Sporting the Sneakers

Last summer I was super diligent in running 2-3 times per week. I always tend to slack off during the school year, but now that it's summer I want to get back on a running schedule. I've gone for a few rigorous walks through Shadyside and Oakland, but yesterday I kicked off my summer running season with a strenous, exhausting long-distance run. Okay, I ran like 2 miles, but it sure felt like it was a long distance.

Laundry

Yesterday was laundry day. Being the thrifty person that I am, I had the wonderful idea of air-drying my laundry rather than pay $1.50 per load to use the dryer in my building. I not not currently have a drying rack, so instead I carefully laid out my clothes on my recliner, in my bathroom, over my pull-out sofa, around the floor, and even on my desk. The only place left to work was at my bed. This was not especially good as I felt fidgety all day with the need to move around. Plus I couldn't stand to see how messy my apartment was with so much laundry all over the place. In the end, my laundry kicked me out and I ended up going to a coffee shop in the afternoon. I came home for dinner (Its' cheaper to eat at home than out - I told you I was thrifty...) and then headed out again to another coffee shop to continue the work and support my caffeine habit. It was inconvenient, yet it wasn't so miserable that I would say I'll never do it again. Maybe I should consider my visits home around my laundry needs.

Creative Kitchen

Today I discovered that it's difficult to make a quality cake when you have no mixing bowls, whisks, or mixer. I mixed my ingredients in a pot and stirred the batter with a spoon. I should have taken the opportunity to knock on my neighbor's door and introduce myself and ask to borrow these items, but didn't think of it until it was too late. This is the lumpiest cake ever, good, but lumpy. I think I need to plan a trip to Walmart.

Grandma

My grandmother passed away on Friday. She's been fighting Alzheimer's for years, so in a way, this truly is a blessing. She was an extremely creative and diligent woman. She loved arts and crafts. She was always baking cinnamon rolls or some other treat in our kitchen within 15 minutes of arriving. She also loved music and singing. Growing up, she even played guitar and sang on a radio show with her sisters. To honor her, one of my cousins and I are singing "Amazing Grace" and "I Can Only Imagine" at her funeral. I sure she'll be smiling down from heaven as she sees her grandchildren carrying on her love for music.

Tornado? Earthquake? Tsunami?

I just survived the most violent thunderstorm of my life. Torrents of rain, thrashing winds, massive lightning, booming thunder, penny-sized hail... Some company would have been much appreciated! I was tempted to knock on my neighbor's door, but I've not yet met him or her. My candle (in case the power went out) and book just didn't cut it.

Playing Tourist

This weekend turned out to be the kickoff of my year long adventure of being a tourist in Pittsburgh. Friday night, a friend took me to the Arts Festival at Point Park, the place where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet to form the Ohio River. I was amazed at how beautiful everything looked. We also rode the Duquesne Incline cable cars that go up the South Hills. The view of Point Park and the city lights was breath-taking from the lookout platform at the top of the hills. Apparently, it's been ranked as the second most beautiful view in America by USA Weekend magazine. I was surprised at how much there could be seen from one place - Heinz Field, the Carnegie Science Center (and submarine), and lots of other prominent buildings I can't remember.

Weekend Back East

Yesterday I returned to Pittsburgh after going on a retreat in the poconos and visiting home. The retreat was for young adults connected to my church back home. I loved getting away for a little bit, playing frisbee, and seeing old friends. It was also refreshing to be in country, to look up at the sky at night and actually be able to see stars.

I also went home because my 3rd graders that I taught this past year had their awards ceremony. I missed the seven little squirts, but didn't realize how much until I saw them again. I'm so proud of how hard they worked!

It was also wonderful to reconnect some with friends both on the retreat and at school. Homesickness is cured for the time being.

Driving Home - Part 2

No worries this week - I made it home safe and sound. I'm pleased to report that no unexpected side trips presented themselves and I only had to pay $8.15 this week for tolls compared to about $12.50 last week. I think the route still needs some tweaking, but I have a year to work on that. It would be nice to find a park some place halfway through the trip to stop and stretch my legs. Rest stops just don't cut it.