I keep wondering if I’m ready for a blistering 8:35 pace. So I tried to keep myself occupied today. I made the meatlessballs and sauce for my Saturday night meal. I’m staying with my friend in Philly, he’s going to get the pasta, and hopefully a loaf of bread, and then I’ll cook it all up and we’ll all have a lovely dinner. I haven’t thought of a veggie yet, but I’ll come up with something.
\nMeanwhile, it dawns on me, I’ve been joking about my faster running has happened since I shaved off my beard, but in reality, it also coincides with the complete end of my eating meat. If I keep improving, it will be interesting to see. Weather’s looking a little chilly, but good for Philadelphia, so I’m hopeful it won’t be an issue. Also finding out a few of my friends will be running Philadelphia with me, which is always nice. I don’t usually ask about who’s running the same race, but it turns out a few people are planning on running Philly and started posting about it on our bookface page.
\nSo I’m all set with the logistics of the weekend as well. Have my tickets to and fro. Did some shopping today now that the insurance company made with the compensation check for stuff we already purchased. Got some new blankets and stuff. Finally will have a washing machine by the end of this week, that will be nice. I hate laundromats, clothes always smell funky after using them.
\nBeyond that, driving home from the store, I was thinking about how long the line at the shelter must have been tonight. Then what a horrible idea emergency shelters are when trying to deal with homelessness. We have so many empty buildings why not just take a couple, turn it into a home, hire a couple social workers, caretakers, maybe need to hire a couple facilities managers, and just have basically apartments for the homeless. They can get counselling if they choose, it gives them stability, and security. You can get them the help they may need, and may not know how to get. I don’t understand how this would be cheaper than running from crisis to crisis when homeless people are found struggling and in need of emergency care in extreme weather or conditions. It’s something to think about, these buildings aren’t doing anything and won’t be. They’re not a revenue source for the owners, or the city. So why let them just sit there?
\nJust something to think about, there’s no reason for there to be people living on the street, poverty is a choice society makes, and forces upon the most vulnerable of us. That’s my take on it.
\nSo have fun, keep running, and remember, if Gil can run, then so can you!<\/p>\n