Hello July. Over the years it has easily become my favorite month. Just cannot think of anything bad happening in July - well at least personally. There was that whole 3 day Gettysburg thing during the U.S. Civil War in 1863. That was bad. A lot of bad things happened during the French Revolution in the month of July as well. Well, on the last one I guess it depends what side you were on. Civil War - you know that really was a bloodbath no matter how you looked at it.
Well, anyway, besides all that ,it is my favorite month. Birth month - born July 15th in case some of ya do not know. Also, my Dad's birthday month, my daughters, and buddy of mine growing up. In elementary school growing up hated that I was born in the Summer. Yeah, I got the end of the school year summer group birthday party. All of you born during the school year - it has taken time - but I have finally forgiven you. You got it all. Family Bday Party, Friend Bday Party and School. Me? Well, myself and typically 5-8 others got stuck with a Happy Birthday song and a cookie on the last day. Well, anyway, honestly it is my favorite month.
Today, July 1st, marks five years living here in the desert that only Bugsy Segal saw any potential for. Plus, a handful of Mormon/Polygamist settlers over 125 years ago. Even the Native Americans found no use for what is today Las Vegas. One time Polygamist and a Mobster sure did though. However, it takes a whole lot of concrete in an amazing engineering fete with Hoover Dam to make it all happen with cheap electricity. Not too mention, a whole lot of straws sucking Lake Mead (a once much bigger/deeper lake behind Hoover Dam) dry, watering our mouths, keeping us hygiene clean; plus, watering dogs, cats, and yards.
Been here five years as I said. Frankly, I am not seeing it at times. The potential of the area that is. Yeah, I do like the desert. One can find some amazing beauty in odd areas here. If you can get enough water to it - anything and everything grows here. The climate is nice 9 months of the year generally. However, life all seems made up. From the fact there is even water from an artificially man made Lake, to all that is the Vegas Strip. The gambling, entertainment, and other so called adult games. The thousands of aquamarine pools, the plastic surgery enhanced lifestyles and well mundane lifestyles as well. Even the so called everyday folk just living here trying to raise families as best they can. Whatever humans have tried to accomplish here - seems unnatural and unreal. Las Vegas is the biggest Illusionist trick all of us have ever made/seen. Nothing is quite as it seems in Las Vegas.
It also marks 9 years from the time we moved to Topeka, KS from beloved Seattle. I have lived in three distinctly different areas now. Out of the three I cannot tell you which I have liked best. I miss the people in the Midwest. Everyone is a true neighbor there. DO NOT miss the Winters. Cold that bites ya and freezes ya to the bone. Literally freezes most anything up your nose at times. Seattle? Very smart and beautiful place. Miss the green, seafood, water (Puget Sound, Lake Washington and rivers) and Mountains. More than that, I miss the smartness of the people. I don't miss the rain much and lingering grey skies four months or more a year. Vegas - no one likes anyone here. Everyone ultimately is a paycheck walking to most everyone else here. Greedy, fat place. I do like the sun, and the climate overall. It can be a great place to run if you can get out of cookie cutter developments. It does need more parks, libraries, and better schools at all levels. Yet, all that, would mean an even bigger illusion. So, which one do I like the best? All of them. However, it is time. Time to find another best place. Five years is long enough. I think our personal Vegas potential has been realized.
However, not until I run the Las Vegas Rock and Roll Marathon, Dec. 6th. Yes, this is a running blog. It all comes back to running here. Registered for it yesterday, along with a Half Marathon in Sept. July will be filled with longer runs, and even more hills, plus the occasional fartlek (love that word). Mileage goal for the month - at least 80 will strive for 10 more though. However, happy with 80. Will kick off the month with a 9-10 miler tonight. Sounds like fun in the Vegas Sun and 100 degree heat now doesn't it? Actually it does. As I said, if you get enough water to it - anything and everything grows here.
Bravo! to all those who ran the Western States 100. Even if you did not finish you are a Star. Congrats to all the winners. However, big congrats to Krissy Mohl a fellow UW Husky for her second place women's finish. I heard the temps got to 100. Great finish for Krissy who usually runs in 60-70 degree weather tops. She is a Rock Star! To everyone else who was at the starting line - I am in awe! 100 miles in 24 hours! In my dreams - maybe?
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