Doha

Some observations about things that have interested me so far over here….
 
Seeing women run in full black burqas, Nike Frees, and Rudy Project sunglasses will take some getting used to
 
The drivers are nuts, but since they all know it and drive the same way, there doesn't seem to be any road rage
 
I can be happy in a country that brings you warm bread with hummus instead of butter during your meal
 
I'm curious to learn what is in the Sausage McMuffin at McDonald's since pork isn't allowed in Muslim countries
 
Coming into the arrivals terminal - Passport control line for business class: 1 person. Passport control line for economy class: 400 people. Glad work is paying for it.
 
The tinkering with the time zone reminds me of Russia. It's light by 530am and getting dark by 5pm.

Greetings from Keflavik!

No, that's not a typo. Our non-stop to Doha took a slight detour. There's a medical emergency on board and we're landing in Iceland to get them off the plane. The woman sitting next to me has 40 minutes between this flight and her connecting one in Doha to KL. I don't think she's going to make it seeing as we've had to backtrack 30 minutes to get to Keflavik. Iceland sure is a pretty county from the air. Hopefully the next time I'm here, I can actually get off the plane and stay a while.

Last Lazy Weekend

It's going to be a crazy next six weeks, so I'm trying to enjoy this last lazy weekend as much as I can. Here's some of what's coming up:

• Monthly close
• Training my backfill
• Zach's show
• Saturday long runs
• BCPA Executive Committee & Board meetings
• First trip to Doha to train
• Marine Corps marathon
• Parents' visit
• Clean & sell house
• Sell one car
• Pack & move some stuff to Florida
• Get dogs to their temporary homes
• Medical exams
• Multitudes of paperwork
• Concerts - 5FDP, Corey Taylor
• Agility trial

Not to mention all the little stuff like changing addresses with USPS, shopping for supplies, etc. Bleh. I'll be glad when it's all over.

Damn Texas Drivers

On my way home from work today, the car two in front of me was driving just over the speed limit, maybe going 70 at best, and holding two of us up. Since we were in the left lane, my only option to get around him was to pass him on the right. As I pulled into the next lane over, he started to accelerate, slowly at first, then more rapidly as I started to pull alongside. By the time I passed him, our speed was close to 90. Once I got around and back in front of him - there was a car in the right lane - he immediately slowed down to 70 again. What is it with people around here that seem to take being passed as a personal affront? And why are they always driving slowly in the left lane?

3 Wives

So Heather and I are sitting here drinking wine and reminiscing about Athena and the wonderful life she's had with us. I said I can't believe that she's been with me for 14 years, after which Heather remarked that she can't believe Athena made it through my three wives. "A MACH and 3 wives, that's pretty damn good," is what I think she said. That's one helluva dog. :)

Close Call

Happy National Running Day! I got my run in first thing this morning, but I almost didn't make it back. A woman yakking on her cell phone hit me as I was crossing the street near the end of my run. Her SUV hit me with its side view mirror and rear corner as I banged on her window to try to get her attention. I don't think she really knew what happened and am pretty sure she never hung up the phone since she drove into the curb several times as she made her way through the gas station parking lot afterwards. Be careful out there people, and wear your shoe tag or your RoadID.

Pacing

My fast pacing needs a lot of work. Don't let the average for this run fool you. I ranged anywhere from 7:55 to 8:55. I need to learn to get into an 8:35 groove as easily as I can settle into 9 or 9:30. Anyone have any ideas or suggestions?