Of golf carts

Once a month, it seems, I remember I have a blog.

Today, I recall its existence to tell you about golf carts.

The humble golf cart has provided me with many moments of joy, key among them adventures in Southern climes with a dear, dear friend.

Today, I saw a truck filled with golf carts -- like the trucks you see on the highway full of cars, that defy the laws of gravity by how they stack them. Yes, that. But golf carts. It was so amazing.

(The Internet is not helping me find pictures of said wonder, but apparently there is a trucked-up version of the golf cart. Seek for yourself!)

Those of you who are loyal readers (hello, fellow once-a-month posters!) know that one of our own is to wed next weekend. I'm also thrilled to be a part of the festivities. (And, last weekend, to have participated in the nuptials of another good friend!)

And to close: a shout-out to parentheses, which have helped me greatly today in my writing, and in my life.

See you in June!

Not a robin red breast

Apparently, the area I live in has bird feeders about. This morning, as I walked toward my car, I saw a cardinal feeding at one.

There's something about cardinals that just makes me happy. They're so vibrant and bright and vaguely cartoonish with their mess of red feathers that they immediately add color to a day. On top of that, they're also the state bird of Ohio, so they remind me of home.

Breathe out

It's been a rough week, but I wrote a story about the future of video stores today that I'm really excited about, and proud of.

Y'all should read it.

Beer and Running. Who could ask for more?

This past weekend, I completed my first ever Half_Marathon. It was AMAZING!
It was also my first time traveling with my co-workers, my first time to Virginia Beach, and my first time smiling at the end of a race. Yay!!!!

Again with the eggs

I have a friend, who just arrived in the country after a jaunt overseas, call to tell me that she smuggled in my favorite toy.

And that she avoided the bathroom for the entire flight. If you know me (and presumably, most of you do), you know why I find this so amusing.

Also, the weather this weekend was gorgeous. I got to see a friend unexpectedly. I have out-of-state journeys planned. And a new haircut that I'm adoring.

30th Birthday

So, Today is a great day. I ran 11 miles at a 13:16 average pace - Yay!
Also, the Disney Princess Half Marathon in 2012 will be on my 30th birthday. So I will be going to Disney! Yay!

Birthday Fun

It is my birthday! This is enough reason to post, but even more happy is all the birthday wishes I have recieved. I know so many awesome people, and it makes me happy.

In Mother Russia.....

Flight to Moscow, Russia, from JFK: $373 (inc. all taxes/fees!!). (That price alone is enough to warrant its own blog entry.)
Tourist visa: $100(??).
Hostel for 6 nights: $100.
Impulsively booking a spring break/birthday vacation to a country you've always wanted to visit: priceless.

That happy feeling

Two completely disparate things to mention.

For one, I came into the office today to find a box of Smurf-themed Kinder Eggs that a friend had left on my desk. And that is a reason for joy like no other.

As for the other? I'm working on a story now that's taking slightly more time to write than I wish it would. But as I'm putting it together I realized that I'm quoting the same people who, a couple weeks ago, appeared in The New York Times.

And the fact that they were just as willing to talk to me is a pretty cool thing.

Also, it's been far too long without a bike messenger sighting. Too much time in the 'burbs will do that too you, I suppose.

Wedding Happiness

I ordered Tiaras for my sister and I for my wedding. My sis will be wearing hers more like a headband since I am the only one who is allowed to wear a legit tiara.

He speaks the truth

It has been far too long without an update. My apologies, on behalf of all of us. It will still be long between updates, but at least I can tell you a couple things:

• My sister has come to visit. We've been exploring Atlanta and Georgia, including her new favorite place: Babyland General Hospital. They're thinking of building an amusement park.
• It's snowed here, too. It even stuck. A little.
• I met a Santa Claus who keeps every list children send or hand him, and scrapbooks them. He could not explain why.
• I flew in the Goodyear Blimp. And it was awesome, like a boat ride in the sky.

It's hardly everything, but it's a few things. And maybe you're still out there, looking for joy.

Arrgh, mateys

While searching for the post office this afternoon, I passed a business that had several flags flying out front.... including the Jolly Roger (albeit at half mast). It was pure wonderfulness.

It has been FAR too long without an update here! Has nobody had anything pleasant in their lives??
In the spirit of the previous post: today is 12/11/10. Does that make anyone smile? Hopefully?

In other news, I walked out of my apartment yesterday and encountered a still, muffled silence. No cars on the highway, even. It was sublime, in an otherwordly way. Then I realized it was snowing, and that made it even better.

Dates

Today is 8/9/10 and this makes me immensely happy.

Summer Colds

No, it is not Summer Colds that bring me joy. They, in fact, tend to bring me the opposite of joy, and this particular cold is no exception to that rule.

What HAS brought me joy via this cold, however, is my fiance. Throughout this weekend, as I have been a mouthbreathing snotty mess, he keeps starting to ask if I am okay, as I am often a mouthbreathing snotty mess after running away to cry without him knowing.

The fact that he notices and the fact that he told me several times that he keeps worrying because he keeps thinking I am upset brings joy to my heart. Yes folks, the crazy and capricious Chrys has found a keeper.

Of food trucks and other joys

The sun is shining, the grass is green and Cleveland now has food trucks.

We've had hot dog stands on many downtown corners for quite some time, but this is different. Not only is it something I can eat (street food + vegetarian friendly hadn't previously been the case), but there's a bit of mystery in where the truck will be on what day, and whether it can be found.

Earlier this week, I tracked down the first truck, an Asian-inspired one (though my menu won't convince you that's the case) where I had delicious gazpacho, tater tots, a veggie taco and a sushi push-pop. Yum.

There was bright, beautiful graffiti near where it was parked, and a gentleman with a long gray braid down his back on the trolley I took over. Another word about the braid: it petered out so slowly, and at the end, was simply several strands that must have wanted to stay together.

Canadian radio

This isn't the first time I've extolled the virtues of the music from our neighbors to the north. But it has been a while. And two things about CBC radio made me smile the other day.

First, there was the commercial that -- instead of telling me something was on at 8/7 Central -- told me the programme they were discussing was on at 8/8:30 Newfoundland.

There's also the matter of temperature. Driving home with my windows down and the sun beating the temperature well into the 80s, I hardly expected to hear the forecast tell me tomorrow's high would be 28 degrees.

How apropos

I promise I haven't disappeared entirely, and will reappear with more frequency in the not-too-too-distant future. In the meantime, I give you this job announcement. I love the correlation of names to job titles (and in my head, yes, it becomes undertaker -- which is more appropriate, true, but go with me here).

National Underwriter Life and Health: Bill Coffin has been appointed Editor in Chief of National Underwriter Life and Health, he was previously Director of Publications at the Risk and Insurance Management Society.

Man, do I rock!

Guys, check it: it wasn't a fluke! I got another award, though I don't know what yet.

Also, my editor told me a story I turned in today -- that I've been working on, off and on, since February (let's be honest -- mostly off) was "wonderful." And that makes me even happier.

It's a pretty fun story. You should totally read it.

Public Service Announcement

I'd like to take a moment to tell you how much I love the Internet, and the wealth of information available therein.

You can now go back to your regularly scheduled programs.