Visalia, CA

I flew into Fresno CA on a Sunday in order to be at work at 8am Monday morning.  After the hellish flight into Phoenix, I was relieved to only have an hour left on a regional into Fresno. 

Fresno's airport is SUPER nice.  It's small, but really ideal.  I picked up my bag and car and drove an hour-ish south to Visalia.  I arrived to the Hampton Inn on Noble just after noon, where my room was surprisingly ready!  I made a quick change of clothes and grabbed my trail gear, this is what I had hoped for!!  It's a short drive from Visalia up to the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.  I wanted to see some of those amazing Sequoias... hungry and tired - but my desire to see this park outweighed it all.  If you ever find yourself in this part of the state... do yourself a solid and go.  you don't even have to get out of the car to be awed and overwhelmed with the beauty of this park.  I am still in love with the fact that these magnificent trees exist in this world.  After navigating the hairpin turns up the side of the mountain I finally made it to the trail head for the General Sherman tree, the largest tree (in mass) and the largest living organism on EARTH.  If that doesn't tickle your gut in some way, you may not be human.  I hopped out and started running, full out running, to get to this creature - and then the thin air slowed me down.  LOL!  After a day full of flying and some pretty impressive cankles if I do say so myself, it was the air that got me.  That was ok, this tree had been here for a very long time, I didn't think it was going anywhere any time soon.  Trust me, the slower pace was worth it.  I am still in complete awe of this place.  There were plenty of critters around, more than enough giant birds and a couple of bears in the distance.  It felt like HOME, like somewhere I was meant to be. 

By far, this was the highlight of my trip.  The rest of the week went well, not much to note really.  OH!  So I did go for a run around Visalia after work one night, it was a balmy 105F at 8pm - it really was a dry heat.  I found the local roller derby rink and then the sweaty friction split my toe.  No joke.  That's never happened before, or even since - and it completely freaked me out.

I'll be making the trip out to Visalia again soon, I will of course go back to see the General but I will spend a bit more time in town and maybe have more detail on food and such.  You guys know me, I pretty much hit the in-n-out daily on this trip.  Stick to what you know, right?

What is this, "Lupus"?

For the last 15+ years, I have been dealing with what I thought were exceptionally weird medical issues.  It had even become a running joke among friends and family that I was the "1 percenter" coming down with every oddity known to medicine, without a single thought that it could be something bigger.  The only consistent symptom or issue I had all of these years was joint swelling in my fingers and toes every winter.  I had been tested for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, sympathetic pain syndrome and gout; all coming back negative. 

Over time I'd given up going to doctors about the joint issues and just accepted the fact that this was just my "normal".  This past winter was exceptionally brutal, the coldest Atlanta had seen in a while and my joints were out of control.  I went to my primary care doctor hoping for relief.  He put me on steroids and sent me on my way.  I had to go back to my doctor a few weeks later for blood work for my insurance discount and my joints were swollen again.  He referred me to a local rheumatology center.  In my mind, I thought "great, another doctor to tell me they don't know or there's nothing wrong".  Looking back, I am glad I kept that appointment. 

 

When I went to the rheumatologist I was nervous, on a time crunch and getting agitated at the loud TV and patients yelling at each other in the waiting room because they couldn't hear over the TV, but I had my first nighttime trail race coming up and my toes were looking like little Vienna sausages, the mileage I was putting in was getting too painful.  I really needed to just stick it out and find out if they could help. 

 

I was taken back to an exam room where I was asked a million and one questions about my life, sleeping, eating and exercise habits, work schedule, family history.  The usual, plus some.  The doctor looked at my fingers and toes and asked to take blood and xrays.  He then said he had a hunch he knew what this was but asked would I mind seeing a colleague of his.  I had nothing to lose, so sure.  That was the first time I'd heard the word "Lupus".  His colleague took one look at my face and asked about the red patches I attempted and apparently failed at covering with makeup.  I just assumed I am getting older, this must be rosacia even though I get a full on butterfly rash when I am stressed or drink Gin.  After having questions fired my way from both they said they would have to review the samples and xrays and would be in touch.  I didn't give it too much thought but I wondered on my way home, what is this "Lupus"?  I was curious but didn't give it too much thought.

Wednesday, March 26th. That was a pretty pivotal date for me, the day my world changed drastically.  Just after lunch I got the call that confirmed I have Lupus.  Ok... so I am relieved to have a name for this and it should be easier to treat, but what does it mean?  Then I did what you should NEVER do and I WebMD'd it.  BALLS.  I needed to find a bubble suit. 

I was so distracted the next few days with horrifying thoughts about Lupus.  Saturday rolled around and I wasn't nearly as excited for that race as I should have been.  I mean, a trail race at night and it's called the Yeti Nightmare?!  What's not to love??  I had been so excited for this one, but that day I was not mentally present. 

I fell just inside the 2nd mile and I thought "yep, I shouldn't be doing this, I should be at home on the couch taking care of myself".  By the 2nd dirt eating incident I was livid.  How could I be so careless and put these other runners at risk with my selfishness and inability to stand on my own two feet??  I drove home furious at myself, angry at Lupus, and when I walked in the door and tripped over my simple dog I about came unglued.  All I could do was cry.  Was I going to have to stop running?  What about travel, what about work, what about LIFE?  Was this going to kill me?  How soon, what would it attack next?

I full on FREAKED out.  And then I cried even more over a giant beer. 

Sunday morning arrived and I woke happy to find my fire had returned.  I was motivated to find resources, to learn more, to kick Lupus' ass.  I have a dear friend, Kristen, whose aunt has Lupus.  She invited me to join her team for the walk that was coming up in Atlanta.  I registered with the GA chapter of the Lupus Foundation and have since met several more people with Lupus.  I am amazed at how differently this impacts each of us.  My main issue is joints, a new friend has more issues with her kidneys.  And we all look "normal", it's funny how often I hear that.  The comfort I have been given with this support is immeasurable.  I have "new" things come up from time to time and I now have the resources to turn to now and ask if this is normal, what is it, how do I handle it?  Reynauld's phenomenon freaks me out still and last week I learned about Scleritis.  That was fun, and by fun I mean freaky looking and pretty painful.

This is sometimes a scary place to be, but my doctors have assured me that I can continue to do what I do with travel, work and running unless I am having a brutal flare or something changes drastically. 

I win most days, but Lupus has won a couple as well.  The hardest so far was my first DNS on a trail half in SC I had trained heavily for but I was fortunate enough to volunteer at an aid station, was surrounded by friends and still able to cheer everyone on.

There will be good days and bad but I get to decide how I let it impact my attitude.  I look at it like I look at life in general, like surfing (which I am really REALLY bad at but I love to do!).  If I don't like where I am I can always grab my board and move on to the next beach. 

This won't get the best of me.

 

 

Sanity. Where does it come from?

I have just finished 3 solid weeks on the road, and am about to go back out for at least 2 more.  I have a lot of people ask me how I stay sane.  In fairness, I don't know that I do.  But I do like to take some "me" time and run.  I can do it anywhere, it allows me the opportunity to see places and things I would not have in a car and it gives me time to fall into a zone and just not think.  I know that has to sound insane, but it's true.  There is something completely zen about running and slowly gaining focus on the sounds of your footsteps, your cadence, your breath and not as much focus on everything else around you or the weird day you just had or what you have to do tomorrow.  It's a moment in time, when time can move as quickly or slowly as you want it to and nothing really matters.  Now, I cannot speak for other runners but for me, the first 3 miles are hell. 

 

I breathe funny, I feel everything, my brain is like a tornado tossing around all the OMG stuff of the day wondering if I handled this right, could have done that differently, or why people do what they do in general.  After that 3 miles though... bliss.

 

I run both road and trail.  I prefer trails, less vehicles and noise and much more relaxing in general.  Here are a couple of deer I ran across on Sunday, just before I found some turkeys who hauled butt to avoid the photo op.

 

 

Sometimes I get to see some amazing sunrises and sunsets.  This was a sunrise at a lake near where I live and it took my breath away.  I stood there staring in awe for a good 2 minutes before I remembered to pause my Garmin.

 

 

 

 

I sometimes run into friends on the trails; it is truly the BEST gift to be able to share a trail and the experience with a friend.  I may go into a trail without knowing a single soul that will be there and come out with new friends.  Every time, it never fails. 

 

 

Road running is just as fun and social.  I can go to an event with 1 person and leave with a few new friends.  I love when I meet people who will run either road or trail, it's nice to have a consistent group to change the scenery with.  Running with a group is amazing anyway, even if you are like me and the slowest in the group it's nice to know there are people ahead of you who know you are there and will look out for you.  It's also very motivating to run with people of different skill levels.  I have a friend who can carry a 6-7 minute pace.  Compared to my 9-10 she is a speed demon.  When I run with her I find myself running faster but focusing more on my heart rate and breathing and controlling them better.  I have another friend who carries a 12-14 minute pace, I learn stamina from her, how to go the distance without exhausting myself in the first few miles.  I am motivated and inspired by everyone I meet running.  So many different lives, stories, reasons - and they are all beautiful.

 

What about safety, right?  I mean I travel places I've never been, surely this isn't safe!

 

I DO run when I travel.  I either find running groups nearby, a contact in one of the running groups I belong to, people from work who are down for a casual couple of miles OR worst case I will run on a treadmill.  I never run outdoors alone or, on short runs, without someone knowing where I am, the route I am taking and when I will be back.  Depending on what state I am in, I may have a taser with me.  I am too paranoid to run with pepper spray or mace.  I am the kind of idiot who will be downwind and get a mouthful of the very spray meant for my attacker.  I don't typically run with headphones, you'd be shocked at how calming it is to hear everything around you but you would definitely hear a car or person coming up behind you.  If it will be dark out, I run with lights on an arm and leg and I never leave without my RoadID to identify me or contact family should I be in medical distress.  Then there are the usual precautions, keep your hair up if it's long, make eye contact with anyone you pass, and do not be afraid to scream and fight if you need to.

 

I look forward to every run I get to do - group run, 5k, 10k, half marathon, road or trail - doesn't matter, I love them all for every reason.  I learn more about myself, my friends, people in general and this world each time.  I push myself further each time than I ever thought I could and strive to do more "next time".  

 

Running makes me happy, running gives me sanity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Kansas City, MO

I've spent a great deal of time in the Kansas side of Kansas City, last week would be the first time for the Missouri side. 

 

I didn't get a lot of time to snoop around town like I would normally like to; I was traveling with a larger than normal herd this time but we did get in some good local eats so let's get to that!

 

Stroud's, where they choke their own chickens.  No, really.

The portions in this place are insane, no one should ever ingest that much fried anything in one sitting!  That said, the dinner servings and side dishes are served family style.  Not many places in this area serve sweet and unsweet tea, and Stroud's offers both!  The fried chicken and country fried chicken are really awesome.  The mashed potatoes and green beans were just like your granny used to make.  To end the meal, each person gets a piping hot cinnamon roll.  I really didn't care for these, they were like fried dough bathed in cinnamon.  Not bad, just not my thing.

 

Next, we have Smokin' Guns BBQ. 

This place is in an industrial side of town, fairly easy to navigate and find.  Be VERY careful crossing the multitude of railroad crossings, there are some intersections where there are no yield or stops for any direction - you run the risk of being annihilated by a semi truck.

Food!  The lunch portions are perfect!  I had some turkey and pork, both tender, well smoked - cooked just right.  They seem to only have 2 sauces, regular and hot.  I love hot sauce, theirs was really mild in my world.  There is a large selection of sides to choose from.  My top notables were the fried mac-n-cheese nuggets and potato salad.  You also get a pickle with your meal, and a pickle always makes a meal complete.

 

Finally, we have The Corner Cafe.  This is a bit "chainy" for me but MAN the food is awesome.  I will admit I nearly dismissed this one because the first thing you smell when you walk in the door is sugar from the pastries cabinet at the host station.  I love sweet stuff as much as the next girl, but this was a bit too much for me.  The food here was fantastic!!  The french toast was perfect, my coworker had an egg poached over medium and said it was exactly right.  The spaghetti and meatball/sausage meal was ok, a little bland but still good.  Portion sizes are perfect, not too much or too little.  Oh and they have corn nuggets... fried balls of corn goodness.  Holy deliciousness.

 

I will note here that I stayed at the Hampton Inn by Worlds of Fun.  If there's ANYTHING I have learned in these years of travel, it is not to stay in hotels near amusement parks because they are typically trashed.  This location wasn't the worst I've stayed in, but it was far from the best.  The "crowd" you get there is loud, it's right next to a highway and there's a biker bar across the street - noise is just a bit high for my liking.  Also, the air conditioning in the gym doesn't work.  It just doesn't work.  There's a remote control on the wall that management will tell you to use to adjust the temperature, but about 3 minutes after you turn it on and get back on the treadmill the ac goes out again.  Not ideal, but it was nice enough to run outside for a while so no big loss.

 

Oh, just a note for those traveling through KCI.  This airport is small and set up a little strange.  Security is at each gate or section of gates instead of the terminals.  Depending on where you are, you may or may not have access to anything other than a little convenience kiosk that is really overpriced.  I travelled on AirTran/Southwest this time, so I was fortunate enough to have access to the kiosk and a Starbucks (still overpriced).  It's very unfortunate that there are still airports that get away with price gouging like they do.  $4 for a 16oz bottle of water is robbery.  I've made more effort to carry a reusable water bottle with me to refill at water fountains to avoid the excess cost.  Some airports seem to be encouraging this, Atlanta for instance has a water bottle space above most of their fountains now to fill bottles.  This is also great when you are in an airport before concessions open or after they've closed.

 

Anyway, that's all I have today!  On to the next trip. 

 

 

 

Clarksdale, MS

Clarksdale... this was a shock to my social system.  To get here I had to fly into Memphis and drive down.  Memphis is... well, it's still Memphis.  The visible state of the area is heart sickening.  Clarksdale doesn't get much better than that, though there WERE some unexpected highlights.

 

Clarksdale is pretty much all cotton fields, with the occasional gas station and business peppered about.  While that could be boring, it is really pretty!

 

 

 

You will find a lot of stray animals in Clarksdale, and Batesville.  Dogs mostly.  We found a sweet bag of bones we named Dusty and fed him before a huge storm rolled into town.  It's crushing to see how many dogs are running around fending for themselves and the locals really don't seem to notice it at all. 

 

 

 

 

While driving from Clarksdale to Batesville we were almost hit head on by someone swerving to miss a turtle in the road.  The turtle, who I named Franklin, survived with a small cut in the bottom of his shell.  We stopped and got him out of traffic.

 

 

Let's talk about food and such, shall we?

 

Slim pickins in this area, but there are a few gems if you really look.  One notable was Ground Zero Blues Club.  It's tucked away in a small alley in downtown Clarksdale, but you really couldn't miss it - very distinct, it will catch your attention.  Walk in, park your butt and enjoy the atmosphere.  It won't take long to notice that everyone here knows each other and they either love or hate those of us who aren't locals.  One of the co-owners walked around to every table to meet and greet patrons, got our stories, where we are from what we were doing in Clarksdale.  I like that, that hospitality has become a bit rare really.  The food.  I had the fried green tomato sammich, it was freaking AWESOME.  I sincerely doubt they have a bad meal on the menu!

 

 

 

 

OH!  Worth mentioning, pretty much every where we ate in MS still allows smoking in the place.  I guess that's a state thing??

 

After you've eaten and soaked up some of the local stories, take a little stroll through the streets downtown.  It looks and feels like you've stepped back about 50 years, buildings haven't changed much and people are genuinely polite - please, thank you, ma'am and they won't let a door shut in your face. 

 

Now, my favorite part of this trip.  The Shack Up Inn.  This place IS AMAZING and something you really need to see with your own eyes, I don't think I can do it enough justice in this blog.  It's in the middle of no where, well, in the middle of some fields near or maybe even on, Hopson Plantation.  It's unique and almost majestic out on the plain and much like Ground Zero, you couldn't miss it.  It will catch your attention.  You will either find it charismatic and want to see more or horrific and run screaming about the hippies who must inhabit this compound.  Me?  I could freaking LIVE there.  History, art, musicians, beer, adults 25+ to reserve shacks  - what more could a girl ask for?

 

 

 

 

Nearby on Hopson Plantation you will find one of the first mechanized cotton pickers.  This is a HUGE piece of history for this part of the country and dramatically changed the social and economic landscape at the time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the long stretch between Clarskville and Batesville (where we stayed) you will find more fields, less businesses and more charm.  I fell in love with this old church and it's cemetery located right on a piece of swamp with a lot of old cypress trees.  Hauntingly beautiful...

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you ever find yourself traveling through this part of the Delta, don't dismiss it completely as backwoods and boring.  There really are some great things hanging out here - you just need to open your eyes and your mind and take a look around.

 

 

 

Gahanna, OH.

Don't eat the yellow snow.  Or that questionable crusty stuff on the side.

 

 

 

 

I have very little to say about this one.  If there's a "ho-hum" sort of place to go, it's Gahanna, OH.

 

 

 

I flew into Port Columbus Airport.  This is a REALLY clean airport!!  I was impressed that the Starbuck's inside this airport has large bags of used grounds to take home for your garden.  This makes sense to me, but I've never actually SEEN a Starbuck's do this before.  Very cool.  I would have expected to see this in Minneapolis/St. Paul which seems to be a very green area - not at all the impression I got in Columbus/Gahanna.

 

 

 

 

I stayed at the Hampton Inn next to the airport; which was surprisingly quiet considering it was under construction and I was almost on to the runway.  Hey!  I didn't get ear plugs this time, but I didn't need them either.  This Hampton Inn offers an airport shuttle and a social shuttle where they will take you anywhere within a 10 mile radius for free. 

 

Let's talk about food... I was really not impressed!  I no longer question how people in colder regions "plump up" for the winter... they do seem to love their carbs.  Get off the plane and there's a Tim Horton's right in your face.  Go to Bob Evan's and you can get slow roasted turkey with stuffing on top of mashed potatoes on top of Texas toast.  REALLY?  I love carbs as much as the next girl but gah dang.

 

It was really cold and we had some snow on this trip, so I didn't get out much but I did find the Airport Golf Course nearby.  I might have to check that out next time, and it seems this will now be part of my territory - so there will be a next time.

 

This was a short trip for me, so I will call this one "to be continued"...

 

 

New Orleans, LA.

Oooooh New Orleans....  how I am so enamoured with you.  The passion, the history, the culture, the heartbeat, the food, the vibrancy... everything.  I love you.

I was recently able to celebrate the anniversary of my 29th birthday in New Orleans.  I don't travel for pleasure much these days but I could not turn down an opportunity to go with a friend for the weekend. 

We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn on Gravier St.  This was about a $20 ride from the airport and close enough to the Quarter and Bourbon St we didn't need or want a car.  This was a really nice hotel, the rooftop pool is small but sufficient.  It was pretty low key, there were a few bachelor parties there and one night we had "pedestrian traffic" back to the hotel due to filming of the new Will Smith movie.  We had fresh beignets and drinks from Cafe Beignet, so we settled in on the corner and watched filming for a while.  Sure, we could have gone around all of this, but why?  We were on vacation and don't get to see this very often in "real life".

filming of "Focus"

There are SO many places you should go while in New Orleans. Let's get started shall we?

Muriels Jackson Square.  It was sweltering hot during our visit, so we made a stop into Muriels to see the seance lounge and have a refreshing drink.  The Frozen Irish Coffee is delish!  On your way up to the seance lounge, you will pass the table with the offerings for the resident spirit.  Creepy and super cool. 

 

 

Just outside of Muriels you will find an abundance of local artists selling their goods along with the psychics, palm and crystal ball readers.  Do not just pass this up, you will miss something great.  I have found one of my favorite artists there, Sherrie Larson.  I am proud to have a few of her pieces hanging here in my loft in Atlanta.  She may also be one of the nicest people you'd meet, as are most of the artists in the area.

 

Sherri Larson, Spooky Art

 

Another must see is Louis Armstrong Park.  It gets a little sketchy here around sunset, but man this park is amazing.  Just be aware of your surroundings, don't do anything stupid and you'll be fine here.  There are people everywhere, biking, skate boarding, playing music.  It's ideal for people watching if you're into that (we all know I am!!).  We walked through the park and on the other side stumbled into a real jazz funeral.  The ONE thing I wanted to see while we were there and we caught the tail end of it.  I felt very fortunate to have experienced such a thing.

 

Louis Armstrong Park

 

 

Antoine's 

 

I am going to preface this by stating I know a few of the staff here, so I have a different perspective of this place and I "may" be a bit spoiled every time I visit AND I go with a dear friend of mine who worked and even met her husband there.  I have been all over this building on several tours, through the kitchen, ballrooms and on the balconies.  This place is amazing.  The food is to die for you will not have a bad meal here!!  The drinks... heavenly.  The atmosphere and history are breathtaking.  If you have time, ask for a tour.  If you make it to the kitchen, tell Skeeter I sent you.  That man is magic in the kitchen and has a stellar personality to boot.

 

 

Mike, me and Skeeter.

 

 

If you are in the mood for a cocktail in a gorgeous setting, the Hotel Monteleone cannot be beat!  Their bar is actually a carousel.  That's right.  It spins, slowly, but it still makes full rotations.  It would be a lot more fun if there were horses and such instead of the bar stools, but hey - still fun.  The decor in this place is to DIE for, muted greys and purples with a clean, simple 1920s feel.  I indulged in a few Jezebel's, very nice.  Just a side note, you cannot order any kind of food or appetizers at the bar.

 

 

 

For the more "typical" New Orleans drinks, you can wander up Bourbon St.  Do yourselves a favor people.  Do NOT wear open toed shoes here!!!  If you wonder what that smell is, it's vomit, urine and God only knows what else has been marinating out there for hundreds of years.  You probably don't want it on your feet.  I digress.  Anyway, drinks.  There is always Pat O'Briens, home of the famous Hurricane.  I personally don't love the hurricane, so I treated myself to a Pat O's Rainstorm instead.  This may actually be my favorite drink Pat's.

Pat O'Briens Rainstorm

If you want to try something you cannot get in many other places, go to the Old Absinthe House

They prepare your Absinthe in the traditional manner by slow dripping cold water over a sugar cube into the drink.  I am NOT a fan of licorice, but I like Absinthe - it's smooth, not too over powering and easy to drink.  I love that Edgar Allen Poe would drink Absinthe and Brandy to find both his clarity and madness.  Bring cash.

 

 

 

 

 

I don't believe you can get a bad meal in New Orleans.  I suppose it's possible, anything is possible, but I have NEVER had a bad meal in this city.  Here are a few of my favorites (outside of Antoine's, of course)!

 

Pierre Masperos

 

I had the BEST bolognese I've ever had in the US here.  It was dreamy and I washed it all down with some water and a cocktail called "Gator Juice".  Easy, laid back atmosphere, professional yet fun staff, an ideal place to unwind at the end of a long day or beginning of a long night, whatever tickles your pickle.

 

 

Bolognese and Gator juice

 

 

Next would be Stanley

The breakfast at Stanley is to DIE for; you really cannot go wrong with anything there but 2 of my favorites are the Breaux Bridge Benedict and the Eggs Benedict poor boy.  I would love to try everything they have on the menu... maybe next trip.

 

 

Oceana Grill

Cajun Sausage Breakfast...  'nuff said.  Andouille & Gator sausage, eggs, what??

 

Cajun sausage breakfast, Oceana Grill

 

My last suggestion is Arnaud's.  It's nice to dress up a little and go out at least one night on your vacation, this was Arnaud's for us.  Get the shrimp and grits.  You will NOT regret that decision.  I know what you're thinking, I can get that anywhere.  True.  But it won't be THIS good.

 

I am not big on shopping, but I did a ton of it on this trip.  There are so many unique shops here, things that appeal to my strange and dark side, beautiful creations.  Go to each of the markets and walk to them.  You might need to after all of the rich food you will stuff in your gullet.

Oh!  VERY important.  Please do NOT touch the performers.  They are entertaining, working and not your pet.  Be polite, if you take pictures with any of them or watch their shows, please tip them. 

One of my absolute favorite artists is Arkicide Demonicus.  Intimidating, beautiful, strange - all of the above, and one of the kindest creatures I've had the pleasure of meeting.

 

In general, when you are in New Orleans, you must slow down and take a look around.  You never know what you might see or who you may meet.  Don't miss any opportunity to see the artists, the characters, the lovers, the fighters, the creative spirits, the sensitive souls.  BE a part of it, let it inspire you, romance you, wrap you up in passion and touch the deepest parts of your soul. 

 

Live it and love it or leave it.