sigh
Filled up the GTI for the first time in 2 months – over $40! Yikes!
On another note – should we be awaken by earthquakes in Chicago?! That being said, I did find the USGS website to report activity for the quake. Good stuff.
At least the weather is nice!
Marcia convinced me to sign up for a 5k run a bit over a month ago. The last time I remember running any kind of distance was in High School because we had to run a mile. I was a bit skeptical of being ready within a month. I got new running shoes, as my old ones were falling apart, and we figured out what mornings I would train. This “training schedule” was impeded by Chicago weather, my trip to New Orleans, and coming down with pneumonia. Lets just say I got two training runs in the week before the race. Having my Polar HRM was key to pacing myself as I overexerted myself running without it. I was never a long-distance runner, always a sprinter, so pacing was new to me! I did manage to get just under 3 miles in on my last training run, so I felt that I could at least complete the 5k.
The race itself was much different than I expected! May more braved the 34F temps that I had imagined.There were all sorts of people running; families with kids in jogging strollers, older couples, young kids – it was fascinating! I had forgotten to prepare my MP3 player, so I just listened to the goings on around me. At one point a woman said “Somebody cheer for Lisa” and everybody in our area let out a loud “GO LISA!!” The camaraderie surrounded us all! Running into Wrigley and finishing just after exiting underneath the sign was fantastic! I did opt for the timed race and the results were posted yesterday.
Not horrible considering the lack of training, but the sense of accomplishment made it totally worth it! Now to figure out which will be my next run! (bringing my GPS next time to track the route!)
Google Maps and Chicago Transit Authority have finally teamed up!! I’ve been waiting for this for years! All you have to do is put in your starting point and destination and get directions – then select if you are driving or taking public transit! It is super easy and you can combine it with the use of Google Streetview to actually see the area you are going to! Now if they could integrate it with Google Maps for Mobile – that would be fantastic!
One of our board members gave us 14 tickets for Thursday’s Cubs game and, as I was one of the first to respond to the e-mail, I got free tickets!! It was ~45F and sunny and beautiful out when I left my apartment – but I ended up freezing at the game. Well worth staying though, as the cubs pulled their first win of the season! I’ve never seen Wrigley empty so fast though – I guess everybody else was freezing too! GO CUBS GO!!!
I stepped out onto Canal St. where the tracks split the street in two. I then walked up a couple of blocks to the Carondolet stop, hearing the streetcar approaching before seeing it lumbering down the tracks. One soon arrived and it was filled with people from all walks of life. As they spilled onto the street we patiently awaited our turn to get on. I clutched the money in my hand confirming the presence of the dollar and a quarter necessary for a ride. The paint on the outside was a faded green and the light from the naked bulbs escaped through the open windows. The conductor closed the door before anybody could get on telling us to wait for the streetcar behind. It hurried away with its tail following the electric wire above. The next streetcar arrived empty, with the door ajar, waiting for its void to be filled. We entered one by one, scurrying for empty seats. Suddenly a strange sound emitted from beneath as a lethargic pump came to life. As I took my seat, the noise subsided and the pump sighed to a halt. As I leaned back into the seat, it creaked and then snapped. The cantilever system for the bi-directional seats had lost its strength over the years. The electric motors kicked in and the vibrations of old wood and metal, groaning to support one another, filled the air. The sound summoned memories of the American Eagle. As our speed picked up so did the brisk breeze, the passengers adjusted the ratcheting windows accordingly. The bare bulbs flickered as we turned down St. Charles Avenue. The ancient pump burbled to life once again, only to wheeze to a stop moments later. The cacophony of sounds eked a smile out of this weary traveler’s face. Keeping my arms inside the car, I leaned on the windowsill taking in the scene; beads hanging from anything above arm’s reach, beautiful columned homes, joggers running down the middle of the tracks – this is the Big Easy. Soon enough the leisurely ride had ended, we had reached our destination. I thanked the conductor on my way down the steps and into the New Orleans night.
If you can read this – April Fools! Welcome to my little collection of April Fools 2008 links!
Google has partnered with Virgin to create Virgle – Earth – Plan B, colonization of the planet Mars! Make sure you fill out the application.
Google is also introducing Gmail custom time – date your e-mails whenever you want!
Wikipedia has an article on Ima Hogg and her family. Make sure to read the rest of the page as well!
WOOT is having a WOOTOFF – of the exact same item! Make sure to click on the item picture. Bagsofcrap have made an appearance, so be warned!
Kia introduces the KEE_Wii – a concept vehicle with no steering wheel, controlled by a Wii controller – from any seat!
Art Lebdev has created a new difficult to use door chain!
CNet’s Download.com has the six best new downloads for 2008!
Wired has an article about how activists want to rename April 1st – Fossil Fools Day!
Slate has an article on teaching kids kinder-gardening! Its not too early to start Caroline!
(Their weather report happens to be quite amusing as well)
Virgin Blue offers “No chair fares”!
Did you know that penguins can fly!?
The Reckless Chef has burned down her apartment! Make sure to stop by and send your condolences.
Of course, there is the omni-present RickRoll!
