No Child Left Behind--The Big Lie

No Child Left Behind. Sounds like a noble cause, doesn't it? I mean, no one should ever be left behind, whether it's education, disaster relief, the homeless. But when it comes to education, don't be fooled into thinking the federal government really cares about your kids. If you're in public education, you know NCLB is a bold-faced lie.

For example, the notion that all kids will be on the same level by a certain time frame is ridiculous. Only a bunch of pencil-pushing, Washington elitists with zero knowledge of child development could make such an uninformed claim. These stuffed-suits completely disregard one critical component in the educational growth of a child--parent involvement. Or should I say, LACK of parent involvement.

When you have kids moving in and out of schools because the rent is due or their parents could care less about education and are more concerned with personal survival or their parents are too busy chasing that brass ring and just don't have "time" to be involved in their child's education, you can see what our educational system is up against.

Then you bring in the element of more rigid standardized assessments to guarantee we leave even more children behind. A reasonable person would naturally assume assessing the growth of students in order to better serve that student would be a good thing. It would be if states didn't have to punt on the essentials like spelling and punctuation and development of creative thinkers instead of making a collection of robotic, Stepford kids that are great test-takers, but lousy problem solvers.

In my opinion, and of course, it's only my opinion, the feds in their infinite wisdom has someone or cluster of someone's (cluster being the first of two operative words) that are enemies of public education and would love nothing more, like the insurance industry, to see it fail so the government can take over and privatize it. What other excuse could those mindless weasels in Washington have for authoring such a God-awful plan as No Child Left Behind. Those four words themselves are an oxymoron and perhaps the greatest travesty ever perpetrated by our government against the future of our nation.

By dumbing down curriculum, placing such rigid standards no state can ever hope to fully be in compliance, and by guaranteeing the mass exodus of teachers and administrators around the country (check the stats and you'll be alarmed), the federal government will eventually have in place all the reasons they need to take over education and remove power from the state level and shift it to Washington, D.C.

Your school administration building someday will be the U.S. Capitol with a whole bunch of overpaid, unenlightened, pompous superintendents at the helm. Then where will we be? You can see what happens any time Washington puts its filthy hands on anything, can't you?

I encourage you to check out the real facts behind No Child Left Behind. Find out what's really going on and don't just take the politicians' word on it.

Here's my ten-cent solution. 1) States must exercise their sovereign right to decline government monies and refuse to follow the rules of NCLB. Big problem: our states are so deep in bed with Washington they HAVE to follow the rules. 2) States must create their own set of standards that rigorously provide for appropriate measurements of student growth. 3) Grant more power to local school districts to set standards appropriate for the culture(s) of their specific region. For example, it's unreasonable to expect a school to comply with NCLB if that school has a high number of Spanish-speaking students or a large population of African refugees placed within that's school's zone. Right now, NCLB has limited-to-few provisions for such incidences. We've got kids being dumped on schools with no knowledge of the English language or American culture and we're supposed to "bring them up to speed." Further evidence the government could care less about the problems facing schools. 4) Release monies to help lower socio-economic parents, that may have limited education themselves, to obtain a G.E.D. and/or attend college. Show parents why education is important by empowering parents to be learners.

I know, what do I know about making laws and coming up with solutions to a problem that keeps on growing? I've been in public education for 16 years and have watched as it continues to decline, not because we have bad teachers that don't care. On the contrary, I believe public education is failing your kids because Washington has failed all of us. Teachers and staff care deeply about kids. We want them to succeed. We know what's at stake if they don't. Our country can't afford for public education to implode and the government to take the reins.

"Failure is not an option" is a phrase you hear often in our business. Too bad it's not one Congress operates by.



TFR

Commitment to Egg-cellence

What in the world has happened to the Oakland Raiders? One time THE most feared team in the NFL and the winningest franchise of the major sports, the Raiders are now a joke. No matter how you felt about the Raiders, you respected their fierce competitiveness and their powerful presence.

Even as a Dallas Cowboys fan, I always rooted for the men in the silver and black in the Super Bowl. I loved watching Stabler, Biletnikoff, Tatum, Atkinson, and later Marcus Allen and Ronnie Lott terrorize their opposition. They were mean, nasty, and could always find a way to win.

So, what's their problem? Simple...two words--Al Davis. The maverick's time has come and gone. He was the face that changed the game and brought respectability to a fledgling American Football League and gave the new AFC legitimacy as a superpower team that perennially challenged for the League's World Championship. Davis was disliked and feared by his fellow owners and always danced to his own tune. "A Commitment to Excellence" wasn't just the Raiders' credo, but it was a way of life for Davis and his beloved team.

Contrast that fiery past to the shell of a team the Raiders are today. Davis should have stepped down years ago. His judgment is suspect and he has turned the Raiders head coaching position into a job few, if any, want. His ego continues to impede his decision-making. The team has become secondary to Davis' self-serving attitude and that's a travesty to the honor and storied history of one of the greatest franchises in all of sport.

If I were a die-hard Raiders fan I wouldn't pay the price of admission to watch what Al Davis has done. It might just be time for the NFL to intervene, much the way Major League Baseball did with Reds' owner Marge Schott, and politely ask Davis to either pass the torch or sell the team.

As a lover of football, I hate seeing any great team go through the mass destruction the Raiders has suffered. One can only hope Davis will do the right thing and put the needs of his team and the league ahead of his own.

That's my football rant for the day.


TFR

I'm a Runner

I'm a runner. I didn't say I'm always a SMART runner, but I run, nonetheless. Take today. I decide to go running/hiking at our local wildlife center. It was warm, but breezy, so I figured "Eh, it won't be bad if I hydrate well." Sure. I strapped on my hydration pack and hosed myself with bug spray and hit the trail.

Halfway through, it's not too bad and I'm trying to keep myself hydrated. By the end of the run, and all the hills I've climbed, I'm a bit pooped. It's 83 degrees and I should've stopped when I was ahead and had ran close to two miles. But no, I decide to hit the running path next to the road and run another two miles. Now that was STUPID!

I got home and my temples were pounding a cadence similar to a halftime show at a USC game. So, I slammed as much water and ibuprofen as I could. It took me nearly three hours to cool off and for my heart rate to settle down.

Lesson: Quit running in the heat! Had I waited until 7, it was beautiful out and the sunset was awesome.

Yes, I'm a runner and not just a fat one, but a dumb one, sometimes.

Yesterday, I had the honor of participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. I, along with several colleagues, walked with a friend and co-worker who is battling cancer. She's a tough cookie, walking the entire 3.1 miles. We've all helplessly watched as our friend is struggling to survive as the cancer has progressed throughout her body. Still, she keeps a good attitude and continues to work, when she can.

I hate cancer. Almost as much, if not on the same level, as diabetes. Cancer took my grandmother's life and has ended the lives of other family and friends. I pray that events like yesterday's will bring about a quick resolution to a terrible disease.

I hope this post finds everyone well. Tell your friends and family, especially runners, to check me out and leave me a comment.

God bless!


TFR

How Do They Get Away With It?

Okay, so in my last blog I wrote about work ethic, or America's lack of it. I read Adrienne's comment and it raises a salient point. How can restaurants, convenience stores, superstore death stars, grocery stores, and small businesses get away with providing such blatantly obvious crappy service?

Adrienne's comment was, and I'm paraphrasing, "If we did our jobs that way, we'd be fired." That's exactly right! If I was constantly late to work, sooner or later (sooner), my boss would say "Adios!" What if I kept a parent waiting in the office that had scheduled a conference with me? And I mean waiting for 15, 20, 30 minutes like customers sometimes wait in a restaurant. That parent would be livid and calling for my head! If I called everyone I met in the office "Dude" I'm guessing I'd be in my boss's office, behind closed doors, getting the lecture of my life.

Yet, we'll put up with cruddy service over and over again. To save 18 cents we'll tolerate 2 open check lanes at The Death Star SuperStore and buy that gallon of cheap bleach or that t-shirt that really wasn't made in the U.S.A.

I guess we've grown accustomed to being dumped on in this country. We make allowances for the bad behavior of surfer dude waiter guy who has to clock out to take a dump and then forgot to wash his hands because he couldn't read the sign above the sink that clearly instructs him to do so before returning to work. Then, he goes back, handles our food, we get salmonella and wind up in an understaffed E.R. waiting to be seen in an endless line of people with the sniffles that just happen to have no insurance and the free clinic has closed at 9 so they booked it over to the hospital that is only on your HMO. Nice!

When will we say no? I mean seriously, when? How long are we going to put up with this garbage? Adrienne and I know all too well the genesis of lousy service because we see it in the form of kids that don't care about the quality of their work in the classroom. Then, they take that same attitude into the workforce with them and expect everyone else in the world to continue catering to their every needs the way school did. Anyone with common sense and a strong work ethic knows that just isn't the way it is.

Sadly, we have managers and upper-level management out there that's just as bad. My daughter works in our dump of a mall in the corner bling-bling store or as I call it: "Shiny Sparkles Things-r-Us." My kid hasn't worked there long, but she's already covering for the ineptitude of her manager and general manager. My daughter is often late to work and when I gripe at her about it she says "so what, my boss is always late and doesn't care if I am." There you go. Her boss is just a few years older and has fewer brains. Scary. The GM is only a few years older than the manager and is worse. I think this company is the write-off company for the parent one. A nice tax shelter.

You can see why these behaviors are so pervasive in the workplace. It starts at the top and flows down to us, the customer. So, next time you have to stand in line, or wait forever for a seat in your local chain restaurant, or hear the Jeopardy song playing while Joe is arguing with his girlfriend on his cellphone while you're trying to check out, pitch a major fit. Ask for the big cheese, if you can find him or her. Call the 1-800 number provided on the customer comment card. Gripe, gripe, gripe. Don't let these bozos off the hook.

And do us teachers a favor...demonstrate to your kids what real work looks like. I know, I know, it's not always easy, but at least try. I'm a teacher and have a kid that THINKS it's all right to come in on HER schedule. Show your kids how it's done and we'll do our best, like always, to reinforce that at school.

Good luck and don't get salmonella!



TFR

Work Ethic--A Dying Philosophy

If you've shopped at a local mall, eaten at a restaurant, or purchased items at a convenience store perhaps you've noticed how little work ethic the contemporary American worker possesses. How long have you waited for a clerk to get off his or her cellphone before getting service, if you can call it that? Have you sat at a booth at a burger joint only to have your arms stick to the table? And Lord forbid you ask the waiter or waitress to wipe down said table so you can have a clean place to eat.

My friends, welcome to the world of work in the new millennium. We've got too many workers that believe something is owed them, or take the attitude "how dare you expect me to do my job?" Where did all this come from? Us. And when I say "us" I mean whiney, cry-baby, never-lived-through-a-war-or-depression Baby Boomers. Yep, it's our fault. We were born in an era of great economic prosperity and transitioned into one of instant gratification. We raised our kids to believe they were special because they could poop or burp or color an apple purple. Wow! We are the status quo that runs this nation and makes policies and allow our children to get away with murder because we don't want to injure their fragile self-esteem.

Our kids receive awards just for participating. They all get to play in the game, no matter how crappy an athlete they are. They draw art projects we wouldn't wipe our rears with, but we tell them "Oh my, aren't you my little Picasso!" We are liars and have lowered our expectations and now we are reaping our just rewards.

Anyone under the age of 30 wants to show up to work, hang out with latte in hand, do some text-messaging, and "find themselves." Unfortunately, that isn't just limited to age 30 and under. Remarkably, we have a Presidential candidate that is that too.

The modern American worker is on a journey of self-exploration. Work is an abstract concept. Mommy and daddy are held to a higher standard than they hold their kids. I mean, would you or your boss put up with what our kids think we should allow them to get away with on the job? The aforementioned examples of long waits, dirty tables, lousy service, clerks lounging about are so commonplace that we, the consumer, have accepted this behavior.

We've got to get tougher with our kids and teach them they must do more than just show up to work. They must be present and make a contribution. If they want to "find themselves" then they need to it on their own time, not their employers' and certainly not their customers'. We must set the right example for our children and instill within them a sense of pride in a job well done and never settle for halfway. Halfway is no way.

With the impending recession and collapse of the major annuity and financial players of our country, a depression, similar to the 1930's, just might not be a bad idea. It just might galvanize this nation into the superpower it once was. Americans will be forced to quit griping and start working. People that have long mooched off society will have to take a number and stand in line. And maybe, just maybe, our kids and young people will learn it takes sweat, blood, and hardwork to be successful, not cradling an i-Phone and a Starbucks in your well-manicured hands.

That's my rant for the day.



TFR

Let Him Without Sin

A couple of posts ago I sang the praises of Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska and now Vice Presidential candidate. Nothing has changed my opinion of her. In fact, the recent news of her 17-year old daughter's out-of-wedlock pregnancy, and Palin's response to it has increased my fondness for her.

As a father, I can only imagine what Mrs. Palin and her husband are experiencing. My guess is they are confident and brave on the outside and crying and devastated on the inside. If one of my daughters were to come home with similar news I'd be crushed. I would be disappointed and probably blame myself for not being a better parent. Well, no matter what we do as parents our kids have brains, albeit small ones sometimes, and they make their own decisions. That is not a reflection of our parenting skills. This 17-year old made the wrong decision and now must face the consequences. I applaud Governor Palin for holding her daughter accountable by ensuring she has the baby and will raise it in the best possible environment she can provide.

I have listened to Democratic pundits on some of the major news networks slam Palin for this recent news. Let him without sin cast the first stone. By the grace of God none of us have kids that became pregnant as the result of poor decision-making. I was no angel as a teen and my guess is most of these so-called "strategists" aren't either.

I believe this latest revelation will do more to help the McCain-Palin ticket than hurt it. It shows all too well the humanness of a public figure and how we are all vulnerable as parents. We can only do our best and then trust our children will do the right thing. Sometimes they don't and they end up pregnant, getting someone pregnant, or worse...dead.

Yes, I'm a Republican, but I'd feel the same way if Chelsea Clinton had gotten pregnant back when Bill was in office. It wouldn't show Bill and Hillary as any better or worse as parents. The fact remains it is a decision that stings even the toughest of families.

So, before you pass judgment on the Palin family, or any others facing similar circumstances, remember we are sinners and make mistakes. In God's eyes, sin is sin. Cut Palin some slack and look past her smiling face and put yourself in her brokenhearted shoes.



TFR

The Heart of a Runner

For the last year, I've been a member of an incredible site for runners aptly named "The Runners' Lounge." I found this site by accident, but it has been a happy accident, indeed. During my membership, I have made some amazing running friends, like Amy, B.V., and Joy. I look forward to hearing from them in the forum I created known as "The Fat Runners Society."

As a runner of nearly a dozen years, I encounter all sorts of people. Non-runners ask me all the time why in the world I would want to run. There used to be this guy I played fastpitch softball with that always would say, "why run when you can walk...why walk when you can hit a three-run homer." I must admit, prior to becoming a runner I felt the same way. I thought runners were nuts. How could anyone find running fun? But, until you've done it, you'll never know the pleasure of a long run or how quirky a bunch runners can be.

Runners have big hearts. They live big, often right on the very edge of life every day. We have wild and amazing stories of what brought us into the sport. My friend and fellow lounger, BV, inspired today's post. He sent me a message on my forum asking if I was all right after what I wrote in yesterday's blog. I've never met BV, but I share a kinship with him forged in a sport we both love and participate in every day. BV's a runner, but he's more than a runner. He's a man with a big heart or else he wouldn't have asked how I was and if he could help. He even gave me his private email address if I wanted to just "talk." How cool is that?

Running brings people together. No matter the color, creed, financial status, their body type...we all come together as a special group of people sharing a special sport. Our sport isn't necessarily a competitive one like football or soccer. The only competition we have is ourselves. I run to make myself better. I run to live life on the edge. I run to escape a world that is closing in on me and my running brings me closer to the God I love.

Thanks to all you runners out there, large and small, that have big hearts and refuse to live an ordinary life. Be barbaric in everything you do. Make someone smile and maybe bring someone that doesn't run into our fold.

God bless you all with great running!



TFR

Behold, the Power of Pancakes!

Never underestimate the power of pancakes. Ahhh, the smell of golden griddle cakes fresh off the stove on a cold morning...nothing's better. Okay, maybe the coffee that goes with them. I realize this is pretty random of me, writing about pancakes and all, but I've had a rough Sunday and need some comfort food on my mind.

I began this day with a plate of pancakes at my favorite breakfast stop, right before heading off to church. Prior to that my wife and I were faced with a huge, heartbreaking decision that I'd rather not discuss now. Let's just say it's not my idea of a good Sunday morning when I've already shed some tears. So, my plate of goodness was extra comforting indeed.

I'm sure many of you find solace in other foods, but for me, nothing beats a big stack with lots of butter and syrup and a steaming cup of coffee to wash them down.

If you're a runner, you doubly appreciate the carb-loading power pancakes offers before and after a long run. Let's put it this way, I could eat them every day and never grow tired of them.

I told you this a random blog, but I needed my brain to take a walk with a lot of distractions from the mess that is the world. I'm not sure where this is going, but I guess mostly I'm just typing out loud to stretch my brain muscles since they're sore from over-thinking earlier today.

Pancakes can soothe a world of aches and pains. Too bad I slammed a steak sandwich for supper or else I'd be heading for the kitchen whip up a short stack.

Thanks for wandering with me.

God bless!



TFR

Random Stuff

First, let's begin with John McCain's selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate. Being a Texan, I naturally hoped McCain would choose Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson as his Vice Presidential candidate. I had to Google Governor Palin to see where she stood on issues and was pleasantly surprised by my findings. It's refreshing to find a politician with guts enough to stand up to politics-as-usual. Governor Palin has demonstrated she has the courage to right wrongs when she sees them. She fought against a corrupt oil establishment in Alaska. Kudos to her.

Palin's appointment serves several purposes. While some Clinton supporters call McCain's selection of a woman an "insult to their intelligence (CNN today)," I believe many women will welcome her arrival on the scene. I can tell you from the Democrats I spoke to today, many of whom were women, they have no intention of voting for Obama and Palin's appointment only reinforces that opinion. So first, Palin will attract women voters who were otherwise sitting on the fence.

Second, should McCain win and Governor Palin prove to be a force in the global arena during the next four years, we're looking at the Republican candidate for President in 2012. Any Clinton disciples that changes teams and supports Palin will now find themselves in a dilemma--Do I go back to Hillary or stay with Palin?

Last, it's just the right thing to do and America is ready for a female Vice President and, in four years, President. Only it won't be Hillary in 2012. If the good Governor plays her cards right and demonstrates the same courageous behavior in the White House as she has in Alaska she'll find herself in the Oval Office--not in front of the big desk, but behind it.

I can't wait to see what the Democratic pundits will do with this one, but you can be sure they are scurrying to create some damage control caused by Barack Obama's inability to pick a female VP candidate instead of going with tired, old Joe Biden.

The election should be fun, but I hope it's McCain/Palin in '08!

No running talk today, just running mates!

Ever forward!



TFR

Back to School

I'm back to blogging after a sabbatical. You'd think summer would give me more time and freedom to blog, but I spent most of the summer teaching summer school, attending trainings, and working with our middle schoolers at church. But now, it's back to school and back to blogging.

I'm a member of a terrific site known as The Runners' Lounge. TRL is a site created, in the words of its founders, "by runners, for runners." Recently, I submitted my story in the Lounge's "Inspirational Stories" section about my weight loss, running, and family adversities. It was chosen as best story for the month of August. I'm completely humbled and excited to receive this honor. What a great way to start back to work.

This recent experience, along with these first two days of school, really got me to thinking. I am more blessed than I realize to be a teacher. Do I want to teach the rest of my life? Probably not. My dream is to be a writer and make that my career. I love writing and sharing stories with readers. But for now, I'm a teacher and proud of it. My kids have been wonderful, thus far. Sure, I know it's only going into our third day of the new school year, but after you've taught a while, you get a sense of how the semester is going play out. My initial gut feeling is good.

Back to school means a chance for a do-over for teachers and kids, alike. Sometimes we teachers need a chance to start over. Maybe last year wasn't so hot and now we have the opportunity to correct that. We hope we have grown and improved over the summer, just as we pray that for our students. For me, personally, the new year brings new challenges and adventures. You never know what's around the corner until you take a peek.

My prayer is this school year will be my best yet. That's the same prayer I say on January 1st about my life, health, family, and my running. Desperately, my heart desires to provide my students with new vistas for learning. I just hope they will seize the chance to take advantage of that, not me, and see where the journey leads them.

I'm sure for many of you, school began earlier. I pray for all the educators out there to have a great and blessed year. We have in our power the ability to change lives. I don't take that lightly. The last thing I want is for one of my students to say I didn't care and they never learned from me. In 20 years, I hope they will remember me fondly and will still be using whatever I taught them in their lives, at work, and with their families.

If you're a teacher, God bless you with a great year. If you're a parent, please be patient with your child's teachers. They are doing their best. Help them whenever you can. We do need and welcome your support.

God bless you all and ever forward!



TFR

Le Tour de Farce

Time to call a spade a spade. After the latest doping incident and subsequent arrest of yet another Tour rider, I'm wondering, is anyone watching Le Tour anymore? I tuned into Versus' coverage last night and listened to a rather lethargic Bob Roll sounding like he'd lost his best friend as he was doing his best to comment on the action. Both announcers sounded like they would rather be anywhere else but in front of the camera calling the farce this race has become.

I became a Tour de France follower during Lance Armstrong's third effort at winning. As a person who lost his weight cycling, I must admit I was smitten with the romance of the race. Spending 20 miles in the saddle on a Saturday afternoon, I could only imagine the pain of riding over 100 miles a day for 21 days, all around France. No wonder cyclists look like skeletons. Here I was (am), still over 200 pounds, and riding a mountain bike for an hour or two. How in the world do these guys do it, day in and day out? Maybe dope has something to do with it.

Fast forward to last year, when so many big-name cyclists were caught doping and then banned from competition. And now the Tour is facing more controversy as cyclists continue to tempt fate and take enhancing drugs in order to survive the race.

One can only wonder how much longer this classic race, that has taught average Americans so much about the geography and beauty of France, can last. I haven't seen the telecast ratings for Versus' exclusive coverage, but one can only ascertain they cannot be good. Only the most ardent fan would stick around after all that's happening to disgrace the Tour.

Give me the pure sport of baseball anytime. Wait, bad example. Give me the good, clean sport of football...whoops. Okay, the Olympics, give me the Olympics...well, I guess there's not many sports out there that hasn't been touched by doping, but it sure seems Le Tour has more than its fair share and the lackluster attitude of its commentors is enough to tell you the real story.

That's all from the "drug-free" Fat Runner!



TFR

Retire Already, Brett!!!

Picture this: a tearful middle school art teacher, sitting in front of his peers who are surrounding him in the cafeteria. He's given 30 years of faithful service and now it's time to call it a career. There's a cake on a table and a few gifts from well-wishers. The man of the hour now stands and thanks everyone for all the great memories and the wonderful gifts. There's some applause, even from some of the first-year teachers that don't even know this old geezer. There are a few whispering under their breaths, "It's about time he left." The moment ends and this tired, old educator walks out of the school forever. Or maybe not.

Two weeks later, with his contract days expired, and everyone is well into their summer vacation, the sad and aging art teacher calls his boss and says we need to get everyone back together. "I want to stay another year...I'm not ready to retire." Of course, driven by the letter he received from the Teacher Retirement System showing him his monthly retirement check may buy him a cup of caramel machiatto at Starbucks and a blueberry bagel...and that's a big maybe, he's decided to stick it out one more time. Who cares if he hasn't done any real teaching the last 5 years of his career. It doesn't matter if he had little to no classroom discipline to speak of for quite a while. But, he did manage to bring it in what he, and his boss, believed would be his swan song finale; a year in which he did more teaching, changed more lives, and generally improved more as an educator than he did in his 30-year sojourn at Anywhere Middle School.

His boss, tapping a pen on a desk, politely reminds him his time is over. His retirement papers have been submitted and it's out of his hands. "But, I don't want to leave. I want to stay!" "Too late," says the principal, "I've already hired your replacement." Then it hits the old guy like a bat to the face. Life goes on. They missed me for about three minutes and they (staff) got back to their lives. Summer is here and everyone's gone. This guy is just a memory. The kids probably won't even notice his absence in August when the new, fresh, pretty girl that will take his place is standing outside the art classroom welcoming her new students.

Hey Brett Favre! You played a pretty good, Hall of Fame career, but you're about to make everyone sick. In fact, if you look at Favre's stats he lost as many games as he won for the Pack by forcing bad throws and getting picked off in crucial moments. That's how I remember his final game with Green Bay. It's time to take a look at Dan Marino and gracefully take your exit. Granted, more people will miss you than the jerk Marino, but it's time to let someone else take the reins. You're holding up the process of indoctrinating another quarterback into the offensive system and that's not fair. Your time has come and gone and now you must move on.

Retire, already, Dude. Enjoy time with your now healthy wife and get on with your life.



TFR

10 Reasons Running is Better Than Reality TV

My wife is a devotee of reality television. I can't stand it. I find reality TV boorish and completely devoid of any intelligence, much like some parts of the United States. Strangely, a lot of what happens on these stupid programs have filtered into my brain through osmosis, since I sit in the room adjacent our living room while on the computer. I can tell you a little bit about each one my wife watches, from America's Next Top Model to Hell's Kitchen. Isn't Gordon Ramsey the King of Tact?

I've been a runner for nearly a dozen years and pounding the pavement is my "reality." These shows are as far removed from "reality" as I am from actually becoming America's Next Top Model. The following is a list of 10 reasons running is better than reality TV:

10) At the end of my run I don't have three judges telling me how bad my form was.
9) My "catwalk" has cobblestones and is covered with trees.
8) I know I run better than David Hasselhoff can act and I'm not that fast.
7) My runs have never been "a little pitchy, dog."
6) I run to zone out wretched noises like the ones that come from Mary Murphy.
5) Sometimes there are more interesting freaks on the road than on TV...now that's reality!
4) There are no running reality shows on Bravo yet.
3) I "make it work" and my legs look good for doing it.
2) Hell's Kitchen is running on a July day in my neighborhood.

and, the number one reason running is better than reality TV...
1) No Simon Cowell!!!

I'm sure there are hundreds more reasons but 10 will have to do.



TFR

What's In Your Playlist?

I've been reading a lot of articles out there in running publications about how MP3 players are banned from most sanctioned marathons. I guess I won't be running any marathons soon because I pretty much live with my iPod now. I haven't always been a fan of running with headphones, especially outdoors, but I really enjoy listening to music while I run. It helps get me through my runs and takes my mind off the mileage I need to cover.

My playlist is pretty eclectic, as you'll soon see. I like intense music, like hard rock, when I need to do a faster run. For longer runs, I prefer something a touch more mellow. Then for those in-between runs, like for hills or just when I'm working out I might try something more contemporary. Music can be a huge part of a good workout and can really help your running goals for the day.

So, what's in your playlist? Here's a sampling of mine:

Born to Run--Bruce Springsteen
I Love Rock N Roll--Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Metal Health--Quiet Riot
Turn Me Loose--Loverboy
Heartbreaker--Pat Benatar
Faithfully--Journey
Sweet Dreams--The Eurhythmics
The Heart of Rock N Roll--Huey Lewis and the News
Welcome to the Jungle--Guns N Roses
Dead or Alive--Bon Jovi
Banana Pancakes--Jack Johnson
All Star--Smashmouth
Rock and Roll Band--Boston
Lucky Star--Madonna
Hot Blooded--Foreigner

Let me know what you're listening to. Hit me with your best shot, baby!



TFR

Media, Life, and True Reality

While running on the treadmill this afternoon, I caught a newsflash on CNN which was playing on the TV above me. I couldn't hear what was said, but I could read the closed captioning. The anchor was talking about singer Amy Winehouse and how she's been hospitalized with emphysema. If you aren't familiar with Winehouse, she has a hit song aptly named, "Rehab." It seems this young lady, aged 25, is determined to leave this earth as fast as she can. She's been in rehab for a cocaine addiction and continues to be reckless with her life. Now, she's been diagnosed with emphysema, a disease more closely associated with smokers of more advanced age.

From what I can tell, the media has gotten a great deal of mileage at Miss Winehouse's expense. There are pictures splattered all over the internet showing her with a white, powdery substance under her nose and tears in her eyes. Other photos show close-up shots of her arms and legs revealing what looks to be track marks (injection points) where she has shot up either heroin or coke. It's tragic what is happening. She's a human being and no one seems to be helping her.

I guess what prompted me to blog about this was something I read tonight on the internet. A few months back, I did a Google search on Winehouse and watched a video on You Tube of her song "Rehab." She has a wonderful voice and the tune reminds you of an old Vegas lounge act or some coffeehouse trio. After seeing how she is falling apart I got online tonight and read an article about her admittance to the hospital. So, again I Googled her name and came across a web site that is asking its readers to predict the date and time of Amy Winehouse's death. Can you believe that? What has happened to us, as a species? Have we grown so insensitive we would actually revel in calling the time of someone's death and find that entertaining? I find it repulsive and sick.

Recently, the Australian government intervened in television programming in that country, calling for more stringent guidelines for behavior, specifically profanity, on television. It seems that one Australian official was fed up with certain "reality" shows airing on local stations. He called the shows "crude" and said Australians were becoming a nation of "crude people." The same could be said in many places, such as the U.K., where this web site prophesying Amy Winehouse's demise originated, and the U.S. We are losing our civility to make a buck or to be entertained by foolish behavior on television. And now, some complete idiots are "cashing in" (their words) on the death of what should have been a bright singing star.

My call is for someone out there to please help Amy Winehouse before someone collects on the i-Pod Touch that is the grand prize for accurately predicting her death. Ironically, I'm certain "Rehab" will be one of the preloaded songs on the i-Pod. How nice.

I also urge everyone to remember we are a civil society, not animals. I'm glad someone in Australia had the guts to stand up and say enough. Too bad we are so blinded by political correctness and have become so incredibly sterilized by the garbage on American TV that someone in our government doesn't have the courage and moral decency to draw the line.

I'm not sure what it will take. But I'll lay this challenge at the feet of any lawmaker in Washington. Stand up in Congress tomorrow and put forth a bill to clean up television programming in the United States. I have a used 2 gigabyte, i-Pod Nano with over 400 songs already loaded that I'd be happy to give you. Maybe it'll save a life or someone's soul.

I pray for Amy Winehouse and others like her. This is the true reality of life. And unlike American Idol or Top Chef there are no winners. If she dies, someone will get a shiny new i-Pod.

You tell me...did they really win?



TFR

Worth the Weight

I have a very low tolerance of lazy people, but I can understand them. I struggle with bouts of laziness from time to time. Fat people in America have been shackled with the stereotype of being lazy by those who make no effort to understand them. One man's fat is another's skinny, in my opinion. When I say I have a low tolerance for laziness, I guess that comes from being a teacher. But, speaking as someone that once weighed over 300 lbs. I know what it's like to have people look at you weird and shout insults at you when you're out in public. Heck, I weigh 240 right now and still get idiots yelling at me while I'm running, "You need to run, fatboy!" I wonder if they could keep up. Doubtful.

The next time you see a fat person sitting on a bench or maybe slamming that burger in a restaurant, remember, there's a story there. That food may be the only friend that person has. Cap'n Crunch at least smiles at you when you pour it into the bowl. A Hostess Twinkie doesn't make fun of you on the playground. Devil's Food cake won't laugh at you while it's sitting on your plate. I found comfort in lots of these foods, and mac and cheese and pizza and donuts. None of them made fun of me--none! Behind every fat person there's a story of lousy self-esteem just waiting to be told. The more we eat, the less our self-esteem so we eat more. You get the picture.

Where does my intolerance for lazy come from? Well, here's my point. If you're fat, you don't have to stay that way. Will I ever look like an Olympic marathoner? No and I don't want to, either. I lost over 100 pounds and looked horrible at 195. My mom used to say my bones would weigh 200 pounds and she was right. I had friends telling me I needed to stop losing weight and maybe put back a few pounds. I really did look bad. Some people can lose weight and look great. I'm not one of them. When I got back up to 235 that was a decent weight for me and I did look pretty good. I never want to weight 300 pounds again--NEVER! But I now know how an anorexic feels. At 195 I would look in the mirror and still see the same fat guy I saw at 305. I'd tell my wife I need to lose more. I would constantly weigh myself and obsess over everything I ate. Does that sound like fun to you? At some point, enough was enough.

If you are fat you may never be America's Top Model and so freaking what? But you don't have to live a life that puts you in danger of dying of a heart attack. You can be healthy and still eat the foods you love. Just don't make love to those foods while you eat them. Do you know what I mean by that?

God has a plan for us. Sure he does. I don't think God wanted me to be unhappy at over 300 pounds and miserable because I always had to shop in the big and tall section. I wore a size 50 pant and a 3XL shirt and jacket. But, God does want me to share his story through my weight loss and glorify his name. I'm blessed to be able to run 3, 4, and even 5 miles at a time when at one time I could barely walk down the street without resting.

I'm lazy, by nature, and have to work hard at keeping my weight under control. It's a constant struggle, one I'm sure will go on until I die, or finally quit caring. But for right now I'm proud I'm a runner. I'm glad I don't weigh so much because I often wonder if I would still be alive today had I not lost all that weight. I owed that to my kids to be able to play with them and be there for their graduations.

Runners have heart attacks too, don't get me wrong. But if you're reading this and you're overweight, I understand. Read this again--I UNDERSTAND. God understands too. When you don't think you have a friend you do in Jesus, as the song goes. If you don't think you have anyone, write me. I'm only too happy to talk with you.

And for you runners that might have been overweight at one time and now you're thinner, never forget where you came from. And don't keep that to yourself. And don't let others make fun of overweight people. They're humans, just like you. You want respect and so do they.

I've been up and down, back and forth just in last five years trying to hang in there and stay below 250. It has been "worth the weight." I wouldn't trade the struggle for anything because, in the words of Coach Jimmy Duggan in "A League of Their Own," "it's the hard that makes it great."

That's my confession. What's yours?

God bless you!



TFR

Shoe Junkie

Some people are addicted to food (I'm one of those), some are addicted to reality shows like my wife. I'm a running shoe junkie. A more apt title for my blog site might just be "Confessions of a Shoe Junkie." Don't think I didn't consider that name when considering titles. I don't know where my obsession with shoes originated. My best guess is it was born from growing up on the wrong side of the tracks. My folks weren't rich, or even middle class, for that matter. Heck, I got hand-me-downs from my best friend. Since I had no brothers, he was the best I could do. Whenever he got tired of his old sneakers he gave them to me and I gladly accepted.

I worshipped my best friend and any chance to wear his shoes was a real honor. He was a gifted athlete and had everything in front of him until he got bone cancer and lost his right leg below the knee. He went from being this really fast kid that everyone looked up to in school, to a below-average runner in middle and high schools. After he got his artificial leg he seldom passed on shoes to me anymore. He didn't wear them out as fast so I wore what I had.

My serious addiction of shoes didn't completely surface until I got into my thirties. It worsened when I began running. The reason I can give reviews of running shoes is because I've owned so many different styles and models. From Adidas Response, Asics Kayanos, and Reebok DMX to New Balance 992's and Nike Air Pegasus, Shox, and Zooms I've tried them all. My wife and friends call me "Imelda Marcos." I'm flattered to be compared to a dictator's wife with a closet full of zapatos!

I'm learning to dial it back a little. Quality not quantity. I do a lot research prior to buying a pair of running shoes now. I read all the latest reviews, talk to people when I see them wearing a particular shoe I'm interested in, and wear-test different models until I find the one I like.

My need for running shoes and the abundance I've accumulated led to me to create a ministry at church called "Shoes for Zimbabwe." My church has supported missions work in Zimbabwe for many years. One day, I was reading about a young high school runner that was collecting gently used running shoes to send to Africa. What a great idea! I've got all these shoes lying around and I'm sure there are many like me out there that have more shoes than they need. So, I called the missionary that works with churches in Zimbabwe and then spoke to our pulpit minister and both were excited about my idea to send shoes to needy people in that region. We put out the word at church and as of today, I've collected over 150 pairs of shoes and close to $200 to help with shipping costs.

Sometimes an obsession can lead to doing something good for others. Of course, a couple of my friends, namely Jason, wondered if this just wasn't another excuse for me to buy more shoes. Hmmm. People in Zimbabwe need our help. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Seriously, people in that riot-torn and politically unstable area could use all your help and prayers. If you'd like to help us, I'd love to tell you how. Contact me by commenting to this story and give me a way to get in touch with you. I'd love to send as many shoes as possible by the end of September.

I hope to hear from you soon if you'd like to help.

God bless you and ever forward!



TFR

Talking Points

I have a confession: I hate thieves!!! Well, I hate the sin of thievery, at least. This morning, I decided to sleep a little later and got up at just after 9. I got dressed and was heading out the door to grab a cup of Joe and read the morning paper and then hit the gym for a lift. Last night, for the first time, I parked on the street instead in my driveway. I hit my clicker to unlock my truck and it sounded like my truck was unlocked. As I walked around to the driver's side, I saw my window was smashed and there was glass everywhere. Someone had broken into my truck, ransacked my console and glove box and there was glass all over the floorboards and seats. I was ticked, to say the least.

Then, I gazed up the street and saw the twinkling of glass next to my neighbor's two vehicles. They got him too. Bless his heart, I had to wake him up after he had gotten in from work at 2 am. Some nit-wit took his stereo. Of course, we called the police only to learn there had been 20 vehicles hit in our neighborhood. The silver lining to this story is they caught the morons. It'll be a while before they sort out all the mess. Their little rampage cost me $200 for a new window. Thanks, dudes!

You know, ordinarily, I'd want a pound of flesh, but strangely, I wasn't as mad as I thought I'd be. I just wanted to talk to them and let them know that $200 was insulin I could've purchased for my daughter. Maybe one of their victims has cancer and can't afford to replace a car window. My neighbor has diabetes and I'm sure the stress of the morning jacked his blood sugars through the roof. Most of all, I'd like these guys to know the Jesus I know. That while they'll have to face consequences for their actions, they have a way out that is eternal. They have access to the same Savior I do, if they want him. I'd like to tell them about him in the hopes they might realize a life that is different from the one they are presently living. Sadly, I probably won't get that chance. All I can do is pray someone else talks to them before it's too late.

Next topic: Achilles pain. If anyone out there has experienced achilles pain or an achilles injury, please tell me about it. How do you run through something like that? My left achilles has a knot that is really bugging me. I considered getting back on the bike until I can get it healed. It comes and goes and I'm sure being over 240 lbs. contributes to the stress I'm feeling on my left ankle.

Last topic: I noticed I got a comment from someone I'd never met before. Welcome Friend! I hope you'll check out my blogs more often and chime in. I hope you'll tell your friends and running buddies to check us out. Also, I'd like to suggest you browse The Runners' Lounge by going to www.runnerslounge.com and while you're there, look me up. I started a loungers' forum called "The Fat Runners Society." I hope you'll sign up and engage in conversation with me and my buddy Jason. We're big runners and we'd love to hear from more of you.

That's it for now. God bless you all and ever forward!!!



TFR

Tired, but Still Going

I have a confession. There are days when I wonder if I should just quit running and start riding a bike again. My legs ache this morning and my left achilles has been bugging me. My frame has a lot to do with all my aches and pains.

Running has been my relief and retreat for more than a decade now. My weight loss quest began on bicycle, though. Many times I long for the fun of cycling. But, I just don't have the time to sit for hours on a bike. I can get a quality workout in under an hour if I run. But I can't ignore the toll running has had on my body. But I also can't ignore the fun I've had or the way running has kept me in shape. Plus, running is a lot cheaper than cycling. The most expensive pair of running shoes I own cost me $100. Try finding a decent bike for that.

When my colleagues and friends ask me why I run, if running isn't wearing my body down, I tell them I need that escape from the realities of life that only running can provide. Running is one pure thing I can do where my only competition is me. I'm not running against the clock, another person, or even the world. I run to make myself better. I run to think and dream and zone out the noise of a frantic life.

I guess one can do this cycling. There were many times back when I rode every day where I pretty well got lost in my own thoughts and got caught up in the mindless cadence of my pedaling. But you can't stop and walk and slow down on a bike the way you can while out for a run.

A few years ago, while working at a different school, I ran a few times with an old friend. He's pretty much a toothpick, going 150 lbs soaking wet, if even that. He looks like a runner with his skinny legs and tight gait. The first thing I noticed about a block or two into our run he was not wearing a watch. Odd, I thought. Mine was reset and counting the minutes. Then, he did something I thought was really crazy. As we crossed the bridge over the railroad tracks, a train was slowly moving underneath us. He screamed, "Cool, check it out!" He stopped dead and hung over the rail. My watch didn't care about the train. It was still running and I wasn't. Instantly I grew perturbed. It must have shown on my face because he looked at me and said, "What?" I smirked and we carried on toward his house. Of course, he stopped a couple more times before we finished our 5-mile destination. While sitting in his yard, I just had to ask. "Okay man, you've ran 4-5 marathons and you run 30-40 miles a week, yet you wear no watch and you stop all the time--why?" He smiled, looked me in the eye, and replied, "Why not?" He's right...why not? Who cares?

Make running fun for yourself, not a chore. I guess that's why I keep on running in spite of the hurts I have. Like my buddy Scott, I've learned to stop and smell the honeysuckle or check out something cool on my runs. My best friend (Dale) and I were inseparable, especially as runners. But he's always been a clock and not stop guy. I've decided life's too short to worry about my watch or keep running with my head down and never notice the beauty that surrounds me.

Have fun out there, whether you walk, run, or ride. We live in a beautiful world and God has given us a lot to look at. Don't pass it up.

That's my confession...what's yours?



TFR

The Strength of Running

I have this friend, Jason, who's fighting his own battle with his weight. He and I were emailing back and forth the other night and he admitted he has to interrupt his running by walking. My answer: do it!

As a faithful reader of Runner's World magazine, I religiously subscribe to the teachings of former Olympic marathoner and coach Jeff Galloway. For years, Galloway has taught his trainees to add walking to their long training runs. He advocates walking as a means to extend runs without injury. Walking uses different muscles than running so it allows your legs to rest while increasing the duration of your runs. I tried it and it works. Don't believe me? Go check out Jeff Galloway's web site and subscribe to his free newsletter: www.jeffgalloway.com

When I talk to guys like Jason, it really inspires me to want to help out and share what I've learned. For example, he and I were deep in discussion the other night over what running shoe he should buy. That's right up my alley. I have tried a lot of shoes in the last 11 years of running and have opinions on many styles and brands. The one thing I have discovered is there's not a perfect running shoe for everyone. What works for me may not work for a guy of my similar weight. Jason's a big guy and I'm proud he's taking up running. He needs a well-constructed, quality shoe that will support his frame. But, he also needed to adhere to a budget so he couldn't afford to break the bank purchasing a good shoe. I'm 6'1", go 244 lbs, and usually spend anywhere from $75 on up for my shoes. I recommend many of the Asics models, particularly the Gel-Kayano, Nimbus, and Cumulus series. New Balance makes some good shoes for bigger runners, as does Nike. Just be careful when looking at Nike as they tend to run a bit narrow.

Big guys need stability, which can add weight to a shoe. I don't like heavy shoes, although I'm running in one right now, the New Balance 992. It is a classic, stability shoe with no bells and whistles. My shoe is the old suede gray and it's not fancy at all, but it works for me. I also ordered a pair of Asics Gel-Kayano 14 shoes and I haven't been disappointed in them at all. For any runner, it's trial and error. Just like our favorite restaurant, we have to find something that works for us and, in the words of the old Texas Longhorns coach Darrell Royal, "dance with them that brung us."

One piece of advice and this is just from my own personal experience--stay away from the Nike Shox series. They are not made for serious running, especially for larger runners. If you notice, they seldom get any notice from the Runner's World shoe review. In fact, I can't remember ever seeing them reviewed in the magazine. They will hurt your feet if you're a big runner.

Here's a few recommendations for running shoes for bigger guys (190 lbs-250 lbs):

Higher end price, but worth it, in my opinion:
Asics Gel-Kayano 14
Asics Gel Nimbus
New Balance 992
Nike Zoom Vomero

Mid-price:
Asics Gel 1120
Brooks Adrenaline
Nike Air Pegasus

Oh, and I've gotten to where I won't buy retail ever again. I found a great place on-line to buy running shoes. Check this site out and tell me if it isn't worth every penny:
www.holabirdsports.com

The Asics Gel-Kayano 14 sells in my city for an average of $135. I got them at Holabird Sports for $105 with shipping and handling included, no tax. I saved more than $45. The New Balance 992 sells for $107 at Holabird which is far less than retail. I don't think you'll be sorry you ordered from them. I got my Kayanos in about 4 days.

Hey, I hope some of this helps you. Find what works for you and keep doing it. Try walking with your running and see what happens. If you discover a great workout, share it here. And if you find great deals on running shoes, pass that along to the rest of us.

Good luck, God bless, and happy running!




TFR

Where'd I Go?

I'm b-a-a-a-ck! Maybe with a vengeance, maybe not. At any rate, I'm back after a lengthy hiatus from blogging. When last you heard from me, I was on a tirade about the state of my job as a teacher. And even though it isn't always fun, I don't want anyone to think I don't believe for one minute I'm incredibly blessed. I'm blessed just to have a job to complain about. Every morning I awake, I'm in a nice, warm bed next to my beautiful wife. We live in a wonderful home, better than anything I've ever had in my entire life. We drive two cars that actually start in the morning. I have a choice of clothing and, according to my wife, way too many running shoes.

That being said, all this is possible because my wife and I have well-paying jobs that afford us to live better now than ever. Could things be better in our profession? Sure. But, I can't sit here and dwell on that. As much as I'd like to make a few Congressmen substitute for a while and draw my pay for a few months, I know there are others out there, like classroom assistants, that are paid far less than me.

I just felt the need to address my last blog before moving on to other, more pressing items. Since my last blog, my youngest daughter has graduated from high school. She's now on an insulin pump and her sugars are vastly improved. She continues to struggle with diabetes, but she's doing better now than anytime during the last three years since her diagnosis.

My oldest daughter is still in college, pursuing a degree in secondary education. She'll make a fantastic middle school teacher. She has the attitude to work with middle schoolers, like her old man. My wife is doing well and still teaching those little knee-hugging four-year olds.

It's now summer break and we're all enjoying some time off. But, my wife and I have been teaching elementary summer school. I actually taught bilingual pre-kindergarten for three weeks. I now love my job as a middle school art teacher. I don't know how my wife has done it for twenty years. Yikes!

I hope someone will take the time to read my blogs like I have many of yours out there. Every now and then, I browse through different blog sites and I'm amazed at some of the writing and passion of the bloggers I encounter. There are so many good stories out there I fear are going unread by the public, at large. And that's too bad. You're missing out on some great stuff.

I apologize for steering off the course from what this blog was originally intended to be. As the title suggests, "Confessions of a Fat Runner" was and still is supposed to chronicle my running experiences. I'm still a fat runner, tipping the scales at 244 lbs. right now. Eventually I'd like to be the medium-sized runner, but for now I still push through the mileage and fight to keep my weight under control.

It is my hope you'll stop in every now and then, have a cup of coffee with me, and check out what I have to say. I hope to inspire people, not turn them off with negativity. I love the sport of running and I want to share that enthusiasm with you. There are a lot of you out there just like me. You enjoy running and maybe you've had weight problems and are trying to battle your bulge, like I do. Hang with me once in a while and I'll do my best to give you some of the wisdom I've gained from losing 100 lbs.

As soon as I post this blog there will be another one following devoted to nothing but running. If I lost you, I hope you'll come back for a visit. I'll try to make it worth your while.

That's my confession...what's yours?

God bless you!




The One and Only--Fat Runner

It May Look Like Fun, But It Isn't

I haven't done much blogging lately I guess because I don't have a lot to say. That is, until now. My neighbor and fellow art teacher at school sent me a blog she found written by an art teacher somewhere in America. The title of her blog was "It Looks Like Fun." The bulk of her blog described in detail how people often tell her that her job looks like fun. She went on to discuss why it's not.

Well, I'd like to add my two cents worth as I describe how much "fun" the job of teaching is. Sure, I'm "just an art teacher" and my kids don't take the most ridiculous state-assessed, standardized, piece of crap on the planet, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). In Texas, "real teachers" are measured by the subject they teach. If you're an elective teacher, then you are, as one school executive referred to electives as, "The Uncores." So, that really boosts our self-esteem as professionals, let me tell you.

If that isn't bad enough, I'll give you the blow-by-blow of my job and you be the judge of whether or not it's fun. In my sixth, and hopefully last, year of teaching, I've seen my job get tougher and tougher. Granted, I'm not in Iraq getting shot at by anyone, and I'm not a police officer risking life and limb each day. But, I put up with an enormous amount of crap from kids that could care less about what I'm teaching and the parents that have created them, with society's help.

I work in a building that has one copier for 45 teachers and approximately 15 support staff. When there's a line at the copy machine, or it breaks down, which is often, you go to plans B and C.

Let's return to the aforementioned apathetic children and how difficult they can make the day for anyone trying to teach. Thanks to No Child Left Behind, and the idiots that authored it, your child has to sit in the same class with Little Johnny--fledgling serial killer. At one time when I was a kid, you could point out the class clown. Now, you have a whole class full of them. So, I am constantly redirecting and disciplining the monster children our wonderful, caring parents send us, while the few good kids sit there and suffer. Meanwhile, the attendance clerk is coming in, frantically wanting to know why I haven't taken roll this period. Excuse me, but I'm trying to do this little thing called TEACHING and don't really give a crap about attendance at this juncture. I'm too busy dealing with craphead(s) at the back table that are knocking someone's books off the table. Never mind I spent two hours preparing the lesson and Powerpoint that goes with it, Little Johnny seems to think that someday his boss will put up with his crap the way the school system does.

Halfway through my lesson I have a kid bellow out at another "shut up!" So, once again I have to stop, pull out an office referral and kick two kids out of my room. This seems to calm them down for the moment. Your talking about a person that writes maybe two referrals in an entire year and I've already written 7 in this semester alone.

Wait, it gets better. This class mercifully ends, but my last class will be coming soon. This little gem is 78 minutes long because we do a little thing called Advisory. Ah, 30 minutes of pure hell that is set aside each day for kids to have a study hall or tutorial time. Since its inception, it has been nothing more than 30 additional minutes of discipline and one more headache I could do without. And did I mention our art classes have become the dumping site for special education kids that are primed to explode at any moment? That's sounds like a lot of fun, doesn't it?

You tell me. What other profession has to put up with such nonsense? Who else has to take the wretched refuse of the campus into a course that is meant to develop a child's sense of creativity and appreciation for the arts. Pretty much every civilized nation in the world was founded on and has a deep love of music and art, but the United States of America.

I'm just curious, what other job out there can you be fired from because a student cheats on the state assessment because you weren't "actively monitoring" the classroom? Ours does. We sign an oath to "protect the safety and ensure the integrity of the state assessment." Go take the SAT and if you're caught cheating, see who gets booted. Is it the proctor, or the test-taker? I'm pretty sure it's the latter, as it should be.

As teachers, we're expected to justify every move we make, much like an NFL head coach. The only difference is he makes millions and I make less than $42,000 after 6 years. My wife makes less than $50,000 with nearly 20 years of teaching experience.

Sure, we get summers off, but big woof. But the time May gets here you're so tired you don't have the energy or the money to enjoy much of a summer. If Texas has its way, school will last longer each year. At some point, you look at your salary and realize you have a Master's degree (I get an extra $480 a year for that) and could do something else.

Parents want to know why you're picking on the gem of their gene pool. This is the same kid they don't want in their homes alone with matches and sharp objects, but we're the bad guys? Riiiiight.

So, you tell me. Does this sound like fun? I know, I know, then why did I become a teacher? It fell into my lap and I ran with it. I bust my butt to make good lessons and would die for these kids, even when their own parents choose their boyfriends over them. I would give anything just to think my kids care, but they watch the adults at home lie, steal, cheat on each other, and they think that's how life is supposed to be.

Tell me when it's fun. Teaching isn't about knowledge. Lots of IBM rocket scientists leave the world of lab coats and Bunsen burners to pursue teaching, only to quickly realize education is about managing a classroom, dealing with crud all day, and appeasing parents when you fail their kid. As soon as they come in, they leave with their Ph.D'd tails between their legs. Ask them if teaching is fun.

With the grace of God, I won't be in this much longer. I've got a lot to offer and I'm ready to find a place that wants it, will embrace it, and will reward me for what I can do. I'm tired of dealing with all the Little Johnnies out there. There's too many to count and I don't want to do it one more year.

So, next time you're in a school, or you're talking to a friend that happens to be a teacher, remember, it may look like fun, but it isn't.




TFR

If a Tree Falls...

Or, if a blog is written and no one reads it, was it really written? Profound, huh? I've decided I'll keep blogging even if not very many people read them. My mom loves me and that's all that counts.

I ran today and it felt like my legs had pit bulls strapped to them. It was colder than I originally anticipated so that slowed me down a little. I'm not really training for anything so I don't know if the mileage I'm logging is classified as "junk miles," or what. They don't feel like junk to me, although my legs did today.

Switching gears, I think I've decided to start pursuing my dreams, slowly and incrementally. I have been an artist all my life and I teach middle school art. I don't passionately work on artistic projects around the house like my colleague does. With so many friends telling me I need to seriously get after the gift from God I've received, I think it's time I follow their advice. There's no way I could make a living painting, but at least I can do a few paintings here and there and hopefully get some gallery showings around town. So, this summer, I'm going to clear an area in my garage as a makeshift studio, invest in a new easel and quality supplies, and get busy.

Here's my random walk in the park of the day. Today in Careers class, I told my eighth graders I firmly believe I'm teaching the next President of the United States, the next Governor of Texas, next business leader, banker, lawyer, nurse, doctor. But I know I'm teaching the next husband and wife and the next mother and father. I told them if I fail in teaching the latter the former won't matter to me at all. The lesson was on personal and professional priorities. My professional priority, as an educator, is to teach my kids to be the best young men and women they can be. I'm training my students to be good citizens, not to fill a seat and answer some questions. I'd rather they pass the test of life and not the state assessment. For Jesus said, "Come and I'll make you fishers of men." That's my job, to help my students be fishermen in order to feed themselves, their families, and their community.

Another random comment. I can't wait to start wearing Depends. Just think...I'd never have to get off the couch during the Super Bowl again. Food for thought.

That's my confession o' the day...what's yours?




TFR

Old Friends

It's been a while since my last post. I started questioning whether my blog mattered to anyone, especially me. Well, tonight my question was answered. I received a phone call from someone I haven't heard from in a more than a dozen years. When I walked in this evening, my oldest daughter said, "You got a phone call from someone from Roswell." Now, I grew up in Roswell and had a best friend there and his two sisters that were like my own family. So, I instantly grew reticent to return the call as I feared I was about to hear some grave news.

A little background information is needed before I proceed. My best friend of many years, Paul, and I had a falling out at my own hands about 12-13 years ago. It was my fault--period. The last time I talked to his sisters was back when I lived in New Mexico. Those girls, both near my age, were very special to me. I loved them like they were my own sisters, but what they didn't know is I had crushes on them both. So, it was hard to separate the brotherly, I'll kick anyone's butt that messes with them feelings, from genuinely finding them attractive. But, I was a big, fat dork that could barely muster up a complete sentence with girls when I was in high school.

Fast forward to this evening. I checked the caller ID and found the number. With great trepidation I dialed the number. The voice on the other end was immediately recognizable. She said, "Is this Gregg?" I smiled from ear to ear as I asked, "Is this Irene?" Nothing had changed. Here she is 40 and I hadn't spoken to her in what seemed a lifetime and she sounded exactly as I remember. It was like I fell into a time capsule as we began to discuss the events of our lives. It was great. I learned so much about her and her sister. At least no one had died and no animals were harmed or maimed in the making of this film.

We talked for over an hour, but it felt more like 5 minutes. I would still be talking to her right now if I could. I caught up on my best friend and what was going on in his life. She told me both she and Barbara, her sister, were talking about me the other night and wondered if I had a MySpace account. They looked me up and found my site which has a link to this blog. They clicked on my blog link and began reading my posts. It was from that they decided to call me. That's a God thing.

So, my friends, my blog actually matters to someone. Right now, it really matters to me and I'm going to get back to writing regular posts. I hope Irene and Barbara will read this latest post and know how full my heart feels at this moment. You'll never know how incredibly happy you made me this evening and how much I want to see you. You represent a part of my life that is happy and was a lot of fun. You remember the old me when I was fat and yucky and cared little for myself and even less about serving God. But still, we shared some fun times together and I hope we can relive some of those again.

I challenge anyone reading this to pick up the phone and call someone you've lost touch with. Rekindle an old friendship that you thought was lost forever. God's word is filled with do-overs. I got one tonight and so could you.

To Barbara and Irene: you are my sisters and I love you very much. Thank you for remembering me and I thank God he moved you to call me. Let's not make this the last time. Let's make this the start of something special. To everyone out there...God bless you and make the most of your relationships.

That's my joyful confession...what's yours?




TFR

More Things Important Than Football

Often times, we American sports fans get so wrapped up in supporting our teams we forget there's a whole other world out there. Yes, my Dallas Cowboys, whom I've loved and cheered on for almost four decades, lost a heartbreaking game last night, but that's nothing compared to the heartache someone feels over the loss of a murdered daughter, who just happened to be a United States Marine.

I admit I haven't been following this story as closely as I should, but I took the time last night to listen to the story as it was reported on Headline News and then Nancy Grace carried it in greater detail. This woman, who gave her life to serve her country didn't die at the hands of an enemy in a land half-way around the world. No, she was killed by a coward in the same uniform.

What happened to honor and decorum? How does a Marine rape and kill another Marine, let alone a human being killing another in cold blood? After watching the story and listening in horror as police extracted the body of this lifeless and PREGNANT, young lady from the shallow grave she was thrown in by her killer, it hit me that a football game really doesn't matter.

I'm the father of two beautiful girls and I can only imagine what this woman's parents are going through. It must be horrific. It makes my heart hurt that such evil is pervasive in our world. We can only hope the perpetrator is brought to justice swiftly and will face the maximum penalty for this heinous crime.

I pray for the soul of this girl and am humbled by her story. It serves to remind me there are things more important than football.

Take care of each other. Quit running red lights because you think you need to be someplace RIGHT NOW. Stop the road rage. Be kinder to each other and remember the mercy you receive is equal to the mercy you give.

That's my heartfelt confession for this evening...God bless you.



TFR

Way Overpaid

You guys know I'm a Cowboys fan and I knew we were in trouble when New York drove the field in :43 to tie the game before the half. What a waste of one of the greatest drives in playoff history.

It's plain to see, and this is no secret as it plagues a mediocre NFL, that the Cowboys have some guys that are way overpaid for what the do on the field. Today cast a glaring light on a few players that have done nothing but either kill or extend drives on both sides of the ball.

I'd like to hand out some tin-plated game balls to some of Dallas' overpaid millionaires. First, thank you Patrick Crayton for dropping what was the biggest throw of the day for Tony Romo. Romo busts his rear to make a spectacular play and you let him, and all of us, down. There was nothing but daylight in front of you, so you must've been distracted by the possibility of being the Miller Lite Most Valuable Player for hauling that in and sprinting to Cowboy immortality. Instead, you showed us all what a choke you are.

Second, to Columbo and Adams for all your false starts all year long and how they came to a head in the biggest game of the year. I'll cut Flozell a little slack because at least he kept Romo alive and Strahan at bay. But Colombo? You stink, dude. Have yourself a nice off-season and take your tin ball with you.

Third, the Dallas Cowboys secondary deserves a great round of applause for making Jon Kitna, Jason Campbell, and Eli Manning look like hall of famers. This all began in Detroit and fittingly ended in our backyard. Led by Roy "I can't catch a cold if I stood out in the snow naked" Williams, the Dallas defensive backfield gave more cushion than a leather La-Z-Boy. I'd really like to thank Jacques Reeves for his lack of participation today. So, to all of you that allowed Eli to drive the Giants to the tying score after getting a 10-minute plus rest...Thanks!

I'll give Romo some credit for always making things exciting for us fans, but when he commits those mindless mistakes, like getting an intentional grounding penalty, or tossing a pick, it reminds us he has a long way to go. He violated Parcells' 11 Commandments that are hanging in his locker at Texas Stadium. Parcells told him, "When all around you are in chaos, you must keep your head." It was clear there in the last 2:00, Tony was losing it. He's 27 and will be a great one in time.

I know I'm coming down pretty hard on my team, but when you see a marvelous 13-3 season slip away, especially in those last three games, it just makes you wonder where the problems began, who is going to fix them, and where will the Cowboys be next year? It has been 11 seasons, now going on 12, since Dallas has won a playoff game. How can that be? I wonder if Troy Aikman puked all over Joe Buck after Fox signed off.

So, instead of enjoying another week of football and hoping Dallas would beat its old nemesis, Brett Favre, which I don't think they could have, I'll be casually flipping the channels next Sunday without worrying about the outcomes. I do hope Favre can now carry the Packers to the promised land, but the New England Death Star with Darth Belicheck is out there waiting.

Here's hoping JerryJones sends a message loud and clear to his overpaid bunch tomorrow morning, by cutting Colombo and Williams, and maybe even letting Crayton go, as well. He needs to let these guys know they are paid to do a job and they didn't get it done.

That's my postseason rant and good luck to the Packers next week.



The Fat Runner and disgusted Cowboys fan!

The Resolutionary War

My feet move steadily, as my breaths are short and precise. I'm on mile three of a four-mile run. I'm in the process of completing an 18-mile week. So far so good in keeping with my New Year's resolution to run more quality mileage.

If I didn't run another mile, it wouldn't matter if I failed in my most important of resolutions--to spend more time with God. 12 days into the year and my wife and I have held firm to reading our Bible together every day. I try to spend my driving time to work every morning in prayer and I've been successful in that venture. I am really enjoying the time I get to spend with my wife as we do our daily Bible study.

I don't know if I've even lost a pound, which really wasn't high on my priority list, but I figure as my mileage increases, I'll lose a little weight. Last week, I came in at 243 lbs. and I feel really good. My stomach hasn't been bugging me nearly as much as it did at the end of 2007, so that's a real plus. Hopefully, I'll drop below 240 before spring break.

Tomorrow, I begin to attack another of my goals and that is to train for a half-marathon. I printed off a training schedule from the Runner's World web site and I'm good to go. As soon as church is over tomorrow morning, I'll hurry home, throw on my running clothes, and head for my favorite running spot to get in a long run.

If you don't know me, you'd probably be surprised to know I run at all. I don't think I look all that bad and I do have runner's legs, but the rest of me leaves something to be desired. If my gut was as tight as my calves I'd be all right. Oh well. I'm the Fat Runner, hoping to be a thinner, more efficient runner in 2008, and I won't worry too much about the way I am. God loves me and that's what really counts.

I hope you're hanging in there with your resolutions. If you like to read my blog, please hold me accountable, particularly where God is concerned. Like David, I desperately want to be "a man after God's own heart." If I can do that, then my relationship with my wife, kids, friends, and co-workers will prosper.

That's my continued resolutory confession...what's yours?

God bless you as we move into the year!



TFR

None of the Above

Did any of you happen to catch the debate last night? Have you listened to any of the multitude of mindless candidates that have lined up to run our country (further into the ground)? They are, in a word, unbelievable. No really, you can't believe any of them.

When it comes to politicians, it's six of one, half dozen of the other. For either side to say they have made the economy better or worse is laughable. This snowball called the bureaucracy of the federal government began back when a bunch of powdered-wig wearing, plantation owners got together and put authored a document that would eventually lead to the demise of the very nation they sought to create.

Neither Republicans nor Democrats can take credit or affix blame for the mess we're in. It has been spiraling out of control for over 200 years. And as soon as lawyers/politicians got their ugly mitts on the Constitution and began twisting every word in it for their own good, that pretty much signaled the end of a good thing.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not anti-government. I love my country and would die defending it. What I am is anti-stupid, anti-theft, anti-moron, and anti-liar. I guess you have to be pathological to be a politician to begin with. It helps when you can believe your own lies because at least you don't change expressions while feeding Americans a load of bull so deep we're all choking in it.

Where did common sense go? Thomas Paine, where are you now? I often wonder if our founding fathers were alive today how they would respond to the wretched band of cowards that are festering and oozing in the hallowed halls of Capital Hill. Would Georgie Boy puke all over his riding boots? Would Ben Franklin run out into the thunderstorm, kite in hand, and pray to be hit by lightning? And Thomas Jefferson, would he take solace in the arms of Sally Hemmings, saying "What the hell happened?" Maybe if John Hancock were here to witness this mess he might want his giantic signature back.

Who knows what they would do? They might just join in and give themselves a raise right along with the rest of Washington's finest. Someone needs to design a video game that brings back the Revolutionary War heroes to do battle with today's gutless wimps. Of course, they would be struck down by the evil PAC groups and their war-chests.

So, when I look at what, not who, is running for President I have to wonder if voting is actually going to matter in the grand scheme of things. It's going to take someone that doesn't care if they only serve one term, but damn the torpedoes, things will change for the best. And that is just a dream.

The only way things will change, and I mean the ONLY way, is if the entire political machine is completely dismantled. Could you imagine how the rest of the candidates would gasp in disbelief if just one of these educated fools would stand before Wine Spritzer, or Wolf Blitzer, or whatever his name is and utter that incredulous statement? "If I win, I will begin the process of systematically taking apart the federal government," sayeth the candidate, with conviction. "Today, ladies and gentleman, we begin anew, banishing forever the influences of those that would destroy everything our forefathers and dead warriors fought so gallantly to preserve." "Let the 21st Century be forever known as the age of action, not words, and as my first role as President I order the military home from Iraq to stand watch in the halls of Congress and the front lawn of the White House as we begin the process of change." "This same brigade of brave men and women who have served so well in the debacle in the Middle East will now defend our borders as we the people will say with one voice, 'the real Bank of America is closed until further notice."

Let us have one brave man or woman willing to say that on national TV on CNN (the Clinton News Network) in front of millions of hardworking Americans and that's the person that gets my vote.

Until then, I vote "none of the above." Because none of them deserve the privilege of serving as my President. Not as long as they represent what is wrong with America.

Come clean, tell the truth, and really make an effort to change this country, whether you are running for Congress, President, governor, or mayor. Our country can continue to be a beacon of freedom, respected for the principles that drove its founding, or we can carry on and go nowhere.

I vote "none of the above." What are you going to do?

The following message was paid for by my empty wallet that goes to fund $400 haircuts and supporting people that don't want to work.



TFR

Life on the Fake Road

Put the title above to "Life in the Fast Lane," by the Eagles. The "fake road" is my affectionate nickname for the treadmill.

Lately, I've spent a lot of time, and miles, on a road that goes nowhere (music and lyrics by The Talking Heads). The fake road has been my friend during the early winter months. Here in Amarillo, every day is another windy one. We actually beat Chicago one year for the most windy days. Sorry Steven, but Amarillo should've been called "The Windy City."

I've struggled with a bacterial infection in my stomach, so put that with cold, windy weather and I'm relegated to logging hours staring at a digital panel and a televisions in the gym I can't even hear. Thanks Apple for making iPod with no FM tuners! But, I get to listen to my playlist to pass the time in the comfort of indoor serenity. All I need is some fake birds chirping and I'm all set. I do find listening to music makes my rage against the machine a little calmer. Actually, I don't really rage against it. I like it, kinda sorta.

The tread has its place. I understand that. It will never replace the enjoyment of being outdoors, but it comes in handy when your pressed for time or the weather prohibits an outside run. Even in the summer I sometimes find myself pounding the conveyor since I'm not a morning person and if you wait until it cools off you'll be running at midnight on some days.

Either way, I am a runner. I feel like I'm accomplishing something, one way or the other. Sure the elements aren't there to make a run as challenging, but it's cool to see people I know coming in and out of the cardio area, especially when my students see me up on that machine. They can't resist coming over to say hi, even after I've been with them all day. You can't get that outside.

Life of the fake road ain't all bad. The fake road serves its own calibrated purpose and makes life a little easier. Tomorrow's supposed to be nice, so I'll do my best to get out there and enjoy the warmth in January.

Do you like treadmill running? If so, tell me. If you don't, tell me why. Running on a machine is tricky and can make you feel like George Jetson. Trust me. Been there, done that!

Hope you had a splendid weekend and will have a great start to the week on Monday.

That's my treadmill confession...what's yours?



TFR

The Devil and Mr. Jones

If I see one more Pepsi commercial with Jerry-I-could-coach-the-Cowboys-Jones, I may puke. Somehow, I have this feeling in my gut that Mr. Jones may be meddling in team affairs, again. That might explain why the Boys have been slumping, as of late. Either that, or Roy Williams is trying to cover everyone on the field. Not sure which it is.

I'm just not a big fan of Jerry. And have you noticed he looks more like "Weekend at Jerry's" every time the camera is on him? He's had so many chemical peels and facelifts I think he's auditioning to be one of the Real Housewives of Orange County. It's kind of scary.

What prompted me to write this, I'm not completely certain, but I'm just tired of seeing him on the sidelines, in commercials, or anywhere else, for that matter. He's the only owner in the NFL with his own show. What's up with that?

Speaking of the aforementioned Roy Williams, it may be time to cut him loose. Jack "Hacksaw" Reynolds, the old San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker, used to wear a t-shirt that said, "I'm too old, too slow, and I can't cover anybody." He needs to pass that shirt along to Williams. Roy's not too old, but somewhere along the way, the former Sooner has lost his punch. I loved his tenacity and hard-hitting nature when he first came into the league, but he absolutely cannot cover anyone (see Santana Moss and Jeremy Shockey) and he uses his shoulder to tackle instead of his arms. On too many occasions he's been a liability in the secondary.

Change the channel: The Steelers just scored to retake the lead from Jacksonville. Have you ever seen a smarter, more competitive receiver than Heinz Ward? I'd take him in Dallas in a heartbeat.

Well, that's my rant for this evening. I guess I got a burr in my saddle and had to satisfy it somehow. What better place than the world-wide-web, huh?

Enjoy the playoffs and let's hope the Cowboys show up minus Jerry in the booth sipping his Pepsi Max while the other coach catches his breath.



TFR

Rambo: Thin Blood, Part IV (Intravenous)

By now you've probably heard Sylvester Stallone is back as the out-for-blood, action hero, John Rambo. I thought the first two Rambos were all right, especially his spin on trapped Vietnam P.O.W.'s in First Blood, Part 2.

But now, Rocky, er, Tango, um, Rambo is back with a vengeance. He's 61 and he's angry. Apparently the plot of the film goes like this. John Rambo, now interned in the Happy Valley Retirement Home gets upset when the cafeteria runs out of his favorite Jell-O. He goes absolutely ballistic as he creates a shank out his plastic spork and then proceeds to obliterate everyone in sight. Rambo then fashions a pair of bulletproof Depends and takes on a group of security guards whom he keeps calling "Soviets." From here it gets pretty brutal as the devastation, and false teeth, gets deeper.

Stallone has outdone himself on this one. No, I mean he has REALLY outdone himself. Other than anyone born in the 40's, I can't imagine anyone shelling out $7 to see a reprieve of an over-the-hill star raising hell in the jungle.

Now, Rocky Balboa really wasn't as bad as I initially thought it would be. I thought the notion of a 60-year old man fighting a 30-year old was going to be a stretch, but actually it was written and filmed very well. The best scene in the whole film is when the former champ gives his son the brow-beating of a lifetime. Rocky's words may just go down as some of the best advice to give a young man as he looks for his place in the world. In fact, I typed them up and gave a copy to each of my 8th grade careers students on our final day of last semester.

If you haven't seen the movie, Rocky Balboa, it really is a decent final chapter and a fitting way for the champ to go out.

Rambo needed to go away, but he's back. I won't waste my time watching it. I'd rather remember Rambo the way he was 20 years ago before he was committed to the home.

Hey, you have a great weekend and let me know if you actually went to see Rambo. I'd like to make fun of you. Joking!



TFR

I'm Encouraged

It was our first day back at school after an abbreviated Christmas break. That's not the reason I'm encouraged, though. I got some great responses from my fellow bloggers today and that really gets me pumped.

Tom from The Runners' Lounge gave me a shout out earlier and I'm so happy to hear from him. And my friend from the midwest, Steven, chimed in. I really enjoy hearing from you, brother. You guys, and others like you, are the reason I began a blog in the first place. My prayer is this grows into something special.

So, even though I'm tired from being around kiddoes all day, and boy are my spring classes huge, I am completely fired up by reading the comments I received. You have made my day.

Keep those cards and letters coming, boys and girls, and may God bless you with happy blogging and great running!

That's my exhuberant confession...so how was your day?



TFR

Day Two: How's Your Resolutions?

It's January 2. How many of you are already behind on your resolutions? I'm working on making mine stick. Stephen Covey in his book, "The Seven Habits of Effective People," says it takes doing something 21 times for it to become a habit. So, it'll take 19 more times for me to be habitual in my resolutions.

Already, I've stuck to a couple which I figured would be much tougher than it seems. Like drinking coffee. Typically, I drink two 24 oz. cups a day. I try to have decaf in the evenings, but I still spruce it up with creamer, and that's added fat I don't need. Reducing the caffeine alone will help lower my blood pressure and that's, as Martha says, a good thing.

Last night, my wife and I began our daily Bible reading. I'm excited about doing this with her. I want us to be a more prayerful couple and to study the Bible together.

I'm off to a great start on making my runs more meaningful. I want to run with a purpose instead of just running for running's sake. I need the fitness boost and weight loss, but I want to be more goal-centered and hit a few 5k's and maybe even a half-marathon this year.

Tomorrow will begin another resolution. We go back to school tomorrow (yeah, on a Thursday!) and it's my goal to make this semester my best yet. I want my lesson plans to be tight, on schedule, and everyone on task. I look forward to perhaps a shot at being an assistant principal by this coming summer. This will probably be my last pursuit of this and if things don't work out, I pray God will open a new door for me.

So, here's to everyone meeting their goals and fulfilling their resolutions this year. Let me know how it's going. 2008 is going to be the best year ever!

That's my early year confession...what's yours?

God bless!



TFR

One Cold Run

I hit the road for the first run of 2008 this afternoon at 4 pm. Brother, it was chilly out there. I checked the temp before I left the house and it was 36 with a slight wind from the northeast.

Today's run would be in my favorite place. In fact, I chronicled the site in an earlier post called "Fave Runs." I parked in Wolflin at my usual spot. Hopped out and got stretched and then hit cobblestones.

Even wearing a sweatshirt, hoodie, winter hat, and gloves it was still cold. I ran in shorts, which is my trademark. No matter what the weather conditions happen to be, I'm always in shorts, unless I'm at work.

The cold air was exhilarating, but wore me down. I managed 4 miles and with my cooldown walk I stopped my watch at 45:06. I figure I ran an 11:00 pace since I took one minute walks every 10 minutes. My knees were red from the cold.

2008 is off to good start and I can't wait for more. I finished '07 with some respiratory and stomach problems that I hope I'll kick soon.

If you like to run, give me a holler and tell me about your favorite places to run, your running experiences, and running goals for the year. I'd love to hear from you. I hope we'll get more readers coming to visit my site.

I found a really neat running site you might be interested in. It's called The Runner's Lounge. I found it purely by accident and now I have a profile listed on it. It's a great cyberplace for runners to gather and I really love the tips and forums shared by regular running Joes and Janes. Go check it out and tell me what you think. Click this link and give it a look:
http://www.runnerslounge.com

Take it easy and happy running to all.



TFR

New Year's and Do-overs

I love New Year's Day. Football is on every channel, but that's not the real reason I love this day. There's a simplicity this day brings in the midst of the complexities of life called a "do-over."

All the things I did wrong last year--all my broken resolutions--can be righted. Like the half-marathon I had to back out of because of health issues. I wanted to lose a little more weight and didn't accomplish that goal. The time I should've been spending in God's word got pushed to the back shelf as life kept competing for every precious minute in my day-planner.

New Year's Day brings the hope of renewal. It's the next year Cubs' fans always talk about. It's the time we ponder all the possibilities before us, like changing careers, or rekindling relationships, or improving ourselves.

I'm just minutes away from embarking on my first run of the New Year. And as I enter into this endeavor I do it with a hope of fresher legs and a chance to be a better runner in 2008. Yes, I'm the Fat Runner. I'd like be a skinnier runner in '08, with better endurance and speed for an almost 44-year old.

As I enter this new year of running, I want to regain all the simple pleasures I first discovered in running over a dozen years ago. Those pleasures are the reasons I enjoyed running in the first place.

2008 will be a year of challenges and opportunities, all of which I hope to face with passion and gusto. I'm ready to grab this year by the horns and get after it.

Whatever your do-over, I hope you attack it with all your might. Make 2008 a great year.

My running shoes are laced, my watch is on, and I'm about to grab my hoodie and winter hat. It's 40 degrees out and I can't wait for the fresh, cool air to hit my face.

Life is good and so is the chance of a do-over.

God bless you all with a great year, good running, or whatever it is you're all about.



TFR