Monthly Archives: November 2010

Random thoughts

Pumpkin Party (recap)

My friend Julia hosted a “Pumpkin Party” a few weeks ago.  She recently posted some pictures from it, and I wanted to share a few here for you (hopefully Julia won’t mind!).  Basically the party was a pumpkin carving party with lots of pumpkin foods, treats, and beer involved.  I’ve never been one for pumpkin carving (I think I’ve tried three times, and it’s just a lot of work 🙁 ) but I’m always really impressed by people who are good at it!

 

My favorite!

 

Scary!!

 

I can’t believe how creative/talented with a knife some people are.

 

If I have a baby, remind me to have it shortly before Halloween so I can dress it in a pumpkin costume! Baby Max 🙂

 

 

I am very serious about Pumpkin Beer. Evidently. This is Julia (and me).

 

Most recommended:  Schlafly Pumpkin Ale (have a six-pack in the fridge, as it was on sale.  However, it will probably end up sitting there for months as I really only drink socially.  I will have to take it somewhere, I guess!)

 

Everybody in the picture is named Chris

 

And last but not least, this is my friend Jon.  He’s missing.  If you see him, please let us know.

 

Running

Week One of Thanks

To recap what I’ve been thankful for so far:

1) My cat

2) No more election campaigning

3) Being able to afford to buy food

4) Gorgeous fall weather

5) Processed cheese

6) Good friends

That’s an interesting assortment of ideas/stuff I’m thankful for (or grateful, depending).  So what about today?  I wanted to say fall weather again, because the weather is just gorgeous today.  But that’s already been done!

I’m thankful for my LEGS which took me on a long run around Tower Grove Park.  I ran for about 1 hour ten minutes with one small break in the middle.  I ran nice and slow, but I RAN the whole time.  It was over 5 miles.

Beautiful!

 

 

Love this!

 

I was so proud of myself for running so much.  Seriously, it’s been a big struggle to just keep running, and I know last week’s race with Jen was a big turning point for me (we ran the whole 5k).  Today I knew I could do it, plus I planned to take a break about 45 minutes in to try a GU, which is a food thingy.

 

 

This little packet tasted pretty good! It's to keep your energy levels up for longer runs.

 

I bought a sampler pack from that company (today’s was a free sample from the Lewis and Clark half marathon) so I’ll have some sampling to do.  I feel like a real runner!!  Thank you LEGS for carrying me through today!!

Weddings

Happy Friend Day!

The church for yesterday’s wedding

Happy Friend Day!  This cracked me up–calling one another “friend” is a long-standing joke for Chris and I.  It stems from several sources.  One source is those ridiculous emails from places like Nigeria, where the greeting is often “Good day, friend.”  The other source is from awkward introductions by people who aren’t sure how to introduce us (I guess after a decade together, they think boyfriend or girlfriend is funny!).  In any case, I love this picture!

Quick recap of yesterday then:  wedding at Grace Baptist went well.  The church was in Granite City, Illinois.  We drove by a steel plant (or more than one) on our way.  I didn’t get any other pictures of the outside of the church, just one of the altar.

 

Next on the docket was the STL Symphony concert at Powell Hall.  The program was Stravinsky’s “The Fairy’s Kiss” and Brahms Piano Concerto no. 1 with Emmanuel Ax.  It was a great program, and the orchestra played well.  Emmanuel Ax played wonderfully!  He is one of the greatest pianists in the world for sure.  We had seats on the left side so we were able to watch his hands the whole time.

View from the Met Bar in Powell Hall

 

The ceiling inside the hall

 

View looking backwards and sideways from my seat

 

Today’s plan:  Run, bake, baby shower.  Also some prep for classes tomorrow.

 

 

 

Running

Good run through Tower Grove Park

I am trying to get more accustomed to running outside.  I live about five minutes walk from Tower Grove Park, which is just perfect for running!  I can warm up on the walk there (involves lots of street crossings) and then once I hit the park I can do a (I think?) 4 mile or so loop.  Hypothetically.  In fact, today was the first time I ran all the way to the end of the park and then back.  I will need to get one of those fancy Garmin watches, I think?  (Christmas present?)  Anyway, I was back home in about 50 minutes.  I felt great!  It was just shy of 40 degrees outside so I wore my Lewis and Clark long sleeve “tech” shirt over a tank with capri leggings.  I thought I might be too cold, but it ended up being perfect.  I also wore my water belt.

This is actually post-run, hence the super shiny face!

Yes, there’s a cat in the far left corner of the picture.  Fancy that!

Anyways, the run was really beautiful.  I listened to Car Talk on my ipod shuffle, but also enjoyed the trees.  I snapped a couple of pictures during a short water break.

 

The red roofed structure is the Music Stand, built in 1872

 

Self-Portrait 🙂

 

So, am I becoming an outdoors type of person if I enjoyed my run outdoors?  Hmm….  I will say this was my easiest run through the park yet.  I think the cool weather made it much easier!

Running

Great CPSTL concert last night!

Our concert last night went great!  I was pretty stressed out about it, but we had prepared well and ended up having a really good time while playing…to a standing room only crowd!  I am so happy and honored that I was invited to play with Chamber Project St Louis 🙂

Before the concert I played a quick wedding at the Jewel Box in Forest Park.  I play a lot of weddings there.  I would have taken an outdoor photo, but I forgot beforehand and then afterwards it was a little dark already (time change is coming soon also…so it’ll be even darker sooner).  I’ll take outdoor pictures next time, I promise!  Basically the building is a greenhouse, but more attractive.

 

Right by our seats

What’s next?  Busy weekend of course!  I am drinking coffee in my running clothes, planning to go outside (where it is sunny but COLD) and run a few miles before a wedding, then the SLSO concert tonight.  Emmanuel Ax, Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1…can’t go wrong with that!  Chris may or may not have to play–this week has been his relief week, except that somebody has been sick for several services so he keeps having to play.  He would rather just play for certain than wait around–it’s a little annoying!  Oh well, if he doesn’t play we’ll sit together, and if he does play, then I’ll watch him play (and presumably the orchestra would sound better, right?  😉  )

What are you all doing today?  Do you have outdoor/active plans or indoor/relaxing plans?

 

 

Random thoughts

Good Friends

In light of last night’s fun performance (plus going out for drinks and food afterwards)…today I am thankful for GOOD FRIENDS.  Without my good friends, my life would be much less fulfilling and interesting.  Friends are definitely one of the things that makes life worth living!  And since I know many of my good friends are reading this, THANK YOU for being there for me, supporting me, and entertaining me 🙂