4 miles... 42 minutes (that breaks down to 10:30 minute miles, and this was done while fighting a nasty cold I caught earlier in the week). To say I'm please with myself is an understatement.

As many of you know, I've been training to run my very first actual "race" in three weeks. What got me started running, and what finally pushed me to pursue it, was the fact that I've participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure the last few years, but always as a walker, never a runner.

This year, I'll be running. Another first for me is raising as much as I can for breast cancer research/prevention/education. I did an event back in October for Breast Cancer...

I knew I wouldn't be able to resist this blog for long...

Life has been quite stressful for me as of late. Work is crazy, school is winding down for the summer but busier than ever. Add some guy drama and friend issues to the mix and well, I've been chomping at the bit to get the hell out of dodge and just forget about how freaking horrible things have been lately.

Cut to today. This morning, to be exact. I rose at the crack of dawn, along with my mom, best...

I've been wanting a fish for quite some time now, and today when I woke up just decided today was the day. Head to the store, and $20.00 later, I've got my Betta.

I haven't shown the queen her new roomie, as there's no need to upset the apple cart and besides, he's high up enough to where she can't see him anyway.

Anyone else have Bettas? Any advice for keeping them, so I'm not running to the store every...

Of how great this place can be at times.

I hope you guys all know who you are. Thanks for making this week rock.

I was screaming like crazy along with Sicy as we ran like maniacs into the ellipse for our first U2 show in four years. I remember so vividly seeing two perfect empty spaces directly in front of where Edge would later be taking the stage that night, and ran like hell for them. The show that followed blew me away. Like I've said many times before, it's a religious experience for me, a U2 show. There's nothing like it in the world.

I had such an amazing time last year,...

To the woman who's given me life, love, and her unconditional support through every high and low of my life so far, I wish you a happy birthday. You don't look it at all, and I'm thankful everyday you quit smoking when you did and have been healthy all these years.

I love you so much. Take care of that cold and I'll see you when I get home from Ontario.

...

All this talk of Hawaii gets me thinking about last year at this time. It was so exciting and nerve wracking, and the fact I won't have any part of it this year SUCKS!

Waiting to hear tour dates announced, your heart pounding right before the clock hits 10 a.m. the day tickets go on sale, meeting other Interlanders, the actual concerts themselves...

Screw paying off debts and being responsible. I have more fun when I'm not!


...

Right now I'm hanging out at home and have just gotten dressed to go to my mom's at four. I've spent the morning in bed and the afternoon watching my favorite holiday movies - The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Simpsons Holiday Special, and Batman Returns. Tonight we'll eat lasagna, drink mint chocolate martinis , and open gifts. Then it'll be back there tomorrow to do it all over again. No other family will be over tonight, just my mom, her boyfriend and I, which is a relief since...

This was right by our accomodations for the weekend


Roughing it in the rain

...

I don't think I need to say any more than that.

I was fifth row (side stage). It was amazing and, dare I say, a bit better than when Kristina and I saw them in 2003. The Greenhornes were awesome, too. Another album to add to the ever-growing list of stuff to buy.

Four more days until New York (and U2).

Also, I find it strangely ironic that I wore my "Material Girl" t-shirt today to go run some errands.

I had bought some art a few weeks back and needed some frames so I could hang them and make my place cuter before I had guests in a few weeks (hi randooooomers ). My mom gave me a coupon to Michael's for 40% off and I came away with four frames for $25. Not bad, right? Well, after leaving Michael's (where I bought a tin of mints in a cute tin with...

That line from Godfather lll suits me to a tee regarding PLEBA.

Before this tour began, I barely peeked in there for more than a minute or two, but now... I'm in there ALL the time!

Of course I skip the more salacious threads, but still... I just felt the need to get this confession off my chest. It doesn't hurt either, that most of my old PLEBA girls are still hanging around, and I've met new ones this time around who help me embrace my appreciation of the guys....

First off, Jules, you rock for the ticket. I had a great time in Chicago this week and it wouldn't have happened had it not been for you. So, thanks, girl, I owe you one!

I arrived (late) Monday night and got my number from Chizzer before making a beer run with Rebekah (starsgoblue). We spent the night outside drinking and talking U2 till finally crawling into a tent (thanks, guys!) at what time, I have no clue.

The next day we all got up early and hung in line until...