Run, Run, Run

I've never considered myself to be much of a runner. In grade school, the extent of my running was around a gym before volleyball practice or running the bases during softball. But now that I'm a year into full-time employment, I realize that my sedimentary career requires me to take active control of my physical fitness. So I'm trying to develop a habit of running every morning before work. I'm six weeks into a couch to 5K program, but unfortunately I've been stuck on week three for three weeks (this eight week program is looking more like a three month gig). But now that I don't have the distractions of vacation and work travel, I can focus this week on leaping this plateau and prepare myself for a 5K fundraiser in the fall. Here we go!

Four Dinners in Chicago

I'm among the millions of human beings everywhere who is a big enthusiast for one thing: delicious food! So you can imagine how thrilled I was to experience the delectable tastes of Chicago during the, well, Taste of Chicago. Take that and the beautiful views of the Chicago skyline, and you have yourself a great weekend get away.

All-Star Game 2012

This is a big week for Kansas City, as Tuesday is the MLB All-Star Game at Kauffman Stadium. This is a huge event for Kansas City, both from a national recognition standpoint and for local tourism. The city has prepared for this event all year: finishing up street construction, repainting light poles on the Plaza, and displaying ASG signage at KC hot-spots.

Fans like myself who are unable to attend the game can still enjoy the All-Star experience at FanFest, a 450,000 square foot baseball theme park crammed full of MLB merchandise, displays of historic baseball paraphernalia and tastes (and smells) from the ballpark.

When they start the game, they don't yell, "Work ball." They say, "Play ball." 

- Willie Stargell, 1981

Large decorative ASG baseball displaying team logos, located on the Plaza.

Giant All-Star Game sign hanging from the Intercontinental Hotel on the Plaza.

All-Star banner at the FanFest convention center.

Fireworks during Fourth of July celebrations at Riverfest.