Monday, July 6, 2009

Post-Independence Weekend Update

Wow, is it me, or did the long weekend fly back faster than it ever did in years prior? I mean, the last coherent thought I can remember was me slowly counting down the days eagerly anticipating the arrival of a long four day weekend. And now, it seems I just blinked, and my brief reprieve from work is already over! Pfffttt…

Well, in case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been forced again to take a short leave of absence from blogging (and blog reading). Only this time, the decision was not voluntary and I am not entirely to blame. Although I’ve taken permanent residence in my new condominium since last week, the cable company does not regard my lack of internet access an urgent matter. As a result, no matter how many times I call to badger, annoy, or insult, they will not be by to grant me access to cyberspace until later this week. Let me tell you guys, In case you haven’t experienced it first-hand, living without internet access is worse than not being able to run. I know because I’ve tried. Although I’ve been able to go at most four days without running, I haven’t yet been able to survive more than two days away from the virtual world. If you don’t believe me, just ask the manager at the corner Burger King who’s already ripped me off for ten bucks in the past three days just so I can check my e-mail…E-MAIL for gosh sakes. Although I’ve never been the kind to partake in overpriced services driven up by demand, I couldn’t help myself from repeatedly dipping my hands into that proverbial cookie jar just to tap into the internet. Yes, I know…I am ashamed, as a runner and as an idealist, what a sellout am I? Okay, on second thought, don’t answer that!

But before I disappear into the nether regions of the real world where contact with the virtual world does not yet exist, let me share with you my first impressions of running in Flushing Meadow Park. Last night, before it got dark, I went out for a jog in the park not knowing what I’d find once I got there. At the time of day that I went, the temperature was mild and there was a light breeze. In other words, it was perfect running weather. But while I saw plenty of people lounging, biking, playing soccer, and walking about, I saw absolutely no one running. I made one inner loop saw nothing, and dared myself to go out again, venturing a little further into the park this time to look for my own endangered species. On this second trip, I pass by kids flying a kite, two soccer games with garbage can as goals, a softball game and even a cricket match, but alas no runners. I must have been quite an anomaly in these parts because I caught quite a few stare and chuckles as I ran by. Although I felt slightly out of place, being the only runner in my 8 mile journey, I had a great time on my scenic jog because I ran by some beautiful gardens and historic landmarks that I’d never knew existed in this part of Queens. I will do some more exploration in the coming weeks and report back my findings. Hopefully, I’ll spot a runner in there… somewhere.

15 comments:

Michelle said...

Hey Lam,
Glad you got your move done and your settled in. Hey you should start a running club - get people motivated to run. Just a thought.

I know your incredibly busy but it would be cool if you were the founder of a running club in Flushing Meadow Park!!!


:O)

Anonymous said...

Doesn't your library system have free wifi? I work for Multnomah County Library in Portland, and I am always so happy to give cyber access for free!

B.o.B. said...

oy, my internet was down for about 48 hrs and i thought i would go mad. lol! hope you get it up and running soon. if the cable people in nyc are anything like they are in florida, they aren't in a rush.

Running and living said...

You make a good point, not having internet is worse than not running. It's sad, but so true. I went camping for 3 days and felt disconnected from the world in a good but also bad kind of way. I wished I had one of those I-Phones...Ana-Maria

Mike G said...

Yes the iphone is ideal for that situation...mine is totally worth the extra monthly fee

Aron said...

haha um yah thats why I am now sooo addicted to my iphone, email at ALL times!

glad you are moved and getting settled! will be fun to read about your adventures on your new route!

carpeviam said...

You had one last coherant thought before you started drinking it up for the holiday weekend. Am I right? You can't remember anything because of all the alcohol, remember? ;)

Jamie said...

oh I could not deal without the internet for that long. I start to have w/drawal symptoms around 1 hour or so :) Good luck finding some runners in your new hood!

Jen Feeny said...

I feel your pain! I didn't have internet the whole of last week because I too was moving into new digs and it was nerve wracking! I need to blog about running dang it all! :)

Anonymous said...

I run in Flushing-Meadows Park occasionally, but not many people do. Watch out for the wicked puddles after a rain!

Susan said...

It's so sad that I feel lost if I don't have internet for a few days. We need it to feel connected these days.

"Endangered species"...that made me laugh out loud! I don't see many runners around here. More on the weekends, but since I run when most people are at work during the week, I rarely see anyone. (There is a middle-aged man power walking outside my window this very second!) Lots of bikers around here, and I must be confusing to everyone because people on bikes and in cars look at me funny...and scare me half to death when they honk! I hope you come across some runners in your new location!

{will run for margaritas} said...

I'm sorry to hear about the internet - dagger!! I hope they come soon and get it up an running - no more expensive B.K. internet for you! :)

I'm suprised you didn't see any runners on your run - I hope they come out soon! On a different note, I feel super cool when I am the only runner running. I imagine people thinking "Whoa, look at the girl, she's running alone and looks awesome!" haha - that prob never happens, it's just what I think!!! :-)

Lindsay said...

i can't imagine being internet less. i'm so dependent now :(

hope you find some fellow neighborhood runners soon - they have to be hiding somewhere!

Run For Life said...

You saw people playing cricket yet no runners? This boggles my mind.

Hope the internet company hooks you up soon or that the BK guy stops overcharging you!

Spike said...

the real danger is this, once you get used to not having internet.

and what did you do with all the runners? even running the remote roads of Northern Michigan I saw a few other runners.

 
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