As proof positive that my training is going to start getting truly intense, we (the Team in Training members) were required to run in the America’s Finest City Half Marathon as part of our training. In fact the our weekly mileage is only going to increase with every week that passes. The half marathon @ 13 miles was (at the time) the furthest distance I had run and it was in fact a little intimidating. Not simply because of the distance, but also because there would be literally thousands of other people joining us. It was a great way to get my feet wet with the “feel” of the actual marathon. Lots of people. lots of energy, a little bit of nerves but mostly a lot of fun.
So I have to admit there’s always been a small part of me that has wondering how glorious it would be to be a Carnie (aka a carnival worker). I’m pleased to report that this weekend I got my chance and well let’s just say that it was less fun then perhaps I had imaged.
This past weekend Phia and I volunteered to work the Qualcomm company carnival with the proceeds from our efforts of course benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma society. First of all I have to say that they gave us totally sweet uniforms, which we later found out were recycled god only knows how many times. The uni’s consisted of a blank blue T, and awesome hand printed name tag and one of the nicest visors I’ve ever seen. I believe it was made of some kind of foam material, classy.
Our job was to pour soda’s for the attendees and on paper that sounds like it might be fun. However when people aren’t paying for the drinks one under estimates the shear volume of soda that thousands of people are capable of consuming. At first, the pace was slow and we had some time to look around and enjoy ourselves a bit. From there it was all down hill. we got hammered and it was all we could do to keep glasses filled. We had hundreds of 2 liter bottles and trays of ice and just had to scoop – pour – serve pretty much as fast as we could. As soon as we lined them up, they pretty much were gone. At one point I commented to Phia, “If I ever complain about my job, please remind me of this day”. Truth was it was hard work, but we had fun, people were friendly and it was as always for a wonderful cause. We closed the evening with an amazing Fireworks show and left for home no worse for the wear.
I’ll admit I have more respect for the work that the “Carnies” do, unfortunately for them it’s not all “fun and games” as you might think. It’s better to go TO a carnival then to work at one.
If you want to see me in my sweet Carnie gear then you’re going to have to click Here
I wanted to email you all to let you know that I have collaborated with another team member (her father is in remission from Lymphoma) to sell some awesome Mary Kay products! I am not sure if you already use them, or if you were curious to try them out, but either way, This is the Way to Go!!!
I love Wes Andresen’s movies and in particular, the quirky, star studded Royal Tenenbaums. If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll probably know what I’m talking about. In the scene where Richie Tenenbaum (Luke Wilson) is confronting Eli Cash (Owen Wilson) you can see Eli’s art hung on the walls of his meager aprartment. the Paintings are these completely random scenes of scary dudes on mini quads and dirt bikes wearing beast masks and attacking people. I don’t know why but every-time I see them, they make me laugh. I think what’s so funny about it, is that in the scene the paintings are prominently displayed and probably the most random and disturbing pics ever, yet they are hung as if they were portraits of sunflowers. Your mind is asking, what in the hell is going on with those paintings, yet in the movie they are paid absolutely no mind. The scene changes angles and your still saying, what the hell was that?? I don’t know it just makes me laugh. Continue reading “The Royal Tenenbaums: Eli’s Artwork”
The following is an interview done with Wine Spectator from back in 2006. It’s an older article but it gives a pretty good idea of Maynard’s reasoning for getting into wine making in the first place. The articles is reprinted, you can also click here to find the original posting on WineSpectator.com
“Wine Talk: Maynard James Keenan
Lead singer of Tool is testing his talent with winemaking
Eric Arnold
Posted: Thursday, November 02, 2006
Maynard James Keenan, 42, is all about focus, passion and defying expectations. For example, in 1983 Keenan was a member of the class that entered West Point, the academy that normally produces generals, politicians and CEOs; Keenan became a rock star. As lead singer, he’s made six albums with Tool and another three with A Perfect Circle. Not simply content with the 6,000-bottle wine collection stardom has earned him, Keenan is now making his own wine in Cornville, Ariz., near his home. He spoke with Wine Spectator just after he completed a 20-week international tour to promote Tool’s latest album, 10,000 Days–right as harvest was underway and just as his winery, Caduceus, was releasing its 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah blend, Sensei. Continue reading “Caduceus Vineyard: Wine Spectator Interview with Maynard”
Phia’s running AFC (America’s Finest City 1/2 Marathon) on Sunday (Aug 17th) morning which will take her from Cabrillo National Monument all the way through the Embarcadero and up to Balboa Park where they will break the tape. If you’ve never been to an event, it’s actually quite electric and exciting. So Far I’ve been to the Encinitas 5K and the Del Mar 10K Iron Girl and they were both really fun. Continue reading “Notes from the Support Team: Join me this Sunday!”
Can we say Olympics are the most inspiring thing Ever?! I’ve decided that after this marathon, I’m going to train to be a gymnast, syncronized diver, weight lifter, swimmer, and a track runner! Ok, ok, so maybe not, but it’s definitely giving me the extra mojo I need to keep pushing during some of the hardest training I’ll encounter during this process!
It’s pretty funny, because I have grown up being that girl in freshman PE class shuffling around the track on Run Day (1x a week), giggling with my girlfriends, and snapping my bubble gum. Meanwhile my coach, all dressed in his full teal and purple jogging suit, frustrated and yelling “C’mon Philly, RUN!!”. Now, here I am training for a marathon! It’s wild how life changes a person… Continue reading “My Road to the Marathon: Update!”
My friend Nick went and wrecked himself on his mountain bike, here’s the story and pics… Just to clarify ,the pic to the left is NOT the jump Nick wrecked on. However, I put it in there to give you some perspective as to the kind of thing he was doing that got him into this predicament.
To view all the pics of Nick’s Bike (Turner Highline), Click Here
Hello everyone!!
