I really cannot stress how much and often Pandora’s like, oh hey Colbie Callait? No? How about now? Okay fine. *minutes later* How about now? No? How about Jack Johnson with Colbie Callait?
This is an Arcade Fire station. DO NOT WANT.
Do I talk about Pandora enough? Well, while we’re on the topic, free Pandora really bites. I used to be okay with dealing with the skipping limits, but now they’re making the free listeners really suffer. Listening limits – 40 hours a month??? Do they not realize most people work 40 hours a week? And the ads. Good heavens, the ads. They have gotten so bad and so persistent. Cheers to Pandora for being a once-good thing, selling out and now totally sucking. I REFUSE TO PAY FOR YOU. REFUSE.
This is a particularly bleak Friday Five, so my apologies. It’s quite suiting for this weather – drab, drippy and dragging us kicking and screaming into winter. Also? This post reminds me of that part from High Fidelity where he goes to the funeral for Laura’s dad and makes his Top 5 list for songs to play at his funeral.
So,
1. What way would you want to go out?
Hmmm. Not sure, other than the cliche “in my sleep” sorta thing. I also think it’d be nice to have a goodbye to anyone, someone, before you go, so you could at least part with a few nice words. I think I know more about how I don’t want to die (see next).
2. In what way would you not want to die?
In a car wreck. Also, in any other way where I would be in intense physical pain and just be waiting for it to end. If it’s going to be painful, let it be quick and over with as soon as possible (well, duh) and not let me sit there wondering where my arm is or something.
3. If you died tomorrow, is there anything you’d regret you hadn’t done?
Traveled more, and been more honest with myself and others.
4. If you died tomorrow, what you be happiest about in your life? That I had tried to do things a bit differently. And that I had so many people I loved who loved me back. Oh, and I have good hair.
5. What song(s) would you want played at your funeral?
“Spirit in the Sky”, by Norman Greenbaum and almost anything by Dido.
Some tech geeks clearly have too much money. What a silly idea. If I walked into someone’s apartment, and they had a laser keyboard, I’d probably laugh at them. There might even be pointing involved.
I’ve got an idea. If you are really looking to burn some extra cash, just send it to me. I’ll even set up a Paypal and name it “KC Parking Tickets” or “Car Registration”. It’ll be like giving to charity, where the cause is preventing someone having to work at a part-time bookstore job the rest of their days.
If you’re tired of hearing about the 1/2 marathon, this isn’t the post for you.
The 1/2 marathon – I did it!! I can’t believe it’s come and gone. I do have to admit I probably made a bigger fuss about it then most people I know would, but this was such a landmark in my mind.
First off, I made my goal time – even beat it! I wanted to do the whole thing in 2:30, and I rocked in at 2:28. Gotta say though – hot damn, it was HARD. But nothing rewarding happens without a little hard work, right?
So it was freezing at 7am (when it started) but I was so anxious and buzzed and ready to do it then I hardly noticed. I didn’t even have time to pin on my bib, so finding the pro pics might prove to be a little hard. Anyway. Could not believe the # of people at the start line, it was so claustrophobic. Was glad when crowd thinned out. I made it through downtown without any problem at all, other than the typical warming-up aches and pains. Everyone was super chatty and singing and excited, but wnce we hit Kessler Hill, it’s like the sh*t hit home, and everyone stopped talking and remembered how painful this would be.
Feeling good at the Plaza ... for now
I took it easy over Wyandotte Hill – the worst hill EVER – and picked up the pace going down Main Street, and managed to bypass a lot of people. My dad met me down at the Plaza, and was just this beaming, frazzle-haired head at the end of the plaza – was so happy to see me!! Such a good dad.
Once I hit the hit Gilham – about mile 9 – things started to really hurt and my legs felt like they were made out of rocks. I did some walking and shuffling, but I was cold and achey and really hurting. It’s at these time where you start to question if you will, in fact, finish.
Anguishing
I FINALLY made it to the top of Gilham and Armour, and it was time for some East KC action. I got a second wind, and all of a sudden, felt fantastic and was able to bypass all those fools who had squeaked past me on Gilham. I was probably running at an 8-minute mile pace.
I cramped up briefly, but seriously ROCKED IT into the 18th and Vine district. I think doing the course beforehand really helped – I knew exactly what was coming up and where I could afford to run a bit faster. I felt fantastic in the last 2 miles – just was full out running my quickest, and got bypassed by the winner of the MARATHON. WHO FINISHED BEFORE I DID. (Yes, totally insane, right?!) My Dad, my brother and lovely Mike (who biked the whole course and cheered me on throughout it) were all there to cheer my on as I cruised to the finish.
almost there!! (dad on right)
I put every last bit of energy into running at full tilt into the finish line, and was nauseatingly tired. But I did it!! I ran in before 2:30! And yes, cupcakes were had (After Dinner Mint and Raspberry Lemonade) and a GIGANTIC nap was taken.
So holy sh*t. Totally love this outfit. I can’t even wander onto modcloth.com lately because I am physically unable to not wishlist half the site and then figure out what I can sell or do to afford all the clothes I want.
Speaking of which, coats. This weather has taken a sharp left-hand turn for totally freezing, and everywhere I go it’s awesome coats, scarves, tights and boots. So in honor, my coat fantasy wishlist:
#3
grey-t coat
#2:
metroparks coat
#1
Persuasion coat. What do I own that I can sell and get $140 for?
I’ve found the perfect Halloween costume!! And by perfect, it’s neither skanky nor sexually ambiguous, neither cheesey nor too vague, and IT IS WARM. I will get to buy and wear a warm adorable coat, allllll night. Amelia Earhart, FTW!
I cannot believe I run the half-marathon tomorrow. What an EPIC thought. Just one year ago, I would have totally rolled my eyes if you said I’d be running the half-marathon. I could barely run a couple miles without being totally puffed and sweaty.
So, I’m really into my music when running, and even a bit perplexed by those who aren’t. What better time to play all those awesome songs that get you fired up at ear-shattering MAX VOLUME? Anyway, I have created my ultimate 1/2 Marathon playlist, which has already got me pumped up. I am going to have to CONCENTRATE to not totally run at full speed listening to it.
(I would put these on an iMix but I own these songs in all sorts of random locations and it’s too much of a hassle. But they’re all on there on iTunes.)
Stuck Here For Days, The Datsuns Absolute best choice for getting fired up. This is a New Zealand band, and are so totally amazing. One of the best live acts I’ve seen from a small band. Listen for the epic scream at the end!
Everything is Alright, Motion City Soundtrack
So What, Pink
Pink has really grown on me lately. I mean, it’s cheesey and ragey, but sometimes you need an anthem like this to bounce along to.
Burning for You, Shiny Toy Guns This may or may not be the song off a Lincoln commercial.
Divine Inspiration, The Way
One of the goodies in trance music, which is fantastic for running.
Genesis, Justice
This song rocks so hard. It is the ULTIMATE for getting your gears going. I triple damn dog dare you to listen to it and not want get your move on.
Stand and Deliver, No Doubt
Saving My Face, KT Tunstall
K, The Tutts Words do not do justice to how totally into this song I was when I first heard it. I think I emailed EVERYONE this song and demanded they listen to it.
Only One Too (Stonebridge Mix), Jewel
A song I stumbled onto thanks to Pandora. The original is FANTASTIC. I wish she would make more music like it.
Salute Your Solution, The Raconteurs
Seriously, ridiculously good. Makes you want to pump your fists and mosh and get a bit crazy.
Queen Bitch, David Bowie
Welcome to the World, Kevin Rudolf & Rick Ross
DON’T JUDGE. I, too, loathe poseur acts like Kevin Rudolf. However, musical dignity takes a hit when it comes to running / working out music. See: Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, 90s pop acts.
Brazil, Deadmau5
Big Sky, John O’Callaghan
Sunchyme, Dario G FAVORITE. WORKOUT. SONG. EVER.I first heard this song when I worked at Express, and the store cd would loop and I’d just be WAITING for this song to play. It sounds like a Coca-Cola commercial and makes me want to do things like jump off a roof or run with lions or some crazy shit.
Party Hard, Andrew WK If a workout playlist does not have Andrew WK, you have failed. TOTALLY FAILED. An absolute essential.
So there it is. See you at the race tomorrow and/or wish me luck!
