Europe Vacay

Europe, how I have missed you.
While waiting in Charlotte, I considered my previous visits to Paris as a teenager.  In 2003, Brian and I chose to see if we were compatible by spending a week in Amsterdam and Frankfurt.  That could have been a colossal fail.  Thankfully, we managed to enjoy the trip and not kill one another while touring through a few countries.
Still, it's been 9 years since my last visit.  Ridiculous.  I arrived in Frankfurt, collected a passport stamp and waited to board my last connecting flight to Geneva.  My friend picked me up, promptly, outside of baggage claim.  I surprised her, actually.  She thought it would take me awhile to get through customs.  Little did she know how I travel.  I have a carry on bag and a larger purse for a day trip of sorts.  I enjoy being able to get in and out of customs with ease.
Not going to lie...I am tired.  However, if i sleep, I think i will have many issues later.  Must be able to sleep tonight and not experience insomnia.  My friend is going to work and I am going to enjoy the overcast day.  Ciao!

Chicago...sort of.....

I lost my posting about Chicago...public transport, 10k, Petite Petit.  WTF?  I tried to add a photo and was unable to find the correct photo album.  Then, I went to return to the posting and found a blank slate.  Maybe it wasn't that interesting.  Yet, I thought it was.
I mentioned how brilliant of a city Chicago is.  I know I am not the only one that thinks this.  It is a pleasureable city.  User friendly, foodie, wine, beer bars and extremely accessible via public transport.  We took the El everywhere and it was great.  Cheap and effective.  Who wouldn't enjoy Chicago?
I had photos to illustrate how lovely it is....food, wine and of course, land scape shots.  I have no idea what happened or why I am experiencing difficulty with posting.
Just know this....I had a divine time with Sara Jo.  My third visit.  Her first.  I think she fell in love with it, though.  It's easy to...in the summer.  I think the winters would be harsh and unbearable to me.  I love the sun to doom and gloom.  Plus, it's cold.  Bone chilling cold that I am not used to.  I think I prefer visiting to living.  Maybe a friend of mine will relocate there and soon.
We took the el, walked or rode in cabs to explore the city.  Lovely.  We dined at Charlie Trotter's, a cuban/latin inspired cafe, eno, purple pig and le colony.  I would have loved to have more time to check out other eateries.  I felt fortunate to have dined at Trotter's--such an iconic place for fine dining/cuisine.  Moreover, I was with someone that appreciated the experience as much as I did.  I really enjoyed that.
I must figure out what happened to the previous post.  My thoughts were more focused.  I think the heat is effecting me.  More later...

Running woes

Beautiful night.  I think it is 96.  I don't know.  It feels lovely.  Overcast, windy and absolutely what I needed.  I love the sun but day after day after day of 100+ heat is challenging.  I shouldn't complain.  I chose this.  I knew what I was getting myself into when I decided to return to Phoenix.  I remember, vividly, what the summers are like.  Brutal.  Long.  Intense.
Yet, people are prepared for it here.  Misters.  A/C (everywhere) and a few other amenities that help people manage the summers here.  I cannot imagine how awful it is in the southeast with the current heat wave.  Wow, it would be challenging.  Yes, it is hot here, but it's bearable.
Tomorrow, they predict rain.  I welcome it.  I cannot wait for it to be overcast, cloudy and ideal for a mid morning run. 
When I was in Chicago two weeks ago, I remembered how much I enjoyed running.  It's an ease that allows a tranquility, a time to think and physical exertion.  I love running.  In Phoenix, it's challenging for me.  I prefer to run when it is not 100+ heat.  I don't like it and mostly, it is, mental.  I know it.  I do not perform well under hot conditions.  I despise it.  My current running partner could run when it is 120--I am not joking.  Me, I am ready to wilt and die.  I try to explain to him my need to run later in the evenings or earlier in the mornings to avoid the intense, overwhelming heat.  He just doesn't understand.
Tonight would be the perfect time to go for a run.  Instead, my running partner is hanging up in Cave Creek and I am enjoying a pleasant evening to myself.  Windows open, enjoying a slight breeze and drinking a glass of wine (of course).  Run can wait til tomorrow, I think....

Return to running in the heat

Run went well.  Hot.  Hot.  Hot.  Although, we stuck to it and I completed the first run I have attempted in a few weeks.  Lame, sure.  I know.  I signed up for a half in August and know that I am going to complete it.  I think part of my problem is so mental.  It's hot outside and so I internalize it.  I make it worse than it actually is.
No more.  I now have access to a pool on a daily basis and I am so utilizing it. I don't think my friend realizes it.  His pool is going to be my second home for the summer. 
I met an old friend for a quick meal and wine.  It's always a pleasure to see Brandon even if we do meet once every six months.  He's always entertaining, full of stories and livelihood.  Plus, we went to one of my favorite bars in Tempe.  Wine friendly....that is all I am going to say.  While there, Brandon tagged me in a post on facebook.  A few moments later and he stops and says--wow, that's odd.  I mentioned that I was with you drinking wine and one of my fellow studens commented that she went to high school with you...small world, right?
I do think my issue with running in Arizona is mental.  I've convinced myself that it's hot and that I am miserable.  Think about it, I am able to consistently attend heated yoga classes and I love it.  I feel fantastic after spending an hour in that studio.  Yesterday, about ten minutes in to class (more like five), I had a headache and a belief that I was dehydrated.  Instead of leaving the class, I stayed and greatly benefitted from that decision.  Sure, I was hot and I did have a mild headache.  However, I stopped obsessing about it and just enjoyed the activity.  What a difference an attitude change can have. 
I guess I recognize how powerful my mind is at times.  Especially when I really don't want to go running.  Enough of that, I signed up for the Vegas full and I intend to show up and perform well.  I need to so that I can enjoy the celebratory dinners after that event.

Productive Monday

Day off yesterday!  Super productive, too.  I received my bridesmaid dress (thankfully).  They attempted to deliver it on Friday but since I was at work, I missed the opportunity.  In the past, this has been an issue--to receive deliveries--and so I planned my day knowing I would be home from 10-3, to ensure a dress being delivered to me.  If only the delivery would have been at 9:30, 10:00, even 11:15.  I could have still went to yoga had that happened.  It arrived at 11:45.  No yoga.  Regardless, now I have the dress.  I was starting to get worried since the wedding is in September.  I ordered the dress in March.  Now that I have it, I can relax.  I texted my friend that I had it, too.  She seemed relieved.
Anyways, no yoga.  I did a strength training video instead.  I considered going for a run but it was hot.  My bike tires are flat and so a ride was out of the question.  On that note, I made an appointment to have my bike tuned up.  There is a clicking that occurs between gears when I am riding.  It is somewhat annoying.  I have a free tune up if I use it within the first 90 days of owning it.  If only I could have managed to arrange it for today.  I could ride to work today instead of driving.
I forgot to mention that I did not drive, anywhere, yesterday.  It was delightful.  Productive day continued.  Dress arrived, video used, bike maintenance arranged, and I spoke to the physicians group that is handling my bill.  What a process that is.  I paid the ambulance bill, surgeon and e.r. visit.  A month after the fact, I receive the balance of the bill from the surgeon.  Confused since I thought I had taken care of that when I went in for my follow up visit.  I search for a number to call to figure out what is due and when it is due.  I leave messages at the hospital with their billing department on three separate occasions.  Not once, do they call me back.  Eventually, I call the surgeon's office and their receptionist is able to direct me to the accurate number. 
From here, I have made three calls to ensure some sort of closure.  Still waiting to hear back about what is due from me and how to proceed.  I just want it to be over with.
Afterwards, I attempted to reschedule a day drinking venture with my friend, Kristina.  We have meet for wine on a few occasions and this time, we were planning on taking the light rail into Phoenix and exploring a few of those bars.  Unfortunately, she had to back out of our plan.  Instead of staying home in the sweltering afternoon heat, I headed towards Mill to enjoy wine solo.  It was Shari's birthday and I wanted to celebrate with her in spirit.  A few glasses of wine later and I made my home.  Freaking hot.  I was hoping to make it to 9 pm before turning on my a/c.  That hour took forever.  I almost didn't make it.  I guess I had forgotten how hot it can be from 6-9 pm since typically I am working or out with friends.  Ridiculous heat.  Seriously.  It is effing stifling.  One more month in my current place and then hopefully, some relief. 
Yes, yesterday was productive.  Today, I hope to figure out my camera, hit up a yoga class and go running with Jeff later.  I need to start training for the marathon in Vegas.  I think part of my problem is mental.  I know it is hot and I have a difficult time running in the heat.  Or, better yet, I have had a problem running in the immense heat.  Not anymore.  Today is a new day and I will enjoy running in 100+ heat.

Sunday thoughts

Recently, I have been dining in some incredible restaurants.  San Diego, Cave Creek and a few eateries in Phoenix, too.  My camera is typically with me at all times.  Well, that is, until the elph started acting up.  There is some issue with the motor.  I believe this elph has a mind of its own.  It is extremely frustrating to say the least. 
I picked up a disposable one while visiting San Diego.  I wanted to find film to put in my old school camera but that was challenging.  I stopped by a few convenience stores and was s-o-l....lovely.  So, I did the next best thing and bought a disposable one. 
I am looking forward to viewing the surprise shots that I took while in California.  I think I took some foodie type shots as well as photos with my friends.  I know that I must get the camera thing figured out before my trip to Chicago.  That, and my next dining experience.  I do enjoy looking back on my food experiences.  The colors, presentation, texture of food.  Delicious!
I love my camera.
I must get it figured out and soon. And, I would like to illustrate the food I have recently sampled.  I am some difficulty with that, too.  I will get it all figured out and then display my experience at a cave creek eatery, San Diego and Phoenix.  Til then, I will continue to drink wine, eat food and ultimately, taste life~

Last weekend

Morning!  It seems that I am forever apologizing for taking a break from the blogging thing.  I enjoy it.  I do.  I have been preoccupied with work, I suppose.  I have experienced things that are interesting and post worthy.  Only, I have neglected making time to blog about it.
This year has been full of visitors and mini trips to California.  I love San Diego and it is a quick trip to escape some of the summer in AZ.  Last weekend, I drove out to spectate the Marathon.  After some consideration, I opted to spectate as opposed to running either the full or half.  Mostly due to lack of training.  I suppose I could have run the half.  Probably not pretty, though.
Regardless, I rented a car to spare mileage on Veronica.  When I hit 200,000 miles, I will have to get a new timing belt.  I am trying to delay that purchase.
Imagine, my surprise, when the rental car starts to overheat an hour from San Diego.  I turned the heat on and rolled the windows down.  Prayed that I would make it.  Scolded myself (a little) for renting the car.  I knew that Veronica would have made it without fail.  I made it to Alpine and stopped at the little brewery for a quick pint.  I was relieved that the car made it and desperately wanting a celebratory beer.  I walk up to the establishment and there is a line out the door.  Being me and bartending for the majority of my adult life I walk straight into the bar.  Unoccupied with two people working behind it.  Patiently, I wait to make eye contact with one of the people working.  I wait.  And wait and wait.  Eventually, this woman walks over to me as I am walking out to their bathroom and says--the beer line is out the door.
I say, I see that, and I only want a pint.  I sat at the bar since it was completely open for service.  She said, well, that is the beer line.
Incredulous, I make some retort about not understanding why the bar is completely open if they aren't serving beers from it.  I continue to walk and she says, what would you like?
I told her I wanted a stout and that I was heading to use the facility.  I return.  She hands me the stout and says, again, the line is outside.  Here is your stout. 
I am still confused as to why they were forcing people to wait 20 minutes for a beer.  It seemed completely ineffecient to me.
After a quick beer and a half (she seemed intent on making sure I got a second beer), I made my way to Point Loma.  I check into my hotel and think of the food options.  I knew that Brett and Pete were dining at their hotel.  Tommy was at a birthday bash and so I would be solo.  I drove to the Hillcrest and made my way to Little Italy.  There is an italian eatery that I love with the exception of the music selection.  Instead of be bop a lula of the first visit to the establishment, they were playing reggae.  A little better but still didn't fit the vibe of the place.  I mean, they are serving delicious italian fare and blasting rasta or 50's inspired tunes.  Yuck!
The food was delicious (again).  I overlooked some of the music while enjoying a sangiovese. I returned to the hotel and crashed out.  Not kidding.  I was exhausted from ten consecutive days of work and the drive.  Probably the best thing that could have happened.  I rested and felt refreshed when I woke up to spectate the race. 
Coffee, in hand, I walked to Sea World to cheer Brett and Pete on.  Overcast day and ideal for running or so they said.  I watched Brett cross the finish line and was thankful for my decision to spend the weekend in California.  Delightful weekend, for sure.  In spite of the almost overheating car, weird service in Alpine and crappy music in Little Italy.  From those experiences, the rest of the mini vacay were cake and I saw some reality stars in La Jolla.  I suppose they are celebs but not ones that I was excited to see.  I will leave it at that.....