If I were ever asked where my favorite place in the world is, my answer would be The Haunted Mansion in Disney World. I recognize the strangeness of this response, but I also embrace it as part and parcel of who I am. As I've mentioned in posts earlier, I've naturally always gravitated to the macabre; at a very young age my favorite movie was Beetle Juice, and my preferred tv viewing was either The Addams Family or Twilight Zone episodes. My favorite book was In a Dark, Dark Room and I checked out the "Fairy Tale Theatre" video "The Boy Who Left Home To Find Out About The Shivers" (screw that princess crap) so many times my mother eventually bought it for me, seeing as we virtually owned it as it was. Needless to say, when my family took me on my first trip to Disney World and we rode the Haunted Mansion, in some ways, I felt like I had come home.
The ride has always had a pull on me, both when I am there in the park and when I am home. Kegan is wonderful to indulge and support me in my attachment, allowing me to adorn our home with merchandise and recognizing that I tend to be unable to help myself from buying Haunted Mansion related memorabilia.
A few years ago my students were going to write memoirs so I chose to write one along with them to model the process. I intended to write about my first ride on The Haunted Mansion and the story became about so much more than that. It was probably in that moment when I realized the true significance of this house on a hill in my life. I've been unbelievably lucky to go to Disney World many times, but my connection to the Haunted Mansion transcends my literal presence within the walls of the attraction. It's just a ride, I recognize that...but as the magic of Disney is apt to do...it's so much more than a ride to me. It's an escape, it's a microcosm of my childhood, it's a reminder that one can be happily haunted.
Showing posts with label places. Show all posts
Showing posts with label places. Show all posts
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
#293: My Home
This week I've thought often how thankful I am for my house-- for the physical structure of it, the fact that it provides me and my family shelter. Today I am thankful for my house as my home.
I love the comfort of my home, that it's a place I feel secure and safe. I love that it's adorned with photos of my family and friends-- the living embodiment of home. I love how laughter bounces off its walls, that it's set the stage for holidays and birthdays. I love the way sun streams through the windows, the way rain runs down the window panes. I love how light filters in throughout the day, how you can see the moon out the skylights. I love finding my cats curled in their secret spots, love the sound of Kegan's keys in the door when he returns from work. I love knowing I've been blessed here, and with continued grace, will be, even more so, here.
"Home is the nicest word there is." - Laura Ingalls Wilder
I love the comfort of my home, that it's a place I feel secure and safe. I love that it's adorned with photos of my family and friends-- the living embodiment of home. I love how laughter bounces off its walls, that it's set the stage for holidays and birthdays. I love the way sun streams through the windows, the way rain runs down the window panes. I love how light filters in throughout the day, how you can see the moon out the skylights. I love finding my cats curled in their secret spots, love the sound of Kegan's keys in the door when he returns from work. I love knowing I've been blessed here, and with continued grace, will be, even more so, here.
"Home is the nicest word there is." - Laura Ingalls Wilder
Sunday, September 23, 2012
#261: A Well Fragranced Home
Yesterday when I was at my sister-in-law Desiree's house I recognized one of the qualities I most love about being at her home: it always smells good. She makes an effort to burn candles, and I find her house to be so homey and comfortable, in part because of that. I myself have a shelf in my buffet full of candles that I rarely light, so after being inspired by Desiree I spent the afternoon burning a Pumpkin Spice candle in honor of the beginning of fall, and my house was quickly filled with the lovely fragrance. I truly love my home for a million reasons, but since I spend so much time here I often take it for granted. Doing something as simple as burning a candle, being able to take in how good my house smells as a result, reminds me how grateful I am to live in such a beautiful, comfortable home.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
#228: NYC
I too often take for granted how awesome it is to live only a short while from one of the greatest-- if not the greatest-- cities in the world. Potentially as a result of this project, I've been keenly aware of how much more grateful I should be for NYC with my recent trips into the city.
I've always wondered what it was like to see NYC through the eyes of a true tourist; I'm sure it's mesmerizing and overwhelming all at the same time. For me, it's just the city. But it's still an amazing place. Whether I'm going in for dinner, a night out with friends, to go shopping, hang out in Central Park, see a show or concert, check out a museum, or walk around in the quieter neighborhoods, any reason for being in the city is apt to make for a memorable day.
WIth my father hailing from the Bronx and my mother from Brooklyn, NYC has always felt ingrained in my personal history. Having lived in New Jersey my entire life to date, I sometimes am disheartened to think that I haven't lived anywhere different or exciting. But then I just need to remind myself on any given day, at any given time, I'm only a short trip away from a city people dream to see just once in their lives. And that's pretty cool.
I've always wondered what it was like to see NYC through the eyes of a true tourist; I'm sure it's mesmerizing and overwhelming all at the same time. For me, it's just the city. But it's still an amazing place. Whether I'm going in for dinner, a night out with friends, to go shopping, hang out in Central Park, see a show or concert, check out a museum, or walk around in the quieter neighborhoods, any reason for being in the city is apt to make for a memorable day.
WIth my father hailing from the Bronx and my mother from Brooklyn, NYC has always felt ingrained in my personal history. Having lived in New Jersey my entire life to date, I sometimes am disheartened to think that I haven't lived anywhere different or exciting. But then I just need to remind myself on any given day, at any given time, I'm only a short trip away from a city people dream to see just once in their lives. And that's pretty cool.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
#215: Craft
Craft in NYC is one of my favorite restaurants. Despite the fact that a well made grilled cheese is easily my favorite meal, I know good food when I eat it. It's always nice to spend an evening in the city, enjoying the ambiance of filament lights, attentive service and the amazing dinners Craft affords. We often go there for special occasions, but one of the main aspects that I appreciate about the restaurant is that, even if we're not there for any particular reason, a night at Craft feels special in and of itself.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
#194: Chipolte
Steve Ells is a personal hero of mine. Since reading Fast Food Nation a few years ago I've nearly quit fast food, except for in a few rare moments of weakness when McDonalds fries are irresistible. And then I found Chipolte.
Chipolte operates under the slogan "Food With Integrity". They primarily use locally and organically grown produce as well as meat from naturally fed-livestock. This allows for the convenience of fast food without the guilt and concern that what you're eating might not actually be food. Plus you can get guacamole and a fountain coke with every meal. Sold!
Ironically, Chipolte is owned now, in part, by the McDonalds corporation. While I struggle sometimes that a chain that is somehow "anti-fast food" in nature is merely a cog in the industry kingpin, I have hopes that Chipolte is the new generation of fast food, and that other chains will follow in foot.
With that optimism in mind, I am thankful for Chipolte, the countless barbacoa tacos I have consumed, and days like today, when I can get lunch there without waiting in a 20 minute long line to do so. It's the little wins, sometimes...
Chipolte operates under the slogan "Food With Integrity". They primarily use locally and organically grown produce as well as meat from naturally fed-livestock. This allows for the convenience of fast food without the guilt and concern that what you're eating might not actually be food. Plus you can get guacamole and a fountain coke with every meal. Sold!
Ironically, Chipolte is owned now, in part, by the McDonalds corporation. While I struggle sometimes that a chain that is somehow "anti-fast food" in nature is merely a cog in the industry kingpin, I have hopes that Chipolte is the new generation of fast food, and that other chains will follow in foot.
With that optimism in mind, I am thankful for Chipolte, the countless barbacoa tacos I have consumed, and days like today, when I can get lunch there without waiting in a 20 minute long line to do so. It's the little wins, sometimes...
Thursday, May 31, 2012
#178: Down Town
One of my favorite aspects of my town is that we have a true, old timey main street. Tonight my sister and I went down there to walk around. We popped into a few local, independently owned stores, sat on a bench to eat frozen yogurt, and she ended up seeing a good friend whom we talked with for a while. It might sound corny, but my down town seems so quintessentially small town America, which feels so homey and wonderful.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
#169: Chicago
I spent the weekend in Chicago. This was my first time in the city, and there's so much wonderfulness to appreciate about it. Anyone who knew I was going there and had been before told me that I would love it, that it's a cleaner, quieter version of New York, and I wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment. It has hustle and bustle without the claustrophobia of literally being in a mass mob of people, and it was very cool to go from metropolitan streets of skyscrapers to the lakefront beach. We covered the town, seeing Willis (Sears) Tower, Navy Pier, Millenium Park, Wrigleyville and Wrigley Field for the Crosstown Classic, The Maginficent Mile and of course deep dish pizza. The food was great, the people unbelievably friendly and kind, the weather perfect. A Cubs win would've been nice, but as any faithful (24 hour old) fan would say, there's always tomorrow!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
#164: Silence
"Life is so loud."
I said this to Kegan earlier today. I really wanted to go for a "hike", and since this was my "Cat Mother's Day" I was able to call the shots this afternoon.
Any serious hiker would likely call my my version of a "hike" a "walk in the woods", which is why I put it in quotations. Kegan and I spent some time walking down the towpath of the D & R canal, and our turn around point was a spillway, right before which there was a bench. Before we headed back we sat for a short time on the bench, not speaking, just taking in the peace of the silence around us. We both made moves to head back, but persisted on sitting for just a bit longer. It was when Kegan made the definitive decision that it was time to head back that I turned to him and said, "Life is so loud." He, in his ever understanding ways, knew exactly what I meant, simply nodded, and we turned to head back down to the canal to the car to continue on with our day.
Whether it's because of the environmental noise that always surrounds us, the constant hum of always being connected, or the resounding of one's own thoughts, true quiet is rare. I'm thankful for moments like today when I am able, even briefly, to be lost in silence. It's profoundly loud.
I said this to Kegan earlier today. I really wanted to go for a "hike", and since this was my "Cat Mother's Day" I was able to call the shots this afternoon.
Any serious hiker would likely call my my version of a "hike" a "walk in the woods", which is why I put it in quotations. Kegan and I spent some time walking down the towpath of the D & R canal, and our turn around point was a spillway, right before which there was a bench. Before we headed back we sat for a short time on the bench, not speaking, just taking in the peace of the silence around us. We both made moves to head back, but persisted on sitting for just a bit longer. It was when Kegan made the definitive decision that it was time to head back that I turned to him and said, "Life is so loud." He, in his ever understanding ways, knew exactly what I meant, simply nodded, and we turned to head back down to the canal to the car to continue on with our day.
Whether it's because of the environmental noise that always surrounds us, the constant hum of always being connected, or the resounding of one's own thoughts, true quiet is rare. I'm thankful for moments like today when I am able, even briefly, to be lost in silence. It's profoundly loud.
Monday, April 16, 2012
#138: Wegmen's
Monday is my standard grocery shopping day. The idea of grocery shopping always annoys me: it's just another chore, a roadblock between work and settling in at home. But then I get to Wegmen's and my whole attitude changes. There's something about that store that relaxes me in a way no other grocery store can. Who are we kidding? We know I've analyzed this. It's the smell of freshly baked bread, the subtle, calm lighting, their extensive whole foods and organic aisles...which I browse in more than I shop in, visualizing my ideal self who would patron that section of the store only... until I head off to get a pint of Ben & Jerry's. Wegmen's is everything a grocery store should be. I always enjoy my time there, despite the dread I tend to feel having to go there.
And beyond Wegmen's being a straight up-awesome grocery store, I also factor in the recognition that I should be grateful to live in a society where that is all I have to do in order to fill my fridge and cabinets with food. Although I often take for granted the many luxuries and privileges of living where and when I live, I do regularly remind myself to be thankful of them. Due to the aforementioned "dreading" of having to go grocery shopping this reminder is usually accompanied by guilt and self rebuke, but hey-- that's what the Ben & Jerry's is for!
And beyond Wegmen's being a straight up-awesome grocery store, I also factor in the recognition that I should be grateful to live in a society where that is all I have to do in order to fill my fridge and cabinets with food. Although I often take for granted the many luxuries and privileges of living where and when I live, I do regularly remind myself to be thankful of them. Due to the aforementioned "dreading" of having to go grocery shopping this reminder is usually accompanied by guilt and self rebuke, but hey-- that's what the Ben & Jerry's is for!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
#135: My Local Track
In order to begin the transition process to Vibrams (yes, I drank the Kool Aid) I ran today at my local track. I am thankful I live close enough to a nice, well maintained track. For a runner, this is key. Although it hasn't been a focus during this particular training program, I still aspire to do speed work; the track is where all of that work will happen. Running there today inspired me to dream of the future progress my running will make. Since this is the track of the high school I attended, it also reminded me of my running past. As I jogged I could almost see the ghost of my younger self, running the same laps in practices and meets. In my running history, this track is a crossroads of my past, present and future; a place where dreams are made of, one 1600 at a time.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
#128: Reservoir Run
With the luxury of time this Spring Break, I was able to drive to a local reservoir for my run rather than prattle around town as I usually do. There is a five mile trail loop that is amongst my favorite places to run; I am so thankful that it exists and that I was able to spend some time there again this week.
Trail running is rejuvenating. Your legs feel better pounding out miles on dirt rather than concrete, and it's peaceful to leave behind the cacophony of suburbia as you head into the woods. I'm not the most adventurous of people-- so this reservoir is a great medium. It provides the serene atmosphere of forest running, but it's a flat, well-maintained path with water fountains and bathrooms just off the course--- and I can't get lost! All wonderful attributes of a great place to run. I looped this reservoir many times when training for my marathon on both a 20 and a 22 mile run, and I am so thankful for all tracks I've laid there.
Trail running is rejuvenating. Your legs feel better pounding out miles on dirt rather than concrete, and it's peaceful to leave behind the cacophony of suburbia as you head into the woods. I'm not the most adventurous of people-- so this reservoir is a great medium. It provides the serene atmosphere of forest running, but it's a flat, well-maintained path with water fountains and bathrooms just off the course--- and I can't get lost! All wonderful attributes of a great place to run. I looped this reservoir many times when training for my marathon on both a 20 and a 22 mile run, and I am so thankful for all tracks I've laid there.
Reservoir Radiance
(photo courtesy of Beckie)
Friday, March 2, 2012
#99: Libraries
Most young adults my age, on a Friday after work, head to a bar. There are many Fridays that I do this as well, but today I headed to a place where I get a different but equally satisfying happy hour. I went to my town library.
Libraries are my favorite American Institution. For one, where else can you publicly "borrow" stuff? It's this trust in people that is so affirming to me. I always want to believe in the inherent goodness of people, and libraries are founded on belief in that. Furthermore, I endorse any endorsement of reading and its benefits. Naturally libraries, and our continued collective support of them, do this best.
My town library is a place of solace. I love it for its nostalgic qualities; few places remind me more of my childhood than the children's section on the upper floor. I venture up there as an adult, simply to be taken back. On the main floor I can get lost in the stacks; it's a quaint library, but a peaceful one nonetheless. Today I am thankful for my library; it's one of the reasons I am grateful to live in my hometown, because it's another place where I always feel at home.
Libraries are my favorite American Institution. For one, where else can you publicly "borrow" stuff? It's this trust in people that is so affirming to me. I always want to believe in the inherent goodness of people, and libraries are founded on belief in that. Furthermore, I endorse any endorsement of reading and its benefits. Naturally libraries, and our continued collective support of them, do this best.
My town library is a place of solace. I love it for its nostalgic qualities; few places remind me more of my childhood than the children's section on the upper floor. I venture up there as an adult, simply to be taken back. On the main floor I can get lost in the stacks; it's a quaint library, but a peaceful one nonetheless. Today I am thankful for my library; it's one of the reasons I am grateful to live in my hometown, because it's another place where I always feel at home.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
#96: The Magic Kingdom
The following thought crossed my mind today: "I wish I were in the Magic Kingdom."
This is a thought that is apt to cross my mind any day, and honestly does most days. Today I thought it, in particular, because Disney is running an event in honor of Leap Day called "One More Disney Day." The Magic Kingdom opened this morning at 6 a.m. and, for the first time in history, will remain open for 24 hours. Anyone who knows me is aware of the high regard I hold for sleeping; there are few tradeoffs I would make in life that would result in me not getting a decent night's sleep. That being said, I wouldn't think twice about mustering the energy to stay up 24 hours and spend a full day in the Magic Kingdom.
My first trip to Disney World was when I was 4. Although I don't have vivid recollections of this trip, it is amongst my earliest memories. I remember posing for photos in Mickey's Toontown, being in the audience for a stage show about Mickey's birthday, and the beginning of my love affair with The Haunted Mansion. I didn't return to Disney World again until the fall of 2003, and can officially classify myself as "Disney World obsessed" as I've made visits 3 - 8 all within the past two years. I truly love all aspects of Disney World, but nothing more than the Magic Kingdom.
I appreciate the Magic Kingdom from the moment I walk within its gates. Passing under the train station and onto Main Street feels like crossing over a mythic threshold. Disney's vision was for an idyllic, American Main Street and, in typical Disney fashion, it's exactly that. I can, and have, spend hours wandering in and out of the stores, candy shop and bakery. I could spend a day in the Magic Kingdom and not go on a single ride (besides the Haunted Mansion) and be perfectly content hanging out on Main Street all day.
Cinderella Castle is picturesque, and I love to admire it from every angle. A photo in front of it is quintessential and perfectly captures the essence of Disney magic. From that central location one can travel to any part of the Magic Kingdom, and I appreciate them all, most especially the youthfulness of Fantasy Land and quaint Liberty Square. I love to walk around, look for characters, eat quality junk food, hop on and off rides, and even simply sit and bask in the simple joy of being there.
I've been reading about the events of the ongoing 24 hours of the Magic Kingdom throughout my day. While I can't fight off the feelings of envy for the people who are taking part in such a cool experience, I am also warmed by the sights and sounds of what is truly my happiest place on Earth.
This is a thought that is apt to cross my mind any day, and honestly does most days. Today I thought it, in particular, because Disney is running an event in honor of Leap Day called "One More Disney Day." The Magic Kingdom opened this morning at 6 a.m. and, for the first time in history, will remain open for 24 hours. Anyone who knows me is aware of the high regard I hold for sleeping; there are few tradeoffs I would make in life that would result in me not getting a decent night's sleep. That being said, I wouldn't think twice about mustering the energy to stay up 24 hours and spend a full day in the Magic Kingdom.
My first trip to Disney World was when I was 4. Although I don't have vivid recollections of this trip, it is amongst my earliest memories. I remember posing for photos in Mickey's Toontown, being in the audience for a stage show about Mickey's birthday, and the beginning of my love affair with The Haunted Mansion. I didn't return to Disney World again until the fall of 2003, and can officially classify myself as "Disney World obsessed" as I've made visits 3 - 8 all within the past two years. I truly love all aspects of Disney World, but nothing more than the Magic Kingdom.
I appreciate the Magic Kingdom from the moment I walk within its gates. Passing under the train station and onto Main Street feels like crossing over a mythic threshold. Disney's vision was for an idyllic, American Main Street and, in typical Disney fashion, it's exactly that. I can, and have, spend hours wandering in and out of the stores, candy shop and bakery. I could spend a day in the Magic Kingdom and not go on a single ride (besides the Haunted Mansion) and be perfectly content hanging out on Main Street all day.
Cinderella Castle is picturesque, and I love to admire it from every angle. A photo in front of it is quintessential and perfectly captures the essence of Disney magic. From that central location one can travel to any part of the Magic Kingdom, and I appreciate them all, most especially the youthfulness of Fantasy Land and quaint Liberty Square. I love to walk around, look for characters, eat quality junk food, hop on and off rides, and even simply sit and bask in the simple joy of being there.
I've been reading about the events of the ongoing 24 hours of the Magic Kingdom throughout my day. While I can't fight off the feelings of envy for the people who are taking part in such a cool experience, I am also warmed by the sights and sounds of what is truly my happiest place on Earth.
Me with the castle all to myself
Disney Commercial I watch when I need a "Park Fix"
(Gets me every time & I don't even have kids. I'll bawl when I bring my own children there.)
Sunday, February 12, 2012
#81: Friendly's
Kegan is a total "foodie". He loves nothing more than a really good meal at a really good restaurant. Me? Well...I'm not. I love nothing more than a really good grilled cheese, regardless of where it comes from. Thankfully Kegan is willing to indulge my dining preferences, which means we often eat at Friendly's.
This restaurant chain recently filed for bankruptcy, so every time I go I wonder if it will be the last time I eat there before it shuts down. Trust me, it is nothing to write home about, but I actually am attached to Friendly's. During marathon training I regularly rewarded myself with ice cream from Friendly's at the end of each week. Now I can't eat a peanut butter cup sundae and not associate it with accomplishment. My childhood friends and I spent a lot of time there. Whether it was the post-swim meet celebration meal with teammates, or the summer evening destination my neighborhood friends and our moms would walk to, Friendly's was a mainstay of my youth. . My sister used to pick me up from elementary school so that we could have a mid school-day lunch together. Nothing makes a 5th grader feel more cool than having her 17 year old sister pick her up in the middle of the day, and I always valued that time together. I've always taken my nieces and nephews there, since I was a very young aunt and could more or less only afford lunches out there with them. Even though I can afford to take them other places we usually still go to to Friendly's, because nothing beats a fountain coke and sundae dessert (they are all related to me, after all). My hope is that the chain somehow sustains or has a recovery so that I can take my children there. The thought of sitting across from them in a booth, watching them get hot fudge all over themselves as they eat a conehead sundae is one of the aspects of motherhood I've always looked forward to.
There are so many important places in my life- Disney World, Boston, Bermuda. Equally important, though rarely valued, are the simple places that are meaningful. It's nice to go somewhere grand. But it's also nice to go to that place just around the corner, that place that's always been around-- so much so that you expected that it always would be. And it doesn't hurt if you can get a good grilled cheese while you're there.
This restaurant chain recently filed for bankruptcy, so every time I go I wonder if it will be the last time I eat there before it shuts down. Trust me, it is nothing to write home about, but I actually am attached to Friendly's. During marathon training I regularly rewarded myself with ice cream from Friendly's at the end of each week. Now I can't eat a peanut butter cup sundae and not associate it with accomplishment. My childhood friends and I spent a lot of time there. Whether it was the post-swim meet celebration meal with teammates, or the summer evening destination my neighborhood friends and our moms would walk to, Friendly's was a mainstay of my youth. . My sister used to pick me up from elementary school so that we could have a mid school-day lunch together. Nothing makes a 5th grader feel more cool than having her 17 year old sister pick her up in the middle of the day, and I always valued that time together. I've always taken my nieces and nephews there, since I was a very young aunt and could more or less only afford lunches out there with them. Even though I can afford to take them other places we usually still go to to Friendly's, because nothing beats a fountain coke and sundae dessert (they are all related to me, after all). My hope is that the chain somehow sustains or has a recovery so that I can take my children there. The thought of sitting across from them in a booth, watching them get hot fudge all over themselves as they eat a conehead sundae is one of the aspects of motherhood I've always looked forward to.
There are so many important places in my life- Disney World, Boston, Bermuda. Equally important, though rarely valued, are the simple places that are meaningful. It's nice to go somewhere grand. But it's also nice to go to that place just around the corner, that place that's always been around-- so much so that you expected that it always would be. And it doesn't hurt if you can get a good grilled cheese while you're there.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
#56: My Mall
While "retail therapy" is not a form of stress release for me, my mall is a weekday refuge for me. Likely that is because I get to visit my favorite means of escapism, Disney World and reading, by stopping at the Disney Store and a book store. Also, there's something peaceful about a stroll around the mall on a weeknight: it's quiet and there's nothing demanded of me, the antithesis of my daytime hours at school! Of course I know there is likely nothing less significant in my life for me to be thankful for than my mall. But the whole point of this project is to acknowledge 365 aspects of my life for which I am appreciative, from the grand, philosophic and substantive to those that are anything but. Of course, on a fundamental level, I know I have much more to be thankful for everyday. But today, and many days, I am also thankful for the simple luxuries of my life: such as today's relaxing stroll around the mall.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
#46: My First Marathon
Today was the Disney World Marathon, which I ran last year. Tomorrow, technically, then, is my marathoniversary! All weekend I've been thinking a lot about my first marathon.
The road-to-the-marathon began in 2009, when I started running regularly again. Running was a major part of my high school years when I was on both the track and cross country teams. During college it trailed off, and in my first few years of teaching it was non-existent. As I reflected on the struggles in my life back in 2008-- my feelings of slugishness, unmanaged anxiety and high stress-- I realized a return to running would alleviate and combat all of that negativity. But knowing I am not the type of person who would run just to run, I told myself I would one day run a marathon. I remember talking to James, my then co-worker and a personal running inspiration, that I thought it would take me two years to build up to running a marathon, and that came to fruition. Along the way, I became a healthier, happier, better person.
It was admist my training for my 2nd half-marathon that I decided to officially register for the full. I can remember the day vividly: Kegan and I were running 10 miles along the Spring Lake boardwalk, one of my favorite places to run. It was a picture perfect running day: the sun was shining, the breeze off of the ocean was cool, and I felt lighter with each step. I knew, then and there, that if 10 miles could feel easy, I was ready to run a full. That night I registered for the marathon. While I intended to train and run the race on my own, Kegan followed signed up a few weeks later, as did my good friend and colleague Kyle. All of a sudden it was a group effort, and I was so grateful for it. In fact, when I had to compete my longest training run of 22 miles, a group of 6 of us went out to do it, in the middle of December. Not many people can say they had companionship in training, and I am so lucky that I did.
Training itself is an amazing experience. The commitment to running regularly brings a rhythm to your weeks. I would go to bed feeling achy and exhausted, but accomplished. Three days during the week Kyle and I headed out after school, and it was a great outlet during what was a stressful school year. We strengthened our friendship over those months, and when it was all over I missed having that time with him regularly. He kept me honest; days that I probably would've found an excuse not to run I couldn't just skip it, because he was running, too. We were both running the marathon for our own reasons, but it was so wonderful to share training with him. Kegan and I ran together on the weekends for our long run. Sometimes couples say that they can't run together, but we are compatible running partners. Since Kegan works such long hours, our Saturday long run was a time that we knew we would have together. We loved setting new distance records, laughing together when hysteria set in during later miles, encouraging one another when we struggled. I know that I have a great marriage, and our Saturday long runs together was a weekly reminder of that blessing.
When the 18 weeks of training ended and race day arrived, I could not believe how fast two years had gone by. The marathon was the culmination of what I had been working towards for so long, and I truly ran it as a celebration, a personal triumph. I chose Disney World because there is nowhere like it in the world to run. The tagline for their races is that "every mile is magic". Literally that's true-- from the setting to entertainment to the level of joy and kindness from the volunteers and race organizers. But I think that's just a statement true for a marathon. I wanted to run my first marathon in a place that epitomized magic. A person needs to dig very deep to keep going mile after mile. But I did it all with a smile, because I knew the experience was transcendent. In the most recent issue of Runner's World, something Marc Parent wrote struck me as true for me and my marathon experience: "The run itself, though, had suddenly become indescribable. It wasn't easy, but it was not hard, either. I didn't know until that moment that there was a hidden gear between hard and easy. I tried to figure out what it felt like, but it was unlike anything else in life I could think of...The moment a run becomes indescribable is the moment it becomes private-- not secret, just impossible to share...Distance is one of the only things in life you truly earn."
Running is one of the most important aspects of my life, and training for and running my first marathon was easily one of the most important experiences of my life. I plan to run marathons again-- I want to run one that I have to train for alone, I want to run one as a mother, I want to run in Disney again. Still, I know that there will never be anything like my first marathon, and for it, I am eternally grateful.
I extoll the virtues of running to everyone I know. My friends and family have heard it countless times, and through this blog they hear it again. If you're a reader who doesn't know me personally, I encourage you to give it a try. It might change your life, as it changed mine. Born to Run by Christopher McDougall is an amazing book-- not just about running, but about the human experience itself. A passage from that novel has become one of my favorite ruminations about running and life, so I close this post with it:
"There was some kind of connection between the ability to love and the ability to love running. The engineering was certainly the same: both depended on loosening your grip on your own desires, putting aside what you wanted and appreciating what you've got, being patient and forgiving and undemanding. We wouldn't be alive without love; we wouldn't have survived without running. Maybe we shouldn't be surprised that getting better at one could make you better at the other."
The road-to-the-marathon began in 2009, when I started running regularly again. Running was a major part of my high school years when I was on both the track and cross country teams. During college it trailed off, and in my first few years of teaching it was non-existent. As I reflected on the struggles in my life back in 2008-- my feelings of slugishness, unmanaged anxiety and high stress-- I realized a return to running would alleviate and combat all of that negativity. But knowing I am not the type of person who would run just to run, I told myself I would one day run a marathon. I remember talking to James, my then co-worker and a personal running inspiration, that I thought it would take me two years to build up to running a marathon, and that came to fruition. Along the way, I became a healthier, happier, better person.
It was admist my training for my 2nd half-marathon that I decided to officially register for the full. I can remember the day vividly: Kegan and I were running 10 miles along the Spring Lake boardwalk, one of my favorite places to run. It was a picture perfect running day: the sun was shining, the breeze off of the ocean was cool, and I felt lighter with each step. I knew, then and there, that if 10 miles could feel easy, I was ready to run a full. That night I registered for the marathon. While I intended to train and run the race on my own, Kegan followed signed up a few weeks later, as did my good friend and colleague Kyle. All of a sudden it was a group effort, and I was so grateful for it. In fact, when I had to compete my longest training run of 22 miles, a group of 6 of us went out to do it, in the middle of December. Not many people can say they had companionship in training, and I am so lucky that I did.
Training itself is an amazing experience. The commitment to running regularly brings a rhythm to your weeks. I would go to bed feeling achy and exhausted, but accomplished. Three days during the week Kyle and I headed out after school, and it was a great outlet during what was a stressful school year. We strengthened our friendship over those months, and when it was all over I missed having that time with him regularly. He kept me honest; days that I probably would've found an excuse not to run I couldn't just skip it, because he was running, too. We were both running the marathon for our own reasons, but it was so wonderful to share training with him. Kegan and I ran together on the weekends for our long run. Sometimes couples say that they can't run together, but we are compatible running partners. Since Kegan works such long hours, our Saturday long run was a time that we knew we would have together. We loved setting new distance records, laughing together when hysteria set in during later miles, encouraging one another when we struggled. I know that I have a great marriage, and our Saturday long runs together was a weekly reminder of that blessing.
When the 18 weeks of training ended and race day arrived, I could not believe how fast two years had gone by. The marathon was the culmination of what I had been working towards for so long, and I truly ran it as a celebration, a personal triumph. I chose Disney World because there is nowhere like it in the world to run. The tagline for their races is that "every mile is magic". Literally that's true-- from the setting to entertainment to the level of joy and kindness from the volunteers and race organizers. But I think that's just a statement true for a marathon. I wanted to run my first marathon in a place that epitomized magic. A person needs to dig very deep to keep going mile after mile. But I did it all with a smile, because I knew the experience was transcendent. In the most recent issue of Runner's World, something Marc Parent wrote struck me as true for me and my marathon experience: "The run itself, though, had suddenly become indescribable. It wasn't easy, but it was not hard, either. I didn't know until that moment that there was a hidden gear between hard and easy. I tried to figure out what it felt like, but it was unlike anything else in life I could think of...The moment a run becomes indescribable is the moment it becomes private-- not secret, just impossible to share...Distance is one of the only things in life you truly earn."
Running is one of the most important aspects of my life, and training for and running my first marathon was easily one of the most important experiences of my life. I plan to run marathons again-- I want to run one that I have to train for alone, I want to run one as a mother, I want to run in Disney again. Still, I know that there will never be anything like my first marathon, and for it, I am eternally grateful.
I extoll the virtues of running to everyone I know. My friends and family have heard it countless times, and through this blog they hear it again. If you're a reader who doesn't know me personally, I encourage you to give it a try. It might change your life, as it changed mine. Born to Run by Christopher McDougall is an amazing book-- not just about running, but about the human experience itself. A passage from that novel has become one of my favorite ruminations about running and life, so I close this post with it:
"There was some kind of connection between the ability to love and the ability to love running. The engineering was certainly the same: both depended on loosening your grip on your own desires, putting aside what you wanted and appreciating what you've got, being patient and forgiving and undemanding. We wouldn't be alive without love; we wouldn't have survived without running. Maybe we shouldn't be surprised that getting better at one could make you better at the other."
Thursday, December 15, 2011
#22: Princeton University Campus
On yet another wonderful evening (in December! loving these warm temperatures!) I spent some time in Princeton, and took a walk around campus. I am not one to be necessarily impressed by architecture, but it is impossible to not appreciate the buildings of Princeton University. I think it's one of the most beautiful areas of New Jersey, and I'm thankful that it's a place I can visit whenever I want to. After a somewhat hectic day, a walk in cool, fresh air, admiring the serene, Gothic halls and dormitories was calming, and exactly what I needed.
The company was lovely, too. My dear friend Tara, who has been a confidante and ally since the 4th grade, met me there. While she herself will be subject of a post one day (I've written that a lot this week, haven't I?) today I am thankful we had time to catch up in such a beautiful setting.
The company was lovely, too. My dear friend Tara, who has been a confidante and ally since the 4th grade, met me there. While she herself will be subject of a post one day (I've written that a lot this week, haven't I?) today I am thankful we had time to catch up in such a beautiful setting.
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