V-Day and 26.2 with Donna

Just a quick note about valentines day and dinner. Meg and I went to a place called 1171 near the Riverside/5 points area and it was fantastic. The service was incredible. Our server was very personable but not overly friendly. She kept it professional all the way. She was very attentive to our needs and was right there to clear one course just before the next was ready.

I had a sesame encrusted and seared Ahi Tuna steak over wasabi mashed potatoes with artichoke hearts and fresh ginger. Meg had a grilled chicken breast over whipped potatoes with sliced yellow squash, zucchini and red peppers. Both were delicious. Our appetizer included a 5 year aged Gouda and an Irish sharp cheddar with Guinness. Dessert was a slice of key lime pie. The portions were perfect and we left feeling full but not stuffed. Very satisfied. The only thing I wanted that they didn't have was a cappuccino. For me, nothing seals a good meal like that like a dry cappuccino. Unfortunately they didn't have it, but that's okay. All in all I give this place a solid 8.5 out of 10. It has definitely made it on to our short list.

Today we volunteered at the 26.2 with Donna, a marathon whose proceeds go toward the research and fight against breast cancer. As any who read this probably would know, my mother fought and ultimately fell victim to this terrible disease last year. So we volunteered with a local non-profit and handed out water to the runners at mile 19.

We actually had a very good time despite having to be there at 4:45 a.m. to help set-up prior to the race. It was inspiring seeing these people running. Of note to me was the fact that many people elected to have their names on their numbers. To me this signifies the fact that this disease has a name, and for many of us it's the name of a close friend or family member. Many of the people who run in this race have been touched by the disease in some way or another. So we had some laughs, tossed the football with friends and spent some time giving back. It was an enriching experience, and one I hope to repeat more often this year. We both want to get more involved.

In fact, we've started talking already about running it next year. For both of us it would be more than a personal accomplishment. It would be a tribute to my mother and the drive to fight something that hurts so many. More of a symbol than anything else. And if a thought like that can't give you the strength to run a few miles what can?

I wanted to mention too that we saw a very young woman who had survived. She couldn't have been more than 35. It seems that it has no preference for age. Or gender. There was a man or two who had survivor markers on their numbers.

Here's to another week. A short one. I'll be in Boston on Friday for the Extreme Beer Festival. Lot's to write about with that I'm sure.

-MtR