Penny Thoughtful: All Things Books and Running

  • Throwback Travelogues: Day 3, City of London, a history lover’s paradise

    Throwback Travelogues: Day 3, City of London, a history lover’s paradise

    2020 Jen – This day marked when I first fell in love with London with a little adventure the night before. The night after Windemere was its own adventure. It all started with a lackluster interaction with the hotel receptionist. This gentleman barely spoke to me. He took my credit card and gave me vague…

  • Racism

    Racism

    Friday May 29, 2020 lifted the lid and showed the roiling, ugly underbelly of American culture and the still endemic system of racism woven deeply into the bones of this country. In a text to a fellow social studies teacher, I stated that we had reached a low water mark. I could not believe what…

  • GVART1000k Week 5 – Stepping Back

    GVART1000k Week 5 – Stepping Back

    I did not intend to step back. I wondered if it might happen since Monday through Thursday I worked from 8-4 at school helping with supply drop off, end of the year stuff. That physical drain from staying outside all day in the heat combined with the emotional and mental drain from current events meant…

  • Silent Reflection

    Silent Reflection

    Although I have posts already written, this week I am taking a break from new content. These past few days have weighed heavy on my heart, convicting me and motivating me. Over the next week I want to take time to soak in what I have learned, reflect on my own shortcomings and discern where…

  • GVART1000k Week 4 – Settling In and Getting Stronger

    GVART1000k Week 4 – Settling In and Getting Stronger

    Monday, 72 minutes, 7.76 miles (1.26 miles walking)While my legs felt a bit tired yesterday, they did not feel that way today. They did not exactly feel like they had a “pep” in the step but rather I felt strong on the hills. The hills did not feel easy at all but I felt so…

  • Travelogues Throwback – Lake District Beauty – June 7, 2011

    Travelogues Throwback – Lake District Beauty – June 7, 2011

    2020 Jen – Since travel options have diminished a bit lately, I thought I would go back and revisit some old favorites. I originally posted these recaps on my old blog back around the time of travel, nine years ago. I have made some edits but left most of the pictures and text the same.…

  • Planning Through a Pandemic

    Planning Through a Pandemic

    Many weeks ago I wrote a post about how plans have changed and would probably change even more as the crisis continued. We have reached a point now where many experts predict an extension to this new normal of social distancing. This means that we now have to start planning in this time period because…

  • GVART1000k Week 3 – Let’s Make It a Streak

    GVART1000k Week 3 – Let’s Make It a Streak

    This week marks the first full week of my “streak” challenge. I just got new shoes that make my legs feel incredible! (Most of the aches and complaints likely stem from those really old shoes.) Monday, 70 minutes, 7.67 miles (1.49 miles walking)I ended up on the treadmill (thanks to a ridiculous amount of rain)…

  • Travelogues – History and Baseball Day 3 – Historical Coincidences

    Travelogues – History and Baseball Day 3 – Historical Coincidences

    We timed our return flight for the afternoon so we could get in a little more sightseeing before we left. Obviously, we had a couple important places to see, a requisite for all history nerds. Thanks to the rental car, we did not have to find a place to store our bags while we toured.…

  • The Financial Implications

    The Financial Implications

    Shut downs of any scale disrupt the typical functioning of the economy. Every action we take makes ripple effects. Obviously, the shelter in place orders and social distancing guidelines has affected the American and global economy tremendously both on a macro and a micro level. This economic hardship has battled for attention against the death…

Got any book recommendations?