Monthly Archives: October 2008

Portraits

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Lately I’ve really gotten into portraits, especially those where the subjects are experiencing one of those universal emotions that you’ve also experienced. The connection is there even if they’re not real or you’ve never met.

This one is called “Learning to Love You More,” which is a nice sentiment.

This one is Coco Chanel, and she is ultra glamorous.

I Finished!

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Hooray! The marathon was yesterday and I did cross the finish line! Overall, it was a great experience. I was lined up in the middle of a huge mass of people, just waiting and nervously telling jokes before the start. After the gun went off, we started shuffling forward for about 15 minutes before we got to the start line and could start running. So crazy! I think the first few miles were my favorite part of the race–because everyone was freaking out excited that we were finally here, cheering for each other in the tunnels, and getting a bit emotional at all of the “18 WEEKS OF TRAINING!” signs. :) The first five miles went SO FAST. I didn’t miss my music at all and it was really fun to run in the middle of the city. We headed north towards Lincoln Park and the temperature was really nice, though we were mostly in the shade. I alternated between gatorade and water at all the aid stations, and continued running on. Saw Katy at mile 10 which was really fun. And of course I taped my name to my shirt so thousands of people were screaming my name and cheering me on (what a boost). Mile 12 was a bit rough, I think because the first part went so fast and then I had to calm down and settle into the pace. Finished the half on pace for 4:18. By mile 16 it was really hot, and we were out of the shade into the full sun. I started walking through the aid stations, and really my legs were okay except for my knees. Saw that the Alert level was now Red (it had been yellow throughout the race) as the heat got stronger, and at around mile 20, the guy I had been following for a couple miles just collapsed in front of me, and we were all yelling for the police and the medics. I’ve never seen anything like that during a race (though it’s pretty common) so for the next couple miles I took it slower, and had to repeat to myself that I wasn’t going to die on the course. I started pounding bananas like it was my job to ward off cramps and had to will myself forward over miles 22-25. At mile 25, the crowd picked up again, and I was just looking for the right turn, which meant we were really close to the finish line. When we got to that turn, I was completely euphoric and started going faster, up the hill. We turned left at the top and could see the finish line. Was so surreal but I pounded the last 300 meters and finished 4:51:54. Not nearly as fast as I would have liked, but I finished. :) Feeling pretty okay today. I’ve been icing my knees but otherwise just a little sore in my quads. I think I’m done running for a while, but I can’t help but think of my next race…anyone up for it? :)

Thanks friends for all your support…I really could not have done it without you! :)

It’s Today

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Wow, I’m actually running the marathon today. I slept awesomely last night, I think because it seemed too surreal for me to be nervous. Now it’s here and I still can’t believe it–but I’ll bet a lot I’m ready to jump out of my skin in about an hour! Hope it goes well.

DIY Projects

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I’d like to do more DIY projects around the house–that is, once I have a house. At this point I’m satisfied with painting my apartment, and my recent art project. :) But if I DID have a house, one of the first things I’d want to do is reupholster my couch. It’s something I’d just like to know how to do for the fun of it, and in general I like giving old, ugly things a new life. And then the other day I came across these pictures from an old woodworking book, and I thought, hey, I wonder if there’s a market for a DIY helper business. I think there are a lot of people out there that like working with their hands and doing cool stuff in their homes, but have little experience and no idea where to turn. So instead of spending a lot of time and money to, say, reupholster my couch (rather poorly) myself, or paying a lot of money to get someone else to do it (whilst depriving myself of the learning and sense of accomplishment), what if I could call a local artisan to come to my house with their tools and teach me how to do it? I could save money on the tools I’ll have little need for in the future, but I’d be able to learn a new skill, and then execute it under the guidance of a professional. I like the idea of individual people helping people, and I think it could be a win-win for crafty people who love what they do but perhaps have no good market in which to sell their skills, and busy people who would like to learn these extra skills but the opportunity costs are currently too high. What do you think–is it a winner?