Earth Day! Let's hold thoughts of a world where people take responsibility for the consequences of their choices.

WIth that said, I am going to be taking a blogging break from raw cool. I need to focus on some things now and without having to blog here I can do just that.

I would love to invite you all to my running blog running down dreams. It is really where my heart is these days anyway.

I also want to extend a heartfelt apology. I did not intend to or want anybody to feel like a fraud or at least my silly definition of fraud. You are all so authentic and perfect. Honest, giving and supportive.

I have come to a good place with somebody I still hold dear.

So, dear ones - I shall return. Someday. I will still be reading your blogs and commenting and all that fun stuff.

I love you!!!

































The Universe told me today:
There isn't a moment in any day, Michelle, when someone, somewhere, isn't better off because of something you've done.

And no matter what you do, or don't do, with the rest of your life, you cannot now comprehend the amounts of love, joy, and personal assistance that are already being pressed out to you in gratitude.
Must be nice,
The Universe

“If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together.. there is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. but the most important thing is, even if we're apart.. i'll always be with you.”

My mission here is not accomplished. Far from it. “It's been an incredible ride. With that, I have to bid farewell. I'm the happiest person in the world right now...

Where Are You Going?

Dave Matthews Band - Where are you going
Where are you going?
With your long face
Pulling down
Don't hide away
Like an ocean
That you can't see but you can smell
And the sound of the waves crash down

I am no Superman
I have no reasons for you
I am no hero
Oh, that's for sure
But I do know one thing
Is where you are is where I belong
I do know where you go
Is where I want to be

Where are you going?
Where do you go?

Are you looking for answers
To questions under the stars?
Well, if along the way
You are grown weary
You can rest with me until
A brighter day and you're okay

But, I do know one thing.....Is where you are is where I belong!

I've been getting these tremendous bursts of creative mind lately. It's as if my mind is way ahead of my body and they are not catching up to one another. I'm feeling this blissful bit of awareness where I am free and nothing can touch me. Or hurt me.

I laugh at the frauds of the world. The people who sit around all day saying "I need to get to the gym"....but they never go. The people who borrow things from others, only to claim it as their own. The people who talk the talk, but never ever walk the walk. Not even once. I do not like the frauds. I steer clear of them.

Am I being harsh and mean? Perhaps, but it is also downright truthful. What I am saying. What is the point of forgiving the frauds when they turn around and do it all over again. These people will not change. It is I who changed.

To get stuff done, you need to be willing to see past the life your living now and move into the life you want it to be. Not a lot of people can do that.

As this guy says:
"Life is a series of spontaneous changes. Don't resist them--that only creates sorrow." ~Lao Tzu

Resistance is futile. Create your world - create your days. Live your days. Visualize what you want your day to be like and I can assure you, your day will unfold just as you saw it in your mind.

Running has taken me to places I can not really describe in words. I enter a zone where nothing can stop me. Well, short of being in pain...otherwise I just push forward. It has not been easy. In fact, just the opposite. But that only pushes me harder. You set goals. You want to achieve those goals. I will not lie. I had an extremely hard run on Saturday.

I had wanted to run a 7 miler. I was running in a new place. The park where the Brooklyn Half Marathon starts. It's very hilly, that park. Very hilly. Running on hills is a whole other thing entirely. I never run on hills. EVAH! So, this hill thing is quite new to me. And quite difficult. No excuses though. I just didn't have it in me to run 7 miles. I pushed out 5.5 with stopping many times to gather my breathe.

I didn't visualize running 7 miles before I started and that was my mistake. If I felt it and saw it perhaps I would have been able to kick through the last 1.5 miles. Who knows.

If I am being mega serious lately - well I am just feeling it ya know?

Funny story:
I was shopping today in the grocery and took out my cell phone to call my sister. I needed to ask her a question about tofu. So, it rings - no answer. I hang up - or so I thought.

About 10 min later my cell rings and its my sister. She was all like dude I heard you talking all throughout the store. You were asking about lemons and then you were deciding how many avocados to buy. Apparently, I did not hang up properly and she heard my whole conversation. I LOL at that. I was grateful though, that I was not talking about my sister. Nah, she is a good egg and i love her. It just made me giggle.

There are a few cool things happening in Coney Island this coming summer. For one, festival by the sea and then this Coney Island- Boom -A -Ring. Check out the fun Ringling Brothers.

This stuff excites me because this is my hood. It is where I grew up. I think this summer is going to hold so many amazing journeys and excitement. The fucking circus is coming to town! They are pitching their tent and staying a while. If any of you are in the neighborhood, ring me up!! I will come and buy you a Nathan's hotdog.

I also want to mention that I've hit my 50th follower. She is an hilarious writer and really nice person. I urge you to check out her blog here: Life with a little one and MORE

The Universe told me today:
Ohhhh, to be alive in time and space, Michelle!

If only those now living could recall what such a prospect once meant to them before their life began. And what it still means to multitudes in the unseen now awaiting their own initiations who, try as they may, can't even imagine the simple ecstasy of breathing.
To them, you already "have it all,"
The Universe

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
John Quincy Adams

Just A Doggie I Know....

Pelle Carlberg - I Love You, You Imbecile

I love the way you talkI love the way you stalk
me with your mobile phone
I love the way you smile
The way you're juvenile
I love the way you moan
I can live with vanity and puns
and the morning temper runs
I can live with all your downsides
I can live with you (?)
All I want, all I need
All I want is you
I can live with all the stupid things you do.
I love the way you dress
the way you make a mess
and that you're always late
I love the way you smell
and I can always tell
when you exaggerate
I can live with vanity and puns
and the morning temper runs
I can live with all your downsides
I can live with you...

I know, I've been absent from my blog for a few days. It's Sunday and I am spending the afternoon in my local Starbucks, drinking a grande iced skinny vanilla latte and staring at the cute boy sitting opposite me. We had some eye contact and then I asked him to guard my computer when I went to pee pee. Guess, that put the kabosh on the whole affair huh?

So:

Sunday WORD OF THE DAY:
KABOSH:
To end; to terminate; to put an end to something to kill off in a nonbiological sense; kind of like squashing from a position of strength and with moral certitude; to basically reverse a decision or situation with conviction. A word I thought existed in the english language. One I have used many years thinking all know it well. I was amazed to not find it in the dictionary!
He realized it was a bad decision to proceed with talking to raw cool so he put the kabosh on the deal.

Or is it KIBOSH?

Meaning
stop from happening or developing

I've had a bit of a mentally challenging few days. In life, in running, in my world. My head is spinning and it hurts. Not literally.

I love you, you Imbecile yes all of you. And when I say Imbecile I mean it in the most endearing beautiful way.

I am just fucked up these days because I lack confidence in the things I hold dear to me. And, I know I will get some comments saying raw cool, you rock. Your the best. We love you. But sometimes, I just want to be told that it is ok to feel sucky. To feel a bit of pessimism.

I've been a sounding board for a friend going through a stupid break-up. I was her therapist/friend/enemy and I heard it all damn weekend. She is also using my computer daily to check her emails because her "computer" is in the shop. She is sitting here right now, asking me question after question about facebook. WTF?? Yes, I am home now after my quiet Starbucks and chinese food with mom.

I'm loosing it. Not to worry, I will find it - I always do.

Good stuff is happening as soon as she departs.

My next post will be so much better. Or worse. It depends. I think I want icecream now.

A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked.

















Just a doggie I know!!!

What Does Heartbreak Mean To You?

Chris Mann - Heartless
Really great song here and Chris is a cool dude. I could have been in the video but because of how much I procrastinate, I missed the boat. Yeah, so check it out.

I'm going to have to go with betrayal. Pretty self explanatory but to me it means to lose trust in somebody ~
Many people hear the word, "betrayal", and think of infidelity, yet the experience is actually much broader. Yes, the hurt feelings can result from a love betrayal, but the same symptoms can also be triggered by an unfaithful coworker or boss; betrayal in a friendship; disloyalty from a workplace or community.

I think, perhaps I've had enough heartbreak to last for a while so here is some stuff I've been thinking about lately:
Enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
The pleasures of life do not necessarily come from the big moments.They can be found in every day life if we stop and take a moment to enjoy them. Some of the things I enjoy are:
- a warm shower after a great run
- a cup of freshly brewed morning coffee
- a delicate melody in music
- a beautiful line in a poem
- a conversation with friends
- cuddling up with a good book














Strive to be at your best.
I can’t change who I am. However, I can strive to be at my best through self-introspection and learning. I am a big advocate of self-improvement...I love learning new things and embrace new life experiences.

Be yourself.
You need to be the real you because everyone else is taken and replicas don't sell for as much. This means that if people don't like you for who you are, then they aren't the right people for you to be around. It might sound rudimentary to say "be yourself," but a lot of people try to be what others want them to be. You'll never enjoy life if you take that path.












Embrace change.
Change is the one thing you can be sure of. Every moment is new and unique, and this is what makes life so wonderful – there is always something else to experience. Why cling to the past when there is so much still ahead of us?

Get out and enjoy the day.
Get outside - walk, run, bike, do anything that involves you being outside the confines of a house, office or car Put your feet in the grass with the sky above you. Whether it be hot, cold, raining or snowing (within reason of course) - your body needs a daily dose so get to the great outdoors. Find a good place to get away.

Never go to bed angry.
Have it out. Whether it be with your spouse, your peer, your boss, whomever - be polite, but don't let it weigh you down while you sleep.

















Say thank you.
Gratitude is one of the most creative and noble forces of human nature. It makes everything - absolutely everything - better.

You can only control your own actions and responses, not anyone else's.
Don't make other people's problems your own. You won't be helping them or yourself by doing so.














Be persistent.
Emerson said it best:

"Our greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall".

I heard this somewhere:
Know thyself. You are little and clumsy and need love.

So, yeah. Great news now. I had an xray today on my broken toe. And....wait for it.....wait for it.....THERE IS ACTUAL HEALING FINALLY HAPPENING!!! It is not fully healed and may never be, but I saw it with my own eyes, there is bone filling into the break. White bone filling in. Not a lot but I saw it. Running has not interfered with the healing and apparently the bone stimulator machine I have been using for the past 41 days is working. How cool is that? Does my heart good.
















Dr.TOE was even nice enough to gift me with these fab paper slippers ~ so I am adding them to my growing shoe collection. Pretty right?

Just to give you an idea how my running is progressing:
4~16~09 5 miles 49.03 9.49 min/mile 595 calories burned
My Splits:

ACTUAL +/- AVG ACTUAL +/- AVG
1 9' 42 -0' 07 6.2 +0.1 +3 ft
2 9' 42 -0' 07 6.2 +0.1 -3 ft
3 10' 02 +0' 13 6.0 -0.1 +3 ft
4 9' 49 +0' 00 6.1 -0.0 0 ft
end 10' 00 +0' 11 6.0 -0.1 0 ft
Versus average of 9' 49 min/mile:

So, I think this is a bit of a Fhinaesque post. The photos and everything. Just the photos. I dream to be able to write like Fhina. :O)

The Universe told me today:
Oh yeah, Michelle, I forgot to tell you...

You get as many "do-overs" as you like. Of course, you never know you're living a "do-over" until it's over.

There are lots of reasons for wanting a "do-over." Most of all, people want another chance to do things they were afraid to do the first time, and to say things they were afraid to say. Oddly enough, it's not their mistakes they want to rework, but their "unused" minutes.

Yeah, pretty nifty, but you should know that it isn't any easier the next time, and because no two ever go exactly the same, the gifts, opportunities, and loves of one, never appear the same way again. Never.

So all in all, it's better to live as if there are no "do-overs," so that you won't need one. But I thought I'd share this with you anyway, to work in the bits about fear, mistakes, and how precious today's opportunities really and truly are.
Crafty as a fox,
The Universe

Amazing Life....

EMBED-Susan Boyle Stuns Crowd with Epic Singing - Watch more free videos

I realize this week I seem to be taking the easy way out of actually ~~~~ you know, blogging but this ~ this ~ I simply had no control over whether or not I should post this video. When I viewed it, I got goosebumps all over. How fucking incredible.

I thank beearl for showing me this video. I am glad I clicked on your blog first this morning!!

2 minutes ~ 2.12 ~ 2.20 ~ Fuck, the entire video rocks my socks off. If I had half the talent this beautiful woman has, I would die happy!!!

Why are we all so cynical and assuming? Why did every single person watching that show "assume" she would suck? We all know! The way she looks and the way she presented herself. She had a cheeky grin and everybody was laughing at her. And you know, perhaps if I was in that audience, I would have been giggling a bit as well and then felt bad afterwards because her talent is gigantic and amazing and incredible and I just assumed she would suck.

Which really means, I suck. I hate that about me. Makes no sense. Yet, we all do it. Why?

It is something to ponder isn't it? Give people a chance without pre-judging. It is really easy. I think!!

The Universe told me today:
Give it thought, Michelle. Consider every angle. And then speak your mind.

You've not been drawn into anyone's life just to listen.
Loud and proud,
The Universe

A man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes.
Ghandi

"It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles." -Buddha

Centraal Station Antwerpen gaat uit zijn dak!

It made me smile and dance a bit. Perhaps, it will brighten your Monday?? Perhaps, it won't? But, it brightened my day for precisely 4 minutes and 1 second.

Just take a look, why don't you?

Just a quick request please. In my friends words:
My dad, Philip Giglio sprouted wings on Easter Sunday, surrounded by his loving family. Thank you for all your love and support.

So, perhaps just a bit of good vibes out to Philip would be so cool!!!

The Universe told me today:
Do you know what you have in common, Michelle, with the tiniest percentage of human beings who have ever, ever, ever graced the face of the earth?

You can still walk barefoot. You can still pick flowers. And you can still make a difference.
Life is yummy -
The Universe

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
Chinese Proverb

I Want Peeps...

A man is driving along a highway and sees a rabbit jump out across the middle of the road.


He swerves to avoid hitting it, but unfortunately the rabbit jumps right in front of the car.

The driver,
a sensitive man as well as an animal lover,
pulls over and gets out to see
what has become of the rabbit.
Much to his dismay, the rabbit is the Easter Bunny, and he is DEAD .

The driver feels so awful that he begins to cry.
A beautiful blonde woman driving down the highway
sees a man crying on the side of the road
and pulls over.

She steps out of the car and asks the man
what's wrong.

"I feel terrible," ! he explains,
"I accidentally hit the Easter Bunny with my car and KILLED HIM."

The blonde says,"Don't worry."

She runs to her car
and pulls out a spray can.
She walks over to the limp, dead Easter Bunny ,
bends down,
and sprays the contents onto him.

The Easter Bunny jumps up,
waves its paw at the two of them
and hops off down the road.

Ten feet away he stops,
turns around and waves again,
he hops down the road another 10 feet,
turns and waves,

hops another ten feet,
turns and waves,

and repeats this again and again and again and again,
until he hops out of sight.

The man is astonished.
He runs over to the woman and demands,

"What is in that can?
What did you spray on the Easter Bunny ?"

The woman turns the can around
so that the man can read the label.

It says..

It says,


"Hair Spray
Restores life to dead hair,
and adds permanent wave."

Happy Easter!!!


All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!
Lucy Van Pelt in Peanuts

Let's Poop

Do you remember when you first learned that everyone poops??

Inside all of us is poop!!!

Do you know how to poop?

Sometimes, I forget!












The Universe told me today:

Michelle, have you been leaning on me lately?

A lot?

For absolutely EVERYTHING?

Day and night, rain or shine, Gummi Bears or Gucci?
Just checkin' -
The Universe

“I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.”

It's A Mad World....

Gary Jules - Mad World
All around me are familiar faces
Worn out places, worn out faces
Bright and early for their daily races
Going nowhere, going nowhere
Their tears are filling up their glasses
No expression, no expression
Hide my head I want to drown my sorrow
No tomorrow, no tomorrow

And I find it kinda funny
I find it kinda sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had
I find it hard to tell you
I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It's a very, very mad world mad world

Children waiting for the day they feel good
Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday
And I feel the way that every child should
Sit and listen, sit and listen
Went to school and I was very nervous
No one knew me, no one knew me
Hello teacher tell me what's my lesson
Look right through me, look right through me

And I find it kinda funny
I find it kinda sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had
I find it hard to tell you
I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It's a very, very mad world ... mad world
Enlarging your world
Mad world














It's a fucking mad world, I tell you! The world is simply getting to big for me. It's spinning way out of control.















Which is why I want to go back to when life was simple. Easy peasy!!! To a time, when raw cool and sista didn't even exist. To a time when raw cool's mommy was learning how to be cool.













That look there, she is not sad. She is not yearning for anything. That look says I am fucking cool and in about 20 years I will give birth to an even cooler chick. She is pretty much rocking that head band don't you think? Life was perhaps simpler back then. I'm not sure really. But, I think my mommy was very cute. Pretty almost, even that young.

I wonder though, did people not smile back then? Were they told by the Sear's photographer to look all melancholy? I can just picture it. Wake up little raw cool, it's time for our photo session at Sears!!! WOO!! Little raw cool bounds out of her cradle and runs into the kitchen for her usual breakfast of champions. Pop tarts and a glass of vanilla soymilk while her rents were sipping their latte's and a bagel.

I am pretty sure little raw cool was allowed to pick out her own outfit, so after the tart she ran upstairs excitedly to sort through her extra large closet. I think the dress and shoes and head band really accentuates her big brown soulful eyes.

At this point, her papa was checking his email and perhaps updating his twitter before heading off to Sears. It was a bit of a drive and their white Nash Cabriolet drove along silently as papa stuck his feet through the bottom and started running to gain momentum. As Fred Flintstone did, papa ran that car and never complained. He was really called a runner before his time, I think.

Sears!!! WOO!!! What a bustling place. Videos games were being sold. I think the Wii had just come out or something but there was a demonstration of some sort going on where people were well into an aerobics class. Woman were wearing the latest sports bras and knickers and the guys, well the dude's were rocking it with their one piece undies. Some even were so risque they were wearing all black. Way ahead of their time i guess. I don't know, really.

I do know that raw cool's mommy wanted to smile for the camera but the Sear's woman photographer was using all this high tech crap and wanted it all brooding and dark. I think they did her proud. They got the brooding and dark down for sure yo!

After the photo shoot, raw cool's mommy ripped that cotton dress off and proceeded to put on her favorite jeans and crocs and a Hannah Montana tee shirt. Not sure what her papa and mama changed into but I do know that IHOP was in their future.

So, you see times that you think they are a-changing - NOT!!!

It is a mad mad world though. When people run in circles. Even when they don't. I am inclined to believe that if perhaps we all stop running just for a few seconds each day, we would all meet somewhere in the middle for a latte and some pancakes. Ya know?

The Universe told me today:
Too often, Michelle, the only difference between HAVE and HAVE NOT depends on whether or not the initial request was followed by a thank you, yee-haa, and action, rather than a question mark, timidity, and TV.
Don't ask. Give thanks. Bust a move.

Yo -
The Universe

“Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity.”

Please Don't Pass Over Me....

Gefilte Fish:
Gefilte fish (Yiddish: געפֿילטע פֿיש, Are poached fish patties or balls made from a mixture of ground deboned fish, mostly common carp or pike. Finely chopped fish, usually whitefish, pike, or carp, mixed with crumbs, eggs, and seasonings, cooked in a broth in the form of balls or oval-shaped cakes, and usually served chilled.













Don't hate on me because I like this curious fish dish. I admit, it is certainly an acquired taste. May not be for everybody, but during Passover it is served and you damn well better eat it.

So, Passover!!
Of all the Jewish holidays, Pesach is the one most commonly observed, even by otherwise non-observant Jews.

Pesach begins on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nissan. April 8th 2009! Agriculturally, it represents the beginning of the harvest season in Israel, but little attention is paid to this aspect of the holiday. The primary observances of Pesach are related to the Exodus from Egypt after generations of slavery.

The name "Pesach" meaning to pass through, to pass over, to exempt or to spare. It refers to the fact that God "passed over" the houses of the Jews when he was slaying the firstborn of Egypt. In English, the holiday is known as Passover.

Probably the most significant observance related to Pesach involves the removal of chametz (leaven) from our homes. This commemorates the fact that the Jews leaving Egypt were in a hurry, and did not have time to let their bread rise. It is also a symbolic way of removing the "puffiness" (arrogance, pride) from our souls.

Chametz includes anything made from the five major grains (wheat, rye, barley, oats and spelt) that has not been completely cooked within 18 minutes after coming into contact with water.

We may not eat chametz (leavened) during Passover; we may not even own it or derive benefit from it. We may not even feed it to our pets or cattle. All chametz, including utensils used to cook chametz, must either be disposed of or sold to a non-Jew (they can be repurchased after the holiday). Pets' diets must be changed for the holiday, or the pets must be sold to a non-Jew (like the food and utensils, the pets can be repurchased after the holiday ends).

The process of cleaning the home of all chametz in preparation for Passover is an enormous task. To do it right, you must prepare for several weeks and spend several days scrubbing everything down, going over the edges of your stove and fridge with a toothpick and a Q-Tip, covering all surfaces that come in contact with food with foil or shelf-liner, etc., etc., etc. After the cleaning is completed, the morning before the seder, a formal search of the house for chametz is undertaken, and any remaining chametz is burned.

The grain product we eat during Pesach is called matzah. Matzah is unleavened bread, made simply from flour and water and cooked very quickly. This is the bread that the Jews made for their flight from Egypt. We have come up with many inventive ways to use matzah; it is available in a variety of textures for cooking:


















On the first night of Pesach (first two nights for traditional Jews outside Israel), we have a special family meal filled with ritual to remind us of the significance of the holiday. This meal is called a seder , from a Hebrew root word meaning "order," because there is a specific set of information that must be discussed in a specific order.

Pesach lasts for seven days (eight days outside of Israel). The first and last days of the holiday (first two and last two outside of Israel) are days on which no work is permitted.

So, this is what I will not be doing. First, I do not clean my stove and fridge with toothpicks and Q-tips. If I clean it at all it would be considered a miracle. Second, I do not sell my chametz to a non-jew and then repurchase it after Passover is done. If I had a pet, I would not sell pet to a non-jew and then repurchase after Passover is done. These "rules" IMHO are ridiculous.

Perhaps, it is because while yes I am Jewish and very proud of that fact, I am far from religious and celebrate holidays more for the family tradition than for following such strict rules. God will think no less of me. My family will think no less of me.

Here is what I will do though:
I will not eat chametz - bread of any kind. Yep, that means I give up my beloved bagels, english muffins, toast, multi grain breads, pita bread...you get the point here. For 8 days starting Thursday and ending next Thursday.

I will attend a seder tomorrow evening at my mother's brother's home. We rarely get together but for holidays such as this we do. More out of tradition than following certain rules. We do the seder our way. And that is fine with me.

From Wikipedia:
The Passover Seder Meal is a Jewish ritual feast held on the first and the second nights of the Jewish holiday of Passover
Families and friends gather around the table on the nights of Passover to read one of the many versions of the Haggadah, the story of the Israelite exodus from Egypt. Seder customs include drinking of four cups of wine, eating matza and partaking of symbolic foods placed on the Passover Seder Plate. With a Haggadah serving as a guide, the Seder is performed in much the same way all over the world.

While many Jewish holidays revolve around the synagogue, the Seder is conducted in the family home. It is customary to invite guests, especially strangers and the needy, though very few non-religious Jews do so. The Seder as family-based ritual is derived from a verse in the Bible: "And you shall tell it to your son on that day, saying, 'Because of this God did for me when He took me out of Egypt'" The words and rituals of the Seder are a primary vehicle for the transmission of the Jewish faith from grandparent to child, and from one generation to the next.

And that is what I truly love about the Seder. How it is indeed passed down from generation to generation. Another cool thing about the Seder is the most famous question which the youngest child asks at the Seder is the Mah Nishtanah - "Why is this night different from all other nights?" After the asking of these questions, the main portion of the Seder, Magid, gives over the answers in the form of a historical review. The youngest child in my family is my sister. And she ain't no child but she is indeed the youngest at the table so the tradition continues.

I would love to wish all of you a very Happy Easter! And if you celebrate Passover, than have a happy and most importantly a healthy Passover. It's all good no matter what you believe and I respect each and every one of you. Spring time is finally upon us and its a time for renewal and all good things. That my friends is a universal belief.



















Ha - even Moses couldn't ask for directions. Men huh??

The Universe told me today:
Actually, Michelle, it's not that most people don't have much, and they just want a little.

It's that they have it all, and they just want a little.
You too.

Oh my -
The Universe

“All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness ... the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.” Dalai Lama

Come On Get Higher...

Matt Nathanson - Come On Get Higher

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire at the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire at the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love

When you come to the edge of all the light you know and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things will happen: there will be something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly. Patrick Overton

That up there, that is spectacular. So perfect, I think. You can relate that quote to so many things in life. So many.

I step off into the darkness every single day. EVERY SINGLE DAY! But I never fall. I never spin out of control. I am grounded and know when to ask for help. I know when to take that help too. I also know when to let go.

Letting go. Sometimes we must let go of people, places and things.

Psychiatrist Dr. Gail Saltz, author of Becoming Real: Defeating the Stories We Tell Ourselves That Hold Us Back, confirms that toxic friendships indeed exist. "These so-called toxic relationships will drain you and suck up your emotional energy," she says.

As such, friends who are too needy and negative are also classified as toxic. Florence Isaacs, author of Toxic Friends/True Friends, points out: "Toxic friends stress you out, use you, are unreliable, are overly demanding, and don't give anything back."

There is a saying that goes like this: "It's hard to soar with the eagles when you are living with turkeys." This is a good description of the effect that friendships can have on a life. A friend can either help you soar to new heights or hold you down. Those who help you fly are good

A toxic friend will highlight your negatives more than your positives. I know this to be 100% true. I lived through a toxic crappy horrid friendship and I think I am ready to talk about it a bit.

You know how you give and give and then give some more? Yeah, well thats what I did. And you know at the time I thought perhaps it was the right thing - the good thing to do. Hell fucking no. It was THE worst decisions of my life. If I add up the amount of money I spent it would literally make me sick to my stomach.

Now, you guys know me. I am a giver by nature. I really have a hard time accepting things from others. Well, of course except when you say how stunning I am. How adorable I am. Yeah, those words I can accept. I am talking more about stuff and shit and crap. So, I gave willingly and happily. AT THE TIME.

Then it occurred to me just how ridiculous and probably so very stupid it was of me to do this. To send such preposterous things just because. Clearly I wasn't thinking. It was all so pointless.

I harbor no anger. In fact, just the opposite. If you ask me what I feel right at this very moment I would have to use the word pity.

From Wikipedia:
Pity evokes a tender or sometimes slightly contemptuous sorrow or empathy for a people, person, or animal in misery, pain, or distress. In regard to humans, a protective or quasi-paternal feeling of pity may be felt towards marginalized or impoverished people such as homeless families; orphans; people with disabilities or terminal illness, and victims of rape and torture.

Sympathetic or kindly sorrow evoked by the suffering, distress, or misfortune of another, often leading one to give relief or aid or to show mercy

Sure, I wish no harm to anybody. I just have zero caring or interest in toxic people. Wait, let me reiterate that. I only know of one toxic person. That is the person I have zero caring or interest in.

I am happy. I have a lot of great, caring, loving and supportive friends. I am never judged. I am accepted. I am even learning to pray. For the people I care about. And I ask for help when I need it.

I am not perfect. Far from it. I have many flaws and defects and shit to deal with. I suck at a lot of things. But, I work on what I know I can change. What I want to change. What should be changed because I think it should be. Ya know? I am getting my shit together.

Life is beautiful. As it should be. There are no endings. Only new beginnings. My beginning is stunning. It's sunny every day even in the dark. Even when I am on the edge, I pull back and admire how I react to things. I am happy that I let go of the toxic. I am happy beyond words. Because, It's all behind me. I laugh at it. I pity it. But, I am happy.

Shout outs to you all. All of you. YOU ALL ROCK MY WORLD!!

This post was cathartic for me. It was a release of emotional tension and I feel restored and fresh. Ready to go. I AM DONE!

The Universe told me today:
You do realize, Michelle, that your batting average is 100% when it comes to prevailing in adversity, setbacks, challenges, and recessions?

No wonder you're so famous here.
Mwah, baby -
The Universe

"In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back."

-- Charlie Brown

My ADD Sunday Post...

I am officially in love with Padma! She is hotness personified.

I would like to reiterate if I hadn't already, that I do not eat meat. Well, burgers at least!!

And that brings me to the

Sunday WORD OF THE DAY:
Girl Crush:
an overwhelming sense of awe felt by a girl for another girl elicited by varying causes ranging from deep respect to unadulterated lust. may result in the any or all of the following: general euphoria, prolonged sense of inspiration, desire for intellectual-intercouse with crush, simple sexual arousal, etc
Padma is smokin hot in that commercial i am completely amazed at what she is capable of. she is my new girl crush!!

The woman's long black hair whipped across her pale face as she danced to punk rock at the bar. She seemed to be the life of the party. Little did she know that she was igniting a girl crush. I was watching, and I was smitten.

I tend to get smitten fast and hard. I don't mind though. My latest girl crush, besides Padma is somebody I know who is a super ass runner. Like fast and smooth and graceful. Unlike me, who looks as though any second I will fall upon my big ass ass.

"I'm immediately nervous around her, I stammer and stutter while trying to keep up. it's definitely because I think she's supercool."

I guess its a girl crush.
From NY TIMES:
It is a phrase that many women in their 20's and 30's use in conversation, post on blogs and read in magazines. It refers to that fervent infatuation that one heterosexual woman develops for another woman who may seem impossibly sophisticated, gifted, beautiful or accomplished. And while a girl crush is, by its informal definition, not sexual in nature, the feelings that it triggers - excitement, nervousness, a sense of novelty - are very much like those that accompany a new romance.

This is not a new phenomenon. Women, especially young women, have always had such feelings of adoration for each other. Social scientists suspect such emotions are part of women's nature, feelings that evolution may have favored because they helped women bond with one another and work cooperatively. What's new is the current generation's willingness to express their ardor frankly.

I remember very vividly how I used to have these totally arbitrary crushes on my female teachers. Just because they were all knowing, all seeing, all that.


I also have girlie crushes on all my fav female bloggers. And as Diane over at dianesaddledramblings says in a totally non-gay way. Just love you all so darn much.











Let's hug it out bitches!!

Speaking of love. I have fallen in love with running all over again. I have zero TOE pain. ZERO-ZILCH-NADA! I had a really special run today. I ran with 4 people whom I know for the last 20 years or so. And in all those years, they never stopped running unless of course they were injured. It is just an amazing camaraderie that has been held steadfast for 20 years. The pediatrician is part of this illustrious group.

Here is the problem I am having with my running. I don't want to just "run". I want it to mean something. I want to "train" when I need to. I want to back off when I should. I don't want to run too many "junk" miles just to say I did it. It is a conundrum for me. A problem I never really truly tried to solve.

I am planning on running some races. I want each run to mean something. A friend said this to me today:
Instead of focusing on the big picture -- 2009 -- maybe you should just focus on things one month at a time. For this month, just set a goal; when May gets close, set a goal based on increasing mileage from April. If you're really focused on the whole year, wait to see how April goes with your mileage and then try to set a goal that's comfortable for you based on that.

He is so right on. Why focus on the entire year? That is enough to drive any runner to drink (gatorade of course). So, one month at a time it is. No pressure.

I plan on running a 10K May 16th then a Half Marathon May 30th. I also have an idea in my head to perhaps run a marathon in October or November. NYC ideally. If not NYC then perhaps Philly or DC? These are the thoughts running through my head. My newly old runners head.

LOVE IS A WAVE - KEEP IT GOING WON'T YOU?

I LOVE YOU.


Check it out!! Obsessed with conformity

I LOVE YOU.

And You Think You've Got Problems....?

Funny Videos | Funny Cartoons | More Video Clips

Sorry, folks your problems don't add up. These "white people problems" are by far the worst. It sucks when there is a long line at the Apple Store and your therapist goes on a week's vacation!! Shit, how dare they!!! Having to drive that damn Hummer huh? That SUCKS!!

Gotta get serious now. I need you folks. All of you please!!

I am needing a favor. I am frustrated and somewhat confused as to what to do. There are people in my life that are having bad health issues. Not just a cold or a hang nail Really serious stuff. I don't pray. It's not that I don't want to, I just really don't know how or get it. Yet, I need to do something or I will bust.

I rather not give names just yet, but I will say this:
1) A lost baby and mom back in ER tonight
2) My mom's CLL and shingle pain
3) A 21 year old with cancer
4) A friend who is just not well

Can you guys say some prayers or something? Just some good thoughts and light and vibes and all that stuff that you do to make it all better? Because, honestly, I can't. I don't know if I don't have it in me tonight or what. All this crap is making me feel kind of melancholy,

I didn't run today - perhaps that is why I feel the way I do. I am running the entire weekend though. I am actually meeting up with a new running friend on Sunday for a run. Should be interesting because we don't know each other's running style or pace or anything really. A fresh perspective I suppose!

So, if you wouldn't mind a bit of asking the Universe for some miracles?

The Universe told me today:
These are the times, Michelle, when hopes are dashed and chaos abounds, that golden opportunities, prized ideas, and new friends emerge into the view of all, but are only seen by the few who look.
Let's go crazy,
The Universe

Also, wish good luck to my friend Stephanie, she is running a half marathon this weekend. Friend Steve is doing the New Orleans 70.3 Half Ironman!!

Sorry, I think perhaps I am asking too much - its the weekend PARTY ON!!!















Gorgeous huh?? It's the orange/grapefruit/lemon display at Whole Foods.















I took this photo. I was sitting at an outside cafe and this doggie was tied up waiting for its owner. He/she came up real close to me and I snapped the photo!!

There's Always A Way Out..

Man ASS!! Beware!!

So, today was a great day. Well, my new mantra, if you will is, everyday that I run is a great day! Do any of you have mantras that you recite through out the day to get you through the day?


MILE PACE (MIN/MILE) SPEED (MPH) ELEVATION 4 miles 40.58 10.15 min/mile 477 calories burned.

ACTUAL +/- AVG ACTUAL +/- AVG
1 10' 16 +0' 01 5.8 -0.0 0 ft
2 11' 01 +0' 46 5.4 -0.4 0 ft
3 10' 39 +0' 24 5.6 -0.2 +3 ft
end 9' 09 -1' 06 6.5 +0.7 -4 ft

There is always a way out! Thats a pretty good one too! I am all about the fun lately! Laughing is the best therapy.

From Wikipedia:
Laughter is an audible expression or appearance of happiness or happiness, or an inward feeling of joy and orgasmic stimulation (laughing on the inside). It may ensue (as a physiological reaction) from jokes, tickling, and other stimuli.
Laughter is a part of human behaviour regulated by the brain. Helping humans clarify their intentions in social interaction and providing an emotional context to conversations.

Raju Mandhyan states "The physical and psychological benefits of laughter come second only to the physical and psychological benefits of sex."

Doctors are of opinion that laughing brings about the secretion of endorphins into blood. More than that, it is known that laughing is a strong muscle-relaxing method, which also relieves pain.
Laughter can also be called "inner jogging", because similar to morning jogging, the blood pressure increases and then it gradually lowers till it gets lower than the initial blood pressure. 

Laughter is considered to be a method of fighting stress  
Greek researchers have found through an experiment that 10–15 minutes of laughing burn from 10 to 40 calories, which leads to a weight loss of almost 4.5 lb 

I was also told just today that if your angry and you force yourself to smile, you will cease being angry. You will be happy, just by smiling and perhaps giggling.

You don't even have to go running like I do. You just have to fucking laugh. Not only will you feel better, but you can burn 40 calories. JUST.BY.LAUGHING!

What makes you laugh? Funny videos? People slipping on a banana peel? 30 Rock? The Office? What? Tell me!!

I laugh A LOT!! At almost everything. A funny blog post, I am cracking up OUT LOUD!! Funny jokes? I am all over it! I even laughed at my broken TOE! For like a second. Then I cried. For 10 weeks!!!

Sure, there are things I do not laugh at. Forgive me, I cannot think of anything at the moment. It will come to me though. Probably at 3am.

The Universe told me today:
When you visualize a great dream of yours coming true, Michelle, what do you imagine?

Do you see yourself jumping up and down, doing the happy dance, looking to the sky, and shrieking, "THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!"? Can you feel the skin on your face stretch as you smile from ear to ear, or the palm of your hands sting as you slap more high-fives? Can you feel the phone in your hand as you dial your best friends?
Yeah, I think you should.

"Very should,"
The Universe


Also, I will be doing a review of POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice. The good folks there were very generous to send me a care package to taste and review. All I will say is YUMMO!!! Makes a nice cocktail!

“Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.”
Karen Ravn


BOO-YAH!!!!

PING....

Pom pom-pom, pom pom-pom (ping) (repeat)
(A Capella)

Friends sing together
La La La La
Friends do things together
La La La La
Friends laugh together
Ha Ha Ha Ha
Friends make graphs together
La La La La

Friends help you when you're in danger
Friends are people who are not strangers
Friends help you shift into a new place
Tell you if you've got food on you're face

Friends are the ones, on who you can depend
He's my friend, He's not my friend
Friends are the ones who are there at the end
He's my friend, They're not my friends

If you trip over I'll catch you're fall
If you break my dick, I won't break you're balls
If you get drunk and vomit on me
I'll make sure you get home safely

If you cross the road and a drunk struck you
And scrape you up and reconstruct you
I'll cheer you up if you're depressed
If you get murdered I'll avenge you're death

Friends walk together
La La La La
Pop and lock together

Friends go jogging at the track
Friends borrow money never pay It back
Friends do not let friends do crack
Friends go out and grab a snack
Friends drink beer in the sun
Unlike girlfriends they don't mind if you have more than one
Friends tell you when you're flys undone

My Uncle John had a special friend
They dressed a like, his name was Ben
I've never seen two friends like them
They we're very very friendly men

Happy AFD's you fools you!!















I wasn't sure if I should admit this, but not only am I stunning, I am also famous. You can see all the people admiring me and I am sure they are thinking just how stunning this woman is that they are leering at. I am hanging at all the major museums. It gets quite scary at times, when I am strolling along minding my own bizness when I am approached for autographs and for photo opps. Sometimes, I even have to walk around incognito.


















See, what I mean. Somebody fucked up my billboard!


MILE PACE (MIN/MILE) SPEED (MPH) ELEVATION

ACTUAL +/- AVG ACTUAL +/- AVG
1 10' 25 -0' 13 5.8 +0.1 0 ft
2 11' 32 +0' 54 5.2 -0.4 0 ft
3 11' 30 +0' 52 5.2 -0.4 +4 ft
end 9' 03 -1' 35 6.6 +1.0 -3 ft
Versus average of 10' 38 min/mile: Slower Faster

4 Miles ran - 10.38 min/mile BUT I ran the last mile in 9.03 which was nice. 476 calories burned. All in all a good run.

I do feel tired with all the running I've been doing, but it is a good kind of tired and I know in another week I will be used to my running routine. I like how things simply fall into place and it's almost always a good place to be.














By the way, I am famous in London too. This stunning portrait hangs in the Gallery of Runners in central London.

Funny story:
Yesterday, while riding home from the doctor on the subway, I glance up and see this big ass sign that asked in very big bold lettering:
DO YOU HAVE BUNIONS?? Complete with photos of ugly ass feet with bunions. Now, I am not talking about your normal everyday garden variety bunions. I am talking bunions the size of New Jersey! They had before and after photos too. I just thought it was amusing since I had just seen a doctor for my toe and I am developing a bit of a bunion look. It is not a bunion but just plays one on TV.

The Universe told me today:
Just thought you should know, Michelle, you're one of my favorite people of all time.
Shhhhh -
The Universe

I am the freaking Universe's favorite people of all time!! Now, while this really shouldn't come as a surprise to you, it just confirms what I've been saying all along. Which is I am raw cool and I know it.