a few more years shall roll

Speaking of exercise, today is the beginning of the running events at the Penn Relays, so campus is crowded with track teams from around the area and country. Past and future Olympians will be participating–it’s a big deal around these parts, appropriately. It’s been a long time since my high school track days, but I always enjoyed spring track meets, especially as we moved into late April, early May when the weather was warm and we got to leave school early to get to the meets on time.

I joined the track team on a whim in ninth grade. My sport had been field hockey, which I began playing in fourth grade and continued through the end of high school. Track, on the other hand, was not something I had ever considered. At my high school, anyone could join the team. A friend of mine was a jumper and thought I might want to give it a whirl. I remember the first practice with all the stretches and calisthenics, and then the decision time came. We had to decide that day which events we were interested in, so I figured since I didn’t like to run at all, I should try something like jumping or throwing. I ended up spending four years as a discus thrower (with some javelin and shot put on the side). I made it to districts a few times, but my high point was probably sophomore year when I was chosen as “Most Improved” for the team. A far cry from the success of the Penn Relays participants. Fond memories, though–the long bus rides (we sometimes competed with teams over 90 minutes away), the fun at McDonalds on the way home (who thought fast food was a good thing for athletes to eat?), the excitement of contributing points to the team’s efforts, and the cheering for the final events especially if our winning meant the difference in the meet.

someone needs to go with me to the gym and stop me from doing extra lunges and squats when i’ve completed my sets but think i haven’t worked the muscles hard enough.

it’s no good to exercise when you can barely walk the next day.

pass the tylenol, please.

I returned from the Caribbean (more on that later, when I get the pictures) in time to participate in the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology at Tenth this weekend. As a member of the Tenth Choir, I get to go for free in exchange for singing Friday and Saturday nights. I do not think there is a better deal out there. I got to hear Alistair Begg for the first time in person. Who knew he could recite so many Paul Simon and John Lennon lyrics? I highly recommend his preaching, which you can hear on the radio and through his internet site. It was a Lennon weekend, since one of the other speakers, Peter Jones, grew up with John in Liverpool.

D.A. Carson spoke Saturday night, Sunday morning and evening, and if you have time, I strongly encourage you to listen to his Sunday morning sermon. It will break your heart and then give you the healing of the Cross.

Tenth’s Executive Minister has started a blog to keep us updated on Tenth news. He has some good posts on the PCRT weekend as well.

I also had time to help prepare and serve at a party for 25 people after the Friday night meeting. There, I was strongly taken to task for not buying some cigars while I was in the San Juan, Puerto Rico airport. Understandably so, although I am always afraid to buy things like cigars since I am not expert enough to know if I am making a good purchase (does that sound like a proper excuse?).

I hit the most perfect weekend weather in north carolina, I do believe.

70ish on Saturday, and must have been 80 on Sunday. What gorgeous blue skied days to enjoy with my friend Dawn. (you know, my music friend, the one I met at a concert before we started staying in touch via the internet).

The weekend started off well, because despite a delayed flight, I sat across the aisle from an Eagles player Darwin Walker. Of course, on the flight, I didn’t know who he was, only that he was an Eagles player since another traveller bought a hat and had him sign it.

Saturday was spent shopping for party supplies and food for Dawn’s roommate’s birthday party on Sunday evening. Fun times–we had to go to all three grocery stores, because Dawn, like me, is a bargain shopper. Oh, plus, we visited the Carrboro Farmer’s Market! I recommend it.

We got done in plenty of time to head down to Franklin St in Chapel Hill, which was a little overcrowded with all the UNC fans buying NCAA Championship t-shirts and such. I was even color coordinated with the fans in my blue gingham top (although I didn’t realise this until I was surrounded by seas of Carolina blue). We headed to Greensboro to meet up with a group of (shh!) internet friends. We met at Steak N Shake, because I wanted a shake, and they have great service. Well, the first is true, at least. Our waitress made more mistakes than seemed possible, but we were there for three hours, so I guess we deserved it. It was such fun to catch up a bit with folks, laugh a lot, recommend terrible first dance songs to Brandon and Sarah for their wedding in July.

Dawn’s church meets Sunday evenings, so we had the morning to finish preparing for the b-day party. Sunday afternoon we went to Weaver Street Market, where we sat outside in the sun and shade and chatted and played cards. Church was good–lots of i-grace hymns and communion, where everyone comes up front for the bread and wine. I like that because it really makes the community of the saints more tangible (although I understand how impossible it’d be at a church as big as Tenth–or would it? anyone go to a big church where they do this?).

The party afterwards was a big success–I’m still amazed at how many people fit into Dawn and Katie’s apartment. I met some fun folks–I can see why Dawn enjoys her church family.

So, Pittsburgh, North Carolina . . . what’s next weekend? How about the caribbean? yes, I’m heading to Grenada next weekend for five days. Poor, poor, pitiful me.

so, pittsburgh is a fun city. the sun even shone. my conference was just fine. but the best part was getting to leave the conference each night and drive to mike and robyn’s house! it’s so much more fun to visit cities where you know people. we went to this great restaurant called Church Brew Works. it’s a gorgeous old brick church that’s been converted into a brewery and restaurant. the outside still looks like a church and even when you walk in the front door, there is a narthex that still has the feel of an old church. it’s not until you push the door to the eating area that you are struck with the sacreligiosity. check this out: they’ve kept the beauty of the church building, while creating a delightful place to enjoy a meal. it feels a little weird walking down the center aisle to your table, and if you go, be sure to request the bar menu so you can get the buffalo burger or the pulled pork sandwich. the stained glass is gorgeous, and the pipe organ is still in place. read the history section of the website if you get a chance. they brew very nice beers–i chose the blast furnace stout, but Mike got the sampler.

if you ever get to the ‘burgh, be sure to stop at this fun spot. if you’ve ever visited tenth presbyterian, you’ll be struck by the resemblance in architecture as well.