Boston Marathon Day

Happy Boston Marathon Day!

I just love this day, the race, being a runner from Massachusetts. I tried to do work this morning, but couldn't really do anything except track runners and refresh my blogs obsessively. It was an insane day for a marathon with once in a lifetime weather: sunny, mid 40s at the start, tail wind. World record set for men (2:03:02), two American women got personal records and finished well. The first American got second place by a heartbreaking two seconds. I was impressed and inspired.

Had a so-so run myself today, but at least I'm feeling the running bug bite. Going to the trail tomorrow morning, bright and early. I plan to be there just before sunrise. Coming?

project365

Beautiful spring flowers on my street. In my humble opinion they rival the Cherry Blossoms in D.C. They smell good, too. I took this shot looking up and I love how it's just layers beyond layers of flowers up toward the sky.


Yay! Dinta bint was in town with the Beau. We went to the Boulder Tea House. The building is shipped from Tajikistan. Excuse the light, but the rest of the tile ceiling is so beautiful!


More pretty flowers. A repeat, but spring is short so I am soaking it all in (get it? Soak? Spring - rain - wet - soaked?).


Life is fragile.


The cool label on an Argentinian wine my dear friend brought for dinner. As much as I liked it, it did not like me. Is anyone else allergic to red wine?


Awesome, trail running shoes that came in the mail for freeee for meeee from Columbia Sportwear. I tested them out on a trail and hike already. Um, they're called "Mountain Masochist", which is in itself pretty awesome. I love 'em. [See other post for review.]


I tried to make Almond Macaroons for the Passover Seder I went to tonight. Epic Fail. See below for a photo of the almond pancake-like disaster. Next year (in Jerusalem!).

Montrail Mountain Masochist Review

I participated in a focus group for Columbia Sportswear. They were looking to find out what women want in an outdoor shoe. I'm, of course, more than happy to gab about exercise gear forever. It was pretty fun and I ended up with some free stuff. Then, just last week, I got a free pair of shoes in the mail! How great is that!? What's more, I adore the shoes. I mean, once I had these nice trail shoes, I just had to test 'em out on the trail. I treated myself to a trail run yesterday and a hike this morning. No complaints. I may have found my favorite all-around run/trail/hike/backpack/sports/daily sneaker shoe.

Here's my review of the Montrail Mountain Masochist Women's Trail Running Shoes:

I love these shoes! The Montrail Mountain Masochist trail running shoes are super light for a trail shoe, but definitely not lacking good structure. They provide cushion, but don't suffocate your foot in a cloud of fabric. They are breathable and seem to dry fast. The heel lift is low and the bottom treading isn't too big, so I never feel like I'm tripping along on either trail or pavement. The bottom tread gives great control for uphill or downhill. No sliding around, even on steep sections or small pebbles. True to fit, they are comfortably fit around the heel and arch with plenty of room in the toes, so you don't feel the top of the shoe if you're running downhill. I especially like how the shoe is extra firm around the toes for extra protection against rocks. No problems with blisters anywhere and I felt like I could wear them forever. Finally, they look great! I can wear them on the trail and then throw them on with a pair of jeans. Besides, who doesn't want a pair of shoes called the "Mountain Masochist"? I may have found my favorite all-around run/trail/hike/backpack/sports/daily sneaker. I'm hooked and will buy these again.

Been there

I'm at a cafe here in residential/city Denver. Even though I haven't been here in awhile, the same familiar faces are here - you know, the regulars who come daily, don't seem to have to work and know each other by name. The older couple just exchanged some things they brought for another cafe regular, knowing she would be here.

I watched a fit, attractive young couple with their two kids eating breakfast. First off, that is something we never did once as a family growing up: go to a cafe for breakfast. Actually, we never went to a cafe. Ever. I'm pretty sure the first time I went to one was in college (apart from going to the cafe in Border's Books during high school because it was the only place open until 10 p.m. on Friday).

Anyway, the family was just enjoying a leisurely Saturday, talking in calm quiet voices. I liked that the parents didn't do baby talk and just talked to their daughter (3 years old?) and son (1 year?) like people. The girl finished eating and got excited about the play area. As soon as she stepped over there, though, she turned around and said to her dad, "I have to go to the bathroom. Oh. I just went." He didn't yell. He didn't get angry. As this poor little girl's lime green jeans slowly seeped to a darker color, her dad just calmly cleared their table and cleaned up as much as he could.

I was so impressed with the dad. I mean, we've all been there. No need to get mad when she obviously didn't mean to do it; and, really, she was the only one suffering in now wet jeans. Been there. But, the dad didn't get mad or make a big deal. They just calmly walked home to change clothes.

Ball and Chain

I've gotten so used to needing a huge bag all the time, my cute purse never gets any use. I usually haul around my computer, notepad, folders and readings, at least one nasty break-your-back law book, and the usual assortment of nerdy necessities like pen, highlighter, colored tabs and sticky notes. Then, of course there is breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack. And usually I have another bag with gym gear. I'm a bag lady!

I imagine a life after graduation when I carry charming little satchels that contain little more than some keys and pretty lip goop. I'll be able to tuck it under my arm, sprint for a bus or get a real hug hello from someone. Quite literally, finishing school will liberate me from three years of weight on my shoulders.

Rene Descartes was a silly man in a chair - mind and body are not separate.

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