upcoming adventure: Expedition Blue Planet

Alexandra Cousteau is coming to Raleigh as part of Expedition Blue Planet and I have the privilege of attending a Benefit fundraiser to learn more about the critical water issues across the U.S.
At first this news was a bit overwhelming and intimidating. What do I know about water? The Neuse River? Alexandra Cousteau? The legendary Jacques Costeau? Blue Legacy?
But what an amazing opportunity to learn! To discover! To find out and explore!

I began doing some googling today - and came across some interesting tidbits about Jacques Cousteau. He's been referenced in over a dozen different (fairly well-known) songs, he's been quoted in several movies, he has quite a collection of books and documentaries. A quote that really struck me: "When one man for whatever reason, has an opportunity to lead an extraordinary life, he has no right to keep it to himself." In reading these words, the vast unknown transformed into something tangible and personal. I am inspired and curious. I have no idea where this search is going to lead me, but I'm already liking the looks of it. More to come...

going the extra mile

I wanted to turn around and go home. It was 88 degrees at 8 o'clock tonight, with such stifling humidity that I felt like a gnat drowning in a vat of honey. I'd had a lethargic day, and knew that I needed to get in a good long run, but I could barely lift my legs and my back was tied up in knots from the cross-training I had done over the weekend.

Upon leaving the house I found myself heading right towards my 30 minute route, and had to quickly redirect myself, towards the farmer's market it was. If I am going to run a marathon I can't keep being a wuss. I reached my half way point. "I want to go home" were the only words echoing in my mind. Just as I reached the corner I heard another voice say "ok" but it wasn't an "ok, I give you permission to turn around" it was an "ok, I hear you and I acknowledge that going home would be nice... but I also want to keep running." And with that I crossed the street.

Just as I crossed the street a cool breeze blew, the first, and only, of the night. A few yards past that two of the most adorable raccoons imaginable, their bodies no larger than my running shoe, came out across the fence and into the tree. Then there were two bunnies, and a doe. I guess dusk = dinner time. Had I turned around sooner, I wouldn't have been in those places at that time and I would have missed it.

I often dismiss Raleigh for it's lack of grandeur. We're not D.C or NYC. We're not Seattle or Portland. But to live in a city where I can bike to a coffee shop or walk to a bar, and then just a block the other direction experience wildlife and woods is a pretty remarkable balance, one that is worth going the extra mile for.