Day 152: Yummy 2.0...

Ok, I have to give another shout out to my two favorite cupcake angels, Christina and Chantel of Chantilly Lace Bake Shop.  We just got another delicious delivery this morning of what can only be described as the world's best cupcakes.  Take it from me, they put the "Excel" in EXCELLENT!  I like to think I'm a pretty decent photographer but I wish I could capture these delights in such a way so that you could almost taste how good they are.  Hmm, maybe I should try scratch and lick.  I wonder how many folks I could dupe into licking their monitors?  :-)


Just a side note, don't EVEN think of asking me to share.  There's only so much generosity to go around and when it comes to these cupcakes, the cup stops here!  So all you Denver Metro folks, get off your collective butts and order some cupcakes.  Do it for yourselves, do it for your families.  Do it for America!

Visit Chantilly Lace Bake Shop on Facebook or on the web or give them a call.  They aim to please and they hit the bulls-eye every time!

https://www.facebook.com/clbakeshop

Day 151: Yummy...

I'm pretty much a simpleton.  Don't make my life too completed, please.  I totally embrace the military mantra of K.I.S.S. - Keep it simple, stupid!  Perhaps I have a short attention span or maybe I'm just lazy, or both.  I just don't want to over do or over think anything.  The same can be said when it comes to food.  Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy lots of different kinds of foods.  But if I have anything to do with the preparation, then the best you'll get from me is a grilled cheese sandwich or mac n cheese with some diced hotdogs and for me that's gourmet style, baby!   

I tell ya, the one thing that sucks about having a trainer who's not only a hard ass but also has a degree nutrition, I get lectured on what I eat.  I don't think my diet is all together bad but it can certainly use a good tweaking.  My problem is if you expect me to "prepare" something, i.e. take more than three minutes to make, I'll just grab an energy bar and call it a meal.  Sure, Paula and Giada get all excited over the meals they make.  For them it's not food, it's a creation, a work of art.  Wow, I could SOOOOO care less about all the foo foo crap that goes into making a meal.  Food is only intended to help keep me alive.  Anything else you do to it is garnish as far as I'm concerned.  So in order to get the nutrients I need that coffee and toast don't provide, Natalie has encouraged me to make protein shakes.  They are on the borderline between stupid easy and too much work.  I mean, I've got a blender I have to clean and there's like more than TWO ingredients.  Whey protein powder, chocolate milk (her idea) and some ice.  No banana.  I eat those separate.  Bananas are like nuts to me.  They're fine by themselves but not mixed with anything.  Blech!!

Now let me back up a bit and say that I LOVE my wife's cooking.  She's creates meals that will knock your socks off but she does spend a fair amount of time in the kitchen working on these delicious masterpieces.  Yes, I get it, it's the preparation that makes the meals so wonderful, but I just don't have the temperament or the skills to make the dishes Julie makes.  Perhaps it's a good thing I suck in the kitchen.  Otherwise I might get saddled with cooking duty and we just can't have that.  Someone in this house has to be lazy and I'm the one willing to make that sacrifice.

So we all have our assigned responsibilities.  When it comes to food, Julie prepares it and I eat it.  A perfect balance that ensures harmony across the universe. 

Day 150: Garage sale...

Garage sale coming up this weekend.  Now who doesn't love a good garage sale?  As a seller it's a chance to clear out space in your house, unloading stuff you'll never use.  As the buyer it's that chance to find a little treasure that you'd otherwise pay a small fortune at a local retail store.  Garage sales aren't just a means of unloading junk or to find inexpensive necessities.  As a seller I think deep down inside we're hoping someone will actually buy this crap so we won't feel so bad for buying it in the first place. 

When it comes to selling stuff, the challenge is trying to figure out what someone is willing to buy.  I mean it's a crap shoot.  Who wouldn't want a ceramic turtle napkin holder?  Right?  That's practically a buried treasure.  Funny how the "strange" seems to sell and the "obvious" doesn't.  We've put out nice appliances, hardly ever used, marked down as much as 90% of what we originally paid and they'll just sit there on the drive way.  But a broken chair or damaged tools will go as if they were made of gold.  Go figure.  My wife bought two large boxes full of small metal tin boxes all decorated with a Christmas theme.  You KNOW those sellers were thinking "wow, can't believe someone bought that crap!" 

As much as I can't stand the hassle of preparing for this shopping bizarre and all the haggling that goes along with trying to sell an old DVD player for $3.00, it is nice to finally get rid of so much junk and to make a modest, little profit.  Of course that profit doesn't last long, not in my household.  "Hey, now that we've got all this space, let's go buy more crap!"  Really, when it comes to garage sales, you really aren't getting rid of anything.  All you're really doing is swapping your crap for someone else's.  It's a vicious circle but, hey, it's keeping the economy alive!

Now, if I can just figure a way to attach a price tag to the little mutts without Julie seeing.  Hmm, maybe I should have her go around town checking out other garage sales and I'll just take care of business here.  ;-)

Day 149: "Date Night"

I don't know if it's an age thing or maybe I'm just incredibly boring but my idea of "date night" is actually "date day".  Forget the outrageous night clubs with the loud music, surrounded by obnoxious drunk people.  Give me the quite serenity of the small mountain town.  Today Julie and I headed up to Evergreen, just the two of us.  It was our little opportunity to get away from it all, just enjoying each other's company, leaving all the worries and what not behind for an afternoon.  What a gorgeous day it turned out to be!  Found this amazing park, Alderfer/Three Sisters, had a picnic lunch and then went on a hike through some gorgeous Colorado country side.  As much as we love Westminster and the amazing people we've met since we've been here, I think we're pretty much set that we're going to move to Evergreen, hopefully in the not too distant future.  Just the right distance from the big city and airport but not so remote that we'd be miles from the next living soul.  Some of the neighborhoods we drove through, all nestled up in the evergreens and aspens, were so quaint and so quite.  I could definitely see us living up there.

Day 148: Litmus test...

Today was a bit milestone in my preparations for the Mt. Evans Ascent.  My trainer, Natalie, and I made our first visit to what will be our battle ground next month.  Heading up there I'm not sure what was more daunting.  The thought of attempting to run up a 14,000 foot mountain or driving my SUV along what I would have to  described as "the most dangerous road in America".  Given we only have a few weeks before the race, it made sense that we start higher up on the course, mostly to get the experience of dealing with the altitude.  It's one thing to be fit for a half marathon, especially if you're at 5,000 feet or below.  But training for a race up at 14,000 feet is another thing.  We worried about how we'd adjust to the altitude.  Some of the most fit people in the world will succumb to altitude sickness (headaches, dizziness, nausea).  Today's training run was going to tell us whether we had a fighting chance to complete this race.




So it was another gorgeous Colorado morning, with the sun overhead, bright blue sky and stupid cold temperatures.  Holy frickin' rolly.  I had visions of the ice bath dancing through my head.  Now remember, Natalie is crazy fit and I've got a good 21 years on her but that's no reason for me not to man up and try to keep pace with her.  It was pretty damn cold and windy but I think we both adjusted fairly well with the exception of my hands which quickly became blocks of ice within the first mile of the run.  At first we just tried to sustain a steady pace that would hopefully carry us up to the top.  But after a little over a mile or so we decided it would make more sense to run "intervals", meaning we would jog for two minutes and walk for one.  That actually worked out really well and we knocked out the miles relatively quick.  It wasn't until we got near the top that our plan started to basically fall apart.  Eventually it became, "Ok, let's run to that pole and then walk..."  Natalie and I can typically talk a lot of smack about pushing ourselves, being all tough and what not.  I thought it was kinda interesting that there was none of that today.  I think we were both happy when the other would say, "ok, let's walk a bit." 

The only thing I really didn't like about today's run, and I knew it before we even started, was the multiple switchbacks between mile 12 and 14 (the finish).  You could see the finish and it practically looked like it was a rock's throw away but you knew you still had a couple of miles to go.  Natalie is a tough little cookie, the epitome of the "little engine that could", and she blazed right up to the finish.  For me I was just thrilled to make it to the top without fainting from the periodic dizzy spells.  Again, it was the whole "man up" thing, not wanting to embarrass myself in front of my fitness mentor.  At the top we allowed ourselves a few minutes to recoup and drink some fluids.  We still had the run back down to the car and I'd be lying if I said I hadn't considered asking someone for a ride back.  But no, we kept true to our plan and worked our way back to the car.  Dizzy spells and a little nausea wasn't going to stop us.  Within no time we were back to the car and more importantly, HEAT!  It actually took me several tries to start the car because my hands couldn't grip the keys.  Hey guys, have you ever tried to pee with frozen hands?  Not the most fun thing to do and I really wouldn't recommend it.

Natalie played photographer today so I thought I'd share some of her pictures here.  We'll be coming back up again next weekend and every weekend after that until the race on the 16th.  Next time I'm driving the smaller car.  You have NO frickin' idea how scary that road is.  Think Johnny will be having some nightmares tonight.   

Day 147: A day that will live in infamy

For anyone that has mowed a lawn, you do so with the specter of evil lurking about you, ready to strike at any time.  I'm speaking, of course, of the garden gnat.  Over the years we've lived together in relative peace and harmony.  Occasionally there have been small skirmishes, the random shots to my nose and eyes.  Those were just warnings, reminding me of their presence.  A precarious peace has existed between we two adversaries.  A detente, if you will, so fragile that the slightest misstep could lead to total war.   

But this morning was different.  Today was a full scale attack.  At first I thought maybe it was in response to my "aroma" from this mornings hike that attracted them.  But quickly it escalated into an all out assault on every part of my body.  Arms, legs, hands, and face.  Surgical strikes that managed to make their way around my hat and wrap-around sunglasses, striking my eyes with deathly precision.  Like a boxer caught against the ropes, I was attacked from all angles.  Eyes, nose, ears and mouth. I couldn't protect one without sacrificing the others.  But being the true soldier I am, I stood my ground.  I pressed on with my lawnmower, hacking down the Amazon forest that sprung up in just a week.  Unrelenting as the gnats were, I continued in my quest until the last blade of grass fell.  I stammered back to my work shed, finally able to evade the airborne menace that enveloped me.

Over the years the typical response would have been sanctions, embargoes, strongly worded diplomatic declarations.  But not this time.  Retribution will be swift and deadly.  I'll go to my local hardware arsenal and acquire a lawn spray, a weapon of mass destruction, that will destroy the gnats once and for all, or until this stuff wears off.  Sure, call it genocide.  Yes, many women and children gnats will perish in the conflagration but such is collateral damage from a full scale war, where only total annihilation will be accepted.  No truce, no negotiations, no Paris peace talks.  I may take a hit in polls.  It most certainly will have an adverse impact on my re-election bid and demonstrations will surely spring up from the liberal left.  But this is a war that must be won.  A war to preserve life, liberty and the pursuit of a bug free barbeque.  

Day 146: Game on, bitch!

Sometimes life has the home field advantage and you just have to learn how to win on the road.  You won't always hear the cheers.  Sometimes the elements will be against you and luck will have turned it's back on you.  Nothing will go your way and you'll be standing alone.  At that moment comes the true measure of your character.  Do you have the courage to succeed when everything around you conspires to bring about your demise?  A true champion will strive to achieve success, not to be glorified by others but because they seek a higher version of themselves, no matter what the personal cost.

When life comes at you with a vengeance like nothing before, stand up and say "Bring it!  And take your best shot because I'm taking your ass down!"

Day 145: Just taking it in...

Nothing really to report on today.  Julie took the big dog, Sophie, down by the pond for a walk.  Turns out there was a duck and her babies enjoying a nice swim.  Sophie, being the social butterfly she is decided she needed to impress the little ducklings with her patented cannonball.  Of course mama duck was none too pleased, nor was Julie.  When I heard the story Julie and I decided to go back and try to get some pics of the little babies, sans my big girl.  We did bring along the little princess, Roscoe, and her royal bitchness, Belle, to give them some much needed exercise.  These are just a few pics we managed to sneak.  Apparently we interrupted the bird's lunch.  Looked like a miniature burrito in it's beak. 

Day 144: Blooming...

We all live within a circle of family and friends where periodically an individual will rise above the rest.  For a particular moment in time their star shines brighter and longer than the rest of us.  Unfortunately in many cases that wonderful moment for one person tends to bring out a less than admirable side to the rest of us.  Envy, jealousy, resentment, even anger.  I've experienced them all.  I know we all have said at least once in our lives, "why not me?!"  (Not to be confused with the "why me?!" when something goes wrong).

When you find yourself feeling that resentment build up in you, try to look upon someone's success with gladness and appreciation.  Don't think about what coulda shoulda woulda happen to you.  Live in the moment.  When something good happens to someone, appreciate the experience they are having and be thankful for the opportunity you have to witness it.  Know how wonderful they must be feeling and what a wonderful feeling that is. 

Our own time to bloom will come soon enough.  And when it does be sure to show the gratitude and dignity deserved of such an occasion.  But in the mean time, enjoy the brilliance and beauty of others and be thankful that you have the opportunity to share in the experience of another person's success because when you think about it, how often do truly good things happen to people?  Why not rejoice when it does? 

Day 143: I'm sorry...

As you guys know every once in a while I get something stuck in my craw and I just have to vent.  I'm not sure if it was because of the History Channel special, "Vietnam in HD" this past weekend or the fact Memorial Day is just around the corner but when it comes to honoring our vets I get a bit miffed over the lack of appreciation for ALL service men and women.  Well, let me clarify that.  The lack of accountability for how we, the citizens of these great United States, treated our vets from wars less glorified. 

Before I proceed let me be perfectly clear.  I personally appreciate, respect and have an immense sense of gratitude for ALL service men and women from ALL military conflicts this nation has participated.  What I truly resent is our "pick and choose" attitude towards those vets we wish to honor purely over whether or not we supported a particular conflict.  World War II was the "good war".  Our enemy was obvious and our objectives were clear.  The bully in the playground had to be destroyed.  But Vietnam was another story where objectives weren't entirely clear and political rhetoric, rather than reason, was used to justify our involvement.  But in both cases our military fought and sacrificed with great honor.  So why then did we treat those soldiers differently?  I still have yet to hear a satisfactory answer. 

The actions of the soldier on the ground have been the same since the colonial war all the way to the present day wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.  They struggle to maintain the balance between fear and duty.  They fight for their fellow soldier.  They fight to stay alive.  They kill, they bleed, they die, for whatever agenda our politicians have spun in place.  But we as a nation only honor those we feel have fought in what we would call an honorable war.  I just don't understand that.  We send these men and women off to fight and die, to do the bidding of politicians who have failed in their diplomatic responsibilities.  And yet some vets earned our thanks while others have been ignored.  Yeah, I know Vietnam was an unpopular war but that didn't justify treating those vets (my father, for one) with such contempt.  Resenting the Vietnam veteran is like hating the hammer the contractor used to build your house. 

The United States has never been one to apologize for anything, even if we were incredibly wrong.  Apologizing is a sign of weakness and we carry a reputation of being a global bad ass.  Instead, what we do is overcompensate.  For our failures in Vietnam we over-gloried the efforts of those who fought in Grenada as well as the first and second Gulf Wars.  Vietnam vets had to hide the fact they served in that war whereas today's vets are expected to show themselves off so a grateful nation can shower praise upon them.  Again, let me remind you, I truly honor ALL vets from ALL wars and I can't imagine that I could ever pay the debt owed to all those who have served in uniform and especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.  My anger, my ire is directed at our nation, our politicians, our citizens who at one time so shamelessly turned their backs on a generation of citizen soldiers who were just trying to serve their country and come home alive.  I know much has been done in recent years to rectify this imbalance but I personally feel we haven't done enough.

So I would ask some of you this Memorial Day weekend, when you say your prayers of thanks and well being for our service men and women around the globe, perhaps you can throw in a request for forgiveness for how WE collectively failed to do the right thing for others whose sacrifice was no less significant.

Here's to ALL vets!

P.S. - I would like to apologize to all of you.  I know this is a resentment I've harbored for many years and I need to let things go and appreciate the good that exists now.  Younger readers probably don't understand what I'm talking about but those who lived during 60's and 70's should.  I really don't expect anyone to agree with my point of view but I do appreciate the fact you took the time to listen.  

Day 142: The human cocktail...

The day after the half marathon I had the misfortune of sharing my aches and pains with my trainer who proceeded to tell me to "take an ice bath!"  Like back in my old Army days, I blindly followed her order.  I don't know why I listen to that woman.  Ok, so I figured, yeah, it'll be cold but it'll be good for my sore muscles and besides, I'm a tough guy.  Well, here's an idea of how tough I am.  The following is a narrative of what I said as I gingerly lowered my caboose into the icy deep.

"Holy rolly polly somoly, finger lickin', fraggle rockin', sum o bitchy ta ta suck a langer, ochie saka torie, yama lama ding dong, fungu bitcher roo, yo mama obama whack-a-doodle dandy, acha acha sing a song of six pencil dick dong dangy, holy mother of Moses, mo mo bedazzle my razel and a unga bonga binga and a binga banga bunga!!"

So, ice baths are off the menu.  Not digging the ice cubes making there way to my nether yea yeah and holy cow, talk about "frightened turtle"!  But I will say my hamstrings are feeling a bit better.  Think I'll stick with the ibuprofen, though. 

Day 141: "Once more unto the breach, dear friends..."

This morning I'll be making my way to my first starting line in three years.  Today I'm running in the Colfax Half-Marathon.

I've been training for a few months but it all started the other day when I went to the packet pickup and Expo.  For me that represented the appetizer of emotions that I would experience from that moment until I stand at the starting line this morning.

I know what lies ahead.  A feast of pent up anxiety, anticipation, nervousness, dread, anger and an insatiable desire to reach my goal.  I'll get to the race LONG before it starts.  It's critical for me to get there early.  Mostly because I fear being late and having to rush to the start.  But I also need to get there early so I can familiarize myself with the surroundings.  I need to see the start line as well as the finish line and try to imagine how I will feel at each point of the race.  Logistically speaking, I'll also need to locate the all important port-a-potties because with all these emotions I'll need an "outlet" several times before the gun sounds.  And lastly, I need to find a quiet place where I can lie down, close my eyes and try to channel my emotions into that calm before the storm.

I ran my first marathon 20 years ago and since then I've amassed a tremendous amount of experience, mostly through failure.  I know that even the best training won't guarantee a great race.  Conversely, I've gone into some races convinced that I would do poorly only to be surprised by unanticipated results.  So going into today's race I'm really not sure what to expect.  I think ultimately I hope for a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction with my efforts.  There are a few of you that have been following my training and have been encouraging me along the way.  I know that today I will carry your well wishes and your energy throughout this race.  I know this comes with the incredible responsibility to do well and a certain amount of fear I have of letting you down.  I suppose that's another source of motivation.  I have to do well, I MUST do well, in order to honor your gifts and because I have no business taking it easy.

See you at the finish line!

Day 140: Rainy days...

Woke up to a cold, rainy day. I actually like days like this.  But if you're in a bad place in your life I can see that a day like today would just add to your misery.  Cold, wet, depressing.  All you want to do is wrap yourself up in blankets, crawl into bed and hide from life.  Bright, warm, sunny days seem to go hand in hand with our happiness.   Conversely the cold, wet, gray skies just seem to be the gift wrapping around the depression that consumes us.

Maybe we should look at these rainy days as life taking a shower.  Washing off all that crap that has built up over time.  We know that rainy days are followed by sunny days.  Well, maybe with the exception of Oregon and Washington.   Treat those rainy days like a spa day for your soul where the hurts you're feeling will wash away and when the sun shines on your life, it will bring forth a garden of happiness.

Some times life will be a torrential downpour of depression and despair that seems to have no end.   Let the rain fall.  Allow yourself to experience and feel what you're going through.  But keep in mind, no matter how small that truth might be, that the sun will shine down upon you and your life will be filled with happiness, love and contentment.

But for now, keep that umbrella close by.

Day 139: Saddle up!

Yeah, I'm a bit of a pack rat and I typically have a hard time getting rid of things, mostly because I have this silly habit of attaching some sentimental value to whatever it is I have.  Case in point, I still have a pack of cigarettes, Russian cigarettes, I picked up in East Berlin (yeah, when the city was divided).  I don't even smoke, with the exception of an occasional cigar a couple times a year, but I picked these things up back when I was 18 while on a trip to Berlin, all by myself.  I'll skip the details but suffice it to say I get attached to things pretty easy.

Another case in point, my running shoes.  Yeah, I know, weird.  For those of you who know me I've been a runner for MANY years with lots of races under my belt.  I can't begin to count the number of shoes I've had and nearly all have shared some great experience with me.  Since 1992, I've completed 30 marathons, a couple of Iron distance triathlons, several dozen smaller triathlons, a couple of ultra marathons, countless half marathons, 10ks, etc.  When it comes time to put my old shoes to pasture, it's a little hard sometimes.  I look at those shoes and I'll have vivid memories of a particular race - across the lonely desert floor, through a torrential downpour, along the pristine California coast.  It'll bring back emotions, smells and tastes that I experienced during the event.  Some of them pleasant, others not so much.  But the bottom line, every pair of shoes I've worn during a race has carried me over the finish line and for that they hold a small place of honor with me. 

I wouldn't expect many of you to understand and that's not a judgement.  Honestly when I step outside myself and look at my own behavior I think "what a freak!"  I would guess my running buddies would understand.  Birds of a feather....   Well, I've got my new mounts (shoes) and it's time for a changing of the guard.  I'm all set for this weekend's race.  A bit nervous and very anxious.  I'll have more to say on that topic later. 

Day 138: ....like a glove

WARNING:  The following is a blog post that is cheezy in nature.  Reader discretion is advised.

I have to say there's nothing like being married to your best friend.  I mean, she has to be.  If we can sit together, side by side, driving across 2,200 miles of open country side and still enjoy each others company, we've got to be doing something right.  Across all those miles, we talked about all kinds of things - the direction of our careers, the dreams we have for our kids, where we'd like to be in ten years.  Heck, we even got into the conversations from some extremely right wing, ultra conservative talk radio show in Utah.  No subject was off limits.  It was just nice, being able to talk about anything or nothing at all.  We stopped along the way to take pictures of interesting places, checked out little antique shops and even managed to enjoy a quiet, intimate night in a Super 8 Motel, of all places.  To put it simply, it was like being on our honeymoon all over again (although back then we stayed in nicer places).

We fit like hand and glove.  Yeah, we're different in a lot of respects but I do believe it's our differences that make us so compatible.  She has strengths I'll never have and I've certainly come to depend on them.  I'll be quite frank with you, of all the things a woman might seek in a man, such as wealth, good looks, education, being a good lover, and funny, I know I'm not on the top of her list in any category.  But like a great decathlete I think I score well enough in each that it puts me ahead of the others.  At least for now. wink!  But in all seriousness, don't we all want someone that's well rounded in every aspect of life?    I'm lucky enough that she's tops in every one of my categories.

I think the real key to the success of our marriage is our ability to be ourselves.  I can be me, in all my quirkiness and eccentricities.  She might give me an eye roll now and then but she really doesn't judge me.  She just takes me for who I am.  I don't think I've ever been in a relationship where that's been true.  Not that I've been in many relationships.  But think about it, how many of us have been in relationships were we were one way with our friends but another with our spouses or significant other?  Sure, you can pull of that little charade for a while but eventually things will start to fall apart.  Thank goodness we don't have to worry about that.

I'm truly blessed to be able to spend the rest of my life with my best friend.  Life is an adventure and I'm so happy she's here with me through it all.   

Day 137: Home!

Yeah, finally made it home!  I love going on trips, especially if it's to see family and friends but there's nothing like coming home.  Although there was no fanfare, no playing of "Hail to the Chief" as we rolled into town on fumes, after 2,200 miles on the road, it was great to be back in our neighborhood.  The welcoming committee we did receive (Sophie, Belle and Roscoe) was more than enough to raise our tired bodies and spirit. 

What is it about coming home?  The contentment that only comes from the familiarity of your humble abode.  It's not to say we have one of those Good Housekeeping style homes but it's definitely perfect for us, in it's own quirky way.  The obnoxiously loud dryer.  The crooked doors that close by themselves.  The creaking floors.  The oven and dishwasher that fight for the same door space.  And there's our babies, our yappy little mutts and my goofy girl, Sophie?  It's great to be back in my familiar, ratty recliner and I have to admit I felt a tremendous rush of contentment walking into my man cave. 

I love my family dearly and it's sad when a trip has to come to an end and there are the difficult goodbye's but it wonderful to finally be home, surrounded by all our creature comforts.  Here's hoping we're home for a while!  Now, back to the salt mines.   

Photo:  We took this in the town of Green River, Wyoming.  Lots of old vehicles and rusty old farm equipment all over Wyoming, Utah and Nevada.  More photos to follow.

Day 136: More antiques

I know I've posted/blogged on this before but wanted to share these.  I think antique shops are slowly becoming one of my favorite places to take pictures.  Besides finding some amazing treasures, the history major in me likes to think of what these trinkets must have experienced over the years.  Maybe that sowing machine was used to make someone's wedding dress.  What pictures did those old cameras capture?  We found an old picture of a bride and groom dating back to the early 1900s.  It occurred to me that it's very possible the family doesn't even have pictures of this couple yet I'm standing in an antique shop looking at a wedding photo.  Who played with that toy train set?  Who wore those old shoes?  What action did that old military radio see?  I doubt any of my possessions would make it to an antique shop but I can tell you most everything I have has a  history of some kind.  Guess I"m just sentimental or maybe I'm just a pack rat.

Day 135: Gartnerville

 Just a few shots of the local farms.  So much livestock.  It really is beautiful country.

Day 134: Mom

For me my mom has been like a backstop.  Nothing ever got by her.  No problem too great.  No achievement too small.  She always knew where I left my favorite toy.  She always knew when got home  from partying with friends (well after curfew).  Growing up my sisters and I never wanted for anything.  No matter what the budget, my mom always managed to keep us in decent clothes, there was always food on the table and more often than not she would manage to find away to treat us to something special.    

We come from different generations and mothering styles have certainly changed over time.  Some might feel the methods they grew up with weren't the best but I would say that they were done with the best intentions.  And being a mom is a pretty tough job.  In many cases my mom had to be both sides of the same coin - a strict disciplinarian as well as a nurturing spirit.  I'm not sure where she learned this, this "nurtured discipline".  There are no books on the topic and I have met very few people with these same qualities.  But I can say with great certainty that it helped create the man I am now.

Today is Mother's Day and I suspect many of you will enjoy the day with your mom or spend the time with your own kids.  Some of you will no doubt be reflecting upon the memories of your mom and yearning to sit by her side just one more time, to hear her sage advice and to be comforted with the assurance that everything will be ok.  Keeping her memories in your heart keeps your mother with you always.  And know that who you are as a person is a reflection of the loving influence of your mother played in your life.  

Happy Mother's Day, mom.  I love you!

Day 133: Small town...

I'm convinced the true character and charm of our great country can be found in the small towns and villages that are off the beaten path. Sure there's much to be said and appreciated about our large metropolitan areas but I think the foundation of what made this country so great can be found in Small Town America.  You look at some of these towns and you know the folks there have lived and are living a hard life.  Not a lot of niceties and perks that we suburbanites take for granted but they still manage to make what they have their home.  Strong, sturdy, dependable.  American!

In these towns a kid's character was developed by how they won or lost at school and games.  There was a distinct difference between what is weak and what is strong and at an early age you knew what side of the fence you were on.  Things were earned, not entitled.  A days work got you a days pay.  I think when things get more comfortable, when we find that we get more for doing less, our possessions have little value and what we do has little meaning.  I suppose that's why many well off, big city types are constantly looking for that next big thrill, that next big toy to add to their collection of toys.  Many of these people live empty, frustrated lives.  I've seen others with far less feel so much more gratification and contentment. 

It would be easy for me to say I miss those days of struggle but then I'd be the first to start whining how tough things are.  I'll admit it, I enjoy the good things that have come my way and I'm not about to arbitrarily give them up.  But it's important to understand that those things came at a price.  And that price was hard work, commitment and resolve.  I'm fearful we, as a country, have lost our way.  We've lost the virtues that helped create this great country.  We're more concerned with Kim K's butt, or worshiping at the alter of Saint Seacrest.  We've become a community of spin doctors, quick to tell stories of little to no substance, but boy it sounds important.  What do we do?  What do we make?  What value are we?  We should be asking these questions of ourselves and our leaders. If we aren't finding the right answers then we need to go find them.  And I would guess we'll find them in small town America. 

Day 132: Best intentions...

Ok so we made it to Minden and we're having "sips" with the folks. In order to maintain my daily blog I gotta post now before these drinks get the best of me. Pretty exciting day with visits to small towns USA plus a quick visit to the "Bunny Ranch". Yes, I've got pics but those I'll post later. No, not what you think but we have a new friend, Christina. :-)
See you tomorrow!

Day 131: Road Trip!

We are on the road this week!  Taking a trip to see the parental units in Minden, NV.  Wow, first day was a long one, 751 miles from Westminster, CO to "beautiful" Elko, NV.  Hey, I know, it's home to someone.  Left at O' dark 30 and managed to roll into town before 4:00.

Gotta admit, I love road trips.  I think I was a trucker in a previous life.  Love getting up super early, coffee in hand, favorite tunes playin' and having the road all to myself.  I think my fondness of long drives goes way back to my childhood when we made several cross country trips as part of my dad's military assignments.  Had a lot of great memories traveling with my family but probably the best parts were getting up early with my dad, loading up the car, going to the registration counter to go through the rolodex of destinations and miles.  I guess it was my alone time with him, just us two men planning out the next trek of our journey.  Now it's me and Julie.  I love taking trips with her, just the two of us, no dogs!  Don't get me wrong, we've had some fun trips with our girls and I do cherish those times.  I think traveling with Julie kinda brings me back to our first trip together to Lake Arrowhead and then our honeymoon all along the coast highway, through Big Sur and Cambria.  With life being so hectic, it really love our time alone together.

So, short blog.  I"m tired and I've got a cocktail with my name on it.  Accommodations are fine.  Can't really go wrong with Hilton.  I will say our view leaves a lot to be desired but I guess it beats overlooking a crack house.  Next stop, mom and dad.  Can't wait!

Day 130: Awe and inspiration...

The gym is never lacking for over-fit, workout junkies that can do what us mere mortals can't, all without breaking a sweat.  So for me, being surrounded by the gods of Mount Olympus, it's a little hard to look around the gym and be truly impressed by anything I see.  But there are those rare occasions when you see someone that just knocks your socks off.  And no, I'm not talking about the little hottie sprinting on the treadmill. 

Today, during my lunch workout, I was cooling down on one of the cardio machines when I noticed this older woman making her way to one of the cycling machines.  It wasn't the fact that she was older that impressed me.  I see lots of us white and blue hairs sweatin' to the oldies.  What impressed me was that this woman was carrying an oxygen bottle. All plugged in, puffing away on the bike.  Wow, what could be more inspiring than that?  I mean, think about it, it's probably pretty rare that you could look at some hard body working out and think "I need to workout that hard."  Most likely you'll be thinking "what a freak!" and then head off to an early happy hour.  But when you see someone who's not in the best of shape trying to give it their best, how could you not think maybe you should workout a little harder?

I'm sure we've all experienced those little moments of inspiration.  Whether it's an elderly person pushing their walker a couple blocks to the local King Soopers or that poor, single mom, traveling alone with two small kids.  Kinda makes you think that maybe we could put a little more effort into our own lives.  At least maybe not complain so much about our circumstances. 

Look around.  I bet you'll find you're surrounded by all kinds of inspiration!

Day 129: "Butterfly affect"

I'm guessing many of you are familiar with the chaos theory concept.  Seemingly small influences can result in significant outcomes.  An example would be a butterfly flaps it's wings in China, therefore it rains in Central Park. Might be hard to swallow but bare with me.

Ever wonder what affect you have on your surroundings, even by the simplest of gestures?  Think about it.  Someone flips you off while driving and it pisses you off to no end.  You go home irritated and as you go through the days mail you find a bill for something which leads you to snap at your wife over finances.  Now she's irritated at you and generally in a bad mood.  Not just because you snapped at her but because you failed to notice that she picked up your dry cleaning, straightened up the house and was in the process of making your favorite dinner.  Her friend had called earlier, leaving a voice message.  Because your wife is now out of sorts, she blows off the message not realizing her friend was in some trouble and really needed help.  Now the friend feels abandon, probably a bit emotional and without thinking makes a decision to do something that she otherwise wouldn't because there was no one there to help her.  On and on it goes. One thing affecting another.

That was an example of negative influences.  What about the positive?  Someone lets you cut in line at the grocery store.  Your child does a chore without being coerced.  You get an unexpected "thank you" for something you've done.  You get a call from an old friend.  All of those things will no doubt put you in a good mood and that mood affects your behavior moving forward.  I'll be honest I've been struggling a bit to be that positive influence.  There are a number of things that weigh upon me and I know I've allowed them to affect my behavior.  I have to remind myself that it's one thing to be in a sour mood, sitting in my kiddie pool of self-pity.  It's another thing to be aware that my mood affects how I treat others around me or how others perceive me.  

So, to be a good butterfly or bad butterfly?  Those are my choices.  Will I make it rain or will I bring sunshine?  We'll see...

Day 128: "Get busy livin', or get busy dyin'"

One of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite movies, Shawshank Redemption. 

If you aren't living your life, I'm here to tell you someone else will.  And guaranteed, you won't like it.  A perfect example, the "victim".  We all know them.  They constantly complain about how bad their lot is.  They're always quick to tell you how they've been wronged, how life is so horrible and nothing ever goes their way.  I'm here to tell you those people have surrendered living their lives and the world around them is calling the shots.  It's human nature to seek out and create our own destinies.  If you aren't actively doing that, then who's doing it for you?

It's ok to complain.  It's ok to lash out.  It's ok to feel sorrow and remorse.  But eventually you need to act.  Eventually you need to make a decision on how you're going to move forward from this difficult situation.  It's certainly well within your rights to remain in that place of discontent and resentment, feeding off of the bitterness of some wrong doing.  Just keep in mind you're no longer in charge.  You're giving yourself over to someone else's energy and your life will be nothing more than a ping pong ball rattling around inside a box.  But if you just make that conscience choice to take charge of your life, look at the situation before you and say "I'm gonna beat this.. I will overcome.", you take a powerful first step in creating a better life for yourself.  And you know what?  You don't need to have a well laid out plan as to what direction you need to go.  Just move.  Eventually you'll find your path.

So get busy livin', fight the good fight and take charge!

Day 127: To the victor go the spoils...

A letter to a friend...

"I have to admit I was pretty nervous for you this morning.  Not that I thought you'd fail or that you wouldn't achieve your goals.  I think it was because I knew you could do it and I worried that conditions or circumstances would hinder your pursuits.  I know for me, the closer I come to achieving my goals the more nervous I become.  Knowing that victory is so close at hand, you don't want to let it slip through your fingers. I think that the waiting and wondering, especially when there's nothing you can do about it can be maddening.  Like watching my daughters play volleyball or water polo.  This morning all I could do was sit and wait and send prayers and thoughts of positive energy.    

When I woke this morning I looked at the clock and figured you were making your way to the starting line.  Throughout the morning I would tell Julie "she's probably at the half way point"..."she's three quarters of the way there"... "hope her legs are holding out".... "she should almost be done!"  Every few minutes I was refreshing the finishers page on the web site hoping to see your name.  And then all of a sudden, there it was!  Coming in at 4:02.  Unbelievable!  I was so excited.  I rushed out to tell Julie.  "Honey, she just finished in 4:02!!"  You have no idea how thrilled I was.  If I could dance I jig I would have.  I knew how hard you've been training and it was so great to see it all come together for you on this one glorious day.

Over the past few month life had been kicking you in the teeth and having a good laugh over it.  But you never faltered, you never gave in.  Even in moments where you started to doubt your resolve you still refused to quit.  You set your sights on an objective and refused to succumb to the pressures that urged you to quit.  I've told you several times before but it bares repeating.  You truly are an inspiration to so many of us.  You've shown once again that the way to the summit of glory is not along the path of least resistance but rather the one that takes you through the obstacles and challenges in life where ones true character carries you to the top.

Your best races are yet to come.  Sooner than you know you'll be standing at the starting lines in Boston and New York and probably across the globe.  You'll have racks of medals and drawers full of finisher's shirts.  Photos and memories of your accomplishments will accumulate in no time.  Enjoy this day and celebrate your great achievement.  I couldn't be more proud of you.

Now, please, give yourself a week to recover.  Ok?  Please?"

Day 126: "My God, it's full of stars.."

Sorry, another movie reference (2001: A Space Odyssey).  I was up well before the crack of dawn this morning.  Would have figured after spending the previous night "meditating" in the bathroom I would've slept like a baby last night.  Oh well...

So since I was up I thought I'd try to capture a few more moon shots.  Long story short, I never found the right location and even though I managed to get a few good shots, there was really no good composition.  Just the moon on a black sky.  No other landscape to help give it some dimension.  Plus I was shooting with our low end 300mm lens so the picture quality wasn't what I would've liked.  Oh well, not every photo session is a success.

But thankfully I did notice there were quite a few stars out and I even witnessed a meteor shower.  Very cool!  I know the pictures here aren't all that great.  I struggled a bit with some of my settings.  This time I did remember my headlamp so I could actually see what the settings were but I forgot my glasses so when I zoomed up it was hard to tell what was in focus.  When shooting stars you have to put your camera on manual focus and unlike the Nikon camera, on the Canon if you put your focus to infinity, objects will be slightly out of focus.  Go figure.  Any ways, this is what I got.  Started out opening my lens as wide as possible (f4).  My ISO was bumped up to 2500 and my shutter was any where between two to four seconds.  I probably should've considered lowering my ISO and gone with a longer exposure.  More experimenting, that's the key.  Next time, too, I think I'll head up into the mountains, maybe somewhere along the Peak to Peak Highway so I'll have more landscape to work with.

Tonight and tomorrow morning the moon is suppose to be at it's fullest.  Here's hoping for a little redemption.