Washington D.C.

Enamored...in awe...adoration, pure adoration of a wonderful city.
Minus the smoking. True, people smoke in Denver, but it seemed like more people smoked in D.C.
I enjoyed the subway. It was user friendly and quick.
I enjoyed the neighborhood feel of it and wished that Denver felt more like this. Instead, there are parts of it (Denver) that feel small, cowtownish and normal. D.C. had neighborhoods, true neighborhoods. My friends lived in Adams Morgan. Apparently in the 80's, early 90's, it was latin based. Now it is trendy, somewhat latin--in terms of restaurants--salvadoran,peruvian, mexican, and full of cute coffee shops and fun bars. We checked out Tryst, Cashion's, and the Reef Bar. Marc and Megan's neighbors own Room 11, which was a small local restaurant. The wine list was lame, but we checked out a few different panini's, sides and appetizers.
There are suits walking around, senators, lobbyists, foodies, smokers and tourists. Yes, it was a great city.
I wish that I had had more time in Georgetown. We walked there and went to Pizzeria Paradiso. I loved the bottled beer selection and the food was enticing, too. Plus, the Dupont Circle was fantastic as well. Megan and I went there in hopes of surprising her brother, Pierce, at his job. It was a local bookshop/restaurant. In some ways, it reminded me of the 4th Story, but the food wasn't as high end. And, I found the latest James Ellroy novel which was pretty freaking fantastic! I love James Ellroy.
That night, I met Casey at City Zen. The food was excellent, but the wine service lacked. I wasn't overly impressed with the list, itself, either. It went from $50-$300. I believe in lists that appeal to several consumers, not just elitists. And, I had hoped to drink two bottles of wine during the 6 course meal. However, the bottle wasn't near the table and so we were reliant on the servers.
The following night, we went to Penn STation to dine at Proof. If you are heading to D.C., this is the place to dine. The food was intesting, dynamic and great. The wine list was friendly and the service rocked. I loved the ambiance and felt extremely comfortable there. I had seen online reviews. I knew it had potential. In hind sight, I would have preferred dining here and an Ethiopian restaurant or a Jose Andreas place. Megan and I did dine at his Greek restaurant. They had this olive oil with pomegranate as opposed to balsamic vinaigrette that was quite tasty. We shared roasted cauliflower and "flat bread" that was really a cheese pizza. I was a little disappointed with the flat bread, but the cauliflower rocked.
Yes, D.C. enticed me. I loved it. I would love to go back to explore more. I suppose next year.

need to detox....post birthday celebrations....

Four days in D.C. led to the beginning of an excessive week.
Granted, I ran 21 miles on Saturday. I felt that helped counterbalance some of the excessive behavior that I had been displaying while in Washington D.C.
I didn't stop there. Nope, I had to celebrate at the Rockies game and Sunday was my birthday and so no birthday of mine is complete without a glass of wine and a nice rich meal. Thankfully, I have wonderful friends. I went to Fruition with Dave and Tiffany.
Originally, a group of my friends had agreed to dine with me. I forgot that the beer fest was in town prior to my birthday and that my friends would be exhausted from dealing with the masses. Pocketsize wanted to go and I know that she would have to support me. However, I also wanted her to enjoy herself, not fall over from lack of sleep.
Next weekend, I am celebrating with them. I believe in the drawn out birthday.
So, the group of 8 dwindled to three of us. I loved it. We dined at Fruition, one of my favorite restaurants in Denver. I have met the host/owner on previous occasions and my friend, Jean, in Maine, went to high school with Paul, as well. Immediately, we were seated and drinking a rose sparkling wine, compliments of the house, for my birthday. I recognized our waiter from my last visit with Sara Jo and was dismayed to see that his service had not improved. I am tempted to say something to Paul about it, because normally, the service at Fruition is stellar. This one guy severely lacks. He poured the champagne and then disappeared for a half hour. Seriously, we sat there with our drinks (which we were thankful for), but no way of ordering an apppetizer. When he returned from doing who knows what, we ordered the appetizers and entrees to ensure food would soon be arriving.
We started with oysters rockefeller and beef carpaccio. Both were fantastic and next we shared a New Zealand sea bass, a pork chop--because I wanted haricort vert, and beef culotte for the duck fat fries.
The meal was tantalizing and the company was lovely. I always enjoy dining with Dave and Tiffany. Each have interesting conversations to bring to the table and Dave has an excellent palette.
We drank a bottle of merlot since I wasn't wowed by the wine list. They do offer a reserve list, but I didn't think it was that special. I know that they change it up, frequently, and they could add to it, in my opinion.
Afterwards, we headed to the Falling Rock for chimay. I felt it was the best way to end a lovely day.
As you can see...the excess did not stop in D.C. Instead, it found a way to continue in Denver. Next weekend I will dine with Steve and Sarah, and my dad will be here as well. They are visiting to do the Race for the Cure, next Sunday morning and we will dine at Elway's, Saturday night, so that we can celebrate father's day. Again, as I get older, I prefer dining experiences to gifts. Plus, I know that my dad will love the steak at Elway's and be intrigued by all of the cougars/silver foxes that frequent the place. It should prove to be an interesting night.
After next weekend, I must detox and prepare for the marathon. 3 weeks and counting...thanks for listening.

Happy Birthday Brian....

I know that I wanted to post this yesterday, 9/26, since that was Brian's birthday. However, today is mine and they sort of interchanged one another. It was always a two day celebration for us and so although, technically, I am late, in practice, I am fine.
Brian would have been 27 years old.
I look back over the past year and know that I began marathon training as a way to celebrate his "golden" birtday. You know, celebrating your age on the day you were born, for that year. Shari got a tattoo on the day last year. It was a wonderful way to remember him, his beauty, essence and spirit of life.
I thought about it and initially, considered travel, but felt it was a cop-out since I will always travel. It wasn't extravagant enough. I wanted my gift to him to mean something.
Yesterday, it did. I ran my longest run, pre-marathon. We ran 21 miles and the entire time, I thought of him. He loved running and always encouraged me to run with him. I had other ideas...I didn't like it, the pace, how early we would go, excuse, excuse, excuse.
Yesterday, the run went smooth. Actually, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I ran by myself since the Goddess ran with another girl and truly, I wanted to go. I didn't enjoy their pace and so I took off. The first 16 miles were cake. Then with 5 left, I fixated on how long it was taking to get to the next water stop and yearned for my ipod or some distraction. I did it and it was a lovely way to start Brian's birthday.
Afterwards, the Goddess and I went to Goosetown for chips and salsa. She had a bloody mary and I had a Mirror Pond Pale Ale. She insisted on bringing the cupcakes and I let her. She is very sweet.
I walked downtown since the GABF is here and the Rockies are in playoff contention. Downtown had a beautiful energy about it, but I was tired. My body was over the whole walk thing.
We lost the game and I convinced my friend, Andy, to drop me off at home. I was exhausted. I now know that post marathon I am not going to want to be doing much of anything. And, I realize how powerful my mind is. With 5 miles left, I wanted to be done. I started realizing how far I had went and the negativity turned on. For the marathon I need to prepare to run 31 miles. Maybe that would help delay the wall or the negativity.
Yesterday was a wonderful day and today I might just watch Veronica Mars on Hulu. I am beat up! The run, the game, everything about last week that I haven't written about yet--made for an excellent birthday this year. Thank you to all of my friends and all of you for listening, encouraging and supporting me in the golden year endeavor.

Upcoming adventure

Tomorrow, I am heading to Washington D.C. I cannot wait.
I have been there, one other time. I went when I was 16 with a family that I used to babysit for in Kansas. They had relocated to Pennsylvania and invited me to spend spring break with them. It was my first and only time, skiing, and yes, we went to D.C. I loved the grittiness, then, and hope to explore more now. I feel that I will be able to appreciate its offerings more as an adult. I want to check out the food and bar scene.
I have reservations at City Zen on Wednesday. I hope to check out Bistro du Coin for french onion soup, Ebbitt's for a cocktail or oyster or two, and I am sure that I can find ample places worth checking out in Georgetown.
I am staying in the Dupont Circle for part of the time. If you have any suggestions on worthy places, please let me know. I love local pubs, dive bars, and of course, wine establishments. I like enjoying a glass of red wine, accompanied by bread and cheese and good conversation.
I am staying with Marc and Megan, tomorrow night, and we will either check out their neighbor's wine bar or maybe have home-cooked meal. I don't know. I am up for anything and both of them are skilled in the kitchen. It will be nice to catch up and explore the city.
Megan is going running with me on Wednesday morning. The prospect of running at sea level is awesome. I wish that I was doing the Nike Full Marathon in San Francisco, partially because it is at sea level and because I could run with the Goddess. She inspires me to keep going. I like that she sees potential in my running.
This week will be filled with wine, conversation and food. I have to run. I must. I will. I return on Friday, rest, and Saturday morning will be my longest run before the Denver Marathon, October 18th. We are scheduled to run 4 hours and we plan on accomplishing 21 miles. Yikes!?!?! But, I can do it and I will.
Have a lovely day. Again, if you have any recommendations for food in DC, please let me know.

Exhausted....

3 hour run...awesome...so tired now.
Last night, I prepared for my long run. I ate, like an early bird, had a salt bath, watched a movie, Heart and Souls--cheesy, but light hearted, was in bed by 10:30. The Goddess had contacted me about beginning at 7:30 instead of 7 am and I was agreeable. I can always use an extra half hour of rest.
At 7:30, she texted me to let me know that she was running late.
Our ran started at 8 am. We headed to Cheesman Park, did half a loop, left and made our way to City Park. There was some traffic, but all in all, a perfect day for running. About a quarter into the park, we realize that a race is going on. We continued on their course, since they weren't wearing numbers and most of the people were walking. We crashed the Memory Walk, for about a mile and a half. It was brief and kinda funny, at the time. I knew, from experience, that if there was a race, than the potties would be open. They were, thankfully.
Last time, I did a loop around City Park, the porta potties were locked and I was devastated. I carried cash on me today, to make sure that I had a little something extra to give the clerk if we needed to stop for a bathroom break.
According to our training schedule, we should have run at Goodsen Athletic Club. I like the trail, but we have run that particular trail 6 weeks in a row. I am over it! Plus, there are not potties along the route. Three of us opted to create our own long run and I think it worked out fine. We saw plenty of the metro area and we had multiple places to stop to potty, if need be.
The run, itself, went well. I am exhausted now...dreaming of a burger--yes, I said it--burger, loaded with mushrooms, cheese, avocado, onions. Sounds delightful; yet, I am headed to Elway's and so something else will have to suffice. Next week, the burger might be a reality. I have 4 hours to look forward to. I can do it. I can do it. I can do it....is my latest mantra.
Yes, I am exhausted, but I feel fantastic. Today is a great day. Enjoy yours!

Doing more with less....change the world wednesday....

This is something that I have been thinking about for some time. I want to simplify my life. I do not need a new car, new shoes or new luggage for my next trip. I have this wonderful bag that is suitable as a carry-on, or is easily packed into a checked bag for souvenirs. I probably will not be investing in luggage anytime soon.
And, I remember being able to pack my car when I wanted to move. No U-Haul or moving truck was necessary. It was me, the Nissan and my belongings.
Of course, with time, I have accumulated stuff and need to downsize. I will be moving into a one bedroom apartment in a month. Yes, I love my rental--location, eclectic space--but, do I really need all of the space? No. I could do more less.
I could travel more, find new restaurants around Denver and readapt to having less.
Yesterday, they posted the Change the World Wednesday Challenge. It suggested posting less use of paper towels. Specifically, not using paper towels for a week. Or, if you already do not use paper towels, write about it and how it is positive in your life.
I rarely use paper towels is what I found out. My old roommate, Chichi, was a huge fan of papertowels. We always had them. She wouldn't restock toilet paper or clean, much of anything, but we always had paper towels.
I'll be honest, I used them when they were here. She moved in January.
Since then, I have been fine without the extra clean-up product. I believe in wash clothes and sponges and seem to get a long just dandy.
I propose, also, to experiment, for a week, without the handy-dandy paper towel. There is less waste, removal of trash and odor. I believe that we can do it. What is the harm in downsizing or finding that we don't need all of this stuff? I know that paper towels do not take up a lot of counter space, but why not try an alternative to this product for a week? You might like it:)
Have a great week and enjoy the challenge.

no work today---YEA~~~

Yep, that's right, no work today.
I try to work the a.m. shift, most Tuesday mornings, but this week it didn't work out and I am okay with it.
Yesterday, I celebrated with an amazing bottle of wine, after having many conversations with friends, co-workers and acquaintances. I realize that I am a social person. I do not like to isolate myself from others. Meaning, I don't sit in one chair and wait for people to approach me. I flit from person to person. No, I am not the center of attention sort of gal. I am more one on one. And, there were several people in the Bull that I wanted to talk to yesterday. It was a pleasant, uneventful day. It wasn't filled with drunken drama. I feel that it was a lovely tribute to Dale.
It was a long day. I was hydrated, fully, and decided to make dinner at home, instead of stopping by Elway's. Tempted to go, but knew that the walk home in heels would be too much for me. Yes, I wore heels yesterday since my sandals pull on my tendon in an uncomfortable way. 6 hours is a long time to wear heels. How do most women do it? Seriously, my arches ache today and I have small blisters on feet. I know, with certainty, that I prefer sneakers and being on my feet all day, instead of a heeling wearing office type.
Because of the feet hurting, I am motivated to have a couch day. I know that I won't because I have many things that I need to accomplish before my trip to Washington next week. Plus the sun is shining and the weather is perfect for a mid-afternoon run. I took a few days off to rest my tendon. I am running the marathon and I have time to heal. My foot feels better and I want to spend time outside.
I could go shopping for late birthday gifts or trying to find another new Mexican Restaurant in Denver. A few months ago, while in Phoenix, I had a homemade tortilla and now I crave them. I found a place in Denver, last week, and think that I might return today, for another tortilla and some salsa. I liked the green chile and figure/hope that they will be skilled with salsa, too. The place is La Loma on 26th/Clay. I ordered take-out and so I have no descriptions of the ambiance or service, but the burrito was awesome. Definitely, going back for seconds, thirds, fourths.
I need to get off of the couch and back in the beautiful day. Hope you enjoy yours, too!