Day 213: Half empty...

Hey did I miss something?  When the hell did this country become "glass is half empty"?  It seems everything is about the dark side of life.  From the news telecasts to our conversations with friends, we seldom hear an encouraging word about anything these days.  Whether it's people in the news or folks in our neighborhood, conversations all seem to focus on tearing someone down rather than pointing out their gifts. 

At work I come to expect the negativity combined with a healthy dose of ego.  Perhaps that's the same in most professions.  But here's an example of what I'm talking about.  Look at what's going on in the Olympics, especially with Team USA.  Ryan Lochte wins his first gold medal and what's splashed on the headlines?  "DISASTER!  Phelps doesn't medal".  Really?  The most important news was not the American winner but the American loser?  A couple nights later, what was the big story?  "Lochte failed to medal!"  Oh, yeah, and by the way, there was some girl, I think, swimmer maybe, not sure.  Something about a race in water or whatever, got a medal, think it was yellow.  Who knows... but Lochte didn't medal!!  Splashed across the newspapers and the internet are images of Lochte and Phelps giving their best "Uh buhhh" expressions while in teeny, tiny little thumbnail images, pressed in between ads to refinance your home and enhance your sex life, there's this adorable, fresh faced 17 year old kid bursting with excitement over her accomplishment.  Why the hell can't THAT be the headline? 

We've grown into a society, a culture, that is obsessed with pointing out the flaws of others.  We almost never endorse but are quick to judge.  We complain about how little is in our glass.  It's not whether that glass is half empty or half full.  It's the contents of that glass that matters.  There's a huge difference between a half empty glass of urine versus a half empty glass of wine.  Which would you prefer?  A small splash of an exquisite wine is far more gratifying than a full glass of, say, cod liver oil.  Appreciate the good we have because it doesn't last forever.

As for the Olympics, we should be focusing on the efforts and triumphs of all athletes, not the demise of an over-hyped prima donna.  I know that goes against the grain our media.  I think Seacrest and Costas would burst into flames if they were forced to report on the good rather then the scandalous.  Well, don't be sucked in by their drama.  Take the time to find those stories of inspiration not only in these Olympic games but in every day life.

Day 212: Wilting and blooming...

Our sunflowers are just now starting to bloom and many of our perennials that have graced our yard since spring are starting to pack it in for the season.  Guess that means we're officially heading into the latter part of summer.  I'd be lying to you if I said I wasn't a bit anxious for fall and especially winter.  I know many of my friends would smack me for speaking such sacrilege, hoping for the early demise of summer but walking by my snowboard every day as it hangs in my garage gets me longing for the cold breeze against my face as I glide down the pristine slopes of Breckenridge.  Yeah, I'm always preaching about staying in the moment, about appreciating what's in front of you but I can't help looking forward to the chilly days, the crunching snow under my feet and the red cups at Starbucks.  How many days till Christmas?

Day 211: Make do...

These certainly aren't the best looking fruits and veggies but knowing my beautiful wife, she'll make something special out of them.  That futon has definitely seen better days.  But it's hanging in there.  With screws and duck tape, it's still a function piece of furniture. 

I know we've all heard the slightly overused phrase, "when life sends you lemons, make lemonade."  Well, I say "when life sends you crap, make crapola."  You probably don't know this but "crapola" is an actual word.  At least it was in my house growing up.  When it came near the end of the month and both the bank accounts and cupboards were bare, for dinner mom would have to go into the kitchen and create something out of virtually nothing until dad's next paycheck when she could go to the commissary.  She would take whatever was in the frig and throw it all together in some kind of casserole and that was dinner.  Even if it was old, stale food the process of brewing it up pretty much destroyed any potential contagion.  Guess that's why today I have a hard time throwing out any old food.  Hey, if that ruby team can live off of old teammates for 70+ days in the Andes, we could survive off of week old meatloaf. 

One of the first life lessons my mom ever shared with me was "make do".  As an Army Brat we were never showered with top of the line toys, clothes or gadgets.  Our dads didn't make a butt load of money and there were no charitable organizations throwing money at military families.  Hell back in those days, post Vietnam, I think the American population just wanted to ignore the fact we even existed.  But hey, that's another story.  I know as kids we whined a bit about not having this or that and I know deep down inside my folks would've like to have done more for us.  So without all the cool stuff the other kids had, we Brats were expected to make the most of what we had.  I think that taught many of us to be resourceful, creative and most importantly, grateful for the things we did have.  I think we appreciated and enjoyed those things we created more so then any perfect gift we would've received.  We had a very tangible connection with those things because together we created lasting memories that we still carry today.  Hey, look at my previous posts.  I'm still a bit if the pack rat.  I find it hard to throw away things from my childhood because they were things I created and enjoyed. 

So if you ever come visit us, you'll see in my office and also strewn about the house a bunch of stuff.  You'll probably say, "Wow, you have a lot of crap."  No, I have a lot of crapola. 

Day 210: Junk food...

So last night my wife and I settled in front of the TV to watch the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympics.  My overall excitement and anticipation was quickly shattered when within the first few minutes of the telecast little Bobby Costas turned the show over to the first interview conducted by none other than smarmy Ryan Seacrest.  SEACREST!?  Really!?  The great and hallowed venue of the Olympic games will now to be graced by "Mr. E News"?

To keep me from climbing the walls, my wife quickly reminded me that it's actually been quite an accomplishment for him to make it to this level of broadcasting.  We both remember when he was this cheezey DJ on LA's Star 98.7.  I'll tell you folks, I never really cared for him as a DJ and as the years have rolled on I've cared even less for his role in the evolution of our culture. 

Now for all my conspiracy theory friends out there, one could certainly make the argument that Seacrest is nothing more than a pawn used by big government (yeah Republican and Democrat), whose sole purpose is to distract the American populace from all the crap that's spewing out of Washington, DC.  Think about it, Seacrest's mark can be found all over the airwaves.  You can't change the channel on your TV without coming across one of his intellectual gems.  He's promoted and/or produced such compelling and thought provoking shows as "American Idol, Denise Richards: It's Complicated", "Giuliana and Bill", "Gladiators 2000" and the most awe inspiring show of them all, "Keeping Up With the Kardashians".  His list goes on, but where are the programs that stimulate thought?  Sure, there are obscure publications out there that hint at all the wrong doings of our elected leaders but the biggest mass media tool, that one that touches nearly every American, is owned and operated by those that would dumb down the American population.  By the way, I may be wrong but I think I heard that the movie "Idiocracy" is being reclassified from a comedy to a documentary.  I could be wrong...

Alright, I'll tone down the conspiracy talk but let's get down to the point of my rant.  There is so much info out there on health and diet.  Much of that is really centered around trying to create beautiful bodies for ourselves in a desperate attempt to live up to the publicity whores that Seacrest deifies.  Being physically healthy IS a very important endeavor but what about that slab of goo between our ears?  Why is there so little out there that promotes the stimulation and strengthening of our minds?  There are brilliant people out there but collectively we're one big idiot fest.  "It's my constitutional right to have beer."  (seriously, I've actually heard that).  Ok, Bubba, where exactly in the Constitution did you read that?  Oh, wait, you mean you DON'T know how to read?  Ah, I see.  What we have is junk food for the brain and Seacrest, in my mind, is the countries largest distributor.  Ok, I'll stop picking on him for a while but look around you.  When you check out at a grocery store, what do you find?  A mish mosh of trash mags that are nothing more than the printed version of the same shit Seacrest promotes on his TV shows.

Now to be fair junk food, for the body and the brain, aren't completely bad, if consumed in small moderation.  But I will argue that a large portion of our population consumes that crap as if it were a jumbo size bag of Cheetos, followed with a Big Gulp Mountain Dew chaser.  I say put the junk food away and start "eating" healthy.  As stimulating as "50 Shades of Grey" must be, consider reading something historical or inspirational.  Lately I've been on a kick reading about the native American Indians.  Wow, not at all like what was taught in school and certainly not what you see in the movies.  Try reading autobiographies on historical figures.  Sorry, the Bieber doesn't count.  Or you know what?  Go to your nearby community college and enroll in a class of some kind.  The bottom line is, do something that challenges and expands your intellect.  Look for answers to the questions you've had.  I guarantee that the more answers you find the more questions you'll have and all this puts you on a never ending journey of discovery. 

Day 209: Time out...

I suppose a Photo 365 journal should include some photos now and then.  Sorry folks, no divine words of wisdom or spirited rants today, just photos.  Don't worry, I'm sure there will be something that'll piss me off tomorrow.  So for now, here are a few pics of the local landscape.  Lots of storm clouds in the area.  A lot of "rumblin', bumblin', stumblin'" but no real rain.  Come on, Mama Nature, you've given us your mood swings and hot flashes.  How 'bout some night sweats?  You know you wanna.  
Yes, I'm a smooth talkin' ladies man AND the most interesting man in the world.

Day 208: Stumbling out of the blocks...

I know that my biggest problem of late is the way I start each day.  I think it's been the biggest reason as to why I've been in such a funk lately.  I'm not talking about when I start work or even after I pour my first cup of coffee.  I'm talking about the very moment I wake up.  When I open my eyes, look over at the clock and notice I'm up an hour before the alarm goes off.  At that split second I wake, a torrent of thoughts race through my head.  Usually they center around two major topics - work and finances.  To be honest I don't think they just pop in there.  I think they've taken up permanent residence in my head and they're there to greet me at the beginning of each new day.

So before the first minute has past, I'm indulging in a breakfast of anxiety and depression.  This isn't a rant about poor pitiful me.  It's a "wake up and smell the coffee, A-hole!"  With my head so far up my ass it's no wonder my thoughts stink.  What I really need to do each morning is place a word in my head and focus on that.  The one word that would most benefit me now is "gratitude".  I get so wrapped up in the crap that comes my way that I completely overlook all the good that's in my life. 

I've been up since just before 2:00 this morning so I've had a lot of time to think about this.  I went out again in hopes of taking more (better) star photographs.  So as you know I'm already in a sour mood.  The fact I had a hard time finding a spot that wasn't flooded with ambient light and there was a single cluster of clouds that conveniently covered the Milky Way pretty much fed my pissy disposition.  I really didn't get the shots I wanted.  Nothing seemed to work right.  But when I got home I will say I was pleasantly surprised by the results.  Certainly nothing worth showing off but by accident I caught a shooting star which I thought was pretty cool.  Still have so much more to learn and I definitely need lots of practice but it wasn't a total loss.  Even though I started out the morning full of piss and vinegar things actually got better in a short period of time.  I guess I just need to show a little more faith, be a little more patient and above all, be a LOT more grateful for all that I have. 

Day 207: Cool it!

I'm over Summer.  That's right, I said it.  Yeah, you folks living in perpetual balmy 80 degree temps or those that enjoy the frequent cooling rainfall will say, "not so fast!".  Well not me.  Living in constant 90+ degree temps, with smatterings of triple digit days of hell fire has really lost it's luster.  Summer, you're a relative that's overstayed their welcome.  So pack your sunblock and beach towel and hit the road. 

I know I've complained about our local weather people before but come on!  Yesterday they said there would be a 50% chance of heavy rain throughout the day, starting at 10AM with constant cloud coverage.  Well, my idea of constant cloud coverage usually means there's an actual cloud in the sky.  Maybe they think clouds are really blue in color, I don't know.  Clouds didn't start rolling in until around 4 in the afternoon and the first drops of rain didn't fall until around 10:00 last night.  Hey, well I guess they were only off by a mere 12 hours. 

Don't get me wrong, I love the heat if I'm lying out by the pool or at the beach.  I even like working out in the heat but heat in any other circumstance is just unbearable.  I really don't know how the folks in Texas or the southeast states handle it.  If I lived there I would've killed myself years ago.  This year we've had unbearable heat beginning back in May.  You would've thought living at altitude the temps would've been a bit cooler but not so.  We've had nothing but 90 and 100 degree temperatures since mid Spring.  Sure, I think a couple times the temps actually dipped into the 80s but those days lasted as long as a fart in the wind.  A hot wind, mind you. 

I just don't like too much of any one thing.  Well, maybe with the exception of wine.  I like things in moderation.  I need balance in my life.  Mama Nature, if you're gonna fry my ass all day, is it too much to ask for a nice, cool afternoon shower every now and then?  I tell ya, sweetheart, you're acting like a woman scorned and it's not a good look for you.  I really can't wait for Winter.  Heck, just blow past Fall, I'm over it.  Give me cold.  I can always throw on more clothes.  When it's hot I can only get so naked and after that it's just plain miserable, and slightly awkward for those around me.

Day 206: Buck stops here...

I think it's a natural part of our recovery to label things, define circumstances in such a way as to provide us some understanding and to make us feel more comfortable.  In situations such as the shooting in Aurora it's natural to need to assign blame and to look for retribution.  Fortunately the suspect is in custody and will face due process but apparently we aren't done pointing fingers.  I understand this is due in large part to the rage and despair we're experiencing but I feel a need to speak out. 

In response to the shooting I've heard comments that insinuate this was all the result of government by weak minded liberals who run this country.  Weak minded, absolutely.  But to attribute this type of crime to a political body is nothing more than inflammatory rhetoric, or as I like to say, bull shit.  If you truly feel this type of thing wouldn't happen in a more conservative society, I would ask you to do a little research.  When it comes to sick, weak minded sociopaths, the most infamous modern day mass murderer came out of the former Soviet Union, a country that pretty much wrote the book on iron-fisted rule of it's people.  All by his lonesome Andrei Chikatilo killed over 50 people in a short span of time.  Evil can exist any where.  All it needs is a place (or mind) to grow.

Beyond the obvious guilt of the shooter, if we really need to place additional blame, why are we not looking at ourselves?  As a society we help foster such evil behavior.  In the presence of evil we have a tendency to hide, become disengaged, point the finger of blame and expect someone else to solve the problem.  Well I'm here to tell you that this "evil" resides in us all.  Don't be so self-righteous to think you aren't capable of evil or that you haven't practiced it in some form or fashion already.  The only difference between the evil I've done and that of a mass murderer is the degree to which it's done.  If you try to place a dividing line between acceptable and unacceptable evil then I would say you're trying to create a boundary that serves you, allowing you to justify your own actions while condemning someone else for theirs.  Sin is a sin, evil is evil, pure and simple.  Sure, it sounds like absolutism but don't you think God is just as disappointed in us when we lie or cheat someone as when we kill?  Conversely, don't you believe that God smiles down upon you just as much when you open the door for an elderly person as He would if you saved 100 orphans from a burning building?  You don't have to kill to face His condemnation nor do you have to cure cancer to feel His favor.

I'm not saying that if we were all good little boys and girls there would be no evil.  Like a quote from another favorite movie of mine, "Good and evil, there's not one without the other."  But I think we can do much to minimize the spread of evil by putting more of ourselves into our relationships and into our communities.  If all we do is sit back casting blame then we're no better than the animal that committed the crime.  I feel a sense of responsibility because I know in my little world I could be a better husband, a better father, a better friend, a better human being.  My actions, both good and bad, affect everyone around me.  I have the power to make someone smile or put them in a foul mood.  I can instill confidence or doubt.  I can make someone feel loved or despised.  We are influenced by people and experiences that make up our daily lives.  It is our life experiences that drive our behaviors.  Ever wonder what those experiences must have been to compel someone to do such evil?

I truly believe that Jesus expects each and everyone of us to be the best version of ourselves at all times.  I also believe that He knows we will fail from time to time therefore there is no reason to cast blame.  Perhaps that's why He says, "He who is without sin cast the first stone."  Hey, that animal will get what's coming to him, but if you feel compelled to throw stones at others, make sure you drop a big one on yourself first.

Are you the symptom or the cure?

Day 205: Carmel, a beach, a new beginning...

It's hard to believe it was seven years ago today that we stood on the sandy beach of Carmel, promising ourselves to each other.  No elaborate ceremony.  No large scale production.  Just a small gathering of family and friends to celebrate our new beginning.

Life with you has been everything I dreamed of and more.  We've experienced the peaks and valleys of life together.  Some might think it odd that I would look fondly upon the difficulties in life but what is life without an obstacle or two?  It's those bumps that make us appreciate the smooth roads so much more.  It's the challenges we face together that make us stronger in our love as well as our devotion and appreciation for each other.  Don't get me wrong, I don't wake up hoping for some major catastrophe but I do wake up content and happy knowing that whatever life throws at us, we'll deal with it together. 

With you life is once again exciting and sometimes just a little terrifying but it was Eleanor Roosevelt who once said, "Do one thing everyday that scares you."  You've encouraged me to look beyond my fears and inhibitions and embrace what life gives me.  You've taught me to be a part of life and to look for the paths less traveled.  I look forward to each and every new day with you and the journey we take together. 

Happy Anniversary!

I love you...

Day 204: Acorn doesn't fall far from the tree...

Ok, Sophie is definitely MY dog. 

I was up again at 0'dark 30 this morning.  At that time there isn't much on TV with the exception of infomercials and really bad movies.  Even the premium channels were sorely lacking anything with content.  The only thing that looked remotely interesting was "2001: A Space Odyssey".  Figured I might as well catch the last 30 minutes before moving on to today's activities.  Now a little back story.  My folks took me to see this movie when it first came out in 1970.  I was eight at the time and the country was immersed in the whole Apollo moon missions.  I remember thinking this movie was going to be so cool, all futuristic space stuff.  Maybe some aliens, laser beams, star ships.  Wow, I couldn't have been more wrong.  Jumping monkeys, bones turning into spaceships, a black slab of metal, an old man lying in bed and a floating baby in space.  What the hell?  I pissed my dad off to no end, bombarding him with questions throughout the movie.  You know I saw Neil Armstrong walk on the moon and not once did I see a floating baby.  Needless to say I walked out of the theater completely frustrated and disappointed. 

So, back to present time.  As I'm watching the tail end of this movie, Sophie comes sauntering over to me by the couch.  She plops down next to me, sitting in a very unlady like position and immediately starts watching the TV.  Now she's not much of a TV watcher, not like Roscoe, but something obviously caught her attention.  I look over at her and her eyes are just GLUED to the set.  Just when the movie is getting really bizarre she tilts her head to one side, staring at the TV, completely oblivious to anything around her.  If she could speak I know she would've said, "Uh, buhhh?"  Oh my God, it was me 42 years ago!  I couldn't help but laugh.  I could just imagine she was probably thinking, "What the hell are you watching?!  What's with the old man and floating baby?"  Well, lucky for me she can't talk or I would've suffered the same fate as my father. 

Thank you, Sophie, you've cured me of my funk from yesterday.  Just when I think I can't love that dog any more, she goes off and proves me wrong. 

Day 203: Funkytown...

I suppose I should make this a lazy day.  It's certainly been a week of weeks.  But I don't know.  There's a part of me that can't sit still but there's nothing in particular that seems remotely interesting to do.  I don't know if it's because there's going to be another triple digit day or just being physically and mentally exhausted from this past week but I'm definitely in a funk.  Can't say why exactly.  I guess that's pretty typical when we're feeling a bit down, there seldom seems to be a single reason for it.

Unlike your ass, it's hard to shake the funk.  Sometimes just doing something completely out of the ordinary helps.  But there are chores to do and if I was a smart man, I'd mow the lawn right now instead of waiting to fry later in the day.  I'm sure my neighbors will love me for it.  Hey, it's almost 8AM.  Back when I lived in OC you could set your clocks by the gardening teams that would show up in the neighborhood on a Saturday morning.  At precisely seven o'clock, "Gentlemen, start your mowers!"  Well, I could do laundry or straighten up the house but that's not nearly as gratifying as hiking a mountain but it does need to get done.

Being in a funk is kinda like having the flu.  It usually only lasts a day or two and then you bounce right back.  If it goes much longer than that it could possibly lead to little bouts of depression.  Now hold on, put your pills down.  I think it's well within our capacity to deal with some kinds of depression without assistance but there are those day(s) when a little help is needed.  If you're lucky, you have someone close, even if they're 3,000 miles away, who can help you through this valley you're in.  Just a kind word, a gentle hug or a smiley face can do wonders.  I think what those simple gestures do is instill hope back in our lives. 

Another quote from one of my favorite movies... "Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." - Shawshank Redemption

So here's to hope and checking out of Funkytown...

Day 202: Nasty curveball...

I guess I've grown complacent.  For the most part life has been good.  No significant tragedies or hardships.  Sure there are bombings in the middle east and local gang bangers shooting each other up.  I hate to admit I pretty much dismiss those events with a casual "it's their way" but this mornings event in Aurora really threw me for a loop.

What possessed me to wake up at 2:50 this morning I'll never know but I was immediately greeted with Facebook posts from our local TV station about a horrific shooting at a theater in Aurora around 12:30 this morning.  I put on the TV and every local station was talking about it.  So incredibly sad and so tragic.  The grief and the rage that is now gripping this community is beyond measure. 

I will say it's been great to see the community come so quickly to the aid of the victims and their families.  I know many of us will ask the question "why?" but I just know that the answers will be few and they won't completely satisfy as much as we would hope.  There is no answer, no explanation that could possibly begin to assuage the remorse and the rage that so many are feeling.  As much as I would like to know the answers, that's really not what's needed at this time.  Compassion, comfort and healing is what we need.  I know the news has been quickly trying to paint a picture of a demented individual because there's no other reason why someone would do this.  It will help some to put this all in context.  But even with that being the case it won't help with the grief and suffering that so many are now having to endure. 

Try not to bother with "why" but rather focus your energies, focus your heart on projecting/praying for those who are suffering.  Put forward not just the thought but the actual feelings of compassion, love and peace.  I know it's hard.  Saying the words is one thing but feeling it, and sending it to those that need it is difficult because we are also dealing with our own emotions over this.  I know there's evil in this world.  We've helped to create it.  But likewise, there is much love and compassion and it is within all of us to share.  Express your best and deepest feelings of love and healing for those in need.  And while you're at it, remind those closest to you how much you love them.

Day 201: If I won the lottery...

I think we all fantasize about winning the lotto.  Paying off debt, setting up our kids and family for life, traveling the world.  But I guess if I'm going to be honest with myself, what I would really want can't be purchased with the winning lotto ticket, and that's harmony. 

"Geez, John, why don't you just ask for world peace?"  Well hold on.  I'm just looking for harmony in my own life.  But let's make sure we know what we're talking about.  Harmony doesn't mean a lack of struggle.  Nor does it mean living in unbridled euphoria.  It's really a balance between and a coexistence of the two.  One must enable and depend on the other.   Take running, for example.  You wonder what they mean by "runner's high"?  Well, it's really the perfect balance between the physical struggle of your body to run and the joy and gratification of the mind and spirit that comes from knowing you can run.  I would argue that there's even harmony in scooping up dog poop.  Yeah, it can be a pretty nasty task cleaning up after my dogs but that is just the "struggle" part that goes along with the joy of actually having dogs. Don't tell my wife I said that.  I like to put on a show about what a hassle it is to scoop dog crap. 

When there's more of one than the other, life is no longer harmonious.  I bet most of you will only think of examples of when your job became too difficult or that relationship became hurtful.  But life certainly gets out of balance when there's too much of a good thing.  Statistics show that many lotto winners actually go bankrupt within several years.  What about those folks that are driven by physical gratification - parties, drugs, alcohol, sex.  I think the problem we have in our western society is that we've been conditioned over the generations to avoid struggle.  We've somehow convinced ourselves that struggle is bad while "greed is good".  Well, Mr. Gecko, greed is NOT good.  You can't take without giving.  I'm not saying we need to start flogging ourselves or constantly put ourselves in harm's way.  But the gratification and joy we seek will only come when we've put forth our energies and committed ourselves  to achieve.  Folks, I'm here to tell you there's no such thing as a free lunch.  The acquisition of joy without struggle is the prelude to life spinning out of control.   

So even though I may complain a bit about my job and responsibilities, it's those struggles that provide the meaning and depth to the joys I also experience.  The exhilaration of sitting atop a Colorado 14er won't exist without the struggle it takes to actually get to the top. So here's to joy and struggle.  Here's to balance and harmony.

Day 200: Stars...

Isn't this technically suppose to be a photo blog?  Giving it another shot, literally, to try and capture some good night sky pictures.  Still struggling with some technical issues.  The manual focus is a bit sketchy, especially using the Canon.  You'd think setting your focus to infinity would work but not so.  Got that little piece of advice from an accomplished night photographer. 

As with all things, good planning is the key.  This was a little spur of the moment (who gets up at 3:10 to take pictures??) and I really didn't have the best location.  I think next time I'm going to head up Baseline in Boulder and look for a spot with no ambient light but not so secluded that the bears aren't thinking, "DINNER!!"

Alright, more practice!!

Day 199: And you think I'M full of it...

I've taken a lot of ribbing over the years for my decision to pursue a history degree.  I've been told it's a worthless degree and I'll be honest, it's hard to stand up with pride when the best and most likely career choice of all history majors is being a park ranger.  Well Boo Boo, I think there's another degree who's diploma isn't worth the paper it's printed on and that's meteorology.

What an amazing career path.  You basically get paid to be wrong.  Sure, you try to make yourself sound smart by throwing around all this weather lingo and all these weather gizmos you have but let's be honest, before you go on the air you knock back a cocktail or two and throw a couple of darts at the old weather dart board and that's your forecast.  By the way, would it kill you to be just a little annoyed at the current weather conditions once in a while?  Ever wonder why so many folks despise you, especially when you forecast crap weather with a smile on your face?  Maybe it's those cocktails.  Just once I'd like to hear a weather person say, "Are you kidding me with this FRICKIN' heat?!  For the love of God can we get a little rain!?"

Your prognosticating skills truly suck.  Hell I bet the casinos must do back flips when you walk to the gambling table.  "Put it all on double 0!  Mama needs a new Doppler radar!"  Remind me never to go gambling with you.  Oh, and interrupting my TV viewing pleasure every five minutes to let me know about a potential down pour in a county that's three hours away isn't news worthy.  You might as well tell me how things are in the swamps of Florida. 

Maybe I'm being a little hard on you weather folks.  We have pretty diverse weather conditions here in Colorado.  The running joke is "if you don't like the weather, wait 15 minutes."  This is the place where you can have golf ball size hail in the neighborhood less than a mile from you and clear skies right above your house. So sure it might be a little difficult to get the weather right.  I'm not asking for a home run.  I'm not even asking for a base hit but a foul ball every now and then would be nice.  But let's not make a big deal over what you do.  If yesterday was hot, there's a better than average chance that today will be hot too.  Just because you predicted 96 and it turned out to be 96 doesn't mean you've cured cancer.  Hot is hot. 

So don't be hating on my history degree.  As a history major I like to think I'm well versed in the human condition.  At least I have a better understanding of why some folks are complete A-holes.  Hey, I'm not judging.  You're just a product of your history.  Yeah, so history isn't a science but I would say that meteorology is certainly on the fringe of where science meets bullshit fantasy.  I'm just sayin'.

Day 198: "They call it stormy Monday..."

Storm pics seem to be a recurring theme for me. Gotta love Colorado summers. Don't know if it's the raw power, the danger or the pure beauty of Mother Nature's unbridled fury but something about storms both frightens and excites me. I can remember living in Virginia as a kid running outside in the middle of an explosive summer downpour being excited and scared shitless all at the same time. Pure exhilaration!

Well I was hoping/thinking I might head up to the mountains to get some awesome pics but unfortunately my two little rat dogs don't do well with thunder so I'll hang with them tonight. Mama's on a road trip to Idaho and Oregon so I get to play nurse maid to the four-legged chilin's.  Well, there's always tomorrow.

Bring on the fireworks!

Day 197: Where would you go?

If you could choose one place to go, just you and no one else, where would it be?  Now before you answer with "Vegas baby!" just think for a moment about where you'd go if you really needed some alone time.  Don't think about the cost or time or whatever.  If no other conditions existed, where would you go?

Some of you may not even get this or could even fathom the notion of going anywhere without their spouse, families, friends or whomever.  I can understand and appreciate that some folks are actually very uncomfortable being alone and that's fine.  But I would think there are a number of you/us out there that cherish those moments of being alone, alone in our thoughts, meditations and prayers.  No other stimulus, opinions or influences other than the feelings and emotions in our hearts and the thoughts in our minds.

Most of you that know me know that the one place I would go for absolute solitude would be Death Valley.  It is my sanctuary.  I was compelled to go there many years ago to compete in a bicycle race (200 miles) through the valley floor.  Since then I returned every year to compete in a marathon.  Back in the day it was about athletics and trying to overcome the emotional hardships in my life at the time.  Since then my journeys were more for emotional and spiritual cleansing.  Instead of worry about my race times, I focused on everything around me, the sights, the smells, the tastes and the thoughts and feelings I had would lose themselves in the splendor about me.  My last trek to Death Valley was in 2008 and every year I yearn to go back. 

Running through the labyrinth of Titus Canyon or sitting atop Dante's View watching the sunset, I would get such a spiritual connection to my surroundings but more importantly, I had one-on-one time with God.  It was the place I could comfortably and without interruption lay out all my laundry before Him and just let things be.  No topic was off limits.  I could share every feeling and emotion, every fear and joy without some arbitrary go-between instilling guilt or shame because of my thoughts or actions. 

Today, living in Colorado, the Rockies give me some of that solitude, especially hiking the 14ers.  I think what made Death Valley so special and the Rockies a close second, was that in order to find that tranquility and the purity of the moment, I had to struggle to get there.  The bike race nearly broke me physically, emotionally and spiritually.  I now know, after the fact, that it was necessary to strip away the layers of my life (i.e. job, marriage, status, etc) in order to make that connection with God and to find real peace.  I had to be torn down to my core in order to finally surrender myself to His will and understand my place in His world. I'm not suggesting that you need to purge yourself like the Inquisition in order to find peace but if your life is filled with immense details and yet you still struggle to find meaning then perhaps you need to consider stripping away the parts of your life like a band-aide in order to finally hear the answers to your questions. 

So where would you go?

Day 196: "Only mad dogs and Englishmen..."

and suburban yard warriors, go out in the midday sun."  Ok, so maybe that's not exactly what Mr. Kipling said but I'll certainly take credit for being among the crazies that insist on working in inhospitable conditions.

I suppose I could've done the yard work first thing in the morning before temps got outrageous but this morning my trainer Natalie and I ran the Walker Ranch loop.  Actually our runs are more like "My Dinner with Andre" with running shoes but I digress.  Guess I could hire a team of gardeners to come in and do the dirty work for me but after we moved to Colorado I've taken on more ownership of what goes on in and around my house.  Sure I could leave it up to the professionals but I guess mowing my own lawn, shoveling my own drive way and trying to be the family handyman is my attempt at being master of my domain.  It is gratifying to look out on my yard and know that my wife and I had something to do with it.  In a time when we're all just lucky to be working, it's sometimes hard to find gratification in the things we do.  For me it's yard work and to a much greater degree, running.  

It's been a hard summer so far.  June was insane.  Over a weeks worth of triple digit temps and virtually no rain.  At least July has started out cool and wet but the hot temps are coming back and we still look to the skies in hopes a few drops of rain.  So even though it's a challenge to do yard work in sweltering heat, it's nothing that a turkey and cheese on sourdough, along with an ice cold Stella, can't fix.  So with that being said, it's time for another cold one and a nap in front of the TV.

Cheers!

Day 195: Class struggle...

What is it about getting bumped to first class that turns an otherwise compassionate, sympathetic person into a self-absorbed, entitled SOB?  Today's little experience certainly laid out for me the class struggle that exists in our country today and it's easy to see how our perceptions quickly change when we're plucked from one class and dropped into another.   

Even with all my travel I don't often enjoy the luxury of traveling first class.  Given that predicament, I begrudgingly settle in with my fellow traveling comrades to the tiny niche of our existence which is the seat that is two sizes too small for a Hobbit.  Where I sit there are no freebies.  Other than water and juice, all things come at a price.  Not like the good old days when you were given a full meal, a pillow and blanket and even a recent magazine or two.  Those benefits are long gone as the money mongers have done their evil by removing any and all perks in order to line their pockets.  Prisoners fare better than travelers in coach class.  Even the lines to the bathroom look like the breadlines in old Moscow.

But today the travel Gods smiled down upon me.  I took advantage of a coupon I had for a free visit to the American Airlines Admirals Club.  That's a whole other blog but suffice it to say it put me in a mood of entitlement and privilege right from the get go.  As luck would have it some 725 peasants, I mean, passengers, were on standby for my flight (ok, I exaggerate) and so I was easily moved up to first class.  Right off I'm thinking "Oh yeah, you all just sit there cuz I'm getting on first."  What the hell?  Where did that voice come from?  And once I took my seat and the villagers were allowed to come on, I thought, "Yeah, got me a big comfortable seat.  Don't you EVEN make eye contact with me.  Keep moving!  And don't hit me with your Fendi knock-off."  Wow, I was channeling pure evil!

I don't know what all happened next.  I was consumed in a swirl of self-righteousness, greed and condemnation for those freeloaders skulking in the back for plane.  "Close that curtain!  Keep them out!  Don't let those people infect my little airborne paradise."  Wasn't sure if that was my outer or inner voice that said that.  I'm hoping it was the latter. 

I landed without further incident.  Got my little mint and carry on bag and made my way home.  It amazed me how quickly I could go from "man of the people" to "Mr. Gimmie!"  It was a pretty ugly side of me, I'll give you that.  Guess I'll be getting a visit from Karma soon.  Please be gentle.  

Day 194: You gonna eat that?

Meshack's BBQ Shack, a small hole in the wall dive in Garland, Texas that makes wicked good BBQ. Sure you can go to Morton's or Ruth's Chris for some high end grub and pay those high end prices but if you want real , All-American BBQ, this is the place to be. Meschack's doubles as a machine and welding shop. I guess some time ago they decided as a means of supplementing their income they'd also BBQ up some ribs and other forms of flesh. Sure it has a slight metallic taste with a hint of 10W30 but the sliced beef sandwich was like nothing I've ever had before. Of course they serve up baked beans but this is bathing suit season so I declined.

I love dive joints. This particular place is where a sliced beef sandwich is a sliced beef sandwich. You don't ask for modifications. At a place like Meshack's you're likely to get shot if you ask if the sandwich is gluten free or if they serve free range meat. "Happy cow"? Be thankful it's a dead cow and pretty well cooked. I think the dive joints are what makes the American cuisine so unique. Yeah, you run the risk of some serious food poisoning but wasn't America founded on the intestinal fortitude of our early settlers? That which doesn't kill you, or blow out your ass like a volcano, only makes you stronger.

So, with all that being said let's see how well I process this lunch. Tomorrow's blog could very well come to you from my "throne". I'll feel sorry for anyone sitting in close proximity to me on the plane. Consider yourself warned!

Day 193: Time...

Time is one of the most illusive commodities in life and in many cases is the bane of our existence. Time keeps us from completing a degree, from training for our first marathon, from visiting our folks, or taking care of that household project. "I just don’t have enough time." Who hasn't chanted that mantra?

Back in the day when I was young ROTC cadet there were several of us that were either married or engaged to be married and with all the demands that would be placed on a young officer, many of use wondered how we would manage to be both an officer and a husband. One of my instructors, a burly old Major, gave me a little piece of advice, "You gotta make time, cadet." When you get past the patronizing tone, it really did make perfect sense.


"Gotta make time." What it really boils down to is if it's truly that important to you, then you'll make the time. You'll figure out a way to have your cake and eat it too. I'll be honest with you. I'll say I don't have time to fix the dishwasher or have time to clean out the garage, but deep down inside it's not that I don't have time, it's just that it's really not that important to me so it doesn't get done.


Only when our willingness to change exceeds our threshold of pain will anything get done in our lives. If you're miserable in that job or relationship, or that broke frig or dishwasher is driving you nuts, you'll only fix those things when it becomes important to you and you feel the need for change. So life is about prioritizing and placing importance on the things that really matter to you. Family? Friends? Job? A personal goal? What are the things that matter to you? Find out what they are and you'll naturally make time for them. It won't be nearly as hard as you think.


Speaking of time, I'm late posting this blog so… gotta go!

Day 192: And then he said...

(Google Image provided by journeytolife.aldinhrvat.com)



It's no secret I love movies and I've been known on occasion to ramble on with movie dialogue. Hell I can practically sing the entire sound track to "Jesus Christ Superstar". Don't worry I'll spare you the aggravation. But over the years I've collected a number of my favorite quotes. Some of them I like just because they're cool or funny or they remind me of a great scene in a movie. Others have more meaning for me because they say something about life. Man, I just wish I could come up with stuff as original and profound.
So here are some of my favorites. I'll let you guess what movies they're from. My movie buff buddies will surly get most if not all of them.

"Get busy livin' or get busy dyin'." (hint, Day 128)

"Never underestimate the power of denial."

"You have nothing in your hands. Any power you have comes to you from far beyond..."

"Earn this..."

"I've got nowhere else to go!"

"I'm wearing the wedding dress which you picked out!" (that was just a funny scene)

"I don't want you to say anything, I don't NEED you to say anything."

"What do you think you see? The smashed body of a retched animal?"

"Take the TICKET!"

"You want me on that wall. You NEED me on that wall."

"Keep you friends close but keep you enemies closer." (that's a no-brainer)

"I have been and always shall be your friend."

"I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her." (that was the scene that made me like Julia Roberts)

"I've got people skills!"

Dialogue - "They're idiots".."They've all been knighted".."Then it's official."
"You lose this game, you'll take it to your f'ing grave!" (not from a movie, an actual quote from a famous hockey coach)

It's a safe bet the moment I hit "Publish" I'll remember a dozen other quotes but this is what came to mind. I'm sure you've got some of your own favorites.  Pass them along, I'd love to hear 'em.  

Day 191: The next step...

Life is all about taking steps.  We move through life, one step at a time, dealing with the challenges and joys that life presents us.  And although that seems rather simple, it's one of the most difficult things any of us can do.  So much stands in the way of us taking that next step and we are the ones to blame for it.

As a marathoner I learned many years ago that the true path to success was to just take another step.  Far too often runners fail to accomplish their goals because they over think their circumstances.  They think of the miles that lay ahead, coupled with the pain they feel in their body and quickly convince themselves they must quit.  Hey, I'm not about to tell you that marathons lack discomfort because they can truly suck at times.  But when I'm honest with myself, knowing the pain I feel and can adequately accept it (i.e. "being comfortably uncomfortable"), all I then have to concern myself with is taking that next step.  If I can do that, without thought or worry of what's to come, I'll eventually cross the finish line.  Far too often I've seen athletes more physically gifted than I pack it in during a race because they couldn't endure.  I would look at them and say, "Well, I've gotten as far as him, guess I'll just keep going".  (Think Forest Gump) 

Everyone of us is faced with challenges.  Whether it's trying to buy that house, complete that degree, finish the race, deal with the illness of a friend or loved one, challenges come in many forms but how we approach them should be the same..... take the next step.  Just get through that next homework assignment, don't think about how many more classes you need.  Help your mother to her next doctors appointment and don't think about whether she'll need another procedure.  Complete that task at work and don't think about whether or not your boss will approve. 

We consistently fail ourselves when we worry about what might come rather than focusing on what is right in front of us.  It's been proven time and again that seldom can an army win a war fighting on multiple fronts.  Same goes for us.  If we are fighting with what is happening right now along with what MIGHT be, we lose our direction and are doomed to failure.  Now don't confuse preparation with worry.  It's always good to be ready for any contingency and if you're truly prepared for most anything you'll worry so much less.  So don't worry about what might happen, just take the next step.

Day 190: Really??

YEAH!  I climbed Mt. Everest!  It was awesome.  No supplemental oxygen, no Sherpas, no extra gear other than my CamelBak and my camera.  I so rocked that Tibetan mountain.  I don't know what the big deal is.  I mean, I had my Gatorade and my gel caps.  Ate a peanut butter sandwich on the summit.  We started at 6:30 and made it to the top by 9:00 and that was taking our time, enjoying the scenery and taking pictures.  Why does everyone make such a big deal about climbing Everest.  You've climbed one mountain, you've climbed them all. 

This is all true, folks.  Really, I wouldn't lie to you.  Trust me.  We all know that anything you read, see or hear on the internet HAS to be true, right?  Ok, I guess I'm being a little smarmy right now.  Just a small piece of advice, if you read, see or hear anything that seems outrageous or unbelievable, it just might be.  Before you go off on a tangent, check on it first.  Do a little research to see if what you just witnessed on the internet is in fact true. 

Now to set the record straight, no I didn't ascend Mt. Everest but I did ascend Mt. Sherman with my daughter Nicole.  What a great day.  Just wish the weather on the summit would've cooperated but at least I was there to see her do her first 14er.  Now I need to get Sam and Julie up there as well. 

Day 189: Be the light...

We all struggle from time to time, hoping for better circumstances to flow our way.  Sometimes those prayers are answered through random events where light is shed on an otherwise dark day. A simple smile, a nice gesture, or perhaps a message from a friend or family member is all that it would take to turn an otherwise bad day into something special.

I doubt many of us wake up thinking we want to be that positive influence in someone's life but why not?  If we're that quick to ask God for a lifeline, why not look to BE that lifeline for someone else?  Doesn't it feel great when someone has done something for you that's made you feel better?  Why not be the other side of that coin?

So today, be the inspiration, be the light, be the reason that someone says, "Hey, I had a good day."

Day 188: For Julie...

Happy Birthday, my love!  I know this is your special day but I can't help but feel I'm the one getting all the gifts.  Hard to believe it was only a little over eight years ago you came into my life and it's safe to say every day since then has been a wonderful adventure.

I know you're not big on celebrations that center around you.  And unfortunately you're married to someone who pretty much sucks at putting on a good show.  Heck, even gift wrapping is like going to the dentist for me.  But I hope you know that even with all my shortcomings, I love you more each and every day of my life.  I've been so blessed to be able to share my life with you.  You've open my mind and my heart to so many wonderful things.  You've given me hope when I felt there was none.  You've put excitement into my life that I never thought was possible.  I look forward to every new day rather than be intimidated by it. 

You're my beautiful lover, my best friend, my confidant.  You're my inspiration, my mentor and the one person who tenderly holds my heart.  Gifts might be a little light this year but the one gift I can give you each and every day is my love and devotion.

Happy Birthday, honey!  I love you.....

Day 187: Last meal...

It is the last and only meal.  Since I was a boy my absolute favorite, go to meal has been the salami and cheese sandwich.  Breakfast, lunch or dinner, I could live off this luscious treat for the remainder of my days.  When my wife says, "you're on your own for dinner", more often than not I'm making my sandwich.  It is the alpha and omega of all sandwiches.  Sure, over the years it's been modified to go along with the times.  Regular French's mustard has been replaced with Dijon and now Spicy Brown mustard.  Hunks of Velveeta have been replaced by slices of Pepperjack and on special occasions, Horseradish Cheddar.  And the bread has been anything from cardboard white to rye to the king of all breads, San Francisco extra sourdough.  And the salami, ahhhhh, nothing but Gallo Salame!    In my best James Earl Jones voice, "If you make it, he will eat."

And like any great outfit, this sandwich must be accessorized.  You know what I'm talking about ladies.  Assorted chips highlight the supreme qualities of this magnificent sandwich and an ice cold beer, preferably German, gives it that major "WOW" factor.  Work it, baby!!

So, if the time comes when I'm asked to choose my last meal, safe money is on the good old salami and cheese sandwich.  I might forgo the beer and go with a nice bottle of Opus One with a couple of shots of Louis XIII and dark chocolate as an after meal treat. I mean, come on, it IS my last meal...

"Dead man eating!"

Day 186: Independence!

Now don't get me wrong.  I love my country.  I'm proud to be an American and will always stand stall, place my hand over my heart and sing the National Anthem when it's played.  But my mood lately has been one of a fan who's team is on a VERY long dry spell.  I'm a die hard San Francisco 49ers fan and since the days of Joe Montana and Steve Young I've had very little to cheer about for over 10 years until just recently.  I'm feeling very much the same way about my country.   

We've lost our way. We are NOT the best country in the world.  We've become that old, high school football star that's now fat, bald and bitter because he knows his best years are behind him.  As a nation we haven't suffered or struggled since 1945 yet we try to convince ourselves that the petty little problems we've experienced since then warrant some great praise and therefore we're entitled to a life free of burden or responsibility.  We are not the greatest generation.  We're a bunch of whiny, bitchy, self-centered takers.  We sit atop the accomplishments of those that came before us and take credit for someone else's blood, sweat and tears. 

I could point to the east and say all our problems reside in Washington, DC, but I'm not going to lecture or complain about our current "leaders" in Washington.  The only way anything will change is if we, the American citizen, change ourselves.  We really don't know what we want as a country because we have no idea who we are or what we stand for.  Pick up your Kindle, Nook or search a Wiki on the internet, and go READ the Constitution.  Go READ the Declaration of Independence.  Go READ the Bill of Rights.  Go READ the Gettysburg Address.  I guarantee you will be SHOCKED when you see what our founding fathers laid out for us and how so far off the mark our country is today.   But more importantly, when you read those documents you'll see how much the American people are EMPOWERED to run their own lives instead of being the indentured servants we've become under our current government.  

When we know who we are as a country it will be easier for us to pick the right people we want to lead us.  We'll no longer be taken in by catchy sound bytes or clever slogans.  We'll be able to read between the lines of all the political rhetoric our candidates spew at us and know the truth.  We'll demand just and sound leadership.  We'll demand accountability of our leaders AND our fellow citizens.  We'll demand our independence.

We will once again be the greatest nation. 

Day 185: From yesterday's ashes...

I've always felt that no matter what hardships or sorrow lie in our wake, the promise of a new day brings forth new joys, new strength and an undying resolve to experience all that life presents.

Day 184: Not my fault...

I've bitched and complained before about how we've lost our ability to hold ourselves and others accountable for their actions or inaction.  This upcoming presidential election is just another example of our failure as a country to live up to the virtues that made this country great so many years ago.

This is an election year and with all the commercials depicting both candidates as the anti-christs, one thing has become clear to me.  Our politicians are really only skilled in one thing and one thing only.... and that's getting elected.  Once elected they spend their term in office spinning excuses for their failures.  These elected officials of ours represent that tiny percentage of the population, the over-privileged, over-entitled fraternity that is not affected by the current economical burdens that they have created that you and I must face.  In the capacity of a public servant the consequences of their inadequacies do not exist.  With that being said, what's their motivation to do anything right?  They can push legislation that will destroy an economic class and it will have no impact on them personally.  After four, or even eight years of raping our constitution, they will sneak away with outrageous perks and benefits, get paid insane sums of money to speak in public or right a book, all the while leaving a path of destruction in their wake with the American citizen a victim of collateral damage.   

You want to make our elected leaders accountable for their actions?  Here's my suggestion.  The new president has four years to fulfill the promises he/she made during their election campaign.  Sure, they'll most likely fail and will most definitely blame the opposing party for cock-blocking them.  Well here's how this will play out.  The president will be removed from office, denied any opportunity for re-election (i.e. "You're fired!") and banned from any future public service.  They will be denied all retirement benefits, to include pay, healthcare and/or any subsidies, such as Secret Service protection.  For the next 20 years of their lives they will have their income scrutinized by third party auditors to ensure they are not afforded any financial benefits or assistance from any entity, foreign or domestic.  Their only form of income will come from what the rest of us have had to endure.... an actual frickin' job!  And just to make this fair, at least one Senator and one Representative from each party of each state will suffer the same fate.

It's either that or we force all of them and their families to participate in the Hunger Games.  "And may the odds be EVER in your favor!"

Day 183: Chain letters...

Well it's safe to say that today's Facebook "Shares" are yesterday's chain letters.  Go to your Facebook profile and look at all the message shares out there.  How many have "share this only if you...." at the end? 

Here's the deal, folks.  If the message you have to share is so powerful, why then do you feel you have to intimidate and coerce me into sharing?  If that's truly the case then I would argue that your message is just verbal diarrhea and has no real value.  Sure, many people might agree with what you've shared but did you ever think that perhaps the only reason why some folks re-post your messages is out of superstitious fear or guilt?  Is that what you want?  Wouldn't you prefer that your message stood on it's own merits and that people we would be motivated, ON THEIR OWN, to spread the word?  I consider myself a "practicing" Christian (to say I'm more than that would be to say I've mastered the tenets of the Christian faith which is impossible to do in my current form and pretty much a vain assertion).  I really don't recall any where in the Bible where I'm coerced into believing Jesus Christ as my lord and savior.  I'll certainly share my beliefs with you but to ram it down your throats, guilt you into believing, we might as well bring back the Inquisition.  I'll share with you my beliefs and my faith and all the things that matter to me.  But it's up to you to either accept or reject and if you feel compelled to share, then by all means do.   

Just keep in mind, when I don't re-post/share that Photoshop-doctored picture message, it doesn't mean I'm...

Gay

Straight

Republican

Democrat

Insensitive to our veterans

Insensitive to animals

Insensitive to the environment

Atheist

Christian

Muslim

Jew

Anarchist

Communist

Capitalist

Sexist

Voting for Obama

Voting for Romney

Voting for the next Top Model

All it means is I didn't re-post your message.  That's all.  I truly hope you'll accept me for who I am and not for what I re-post.  But if you don't, hey, that's your choice.  I'm comfortable enough in my own skin not to feel slighted or dismissed by anyone.  But please, do continue to share.  I like to know what moves people.  I like to hear about their passions and concerns.  I do learn a lot about people when I see what they post and it certainly helps me to grow as a person as I learn what makes the world go round.  I just ask that if you share something, do so because it matters to YOU and let others be inspired by you, not threatened.