Long December

So, this probably be a long post, written over several days, because...well, it's been a long December.  Apparently, the year decided to go out with a bang.    

The month started out normal enough...marathon planned, zero training, first trail marathon.  Typical me.  haha.  and, as I mentioned in a previous post, it was so much fun.  I need to train better, but I do really want to do the 50 mile race next year.  

After that, it seems like it all went crazy.  Some good crazy, some not so good crazy.  The following Tuesday, I had my last class ever.  Very surreal, and a stressor 'till the end, but it was over. Brian surprised me with some wine and a poster when I got home. Thursday that week our good friends got married at city hall.  It was a beautiful wedding, city hall is really pretty, especially all decorated for Christmas.  I can't believe I hadn't been there before.  Following the wedding, we spent the day in Sonoma and had dinner at Seven Hills here in the city.  The following day, my parents arrived for my graduation, which was later that evening.  Graduation was fun, and I still can't believe it's over.  But, I am excited to have more free time. 

Throughout all of this, Gordon, our oldest cat, got sick and kept getting sicker.  He had stopped eating his regular food, so we changed him to wet food, and he started eating again. The. He stopped eating that...sometimes, he'd pieces of ham, or chicken, and we started feeding him baby food. And then, force feeding him baby food when he quit eating all together.  We took him to the vet, and they couldn't find anything wrong, and then took him back to the vet, and for an ultrasound. And, they still didn't see much wrong...a kidney infection, but his numbers weren't bad.  Ugh...poor kitty.  They gave him pain pills and antibiotics and different food, and he seemed a little better for about a day.  They were going to give him a feeding tube, which was a little more invasive than I wanted to sign up for, but if for some reason getting him to eat was the key to him getting better, I wanted to give him that chance. But then he started to have trouble breathing. We took him back to the vet, and she let us know that there was something pretty bad going on - brain tumor, advanced heart disease, or both. None of which are good. She offered to send us to a specialist, but, what would come of that?  Torture him a little longer to find something we can't fix?  No, that's not right. So, we made the tough decision to let him go.  Which, was awful, but the vet was wonderful.  Seven Hills Vet in diamond heights. Highly recommend. Highly. The vet called later that night to let us know she was thinking about us.  Today, we received a card in the mail with a sweet note from the vet and a paw print from our kitty. Very touching and very nice. 

Then we were off for the holidays!  Somehow, we flew first class to buffalo - I'm still not sure how we swung that, but it sure was nice. It was nice to get home and see the family and extended family, really busy though. Lots of people to see, but it was a good time. I did have a bottle of wine crack/burst/something in my suitcase, luckily, it didn't escape the plastic bag it was in. We also ordered a bunch of stuff - coats, pants, etc. for our trip after consulting with Brian's uncle. Getting excited about that....other than having to buy a bunch more stuff. Fun, but ugh.... 

Work wasn't that crazy, what was it I said....an alert a day keeps the boredom away...haha. A couple of fire drills at odd times, who doesn't love working at 3am ;).  But, it's been fun, and I had a really good store visit while I was there. However, I am looking forward to some time to relax. 

And, now 2013 is coming to a close.  Where did it go?  It really doesn't seem like it was that long ago that I was eagerly awaiting the departure of 2012, and  announcing that 2013 was going to be the best year ever. I had goals, wishes, things I was going to accomplish.  Did it all happen?  No, but...I do feel like I'm in a better place than I have been the past couple of years. It must be all about a positive outlook.  

So, what was 2013?  It was a year of a second ironman, which I still didn't finish....it was the year where one of my neighbors tried to blow up the apartment building, nothing like hanging out in the street all afternoon..the Jetta exploded and now we have another car payment....it was the year my first pet died, and I'm sure the year of plenty of other things I don't care to revisit. 

However, it was also the year I turned 30 and had one hell of a party. It was a year where I presented a paper at not one, but two conferences.  It was a year where I got to visit and find my way in Germany and had so much fun doing so. I visited a lot of places - Colorado, Louisville, Raleigh, Chicago, Arizona, Bremen, Hamburg, and I'm sure there are others.  I met up with a lot of friends, both near and far, and realized I know some pretty amazing people. I heard Hillary Clinton speak and saw Kelly Clarkson sing.  I discovered the headlands, and know I will always have a place to lose myself.  I bought a bright green car because I could and drove it home blaring Katy 
Perry's Roar. It was the year I finally got to walk across the stage at USF, something three and a half years in the making. It was a great year, for these reasons and more. But, I'm ready to turn the page. 

So, here's to 2014 - here's to new adventures and getting back in shape.  Here's to Everest basecamp and a Rhone river cruise.  Here's to more free time and finding something to do with it all.  Here's to another exciting year that's better than the last. 

Best Coworkers and Team Ever!

Quick blog post, because I have the best coworkers and team.  I returned to work after the weekend and two days of PTO, and really feeling like I needed a weekend to recover from my weekend.

As I came down the hallway, towards my desk, I saw what looked like the edge of a congratulations banner.  What I found, and continued to find all day, was so much more.  There was a banner, and balloons, and tinsel, and confetti stars. Who could forget the confetti stars.  No one...and for years to come, no one.  Since they're all over the building. Literally.  Haha...

Megan told me I had to work all day with the confetti and stars....so of course I did...mad it was a blast!

People came to visit and say congrats all day...my team, my department, my friend Ed, cross functional business partners.  And, every time I came back to my desk, it seemed like something else had shown up - flowers from Kimiko, wine from Lauren....Marie brought brownies and cookies...a card from my entire team.  So nice, and a fabulously unexpected surprise....and I'm sure others had a hand it.  I'm so glad I work with all of you and thank you all so much.

In other news, the vet called....kitty's tests are normal. Which is good, but he's still sick. Poor guy.  But, he goes back for some antibiotics tomorrow, as well as some X-rays. Hopefully that helps, he's a good, nice, cat, and I hope they can help him.

Until next time....

Graduation Weekend!

So, great weekend...I'm not really sure where to begin, and on some level, I still can't believe it's over.

My parents got to town on Thursday night, and our friends from San Diego got here Friday. It was great to see them, and I'm so glad they were able to come.  

I bought a dress on Black Friday, so I was excited to wear that...of course it's orange and pink, and they recommend dark colors for under the regalia. Oops....haha.  My parents and brother brought a necklace and a charm.  Which was perfect, since I couldn't find one to wear, that worked with the dress.  So, I wore the necklace, and can't wait to wear the charm.  Kevin picked it out - it's a heart with the Japanese symbol for love on it.  He looked forever, and chose that one, since it would mean something to me since I love to travel and loved Japan so much.  

We took two cars over, which was a little nerve wracking, since we only had one parking pass, mad parking for classes over there was always challenging.  We passed the barrier in front of the church, and it made me smile.  I'm sure it was annoying to anyone not involved with graduation, but I enjoyed seeing the no parking, special USF event banners in front of the church.  Luckily, there was a ceremony that had just gotten out, so we were able to find two spots pretty close together, and close to where we needed to be.  

Once we arrived, I headed over to the library where they had asked us to meet, and the family went to get in line to get seats. We were supposed to be in the library by 5:45, but that time quickly came and went, and we weren't really sure why we were there so early.  It did give me some time to catch up with the people I knew, and there were more than I thought there would be, so that was nice.  I was also able to have one of the Josten's guys fix the hood on my regalia, that was nice too.  Finally, at 6:20, we were ushered out into the cold to line up.  We still didn't really know what was going on.  Luckily, they got us in some from of a line pretty quickly, and through the grounds and into the church we went. 

The processional was cool.  I found my family and got to wave, yes, it was like I was five again.  Haha.  We got to watch the faculty come in, and it was cool to see them in regalia. They all had different stuff and outfits and hats on.  Not sure what it meant, but still cool.  The Dean's assistant sang the national anthem, wow...she had a great voice.  Then the dean and the Prevost said a few words, Prof Yang, who I wrote the paper with, did the opening prayer.  There were two student speakers, and then the honorary doctorate was awarded.  I don't remember much about her, other than she centered her speech around labor unions in Guatemala. Perfect for a class of business students.....

Then the Prevost did the presentation of the graduates, congratulated the class of 2012, and told us to move our tassels. Yes, you did read 2012 right.  Funny thing, my family didn't notice it, but all the students did....

Walking up to get my diploma was pretty surreal, and over way faster than I wanted it to be.  Once they read through the undergrads (thankfully, it's December and there weren't many of them)., they started the grad students. As we walked up, they took two photos of us.  The whole thing happened really quickly and we were pushed and pulled in multiple directions - stand in the right spot...fix the tassel and hood, etc.  Then we were up, up the stairs, card to the attendant, and walk across the stage. Or get pushed across the stage. It was a little crazy. The guy collecting the cards with our names on them was  telling everyone to keep moving and pushing them forward. Then when I got to the Prevost handing out the diploma cases, he shook my hand, and pulled me forward faster.  It was fine, but I do wish I'd had a second to enjoy the moment. But, my professor was on stage, along with another that I really liked, so it was cool to say hello (albeit quickly).  Once I shook the Prevost's 
hand and made it down the stairs on the other side, I followed the directions from volunteers around 
the church and back to my seat. I couldn't believe I had really graduated. And I was pretty sure the smile was going to freeze on my face.  We patiently waited for everyone else to have their rushed moment - and placed bets on whether or not they would shove the baby carrying guy across the stage - they did....

The ending speeches and prayers went pretty quickly, even with one of them in Chinese. The Prevost joked about how he'd given us the most expensive Christmas gift we'd ever get....haha, kind of funny, but not really.  He also pulled out a Santa hat and joked about how he should have worn that with his graduation garb.  It was one of those hats where the top flips back and forth. That was pretty funny.  Then, it was over and the recessional had begun.  We went out a side door, so were out in the courtyard pretty fast, and it was crazy.  So many people everywhere....students trying to find families, families trying to find students....and of course, I had no idea where my family was.  Picking a meeting place may not have been a bad idea.

I did run into one of my professors, Stackman, so that was cool.  He said congratulations and did this cool bow thing. Then, I realized it was cold and getting dark, and I should find my family.  I went around to the front of the church, thinking they might be there, or inside.  But, they were kicking people out of the church, so I decided to wait at the top of the steps - they'd find me eventually. And they did.  Sylvia found me shortly after I stopped there, and took me back around to where everyone was. Brian had flowers for me, and everyone had hugs.  We quickly decided to head to dinner and take pictures there, since we were short on time and it was dark out. My friend Mark gave me a pen on our way home.  A nice, fancy, handmade pen....very cool.

We took the cars home and Uber(ed) to dinner.  Uber is great, similar to a cab, but way cleaner and faster. We had dinner at 7 Hills - a nob hill restaurant owned by one of our friends, and our go to for special occasions. As is typical, they didn't disappoint. They have an appetizer that I really like, a ravioli uvo thing. They only had two left that day, and they were saving them for us...so delicious.  We toasted with champagne, had good food, and good wine...and some port, and overall had a good time with awesome family and friends.  And, I wore the grad garb for the entire thing....haha...I had intended to pull it off, but we needed photos, and then it was an additional layer in the cold. Kind of like a giant blanket. 

In other news, our old kitty has pretty much stopped eating. No fun, but hopefully the vet can help figure out what's wrong and how to fix it. We should hear from her early this week, and will go from there. Hopefully it's something easy to fix.  

North Face Endurance Challenge

So, let me preface this with the fact/thought that I should have done a training run (or six) that were longer than 15 miles.  But, I do what I can.  And, I was able to finish and have a great time doing so.  That being said, race report...

The start line was a pretty cool experience.  It was cold and somewhat windy, but they had heat lamps and fire pits going, which was a nice touch and made the cold bearable. There was also a welcome tent of sorts that had coffee and hot water and snacks (and more heaters).  I thought that was really nice, and not something I've seen at a race before.  I was nervous about drinking coffee before running, since I didn't know how it would affect my stomach. But, one of the volunteers offered me a cup of hot water to hold, which was a great help with the cold.  While we were in the tent, we looked at the course maps and Brian talked me through the flow of the marathon. While we had run or hiked most of the course, we hadn't done it all at once.  A couple of other runners joined us and we chatted through the course with them too.  The hour or so we spent there went pretty quickly, and was overall low key.  By the time we started the race, the nerves I had about not finishing had been replaced with the thrill of another adventure.

The course was a kind of figure 8 with a couple of loops.  The first loop went from the start line near the visitor's center at the headlands, up miwok hill, then down the back side into the Tennessee valley, up marincello hill, over to bob cat and altar before dropping back near the start.  The first hill climb was tough, especially on my calves, especially so early in the race.  But the decent into Tennessee valley was fabulous. I ran all of it, despite the run walk I usually do.  The only drawback was the rude runner with the headphones who yelled at me once I started running after a walk break....I'm not sure why.  Maybe she thought I didn't want her to pass me?  Whatever, wasn't going to ruin my day.  Coming into the Tennessee valley, I said good morning to a couple of guys tending a stable, had my photo taken, and ran into our friend, Drew.  He said hello, I told him I was feeling good, and he said, 'great! Now you get to run up the big ass hill'.  Haha....I think I told him I had just come down one.

The next part of the course began like the first, but after going up miwok a second time (ugh), we made a different turn at  Tennessee valley and headed out toward pirate's cove and muir beach.  This was when I started to get the Fun song, 'put one foot in front of the other....lalalala' stuck in my head. It remained there for most of the rest of the day. I met two other runners on the second trip up miwok.  Up until that point, I felt like I was pretty much in no man's land. They thought they were lost, but since I had talked through the course that morning, I reassured them we were on track.  Pat was from Connecticut and Holly was from LA.  It was nice to have some people to chat with on our trip up the hill.  However, I lost holly on the way up the hill.  But, I did trade off position with Pat until we hit Pirate's cove.  This was the one part of the course that was on pavement.  It was also where we started to see 50k runners coming back. I looked out for my friend Toby, who was running the 50k, but he was way ahead of me.  This was also a fairly easy portion to run....or run walk in my case.

The next part of the course went through pirate's cove, out to muir beach, and then back to the Tennessee valley.  That was by far the most difficult part of the course.  I think the hill up to pirate's cove was pretty rough, but quite honestly, I don't remember it.  I remember the descent was pretty scary.  At one point, I stopped to dig a stone out of my shoe, mad had my feet fly out from under me. Luckily, they crashed on to the next step, and I was able to remain upright. Thank god for small favors.  The course between pirate's cove and muir beach was pretty, but also pretty rough. It was a single track up hill, followed by a steep descent to the beach. Of course, it was an out and back, so all I could think was - I can't wait to run back out if this. There was an aid station at the turn around, for those do us that turned around. If you're me, you keep going and over run the turn.  Haha...luckily, I noticed the pink ribbon course markers had disappeared and I asked a volunteer, who turned me around, and I was back at the aid station shortly.

My friend Ed was working the aid station and gave me some water and electrolytes, as well as some Mountain Dew, which I hadn't had since college, but was amazing at mile 15.  He asked how I was feeling, and I'm pretty sure I told him I had muscles I forgot I had hurting.  Then I finished my stretch break, grabbed some pretzels, had another drink, and took off.  I saw Pat on the way back, gave him a high five and told him we were getting it done.  I also saw Holly, she had hurt her knee and was glad the aid station was only half a mile away.  And, that's where the course got ugly. After climbing the rollers out of muir beach, there was another never ending hill.  It felt like miles. Luckily, at this point there were plenty of people on the course since the 50 mile runners were on the same course. Most said hello as they jogged by me, and it was great to hear some friendly voices - even if they were running twice as far....

Upon returning to the Tennessee valley, I was glad to see the rest stop, and stopped to grab some more Mountain Dew and a pb&j.  I don't think it's ever tasted so good. I also overheard a pacer asking where he could meet his 50 mile runner.  So, of course the wheels started turning, and as much pain as I was in, I wanted to train better and do that one next year.  From the rest stop, we headed up marincello for the second time (ugh), but I knew what to expect, and I love the alta and rodeo trails.  And after that, less than a mile to the finish. And my Fun song about one foot in front of the other was back. Going up marincello, I walked by a couple of other runners, and was able to say hello.  It was nice to have some friendly faces through the final miles. Hitting the rest stop at the top of altar was nice too...great to see the friendly volunteers and have another mini sandwich and soda.

Coming out of the flat end of the rodeo trail, a volunteer at the last water stop let me know I had less than a mile to go, and offered me any last minute aid items.  I knew I was close, and didn't want to stop moving, so I thanked her and told her I was good. Then, despite the finish being just across the
street and up a small hill, I started singing my song from the Honolulu marathon....'this is the race that never ends'. Approaching the finish line, there was a lady cheering, who told me to run like I was Black Friday shopping. Haha....then I entered the finish line chute, and heard Brian and our friend, Drew, cheering for me. The announcer got my name from Brian and said, 'we're all cheering for you, Kim'.

And, like that, it was over.  Am I thrilled with my time, not really.  Am I happy I finished, definitely.  It was my first trail marathon, and my first marathon in at least two years, and I didn't train.  But, wow...so much fun.  As much as I knew I would be sore, and as sore as I am right now, I can't wait to sign up for the 50 mile next year.  And train for it....that too.

 In other news, I had my last team meeting for school ever today. So exciting and surreal...

One down, one to go.....

Second to last day of class....check, pick up graduation wear....check....so close, yet, one paper and presentation away.  But, so surreal at the same time. After three years, I can't believe it's here!  I went out early on Black Friday to find (and hopefully get a discount on) a dress.  I found a great one at BR, bright colored and fun, but of course not part if their Black Friday sale. Luckily, I was able to use my employee discount.  My family from NY and our friends from San Diego are coming to celebrate - I can't wait, but first about that paper and presentation. Luckily, we had movement on that tonight too.

I can't believe how fast these past few months have gone....it seems like it was just summer, but we've already made it through Black Friday and are marching right into Christmas. Black Friday weekend was far less crazy than last year, well, at least I wasn't up 29 hours again. As much fun as that was.... I did have a couple workouts interrupted by phone calls and another just as I was grabbing dinner, but, it comes with the territory....and I wasn't up for 29 hours. Thank god.

We had a great thanksgiving, or friendsgiving.  Great times with great friends, delicious food, everything you'd want from the holiday. And mulled wine....who could forget mulled wine. We did our typical Macy's Black Friday, less crazy since we got there long after it opened, but we got our ornaments and a few gifts. Spent the rest of the weekend watching holiday movies and decorating.

I love the holidays...and I'm realizing how much fun I thought this post would be and it seems really rather dry...haha. Oh well. It happens.

Busy December ahead....trail marathon this weekend, then if I don't get eaten by a mountain lion, the nutcracker, dinner with friends, and finally back to NY for Christmas.

Until next time.....

Berkeley half

So the race was good - well organized and plenty of water. Sadly, an anomaly for an inaugural event. But, this one had it pretty much together. The course was flat, net downhill, with a short, steep hill at the end. The start and sweat check were well organized, and there's always good people watching. What people choose to wear for these things is always entertaining to see....costumes, glitter skirts, back packs full of water and food, people wearing the race shirt at the race....and me....in whatever happened to be the first running clothes I found. At least I didn't have brand new shoes for this one...or drink a bunch of saki the night before.  Haha. I also tried running gloves.....bright blue ones. Went great with the light/off blue shirt I had on. Classy.... But anyway, I digress....the start line was the start line....20 minutes after the official start (yeah wave four), I was off....

The first four miles were pretty cool - wound through Berkeley, somewhere I haven't spent much time, so it was cool to see.  Mostly downhill, with a little flat.  On our way out of town, mile four or so, my left calf or Achilles tightened.....it's still sore now.  Hopefully this is not an issue for north face in a few weeks.

Miles four through thirteen were ok, flat and everything, but pretty boring.
Ran along side the highway to emeryville, looped around, ran back.....looped around again...and again.  Ended up on so e gravel path that I don't think was meant to be a path....looped around again.

Final three miles...at this point, my Achilles was really tight, despite stretching multiple times and my hip flexors started to tighten too. This is not goi g to bode well for north face. But, I was on the path to the finish....or not...loop around again...and finally, we were on our way.  There was some guy yelling that we were almost there and that we had this....the hill at the end had nothing on us....there's a hill AT&T he end??  This is supposed to be flat.....but, we were on the final straight. Or so we thought. First, we had to wind through a parking lot - think Disney world lines. Couldn't we have done an extra block or two in Berkeley?  After we made our way through the Disney line, we were finally on our way.  Just, up the now giant looking hill, and down the other side of it to the quietest finish line ever. Funny that we could hear it across the water, but not over the hill.

So, 2:27 overall.  Not my best time, but also not my worst. Not bad for having about half as much time to train as I wanted.  Someday I will have more time...someday.  Crossed the line, got my medal, and then a special medal because I did the SF half in June. Then, into so e warm clothes and off to lunch and an amazing post race nap.

We have the football game on, and they keep showing random boston scenes. It makes me smile...and  reflect on my time there. Looking back at, I realize how young I really was and how crazy most of what I did was.  They showed Quincy market....oh Quincy market....I think I spent my birthday there one year.  I know we spent Fourth of July there....and many a mapping session for gap. And the random times I worked in the store there....and how they were the only ones to call and check if I was ok after the protest. And dunkin donuts, how I miss dunkin donuts. I'm pretty sure I ate a lot of it outside the t stop there hahaha....

So, for now I will relax, watch the football game, and enjoy the random boston scenes they're showing. Happy thanksgiving week. Over and out.....

And the countdowns begin....

I spent the entire day in class....what fun for a Saturday. Ugh...but, then I realized it was the last time I would have class on a Saturday...ever. That made it much more bearable. So, I began my countdowns, and realized how excited I am for the future.  And, without further adieu, days until:

• Berkeley half - 12 hours and counting....
• Thanksgiving - five
• Black Friday - six
• North Face Marathon - 14
• Last day of class - 16
• Graduation - 19
• Christmas - 32
• Everest - 154

So much going on....I figured out that the next day I will be able to sleep in will be some weekend in mid-December. Or possibly thanksgiving. If the old navy world doesn't blow up. Fingers crossed. And possibly a couple of toes. 

I also realized that I completely forgot about my 14 year work anniversary. Not a huge deal, or a milestone year or anything...but, probably the first time I've just forgotten about it. Just a testiment to how crazy it's been....

And I just had a passing thought about what day it was....was it a weekend. Sadly for a second, I really couldn't remember. Oh the joys of holiday crazy at work and weekend class and a race.

I'm eating a cookie that tastes like the holidays...it's amazing. And Brian made up the rescipie himself. Amazing....I don't want to know what would happen if I tried to create a rescipie. Haha....

Other than that, not too much going on. Rode my city bike for the first time in forever.  Great ride to class and the ride home wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it might be. And fun to back on a bike. Now enjoying a relaxing night at home - no work, no school, just relaxing. And thinking about that race tomorrow. Perhaps it's time for a glass of wine.....mmmmm....wine.

Until next time....over and out. 

Weekend Adventures

Oh, what a weekend....maybe the most adventurous in awhile. A lot of fun, but not the most restful...haha.

Saturday, I did my last long run before the nothface marathon. And, I might be in trouble (I only made it to 15 miles...maybe 15), but it's such an adventure every time I'm out there.  Saturday I had planned to run to the lighthouse, back to the car, and then do another loop in a different direction. But, I couldn't figure out how to run to the lighthouse...why would the trail be labeled on the map?  So, I went a different route, and ended up finding one of the trails on the race course, so I ran Alta until it ended, and then all the way to the starting end. And, found several places where the trail went off state land and onto private land. Which you were allowed to cross, as long as you stayed on the path, kept your dog on a leash, and cleaned up after your dog. The benefit to running through the trailhead was that there was a map, so I figured out how I would get back to the car...what fun is simply going back the way you came?

So I planned a new route...Alta to the end, pick up SCA, then the costal trail back to the visitor's center.  Then I could assess the distance and decide if I needed another loop on one of the closer trails. Of course, nothing goes according to plan....especially when it comes to trail running. So I'm running along, feeling great, enjoying the awesome views of the SCA trail (single lane trail on the side of a mountain), when I see it.......

A kitty....a rather large, muscular, kitty. Crossing the trail and running up the hill. Too big to be a bob cat....which leaves one option. Yup, definitely a mountain lion. And, as I later found out, there is one living in that area, and they're warning pets and small children to stay away....

Good times. Luckily, I had plan B - there was another trail a bit back that would take me to the trail I started on that morning, thus taking me back to my car. So, I backtracked. And got back...but then it was cold, and I was stiff, and it was windy. I got back to the visitor's center and actually went inside, and....it's pretty cool. Half store and half museum, lots of cool stuff to look at. And a good place to thaw out. Of course, then I didn't want to run anymore....but I made myself walk a few miles to get them and some more time in. Saw the hostel and the art center...cool to see, but still cold, so I called it a day. Despite the race....I decided that I was doing it (and trail running) to have fun. So, I'm going to have fun...have an adventure...and hopefully finish. If not, well I'm the first to admit that I probably bit off more than I could chew with this. And I'm still up for next year....50 miles would be cool, right??

We had a somewhat low key night....friends over for dinner....cookie baking....sent a pizza back for the first time in my life. Let me back up, we ordered pizza from Paxtis, the only place that delivers to us...not the first time, and probably not the last. We get the pizza an hour later....and one of them looks like it's been tipped over. The other, well, it looks like its been kicked down a few flights of stairs. So, I call them...not sure what I'm hoping to get, because this has never happened before. They were very nice, and offered to bring us new pizza. An hour later, we had decent looking pizza to eat. Great customer service. And lunch for the rest of the week.

Today we went on another hike, to further break in our boots for Everest. I took Brian and one of our friends on the trail I ran a few weeks ago. Great views of the bridge, and of course we went off the main trail and found a bunch of bunkers in the hillside. Some connected underground. Sadly, they were all covered in graffiti and full of garbage. But, still really cool to see. I love the headlands...so much cool stuff to see.  I also ran into one of my former classmates...cool to see him too.

I can't believe the weekend is almost over...and I'm back to the craziness. Is it December yet?  Really, is it mid December yet?  Then school will be over too. I can't wait for graduation. Really, I can't wait for Black Friday. I definitely had nightmares both nights this weekend....that I hadn't set the alarm, and was late for work/to deal with whatever crazy had come up now. Just like I used to dream about new flow and inventory when I was an assistant manager in college...glad to see some things never change. Haha....it will all be over soon.

Until next time....over and out.

Is it April yet?

So, I'm finding myself asking if it's April yet....which is kind of funny, since there is so much going on right now and in the near future that will be a lot of fun - Thanksgiving, Black Friday, graduation, my parents visiting, North Face marathon...but, we've started to really plan for everest.  And, I'm really excited....really, really, excited.  We're figuring out how we're getting all of our stuff and looking at flights.

We got our boots tonight and are going to start breaking them in tomorrow.  I'm sure that will be an adventure....and I'll have sore feet - these boots are really stiff.  But, I guess we have to start somewhere.  Hopefully they'll be good in time for the trip.

Other than that, I'm working through the last few weeks of school...in a rough class.  We can't seem to figure out what the professor is looking for, or what exactly she takes points off for.  So frustrating.  But, it's my last class.  And, they don't do any sort of graduation with honors for grad students...so, I really can't bring myself to care.  I mean, I'm still going to do the work, but I'm not going to stress about it.  Or at least I'm going to try not to.

I'm also in the process of organizing an MBA panel for my professor that sponsored my paper.  Oh the things that sound good over a beer in Germany....haha...it's been a good experience thus far.  I have some panelists...and HR wants to come, so that's a good thing, right?

OK....I think that's it for now.  Must finish the midterm and get ready for tomorrow's hike....over and out...for now.

Time flies....

so i realized today how long it's been since i updated this...where does the day go...

really, where did today go.  and why did it end with a meter eating my money, a broken microwave at school (thank god for 2 folsom), and birds not liking my bright green car.....

anyway...since its been so long...

puerto rico was amazing.  just what i needed - not that germany wasnt fabulous, but it was so nice just to be able to hang out...not worry about a presentation or a race or needing to be anywhere.  i also bought my first new dress in probably eight years...pretty cool.

other than that, life has pretty much gotten back to normal.  well, normal with a side of school and work craziness.  i cant believe its holiday again...yikes!  its crazy, but we all know that on some level, i love it.  and school...well, last class.  thank god!  but its so much work.  so.  much.  work.  ugh...but, its over in a few weeks and then....GRADUATION!  haha...i cant wait.

other than that....as if there is time for anything else....

im on a crash course of training for the north face endurance marathon.  hardest trail marathon in the country.  oh the things that sound good after several glasses of wine.  anyway, its the weekend before graduation and ive run a grand total of 11 miles.  must do 20 the next few weeks.  hopefully ill be able to finish...hopefully.  im sure it will be an adventure anyway, and i love an adventure.  even training has been an adventure - bob cats and trails and terrain and new shoes and training adventures.  always a good time.

we've also started to plan our next adventure - nepal/everest in april.  its almost still too far away to be real just yet, but all the forms are signed, we're looking at flights, and travel shots have been ordered.  we've also looked at all the gear we need - eeek....so much stuff.  so crazy, but hopefully it will also be an adventure :).

ok, im pretty sure this is the most pointless blog ever, but i wanted to get something up since its been so long.  until next time....

On the road again....

And this time, there is no paper to present, no conference to attend, or race to be run....just...relaxation. Not that those other trips weren't fabulous experiences, but I am really excited to take some time and just relax. Brian and I are headed to San Juan to celebrate our fifth anniversary, and to just relax. Yay relaxation...once we get there....

Because of course it's going to be a round of planes....in fact more planes than it took me to get to Germany. Though, I should be an old pro by now...haha. Though, I did have TSA inspect my hair, yes, you did read that right...my hair. For all the contraband I have hidden in it. And, we did find out that we didn't have to pay to check luggage. Bonus - save $50 and not have to haul the extra carryon. Downside - we had planned to only check one, and could have brought twice as much wine. Haha.

So, LAX...awful airport. At least where food is concerned. One restaurant for the entire terminal...30 minute wait. Cause that works at an airport. But they had takeout...woohoo...or not. I'm pretty sure the pizza may have been fresh...in March...2010. Brian has a picture of it. I can't believe we actually ate it...nor can I decide what's worse. A stomach ache from not eating or a stomach ache from gross food. And, while being sick this week has been anything but fun, hopefully it means I'll sleep all the way to NYC....

And JFK is freezing....it's almost like being at the office with the crazy vent next to my desk. Good times...is it time to leave yet?  There's six or eight of us attempting to sleep while we wait for our flight.  And of course that means someone brings their four year old over to 'play', loudly. Really?  There's nowhere else you could go?  It's a pretty big airport. Somehow the two guys in the near vicinity have managed to sleep through it.  Oh wait...sleeping guy is dad...awesome. Maybe he could, I don't know...get up and take care of his child. Or let him continue to run through the airport, that works too.

And they're playing a song from a really old, dawn era Old Navy commercial.  On that note....

Almost there...one more flight. Countdown to relaxation...six hours and counting.

Always an Adventure....

Today, I am thankful there is a gap office next to school...I am even more thankful that I can access the cafe and microwave there....and that there is always the possibility of running into an old friend or two...

Let's back up. So, chiro appointment = work all the plane soreness out of my back/neck/shoulders = awesome. Since it was right next to school, I went there to work remotely before class. Worked out just fine until I went to heat up my food and the microwaves were broken...both of them.

For a second or two, I get briefly frustrated about both wasting the dinner I brought and having to buy new food. Then I remember there's an office with a microwave and a non-crowded place to sit...if I'm lucky, maybe even a napkin or two. And, on my way to what ended up being a private dinner in the 2 Folsom cafe, I ran into two coworkers I haven't seen in a long time. 

Then, it was my last first day of class....a little bittersweet, but definitely more sweet. On a positive note, my team seems pretty engaged. On a negative note, I am waiting for a train at 10:30 and want to be at home....

Until next time....

Farewell Germany!

From yesterday....

So, my trip is complete - I have been blessed...or something by a homeless man on the train. Only me...where is someone with hand sanitizer when I need it. 

The Bremen airport reminds me of the buffalo airport...other than there is NOTHING once you pass security - no food, no shops...well, other than duty free. And...no way out. Other than to hope the guy at security speaks English. He did, and let me out, right back through the metal detector. Add that to the list of things that would never happen in the US, along with leaving your shoes on and curb-side parking. 

Security was an interesting experience, you basically wait outside the security area until the people in front of you go through. I, of course didnt know this and walked right up. I had no idea why the lady was yelling at me...once she realized I don't speak German, she did apologize. Once it's your turn, there's someone waiting with a bin that helps you put all your stuff in it. Then you walk through a metal detector. It's seriously the highest security person to passenger ratio I've ever seen. Not sure if the bigger airports are like this, or how they manage if it's busy...if it ever is. 

And there's someone asleep at the airport...not so crazy. Well, wouldn't be so crazy if he wasn't snoring. Loudly. Loud enough for people three rows away to be turning around. 

The highlight - I did see a guy in lederhosen that was not headed to a beer fest party. 

There was more going on at the Frankfurt airport (even though a lot of it was closed because its Sunday), which was good since we were delayed an hour and a half. And, apparently since I'm flying back on a US carrier, they have extra security at the gate. Like, you have to get a special sticker to be allowed to board. To get the sticker, you have to answer a series of questions.....

Some make sense, such as, where were you visiting and how long were you here. Others, like, 'where did you pack your bag' and 'did anyone give you a bomb to bring back', I can't say I understand. Because, if you're being shady, are you really going to tell them?  And, where would one pack a bag?  In a house or hotel, perhaps?  Nah...I hauled it all down to the train station and packed it there. 

After getting through the interrogation, I was able to board the plane...a little shaken, because if you don't know interrogating everyone is normal practice, you might think something is wrong...

Once onboard, I realized why I don't fly domestic carriers overseas...the seats are way closer together...and no TV screens in the seat, just a couple of big ones that I couldn't see anyway. No free wine, really, no drinks of any kind at all after the dinner service. I'll take the half broken screen on Lufthansa any day....

I had a window seat, which was good. Unless of course you want to use the bathroom. And the people next to you are sleeping. With their trays down. For the whole flight. Awesome. Then I get to SFO, and the restroom is closed. This is not my day. 

Of course US customs was the most difficult to get through, but I had a book and got to watch a movie about security beagles sniffing out oranges in people's luggage multiple times. I don't really know what day or time it is, but I'm definitely glad to be home. 

If I roll my ankle in the cobble stone one more time....

There's a chill in the air that reminds me of east coast fall.  People have just started to bundle up in preparation for winter's chill, but are still able to enjoy a beer garden in the sun.

Overall, the conference was a great experience.  It was a great opportunity to engage with people from across the globe - learn about where they're from, what they're working on, and share what I'm working on.

The conference didn't provide a shuttle for those of us staying at the conference recommended hotel (interestingly enough, they did provide one back to the city....).  So a small group of us decided to walk back to the hotels, which was nice after sitting pretty much all day.  We ended up meeting later for dinner, same restaurant I was at the night I arrived, which I usually try to avoid, but was worth a second visit for some good dinner time conversation.  Very interesting to dine with: a new professor, raised in Kenya, but teaching in England, and a seasoned professor, currently teaching in Brussels, but has taught all over the world.  It was cool to discuss our countries and backgrounds with respect to university systems. politics, and cultures.

And the train...oh the train.  It continues to be an adventure, although today I did go the correct direction the first time.  And, I've mastered the ticket machine.  Having either the right amount of change, or small bills would have been even more helpful, however.  Not to worry, the convenience store at the train station was open (surprising, since it seems like nothing is ever open in Vegesack), and I am now the proud owner of a plastic bottle of gum and a bunch of change.  In time to board the train too!

And then there's the entertainment factor - there's a lady in the seat across from me drinking a bottle of either white wine or hard liquor.  I'm not sure.  But she's quiet and clean and chugging away at 8:30 in the morning.  And apparently someone else felt the need to bring their breakfast on the train...thank you, but I could do without the smell of whatever that is...

We took the train to Hamburg for the day for some post-conference sightseeing.  It was cool to see another city - bigger and with more people.  We took one of those hop on hop off tour busses, and spent most of the day at the port.  Had lunch at a restaurant that brewed its own beer, and toured a Brazilian Navy ship.  Pretty cool.  Wandered the largest mall in Hamburg....Germany....I can't remember.  It was big, but not that big...

It was also great to spend the day chatting with my professor.  We discussed next steps on the paper, as well as ways to get more students involved in research and potential benefits available to them.  Who knew a quick hallway conversation would take me to Germany?!  She asked if I would come talk to a few of her classes, and try to organize a way for them to meet other MBA's/International Business people through Gap.  We also talked about ways these types of conferences could apply to my work and how I could continue to be part of them and projects going forward.  There were a lot of practitioners there, so there is the possibility.  

Once I got back to Vegesack (Veggie World ;)), I tried my hardest to find a store with a wine opener.  I found one on my way to the hotel from the train station - a convenience store, surely they had one.  Of course they did....but only one.  To open bottles someone happened to buy on the way to a party...their hotel....who knows.  I thanked them, and continued up the street to the restaurant I planned on going to.  I had run down said street earlier in the week and it was the most bustling place in veggie world....however, 8:30 on a Saturday night, and....everything was closed.  Awesome.

After giving up on the wine opener, I decided to try the restaurant I thought looked cool while I was running the other day.  The menu was half in english...and they had wine...and it was this small, really cool Italian/German atmosphere.  Pretty quiet - there were only two groups of us in there, and the waitress, who couldnt have been more than 18, was very friendly.  And well...while the food was fine, I was attacked by flies...fruit flies, real flies....good times.  I think I am going to have nightmares about flies for weeks.  I had a fruit fly swimming in my wine...a real fly drinking olive oil like a lush....I either picked the wrong seat or the wrong restaurant...or both.  Not much I could do since they don't speak English...and I dont speak German.  Minor details...

After dinner, I crossed my fingers (and a couple of toes), that the little store by the hotel, the only one open in veggie world, was still open and I could get a bottle of wine.  And thankfully it was...wine is a definite necessity when dealing with facebook's picture uploader.  I remember it being easier in the past...

Oh Germany....I feel like I've seen a lot, but not nearly enough.  I wish I had one more day.  Or Brian and I were going to stay a week and tour.  So much I want to see and do...but, I guess that's what next time is for.  Until then, I will miss bringing up google and getting google Deutschland, and wishing I'd had the time to go to Berlin or one of the WWII museums.

Such a (large) small world

So much to say, and so little time....between the jet lag and the all day conference, I'm super tired. Today was....something. Full of moments where I felt proud of myself and definitely a few where I wished the ground would just swallow me whole.

Well, lets start at the beginning. I got up early to run, only to realize that it was still dark out. Awesome. So, I made up yoga in my room....that works, right?  Then walked over to the conference hotel to take the shuttle to the conference. It was cool to run into a lot of familiar faces from last night and have people to talk to.  As we boarded the shuttle, there were a couple of people on there already. Apparently, one of them was staying at my hotel and had gotten lost (once) the day before, so had the shuttle come special for her to a different hotel. On one hand, would have been great to know and saved me a walk....on the other, I did feel a little proud of myself for figuring it out on my own. Have I been lost since I've been here?  Of course....have I figured it out?  You bet, and really, that's half the fun.

So we get to the conferee at Jacob's University. Today, there are signs and people everywhere telling us where to go. And they gave us a neat little bag with a bunch of stuff and information in it. Wild have been handy to have the previous night, but oh well.  Then we had the morning sessions, followed by lunch and the poster session, which I was part of. Eeek.....

I manned our poster alone for most of the time because my professor had another meeting to go to - our poster that we put together wrong, but that's another story, and it all worked out in the end. I talked to a lot more people than I thought I would, many of whom I met last night and wanted to check my stuff out. I thought it was cool that I could somewhat hold my own amongst professors ad Ph. D students from across the globe. Of course the presenter next to me was from Pittsburg, hence the small world. For the most part, people were polite, asked good questions, and had helpful feedback. And then it was almost the end...and I was charged by three men in suits. Somehow, I knew this wouldn't go well. And....it didn't. They had some questions about one of our case studies....some of the raw data I pulled from the company website, some information we got in one of the interviews, etc.  Valid questions, good callouts....but rather than make them and move on, they continued to drill at it, move away from one piece and then circle back to it. I did the best I could to answer their questions and continue to reiterate my points.  As I look back on it now, I'm more proud of how I handled the situation and could realize how much I've grown through school and work and experiences than anything else. But, I'm not going to lie, I really am a fish out of water at these things and sometimes it really does feel like it.

Then we had afternoon sessions followed by an evening event. It made for a really long day, and I was hoping to escape the evening thing, but there really wasn't a way to do so. It turned out ok, there was wine...but I was promised dinner and given finger food. I'm hungry. And there were several more presentations before dinner, which were tough to get through until 8pm without food. Though, counting the people falling asleep was entertaining, I felt bad for the presenters. I did have a chance to meet some new, cool people, which I enjoyed, as well as reconnect with those I met yesterday. I've met a lot of interesting, diverse people over the past few days, and that's been amazing.

Ok....it's late and it's once again an early morning. Even if I do plan to go late tomorrow....oops....

Exploring Germany...

From last night, since the wireless went down....

So, I started off the day with an, 'OMG, I'm in Germany', thought. After a little bit of rest, I couldn't wait to explore. I didnt have anything for the conference until three, so I had most of the day to myself. 

The hotel breakfast was simple, yet filling. For some reason, I felt like I was doing something wrong and everyone was starring at me. Oh well, I'm sure it was just in my head. 

After breakfast, I went on a long three mile run - long because I stopped to take pictures every few steps. The more things I saw, the cooler I realized everything was. So much of it was exactly what you would expect to find in Germany, yet a lot of it was different. And, while there are tons of bikes on the road, I was the only one running. Maybe because it was cold and rainy?  Maybe because people here don't run?

After my run, I got ready and headed into Bremen for a tour the conference was offering. I found a cute restaurant by the hotel that I wanted to try, but ultimately decided that I needed to get on the train and get to my destination first. This turned out to be a good thing, since of course I got on the train going the wrong direction the first time. 

I made to the city center for the tour with plenty of time to grab a quick bite to eat - cue German McDonald's. which, was very similar to American McDonalds. Unfortunately, my inability to find the tour (the meeting spot was lost amongst a protest/demonstration - why wouldn't there be one right where I needed to be...), had me wishing I had chosen a different restaurant for lunch. Oh well, I ended up making up my own tour, seeing lots of cool buildings, and people watching from a beer garden. While enjoying my beer, i did see two guys in traditional Chinese dress - I figured they had to be with the conference. I also wandered into a church that was open to the public. So cool and very pretty. 

Then, it was time to find the conference check in - that I needed to go to, in order to get my name badge and whatever else for tomorrow. Of course, I couldn't figure out how to get into the historic building...I saw some people, but they wouldn't let me in for some reason. Luckily, I walked around the back of the building at the same time the China Goes Global tour was wrapping up, so I was able to follow them inside. 

They had a nice reception with a few speakers, some wine, and finger food. It was a great opportunity to meet people from all over the world - China, Germany, France, Spain, and even Florida. If someone had told me two years ago that my independent study paper would land me here, I never would have believed it.

At the end of the reception, there was even a free shuttle to bring us back to the hotels so I didnt have to take the two trains to get home. The trains haven't been bad, now that I've figured them out, but the ride was a nice touch. 

I found a restaurant with an outdoor pizza window (they seem to have a lot of those here) to grab some dinner on the way back.  Made to order as I watched - very cool. However, the town here (outside the main city), seems very quiet. Not sure if it's because of the weather or that it's the work week or what. 

And now the wireless is down...awesome. I didnt have anything I needed to look at for tomorrow, and I totally know where I'm going. Ugh. Well, off to sleep in preparation for tomorrow's adventure. 

Planes, Trains, and I was really wishing I had an automobile....

So, as I made my way from San Francisco to Germany yesterday, I decided to start blogging again.  And, maybe start one that I could keep going after this trip, since I seem to have a lot going on in life - whether it's presenting a paper or a 100 mile bike ride, it seems like there is lots to write about.  And, with school wrapping up soon, I might actually have time to keep it up - we shall see.  Anyway...

I started my original blog last year when I spent several weeks traveling China and Japan.  I thought about continuing that blog, but in the end, decided to keep that one as is and start new one about life in general.  Anyone who wants to see that one, it can be found here: http://swimbikeruntravel.wordpress.com/

Ok, I digress.  Yesterday, and I guess Monday too, was an adventure in remembering how to travel.  The plane ride was pretty uneventful, which is good for a plane ride.  I thought the guy next to me was going to be crazy, since he decided he just wanted to take a different seat, you know, in case no one was sitting there.  In the end, he ended up in his normal seat next to me, but was actually a nice guy.  And, the wine was free...haha...love Lufthansa.

After what became a really long plane ride - I fell asleep too early, and then couldnt go back to sleep (ugh, but I did get to catch up on my movie watching), we landed in Frankfurt.  I had some time to kill between flights, so had my first German beer, because, what else are you going to do ;).  Then boarded a second plane for Bremen.

Arrival in Bremen was also non-eventful, and probably a good thing.  Customs really was too - I think I went through in Frankfurt, where they stamped my passport, and then again with my bag in Bremen, but no one said anything.  My suitcase was ready as soon as I got to the luggage carousel, so I grabbed it, and I was off...to somewhere.

The hotel had provided directions from the airport to the city of Bremen, and then from Bremen to the hotel in Vegesack.  Unfortunately, they werent the most clear directions for someone not from here.  That, and unlike what I remember from Asia, the train stations are not in English.  Oh well, luckily, the only train at the airport was the one I needed to take, and I figured out how to change the ticket machine to English.

So I board the train....and know I need to get off at the central train station.  Of course, I translate that to, center city....and get off in the middle of Bremen.  Great...I love an adventure, but not so much with a giant suitcase, in clothes I've been wearing for two days, and on two hours of sleep.  I walk about a block before realizing I'm in the wrong spot.  Luckily, another train isnt far away and the central train station is easy to find.  If only the next train had been just as easy to spot, but luckily there was a little booth selling tickets and offering help.  And even better, they spoke some english.

I had to go in the train station building to get the train to Vegesack (think commuter rail in boston type thing), and quickly find myself in the grand central station of Bremen.  Which wouldnt be so bad if I wasnt hauling a suitcase, etc, etc.  Someone else helped me buy the correct ticket and sent me to the right train track, only to miss the train.  And of course the elevator is broken - so after hauling the suitcase up the stairs, I got to haul it back down and find the next train to Vegesack.

I decided I'd had enough of hauling the suitcase, and attempted to take the elevator up this time.  But it ended up being packed, and there were two of us left outside of it.  I think I thought there were more people coming out, but they werent, and I really didnt know what was going on.  The other girl asked me something, but of course I didnt understand her, I think she was telling me to get in the elevator.  In the end, neither of us did - that's the thing about traveling in Europe that's way different from Asia - I look like I could speak the language here and just talk away at me.  In the end, I ended up hauling the luggage up to track five, and thankfully getting on that train.

45 minutes later I arrived in Vegesack, and according to the website, the hotel was only 250 meters from the train station.  Of course I had no idea which direction....but, I picked one and walked.  And got lucky because I ran into a map....and then the road I needed was right across the street.  Easy-peasy.

Check-in was uneventful, but then of course, I couldnt get the door to the room open.  So, some poor soul had to come bring another key and then it seemed like all was well.  I hung up my suits, got ready, and headed across the street for dinner.  I was exhausted, but knew 5:30 was a little too early to go to sleep.  I had dinner at a little beer garden, but ate inside since it was chilly and rainy outside.  I ended up with some pasta with some sort of egg sauce and a giant glass of wine - and it was the small glass of wine.  I'm a little afraid as to what the big one would have been.

After a nice dinner, I was definitely ready for bed, but of course unable to get the door to the hotel room open again....awesome.  Back down to the desk I went.  This is a fun game.....this time, I had them watch while I tried the door so I could figure out what I was doing wrong.  Apparently, I was supposed to pull it, then push it open.  Of course, why didn't I think of that....haha.  I felt really dumb, but was really just thankful to be in my room and in my bed.  Until tomorrow...