Just getting back to Seattle after being on the road last week and stopping to visit my parents outside of  Nashville in Franklin, TN on the way back.  For years now I have made a practice of looking the pilot in the eye and saying "thank you" as I get off the plane.  We all have bad days at work and I want the pilot/co-pilot to know that I appreciate them and what they do – including safely delivering me to my destination.  You see, they do something I can’t do – safely take off, fly, and land an airplane. 

Wow..what a great time the past few days in Boulder, CO.  We met some friends (thanks for making the call Michael & Amy) here for the 29th running of the Bolder Boulder 10k race.  Was our first time and we will definitely make it an annual trip.  Very well done race given that over 50k people ran it with us – from managing the start to finishing in the CU football stadium.  Was very cool to hear the crowd cheer when a Marine unit ran into the stadium and finished the run with some push-ups.  Also had a chance to hear Medal of Honor recipient Hiroshi Miyamura speak to the crowd – all the festivities aside, puts what we are really taking the day to celebrate in perspective.

Had a great meal on Saturday night at the Flagstaff House overlooking Boulder where we were last ones to leave the restaurant and the folks there couldn’t have been nicer.  This was followed by a great hike Sunday to "prepare" for the race.  Hauling my daughter up the trail in a backpack certainly adds a few more challenges to the trail.  Also enjoyed the Boulder Creek festival while in town.  Met some cool people and definitely felt the difference between sea level in Seattle and the mountains here.  I understand why people love living here…