Halloween, Alaska

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Last night I went with a few friends to hear Halloween, Alaska at the Varsity Theatre. This is one of my favorite bands and I especially love seeing them live to watch David King drum. I'd never been to the Varsity Theatre , but after the initial panic of getting tickets, it wasn't a bad venue. My friend George made it there before another friend of mine and I did and phoned us telling us the line was 500 people and a few blocks long. I pleaded with him to get in line anyway and I'd be there shortly. Well, needless to say, he exaggerated a little and we got tickets just fine. Once we were inside and enjoying Halloween, Alaska, I realized I'm either getting old or I'm appreciating music more. We were right near the front and could see pretty well, but it was just too loud. I'm going to go with the explanation of this being because I wanted to hear the music clearer, not because my ears are becoming sensitive with age.

runnings
I picked up my race number today, along with a knee brace. Armed with a timing chip, race bib, and a knee brace, I should finish tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing the crowd that gathers. I've never watched the TC Marathon, but I've heard the crowd is motivating and energetic. Hopefully they'll be out an hour early for the 10-milers.

St. Paul Is Chosen

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A choice has been made and the choice is St. Paul. The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held in St. Paul. There may be some economic benefits, but I may have to be out of town that week. Maybe I'll go to Denver or New York the week prior and extend my stay.

runnings
I'm resting my knee. After trying a run Tuesday it just hasn't seemed right (sore, swollen, weak...) so I'm trying to rest it up for Sunday. Then I promise I'll take a little break.

Navarathree

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Yesterday evening I was invited to a friend's home for Navarathree. This is an Indian festival of dolls for women and girls celebrated for nine days. During these nine days, women keep steps or stands displaying a variety of dolls and figurines and invite each other to their houses to see their dolls. My friend and her daughters were dressed in traditional dress and served us some delicious Indian food as well. None of the guests there last night were Indian so it was special to have the cultural holiday shared with us.

runnings
I'm working on a Halloween costume. This means I have quite a bit of stuff strewn on my living room floor. Last night I stepped on the pin cushion and stuck my foot with a sewing needle. At least I didn't break off the needle in my foot like my mom did years ago, but it definitely hurt. I was worried it would affect my run this weekend, but I got out for a run today and it hurt, but was manageable. I'm sure it'll be better this weekend. When I told one of my friends about it, his response was that I should consider cleaning.

Kansas City Visits

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Last week the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce sent 110 civic and elected officials to the Twin Cities to see what makes our cities prosper. An article in a Kansas City paper points out such strong points as a regional planning committee, almost 20 Fortune 500 companies, light rail and clean streets:

"Still, it’s abundantly clear that — by having almost 20 Fortune 500 companies in their midst — Twin Cities residents have benefited for decades from an outpouring of business funds for local projects, such as arts and cultural amenities."

"Many parts of Kansas City and its suburbs look downright filthy when stacked up against the Twin Cities area. The difference is striking.
Twin Cities residents have enough pride in their communities to keep trash off the streets.
Kansas Citians should have that kind of pride in how their region looks to residents and visitors. And this would be one regional effort that wouldn’t need a huge, taxpayer-financed agency to lead the way."

I haven't been to visit my sister and her family since they moved to Kansas City, but it is interesting to see my sister's city take notice of mine.

runnings
Yesterday I went for my last long run before the 10 mile next weekend. Once again I was proven wrong about running alone. I ran into a coworker of mine on his bike on the Greenway (he really does bike everywhere!) and he biked the last 15 or 20 minutes with me. Not only was this thoughtful of him, but it was a good distraction for me too. We had a nice conversation and he even commented that I was doing well if I could hold my pace and carry on a conversation. Even though I know I can complete the 10 mile next weekend since I did one a few weeks ago, his comment still gives me a needed attitude boost. My knee is holding up and I’m looking forward to next Sunday.

You Know A Bar Is Closing When...

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Last night I met a friend of mine for a drink at Boom! in honor of it closing this Sunday. I like the comment made at Metroblogging Minneapolis about Boom! having a wide open window and space rather than the dark, hidden image GLBT bars tended to have in the past.
I have to say though, you know a bar is closing when there isn't toilet paper in the bathroom, but a stack of napkins.

runnings
I went out for a run today at noon and crossed paths with a man I frequently see. For some reason we started saying hello to each other over a year ago, but have never really chatted. Today he paused and asked me if I was doing the TC Marathon and I had to tell him I was just doing the 10 mile. Part of me wishes I could have answered yes. I feel like it would be a great accomplishment (yes, that is my competitive side speaking), but I know that I need to figure out my pains I'm having in my hip and knees before thinking about it. And training for a marathon is certainly a big time dedication, which my social schedule would have a hard time with. And I think a few friends of mine would sit me down and strongly urge me to think twice about a marathon. I never even considered a marathon before last year and I am happy with my distances so far, but the thought is still lurking.

Lots of Chili

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Last night several friends of mine and I made chili. Lots of chili. Enough chili that we used 30 pounds of hamburger and about 30 pounds of onions. Next month my church is having our annual bazaar and somehow I'm in charge of the kitchen. One guess what our primary menu item is.




runnings
My volleyball team won last week so we moved onto the second round of playoffs tonight. My team requested I take care of my knee since I couldn't play last week, so I didn't go for a run today.

Nye's in Esquire

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Nye's Polonaise made Esquire's list of the best bars in America at No 9. I do like Nye's, but its not my favorite bar (so many to choose from....). It's still nice to see a Minneapolis bar featured in Esquire.

runnings
I can't believe how different I've felt on my last couple runs in the cooler weather. My knee is doing well after almost a week of rest and after running in 50 degree weather today and over the weekend my running attitude is improved too.

Squirrels and Their Snacks

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There is a walnut tree in the backyard of my building which the squirrels love. The tree was prolific with its nuts this year, creating a littering of shells around our yard. Throughout the summer, squirrels would be hanging out on the furniture leaving little piles of shells or sitting in the trees throwing down the remains of their snack. This evening I was sitting outside with my neighbors when we heard something fairly large fall from a tree where we had just seen a squirrel. We stepped over to look, assuming it was a walnut. Instead we discovered a partially eaten chocolate donut. A hard chocolate donut. Squirrel with a sweet tooth -- I wonder if he has a chipped sweet tooth now.

runnings

Ann Richards

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Ann Richards, the former Democratic Governor of Texas died at the age of 73 yesterday. She was a progressive and outspoken Democrat known for her wit. Her 1988 Democratic National Convention Keynote Address can be found here. Two of her well-known quotes from this speech:

"Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards and in high heels."

"Poor George. He can't help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth."

runnings
My knee is much improved. I happened to give in and put on heels today so I'll save the attempt at a run for tomorrow -- and wear flats.

Watching The Twins Win

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Last night I went to the Twins game with a few friends. I don’t really follow baseball, so I don’t think it is quite being a bandwagon jumper as much as going to a game because I enjoy sports. I’m a competitive person so the challenge of achieving a win in a game of any sport can draw me in. The modest, but raucous crowed could have drawn most anyone in too. The attendance was only 20,991, but the dome was noisy and active. We were on our feet by the end of the game (the exciting top of the 8th helped). And a game isn’t complete until you’ve been booted from the seats you tried to move to right?

runnings
I chose to miss my volleyball game figuring running and jumping in the sand wouldn't do much for my knee. Plus I wasn't sure how helpful I'd be since I probably wouldn't be moving too quickly. I've known of people who have consciously chosen not to participate in other sports because they are too dedicated to running. Their focus and time is on running and they don’t want to risk injury either. I’m not there. Even though as I let my knee rest I’m itching to run, I can’t imagine giving up other sports either. Nor do I want to think of giving up running.

Museum Adventure Passes

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My friend Nancy spent the day creating and counting Museum Adventure Passes. She works for MELSA, which has created a program to encourage museum visits by checking out passes for free admission at your library. It sounds like a great program and hopefully it will take off. In fact, Nancy said that after it started even more museums started calling and expressing interest in participating. So if it goes well, there may be even more options next year!

runnings
My knee is a bit of a balloon right now (but I'm still pleased with that 10 mile!). I had a doctor appointment for another reason today, so while I was there I mentioned my knee to my doctor. She took a look and I have a referral to go back to physical therapy. However, she mentioned my shoes. She said they were cute, but a good place to start would be not to wear heels for a while. Oops.

10 Miles

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My new found, occasional running partner was doing a 10 mile race this morning so I decided to run it too. Again, despite my previous mantra, I enjoyed running with my friend and I think it helped my run. He motivated me on the hills (apparently I love hills...or so he encourages me to think) and I helped push the pace at the end. We ran it in 1:26:51. I'm happy with the time and can't believe how good the run felt. The weather was perfect with overcast skies and in the lower 50s. All the people running and watching made the run refreshing and stimulating.

St. Paul?

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I went back to the blue beast for the Great Gatsby last night. The theatre was impressive and the performance was great. Since I recently reread the book I found it interesting to notice the parts that were created for the play versus what was written in the book. For example, conversations were created for parts of the book that instead simply read something like “they had an argument”. My favorite part unique to the play was how Nick explained where he was from. The first time he was asked, he responded “St. Paul”. After a few blank looks, he clarified “Minnesota”. Later, when Gatsby asks, Nick says “Minneapolis” and Gatsby gives a nod of recognition. I have nothing against St. Paul and in fact spend quite a bit of time there. However, as a resident of Minneapolis, I found this a bit humorous.

runnings
The past two days I've run with a friend of mine. I've frequently said I don't like running with people, but I'm changing my mind. It was motivating to have a running partner and it also kept my mind off things like the heat and being tired. I also think he's helping up my pace a bit.

The Draft

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Tonight was my fantasy football draft. I am a big fan of football, but I can't say I know a lot of about all the players. However, armed with a fantasy football magazine, a depth chart and a cheat sheet, I created the Kissing Vixens for their second year. I'm a little clueless on some of my players, but my stock is in Peyton Manning. I'll still be keeping an eye on a certain QB though!

runnings
I have to say, carrying a water bottle when running in the noon sun does wonders.

Flea Market Find

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As Jo commented, I forgot an important item of my lists of interests. Flea markets. In fact, I just visited the Elko Flea Market yesterday. My quest at a flea market is usually for vintage jewelry, but this time I walked away with the furthest thing from. A bed frame. In fact, a rope bed frame. With the help of some friends we’ll figure out how to string a rope bed and then how to get a standard size mattress onto a slightly non-standard size frame, but in the end I’m excited. I know a lot more about old costume jewelry and have a close to out of control sized collection. But I’m pretty sure I won’t be collecting bed frames in the same manner.

runnings
I'm finding I'm starting to hit a level of running that leaves me frequently hungry. After my run Saturday I felt I was constantly hugry for two days and a few hours after a simple 3.5 mile run this morning I again had a good-sized appetite. I'm not sure if it is my meal and running timing, but I did find an article about when to eat based on your runs.

Dan Patch and the Minnesota State Fair

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I don’t make the Minnesota State Fair every year but I have been enough times to know there is a Dan Patch Avenue. However, I only recently discovered the source of the street name. Mid career, the harness race horse, Dan Patch, was purchased by Marion Savage and moved to Minnesota. At the Minnesota State Fair 100 years ago, Dan Patch set the world record for the mile in harness racing at 1:55 flat. Perhaps more interesting is that Dan Patch was also a member at Wesley United Methodist Church. Marion Savage gave money to the church in Dan Patch’s name, complete with his own envelopes, making him like a member of the church.

runnings
I feel like I've been in pursuit of a good run. Lately I've been hoping each run would feel good and feel like an accomplishment. I didn't have any great runs this past week, but today I found that good run. I went for an 8 mile run on the Minnehaha Parkway. First, I was excited to do this route because it is interesting in its path and varied scenery. I was also up early enough (7 am on a Saturday!) and it was overcast so the temperature wasn't a factor. And when I finished my run I had the layer of salt. For some reason I feel like I've accomplished something if I've sweat enough to get the salt dusting. This is somewhat new to me and when I first experienced it I thought it was dust and dirt. Sweat residue makes more sense as I'm sure I'm not moving along fast enough to kick up that much dirt!