Last Week...

...was an excellent one. I have to say that I am really enjoying not traveling for work...although that ends tomorrow.

I actually did work this week...well at least 3 days. I went down to Columbus on Wednesday to watch the first World Cup Qualifier of the CONCACAF Hexagonal. It was US v Mexico. It is the second such match that I have seen in person and once again it didn't disappoint. The US Soccer Federation picked Columbus as they hoped it would be all mid-western and frigid. Alas, it was unseasonably warm and tornado warning-y with biblical rains. Regardless of the weather the US won 2-nil. I went to the match with my cousin Kath and her family...3 year old in tow.

Thursday, I had lunch with my friend Cat, whom I haven't seen in forever as we both have lives that have taken us here, there, and everywhere. You know you've got yourself a top shelf friend, Johnnie Walker Blue top shelf, when you can go 7 years without seeing each other and when you get together it feels like you saw each other last week. Good stuff.

Friday was the Tremont Art Walk. My friend KateLynn had an opening. She is such a talented person...bordering on really unfair how talented she is. The space was really cool, her paintings were amazing, and good times were had by all.

This week has the potential to such major ass. I am at HQ all this week for Operations training...a position that at the moment I have limited desire to do anytime soon. It will be very interesting to see what percentage of the training is propaganda and what percentage is actually things that people need to know. I am also severely hacked at the fact that all of my evenings appear to have been hijacked with events...so I am going to have to haul my anti-morning ass out of bed early to be able to get some exercise in. Must remind myself that this is good for my career and to get my mouth shut when I notice that the emperor has no clothes on.

Traveling for Myself...

...what a novel concept.


I've been MIA because I have taken some time out to vacation a little bit....which somehow always seems to end up involving family stuff. Two weeks ago, I was in Texas for my cousin Bob's wedding to my lovely, new cousin Debbie. It was a crazy, big, fat Polish wedding...but it was fun times a good to see my mom and my Aunt Terri and my Uncle Bob.

Last week I was in Atlanta, who knew I could go there and not work, to see my brother. He was in the country for a class that the makers of some program he uses in Japan was putting on. It was excellent to see him...I haven't seen him since last March. He's doing well and the boys have really taken to living in Japan and are doing well in school as well. It was fun to get to hang out.

This week I am taking a field trip to Columbus to watch the US v Mexico World Cup Qualifier. I am meeting up with my cousin Kathy and her family...it will be her daughter's first WCQ, she's 3. On Thursday I am catching up with one of my favorite people for lunch. So, it will be a great week...if I can survive tomorrow's 2 hour conference call.

I swear I'm trying to become a runner!

I thought I would update my vast (ironic) readership on how the running is going. I am getting ready to start week 4 of my Couch to 5K training program. This week's fresh hell has 5 minute running stretches at a time...I only think there are two of them mixed in amongst some shorter ones. Seeing as how I was sucking massive amounts of wind during today's 3 minute run; I hold little optimism for the 5 minute intervals. I may repeat week 3 as to build some confidence.

I need to pick a race to run. There are a couple in October that jive with my schedule, but I don't know if I will be able to run the whole 3 miles by then without having to walk any of it. So it is looking like I may need a November race. There are a couple of them on the Hermes website, but with limited info.

I will, however, need to break out my passport and schlep over to the East Side to visit the boys at Second Sole to get a new pair of kicks to run in. They are good eggs there and their major concern is pairing my deformed, wide, flat, pronating feet in the shoes that are right for them...meaning they never would have sold me the ratty assed Nikes that make me feel like I've been knee-capped by the time I'm done running in them. The Mizunos are taking a beating and need some friends.

Long story short...I have stopped hating running even though I am wicked slow. I need to pick a race to run and get some new shoes.

News of the "Who the Hell is this Girl"?

I have decided to start running....I will wait for the hysterical laughter to subside before going on. I really have started to actually run; point a to point b. I have some friends who are some pretty hard core runners, and good on them for that. I don't think I am going to go that far...the constant swearing that takes place during said runs leads me to believe that isn't happening.

Since I am crazy task oriented girl, I am training for a 5k or 3 miles. Nothing too outrageous, but enough that I have to work my way up to it. My goal is to be able to string 3 miles together by October 19th and help out an non-profit whose work I am familiar with and am supportive of. This year is turning out to be quite the surprise. I haven't pegged one single, solitary (intentional redundancy) twist or turn that this year has taken; and that my friends is pretty damn awesome!

Julies United Weekend

This is me and my friend, Julie...not me and, a very nice lady in a sassy hat that we were sitting by at the Toledo Mud Hens v Richmond Braves game on Saturday night. Because we are awesome we found ourselves in the middle of a little adventure...the story is below.

For reasons unknown by me the Braves managed to win despite my attendance; although J2 believes that the unseemly 6-1 loss by the Mud Hens was her doing as she too was in attendance. After enjoying a complementary display of fireworks, which we were told was going to happen regardless of our attendance…but we beg to differ, we went to locate J2’s gray car at the lot where we had left it. And this dear reader is where our adventure began…

It should be duly noted that Fifth/Third Field, or 1 and 2/3 Field was approximately 5.9 miles from our palatial digs at the Toledo Hilton, thank you work. We made the opposing turn onto Washington Rd as to place us in the correct position to make it back to said palatial digs. We knew something was amiss as we passed the art museum and the glass house in lieu of the zoo. This however did not dissuade us; we were strong in our conviction that we knew how to find our way home. Man alive were we wrong!!!

Upon passing the posh University area, posh being a relative term to where the night led, we found ourselves in the bowels of Toledo. While listening to our inner compasses, in hindsight a terrible idea, we were treated to some very colorful night life. As we found ourselves traveling down Monroe we spied the ultimate multi-tasker, a convenience shop were one could accrue beer and lottery tickets; as well as cash a check, pay your utilities, and redeem your WIC. We also had our doors blown off by a Caddy with an eye catching two-tone purple and green optic finishes and proceeded to pass a house where we could buy designer clothes and hair weaves. We should also state at this time that we scorned I-75 on at least 3 separate occasions.

Once again listening to our faulty inner compasses, we turned down Detroit thinking we had passed it on our way to the baseball game…which had now ended a half an hour ago. While travelling down Detroit we came upon an oasis in the darkness, The Platinum Gentlemen’s Club…which was housed in a plaza where you could get dentures made, tattoos and piercings, and automobile insurance (for either Michigan or Ohio). Dazzled by the lights of The Platinum we were unable to stay on Detroit and made our way to Telegraph Road. Yes dear reader it would be the same Telegraph Road (US-24) that runs through Detroit.

After the comedic break down at the Michigan border and texting of a Central Time Zone compatriot (still waiting on that text back), an hour after the baseball game ended, we stumbled upon the nirvana that was Alcatraz Gentlemen’s Club. Alcatraz was resplendent in its chic exterior and trucker friendly parking lot. As we went further down US-24 convinced that I-75 would miraculously appear…it failed to.

At this point we would be remiss to not acknowledge the contribution of Nicole at Meijer; where we stopped for h2o, a lottery ticket, and a map. Nicole’s directive was stay on US-24 and indeed I-75 will appear after a mystery Wal-Mart. We’re still looking for that Wal-Mart and I-275 was found. Luckily, we are no Cinderellas as we would have been in grave trouble as the clock had passed midnight.

Thirty miles later and the revelation that we were ravenous; we made our way back into Ohio…passing every damn street we had previously driven on, much to our eternal chagrin and dismay. We finally made our way back to the turnpike to go one exit as to be back to where our day had started 10 hours ago. Mercifully, we had a hard copy of the directions to the hotel in the car. Thank you J2 for leaving that vital information in the car. A brief detour to the Kroger down the street from the hotel brought us a reward of M&Ms and a lottery ticket for our haggard souls. We pulled into the parking lot of our hotel at least 70 miles and two and a half hours later. Upon entering the hotel we stumbled upon the hotel shop where the actual Peanut Butter M&Ms we wanted but couldn’t find in a grocery store were found.

Braves Game or Why Must You Always Break My Heart

So a million years ago, really it was only the beginning of the month, I went to see the my beloved Atlanta Braves play. They are currently in the middle of airing out the joint and there were only 2 actual starters on the day I saw them...but it means nothing to me! My love for them is a strong as ever.

I would like to thank my benefactor for the best tickets of my life and the gratis parking. We were right behind the Brewer's dugout. Had Larry been playing that day...he could have heard me calling him Larry. BTW...the Braves got clobbered that day. Between C.C. Sabathia having every one's number and Prince Fielder going yard twice; there was no joy in Mudville.

Just Sad...

Skip Caray, long-time Braves broadcaster and one of the voices of my childhood, died today. I couldn't even try to put a number on how many summer nights were spent in front of the TV for a 7:05 first pitch with my homemade score card while Skip and Pete Van Wieren called half of the game before going over to radio.

One Goal Down...

...at least four more to go.

These are the custom made Nikes that I bought myself when I reached my first goal, which was 30 pounds. They aren't flashy but they are awesome. I love them for numerous reasons: they are the actual size shoe I wear, 10.5, they are are super comfortable and supportive at the same time, and they are a testament to hard work and determination.

I love the last reason best.

I Can...

...order my new Nikes!

I Heart the Swoosh

I have spent the past 3 months working on shrinking the only part of myself that I'm not all that fond of...my weight. It is something that I have always struggled with and something that I will always have to give thought to. In those 3 months I have lost nearly 30 lbs, 27 to be exact.

As a to Jules from Jules, one of my favorite kinds of gifts, I have designed myself a new pair of kicks for working out. Unfortunately, the good people at "the swoosh" won't allow me to show you all my handiwork. I will tell you they are sweet...two tone gray and navy. They will be mine in 3 lbs and 4 to 6 weeks. I can't wait.

I Heart ESPN

I would like to thank the "world wide leader in sports". You keep me such great company during commute from hell season. You're there for me in the morning with Mike and Mike. I can enjoy Dana and Jay on the artist formerly known as Cold Pizza if I have late meeting and am working out of my room. I spend the afternoons with Jim Rome(you should always wear you glasses), the writers of Around the Horn, and personal Jules' favorites Tony and Wilbon.

I would also like to thank you for Thursday night soccer. I'm sure that the rating for it aren't so hot, but I appreciate your dedication. I most grateful that you have given up your stalker like obsession with David Beckham...it was getting a little creepy.

Hollow Victory

I won my NCAA bracket by default. I had Memphis and no one else did. We all took a shellacking along with Carolina. Memphis gave that game away. Maybe next year they'll practice free throws. Congratulations Kansas...way to stab a girl in the back!

Thank you Kansas

It is not often that I thank Kansas, your uber conservative nature tends to weird me out. However, yesterday Kansas helped me out a great deal.

Thank you Jayhawks for thrashing UNC and giving me a chance to win my NCAA bracket. Granted I can only win bragging rights, but a win is a win.

Thank you Jimmy Conrad of the Kansas City Wizards! Your two goals have greatly helped my fantasy MLS team. Way to help a girl out.

No More Dancing

Our run is over. I'm proud of the 'eers. I owe Huggy Bear an apology. I didn't think you were the right guy for the job, something about that graduation rate at UC didn't sit right with me. I was wrong. The team looked good. That last/only turn over did us in. There will be next year and next year looks good. Joe Alexander...repeat after me "I will stay for my senior season!"

LET"S GO MOUNTAINEERS!!!!

After initially looking over the brackets; I thought that the 'eers had a tough draw. I wasn't sold on Duke after the Belmont game; but I thought it took WVU a while to get things going on an Arizona team that a lot of the talking heads didn't believe belonged in the dance at all.

That is why you don't play games on paper...

I have to give it to Huggy Bear. I was not sold on him as a coach after fellow Wheeling Jesuit alumni, John Beilein, left for Michigan. I am now willing to eat crow. Playing small and bringing in the 3 guard was brilliant.

We get the winner of Xavier v. Purdue. I will have to watch that game to form an opinion on either one of those teams. If Xavier should when the afore mentioned game; I will be forced to break my "always pull for the Jesuit school" statute. You never cheer against home.