Going to Ethiopia
Dagim (L) and Moses (R)
Last night, Nate and I had the opportunity to meet up with a couple from my college years at UNH. Brett and Christine, and their two sons Moses and Dagim, met us at the Friendly Toast in Cambridge for a meal, and to discuss the idea of me going with Christine to Ethiopia in a few months. Up until I saw the faces on those two amazing boys, my heart wasn’t too sure the trip was a good idea.
There were lots of questions on my mind, and I was very unsure about whether or not going would be a good thing. Then, I got to see the boys, and my heart melted. Moses is four, Dagim is six, and they are just about as smiley and silly as boys at that age could ever be. They were affectionate, honest, bright-eyed, and to Christine and Brett’s credit, they were also supremely well-behaved and respectful. Who knew a four-year-old would know enough to say “Excuse me” whenever he had to ask a question but needed to interrupt the adult conversation!! Dagim also was very proud of how high he could count, and knew his alphabet like a champ. When we were parting ways, the boys were so nice, gave both Nate and I hugs, and waved to us until we were out of sight. I do believe they took a little piece of my heart, and it was very easy to see why Brett and Christine made the decision to give these two a better chance at life here in America than what they had going for them in an orphanage in Ethiopia. It was their bright smiles, and happy faces, that made the decision to go with Christine an easy one.
The plan for the trip is still in the formative stages, but from what I gathered last night, we’re going to shoot to go around the end of May for the two weeks that straddle Memorial Day. We’d be staying in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, for a few days to acclimate to the time change, and to get out and see what’s around in that city. Then, we’ll be moving onto Mekele, where Christine’s friend is setting up an orphanage for children with HIV. It’s there where we will be staying, in a guest house owned by the orphanage. Security is good, as is the sanitation facilities, which is always good to check on when traveling to such places. Our time there will be spent helping around the place, but also going out for day trips to see the area, and to take photos, and for me, to do some serious writing.
I still need to make an appointment to get all my travel shots. I also need to firm up the dates to take off from work. I’ve run the plan by my supervisor initially, who was very supportive of the idea, so that’s a bonus. May at the publishing job is not too busy, as it’s primarily when schools are getting out, and just settling their budgets for the next year – and not spending too much money on textbooks yet. I would need to take most, if not all, of my vacation time to do this trip, but it’ll be worth it. I didn’t take much last year, and it rolled into this one, as far as I know, so I’ll need to sort that out, too.
There is a lot about Ethiopia that is scary when I looked it up online. It is, after all, a developing nation, with loads of social and economic problems. I mentioned this to Christine last night, and though she understood my concerns, she reassured me that it wasn’t as bad as the books and websites claim. Yes, you need to be aware of what you’re doing and where you are, but no more so than if you were to fly to Berlin or Prague, or anywhere else for that matter. American money goes VERY far in Ethiopia, which is good to know, and from what Christine was telling me, the people are generally easy-going and friendly.
I truly believe this will be a great opportunity for me, not only to see another country, but to prepare myself for going back to school. I don’t know what I’ll be seeing, or what emotions I will experience while over there, but I’m curious, and it’s that sense of curiosity, as well as the sense of adventure, that’s getting me very piqued about going. Of course, as more details come up, I’ll be sharing them here.
For now, its Monday, and I do need to get ready for work. I’m at both jobs today, so it’ll be a long day, but doing the two jobs is only for a short couple of weeks. This I know, and it feels VERY good.
Support My Mom!
So, those of you who grew up in a very rural area of the country will have an appreciation for the bicycle. As a kid in a small town in rural Maine, my bike was my ticket out of the house, and the means to go exploring, visit friends, and simply get around without relying on anyone else but yourself, at least until you got your license. I have many, MANY fond memories of bike rides that would last from early in the morning until the sun went down. My mom shared this passion with us as kids, not only making sure we knew how to ride a bike at an early age, but also supplying my brother and I with new bikes as often as she and my dad could afford to do so. We learned how to maintain them, and would ride the hell out of them, especially on the trails and dirt roads that surrounded our house.
It’s in this spirit, and with this in mind, that my Mom has taken bike riding to a new level.
My mother has decided that she’s going to do something she’s never done before, and as a proud son, I wanted to do my part. In the sidebar on the right, you’ll see a little ad for the Trek Across Maine, a fundraising event for the American Lung Association. This event is best described from their website:
The Trek is a three-day bicycle ride held annually on Father’s Day weekend in June. The ride is approximately 180 miles across Maine, from the mountains of Sunday River Ski Resort in Bethel to the coastline in Belfast, Maine. We have overnight stops at the University of Maine in Farmington and Colby College in Waterville.
That’s right: 180 MILES of bike riding!
Though I’m not able to take part in the event myself, along side her, I wanted to do my bit to show her a little love. She’s trying to raise $500 as her pledge. I know we can all help her a little bit, so if you click on the button to the right, you will be taken directly to her pledge page, where you can give as much as you can to help her reach her goal.
I am so proud of her for doing this!
SoundByte 54 Mid Winter Vacation Show
Today’s show is a reflection on the vacation that Nate and I took to mark our 9th year of being a couple. I also talk about where I’m at in my head, and where I am with regards to school, politics, and being social. It’s a reflective show, and a little random, but I hope you enjoy! Thanks for downloading!
-Thom
Leave a voice mail: (617) 466-9740
Today’s Music (in no order):
- Feel Your Love: Kim Sozzi
- Begging You (Armin Van Buuren Remix): Cerf, Mitiska and Jaren)
- A New Day: ATB
- Mysterious Skys: ATB
- Walking on Clouds: Tiesto
- Death and All His Friends: Coldplay
- Riddles in the Sand: Ron Hagen & Pascal M
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
A Week Beyond
So, I know, I know…I’m overdue for a podcast. I promise, there will be a show this weekend, and probably an extended one. I’ve got so much to catch you all up on. This morning, though, I wanted to just get some stuff out in writing, and see where it takes me.
A week ago, Nate and I were tucked away in our little room in a quaint little guest house in Provincetown. A week ago, I was struggling to unwind, struggling to let go of my anxieties and just relax on our little break from reality. Today, I find myself struggling to get up the gumption to get out of bed, let alone be productive and creative. It’s like my body is here, in Boston’s North End, but my mind (and potentially my heart) have found a home away from home at the end of Cape Cod and are refusing to catch the next bus home. I’m clinging to the feeling of relaxation, of not taking myself so damn seriously, and of simply smiling because I woke up to see the day before me. I know, eventually, this feeling of floating will subside, and I’ll be looking at the calendar, wondering when my next opportunity to get away with Nate will be coming. For now, I’m just getting through the week, and hoping the weekend comes quickly and painlessly.
I am pretty happy with the progress I made this week with regards to my school application. I decided to just give it up, and submit my writing pieces. When I mean submit, I mean I’ve added them to my school application, with the unwritten understanding that I won’t be editing them again until I’m actually in school. I’ve put that whole fear of failure with regards to the words I wrote behind me, and now am looking at gathering the info I need to plan out two years of studying. I have a general idea of the overarching focus of what it is I’m going to be doing, but it’s the finer details that I’m worried over. I also need to develop a bibliography of books I’ll be using in my studies. It’s going to take some time, and some research, but I think I’ll get there, hopefully by the end of next week. That, coupled with filling out my FAFSA, will put my application to rest, at least in terms of my end of it. There’s still the letters of recommendation to collect, and transcripts to request. Soon, though, it’ll be complete. Then, it’s a matter of waiting to hear from Goddard.
There are so many other things rolling around in my head right now that need to be attended to, and sorted through, but I’m hoping a little downtime this weekend will prove to have the soothing effect I need. Right now, I just need to get my life in order, and get through the tasks I feel have fallen behind, organize my schedule, and set some reasonable goals in terms of my writing. I also get to undertake filing my 2009 taxes (joyful time), and hopefully get a sizable refund. That would come in VERY handy right now – especially in terms of putting money in the bank, and saving for our next adventure out.
Anyway, I’ve got to get ready for work, but know I’ll be back on the air this weekend, with a mouthful to say, I’m sure. Thanks for standing by!
-Thom
Having Returned
We needed that. We needed the chance to re-connect, to break away, and to take a breath. Our trip to Provincetown, MA over last weekend provided us with the perfect opportunity to do all we were missing during the holiday season last year. We shared each other’s company, we got out in the fresh air, we shared a few drinks, ate a fabulous meal or two, and took a few deep, well-earned breaths of fresh January air.
Below is some of the evidence of our little excursion:
Click for more!
I needed the chance to refocus my energies on the things that I began shortly after our last trip to Provincetown last October. I came back from that trip with a heightened sense of ability, a realization that our life was too damn confined and limited, and a real drive to move forward. This trip served as a refresher of those exact same feelings. I was able to jot down some thoughts while we were there, in a little composition book that I kept with me for most of our trips out. I was able to take a step back, and work on building up my own confidence in my abilities, and now realize that the only thing standing in my way is myself, even more than I thought before this trip. In fact, I realize more clearly now that I need to finish what I’ve started, not only for my benefit, but for the benefit of Nate, and our relationship. He deserves a chance at a life better than the one we have currently, and it’s my responsibility, not only as his husband, but as a man who owes so much to him, to provide for him, and for us. I can do that, as long as I am able to take the massive leap of faith in myself that needs to happen.
There’s so much going on in my head right now. I’m feeling myself stumbling over what to write, even here. I suppose, for now, I’ll stop, and go into more detail on my next podcast, which will probably be sometime this week, if not on next Sunday. For now, I’m just going to let the after-glow of the long weekend away continue to wash over me, and not get too wound up about things. Being overly anxious only serves to stand in my way when dealing with what lies ahead for me.
-Thom
The People We Know…
So, since around Thanksgiving…actually, since we got back from Provincetown last October, Nate and I have made a concerted effort to get out and meet new people. Along the way, we’ve met some fantastic guys and been out to some of Boston’s best establishments that serve a good drink, and create a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere for us to be ourselves. I wanted to take a few bytes of space on this blog to do a little favor for a couple of guys who also have podcasts on the web.
Sean M Johnson
Sean K and Sean J (left to right)
Sean is a post-graduate teaching fellow at the Museum of Fine Arts school here in Boston. He and I met online, through a shared appreciation for photography. One conversation led to another, and on Thanksgiving day, he invited Nate and I to come to his house for a little post-feast party. I’m so glad we went! Sean, and his partner Sean, his roommate Jen, and the circle of guys that surround Sean J have all been really, really nice people, and have welcomed Nate and I into the social circle. Each of them possesses a creative streak. They’re also very independent-minded, and bring to the table something different, be it a perspective, an opinion, or a certain style. I mention Sean J specifically because he has just launched a podcast of his very own. I have included a link to it below, but also recommend you visit his website, listed in the sidebar under Family and Friends on the Web. Be warned, though, his site is NSFW, or for the faint of heart, but I highly recommend visiting it, and taking a few minutes to see what Sean has created, and what he’s caught through the eye of his lens.
Queer Art F*g Podcast (via iTunes)
Joseph Colbourne
I met Joe through Sean J (see above), when we attended the party on Thanksgiving Day. The first conversation I had with Joe went in a really great direction, as we talked about our future, what we wanted to do, and the direction we were going to take. Joe is also a local sort-of celebrity, having been listed as Boston’s Best DJ/Dance for 2009 (evidence is here: The Boston Phoenix). He also has his own blog, and podcast. I have had the pleasure of going to some of the shows Joe DJs at, and his music is of the sort you can lose yourself in, or enjoy simply as a background to a decent night out, or in a deep conversation. He has lots of energy, and his intense personality is very charming. I do recommend having a listen to his podcast, too, and going to check out his pages (via his blog).
DJ Joseph Colbourne (via iTunes)
These guys, and the friends we’ve made/met over the past few months have been a real uplifter to the usual drear and cold of a Boston winter. Hanging out with them has reminded Nate and I that we are not as alone as it sometimes feels, and that there are really decent people to meet out there, if only we have the courage to do so.
-Thom
A New Year Begins
I am currently writing from a hotel room in Torrington, CT. Nate and I are with his parents and aunt, and will be attending the funeral of one of Nate’s family members who passed away just before Christmas. He was a very close cousin to Nate’s father, and by all accounts, a dear man to many people. His passing was sudden, and being around the holidays made for quite a shock to those close to him. For me, it’s the first time I will be meeting a side of Nate’s family that I’ve never seen before.
Funerals aren’t always the best places to meet extended family members, but it is generally at these times, and at weddings, when such meetings occur. I’m nervous, and was slightly hesitant about coming, but now that I’m here, I’m glad I came. I know my father-in-law appreciates having the support of his close family nearby.
I will go into more detail tomorrow on the podcast, especially with regards to our New Year’s Eve festivities, so do come back to the blog tomorrow.
Happy New Year!
Thom
SoundByte 51 Inter-Holiday Show
Today’s show is all a reflection on our Christmas, with a little peek into New Year’s and the resolutions I have. I wanted to extend a warm thank you to everyone who follows me on here, listens to the show, and offers such amazing support and friendship. Thank you to all, and I hope you had a wonderful holiday!
Today’s Music:
- Song For a Winter’s Night – Sarah McLachlan
- My Favorite Things – Herp Albert and the Tijuana Brass
- Sleigh Ride – Herp Albert and the Tijuana Brass
- Christmas is Coming – Vince Guaraldi
- My Saving Grace – ATB
- I Remember – Deadmau5
- LA Nights – ATB
- Time After Time – Sarah McLachlan and Cindy Lauper
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Blizzard, From a North End Point of View
So, my family opted not to come to Boston today, and honestly, I think it was the smart decision. So, to cheer me up a bit, I went out and took some pictures! Not many, though, as I didn’t want to expose my camera to the elements too much…and it was still snowing sideways. Have a gander, and enjoy!
Click for More!
Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful…
From the National Weather Service:
Issued by The National Weather Service
Boston, MA
4:41 am EST, Sat., Dec. 19, 2009… WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO NOON EST SUNDAY…
A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO NOON EST SUNDAY.
THIS WINTER STORM WARNING INCLUDES MUCH OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND EXCEPT THE NORTHWESTERN INTERIOR.
A CLASSIC WINTERTIME NOREASTER WILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP OFF THE MID ATLANTIC COAST TODAY. IT WILL MOVE NORTHEAST TONIGHT AND LIKELY BE SITUATED JUST SOUTHEAST OF NANTUCKET EARLY SUNDAY MORNING. SNOW WILL SPREAD NORTHWARD IN ADVANCE OF THIS LOW AND WILL REACH THE WARNING AREA BY THIS EVENING. THE SNOW WILL BECOME HEAVY AT TIMES OVERNIGHT AND CONTINUE SUNDAY MORNING. THE LOW WILL PULL AWAY DURING THE DAY SUNDAY WHICH WILL ALLOW THE SNOW TO TAPER OFF AND END SUNDAY AFTERNOON.
STORM TOTAL SNOWFALL AMOUNTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE 7 TO 15 INCHES… WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS POSSIBLE. IN ADDITION… AS THE LOW APPROACHES TONIGHT… NORTH WINDS WILL INCREASE SIGNIFICANTLY… ESPECIALLY ACROSS EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS AND RHODE ISLAND. THIS COMBINED WITH HEAVY SNOW WILL CAUSE VISIBILITIES TO BE REDUCED TO UNDER A QUARTER MILE AT TIMES. SIGNIFICANT BLOWING AND DRIFTING OF THE SNOW IS ALSO POSSIBLE. IF WINDS LOOK TO INCREASE MORE THAN FORECAST ACROSS RHODE ISLAND AND EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS… MAINLY NEAR AND EAST OF THE I-95 CORRIDOR… AND UPGRADE TO BLIZZARD WARNING WOULD BE POSSIBLE LATER TODAY. TRAVEL IS NOT RECOMMENDED TONIGHT AND SUNDAY AS IT WILL BECOME DIFFICULT.
A WINTER STORM WARNING IS ISSUED WHEN AN AVERAGE OF 6 OR MORE INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED IN A 12 HOUR PERIOD… OR FOR 8 OR MORE INCHES IN A 24 HOUR PERIOD. TRAVEL WILL BE SLOW AT BEST ON WELL TREATED SURFACES… AND QUITE DIFFICULT ON ANY UNPLOWED OR UNTREATED SURFACES.
Looks like things are going to get VERY interesting in Boston over the next 24-36 hours! I’m expecting a train-load of family in from Maine on Sunday too. I’ve put the e-mail out to my mom, and will let her decide, but if they come, I hope they bring storm gear and extra blankets. There’s not much room here at the inn!
-Thom
First Snow of Winter 2009 Pictures
As promised, here are the pictures I took last night and this morning. It wasn’t a deep snow, but it was very pretty to be out in (on foot at least), and definitely put myself and loads of people I know in the holiday spirit. Enjoy!
Click the Pic for More!
Silly Saturday Afternoon
So, yesterday was just an awesome day. I managed to have the morning off by some stroke of luck, and was able to get up, do some more writing (I’m currently just brushing 30,000 words!), and enjoy a relaxing few cups of coffee. Nate got home around 11:00 am, and we took a short nap on the couch together. I had also gotten a phone call out of the blue that Rod and Heather were bringing their son Eliot down to see the Boston Aquarium! Here’s Eliot, enjoying his mom’s fabulous sunglasses:
We visited with the three of them till around five, when they had to hit the road back to Maine. It was such a nice visit though! I truly miss seeing them more often, and we re-committed to getting up to their house at some point, probably after the holidays, and just spend a weekend relaxing at the Chateau du Hill.
Last night, we went out to a local gay bear bar here in Boston, too. It’s called the Alley Bar – a nice and dodgy name for a bar, I might add. It was a decent place, though, and the clientele were great. It was mostly older guys, middle age and up, just relaxing from a weekend spent with the family. As the night crept on, the place got more and more busy, and some of our friends showed up, which was great. It was unfortunate that we had to leave early, as Nate had to work this morning at 2am, but still, we managed to tie a little buzz on…okay, that’s a lie…the drinks were SUPER heavy-handed, and after three 7 & 7s, I was done with drinking. In any regard, it was great to get out with my hubby, and go out amongst other like-minded guys. We’ve been trying to do this more and more, and seriously, it’s been great for us, both as individuals, and as a couple. I had no idea being social was so damn important!
Today, we’re attending an event in Cambridge called Group Hug (you can find out more about it on Facebook – which I’d link to, but someone spammed the group inappropriately…). It’s the fifth event of it’s kind, held in the Enormous Room in Central Square, a place where there are plenty of comfy spots to hang out with friends and enjoy a casual Sunday afternoon without the attitude. I’ll give you all a full report when we get back, as we aren’t planning on being too late.
All in all, I’ve had a great Thanksgiving weekend. It’s been a great weekend of recovery from the last two weeks, and I’m looking forward to more great times ahead!
-Thom
PS: Here’s a video clip I thought you’d enjoy! (Give it a minute to load…)
SoundByte 41
This week’s show is all about the upward swing things are taking, generally speaking. Links, ideas, thoughts, and comments always welcome. Program note: next week’s show is not going to happen, as Nate and I are on vacation, but do expect a full update, with pictures, when we return. Thanks for downloading!
This Week’s Music:
- Have You Ever by Brandi Carlile
- Ramble On by Led Zepplin
- American Dream by Jakatta
- Do I Move You by Nina Simone
- Give A Little Love by Bob Sinclair
- Never Say Never by Armin Van Buuren
- Your The First, The Last, My Everything by Barry White
- Army of Me by Bjork
- Dirty Water by the Standells
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
SoundByte 40
Thanks for downloading SoundByte 40. This show goes a little personal, with a work update, and reflections on an event over the past week. Please have a listen, and please, let me know your thoughts. Thanks!
This Week’s Music
- First Tones: ATB
- Offshore: Chicane
- Walking in the Sky: DJ Encore feat. Engeline
- Dooley’s World: ATB
- Good Morning Kaia: BT
- Against the Wind: Bob Seger
- See U Again: ATB
- The Scientist: Natasha Beddingfield
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Health Care Reform Rally on Labor Day
Click the Pic for More!
Here are the pictures I promised I’d take at the rally. In all, it was a good rally. I listened to a few good speeches and was impressed at the turnout, given the holiday. I left feeling rather happy to be living in such a lefty-leaning state that already stretches to meet the needs of a lot of the community through state-mandated health insurance programs, but I know we’ve got a lot further to go. Oh, and I also got to hear from Martha Coakley – she’s the MA AG who has tossed her hat into the ring for senator, to replace Kennedy in January of 2010. I want to know more about her…she seems like a good thing, but I don’t know.
A Gem in the Blogosphere
Take a look over at the above site. I found it yesterday, and like what I’ve read.
Thom
SoundByte 33
Here’s the post I promised! Enjoy, and if any of you are WordPress junkies, let me know – I need some help!
Music:
- Heartbeats by Jose Gonzalez
- Here Comes the Sun by Nina Simone
- Brandenburg by Beirut
- A Sorta Fairytale by Tori Amos
- Who Will Find Me by Armin van Buuren
- Running off of the Run, Lola, Run! Soundtrack
Enjoy!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
SoundByte 32
An extended show, mostly talking, but some music I’ve been listening to at the end. Comments always welcome! Enjoy!
Music on this show:
If I Could Fly: OceanLab
Here I Am
On A Good Day Remix: OceanLab
Love Generation: Bob Sinclair
Finally: Ce Ce Peniston
Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town: Pearl Jam
Reckoner: Radiohead
Sirens of the Sea Remix: Ocean Lab
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Plans for a Saturday
Good Morning all!
After a brief shift this morning at the Shoe Store (where I’ve been told I’ll be tagging high-ticket items in the basement rather than working with customers today), Nate and I are helping a coworker of mine celebrate her birthday. I’ll give you a clue as to what we’ll be doing later:
SoundByte 31 Another Monday Quickie
A brief show discussing the past weekend, and the short-term plans ahead. Enjoy!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Weekend Update
Just a quick note to let you all know this week’s show will be delayed a day, as we are headed to White Horse Beach for a quick get-away to the shore! I will try to do an audio update via Utterli, so stay tuned!
Beautiful Morning
This little guy kept meowing hello to me this morning 
So, after nearly 40 days and 40 nights of sheer terrible weather, Boston finally saw extended hours of sunshine yesterday! I took the opportunity to go out for a little walk/run in the morning, which I felt in my knees, but not too badly. It was amazing to me to see the smiles on everyone’s faces. Just the day before, when I was going to work on an overcast and rainy day, everyone looked just plain angry. We all needed to feel the warmth of the sun on our skin, and finally feel like summer was here in the city. Today looks to be no exception to that, either.
It’s the 4th of July, so there are TONS of tourists in the city this weekend, which is appropriate considering Boston is where the Revolution began. There is going to be an awesome display of fireworks tonight, which Nate and I will be attending, and I hope to take some pictures of to share with you all. If I had the day off from work, which I don’t (DSW, that is), Nate and I would be going to the Esplanade for the concert by the Pops, which kicks off in mid-afternoon. The Esplanade will be FULL of people, starting early this morning, as they all camp out and mark their territory for the best viewing of the fireworks over the Charles. Though I am working, it is only until 3:00 this afternoon, so there will be plenty of time to go among the hoardes, and enjoy the 4th, Boston style.
Nate’s spent the better part of this weekend down in Plymouth, with his family, at their cottage down on the beach. I wasn’t able to go, due to my work schedule, but by all accounts, the weather has been decent, and he’s had a good time catching up with family. Cousins are in from all over, and it’s been good for him to be able to enjoy time spent with them down there. Still, I can’t wait to see him this afternoon when I get home. I do miss the little guy
I hope you all have a lovely 4th of July, and please, be safe. Don’t go lighting firecrackers near gas tanks, or any of that nonsense! I hope to have some lovely pictures to share tomorrow, as well as a new SoundByte to share!
Take care!
-Thom
SoundByte 28 Monday Morning Quick Show
It’s a quick show this morning (under 10 minutes, I think) with a quick recap from the week (mostly the weekend). Enjoy!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Memorial Day Weekend Run
So, I came real close, if not actually making, my goal of 10 miles. I really, really came so close to 10 miles of continuous running! I am finding that my body is still catching up to what my mind thinks its capable of, but truly, if I keep this up, and keep off the cigs (on my 3rd week of no smokes as we speak!), I might just be able to do something with this running thing…
