Somehow that's neither here nor there

A few weeks ago I decided to run a 5k. I've wanted to for a while, but never really thought I could do it. I've always been a good sprinter, never much of a distance runner. But, believing in the mantra that you can do anything you put your mind to, I decided to pick a race and sign up, so I'd have a goal to work towards. So I did- and for the last 2 weeks I've been training. Today I hit a milestone- and I'm pretty excited about it. Probably more than I should be. :) I finally bought a sports watch so I could time myself and work on my pace. Right now I'm doing about 2.25 miles each time I run, and thanks to my new watch I've discovered that my current pace is just over 9 minutes/mile (approx 9:08). Obviously I have a long way to go... but my inital time goal is 35 minutes for the 5k- if I can keep up this pace as I increase my distance I should be able to do it easily. Yay!

Like I said, probably more excited than I should be. But it's a big deal for me. I'm actually really starting to enjoy running- that's something I never thought I'd say. But there is something so peaceful and intimate about it. Maybe intimate is the wrong word... but I can't think of a better one at the moment. Right now I am enjoying it WAY more than the gym stuff that I've been doing for the last couple years.

It's the little victories in life... :)

Ndamenah!

This past weekend was my second journey to Addis Ababa, and the culmination of our playground project. It was a lot of hard work- and I was absolutely exhausted by the time I got back to Dubai on Sunday morning- but totally worth it!

My project for the weekend was painting the kindergarten school house. Seems my construction skills, or lack there of, were properly assessed- and I was more than happy to command a more comfortable territory. : )

Here's the before and after of the school house. Not the best after-shot, I know- it was really rainy and dreary- but I swear it's pretty. I loved the colors! Although others were slightly skeptical during the painting process- I think they came around once they saw the finished product. Or will eventually...

Friday night we went out for a cultural evening- complete with local food, entertainment and a traditional coffee ceremony that kept me awake half the night- but was wonderful! I was especially impressed when I saw that they serve their coffee with popcorn. These are my kind of people! And it was also a little stale... just the way I like it. Couldn't have been more perfect.

The dancing was also amazing. I can't believe they can get their bodies to move like that! Those girls put Beyonce and Shakira to shame. I however, stayed firmly in my seat. I'm a ridiculously awful dancer anyway- but next to them- it would have been downright sinful. Check out the videos I have up on facebook if you'd like to have a look.

The entire trip was much more draining than last time- physically, yes, but more so emotionally. I got to see a little more of the city, but less of the kids- as we were so busy. I think the last time I went was such a blur I didn't get to take in the enormity of it all. But when you have an entire room of toddlers running up to you calling you mommy... and then you stop and think about it for a second... it can get to you. And when you start to hear their stories and start to connect to the kids- which I have only dabbled in so far- I imagine it will be quite tough at times. But so rewarding to be able to be involved! To make even a tiny difference in these amazing children's lives... that's awesome!

If you're interested, I have more pictures up on facebook and flickr. Check them out! I do have to put one more though- because it's my favorite- my girls!