(This is the place where we get to recommend things that we like. Once again, in the spirit of credit where due, the idea was 100% ripped off from McSweeney's.)
Spelling out alphabet letters_Actually just one: Aitch.
Poetry readings_Turns out, these are going on all the time. And poets are really friendly in a desperate-to-be-understood sort of way.
Billy Elliot, the Musical_The movie is better, in our opinion. But the dancing kid in this musical is phenomenal.
Spain_The only place where you get to practice your high school Spanish AND flush your toilet paper!
The Gadsby Project by Red Mountain Church_Rearrangements of old hymns by a church out of Birmingham, Alabama. We like every song, but especially the Johnny Cash-like ballad – Christ, Or Else I Die. Plus, harmonica!
Getting some friends with cars_It just makes life so much easier.
Not getting crapped on by pigeons_We recently gave this a try and can state unequivocally that getting crapped on by pigeons is lame.
Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh_We’ve been hearing a lot about this book and the related movie, and finally picked it up at our local library. Read most of it with a tight throat because it is gross and sad. In the comfort of your own home, try reading it out loud – Scottish brogue, baby!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Hey Jude!
I'm always a little behind the YouTube curve, so I'm sure you've all already seen this video.
But it's great.
I'm kind of on a watching-babies-on-YouTube kick right now, so there may be more of these in our future.
But it's great.
I'm kind of on a watching-babies-on-YouTube kick right now, so there may be more of these in our future.
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Papa
This is my dad.
Here he is fixing the hole in my ceiling.
Here he is schlepping my stuff to London.
Things that are great about my father:
1. He loves the Lord and has raised us kids to know and love our heavenly Father above all.
2. If there is an open container of sour cream in the refrigerator, I can pretty much guarantee that he has sprinkled some Tabasco in there. Maybe even some french onion dip mix.
3. He wired a universal remote for the family television set. And when I say "wired," I mean he put our DVD remote and our TV remote back-to-back and wrapped a piece of wire around them. Ghetto? Maybe. Effective? Yes.
4. He has always loved me unconditionally. I know this because he says (often), "Do you know I love you, daughter?"
5. He LOVES to pick people up from the airport. Or drop them off at the airport. Or rescue them from a stalled car at the side of the road.
6. He usually just smiles, but sometimes you can get him to laugh really hard. That's always fun.
7. He's always up for a drive.
8. He's smart and creative.
9. He's usually game for an episode of Star Trek or a late-night movie. And he's always been an easy touch when it came to an ice cream at McDonald's or a basket of fries at the Breeze Inn.
10. He is characterized by his kindness, hospitality, and graciousness.
He is especially gracious with his eldest daughter when she fails to call or write him on Father's Day and tries to make up with a long and sweet (though belated) post.
Happy Father's Day, Dad. I love you.
See you soon!
Here he is fixing the hole in my ceiling.
Here he is schlepping my stuff to London.
Things that are great about my father:
1. He loves the Lord and has raised us kids to know and love our heavenly Father above all.
2. If there is an open container of sour cream in the refrigerator, I can pretty much guarantee that he has sprinkled some Tabasco in there. Maybe even some french onion dip mix.
3. He wired a universal remote for the family television set. And when I say "wired," I mean he put our DVD remote and our TV remote back-to-back and wrapped a piece of wire around them. Ghetto? Maybe. Effective? Yes.
4. He has always loved me unconditionally. I know this because he says (often), "Do you know I love you, daughter?"
5. He LOVES to pick people up from the airport. Or drop them off at the airport. Or rescue them from a stalled car at the side of the road.
6. He usually just smiles, but sometimes you can get him to laugh really hard. That's always fun.
7. He's always up for a drive.
8. He's smart and creative.
9. He's usually game for an episode of Star Trek or a late-night movie. And he's always been an easy touch when it came to an ice cream at McDonald's or a basket of fries at the Breeze Inn.
10. He is characterized by his kindness, hospitality, and graciousness.
He is especially gracious with his eldest daughter when she fails to call or write him on Father's Day and tries to make up with a long and sweet (though belated) post.
Happy Father's Day, Dad. I love you.
See you soon!
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Grathiath for your Patience
So, the posts are going to be a little patchier than usual as I'm in Southern Spain (or, as they say it down here, "Thouthern Thpain").
Many interesting and culturally inaccurate observations to come!
Stay tuned!
Many interesting and culturally inaccurate observations to come!
Stay tuned!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Eurovision Song Contest 2008
Yeah, I'd never heard of it either.
But I'll tell you what, when Europe gets together to put on a show, the sky's the limit.
The Eurovision Song Contest has been going on for like sixty years. Forty-three European nations compete, but only twenty-five are permitted to perform in the final televised extravaganza. Musicians from the twenty-five countries perform their songs one after another in a marathon concert with no commercial breaks. The concert is held in the country that won the contest in the prior year. This year, Serbia.
After all the songs have been performed, the viewing public call in their votes (sound familiar, Simon Cowell?). But (major twist!) you can't vote for your own country. We voted for Latvia. Of course.
After fifteen minutes, the polls are closed and the real fun begins. Turns out, ALL forty-three participating countries get to report their top ten results. Representatives in each country were standing by to read their nation's scores via live satellite feed, and to enjoy their fifteen seconds of fame. It takes a long time.
This was the scene at Andy's house about three hours into the Eurovision Song Contest 2008.
The show was saved by the acerbic commentary of Terry Wogan. His snide observations kept the whole thing just ridiculous enough to stave off pity and just funny enough to keep watching.
According to my British friends, Eurovision is no longer a song contest, but a political popularity contest, with countries voting for their neighbors regardless of their performance. This was the explanation for the UK tying for rock-bottom last. They had a good song, but no love from Europe.
Russia won with a saccharine ballad about believing in yourself.
Here's a clip of the Best European Song.
Yup. That's an ice skater.
Naturally, we capped the evening off with a rousing game of Bible Trivia.
But I'll tell you what, when Europe gets together to put on a show, the sky's the limit.
The Eurovision Song Contest has been going on for like sixty years. Forty-three European nations compete, but only twenty-five are permitted to perform in the final televised extravaganza. Musicians from the twenty-five countries perform their songs one after another in a marathon concert with no commercial breaks. The concert is held in the country that won the contest in the prior year. This year, Serbia.
After all the songs have been performed, the viewing public call in their votes (sound familiar, Simon Cowell?). But (major twist!) you can't vote for your own country. We voted for Latvia. Of course.
After fifteen minutes, the polls are closed and the real fun begins. Turns out, ALL forty-three participating countries get to report their top ten results. Representatives in each country were standing by to read their nation's scores via live satellite feed, and to enjoy their fifteen seconds of fame. It takes a long time.
This was the scene at Andy's house about three hours into the Eurovision Song Contest 2008.
The show was saved by the acerbic commentary of Terry Wogan. His snide observations kept the whole thing just ridiculous enough to stave off pity and just funny enough to keep watching.
According to my British friends, Eurovision is no longer a song contest, but a political popularity contest, with countries voting for their neighbors regardless of their performance. This was the explanation for the UK tying for rock-bottom last. They had a good song, but no love from Europe.
Russia won with a saccharine ballad about believing in yourself.
Here's a clip of the Best European Song.
Yup. That's an ice skater.
Naturally, we capped the evening off with a rousing game of Bible Trivia.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Living Alone
The other day, while digging in my hall closet for some shoes, my belt loop managed somehow to wind itself around the handle of the closet door. This was an unexpected complication in my running-out-the-door plan. I tried to slide it off, but it was really caught and I couldn’t swivel my neck around enough to quite see the problem. I’m not made of rubber, you know.
I stood for a few moments, shoes in hand, door attached to jeans, and reviewed my options:
1. If I was my father, I could pull the Leatherman out of its belt-holster and free myself by either cutting my belt loop (sad) or dismantling the handle. But the dismantling would have to happen blind, with my hands behind my back, and I don’t know if I trust my fine motor skills enough to carry me through the tricky project. This is the same girl who can’t plug in an appliance in the dark. I have to feel for the little holes in the outlet and try to guide the metal prongs to it and I’m always a little nervous about being electrocuted. Plus, no Leatherman. So, moot.
2. If I was Wonder Woman, I could unbutton my pants and pull myself out of them using nothing but upper body strength and the door jam. But, as we all know, Wonder Woman doesn’t wear jeans (it’s like her kryptonite).
3. I could wait for the next two hours until the guys across the hall got home from work and then yell at them through my front door. But, I couldn’t open the front door unless the closet was closed, and I couldn’t close the closet unless I was inside of it. And they already think that I’m nuts.
4. Wriggle.
For those of you who want closure, I went with option four. Eventually, through some very complicated maneuvers that I’ll never be able to replicate on the dance floor, I was free.
But other than the danger of freak belt-loop-induced starvation, the solitary life ain’t bad.
I stood for a few moments, shoes in hand, door attached to jeans, and reviewed my options:
1. If I was my father, I could pull the Leatherman out of its belt-holster and free myself by either cutting my belt loop (sad) or dismantling the handle. But the dismantling would have to happen blind, with my hands behind my back, and I don’t know if I trust my fine motor skills enough to carry me through the tricky project. This is the same girl who can’t plug in an appliance in the dark. I have to feel for the little holes in the outlet and try to guide the metal prongs to it and I’m always a little nervous about being electrocuted. Plus, no Leatherman. So, moot.
2. If I was Wonder Woman, I could unbutton my pants and pull myself out of them using nothing but upper body strength and the door jam. But, as we all know, Wonder Woman doesn’t wear jeans (it’s like her kryptonite).
3. I could wait for the next two hours until the guys across the hall got home from work and then yell at them through my front door. But, I couldn’t open the front door unless the closet was closed, and I couldn’t close the closet unless I was inside of it. And they already think that I’m nuts.
4. Wriggle.
For those of you who want closure, I went with option four. Eventually, through some very complicated maneuvers that I’ll never be able to replicate on the dance floor, I was free.
But other than the danger of freak belt-loop-induced starvation, the solitary life ain’t bad.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Pronounced 'brooj"
The characters are multi-faceted. The plot is an oldie but goodie. Overall, I'd give it a go.
Just remember that it's all ketchup, and you'll be fine.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
The Queen Mother
My mom is great. Pretty much everyone knows that.
Here she is with JR and baby Jill about a year and a half ago.
Here she is with JR and baby Jill about a year and a half ago.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Conversion Story
I have no idea what the temperature is, and this is because of history.
Once upon a time, two scientists, Dr. Fahrenheit and Dr. Celsius-Centigrade fell in love with the same woman.
The men, formerly best friends forever, fought over the beautiful Dr. Kelvin. They stopped speaking to one another, and even parted ways professionally, dividing their years of research between them.
However, as it turned out, Dr. Kelvin wasn't interested in either of them, but was only trying to get close enough to steal valuable information about how to get the mercury to go up that little tube.
So through the tragic combustion of fate, science, and love, we now have to deal with three separate ways of measuring the temperature.
They gave Kelvin absolute zero - because she was so cold.
Anyway, that's why I can't tell you exactly how warm it is outside. But it's nice. It's weather that makes you want to be out in it.
The girls enjoy a little sunshine after class.
Kim and I had a picnic in front of the Royal Crescent on Friday...
...but a thunderstorm drove us indoors for pudding and Seinfeld. Not a bad evening.
Once upon a time, two scientists, Dr. Fahrenheit and Dr. Celsius-Centigrade fell in love with the same woman.
The men, formerly best friends forever, fought over the beautiful Dr. Kelvin. They stopped speaking to one another, and even parted ways professionally, dividing their years of research between them.
However, as it turned out, Dr. Kelvin wasn't interested in either of them, but was only trying to get close enough to steal valuable information about how to get the mercury to go up that little tube.
So through the tragic combustion of fate, science, and love, we now have to deal with three separate ways of measuring the temperature.
They gave Kelvin absolute zero - because she was so cold.
Anyway, that's why I can't tell you exactly how warm it is outside. But it's nice. It's weather that makes you want to be out in it.
The girls enjoy a little sunshine after class.
Kim and I had a picnic in front of the Royal Crescent on Friday...
...but a thunderstorm drove us indoors for pudding and Seinfeld. Not a bad evening.
Friday, May 02, 2008
Freestyle
Remember swimming? Going to the pool for open swim on Monday nights, with the kick-boards and the pool noodles and the clamor? Wearing the skin off your toes on the rough cement floor?
That sickening belly-flop feeling.
That panicky I-went-too-deep feeling.
That horrible high-dive-what-was –I-thinking feeling.
You could pick people up in the pool – even really big people like grownups. I mean, you could actually lift them, not take them out on a date. You could do flips and handstands. You could float.
Remember those oversized lifeguard chairs and that big giant clock?
Our hair would freeze when we walked out to the car – even our nose hairs. Our eyes would burn and itch because, for some reason, they never got the chlorine levels quite right in Seward. We would lay on the living room couches, disinfected, damp and exhausted and my mother would listen to the silence and thank God yet again for swimming pools.
In college, there was a short time when Sam and I would go swimming every morning. This was a big step for us – Sam with her fear of sharks and Jessi with her fear of exercise. But it was good, using all those childhood strokes. Listening to my thoughts underwater.
I’ve started swimming again, here in Bath.
It has worked out pretty well, although people don’t take as kindly to a grown woman showing off her aquatic strength.
“Put me down!” they bluster.
That sickening belly-flop feeling.
That panicky I-went-too-deep feeling.
That horrible high-dive-what-was –I-thinking feeling.
You could pick people up in the pool – even really big people like grownups. I mean, you could actually lift them, not take them out on a date. You could do flips and handstands. You could float.
Remember those oversized lifeguard chairs and that big giant clock?
Our hair would freeze when we walked out to the car – even our nose hairs. Our eyes would burn and itch because, for some reason, they never got the chlorine levels quite right in Seward. We would lay on the living room couches, disinfected, damp and exhausted and my mother would listen to the silence and thank God yet again for swimming pools.
In college, there was a short time when Sam and I would go swimming every morning. This was a big step for us – Sam with her fear of sharks and Jessi with her fear of exercise. But it was good, using all those childhood strokes. Listening to my thoughts underwater.
I’ve started swimming again, here in Bath.
It has worked out pretty well, although people don’t take as kindly to a grown woman showing off her aquatic strength.
“Put me down!” they bluster.
Things I’m into right now
1. sandwich – bread + tortilla = wrap. Mmm.
2. Holiday planning – we are going to go EVERYWHERE this summer!
3. Flannery O’Conner – seriously, why does anyone write anymore? Have you read her stories? Unbeatable.
4. The elliptical. That’s right, you skeptics! Forty minutes. Three days a week. Give or take.
5. Losing my wallet. Actually, I’m not so into that.
6. The Word in Action series at Widcombe – it had a very promising start last night
7. Dancing with strangers – I just can’t stop the beat! Must be all that natural rhythm.
8. Lost – are they seriously all dead?
9. Having people over (but if there are more than three, then someone has to drink out of a jar)
10. Café Nero’s. It may be a chain, but it’s my chain and we’re happy.
2. Holiday planning – we are going to go EVERYWHERE this summer!
3. Flannery O’Conner – seriously, why does anyone write anymore? Have you read her stories? Unbeatable.
4. The elliptical. That’s right, you skeptics! Forty minutes. Three days a week. Give or take.
5. Losing my wallet. Actually, I’m not so into that.
6. The Word in Action series at Widcombe – it had a very promising start last night
7. Dancing with strangers – I just can’t stop the beat! Must be all that natural rhythm.
8. Lost – are they seriously all dead?
9. Having people over (but if there are more than three, then someone has to drink out of a jar)
10. Café Nero’s. It may be a chain, but it’s my chain and we’re happy.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
April 25th in Anchorage
This photo of fresh snow was taken yesterday by my sister-in-law and emailed to me.
I feel for you guys! I really do!
I feel for you guys! I really do!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Kevin Recommends #1
(Editor's note: This is the place where we get to recommend things that we like. Hopefully it will be a regular feature. The idea was 100% ripped off from McSweeney's. But they should be happy - imitation and flattery and all that.)
Christmas and Birthday lists_Some may think them presumptuous and materialistic, but lists really can make life easier for the unimaginative gift giver. The more specific the better. In fact, if you can email the list with attached hyperlinks to Amazon, that would be best. Make sure to offer a range of prices, but don’t be afraid to throw some big-ticket items on there. You never can tell. Somebody we know got a horse.
Riding the bus_Forty minutes to read your book or listen to your podcast. Often you have to stand up. Sometimes the bus drivers are terse but sometimes they call you “luv.”
Infamous_The other movie about Truman Capote. We were surprised by the humor and the humanity. Also, we haven’t liked Sandra Bullock this much since While You Were Sleeping.
Frying Ramen_Can the delicious twenty-cent meal be improved upon? We submit that it can with a pat of butter, one egg, freshly grated Parmesan and a frying pan. Mmmm.
Toning it down_Sometimes you just gotta take a step back and say, “Whoa, I should just tone it the heck down.” Not a bad idea.
Christmas and Birthday lists_Some may think them presumptuous and materialistic, but lists really can make life easier for the unimaginative gift giver. The more specific the better. In fact, if you can email the list with attached hyperlinks to Amazon, that would be best. Make sure to offer a range of prices, but don’t be afraid to throw some big-ticket items on there. You never can tell. Somebody we know got a horse.
Riding the bus_Forty minutes to read your book or listen to your podcast. Often you have to stand up. Sometimes the bus drivers are terse but sometimes they call you “luv.”
Infamous_The other movie about Truman Capote. We were surprised by the humor and the humanity. Also, we haven’t liked Sandra Bullock this much since While You Were Sleeping.
Frying Ramen_Can the delicious twenty-cent meal be improved upon? We submit that it can with a pat of butter, one egg, freshly grated Parmesan and a frying pan. Mmmm.
Toning it down_Sometimes you just gotta take a step back and say, “Whoa, I should just tone it the heck down.” Not a bad idea.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
No news is good news
It has been a very quiet week. Which is good. I’ve been spending a lot of time writing. A lot of time in coffee shops. A little bit of time watching Batman Begins. And a lot of time enjoying the beautiful weather that we’ve been graced with the past several days.
Yesterday, after a somewhat distracted afternoon at Café Nero’s, Hannah and Abby and I went for a walk to look at the newly-flowered trees.
Those girls are great.
Check out the new jeans! Jehovah Jireh!
Yesterday, after a somewhat distracted afternoon at Café Nero’s, Hannah and Abby and I went for a walk to look at the newly-flowered trees.
Those girls are great.
Check out the new jeans! Jehovah Jireh!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
New Word Alive in Eleven Bullets.
In no particular order, here are some things that I learned last week at New Word Alive:
1. In Welsh, a double “L” (i.e.: LL) is pronounced like a guttural “CH.” Sort of like channukah. So the conference was in Pwllheli. You do the pronunciational math.
2. One of the best definitions of the Trinity: That God exists as three Persons, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, loving each other. I heard that from Mike Reeves, who gave a three-day lecture series on the Triune God. I really appreciated his seminars.
Curious about the Trinity? I’ve got pages of notes!
3. I finally finished the notebook that Daylan gave me for my twenty-fifth birthday! Woo Hoo! Now I can tap into the brand-spankin’ new Molskine that I got for Christmas.
4. I like John Piper even better in person. He spoke for two of the evening sessions on the topic of suffering using Romans 8. “The meaning of all misery is that sin is horrific.” Very challenging.
5. D.A. Carson, who I had never heard preach, reminds me a little of my old business prof, Dr. Mackey. He walked us through 1 John (which I call “First John” and everyone else over here calls “One John”) during four of the morning sessions.
Great stuff along the lines of “I’m a Christian, but I sin.” How do we as believers deal with the dichotomy of both the light and the darkness in our lives? Answer: You must not walk in the darkness. And praise the Lord for his grace.
Curious about 1 John? I’ve got pages of notes!
6. Stuart Townend is alive. Who knew? Well, most people probably do, but I kind of had him in the John Wesley/Charles Spurgeon generation. The first time I had heard of him was my last year at Master’s when we started singing “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us.” I always thought it was like an old Irish ballad for some reason. Ah well. He’s alive and kicking and led some rock-awesome worship sessions.
7. You don’t necessarily have to wash soapy water off dishes when you’ve washed them. Some do, some don’t. It’s very freeing.
8. I am a bad car DJ. (Bad like bad. Not bad like good)
9. Jo Mango is a female Scottish folksinger. Not, as initially thought, a male Caribbean-cruise lounge singer.
10. I go to church with some very cool people.
11. In general, it was just wonderful to be around people who believe in the Father’s plan, the Son’s saving work, and the Spirit’s sustaining power. It was refreshing to sing with thousands of other voices and to be reminded that this world is fleeting. I’m so encouraged that God created us for relationship and then gave us the Church.
So that was my week. I am now back in Bath and happy to be here, hanging out with good friends from the MA and writing my little fingers to the bone.
Friday, April 11, 2008
A bit of posting maintenance
'ello, 'ow are 'ou?
Just practicing my cockney accent, which I have been informed needs a little work.
Okay, so this isn't really a post. I'm just back from an incredible week in Pwllheli, Wales with a group from my church. We attended the New Word Alive, an evangelical conference. Did I say evangelical? I meant magical.
No. Actually I did mean evangelical. But it was great.
I have a stack of work to do for Monday. A stack of laundry to do for tomorrow. And that novel ain't getting written by itself.
So, stay tuned, dear readers, for some posts about the trip and about the week and also I have some "tags" to catch up on (more on that later).
Also, my blogroll needs updating. I'm still toying with the move to WordPress. I haven't hoovered (vaccummed) in about a month. And I still haven't dealt with that tomato.
Soon! Very soon!
Just practicing my cockney accent, which I have been informed needs a little work.
Okay, so this isn't really a post. I'm just back from an incredible week in Pwllheli, Wales with a group from my church. We attended the New Word Alive, an evangelical conference. Did I say evangelical? I meant magical.
No. Actually I did mean evangelical. But it was great.
I have a stack of work to do for Monday. A stack of laundry to do for tomorrow. And that novel ain't getting written by itself.
So, stay tuned, dear readers, for some posts about the trip and about the week and also I have some "tags" to catch up on (more on that later).
Also, my blogroll needs updating. I'm still toying with the move to WordPress. I haven't hoovered (vaccummed) in about a month. And I still haven't dealt with that tomato.
Soon! Very soon!
Thursday, April 03, 2008
a battle of wills
About two months ago I sliced a tomato in half.
One half was used to add color, flavor, and valuable nutrients to a sandwich.
The other was deposited in a small Tupperware container, stuck in the door of my fridge and promptly forgotten.
A few weeks ago, while reaching for my block of Parmesan cheese, I was reacquainted with the existence of this half-a-tomato, if it can still be called that.
I didn't take a close look. I know that it can't be pretty.
I also know that eventually I will have to pull the small Tupperware out of the door of my refrigerator and deal with the now-putrid food product therein. But for some reason I'm putting it off. I can't really explain why. I know that I can't win.
Unless I move.
Hmm.
One half was used to add color, flavor, and valuable nutrients to a sandwich.
The other was deposited in a small Tupperware container, stuck in the door of my fridge and promptly forgotten.
A few weeks ago, while reaching for my block of Parmesan cheese, I was reacquainted with the existence of this half-a-tomato, if it can still be called that.
I didn't take a close look. I know that it can't be pretty.
I also know that eventually I will have to pull the small Tupperware out of the door of my refrigerator and deal with the now-putrid food product therein. But for some reason I'm putting it off. I can't really explain why. I know that I can't win.
Unless I move.
Hmm.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Just another day in Bath
The other day I was awoken by a man on a PA system.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he said through my window, "please note that the race will be delayed by one hour, one hour ladies and gentlemen."
It reminded me of living in downtown Ketchikan during cruise ship season. From my bedroom in the attic I could see the huge ships, docked and teeming, and hear the morning announcements:
"Please be back on board by one-thirty. If you'd like to take part in the gold-panning tour, please see Sourdough Sal over by the information center."
This was my summer wake up call.
But now I'm in Bath, and the nearest ocean is miles away. When I peeked out the window of my daylight-basement flat at the feet of the passers-by, I saw not the orthopedic walking shoes and matching track suits of aging tourists, but rather high-quality tennis shoes, spandex leggings and over-muscled calves.
The Bath Half - an annual half marathon that begins and ends on my street.
I should have signed up for it, being an experienced half-marathoner myself. But the conditions of the day were cold and wet and generally not very pleasant, so I'm happy that I decided to give it a miss.
The best part about the race (which I didn't actually watch) was the giant foam sandwich that was handing out flyers on my street corner.
I mean really, when is that going to happen again?
"Ladies and gentlemen," he said through my window, "please note that the race will be delayed by one hour, one hour ladies and gentlemen."
It reminded me of living in downtown Ketchikan during cruise ship season. From my bedroom in the attic I could see the huge ships, docked and teeming, and hear the morning announcements:
"Please be back on board by one-thirty. If you'd like to take part in the gold-panning tour, please see Sourdough Sal over by the information center."
This was my summer wake up call.
But now I'm in Bath, and the nearest ocean is miles away. When I peeked out the window of my daylight-basement flat at the feet of the passers-by, I saw not the orthopedic walking shoes and matching track suits of aging tourists, but rather high-quality tennis shoes, spandex leggings and over-muscled calves.
The Bath Half - an annual half marathon that begins and ends on my street.
I should have signed up for it, being an experienced half-marathoner myself. But the conditions of the day were cold and wet and generally not very pleasant, so I'm happy that I decided to give it a miss.
The best part about the race (which I didn't actually watch) was the giant foam sandwich that was handing out flyers on my street corner.
I mean really, when is that going to happen again?
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