The Official Time: 1:00:31

My official time for that 10K yesterday was 1:00:31. Which is actually two minutes better than I did last year. Still, it is terribly average. This must be improved upon.

Off To See A Friend

...maybe I might even get some sushi. Off to Murray Hill!

Another Weekend, Another Race

This morning I headed up to Central Park to run the Scotland Run 10K. That's 6.2 miles for all you couch potatoes. I don't have my official score yet, but I think I finished in about an hour flat, just as I did last year. I feel a little meh about my time, mostly because I really wanted to get a time under an hour, but what can you do? Maybe I should have eaten a better breakfast.

I ran the Scotland Run last year, which was a big endeavor for me. As many followers of this blog know, I slipped a disc in my back in early 2005 and was basically told by my neurologist that I should not try running again. It was too risky! I only have one back! But I'm stubborn and don't listen to anyone besides myself. (And Peppe, but he never has much to say.) That said, as soon as I could run again I worked up to five miles, which as you know is not techincally enough for a 10K. I ran anyway was sore for a week, but I finished in an hour flat. The moral of the story is that it gave me faith to start running again, and longer distances. Also: never doubt me when I say I'm going to do something.

Back to today's race. There were a million more people than last year and the baggage area was a mess. (They seriously need a better system than just tossing everyone's bags in a roped off area.) Also, I'm beginning to think that the New York Road Runner organizers are sadists, since they put the finish line at the top of a hill (Not cool, kids. Not cool.)

Everyone comes out of the woodwork for a race.


Post-Race Glow.


After the race I met up with fellow Junior Leaguer, Marney, and being the downtown gals that we are, munched at Murray's Bagel's on 13th and 6th. Then Marney suggested that I get my nails done at a place down the street. This week's color is Fruit Sangria by Essie. See, the more I see women painting their nails all these deep dark reds and blacks, the more I was to turn it around and go Technicolor with my manicures. I also tossed in a 10-minute massage, for good measure. Apres-race also included some shopping. I picked up two dresses, a pair of shoes and some skanky underwear. All in all, a good day!

Strangest Shwag Bag Ever

This evening I picked up my number and chip for the Scotland Run this coming Sunday in Central Park. Along with the number and T-shirt you get a little bag of goodies. Last year it had juice and a shortbread sample in. This year's loot was a little less practical. Peppe, native to Italy, explored with me.

I realize that the country of Scotland is trying to push all thing Scottish during Scottish Week 2008, but they went a little overboard. The pen and bag with the Scottish flag are cool. The poncho is practical, especially if it rains, although I think superimposing the Scottish flag on it was a bit much.


But what on earth am I going to do with a three foot long, actual Scottish flag?


I think I should start a collection of flags.


It's all so exhausting.

I'm Not Much Of A Friday Night Person

A lot of people find this hard to believe, but I don't really do Friday nights. I'll go out any other night of the week, (I love Sunday night movies and sushi!) but on Fridays my brain just turns off. Sometimes I try to go to happy hour or out to dinner, but I end up moping all night and drinking too many martinis.

That said, tonight I am at home, listening to NPR and hanging out with Peppe, who's been a little attention-starved this week. There's also a new issue of Vogue with my name on it.

This is an old video but awesome.

My friends and I were talking last night about a guy we all know. We were making over/under bets as to when he will propose to his girlfriend. (There's a mani/pedi at stake here.) Will it be Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's? In the end we all want to be invited to the wedding.

In A Recession, It's The Trophy Wives Who Suffer

I try not to be smug. Then I come across stories such as this piece in the New York Post (I know, I know...) about how the wives of I-Bankers have to fire their interior designers because of economic concerns and cut other corners. Granted, they swear they're not poor (heaven forbid!) they just need to make a few changes.

Trophy wives being who they are, perhaps they could organize a benefit or a luncheon in order to continue supporting their local artisans?

You know how some companies have mandatory sexual harassment training? (As in, how to avoid it?) Methinks they should also have anger management classes as well.

Just an observation.

Peppe Tries To Uphold The Food Chain -- And Fails

If there was ever an arguement not declaw your cat, this would be it. I didn't declaw Peppe, it's just the way he came from the shelter.

I came home from work today around 6:00 p.m., and Peppe, as usual, was at the door, eager to greet me. I then turned the corner and saw this guy cowering in a corner.


Let's rewind: last night when I was reading I heard a clanging in the kitchen. Peppe was swatting a mouse by the oven, but since he doesn't have any claws the mouse got away. For the rest of the night and through most of the morning Peppe sat in front of the oven, waiting for the mouse to come out again.

Apparently the mouse did come out and it seemed like Peppe killed it, since this was the scene when I got home.


Since I thought the mouse was dead, I went to get a bag to put it in so I could toss it in the trash room. Little did I know Stuart Little was just playing dead, because no sooner did I I go looking for a bag did Round Two between Peppe and the mouse break out.


The mouse was smaller and spryer than Pep, and quickly dashed back under the dishwasher. For the past two hours Peppe has been sititng like this, waiting for it to come out again.


Now, if Peppe had just had some claws, he could have killed the mouse and had a little trophy, just like a normal cat.

I've been forwarding this to all my friends today, so I might as well just put it up here.

It's Not You, It's Them

If anyone who's a journalist wonders why they're not making any money writing, read this.

Or watch this:

Even though I disagree with Glamour's Republican Leanings, I have to admit that the magazine does some good.

Today is the first day of the magazine's Body by Glamour challenge, which is supposed to help readers get into shape for summer by making them log their exercise and food regimens. Weight Watchers usually charges for this, but Glamour is giving it to us for free. Renew my subscription!

This is a great exercise because I found out that my favorite lunchtime food, the chicken Caesar asiago wrap at Au Bon Pain has 660 calories but 28 grams of fat! Needless to say, I enjoyed my last one today.

Because if you're not bikini ready by June, then the terrorists win.

Saks Fifth Avenue Makes Video Catalogue

This came through Handbaggery's e-mail, but I think everyone should know about this.

Saks Fifth Avenue -- always thinking fashion forward -- has created a video catalog to show off the assorted looks on offer. It's basically short videos of models turning this way and that as a sophisticated voice recites fashion copy about each ensemble. Of course, if you see something you like there are links to purchase it. It's also oddly soothing to listen to this woman talk about the clothes.

I have a feeling that other retailers are going to start doing this as well. I'm not in a mood to shop today, but considering how easy online shopping is (click...click...), this idea is rife for impulse purchases. Kudos, Saks!

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Help Find Beckham The Boston Terrier!!

My friend Alicia lost her 3-year-old Boston terrier, Beckham last night. (Oh noes!!) He ran off while Alicia's fiance was walking him in their Harlem neighborhood along 117th Street and 7th avenue.

Beckham is black and white with brindle coloring, weigh 16 pounds, and has a twisty tale and an outgoing, goofy personality. He likes to show off, and he loves everyone! He looks like this.

Alicia and Mike are offering a cash reward for his return. Please keep your eyes and ears open.

What's Up With Glamour's Republican Slant?

Like most women, I have an odd relationship with womens' magazine. I subscribe to many of them (except Cosmo. Never Cosmo.) and I even interned at Elle when I was in college.

Glamour, though, has always been a point of contention with me. The magazine serves up the kind of McFeminism that encourages women to start a 401K and run 5K races for diseases, but little beyond that.

Which isn't to say that Glamour doesn't do some real good. Like plenty of others, I signed up for the online Body By Glamour challenge, which is meant to inspire women to get into shape, which is never a bad thing.

Oddly, the magazine has had some Republican leanings as of late. Most notably they've been rather sympathetic to the Bush family, which is curious. I wrote a column for The Simon about it. Check it.

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Today's Links From Donor X

Donor X just woke up from a long nap and sent over these odd links. I have no idea how old or new any of them are.

Post-It Note Drawings.

Something about the phrase "Redneck Weddings" makes a punchline obsolete.

I don't know who Gabe Perez is, but I like his school I.D. photos.

When The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air first came out, I remember it being the biggest deal ever. Then again I was 13 years old, so what did I know about quality television? Note Day-Glo clothing and Skidz.

Reuters: War Is Hell

The fifth anniversary of the Iraq war is fast approaching, and news outlets are putting together their retrospectives.

Reuters put together this interactive feature in which they interview three of their journalists who have been there since 2003. It's definitely worth checking out.

The Decline Of Newspapers Takes Another Victim: Dive Bars!

It seems that when the internet brought its 24-hour news cycles, it took away the afternoon/evening booze the gum shoe reporters and editors liked so much. Now all those dive bars are closing shop, leaving writers, cops and politicians nowhere to meet and greet.

A Rare Breed Of Camel

"I don't know if I need to get laid. I'm a sexual camel. I can survive."
-- a friend

The Most Emo Statement Ever Made

Me: You need more mirrors in your apartment. You only have one in your bathroom.

Unintentional Emo Guy: Why would I want more mirrors? Then I would just have to look at myself.

Links From Donor X

Some people lurve the La Pauline blog more than others, so much so that they send in links. Today I am posting a few of those links, courtesy of Donor X.

Weirdest. Crime. Ever.

Guns totally freak me out, but here is a gallery of portraits of people with their firearms. I am amazed at how many of these shots included pets and/or small children.

What to do with all the dog hair around the house? Knit it into a sweater.

Yes, waves can freeze.

And since we can't go a day on this blog without some cat-related content (it's better than hoarding them!), below is a video of Simon's Cat, a little web cartoon. Another one can be found here.

The Importance Of Orange Nail Polish

Allow me to be introspective for a moment. This week on one of my lunchbreaks, I got my nails done at the Dashing Diva, as I often do. Most weeks I get some shade of red, or sometimes, if my nails have broken a little, a pale shade of pink. Every week I look at the selection of nail polishes and, in addition to all the normal shades, I notice the oddball colors on offer: metallic purples, greens, bright fushcias and yellow.

Every week I also see all the oranges. I always think I'll pick it, but then I think about a meeting I have or a party I have to go to, and I worry people might think I'm weird if my nails are painted orange. What would that say about me? What kind of a person paints their nails orange?

This week, I didn't want any more red or pink, and so I picked a shade of orange called "Thalia Tangerine." Not only does it look really cool, but it's not nearly as garish as I thought it would be. Better yet, I don't even think anyone's even noticed.

I have a point: In life, we all have an "orange nail polish." It's that thing that we really want to do, but don't know what people would think if we did it, or how it would turn out. The thing is, if you actually gave it a shot, how bad could it be? I don't mean to get all Oprah on you, but wouldn't you feel better knowing that you acted on an idea rather than letting it stew in your brain?

A few months I took an orange risk and ended up with this guy. Peppe was the best $75 I ever spent!

Last Night At The Friar's Club

I have deduced that people who work in finance are much more fun at parties than media people. Here is why: The market closes at 4:00 p.m. At that point you're either up or down. Either way, you can't change it. Most finance people I know seem to have a good way of shrugging it off and focusing on dealing with whatever comes next day, because you can't predict what the market will do. In the meantime, they'll enjoy a nice glass of wine.

Media people, on the other hand, seem to have a need to always be 'on'. Always need to be witty, always working the next angle, always looking for their next gig. Maybe that's not the healthiest way to be. Maybe media people need a sort of closing bell as well.

If you are having an argument with your spouse, why would you do it over the phone, in your cubicle, at work? Wouldn't it be more prudent to pick up your cell phone and find a conference room?

I'm just saying...

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There Is A Difference Between The 914 and 917 Area Codes. Please Make A Note Of It

This morning through noon I was getting the strangest text messages from a 914 number. I know no one who lives in Westchester (I'm a Connecticut gal!) and clearly whoever was on the other end of this exchange needs to double check his numbers.

914: Good morning! I have reservations Saturday at Abbocatto. It would be great to see you. Will you be around?

Me: (realizing it's a 914 number): Is this meant for Pauline?

914: No! Not Pauline. It was for you. It is Doug Badstein.

Me (I do not know a Doug Badstein): Do I know you? I'm booked on Saturday.

914: Did you really forget who I am? It's Doug Badstein.

Me: You really have the wrong number. You've reached Pauline.

914: Sorry


It's a shame. I hear Abbocato has a good wine list.

If You Go To The Whitney Biennial...

whitney biennial: Matthew Brannon, originally uploaded by yuko 'n sherlock.

Be smart and take a tour with a teaching fellow or do the audio tour. Otherwise, you will have no idea what you're looking at.

I took a tour this weekend with the Columbua Alumni Arts League, which highlighted the ten or so Columbia grads who are in the show. (Does that number seem a bit high for one school, even if it is Columbia?) Without it I would have just been looking at paintings of ears or a giant litterbox without any context. Contemporary art needs context and explanation.

Also, best phrase learned from the tour: Word Salad. Look it up.

The Final Race Results!

Four miles, 38:31. 32 degrees, with winds at 14 MPH. Not too shabby. I may do another one on Saturday.

The backs of my knees hurt today. Significance?

It's 9:00 a.m.! Time To Run A Four Mile Race!

It's barely noon and I've already run a four-mile race around Central Park. What have you been up to? This morning was the fifth annual Colon Cancer Challenge. (I challenge you! To colon cancer!) In all seriousness, it was a quick little race around Central Park that tested my ability to run in 32 degree weather as winds whipped around.

I finished in about 38 minutes and change, but I'll know the exact time in a few days. Not too shabby for my first race of the year.

There is nothing glam about running. Sure, if you do it enough you'll lose weight and look good in your jeans, but on a day to day basis it's drudgery and painful. That said, here are some photos!

Staying warm in Stabucks at 8:00 a.m. Even though the race started at 9:00, the New York Road Runners Web site said it started at 8:00 a.m. Way to be accurate, guys!


Everyone comes out of the woodwork for a race.


End of the race, looking my hottest!


Everyone into the giant, inflatable colon!

I haven't posted a Meth Minute in a while, but this one is great.

I Love My Tax Man!

Good CPAs, like lovers, are hard to find. That's why when you find a good one, you hold on tight and never let go. (And I'll never tell you who I go to!)

I just got back from my tax guy. I was nervous going in, mostly because I'm always afraid of owing money because I always seem to have no less than three jobs at any given time. Not only do I not owe, but I'm getting plenty back. It was also fun seeing Tax Man, and we had some laughs. I love this country.

Related: I also really like my dentist, because it's a small office and his secretary/assistant is awesome. I say find people you actually like as human beings to do all the tough but necessary things in your life.

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Vote for Peppe!

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Writing has been going well lately, and as anyone who does anything creative knows, when they muse strikes you run with it, even if it means locking yourself up for hours and hammering out work. Completed work is far more rewarding than an evening out having drinks. Drinks and socializing can be the reward, not the catalyst.

I've been working on a project that I put on hold about six months ago because I hit a block that I couldn't quite work around. I have since worked around it. I've been looking back at the 150 pages that I had before, and I am pleased with what I see. Life is all about perspective and sometimes it takes a few months away from a project to see that you were on the right track all along. I know now that this endeavor won't be as painful as I thought it would. It will take some mapping and an eye for detail a few weeks from now, but right now the foundation is rock solid.

I normally can't write with music on in the background, but for some reason Eric Clapton's "Backless" is keeping my mind sharp.

A Quick Lesson In Flickr Photo Sharing

Folks:

If you don't want people to use your photos on their blogs, then you have to change your Flickr settings so that they don't have that option. As a Flickr user, it is your responsibility to manage your account.

Don't forget, whenever a photo is used in a blog, it gets an automatic credit. See? No stealing!

There are some crazy, hysterical people on Flickr (whose photos aren't that great anyway) who don't seem to understand that you can control how people use and view your photos.

Oy.

Peppe In A Box!

We all loved Mozart in a box last year, and now it seems that Peppe is keeping the traditional of orange cats in a box alive. I think that he needs a box that he actually fits in.

There is something really satisfying about spending an evening writing 10 solid pages.

I think I earned a cocktail.

Peppe And The Cat Grass

One of Peppe's many fans got him a pot of at grass yesterday, and it was a big hit with the orange guy. I don't know what cat grass is supposed to do, but Pep sure likes to chew on it.

Nom. Nom. Nom.