Mixing Bowl: April 2011

About this time last year I realized that music can be a really motivating tool for running- I know that I am a late bloomer on this one. But for years I had resisted to adopting it as part of my running routine. My previous reasons ranged from abstract to practical- including wanting to have some good ol' fashioned peace and quiet.

I guess I got sick of so much peace and quiet and I started to carry the ipod under certain circumstances including: running in the gym and when I am going out for a multiple hour solo run. With that said I will not listen when I am with friends or on the trail.

Here is a list of some of the albums that I listen to most frequently. Generally, I rely on these for different reasons.

Q-Tip The Renaissance
Favorite song: Track 10 Life is Better

I feel bad ass when I listen to this album. Consequently I seem to run my fastest when I am listening to this album. I mostly listen to it when I am running in the gym- probably for two reasons both related to fast running. 1. I hate the gym and want to get it over as fast as possible. 2. Admitting to my vanity- I want to look like a serious runner and don't want my students to see me moving like a slug (I know- I shouldn't care about that).

The XX

I love the sound of this group. It is mystical, raw, and reminds me of youth (I know- I am not THAT old).
Perfect to be included in the long run. Eventually I find myself day dreaming when I am running far- this album helps to transport me to that dreamy state of mind.

Amelia: Somewhere left to Fall

I admit - I list to this album when I am feeling nostalgic, sad or craving some kind of nurturing. With that said- I listen to this album when the run is for therapeutic, restorative purposes. This album helps me to sort out my thoughts. The sound of her voice has a way of wrapping me up in one bug musical hug.

I think of my sissy when I listen to Amelia- I think that she would really dig her.

Last but no least...

Wilco! Summerteeth
favorite song: Shot in the arm (I know- it is about heroin)

All time favorite album to listen to for all of the above reasons and more.

Wilco has a special place in my heart. There are a lot of wonderful memories connected to this music- mainly including my favorite running partner and her super amazing German Wired Haired Pointer "Wilco."
I listen to this album on my long runs. Although I have been running way to long without her when I listen to Summerteeth is pulls me through the most challenging sections of my long runs substituting the boredom, pain, fatigue that I may be experiencing with joy.

T & K post run giggle attack!

Other albums that didn't quite make the cut but awesome to run to: Radiohead (anything), Blackalicious, Beck, Swell Season, Joni Mitchell, Laura Viers, Ceelo Green, Ryan Adams, Eagles of Death Metal and of course Queen!

As many of you know, I was asked by my bro-bro to make his wedding cake! I was at first a little nervous- I have never made a wedding cake before! On top of that the wedding was in Arizona so I needed to figure out how I was going to do this away from my own kitchen. Minor stresses aside, I was thrilled to do something so special for the beautiful couple- it was the least that I could do!

So here are some pictures from their beautiful day showcasing the 3 tiered wedding cake that I threw together for them. The majority of these pictures are the professional photos from their big day- photographed by Christopher Leigh Studios, Scottsdale, AZ. They did an incredible job!

To get your salivary glands going - It was a chocolate butter cake with whipped chocolate ganache and raspberry coulis filling, and all wrapped up with a white chocolate cream cheese frosting. It had a pink ribbon on each tier with hand-placed edible pearls lining the ribbon. Lastly, it was further embellished with chocolate initials and chocolate leaves to compliment the fresh flowers.