Time-- I have missed you

Hey sportsfans,

I know it has been a while since my last post. No excuses for it--will just start with an update. Over the past few months work has kept me suitably busy--deal activity has picked up in the middle market. While life has been challenging, and I haven't gotten much/any sleep--its been a good ride, and I have become a smarter investor. In the midst of the circus of deals--unfortunately, running has sadly become an inconsistent sideshow. I have only been able to get out 2-3 times a week.

Each time I run though, I feel so much better--its my chance to clear my mind, rock out to music and just think with no strings attached. Also--it gives me a chance to see more of Boston. Being holed up in the office all day I never get to see things like the concerts at the half shell, sail/ crew teams in training, local celebrities out and about. When I run--for an hour or so I get the cliff notes version of Boston life. While B does get a bad rap...and despite the Red Socks chugging the Yankees haterade...there are some things to love about the town! In other news--two weeks ago I was able to go to the world cup. I saw 4 games (Cote D'Ivoire vs. Brazil, USA vs. Algeria, USA vs. Ghana and Cameroon Netherlands). The whole trip was a great ride--starting from day 1--Pallen and Rob's party; to the arrival of KO, the most fun soccer game I have ever witnessed ( USA vs. Algeria), great hospitality from JD and RM, to nights at Taboo, duck parades, and of course ALA. It was a short trip but very refreshing.

I am also working on time management. With work and other life things I don't really get to sleep and am always busy. I don't see how I will be able to fit marathon training in among that so I have decided to postpone my Venice debut until next year. Cynthia P has been a great sport about it--we will tear up the streets of Italy together next year!! Okay--I will post again soon.



Stay cool folks! -MVQ

Back in Action

Hey sportsfans,

I know it has been a while but I am officially bringing the blog back to life! I will expand this blog to go beyond marathon training to touch on things I've learned, other challenges I've encountered and general musings. Some people keep a journal...I prefer to keep a blog because I want to SHARE my life rather than hide it away in a book. I hope you guys will continue to stay on for the ride.

So quick updates since we last checked in:

1. Running--I've decided to run the Venice marathon (Italy!) along with Cynthia P. from Heartchange. Once again I will run it for African Leadership Academy, but I am also using the marathon as an excuse for a mini European vacation. The run is Oct. 24th, drop me a line if you are interested in coming out for the run/ post run Italiano adventures. I am also set to run the NY half marathon March 21, I am 100% not ready for it as I haven't done any significant training since the NY marathon in Nov. should be a toughy but it'll be a nice kick in the butt to get me back on a training schedule for the Venice marathon.

2. The job--I'm still enjoying work here in Boston, I am learning a lot and while work is challenging the things we are working on are also extremely exciting! If you want more dets, ping me.

3. Snowboarding/skiing--This year i've gotten out to the VT, NH, ME and MA mountains for a lot of ski and snowboard time. Along with Ashley Q., Keith H., Carly S., and Cynthia P. we've torn up the Northeast and now I'm working on getting from little hoppy hops to true jumps on the snowboard--look out Shaun White.

4. World Cup--I'm planning to head out to SA in June to visit ALA and go to the world cup with Fadzi. Looking forward to massive amounts of Halloumi, Wooly's wavy chutney chips, Taboo, street vendors, being part of Pallen's entourage, and getting into ridiculous situations with 3M of my closest friends ;)

5. Challenge of the week--Self Control--this week I am challenging myself to work on self control. Meaning mastering my desires/wants. To kick this off I have been fasting all day today and throughout the week will try to show self control especially in a professional setting. I'll keep you posted on how it goes...look out for a new challenge each week--and if you have any suggestions let me know. I am pretty much game for anything ;)

Ok that's all for now....see below a few pics from the last few months (basically whatever I had on my comp!)

1. The family at Vaughn's football game (U Miami #7!!)

2. Snowboarding