Hawaii Ironman

So, today was the deadline for signing up for the Hawaii Ironman lottery. And for the 12th consecutive year, at the 12th hour, I have decided to give the WTC (World Triathlon Corporation) my annual $40 donation and give it yet another whirl.

Although - I am utterly convinced that this is the year that my name will finally be selected. Why? Because for the first time since 1997, I have virtually NO interest whatsoever in training for Ironman (or triathlon in general to be honest). I think that if I got in, I might actually be bummed. Truth be told, I'd probably be excited but for sure I would opt to push out my entry one more year to 2011. This might be the year of many things for me, but Ironman ain't one of them.

Anyway, stay tuned. I'll know the answer on April 15th.

In other news, The Little Boy leaves tomorrow morning for his fifth grade class trip. They are headed to the Marin Headlands for five days and nights to study ecology and the environment. Earlier in the school year I signed up as a chaperone, so I will be joining him from Wednesday night until Friday. Keeping an eye on 40 plus kids; this should be pretty interesting.

Actually, I must confess that I'm really looking forward to it. I'll be sure to post pictures from the "field".

Best Music for Running

Ok, well that last post didn't go over so well Funny, in year's past American Idol was a hot subject on these here pages. My, how the times have changed.

Anyway, on to a different subject. There's quite a number of runners out there, and I know most of you likely listen to music while on the move. What are some of your favorite bands for running? Personally, I listen to "mellow" music while in the car, on my new Sonos System (which I love by the way), maybe at the office (though I'm not terribly good about working and listening to music for some reason) but not while running. I tend to orient towards faster beats and harder music in the spirit of Jane's Addiction, a lot of hip hop, Smashing Pumpkins, etc. Anyway, anyone have any favorite bands/albums that you'd like to share?

In other news, I finally went in and went to the doctor today. Sinus infection, which I essentially knew as my head just about blew up on the flight back from Hawaii and to and from LA yesterday. If I had half a brain I would have dealt with this when it first hit me, more than two weeks ago.

Oh well. Nothing a little antibiotics can't take care of.

American Idol, 2010 Version

Ok, y'all know I am a big fan. I have yet to write about this season partially, because, well, there hasn't been much to say. The auditions speak for themselves. A few questions for the masses:

-- what do you think so far and any early predictions as to final four?
-- thoughts regarding Ellen? I think she's a cool and funny, but not offering tremendous value as a judge?
-- is the show doomed without Simon next year (I say yes. He IS the show.)
-- any suggestions as to who would make the best replacement? (my vote goes to Howard Stern. He's be unpredictable and zany. He too might not be the best judge, but he'd keep things interesting).
-- anyone think I am asking entirely too many questions about a show that's not a whole heck of a lot more than a karaoke contest?
-- as a corollary to the above, should a 43 year, self professed indie music enthusiast really care this much?!

Back to Reality

Ok, then. We have been back less than 24 hours and Hawaii is already but a fleeting memory. Back to the grindstone and the rainy, 52 degree San Francisco weather. That was a spectacular trip though and just what the doctor needed.

So, a few things:

-- I've done a terrible job of watching the Olympics. Any suggestions as to what I need to catch up on? Any sport especially compelling? Note I have been doing my best to watch short track skating, because that sport - and my main man Apolo Ohno - just freaking rules.

-- Read a few good books while I was away. Ed Viestur's new book about K2, which is terrific if you are into the climbing genre. K2 makes Everest look like a proverbial walk through the park. Also ready Norman Ollstead's memoir, Crazy About the Storm. Also a good, interesting read. I could see why it was on a lot of people's list of Top 10 books of 2009. I also also about halfway into Predictably Irrational, which is more of a pop culture/business/psychology business tome in the spirit of Freakonomics. I'm about 200 pages in and while it's interesting it's also starting to get slightly tedious.

-- Worked out quite a bit while on vacation - lots of swimming and weights and moderated running (meaning about four runs, none longer than 5.5 miles). The ankle felt ok, though the pain is still fairly persistent. Anyway, I went to a long scheduled physical therapy appointment today and both me and the therapist noted that there was a considerable amount of swelling; much more so than my last appointment. So, I can run, but right now I'm she's limiting me to about 5 miles at a clip, and no more than 3-4 runs per week. I'm starting to think this damn thing is never going to get better.

Anyway, that's about it for tonight. Late arrival home last night so need to get some much needed sleep.

Last imagesfrom Hawaii

Some final shots from our last day in Hawaii. What a great day/week/ trip. This is probably getting old but I love it here more than i can express and feel a connection with this place that is hard to describe. I am not sure how, and I am not sure when, but I am convinced that I'll one day live here.

In the interim, I'll look forward to the third week in February, when it's assured that me and my family will be visiting the Aloha state.

Mahalo, Hawaii.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Howard Solomon

Another Day in Paradise

Today the weather was a tad bit wonky - our only "bad" day so far ("bad" being very, very relative) so we went to Waimea Falls, which is an astonishingly beautiful hike that culminates in a waterfall. The sun came out and we were able to swim out to the waterfall, which was super fun. Beyond that, we hung out, swam, ran and ate lunch at the famous Ted's Bakery, home of the best chocolate cream pie in the world. Literally.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Howard Solomon

Today's Update

Let's see. Today's activities consisted of pretty much the following: run, eat, swim, surf, swim, eat, swim snorkel, nap, swim, eat, drink beer. In oter words: pretty much a perfect Hawaii day. Tomorrow I think we are going to do an activity of some sort; maybe ceck out the waterfall at Waimea Falls. Or, maybe we will just hang out. I gotta say: I can easily get used to this Island lifestyle.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Howard Solomon

Shave Ice

Wow - shave ice. Where have you been my entire life? We went to a great Shave ice place in Haleiwa Beach today. It was almost indescribably good. Our day today consisted of run, surf, eat, surf, beach, shave ice, swim, eat, drink. And the weather was around 80 degrees with nary a cloud in the sky. You simply could not concoct a more perfect day. Reality might sink in tomorrow with some work stuff but so far, so good. Oh and here's the kicker: on top of it all, the kids have been spectacularly good. I am afraid that Something might be afoot in the universe.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Howard Solomon

Mahalo

Aloha and greetings from Hawaii. So far so good; unlike our trip last year the weather has been absolutely perfect. We've been here less than 48 hour bu have already hit the beach, the pool, the gym and the trail. And we have eaten pretty well too. Today's activity might involve surfing. Speaking of which, the surf has been so big it is almost indescribeable. More pictures later.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Howard Solomon

PR Week Blog Post

Been a little quiet this week, I know: super busy at work again and trying to get ready for HAWAII tomorrow. I cannot wait. I will be sure to send pictures and updates from the Land of Sand.

In the interim, and in the event you care, here's the link to my third blog posting in PR Week.

A Shout Out to My Peeps

I'm the guest blogger this week for PR Week, a popular destination for the PR industry. In my second post, found here, I give a shout out to all you kind peeps - with special props to my Old Man. Let em know what you think (note that I had a 300 word restriction, which is kind of tough for a long winded dude like myself).

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Had a big monster meeting today that's absorbed my time for literally weeks. To top things off, of course I get sick yesterday. Probably nothing worse than a cold, but not fun all the same, especially given how we are headed out to Hawaii in a few days. I think I said this before, but I honestly think I've never been more ready for a vacation The pace of work and life since January 1 has just been ferocious. I honestly feel as if I have packed a full year into the first 38 days of this New Year.

Beyond that, not too much to report. About to curl up with a cup of team blanket and American Idol.

(Ps. Any book recommendations for Hawaii? My Kindle wants to know)

We All Go Together

Following is video of the Little Girl's performance at her school's annual Talent Show. It was super cute and I am so proud of her for taking the stage (for the first time, I might add). Apologies for the wobbly camera work, which was taken courtesy of her biggest fan, her ten year old brother. 

Posted via email from Howard Solomon

Jeez Louise

In my three years of blogging and over the course of my 702 posts, I make one freaking overt faux pas ("continental US" in regards to Hawaii) and you, my dear readers, are all over me. Well, at least you are paying attention I guess.

In other news, though the weather here in San Francisco is positively dreary, I am excited about several things, including:

-- Hawaii (bears repeating)
-- 60 days until pitchers and catchers
-- the freaking iPad. My excitement for this one grows by leaps and bounds each day
-- my daughters talent show this Saturday night (promise to post pictures)
-- my son's little league games and my daughter's swim meetings
-- being able to run once my ankle finally heals
-- In the interim, swimming like Michael Phelps
-- The Summer
-- Another Yankees world series

Life is good.

Hawaii Dreaming

In the event anyone has missed me, sorry I haven't posted much these past few days. Not complaining, but I've literally been working 14 plus hour days and I've already been to LA three times this month. I have to say, I am generally pretty busy at work, but since January 1 the pace has been absolutely ferocious. I realize that the Christmas break wasn't that long ago, but I am *really* ready for a vacation. And a vacation I shall get, soon: t-minus two weeks and counting until we head back out to the North Shore of Hawaii. That is the one place in the continental US where I can really unwind; presuming of course, I am not taking work calls or emails every five minutes. Anyway, surf, sand, and tuna poke sounds pretty darn good right about now.

Anyway, I just realized that none of that is terribly interesting.

But here's the thing: I don't have much interesting to say at the moment, sadly.

But I will posit a questions(s):

- any good book recommendations?
- any good music recommendations?

Inquiring minds want to know.