Cole vs. Carly

The other day at work the dude who sits in the cube behind me (you know, the one who loves oBAMa, all things American Idol, and most recently the Phillies) asked me whether or not anyone had ever told me that I look like Cole Hamels. I looked at him quizzically (as I often do) and was ready to dismiss the question as crazy talk. I responded in the negative yet he persisted "No, for real, like, he could be your brother or something. Seriously, where were you born? You born in San Diego?".

Turns out crazy cube dude had led off what would be a string of people telling me how much I look like Cole Hamels and wondering if we were of relation.

Not trusting the mirror, I looked into the photo archives to see if there was a likeness. To my dismay, I am no longer baffled by these questions. I look like a dude. Judge for yourself:

Cole Hamels in a dress?

Carly Pumpkin in a Phillies costume?

Maybe if more than 7 people read my blog I could get tickets to the world series or at least be featured on the local news.

Race update

I know you all have been waiting with bated breath to hear how the race went last weekend so I am here to report that it could not have gone better. I finished WELL under the one hour mark and positively SMOKED a 75 year old arthritic woman right before the finish line. More importantly, a good time was had by all and I was able to celebrate my victory with a bloody mary.

Below you will find some highlights. My race partner/future accomplished photographer captured some truly spectacular action shots. Please note the look of utter exertion on my face, races are no joke.

Which one of these is not like the others? That's me entering stage right after and abrupt U-Turn to run a few paces with the leaders. Those guys aren't that fast.

If you like 5Ks put your hands up.

Nick and I off to a solid start. Look at how we are breaking away from that sickly looking child. Taking an early lead was key to our race strategy.

Taking some time to take in the autumnal displays. That's me showing some love to a scarecrow perched mightily upon that giant mailbox.

Today I became a true Democrat.

I donated to NPR.

As I have mentioned in previous posts I have a committed relationship to NPR. We start our days together most every morning. I often check in with NPR throughout the day just to see what's new. But like most relationships, it could not stay casual forever. NPR, feeling some level of insecurity I imagine, had begun entreating me to define our relationship in more concrete terms. NPR demadned that I quantify my love and committment. So in order to make NPR happy and more importantly to get it to shut up and stop shilling for my dollars instead of giving me "Marketplace"; I solidified my committment and pledged my support.

I think this completes my repentance for voting for W. in 2000.

You might not believe this, but i can run like the wind blows

The above statement is perhaps a bit hyperbolic. Although I will say things like "I went for a run this morning" or "I am going to go for a run", the more appropriate (read: truthful) phrase is probably "I am going to go out for a brisk waddle later". Though I am not fast and really can't run that far, running is one of my favorite physical activities. It is good for all sorts of things like preventing me from becoming a contestant on the Biggest Loser, clearing my head, and getting me outside. Here in the country I have been running quite a bit, so much easier when there are not homeless people in your path and the dogs are an added bonus...often playing the role of personal trainer and glaring at me when I lag too far behind.

Next weekend I am taking my running show on the road to Delaware. Technically, I will be running in a race. Please do not let that title give you any ideas about my speed or visions of me triumphantly bursting through the finish lane. Usain (not hussein) Bolt I am not. In fact, I run not one second faster during a race than I do on a casual sunday run. The last race I entered I finished well behind a 70 year old dude though comfortably ahead of a pudgy middle-aged woman with a bandaged ankle. Added bonus of this run is that I will be pushing my physical limits for a cause, check it out (and DONATE if you are feeling so virtuous).

Baseball and such

Driving into work this morning my friends on NPR told me that it looks like the Phillies might make it to the world series! I have to say this kind of snuck up on me! What with the global financial crisis and my not liking baseball that much I hadn't realized that Philadelphia (with its history of crushing sports defeats) was about to get another shot at glory.

As anyone in Philadelphia knows, the city is championship-starved. We have professional teams in all the major sports and not a single championship in ANY of them in over 20 years (I realize the Philadelphia Soul just won, but I am leaving them out of this...at least until Bon Jovi follows through on that free concert promise). The last time the Phillies even had a shot at the title, I was still wearing head gear to bed at night (i.e. the good old days).

I am really excited for the Phillies and for Philadelphia. When I was maybe 3 or 4 I remember I had a Philly Phanatic birthday cake... so I can say with confidence that, although my dedication may have waned recently, I am a longtime Phan!

Update from Cube World

The fellow in the cube behind me...you may remember him for his love of cell phone tunes and American idol...is currently asleep at his desk. Dressed in his brighly colored zoot suit and bright white basketball sneakers, he is in full recline position in his chair. snoozing.

If only I could find a way to tent my cube, I bet I would really enjoy an afternoon siesta.

I hope he isn't dead.

Feel the Burn

When I was in college one of the soundtracks that marked my senior year was a mix CD distributed by a local DJ auspiciously named DJ Toad. The Toad CD was perfect in its versatility. We put it on after class for drinks on the porch swing. The same tracks could then carry us through to getting ready and would be there waiting for us when we stumbled (or ran) home seeing double and speaking at unacceptable volume levels. One could argue that this is the preferred state to listen to J.Lo and Ja Rule duets.

I thought of the perfection and versatility of the Toad mix recently when trying to compile a new workout mix. Of course, now, a mix is really an iTunes playlist, but the same challenges remain. It has to be something that can fit a variety of occasions (the days you feel great about working out AND the days that it is a true battle to get yourself through the doors of the gym). It also needs to stand up to repeated playing without losing any of its potency. The perfect workout mix is up there with a great pair of jeans or a delicious wine under $20...essential and basic but really tough to come by.

So here is my latest incarnation:

This playlist will have to last me awhile...I just found out TI won't be making anymore hits for about 12 months while he serves out his jail term stemming from weapons violations...