Pumpkin Carving Madness

This week, the "to do list" has been extra long..something going on every evening, conveniently enough the same week as Halloween. Consequently, pumpkin carving with the sweetie fell short on the list.

Finally, last night we decided (even though not getting home till 10:30 mind you) that we need to get into the Halloween spirit. We turned up the music nearly waking the neighbors (okay maybe it wasn't that loud) and tried our hands at crafty pumpkin carving. After having a few glasses of wine at a celebratory dinner, this "little project" was surely going to be interesting.

After having a brief discussion regarding techniques and pattern choices we dug in. Two hours later with roasted pumpkin seeds for munching, the end result was....priceless?

Big Whigs

Is the Republican's party "big tent" falling apart? Probably not, but worth considering given the recent very public departure of many realist conservatives from the McCain ticket. Colin Powell makes his position very clear.

A Tribute to Mozart

At every single symphony orchestra performance, composers, conductors, instrumentalists, and audience members make wonderful musical discoveries. Even though I am not steeped in musical talent, last Friday, I attended a beautiful musical tribute to Mozart performed by the Denver Symphony. During the performance, I was able to enhance my musical experience by paying close attention to the variety of instruments which, comprise the modern symphony.

Like actors on stage, each instrument plays a critical part, which the conductor is trying to replicate. The intimacy created by the music tells its own story as the audience attempts to enter the mind and heart of the composer.

Race Day

Last night, I went out for what was to be my "last meal" pre-race day. After consuming some delicious sushi and spirits at Jianken ( way underrated in my own opinion) with friends, my head finally hit the pillow at midnight. Deep down, I knew this wasn't a wise choice but, after all, I was only running the half marathon. Keeping this in mind, consuming a beer or two and not getting a proper night's rest the night before the race wasn't that important...or was it?

I was up before the alarm went off (5:20am), already making my pre-race energy jolt...a French press coffee. Throwing on my favorite running shorts, (as my parents so dutifully remind me are Cal colors, Go Bears!) I was out the door and on the way to Denver by 5:45am.

Making it to Denver with twenty-five minutes to spare, I hit the bathroom one last time (another adventure in itself which, I will spare you of), and headed for the start line. I was all smiles in the chill of the early morning air ready to run.

One hour, two hours, and by mile eleven my quads were on fire! With only two more miles to go, I began to feel the consequences from my poor decisions the previous two evenings. In pain and not properly hydrated, I pushed on chanting a mantra that I saw on a sign at mile marker six. "Do it today, do it today, do it today." Each time my foot hit the pavement, I continued "do it today, do it today, do it today," surprisingly it kept my motivation alive and I began to push myself harder.

I looked up and the clock read two hours and ten minutes. I did it! I was done! Oh man, did it and does it feel good.

Running Together

After three months at a failed attempt to stick to a daily running regiment, I am running the Denver Half Marathon this Sunday. Feeling a bit unprepared, I have been loading up on carbs and hydrating all week. If not physically ready, perhaps, I can convince myself that I am mentally.

As race day is rapidly approaching, I am reminded that winning doesn't matter. Running has always been more of a form of meditation, relaxation, and self- reflection for me.

Whether running the trails or running the city streets a friendly face is the only reminder I need to "go the distance." Since moving to Boulder, my dear friend Tara has reminded me of exactlly that. I am looking forward to many laughs, "claps", daydreaming of different foods, and yells of "are we there yet," this Sunday as I sit back and enjoy running for what it is...simply running.

This time I won't be leaving anyone in the dust!