Extracurricular activities...

Fridays are now my 'down' days; so, I'll take this time to update chronicle readers about my weekly activities outside of work.

So, let's start with the Running. I run 4 times a week logging anywhere between 15 to 40 miles (a week.) I volunteer to lead a pace group (currently 9:30 to 10 minute pace) with the Chicago Area Runner's Association (CARA) out of Jackson Park (63rd/Lake Shore Drive). We meet every Saturday morning at 6:30 A.M. for our 'long' runs (eventually running up to 20 miles together). Additionally, I run with a running group called Team Fabulous during the middle of the week which meets in downtown at Monroe and Lakeshore Drive.

Associated to my running group is my second 'activity' and that is to volunteer at the Living Room Cafe where members of the running group prepare meals for the homeless. This tradition was started by a socially conscious member of the Jackson Park CARA team, Jim McGowen. Each month a menu is prepared and members are drafted to purchase the ingredients, prepare the food, take orders from the customers (hence the cafe concept) and serve. Needless to say, I get alot more out of this volunteer work then I put in. Nothing gives you perspective like spending an evening with others with greater needs then the latest Jimmy Choo shoes. I plan to run the marathon for the Inspiration Corporation (who is the overarching organization for the Living Room Cafe). I will be badgering you all for donations later.

Outside of running, I play tennis with my partner, Jan (pronounced Yan). We're in a mixed doubles league with eight other couples. Amazingly, we are currently tied for the No. 1 seed. In an effort to improve my tennis, I am also taking lessons each week (Mondays) with my coach "Earl" who is not only a tennis guru but also a philosopher with some very insightful observations beyond the tennis courts (but that's for another blog posting.)

Tennis and running are great activities for the body but what about the mind?!? Well, that's what my book club is for. My very close girlfriends from high school started a book club 3 years ago and we've met approximately every month to talk about our book selections (which is chosen on a round robin basis from all 6-8 members.) Our current book is by Anchee Min "Empress Orchid". I'm pretty vocal at these 'get togethers' if and when I make it to the meetings. As an English Lit major, they all dread my book selections!!

Finally, my very last (and 'favoritest') activity outside of work is to spend quality time with my family, my friends and my dog, Crazy. Some upcoming 'known' events with the above: Akira Breast Cancer event at Galleria Marchetti (where yours truly will be the MC), weddings (Yen, Joslyn, Jackie, and Christine) and my sister, Dai's annual pilgrimage to the windy city. I will need to add swimming to my list of activities since I plan to spend eight days in Costa Rica at the end of this year learning how to surf. Kowabonga!