It's cloudy outside

Hi everyone!

The race went pretty well on Saturday. I woke up early, ate a breakfast of champions (obviously necessary), and headed over to the subway/train to take the Red Line to Soldier Field. From the Roosevelt stop, it was actually a pretty long walk over to the stadium. Honestly, I didn't know where I was going, but thankfully, there were other people that had been on the 'L' (look I'm using Chicagoan lingo... do you think I blend in?) with me that were headed there. So I followed them, at a short distance... is that creepy...? Anyway, I finally got to the stadium around 7:30am (the race started at 8am), and there were lots of people and tents. Soon after, everyone headed over to the starting line, and before I knew it, a horn went off, and a pack of people started running. Eventually, the pack broke up, and I didn't feel so crowded anymore. During the race, I saw all different kinds of runners, including members of the team "blade runners." Most of them had one or two prosthetic legs. They definitely have my respect! They are pretty fast, too. I think it's great that science can help people overcome obstacles to do some pretty amazing things. I finished the 5K in 29:10, and my average per mile was 9:24. Not too bad! Carlos and Danielle came to meet me at the end of the race. They were both wearing blue. I asked them if they planned it, and of course, they denied it... ;) There was a bunch of free food in all of the tents. I definitely took advantage of it! I even took some for the road, like any nomad would. I had so much fun running the race that I am actually considering running a 10K on July 17th, but I don't think I will have time to prepare for that, since the most I have run is four miles. It would be pretty cool though! Why stop now? I should just keep runnin'. Please enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYndRJU_Lvc

Later that day, Carlos and Danielle went off to a wedding, and I took their picture, prom-style, before they left. Keepin' it classy as always. Afterwards, I ran to Jewel (yes, I ran again) to buy some groceries. I kept my headphones because my iPod is amazing (duh), and then while I was perusing near the vegetables, I heard people singing. I paused my music and followed the singing voices. In the fruit section, right next to the Chiquita bananas, there was a Chiquita banana girl singing a song, which I had heard before, but I don't know the name. Her "crew" was around her singing and slappin' da bass (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W3NERMKIBM). There were video cameras recording them, and I found out after they had left that they were protesting something. I have no idea what... Something about Chiquita bananas and Canada? Beats me.

On Monday, I was in the mood for pizza. Naturally, I googled "best pizza in Chicago," and tried to find out where I should go try some Chicago-style pizza. I had had Giordano's once before, but I was looking for something new--a hidden secret perhaps. While I was at work, I asked my brother if he wanted to go grab some pizza later, and he said sure and recommended Pequod's Pizza. They were famous for their caramelized crust on their pan (deep-dish) pizza. After I got off work, my brother, Danielle, and I headed over to this restaurant. I had high expectations, and they were definitely met! The pan pizza was delicious. When faced with the last piece of the pan, I may or may not have gulped down a third piece, like my brother. Danielle couldn't quite hang with us, and she only had two ;) haha. When I got home, I knew I had ate too much. But it just hurt so good...

Those are the main highlights from the past few days. Lately, I have also been compiling a list of things I need to do before I leave Chicago. It includes such things as go to a Cubs game, visit Chinatown, go to Scooter's Frozen Custard, explore Taste of Chicago, hang out at Navy Pier, and the list goes on... Yesterday was a long day at work. I was there till almost 8:30pm! We were busy doing major scientific discoveries, ya know. Today I was supposed to leave early at 4pm, but I just found out I get to leave even earlier, aka NOW!!! I am so happy! Mostly because I'm headed to go shopping downtown with Danielle. :) I am excited for the weekend!