Day 274: Other side of the pond...

It was a LONG couple of days.  Up at 6:30 AM Saturday and finally made it to my room in London at 5:20 PM, local.  I was all set to post a long winded rant over something stupid but after I touched down, dropped off my luggage and started touring the city I thought, "stop being such a little bitch and just enjoy your surroundings."  So I heeded my own advice and walked some of the streets of London with my trusty camera at my side.  Last time I was here Julie was with me and I wish she could be here now.  It was nice, though, to look at familiar spots and remember all the fun experiences we shared.  Trips are always great when you have someone to share them with.  So here are a couple of the photos I captured today.  Posting more on Facebook.  Looking forward to seeing other parts of this wonderful country.

Ok, my pizza and Guinness have arrived.  Chat you tomorrow.

Day 273: London calling...

I might be a little late for the Olympics but I'm heading to the UK today.  Ok, before you all shout in unison, "YOU SUCK!", I'm going on business and I'm actually not going to be all that close to London.  Looks like I'm going to be a bit closer to Heathrow airport but a few of us from work are planning on making our way into the city Sunday when we arrive.  Actually, given the time, I wouldn't mind seeing some of the other areas surrounding London.  I've always felt the real charm and character of a country was found not in their big cities but towns and villages throughout the countryside.  Guess you could say it's the same here in the good old U.S of A.  Cities are fine and I have a few of my favorites like San Francisco and Munich, but most cities across the globe are like show cases for the traveler.  When you stop at a small town and talk to the local gentry you get a better and more authentic sense of the personality of that country.  You know France has a pretty bad rap for not being the most welcoming of countries and I kinda experienced that in Paris but in the small villages surrounding Bordeaux I found it to be quite the opposite and I think that's true for most countries.  So I'll have my camera at the ready and hopefully I'll capture something good.  Will do my best to keep up with the blog and postings on Facebook but I do have to remember this IS a business trip.  Wink!

Day 272: First Frost...

"There is a certain magic
To the first frost of the year
When autumn’s golden halo
Has been kissed by Winter’s cheer.

As the sun climbs over the horizon
Your breath’s vapors become unfurled
Like plumes of steam rising from within
Its warmth in the chill revealed.

Every twig, every branch, every blade of grass
Every surface that one can see
Has been adorned as though from high above
As though diamonds are now given for free.

Every surface has delightfully been adorned
With a million gems thrown from the sky
Having been touched with Jack Frost’s icy caress
Winter’s love of autumn cannot be denied."

 

Christine A Kysely

 

 

Day 271: Day 2 at Breckenridge...

Here's to the start of a new day on our mini-vaca.  Started out a little auspiciously with both "The Brat" and "The Princess" needing to take care of business at 1:30 in the morning.  Not a big deal assuming they really had to go but "The Princess" likes to take her sweet time sniffing every blade of grass before she settles her furry tush on just the right spot. 

True Fall weather is here.  Clouds, sun, rain, snow flurries, heat, cold.  I love it all.  It's Colorado!  I took a few pics this morning.  The one above was taken from our balcony this morning.  Depending on the weather I hope to get more this afternoon.  We'll probably do a little exploring around and outside of Breckenridge.  Looking for more Fall colors.  Sophie is game.  She can hike all day long.  The little ones, that's a whole different story.  More to follow....

Day 270: Heading to Breck...

We'll be heading to Breckenridge this morning for a few days.  And when I say "we" I mean me and the creatures.  Julie is already up there.  She went up yesterday with a friend to get some girl time sans all the barking and yapping.  Me and three dogs in the car.  Hmmm, "three dogs leave, one dog arrives."  Just kidding.  :-)  Anyways, looking forward to some hiking, photography and general relaxation before my up coming business trip.  Heard the Fall colors up there are amazing right now so I'm keeping my fingers crossed I get some good photos.  But even if I don't, as long as I'm with my honey it'll be a wonderful trip.

By the way I want to give a nice big SHOUT OUT to my dear friend Jane.  She helped promote my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/johnkarpphoto) which resulted in a ton of "Likes".  I was just looking for a few more to put me over the 100 mark but she hit this one out of the park!  Thank you so much, Jane, and thank you all for your liking my page.  That really does mean a lot to me.  I will do my best to keep the content fresh and enjoyable so you'll keep coming back.

Have a wonderful day!

Day 269: Integrity...

Sure this might come off like a rant about football but it goes much deeper than that.  If any of you happened to catch the football game last night between Green Bay and Seattle or caught the highlights this morning, like I did, you'll be blown away by what happened.  The short version - offensive receiver pushes the defender out of the way, wraps his around around the other defender who clearly intercepted the ball, placing his hand on the ball and by virtue of the ineptitude of the referees was granted a touchdown and victory for his team. 

I know many people who aren't sports fans will look at the play and say, "So what?  It's just a stupid game."  And you know you're right, it is just a game.  Forget the fact there are millions of dollars involved in these "games".  The real issue for me is the lack of integrity.  The inability to do what's right regardless of the circumstances.   Rules experts will argue that protocol was followed.  Granted the call on the field was wrong, but everything else was done by the book.  That just goes right to the issue I've had for years and that is just because something is "legal" doesn't necessarily mean it's right.  

Integrity is a commodity in short supply.  To see and know the difference between right and wrong and to stand up for what is right, who does that any more?  Surely not the NFL, it's commissioner, the owners nor the officials.  They've sat back for months and have knowingly and willfully done nothing to right this wrong.  Certainly not Golden Tate, the Seattle coach, players nor their fans.  It was shameful to watch the "victors" so delusional, believing in their hearts they won that game.  What happened to that sense of honesty and integrity that would come forth and declare, "Hey, that was just wrong."  I've seen my 49ers win a couple games here and there on some questionable calls and as a fan felt ashamed that they didn't win it on merit but rather on the stupidity of the officiating crew.  

Is it really that hard to do the right thing?  I guess when you become numb to the guilt and shame associated with manipulating, deceiving and lying in order to succeed, doing the right thing is of no consequence.  Once you've gotten to that point, you no longer can consider yourself human.  I'm not upset over the outcome of a game but rather by the lack of moral courage of those that are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the game.  The measure of ones integrity is not determined by the size of their wallet nor the title they wear but rather by their actions and the actions of those involved yesterday's game are speaking volumes.

Day 268: What was I thinking?

I'd say nearly all of us have pretty embarrassing photos of how we use to be.  Youth was brutal for many of us.  Struggling to create some kind of identity, trying out different styles and fashions in hopes of finding something that wouldn't make girls vomit or small children scream in fear.  Everything from hair styles, clothing and mannerisms have all gone through changes over the years.  Like Thomas Edison and the discovery of the light bulb, I didn't fail in developing my own style, I just found a 1,000 ways how NOT to be.

Over the years my hair style has gone through several revisions, most of them worse than the others.  Everything from the "Prince Valiant", the "Stoner", and the "Helmet Head" (so named by my daughter).  Don't believe me?  Check out my Facebook page.  You'll find several beauties out there.  And you can always ping my sisters because they have a whole gallery of embarrassing photos of me that they like to display every now and then, just to let me know who's still boss.  

Even my photography draws a few cringes from me.  I had just posted a photo from my trip to Munich back in 2007.  That's when I was shooting with my first digital camera, the Canon 20D.  Loved the photos back then but now I look at them and I think "Eww!"  We even have a couple of framed photos in the house that need to be retired, quickly!

I'd like to think as time has moved on I've become older and wiser (did you just get a little bile in your mouth?).  My fashion sense isn't over the top but it's more appropriate for this "off the rack guy in a custom fit world".  I've gotten better at photography but admittedly I have a ways to go.  Unfortunately my fitness isn't what it use to be.  I've packed on a "few" more pounds from my glory days and my running times are pretty pedestrian compared to those from the early '90s.  But that's ok, I can live with that.  So I hope I'm moving in the right direction.  Not so much with the appearance thing but more so in my personality.  I'd like to think I've gotten to be more compassionate, understanding and engaging but who knows?  If nothing else, I just want to make sure I'm not always putting myself above others. 
And if any of you ever see me holding a blow dryer, shoot me!

Day 267: Leaves...

Leaves

How silently they tumble down
And come to rest upon the ground
To lay a carpet, rich and rare,
Beneath the trees without a care,
Content to sleep, their work well done,
Colors gleaming in the sun.

At other times, they wildly fly
Until they nearly reach the sky.
Twisting, turning through the air
Till all the trees stand stark and bare.
Exhausted, drop to earth below
To wait, like children, for the snow.

by Elsie N. Brady

Day 266: First day of Fall...

Got up kinda early this morning to head back up into the mountains to capture some Fall pictures.  Got on Highway 72 (Coal Creek Canyon road) and made my way up through areas I hadn't visited before.  Gorgeous drive.  The 72 eventually hooked me up with the Peak to Peak Highway that took me into Nederland.  From there I made my way back down into Boulder and then home.  Made lots of stops along the way.  Here are a few pictures from the drive.  I was gone for probably a good four hours and could've stayed longer but it was time for me to head back.  Weekend chores await. 

Side note - This is day 1 of me not being at the Oktoberfest in Munich.

Day 265: Prost!

Not only is tomorrow a special day in that I ONLY have 100 days lefts of my 365 (actually 366, thank you leap year) photo blog, but it also marks the opening ceremonies of the one, true Oktoberfest.  Munich, Germany.  The home of the festival of festivals.  Just the name "Oktoberfest" brings feelings of pure joy and some sorrow.  Joy from all the wonderful memories and sorrow only in that I'm not there taking in the celebrations and more importantly, the BIER!

I really can't begin to describe what the O'fest is all about.  For those of you that have experienced the one, true O'fest in Munchen you know exactly what I mean.  Oh, don't get me wrong, there are many towns and cities across the globe that actually put on a pretty decent show but nothing compares to the festivities in the Fatherland of Munich, Germany.  I use to go to the O'fest every year, several times a year, when I was in high school.  Now before you think "scandal", the drinking age in Germany was like 14, so at 17-18, I was like an old guy.  Yeah, we use to drink away our sorrows after another humiliating loss.  Our football team REALLY sucked back then.  But I digress.  It was such a wonderful experience back then but even more so when I had a chance to go back in 2007.  The memories hit me like a tsunami and I'll admit I placed a drunk phone call to my folks back in the states to thank them for giving me those wonderful experiences as a teenager. 

I can remember one of my first experiences at the Oktoberfest.  I remember sitting at a table with a few of my high school friends.  We were working our way through a few liters of beer enjoying the German Oom-pah band as they wailed away to traditional beer drinking folk songs when all of a sudden this person next to me, who I didn't know, locked arms with me and started rockin' from side to side, belting out the song as if their life depended on it.  I looked over at the person thinking "WTF!?" and they just gave me this huge smile and kept on singing.  I noticed that the rest of the table was doing the same.  Soon enough all my friends were locked arms, rocking from side to side, slurring and harumphing our way through the song.  The rest of the night was a blur.  Liters of beer kept appearing in front of me.  It's German law to drink any beer placed in front of you and being a rule follower I obliged with gusto.  It was a night of non-stop singing, laughing, hugging and somehow carrying on conversations with locals even though I only had a rudimentary grasp of the German language. 

So many memories I couldn't begin to capture them all here.  I'm sure many of my Munich and Army Brat friends reading this will be reminiscing about their experiences.  The massive pretzels to go along with a liter, or three, of Spaten bier,  "Schnapps stops", the crazy carnival rides, the chicken dance, trying to steal the liter steins, racing to the S-bahn to catch the last train home, and the smells of the O'fest.  A weird and wonderful combination of beer, pastries, fish and chicken on the grill, as well as candies and other assorted treats.  All with an undercurrent of bier, wonderful German bier.  There's nothing like it any where. 

So to my friends that are heading to Munich for the O'fest or already there, I hate you.  :-)  But seriously, raise your mass and together we shall sing....

Ein Prosit, ein Prosit
Der Gemütlichkeit
Ein Prosit, ein Prosit
Der Gemütlichkeit.

OANS ZWOA DREI! G'SUFFA!

Day 264: Gimmie gimmie...

What is it about people wanting handouts that pisses me off?  Certainly not very Christian of me.  It's not to say I wouldn't help a person in need but I'll admit I do discriminate.  I'm all for helping those who are struggling to help themselves and ignoring those wallowing in their own self-pity.  It's very simple folks, if it's not important enough for you to make an effort to change your circumstances, then why the hell should it be important to me?

In this election year much of the arguments seem to center around whether to cut financial assistance programs or blindly divvy out money to anyone who wants it.  I don't consider myself a Republican or a Democrat so don't label me.  I'm all in favor of providing financial aid to the single parent holding down a couple of jobs and trying to get an education.  I'm also very much in favor of cutting financial aid to the unemployed drug user or the single mom drawing unemployment benefits while she pops out kids like a Pez dispenser.  Folks that already have it made don't need any extra benefits, especially when shrouded in the mantra of "to help the economy".  The rich don't need to be made richer nor do the uninspired poor don't need to be enabled.

It was beaten into me as a child to take responsibility for my own life.  I know I've ranted on this topic before but it needs repeating.  I sat on a conference call this afternoon and had to listen to a couple of folks whining about how corporate needs to provide assistance in communicating new directives down to their respective businesses.  These same businesses have their own communications staffs and have abundant resources to do the job on their own but are expecting a handout from corporate to make their lives easier.  They've been provide the new policies, implementation guidelines and FAQs on the subject but still they expect corporate to do the work for them.  Where did that sense of responsibility go?  How do they not feel a sense of shame for having to seek assistance for something they can easily do on their own?  For me it's a matter of pride.  I can't begin to imagine how it must feel to have no pride or shame.  I think I'd prefer to live in squalor retaining my integrity then to live in the lap of luxury, unable to look in a mirror.

Day 263: One man's junk is another man's treasure...

 
I guess that's another reason why I didn't fit in with the Orange County scene.  I love junk!  I love old, beat up buildings, equipment, appliances, all kinds of stuff.  My Idaho family calls it "Lawn Art".  Not to worry.  Very little chance you'll see me pile up stuff in my front yard.  Nope, I prefer to gaze upon another person's pile of memories.  Something about the history behind those old things I find intriguing.  There was a time when all that stuff was shiny and new and in great working condition.  Now it sits in a grave yard of broken and forgotten machinery, in "The Land of Misfit Appliances".  Sorry, had to steal the Rudolph reference. 

Day 262: Ouch, that hurt!

I'll admit I don't follow ESPN they way I use to but I just happened to catch something today that ignited a bit of angst I've been harboring for some time.  Not sure how many of you follow football but if you do you may have seen that last play of the Giants/Bucs game where Eli took a knee to run out the clock.  Neither team usually puts any effort into the play.  It's a symbolic gesture to end a game usually well fought.  Well in this game the Bucs actually decided to PLAY football and instead of standing around conceding the game, they slammed into the line in hopes of creating a turnover.  Well of course the Giants team and coaches cried foul, the media whores shouted "cheap shot" and drunk has-been high school football stars came to blows at the local sports bar over it. 

Of course the divine wisdom of the ESPN commentators brought everything into perspective.  "These guys are professionals making a lot of money and they can't afford to risk injuries."  Really?  Can't afford to get hurt because they make so much money?  The rules in the NFL have changed so drastically over the last decade that among these behemoth man-children you can't even look at them without drawing a penalty.  Even the most benign tackle earns not only a flag from the officials but a fine from the league.  So now we have a generation of super human football players all hopped up on steroids and other chemicals they've grown up on in their foods and drinking water and yet they are treated with kid gloves for fear they might chip a nail or get an unsightly bruise.  Nowadays players get paid not for their time on the field but to ensure they are financially set for LIFE.  Wow, could you imagine walking into your future bosses office and say, "I only intend on working here for six to eight years so I need a salary that will support me for the rest of my life.  Oh, and by the way, only give me projects and tasks that have near 100% likelihood of success.  I can't afford to be put in a position where I might fail."  You would think the more money you're paid the more responsibility and the more risk you assume.  I suppose that's just a reflection of our country and our economic woes.  I mean, there's a reason you're getting paid so much, right?

I suppose if you take that commentators logic in the opposite direction that would mean if players were paid less then they and the league would be willing to take on more risk.  Hmmm, kinda sounds like the NFL of the 50s, 60s and 70s.  Ever notice how you almost never hear of old time veterans down on their luck, living homeless under a freeway?  On the contrary, many of them became and still are very successful businessmen.  And you know why?  It's because football was a part time job.  Back in the day every NFL player worked during the off season, and by work I don't mean slumming around with Kim K or whining on a reality TV show.  Sure their celebrity helped but many had well developed business skills and made something of themselves outside of football.  Back then football was a game, at least to the players and the fans.  I can't help but feel that the old time vets must be looking at today's crop of football players, shaking their heads.  Not in amazement of their athletic talents but over their lack of maturity, integrity, dignity and commitment to excellence that comes from being part of a team.  Yesterday's athletes wanted championships.  Today's athletes want endorsements. 

Day 261: Missing out...

Have you ever been faced with a dilemma where if you made a decision to do one thing it might mean missing out on something else?  I know, dumb question.  Hey we've all been faced with tough choices in our lives but I doubt any were of the caliber of "Sophie's Choice" although you might think so given how paralyzed we sometimes are to make even the simplest choices.  It's that gnawing feeling, "Man, if I do this then I won't be able to do that."  Sound familiar? 

My old college buddy and fellow "ROTC Nazi" use to suffer tremendously from what I call decisionious interruptous.  He had and still has one of the most decisive military minds I've ever known but when it came to making personal decisions like where to eat, what girl to date, or what classes to take you couldn't get this guy to budge in any direction.  Unfortunately many times the situations decided for him.  The girl moved on, the classes filled and the rest of us went off to get a bite to eat.  I have another very close friend who admittedly suffers from an inability to decide on what course of action to take.  His biggest fear is that he'll miss out on something if he chooses one thing over another.  It's the whole "grass is greener" syndrome. 

If you live in fear of missing out on something I'm here to tell you that you already have.  If you're afraid you'll miss something, eventually you'll miss everything.  I'll overstate the obvious here by saying life is full of choices, full of risks.  The cold, hard truth is that not choosing is the same as not living.  Believe it or not every choice will eventually lead to some positive result.  I'm sure that might sound crazy but just looking back over my own life and the choices I've made, they may have appeared to be pretty bad decisions at the time but all of them have led me to where my life is today and I wouldn't change that for the world. 

Deep down inside we all pretty much know what we want.  So be honest with yourself and go after what's important to you.  Don't concern yourself with the woulda, coulda, shoulda's.  Don't get distracted by others who have chosen a different path.  If you don't commit to something for fear of missing out on another opportunity, you may not suffer failure but you certainly won't enjoy victory either.  When it comes to your won life, "Take the con!"

Day 260: Peak to Peak Highway

There are thousands of picturesque locations throughout Colorado.  We're fortunate to live close to a stretch of road that serpentines through the Rocky Mountains, called the Peak to Peak Highway.  It goes from Nederland to Estes Park but I'm sure it goes farther.  That just happens to be where we pick up the trail.  This morning Julie and I got up early to take in the scenery of the changing colors up in the Rockies.  We're only in the middle of September and some places the leaves have already completely changed and have started falling to the ground.  There are still patches of Aspens that are still mostly green so hopefully we'll have a couple weeks of beautiful Fall colors to come.  We stopped at a variety of places and even checked out a few campgrounds for next Summer.  Not a lot of folks were out as early as us but as the morning wore on we found more and more sightseers and photographers taking in the beautiful scenery. 

I'm so thankful that Julie and I have many shared interests but I think photography is our favorite.  It's so much fun getting out together, just the two of us, exploring places we've never been, capturing them in photographs.  If you've ever been to our house you'll notice we have quite a few photos of landscapes we've found together.  Yeah, our shrines to our two beautiful daughters take up most of the wall space but we have a lot of scenic ones as well and nearly all of them have some special story behind them.  So here's to more adventures and more stories.  Hope you enjoy these as much as we did discovering them.

Day 259: Afternoon stroll...

September

 

"...By all these lovely tokens 

September days are here,

With summer's best of weather,

And autumn's best of cheer.
 

But none of all this beauty

Which floods the earth and air

Is unto me the secret

Which makes September fair.
 

'T is a thing which I remember;

To name it thrills me yet:

One day of one September

I never can forget"

Helen Hunt Jackson

Day 258: Saying goodbye...

I haven't experienced many funerals in my life.  Today we said good by to a wonderful mother to dear friends of ours.  I admit it's an awkward time for me because I really don't know what I should say, do or act.  So often we want to be able to provide an answer, be the solution to any problem but in situations where we need to say goodbye I'm truly at a loss.  If there's anything I'm really horrible at, it's saying goodbye.



It was a wonderful Catholic service.  I only point that out because I I like and appreciate the solemness and reverence that is typically found in your more fundamental Christian services.  Today I saw a different part of my friends I hadn't seen before.  I have an even deeper respect and admiration for how they conducted themselves throughout this event.  I'm one of the few fortunates that hasn't lost a parent so I can't begin to understand how they feel and I have no idea how I'll conduct myself when that time comes.  Today I saw a warmth and depth I never knew.  Even with all this sorrow there was a strength and dignity in them I could only hope to emulate when that time comes for me.  I suppose that exists in all of us but seldom do circumstances arise where that comes out.  

Today I was a spectator and as much as I like being center of attention today I'm thankful I was just a fly on the wall to witness such a heartfelt gathering of those sharing both grief and loving memories of someone so dear in their lives and hearts.  Today was really a metaphor for life.  The peaks and valleys.  The sorrow and joy.  All of it was reminisced and shared among family and friends.  All I can say is I'm truly blessed for being included with such a loving family.

Patricia, you've left a lasting legacy full of love and joy.  Thank you for letting us be a part of your life.

Day 257: Health scare...

Ok, I guess I'm a little annoyed with my health care provider.  Don't get me wrong, I love my doctor and her supporting staff are like angels on earth.  My gripe is with the admin side of this provider.  Instead of telling you who they are I'll just refer to them as "Circle K".  To be honest they aren't really all that bad.  In many ways they kinda remind me of the old military hospitals without the sickly lime green walls and rancid smell.  When it comes to basic care it's great.  You're in, you're out, no hassles except when you have to circumnavigate the sicklies that are coughing and wheezing in every direction but hey every hospital has that problem.  Amazing how many sick people you find in a hospital.  ;-)

My issue is really with how they handle, at least in my case, special health care needs.  So I've had melanoma twice in my life. Both times led to some surgery, lots of scans and follow ups.  Since I've had it twice there's an expectation that I go in every six months for a CT scan to look for any bad joojoo in my system.  What has me in a twist are significant co-pays I've been saddled with just to get these scans.  You'd think having melanoma twice I'd have some kind of Executive Platinum status, that these scans would be practically free.  Hey, it's not like I'm asking for a beverage service or a meal.  I don't know if it's a Colorado thing or just a reaction to the failing economy but when I was in California these scans, to include MRIs, were dirt cheap in terms of a co-pay.  I come to Colorado and the costs have jumped through the roof.  Ok, I understand the bean counters are doing all they can to help keep a positive cash flow going but where I rile is how not only are critical care services becoming more expensive, other services that were once frowned upon are readily available to damn near anyone.

I remember it wasn't so long ago that Lazik, massage therapy and chiropractic care were all considered voodoo witch doctor treatments that had no place in the "real" medical field.  Now those same treatments are standard offerings by this same health care provider but services like CT scans, PET scans and MRIs are practically considered forbidden unless you're stinking rich, and last I checked I'm more stinking than rich.  Now I don't pretend to understand all the in's and out's of the medical insurance world and I'll leave it up to my doctor friends to chime in with how this all works.  I'm only speaking from the patient's point of view and from the cheap seats it doesn't look all that good. 

I'm not sure if socialized medicine or "go get your own" medical care is the right answer.  Too many people on both sides of the fence are arguing loudly so it's kinda hard to hear the truth.  As for me, I'm forgoing any more scans for the simple reason it's too damn expensive.  The melanoma specialist I saw in California has assured me this "bug" is in my system and it's only a matter of time before it shows up again.  Not trying to be all melodramatic but spending a significant chunk of change every year for something that may or may happen isn't in line with my retirement plan.  I'll continue to be overly sensitive and paranoid over any little thing and get those checked out as they come up but my days of subsidizing some administrator's new car purchase are over.  

Day 256: On the radio...

 

"When you need a place to live and no one understands you.
And all you want to do.
Is to cry out loud.
But you don't know how.
No way, no-one,
No-one understands.
The hand that strikes.
When just a touch of love is all the problem needed,
And when you hurt someone so much that still they die loving you.
And all you want to do,
Is to cry out loud.
But you don't know how..."

Seal

Deep Water

Seal has been one of my favorite artists since back in the early '90s.  I remember reading a response he made to a question regarding the meaning of his lyrics.  If you've ever really listened to some of his songs his lyrics aren't what you might call typical.  You might even think they don't really make sense.  I know we're all pretty use to lyrics that tell a story of some kind.  His response to the question, and I'm really paraphrasing here, was that the lyrics aren't meant to be taken literal.  It was his hope that they spark a thought or emotion and that it was up to the listener to determine what those lyrics meant to them personally.  His songs have a very deep meaning to me.  They definitely spark emotions within me and they also very much remind me of specific times in my life, especially those above.  I think we all share a common feeling about music, that it takes us back to a certain time or brings out different emotions. Weird to think some of Seal's music is over 20 years old but for me they still stand the test of time.  Hey, but I'm not always this moody shlep, I do like my K.C. and the Sunshine Band and Aerosmith, among others.

Day 255: Lest I forget...

I know most all of us can recall where we were when the attacks of 9/11 occurred.  I remember sitting in my office cube in Long Beach.  Only a few of us early risers were at work at that time.  Chuck came by my office and said, "Hey, I just heard some plane crashed into the World Trade Center."  My first thought was it must have been someone in a small Cessna who had gotten off their flight path and lost control of their plane.  It didn't take long for word to spread that it was something much more serious and violent.  I didn't see the planes crash but I did see the towers fall.  Most everyone went home and I remember staying clued to the TV throughout the day and most of the night.  Those memories still seem so vivid to me.

But as time goes by I know for some the events of September 11th, 2001 are becoming a little bit of a distant memory.  It's weird to think we have grade school children who may only vaguely remember the attacks.  It won't be long when the events of that day will be taught in school where the students weren't even born then.  They'll look upon that day the same way many of us look at Pearl Harbor.  But this isn't just a history lesson.  I think I understand better how the survivors of Pearl Harbor feel now that I've witnessed something similar first hand, albeit on TV.  It's not just an attack on a few buildings and the killing of innocents.  It's an attack on mankind.  Regardless of our faith or religious dogma, we as a people are attacking ourselves and are slowly bringing about our own demise.

I can't begin to imagine the pain folks are still going through, having lost family or friends.  For many of them I'm sure these events must still feel very fresh and raw.  My thoughts and prayers go out to them and it's my hope that some level of closure can be attained.  And I also pray for those that would feel so desperate inside that doing something so heinous seems like a natural course of action.  There seems to be so much hatred out there.  I pray that some day we may be blessed with the strength, courage and compassion to put down our swords and find peace with each other.

Day 254: My own medicine...

One of the best pieces of advice I give to my runner friends who are looking for that next big challenge, like running a half or full marathon, is to have something planned after the big event.  I don't mean the huge beer and pizza bash celebrating their achievement.  That's a given.  I mean having something on your personal agenda you'll need to plan for, something you have to focus your mental and physical energies towards.  The reason for that is simple.  It's preventative medicine for the inevitable depression that quickly follows your major achievement.  Trust me, I know.

My first ever Half Ironman triathlon was a prime example.  For months I prepared for that race, devoting so much time and energy and sacrificing a big junk of my personal life in order to accomplish my goal.  Completing the race was exhilarating but within just a couple of days I was in a death spiral of depression.  It took me a while to realize it was due to the fact I had built myself up for this significant event and once it was over everything was gone except the memory of crossing that finish line.  Gone was a way of life I lived for six months.  Gone was the focus and determination.  It was like being adrift at sea with no wind and no direction.  Well you'd think this veteran of 30 marathons, countless triathlons, as well as other personal goals would've been ready for what followed Longs Peak.  I really don't have anything on my plate with the exception of the winter snow boarding season (assuming Mother Nature gets off her ass this year and gives us some real snow).  I guess I just didn't think Longs would have the same affect on me that doing an Ironman or Double Century in Death Valley did. 

Thank you to my Julie for picking up on my little mood swing.  Didn't really occur to me that I was in a funk but she's pretty intuitive and felt the vibe right off.  So for now I guess the trick is to find meaning in the things that make up my day to day life.  That doesn't mean I'm going to get all giddy over conference calls or filling out monthly reports, but it will mean I'll be open to opportunities that present themselves to me.  It's all about finding that next great adventure in your life.

PS - So coming down the mountain on Thursday I swore I'd never do Longs again.  Would you believe?  Just like the woman giving birth.  In the hospital she swears she'll never have another child.  Give her a while and she's thinking, "Ah, it wasn't all that bad."   Longs Peak in 2013?  We'll see.

Day 253: Another lazy day...

Even though it was a holiday week and I took Thursday off to hike Longs Peak, it still seemed like a long and busy week.  Not much to talk about today.  Well, actually there are a few things but I suppose today is as good as any for me to shut my pie hole and just share a photo or two.  After all, this is technically suppose to be a 365 Photo Blog. 

Hope you all are enjoying a nice and relaxing Sunday.  We'll see you tomorrow.

Day 252: Recovery day...

It's been a couple days since Longs and I'm still a bit sore but feeling better.  The wound on my leg is healing up nicely although it's easily aggravated if I move a certain way or, as is typical with me, I bang it on something.  But all that didn't stop us from going on a nice hike this morning.  Julie, Sophie and I made our way up to South Mesa Trail for a quick hike and then treated ourselves to Paneras.  Legs held up fine although coming back down to the trail head I was reminded how sore and stiff my knees and back were.  It was another gorgeous morning, not too cool, not too warm.  The Flatirons looked beautiful and it wasn't all that crowded today.  I left the good camera at home.  After lugging that and my backpack up on Longs I decided to go light today.  The photos here were captured with my iPhone.  Love this little thing as a secondary camera. 

Day 251: Reflection...

Disclaimer - for my hiking buddies, this isn't going to be a typical trip report.  :-)

It's been 24 hours since summiting Longs Peak so I've had a little time to reflect on things.  No chance I wouldn't remember what I did because I woke up this morning racked with soreness, some aching joints and bruises as well as stinging cuts and scrapes.  But I'm glad I have them.  I consider them badges of honor.

I'm always happy when I reach the summit of a 14er.  A lot of times it's that inner gratification you feel when you've accomplished something.  Sometimes it's just a sense of relief, like "Finally!"  But getting to the top of Longs was something different.  I thought when I reached the summit I'd be all excited as if I'd scored the winning touchdown in the Super Bowl.  I was all ready to thump my chest and proclaim my victory.  But when I finally made it to the top I was overcome with a lot of emotion.  I'm not sure why but I think it's because unlike any other Colorado 14er, this one is literally right outside my door and it reminded me every day since I've moved here that I had yet to climb it.  Even though I saw this mountain every day I guess deep down inside there was this detachment, as if it's over there and I'm here, living in completely different worlds. A dream versus reality, or something like that.  But being on that summit brought everything together.  It finally connected me with this magnificent mountain that was separated by a sea of "woulda, coulda, shoulda" for the past three years.  As I stood atop the summit I felt incredibly humbled by the moment, almost like standing on hallowed ground.  Sorry, I know that sounds a little melodramatic.

It was quite a journey to finally make it to the top.  Starting out at 1:00AM was definitely a first for me.  Never did a night hike before but WOW was the night sky spectacular.  The hike didn't seem nearly as long getting up to what's called the "Keyhole".  I guess when you can't see much you don't realize how far you've gone or have to go.  Personally I consider the Keyhole the half way point even though it's only a mile from there to the summit (the route is 14 miles round trip).  The really interesting stuff happens after you move past the Keyhole.  By the time we reached that point the winds were insane.  Jim and I looked at each other wondering if we should proceed.  After venturing around the Keyhole we realized the winds dropped off significantly so we decided to press on.  I won't go into the details of the route but I have a VERY deep respect and reverence towards that mountain.  I could see how easy, incredibly easy, it would be for someone to lose their footing and subsequently lose their life.  I had my own little scare as we made our way past the ledges towards the "Trough".  Trying to negotiate around an outcropping of a boulder I lost my grip and slide rather hard down a few feet before I caught myself.  My left shin and knee took the brunt of it.  Suffice to say I issued quite a number of colorful metaphors.  The blood seeping through my pants let me know I dinged things up a bit.  As for other firsts, this was my first class 3 hike.  According to 14ers.com, class 3 basically means you'll be on all fours climbing and "scrambling" over rocks and boulders.  Boy, I tell ya, that was really exhilarating!  I've never really done that before and I will say it was a lot of fun.  But the thing I had to keep in the back of my mind as I was heading for the summit, "Yeah, it's fun scrambling up this mountain.  Don't forget you still have to come down." 

And fortunately we did make it down.  Mostly in one piece.  Today I'll be nursing my wounds.  I know in time the aches and pains will eventually subside but I will always cherish the opportunity I had to stand atop Longs Peak.  It was quite an adventure and one I'll always be grateful. 

....Just don't ask me to do it again any time soon.

Day 250: Longs...

Today I finally accomplished something that had been gnawing at me since the day we moved to Colorado and I was bitten by the 14er bug.  I climbed Longs Peak!  A last minute request from a friend and long story short I survived one of the more gratifying things I've ever experienced.  We just got back this afternoon and to tell the truth I'm completely spent.  I'll share more details later but for now just a couple of photos of the event.  We started at just after 1:00 AM, finishing a little over 12 hours later.  A special thank you to Jim for giving me the opportunity to join him on this challenge.  And another special thank you to the wonderful people we met out on the trail, especially Joe and Courtney of Boulder.  It's weird, I really don't know how to explain it but tomorrow when I drive out of my cul-de-sac and see Longs there on the horizon, I'll no longer look at it wondering "some day".  From now on I'll look at that wonderful mountain and feel a permanent connection. 

Just a few photos.  The starry night sky over Longs Peak.  That's my friend Jim working his way up "Homestretch" to the summit and the survey marker for Longs.