Correr (to run)

Today I went running with a couple friends and was reminded that I don't really like the past time.

My skins killed, I'm slightly out of shape thanks to travel and junk food, and I now have blisters on my arches.

I really do feel out of shape. Between traveling to Vegas, eating like crap whenever I get the chance, and not making many trips to the gym, it's not going well.

I want to be in shape. I want to enjoy running. But I get bored and then all I can think about is how much I am hurting.

I used to run and for the most part enjoy it, but then in high school/college it turned into punishment. The joy was sucked from the activity and I learned to dread it.

The only good news of the whole experience was that I ran more of the route than I ever have. Maybe I'm not out of shape as I thought.

Even better I followed up with dinner at Jose Muldoons with all the interns, and ate queso dip. It was delicious as always!

My brain is mush

I got back yesterday afternoon from Sin City. I was there for work, which meant I only spent about six hours on the Strip and four by the pool in 5 days.

It was a good time though.

I managed to win more than I lost and eat some good food.

I also saw a lot of people in spandex. There were quite a few upsets which made the action exciting to watch, and I got to meet some cool people.

But I am tired, which is why this is one of the driest blog posts I've ever written. I went to sleep last night at 8:30 and still feel like I could sleep another day.

Hopefully when I am functioning again I'll make up for the days lost. Until then, may the force be with you.

German Beard Contest

I stumbled across this picture in the Yahoo! photos of the week. My personal faves are the top left and bottom right.

The pictures are from the International German Beard Championships. Until today I didn't even know that there was such a thing.

Crazy!

Adios

I am not entirely sure when I will be able to post next. I am headed to Vegas and have to take a dinosaur of a laptop for work that probably doesn't get online. It also weighs more than I did as a baby, and I wasn't small.

My personal one is staying because I really don't want to haul both around.

In the next six days I will see a lot of spandex, hopefully catch some rays (temp in the 80s and 90s), and maybe win some money.

The last part of the plan is the most up in the air.

Also on the agenda is all-you-can-eat sushi. Yum. I can't even express my excitement properly about that.

So don't expect anything special. I'll try to track down a place to update you all, but if not I'll save up some thoughts to share later.

Watch out Vegas, here I come.

Wiley Taxi Service

Tonight I drove through the main gate on complex approximately three times in one hour.

I was DD and took my job very seriously. I wanted to make sure that everyone got home safely.

So back and forth I drove.

The security guards and I are BFFs, I went over approximately 35 speed bumps in one hour, and ate some Burger King.

Everyone I was responsible for at the end of the night is where they are supposed to be.

Mission accomplished.

I am considering getting some sort of logo put onto the side of my car, or one those cool things for the top of it.

The Answer to Life

So I was planning on just writing about the fact that I met Jackie Joyner-Kersee tonight, but something else came up that I felt compelled to share.

Some friends and I figured out the secret to avoiding singledom.

Shoulder pads.

Think about it. How many of your mothers wear, or did wear shoulder pads? And are they single?

I don't think this is some sort of coincidence. My mother is ages away from single. She definitely wore shoulder pads, too.

I, on the other hand, have never worn shoulder pads in my life. My shoulders are big enough on their own thank you, but I am no where near being in a relationship.

This leads me to a bigger question. What is the appeal of shoulder pads? What is their purpose?

Obviously making shoulders appear larger. I would assume. This topic deserves some more in depth consideration.

But for now ladies, if you're single and wondering why...shoulder pads. It might be time to invest.

It's that time again...

I don't know if you noticed last week, but I started up a little something special. And if you don't know what I am talking about, it's not what you are thinking.

Person of the week time.

Tonight I am talking about someone I don't know personally, but is pretty impressive none the less.

Nick Huber was my roommate's boss back in the day. He was diagnosed with ALS. Don't know what it is...look it up. This is not define the disease day.

Despite being young and dying, Nick has an amazing outlook on life.

Check it out. He has a blog: Nick's blog.

I don't know why I have trouble getting up in the morning. I will continue to live for the foreseeable future and life is good.

Learn more about Nick, check out his blog.

Airport = Awesome

This is not my first, nor will it be my last post on the things I've observed in airports. I just can't help myself. Airports are this weird alternate universe that mixes people in ways that would never happen in real life.

I wasn't traveling today; I was a greeter. Here's what the time in the lobby was like.

First of all, I had to get lunch while I was there. I was already looking pretty cool, and then I stuffed my face with a bacon cheeseburger, while wearing a credential, event t-shirt, and holding a sign. People didn't know what to make of me. Luckily it only took me five minutes to eat the burger.

Velour sweat suits...I don't know who invented these but someone is making a mint. Not the most attractive outfit, especially in BRIGHT pink (yep, I saw it) but apparently the most comfortable travel option.

Parents are still letting there children wear rat tails as a hair style. The one I saw today came complete with a shaved head. That poor child.

I spotted a military man carrying a french horn in a case. Soon after he was followed by the rest of the band. The next thing I knew they were playing a song on the concourse above me. Then they left. I have no idea what the music was for.

There was an older man coming down the escalators with his wife. As his head came into view I saw that he was wearing a green hat shaped like a beer mug complete with the phrase "got beer?" The couple looked completely normal otherwise.

I have never understood the draw of really, really long hair for women. I am not talking about hair to your waist; I've been there, done that. Nope. I am talking about a woman with her hair in a braid that went to her knees. Not only could she provide wigs for two or three cancer victims, if she's trying to lose weight she could drop pounds very quickly with no diet or exercise necessary.

The last lesson of the day was that standing in the airport while holding sign makes it appear as if you can answer all questions. Doesn't matter what the topic is. I was asked about flight times, places to wait for arrivals, paying for parking, and where people for other conferences should go. Luckily I am good at sounding like I know what I am saying.

My day, or two hours, at the airport...quite an experience.

What's new in my world...

Today I found out I will be staying with the organization of people in spandex through the month of July. It's been in the works for about a week, but was just finalized.

I am pretty excited about it. I have enjoyed my job so far and look forward to a couple more months of experience here in the Springs. I don't know what exactly this means in terms of travel and work responsibilities, but I do know that I don't have to find a job until August, or even September.

I am pretty excited to enjoy the land of the Rockies in the summer, especially if today was any indication of what will come.

For a few more months I can put of the inevitability of being a real grown-up.

Hopefully I can make August my month of summer, too. One last hurrah, if you will.

Health

We are bombarded daily about what we need to do to be healthy people.

Exercise, eat right, be happy, be in a relationship, have money, etc. And when you can't achieve those things on your own there are a myriad of things you can ingest to help you.

Drugs (legal and illegal), alcohol, the right gym, the right diet. Can't do it on your own, just pay to get it done.

But is that really what life is all about?!

Don't get me wrong, I want to be healthy. I exercise as regularly as I can manage, eat mostly healthy food, work forty hours a week.

At the same time, I am single, not sure what I am doing with my life, and weigh a little more than I would like.

The thing is...I'm okay with that.

Because that's the here and now. There are things that are much more important to me. The forever, first of all. But also loving this life I am living and the people I am living it with. Who cares if I'm not a size two, not that any amount of diet and exercise would ever get me there.

I think it comes down to priorities. What matters the most to you?

I know what matters to me and that's how I'm going to live my life.

Futbol

Added to my list of recent sports endeavors is indoor soccer. I am playing on a team with some of the other interns.

Keep in mind that I haven't been on a soccer team since sixth grade.

Now, I am the proud owner of soccer socks, shin guards and indoor shoes. Add that onto the cost of the league, and this better not be a one time experience.

I also have the imprint of a soccer ball on my left thigh, no joke. I thought it would go away after the game yesterday, but it's still their today along with a little bruising.

I am enjoying myself though. Definitely not the star of the team, but I am getting more comfortable on the field, so that's something.

Maybe if I'm lucky, by the end of the season I'll score a goal. Don't count on it though.

Weather

I know since I've been here in the Springs I have a blogged about weather a number of times, but it's just so ridiculous.

It's snowed four of the past six days. Today is April 12. This doesn't make sense to me. There has also been thunder and lightning twice during that time.

I had to drive through a snow storm last night. It didn't slow me down, but it was a pain in the butt. I wasn't a big fan.

To make matters worse my darling sister had to run in my face that she got to wear a dress all day and was sunburned. She lives 1,000 miles north of where I am.

What kind of cruel universe is this???

On the bright side, literally, it's supposed to get above 70 by Tuesday. Too bad I'll be in the office all day.

New Tradition

I've decided to start a new tradition up on my blog. It came to me in a moment a brilliance. Hopefully I can sustain that and create something sweet.

I am going to have a Person of the Week.

Let me give you some background on where this idea came from and then launch in to the inaugural edition.

In the past couple days I've heard of/learned about some pretty amazing people. And I got to thinking, do I do a very good job acknowledging the awesome people around me? So that's what I am going to try to do. Give credit to the amazing people that exist in this world. Some of whom I am close to, others who I hear about in passing.

There is no way I will get to everyone, but just getting to a few, I think, is worth the effort. This week as part of my special inaugural Person of the Week, I am going to highlight two different people. Check it out...

Person #1
Cornell wrestler Adam Frey has had a crazy couple of weeks. He competed at the NCAA Division I National Wrestling Championships, then two days later crashed and totaled his car only to learn through his visit to the hospital to get checked out that he had cancer. Three major tumors throughout his abdomen.

He's a 22-year-old student-athlete that is now worried about chemotherapy, doctor's appointments, and all the numbers associated with fighting cancer. Not something I would want to go through.

Adam has a blog (www.adamfrey.us) through which he is sharing his fight with cancer with an open and, oftentimes, humorous tone. Through his blog you can also find out more about supporting him and his family through this fight. I would definitely recommend checking it out.

Person #2
Randy Pausch was a professor at Carnegie Mellon. He was told by doctors that his cancer was terminal. On September 18, 2007 he gave his last lecture at the school as part of a lecture series. The talk was entitled "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams."

I don't want to try to do it justice. Pretty much you should watch it for yourself, just follow the link below.

Randy Pausch Lecture: Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

That does it for edition #1 Person (or People) of the Week. I know there are many more out there. Stayed tuned next week to hear about another (or two).

Disagreement

Today my computer and I did not get along. At all.

Things took forever to load. Windows wouldn't close. Things froze. I typed faster than it thought. Basically it was a great day.

Usually I don't mind so much. Yes, it gets annoying but what's a minute or two here or there.

It was just ridiculous today though. I wanted to print something and had to wait ten minutes. I had to use task manager multiple times just to shut programs down.

Good thing I'm the intern. That means I get all the best equipment. Lucky.

Hopefully tomorrow goes a little better.

Prank time

I know, I know, I just blogged, but I can't help it. Sometimes life is too good not to share.

Jack Russell (JR for short) just pulled a prank on AMillz. AMillz was at dinner with work people. Obviously she doesn't like us that much.

While she was gone JR got bored. For anyone that knows JR, this happens quite a bit.

Anyways, JR ended up lining up all her shoes on her bed and tying any shoes that had laces together. Then she turned all her clothes on hangers inside out, and rearranged her dresser drawers so the underwear are on the bottom and the jeans are on the top.

JR totally did it all by herself with no help whatsoever from her innocent bystander friends. I swear. :)

Let's just say I wouldn't be surprised if things get a little crazy in the near future. Let the battles begin.

Thai food

So I have this thing. This fascination. With Thai food.

It's delicious, amazing, scrumptious, etc. I think you get the picture, a feel for my passion for the cuisine of the Thai.

Here's the thing.

It doesn't exist in the Springs. I don't know where a single Thai restaurant is and this isn't a small place.

Today I went to an Asian cuisine restaurant for dinner. It had a mixture of food from all over Asia (I know, imagine that) and I about had a coronary when I saw Phad Thai (or Pad Thai).

Of course I ordered it. No question. No hesitation.

It wasn't quite the same. It was good but not great. Despite that, I am going to finish it off tomorrow for lunch.

Oh man, I could go for some good Thai food. Please.

Carrying the torch

I just have to get this out. Bare with me, read everything I have to say, and think about it.

I have been disturbed by all the rioting surrounding the torch relay thus far. Not because I agree with how China has done anything, not because I don't think people should be able to express their opinions, not even because I think the torch is amazing.

But did anyone stop to think about the other people involved?!

I watch today as a small woman, a former Olympian, get tossed around as a protester tried to get to the torch.

There was an athlete in a wheelchair that had objects thrown at them as they tried to carry the torch.

This was with hundreds of police escorting them.

Here's the thing. Carrying the torch is a big deal.

Not just any average joe gets a chance. It's supposed to be a special time. And it's not like the torch bearer grabs the handle of the torch while saying this is in support of China persecuting those in Tibet and contributing to what is happening in Darfur.

This tradition goes farther back. Decades back.

I'm all for having a personal opinion and standing up for what you believe in. Truly, it's great that people are passionate and care about what is going in the world around them.

But don't get so stuck on the big picture that you forget about the individuals affected.

Line the entire torch relay with people who have their back turned. Use your resources...the internet especially. Isn't this supposed to be the internet Olympics?! Get creative. Seriously, rushing the torch. Genius.

I'm sorry. I'm a little worked up. It doesn't happen often.

Fencing

I fenced today.

I'm not talking about digging holes and nailing boards to post. There was no barbed wire involved. Nope.

Today I picked up an epee and dueled some of my fellow interns.

It was fun, interesting, and I sweated. A lot.

First I learned basic footwork and moves, proper stance, how to move. Then we strapped in.

It started with a chest protector, for the women. This is not a thick, padded 'protector.' Think hard, plastic shell. Pre-shaped, if you will, and in small, medium and large.

Don't worry, I have a picture.

Then we added a jacket, one glove, and the mask. Basically, the definition of hot. Literally.

Then we fought, dancing across metal strips, trying to poke each other. There were no sharp edges.

Instead the epees have what looks like a button on the end. When this compresses, when you make contact with your opponent, a current runs from the end through a cord under your jacket into another cord strapped to your side all the way to the score board that buzzes. The whole process takes much less time than it took to read that sentence.

It was a fun time, it was a challenge, and my already sore quads are not very happy.

If you ever get a chance to fence, you should try it.

Searching

I am looking for something, and I have no idea what it is. Literally.

What am I to do with the rest of my life? Or the next couple years even?

The thing is...I don't know.

I don't know what job I'm looking; I don't know where I want to live; I don't know. And it's driving me crazy!

But I'll try to be patient, something that I'm not very good at. I'll keep looking for jobs, on different sites, in different places.

Really though, if I could get some obvious 'you belong here' or 'you should be doing this' signal, that would make my day/week/month/semester.

Here's to hoping.

Oh. My. Gosh.

I know, I know, I just posted. But I stumbled across a news story on Yahoo! and had to share the excitement with someone.

Obviously, you, my loyal reader(s) were the best option.

New Kids on the Block have reunited.

New music. New tour. Same guys...although now they are pushing 40. Whatever.

Check it out for yourself.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080403/ap_en_mu/new_kids;_ylt=ApkCwnZbS9MfyKp5VBuyr2DqChkF
http://www.nkotb.com

Pretty exciting stuff.

Whelmed.

I am overwhelmed. I finally decided it would be a good idea to look over what I need to get done for school.

I have three weeks, pretty much, to complete everything and turn it in.

It may be a little more than I was expecting. At least I looked now, and not two days before I needed to send it off.

I'll be fine. It's only 20-40 pages, right?

Yeah, that's the best part. There's no guidance for how long the whole thing should be. "However long it takes you to tell us everything we need to know." Whatever that means.

Onto the real issue.

What does the word WHELMED mean? Is it even a word?

I've had the discussion with people (obviously, no one who is sure) before. A person can be overwhelmed; they can be underwhelmed; can they be whelmed?

Hold on...let me look it up. I want to end this internal debate once and for all.

Ok. This is thanks to dictionary.com.

whelm (hwělm, wělm) tr.v. whelmed, whelm·ing, whelms
1. To cover with water; submerge.
2. To overwhelm.

[Middle English whelmen, to overturn, probably alteration (influenced by helmen, to cover) of whelven, from Old English -hwelfan (as in āhwelfan, to cover over).] (Download Now or Buy the Book)

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth EditionCopyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

So there you go. It's a word that apparently means the same thing as overwhelmed. Never would have guessed.

Aren't you glad we all learned something today?