What IS it about Arizona?

Marc Lacey is easy on the eyes.

I don't care about your age, or usual type. Even if you're blind, that man is attractive. He's articulate and gently humorous without being offensive, which is pretty much exactly what most people want in a panel moderator. A big thumbs up to Zocalo Public Square for their choice of the New York Times Phoenix Bureau Chief to preside over the October 20th panel "Is Arizona the Front Line of American Politics?"

Sporty Spice

I am not a runner.

Actually, I'm not an athlete of any kind. I'm the proverbial red-headed stepchild in a family of tall, blond, athletic - looking Viking descendants. In fact, if I HAD red hair, I might look more like I belong. Instead, I am the manifestation of the pixie (read: runt) DNA and black hair of my Irish grandmother.

I tend to shy away from conflict or else let my streak-of-lightening temper get the best of me.  I don't mind playing team sports with my drunkest friends, and credit a fast-ish metabolism with the fact I'm not 400lbs of cookies and craft beer. I am not a marathon-running masochist.

Yet.

The Word on the Street

I finally finished Elizabeth Gilbert's bestselling memoir Eat Pray Love for my Year of 100 Books. I had hardly expected it to be life changing, and while the jury is still out on that - a constant stream of conversation centered around the book has been gurgling around my head and within my interactions for the last few days.

Its hard to pick a favorite lesson from the text but one thing really struck a cord with me.