Words cannot express how jealous I am of this guy's talent.
Triple threat!
Somebody get me his contact information so I can book him for my retirement party!
12 years ago
Monday, November 24, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Wind Beneath My Wings
Sarah Palin's favorite Baldwin brother won't leave me alone!
It started off as an innocent plane ride. Then there was the reunion at the coffee chain, then at baggage claim, and now Stephen Baldwin is interrupting my work outs!
I was on the elliptical trainer on the gym this morning, catching up on reading, sports and music videos, when who should throw me a curve ball? None other than the usual suspect himself, Stephen Baldwin!
He's in a music video for fellow Celebrity Apprentice contestant Trace Adkins called Muddy Water.
The video reminded me: 1) Surely Trace should be able to afford a decent haircut by now and 2) Stephen constantly has a constipated/ confused look on his face.
We also learn that Stephen enjoys backpacking, waving and dare I conclude... is Baptist?!
It started off as an innocent plane ride. Then there was the reunion at the coffee chain, then at baggage claim, and now Stephen Baldwin is interrupting my work outs!
I was on the elliptical trainer on the gym this morning, catching up on reading, sports and music videos, when who should throw me a curve ball? None other than the usual suspect himself, Stephen Baldwin!
He's in a music video for fellow Celebrity Apprentice contestant Trace Adkins called Muddy Water.
The video reminded me: 1) Surely Trace should be able to afford a decent haircut by now and 2) Stephen constantly has a constipated/ confused look on his face.
We also learn that Stephen enjoys backpacking, waving and dare I conclude... is Baptist?!
Who knew he had a budding music video career?
For this, for the throw back to O Brother, Where Art Thou?, for engaging in decent conversation and for ultimately being a good sport, Stephen Baldwin- you are the wind beneath my wings!
For this, for the throw back to O Brother, Where Art Thou?, for engaging in decent conversation and for ultimately being a good sport, Stephen Baldwin- you are the wind beneath my wings!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
As the credibility of my undergraduate degree continues to plummet...
If there is one thing life has taught me, it's that there are a lot of ignoramuses out there.
Unfortunately, a bunch tend to congregate in Waco, Texas.
Chalk one up for the argument that natural selection/ survival of the fittest does not exist or else these buffoons would have been removed from the food chain a few generations ago.
Still, the First Amendment is there to protect us all... even the imbeciles.
[Tip of the fedora to Joe for the upsetting news tip.]
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
It is what it is
The most competitive marathons in the United States are the Chicago marathon, the New York marathon and the Mecca that is Boston. For getting the opportunity to run the five boroughs of New York, I am humbly grateful. Definitely not something I earned or deserve.
With that out of the way, let's open up a bottle of good whine. (By the way, this entry is going to be a pretty painfully long one, so you might want to skip it if you are not a running nerd or if you are selfish and don't care about Debbie Downer!)
Cruel, cruel summer
It's been a difficult training season. This was my first season really training in San Antonio. I had been living in cooler, hillier climates prior to former competitions. I sat out the past three season due to injuries and had a new injury resurface prior to this run.
Baby, it's cold outside
I was on a 5:30 a.m. bus to get to Staten Island for the 39th New York Marathon. I had the great fortune of befriending a New York Roadrunner on the bus ride. She (Ruth) and her friends (David, Victor, Amanda and Tami) were great company during the 4 hour-plus wait in the windy, low 40s field at Fort Wadsworth. During the wait, I, like many other runners, was underdressed. I had figured that I would be alright in my five layers of clothing, but had underestimated the brutal northeastern wind. If I could do it again, I'd have packed more layers, a jacket and a blanket. Also, I would have taken the best-kept-secret/ under-utilized Staten Island ferry to the starting line. Organizers don't really promote the option, but runners can wake up later and stay in the warm terminal until their wave (my wave was at 10:20 a.m.). Ask me about transportation details if you plan on running this marathon because I want you to learn from my mistakes.
Water you talking about, Willis?
Unfortunately, water and carbohydrates ran out quickly. Definely not enough on-hand for 39,000 participants during the four hour wait.
Looking back, I wasted energy shivering for four hours and not correctly hydrating prior to the run. Argh!
Once again, I have to be thankful for the opportunity. Going into the race, I knew I wasn't going to break any personal records, so I did my best to enjoy the ride.
I'll shut up now and let the photos do some of the talking.
Here is a smart runner who packed a blanket and caught a few zzzzzs during the wait.
Runners cast off layers of clothing during the race. Organizers collect the clothing and donate them to charity.
The course takes you from Staten Island to Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx then through Central Park for a glorious finish. The crowd support is great. There are about 100 bands lining the course and residents from the five boroughs come out to cheer for the mega-marathon participants. Great crowd support.
I hit "the wall" (the point of muscle and mental fatigue) at mile 6. How embarrassing! Traditionally, "the wall" is reached around miles 18-22, so I hit the wall quick and hard! As mentioned, looking back, I believe I spent too much energy shivering at the start. I ingested an energy gel at mile 8 (usually don't need them until mile 18) and made peace with the fact that my lame ankle wasn't going to cooperate.
I've started wearing obnoxious Texas flag running shorts when running outside the state. It's a great conversation starter, makes me easily identifiable to friends and family, plus it garners additional support from South Americans. To explain: This is what the Texas flag looks like:
And this is what the Chilean flag looks like:
As you can see, the union of both countries (let's face it, Texas is its own country) are red, white and blue and both share a lone star. However, the Chilean flag has a longer read band across the bottom.
So when I run, I get cheers from Texas as well as Chile. God bless geographic ignorance.
The run through Brooklyn was enjoyable. The run through Queens (miles 13-16 and the surrounding) was quite a drag. The neighborhoods were desolate and the roads were neglected.
Running through the Upper East Side of Manhattan was quite a treat! Mile 18 was well-welcomed site of seeing supporters Marilyn, Jon, Alyson and Russell. Thanks guys for coming out and braving the wind and cold! [Jon jumped in at mile 18 and ran along side until getting kicked out around mile 26.] Their names now join the list of you other wonderful sideline bravehearts to whom I am eternally indebted [Roll call! Laura, John, Ashley, Gaby, Connor, Brian, Vicki, Ed, Ron, Meta, Kasey D., Robin, Monica, Justin, Hiral, Erica, my mom and dad to name a few.]
One of the most beautiful moments of the race for me was when my favorite U2 songs, City of Blinding Lights, came on over my earbuds during one of my lulls. Bono once explained that the song is a reflection of a surreal naivety U2 had when they first arrived in New York in 1980. He said they were in awe looking out from New York into Brooklyn at night. The band revisited the sentiment when they played in New York following the 9-11 attacks. They then penned both occasions in this one song.
I remember looking out from Staten Island towards Manhattan in 2003 with my friend Dan and mentioning to him that someday I'd like to run New York. Five years later, God and Bono were there to remind me of the unexpected blessing as we reentered Manhattan at mile 21!
So how does the story end?
The unfortunate reality is that I ended up crossing the finish line about an hour later than my worst marathon time, but the course made for an enjoyable long run. Got to meet some new friends and reconnect with former contacts... Got to hobble away with a medal as well as a victory cape [foil insulating blanket]... Got to warm up while waiting for the group over a handy heated subway vent. All-in-all, a success!
Can't wait to see you all at the next race, whether it be as a spectator, volunteer or a competitor! Looking forward to hearing what great feats you accomplish! Only two months left in 2008... Finish strong!
With that out of the way, let's open up a bottle of good whine. (By the way, this entry is going to be a pretty painfully long one, so you might want to skip it if you are not a running nerd or if you are selfish and don't care about Debbie Downer!)
Cruel, cruel summer
It's been a difficult training season. This was my first season really training in San Antonio. I had been living in cooler, hillier climates prior to former competitions. I sat out the past three season due to injuries and had a new injury resurface prior to this run.
Baby, it's cold outside
I was on a 5:30 a.m. bus to get to Staten Island for the 39th New York Marathon. I had the great fortune of befriending a New York Roadrunner on the bus ride. She (Ruth) and her friends (David, Victor, Amanda and Tami) were great company during the 4 hour-plus wait in the windy, low 40s field at Fort Wadsworth. During the wait, I, like many other runners, was underdressed. I had figured that I would be alright in my five layers of clothing, but had underestimated the brutal northeastern wind. If I could do it again, I'd have packed more layers, a jacket and a blanket. Also, I would have taken the best-kept-secret/ under-utilized Staten Island ferry to the starting line. Organizers don't really promote the option, but runners can wake up later and stay in the warm terminal until their wave (my wave was at 10:20 a.m.). Ask me about transportation details if you plan on running this marathon because I want you to learn from my mistakes.
Water you talking about, Willis?
Unfortunately, water and carbohydrates ran out quickly. Definely not enough on-hand for 39,000 participants during the four hour wait.
Looking back, I wasted energy shivering for four hours and not correctly hydrating prior to the run. Argh!
Once again, I have to be thankful for the opportunity. Going into the race, I knew I wasn't going to break any personal records, so I did my best to enjoy the ride.
I'll shut up now and let the photos do some of the talking.
Here is a smart runner who packed a blanket and caught a few zzzzzs during the wait.
Runners cast off layers of clothing during the race. Organizers collect the clothing and donate them to charity.
The course takes you from Staten Island to Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx then through Central Park for a glorious finish. The crowd support is great. There are about 100 bands lining the course and residents from the five boroughs come out to cheer for the mega-marathon participants. Great crowd support.I hit "the wall" (the point of muscle and mental fatigue) at mile 6. How embarrassing! Traditionally, "the wall" is reached around miles 18-22, so I hit the wall quick and hard! As mentioned, looking back, I believe I spent too much energy shivering at the start. I ingested an energy gel at mile 8 (usually don't need them until mile 18) and made peace with the fact that my lame ankle wasn't going to cooperate.
I've started wearing obnoxious Texas flag running shorts when running outside the state. It's a great conversation starter, makes me easily identifiable to friends and family, plus it garners additional support from South Americans. To explain: This is what the Texas flag looks like:
And this is what the Chilean flag looks like:
As you can see, the union of both countries (let's face it, Texas is its own country) are red, white and blue and both share a lone star. However, the Chilean flag has a longer read band across the bottom.So when I run, I get cheers from Texas as well as Chile. God bless geographic ignorance.
The run through Brooklyn was enjoyable. The run through Queens (miles 13-16 and the surrounding) was quite a drag. The neighborhoods were desolate and the roads were neglected.
Running through the Upper East Side of Manhattan was quite a treat! Mile 18 was well-welcomed site of seeing supporters Marilyn, Jon, Alyson and Russell. Thanks guys for coming out and braving the wind and cold! [Jon jumped in at mile 18 and ran along side until getting kicked out around mile 26.] Their names now join the list of you other wonderful sideline bravehearts to whom I am eternally indebted [Roll call! Laura, John, Ashley, Gaby, Connor, Brian, Vicki, Ed, Ron, Meta, Kasey D., Robin, Monica, Justin, Hiral, Erica, my mom and dad to name a few.]
One of the most beautiful moments of the race for me was when my favorite U2 songs, City of Blinding Lights, came on over my earbuds during one of my lulls. Bono once explained that the song is a reflection of a surreal naivety U2 had when they first arrived in New York in 1980. He said they were in awe looking out from New York into Brooklyn at night. The band revisited the sentiment when they played in New York following the 9-11 attacks. They then penned both occasions in this one song.
I remember looking out from Staten Island towards Manhattan in 2003 with my friend Dan and mentioning to him that someday I'd like to run New York. Five years later, God and Bono were there to remind me of the unexpected blessing as we reentered Manhattan at mile 21!
So how does the story end?
The unfortunate reality is that I ended up crossing the finish line about an hour later than my worst marathon time, but the course made for an enjoyable long run. Got to meet some new friends and reconnect with former contacts... Got to hobble away with a medal as well as a victory cape [foil insulating blanket]... Got to warm up while waiting for the group over a handy heated subway vent. All-in-all, a success!
Can't wait to see you all at the next race, whether it be as a spectator, volunteer or a competitor! Looking forward to hearing what great feats you accomplish! Only two months left in 2008... Finish strong!
The final countdown!
Pre-marathon pasta party at Tavern on the Green did not disappoint! Got to fuel up on some quality nutrition as well as break bread with new friends from across the United States, Canada, Germany and Scotland.
One of the highlights for me was having volunteers rally as we made our way to the buffet line.
I have a difficult time referencing Europe's great jock jam The Final Countdown without thinking fondly of Will Arnett's character Gob Bluth on Arrested Development.
So without further ado:
In bed by the glorious hour of 8:30 p.m. See you at 4!
One of the highlights for me was having volunteers rally as we made our way to the buffet line.
I have a difficult time referencing Europe's great jock jam The Final Countdown without thinking fondly of Will Arnett's character Gob Bluth on Arrested Development.
So without further ado:
In bed by the glorious hour of 8:30 p.m. See you at 4!
Hotdog! It's Halloweenie!
[For those of you who can't tell, I've catching up on my New York blog posts. The late entries are due to the sporadic Internet connection at our Spanish Harlem abode!]
We started the day off heading to the runner's expo to pick up my marathon packet. To quote a friend's observation, "Oh! Look at all the running nerds!"
Yes, runners, particularly marathoners, are a different breed. But glorious! Oh so glorious!
We enjoy sampling different energy bars and energy gels. Our jaws drop when we sight an elite runner. We are obsessed with finding hydration and hygiene facilities quickly.
Moving on...
Spent part of Halloween skating at Rockefeller Center! It does not quite carry the prestige of ice skating during the holidays, but I'll take it. The hit of the party is a gal we nicknamed the Mennonite Dancing Queen. We gave her that nickname 1) because we are ignorant and 2) because she didn't let her mid-calf skirt stop her from working her sassy sashay.
Camera 1:
Camera 2:
Camera 1:
Camera 2:
[Stop this pun if you can...] You twirl, girl!
Quick! Somebody get on an animated GIF stat!
We started the day off heading to the runner's expo to pick up my marathon packet. To quote a friend's observation, "Oh! Look at all the running nerds!"
Yes, runners, particularly marathoners, are a different breed. But glorious! Oh so glorious!
We enjoy sampling different energy bars and energy gels. Our jaws drop when we sight an elite runner. We are obsessed with finding hydration and hygiene facilities quickly.
Moving on...
Spent part of Halloween skating at Rockefeller Center! It does not quite carry the prestige of ice skating during the holidays, but I'll take it. The hit of the party is a gal we nicknamed the Mennonite Dancing Queen. We gave her that nickname 1) because we are ignorant and 2) because she didn't let her mid-calf skirt stop her from working her sassy sashay.
Camera 1:
Camera 2:
Camera 1:
Camera 2:
[Stop this pun if you can...] You twirl, girl!
Quick! Somebody get on an animated GIF stat!
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