A cold day for running

This week, southerns got to experience something rare - snow! Granted, it wasn't a heavy snowfall - 2-4 inches the first time (Wed.) and 1-2 inches yesterday (Sat.) - it was enough to lift my spirits and make me hit the trails!

The past few months have been tough on my running routine. After being of the road and away from home so much during late '07, the start of '08 has brought tons of illustration and design work. Normally this is a good thing (actually getting paid 'n such), but not very helpful when trying to get back in the habit of trail running. But when I saw the flakes falling this week, I HAD to set aside my work and put in some miles at Paris Mountain.

The temperature was in the low 20s this morning when I started my run. My aching in my ankles/feet were definitely letting me know they weren't used to this abuse. I kept sloshing along and took in the experience of the rare Southern snow run. Good times!

These aren't pics from my run but from the night the snow started to fall.

New Orleans and the Sugar Bowl

After UGA started the season so terribly (4-2 with embarrassing losses), I never thought they'd end up w/ an 11-win season and Sugar Bowl title. Back in the middle of the season, UGA sent me an email to order bowl tickets. The email listed all the available destinations so I requested 4 Sugar Bowl tickets knowing UGA wouldn't be playing in it!

After a huge midseason turnaround w/ victories against Florida, Auburn and Georgia Tech, Lucy and I were headed for New Orleans to watch UGA play Hawai'i. I didn't find out I was getting tickets until very late so by the time they arrived, most affordable hotel rooms in New Orleans were filled. We spent New Years w/ her brother, Tim, and his girlfriend, Kristy, in Jackson, MS then the four of us drove the 2.5 hours to N.O. on Jan. 1st.

The four of us had the day to soak in the French Quarter, have a great meal and 'loosen up' for the game later that night. The only thing I really have to say about the game is it was only enjoyable for UGA fans. It's understandable why HI fans wouldn't like the beating they received (41-10), but college FB fans in general had to watch a blowout instead of the game we all wanted: UGA vs USC in the Rose Bowl. The four of us didn't have great seats, but honestly being in the upper deck seems to be better than the bottom w/ the way the Superdome seating. After the game, we lucked into a hotel room at Hotel St. Louis so we got to partake in the Bourbon Street nightlife instead of driving back to Jackson.

GO DAWGS! Bring on the '08 season!