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
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
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
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
Monday, January 14, 2008
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
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
Sunday, January 13, 2008
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!
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!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
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
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
Friday, January 11, 2008
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
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
Sunday, January 6, 2008
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
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
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