Today was the Nike Run Remix 5 Mile run.  It was pretty cool.  Check out my Nike Run Remix YouTube.com video clip:

 

 

I thought the break dancers were the coolest part!

 

Okay, so now I'm a little hooked on YouTube.com and I got carried away and uploaded a second video.  Watching a sunset in Vernazza was "the" moment when I fell in love with Italy!  It was spectacular!  

 

The second clip is of a local musician in Florence, Italy.  I think you'll recognize the song.  It was one of the first pieces that I learned to play.  Beautiful!

 

 

 

 

On Sunday, I had the opportunity to run in the inaugural Disneyland Half Marathon, but didn’t because I didn’t train for it.  Now I'm a tad disappointed in myself because I heard that the race turned out to be a big hit!     

 

That awful feeling of regret, immediately got my butt in gear and now I am back in training to run the Nike Run Hit Remix race on Sunday, September 24, 2006. 

 

I’ll continue to train and get prepared for the Las Vegas Half Marathon in December.  I might even do some runs while in Europe in November.  That should be interesting!  I wonder if my Garmin will work in Prague?

 

Whoo Hoo  . . .  I finally feel re-energized again!  And it’s about dang time!  

 

 

I just looked at the calendar and realized that I have six more weeks before my “Back to Europe 2006” trip.   I was doing okay with my planning until I picked up the phrase book for the countries I’ll be visiting.  Now I’m nervous!!!!  Here’s what I’m talking about:

 

English:  Excuse me, where is the restroom/toilette?  Thank you.

 

Italian:  Scusi’,  Dov’e IL Gabinetto/bano?  Grazie!

 

Czech:  S dovolením,   kde je záchod? Dékuji

 

German:  Entschuldigen Sie bitte. Wo ist der des die Toilette?

 

See my  point!  Italian is fairly similar to the English language and I find it easy to pronounce the words.  On the other hand, I am struggling with the Czech and German pronunciations! More with the Czech!

 

I guess, I will have to pray that I run into some good samaritans along the way who can assist me.  I’m not so worried while I'll be in the cities as I have my guide book and can pretty much find my way.  I think I'll find some people who speak a little English.  I’m going to be most worried while traveling from Country to Country and Town to Town! 

 

The joys and challenges of traveling in Europe!  I totally LOVE it!

 

 

This Labor Day Weekend . . . I ended up losing $30 at the craps table, $10 at Pai Gow and $10 in total on the penny, 5 cent, 25 cent and dollar slots.  Oh yeah . . . and I drank 3 margaritas!  

 

At one of the hotels there was an awesome Lounge Act.  They had a great guitar player that did PRINCE proud with his rendition of Purple Rain! 

 

So I ask you?  Why do Lounge Acts get such a bad rep?  Okay, so they aren't superstars or famous headliners.  Most of them, however, are very talented and seem to really enjoy entertaining people. 

 

 

 

 

Yesterday, I was scrimping and had plans to stay at home for the big end of the summer Labor Day weekend and work on my trip.  By the way, never did find those inflatable hangers.  Note to self:  Pack and label all travel accessories in one location, so they will be easier to find.  

 

Friends called last night and what do ya know!  Now, I'm going away for the weekend after all.  Gonna do some gambling and gonna do some drinking.  And for all of you who know me well, that means $20 at the crap table, $20 at the Black Jack Table, $10 at the penny slots, two margaritas and I'm done!  Okay so I'm not a big gambler or a big drinker!  But I am high on having fun! 

 

A spontaneous trip with no planning what so ever.  As usual life finds it's own way sometimes.