tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012014085910937422024-03-20T00:44:32.708-07:00One Step at a TimeA journey through an overuse knee injury to the brighter side of life.Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.comBlogger293125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-25637074872279072022012-02-06T21:00:00.000-08:002012-02-12T20:15:57.783-08:00On the Road AgainI've been traveling again for work! Unfortunately, it's not as often as I used to with my old job, but I appreciate the time I'm able to get away from the office (while still working) to my favorite... you know it... W Hotels and the like. : ) Lately, my travels have mostly involved visiting one of our printers in Minneapolis, MN. I have a cousin who lives in Minneapolis, but unfortunately, I haven't been able to reach out to meet up with her due to the always tight schedule. I hope I get a chance to see her soon! I tell you, lately it feels like Minneapolis is my home away from home.<br /><br />My last few trips have been in January. Yes, January in Minnesota! A coworker called it "Minne-snow-ta" the other day. This year though, same as it's been in Northern California, they've also had a mild winter. During past trips to Minneapolis, I've experienced 19 below zero wind chill factor, it's not fun. This year the temperatures have been closer to the upper 30's, here is a photo from a recent trip. Only a few inches of snow, but white and chilly nevertheless.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yTLgB9IgJRDfy2KkSzJvt5FUyvdwO8C2N0lTG4RXifzj9I4rhueOWcVi_zbPA4m29G1gVlI5DcwQKneJzEwbcketfHR9sdvAkaC1vPCVcfVM4UgYZlxroB2TbeD55hYagMJ6hWD4I-M/s1600/IMG_1952.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yTLgB9IgJRDfy2KkSzJvt5FUyvdwO8C2N0lTG4RXifzj9I4rhueOWcVi_zbPA4m29G1gVlI5DcwQKneJzEwbcketfHR9sdvAkaC1vPCVcfVM4UgYZlxroB2TbeD55hYagMJ6hWD4I-M/s200/IMG_1952.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708461433056135090" /></a><br />I've been primarily staying at the <a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3019">W Minneapolis - The Foshay</a>. One thing I've been doing differently lately is that I've been exploring the downtown <a href="http://www.skywaymyway.com/">Skyway</a> system. Check it out, it's fascinating! Did you know, when you're staying or working in downtown Minneapolis, you can get almost anywhere without stepping foot outdoors into the frigid weather? I've heard people liken it to running around in hamster tunnels, but find it functional and necessary for certain parts of the year. I like the idea of being able to easily get to shopping, restaurants, and even a Timberwolves game without racing from the car to indoors to avoid the weather! So far, I've managed to navigate my way past banks and even advertising agencies, to the downtown Target and Macy's stores. In the morning, it's nice to find more than one Caribou Coffee via the skyway before I rush to the car taking me to our printer or to the airport. Very convenient, <i>I like it</i>.Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-64035995846300712852012-01-31T21:00:00.001-08:002012-02-12T19:29:13.502-08:00My First OAC HikeOne of my new goals since late last year has been to find new activities I can get involved with on a regular basis. Most of last year, I toyed around with finding something new, but between my job change and not coming across much of interest, I didn't make any progress. Thing is, I'm tired of just being the "working girl" and have felt it's time to finally get off my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">patootie</span> and branch out to do new things and meet new people. I've been keeping my options open, a new activity could involve something physical, something cultural, or even philanthropic. My only requirement has been that I get excited about whatever it is. You can't force yourself to do things that don't interest you, you know?<br /><br />The first activity that struck a chord with me was<b> hiking</b>. I'd done several online searches and spoke to some friends, but until I came upon the <a href="http://www.sfoac.com/">Outdoor Adventure Club (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">OAC</span>)</a> based out of the city (San Francisco for those who don't live in the area), I hadn't gotten all that motivated to take part. There are so many places to explore in the Bay Area, but I envisioned myself possibly getting lonely or lost if I tried to follow a map out of a hiking book on my own. When I came upon the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">OAC</span> website I knew it was the place I needed to start!<br /><br />My first hike was the last weekend of January. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">OAC</span> organizes hikes (among many other activities) in the North, South, and East Bay, but the one that pulled me in was a hike to the <a href="http://www.touristclubsf.org/">Tourist Club</a> in Marin County, north of San Francisco. It's a place I've always wanted to see. You can't get there by car, it's only accessible via hiking trails. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">OAC</span> group I joined met at 10:30am at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Pantoll</span> Ranger Station, about 5 miles north of Mill Valley. This was about a 40 minute drive from my apartment, not too bad. I was pleasantly surprised that I wasn't the youngest <i>or</i> oldest person in the group. There were 7 of us and we were led by a spirited guide named Heather. She was just what I expected a hiking guide to be, she knew the trails very well and had some history to share with us along the way. The hike was approximately 9 miles long. Here's a photo of the group during our lunch break at the Tourist Club and the photo Heather took right before we set off on the last half of our hike. I'm 3rd from the left. Mom, my new Patagonia vest you gave me for Christmas is on under my windbreaker. It was great! Oh and sis, my new hiking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">capri</span> pants were purchased using the lovely gift card you gave me. : )<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1dy3Rdv8yEJjWRlk_C0y1DJd_9V3rakaFezMycI3jyoHRLtGoLpYoC-CMe4MagcjXvUC0xulbhtLPJsz5Q2nxrAmgqDjLZEn7E28pz-jiPBKgJappq-zugV4V0MDiP6eD-jR0vOPEl4/s1600/IMG_1956.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1dy3Rdv8yEJjWRlk_C0y1DJd_9V3rakaFezMycI3jyoHRLtGoLpYoC-CMe4MagcjXvUC0xulbhtLPJsz5Q2nxrAmgqDjLZEn7E28pz-jiPBKgJappq-zugV4V0MDiP6eD-jR0vOPEl4/s200/IMG_1956.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708447021463453970" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyy5runtWMD3AEirYV659MHz7Y_UEN-ikrKySu-moeyu7_bk4bwftOds8rwqdtdQdbrLuRbaG0jrKq49VI0b-IruP1Y5kwiUtf-lc8fyoLTZ0vkUwzT0i5mJguzRneeyTDVNEbmbptJgs/s1600/tourist-club.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyy5runtWMD3AEirYV659MHz7Y_UEN-ikrKySu-moeyu7_bk4bwftOds8rwqdtdQdbrLuRbaG0jrKq49VI0b-IruP1Y5kwiUtf-lc8fyoLTZ0vkUwzT0i5mJguzRneeyTDVNEbmbptJgs/s200/tourist-club.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708455331624978306" /></a><br />Initially, I was concerned about the distance of the hike. Originally, it was described as a 6.5 mile hike. Since I hadn't been on a real hike since before my knee trouble began, I didn't know what I could handle or not. A few days before the hike, we received an email that they were considering extending the length of the hike to 9 miles and wanted to make sure everyone was OK with it. I thought about sending a reply in protest, but I didn't want to spoil the hike for everyone else or cancel for that matter. I really wanted to get out and enjoy the trails and see the Tourist Club. I decided I'd take a chance and just see how it went. This is a view towards the end of our hike. So pretty!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42Ysa9800loQ58UpMeQKW3n7Xl3BlY6oSdc0nM35JJ6uA_og7g0JAmdt2SoKm5eY28lt2-D4UwUP3d4K6cnCU3b8s-NIrNijVgv0iJtjmDr7lrCbJ-302BJfSKM1RWpIZ8sLRUXSExxA/s1600/IMG_1958.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42Ysa9800loQ58UpMeQKW3n7Xl3BlY6oSdc0nM35JJ6uA_og7g0JAmdt2SoKm5eY28lt2-D4UwUP3d4K6cnCU3b8s-NIrNijVgv0iJtjmDr7lrCbJ-302BJfSKM1RWpIZ8sLRUXSExxA/s200/IMG_1958.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708448100900545762" /></a><br />All in all, it ended up being a great day! The people were easy to talk to and the scenery was spectacular. The only thing I didn't capture were the redwood trees we walked through near Muir Woods. I still can't believe I hiked 9 miles! And get this... the next day, my knee didn't hurt <b>at all</b>! Is that crazy or what? I was truly shocked. Yes, a lot of other muscles hurt (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">omg</span>, believe me!), but not my knee. I thought, "Maybe this is my new thing?!" At least, it can be one of my new activities. I'm already signed up for another hike near Pt. Reyes in early March. : )Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-53827441137063303152012-01-25T18:00:00.000-08:002012-02-04T14:22:11.912-08:00Wordless Wednesday: I'm Going to Minneapolis Too!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cfNqPtcY9XCoD6iORKPA3IaeXwQ6IeuTRGh8vxrz8CKIZZZW8E7nRxJCXkWAutwuLQiNhdAYCRPOtXi1cWjHFvBqypnY6QlBn6TWN3nyG8TeM_P9Q5XcwI3ZhTGVAbAhAPZCDLoMPd0/s1600/MinniDoggy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cfNqPtcY9XCoD6iORKPA3IaeXwQ6IeuTRGh8vxrz8CKIZZZW8E7nRxJCXkWAutwuLQiNhdAYCRPOtXi1cWjHFvBqypnY6QlBn6TWN3nyG8TeM_P9Q5XcwI3ZhTGVAbAhAPZCDLoMPd0/s320/MinniDoggy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705408928039377282" /></a>Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-74538110986906755272012-01-24T21:00:00.000-08:002012-02-04T21:36:41.774-08:00The NinersAhhh... it was so wonderful, so reminiscent of the 80's... the 49ers in the NFC playoffs! Yes, I know. The 49ers have been in the playoffs between the 80's and now, but for whatever reason (living out-of-state is one), I spent a long time not being all that excited about our local team. Yes, you could call me a fair weather fan, but I hope you don't. I've always been loyal to Bay Area professional sports, I'm just not always watching or attending <i>every</i> game. I'm a child of the Joe Montana years, no one forgets about that.<br /><br />Anyway, the run the 49ers had this year was monumental. Yes, we were all excited to get Jim Harbaugh as our new Head Coach, the 3 years he had at Stanford (Stanfurd) were exceptional. Still, no one expected this! One step away from the Super Bowl? It was crazy! This was going to be a "re-building year." One morning during the regular season when I was driving to work, I was listening to one of our morning sports talk radio stations. They said between the Owner (Jed York), GM (Trent Baalke), and Head Coach (Jim Harbaugh), we'll likely be seeing great teams for years to come. From what I learned, these three people are a great combination, all on the same page. Nice to know.<br /><br />All I know now is that is got exciting. Really exciting! I snapped this photo of San Francisco City Hall on the way home from work one day. I love it! I apologize for the street light and the not-so-clean windows on the Apple coach bus, but you get the idea.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrODBW1MmJ-aQt1R6fdlHQmKuBuQtv5nwNG2JTYr8wlwoj-pjxS4L1haA4BJRULhkYp-IXk0z6GePLCiq70SBAoKfXkpZoBDP-kOcd9jGVQQiSxiL5qXtTXgVKYxXnn9wS7bEU2CFVFk/s1600/IMG_1944.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrODBW1MmJ-aQt1R6fdlHQmKuBuQtv5nwNG2JTYr8wlwoj-pjxS4L1haA4BJRULhkYp-IXk0z6GePLCiq70SBAoKfXkpZoBDP-kOcd9jGVQQiSxiL5qXtTXgVKYxXnn9wS7bEU2CFVFk/s200/IMG_1944.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705518975130127922" /></a>Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-52777362368839690672012-01-20T16:00:00.000-08:002012-01-20T16:00:00.362-08:00An American Past Time... and a Little TortureAs we've been experiencing a such fun and surprising football season with the 49ers that it's made me think about the amazing World Series run the Giants had in 2010. Last year, well... not so much. But, our beloved baseball team did the best they could under the circumstances. The highlight of the season for me was taking my parents to the last evening home game of the season at AT&T Park. I managed to score a great deal on three Club Level tickets behind home plate plus parking! I tell you if you haven't sat in the Club Level before, it's hard to go back! It's so nice to be able to retreat into the amenities when in need for a break and shorter concession lines. Maybe a Cosmopolitan too. Good times!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGSLil0S644doZfRtSoTjuEXjQvJK980a0K4RVv8lWNP9UYgAuFlgaIcEP-Z7SfAmA0AUJniZ60EVYCcTQcBA8tuTmmuRAjB5e1AD5A1nAWGx1CLUZrBDzLYygaOKXbLKv4tA2057BKI/s1600/LastGame.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGSLil0S644doZfRtSoTjuEXjQvJK980a0K4RVv8lWNP9UYgAuFlgaIcEP-Z7SfAmA0AUJniZ60EVYCcTQcBA8tuTmmuRAjB5e1AD5A1nAWGx1CLUZrBDzLYygaOKXbLKv4tA2057BKI/s200/LastGame.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699569801050435954" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Trying to take a photo of all 3 of us. Not such a good angle...</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHoFiLs2zNtmq_SP_RxgDM6-8CNBCsUmgH0We4hCBs12iKGhrKvAvQwfcjmZ2h4YYyx-0GEUpqHnZ-jtHTwBTPcKf_EU-_sKk-LV9mlqje3MrWXFSK6sK2aexkVmVIZ5ynrEuITuc9oM/s1600/LastGame2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHoFiLs2zNtmq_SP_RxgDM6-8CNBCsUmgH0We4hCBs12iKGhrKvAvQwfcjmZ2h4YYyx-0GEUpqHnZ-jtHTwBTPcKf_EU-_sKk-LV9mlqje3MrWXFSK6sK2aexkVmVIZ5ynrEuITuc9oM/s200/LastGame2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699570224334067138" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">This one's better! </span></div>Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-28415166963199067672012-01-18T18:00:00.000-08:002012-01-19T20:48:13.664-08:00Happy 2012!Yep, yes, I know... It's been a very, very long time since I've blogged. Between the adjustment to my new job and wondering if anyone actually reads my blog (hi Mom and Dad), I took a break. I can't promise I'll be posting on a regular basis, but due to the fact it's a big New Year, I thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to jump on board again. <br /><br />So, my new job is at Apple. That's all I can tell you about that. ; ) OK, OK, all I'll say at this point is that the commute from the city kinda sucks, but I like my job and the people I'm working along side. It also helps that I've always been a bit of an Apple geek. I think I've loved Apple since I sat in 3rd grade computer lab learning how to type commands on an Apple II computer. How far they've come!<br /><br />Otherwise, I'm doing well. I'll try to post some updates on my knee and other things in life in the coming days. Hey, if you're out there... If anyone is reading this, can you post a comment and say hello? Yes, even you Mom and Dad. : ) Like I've mentioned in the past, my blog has ended up being more for me than anyone else, but if you're out there please let me know!Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-78986894190901308122011-07-06T21:00:00.000-07:002011-10-22T20:54:52.064-07:00Last DayToday was my last day with Gap Inc. It was bittersweet. I spent 4 years of my life working my butt off for Old Navy. Yes, sometimes it was stressful, I worked late nights and sometimes on weekends. Yet, I loved my job. Being laid off came as a shock and I still can't quite believe it happened.<br /><br />As my colleague destroyed my employee discount card in front of me (nice, huh?), I took my first step into the next stage of my career. I've planned to take a week off before I embark on my new job with Apple Inc! Apple has hired me on as a Print Production contractor from mid-July until the end of November. The position is similar to the one I had at Old Navy, color retouching, negotiating with printers, press checks, etc. Instead of color retouching models and clothing, I'll be reviewing color for screens and hardware. As of now, the position is short-term, but we'll see what happens. I accepted the offer mainly for the opportunity to work for Apple, who wouldn't want that? But, the job also appeals to me because I've been told there is a possibility the position could be extended beyond November. It was an opportunity I couldn't refuse! <br /><br />The only down side is the commute... 50 miles south to Cupertino, California. Ugh. That's over an hour of driving each way and my Jeep isn't the most gas-efficient vehicle. I'm planning to try the Apple coach buses from SF to Cupertino and see how that goes. Wish me luck!Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-48775887914937426522011-07-03T20:00:00.000-07:002011-10-22T19:17:06.542-07:00Sawyer Camp Trail...... how I've missed you! Sawyer Camp Trail in Woodside, CA was one of the locations in our run rotation when I trained with PacWest. This trail was always one of my favorites since it has mile-markers. Mind you, when I was doing endurance running 5+ years ago, GPS sport watches were just coming on the scene. I didn't have one so I loved it when I could easily keep track of my mileage accurately.<br /><br />I also love Sawyer Camp Trail for it's beauty situated by a the Crystal Springs Reservoir. Yesterday, I decided it was time to introduce my new Vibram Five Fingers shoes to the trails. I completed a 4 mile walk and a mile run mixed it. My achilles started to bother me a little bit, but overall it was a great workout. Here are some photos I snapped along the way.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQzD5O9HMgBEJCQQP50rYmpjT0tXYGKdL92QF14BU8e-rn0tv0VjiT_llQk8eWVI0tY50r0raaaP1Lw6bjmLKqOP0uKFrmjP2g3X6L0Sdn9bsqBkxE5T2BrTVBjlw6-uYeyvNwYpNKlw/s1600/IMG_1551.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQzD5O9HMgBEJCQQP50rYmpjT0tXYGKdL92QF14BU8e-rn0tv0VjiT_llQk8eWVI0tY50r0raaaP1Lw6bjmLKqOP0uKFrmjP2g3X6L0Sdn9bsqBkxE5T2BrTVBjlw6-uYeyvNwYpNKlw/s200/IMG_1551.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666503916522931650" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">A pretty view of the reservoir</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFmVAWEH5QPpb6Ta5gCYRUQMxWdHdXdYPTwQgwbTdhg3VQPi1xofp6ZuZ8f9s8Y7aU1_kZNw52uB3SF3Y4t4jSnxYznnUx1RZTX55JsqqeicK9fTpA_06kYNCGnP6BJ2GcQAfSGIB1kU/s1600/IMG_1553.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFmVAWEH5QPpb6Ta5gCYRUQMxWdHdXdYPTwQgwbTdhg3VQPi1xofp6ZuZ8f9s8Y7aU1_kZNw52uB3SF3Y4t4jSnxYznnUx1RZTX55JsqqeicK9fTpA_06kYNCGnP6BJ2GcQAfSGIB1kU/s200/IMG_1553.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666504145937324786" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">The shady spots were a welcome site</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjighWcxqiPp3H3p5uqmTKq-W9GSqPyqqd0XOr7oIpzXJqqdLndiBpiC0Z1gai_9O9MOxq7Gg-mbgvuW1C-q2SAAjcZnFVHb7S-uDUgmXh6S938dkcHNQVYdtCqdUHUC1SFY1i-R9Vt_YU/s1600/IMG_1554.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjighWcxqiPp3H3p5uqmTKq-W9GSqPyqqd0XOr7oIpzXJqqdLndiBpiC0Z1gai_9O9MOxq7Gg-mbgvuW1C-q2SAAjcZnFVHb7S-uDUgmXh6S938dkcHNQVYdtCqdUHUC1SFY1i-R9Vt_YU/s200/IMG_1554.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666504391405592338" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Look, a baby deer!</span></div>Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-89230789524765360892011-06-20T22:00:00.000-07:002012-02-04T14:27:19.150-08:00The GymI can't believe it, I didn't think I would ever do this again... I joined a gym! Way before my competitive running days, I always had a gym membership. Sometimes I was a consistent gym rat, sometimes I wasn't. When I moved back to the Bay Area from Salt Lake City, I lived with my parents in Lafayette for over a year before I got an apartment in the city. I used to wake up at 5am to be at Bally's Fitness in Pleasant Hill, CA by 5:30am. I would workout for an hour, drive home, shower, get ready for work and arrive at the BART station by 8am to commute to the city. Wow... I'm impressed with myself that I actually did that! It seems kinda nutty today.<br /><br />The big reason why I stopped going to the gym once I moved to SF was that I discovered the outdoors! Between bootcamp, running on Crissy Field, cycling, and swimming in the bay, I didn't think I needed the gym anymore. Now that I've gone full circle with my injury, surgeries, and recovery, I've decided it's time to go back to the gym. I joined Crunch, a gym chain in the city and I'm hoping their group classes will inspire me to try something new. More than anything I need to start lifting weights again. I have to gain some muscle back! It's so good for our bones and overall health.<br /><br />I snapped some photos during a recent trip to Crunch on Polk Street, about 6 blocks from my apartment.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqrSp6hiFWYTjJsnd6dxeR43qwLdYIObdj75TicDkGi1S9daL9hjUbid6PjSXjYmvU96U9mipm6Y10Pge7Bp4BaxcL_z7HaurTOv_TL27lUWZglmY1L0A_feF9-m_riDS7uRb0cJrSmc/s1600/IMG_1545.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqrSp6hiFWYTjJsnd6dxeR43qwLdYIObdj75TicDkGi1S9daL9hjUbid6PjSXjYmvU96U9mipm6Y10Pge7Bp4BaxcL_z7HaurTOv_TL27lUWZglmY1L0A_feF9-m_riDS7uRb0cJrSmc/s200/IMG_1545.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640918331272183298" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">It's an old theater! Walk on the treadmill and watch a movie! Pretty cool, huh?</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuonHsUEkGhu7IcLOfrO-ZNpQQDT6IojEbFywAC1OiELHfZr386oL7fQ92KDJ9o0zM7dk-fS9wsBWxQ80lbv-pazQg9Jmr6YxaCSflS6IxtawmfI0drgyg2YdbACcU_lYp_PROQZ7QIEQ/s1600/IMG_1547.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuonHsUEkGhu7IcLOfrO-ZNpQQDT6IojEbFywAC1OiELHfZr386oL7fQ92KDJ9o0zM7dk-fS9wsBWxQ80lbv-pazQg9Jmr6YxaCSflS6IxtawmfI0drgyg2YdbACcU_lYp_PROQZ7QIEQ/s200/IMG_1547.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640918440268344018" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">I love this phrase. "A good workout is whatever gets your heart racing."</span></div>Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-47072634763460938082011-06-18T22:00:00.000-07:002011-08-07T20:04:41.625-07:00The TrailOne of my favorite places to walk/run is the Lafayette-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Moraga</span> Trail close to where I grew up. My first days of running were on this trail with my junior high cross country team at Stanley Intermediate School in Lafayette, CA. Was it a competitive cross country team? No, we didn't actually go up against other junior high teams, I think it was just a passion of my 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> grade science teacher, Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Boucher</span>. He volunteered to coach the students who wanted to participate during the After School Sports program. We would run up to 5 miles several days a week during the cross country season. Along with this, and other sports I participated in (volleyball which I loved even if I was on the "B" team, and Softball where I sucked, but stuck it out), I earned enough points to get my block "S" before I graduated. : )<br /><br />Stanley is located just past the 1 mile marker on the Lafayette-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Moraga</span> Trail and this was where we ran after school. To be honest, I think I just ran with my friends and gossiped. We certainly weren't trying to make <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">PR's</span>! <div><br /></div><div>The Trail is also one of the places my parents ran and trained for marathons when I was a kid. They have taken advantage of the Trail, whether walking or running, as long as I can remember. When I was training for races 5+ years ago, I would go to the Trail from time to time to do a training run. It's so familiar to me, it's part of home! Recently, I went there for one of my run/walks.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_LpmZbZGj10PeU7s2HHCZ_e_R7yHbMeqSu6Y7D3YFKZ8k4axnd41WrLYJ-oO8YKJ7qFFHYuOM-Q2m7ChmTH9_8ZFRLxfdZXWi8ACo_9ZeY_C_BtW8VEjSw1D6kSoplWa2nqG_r_Z8Zg/s1600/IMG_1539.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_LpmZbZGj10PeU7s2HHCZ_e_R7yHbMeqSu6Y7D3YFKZ8k4axnd41WrLYJ-oO8YKJ7qFFHYuOM-Q2m7ChmTH9_8ZFRLxfdZXWi8ACo_9ZeY_C_BtW8VEjSw1D6kSoplWa2nqG_r_Z8Zg/s200/IMG_1539.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638313455672093202" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Isn't it pretty?</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJS_vW0x4a5WMt_T7T49IByuJgiyc9RLTDw_LJ8mRQh_531dX4ySbM3zxaUPrEW6Gpw-SIpcdH1WpOTTiU5dbvFiXh-nDPtO3XUSckNYhdko02L7sPPNe25RcpMhcBP_NWvn6yGL1H1g0/s1600/IMG_1540.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJS_vW0x4a5WMt_T7T49IByuJgiyc9RLTDw_LJ8mRQh_531dX4ySbM3zxaUPrEW6Gpw-SIpcdH1WpOTTiU5dbvFiXh-nDPtO3XUSckNYhdko02L7sPPNe25RcpMhcBP_NWvn6yGL1H1g0/s200/IMG_1540.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638313626216331826" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Stanley Intermediate School. Go Wildcats!</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gqEbbz4dZIQOU94G4zK2sK6Oy3_WpRwJnX1Ji9c0nPafB89AA9WWsdiXZgRY6smxS8OrB7FNS31CqOop25si0iNFlJcYXwPW4ZXajtF3bLHvFz4cVRL_xwWNL6W1v0Aub9OfKu2Tv3o/s1600/IMG_1541.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gqEbbz4dZIQOU94G4zK2sK6Oy3_WpRwJnX1Ji9c0nPafB89AA9WWsdiXZgRY6smxS8OrB7FNS31CqOop25si0iNFlJcYXwPW4ZXajtF3bLHvFz4cVRL_xwWNL6W1v0Aub9OfKu2Tv3o/s200/IMG_1541.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638313778311958610" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">A mile marker. </span></div></div>Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-64365898641303495142011-06-15T22:00:00.000-07:002011-07-02T22:03:01.003-07:00Just a Hint<div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgt5J96XG83fvtnYDfNaIpGYbZm44yv4vPRQLzJG7swCNAAlve573sesomz372CO1aUFU-YVkB0_5vEYcgZ5oQhXwbvBVcygEt73zrsESD07kRo0QttYQGIRUwgiH2l4YVPL9ZLF5PDw/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 75px; height: 94px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgt5J96XG83fvtnYDfNaIpGYbZm44yv4vPRQLzJG7swCNAAlve573sesomz372CO1aUFU-YVkB0_5vEYcgZ5oQhXwbvBVcygEt73zrsESD07kRo0QttYQGIRUwgiH2l4YVPL9ZLF5PDw/s400/Unknown.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621283404172332898" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have a new job!</span></div>Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-32827339047223202822011-06-08T08:00:00.000-07:002011-07-02T22:01:17.685-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Scrunchy Face<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIYoNpvH-JsqeWEqz5f0v-arg0qN-M7M19fFK5zaFza4L4NTRjNYforNdunvHLQm8hOHTGIpbIjLSlCUQc0xmf7FF5twDqeIneSLakRP1OVbyWPkUGSYxkxSTLCFkMze9CePhbrB_nU8/s1600/IMG_1375.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIYoNpvH-JsqeWEqz5f0v-arg0qN-M7M19fFK5zaFza4L4NTRjNYforNdunvHLQm8hOHTGIpbIjLSlCUQc0xmf7FF5twDqeIneSLakRP1OVbyWPkUGSYxkxSTLCFkMze9CePhbrB_nU8/s320/IMG_1375.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621277567839340322" /></a>Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-88292835731357653202011-06-05T21:00:00.000-07:002011-07-03T20:21:56.907-07:00A Future Photographer?My niece Morgan may have found her calling! Or, like most kids these days, she can't get enough of her parents smart phones. Morgan is 3 1/2 and has already learned how to take photos with her Mom's iPhone 3GS. Then I showed up with my iPhone 4. To give you a little background, Morgan has always been a little confused that she is supposed to sit still while you take her picture or keep on doing her thing while you're shooting a video. She is so fascinated by seeing herself that she sometimes leaves the picture, runs over and asks to "See Morgan!" Her parents have tried to explain to her and Piper that if they leave the picture, the screen will be empty, no Morgan or Piper.<br /><br />Anyway, Meg, Morgan and I were upstairs in the guest room one day and Morgan wanted to take photos with my phone. I handed it to her and let her click away. Then I remembered that with the iPhone 4, she can take photos of herself by touching the button that flips the camera to the inside lens. Whoa, this was a revelation for Morgan! Meg and I looked at each other and said, "Uh oh. Maybe I shouldn't have shown her that feature." Oh well, the cat was out of the bag. Morgan ended up just cracking us up with her antics, taking photos of just about everyone and herself! Here are some samples.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28Rq6R94QEAe_9SBsML5qDmOLy-h4deop9cTT3hoAZHaT1c82X1x5-gUu4-7_nkIrn529MNAc-ql9kGPgKSZ7-aFXDmhlPqBzkN0sVTZ734Oc6FDM3iTdzON2POKAtjJluW6qVY0EkRY/s1600/IMG_1409.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28Rq6R94QEAe_9SBsML5qDmOLy-h4deop9cTT3hoAZHaT1c82X1x5-gUu4-7_nkIrn529MNAc-ql9kGPgKSZ7-aFXDmhlPqBzkN0sVTZ734Oc6FDM3iTdzON2POKAtjJluW6qVY0EkRY/s200/IMG_1409.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624981459120257602" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Piper's cute diaper butt and curly hair. </span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxljyp6z8S469OapoFHSPM-8bs2T6f23G0BZjKQ5qSLs8tlWRKhPEzchj_WtgjO4k1IbTbx608aog1aJp9uIRsCt2tYo34awUmZ83rNgGcmqPkjx5EdihSLp3Mhme6wPVET35O4W4bPME/s1600/IMG_1412.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxljyp6z8S469OapoFHSPM-8bs2T6f23G0BZjKQ5qSLs8tlWRKhPEzchj_WtgjO4k1IbTbx608aog1aJp9uIRsCt2tYo34awUmZ83rNgGcmqPkjx5EdihSLp3Mhme6wPVET35O4W4bPME/s200/IMG_1412.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624981600457477938" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Most of Dad David. </span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSUj9H5JO1mKPsBardWR1qi8NwuSTd5kQq91f77OWlWWYvWB2CchW2iJptXVuK56x5itbYpuf2a7MrB1FdvM9qj-ntL7A5Ui0VbMl8kgbvi-QZJlm0bzepqVsJiczbGaf3p2NTF3WE2s/s1600/IMG_1417.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSUj9H5JO1mKPsBardWR1qi8NwuSTd5kQq91f77OWlWWYvWB2CchW2iJptXVuK56x5itbYpuf2a7MrB1FdvM9qj-ntL7A5Ui0VbMl8kgbvi-QZJlm0bzepqVsJiczbGaf3p2NTF3WE2s/s200/IMG_1417.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624981731551964562" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A happy photo of Mommy Meg. She told Morgan she needed</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> to get her eyes, nose, and mouth in the picture. Much better!</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA7gTHmPxyKZXlb_M_zpGGYc1GRo785nEqEd1HDPeyHt43mR7_M5XzPui3C4UO_lf-G79O7PwiqFUy8nu-Wf9U5RqEAO-9Jlu2KL9eYl2YAgod_iFl-ygf-6mT-JMY4FTL24hzVPj4ok/s1600/IMG_1420.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA7gTHmPxyKZXlb_M_zpGGYc1GRo785nEqEd1HDPeyHt43mR7_M5XzPui3C4UO_lf-G79O7PwiqFUy8nu-Wf9U5RqEAO-9Jlu2KL9eYl2YAgod_iFl-ygf-6mT-JMY4FTL24hzVPj4ok/s200/IMG_1420.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624982041820628722" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A sweet Morgan face. </span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnOQlt4EWo9AJ1gflhVLiud6fnmiue38S5xlvCJ5rC76uq9XSHbHHXGOa-wakJTSyHlbl4KRfaL01wkArtvcp53sbL_AvmuT37PFZnuWlUfBAfHjHZxzsKObJy3WeIDZjYNwdmis2ITg/s1600/IMG_1423.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnOQlt4EWo9AJ1gflhVLiud6fnmiue38S5xlvCJ5rC76uq9XSHbHHXGOa-wakJTSyHlbl4KRfaL01wkArtvcp53sbL_AvmuT37PFZnuWlUfBAfHjHZxzsKObJy3WeIDZjYNwdmis2ITg/s200/IMG_1423.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624982296023448370" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">OK</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, not quite. </span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMQ4VJU2anC2mRkwsNXAXfuEKzc9XpIFbjvLhYJssWmZbFDF4TH4y6E3kJAEjXvrM6x4cu66TlL9Mve1-96fXL6oxBh9GsqW9HTnZc4whzKGp6eTgolXHEUOp0ZD2-JMooE3hi_GgM6U/s1600/IMG_1439.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMQ4VJU2anC2mRkwsNXAXfuEKzc9XpIFbjvLhYJssWmZbFDF4TH4y6E3kJAEjXvrM6x4cu66TlL9Mve1-96fXL6oxBh9GsqW9HTnZc4whzKGp6eTgolXHEUOp0ZD2-JMooE3hi_GgM6U/s200/IMG_1439.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624982437139426594" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There she is!</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSA9rSpagKxQvjGdhV7Ar4q8shUtdwnHw5N_-4R5fwMEErbOOTptKHBYd54O5PayNnxVpggm1Y4wXdzPnd6KFdsvSzIB4wzDOFAoqNgBSshpFxQOx8KZLFKfnZnf5RwICS1pR2WnmlQKw/s1600/IMG_1504.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSA9rSpagKxQvjGdhV7Ar4q8shUtdwnHw5N_-4R5fwMEErbOOTptKHBYd54O5PayNnxVpggm1Y4wXdzPnd6KFdsvSzIB4wzDOFAoqNgBSshpFxQOx8KZLFKfnZnf5RwICS1pR2WnmlQKw/s200/IMG_1504.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624982573082090834" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Aunt Ali's feet and Morgan's dress.</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWcpWhGEy6RDl9OMWWipH39hrfxSEnLDzXEbmF4s9wxRo0TRO7q9FJyL94wq-UTisCTnRk2VUDIkB8h9DuodzQrMbAGbX0UwalN3JcJSGQdpaWl9lo8w-zSQ5Nk7f3NkdYfgoncBmMyc/s1600/IMG_1514.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWcpWhGEy6RDl9OMWWipH39hrfxSEnLDzXEbmF4s9wxRo0TRO7q9FJyL94wq-UTisCTnRk2VUDIkB8h9DuodzQrMbAGbX0UwalN3JcJSGQdpaWl9lo8w-zSQ5Nk7f3NkdYfgoncBmMyc/s200/IMG_1514.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624982693706593826" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yeah Morgan! </span></div>Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-11279290160784449222011-06-01T20:00:00.000-07:002011-06-22T21:45:02.843-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Bubble Girl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAbC54THb4OSzGTaLo8AiXkl_m0uEkfAVJJGi7P1_XjmdUgVc2VElYc4m8YQQLPwadKi9jJTJGzyDR7S70Uyt0Dc7vmrPNiw99kFg6r2kUZbkANYGV-AR_EaeFgxTWCeqUFHxCyffxfA/s1600/IMG_1494.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAbC54THb4OSzGTaLo8AiXkl_m0uEkfAVJJGi7P1_XjmdUgVc2VElYc4m8YQQLPwadKi9jJTJGzyDR7S70Uyt0Dc7vmrPNiw99kFg6r2kUZbkANYGV-AR_EaeFgxTWCeqUFHxCyffxfA/s320/IMG_1494.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621271605205058466" /></a>Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-36390111815779362132011-05-30T21:45:00.000-07:002011-07-02T21:05:05.024-07:00Jump and BounceOne of Morgan and Piper's favorite places in Spokane is Jump and Bounce. It's a great place for kids, especially during the Winter months. There is jumping in an inflatable castle (among other inflatable jumpy things) and numerous big slides to climb up and zoom down. I tell you, 45 minutes of this is plenty for Moms and Dads! The one downside is that you have to <i>not</i> think about the germ factor. The fact that an afternoon nap for the girls is guaranteed, outweighs any silly germs my sister Meg may be concerned about. There is plenty of Purell provided. : ) <div><br /></div><div>During my visit over Memorial Day Weekend I finally was able to go there to see what it was all about!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CJu3CYm9DGdq7nQiGXOIbPJIInlTVtvQ16vndEwXuF2oNrHV0pTvaxiLxKBGiFfDauli82dQj-LZuwBDlntwcWv6IgIAXBGAw18bn9LeaFvTE8up-xXLPestCac14FzXa6-GkRLwJNY/s1600/IMG_1379.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CJu3CYm9DGdq7nQiGXOIbPJIInlTVtvQ16vndEwXuF2oNrHV0pTvaxiLxKBGiFfDauli82dQj-LZuwBDlntwcWv6IgIAXBGAw18bn9LeaFvTE8up-xXLPestCac14FzXa6-GkRLwJNY/s200/IMG_1379.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624964095311037090" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I love Morgan's sweet face as she hits the bottom of the slide. </span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rBRLz7lQusAnZIzBgEaoTWdwlkqStlnYQgYRHSE6XilWo33LleQSfaQ0QePjvnijSkXb3jsruw2adF1kWT0UiprxzVXi5rnNI5GK0SQuoI-kf_RwDedkKLBOXcksb7rm5COWlrzcEqk/s1600/IMG_1376.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rBRLz7lQusAnZIzBgEaoTWdwlkqStlnYQgYRHSE6XilWo33LleQSfaQ0QePjvnijSkXb3jsruw2adF1kWT0UiprxzVXi5rnNI5GK0SQuoI-kf_RwDedkKLBOXcksb7rm5COWlrzcEqk/s200/IMG_1376.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624964299624048306" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Piper's the Captain of this playground ship!</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-JadrTmtIlZAQ8J-VU-IlViA64M3pQ_xKVzXnCn-vlQ_7QVAgAuqOFbreqvNrHLzWnNY_PdFEZ5B8hxSWCQafYjX20G18Dl04zrFvz-3qnIIJqVJOzphXDFvjrT1YSnMZuXDWhvbN9s/s1600/IMG_1386.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-JadrTmtIlZAQ8J-VU-IlViA64M3pQ_xKVzXnCn-vlQ_7QVAgAuqOFbreqvNrHLzWnNY_PdFEZ5B8hxSWCQafYjX20G18Dl04zrFvz-3qnIIJqVJOzphXDFvjrT1YSnMZuXDWhvbN9s/s200/IMG_1386.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624964498826119874" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The slides say "No adults allowed on slides," but I snuck a slide in with Piper. : )</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0SmI5HcdSXB4mPQW8xn5bgSY05y_xP5U4Q4uFm35IRUO3QIVsJa4mqiN-P0Se2-LpTNItHltMM9YvyR_2AJ8lEfGsU3RYFZONbjMixW88S271Tf3w4X67sNuNDXSi8kqzp8zaquz_cc/s1600/IMG_1389.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0SmI5HcdSXB4mPQW8xn5bgSY05y_xP5U4Q4uFm35IRUO3QIVsJa4mqiN-P0Se2-LpTNItHltMM9YvyR_2AJ8lEfGsU3RYFZONbjMixW88S271Tf3w4X67sNuNDXSi8kqzp8zaquz_cc/s200/IMG_1389.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624964622863591602" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Morgan and her Mommy.</span></div><div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyjVvPYlhpRuMMvhrWACewH74L6V7XLECmoEXFpk8LPVYTpxkMPhaSK9bRISZ0_s5FCJU_WFPtLujZI-N6B7A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">A video of the happy sisters at Jump and Bounce!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-73918157098536803412011-05-08T20:00:00.000-07:002011-05-15T21:51:46.052-07:00Mother's Day at the Ballpark<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9cxD1TJJhiuPLfYG6yotzEgGLZ9-JKUJMYh7zjFtUqb7-S6TeNTXX85cW6zEXnEKGQtUMwO5wZznrKqZQB2SihZf33YHl7U9L0jPYIvi-6YqtyS_pRAMRPidmmoInYJFDBYo-1MERTQ/s1600/IMG_1349.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9cxD1TJJhiuPLfYG6yotzEgGLZ9-JKUJMYh7zjFtUqb7-S6TeNTXX85cW6zEXnEKGQtUMwO5wZznrKqZQB2SihZf33YHl7U9L0jPYIvi-6YqtyS_pRAMRPidmmoInYJFDBYo-1MERTQ/s200/IMG_1349.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607152113144147346" /></a>I took my Mom to a Giants game for Mother's Day this year. My friend Liz and I had purchased tickets for May 8 a few weeks back and she later enlightened me that the game was on Mother's Day! I thought Mother's Day was the weekend after the game so I was a little caught off guard. Since my Mom is such a huge Giants fan, I asked her if she could join us for the game as well and she said yes. Luckily, I was able to purchase one more seat in the same row, just two seats away. Once we arrived, some really nice people scooted over a seat so all three of us could sit together. I warned everyone that we had nose-bleed seats in the View Reserved section, but it was a great view above home plate and ended up protecting us from the windy day. All in all it worked out really well.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEnbLHUri1BBuRfoH3wMEB9eLctkn2ODBTtpZKQjLHVRp2tobSuI2gL2GTi5lLZcgxjVJtRMUN9tCpek6zp2jG_jNvfQMDU9k7uaHMrctUwOQylxAfWh1j-HOvTl536kmc32UjU_wixE/s1600/GiantsToteBag.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEnbLHUri1BBuRfoH3wMEB9eLctkn2ODBTtpZKQjLHVRp2tobSuI2gL2GTi5lLZcgxjVJtRMUN9tCpek6zp2jG_jNvfQMDU9k7uaHMrctUwOQylxAfWh1j-HOvTl536kmc32UjU_wixE/s200/GiantsToteBag.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607171226430926498" /></a>The game was so much fun! I get all excited for lots of game food, even if it's kind of pricey. Calories don't count at baseball games! We indulged in Giants Dogs and French Fries (we decided to forgo the Garlic Fries. Ugh, I'm not a fan) and my Mom bought me a Red Rope. : ) So yummy! My Mom is not going to like that I've posted this photo of her, but she looked so nice in her orange sweatshirt!<br /><br />It also happened to be Tote Bag Day! I love the games where they give you stuff. Aren't tote bags perfect for Mother's Day? See's Candies was the sponsor and the logo on the back wasn't too obnoxious. I have a ton of tote bags, but not one with Giants World Champions on it. <div><br /></div><div>Oh and so you know, the Giants played the Colorado Rockies, the number one team in their division, and <b>WON</b>! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Woot</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">woot</span>! </div>Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-24920245399913702202011-05-04T10:00:00.000-07:002011-05-15T21:26:28.536-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Pretty Coffee Art<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1ftvOgoZlBPTVQsAOJvldyoHEF2noGq3EI3ozBL8ccPZRgDfylqSnhHIBb-emTOzuMaWw3DVp3ciR1Q8efMKViJtQtoVy7bMG8QDavLMRNmsqMJvneSSzo39LmWm8Px3diy2Gt6uzcM/s1600/IMG_1343.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1ftvOgoZlBPTVQsAOJvldyoHEF2noGq3EI3ozBL8ccPZRgDfylqSnhHIBb-emTOzuMaWw3DVp3ciR1Q8efMKViJtQtoVy7bMG8QDavLMRNmsqMJvneSSzo39LmWm8Px3diy2Gt6uzcM/s320/IMG_1343.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607140438786685826" /></a>Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-37678673016769098872011-05-01T19:00:00.000-07:002011-05-15T21:26:00.646-07:00Workout in the ParkAt the end of April a friend invited me to the Self Magazine Workout in the Park. It was so much fun! This year Self Magazine is holding events in San Francisco, Chicago and New York City. The day was gorgeous! The event was held on the Marina Green, not far from Crissy Field. The event consisted of mini-workouts separated into three different parts of the Green. There was the Main Stage, a second area sponsored by Reebok for core and aerobic training, and a third area for Yoga and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pilates</span>. All of this was surrounded by sponsored booths by companies such as Lucy apparel, Hint water, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Garnier</span> hair and skin care products, etc. Lots of free samples and goodies!<br /><br />I wasn't sure how my knee would handle the mini-workouts, but I decided to give some a try. First, I took a Mat <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Pilates</span> class. Wow, I realized I<b> really </b>need to get signed back up for a gym and in to some classes. Just like the boot camp I used to do, classes require you to do exercises that you wouldn't do on your own. That short, 20-minute class showed me how weak my left side is (my left knee is the bad one) compared to my right side. I definitely need some even-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ing</span> out. Next, I took a Core/Abs class in the Reebok area. There was more repetitive bending of my knees than I would have liked, but thankfully it was a short class. Last, but not least, my friend and I stayed for the Glee Club workout! It was basically an aerobic workout choreographed to music from the TV series Glee. Such a blast! The best thing, was that I was the good kind of sore the next day and my knee was fine! A great time in the city.Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-20176316697483116662011-04-23T14:00:00.000-07:002011-05-15T21:01:34.240-07:00Happy BunnyOne of my favorite Christmas presents last year was my Happy Bunny One-A-Day Calendar. My sister gave it to me. What is Happy Bunny? If you aren't familiar with this little creature, it's an animated little bunny that makes hilarious, sarcastic, inappropriate, and sometimes brutally honest comments. It just cracks me up! Here are some recent favorites to add a few chuckles to your day. : )<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeQnM0K8NucvQ51dvDqpuQ8FyjwUONgwtQJKBcvVjfVfkQcKnCVq3jtspVLb-ei2WCSccVK1XNOWHsDVmQsACgt6qIptQw_CSta7rmIam3Z3vkogCxqCoOVU47F6zXpi2CBHTMJh1kg0/s1600/IMG_1348.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeQnM0K8NucvQ51dvDqpuQ8FyjwUONgwtQJKBcvVjfVfkQcKnCVq3jtspVLb-ei2WCSccVK1XNOWHsDVmQsACgt6qIptQw_CSta7rmIam3Z3vkogCxqCoOVU47F6zXpi2CBHTMJh1kg0/s200/IMG_1348.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607152626037555442" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsf6pKUXseaQHAaQ3VVoHWky_Q1leQPg2HrisB7CqUBLxwguvdMoj4ku6itfd0axO63e19bTlNeBcfdZ41IdDROicrlKENo8oH0IIWynb8Px32sMa88LU38pzXIaScVBLSJxo6thUkYo/s1600/IMG_1347.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsf6pKUXseaQHAaQ3VVoHWky_Q1leQPg2HrisB7CqUBLxwguvdMoj4ku6itfd0axO63e19bTlNeBcfdZ41IdDROicrlKENo8oH0IIWynb8Px32sMa88LU38pzXIaScVBLSJxo6thUkYo/s200/IMG_1347.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607152618719409826" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEe0z5Jn4rGrXnctbszwVmB8COKw_U4_lVLOMYx-4nG-RK0J4gP-jgB6znh55sq4QcpzNFYm431ffGTjpqgVADzq9H-d-minmVDKA_sHZsOovwZPZWd9y7ePed5CaiKIfWlP_CZTGKsCU/s1600/IMG_1346.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEe0z5Jn4rGrXnctbszwVmB8COKw_U4_lVLOMYx-4nG-RK0J4gP-jgB6znh55sq4QcpzNFYm431ffGTjpqgVADzq9H-d-minmVDKA_sHZsOovwZPZWd9y7ePed5CaiKIfWlP_CZTGKsCU/s200/IMG_1346.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607152614581542482" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHCFtabo82nzp-QscAsz4dVFHvoAvLTS2T-s4BV1ZM5M_5cqxPXFJvqxx3frusdCpPHmZIrwSzWPguz3f_CPqCTTyBhidYXoclcxuGI2N41iixMAEC_Ov9HF0_NNTTn_bDe85Ntb8-rc/s1600/IMG_1235.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHCFtabo82nzp-QscAsz4dVFHvoAvLTS2T-s4BV1ZM5M_5cqxPXFJvqxx3frusdCpPHmZIrwSzWPguz3f_CPqCTTyBhidYXoclcxuGI2N41iixMAEC_Ov9HF0_NNTTn_bDe85Ntb8-rc/s200/IMG_1235.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607152610474616146" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2b8hiEXUE7LkIf7U2cX9J9wnpvCxjJXc0Bl7eaujwsgThwvUGmHj5K7OW52js3TvV4MhtDVkpYRqrkZ6bG7r2nV0tWuHJqFbsynirEb2SiCZODZWtqabpLnUFSs4-NqLkrxjNHAh2Kl8/s1600/IMG_1234.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2b8hiEXUE7LkIf7U2cX9J9wnpvCxjJXc0Bl7eaujwsgThwvUGmHj5K7OW52js3TvV4MhtDVkpYRqrkZ6bG7r2nV0tWuHJqFbsynirEb2SiCZODZWtqabpLnUFSs4-NqLkrxjNHAh2Kl8/s200/IMG_1234.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607152609464057186" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jSVI3GfjumlfRKiP40z35yroVVoMt_gmROw95L1JnHECtDAhXVZTexG7MqB-4JH0462oF5vgh6tlcJ5Jhw0CvkQJO27cZVsJhrwgsSbcFreLjJNw3MkumWFZw7kMV3vAAbuj0qxMOvA/s1600/IMG_1227.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jSVI3GfjumlfRKiP40z35yroVVoMt_gmROw95L1JnHECtDAhXVZTexG7MqB-4JH0462oF5vgh6tlcJ5Jhw0CvkQJO27cZVsJhrwgsSbcFreLjJNw3MkumWFZw7kMV3vAAbuj0qxMOvA/s200/IMG_1227.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607152399261624002" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4S-Yu9c04e2g7okl0LwQdpqLpFxl-SnADm6taZqkfH2Q3LMb94emhaDAvuChE1a7KPIOp8l-QUqIyX65UvJK_EtsoSHW2Aqof4UbUStfgO1RQFJpopdbOE3a2XjCvuW46MTYrJVHzQS4/s1600/IMG_1218.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4S-Yu9c04e2g7okl0LwQdpqLpFxl-SnADm6taZqkfH2Q3LMb94emhaDAvuChE1a7KPIOp8l-QUqIyX65UvJK_EtsoSHW2Aqof4UbUStfgO1RQFJpopdbOE3a2XjCvuW46MTYrJVHzQS4/s200/IMG_1218.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607152322620714482" /></a>Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-56111676561801817142011-04-17T20:00:00.000-07:002011-05-15T21:00:25.669-07:00Wordless Weekend: A Foggy Sunday in the City<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3oUTDUdxPqLyItRF1E-Jy00Y27hyphenhyphen51GAjqvMeV1vnEraG3cTD43LvnS7ER1fLpcjZ_boK1AA5vlxWll_a3yPtX7saFvG0SzLjPO74nE4hYaCuIZpvPP1ty7iCVvytmrY8JCxk63OSko/s1600/IMG_1340.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3oUTDUdxPqLyItRF1E-Jy00Y27hyphenhyphen51GAjqvMeV1vnEraG3cTD43LvnS7ER1fLpcjZ_boK1AA5vlxWll_a3yPtX7saFvG0SzLjPO74nE4hYaCuIZpvPP1ty7iCVvytmrY8JCxk63OSko/s320/IMG_1340.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607143977571131906" /></a>Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-39623730152304701532011-04-13T14:00:00.000-07:002011-07-03T15:07:15.897-07:00My Wacky Shoes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcrdD4J2BH9c-9uxDF1qhRbNgQpVOAWS8hpDU5a1_F8JvePgMihtSeubP79FZiIar8Pn4yCqPePa8xHRW_M1jTSnmXaiSes60pku2W_TmxchW_mTa2J9xPV6dYEdEHak21Vy5izU-P4Y/s1600/IMG_1243.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcrdD4J2BH9c-9uxDF1qhRbNgQpVOAWS8hpDU5a1_F8JvePgMihtSeubP79FZiIar8Pn4yCqPePa8xHRW_M1jTSnmXaiSes60pku2W_TmxchW_mTa2J9xPV6dYEdEHak21Vy5izU-P4Y/s200/IMG_1243.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607144115219110770" /></a> Check it out! These are my new "wacky" shoes, as my sister likes to call them. In the spirit of less-is-more for walking and running, I decided to purchase my first pair of Vibram 5 Fingers shoes. They're like gloves for your feet with a rubber sole. I've read about these shoes for years in running books and from running friends and they are all big fans.<br /><br />It's all about "barefoot" running to strengthen the feet. The Vibram 5 Fingers shoes are a little tough to slip on, but the snugness makes them quite comfortable. The few walks I've taken in them so far, I've noticed people pointing at my feet with funny looks. They are a little strange to see! If they were green, they would look like frog feet, don't you think? As for how they feel while walking, it's taken some time for me to get used to feeling twigs and rocks under my feet, but that's the point. All those little twists and turns are getting my feet and ankle muscles into better shape! This should be better for my knees and hips in the long run (I hope!). While walking on Crissy Field the other day, a couple ran past me, both wearing V5F shoes. I hope I can get to that point some day too!Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-13621450654146984712011-04-10T14:00:00.000-07:002011-05-15T20:14:35.735-07:00SF Giants - The Ring CeremonyThe day before the second Giants home game of the season I decided I <i>had</i> to go that game! The first weekend of home games was a BIG weekend for the Giants as the current World Series Champions. The second game was the ring ceremony where the players finally received their World Series rings. The first 20K fans (the ballpark holds about 42K seats) got a World Championship ring <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">key chain</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Yay</span>!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfb98tr_-Kx78vI1PqN-_hUhg2lRiNC7suRYQn21iMmRGS7eY69YctVCm00o6gRSKWKf8P0g12x6HANltxgfqB8MZWg4PAo8n_cj2G2BEMnyaFe60rT1ddQ11CQjyA0RJfQF35lbTPi8/s1600/IMG_1241.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfb98tr_-Kx78vI1PqN-_hUhg2lRiNC7suRYQn21iMmRGS7eY69YctVCm00o6gRSKWKf8P0g12x6HANltxgfqB8MZWg4PAo8n_cj2G2BEMnyaFe60rT1ddQ11CQjyA0RJfQF35lbTPi8/s200/IMG_1241.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607145690520226322" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My new SF Giants hat. Ready to go!</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbczbR0dQVdUwom5Mdy_NoQB-pkm4MzAINIMVnMm0BG-cwoBJFe8OLf23qYZothCQ_oyj04piabQqKgkNkwNEr4OupmHzvYdD3Iv8MkNmSRqtinRXE_qqWvb6Sr3c8mFVdwqWwbHf4HJs/s1600/IMG_1319.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbczbR0dQVdUwom5Mdy_NoQB-pkm4MzAINIMVnMm0BG-cwoBJFe8OLf23qYZothCQ_oyj04piabQqKgkNkwNEr4OupmHzvYdD3Iv8MkNmSRqtinRXE_qqWvb6Sr3c8mFVdwqWwbHf4HJs/s200/IMG_1319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607145613700618002" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The ceremony. Tiffany & Co made the rings. </span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KBXxZsycL3dwm2DwasqcYPf9B-TnzYbdUmkuY5QPnYPcDl8F6POXZInj0_ikUXykaCYNLXDxpD-abAGSbgoWSTnPyFzz41fqPWjXnZ4rsQIKjOEa3Ckd2W5D0nxKorKGiJ6bCPIOcSI/s1600/IMG_1322.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KBXxZsycL3dwm2DwasqcYPf9B-TnzYbdUmkuY5QPnYPcDl8F6POXZInj0_ikUXykaCYNLXDxpD-abAGSbgoWSTnPyFzz41fqPWjXnZ4rsQIKjOEa3Ckd2W5D0nxKorKGiJ6bCPIOcSI/s200/IMG_1322.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607145544500277762" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ooh say can you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">seeee</span>....</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1Mv2rqd9u8a4pB_e6sRpXhcN9LTNphyphenhyphen291BrQg7WD5JYtNChsy2Xf5d1Y34SvXQdJEKAmBDLujmVlN_Acd2kkkUgjxyh2sh-fxLw1_1xNDM3breF3coer8ja-90_pbXQd5QqdhVjhyk/s1600/IMG_1331.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1Mv2rqd9u8a4pB_e6sRpXhcN9LTNphyphenhyphen291BrQg7WD5JYtNChsy2Xf5d1Y34SvXQdJEKAmBDLujmVlN_Acd2kkkUgjxyh2sh-fxLw1_1xNDM3breF3coer8ja-90_pbXQd5QqdhVjhyk/s200/IMG_1331.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607145439651728498" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The most expensive <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">key chain</span> I've ever bought! ; ) It was worth it!</span></div>Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-78040509916243633432011-04-06T09:00:00.000-07:002011-05-15T19:45:59.985-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Fridge Art From Morgan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiQxsE3mVfLq3AOrZ7X42sC-ivULhVaDNgz7NTlaxgJHKiwczM25Bqbq5Xh_zMaPsFwq6mEBCtfjgmtyjR0yasA-75xHMbHWLKVhz8_Py2X605ekOAKXKmckKIWKXbwylvwG4mjfhp_k/s1600/IMG_1220.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 277px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiQxsE3mVfLq3AOrZ7X42sC-ivULhVaDNgz7NTlaxgJHKiwczM25Bqbq5Xh_zMaPsFwq6mEBCtfjgmtyjR0yasA-75xHMbHWLKVhz8_Py2X605ekOAKXKmckKIWKXbwylvwG4mjfhp_k/s320/IMG_1220.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601975560022029506" /></a>Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-82840088180092034682011-04-03T18:00:00.000-07:002012-02-04T14:31:17.596-08:00Avatar FunI bought the cutest app for my iPhone! Yeah, I know. I have a lot of apps. I won't tell you how many. ; ) I came across this fun app where you can make Avatars of yourself and your friends. The first one I did was of my sister Meg. I texted it to her and she wrote back and said, "David (my brother-in-law) knew it was me right away! But, are all the Avatars stocky?" Hee. Yes, they are. Here are some samples.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTgPV1IkSlsNTyRkPEIyGkEQIS2Jf7wjuRdrH3hlYu8O5XdHPN00enSoue9eaE6W66kHY-A-2IegSC0p-BhLm30YDyAR-B64ZoJ9jU9CpIO6rvFzHhpF86DY-cFSmqxXKhSF-nUEEHkU/s1600/IMG_1244.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTgPV1IkSlsNTyRkPEIyGkEQIS2Jf7wjuRdrH3hlYu8O5XdHPN00enSoue9eaE6W66kHY-A-2IegSC0p-BhLm30YDyAR-B64ZoJ9jU9CpIO6rvFzHhpF86DY-cFSmqxXKhSF-nUEEHkU/s200/IMG_1244.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607136423804621186" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Meg with her Starbucks coffee and iPhone. </span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUovlagiVudhHEetGuHrvs-xNl5yi03AvJ9bXojBpcZtU7chRArmhfrqS59fLIUD6sR-obm224o0xmlU_X0DCiDw-ZSmu45u1VRDFv56KDsX2dHnoejOUoifuY5Mlv4tQP-Sd_cELizI/s1600/IMG_1246.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUovlagiVudhHEetGuHrvs-xNl5yi03AvJ9bXojBpcZtU7chRArmhfrqS59fLIUD6sR-obm224o0xmlU_X0DCiDw-ZSmu45u1VRDFv56KDsX2dHnoejOUoifuY5Mlv4tQP-Sd_cELizI/s200/IMG_1246.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607136359289313746" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My brother-in-law David. He's a sports guy who loves his laptop and lots of Diet Pepsi!</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZw8AZKVn1Goj7fgjnw00ig9UXLUIp4_42lav7JOzl_UcuZyRTiz0nsg0lc3rmarmVeSkKTcXETm2nDMxNmyavqcUwrrMY_YIa0pBmzfO7gWZ8N8Mia-mnrqwM7XJZM-mP2HndaFmtoHc/s1600/IMG_1251.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZw8AZKVn1Goj7fgjnw00ig9UXLUIp4_42lav7JOzl_UcuZyRTiz0nsg0lc3rmarmVeSkKTcXETm2nDMxNmyavqcUwrrMY_YIa0pBmzfO7gWZ8N8Mia-mnrqwM7XJZM-mP2HndaFmtoHc/s200/IMG_1251.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607136202868714674" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My littlest niece Piper with her ponytails and green lovey bear. She's one. I love the tongue! </span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNCP3Trl_2TamWwqcaMw_Yq4EenNU-WSEm_FtsBqVOprY_SX8XAACyKhstBxvlsdI1EniGWkf-YVA2ohvBlxgYCJeki0ho_13vOIGucgmVAsI_ju9UEeY3YnE2fEjtxEw2iELxZ7kijY/s1600/IMG_1268.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNCP3Trl_2TamWwqcaMw_Yq4EenNU-WSEm_FtsBqVOprY_SX8XAACyKhstBxvlsdI1EniGWkf-YVA2ohvBlxgYCJeki0ho_13vOIGucgmVAsI_ju9UEeY3YnE2fEjtxEw2iELxZ7kijY/s200/IMG_1268.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607136133431672354" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My niece princess Morgan. She loves the Disney princesses and her books. : )</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnsO4DmNg3GH8S72QTGRDw2cYIVVWuy4FFJ-xanHFJgsPcS5OubVBmCk6tUjRhxU957jAIdyH5Irl53ojEWSuwW1KZx-3H2ht9_ORUOoxEPPBmb8tDtKSpsgn54GuzojcZ6lpfK61mSY/s1600/IMG_1260.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnsO4DmNg3GH8S72QTGRDw2cYIVVWuy4FFJ-xanHFJgsPcS5OubVBmCk6tUjRhxU957jAIdyH5Irl53ojEWSuwW1KZx-3H2ht9_ORUOoxEPPBmb8tDtKSpsgn54GuzojcZ6lpfK61mSY/s200/IMG_1260.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607136054495537938" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My Dad. Coffee, camera in hand and books nearby. I pictured him in Yosemite. </span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitX8Nd-6tCJib9jUoY_hSt_qgPH-iAo0bYpG0Ybt1IEB693wcLDKduukeLtjb0YDaeGGQoCBsYpg3Y9LLuf9cqHqBaX-kndmQlYCzxPiU4m_3gGEepcfctMn7b9X4CafkzYIix7J3x_hA/s1600/IMG_1263.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitX8Nd-6tCJib9jUoY_hSt_qgPH-iAo0bYpG0Ybt1IEB693wcLDKduukeLtjb0YDaeGGQoCBsYpg3Y9LLuf9cqHqBaX-kndmQlYCzxPiU4m_3gGEepcfctMn7b9X4CafkzYIix7J3x_hA/s200/IMG_1263.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607135964411212466" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My Mom with her golf clubs and bottled water. She always has bottled water!</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRR4vyAGgoHUq1Th_Dt0662tTlBjB6_MQtvDVPaf_XGm5S9SBk7wuGAvpza_e-rtT7nt3FUWf0w0iVhyphenhyphenw-Agxpxvf_nO8unJDCrE-bhbU88K-GlkH7K8YSbYq-JLkirONmkpeCXKQTk0/s1600/ParisAvatar.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRR4vyAGgoHUq1Th_Dt0662tTlBjB6_MQtvDVPaf_XGm5S9SBk7wuGAvpza_e-rtT7nt3FUWf0w0iVhyphenhyphenw-Agxpxvf_nO8unJDCrE-bhbU88K-GlkH7K8YSbYq-JLkirONmkpeCXKQTk0/s200/ParisAvatar.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607135754617209362" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Me in Paris with my cafe au lait. </span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSWJeGzIcR12cR4RrXwgdsfbvfZ_ZNpieOFZZt2cp9PmMNr55DCWzf4fyPnExLg-GJPPCIape3xfbQ9TOMhkJvvChJYb-fEjW8BZC85DDGIJpxAQAhxiqMVcPaZNa8jBPOpXOV62ftho/s1600/IMG_1262.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSWJeGzIcR12cR4RrXwgdsfbvfZ_ZNpieOFZZt2cp9PmMNr55DCWzf4fyPnExLg-GJPPCIape3xfbQ9TOMhkJvvChJYb-fEjW8BZC85DDGIJpxAQAhxiqMVcPaZNa8jBPOpXOV62ftho/s200/IMG_1262.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607135685541671186" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After my iPhone was stolen!</span></div></div>Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201201408591093742.post-48637446062663804722011-04-01T18:00:00.000-07:002012-02-04T14:49:30.575-08:00New ToyI'm loving my new toy, the Nike+ app for my iPhone. I can be a little "OCD" about keeping track of how far I'm walking or my short stints of running. The Nike+ app is a GPS tracker. I open the app, plug in my headphones, click on START, and begin my workout. A voice tells me when I've reached each 1/4 mile and how fast I'm going. Once I've finished my walk/run, I push END WORKOUT and someone talks to me, like Lance Armstrong or Paula Radcliffe (champion marathoner). They say encouraging things like, "That was your longest run yet!," or "You've recorded a new personal best!" I tell you, it cracks me up, but it's also motivating. I then sync my run to the website and I can get online later to check my route and pace. It's fun! Here's an idea of what it looks like, this is my recent walk from work around the ballpark.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDtRXxLklUTBUcYo2pgzF6TM6ldwSRdCJrk9DMBwlGoeaqGxQ_aHFd1SGmS-AeNyNBKFCgnrYr4GMu7uC8YaPZyIgn3vpGckVm0rWSNqzZsB1-U9YGujScsJ2RD4t42k6DtMh0kQTZ54/s1600/photo-1.PNG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDtRXxLklUTBUcYo2pgzF6TM6ldwSRdCJrk9DMBwlGoeaqGxQ_aHFd1SGmS-AeNyNBKFCgnrYr4GMu7uC8YaPZyIgn3vpGckVm0rWSNqzZsB1-U9YGujScsJ2RD4t42k6DtMh0kQTZ54/s200/photo-1.PNG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607130072655525618" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtp709XClGsv9zhnWTIlEe0dpk7spzwjNmMI9fbzaLZHkdzx7yPkV9Cu2-7-_8-zD0kpCeq2a5ZXQXL-iLfZbkCkyYf-iH-_aBrNFhbY77gKQqJBcweCkS9QTB3yDIZzDEDCge8Tv1x4/s1600/photo.PNG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtp709XClGsv9zhnWTIlEe0dpk7spzwjNmMI9fbzaLZHkdzx7yPkV9Cu2-7-_8-zD0kpCeq2a5ZXQXL-iLfZbkCkyYf-iH-_aBrNFhbY77gKQqJBcweCkS9QTB3yDIZzDEDCge8Tv1x4/s200/photo.PNG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607130228752050402" /></a>Ali Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516922180623287068noreply@blogger.com0