Missed You, Crazy City

We got back recently from a fun trip away, no kids, just us & good friends.  My friend Maya & I did a women's half marathon in San Francisco, & the guys came along to enjoy the weekend.  We haven't been up there in a few years, to do a race, & I've missed that city.  The noise, the chaos, the colorful people...I love it all.  

Eagerly awaiting the race start.  There were soooo many people!

Yay! Miss Tara came to join us at the Tattoo parlor, after the race.

New ink.  I've been wanting these words for awhile.  Reminder to me, I don't have to go back to where I've been.

Love the art in Clarion Alley...awesome, although the alley had quite a few memorable smells.

Like this pic of Richard & Mike

A local haunt, we had fun at : Bitters Bock & Rye

Pretty day at Fisherman's Wharf

And now for some random thoughts on running.  I am hoping I keep up the longer distances now, that I have actually trained somewhat, & am able to do quite a few miles without dying.  I have a love/hate thing with running, there are times I just can't wait for it to be over, & others where I push myself & enjoy being out there, feeling my feet pound the pavement, lungs maybe burning a little...but feeling alive & strong, & total freedom.  Ok, maybe I do love it!

Hockey Mask

Feeling Octoberish here. 

 The other day I did pretty hilly bike ride, with a crazy friend of mine....I mean that as a term of endearment :)  I used to ride all the time. It was my favorite thing, over running, over hiking, & for sure over swimming.  Now I don't get on the bike so much.  The funny thing I've noticed since I haven't been in the saddle so often is, I am afraid now.  When I am flying down a hill, I'm riding my brakes like a mad women, picturing my front wheel going out from under me, & me eating it big time.  I came to the conclusion I would feel better if I could ride wearing a mouth guard, & hockey goalie mask.  I've thought about this(as you have a lot of time to ponder on long rides), that cycling is a  lot like my life to me....when I am going up something really hard & steep, I am sometimes grumbling, usually cussing a little, praying for strength, feeling thankful that I have a healthy body & am able to do it. Then I get through that, & the dreaded downhill comes....most people enjoy this part, by the way.  I however, have issues.  I feel like I am holding on for dear life, tense, so scared I will wipe out.  It's only the rare times I actually surrender it all, tell myself that whatever happens happens, that I feel peace, & start to somewhat enjoy that part of the ride.  So I guess what I am saying here is I need more downhills, where I loosen my grasp, & realize that God is in control no matter what....but maybe the mask wouldn't hurt.

We are already mid-way through October, so I shall show some pics of some things we've been doing lately.

Pumpkin Jumping

Hay Ponies

Made for Day of the Dead

Little Birthday gift for a friend