Today is the day I get back to running. I was having some issues with my left side (everything from the glute on down just kind of broke after my last half), and so I was decided the best plan of attack was to take a nice, long rest.
But I’ve managed to keep myself busy.
Little man’s baseball season started, which means that he has three practice periods per week (one for football and two for baseball), along with a weekly football game. Add to that some after-school activities and other commitments with volunteering and it has been insanity.
You know what they say about all work and no play, though.
In the past eight days, I have been gorging on some really awesome experiences.
For one thing, I am in a reading phase. I sort of fell out of it before Christmas, but it is back on and I am pretty absorbed in going through as many books as I can devour.
I have completed
- Some Girls, Some Hats and Hitler – Trudi Kanter
- The Monuments Men – Robert Edsel
- In Cold Blood – Truman Capote (how it took me so long to get around to reading this, I have no idea)
I am currently working on
- The Book Thief – Markus Zusak
And, for when I am finished, I will be reading
- Labor Day – Joyce Maynard
- Winter’s Tale – Mark Helprin
At the rate I’m going, that should get me into the first week of February, and I have no intention of slowing down. The written word is addictive to me, and these books have been absolutely rewarding and satisfying to me.
We have also been lucky enough to try some fabulous new restaurants. I think we get into ruts sometimes and tend to stick with what we know. I think it’s a security thing. Well, in the past week, we threw caution to the wind and tried some new (to us) establishments.
On Wednesday, we went to Bistro Aix. Friends have raved about it, but it just never happened for us. We sat at the bar (it was super crowded because of an event), enjoyed some cocktails and dug into appetizers. We split sesame tuna tartar (not pictured), blue cheese chips and a chopped salad. Everything was phenomenal, and don’t worry. We had room for dessert. All the entrees coming out of the kitchen looked absolutely yummy, so we will be back to try some more menu items.
I also got to try Catch 27. How can I say this? It’s small. Tiny, in fact. I can’t imagine it being able to seat more than 30 people. There is also no liquor license so it’s bring your own beer (or wine. No corkage fee). But. BUT. The offerings and the servings were outrageous. Almost everyone at our table ordered the blackened shrimp served over cheese grit cakes, garnished with bacon and drizzled in sherry cream. I almost cleaned my plate. And tried to order more.
Apparently, waffles are a thing, now. I live in an area where waffles now make up three meals a day. Plain waffles for breakfast, chicken and waffles for lunch and dinner, and dessert waffles for… well… dessert. Cousteau’s Waffle and Milkshake Bar (yes, you read that right) is an absolute gem, serving something called Liege Waffles, topped with all kinds of sweet and delicious goodness. Like the Belafonte, spread with Nutella and sprinkled with fresh-sliced strawberries.
I need to go back to try one (or all) of their milkshakes (it was in the 40s and I had to draw a line). They hand-blended flavors like blueberry and cookie dough, and even one with maple and pecans and bourbon whipped cream. Heaven. I have been craving another treat since Saturday, and I’m hoping to talk Mr. PugRunner into a date night so we can make it happen.
Last, but certainly not least, we got to see Billy Joel in concert. Billy is one of my all-time favorites. He is so incredibly talented and humble and awesome. We saw him play with Elton John a few years ago, but this was the first time seeing him solo.
Worth every penny.
He played some not-quite-as-well-known songs along with the usual greatest hits, and it was just a perfect night. His voice and piano skills are still going strong, despite the fact that he has been performing for 50 years, and it was both a pleasure and a privilege to be at his show that night.
I’m really glad that we have had so much fun together and with friends over the last few days. It was definitely a lot all at once, and we will probably fall into a slump of very ordinary routine, but I hope we can keep some of the adventure going.
What are some things you have enjoyed over the last few weeks?
Have you read any of the same books? Or do you have any you can recommend?
Are dessert waffles en vogue where you live?
Sounds like you had a nice break from running! I felt the same way after WDW Marathon. I was burnt out and gave myself two weeks to rest.
Please send some Florida sunshine this way! 
I just downloaded The Book Thief! I enjoy reading books and during the winter I get through a lot of them because it’s just too cold to go outside
Karen @karenlovestorun
Karen @karenlovestorun recently posted…Happy Monday and a Giveaway!
I can send you sunshine, but I can’t give any warmth. It’s supposed to SNOW on Wednesday. SNOW. The whole state will shut down.
I am speeding through The Book Thief. I love it so much. Zasuk is a master of words.
Billy Joel is my fav too.
Darlene recently posted…HMRRC Winter Series #4 15K Race Report
He’s the best. They just don’t make artists like him anymore.
I really want to read The Monuments Men! I am trying to do a better job of reading this year. I was a big slacker last year.
Lora @ Crazy Running Girl recently posted…Motivation Monday: Getting back in shape
It’s a fantastic read – well-written AND such an interesting story.
once again, congrats on the race… I couldn’t believe you said your son has baseball practice… we can’t even see the fields… lol. My winter love is knitting.. I have made some lovely things so far this winter, but by far is one wrap called Dreambird. I will try to link you to a pic of it with me in it. This winter is making me crazy not being able to get out and run. I do love to read, but that’s my summer’s enjoyment. Have fun with all your craziness… what is your next race?
I know! Not going to lie, it’s been cold at those night practices but we are all systems go for the new season.
Knitting would be so fun! I think I used to be able to crochet a little but haven’t touched needles in ages.
Next race is the Donna 5K at the end of Feburary. It’s for a great cause and it’s a huge community event but I just couldn’t get myself hyped for the half or the full.
I like your book list. Have you read The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt? It is the best book I’ve read in a long time and my facebook friends all seem to agree!
I have not. I am going to add it to my book list. Thanks for the rec!
I’m reading “The Book Thief” too! It’s really good, but I just haven’t had a lot of time to read it, so it’s taking me a long time to read it because I can only squeeze in a chapter or 2 before bed. I enjoyed a weekend in Tampa this past weekend, so that was a nice change of pace from everything I’ve been going through lately
Hope your run goes well!
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom recently posted…Week 7 #PrincessHalf Training Recap
I am having such a hard time putting it down. The writing style is just so unique and I love the voices in it. I will say that I’ve read (well, am reading) four very heavy (three WWII/Nazi occupation and one true crime) all in a row, so I’m going to be ready for something a little lighter next.
Tampa looked like fun. I really want to run Gasparilla at some point. Maybe next year.
Waffles aren’t really a thing here but they should be. Dessert waffles = yum.
I’m the same way with reading–sometimes I just get on “kicks”. Right now, I’m reading Orange is the New Black, which is really good (it’s a memoir).
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Looks like an entertaining & yummy break from running. I actually turn to audiobooks to keep myself “reading” when the time that I would otherwise be reading is spent running . . . I don’t know if they’d work for you, but my audible.com membership is what I credit for why I’m still running.
Now, take care of yourself & get back out there
John (Daddy Runs a Lot) recently posted…Where I accept High Heels & Training Wheel’s Challenge
I’m a complete bookworm–I’m constantly reading a book!
My parents love Bistro Aix (Although I though there were always saying Bistro X). They always rave about the blue cheese chips and tell me I need to try them but they never take a picture for me! So thank you! I DO need to try them.
As for running, I still haven’t run since the marathon and don’t think it’s going to happen until the Glass Slipper Challenge. We’ll see what the doctor says next week. Is it horrible though that I’ve mostly enjoyed not running? I think I got so burnt out on training that I’m enjoying being lazy! (Although Saturday I was dying for a run!)
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