California here I come!

Last week was my Spring Break and I had a delightful week away in southern Cali. To start the week, Keith and I stayed in the City of Angeles. We did a Warner Bros. Studio tour, went to the Getty Villa in Malibu and the Farmer's Market and Grove shopping in LA.Then we stayed in Anaheim and visited the Happiest Place on Earth (goes without saying, doesn't it?) and toured the Mission at San Juan Capistrano. By mid-week Dave had finished his meetings in Alaska and flew to Orange County. For the remainder of the week Dave and I toured Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, the Getty Center, and saw the pier at Venice Beach (Dave's very first project after college). We visited with a friend, Shawn Selton and her kids Ava and Finn, who gave us a great tip on a place to walk on the beach by Dana Point (thanks, Shawn!). We also spent 2 days at Disney. This was Dave's first trip to California Adventure. My priority was to take Dave on Soarin' over California. Dave's priority was to torment Margaret on California Screaming and Tower of Terror. Hrumph. Actually, I put my big-girl panties on and ended up having a great time on the scary rides. Here's the proof...

Having "fun" on Tower of Terror.

Great views at the Getty Center

Dave at the Venice pier

Keith and Margaret at Disney

Looking over Laguna Beach

Run Margaret, Run

Last month I ran in my second ever half-marathon.  Keith went to the Mercer Island Half Marathon festival the day before the race and sign-up. I made a spontaneous decision to join him.  I decided I might as well sign up for a race that starts/finishes just a few blocks away from my house! Remarkably I felt strong during the race and averaged 9 minute miles for the first 8 miles.  My pace slowed a bit the last 5 miles (the hilly part of the course) but overall, I stayed strong.  I ran the entire distance, expect for brief pauses for water.  It also helped that Keith slowed his pace a bit to run with me.  Thanks for the encouragement, Keith!  I ran my personal best, 2:05:09...and if I had to predict, I believe that will be my lifetime best.  We'll see...