Greetings readers from aboard a boltbus bound for New York! It's pretty sweet, $25 round trip, an electrical outlet and FREE!!! wifi! holler! We're currently somewhere outside New Haven with an ETA at Penn Station at 10:15. I'm spending the weekend in the city with Kim, we have tickets to see Guys and Dolls and reasons to be pretty tomorrow. The woman from Gilmore Girls is in Guys and Dolls, so she's really excited to see that, and I'm pumped to see a Neil LaButte play after reading a couple of them. We're also gonna go running in Central Park in the AM and check out a couple museums; maybe the Met or MoMA.
I've been trying to adopt a new routine in the mornings - running BEFORE work. That way, I just get up and do it rather than agonize about it all day- it's already been done. The training is going well, I'm doing about 3.5 miles in the morning and saving my long runs for the weekends, although this weekend may be a little tough, 10 miles are on the docket, but I think that it's going to be pushed to Monday after work so I can run along the river. My pictures from the 5K last weekend are up, I'll share the link later (the connection on the bus is a little slow....but it's free, so no complaining).
It's weird, this is the first time I've ever been on a bus for something non-band related. Many a fall were spent on coach busses, but I had yet to take one for leisure....glad that I can cross that off my list of "things I need to do in my lifetime"...the people on the bus are pretty normal, it's mostly young/college/thirtysomethings on the bus; there is this one group of about 7 people though that are going to the city to participate in some sort of dance competition (think ABDC...props if you know what that means, I'm ashamed to say that I do) and the girl who is the obvious leader of the group is obnoxious. She has this annoying whiny/sing song kind of voice. At South Station they were gushing over how great Wicked is (too bad they're about 5 years behind) and that they'd love to have seen Kristin Chenowith as Glinda (I did)...yuck.
Ok, I think that I'm gonna sign off for now, I might put my ipod on and close my eyes for a bit, I think there's about an hour and a half ride left...not too terrible. It's gone by fairly quickly, and I'm sure that getting engrossed in a Vanity Fair article about Bernie Madoff for over an hour helped...I find him and the whole story fascinating; the article was quite interesting, check it out online if you can or take a look at the April issue. I have the current issue for the way home.
BOLTBUS FO LIFE!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
30:00
The title of today's post comes from my official time at the B.A.A. 5K this morning...30 minutes flat. It's good, but I was super pumped because I thought that I had broken 30, and my watch said 29:58...there were 2 blue mat things we crossed at the starting line to activate the timing chip that were about 15 feet apart, and I started my watch at the 2nd mat, and I guess that the timing started at the 1st one. The race was pretty cool, we ran through Beacon Hill/Back Bay. Check it:
There were a lot of people there, and there were some people that we walking, which was ok and frustrating at the same time, trying to get around them sometimes proved to be problematic. The last turn of the race, as so nicely illustrated by the map above, was onto Boylston. Once I got to Exeter, I l
ooked at my watch and it said 28:39 and I thought "I can totally break 30 if I push myself" so I sprinted to the finish line and stopped my watch just as I crossed and my time read 29:58. I had done it! Or so I thought...After the race, we got a sweet medal and a t-shirt. See evidence at left. There was also this really sweet continental breakfast, bagels, bananas, and these really awesome PowerBar fruit gummie things that gave you energy. I wish I didn't toss the package because I want to get some for the half marathon in May. Once I got back to Somerville, I ran another 6 miles (actually, 5.9 miles since I had already run 3.1) because I had to have a training run of 9 miles today. I didn't want to do it, but I find that once I get out there and get moving, it's not so bad. Today was a little different because I was trying to break 30, but I'm normally at a little bit slower pace. Don't get me wrong, I'm not upset with 30 minutes, I'm excited about it, but it was a little bit of a let-down after I thought I had made it in under. Also, it was a little disappointing because I sprinted to the end and didn't really get to enjoy crossing the Marathon finish line...I'm sure my picture they took is gonna be awesome....
The PKP 5K was also yesterday which went pretty well, I don't know my time for that yet, I think they'll be posted sometime this week. I ran/caught up with Kevin Libby, which was really nice. After the race there was a bbq for the alumni, so it was cool to hang out and catch up with everyone. I can't wait to go back in 2 weeks for initiation. Also go to go to Charlies on Friday night, which was great, but for the first time, I felt REALLY old...but, I guess that's what happens when you're 25 and go back to a college bar...hah
The Bruins are on fire during the playoffs and the sox are finally finding their groove, they've taken 3 games so far from the Orioles (sorry dad) and the Patriots Day matinee game tomorrow for the sweep. Also tomorrow is this little thing called THE BOSTON MARATHON! We'll be at BC cheering for Katie (clappy hands and all) and then celebrating with her after at the finish line and the Westin. Good luck, I'm SO proud of you!
That's it for now, I'm a little pooped from the 9 miles today....happy marathon eve!
There were a lot of people there, and there were some people that we walking, which was ok and frustrating at the same time, trying to get around them sometimes proved to be problematic. The last turn of the race, as so nicely illustrated by the map above, was onto Boylston. Once I got to Exeter, I l
ooked at my watch and it said 28:39 and I thought "I can totally break 30 if I push myself" so I sprinted to the finish line and stopped my watch just as I crossed and my time read 29:58. I had done it! Or so I thought...After the race, we got a sweet medal and a t-shirt. See evidence at left. There was also this really sweet continental breakfast, bagels, bananas, and these really awesome PowerBar fruit gummie things that gave you energy. I wish I didn't toss the package because I want to get some for the half marathon in May. Once I got back to Somerville, I ran another 6 miles (actually, 5.9 miles since I had already run 3.1) because I had to have a training run of 9 miles today. I didn't want to do it, but I find that once I get out there and get moving, it's not so bad. Today was a little different because I was trying to break 30, but I'm normally at a little bit slower pace. Don't get me wrong, I'm not upset with 30 minutes, I'm excited about it, but it was a little bit of a let-down after I thought I had made it in under. Also, it was a little disappointing because I sprinted to the end and didn't really get to enjoy crossing the Marathon finish line...I'm sure my picture they took is gonna be awesome....The PKP 5K was also yesterday which went pretty well, I don't know my time for that yet, I think they'll be posted sometime this week. I ran/caught up with Kevin Libby, which was really nice. After the race there was a bbq for the alumni, so it was cool to hang out and catch up with everyone. I can't wait to go back in 2 weeks for initiation. Also go to go to Charlies on Friday night, which was great, but for the first time, I felt REALLY old...but, I guess that's what happens when you're 25 and go back to a college bar...hah
The Bruins are on fire during the playoffs and the sox are finally finding their groove, they've taken 3 games so far from the Orioles (sorry dad) and the Patriots Day matinee game tomorrow for the sweep. Also tomorrow is this little thing called THE BOSTON MARATHON! We'll be at BC cheering for Katie (clappy hands and all) and then celebrating with her after at the finish line and the Westin. Good luck, I'm SO proud of you!
That's it for now, I'm a little pooped from the 9 miles today....happy marathon eve!
Friday, April 17, 2009
TGIF
Last night Katie and I went to a Marathon kick-off reception at the Hampshire House, which was pretty cool. Katie already did all the work explaining what happened on her blog, so check over there for a rundown and some pics. It was pretty cool thought, and Katie is super excited, and her being excited makes me excited. I bunch of us are going to BC on Monday to cheer her on, and then hopefully catch her at the finish line in Copley. So proud of her and so excited for her! GO KATIE!
The reviews keep coming in for Next to Normal, here's a sampling of some of them:
"A brave, breathtaking musical" - The New York Times
"Grade: A. Agonizingly beautiful" - Entertainment Weekly
"Next to wondrous. Exceptional, hopeful and uplifting" - NY Daily News
"One of the most adventurous and satisfying new musicals of the season" - Associated Press
"The future of American musicals" - The Washington Post
"Fearless, provocative and gutsy" - Chicago Tribune
Leaving at 3 today and off to Amherst for the night and the PKP 5K tomorrow morning...hooray! And the BAA 5K on Sunday, Marathon on Monday - it's a weekend of running! I think I have a new addiction, now I just need to get into a weight training routine...any suggestions?
The reviews keep coming in for Next to Normal, here's a sampling of some of them:
"A brave, breathtaking musical" - The New York Times
"Grade: A. Agonizingly beautiful" - Entertainment Weekly
"Next to wondrous. Exceptional, hopeful and uplifting" - NY Daily News
"One of the most adventurous and satisfying new musicals of the season" - Associated Press
"The future of American musicals" - The Washington Post
"Fearless, provocative and gutsy" - Chicago Tribune
Leaving at 3 today and off to Amherst for the night and the PKP 5K tomorrow morning...hooray! And the BAA 5K on Sunday, Marathon on Monday - it's a weekend of running! I think I have a new addiction, now I just need to get into a weight training routine...any suggestions?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Marathon Thursday!
Lots to write about, and not totally sure where to start...well, let's go in order.
1. While running yesterday, I came a gross a group of Navy folk who were doing some sort of training run along the Charles. Every 100-150 yards there was a Navy guy yelling "good run! nice work! keep it up! almost there!" I was pumped for the positive words of encouragement even if they weren't directed towards me.
2. My new favorite thing, Next to Normal, opened to rave reviews last night, including a particularly strong notice in The New York Times. Brantley called it "brave and breathtaking" and I just got tickets to see it again May 3rd. Huzzah!
3. John Madden is retiring from broadcasting...is he still going to have is video games?!
4. The list for films "In Competition" at Cannes (opening May 13th) was leaked and it's a doozy. I'm jealous, the line up is a variable who's who of international cinema....
Off to a Marathon cocktail party with Katie and then big weekend coming up, back to back 5k's and Marathon Monday! Wish me (and Katie) luck!
1. While running yesterday, I came a gross a group of Navy folk who were doing some sort of training run along the Charles. Every 100-150 yards there was a Navy guy yelling "good run! nice work! keep it up! almost there!" I was pumped for the positive words of encouragement even if they weren't directed towards me.
2. My new favorite thing, Next to Normal, opened to rave reviews last night, including a particularly strong notice in The New York Times. Brantley called it "brave and breathtaking" and I just got tickets to see it again May 3rd. Huzzah!
3. John Madden is retiring from broadcasting...is he still going to have is video games?!
4. The list for films "In Competition" at Cannes (opening May 13th) was leaked and it's a doozy. I'm jealous, the line up is a variable who's who of international cinema....
- Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, the Nazi-hunter saga with Brad Pitt
- Ang Lee’s Taking Woodstock, about 1969 music fest, with Emile Hirsch
- Francis Ford Coppola’s Tetro, an Argentine family drama with Vincent Gallo
- Werner Herzog’s Bad Lieutenant remake with Nicolas Cage
- Sam Raimi’s Drag Me to Hell, horror-thriller with Alison Lohman
- Pete Docter’s Up, the 3D Pixar adventure with Ed Asner
- Jane Campion’s Bright Star, a John Keats bio with Ben Wishaw
- Lars von Trier’s Antichrist, horror in the woods with Willem Dafoe & Charlotte Gainsbourg
- Ken Loach’s Looking for Eric, about a troubled teen soccer fan
- Johnny To’s Vengeance, a hitman-turned-chef in Hong Kong to avenge his daughter’s murder, with Johnny Hallyday
- Andrea Arnold’s Fish Tank, teen troubles with Michael Fassbender
- Michael Haneke’s The White Ribbon, about incipient fascism at a rural school in 1913
(Tetro and The White Ribbon are both shot in black and white) - Pedro Almodovar’s Broken Embraces, a noirish melodrama with Penelope Cruz
- Marco Bellocchio’s Vincere, about Mussolini’s secret lover
- Bong Joon-ho’s Mother, a thriller about a ghastly murder
- Park Chan-wook’s Thirst, about a small-town priest who turns into a vampire
- Lou Ye’s Spring Fever, about a young threesome overcome with erotic longings
- Lu Chuan’s City of Life and Death, epic about the 1937 massacre of Nanking by the Japanese army
- Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Air Doll, about the love affair between a videostore clerk and an inflatable sex doll
- Tsai Ming-liang’s Face, about a Taiwanese director in Paris to make a film about Salome, with Mathieu Amalric, Jeanne Moreau, Fanny Ardant, Nathalie Baye, Laetitia Casta and Jean-Pierre Leaud
-courtesy of awardsdaily.com
Off to a Marathon cocktail party with Katie and then big weekend coming up, back to back 5k's and Marathon Monday! Wish me (and Katie) luck!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
8 down, 5 to go
Yesterday's run has been deemed an overwhelming success! I started at the museum, ran along Memorial Drive, crossed the Anderson Bridge, and then back to the Museum along Storrow Drive. The first part was pretty good, I got to the bridge and was feeling a-ok, and was ready to complete my return trip down Storrow....and I did, although the road was totally deceiving; it had way more curves and turns than Memorial. It was a really nice change of scenerey, always something to look at. It was pretty cool, at one point, when you're on the Esplanade, you're running on this island that's about 12 feet wide, and the river is pretty high right now. I also had a total Keanu Reeves "whoa" moment, when I went over a bridge to get off the "island" and the hatch shell was right there...I'm pretty sure I went "whoa...huh" out-loud.
Also got sox tickets for the 4th of July, which is gonna be super exciting...as long as they start to play better, they lost AGAIN last night to Oakland, 8-2...wonderful.
Going to a new lunch place today...burritos at Boca; I hear it's a life-changing experience...
On the agenda for tomorrow? 6 miles!
Also got sox tickets for the 4th of July, which is gonna be super exciting...as long as they start to play better, they lost AGAIN last night to Oakland, 8-2...wonderful.
Going to a new lunch place today...burritos at Boca; I hear it's a life-changing experience...
On the agenda for tomorrow? 6 miles!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter! While perusing The Globe this morning, I came across an article highlighting this website. It was pretty cool, I might have to purchase the Northampton/Amherst map.
Last night was the Oakmont staff gathering; it was pretty sweet. Nick and I owned at karaoke, although he did somewhat better than I did. Going to Disney in December, and I'm pumped, it will be an awesome time.
Took today off from running, and have an 8 mile run along the Charles planned for tomorrow after work....we'll see how that goes.
Last night was the Oakmont staff gathering; it was pretty sweet. Nick and I owned at karaoke, although he did somewhat better than I did. Going to Disney in December, and I'm pumped, it will be an awesome time.
Took today off from running, and have an 8 mile run along the Charles planned for tomorrow after work....we'll see how that goes.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Happy Seder!
Shout-out to all my Jewish readers! And all my Christian peeps out there, don't worry, you won't be left out, you've got something coming Sunday.
Spring has arrived!
Spring officially arrived in the city of Boston yesterday at approximately 2:05pm, when the gates to Fenway Park opened for the 2009 season! I scored a last minute ticket with some friends and arrived on Yawkey Way shortly before 1:00pm. Just over an hour later, I was through the turnstiles and into the depths of Fenway. It was Opening Day take 2; Monday was rained out. Tuesday, initially, didn't look promising either, it was raining off and on while we were waiting outside for the gates to open.
The Sox were doing some much heralded "recession sensitive" pricing; freezing ticket and concession prices, etc...one they're trying out for the first 2 months of the season; for the first hour the gates are open, nine concession items (aptly deemed "the starting nine") are half price. The "lineup" included Fenway Franks, pizza slices, pretzels, popcorn, cotton candy, fruit cups, veggie cups, 3 slider burgers, and Hoodsie ice cream cups. Naturally, beer wasn't on that list, and surprisingly, neither was soda. Anyways, $20 for 2 hot dogs, 2 beers and a pretzel (I know, holy carbs batman) was a Fenway bargain, and I was set for the rest of the day!
The usual hoopla seemed a little subdued this year (maybe because of the delay), but it was cool that they players came out from the Grandstand, and Ted Kennedy threw out the first pitch. Gabe Kapler got a great ovation when he was introduced, even if it was for Tampa. Mr. Heidi Klum was supposed to sing the National Anthem (read: Seal), but he couldn't make it Tuesday, so the Pops played instead. And of course, Johnny Pesky proclaimed the two words everyone had been waiting to hear since October - play ball!
The game got of to an awesome start, Pedroia hit a homerun on the 2nd pitch of his first ab of the season. It was awesome. The Sox scored 3 runs in the 3rd and Tek hit a solo homerun in the 6th, which was great for him, and the place went nuts. The sox won 5-3, Beckett was HOTT (my certified mush on him has returned) he struck out 10 in 7 innings including striking out the last batter he saw. Sick. Papelbon came in the nith for a 1-2-3 inning. It was super cold at the park, the weather said it was 47, but it felt a lot colder than that with the wind. I had on my underarmour, a t-shirt, sweatshirt, a hoodie and my northface fleece and was still cold. Whatever, it's April in Boston...
Also reason to celebrate yesterday, Next to Normal was released on itunes, and of course I downloaded it and have been listening to it ever since. The score keeps growing on me and getting better and better, I'm certain it will get a nomination for Best Musical, but winning is another story, Billy Elliot is a juggernaut.
I'll post pics from tomorrow soon, I need to find my cord to upload them to my computer...
The Sox were doing some much heralded "recession sensitive" pricing; freezing ticket and concession prices, etc...one they're trying out for the first 2 months of the season; for the first hour the gates are open, nine concession items (aptly deemed "the starting nine") are half price. The "lineup" included Fenway Franks, pizza slices, pretzels, popcorn, cotton candy, fruit cups, veggie cups, 3 slider burgers, and Hoodsie ice cream cups. Naturally, beer wasn't on that list, and surprisingly, neither was soda. Anyways, $20 for 2 hot dogs, 2 beers and a pretzel (I know, holy carbs batman) was a Fenway bargain, and I was set for the rest of the day!
The usual hoopla seemed a little subdued this year (maybe because of the delay), but it was cool that they players came out from the Grandstand, and Ted Kennedy threw out the first pitch. Gabe Kapler got a great ovation when he was introduced, even if it was for Tampa. Mr. Heidi Klum was supposed to sing the National Anthem (read: Seal), but he couldn't make it Tuesday, so the Pops played instead. And of course, Johnny Pesky proclaimed the two words everyone had been waiting to hear since October - play ball!
The game got of to an awesome start, Pedroia hit a homerun on the 2nd pitch of his first ab of the season. It was awesome. The Sox scored 3 runs in the 3rd and Tek hit a solo homerun in the 6th, which was great for him, and the place went nuts. The sox won 5-3, Beckett was HOTT (my certified mush on him has returned) he struck out 10 in 7 innings including striking out the last batter he saw. Sick. Papelbon came in the nith for a 1-2-3 inning. It was super cold at the park, the weather said it was 47, but it felt a lot colder than that with the wind. I had on my underarmour, a t-shirt, sweatshirt, a hoodie and my northface fleece and was still cold. Whatever, it's April in Boston...
Also reason to celebrate yesterday, Next to Normal was released on itunes, and of course I downloaded it and have been listening to it ever since. The score keeps growing on me and getting better and better, I'm certain it will get a nomination for Best Musical, but winning is another story, Billy Elliot is a juggernaut.
I'll post pics from tomorrow soon, I need to find my cord to upload them to my computer...
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Rainy Monday...
Today was supposed to be opening day, but the weather gods decided against that, so I have to wait til tomorrow afternoon to see the fist signs of spring. All was not lost, however; still was able to have some beers with lunch at the Cask today, and there was a fairly sizable crowd there too. Looking out the window, it's pouring, and I can assure you I would have been miserable sitting there...
until 4:06 tomorrow....
until 4:06 tomorrow....
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Lots of excitement to report today!
1. My BAA 5K information packet came today! and I got my official bib number! I'm excited, it looks like it's going to be a fun course, and I get to cross the Boston Marathon finish line!
2. I don't have to wait til May to get the Next to Normal cd - Ghostlight records is releasing it digitally on Tuesday! HOORAY! For now, I just have to suffice listening to the clips on the site.
3. I got a new gym bag today for $15! It won't be here til next week, but I'm still excited.
4. Happy 25th Birthday to Katie Weinmann!
5. I think that Around the Horn is my new favorite tv show, and I'm starting to get impatient with Lost.
Only not so great thing about today? My run was kind of a bust, I only did 3 miles (I wanted to do 4), and my legs are killing me, I think I have minor shin splints...boo
Roundabout Theatre Company is producing a revival of Bye Bye Birdie with John Stamos (yes, Uncle Jesse) this fall, and Encores! production of Finian's Rainbow is also transfering to the St. James. I know what I'm going to see this fall...
1. My BAA 5K information packet came today! and I got my official bib number! I'm excited, it looks like it's going to be a fun course, and I get to cross the Boston Marathon finish line!
2. I don't have to wait til May to get the Next to Normal cd - Ghostlight records is releasing it digitally on Tuesday! HOORAY! For now, I just have to suffice listening to the clips on the site.
3. I got a new gym bag today for $15! It won't be here til next week, but I'm still excited.
4. Happy 25th Birthday to Katie Weinmann!
5. I think that Around the Horn is my new favorite tv show, and I'm starting to get impatient with Lost.
Only not so great thing about today? My run was kind of a bust, I only did 3 miles (I wanted to do 4), and my legs are killing me, I think I have minor shin splints...boo
Roundabout Theatre Company is producing a revival of Bye Bye Birdie with John Stamos (yes, Uncle Jesse) this fall, and Encores! production of Finian's Rainbow is also transfering to the St. James. I know what I'm going to see this fall...
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