That Day

I was sitting in my office catching up on emails when a young assistant comes running in to tell me that a plane just hit one of WTC towers. Like many people, I just thought it was a mere pilot error, but got up and walked into the conference room to join my co-workers in watching the morning newscast.

My first reaction was, "What was this pilot thinking?" when we saw the second plane hit. Now we knew it was no accident.

I knew who was responsible the minute I saw this and it came as no surprise. What DID come as a surprise was the collapse of the first tower, and later the second. I don't think anything could prepare us for that.

I am not a person who cries easily but that day was the exception. The same was true for many of my co-workers, of all ages, both men and women.

Needless to say, our CEO called us all into the conference room and sent us home early. Getting home is another story and I'll spare you that one.

I do remember walking up to Fifth Avenue and looking towards downtown. Even from Midtown Manhattan, you could see the billowing smoke all too clearly. It was a surreal expereince but then I remembered it was not surreal, but all too real.

Taking the ferry over to Weehawken (no buses or trains were running), I sat next to a woman who was clearly agitated, more so than I. I tried to distract her a bit by getting her to talk about her pets. It worked for the time being.

The next day, my family was upset when I told them I was planning to go back to work on 9-12, so I stayed home that day, as did most of my co-workers and clients. Not knowing what to do with myself, I got on line at the Blood Bank in West Orange to give back in the only way I knew how at the time.

My tears and sadness quickly turned to anger and that anger has remained to this day, 9-11-06.

Back from Cape Cod

I know, know, I've been remiss about posting. I've just been too damned busy, but in a good way: running, swimming, biking, days trips to the beach, hanging with friends, family. And now, I am told, summer is almost over...boo-hoo!

It's not so much a weather thing, the end of summer signifies buckling down and acting like a (ugh!) grown-up once again. No more lazy, hazy, crazy days. Plus, I absolutley HATE the shorter days, especially around October when we set the clocks back. To a runner, that's anathema. Well, I hear that daylight savings time is supposed to be abolished in 2007. Yippee!

The big news: DBF and I just got back from a week in Cape Cod, MA...what a gorgeous place! If you haven't been, it's a must. We did Martha's Vineyard (you really need a week there-one day does not do it justice), Provincetown (cute, quaint, lots of neat shops and places to eat, very gay-friendly), kayaking on the bay in S. Dennis. I promise that pix are coming. Just have to download them.

I should add this is a very pet-friendly place as well. It seems as if EVERYBODY has a Labrador. In fact, the owner of this one ice cream place we went to has 3 chocolate Labs and even offers a doggie treat on the menu: a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a dog biscuit stuck in it!

In Provincetown, we visited a doggie store and there was a sign inside that said "Absolutely no food, drinks, children inside store. Pets welcome." Gotta love a place like that, I tell ya! Of course, there are the famous Black Dog, Inc. stores all over the Cape and I just hadda buy an orange hoodie shirt with a black Labby on it!

And the architecture! Those of you who know me know I love Victorian and Gothic architecture and the Cape has loads of it, each one more beautiful than the next.

As for the running, I am having a good year so far. I took first place female in our annual Interclub Challenge and me and my swim partner, Anne, took first place female team in our annual biathlon. I've also placed in 1st, 2nd or 3rd in most of my races this year.

BF has decided he wants to do a marathon in Philly this November and now I am convinced as well and have started training for that! This WILL be my last marathon, I promise you that (unless I happen to get into the NYC Marathon lottery next year!). This one will make my 3rd and will also make me a 3-state marathoner: NY, NJ and PA!

Well, it's my first day back at work and I have managed to survive. I love the way everyone tells you how rested you look. Well, that will last for about 15 minutes. :-)

Current Mood: busy
Current Music: Jethro Tull-"Living in the Past"