running towards...

Something. Good morning, darlings. Hope your weekend was fabulous! There was once a time when I used to blog about my day, my meals and most things in between. Ready for a blast from the past? ;)

I woke up more chipper than usual on Sunday morning thanks to my extra hour of sleep. It could also be attributed to the fact that I was going to the city for purely recreational reasons for the first time all week. Also, I don't think I will ever tire of oatmeal breakfasts. They just taste like home.

As I've said probably too many times already, I spent most of ING New York City Marathon Sunday volunteering with the American Cancer Society at a cheer station on 1st and 73rd St. You'd be surprised how fun encouragement is!

Bundled in my layers, with a cow bell in hand, it was absolutely, positively invigorating to watch the runners from all over the world speed past their 16.5 mile mark on the in the sunshiny November chill. I even caught a glimpse of Megan, albeit not an actual picture since she was racing by too fast. I love being able to say I know super awesome people :).

Around noon, Miss Shannon found her way over to Laura and I. That was an accomplishment in itself, mind you, because numerous Manhattan streets were blocked off, and the ones that weren't were packed with spectators and supporters. I've known Laura since I was seven, and Shannon since this past August at the Healthy Living Summit, and I'd say we had a wonderful time together.

Eventually though, after all the standing, bell ringing, flag waving, and cheering (I'm not complaining), we got hungry. Very much so. It's in situations like this one where I've found that keeping to vegan principles has been the hardest. Not only is amazing pizza widely available throughout New York, but it is also a very economical choice--an important factor at this point in my life. I did, however, make sure to choose a whole-wheat slice and add fresh vegetables on top. Then I splurged like an 80-year-old man and had a ginger ale. I'd like to say that it wasn't a good choice, but honestly, I really enjoyed it. Oh well.

Afterwards, the focus returned to the runners. It was at that point that I received NY Times News Alerts about Ethiopian Gebre Gebremaram's win of 2 hours, 8 minutes and 13 seconds, and  Kenyan Edna Kiplagat's win of 2 hours, 25 minutes and 19 seconds. Beyond amazing. Yesterday was my first time actually witnessing it all, and I have to say, it made my want to run, race, and do a marathon myself.

Shannon and I decided that we should. And maybe together. With enough training and time, perhaps even what I'd otherwise think would be impossible, could be made possible. A true 26.2 mile glimpse into the diverse beauty that characterizes the five unique boroughs of one of the world's most favorite cities? Yes, please. One day.

Until then, I will focus my efforts elsewhere. I had sushi, extra vegetables, and tea for dinner last night. It was simply, easy, and delicious. I call myself a flirt for a reason, and I don't think I'm ready to give up fish quite yet, but dairy and eggs are very possible if I prepare myself accordingly. Other goals include 30 days for $30 days at NYSC for affordable yoga and pilates classes, obtaining enough part-time jobs to support an exciting new year (details to come), and savoring the single life in every way I can. Speaking of, there's a couple of just-for-me art projects that I've been meaning to work on for a while. Today's that day.