Another 5K

I ran another 5K race in beautiful Balboa Park on Saturday. No PR for me, but what a lovely place--green, amazing architecture, grand museums. What a wonderful place to race and run. I will definitely be at this place doing long runs--so much to see. I've had lots of races either begin or end in Balboa Park, but this was the first run entirely in the park.

I also discovered a new area called North Park and went out for dinner with an old Phoenix friend who lives here.

I also was told by a guy this week that I am vain because I go to Starbucks. Huh? Well, color me narcissistic because I love my tall non-fat chai and pumpkin scone. I like to support Seattle companies, as I am a Seattle home girl. I shop at Amazon, love my green caffeinated company, and use Windows products. I heard that boys are classier in San Diego, but I am just not seeing it. Boys are boys wherever I go.

Bad Movie Weekend

Friday night I went with a past co-worker to see Hot Tub Time Machine. Yes, I want my money back. Yes, that was two hours of my life I won't ever get back. Yes, I washed my eyes out after it. The actors and directors had to have known that this cannot possibly be anything other than the worst movie ever made. Even the title alone reeks of stupidity. On Saturday night I rented 2012. Apparently, even though the world is ending and the continent is underwater, you can still use your cell phone.

But I did make a delicious discovery: The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. I'm sorry Starbucks, but I have found something better: raspberry scones that taste like Lucky Charms cereal and hot vanilla, which is like melted clouds. Yum!

I ran an 18 miler on Saturday and then biked 18 miles that afternoon in gorgeous weather. I also got a bit bronzed. It's fun looking at the stranger in the mirror. On to a new week of running. Got some marathons coming up!

I believe...

I believe that Starbucks can make life feel better
I believe that if you challenge your body and push it harder, it will respond
I believe that all men are innately jerks. Some can overcome this, but most don't
I believe that everything happens for a reason
I believe that a good run can make you feel better
I believe that if you really want something bad enough, you will do what you need to do to make it happen
I believe that dancing will liven your spirit
I believe that sunshine lifts your spirit
I believe that you have to smile when eating cake. It just makes you happy

New Favorite Things

I have compiled a short list of my new favorite things:

1. After a massive amount of blood blisters from Ironman, I realized my trusty running shoes weren't so trustworthy anymore. So I went to Roadrunner Sports and was fitted with a snazzy new pair of snug shoes in which my feet are tightly bound. So now my feet don't move around to create very undelightful blood blisters underneath my toe nails.

2. These new Hershey kisses for the holidays. At a work luncheon I received some Hershey kisses that were candy cane flavored with white chocolate. Yum!

3. Christmas carols. I love singing along in my car when no one is there to listen to my terrible singing voice.

4. Gingerbread cookie dough. Gingerbread is my favorite flavor of cookie. Now I can simply cut off some cookie dough and bake it. I also discovered a new recipe for gingerbread baked brie which I tried out this week while watching Christmas shows.

5. Starbucks during the holidays. I can't get enough of the winter wonderland Starbucks creates during this time of year: red cups, peppermint flavored treats, gingerbead, pumpkin bread, cranberry bliss bars. I could go on and on.

6. Modern Family. This tv show is my new favorite. It's hilarious, but with a sweet ending to each show.

Good Tuesday Morning

I had excellent sleep last night, finally. But I dreamt that Mt. Rainier was erupting and lots of people were on the mountain. I don't know why I dreamt that, but it was a horrible dream.

This morning I arose and headed to Starbucks to treat myself. It was fully decorated in red and silver with beautiful garlands for the holidays. I love stepping into a delicious smelling winter wonderland. I love everything about Starbucks during the holidays: red paper cups, pumpkin scones, cranberry bliss bars and mouth-watering gingerbread. I love their special menus with gingerbread and peppermint flavored goodies. While I am not a coffee drinker, plenty of speciality items on the menu satisfy my taste buds.

What a happy morning. I am singing Wham's Last Christmas to put me in the mood.