Running

I signed up for the National Half Marathon last fall. It's one of two long races that I have yet to run in DC. In 2007 I ran the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler and the Marine Corp Marathon. The two left are the National 1/2 Marathon and the Army 10 Miler. The Army 10 Miler is held every fall. I've never been able to run in the race because a) it fills up within a week and b) I also seem to be away at work. I've had the same trouble with registering for the National 1/2 Marathon, however it's never been work related. Last fall I decided as soon as registration opened that I would register. I did and forgot about it. Over the past 4-5 months I kept telling myself that I would get into the habit of running but first it was the holidays, then the big snowstorm hit, next I was traveling. Now it's a week before the race and the farthest I've run is 4 miles and that may have been on the elliptical. So naturally I do what anyone training for a race would do, I ran 8 miles yesterday. There were some rough spots during my run, but I think I'm going to make it. It may not be the best/fastest race this weekend, but I will be able to complete it.

Owls

Recently I've become obsessed with owls. I don't know when it started, but I love most things owls. I have found myself buying stamps, paper, etc. that have owls on them. I've even started making owlish cards. I tried to make some for Christmas, but I ran out of time. For Valentine's Day, I made several cards with owls on them that said "You're Tweet". I made another card tonight that said "Owl always love you".
The picture quality is poor horrible thanks to the lighting in my apartment.

Jodi Piccoult

I love Jodi Piccoult. She is my favorite author. The first book of hers I read was My Sisters Keeper back in 2005. I loved it so much that I read through all her books in two years. I definitely have my favorites: 19 Minutes, My Sister's Keep, Vanishing Acts, Handle With Care, Change of Heart, and Plain Truth.

Her newest book House Rules is about an autistic boy. It's the first time I remember her writing a male as the lead character. I'm enjoying it. I love that Jodi writes about real life topics. She is an amazing storyteller.

While I was at home last weekend my sister informed me of the release of Jodi's newest book. We went back and forth on who was going to buy it. I volunteered that my dad should buy it for us, my sister did not agree. We both decided we would check it out from the library. I however, couldn't wait. When I returned home I promptly purchased it on Amazon. I've started reading it and it hasn't disappointed me.

Jodi has been an author at the National Book Festival two out of the past four years. I've been out of town both of those times. I'd really like to meet her and have her sign my books.

If you haven't read any of her books I encourage you to stop what you are doing and read one.

Time Travelers Wife

I read the TTW several years ago and it quickly became one of my favorite books. Last summer when the movie came out, I was there on opening night. At the time I thought the movie was just ok. It had been so long since I had read the book that I didn't remember what happen. I've been re-reading the book lately and I remember why I loved it. I rented the movie tonight, and enjoyed it better than the first time. I love Rachel McAdams!

If you haven't seen it or read it you need too.

New York

Today I woke up at 3:30 a.m. to head up to NYC. I rode the acela amtrak train from DC to NYC. The trip took 3 hours. Upon arrival I promptly boarded the subway and made my way to TIme's Square. I had about an hour to kill before heading into Brooklyn for my meeting. When I was visiting with my sister last weekend she asked me to exchange a coffee mug, she purchased at Starbucks a few weeks back. Since it was before 9:00 a.m. I decide to go ahead and make my exchange. I thought the Starbucks in DC were busy, they were nothing compared to NYC ones. I actually passed several before finding one that wasn't crowded. I made the deal, and headed over to McDonalds to kill more time. Little did I know that it would take almost an hour to travel from Manhattan to Brooklyn. I arrived at the meeting with minutes to spare. The meeting took 2.5 hours and then it was back to Manhattan.

When I was in NY several weeks ago, I really wanted Pinkberry, but we were never around it. I had the cab drop me off a block from where I remembered a location. It was as delicious as advertised. I indulged in chocolate with fruity pebbles, strawberries, banana, and dark chocolate balls.

After eating I headed back to Times Squares for last minute shopping, then it was back to the train station. While I was waiting for my train I saw the inconceivable man from the Princess Bride waiting to board a train. It was the first time I've seen a famous person in NY.

Overall, not a bad day.