Independence

With Independence Day around the corner, I thought it would be a good time to share some personal anecdotes.

While I can often be viewed as a very independent person, it is something I struggle with a bit.  One thing that is very hard for me is traveling on my own.  Recently, I was fortunate to have an afternoon to spend in the Boston area!  So, here's a few stories of my trip.

I opted to take the subway...

And ventured to a local "shopping" district that held a chocolate spot.

Then walked to the Public Park and Boston Commons.

After stopping to rest my foot (plantar faciitis is no fun!), I mapped out my next local destination: a tea spot!  DavidsTEA to be exact.  Sorry, was too busy exploring to take pictures there!

I did head to the Square that I can't pronounce (or spell) the name of.  Perhaps you can figure it out from the next picture (and a short video):

That was about all the time I had for my morning jaunt, so I headed off to the hotel before meeting up with some colleagues.  And there was quite the view from the hotel!  Both of the airport (next door, effectively) and of the city, across the harbor!

With some fellow actuaries, we did a bit more exploring before dinner!  This time, we took a water taxi.

We stopped at one of the local pastry shops (although were told multiple times that we should go to Modern, instead!) We also saw the sea lions that sit just outside the Aquarium.

We managed to make it back before sunset...

An exhausting day, just before my first conference as a "coordinator" - - that is, essentially "running" the whole thing.  One and a half days for 75 students, with two speakers and 5 facilitators.  Sounds exhausting, right?  Actually, it was super easy.  And here's the fishtank where I sat many times as students were checking in..

And to complete my "week of me" - I participated in a very hot running event.  Literally.  It was 90 degrees when we started on Thursday evening.  I loved the concept of this event- "Esprit de She" or Spirit of Her.  I also loved the chocolate milk and wine, the tank top give-away, catered by an amazing local bakery...  Here's some before photos:

Unfortunately, because of my injury, I opted to walk the 5K rather than run the 10K.  This was probably a good decision - - but I really wanted to be running.  Thankfully, my next "event" isn't for about 3 months!  But, alas, here are some "after" pictures...

Meanwhile, at home, Superman crashed while building a tower that his sister seems to take credit for!  (I imagine they both helped, and that dad was a contributing designer...)

 Thankfully, the "dust is settling" so to speak after (another) busy week!