New Trails

Okay, so it has been nearly two months since my last post. I have a good excuse.

I moved.

That may not seem like much of a big deal to some people, but after 7 years in DC it was a HUGE move to me. Okay, many of you know I've moved countless times . . . in the 7 years I called DC home, I lived in 5 different places. Yup, that's nearly once a year! But this move was different.

I left DC. I left it big time. I am now in the middle of the country - in a small college town - trying to adjust to a different life and lifestyle. I am no longer a free-lance artist, but a "respectable college professor". Those that know me can laugh it up - I do!

So, for those two months I was AWOL, I apologize but feel my absence was entirely understandable. I had to PACK (a task I hate and if weren't for my many fabulous friends would never have happened) and find a new place to live and say good-bye to everybody. And then I had to go to California for a gig prior to my actual move! Then getting settled upon arrival here took some time so blogging was low on my list of priorities.

Now that I am feeling more settled, I'm happy to catch you up a little and begin writing more regularly again.

California was great. Okay . . . that's not entirely true. The people were super fun, the final product was quality, but the process was maddening! So in order to survive, I went running . . . and that was great.

I was staying in a sweet apartment that was literally across the street from the American River Trail. What an amazing location! It made it so easy - and pleasant - to run. Though it was awfully hot, the mornings there were always significantly cooler and the river is really pretty. While running I saw a ton of wild life too - the highlights being a buck of considerable years and size, a family of coyotes, and some jack rabbits. On those runs, I was thankful - for once - not to have Zoe with me!

I probably averaged about 5 miles a run . . . not too bad. I'm not training for anything right now so I guess I shouldn't beat myself up about lower mileage. I thought I would run the Chicago Half Marathon with my nephew, but as he is #1 on his cross-country team as a sophomore and has his eyes on the State meet, he's decided another half-marathon can wait. I don't blame him!

So now I am in my new home and have found the best (and pretty much only) running route. It's called the Congressional Trail and it has at least 20 miles of paved paths that Zoe and I can run on. And fortunately, it's quite pleasant.

We haven't been too far yet, Zoe and I. However, I do know it will lead me right to campus should I choose to go and I'm sure other parts of the trail will be fun to explore.

So new trails, new adventures, new possibilities. Now I need a new race.