Back on the Wagon

Well it appears some of my motivation has returned. I have manged to hit the treadmill several times while out-of-town this week and last, as well as, hit up my own treadmill, play some tennis, do a little biking, and a little walking around Chicago. Not too shabby, especially compared to the lack there of the past few months. Unfortunately the workout facility at my hotel in Chicago is complete junk - in the basement, small, and suffocatingly hot. So after my run today, I noticed that I now have some sort of rash along my jawline/neck/face. YUCK. Luckily you can't notice it that much, but I can feel it and its not cool. I thought it was a heat rash, but I'm not sure anymore. Hopefully it goes away soon.

My trip to Chicago has been pretty good. I traveled alone and knew no one upon arrival, but I have managed to latch onto some Milwaukee co-workers. They have been kind enough to invite me to dinner with them each night, so I don't have be a total loner. We experienced House of Blues - bad service, limited menu, and just ok food. Night 2 was a definite improvement - Signature Room. It is a restaurant on the 95th floor of the Hancock building. Awesome steak, service, and VIEW. Gorgeous. My camera couldn't capture the view through the window, but I recommend it to all. Tonight was a seafood place - Catch 35, also good, no view though! I also got to enjoy Michigan Ave. - more shopping than one can imagine. It is pretty crazy the difference between downtown Mpls and downtown Chicago.


Tomorrow I go home! Yay!

Oh, the Places you will Go

Tonight another staff and I walked around the SDSU campus after dinner. It was great to actually get out of the hotel room, and enjoy the beautful evening. I was surprised to find how nice the campus was, with cute buildings and lots of paths. Also, since this is an ag school I got to visit the horses. Who knew! Walking through the campus brought back all the memories of college - the dorms, the frats, the people just walking around.... It made me realize that I actually miss that time, and wish I would have enjoyed it a little more while I was there. I think that is always the battle I have - to enjoy the moment more. I think that will be a goal of mine. Unfortunately I didn't even think to bring my camera to share the sights. Next time - I promise!

We have also discovered a Starbucks! This town is full of surprises!

Tomorrow is Friday, which means only a half day of work and a few hours in my car until the weekend!

Now I will watch McCain (right now it looks like a history channel special). Then I will hit the hay!

Night!

I am back in Sodak this week, so I figured why not blog a little.

I just realized it is September already - where has this summer gone??



We have been really busy, but it has been a great summer and I am sad to see it end so quickly.



Some of the highlights of this summer include: 3 camping trips, 4 weddings, 1 bachelorette party, 1 trip to the MN state fair, 1 wedding shower, 1 book club meeting, 2 graduations, 1 boat cruise, 2 comedy club shows, 1 Canterbury Park horse racing experience, a couple of Twins games, lots of grilling, some house projects, OLYMPICS, endless hours in the car, many miles on my bike....



I am looking forward to all my fall favorites though (Caribou has out its pumpkin latte - yum!) And I am excited to get back into a workout routine (which should help with the purchase of our new treadmill). Who knows, maybe Stacy will be able to convince me to try a tri... PS - if anyone finds a Wii Fit, let me know - I really really want one : )



I also have gotten back into reading, which after doing a little browsing, I have realized there are endless books that I want/need to read thanks to my book club of fellow staff! I have already read The Memory Keepers Daughter, which I highly recommend, as well as, The Pilot's Wife. I am now reading A Long Way Gone, a memoir about a boy who is forced to join the rebel forces in Sierra Leone. I am welcome to any other suggestions people have.



Unfortunately, I hardly have any pictures to show for the entire month of August. But here a few highlights from July's trip to Itasca:

Trying to look as cool as Susie : )

Some hard-core kayaking/canoeing (not sure what you call this plastic banana)...

I just love this sign.