Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day y'all!  This year, Sarah and I got to do the long distance Valentine's Day thing for the first time.  Fortunately, with the help of Schmidt's Flowers and Accessories, I was able to pull off the whole flowers bit without a hitch... well, except for the fact that I had to ask Sarah for her physical street address out in Virginia =P.

To celebrate the holiday, Sarah and I had a virtual dinner and a movie night.  Back in Austin, I got the chance to try an absolutely wonderful Italian gluten-free pasta (il Macchiaiolo 100% Rice Riccioli) that Sarah gave me for Christmas.

To be honest, I was a bit nervous about cooking the pasta.  It is super easy to overcook gluten-free pasta, and the Riccioli seemed especially intimidating.  However, with a bit of care, the Riccioli turned out perfect (just keep a watchful eye on it!).  To spice things up a bit, I briefly fan-fried some spinach, garlic, and nutmeg with a heaping of butter, and mixed it all together with the pasta and some mozzarella.  The result was incredible (though I think I may throw in some bacon next time =P).

Sarah and I spent a fair portion of the evening trying to figure out what movie to watch.  In the end, we decided on Being John Malcovich as I surprisingly had not seen it before.  Verdict?  Fun and thought-provoking movie, but (spoiler alert!) I don't think I would have ever crawled my way through that rather filthy tube.  But maybe that's just me.  Anyways, I found it a fun twist on your stereotypical philosophy of mind flick, complete with life-sized puppets and a love rectangle.  And besides, who doesn't enjoy Cameron Diaz wielding a frazzled head of hair and admitting that she's a transsexual?

In closing, Happy Valentine's Day to all, and to all a good night.

Home. And snow.

I'm back in Syracuse for the first time in over a year.  Coincidentally, it has also been over a year since I have seen snow.  Ironically, it started snowing in Austin this morning.  However, the real snow is up north.  Snowshoe race tomorrow?

Withdrawal is in the horizon.

I did it.  I shook someone's hand.  And we made the agreement.  She would do without Dr. Pepper for the month of February.  I would do without Coca-Cola.

I do believe this is in my best interest.  Coca-Cola can't be good for me.  But I can tell you already this is going to be a long month.

Texas Weather

It is currently 75 degrees Fahernheit in Austin, Texas.  And yes, it is January down here in Texas just like it is everywhere else in the world.  This spot of warm weather has allowed me to enjoy breakfast and coffee on my balcony the last few mornings, and I have to say, the experience has been terrific.  Unfortunately, this warm weather will not last, and the high on Wednesday will be a mere 37.  Coincidentally, I will be heading up to Syracuse, New York this upcoming weekend to experience a real winter (snow!).

It will be a little strange leaving this city in the next year or two.  I have gotten quite used to the warmth and twelve months of green (not to mention all of the other lovely experiences Austin has to offer).  That being said, I do miss the snow.  I miss mountains and dense forests.  I miss seasons.  So, we'll see where I end up after all is said and done.

And I just realized where all of this sap came from.  It's the damn post-rock in the background.  Curse you Sigur Rós!

Someone has to throw the dice.

Although the thought of Albert Einstein as a real life "Dungeon Master" is quite frightening.

Grumble Grumble Grumble

Sleep.  Everyone needs more of it.

I have been an extremely light sleeper for most of my life.  If a neighbor two doors down opens a window at 2 AM, there is a pretty good chance that I will wake up.  Hence, when I collected a new neighbor last year that likes to hold loud conversations at 2 in the morning, I reluctantly made the sad voyage to the couch.  Nowadays, I sleep on the couch 3 or 4 nights a week.  That being said, the couch is fairly comfortable, but I would like to reclaim my queen sized bed.  So, if anyone out there has any advice for a light sleeper like me, that would be most appreciated.

Anyways.  I finally began my long trek back into running this morning (post-proposal).  I ventured a whopping 2 miles, but it still stung like hell.  I find it hilarious that the first 2 or 3 miler hurts more than later fartlek and tempo workouts.  I guess that is why they say getting started is the hardest part.  I have been trying to re-evaluate where to go with the running thing this spring.  Originally, I was going to attempt a new PR in the 5K in one of the many races during Austin's Sprint Series.  After a series of injuries last year emanating from track workouts, I am not sure that goal is the smartest idea in the world.  While I do plan on throwing myself into the mix at some local 5Ks, my new plan is to try to get into a general sort of shape for a collection of trail runs and marathons this summer.  I think my body will appreciate that in the end.

Jerseys!

As most of you are probably well-aware, I coach one of the undergraduate clubs at the University of Texas, the Texas Running Club.  Last night, the club had its kick-off meeting, and at the meeting, jerseys which were ordered in the fall were finally handed out.  And I have to say: they turned out damn sexy.  Hot damn.