Back to Blogging

Wow, hard to believe it has been six months since I last blogged. In my mind, I have written and shared pictures many times, but other activities took priority. While I have not blogged in a while, here are some things I have done:

• Commitment-In February I decided to begin training for the San Francisco Marathon. Having several loved ones who run marathons (Ani Levy, Mom and Ben=6! And my uncle Denny=20!), it has been a long time dream of mine to be a member of the 26.2!
• Priorities-Shaped every weekend around long runs and rest. Special thanks to family and friends who tolerated this. Supported by Taya Taube, who was my consistent “receiver” as we like to call her. After each long run, I was embraced with delish food, warm baths and just plain being spoiled. Training totaled 487 miles in five months!
• Persistence- Training runs in Phoenix, Houston, Ocala, Key West & Chicago. Exercise can be tough when traveling but long runs are a lovely way to experience a city!
• Accomplishment- July 29^th, completed the San Francisco Marathon in 5 hours and 3 minutes. Thanks to the support of family and friends texting and following my progress during the race I felt I had many loved ones cheering me on during the race despite their physical distance from California. Run Colleen Run…

• Giving: Decided now that I know I can complete a marathon, I will give back to our communities by next running for Charities. Starting with the Chicago Marathon October 7^th for Common Threads. Read more here: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/colleenperdueauslander/2012-bank-of-america-chicago-marathon

• Courage-After 17 years in the nonprofit sector, decided last month to leave my nonprofit career to explore and pursue work that allows me to exercise my passion for cooking.
• Action-Took the name of my blog, Colleen Cooks, to more than words on a page and incorporated a personal business that I hope will facilitate the sharing of my gifts with food and wine to build community.

Exactly 11 months ago to the day I posted my first blog…  Who knew that I would celebrate one year of my blog on October 2^nd while exploring the next phase of my career with Colleen Cooks as a local business?  Who knows what it will evolve to be… But I have to try it out and see! It has been a long time dream of mine, and one that is a result of many people and events. 

Next blog I promise will be "Back to Cooking and Sipping" content, but given my hiatus I thought it was relevant to start with “Back to Blogging”…

Special thanks to:

My husband Charles,

Friend Fans: Taya & Jon, Cecilia & Mo, The Cantwells, Tara, Ani, Miguel

Family near and far: Miami, Delray, Ocala, Gainesville, Colorado, Boston, Maine, California, Belgium

Catalyst friends,

Fellow community change colleagues,

My personal dream honey badger, Susan Jacobs (who you will read more about in upcoming posts)