Back To Running

It's amazing how coming back from vacation can kill any desire to exercise. Before Cabo, I was exercising all the time and watching what I eat. Now, I don't want the hassle. I'm even thinking about quitting myfooddiary.com. (Gasp!) In an effort to re-invest in physical activity, I went looking for a new running path this morning. I've heard that there is a path that goes down the west side starting at Dyckman Street (200th Street), so I figure I'd look for it. My first mistake was going through the shady looking gap in the fence. It was like going into Narnia.

The wardrobe leads to a dirt path in the narrow gap between the railroad tracks and the river. You'd never know this was Manhattan.

The path ends at about 181st Street, as displayed by a lovely ripped out section of chain link fence, which safely leads you out to the railroad tracks. Based on my extensive knowledge of railroads, derived from years of cartoons, I was careful not to get my foot caught in the tracks.

Still, being outside at 6:20 when it's light and warm, but not too warm (listening to Phish from '93, no less), it's hard to complain.

Happy Birthday, Stella!!!

Monday is Stella's __ birthday, and Nilda & I threw her a surprise birthday party at our apartment to celebrate! She was completely surprised, and it was a blast. The plan was for her to stop by with Nilda's cousin, Kristin, so that we could go out to dinner near our apartment. Apparently, she had been telling her neighbors that she was going out to dinner, even though they all knew about the party. She had no clue.

Nilda played Martha Stewart and the place looked great. This also meant me speaking Spanish to Stella's family and friends, which was even more awkward because it was in front of my parents, and you just know they're dying to see me speak Spanish. We had a ton of food (and Presidente!) and it was all great. Nilda made an amazing pernil (pork shoulder), but my dad still wouldn't try it. The best part was that I got to put all the alcohol out on display.


Happy __ Birthday, Stella. I'd tell you her age, but then she'd kill me. And she doesn't even go on the internet! We love you.

Congratulations, Andrew!

Andrew has always been a disappointment. But now, after years of whinning, complaining and yes, maybe a little hard work, my brother has finally earned a Master's Degree from New York University. With a focus on bullshit. Did you really write a 60-something page paper about food labels? He started the program about four years ago and, two kids later, is still a loser. But a highly-educated loser. Good job, dude.

And he's a wonderful father. Truly a role model for us all.

It Sucks To Be Home

We just got back from Cabo, and it's depressing. More than you can imagine. I guess that's a sign that it was a good trip, but still. The resort was amazing and the margaritas were even better. I have new found respect for tequila. And for drinking it before 11:00 am. From a pool bar. I don't want to go through all the details, but here are a few pics: