I've been hiding out lately because waking up at 5:30 in the morning to go for a run makes a girl goddamn tired (current marathon stats, in case you're interested: I have 95 days to go until the marathon and am approximately 72 miles into the training program). However, hearing the alarm clock and getting my ass out of bed was actually worth it this morning as the heat and humidity have FINALLY BROKEN (albeit temporarily), and I still had so much energy after the run I was able to save a buck on gas and ride my bike into work. Of course, the extra exercise may help me justify a beer tonight (perhaps). I'm not the only one worried about extra calories, though; apparently limiting the number of available soft drinks in schools is going to help reduce childhood obesity. I'm sure all of the french fries and pizza and whatever else they include in the school lunches now have nothing to do with childhood weight gain (or, for that matter, the sugary cereals their parents may be providing, the soft drinks at home, etc.)

Fairouz will be happy to know that I have taken a break from Russian literature, and am currently working on the not-quite-as-exciting (although decidedly MUCH shorter) American novels. I think, however, she's a tad too preoccupied right now with stuffed aliens to concern herself much with my weekly reading list.

Brevity *is* the key to good communication, so I think this update will be short, as well. Lata, peeps.