tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-94324832024-03-07T18:21:43.283-05:00Micah, please!"I believe that pipe smoking contributes to a somewhat calm and objective judgment in all human affairs." - Albert EinsteinMicahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.comBlogger1839125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-19252841422912877462017-12-21T20:47:00.003-05:002017-12-21T20:47:37.264-05:00A Very Micah Christmas 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9NRVLoidt2rjcdClrBvOpqqN7dXen9PCBDV_UKjAhtatV_dF-Zy1bftM3hIMvhkQrvtJS-3VwCUF-8bXFZ6jLQ5BLuBJvfoo6t9hB1_C747HKKgDEKE9DZoimHMLEpzjZBuWTA/s1600/A+Very+Micah+Christmas+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="533" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9NRVLoidt2rjcdClrBvOpqqN7dXen9PCBDV_UKjAhtatV_dF-Zy1bftM3hIMvhkQrvtJS-3VwCUF-8bXFZ6jLQ5BLuBJvfoo6t9hB1_C747HKKgDEKE9DZoimHMLEpzjZBuWTA/s400/A+Very+Micah+Christmas+2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Rejoice! <i>A Very Micah Christmas 2017</i> is *finally* here! Sorry it took me a little while to get this out to y'all. Work's been kicking this elf's butt. (The end is in sight, though!) Without further ado, this year Bing Crosby will be tap dancing with Danny Effin' Kaye to:<br />
<br />
1. "Wintertime (The Snow Is Coming Down)" - Josh Ritter<br />
2. "Going to Get the Tree" - Maxwell, Miranda, Parsley<br />
3. "Christmas Is All Around" - Sleeping at Last<br />
4. "I'm Not Ready For Christmas" - Chris Farren with Mae Whitman (<i>Her?</i>)<br />
5. "Blue Christmas" - The Lumineers<br />
6. "Baby, It's Cold Outside" - Little Hurricane<br />
7. "Christmas Party" - The Dead Milkmen<br />
8. "Christmas Don't Be Late" - Kacey Musgraves<br />
9. "I Wouldn't Trade Christmas" - Frank Sinatra<br />
10. "Christ Was Born on Christmas Morn" - Found Wandering<br />
11. "Here Come Krampus!" - Dead Music Capital Band<br />
12. "The Cookie Song" - Amanda Duncan<br />
13. "That Spirit of Christmas" - Stacey Randol<br />
14. "Glory" - Gungor<br />
15. "Everything Is Cool" - John Prine<br />
16. "Yule Tide Me Over" - The Minus 5<br />
17. "I'll Be Your Santa Baby" - Rufus Thomas<br />
18. "Whoa" - Matt Pond PA<br />
19. "Angels We Have Heard on High" - Sarah McLachlan<br />
20. "God Rest Ye" - Kaskade featuring Debra Fotheringham<br />
21. "Silent Night" - Sugar & The Hi-Lows<br />
22. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" - Coldplay<br />
23. "Christmas Auld Lang Syne" - Bobby Darin<br />
24. "New Year's Day" - Taylor Swift<br />
25. "Jingle in the Jungle" - Bob's Burgers<br />
<br />
Snag it <a href="https://mega.nz/#!5eQzFaIS!Zpfi1rVvRj2IAoJlBDMfuj2IpXQRRrD70xNwF8HEDYI" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Streaming! It's the present and future. So here's the obligatory Spotify playlist...<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/user/jmblya/playlist/0FJdTpS5uMZaw7kZoBlnpU" width="300"></iframe><br />
<br />
However, not all songs I used are licensed for the service, so the only way to get the full AVMC experience is to download it. But this will do in a pinch.<br />
<br />
The kids these days love their YouTubes, what with their hippin' and their hoppin' and their bippin' and their boppin', so new this year I created a YouTube playlist:<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLf1Ao0HfZPrkBMp8F-N21C2D0dRNzifE4" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Watch it above or go <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf1Ao0HfZPrkBMp8F-N21C2D0dRNzifE4" target="_blank">here</a>. Again, some songs are missing. *sigh*<br />
<br />
Whew! Now that this is finally out in the world it's time for me to knock back a beer - preferably one that's appropriately seasonally spiced - and watch some Christmas episodes of <i>The Office</i>. I hope you enjoy this year's mix.Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-57794503561176503112016-12-22T20:36:00.002-05:002016-12-22T20:36:29.945-05:00A Very Micah Christmas 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tQFY_ybnSJyqUYGOtk9I5_DdokkRdzdIZ36AV2Nz0bZUU_jop7B881i80uMIETopap1NjBP2xrDiZyvj5tipVNGGsGLQsrfs6RMXEH4gvTar9eWS4OXqFVdcsI1svdVAl-LyoQ/s1600/A+Very+Micah+Christmas+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tQFY_ybnSJyqUYGOtk9I5_DdokkRdzdIZ36AV2Nz0bZUU_jop7B881i80uMIETopap1NjBP2xrDiZyvj5tipVNGGsGLQsrfs6RMXEH4gvTar9eWS4OXqFVdcsI1svdVAl-LyoQ/s400/A+Very+Micah+Christmas+2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Shepherds, why this jubilee? Because I *finally* finished my annual Christmas mix! It's been an especially physically, emotionally, and spiritually draining season working at the Monolithic Online Retailer, but I still managed to put together some songs for your Yuletide enjoyment. At least I got it out there before Festivus.<br />
<br />
This year you'll be grooving to:<br />
1. "I Walk So Slow Under the Mistletoe" - Walter Martin & Kat Edmonson<br />
2. "Christmas Sweaters" - Noah Glenn<br />
3. "Holiday Road" - Tennis<br />
4. "All I Want Is Truth (For Christmas)" - The Mynabirds<br />
5. "Baby, It's Cold Outside" - Savoir Adore<br />
6. "O Come All Ye Faithful" - Weezer<br />
7. "Silver Bells" - She & Him<br />
8. "A Willie Nice Christmas" - Kacey Musgraves with Willie Nelson<br />
9. "Stay In" - Army Navy<br />
10. "Christmas Clown" - The Rosebuds<br />
11. "I'll Be Home on Christmas Day" - Elvis Presley<br />
12. "The 12 Days of Christmas" - Straight No Chaser<br />
13. "Fairytale of New York" - Clive Murray<br />
14. "Christmas Is Holy" - John Wesley Harding<br />
15. "O Holy Night" - Katie Melua<br />
16. "White Winter Hymnal" - Birdy<br />
17. "O Little Town of Bethlehem" - Kyle Cox<br />
18. "A Snowflake Fell (And It Felt Like a Kiss)" - Glasvegas<br />
19. "Stille Nache, Heilige Nacht" - Vienna Boys' Choir<br />
20. "Joy to the World" - Eef Barzelay<br />
<br />
You can snag it <a href="https://www.anonfiles.cc/file/8c2189d620e62b691761c0f1b938a38f" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
However, I realize that streaming is the cool, hip thing to do, so I give to you the mix in Spotify playlist form:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify%3Auser%3Ajmblya%3Aplaylist%3A7M42BIeBMQlwVSaOH3J6rf" width="300"></iframe><br />
<br />
Note: the playlist is missing three or four songs from the downloadable version, so you won't be getting the full AVMC experience. Such is life.<br />
<br />
Okay, this worker elf is off to bed. I hope you like the mix. Merry Christmas!<br />
<br />Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-66290739054172920812016-05-25T19:01:00.002-04:002016-05-25T19:01:28.978-04:00Weezer made another great album? Say it ain't so!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkX5gv5ciqxOdM3wTX8HPcCZ711iobRNMNxSEjqakZGeqH7YSqPEuJJa-HF4mel0AKjtcnO_4bZWjDHCFwqdXhLz2XqFjgDJ4McicHRpyUQCN6yEDS1KOz1IcyfcywFNd7fBUU9g/s1600/make+weezer+great+again.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkX5gv5ciqxOdM3wTX8HPcCZ711iobRNMNxSEjqakZGeqH7YSqPEuJJa-HF4mel0AKjtcnO_4bZWjDHCFwqdXhLz2XqFjgDJ4McicHRpyUQCN6yEDS1KOz1IcyfcywFNd7fBUU9g/s400/make+weezer+great+again.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ha. Clever, but now outdated. (Hat sold by <a href="http://shop.theotherdude.com/product/make-weezer-great-again-hat" target="_blank">this guy</a>.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
These days I mostly listen to podcasts, but for a long time now I've silently lamented that I no longer consume music like I did in high school and college: endless listens, memorizing lyrics and liner notes, studying the artwork. I'll still like new music by artists old and new, but I just don't devour it like I used to.<br />
<br />
And then Weezer put out <i>The White Album</i>.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify%3Aalbum%3A6StNTJJ7Yq3Hf121kLvPBz" width="300"></iframe><br />
<br />
I swear, I have had this thing on repeat for the past couple of weeks, letting new episodes of most of my podcasts pile up. The album is really, really, REALLY good.<br />
<br />
I'm not going to be one of those guys proclaiming "Weezer is back!" because for me they "were back" with 2014's <i>Everything Will Be Alright In The End</i>. Its release was a refreshing return from years spent in the pop music wilderness. There are plenty of catchy tunes on it. So that album, too, is much worthy of your time. But folks, this one is even better.<br />
<br />
And I'm going to stop short of saying it's as good as their debut and its follow up. <i>The Blue Album</i> was a lightning bolt guitar strap in a bottle, perfectly capturing a moment in time for the Alternative Nation. As for <i>Pinkerton</i>, I doubt Rivers Cuomo is going to get that personal ever again. So don't set your expectations <i>that </i>high. (Heck, I'm a staunch <i>Green Album</i> defender and <i>White</i> *almost* matches it. Your mileage may vary.)<br />
<br />
Weezer's <i>White Album</i> is a lean, Beach Boys-influenced ode to California. Harmonies abound. There are pianos and surf sounds. It's got earworms for days. It starts, throws out ten fuzzy pop gems, and then leaves before it wears out its welcome with ill advised genre experiments and Lil Wayne cameos.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HiPsG7Yjrvk" width="500"></iframe><br />
<br />
I flip flop when it comes to my favorite new song of theirs. For a while it was "Summer Elaine and Drunk Dori", with its effortless singalong chorus. (Pro tip: listen to Rivers explain the writing and recording of that song <a href="http://songexploder.net/weezer" target="_blank">here</a>.) Right now it's "L.A. Girlz". Oh, that sublime bridge! Check back with me next week and I'll have a different one I'm obsessing about. Probably "King of the World".<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nGyBIQjU2Lk" width="500"></iframe><br />
<br />
The point being that if you fell off the Weezer train sometime over the past 15 years - believe me, I wouldn't fault you for that - give them another shot. You'll probably like what you'll hear.<br />
<br />
And given the choices we have during this election season, we're going to need all of the clever sunshine alt rock pop we can get. Weezer 2016!Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-54873319932705610632016-01-28T20:26:00.002-05:002016-01-28T20:26:37.051-05:00Operation: Podthanks pt. I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BlVkk9tM056Hq5qgJxsiU5B1zxlYfUgypSzCxxjLPZZ7VuoWq5NlJM_U9I_ZSanOOWz16yr4eCVGZGnzdTtgiPf79UMx3huvAG-mQogMpugoAOtD1V6oQs4Xm2IL9M2PzLzDFw/s1600/relevant+podcast+merch+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BlVkk9tM056Hq5qgJxsiU5B1zxlYfUgypSzCxxjLPZZ7VuoWq5NlJM_U9I_ZSanOOWz16yr4eCVGZGnzdTtgiPf79UMx3huvAG-mQogMpugoAOtD1V6oQs4Xm2IL9M2PzLzDFw/s400/relevant+podcast+merch+02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span data-offset-key="7345o-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true">These days the things that occupy the most of my recreational time are podcasts. I decree that 2016 is the year I give back for all of the free entertainment they provide me. In the past I paid lip service to doing that, but the extent to which I put it into practice was shelling out a buck or two for the <a href="http://www.comedyfilmnerds.com/" target="_blank"><i>Comedy Film Nerds</i></a>' <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Comedy-Film-Nerds-Guide-Movies/dp/1614482217/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454029981&sr=8-1&keywords=comedy+film+nerds+guide+to+movies" target="_blank">ebook</a> when it was on sale.</span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="7345o-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span>
<span data-offset-key="7345o-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true">First up: I ordered a bunch of <a href="http://www.relevantmagazine.com/" target="_blank"><i>Relevant</i></a> magazine</span></span><span data-offset-key="7345o-2-0" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true"> merchandise. I've been listening to their podcast every week for 10 years - no, <i>Serial</i> didn't invent the medium last year - so it was about time I showed my appreciation. I picked up a couple of shirts and a sticker for my laptop. Free advertising for the gang!</span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="7345o-2-0" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span>
<span data-offset-key="7345o-2-0" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true">Back when I was unemployed last year I let my subscription lapse as a cost cutting measure, but now I'm back in full force. Bonus: I can finally enjoy the slick tablet version like the millennial that I am.</span></span>Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-28455952990080644022015-12-24T21:57:00.002-05:002015-12-24T21:57:57.460-05:00A Very Micah Christmas 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigifj523tgs7F17RqVhn5ApBMDZN8TPYollMKqmCrQGRmieqlPa_-Kgk8z3SAoMT2RseRY4J8VW-YOPjZbhKbBE7vjBbIMcS76qlyPRbHM1aRCobzTCmAqGoGMh0BOK2lQbC_lRw/s1600/A+Very+Micah+Christmas+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigifj523tgs7F17RqVhn5ApBMDZN8TPYollMKqmCrQGRmieqlPa_-Kgk8z3SAoMT2RseRY4J8VW-YOPjZbhKbBE7vjBbIMcS76qlyPRbHM1aRCobzTCmAqGoGMh0BOK2lQbC_lRw/s400/A+Very+Micah+Christmas+2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
It's been a different, much busier Christmas season for me this year. As such, I didn't have much time to devote to <i>A Very Micah Christmas</i> (or this blog, for that matter), but it's done! While I didn't put the usual blood, sweat, and eggnog into it that I normally do, I didn't half ass it either. I'll have you know I used *at least* three quarters of my ass.<br />
<br />
So what's on tap for this year's edition? I'm glad you asked:<br />
<br />
1. "This Year" - Tony Thaxton<br />
2. "All I Want For Christmas Is You" - Samson Trinh & The Upper East Side Big Band with Laura Ann Singh<br />
3. "Holiday P.D.A. (Underneath the Mistletoe)" - Matty Ride<br />
4. "O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree" - Brooke Waggoner<br />
5. "I Pray on Christmas" - Harry Connick, Jr.<br />
6. "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" - The Brian Setzer Orchestra<br />
7. "Holiday in L.A." - Band of Merrymakers<br />
8. "Christmas Is Coming" - The Muppets<br />
9. "Christmas Pics" - Barenaked Ladies<br />
10. "Like a Gift From God or Whatever" - Chris Farren with Jenny Owen Youngs<br />
11. "Mistletoe" - American Youth<br />
12. "Hanukkah Dance" - Woody Guthrie<br />
13. "Christmas TV" - Slow Club<br />
14. "Last Month of the Year" - The Blind Boys of Alabama<br />
15. "My Favorite Things" - Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra<br />
16. "New Year's Resolution" - Otis Redding & Carla Thomas<br />
17. "Baby, It's Cold Outside" - Bill Murray & Jenny Lewis<br />
18. "Winter Weather" - Joe Williams & Harry "Sweets" Edison<br />
19. "Ding Dong! Merrily on High" - The George Shearing Quintet<br />
20. "Boots" - The Killers<br />
21. "The Song the Season Brings" - Beta Radio<br />
22. "Mvmt IV, 'Every Bell on Earth Will Ring'" - The Oh Hellos<br />
23. "Silent Night" - Odessa<br />
<br />
You can snag it <a href="https://anonfiles.com/file/1dd8c094b6f27c09495ac7e0026cab8e" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
But that's not all! If you act now you can stream (most of) it on Spotify:<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify%3Auser%3Ajmblya%3Aplaylist%3A4AEERkWlUe3s2Zwjw0SLh8" width="300"></iframe><br />
Per usual, you're not getting the full experience there, what with it leaving out seven songs. But sometimes convenience trumps completeness.<br />
<br />
And that's that about that. I hope you enjoy this year's mix. Merry Christmas! I'm going to take a nap now.Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-28040863061906696052015-10-16T15:35:00.001-04:002015-10-16T15:45:33.438-04:00The Pumpkining II: 2 Sweet 2 SavoryAround this time last year my friend Suzanne and I competed in the first annual orange gourd-based cooking throwdown between us, <a href="http://www.micahplease.com/2014/09/the-pumpkining-beyond-pumpkindome-14.html" target="_blank">The Pumpkining: Beyond Pumpkindome</a>. She ran away with the top prize then - no surprise - and a good time was had by all.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBo7OE7cm4Yq9QEjpR9iEP_cd_GyI5yfnciRLPM_sCyuJ3vLD_ATRLtZ5IWUBblXWoATSMJ_YwHoByJDVE378JJZvjuBUDz_OQ8ZrOL2yFoQE4z_Me6foPjVoixqe-4Bl-hIPYw/s1600/Pumpkining+II++-+2+Sweet+2+Savory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBo7OE7cm4Yq9QEjpR9iEP_cd_GyI5yfnciRLPM_sCyuJ3vLD_ATRLtZ5IWUBblXWoATSMJ_YwHoByJDVE378JJZvjuBUDz_OQ8ZrOL2yFoQE4z_Me6foPjVoixqe-4Bl-hIPYw/s400/Pumpkining+II++-+2+Sweet+2+Savory.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkins! Pumpkins! Pumpkins!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
However, with six desserts that we just <i>had </i>to eat, things got a bit too sweet that afternoon. (I almost lost a foot.) So we resolved that this year's edition would introduce some savory goodness into the mix.<br />
<br />
And that's just what we did. Once again, she prepared most of her entries on the day prior. I planned on doing the same so things wouldn't be quite so hectic, but the day of the competition was unexpectedly (to me) moved up 24 hours. Things were quite hectic. Like Weezer predicted, though, everything was alright in the end.<br />
<br />
Here were my submissions*:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMB6Q1g2CNApCxE39qtwcZatEBfS5_MtMk5m8uIQkieeB6-AzTig8deHE650v4ia2k3Fa8UKV6QVWjVQCWsQpjAVzIkLmry4fGsq8HV47iK23SNPv5Ame675FwOrJLNBA9czzOYw/s1600/pumpkin+poutine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMB6Q1g2CNApCxE39qtwcZatEBfS5_MtMk5m8uIQkieeB6-AzTig8deHE650v4ia2k3Fa8UKV6QVWjVQCWsQpjAVzIkLmry4fGsq8HV47iK23SNPv5Ame675FwOrJLNBA9czzOYw/s400/pumpkin+poutine.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got tickets for Rush's fall tour, eh.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Pumpkin poutine</b> (recipes for the <a href="http://lacooquette.com/pumpkin-fries/" target="_blank">pumpkin fries</a> and the <a href="http://brittanyangell.com/paleo-pumpkin-nutmeg-gravy-grainegg-free-with-dairy-free-directions/" target="_blank">pumpkin nutmeg gravy</a>) - <i>Please note: due to the time crunch I wasn't able to go to the specialty cheese shop for curds, so I had to use Monteray Jack. My deepest apologies, Canucks.</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIUgXGoFAUNGEKJEnmJwO_YgYn0BW_BgSR482eRWV7h_oU2hZ3LtKH5XSFQvIraZi3w107CPW5YQld38sUsIaPaibtxYaynH6M4gCWqb6zkqD5TkNKoE-RpJwO-qRc3SKNoiGqg/s1600/pumpkin+slider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIUgXGoFAUNGEKJEnmJwO_YgYn0BW_BgSR482eRWV7h_oU2hZ3LtKH5XSFQvIraZi3w107CPW5YQld38sUsIaPaibtxYaynH6M4gCWqb6zkqD5TkNKoE-RpJwO-qRc3SKNoiGqg/s320/pumpkin+slider.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beat that, White Castle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Pumpkin sliders topped with pumpkin BBQ sauce and pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies</b> (recipes for the <a href="http://civilizedcavemancooking.com/recipes/beef/pumpkin-burgers-with-honey-drizzle/" target="_blank">burgers</a>, <a href="http://www.katheats.com/pumpkin-meatloaf-with-pumpkin-bbq-sauce" target="_blank">sauce</a>, and <a href="http://www.annies-eats.com/2011/09/23/pumpkin-snickerdoodles/" target="_blank">cookies</a>; <i>I added Muenster cheese to the sliders.</i>)<br />
<br />
And now Suzanne's entries:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuz2Gufnsp_H1UiS7wZcWLNvQJDB0e7FSYCVfTmxI7kKociSll0IXF0XudZkgfE_aQd5byCMC124srGt1ZBhDld7kWHc63yKjWvXUrxGR52edRNqbsik5dym6MNVVmBha4eeQIpQ/s1600/pumpkin+soup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuz2Gufnsp_H1UiS7wZcWLNvQJDB0e7FSYCVfTmxI7kKociSll0IXF0XudZkgfE_aQd5byCMC124srGt1ZBhDld7kWHc63yKjWvXUrxGR52edRNqbsik5dym6MNVVmBha4eeQIpQ/s400/pumpkin+soup.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soup is good food.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Chipotle chicken and pumpkin soup</b> (<a href="http://www.simplywhisked.com/chipotle-chicken-pumpkin-soup/" target="_blank">recipe</a>)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw11ob6fz4JG7dguGLXKQHjw0w-8nyNzbEyC9CL1Q3dPOnImOKzkkRO05XFwGBwNZ4gUDRbBikUB4DEVYhEOprtHvzLZwsfnRv2ThaKJKTz7RVObCDD1FUjUueD19m-kGi2i5FZQ/s1600/pumpkin+toffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw11ob6fz4JG7dguGLXKQHjw0w-8nyNzbEyC9CL1Q3dPOnImOKzkkRO05XFwGBwNZ4gUDRbBikUB4DEVYhEOprtHvzLZwsfnRv2ThaKJKTz7RVObCDD1FUjUueD19m-kGi2i5FZQ/s400/pumpkin+toffee.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stack 'em high.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Pumpkin pie toffee</b> (<a href="http://cherishedbliss.com/pumpkin-pie-toffee-recipe/" target="_blank">recipe</a>)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhED0WQUZ7ONIohlyLwvTh4B-_vvHfkkUGXaAX956E_EIvZ3fFtPAO823nlQygENMR_uwQBSAykFeMz-XywEBDw3IX3F11V8_OM2d6gXNLgF9vR6KEGQVaLii219zNv6ZA4K_jqhg/s1600/pumpkin+cream+puff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhED0WQUZ7ONIohlyLwvTh4B-_vvHfkkUGXaAX956E_EIvZ3fFtPAO823nlQygENMR_uwQBSAykFeMz-XywEBDw3IX3F11V8_OM2d6gXNLgF9vR6KEGQVaLii219zNv6ZA4K_jqhg/s400/pumpkin+cream+puff.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I unwittingly ate cream cheese.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Pumpkin cream puffs</b> (<a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/pumpkin-desserts-pumpkin-cream-puffs/" target="_blank">recipe</a>)<br />
<br />
By, uh, tradition the judge for the context is determined by who is occupying the house next door to Suzanne. This year she had new neighbors, with the esteemed critic being chocolate and black lab owner extraordinaire <a href="https://instagram.com/only1kenica/" target="_blank">Kenica</a>. Due to the spread out nature of the cooking, the contest unfortunately didn't provide blind submissions. Suzanne provided Kenica with her offerings first and then a few hours of palate cleansing later I served up mine.<br />
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And just how did she rank the dishes? I'm glad you asked!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTj68PytXn_Mht6JO-VtMsQmzvH94eE8XSYfs9FBThS55jafoYcRfN1rS-_oo5jwlL6orwYdWBmU22Q5eRT2TAusGp3f4Gx31erzSqmGO0fYO70GW87h2149JkYJFVohpXXb34g/s1600/pumpkining+results.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTj68PytXn_Mht6JO-VtMsQmzvH94eE8XSYfs9FBThS55jafoYcRfN1rS-_oo5jwlL6orwYdWBmU22Q5eRT2TAusGp3f4Gx31erzSqmGO0fYO70GW87h2149JkYJFVohpXXb34g/s400/pumpkining+results.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A whole mess o' pumpkin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Per her post on Instagram:<br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_56214afd15d674d36525505" style="display: inline;">
<i>Very thankful to have been selected to be the judge for the neighbors annual <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/pumpkinrecipe" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">#pumpkinrecipe</a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/cookoff" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">#cookoff</a>! It was hard to pick a winner because they all were so delicious and to be honest the top 3 all should be<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/numberone" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">#numberone</a> But I had to vote... 1. Pumpkin slider with pumpkin BBQ sauce (perfect hint of cinnamon and tang, it was so yummy it needs to be on a menu)<br />2. Pumpkin cream puff with marshmallow (t<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">his is dangerously good w a bit of honey and overall could be sold at the top bakeries <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/obsessed" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">#obsessed</a> )<br />3. Pumpkin fries (the texture was just like sweet potato fries but was made with the actual pumpkin cuttings...amazed to say the least)<br />4. Pumpkin chicken bean soup (had an extra kick which I loved and I want the recipe)<br />5. Snicker doodle pumpkin cookies (not my fave but ended up eating 2, so I guess they were pretty good) lol<br />6. Pumpkin toffee bar (was a little sticky but I like this idea)<br />Overall, this was so fun and I'm very impressed with their kitchen skills and wish you all could've taken part in this tasting to get you into the pumpkin spirit!</span></i></div>
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Victory is mine! Success was evenly divided, though, with me taking the odd places (natch) and Suzanne with the even ones. I totally agree with Kenica. Everything turned out great this year. It was the first time that I've cooked with actual pumpkin and let me tell you that it was a bit of a chore. It took forever to prep them. The video embedded in the French fries recipe shows the woman using a potato peeler to remove the skin. HA! My attempts broke two peelers and bruised my knuckles. I recommend using a knife. Also: one of the four pumpkins I bought must be constructed out of stone and has made a career switch from food to front porch decoration.</div>
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Anyway, aside from a couple of setbacks, it was another fun culinary throwdown. But with success comes dread. I have to up my game somehow to defend my crown next year. How the heck am I going to do that? Blurgh. That's a year away, though. Now my priority is to decide on a Halloween costume. I'm thinking sexy autumnal food competition winner.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Regrets? I got a few. Mostly that I didn't take better, more mouthwatering food porn pictures. I didn't bring my camera and was constantly busy cooking. Sorry.</span></div>
Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-60545247488452999212015-07-03T10:54:00.001-04:002015-07-03T11:02:30.898-04:00Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbc-CQqKH0pkB0epDz67hAowhRXiiWhyphenhyphen00ZDSMNrO3INxzrF06oAe1um64VTpDERrGoGV7VKxj1NZtE4wPevRnxTNMrZIOHfi20NBsp0QU9EYd_jUiKKo3pWm19p3xnJLhA6JxA/s1600/gone+with+the+wind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbc-CQqKH0pkB0epDz67hAowhRXiiWhyphenhyphen00ZDSMNrO3INxzrF06oAe1um64VTpDERrGoGV7VKxj1NZtE4wPevRnxTNMrZIOHfi20NBsp0QU9EYd_jUiKKo3pWm19p3xnJLhA6JxA/s400/gone+with+the+wind.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Every summer I try to read an epic-length book. Several weeks ago I decided this year I'd give <i>Gone With the Wind</i> a try when I was done with my current book. (<i>From Russia With Love</i>; yep, still chipping away at those 007 books.) Then Charleston happened and I wasn't really feeling it. But after the increasing amount of ridiculous overcorrections that are only tangentially related to that tragedy and do absolutely nothing to absolve us for our past sins, my interest in the book was renewed.<br />
<br />
Well, I'm a couple of chapters in and find it to be a beautifully written work, painting a vivid picture of the South through words. Did that version ever exist? Maybe, probably not. The fact that reading it now weirdly feels like a small act of defiance is a bonus, though. And more than a little bit sad. From immaculate sculptures to silly TV shows from 30 years ago about backwoods moonshiners never meaning no harm, we can appreciate and learn from art, its roots being good or bad, innocent or less than so. Let's put it in it's proper historical context, not completely eradicate it from our collective consciousness just because it displeases us today. I'm sure the Dixie Chicks would agree.Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-63841630767401462842015-06-29T16:38:00.001-04:002015-06-29T16:42:49.867-04:00I'm only streaming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ls4kJ29Oro5i_UxxNm6G2kB_aZFYxyppWqO3DhqKP8SGLJkbf3IQASsrIyaxwjWX3A5_zJbIgaL_mP08IO9r-1aeOeyaICxCP8gQg3vyT574zOkww4EHt-UxNZOim6FCiufyGg/s1600/google+play+music+radio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ls4kJ29Oro5i_UxxNm6G2kB_aZFYxyppWqO3DhqKP8SGLJkbf3IQASsrIyaxwjWX3A5_zJbIgaL_mP08IO9r-1aeOeyaICxCP8gQg3vyT574zOkww4EHt-UxNZOim6FCiufyGg/s400/google+play+music+radio.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I can't sleep to music. Well, that's not true. I can't sleep to music that is uptempo or has vocals. The rest? Fair game. My favorite album to drift away to dreamland to is Jason Falkner's exquisite <i><a href="http://www.allmusic.com/album/bedtime-with-the-beatles-instrumental-versions-of-classic-beatles-songs-mw0000012437" target="_blank">Bedtime with the Beatles</a></i>. (FYI: Volume One is much, much better than Volume Two.) But sometimes you just need a little more variety, you know?<br />
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So last month I created a playlist in Spotify that's chock full of instrumental lullaby versions of pop, rock, hip-hop, and alternative songs:<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify%3Auser%3Ajmblya%3Aplaylist%3A1adw8lNimOmv1lnGOCytpk" width="300"></iframe><br />
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At 390 songs (Almost 23 hours' worth!) the novelty value was off the charts. I gave it three nights before abandoning it because the playlist was terribly ineffective. If my brain wasn't actively trying to figure out which song was being covered, the higher pitched toy piano playing the melodies on most of the songs was keeping me up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zlMT48bXBpOIb8wVdZ67IcpBGS1W5EtiMxZYrENU10fzEUIYzvPpfeZzG94oQoN49MujcqZ0g9FQgcpsDdedNsVITY9Xv1bXG17W_fyHrfUDrBPymzdRpYIjA8GOU6gE_9vtAg/s1600/spotify+sleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zlMT48bXBpOIb8wVdZ67IcpBGS1W5EtiMxZYrENU10fzEUIYzvPpfeZzG94oQoN49MujcqZ0g9FQgcpsDdedNsVITY9Xv1bXG17W_fyHrfUDrBPymzdRpYIjA8GOU6gE_9vtAg/s400/spotify+sleep.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
So I moved on to... what's the opposite of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Classical-Thunder-Richard-1-Strauss/dp/B00081U6XC" target="_blank">classical thunder</a>? Classical light breeze? Anyway, I gave some of Spotify's pre-made "Sleep" playlists a spin for a week or so. Specifically, the piano, classical, jazz, ambient music, and various meteorological ones. Not bad, though none of them were terribly deep. That's not much of a concern, though, when the objective is to only hear a few songs before losing consciousness.<br />
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With my brain now on the same wavelength as the music, a new problem was brought to the fore: advertisements. While I absolutely love Spotify Premium, I did not renew after my three month trial ran out. Uninterrupted music on demand is an unnecessary expense and I've eliminated all of those that I reasonably can. (See, I'm currently <a href="http://www.micahplease.com/search/label/runemployed" target="_blank">unemployed</a>.) So that means I have to hear ads every few songs. It's no big deal really. Except when I'm trying to sleep. Every time one would come on it would momentarily snap me out of it and I'd go all Admiral Stockdale - WHO AM I? WHY AM I HERE? - before I managed to make my way back into dreamland. Clearly this wasn't working.<br />
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Then Google Play Music suddenly offered a <a href="http://officialandroid.blogspot.com/2015/06/play-music-ad-supported.html" target="_blank">free version</a> of their subscription service.<br />
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I was *this close* to putting Pandora on my phone when Google made the announcement. Figuring that Google Play Music was already installed on my phone and storage space there is a precious commodity, I nixed my plans. It was time to see what Google brought to the increasingly crowded streaming music market.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KTiXai37hHCVLOWtKacyNJb5P-JS_Pu_oEWoXz0erO2kah1UDhacxGBeeAxlDzLu993d9KRzVYKJacxP7nu5T28CvQj4hB_WXWExA5j7auIEnMw0tVAkmheHETnc_TwraM_LwQ/s1600/google+play+music+bedtime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KTiXai37hHCVLOWtKacyNJb5P-JS_Pu_oEWoXz0erO2kah1UDhacxGBeeAxlDzLu993d9KRzVYKJacxP7nu5T28CvQj4hB_WXWExA5j7auIEnMw0tVAkmheHETnc_TwraM_LwQ/s400/google+play+music+bedtime.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Like Spotify, it also has a section of curated playlists for sleeping. Unlike Spotify, it doesn't tell you which tracks or how many songs are in them. Intrigued by its air of mystery, I put two of Google Play's classical and jazz stations to the somnolent test. Guess what? I freakin' loved it. While this new free tier is ad supported, those come in the form of banners and pop ups. There was nothing audible to jar me out of sleep. For that reason alone, Google Play Music radio is a keeper.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VfCSx5641U4" width="560"></iframe><br />
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I've put many hours into the service during my waking hours, too, and have been quite enjoying it. There are a whole lot of stations to choose from. There was one weird occurance early on when I booted up the '90s Alternative Rock Radio, possibly the genre I'm most into. (Nostalgia is a hell of a drug.) The first song it played was by the Gin Blossoms, followed... the Gin Blossoms. Odd. That's only happened once. Other than that I haven't notice too much repetition so far.<br />
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I'm particularly loving the Indie R&B station, which has exposed me to a bunch of new artists and songs. My current favorite discovery is AlunaGeorge's "Your Drums, Your Love". For the past several years I've tried to make it a point each summer to delve into a genre I'm not overly familiar with, like classic reggae or Memphis soul. I hadn't planned on do that this year, but indie R&B - or *snicker* PBR&B - found me. I've been a fan of The Weeknd for years, but now it's time to take it further. Welcome, new soundtrack to the remainder of my summer.<br />
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But I digress. In the end, each streaming service has its strengths and I'll use both accordingly. Spotify will be for when I want something familiar via the many playlists I've make there. Google Play Music will come in handy for night time listening and when I want to discover something new. Ain't technology grand? This is a marvelous time to be alive.<br />
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Well, unless you make your living solely through creating music, I guess. I'll let <a href="http://thetrichordist.com/" target="_blank">David Lowery</a> sort that out.Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-20882253203207238932015-05-13T23:46:00.001-04:002015-05-13T23:46:10.882-04:00Money can be exchanged for goods and services!Summer is fast approaching - honestly, it feels like it's already here - and I figured that I should make a few fun and kicky tweaks to cope with the climbing temperatures. So I temporarily unfroze my personal spending freeze and hit up eBay.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9j7ismdmd2IfQu1Tvi4hhYIca4BZBBXfML7Cv19Lb8xEObV1e64Yft-Lx35fo90ijwvRp0G0FMJICfgNzVnaEwNPt5YqTemjJ3wz2VrOhiCGBQ6p_SeRkTy6LRn34a-ec2cFTGw/s1600/green+fitbit+flex+band.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9j7ismdmd2IfQu1Tvi4hhYIca4BZBBXfML7Cv19Lb8xEObV1e64Yft-Lx35fo90ijwvRp0G0FMJICfgNzVnaEwNPt5YqTemjJ3wz2VrOhiCGBQ6p_SeRkTy6LRn34a-ec2cFTGw/s400/green+fitbit+flex+band.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hair past a freckle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First I dropped less than $2 on this Chinese knock-off Fitbit Flex band. You get what you pay for, but it has held up for a week and counting. So far, so good! I have two official Fitbit bands, but they're getting really torn up after a couple of years of continuous wearing, swapping out the module, etc. This may just be a stopgap solution, but at least it's a dirt cheap one.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9biP8sXyTW27H6xEoz4RJiTJQvtDU3GUkLzN33uPxCaB4kbUjAPPX97AOtUD9EvnknKb-TyRTGhq492D3lC-lG07i1rFHPkrUGaqHbqFhWYdhOUvfarVN-koOTP-4QR5OtuQUQ/s1600/simpsons+wallet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9biP8sXyTW27H6xEoz4RJiTJQvtDU3GUkLzN33uPxCaB4kbUjAPPX97AOtUD9EvnknKb-TyRTGhq492D3lC-lG07i1rFHPkrUGaqHbqFhWYdhOUvfarVN-koOTP-4QR5OtuQUQ/s400/simpsons+wallet.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But my mom says I'm cool.</td></tr>
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The second of my two purchases was this Simpsons Mighty Wallet. Some who know me are probably shocked that I didn't own it already, what with how that show is almost a second religion to me. (You're still tops, Jebus.) The construction is kind of weird: It's one big sheet of Tyvek - you know, the nigh indestructible stuff overnight envelopes are made out of - folded a certain way. It's taken some getting used to, but I've grown to really like this wallet. It is well worth the $3 I spent on it. Not for the seller, though. It was her first auction and per the mailer I received, the shipping alone cost more than that. There's an eBay learning curve. She'll get there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEW3HBNhvt0yiuQHRvuyI76iOydxDIxOJHB1QJgKcskOcL6GdAjZ09YXBKG0M4Q8LN5o0ltTzQy16Tq9zw3DORJItOGPN6m8WZdfV3PCayMfK-EzWdJ_whD9z5wlBFUb-IWPUDmA/s1600/tommy+hilfiger+wallet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEW3HBNhvt0yiuQHRvuyI76iOydxDIxOJHB1QJgKcskOcL6GdAjZ09YXBKG0M4Q8LN5o0ltTzQy16Tq9zw3DORJItOGPN6m8WZdfV3PCayMfK-EzWdJ_whD9z5wlBFUb-IWPUDmA/s400/tommy+hilfiger+wallet.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sour C.R.E.A.M.</td></tr>
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And since we're talking about wallets, this is my old one, which I've used daily since the mid-aughts. I got it at a Tommy Hilfiger outlet in Hilton Head. See how the white in the logo is now yellow? Yeah, it's high time that I gave it a rest. Though when the situation calls for a little more professionalism - say, a business lunch or trip to the petting zoo (damn those judgmental goats!) - I'll bring it back out of retirement.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5cCHjPNfls-ZO3dL1K5QwhcKmDT8fDCC6w63bQWDzEWe-Ldd9xiAb7TF2xlVo0l8fcN9MRo-vEDIP3gzofJleXvRHp2vfTl6fxEHK5SAKUM2NsWJ9EAXMUBNl0s15mzx9R4djQ/s1600/bad+mf+wallet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5cCHjPNfls-ZO3dL1K5QwhcKmDT8fDCC6w63bQWDzEWe-Ldd9xiAb7TF2xlVo0l8fcN9MRo-vEDIP3gzofJleXvRHp2vfTl6fxEHK5SAKUM2NsWJ9EAXMUBNl0s15mzx9R4djQ/s400/bad+mf+wallet.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, I guess it's my favorite movie.</td></tr>
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Or maybe I'll just go with my other standby, given to me by <a href="http://www.katesrandommusings.com/" target="_blank">Kate the Great</a> many moons ago. I imagine that this wallet will be promoted to be my daily companion when I enter the "walk the Earth" phase of my life. Wait. Shouldn't I be doing that right now? I need to call my career counselor.Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-62165857619894126442015-03-10T13:08:00.000-04:002015-03-10T13:08:37.751-04:00Newer shoes? I still can't wait.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9X9CdbEIA88UGL3rYtb2xgote-AuVcRHrxRFBrdnQp_TDr_KAJGiWMefye_p8ZDXaHnjaR-2L-3yb_fvPiCSL5vvjlnLmZG7mgCnKLtsXyEyao3PmJQeXCa6SVBE5JYFof70esA/s1600/ASICS+GT-2000+3+blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9X9CdbEIA88UGL3rYtb2xgote-AuVcRHrxRFBrdnQp_TDr_KAJGiWMefye_p8ZDXaHnjaR-2L-3yb_fvPiCSL5vvjlnLmZG7mgCnKLtsXyEyao3PmJQeXCa6SVBE5JYFof70esA/s1600/ASICS+GT-2000+3+blue.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
So my first professionally-fit pair of <a href="http://www.micahplease.com/2015/01/new-shoes-i-cant-wait.html" target="_blank">running shoes</a> that I got in January? They didn't take. My body rejected them. When I ran in them the pain in my knees was much sharper and appeared a great deal sooner than usual. (Within the first quarter to half mile.) What's more, new pains appeared in my shins and hip. I gave them a shot: five runs of about three miles each. The New Balances hurt me every single time. Were my overpronating legs weird in that stability shoes made things worse?<br />
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Luckily I was still within the return window and took them back to <a href="http://www.luckyfoot.com/" target="_blank">Lucky Foot</a> over the weekend. They took them back with no questions asked and set about helping me to find the perfect shoe. It turns out that within stability shoes there are a range of how much correction they provide. Last time I must've erred on the side of massive support. Maybe that's what hurt me so much? I tried on four more pairs, no repeats from my last fitting there. Three of them were stability shoes, one was neutral.<br />
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It was a lengthy process, but I ultimately settled on this pair ASICS GT-2000 3's. I really liked the cushioning. They feel like pillows strapped onto my feet. Also, bonus points for the wilder colors than the more conservative New Balances. Granted, all that's meaningless if I take them out for a run and they try to kill me.<br />
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I'm going for my inaugural run in them in a few minutes. Here's hoping that I finally found The Ones. If not, well, then I think that will be my body's way of tell me "No stability shoes for you!" I'll go back to the store and try the neutral Sauconys I tried on.Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-30197412769387502522015-02-22T19:00:00.000-05:002015-03-02T10:24:02.708-05:00"And the Oscar goes to... Nicolas Cage's hairpiece!"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRT7jZdiynkBkq5Ubtw7bZtH4Tlo4k38tOrJ-Xdiy2M8gUYWyXsYLYpigoP1wTqP-jegaAnhyphenhyphena74E5GHQmuTRGsXzYFVibpwji92rrfwcdYYsI8wBFORKAoU-zFHMPF5V16uyhAg/s1600/cards+against+humanity+oscars+academy+awards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRT7jZdiynkBkq5Ubtw7bZtH4Tlo4k38tOrJ-Xdiy2M8gUYWyXsYLYpigoP1wTqP-jegaAnhyphenhyphena74E5GHQmuTRGsXzYFVibpwji92rrfwcdYYsI8wBFORKAoU-zFHMPF5V16uyhAg/s1600/cards+against+humanity+oscars+academy+awards.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Ah, Oscar night. The glitz! The glamour! The sitting around in elastic-waist pants and typing out snarky commentary in real time! Yes, this is our time to shine, ladies and germs.<br />
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Though I'll no doubt be thinking to myself mid-ceremony "I delayed watching <i>The Walking Dead</i> for *this*?" I look forward all year to tonight. It's weird because I couldn't give a flying fig for any other awards show and going in I usually on have seen a paltry number of the nominees. (Well, I do see the films in the technical categories, since those are typically big, dumb, and loud.) This year is no exception. So who will take home the statue? <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 17.9200000762939px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The true-ish story of the military's most deadly gunman (<i>Boyhood</i>), the tale of a tough but inspiring drumming instructor (<i>Birdman: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire</i>), a brutal examination of America's racist past (<i>The Theory of Everything</i>)? The one about the guy in a wheelchair (<i>Selma</i>)? A write-in for the criminally overlooked <i>LEGO Movie</i>?</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 17.9200000762939px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The only Best Picture nominee that I've seen is <i>The Grand Budapest Hotel</i>, which I greatly enjoyed. Wes Anderson is back, baby! (I was lukewarm on <i>Moonrise Kingdom</i>.) What other movies did I see and love this year? I'm glad you asked. Get thee to a Redbox and snag <i>They Came Together</i>, <i>Guardians of the Galaxy</i>, <i>Captain America: The Winter Solder</i>, <i>The LEGO Movie</i>. <i>X-Men: Days of Future Past</i>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 17.9200000762939px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Back to Oscar night... oh, the fashion! I don't care! But I know that the press needs to churn out content and the public craves something to lap up, so I'll clue you into who I'm wearing tonight: shorts by House of Adidas, <a href="https://www.raceit.com/shop/?event=12680" target="_blank">t-shirt</a> by Georgio de la Sports Backers, hoodie by United Colors of Fruit of the Loom, and socks by Pierre Starter. Swanky!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 17.9200000762939px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Per usual, I'll be live blogging the ceremony here in the comments section. I invite you to join in the snarkfest and comment along. Feel free to talk smack about what films and actors you hate, who you love, what a disaster the telecast is, who you are wearing, your prognostications, the most glaring snubs, etc. If I come across an exceptionally funny tweet I'll post it.</span></span><br />
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Give us a night to remember, phoney Hollywood One Percenters! Make it well worth me putting my binge watching of <i>Bosch</i> on hold. (That show is my current jam, BTW.)<br />
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UPDATE (03.02.15): A hearty congratulations goes out to KPMD for winning this year's Oscar pool. Her impressive run - including starting out with an 11-0 streak - put us all to shame.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbw6hVJns0c40GQGXvIJvSoUMtKjVKvshyphenhyphen-M9ush6yzVoIh2nS0_qCqgJzq1DzQAflSHFncgZ9MKv7MH5Oi8Mb26729nyl5OGghWRDilSIhpblTlv83_fhRrZRU_XIlDyfFgwcg/s1600/kpmd+oscars+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbw6hVJns0c40GQGXvIJvSoUMtKjVKvshyphenhyphen-M9ush6yzVoIh2nS0_qCqgJzq1DzQAflSHFncgZ9MKv7MH5Oi8Mb26729nyl5OGghWRDilSIhpblTlv83_fhRrZRU_XIlDyfFgwcg/s1600/kpmd+oscars+2015.jpg" height="311" width="400" /></a></div>
The award ceremony was held while she was in town yesterday, at D-Hall. Because of her Guatemalan-ness - her natural heat - she won a copy of <i>The Birdcage</i>. Thanks to everyone who played and came here to lay down some snark. You guys make it fun.Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com110tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-57576097936051141452015-01-30T16:54:00.001-05:002015-01-30T16:54:20.669-05:00New shoes? I can't wait.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDESYBPRKzUIEyw-QlWGmv8wyBoSOigtZrWGPhoAUWZDtPa418jPDlUeTRLe0o_SfsfU5GnFNO5rU1erT0BkFzWCaCiyuc5192F5nBa_g6S9Ng6VC0Y2HWfz41BK9bPZzChm7Jg/s1600/new+new+balance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDESYBPRKzUIEyw-QlWGmv8wyBoSOigtZrWGPhoAUWZDtPa418jPDlUeTRLe0o_SfsfU5GnFNO5rU1erT0BkFzWCaCiyuc5192F5nBa_g6S9Ng6VC0Y2HWfz41BK9bPZzChm7Jg/s1600/new+new+balance.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm creeping up on it being one year since I started doing this stupid running thing and I guess it's going to stick. Figuring it was about time that I got my first pair of professionally-fitted shoes, I headed to <a href="http://www.luckyfoot.com/" target="_blank">Lucky Foot</a> to get an analysis.<br />
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It turns out that my feet collapse inward as I run, setting off a chain reaction of stress in my knee and hip. That explains the pain! All this time I've been running in a pair of neutral shoes, but I actually need stability ones. So I tried on three pairs and settled on these <a href="http://www.newbalance.com/pd/new-balance-860v5/M860-V5.html" target="_blank">New Balances</a>. Even with a discount for belonging to Gold's Gym, these are the most expensive pair of sneakers I've ever owned. But I guess they do more than sneak.<br />
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It's funny: in every other area of footwear I much, much, MUCH prefer something understated and conservative. Yet for running shoes I like to peacock with shoes that are slightly gaudy. (Though I do have my limits.) Honestly, I find my new shoes to be pretty boring. Though here function should trump form, I guess. Still, zzzzzz...<br />
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After the snow melted I took my new shoes out for their inaugural run and... I don't know. I went on a four mile run and at mile three my hip was killing me. So much so that I had to walk for about 30 seconds before resuming my run. And my knee still hurts. I can't tell if it's more or less than with my old shoes.<br />
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Maybe my body just needs to acclimate to a different type of shoe after getting used to my old neutral pair. Jeff at Lucky Foot did say that they wouldn't be an instant panacea to my problems. I'd also have to build my leg muscles up, as well as stretch adequately before running. So I'll give them a few more runs before I make a final verdict.Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-66857596714598419392014-12-31T16:28:00.001-05:002014-12-31T16:30:25.828-05:00runemployed 08: suburban NYE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhER1TVD9UfDR76s72Q61P4f5oQp0Hyge8nlIaZpl2HuMm8b2BPsnbY2Aqv_O067GVc95Izj4VQaSAYUMbrmet67pxq3QbN43ydI0KHX1zZDfdySBJ4OS9MjHLjHt_ljFHYCyYvhg/s1600/runemployed+08+NYE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhER1TVD9UfDR76s72Q61P4f5oQp0Hyge8nlIaZpl2HuMm8b2BPsnbY2Aqv_O067GVc95Izj4VQaSAYUMbrmet67pxq3QbN43ydI0KHX1zZDfdySBJ4OS9MjHLjHt_ljFHYCyYvhg/s1600/runemployed+08+NYE.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>"<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done." - <a href="http://youtu.be/D_Vg4uyYwEk" target="_blank">Rocky Balboa</a></span></i><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Last night my mom asked me why I haven't done one of these lately. The simple answer is that while I've still been running, I've been uninspired to drive somewhere new to do it. I've had some great times during the Autumn of Micah, but recently those have been eclipsed by doubt, frustration, and worry. Financial realities are setting in and I'll most likely have to resume temping very soon, which I am extremely loathe to do. (I *really* don't want to settle into another years-long comfortable rut.) Things have been getting me down. Unsurprisingly, this has coincided with by far my least favorite holiday.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">I can't stand New Year's Eve. Because of said rut - actually, way before that - I tend to reflect upon everything I didn't accomplish over the past year. And all of those personal and professional failures just make me feel that nothing's going to change in the new year. And to be perfectly honest, that's how it's worked out. I'm in stasis. Sure, there are people out there who are in much, much worse situations than me. I realize that I'm lucky to have food and a roof, as well as good friends and a close family. But there are also many folks out there who have things I feel are out of my reach: a fulfilling job that pays more than just basic living expenses, someone who loves them, kids, security for the future, a life beyond suburban isolation. When the ball drops and yet again there's no congratulatory kiss... well, it ain't a fun feeling.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">This cold afternoon I took to the surrounding neighborhoods and ran. And ran. And ran. I ran farther than I ever have before without stopping or walking. (Granted, I did it slowly, but the point is I did it.) I was in full on Forrest Gump beast mode. This was all powered by a need to feel a sense of accomplishment. This was fueled by 365 days of frustration and negativity. This was driven by a strong desire to eat a lot of candy tonight.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPJrDPWGd3wYVBj5bKcDjFZUcvUQKoYushKH-tzjsf2zQFMZW3CxVkwMG_oPl398GQVo9qx0fwkPSnh2bmWuB9nWC-aAfL8TR0WEovtBEhflP8PAq7Ey361nbQJYeOQvStvEgNg/s1600/runemployed+08+NYE+strava.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPJrDPWGd3wYVBj5bKcDjFZUcvUQKoYushKH-tzjsf2zQFMZW3CxVkwMG_oPl398GQVo9qx0fwkPSnh2bmWuB9nWC-aAfL8TR0WEovtBEhflP8PAq7Ey361nbQJYeOQvStvEgNg/s1600/runemployed+08+NYE+strava.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oddly, I walked part of my fastest 10k time. Weird.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #fcfae7;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">I didn't stop to take any pictures like I normally have done for this series. I didn't want to break my stride. And really, it's the suburbs. What's to see?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Physically, I really needed this. I've gained back some of my <a href="http://www.micahplease.com/search/label/Too%20big%20to%20fail" target="_blank">weight loss</a> since Halloween. Twelve pounds, to be exact. Who would've figured that pumpkin spice everything, bowls of trick or treat candy, supper clubs, a friend's nearly endless <a href="http://instagramia.com/Tags/superpieme" target="_blank">parade of pies</a>, Thanksgiving dinner, and a string of Christmas get togethers would all take their toll? Crazy talk! As of this week I've reduced that figure to 10 lbs., but I still would like to knock that down some more before I resume maintaining. Longer distances will help.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Throughout today's run I mostly put one song from my <a href="http://open.spotify.com/user/jmblya/playlist/0rX5xi3xBA9VjxaQZZAQyD" target="_blank">running playlist</a> on repeat: Eminem's "Rabbit Run" from the </span><i style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">8 Mile</i><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"> soundtrack. It's one of my favorites of his. Want to get pumped up by a song about perseverance in the face of adversity? Striving to overcome self doubt? Making your voice heard, literally and figuratively? Here you go.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/lN8VWkdRpmw" width="560"></iframe></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><i>Some days I just wanna up and call it quits</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><i>I feel like I'm surrounded by a wall of bricks</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><i>Every time I go to get up I just fall in pits</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><i>My life's like one great big ball of shit</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><i>If I could just put it all into all I spit</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><i>Instead I always try to swallow it</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><i>...</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><i>I'm like a skillet bubbling until it filters up</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><i>I'm about to kill it, I can feel it building up</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><i>Blow this building up</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><i>I've concealed enough</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><i>My cup runneth over</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><i>I've done filled it up</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><i>...</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><i>I'm fizzling now</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><i>Thought I figured it out</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><i>Ball's in my court, but I'm scared to dribble it out</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><i>I'm afraid, but why am I afraid?</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><i>Why am I a slave to this trade?</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><i>...</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><i>I'll be back, baby, I just got to beat this clock</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><i>Fuck this clock, I'ma make them eat this watch</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><i>Don't believe me? Watch.</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><i>I'ma win this race</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">It wasn't all focused intensity, though. I closed out my run with Jerry Reed's <a href="http://youtu.be/uHZJej98_T0" target="_blank">"East Bound and Down."</a> That song is dope, too!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Of course, I came back from my run to find that there was no water due to a main break. There's a good chance I'll die dehydrated and smelly on the worst night of the year. But if I pull through, I know I have to channel my inner Rocky Balboa in the new year. I've got to push harder in 2015. Get out of my comfort zone. Think positively. Create my own opportunities. Meet new people. Give that hulking Russian the beatdown of a lifetime.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">To me, that last one some seems like the easiest. I'll do that one first.</span>Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-18859580539511029622014-12-23T23:26:00.000-05:002014-12-23T23:26:02.345-05:00A Very Micah Christmas 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDLFkUpWKy2aV5OcxyyZoYgffsKeYcw8G_dpHO35rnsZpKrFP1_-WU6kydvMa8oDm5EMYmNiuzeD0uiyo0TizXdLb-zCCQVN6HJzCNxGQpQeWZuOFmgY_P7vNfMjK92HkarRDKQ/s1600/cover+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDLFkUpWKy2aV5OcxyyZoYgffsKeYcw8G_dpHO35rnsZpKrFP1_-WU6kydvMa8oDm5EMYmNiuzeD0uiyo0TizXdLb-zCCQVN6HJzCNxGQpQeWZuOFmgY_P7vNfMjK92HkarRDKQ/s1600/cover+01.jpg" height="395" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">Finally ready for public consumption is my Christmas mix for this year. It’s got grooves! It’s got reverence! It’s got Rachael Ray forever linked to a crushing sensation of holiday melancholy!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">For your streaming convenience, I put my mix into Spotify, but they don't have licenses to all of the songs. What you see is what you get:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:user:jmblya:playlist:5L04IqRx81kij7YzfAAc6p" width="300"></iframe></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">The full <i>A Very Micah Christmas 2014</i> experience goes a little like this:</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">1. "Christmas in the City" - Nick D' & The Believers</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">2. "Angels We Have Heard on High" - Quiet Company</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">3. "I Know What You're Doing for Christmas" - Nerina Pallot</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">4. "Snow Falls Down" - Good Old War</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">5. "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" - Citizens & Saints</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">6. "Every Day's a Holiday" - Piney Gir</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">7. "A Wonderful Christmas Time" - Jon Windle</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">8. "Countdown to Christmas" - Glam Chops</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">9. "Must Be Santa" - Bob Dylan</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">10. "Up on the Housetop" - The Gospel Whiskey Runners</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">11. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" - Scott Bradlee & Postmodern Jukebox</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">12. "I Don't Need No Santa Claus" - Fiction Family</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">13. "Jingle Bells" - Ben Rector</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">14. "Christmas Threw Up All Over You" - April Smith & The Great Picture Show</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">15. "Best Kind of Friend" - Christabel and The Jons</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">16. "Santa Have Mercy" - CALICO the Band</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">17. "Lumberjack Christmas/No One Can Save You From Christmases Past" - Sufjan Stevens</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">18. "Baby, It's Cold Outside" - 8mm</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">19. "Joy to the World" - Andrew Ripp</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">20. "Christmas Party" - Dr. Dog</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">21. "Christmas at the Airport" - Nick Lowe</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">22. "The Smile of Rachael Ray" - David Mead</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">23. "Daniela Andrade - "Santa Baby"</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">24. "Away in a Manger" - The Innocence Mission</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">25. "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)" - matt pond PA</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">26. "Silent Night" - Branches</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">27. "Last Day of the Year" - Loudon Wainwright III</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">28. Surprise!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">I have not yet uploaded the entire mix yet. If you want it, give me a gentle prod!</span></span>Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-41927401398104372972014-12-14T10:21:00.001-05:002014-12-14T10:21:38.091-05:00OMG! An ill reindeer!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aFJSpCiQlyV1pNxXpLwcrdulC77l3IouspP0dIDXyjVBapsEzsZZ4Ecg2mhJAuDOimXHX1i49OI7r-jbCt9acWEIRKXpiLekjEmj_5ejHX6kPL0N8jPn7tksqGvGfhIJQ4TSlA/s1600/ill+reindeer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aFJSpCiQlyV1pNxXpLwcrdulC77l3IouspP0dIDXyjVBapsEzsZZ4Ecg2mhJAuDOimXHX1i49OI7r-jbCt9acWEIRKXpiLekjEmj_5ejHX6kPL0N8jPn7tksqGvGfhIJQ4TSlA/s1600/ill+reindeer.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2H6LtlkbFPALS_6936vEOmPniqz6gp1X60i2zN_I9t-GncboKtpipfXr2kjtH5WsbJ304BHeQAD36vjFYh8d0Cn2OTWr-xNP9JJAzv3JBBt1EB4Yb_gEHaLSBppmRL5YP_jtI6w/s1600/christmas+socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2H6LtlkbFPALS_6936vEOmPniqz6gp1X60i2zN_I9t-GncboKtpipfXr2kjtH5WsbJ304BHeQAD36vjFYh8d0Cn2OTWr-xNP9JJAzv3JBBt1EB4Yb_gEHaLSBppmRL5YP_jtI6w/s1600/christmas+socks.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-jNvY74ZYLqJotegOuoMz5dPfm0RmQnnTF_wOKo7SoDJ-W2GSYkZwMDGmd0PvMkhis0KXjdphiV8B1umXlTy7w6gni4NoTYPGM1g118ZJRodTxU8OdZA7Bx2TGSkkcWVQj7n6g/s1600/reindeer+runners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-jNvY74ZYLqJotegOuoMz5dPfm0RmQnnTF_wOKo7SoDJ-W2GSYkZwMDGmd0PvMkhis0KXjdphiV8B1umXlTy7w6gni4NoTYPGM1g118ZJRodTxU8OdZA7Bx2TGSkkcWVQj7n6g/s1600/reindeer+runners.jpg" height="400" width="358" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">No one said running was one of the reindeer games. Pass. Christmas and a running buddy makes the act a bit more bearable. It's still dumb, though. (And please excuse my crazy eyes in the first picture. They're filled with wonder!)</span>Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-24426630918286655572014-10-31T14:53:00.000-04:002014-10-31T14:53:27.829-04:00runemployed 07: University of Richmond<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbReoyDRkNtz5OWqC1rdTPkxkGtk_fZ009K2ck5MYMylA6qpzv0rau-BNwix-n-hrXfkoNY4i1AbR-M1lsRHAXaLL7wIYtbVZSaJFqCFpM-a-A8HHli-h6LWZYWVliLxPzFXujeg/s1600/runemployed+UR+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbReoyDRkNtz5OWqC1rdTPkxkGtk_fZ009K2ck5MYMylA6qpzv0rau-BNwix-n-hrXfkoNY4i1AbR-M1lsRHAXaLL7wIYtbVZSaJFqCFpM-a-A8HHli-h6LWZYWVliLxPzFXujeg/s1600/runemployed+UR+cover.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>In which I try to turn a negative situation into a positive one and explore Richmond in the process.</i></div>
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It's been over a month since I've done one of these posts and, honestly, I've really missed getting out there. (<i>Who am I?</i>) See, I had a terrible case of poison ivy - stemming from a bizarre gardening accident - and I didn't want to aggravate my condition while I was recovering. And when I was ready to come back, rain put the kibosh on some of my planned trips. But in that time I became a member of the <a href="http://www.rrrc.org/" target="_blank">Richmond Road Runners</a> (<i>No, really, who am I?</i>) and registered for a couple of races in November, bringing the total for that month up to three. (<i>Stop it. You're scaring me.</i>)</div>
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I'm back at it now, though, and what better place to resume this series than my alma mater, the <a href="http://www.richmond.edu/" target="_blank">University of Richmond</a>?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKfVa4E7TiKZUM8t2qIu2MGqinvtDEv5FZiZCvmvrJ1DplgmkA3VCumSHnYb4TkhECQcggChOV4DH7ktkW0vPipQfPTvtHx3UrwehqyS0akFrFCuA-vOYaP8Chywn13l2L7G-dw/s1600/runemployed+UR+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKfVa4E7TiKZUM8t2qIu2MGqinvtDEv5FZiZCvmvrJ1DplgmkA3VCumSHnYb4TkhECQcggChOV4DH7ktkW0vPipQfPTvtHx3UrwehqyS0akFrFCuA-vOYaP8Chywn13l2L7G-dw/s1600/runemployed+UR+sign.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Groundskeeper Willie's working overtime.</td></tr>
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Though I didn't start matriculating there until 1994, UR was established way back in 1830. (Thank you, Baptists!) I guess some stuff happened before my time, like eventually losing its affiliation with the church and focusing on molding the minds of young men and women decked out in Izod. FUN FACT: while a certain school whose colors are yellow and black has the arrogance to claim to represent the entire city, ours actually has the word <i>Richmond </i>in its name. Plus you have a significantly less chance of getting mugged on our campus.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UvdjfCHxoqq75mQK-sqFHIovQY2KtIrgxQc0ScVSNUxIUYv_mCGcdQUkrvxPftmfkxPBH6eg8FyqKySGjKQxUvIuE_L5dnZrzs3g3ns8VcK9a5T6DVeFN4EP0vqINEerYk7-vg/s1600/runemployed+UR+boatwright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UvdjfCHxoqq75mQK-sqFHIovQY2KtIrgxQc0ScVSNUxIUYv_mCGcdQUkrvxPftmfkxPBH6eg8FyqKySGjKQxUvIuE_L5dnZrzs3g3ns8VcK9a5T6DVeFN4EP0vqINEerYk7-vg/s1600/runemployed+UR+boatwright.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Insert a "The Waltons" reference here.</td></tr>
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Without a doubt, the best years of my life were spent on these grounds. I made several close, lasting friendships and we generated four years' worth of good memories. Oh, and I learned a few things, too. But one thing I wasn't back in the mid '90s was fit. The "freshman 50" hit me hard. Yes, I really committed to that common curse. You should see our dining facility. The Wall of Cereal alone...<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVSePVdlJKe2cQIDna2CnNXqgO5hrRs07ZqC7HOrGBo8pguD51TkCn553tuJBGBwSo61tKkk7WHJtWWQ_FIS9N1il6rxwaRZRZf0OWsB7nqAewdKBEMQI48iGUXmAJjn3sLYQbA/s1600/runemployed+UR+Jepson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVSePVdlJKe2cQIDna2CnNXqgO5hrRs07ZqC7HOrGBo8pguD51TkCn553tuJBGBwSo61tKkk7WHJtWWQ_FIS9N1il6rxwaRZRZf0OWsB7nqAewdKBEMQI48iGUXmAJjn3sLYQbA/s1600/runemployed+UR+Jepson.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come for the Leadership Studies major. Stay for the beautiful foliage.</td></tr>
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I think I can say with authority that one of the things I never did during my time at Richmond was move at pace faster than "hurried mosey." (Okay, maybe if I was late to class I would break into "rushed amble.") Exercise was not a priority. Considering that I ate a grilled cheese sandwich with every meal, you'd think I'd be mindful of that. Nope. So jogging around campus yesterday provided a point of view that was brand new to me.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaMG07vZgZf47YZDE9g4jJ1MMxJ-Tb1iDbAYbTy8m8HvTN5A7TAfksyyaXW6M5L47Bj5sEnqHW-3pDwFXy5qCUdwh3QguddCqc-rksJst5KO4JQEtF7XiJ8-tCjtQPmOTVD-hpA/s1600/runemployed+UR+robins+stadium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaMG07vZgZf47YZDE9g4jJ1MMxJ-Tb1iDbAYbTy8m8HvTN5A7TAfksyyaXW6M5L47Bj5sEnqHW-3pDwFXy5qCUdwh3QguddCqc-rksJst5KO4JQEtF7XiJ8-tCjtQPmOTVD-hpA/s1600/runemployed+UR+robins+stadium.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sports!</td></tr>
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And that point of view mostly consisted of "Boy, this place sure is hilly." Honestly, I never realized that until doing this run. Sure, Boatwright Drive as you enter campus is steep and twisty, but the other roads on campus never registered that way to me. Earlier this week I signed up to do a <a href="http://www.rrrc.org/events/turkey-trot-10k-2014" target="_blank">10k</a> here on Thanksgiving morning. What have I gotten myself into?<br /><div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnSDnvBmDH2CMZXPnhTCYzzS-kK9-pVebz5MVIzGZvzSp4sO1021tfK7VYuWe7SbrbGpWUZ_Lh_5YDlMW98HPOqqXNNQpn8HgcAe_R7-RycGffmr9mucBkCxScQIkeE8ib9T4TQ/s1600/runemployed+UR+strava.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnSDnvBmDH2CMZXPnhTCYzzS-kK9-pVebz5MVIzGZvzSp4sO1021tfK7VYuWe7SbrbGpWUZ_Lh_5YDlMW98HPOqqXNNQpn8HgcAe_R7-RycGffmr9mucBkCxScQIkeE8ib9T4TQ/s1600/runemployed+UR+strava.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When viewed like this, the fact that you can't run the lake's circumference bugs me.</td></tr>
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Back in my day, the two schools that make up the university - Richmond College for the men, Westhampton College for the women - were separated by Westhampton Lake. Yes, it was like summer camp with textbooks and Milwaukee's Best. Unsure if my old restraining order was still in effect, I kept my run pretty much on the RC side.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JrQ-xsxrtxlowFzVSClWB-VS7ccWkDWhbWs13X3J3DUpuMYld95sz93YsTKMBXlWqcG1AqFaWhZ3CG3su2-gxvpAmcj-wqGXMhxpT-fdkxkJmd_KweeggWNyCPrhkqZDosECvQ/s1600/runemployed+UR+robins+hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JrQ-xsxrtxlowFzVSClWB-VS7ccWkDWhbWs13X3J3DUpuMYld95sz93YsTKMBXlWqcG1AqFaWhZ3CG3su2-gxvpAmcj-wqGXMhxpT-fdkxkJmd_KweeggWNyCPrhkqZDosECvQ/s1600/runemployed+UR+robins+hall.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squint through the leaves and you can see my freshman dorm room on the 3rd floor. Good times.</td></tr>
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The loop around the lake is a very pretty run. Bonus points if you enjoy looking at water fowl. Sadly, there were no lake dogs there yesterday. I ran past lots of bricks, fallen leaves, and co-eds that (sadly) look like children to me now. Aside from the lake, everywhere I went seemed like I was going uphill, which I probably was. Next time I'll venture over to the Westhampton side and get a feel for its terrain.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XF92owDH8ACSicyxyOaddVpiNyxRzYtjUu8LdAPG0l4STmrVZQa9mzPa8mGP_2zhWJJVzkqJ1-mlkA9Wpkndw25H4CBpKYFpXRcet5XUrjJfrg20jZ6GKwZLYZhwbpzYizKJ3A/s1600/runemployed+UR+R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XF92owDH8ACSicyxyOaddVpiNyxRzYtjUu8LdAPG0l4STmrVZQa9mzPa8mGP_2zhWJJVzkqJ1-mlkA9Wpkndw25H4CBpKYFpXRcet5XUrjJfrg20jZ6GKwZLYZhwbpzYizKJ3A/s1600/runemployed+UR+R.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a pirate joke in there somewhere.</td></tr>
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My initial thought for this post's selection from my <a href="http://open.spotify.com/user/jmblya/playlist/0rX5xi3xBA9VjxaQZZAQyD" target="_blank">running playlist</a> was to use a song that was a big part of my college experience. Oh, how I tormented my friends and dormmates with my incessant playing of G. Love & Special Sauce's "Cold Beverage" and Blood, Sweat & Tears' "Spinning Wheel." But this being Halloween time and all, I figured that I should bust out a spooky tune, so I'm going with the Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer." There's no personal significance, just a driving beat that'll keep you going. Pretend you're getting chased by Patrick Bateman!<div>
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<i>Psycho killer</i></div>
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<i>Qu'est-ce que c'est</i></div>
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<i>Fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa better</i></div>
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<i>Run run run run run run run away</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA89md5z6SY5ILv3y8jwZoPsI_74CwDHUyKA4YEegIBIKcHJbEIoMVbmS4cfGwlBDv6DQ6ZdZ9X4LDmkh_YQ_VRK9lLu2d9T-aV3i9D6_9uLI6DChyphenhyphenrGmF5RmEmOR5d9JifKtmXg/s1600/runemployed+UR+brick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA89md5z6SY5ILv3y8jwZoPsI_74CwDHUyKA4YEegIBIKcHJbEIoMVbmS4cfGwlBDv6DQ6ZdZ9X4LDmkh_YQ_VRK9lLu2d9T-aV3i9D6_9uLI6DChyphenhyphenrGmF5RmEmOR5d9JifKtmXg/s1600/runemployed+UR+brick.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My only legacy.</td></tr>
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They say you can't go home again, but I proved them all wrong. In fact, it was really easy. SUCKERS! It was great seeing UR from a new vantage point and recalling some fond memories while doing so. Richmond is beautiful all year round, but especially in the fall. If you don't mind a bit of a climb, I suggest you get out there and enjoy its rolling hills while they're at Peak Prettiness. I'll be back there early on Thanksgiving morning, banking enough calories for me to eat an entire pumpkin pie later on that day.Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-10215150727760466552014-10-27T16:13:00.000-04:002014-10-27T16:21:55.511-04:00Every Simpson dance now!When I was invited to my friends Tony and Lauren's Halloween party - in which men were to dress like women and vice versa - my mind reeled at the costume possibilities. My first thought was to go as Marilyn Monroe so I could show off my slammin' new bod. (Sarcastic "Ha!") But then I thought that one was kind of played out. Inspiration struck and I got a great idea. One that would embody one of my greatest passions and reflect what makes me me. So this past Saturday I achieved Peak Simpson Mania and dressed up as Marge Simpson.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMWSOAKF3n763FuHF2h9EUnuNx5Ml03AuvRTxKR6YHVkYIwsor108iQHc0KIA3XoRoW16qe-N4sITIZ9NviUzArBwG8LzZaDqANp_Xt07k2afO3pfMSJWjAXbmdfB8ezzgC2heg/s1600/marge+simpson+costume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMWSOAKF3n763FuHF2h9EUnuNx5Ml03AuvRTxKR6YHVkYIwsor108iQHc0KIA3XoRoW16qe-N4sITIZ9NviUzArBwG8LzZaDqANp_Xt07k2afO3pfMSJWjAXbmdfB8ezzgC2heg/s1600/marge+simpson+costume.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really should've brought a couple of gallons of homemade Pepsi to bring to the party.</td></tr>
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I put a lot of time, effort, and money into this costume. Probably way more than I should have, but it paid off. I was a real head-turner. (In a good way, I hope.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44REuUQpOhlvoSEl0DHFJdeBG3BIQerwkmMSL3nbalndSe_pC2QN9hiDQrdQE-3WGm1rt1U4vtrvWAGWDv5BgQ9NjdpJX9fIHakXu3AczAgm94X1c1vAlBbCAM2OJQ1E9kR1M0g/s1600/marge+simpson+costume+hair+wig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44REuUQpOhlvoSEl0DHFJdeBG3BIQerwkmMSL3nbalndSe_pC2QN9hiDQrdQE-3WGm1rt1U4vtrvWAGWDv5BgQ9NjdpJX9fIHakXu3AczAgm94X1c1vAlBbCAM2OJQ1E9kR1M0g/s1600/marge+simpson+costume+hair+wig.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No need to purchase any Blue Dye #56.</td></tr>
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It all started with the wig, which also was the most expensive part. At first I was going to go with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Disguise-Simpsons-Marge-Deluxe-Costume/dp/B00CIZA8FC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414437049&sr=8-1&keywords=marge+simpson+wig" target="_blank">this one</a> since it was fairly cheap, but I was afraid that the "shiny mylar accents" would look weird, especially up close. So I ponied up a little more and bought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Marge-Simpson-Adult-Costume-Blue/dp/B002DH83JS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1414437049&sr=8-2&keywords=marge+simpson+wig" target="_blank">this wig</a>. Luckily, I had a lot of Amazon gift cards at my disposal (thank you, Bing Rewards!), so it only set me back a few dollars. It came with these bushy sideburns that obscured my face, but they were easily lopped off. To get it to stand up straight I stuffed newspaper up inside it. Voila! Instant Marge hair.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZ19WX9zIBZyJWRRuZAJRU3oqLcI8M6Tqe8fbsIpooSUyM7MEV5Q962BqGPaCBs5vtYHtegsIUNDE584f6LmvAU10OmLmSSI7GWZ_GR3hZYzNJ9Sa4T8zmxzi48i6xZEIVFpmxw/s1600/marge+simpson+costume+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZ19WX9zIBZyJWRRuZAJRU3oqLcI8M6Tqe8fbsIpooSUyM7MEV5Q962BqGPaCBs5vtYHtegsIUNDE584f6LmvAU10OmLmSSI7GWZ_GR3hZYzNJ9Sa4T8zmxzi48i6xZEIVFpmxw/s1600/marge+simpson+costume+dress.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It really accentuated my curves.</td></tr>
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The next problem to solve was what to do about the dress. Goodwill was a bust, as were other retail outlets. It's every boy's dream to have his mom make a dress for him and thankfully my wonderful, caring, and talented mother was game. She put a ton of work into making this for me (in between fits of panicked laughter) and it turned out great. The elastic band around the waist really gave me the illusion of having hips. She left room up top to accommodate stuffing. I'm not proud of it, but I wore a strapless boulder holder, which I filled with stuffing material. (I wore my Fitbit in there, too.) All night I was struggling to keep "the girls" up. I now respect your plight, women.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuByChJUz1v-iRcrDQTxi4p_3A5VkSBk6M2FppJH2x-3qKPic6iYmvawm-qrSov4AAKuI0Y8O6fmwz_5sEh2HyqW0Ih4HsR8GY1ey7ivH4E1jgVppUXdl7DWSkkc5cLCevr219A/s1600/marge+simpson+costume+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuByChJUz1v-iRcrDQTxi4p_3A5VkSBk6M2FppJH2x-3qKPic6iYmvawm-qrSov4AAKuI0Y8O6fmwz_5sEh2HyqW0Ih4HsR8GY1ey7ivH4E1jgVppUXdl7DWSkkc5cLCevr219A/s1600/marge+simpson+costume+shoes.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sensible just like Marge.</td></tr>
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Shoes were also a concern. I found a pair at Payless that would've worked, but there was no way I was going to lay down $20 for some flats I'll never wear again. K-Mart came through and had these on clearance for $5. Luckily, with that chain being the ghost town that it is, not many people saw me trying on womens' footwear. Marge's shoes don't have perforations, but that's a compromise I was willing to make for the price. Also these were originally black and white, though that's nothing a few coats of spray paint didn't fix. I kept them on throughout most of the party until the discomfort became unbearable. Again, much respect, ladies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcIhsdp9IjGQVrrSjLUwmoSzg_RYTi43bNEPlPTp8IAP_Cxs9wIU8w7PGcXzBbmzE2xYddn4tVUrlXFAVVjxw4mJ2VAfFDO0ZRRwdCGJkkwdmpomiJlj4NRA7EeKNRshfzS_iWg/s1600/marge+simpson+costume+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcIhsdp9IjGQVrrSjLUwmoSzg_RYTi43bNEPlPTp8IAP_Cxs9wIU8w7PGcXzBbmzE2xYddn4tVUrlXFAVVjxw4mJ2VAfFDO0ZRRwdCGJkkwdmpomiJlj4NRA7EeKNRshfzS_iWg/s1600/marge+simpson+costume+necklace.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heh heh. Pearl necklace.</td></tr>
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The last piece of attire I needed was Marge's string of red pearls. Like with the rest of this costume's components, I was fairly clueless about them. My friend Suzanne introduced me to the world of beads and I picked up these perfect red wooden ones and a length of elastic string from <a href="https://www.banglesandbeads.net/" target="_blank">Bangles and Beads</a> in Carytown. Unfortunately, I bought too many beads and learned of the store's terrible "no refunds" policy firsthand. You've been warned.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkAMhGvnz6Xg7_WFw72wjnruTKA0DaWlSADDWdjkUQ01XXYKqVHkUoLU5zll3OmVthcS-NLArLo2WPd9s8FPm8YV7PnGcb4SttLBKZSEZNRQSMgZvWBzQSBsJSR7xQTsUAF3KEg/s1600/marge+simpson+costume+maggie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkAMhGvnz6Xg7_WFw72wjnruTKA0DaWlSADDWdjkUQ01XXYKqVHkUoLU5zll3OmVthcS-NLArLo2WPd9s8FPm8YV7PnGcb4SttLBKZSEZNRQSMgZvWBzQSBsJSR7xQTsUAF3KEg/s1600/marge+simpson+costume+maggie.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mommy's little girl.</td></tr>
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The right accessory will knock an outfit out the park and it's no different for Halloween costumes. I think this Maggie Simpson doll that I bought on ebay put it over the top.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNriqGKJBIVyPtcapv6a5xNDoVCmG0ekXqgp-t9nJpUszhfZkEJOhOZYhn-cW41imwVEfn24TNg-LdISdYI55pGy6uQyDkw2xVONdR17BWSl0VYLzy5VwIpzKb20eeMNKzTtPxA/s1600/marge+simpson+costume+contest+winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNriqGKJBIVyPtcapv6a5xNDoVCmG0ekXqgp-t9nJpUszhfZkEJOhOZYhn-cW41imwVEfn24TNg-LdISdYI55pGy6uQyDkw2xVONdR17BWSl0VYLzy5VwIpzKb20eeMNKzTtPxA/s1600/marge+simpson+costume+contest+winner.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winner winner, pork chop dinner!</td></tr>
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The costume all came together nicely. So nicely in fact that I won the contest at the party. Initially I tied with a Samantha from Sex & The City. (Who somehow morphed into Joan Rivers during the course of the night.) I emerged victorious from the tiebreaker by one vote. Hey, a win is a win. A big thanks to everyone who voted for me. I dedicate the fancy bottle of Spanish wine that I won to you.<br />
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I've long held the <a href="http://www.micahplease.com/2010/10/why-i-love-halloween-part-vi.html" target="_blank">notion</a> that one of the things that makes Halloween great is that, in Jim Gaffigan's <a href="http://youtu.be/UuOc62x9cCc" target="_blank">words</a>, "women use it as an excuse to dress like prostitutes." Now it was my turn to be the belle of the ball. It was the prettiest night of my life, even if it didn't end with my elbows getting nibbled.*<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I'm confident that one of these days my dream of being dressed as a woman and making out with a woman dressed as a man will finally come true.</span><br />
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Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-91199558329178523892014-09-22T19:09:00.000-04:002014-09-22T19:48:29.196-04:00runemployed 06: Church Hill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8drSeyKBaLg4SGJ5ON0FSztK6PAViqKSz4IdzKzCujzfKncJE7qKgXvAhURSmK_JT2tllLBeuLxx4h25EnreBYmicKs7dzSdQ9zA8sLarG4DJNmSJ15WR0jTchqxsLGIOru41tg/s1600/runemployed+06+Church+Hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8drSeyKBaLg4SGJ5ON0FSztK6PAViqKSz4IdzKzCujzfKncJE7qKgXvAhURSmK_JT2tllLBeuLxx4h25EnreBYmicKs7dzSdQ9zA8sLarG4DJNmSJ15WR0jTchqxsLGIOru41tg/s1600/runemployed+06+Church+Hill.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>In which I try to turn a negative situation into a positive one and explore Richmond in the process.</i><br />
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Today was a beautiful day for a jog. Bright yet the air had a crispness to it. Still green, but with none of the drawbacks of summer. Of which there are many. (Yes, I'm a hater.) Why not spend it in the part of town that I've frequented the most, aside from the times I was schooled and resided in the West End? That's right, it was time to go to Church Hill.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgc9XxbytCtsaRr8TnA6L3b0ns-Jo6PLttT0Dw9awFSdgL2GQ9yOHyljNhEpiW-oF0u5vYfZnBkkHR8D32wHJIS3-9_gOmsOk-yNgdwe5TxOP6Zy3IIQcIvvUun_YTFKPQ2bDIg/s1600/runemployed+Church+Hill+street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgc9XxbytCtsaRr8TnA6L3b0ns-Jo6PLttT0Dw9awFSdgL2GQ9yOHyljNhEpiW-oF0u5vYfZnBkkHR8D32wHJIS3-9_gOmsOk-yNgdwe5TxOP6Zy3IIQcIvvUun_YTFKPQ2bDIg/s1600/runemployed+Church+Hill+street.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liberty, Death, or Draw!</td></tr>
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Church Hill is a lovely part of Richmond where you'll find old houses owned by people who aren't too keen on <a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/special-section/sports/baseball-in-richmond/" target="_blank">new baseball stadiums</a>, some great places to <a href="http://www.alamobbqva.com/" target="_blank">eat</a> and <a href="http://www.thephpub.com/" target="_blank">drink</a>, and O.G. patriot Patrick Henry's favorite <a href="http://historicstjohnschurch.org/" target="_blank">place of worship</a>. Sections of Church Hill are quite upscale. Others... uh, not so much. <a href="http://www.micahplease.com/2014/09/runemployed-05-carytown-museum-district.html" target="_blank">Last week</a> I used this space to gush over my friends and this neighborhood has the largest concentration of them, hence my spending copious amounts of time here. Heck, I was even part of a formidable pub trivia team for a while. (The Publicans 4 life, son.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm43qDFFONFcCOjZsFYCWoSlaFqb3mOLHpwiaU9bwwyLNV4jI3rQcBmB0DrSddTLkzNWTjNyz6kI-5RgN7i-VB0GUmJ0XoEpy9r9vZoa-ulKFM3PgXkaM3SaQZ06-9Ak8-t_Y6fw/s1600/runemployed+Church+Hill+pub+trivia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm43qDFFONFcCOjZsFYCWoSlaFqb3mOLHpwiaU9bwwyLNV4jI3rQcBmB0DrSddTLkzNWTjNyz6kI-5RgN7i-VB0GUmJ0XoEpy9r9vZoa-ulKFM3PgXkaM3SaQZ06-9Ak8-t_Y6fw/s1600/runemployed+Church+Hill+pub+trivia.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fat and awkward file photo, 2009</td></tr>
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So, I love this area and figured it was about time that I jogged through it. Over the weekend I went to Chimborazo Park for the first time, to catch a showing of <i>O Brother, Where Art Thou?</i> As I am bona fide, that was a good enough starting place as any for me today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQC-VBqfcVmLOnhOevXUlRS5iAvR4B0kaRHHgaFWLjS3DuYjfyUaISRGzK82kv15-Qqa1uGfWZBBcn-9xY5pd6LVFRgwaj_-rDagUj6KgA498_8e53Gjof0gbf1pMW0ZnBRXx1JA/s1600/runemployed+Church+Hill+statue+of+liberty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQC-VBqfcVmLOnhOevXUlRS5iAvR4B0kaRHHgaFWLjS3DuYjfyUaISRGzK82kv15-Qqa1uGfWZBBcn-9xY5pd6LVFRgwaj_-rDagUj6KgA498_8e53Gjof0gbf1pMW0ZnBRXx1JA/s1600/runemployed+Church+Hill+statue+of+liberty.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inspiration for Weekend Update with Dennis Miller.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.richmondoutside.com/destination/chimborazo-park/" target="_blank">Chimborazo</a> is a National Battlefield Park, which during the Civil War was the site of the largest <a href="http://www.nps.gov/rich/historyculture/chimborazo.htm" target="_blank">military hospital</a> in the world, consisting of 150 buildings and 100 tents. Long gone are the 76,000 patients, but I assume their specters still roam the park, forever trapped on this mortal plane. Or not. The only other entities I saw as I ran through there were a few guys sitting in parked cars. I should've stopped to pick up <a href="http://itsalwayssunny.tumblr.com/post/164787799/dealer-whatchu-need-dennis-uh-one-please" target="_blank">one rock of crack</a> while I had the chance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRfEep7fP-nJj2dakWZXN6dpQJw4DoBB91yUqZphfiCQL_L72AHbs0TDod0JNstBn1S2h_SA1nI3PxU7uAf3wEOU-6tP63lBBpC9NJC-1VcxMjauTfEiGTPnSmS2-pRN6MNZbnQ/s1600/runemployed+Church+Hill+chimborazo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRfEep7fP-nJj2dakWZXN6dpQJw4DoBB91yUqZphfiCQL_L72AHbs0TDod0JNstBn1S2h_SA1nI3PxU7uAf3wEOU-6tP63lBBpC9NJC-1VcxMjauTfEiGTPnSmS2-pRN6MNZbnQ/s1600/runemployed+Church+Hill+chimborazo.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a cloud in the sky. Except for that one. And that one. And that one...</td></tr>
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The jog through there itself wasn't bad. Some of the streets are closed to traffic, but the ones that aren't have wide sidewalks that run along them. The loop around the entire park is pretty short, so I continued on to another park a few blocks away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiN7gi-IJqoqW5H089dDeOYQ1OistbmHqdxARMjnWc4pViPzFLqpVSW3ts3yxuQ2PLMbXJAbBmvv9EQzZpH4UdOQCMEA1RBGatZhfvBZxbq4EZWWElPQ7q7OEPYI4NsJQa6401ZA/s1600/runemployed+Church+Hill+confederate+memorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiN7gi-IJqoqW5H089dDeOYQ1OistbmHqdxARMjnWc4pViPzFLqpVSW3ts3yxuQ2PLMbXJAbBmvv9EQzZpH4UdOQCMEA1RBGatZhfvBZxbq4EZWWElPQ7q7OEPYI4NsJQa6401ZA/s1600/runemployed+Church+Hill+confederate+memorial.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taller than the Union Soldiers Monument, so technically the South has risen again.</td></tr>
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I made my way to <a href="http://tclf.org/landscapes/libby-hill-park" target="_blank">Libby Hill Park</a> next. Here you'll find a spectacular 180 degree view of Richmond. It's said that the city got its name because William Byrd thought the view from this point closely resembled a village west of London called Richmond upon Thames.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXPDFzB5uCh7qSCVc1Rp3HOYeaMsVrhyphenhyphen-ArkKNSd4s44BEXvPLOHPMSt7RXWSS9P1s0l7z9f50xbo7H7GhOJNZfNRIbBst3iHuN9TTSOw5cZTPiVeFHyKh2NKhMOAroVa5UjSDw/s1600/runemployed+Church+Hill+RVA+panorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXPDFzB5uCh7qSCVc1Rp3HOYeaMsVrhyphenhyphen-ArkKNSd4s44BEXvPLOHPMSt7RXWSS9P1s0l7z9f50xbo7H7GhOJNZfNRIbBst3iHuN9TTSOw5cZTPiVeFHyKh2NKhMOAroVa5UjSDw/s1600/runemployed+Church+Hill+RVA+panorama.jpg" height="87" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just don't see it. Byrd was crazy.</td></tr>
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As its name implies, Church Hill has got some <i>hills</i>, broseph. I kept away from the major inclines, but still hit some that made me put in some effort. And this is where I found them. Part of the perimeter loop around the park is pretty steep. It mixed things up nicely, though, and kept my run interesting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHFYgLK-aucpxPvAuCKMm-ZZGCcCgNlMygbgZjS0fTI3fDnAS8DhJC11YbZK4O2EKO-eGr2aVCw6W7W2lbhzUwumjkwn3QUImkdKHDvt3kiw8_ROQNnUj8zQBOSydpCmyKqJM5w/s1600/runemployed+Church+Hill+Strava.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHFYgLK-aucpxPvAuCKMm-ZZGCcCgNlMygbgZjS0fTI3fDnAS8DhJC11YbZK4O2EKO-eGr2aVCw6W7W2lbhzUwumjkwn3QUImkdKHDvt3kiw8_ROQNnUj8zQBOSydpCmyKqJM5w/s1600/runemployed+Church+Hill+Strava.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You're gonna hear me roar.</td></tr>
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This is by far my fastest run since I started logging them with Strava, if not of all time. (Previously I used Runtastic and I think you have to pay extra for that kind of information. Eff that noise.) It could've been the day's weather or possibly the elevation, but I think I pushed it harder than usual because I was running against the wind for the first part of my trip. Whatever it was, I set personal records for my fastest mile and kilometer. Remind me to check the DMV site to see if HOTSHIT is an available license plate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFABswKSksl7u2Joz2tkzcfyN6A-uLIifk7wjVqWeckhWGJNCZ34gC1kq4nYCBHYDL76nBxjZww7wg6UO0_vfFG2a5i-3o7E0Ky7UEHFgZ-HlH9ZysUTtuht0vPzc-CYX8hIBPQ/s1600/runemployed+Church+Hill+sidewalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFABswKSksl7u2Joz2tkzcfyN6A-uLIifk7wjVqWeckhWGJNCZ34gC1kq4nYCBHYDL76nBxjZww7wg6UO0_vfFG2a5i-3o7E0Ky7UEHFgZ-HlH9ZysUTtuht0vPzc-CYX8hIBPQ/s1600/runemployed+Church+Hill+sidewalk.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's not every day you find motivational sidewalks.</td></tr>
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Being up here gives me a strong itch to get out of the suburbs. Every day my soul dies a little more down there. I <i>need </i>to be around my friends and non-chain dining and interesting sights, sounds, and smells. Which brings me to today's selection from my <a href="http://open.spotify.com/user/jmblya/playlist/0rX5xi3xBA9VjxaQZZAQyD" target="_blank">running playlist</a>: The Killers' "Read My Mind," off of their 2006 sophomore effort <i>Sam's Town</i>. More than any other band currently working, these guys really have a way with a soaring chorus and this is my second favorite number of theirs, right after "All These Things That I Have Done." I think my desire to leave is reflected nicely by the song's narrator.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zc8hbSM1zVo" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<i>I never really gave up on</i><br />
<i>Breakin' out of this two-star town</i><br />
<i>I got the green light</i><br />
<i>I got a little fight</i><br />
<i>I'm gonna turn this thing around</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLmE7eBhPYId285PylM4A_L0pfTXfe-xJu5m4NBAChDqnO_pd7T2qT2jL6qsUQ7CFYU9JYret7JK0U2bu0ZQuRq7zXgt9_mG4Js7lfawGDp4Jz3ewq8128P6MUdayt8CWB2Ux0Q/s1600/capt+buzzy's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLmE7eBhPYId285PylM4A_L0pfTXfe-xJu5m4NBAChDqnO_pd7T2qT2jL6qsUQ7CFYU9JYret7JK0U2bu0ZQuRq7zXgt9_mG4Js7lfawGDp4Jz3ewq8128P6MUdayt8CWB2Ux0Q/s1600/capt+buzzy's.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three cheers for carbs!</td></tr>
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Having banked some calories and with it being lunchtime, I decided to stick around Church Hill for a bite to eat. My first choice was <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/proper-pie-co-richmond" target="_blank">Proper Pie Co.</a>, which I've been wanting to try for a long time now. Savory pies made by a Kiwi? Count me in. Well, it was poor planning on my part because they're closed on Mondays. So I hit up <a href="http://www.styleweekly.com/richmond/buzzy-strikes-back/Content?oid=1996424" target="_blank">aspiring</a> den of iniquity <a href="http://www.captbuzzys.com/" target="_blank">Capt. Buzzy's Beanery</a> for an iced coffee, a bacon, egg, and cheese on wheat bread, and a chocolate and peanut butter scone. I left full and satisfied. Not bad for a second choice.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMufsA4hdPdY54YxhSQEh33F69IvgEyv84_-jhKfFFjOwXJ5gA2wL06pXWvxx7jVshqrKNfST1hGFtKQiAgRSfy2uOzKCn-xHEKBtYu0ZRMcONCilNK6pEA4AJb-lZtQRCLC1Dvg/s1600/runemployed+Church+Hill+bloody+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMufsA4hdPdY54YxhSQEh33F69IvgEyv84_-jhKfFFjOwXJ5gA2wL06pXWvxx7jVshqrKNfST1hGFtKQiAgRSfy2uOzKCn-xHEKBtYu0ZRMcONCilNK6pEA4AJb-lZtQRCLC1Dvg/s1600/runemployed+Church+Hill+bloody+run.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know all about <a href="http://www.micahplease.com/2014/09/runemployed-01-canal-walk.html" target="_blank">bloody runs</a>.</td></tr>
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It was a great early autumn morning to get out and while I only covered 2.6 miles, I hope to traverse a lot more of Church Hill in the future. Maybe as a resident? We'll see. I could probably find a burnt out townhouse in the sketchier part of the neighborhood that I could squat in. Reduce! Reuse! Recycle!Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-66898760288114766002014-09-19T17:25:00.001-04:002014-09-19T20:21:02.577-04:00runemployed 05: Carytown & The Museum District<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7kdV7E4KY71mrS_A0tOi23w0Nstu_-SNxNKNE-I6y1Q8-ZHQND1cjeFjn9vbzwxs-TyE0yP7gQDz8aClEponPfcNL1uQOnRirMh1mvGmLxHOc8rjKqBpdstrHHs6g2MUxS9jbw/s1600/runemployed+05+Carytown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7kdV7E4KY71mrS_A0tOi23w0Nstu_-SNxNKNE-I6y1Q8-ZHQND1cjeFjn9vbzwxs-TyE0yP7gQDz8aClEponPfcNL1uQOnRirMh1mvGmLxHOc8rjKqBpdstrHHs6g2MUxS9jbw/s1600/runemployed+05+Carytown.jpg" height="300" width="400"></a></div>
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<i>In which I try to turn a negative situation into a positive one and explore Richmond in the process.</i><br>
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I don't know what I'd do without my friends. They're the best and have been a huge help during this rough patch of mine. (Now in its 39th year!) Without the support of them - as well as my wonderful family - I don't know what I'd do. Honestly. You'd probably find me in a gutter somewhere, more pathetic than <i>30 Rock</i>'s Lenny Wosniak: <i>"I gave my gun to my pastor. You know, in case I get the ol' 'gloomies' again." </i>(BTW that is the greatest line ever uttered by Steve Buscemi.)<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5uaHpeWhU9fRPmITPN1E-GQg5i8v_La1ERUZHdesYrGhJ3SQjntzAKaet6wdCjxH0SaCjgST9zftOacxCO3YfmnefqdQXhUBooC1Y60Q2BSZsrHdHtX2iouY1KCRc80D5X3Wkg/s1600/runemployed+carytown+selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5uaHpeWhU9fRPmITPN1E-GQg5i8v_La1ERUZHdesYrGhJ3SQjntzAKaet6wdCjxH0SaCjgST9zftOacxCO3YfmnefqdQXhUBooC1Y60Q2BSZsrHdHtX2iouY1KCRc80D5X3Wkg/s1600/runemployed+carytown+selfie.jpg" height="300" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like how my car's photobombing via my sunglasses.</td></tr>
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That's why I was delighted this morning when my friend Suzanne, a confidant and very knowledgeable resource during this blog project you're reading, asked if I wanted to get out of the house and join her for a run through Carytown and the Museum District. Of course I did.<br>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju04Lufvqnpzfh2LQJVGYHWzmqV-Uj6iBao75kR07xnAxyhWbCAnCKXjpJVva0JuTkkpXFdhkvKSlxP5TvUK8gZkgOIAR4LeakfpN7HgO4xrP8iudAOdUZn96oA3tSkFgINrkgMw/s1600/runemployed+carytown+boulevard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju04Lufvqnpzfh2LQJVGYHWzmqV-Uj6iBao75kR07xnAxyhWbCAnCKXjpJVva0JuTkkpXFdhkvKSlxP5TvUK8gZkgOIAR4LeakfpN7HgO4xrP8iudAOdUZn96oA3tSkFgINrkgMw/s1600/runemployed+carytown+boulevard.jpg" height="300" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They are Groot.</td></tr>
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The <a href="http://museumdistrict.org/" target="_blank">Museum District</a> is where you'll find not only the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Virginia Historical Society, but also a residential area with lots of wide, shady sidewalks. They are particularly great for running. I was pretty impressed with this part of our jaunt and will definitely add it to my rotation.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWoE585-4R-LGL-oYfH4wGj-rIBop_TCxHC5NRjPwlURM6rfSa-DMwMjLMPnF1EbbPNTMmKWKF-Nh4GKP2_aGWwRER2aaHVQjHB4azjluu_kabFEx2n3rWZ5Vc4a1CYDbCLq88Q/s1600/runemployed+carytown+plan+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWoE585-4R-LGL-oYfH4wGj-rIBop_TCxHC5NRjPwlURM6rfSa-DMwMjLMPnF1EbbPNTMmKWKF-Nh4GKP2_aGWwRER2aaHVQjHB4azjluu_kabFEx2n3rWZ5Vc4a1CYDbCLq88Q/s1600/runemployed+carytown+plan+9.jpg" height="300" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopper's paradise.</td></tr>
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Ever since my high school years, <a href="http://www.carytownrva.com/" target="_blank">Carytown</a> has been my favorite place to hang out in Richmond. During those impressionable years I considered <a href="http://www.plan9music.com/" target="_blank">Plan 9 Music</a> my Valhalla. These days it's <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/bevs-homemade-ice-cream-richmond" target="_blank">Bev's Homemade Ice Cream</a>, located a few blocks away. This section of town spans several blocks of Cary Street and features a plethora of great restaurants and interesting shops. The sidewalks there are also good for running, but I don't know how they'd hold up during peak shopping hours. Probably not ideal, what with the shoppers moving at a Southernly pace.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-aiY-RtqdEyVCjebFoRdZGJF16IHGFN8fkRq9pEdwM6r81hhExMCOrMgukdvKZi6kG_XbT3R8rBPYAP-igAjqqO2Tp-DhNPGNxDMXPgPHjUYhZRFGi39Om74jvL1r1brWWsvCw/s1600/runemployed+carytown+stonewall+jackson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-aiY-RtqdEyVCjebFoRdZGJF16IHGFN8fkRq9pEdwM6r81hhExMCOrMgukdvKZi6kG_XbT3R8rBPYAP-igAjqqO2Tp-DhNPGNxDMXPgPHjUYhZRFGi39Om74jvL1r1brWWsvCw/s1600/runemployed+carytown+stonewall+jackson.jpg" height="300" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm sorry, Mr. Jackson. I am for real.</td></tr>
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This morning's run was a great one. Beautiful, cool weather and a very scenic route. I had a good guide. Suzanne's a hardcore runner currently training for November's <a href="http://www.richmondmarathon.com/" target="_blank">half marathon</a>, so I joined her as she was already a few miles into her run. That worked out well for me because by then her pace was slower, but still a little faster than my usual one. Sometimes it's nice to be pushed like that.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMh0jLB9dc-E1hmjt16yc_B8YRWov2QdyjnBS4fHbEy0TFn51eBuhW2qK2BhlSNucFkSNQDdMGyQmWHmcRbeNXG7NI3UwMfsZHBiWpNTX_cByqpU8GgiR_0UUi63hB-EDnlq6bw/s1600/runemployed+carytown+strava.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMh0jLB9dc-E1hmjt16yc_B8YRWov2QdyjnBS4fHbEy0TFn51eBuhW2qK2BhlSNucFkSNQDdMGyQmWHmcRbeNXG7NI3UwMfsZHBiWpNTX_cByqpU8GgiR_0UUi63hB-EDnlq6bw/s1600/runemployed+carytown+strava.jpg" height="355" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shortest point between two distances is a line.</td></tr>
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How did I do? I have NO FREAKIN' CLUE due to my being confounded by technology. After three miles exactly we took a little breather. I thought it was the end of the run, so I went to upload it on the Strava app. It turns out that Suzanne was just assessing where to go on our last leg. So I cancelled out of that upload, which ended up discarding my whole run up to that point. ARRRGGGGHHH!!! Inadvertently doing stuff like that gets to me - like when I notice halfway through the day that my Fitbit Flex is in sleep mode - and will dampen my mood for hours. The run was wasted! There's no record of it, so it never was! (Yeah, yeah, my health... whatever.) So just look at Suzanne's Strava results on the right above and reduce it to the three miles on the bottom of the map. That's me.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2GTWxpshWC-iCk8Vyb4RfcxK3suux6TrIQaj8-t9p6BTbrQCSjA_QP1FWXx7c5ZPtml8Z991PlGVD3nBnDXDmsQMiHYJOT-bwfKvxK1jQpez8_Fi78S40814Dq-U3ddi3gi4tA/s1600/runemployed+carytown+byrd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2GTWxpshWC-iCk8Vyb4RfcxK3suux6TrIQaj8-t9p6BTbrQCSjA_QP1FWXx7c5ZPtml8Z991PlGVD3nBnDXDmsQMiHYJOT-bwfKvxK1jQpez8_Fi78S40814Dq-U3ddi3gi4tA/s1600/runemployed+carytown+byrd.jpg" height="300" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's not what you think it is. What a letdown.</td></tr>
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As this was a social run, tuning out the world with my music wasn't an option. I'm not a jerk. It speaks volumes about how far I've come this year that I can carry on a conversation while running, albeit between loud gasps for air. But still. Anyway, my <a href="http://open.spotify.com/user/jmblya/playlist/0rX5xi3xBA9VjxaQZZAQyD" target="_blank">playlist</a> song for this particular run is Placebo's "Pure Morning," the lead off single from their 1998 album <i>Without You I'm Nothing</i>. Strip away the seedy subtext and it's a lovely little ditty about friendship.<br>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/a4JhtoR39M0" width="420"></iframe><br>
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<i>A friend in need's a friend indeed</i><br>
<i>A friend with weed is better</i><br>
<i>A friend with breasts and all the rest</i><br>
<i>A friend who's dressed in leather</i><br>
<i><br></i>
<i>A friend in need's a friend indeed</i><br>
<i>A friend who'll tease is better</i><br>
<i>Our thoughts compressed</i><br>
<i>Which makes us blessed</i><br>
<i>And makes for stormy weather</i><br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezrBCbE0t_lOpNQ_G11f40ngAxekppAqfcV4Fxwq7QftJwAgRpZAqOZ0lRXxW585HL3k6M4UrnRwqjp2xGT2QsxNXdIw3GwowJf1pS7U52QxFwLxPi5TOF_dj3G1vNbduhjiICQ/s1600/runemployed+carytown+cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezrBCbE0t_lOpNQ_G11f40ngAxekppAqfcV4Fxwq7QftJwAgRpZAqOZ0lRXxW585HL3k6M4UrnRwqjp2xGT2QsxNXdIw3GwowJf1pS7U52QxFwLxPi5TOF_dj3G1vNbduhjiICQ/s1600/runemployed+carytown+cupcakes.jpg" height="300" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Window dining.</td></tr>
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We capped off our run with a trip to Starbucks, where I finally redeemed my free birthday drink voucher for a pumpkin spice latte, natch. (Skim milk, no whip, thank you very much.) Then I dropped Suzanne off at her house and I went back to Carytown to take some pictures for this post. Normally, I take breaks during my run and snap those, but I didn't want to slow her roll. That gave me a chance to do some leisurely browsing at <a href="http://blog.run.com/road-runner-running-store/" target="_blank">Road Runner Sports</a> and grab a French toast donut from <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/dixie-donuts-richmond" target="_blank">Dixie Donuts</a>. Yeah, calorically I was back at zero, but I earned it, dammit!<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BkDQi1-Jfy9j623AwOGlKHhVHjqiUQ-xEKIgWgKQZyP9SqgXKVq0nBdpELp-nYyBLxhlTBW1_mHXJKgwtZhm1SmRz1VUNbQM3-Z7VQHXVJh1IP7GaAoA1o99iGiuAesC9rvkWw/s1600/runemployed+carytown+dixie+donuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BkDQi1-Jfy9j623AwOGlKHhVHjqiUQ-xEKIgWgKQZyP9SqgXKVq0nBdpELp-nYyBLxhlTBW1_mHXJKgwtZhm1SmRz1VUNbQM3-Z7VQHXVJh1IP7GaAoA1o99iGiuAesC9rvkWw/s1600/runemployed+carytown+dixie+donuts.jpg" height="300" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is why I run.</td></tr>
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As much as I love getting lost in my own little world when I hit the road, it does feel great to go out with friends. They make you step up your game, strive to do better. It gives you an excuse to hang out under the ridiculous guise of "being healthy." Plus, doing so gives me the basic human contact that I need and that escapes me way down in the suburbs. Since pretty much all of my friends are located in Richmond, my desire to get out of here burns with the white hot intensity of 1,000 exploding suns. No, that is not hyperbole. I don't even know what that word means.<br>
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Seriously, what does it mean?Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-18157554620489076602014-09-16T19:17:00.001-04:002014-09-16T19:17:16.022-04:00runemployed 04: Pocahontas State Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKngmx7hN1Eu3IQEThK4-fXHknWKHeJPYFAaSK2g5aTqs1nxGJbQkRPYz_ENMboP908hgt_kyLZQtFYzu95FfvIE83DUm_75go2LEXF3gJh_TDpnPAKVfcKQNdN40tsN2C3OXYA/s1600/runemployed+04+pocahontas+state+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKngmx7hN1Eu3IQEThK4-fXHknWKHeJPYFAaSK2g5aTqs1nxGJbQkRPYz_ENMboP908hgt_kyLZQtFYzu95FfvIE83DUm_75go2LEXF3gJh_TDpnPAKVfcKQNdN40tsN2C3OXYA/s1600/runemployed+04+pocahontas+state+park.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>In which I try to turn a negative situation into a positive one and explore Richmond in the process.</i><br />
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I am what one would charitably call "indoorsy." I've never enjoyed getting dirty. Bugs are the worst. Camping holds a tiny bit of appeal, but then I think of the bathroom situation and the lack of AC and I'm content with staying put. Darling, I love you, but give me Grove Avenue.<br />
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And yet ever since I started this thing I've been curious about trail running. Maybe it's because it's supposed to be easier on your joints than street running. (My aching knee would certainly appreciate that.) Maybe I've been longing for a change of pace. Maybe it was an aching to commune with nature that's laid dormant in me all these years. Either way today I decided to give it a shot and I made my way to <a href="http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/pocahontas.shtml#general_information" target="_blank">Pocahontas State Park</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSg8kIraS421pWzb6ql_mJPtzof5dY_Hx_E0kwmgEJa6YzMsyz9Hx_5JtOrxBU9-CuhgTFUe-l_7tLZErbnQ4MSdtJazMy5ly3pTt7qnWjJfyeQLL98MNrFPllczHz2M7RYjKl3A/s1600/runemployed+pocahontas+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSg8kIraS421pWzb6ql_mJPtzof5dY_Hx_E0kwmgEJa6YzMsyz9Hx_5JtOrxBU9-CuhgTFUe-l_7tLZErbnQ4MSdtJazMy5ly3pTt7qnWjJfyeQLL98MNrFPllczHz2M7RYjKl3A/s1600/runemployed+pocahontas+sign.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You are here.</td></tr>
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At 7,925 acres, Pocahontas State Park is the largest state park in Virginia. There are 80 miles of trails of varying degrees of difficulty for hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and even horseback riders. It's only 20 miles south of Richmond, but even closer to me here in the 'burbs. I used to go to summer camp there, but haven't been there since I was a kid. I certainly wasn't running on trails back then. More like counting the days until I could be reunited with my TV.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMUb__bf_wAJ9weKuCQctZh4I7VDTE-R2uhfLYpkJGEJGI2jc9UxGlcoBNVhduPAHeA9Y_07G3fdwKSn6uguqdGquuWQSw_O9O42nHlZAVVzfUKyFsi0grJAB8-7hdDOdP5Zpdw/s1600/runemployed+pocahontas+panorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMUb__bf_wAJ9weKuCQctZh4I7VDTE-R2uhfLYpkJGEJGI2jc9UxGlcoBNVhduPAHeA9Y_07G3fdwKSn6uguqdGquuWQSw_O9O42nHlZAVVzfUKyFsi0grJAB8-7hdDOdP5Zpdw/s1600/runemployed+pocahontas+panorama.jpg" height="87" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice Beaver... Lake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Studying a map of the park and doing a little online <a href="http://virginiatrailguide.com/2011/03/13/beaver-lake-trail/" target="_blank">research</a>, I chose the Beaver Lake trail chiefly because it is one of the shorter ones in the park. If I found that trail running wasn't for me it would be over quickly and I could sooner be reunited with my TV.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDu-mz_MLTVC3zwkM7EKL7W4kwX_qV4rl4AnQjm3x4y2FnwNWac8Zlt7TC_YCsIYHpNTTt2pMo7i7SOPJxqL3OOs9xeN1f1Vx6n_FAnJeXZAKsNgzSt-4_ohRHoLo8ZomlZgn5Dw/s1600/runemployed+pocahontas+endor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDu-mz_MLTVC3zwkM7EKL7W4kwX_qV4rl4AnQjm3x4y2FnwNWac8Zlt7TC_YCsIYHpNTTt2pMo7i7SOPJxqL3OOs9xeN1f1Vx6n_FAnJeXZAKsNgzSt-4_ohRHoLo8ZomlZgn5Dw/s1600/runemployed+pocahontas+endor.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chesterfield or the forest moon of Endor?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anyone who knows me knows that I have zero sense of direction, so there was a fair chance that I'd be wandering around the woods for days, on my way to being the subject of a Dateline NBC segment. The Blair Witch may or may not be involved. Luckily, I was able to find my way to the lake without incident.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4NbqjEF5yeWCFOYpRU_Wm0bRkm4XZdrf6YZu6Z7lYwzPXdTrZmyc3OP9kLJYp2LZHkdB63CPcGX7zsILHBdGohy7S9iYpm2z52J2-48QysUIn_n7XE6FfdV64MLMS4ouzQLuHA/s1600/runemployed+pocahontas+sign+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4NbqjEF5yeWCFOYpRU_Wm0bRkm4XZdrf6YZu6Z7lYwzPXdTrZmyc3OP9kLJYp2LZHkdB63CPcGX7zsILHBdGohy7S9iYpm2z52J2-48QysUIn_n7XE6FfdV64MLMS4ouzQLuHA/s1600/runemployed+pocahontas+sign+02.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did *none* of these things.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now, one reason why I've held out on trail running is because that I've heard that you've really got to put your full attention towards it, what with the roots and stumps in your way on the paths. Not to mention the fact that you're sharing the trails with mountain bikers. And so tuning the world out with music is a no-no. Well, I'm a loner, Dottie. A rebel. Plus I <i>need </i>music when I run otherwise it's a real chore. I was able to both step lively and have a soundtrack to my jaunt. Suck it, haters!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzpy1zUuTbt5YESyE9XE5ZSioBIfX9gLUF-MnzVxuaTojV5obuH9XvFlXLd_phKAicfBaehsF11Sxru0FYiL7xN0sZHl6qa7S15-XIAanxiQZVl8Dv7L83STuhgKnCpEqCaOl2Q/s1600/runemployed+pocahontas+strava.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzpy1zUuTbt5YESyE9XE5ZSioBIfX9gLUF-MnzVxuaTojV5obuH9XvFlXLd_phKAicfBaehsF11Sxru0FYiL7xN0sZHl6qa7S15-XIAanxiQZVl8Dv7L83STuhgKnCpEqCaOl2Q/s1600/runemployed+pocahontas+strava.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ensconced in green.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a beautiful, cool, sunny afternoon, so only one song from my running playlist was a contender to be featured in the post. That'd be The Polyphonic Spree's 2003 single "Light & Day." Really, if you want to be at one with nature, this overly joyous ditty is your guy. It makes me want to put on one of my old graduation gowns and run through the hills in a state of pure, optimistic rapture.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/sVaqXGGh9kk" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
<i>You don't see me flyin' to the red</i><br />
<i>One more you're done</i><br />
<i>Just follow the seasons and find the time</i><br />
<i>Reach for the bright side</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>You don't see me flyin' to the red</i><br />
<i>One more you're nuts</i><br />
<i>Just follow the day</i><br />
<i>Follow the day and reach for the sun</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8m2L2tlnA-GygeN1_BkfI6yg-NPZWDbgkZi4lgkB6I_z2vNS89WeLQ-IVmd_kCwmuxM6PqyEhKenojPeD8oUM9mATH4phyk1Op6Eb0VXbrgiCQXna1vB5Qhat3F-nbtxXPuqDg/s1600/runemployed+pocahontas+trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8m2L2tlnA-GygeN1_BkfI6yg-NPZWDbgkZi4lgkB6I_z2vNS89WeLQ-IVmd_kCwmuxM6PqyEhKenojPeD8oUM9mATH4phyk1Op6Eb0VXbrgiCQXna1vB5Qhat3F-nbtxXPuqDg/s1600/runemployed+pocahontas+trail.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took the road less traveled... like an idiot!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Running the trails turned out to be quite fun! It's a very pretty park, though I expected there to be a little more lake to be viewed along the Beaver Lake trail. Some of the hills were fairly steep and I fully expect my legs to be feeling it in the morning.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uE43xeW9c3DzCYIbVSCrINCIwVT3mgmtv3w504W29C6BoSxHHhFmnthPp6zkJNXX7K1wQPAktbtdOiMGubhFE0WEaGaeLRWlepFknrTknkoU9LvgW0ZMDlYRIdoaZGed7XT1dA/s1600/runemployed+pocahontas+sign+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uE43xeW9c3DzCYIbVSCrINCIwVT3mgmtv3w504W29C6BoSxHHhFmnthPp6zkJNXX7K1wQPAktbtdOiMGubhFE0WEaGaeLRWlepFknrTknkoU9LvgW0ZMDlYRIdoaZGed7XT1dA/s1600/runemployed+pocahontas+sign+03.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey! I'm relatively healthy! Why not?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have three constant companions when I'm on my runs: my shoes, my phone, and one of my sweatbands. For some odd reason I totally forgot to put the latter on. A few minutes into the trail I was being blinded by sweat, but I pushed through until the end. Who says I can't handle great adversity?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUq9JFq613s5Hjf1OS-Ky20ZpnFngw8h_gHxRkQBnQzM15bwkHjwEJbHT4ESj70ZILaN1gYlrWh-0rxmlNnVqbZeVX3C-dNIz705-u6ioOnZkDmUeiOx2mRP-MsoF8ArUyiRzQw/s1600/runemployed+pocahontas+lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUq9JFq613s5Hjf1OS-Ky20ZpnFngw8h_gHxRkQBnQzM15bwkHjwEJbHT4ESj70ZILaN1gYlrWh-0rxmlNnVqbZeVX3C-dNIz705-u6ioOnZkDmUeiOx2mRP-MsoF8ArUyiRzQw/s1600/runemployed+pocahontas+lake.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not pictured: Jason Voorhees.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All in all, I enjoyed my time today. Unlike the <a href="http://www.micahplease.com/2014/09/runemployed-01-canal-walk.html" target="_blank">rest</a> <a href="http://www.micahplease.com/2014/09/runemployed-02-grove-ave.html" target="_blank">of my</a> <a href="http://www.micahplease.com/2014/09/runemployed-03-bryan-park.html" target="_blank">runs</a> during this project, this one actually cost me money: a $4 parking fee. (Actually, $5 because there was no one working the gate and I didn't have exact change. Yeah, I could've chanced it and driven on through, but I'm an <i>honest </i>rebel.) Next time - and with so many trails to try, there will be a next time - I'll pack a lunch and spend more time there to get my money's worth.<br />
<br />
So, I followed the day. I reached for the sun. I made it home in plenty of time to watch the <i>New Girl</i> and <i>The Mindy Projec</i>t season premieres. Whew!Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-55920365236528800262014-09-15T13:07:00.000-04:002014-09-15T20:10:32.755-04:00The Pumpkining: Beyond Pumpkindome '14A new (hopefully annual) culinary throwdown was started yesterday: The Pumpkining. My friend Suzanne suggested that the two of us each put together three pumpkin-based desserts and decide once and for all who is Master of Pumpkins. The gauntlet was thrown down. I picked it up.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEbIcpnJE_ze9_IkSLcZSHMeEkn4zdCe7_fxwSNFu-5v0vsM_ioAzXF6WGuUHYXbVZMQBDOLKkUuXQb9R9ei_0qAa-thyj-LfImRTCVxPsNVQsSVFZc5_8nzjsKoqdcAFoWeNLQ/s1600/pumpkin+selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEbIcpnJE_ze9_IkSLcZSHMeEkn4zdCe7_fxwSNFu-5v0vsM_ioAzXF6WGuUHYXbVZMQBDOLKkUuXQb9R9ei_0qAa-thyj-LfImRTCVxPsNVQsSVFZc5_8nzjsKoqdcAFoWeNLQ/s1600/pumpkin+selfie.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The GS3 *really* needs a dedicated camera button.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So after a brisk run down Monument Ave. to bank some calories for later on in the day we got to work. Well, I did. She prepared most of her dishes beforehand, which was just as well. No one was getting in the other's way.<br />
<br />
First up: My entries.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3ATC9ifHdfXdkFZ7s0mOnwPe4_Bbqmoh6HA0JndBblcb4ZYgPnko_48_BrJarN6ANsxlyug_ePEUjrspdkmlTY5rZQkCYDEb1FPdF6AuMW29l3Nwsx-sYfj-GcR3IOGpbNTJcg/s1600/pumpkin+nutella+muffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3ATC9ifHdfXdkFZ7s0mOnwPe4_Bbqmoh6HA0JndBblcb4ZYgPnko_48_BrJarN6ANsxlyug_ePEUjrspdkmlTY5rZQkCYDEb1FPdF6AuMW29l3Nwsx-sYfj-GcR3IOGpbNTJcg/s1600/pumpkin+nutella+muffins.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nutty for Nutella.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pumpkin Nutella muffins. (<a href="http://onceamonthmeals.com/gluten-free-dairy-free-pumpkin-nutella-muffins/" target="_blank">Recipe</a>, only mine were gluten-full.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8aXAikotFaATiUdseR0t9yrJQqhaKWJt1w-Cd6xzx5DnJGw52u_aKemXsD1QygC_io8BcpjjReMkspGI9V61yQ3wTxyVBHJDgLS6ar1ojtHfssp46fQ-eRRGsd4LODaJfjpKjg/s1600/pumpkin+bread+pudding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8aXAikotFaATiUdseR0t9yrJQqhaKWJt1w-Cd6xzx5DnJGw52u_aKemXsD1QygC_io8BcpjjReMkspGI9V61yQ3wTxyVBHJDgLS6ar1ojtHfssp46fQ-eRRGsd4LODaJfjpKjg/s1600/pumpkin+bread+pudding.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carbtastic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pumpkin bread pudding. (<a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2007/10/pumpkin-bread-pudding/" target="_blank">Recipe</a>)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tHCfjGTImo-6sDrmSckPmarnATGWryB800QQeqUC6VgT__tpjRk-fwFDaaI2c-bV5Fk-flHLyOCegHrxOngSAgU6tQ70fU39LRm1jWrx8qVP5jlK9c-7WRwVmDi9eV2pSP7gYw/s1600/pumpkin+oatmeal+no+bake+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tHCfjGTImo-6sDrmSckPmarnATGWryB800QQeqUC6VgT__tpjRk-fwFDaaI2c-bV5Fk-flHLyOCegHrxOngSAgU6tQ70fU39LRm1jWrx8qVP5jlK9c-7WRwVmDi9eV2pSP7gYw/s1600/pumpkin+oatmeal+no+bake+cookies.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy like Sunday morning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
No bake pumpkin oatmeal cookies. (<a href="http://onceamonthmeals.com/no-bake-pumpkin-oatmeal-cookies/" target="_blank">Recipe</a>)<br />
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And now Suzanne's offerings:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZFd_-1tHwVXFV0gUfDrVk_A7Zf42ISyC3VIl5-hxpowzWDWOZXtafmlfYus7x34l8gBeD709TRtcigDh-lib6veUnSBJSIWIDayf3q3gbjmw3ejCuU_Cau23ve4stbJnsMr9UQ/s1600/banana+pumpkin+mousse+tart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZFd_-1tHwVXFV0gUfDrVk_A7Zf42ISyC3VIl5-hxpowzWDWOZXtafmlfYus7x34l8gBeD709TRtcigDh-lib6veUnSBJSIWIDayf3q3gbjmw3ejCuU_Cau23ve4stbJnsMr9UQ/s1600/banana+pumpkin+mousse+tart.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm this many years old!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Banana pumpkin mousse tart. (<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/pumpkin-banana-mousse-tart-recipe.html" target="_blank">Recipe</a>)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVDGFxXdP9X0ivHEoDWKJB9IStg_nydIgLqwxUKVSiW2A91aL0c1sosheQhCzBJENbYYsN_3uxSb8F6W5aZY2SDkPz20OJ2e7yv4BqEOveM8OFyVNJLeXQkBi2MqOEW8nIZHN2g/s1600/pumpkin+cinnamon+roll+ice+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVDGFxXdP9X0ivHEoDWKJB9IStg_nydIgLqwxUKVSiW2A91aL0c1sosheQhCzBJENbYYsN_3uxSb8F6W5aZY2SDkPz20OJ2e7yv4BqEOveM8OFyVNJLeXQkBi2MqOEW8nIZHN2g/s1600/pumpkin+cinnamon+roll+ice+cream.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">iScream.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pumpkin cinnamon roll ice cream. (<a href="http://www.keepitsweetdesserts.com/pumpkin-cinnamon-bun-ice-cream-no-churn/" target="_blank">Recipe</a>)<br />
<br />
<i>(Note: I woefully neglected to take a solo picture of her third dish, a pumpkin gingerbread trifle. My bad.)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Pumpkin gingerbread trifle (<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/pumpkin-gingerbread-trifle-recipe.html" target="_blank">Recipe</a>, but Suzanne "replaced heavy whipping cream for the Cool Whip because gross.")<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI91FKZdQYejBxwbafR6KKnXlpEDIVuyFt-A5QdO_4cm-aUAZkKasOTK9rMm9-R7WLyuo_5sp3asetH-T0pmiEfBYcDbc4WCHdWrBRFNpr7FdpiVwKZxY36r3U1V3Ld_cXpZ-jzA/s1600/pumpkin+group+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI91FKZdQYejBxwbafR6KKnXlpEDIVuyFt-A5QdO_4cm-aUAZkKasOTK9rMm9-R7WLyuo_5sp3asetH-T0pmiEfBYcDbc4WCHdWrBRFNpr7FdpiVwKZxY36r3U1V3Ld_cXpZ-jzA/s1600/pumpkin+group+shot.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All together now.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With them all now fully prepared, two tasting plates were given to the judges: <a href="http://loveandcupcakesblog.com/" target="_blank">food blogger</a> Paola and her husband. She even classed up the presentation by a factor of ten and put it on <a href="http://instagram.com/loveandcupcakesblog" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVaAOhWlchOWI4m7PmmcEtspRuywauuyiP69ioBcJk5r-_9Ck4QFjNvgKJHlBo6zEEqrMaJiwvRY4TGNdYAV2m7yZqq0HBMICrqGgYfA573jHjXd8xCOsiJ5gFsMEJzdnyKUSPQ/s1600/pumpkindome+instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVaAOhWlchOWI4m7PmmcEtspRuywauuyiP69ioBcJk5r-_9Ck4QFjNvgKJHlBo6zEEqrMaJiwvRY4TGNdYAV2m7yZqq0HBMICrqGgYfA573jHjXd8xCOsiJ5gFsMEJzdnyKUSPQ/s1600/pumpkindome+instagram.jpg" height="398" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It looks like it belongs in the pages of a magazine, if such things still existed.</td></tr>
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A little while later the verdicts were in and slipped under Suzanne's front door. (Did I mention that the judges are her next door neighbors? Hmmmm... biased?)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07Tv9Z8S328P9PsbUnscF-pVw-H2eYUb3xpBKnJghuuv7Lnkio3GAnEYwg5ejz2ubzqAyFBj44ajTOmoZbiTlv_n86ETSXAYmdFgpQJY-VpxMGtI-yNIpdSCu1Lwo54KReuU3hA/s1600/pumpkin+scorecard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07Tv9Z8S328P9PsbUnscF-pVw-H2eYUb3xpBKnJghuuv7Lnkio3GAnEYwg5ejz2ubzqAyFBj44ajTOmoZbiTlv_n86ETSXAYmdFgpQJY-VpxMGtI-yNIpdSCu1Lwo54KReuU3hA/s1600/pumpkin+scorecard.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rundown.</td></tr>
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Kneel before Suzanne! Her pumpkin desserts pleased the judges' palates more so than mine did and I can't quite argue with their findings. I would've given top honors to the trifle. But at least my muffins made a good showing. They were pretty damn good.<br />
<br />
She and I were pretty much in agreement with our own personal notes. The trifle would make an excellent Thanksgiving dessert, as autumn transitions into the Christmas season. The banana overpowered the pumpkin in the tart. Ain't nothin' wrong with the ice cream. The muffins were great as is. The cookies were way too sweet. The bread pudding was just the opposite and could stand to be topped with caramel, ice cream, whipped cream, or some wicked combination of the three.<br />
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Also of note was that there was way too much sweetness going on the judge everything at once, so modifications will be made for next year's contest. I think we're looking at an appetizer/entree/dessert format.<br />
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So the First Annual The Pumpkining came to a close. Laughs were had, tears were shed, diabetes was narrowly avoided. With that stress now out of the way, I can fully commit myself to enjoying all the fruits of autumn. (Fun Fact: a pumpkin is classified as a fruit.)Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-2174768473462543332014-09-09T17:07:00.000-04:002014-09-09T17:18:22.674-04:00runemployed 03: Bryan Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_wNVZ2LrESbK8e3BnHmynn_PIXZK1hSjOzwcvvnb8wOmUmdJOG8t_6sI4XAPCeDMy4E4gGg6tQNJN20WdAYKNK-2Sk_aZMMMpsulkd-HknOvKL8DhyAI_5UuLhzwPL9y7ZRTFA/s1600/runemployed+bryan+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_wNVZ2LrESbK8e3BnHmynn_PIXZK1hSjOzwcvvnb8wOmUmdJOG8t_6sI4XAPCeDMy4E4gGg6tQNJN20WdAYKNK-2Sk_aZMMMpsulkd-HknOvKL8DhyAI_5UuLhzwPL9y7ZRTFA/s1600/runemployed+bryan+park.jpg" height="273" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">In which I try to turn a negative situation into a positive one and explore Richmond in the process.</i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></i>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">So far on this little jaunt I've done a <a href="http://www.micahplease.com/2014/09/runemployed-01-canal-walk.html" target="_blank">city landmark</a> and a <a href="http://www.micahplease.com/2014/09/runemployed-02-grove-ave.html" target="_blank">famed street</a>, so I figured it was about time that I ventured over to one of Richmond's many parks. I <strike>randomly pointed at a map</strike> thoroughly studied my options and chose <a href="http://friendsofbryanpark.org/about-bryan-park/" target="_blank">Bryan Park</a>.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFm_hDv-MjBFNunAOmHFnIhgvXGSJ2H7ALIt68aasCHXawE2R58K4tn9FamdfOlJlaRBOcdpl17DkU9HffRIyp6EtSygAk9PANn0uToSFVzAhpvMguU8-N-GQP-VgHyKv7HjvAA/s1600/runemployed+bryan+park+gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFm_hDv-MjBFNunAOmHFnIhgvXGSJ2H7ALIt68aasCHXawE2R58K4tn9FamdfOlJlaRBOcdpl17DkU9HffRIyp6EtSygAk9PANn0uToSFVzAhpvMguU8-N-GQP-VgHyKv7HjvAA/s1600/runemployed+bryan+park+gate.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don not taunt Happy Fun Gate.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Situated in the city's Northside area, Bryan Park housed Confederate troops during the Civil War as Richmond's Outer Defense Line. Years later it became the home of developer and newspaper publisher James Bryan until the land was given to the city to turn into a park following his death in 1908. These days it's chiefly known as a place where dudes have sex in public.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fountains of Bryan.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Within Bryan Park's 262 acres you can find rolling hills, lush greenery, and beautiful flowers. There are soccer fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, and a disc golf course. You'll also encounter gentlemen sitting alone in their cars waiting for someone - anyone - to come along and provide them with the thrill that can only be achieved via an outdoor tryst.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHloP0UGAObIa5p74BSz_N_D4YII_cvEfr7mAhHk1WAzKSut92JnJMGfhf-iOlK811m6RZxYsgaVETL8PO3XMvkuPVGyGnhd_r6XotaBSqZNeiKZAWUFyK4wt477MD6s3dE4kZQ/s1600/runemployed+bryan+park+strava.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHloP0UGAObIa5p74BSz_N_D4YII_cvEfr7mAhHk1WAzKSut92JnJMGfhf-iOlK811m6RZxYsgaVETL8PO3XMvkuPVGyGnhd_r6XotaBSqZNeiKZAWUFyK4wt477MD6s3dE4kZQ/s1600/runemployed+bryan+park+strava.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knope.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Today was a cool and cloudy day, but that's the kind of weather I thrive in. It was perfect. I had a good run among the park's mostly pedestrian-only roads. Thankfully, the men in the midst of their amorous episodes took it into the woods or restrooms, so I didn't have my run interrupted by them. </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoeiDN2OtDlDTgxuMGDYm94FpuhbwnQp-pkkHcwtWfxcly7vV1BkwKRhhune6NcMTf_Mu_vBwyxXeOsiMLnM691e4EAiwRwd7XpqHEj2Gc7R5euRrjNzoxyGJVouInPKX9oRG9w/s1600/runemployed+bryan+park+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoeiDN2OtDlDTgxuMGDYm94FpuhbwnQp-pkkHcwtWfxcly7vV1BkwKRhhune6NcMTf_Mu_vBwyxXeOsiMLnM691e4EAiwRwd7XpqHEj2Gc7R5euRrjNzoxyGJVouInPKX9oRG9w/s1600/runemployed+bryan+park+shoes.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fowl weather.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Even if I was approached by a lonely chap inquiring about my receptiveness to a sweaty, anonymous fling in the shade, I'd just tune him out because I have to have my music pumping during my runs. Today's selection from my <a href="http://open.spotify.com/user/jmblya/playlist/0rX5xi3xBA9VjxaQZZAQyD" target="_blank">running playlist</a> is Keane's 2004 single "Everybody's Changing." I'm not really into this band (largely out of ignorance of their catalog), but the song really hits home. I look around at my friends and at this point in their lives they have advanced careers, loving spouses, growing families, disposable income, retirement plans, reasons to pay property taxes, etc. I'm sort of feeling left behind and, I admit, jealous. Being rudderless is the worst. I can only do my best making my way and hope that something will come along that strikes my fancy, putting me back on track to getting the things that right now seem unattainable. Or at least knock out my crippling student loan while I'm still on this mortal coil. (Yeah, right.)</span></span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/RSNmgE6L8AU" width="500"></iframe><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><i>So little time</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><i>Try to understand that I'm</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><i>Trying to make a move just to stay in the game</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><i>I try to stay awake and remember my name</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><i>But everybody's changing and I don't feel the same</i></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsgk0sD306QkVXTwcNsJfVxOOmhMZrSEBbpCMrqu2xjsiD1hNvb-kqlFX9inoQJlvsgmiB5hiHS4u96PaEhN9-2RkeWhHN0gvLUjUEbhyphenhyphen0Ag-_a4ZjZxxNHwHuwfQRCQp1VfSew/s1600/runemployed+bryan+park+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsgk0sD306QkVXTwcNsJfVxOOmhMZrSEBbpCMrqu2xjsiD1hNvb-kqlFX9inoQJlvsgmiB5hiHS4u96PaEhN9-2RkeWhHN0gvLUjUEbhyphenhyphen0Ag-_a4ZjZxxNHwHuwfQRCQp1VfSew/s1600/runemployed+bryan+park+flowers.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please don't eat the whatever the hell these are.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">While I enjoyed my run, I don't think I'll be adding Bryan Park to my rotation. It's kinda out of my way and I'm not really into the prospect of stumbling upon fellas engaged in an impassioned rendezvous. Not that there's anything wrong with it.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHbcuazbRg6CcG_9jJG7FQMg2FqV3Bkw0H45VL3xpoSeOU6mkQPlqm0P2XnbjSkoHu30WgmdVwj8sVesAQ9kT72SL0dbntKt-7zMmwyvdEuQARzV2FGANqwfHmxIqzzsttUcuGg/s1600/runemployed+bryan+park+roy's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHbcuazbRg6CcG_9jJG7FQMg2FqV3Bkw0H45VL3xpoSeOU6mkQPlqm0P2XnbjSkoHu30WgmdVwj8sVesAQ9kT72SL0dbntKt-7zMmwyvdEuQARzV2FGANqwfHmxIqzzsttUcuGg/s1600/runemployed+bryan+park+roy's.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My car looks on approvingly.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">I capped off my time on the Northside with a well-deserved trip to <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/roys-big-burger-richmond" target="_blank">Roy's Big Burger</a>, a Richmond culinary institution. There's nothing quite like some hot and tasty meat rammed down your gullet, right? I know where you can find some enamored blokes who'd agree.</span></span>Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-61189257452298717552014-09-05T16:40:00.003-04:002014-09-06T09:26:26.793-04:00runemployed 02: Grove Ave.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8f4or0AREpPwVZ2yKgy10SYtegHrnuedEjGObIugJXL-3ybqnAyy4pLmPy0tpnsNcEvyWV2aopqxECK_DQLVPuMEPpsEIzc5fZHEJMCEh6g2EAlftL-j2x4EINgsN-hLtuwgHQ/s1600/runemployed+02+grove+ave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8f4or0AREpPwVZ2yKgy10SYtegHrnuedEjGObIugJXL-3ybqnAyy4pLmPy0tpnsNcEvyWV2aopqxECK_DQLVPuMEPpsEIzc5fZHEJMCEh6g2EAlftL-j2x4EINgsN-hLtuwgHQ/s1600/runemployed+02+grove+ave.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>In which I try to turn a negative situation into a positive one and explore Richmond in the process.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I really didn't feel like running this morning. For the past few weeks I've been suffering from stress-related insomnia where I just can't shut my brain off. Some nights are better than others. Last night was one of the terrible ones. I got barely any sleep. Restless around 2:30 am - clearly a time when you're using your better judgment - I took a sleepy time cocktail of melatonin and ZzzQuil. Unfortunately, it failed me. My alarm proceeded to go off at 7:00 am. Still extremely groggy, I figured since there was no way I was going to sleep in that I might as well continue on with this project.<br />
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What further enticed me to roll out of bed was that I planned on running in one of the areas I was looking forward to the most when I conceived of this endeavor: Grove Ave. In retrospect, though, it was probably unwise for me to operate heavy machinery in order to reach my destination. That was one cloudy-headed drive, I'll tell you what.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8ykLDx5gljMYSRfaXbZ8yPXbilQzCK7dZDB16at_kM5BLTp7vTPRXMASODQ4PvHS2tbITxipGwOzQMdTNJtykoaYQjOoz9dg5CNdBY4wEyUmxQ5ytypGiqQ2MAkl6HIPX7tsmA/s1600/signs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8ykLDx5gljMYSRfaXbZ8yPXbilQzCK7dZDB16at_kM5BLTp7vTPRXMASODQ4PvHS2tbITxipGwOzQMdTNJtykoaYQjOoz9dg5CNdBY4wEyUmxQ5ytypGiqQ2MAkl6HIPX7tsmA/s1600/signs.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just before Gozer came down and reclaimed his throne.</td></tr>
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Why do I run? Health? Mental wellness? A license to eat and drink terribly? Yes to all of those reasons, but like all of man's endeavors big and small - from shaving to the moon landing - it all comes down to one thing: women. And in all of my years at the University of Richmond and living in the West End afterward, one of the city's surest constants is that Grove Avenue is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to hosting attractive women out for a run.<br />
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My hopes weren't too high, though, since I was going to be there in the late morning, after peak hours. Clearly the beautiful people have better things to do while the rest of us schlubs are watching personal injury lawyer commercials on TV. To my surprise there were several pretty women out running then, automatically putting my normal suburban route to shame.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMdCtheH_d7H65x9SQSTZLgeUasDMxfLRuwKio3YznuJ32t3_MjjpsIx8to4EUE97gAQu2FfNE4dNLekhEGtH1o9yROtyDgcCx73U8-lQ9Zr-GexF38E_LIcwpvK8zBqeoF7m0A/s1600/grove+ave+panorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMdCtheH_d7H65x9SQSTZLgeUasDMxfLRuwKio3YznuJ32t3_MjjpsIx8to4EUE97gAQu2FfNE4dNLekhEGtH1o9yROtyDgcCx73U8-lQ9Zr-GexF38E_LIcwpvK8zBqeoF7m0A/s1600/grove+ave+panorama.jpg" height="87" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No creeper shots because those are, well, creepy. So here's a panorama of some retail and dining spaces.</td></tr>
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But really, it's all just eye candy and motivation for me to get out there. Realistically, I'm not going to be picking anyone up while running for two reasons: 1) It's rude to interrupt someone during their exercise routine, and 2) I have zero game. I'll just have to meet my future mate at a more traditional venue, like a grocery store or mud wrestling night at the Booby Barn.<br />
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Which brings me to today's running song from my <a href="http://open.spotify.com/user/jmblya/playlist/0rX5xi3xBA9VjxaQZZAQyD" target="_blank">playlist</a>: "All the Pretty Girls" by fun., off of their 2009 album <i>Aim and Ignite</i>. If you're one of the many who got hip to the band with <i>Some Nights</i>, definitely give their debut a listen. It's a good listen.<br />
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<i>All the pretty girls on a Saturday night</i><br />
<i>Let it be, you'll come to me with the look in your eyes</i><br />
<i>Will you break and take all the words from my mouth?</i><br />
<i>I wish all the pretty girls were shaking me down</i><br />
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So rather than a hook up joint, Grove Ave. is just a plain great place to run. There are shady sidewalks on either side of the street, which is a key thing to look for during Richmond's hot and muggy summers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDzKmis0Oj51IkELjx8fWyGTAP3KzdZMgPOUjZyhmVTv38nr52LBopfDdWOHcdOgxK7L7dnHnpJdyMZYWzkF7xUkez-s6QlWHntg6DXDQn9Her68QrnLkD_ZYn1vDzzXYXohuqg/s1600/grove+ave+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDzKmis0Oj51IkELjx8fWyGTAP3KzdZMgPOUjZyhmVTv38nr52LBopfDdWOHcdOgxK7L7dnHnpJdyMZYWzkF7xUkez-s6QlWHntg6DXDQn9Her68QrnLkD_ZYn1vDzzXYXohuqg/s1600/grove+ave+wall.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of greenery and bricks to be found on Grove Ave.</td></tr>
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It's also a pretty level and straight stretch of road. I went down one length of it and returned on the other side. My Strava app, however, got all jacked and thought I was trying to shake a cop's tail or something. It completely miscalculated my run. It was closer to three miles, not five. Also, my pace was much, much slower than that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPB42lJzvaTxCpWv70IM5a5LbsLx_2c4CMh-e5rHX2mpqQbCxSk33jWH0jBBckDywdjSwAGTBxseKgJjHu2oNp31wGRDsTGZjNTICd1pG4AZSUeTzgbTUMeUEz6D6vK4KcP2thw/s1600/strava.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPB42lJzvaTxCpWv70IM5a5LbsLx_2c4CMh-e5rHX2mpqQbCxSk33jWH0jBBckDywdjSwAGTBxseKgJjHu2oNp31wGRDsTGZjNTICd1pG4AZSUeTzgbTUMeUEz6D6vK4KcP2thw/s1600/strava.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wildly erroneous.</td></tr>
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I did get to take advantage of one of Richmond's running landmarks: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grove-Avenue-Water-Stop/242976585732998" target="_blank">The Grove Avenue Water Stop</a>. I only found out about it this morning when doing some pre-run research, but it was set up several years ago by <a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/archive/runners-love-water-stop-on-grove-avenue/article_b45d9560-d68c-501f-96f7-00d93b79be05.html" target="_blank">Sheri Crowell</a> as a way to keep runners and walkers along Grove hydrated. Every morning she fills it up with water and even sets out dog treats. How cool is that?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dxykRILbAkgee9ZiQW7uVrU6R-Ue_Q3B_rI7nD5zZgSX_7-n0-aJGZjifSv7UnPKHfzS0SYSFzAvf7hlHX1lIiwfPH9paHx6zimUb4zh0wvGjwllmoP8ooyi00exnAp13ydiXw/s1600/grove+ave+water+stop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dxykRILbAkgee9ZiQW7uVrU6R-Ue_Q3B_rI7nD5zZgSX_7-n0-aJGZjifSv7UnPKHfzS0SYSFzAvf7hlHX1lIiwfPH9paHx6zimUb4zh0wvGjwllmoP8ooyi00exnAp13ydiXw/s1600/grove+ave+water+stop.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More than a water cooler. It's community.</td></tr>
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While I was drinking my cup of gratis water, Ms. Crowell's mother parked her car in front of the Water Stop. I talked to her for a few minutes about the thing. It turns out that Crowell also organizes impromptu fun runs and collects used jackets to donate during the winter, all centered around the Water Stop. This is exactly the community spirit that I love about Richmond. She is an RVA sticker personified.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqlnY7xU6c_jZAmPCYUccJtkEbSg7Vj2UiYf5_A6aB75jdREPoAF7Lhq_X1tFybuoOQ7FjvGrPwA4J1YEJQna1EFf0qikDLsfGbIXw3ssCI31D8nSf6gbZYoUqLeoTL8MigJyWw/s1600/water+break.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqlnY7xU6c_jZAmPCYUccJtkEbSg7Vj2UiYf5_A6aB75jdREPoAF7Lhq_X1tFybuoOQ7FjvGrPwA4J1YEJQna1EFf0qikDLsfGbIXw3ssCI31D8nSf6gbZYoUqLeoTL8MigJyWw/s1600/water+break.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's some high quality H2O.</td></tr>
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I capped off my morning with a well-deserved iced coffee from Starbucks. Now, <i>that</i> place is the meat market I've been looking for. Wow. Chicks dig an overly sweaty guy wearing a fanny pack, er, "waist pack," right? RIGHT?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrCetbqHvkMRsQaL5UETHsOz-BmSpXQoeY8cK8kdsFJ5oSZZ7mxHUOXNLim-21D_WWV8WAh031ASoHjKioLgfJN12qwyieJWvD2npGH7z0jz7vDEkDLmqkgVUJbIggKvANan6IA/s1600/coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrCetbqHvkMRsQaL5UETHsOz-BmSpXQoeY8cK8kdsFJ5oSZZ7mxHUOXNLim-21D_WWV8WAh031ASoHjKioLgfJN12qwyieJWvD2npGH7z0jz7vDEkDLmqkgVUJbIggKvANan6IA/s1600/coffee.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee pickles way outsell the dill.</td></tr>
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All in all, Grove Avenue is one of the best places that I've run around here. No wonder it's so popular. I'm definitely going to add it to my regular rotation.</div>
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Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-11393727740004167242014-09-02T14:54:00.001-04:002014-09-09T15:23:06.671-04:00runemployed 01: Canal Walk<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-wPQs59RWs97CujP8d31FqJ9Pd3n3Yf5mNLniFyNf6u4lorgFPj99Q41c3kom97cCGupQu265mHY-9R03gKKVAS99FpGs1qriFGL14yLExSOBn4BkDJ30gx31kQqhWiKAX_0qA/s1600/runemployed+01+Canal+Walk+dorado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-wPQs59RWs97CujP8d31FqJ9Pd3n3Yf5mNLniFyNf6u4lorgFPj99Q41c3kom97cCGupQu265mHY-9R03gKKVAS99FpGs1qriFGL14yLExSOBn4BkDJ30gx31kQqhWiKAX_0qA/s1600/runemployed+01+Canal+Walk+dorado.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Since my job was phased out last week I suddenly have a lot of free time on my hands. I don't want to sit around watching Netflix all day. Scratch that. I <i>do</i> want to do that, but it wouldn't be very productive. After the stress of combing through job listings and putting together cover letters, I need an outlet to release my frustrations. And given my current situation, it has to be cheap. Enter running.</div>
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I hate running. Well, that word may be a bit too strong, but I don't enjoy it very much. I do like to eat, though, so you gotta do what you gotta do. I'm getting kind of bored on my suburban route, so why not check out some parks and neighborhoods around Richmond? At least there'll be a better likelihood of eye candy out and about there.</div>
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Though summer is unofficially over, you wouldn't know it. It's hot as balls out. Given that, my first journey was a short one: the 1.25 mile path around <a href="http://www.venturerichmond.com/experience/canal/index.html" target="_blank">Canal Walk</a>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukyjcvvkvzCRv4pgPm-MVqJn1c7OojiOVOL4LpROdWkS_Xg6ZzvTKPMHmjuccjEr7XMOiYb5U-vGf3qNq6L9oB4rMa3D5AsXI5-fBq-c1FmGlkyXjg0wFow4RjDQk0pieCscYpA/s1600/strava+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukyjcvvkvzCRv4pgPm-MVqJn1c7OojiOVOL4LpROdWkS_Xg6ZzvTKPMHmjuccjEr7XMOiYb5U-vGf3qNq6L9oB4rMa3D5AsXI5-fBq-c1FmGlkyXjg0wFow4RjDQk0pieCscYpA/s1600/strava+run.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ain't technology grand?</td></tr>
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So I loaded up my <a href="http://open.spotify.com/user/jmblya/playlist/0rX5xi3xBA9VjxaQZZAQyD" target="_blank">running playlist</a> and hit the path. The first song that randomly popped up? Modest Mouse's 2004 breakthrough "Float On." That seemed like an apt choice for keeping positive during this phase of my life. It's funny how things like that happen.<br />
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<i>Bad news comes, don't you worry even when it lands</i></div>
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<i>Good news will work its way to all them plans</i></div>
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<i>We both got fired on exactly the same day</i></div>
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<i>Well, we'll float on, good news is on the way</i></div>
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And it was indeed a short run. I was expecting it to be a bit longer, but nope. The path is scenic along the canal and it was pretty empty around 9 am, save for a couple of cuties out jogging and a few homeless guys on the fringes. It wasn't as humid as I expected, so I decided to extend my run down Dock Street on the path that runs parallel to the elevated railroad tracks and then turn back and do the Canal Walk loop again.</div>
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That was the plan until I entered back onto the Canal Walk, hit a grate, and BOOM. Wipe out. I may have been a bit distracted, but it happened so quickly I can't remember what caused me to hit the pavement. So I'm placing full responsibility on that grate.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzBCdEPoDCbs_h8vrwTuoP3bV5apr8sZhbnDsfbPQhfK1uT6umBd3oKUvFVPiXSMi2NDb5MMQgA9XTngGsxtopgtWEQrwPtk45w1VO7cobvXlh6dUtF4gF8jr2El4VZLZcRj7UA/s1600/knee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzBCdEPoDCbs_h8vrwTuoP3bV5apr8sZhbnDsfbPQhfK1uT6umBd3oKUvFVPiXSMi2NDb5MMQgA9XTngGsxtopgtWEQrwPtk45w1VO7cobvXlh6dUtF4gF8jr2El4VZLZcRj7UA/s1600/knee.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There will be blood.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqV_Z7kJ3_Ek-IfPf2dDEe8mvwMk-HVnMXLgDYqa-jtUExCJ8m59k2SK9ESJu3B0eQWJglZx7Q8gW_JypcVXXMmZ17sCBhzqIEDMZ-6zCLubB4Lez5D0DxVESGXzBupPkPY086hw/s1600/palm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqV_Z7kJ3_Ek-IfPf2dDEe8mvwMk-HVnMXLgDYqa-jtUExCJ8m59k2SK9ESJu3B0eQWJglZx7Q8gW_JypcVXXMmZ17sCBhzqIEDMZ-6zCLubB4Lez5D0DxVESGXzBupPkPY086hw/s1600/palm.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm a rightie, so thankfully my love life was spared.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTLktjJOEU1wiGvH1i-nXAt-gTiDsdplVxZfqitlo1eyiTtQtUI_xC1rg5d-1FSqPbMcdHuFs4-WiQLMvv6CJ8Qeq8-Wfs0-4m0yQ_sg6qTY-PXmj74HxDDlI9a9dA94gYcFIPg/s1600/shoulder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTLktjJOEU1wiGvH1i-nXAt-gTiDsdplVxZfqitlo1eyiTtQtUI_xC1rg5d-1FSqPbMcdHuFs4-WiQLMvv6CJ8Qeq8-Wfs0-4m0yQ_sg6qTY-PXmj74HxDDlI9a9dA94gYcFIPg/s1600/shoulder.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoulder bruise. I'm rugged.</td></tr>
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I figured that since I was now a bloody mess, enough was enough. Plus my earbuds' plug broke in the fall and the only thing worse than running is running without music to distract you from the fact that you're running.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4I6eY9fA8LVl6JqARhi59YI4crhgIuyRAx65EJk0yxPL6iKNPk9P-FRHUoGzqJXQpg3CuPWX66IsmuAKLiBJc017umSkKxldWqHUlg9CdXmwU7n7HoXz_DYPIi3ge4Hp90_hTEA/s1600/earbuds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4I6eY9fA8LVl6JqARhi59YI4crhgIuyRAx65EJk0yxPL6iKNPk9P-FRHUoGzqJXQpg3CuPWX66IsmuAKLiBJc017umSkKxldWqHUlg9CdXmwU7n7HoXz_DYPIi3ge4Hp90_hTEA/s1600/earbuds.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this is why I don't invest a lot of money in earbuds.</td></tr>
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My spill was embarrassing, but I don't think anyone saw me tumble. I did get some looks as I was walking back along the route to take some pictures. (Shameless <a href="http://instagram.com/jmblya" target="_blank">Instagram</a> plug!) One such person was a woman named Sheila who was walking her dog Weezy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8MVz-K9i1u-fo8zYgWz1qQGvHUPsyxrPJJRTrCHAftepPvJPWfX0UyB2WKOasDAtmdXgjdXi2UGNgv8mCG2V_s2ke1G6_FbXjEjxnLt5Nhz1n-d9uDteTP23AD8Rp7uMbaPgcg/s1600/sheila.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8MVz-K9i1u-fo8zYgWz1qQGvHUPsyxrPJJRTrCHAftepPvJPWfX0UyB2WKOasDAtmdXgjdXi2UGNgv8mCG2V_s2ke1G6_FbXjEjxnLt5Nhz1n-d9uDteTP23AD8Rp7uMbaPgcg/s1600/sheila.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaky image because the rapid blood loss kept me from holding my phone still.</td></tr>
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She offered to let me into her apartment building so I could clean up in the lobby bathroom, which I gladly accepted. Who says that Richmonders are unfriendly? Yes, Virginia, there are still kind people out there. I wish I would've thought to have gotten her full name and address so I can send her a note. Hopefully my thanking her profusely then will suffice.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4S3YW5f8c4d_ffBpHKgCzuefPV_B3p0hPMea2hq5MIBayPtG9tdbwRfqEBzVkCGSkOgH1p2TbXK51iET9YIam8MnGUOyh6ONwbRS6v3G1FWlYanqSg1XpxTKl2m4VG8yc7fAIg/s1600/weezy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4S3YW5f8c4d_ffBpHKgCzuefPV_B3p0hPMea2hq5MIBayPtG9tdbwRfqEBzVkCGSkOgH1p2TbXK51iET9YIam8MnGUOyh6ONwbRS6v3G1FWlYanqSg1XpxTKl2m4VG8yc7fAIg/s1600/weezy.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hero.</td></tr>
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So this whole endeavor wasn't my most graceful moment, but it was nice to get out, see part of the city, and have my faith in mankind reaffirmed. My friend says that my new battle scars make me a real runner. Um... thanks? Anyway, I'm looking forward to going to the next spot on my map in a few days. Except for the running part.<br />
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<i>Don't worry, even if things end up a bit too heavy</i><br />
<i>We'll all float on alright</i></div>
Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9432483.post-53682183549283175572014-09-01T18:32:00.000-04:002014-09-01T18:50:02.251-04:00This is the end.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxOFXHHdsW1d3SQ_0kuRCOOQo7upVRIH2oUf6hNm8ynQezPzS0MvVzXjXfA6xZhxryCq-nZ5y0jD8stpQlETOmXzC4I-lSxAyqUkIFHyBHflOgq2aPkaOBIhLPGX18M2t3FgVmg/s1600/richard+simmons+i+quit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxOFXHHdsW1d3SQ_0kuRCOOQo7upVRIH2oUf6hNm8ynQezPzS0MvVzXjXfA6xZhxryCq-nZ5y0jD8stpQlETOmXzC4I-lSxAyqUkIFHyBHflOgq2aPkaOBIhLPGX18M2t3FgVmg/s1600/richard+simmons+i+quit.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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I’m done.<o:p></o:p></div>
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About a year and three months ago I set out to clean myself
up and lose some weight. It wasn’t easy, but I was diligent and determined. The
shocked reactions from people who haven’t seen me in a long time have been intoxicating.
Compliments are my drug. But lately those positive remarks have been punctuated
with “… but you’re done dieting, right?” As of this morning I’ve lost 88.4 lbs. I think that I’m at a good place now. They’re right. It’s time to slow my roll. And eat more rolls.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Though I welcome the input from my loved ones, this is my
call. I reached this decision for three reasons:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>1) I’m more than content to be “TV fat.”</b> All along through
this process I never desired to be svelte. The waif look wouldn’t suit me. You
know what I mean by “TV fat": In the bizarro world of sitcoms, characters will
make fun of the weight of actors who are average-sized in real life. The most
recent examples that come to mind are Nick from <i>New Girl</i> and Max from <i>Happy
Endings</i>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oASleJ7VXAWdcWyliF1U4Pa8Bc7UnY4FS7ubfJ_o5cVFoTDbygvElLnFgmrrjOFM4R_as7KF0JiPq-xOVcgJA9TiUL-xZFauHq4X0jej99fbUDVUZpAIKFvC2LBY25APeLziRg/s1600/nick+new+girl+max+happy+endings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oASleJ7VXAWdcWyliF1U4Pa8Bc7UnY4FS7ubfJ_o5cVFoTDbygvElLnFgmrrjOFM4R_as7KF0JiPq-xOVcgJA9TiUL-xZFauHq4X0jej99fbUDVUZpAIKFvC2LBY25APeLziRg/s320/nick+new+girl+max+happy+endings.jpg" /></a></div>
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While they aren't super fit, those guys are hardly obese. I never dreamed I’d be their size. “TV fat” is
just fine with me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>2) Buying new clothes every few months is getting expensive.</b> My fixed income can't support the buying and rebuying. It’s gotten very tiring. A suit I bought for a wedding in December now needs to be taken in a few sizes. The other day I weeded out
about 95% of the now-too-big clothes in my closets and now I have barely anything left. I want to
be one size and build my wardrobe back up.</div>
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<b>3) I want to eat and drink like a normal person.</b> Well, maybe not today’s Biggie Sized version of “normal,”
but an idealized version from yesteryear. For fifteen months I’ve restricted
myself to a daily intake of around 1500 calories. (A little more on workout days) That
doesn’t leave much wiggle room to enjoy life. And since alcohol burns before
fat – and most drinks are empty calorie bombs – I’ve more or less severely restricted my
booze intake. On the plus side, though, that’s made me a cheap date, which is nice. Anyway, I want to go out to dinner and get
more than a salad. I want to drink more than one beer in a sitting. We’re fast
approaching pumpkin spice season and I want to LIVE, dammit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So that’s my reasoning for why I’m packing it in. Sure, in
my mind I could stand to lose more. I need to come to terms with the fact
that, like with almost everyone else on the planet, there are parts of my body
that I hate, but am just going to have to live with. (I’m talking to you, gut and moobs.) Building
back the muscle mass I’ve lost – and then some – should help out with that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The trick from here on out will be maintaining. I’m pretty confident that my being deathly
afraid of backsliding into my old ways will keep me on the straight and narrow.
And so long as I’m still on the market I can’t get complacent… ladies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lastly, I’d like to give a shout out to my brother-in-law RJ
and friend Suzanne, who convinced me to start this whole weight loss thing in
the first place. You can't put a dollar figure on how much I owe them. I’m cheap
that way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Note: this post was written while shoving a piece of pumpkin pie down my face.</i></div>
Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866664453584849339noreply@blogger.com0