Run Girl Run

Here I go again...this Sunday I will be running the Kaiser Permanente half marathon in San Francisco. I have mixed emotions about running as my first experience wasn't pleasant. However, I do feel that I have had more training this time combining my workout regime with a fair amount of core work and flexibility as a result of yoga. In addition, I will not have the altitude factor to deal with this time as I will be running at sea level.

The forecast looks good and I've got my running shoes packed...stay tuned...for the results.

January 20th

This "spirit of service" was harnessed by the Obama campaign, which energized a population practically into a grassroots movement... and, arguably, led to the election of President Barack Obama.With the new administration in Washington encouraging individual responsibility and social consciousness as a necessary part of working towards sustainable change, it seems like service and social responsibility will be seeping deeper into America (and hopefully the world) over the next 4 (maybe 8) years. For, as our new President reminded us yesterday:

"...as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies...Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new... What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility – a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship."

President Obama... thank you, and good luck.

Happy New Year

Feliz Año Nuevo! This year I spent my New Year celebration in the sun and sand down in Mexico. Unattached from email and internet I was really able to relax and enjoy good food, wine, and companionship.

One of my favorite dinning experiences while in Puerto Vallarta was at the wonderful restaurant Cafe des Artistes.The food was exquisite and the ambiance was certainly the most romantic. We dined on the top most upper level of the terrace where each person has an individual waiter and the chef exclusively cooks for those who dine there. We decided to do wine pairings with our five course menu. If you are in the area it is certainly a "don't miss!"

We also enjoyed less fancy dinning experiences like fresh lobster on the beach! mmmm

In addition to our dinning experiences, the old historic romantic district is a great way to see the city in its authenticity. Streets lined in cobble stones and native farmers markets really made you feel a part of the culture.

Another great stop which is about 45 minutes outside the city is the little surfing town of Sayulita
Virtually untouched, this is a surfers paradise. We saw tons of surfers riding waves while enjoying local authentic Mexican food.

All in all, New Year's in the sand with those you care about away from it all...certainly the way to go!