10 days in Philadelphia: One marathon, one wedding, and some pretty lights

Twilight at Longwood Gardens
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First I'll admit that it would have been great to spend the Thanksgiving holiday on a beach in some place I can't pronounce, palm trees providing just the right amount of shade. But sometimes it's great to go "home for the holidays." I even ran the Philly marathon just to make sure I wouldn't spend the week sleeping on the couch or watching gameshows. I also went home to attend my bestfriend from highschool's wedding - which was lovely. I was a bridesmaid and took the job almost too seriously. The music was a little too disco, but I kept giving the dj "suggestions" such as, maybe if you played more "modern" music, more

My brother at Longwood Gardens. Goofball.
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people would dance. And now I know how to plan the perfect wedding -elope!

The marathon was great, I know that I've been a little obsessed with running lately -this is my fourth organized run since July. My advice for running marathons in places far from home - prepare to take it easy for a few days after, plus, let everyone who's there to cheer you on

know that you will be cranky after and somewhat demanding. I wanted a few minutes of silence, some photos, and a beer.

My friend Gil, rocking the 8K!
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Aside from the marathon and wedding, I got to see my brother for the first time in a year and a half. Henkhnhhhlhhhhhkhk was off in Iraq for a year. I'm so happy to have him back safe and sound. We all went to Longwood Gardens - a great place to visit around the Holidays. It was very cold, but it's fun to bundle up and see the displays of lights and fountain shows. We ran inside for warmth and got to see the indoor gardens that are there all year.

 Hopefully my next journal will be from a more tropical locale, and I'll give you tips on where to buy the best hammock. But I must say, I like a traditional holiday from time to time with mittens and hot chocolate, and fights with my brother.