After what seemed like an eternity of being sick I’m finally back to my good old able-bodied self and I simply could not be happier about it. This weekend was filled with absolutely no plans whatsoever and let me tell you, I could get used to that. I think it may have been the first one without any set responsibilities since I arrived in New York. Just taking things as they came was a great respite and – might I say?? a little cathartic as well.
Because of the mass of concrete here – sidewalks, buildings etc., the colors of autumn take a little longer to set in here than elsewhere on the east coast. So as we patiently wait on the crescendo, the subtle anticipation is palpable. It is everyone’s favorite season and the city is alive with the joy of it.
This was the first really chilly weekend so far, so much so in fact that Wendy and I had to cut our Sunday ride short yesterday due to the insane freezing wind that threatened to sweep us off our bikes. It was so sunny though that a part of me really wanted to tough it out anyway but my face and its impending windburn kind of disagreed. The alternate plan was to ride back to Wendy’s and indulge in some hot tea and amazing home-made biscotti. Though it wasn’t mandle bread*, it was absolutely delicious (and quite a bit healthier).
I then headed back home and went for a run. I feel like I’ve broken though some kind of weird barrier in the running game. I don’t know if it’s because the cold forced me to take 2 weeks off or what, but suddenly I have started feeling stronger around mile 4 which is usually when I start to taper off. Could a 1/2 marathon be in my future? I think perhaps so! The triathlon plans for next spring are still very much in action as well.
I had a proud train moment yesterday afternoon on the R. I had planned on taking a quick jaunt up to the Macy’s in Brooklyn to hit up the MAC store and then home, but once I settled myself on the train I found that it was skipping all the stops in and around where I was trying to go. Lovely weekend maintenance fun. I quickly ran over the dilemma in my head and figured that if I just stayed on the train to 34th I could hit the downtown Macy’s, which houses a MAC counter – practically as good as the store itself. Plus, since the R was skipping all those pesky stops the ride home would be super swift. I hopped off the train at 34th and I cannot adequately describe how awesome it was to see the humongous Macy’s sign sitting directly overhead as I exited the station. So convenient. So on point. Totally taking an internal bow at this moment thankyouverymuch!
Anyway, I got what I needed, hopped back on the train and the evening was a huge success. To top off the lovely day I met a friend for a delicious sushi dinner at a wonderful spot right in Brooklyn and right on my way home.
One of the best aspects of being here for a little longer is starting to know the places you love, the locations of the drink deals, the best cheap local sushi, a reliable dry cleaners, the list goes on. And each day it seems I have an opportunity to add to it.
Lots of exciting stuff happening this week, I’m thinking they’ll be really great stuff to report by weeks end… We’ll see!
*Mindel’s Mandels, an incredible liquidjill family recipe. They are without doubt, the finest edible goodies that exist. If you know me well then you’ve tried them and love them and if you haven’t… then you should consider getting to know me a little better. They alone are worth it, let me assure you.
wait…. have i had mindels mandels?
hmmm. Maybe not, but you should come for passover this ear and fix that!