Hmmm…

1) I signed up for a 1/2 marathon on October 19th. Yes, I actually signed up. I am 100% committed to it. Am I insane…probably. See you at the finish line.

2) Having to jump through hoops is exhausting. You know what I mean…

3) I need sleep.

Run, run as fast as you can…

We all know how that ends. Although I was not tricked by a clever fox, I did run yesterday in my first 10K. I am also fairly certain that, at the speed I was running, several people could have caught me. Going into the race, I had three goals: I wanted to run the whole thing (for me, the whole run/walk thing means nothing — endurance was my goal), I wanted to finish, and I wanted to finish standing. So, just because I told people I would, here comes an entire blog post of my run, kilometer by kilometer…

1k: The first kilometer was probably the easiest. They start you off on a nice flat surface and about half way through, there’s downward slope. Everyone loves running downhill, right? I didn’t end up powering it down the hill for really one reason: the knees. The last time I got a little too enthusiastic running down a hill, I couldn’t run for a week or so. As I watched people pass me, I kept chanting in my head “finishing is more important than speed to you…run your own race.” Often, the psychological aspects of running are the hardest, at least for me.

2k: I don’t really remember much of this part. The ground was fairly level, and I knew a water stop was coming up, so I was fairly content. I had only been running for around 14 minutes, so I was feelings okay.

3k: Water stop the first. I was crazy thirsty by the time I got to this point. Yummy e Load After this point, the steady incline up Wharncliffe/Western Road began.

4k: I remember seeing the 4k sign, but not really much more than that. I was fairly focused on making it up the hill and finding the 5k sign. I knew I could run 5k (I had done it this past March), so I kept thinking in small goals.

5k: When I saw the 5k sign I smiled. By the point, I had pushed through the wall. Although the knee pain was starting to set in, in terms of cardio I was set. My breathing was even, and I was enjoying the cool, damp weather.

6k: This was the *yikes* moment! I was thrilled to only have 4k left to go. Water stop part two was nice too

7k: Prior to the race, I had only run about 7.5k. I knew I could make it this far, so when I reached the sign I started calculating how long the rest of the race would take. This was also the point where I hit the not-so-nice hills of Gibbons park. Someone watching me run must have thought I was insane. I was running really slow. I kept hearing my coworker’s advice in my head: when there’s a hill (up or down) run slow…run slow…run slow.

8k: Coming out of the park was nice, since I knew city streets meant only two kilometers to go. The trudge up the hill out of the park was surprisingly more difficult than the run up Talbot. The best part of coming on to Talbot street is that you begin to merge with people running the 1/2 marathon, so you’re not alone.

9k: I think I started some odd/crazy laugh when I saw this sign. I couldn’t stop smiling—only one kilometer to go. On went the Kanye.

10k: The last kilometer was the moment I had been waiting for. I had run over an hour at this point, just to get this feeling of accomplishment. Just as I hit the park corner, I saw the chair of my department, who offered words of encouragement, and I ramped up the speed. As I turned the final corner, I saw the finish line, said *oh well there’s a medic tent if this is a bad idea,* sucked up the knee pain, and hammered it on until the end.

Through the music, I could hear strangers encouraging me, and as I crossed the finish line this overwhelming sense of accomplishment washed over me. The icing on the cake? Having friends there at the end, holding silly signs (awesome!), and offering congratulations.

As I sit here typing this out, I’m realizing the inadequacy of words to describe how good it feels to finish a race. My knees hurt (although less so today — thank you Advil and sleep), but I’m ready for the next one. Two weeks and it all happens again (in Ottawa this time).

Why do I run? Because despite the potential for injury, the soreness, and the exhaustion, for a brief period of time during every run I break through a wall where I could run forever. I run because I love to. I run because I have to.

Metablogging: Blogging about Blogging about Blogging about Blogging about Blogging about…

Blogging…This is the title that doesn’t end, yes it goes on and on my friend…

That’s right. I’m blogging about blogging. I don’t think this is anything new. Most of the blogs that I read regularly have self-aware authors who often comment on the state of their own blogs. How many times I can use the word “blog” or variations thereof before it becomes overwhelming? Let’s find out.

I just finished up an article on blogging content (i.e. what exactly does one blog about), and it got me thinking about the content on my own blog. When I began this blog, I had high hopes of sharing countless articles, links, and thoughts on technology and library-related information. Since then, my focus has shifted from the library community (probably since I do not work in a library on a full-time basis) to life more generally, my other job, and my assorted hobbies [Note: Yes, Claire. I am going to blog about running again]. I just finished recommending that people write what they know when it comes to developing solid blog content. I really believe that this is true if a blogger wants to gain and maintain an audience. Besides, often the posts that have nothing to do with anything (huh?) are the most entertaining. While it is important to consider one’s audience (after all, I do not want to put people to sleep and I would, ideally, like to appeal to wide readership with diverse interests), if I am not interested in the content and/or passionate about what I blog about, then I cannot expect others to feel the same way about my blog. That being said, I do not really expect anyone to feel passionate about my blog. I’ll go for moderately entertained, semi-interested, and quasi content with the current content being offered

Now, on to the good stuff and back to the lists that I can’t resists (yes, I know that grammatically incorrect):

1. I’m really into the running right now, almost obsessively. Okay, obsessively. I’m currently training for the Forest City Road Races 10k and the Ottawa Race Weekend 10k, both in May. I had THE BEST run on Sunday EVER!!! I broke through a wall and would have been happy to run forever. The run today was good, but not as long, so I did not have the opportunity to see if the same thing would happen. I’m starting to find the right balance of food and water before a run, so we shall see how the training goes from here. After some solid advice from my pal the Renegade Librarian, I iced my knees and am happy to report minimal knee pain.

2. The onset of nice weather makes me want to read more often. I am already picturing a lovely summer spent lounging on my balcony, good book in hand, whilst sipping iced tea.

3. I am now sleepy. It is late, and I would LOVE to continue this list, but I have to be up particularly early tomorrow morning. Trust me, you wouldn’t like me when I’m sleep deprived. I might not turn green, but my personality while on sleep deprivation leaves something to be desired.

G’night! Zzzzzzz

P.S. Just as I went to publish this post, I realized that WordPress has been changing features slightly. *sigh* Now I need to take the time to figure out how to use these new (and I’m sure *very helpful*) features. Also, for those of you who spent hours watching Lamb Chop’s Play Along!

Misc.

I am currently avoiding doing dishes while waiting for students to email me. Why am I sitting up at 10:30pm on a Wednesday night waiting for these students? Probably because I am a sucker, but also because there are times at which I had late-night questions and just wished my professor was around. Therefore, I wait. I told them I would wait until 11pm. So far, I have responded to 10 emails. I’m trying to be one of those accessible and overly helpful teachers. I’ll let you know how that works out.
In other news, wait a sec…I don’t have any. I’m trying to think of tales from work to share, but I’ve got nadda. No weird bathroom incidents, no acts of ostensible morality, no lessons gone particularly awry. Although, today I was introduced (via a presentation) to Joel-Peter Witkin.

I do not think I *get* some forms of art. A lot of his work is done with corpses. So, upon first glance, it looks like the person is alive, but really no. Apparently, he has been known to sew bodies together and such to create his art. I’m unsettled, but I cannot look away. Is this art? I do not know, but there is a certain appealing shock value in seeing images of death trust before us so pointedly, as the presenters indicated. Just thought I’d share. You’re welcome?

Next time: something a little less unsettling…

Another bedtime posting…

So, I went to the grocery store tonight for two reasons: 1) watching a girly movie without ice cream seems like a crime 2) I had a headache that required Advil.

As I wandered around the grocery store because I can’t help but become mesmerized by food, I contemplated what was in my basket: 1 pint of cookie dough ice cream, 1 bottle of Advil, 1 coconut/lime candle. What would you think if you were my cashier? I had visions of being stereotyped as lord knows what, so I went to the self-checkout machines instead. I’m still trying to figure out what I found a little embarrassing about the whole situation: not-so-romantic evening for one?

For the record, the movies were lovely, the ice cream really hit the spot, my headache is long gone, and my apartment smells like coconut/summer!

G’night. Zzzzzzz

I’m feeling a little beige.

Do you ever have days that are just kind of neutral? I mean today was not a bad day, and it was not one of the best days of my life by any means. Things were actually pretty balanced. I was a little more unorganized than I would have liked to have been, but teaching went well enough, running was hugely painful (blast you, hills!) but tolerable, and the day seems to be winding down to sleep.

I’ve been on a self-imposed social hiatus of sorts for the past week. I’m getting A LOT of things done, much to my own shock, but I miss my friends. Only a couple more days of intense grading, and the schedule should work itself out again.

I’m a bit saddened that I have little wit and no stories to tell you….Oh wait! Yes, I write like I talk. I was in the women’s bathroom and I found $20 today. Now, before I continue, I feel compelled to mention that such moral/ethical quandaries are not new to blogging thanks to Michelle! Yay, you say? Indeed, but I have a guilt complex like you would not believe. My first thought? Frig…where is lost and found. Why would I not keep it? I don’t really NEED the money as per say, and I couldn’t get the thought out of my head that it could be someone’s grocery money for the week. I mean, chances are no one will ever claim it, and I’m fairly certain the people in the security office were laughing at me, but I am a sucker at moments like that. Found $$$, unless it is in my apartment and has been placed there by me (that’s right Heather, who, by the way, needs to blog more) is not mine and cannot be considered as such in my mind. Am I a giant sucker? Does the world take advantage of me? Oh probably at some point. Those of you who know me well, know I can be a little naive considering the intentions of others. Still, tonight I will go to bed not $20 richer, but I’ll sleep better. Oh the sappiness of it all

Speaking of sleep…

G’night. Zzzzzzz

Today was a day like many others…

It began with a little impoliteness shall we say, progressed with some learning, and ended with me in a chair, feet up on my desk, typing this blog entry. It is safe to assume that the day will officially end when I crawl into bed, which should be shortly.

Things of note from today?

1) Yes, I ate more peanut butter. Yes, it was good.

2) I really love my job. I mean really love it. There are few other places out there with such amazing coworkers, who have quickly become friends and confidants.

3) I am currently wearing a shirt from said place of employment-not because I own one, but because a very cute baby decided that the original shirt I was wearing would function as a diaper. Oh whatever…cute baby = me not really caring. This is all to say that it’s rather amusing to be wearing a constant reminder of where I work (not that I forget). Being “branded” by one’s workplace is a curious feeling. I think jogging pants with the name blazoned on the rear might be the next step. Probably not.

4)  I’m quite sure I had more to say when I logged on here. I’ve been up for far too long today. Time for sleep.

5) Since I can’t resist, I run tomorrow I’m sure I’ll blog more about that!

Again, I bid you goodnight! Zzzzzzzz

What’s in a title? A post by any other name would be as???

I’ll let you fill in the blank on that one.

So, I’m feeling a little pressured to increase the frequency of my posts due to Michelle’s prolific blogging as of late. I’ve been grading (I know *gasp!* My students are pleased), and I have little to blog on unless you want to hear my bitterness on the subject of grading papers that people clearly have spent NO TIME on. It is called editing people! Okay. Done. Maybe.

I am taking a page from the book of M and blogging about a bunch of random stuff that has been going on in the past little bit:

1) As I was walking into work this morning, I overheard the following: “So, I tried to dress for the warm weather, but it didn’t make it any warmer. I’m still cold.” Do I need to comment? Probably not. As a side note, it is still too cold to wear ballet flats without socks. It was snowing today. We live in Canada. We live in Ontario. Accept it. I have. Also, wear a coat.

2) On the way into work, I was listening to the radio, and the person announced John Mayer’s recent denial of Googling himself every day. Apparently, Colin Farrell willingly admits to this. I don’t get what the big deal is. If I was famous (yes, I’ve finally accepted that I am not), I would want to check out what people are saying and the top hits on Google. In fact, I Google myself once every couple of months. It is fun to see what’s out there, and it is also helpful to know what potential or current employers see if (more realistically these days WHEN) then search for you online. I just noticed that I’ve been typing “Google” with a capital “G” every time…hmmm…I think the brand has set in.

3) I signed up for a 10k race tonight. It’s on May 11^th. Good idea? Bad idea? Only time will tell.

4) I’ve been eating a lot of natural peanut butter lately. A lot. I don’t know what I’m getting at here. Just thought I’d share.

5) It’s only just after 11pm, but I am going to bed. The thoughts on here are getting even more random than I had originally intended.

G’night. Zzzzzzzzzz

Final thoughts on St. Patrick’s Day

As I sit here, happily chuckling over the genius of that chicken comic (see below), I am left with some final thoughts on St. Patrick’s Day. In no particular order, I give you the following:

1) I can hear drunk people yelling outside my apartment. Annoying you say? Nah. Just a consequence of where I live. It’s actually more funny than it is annoying. In the past, I’ve heard such gems as “OMG…Where are my shoes…” and “F*&(*#$U#*$)#$ I’m SO drunk!” Classy. We shall see what tonight brings. Will I be awakened to frantic, high-pitched screams of girls who are drunkenly freaking out, as per usual? Only time will tell. When is last call again?

2) Too many people who don’t normally drink wander out today. They probably went home hours ago. A friend and I saw a guy dragging both a pizza and his drunken, miniskirt-wearing girlfriend (?) home at maybe 5:30pm. Probably not a good indication of how the evening was going to go. At least he had his pizza, and she had her…I can’t say dignity…Hmmmm…I’ve got nothing.

3) I really don’t own anything green, nor do I think I have any Irish in me (hold in the jokes…). There were, however, some people dressed in very inventive and lovely outfits at work! Props.

Overall, a good day. I’m glad I do not teach tomorrow-saves having to cancel class because if no one showed today (about 30% of my class made the trek *yay*), NO ONE will show tomorrow.

P.S.

a) I had a MAD fit of the giggles today during American Beauty. Either that is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen, or I blame the chicken comic. Really, I’ll stop mentioning it now…

b) I’ve now edited this post multiple times. I would just like to announce that I’m going to bed at a reasonable hour (as in within the next 15 minutes) for those of you who were concerned about my lack of sleep yesterday

A sign I should just go to bed:

It’s after 1:30am. I’m sitting here on my futon. I’m flipping through a professional journal, which I won’t name, picking out grammatical errors.  This means I

a) am a nerd

b) am too picky about commas

c) should stop complaining and attempt to become an editor of said journal (or join some related committee where I can complain about said errors with gusto and disgust until someone lets me edit)

d) should good to bed

I’m thinking d…