Unfathomable

Yes, the God who made and reigns over ALL of this...came down and became a vulnerable child...gave Himself to an ignominous birth and a grisly death...so that He could intercede on our behalf forever. Do you grasp that? I don't. But hope to more and more. Merry merry merry Christ-mas.

Birds do not discriminate

That's what I learned when I got into work from day #2 biking -- you need not be a car to attract them!

Mission accomplished!

Today was the first day I rode my bike to work! It was freezing but, as Chuck (my coworker who inspired me to get a bike for commuting) and I agreed, it's far better to ride in the cold as long as it's DRY! And it was gorgeously clear today. Who cares if my fingers fall off from the cold? I gotta say, inhaling fresh air and moving is a WONDERFUL way to both start and wind down the otherwise-way-too-sedentary day!

10K has a whole new meaning

 For me, 10K used to mean running a 6.1 mile race..now it means, walking 5 miles....I don't think I'm there. And the interesting thing is: it's been SO FREEING not to feel obligated to work out! So while I'm extraordinarily grateful for healing, it will soon eliminate the excuse I have for being sedentary and put the responsibility back on me. There are, however, worse problems to have for sure!

(by the way, my sister qualified for the Boston Marathon today - can't I just glob on to her workouts for a while?)

Day 1 in real shoes and suddenly, I *like* Birks!

 ...because it's all relative. Surgical booties, Birks? Hmmm.  And now they have these very "chic" clog styles. I ripped the box open last night and today was the test drive - walking up to Market Street. Feeling hot. Lovin' the Birks.

And I thought it was because I was attractive

All those stares on the street - it's either because:

Theory #1: I've suddenly become completely amazingly hot, or

Theory #2: Walking at .000004 miles an hour downtown and wearing some stupendously odd looking black booties draws attention in its own merit.

At least I also garner soft smiles of sympathy when people stare down unashamedly at my feet. Except for the one woman on MUNI today - she was about 28, completely healthy, and completely miffed when I begged her to let me sit down as my feet were getting tired. She said "ok" but sure wasn't communicatin' it! I think she was probably distraught from being on the wrong MUNI line; she's a #1-California-headed-from-Pac-Heights (ok, or a #38-from-the-Marina)-to-her-Banana-Republic-office-downtown all the way. The sacrifices we ask of people!!

the walking wounded are not alone!

Gus and I share our war stories of foot surgery @ Russ' annual Tree Trimming party. While we didn't partake in the salsa or funk dancing, we still had a good time.

another walk!

In the brisk, crisp and fogless, windless San Francisco evening. Pure delight. I was so motivated to use these muscles (that are literally sore from lack of use!) that I ascended many hills in the 'hood. It was delightful to breathe the fresh air and to take everything in: looking off to the gorgeous SF skyline to the east, and to the rolling, home-lit dotted hills on the west.

I was able to venture down many quaint side streets I don't normally take the time (or effort) to see on my runs, and hope I can claim them as "my" neighborhood ('cuz they sure are nice).

So, while my feet did tingle (and have a few sharp twinges here and there) as I was nearing the end of the loop going down Castro street, it was worth every block: oxygen and movement on a clear SF evening are such gifts!!