3AM

Eternal. Remember KLF? I do. But that's not the point. That's how late I was up last night (well, 3:30 actually) watching the last episodes of "Lost: Season One." Call me addicted, because I am. My Mother's and Kristen's plan to keep me holed up in my flat backfired, sort of. The thing is, less than a month after Christmas, I've finished "Lost: Season One, " "Stargate SG-1: Season One, " and "Stargate SG-1: Season Two." Maybe now I can sleep.

That's the way with these things (books, magazines, hobbies, movies, etc.) for me. I jump right in with both feet and steamroll forward until it's over. Well, now it's over. Okay, not really. There's still the other 6 seasons of "Stargate SG-1" which I have yet to purchase, and I just received confirmation from a friend back in the States that she'll send me her copies of "Lost: Season Two" that she's recorded so far. I think tonight I'll watch "Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" Special Extended Edition. Don't worry, though, I'll get out soon enough.

So, what have I been up to? What will I be up to? I'll tell you. This past week has been great. I've run decent 4-mile times every other day plus today, so that's good. I've also been able to stay consistent on my sit-ups and push-ups. Can you say "solid?" I know it's nothing like when I was training, but it's actually making me happier than I've been in awhile. It's nice to get back to basics and not actually be training for something. That being said, I have agreed to do another UK "Cross Country" race in February. It's a 15K and, if it's anything like the last one, I'll be needing new trainers. I also forgot to mention I signed up for the Chicago Marathon in October. Decided to do that one insead of the Marine Corps Marathon this year. I've been doing the MCM for six years straight and it's time for a bit of a change.

Okay, so other than watching tons of the tube and working out I haven't been doing too much else. We shipped one of my coworkers from the States over here this week so that was good to have another yank in the pot at work. It's kept me busy but I'm positive that it will make for a more successful project. I shipped him off to Italy this weekend to see an old friend of his. Had to pull a few strings at work for him to make it happen but I'm sure he appreciates it. Besides, I'm going to Prague next weekend.

That's right: Friday through Monday I'll be on Holiday in the wonderful Czech Republic city of Prague. Can't wait. I get there Friday afternoon and start off with a river dinner cruise. Should be great. Then, Saturday, I'm doing a walking tour of the city followed by a medieval pub tour that night. The evening tour is said to be awesome. We end up in some old pub outside the city with nearly unlimited food and drink, and apparently the people treat you like shit. Just like in the old days. I think. Then, Sunday I'm signed up for another walking pub tour that evening. Other than that I'm just planning on running around (maybe even actually running) and snapping some photos. I'll fill you in when I get back.

Today was like any other day, other than waking up a bit later (happens when you stay up late). Got up, did some chores around the house, including starting to plan for Katie and her boyfriend's visit in February. Then I went for a run and dropped off my dry cleaning. Guess what was after that. Well, sushi as usual. I'm growing more and more addicted to Sakura's spicy tuna hand rolls. They use Old Bay seasoning and mayo. I had 3 orders today. Yummy.

Now I'm just relaxing watching the special features on the "Lost" DVD. Hey, thought you might like to see this article I ran acros today. A whale is swimming up the River Thames in London. "Look Kids: Big Ben, Parliament." Literally. Hopefully the big guy is alright. Oh, and to my friends in D.C. let this be a lesson to you: fetuses do not count in the carpool lane.