And if you're gonna love me, you're gonna deal with my fire

Dear God,

I know we don't talk nearly enough, so it might be a little gauche to do so now in so public a forum.  But it worked pretty nicely for Liz Gilbert in Eat, Pray, Love and now she's got a movie about her life experiences and she's played by Julia Roberts so I guess it can't be all that bad.  But I'm not asking for a national bestseller, or an A-list celebrity to play me in a C-grade movie or anything.  I just wanted to address something with you, and I kind of wanted anyone who visits my corner of cyberspace to be fully aware of my awe for you right now. 

Today, I worked (and I mean WORKED) for 11 hours straight.  I ate nothing but a luna bar and went 8 hours without peeing.  (Hey.  My corner of cyberspace, my talk with God, I get to share what I want to.)  I left work nearly an hour and a half after I was supposed to, and about 20 minutes after I intended to.  And when I got off the subway I ignored the serious hot melty cheese craving attack and went to Subway, because I am on a diet afterall and pizza period but especially on an empty stomach with a crashed metabolism probably would have been a bad idea.  (I'm not apologizing for the Doritos instead of Bakes Lays, though.)

As I left Subway and rounded the corner towards home, I was greeted by a police van and 6 cop cars, with about 15 cops detaining 2 men against a Mustang.  (The car, not the horse.  Like this blog needs to get any weirder.)  And because it's New York, the streets were lined with onlookers, all mumbling about whatever rumble had apparently just gone down.  So thank you, God, for keeping me nice and occupied in Manhattan and safely out of harm's way in Queens.  And thank you for letting me go hungry today and then giving me the will power to make the right food decision instead of the wrong one, because not only will the 5k be that much easier, but I'm kind of glad as much time as possible was placed between me and the cops' arrival.  And thank you for letting me see the end of whatever meltdown that was so that I could once more be reminded that time and again, I am saved by your grace. 

And while I'm on the thank-you tangent, thank you for the drunk men in plaid pink suits that danced around and hugged me and sang Christmas jingles in the middle of the crowded hotel lobby, and then tried to coax me into the limousine I had called for them so that we could all go to the shooting range I was able to locate for them.  I hope they're safe and happy tonight.  New York City truly is a magical place filled with ridiculous people and every day is an opportunity to live more stories to share.  Thank you for leading me here.

Also, thank you for knowing underneath all the sass in this blog and angst currently in my heart, I really do love you. 

Yours forever,
Alison

At times I feel myself smiling, at times I'm not. Doo doo doo doo.

The calls for a new blog post have started to roll in again.  Ah, to be popular. 

So I guess the first bit of big news is I've signed up for my first 5k.  And not just any 5k.  Allow me to walk you through it (pun intended).  First, there will be some running through the wilderness, followed by cargo nets.  More running, then some "island hopping" through cold and muddy water.  Running.  Mud.  Running.  Cold muddy water.  Running.  Tire jungle.  Running.  7 foot barricades.  Running.  Tunnels.  Running through the forest.  Running.  Tunnels.  Running.  Running up a large hill.  Running.  LEAPING OVER FIRE. 
Finish line.

My training has turned from mmmm, doesn't yoga feel good? to mmmmyeahyoga plus serious cargo plus things that make my arms and shoulders go OW.  OW OW OW OW OW OW OW.  Megan and I have started Couch 2 5K which is helping a LOT.  I still just don't think I'm ever going to be "a runner" but I do think I'll survive this course without dying of a heart attack.  Nothing to kick-start my dormant metabolism like training for (and executing) a course designed by Navy Seals, right?

Sigh.  Now that I've led with the big news, anything else I say is going to seem pretty wussy and weak.  In short: work crazy, cat cute, Autumn arriving, diet succeeding and FOOTBALL SEASON IS HERE.  Basically, I couldn't be anymore giddy over this time of year.  Between the new Broadway shows to look forward to, the better weather, and Saturdays filled with the best sport (and team) ever, I have a lot to look forward to.  And then, without time to recharge, it'll be time for holiday season and all the chaos (and joy) it brings.  I am literally breathless with anticipation.
Or perhaps, just breathless from all the running. 

And now, I'll leave you with some pictures from a lovely Monday spent at the beach.  Adieu, Summer.  I am SO glad to see you go.