Day 58 = Running + "Memphis in May"

Last night was one of those perfect nights and times that don't come around too often and that some people are never fortunate enough to experience. I had a great time with my family. And, there was a "Golden Girls" marathon on. I forgot to mention that yesterday. Some channel was running the "Golden Girls" all day, and it was still on after we took the trolley home from Beale Street. Since I gave up cable, this is just one more nice perk that comes with staying in a hotel.

This morning, I met my stepdad and my aunt and uncle for breakfast. Well, I wouldn't say I "met" them. More like I surprised them. And sat at their table while they chatted. My Oprah-style "a-ha" moment of the day came when I ordered a waffle. The chef's accent was soooo laid back and kon-try. I told him I loved his accent and that he sounded so laid back. He said that is something that he can do well -- be laid back. I said I have a hard time slowing down and relaxing sometimes. He said, "It's easy. All you gotta do is just stop." Ah, yes. Just stop. Gonna have to work on that.

One thing I love about traveling is running in a new city. I ran for about half an hour in downtown Memphis after breakfast. I ran down to Beale Street, which at about 12:30 pm was very similar to running downtown on a SXSW morning in Austin. On the way back to the hotel, I detoured through The Peabody; haven't been there since we took a family vacation in 1980 (?). Watched the ducks; they're a little fat. But I guess it's a better life in a hotel fountain. Although, you have to ask yourself: "are those ducks really living?"

It's been pouring rain all weekend and there are absolutely no rain boots or slickers to be found in a 50-mile radius. I ended up wearing jeans and my mom's sweater and flip-flops to watch about 15 minutes of Snoop Dogg in the mud at the Beale Street Music Festival/Memphis in May concert. As soon as he (er, I) sang "Gin and Juice," we were outta there. Showered and back in the hotel bar within two hours.