5K in Monterey

I've taken up a new hobby. Running. While I don't see a marathon in my near future, I'm happily pounding out a 5K three times a week. That's 3.1 miles per run for anyone who isn't familiar with this conversion. I find it interesting that so many races are measured in kilometers, as if somehow giving you the feeling that you've accomplished more than you have. It's like the clothing stores who have in recent years indulged us in size inflation. That size 6 really ain't a size 6 any more! And neither is my 9.3 miles a week, 15 miles, but I'll get there!


Dallin and I after crossing the finish line. We both ran the entire race, and I did much better than I expected. I was most proud of Dallin who decided to go for it and left me behind. He totally dusted me by 5 minutes! Way to go Dallin!

After the race we enjoyed a fun day in Monterey, spent mostly at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Good thing we are just 90 minutes from this place because with our budding marine biologist leading the way (and our annual pass), we expect we'll be here often.















Stare at this picture long enough and it becomes 3D :)

Muir Woods

Halloween 2010

SF Giants by Scott and Dallin, Jack-o-Lantern by Madeleine and the Pumpkin King by Trevon and Shannon


The Dementor


The Corpse Bride


The Skeleton

Hadrian's Wall

At the end of my London week I joined my former classmates on a weekend Roman Britain class trip up to Northumberland. There we learned more about the ancient Roman occupation and so much about how it affected Britain, even into the modern day. To prepare for the trip we read the book "Power and Stone" written by my instructor, and dear friend, Alice Leader. This historical fiction novel was written specifically for the junior high Roman Britain curriculum at the American School in London. It sheds light on what life could have been like along Hadrian's Wall for both the Romans and Brigantes. So while we can thank the Romans for the brilliant transit infrastructure, we can also give them credit for importing male-dominating social rule.


Alice, our fearless Leader!

Hiking along Hadrian's Wall was the main event on this weekend trip. The setting couldn't be more dramatic as much of the wall is built atop a cliff, and even in good weather it's a pretty harsh environment. While I have found myself lost for inspiration to blog or photograph in my new environment, this trip definitely reignited the flame.




























The Robin Hood Tree of Kevin Costner fame




























The group


Our inn




St. Paul's in Jarrow, where the Venerable Bede (who wrote The Ecclesiastical History of the English People) was a monk




Bede was here