Back To Basics

Christmas always brings about something special... my favorite outfit of the year! This one really was special, not that it's the best outfit ever but the clothing that I was able to acquire to make it all possible. The acrimonious shirt beneath the scarf is a lambskin over shirt. The company is VLuxe by Lucky Nahum, he was a designer from New York. I have owned some of his clothing before, a few pieces still around, but in 2008 he went out of business as he was a few years ahead of his time. This shirt was designed to be worn as a shirt over a shirt but not to be referenced as a jacket. The scarf is a 100% cashmere blend by Jos. A Bank, the earth tone adds a brilliancy of dimensional colors. The slacks are a very traditional seer sucker pattern blue and white and the million dollar hit were I finally acquired my very first pair of Moreschi shoes, these are a deer skin monk strap in bourdeaux!

On another note, I have gained a new blog to document my running as I have lost the direction of this website some time ago. You can find my running documentaries at Claimyourjourney.com/Blogs and just look for me! That's if you're interested. I want to bring this blog back to the basics of its inception, Fashion!

Conversation 12/22

Me: We have an awesome company! Do you ever fear someone will come and buy you out one day?

Boss: You're asking if I'm afraid that someone will force me in to early retirement as a millionaire? ...Terrified.

Proteigon

Best stop motion ever! Pretty kick ass song too!

Trail Running Psychology

It's only been a few months since I began this new phenomenon of my punitive existence, but it has proved more fecund than I initially anticipated. I think all of us who commit to activity such as running, start with a very simple and acrimonious agenda, but as we become more and more inundated with the Bucephalus of that endeavor, the truth (even unbeknownst to us) becomes clear!

For me trail running was something to do because it was new and hip, so to speak. I thought it would be fun and ultimately take me out of my comfort zone, well it did just that and much much more.

We as people scurry quite fixedly about our day, constantly conversing about whats to come, tomorrow, the next day, next week, next year even. We query the time, not to know what is now, but rather to gauge what we can do in the allotted time of day that is left. We treat time as though it were the facet of all that is true and righteous, thusly, we are a slave to the future as the present does not concern us less tragedy befall that moment. What we don't realize is that the very future that we pine to arrive only so we can forget it, will eventually be the present and just like that (Vroom) it's gone again!

Trail running doesn't allow the future to exist without recognition of the present, if you attempt to circumvent the present, the future will know and you will be punished. In my trail running I have learned a few things, "eventually I will get to my final destination so the time doesn't matter. I do not care where I have to go, my only concern is where I am now. The next step will allow for the steps to follow, without that step, I AM standing still, keep moving! How will feel in 5 miles? Doesn't matter, how do I feel now matters!"

I hadn't realized until recently, my psychology on the trail was carrying over in to my psychology off the trail, and it was working. I was treating my days like a trail run, my week like chain of trail runs. Whether in the office or on the trail or even at home, you have good hours and you have bad hours. The good hours, those are easy, no worries there, but the bad hours are the test to what you can accomplish. If I am running Chicot I know I have 22 miles ahead of me, no turn or decision will change that once I go. In those 22 miles there are good hours and there are absolute shit hours. In the 8+ hours I work in a day, the same rules apply. So as cliche as it sounds, it is literally one step at a time.

I didn't think I was coming to this conclusion. It was not a gradual epiphany, I woke up and I realized it all at once. Trail running has been a major benefit, and quite frankly I am lost without it as of late, I am hoping to regain my trails slowly starting next week I will run 10 with Geaux Run at Chicot. I am a bit scared as I do not feel 100% yet despite no pain being present anymore. We shall see what happens. Just keep running!

Unparalyzed Paralympian

UTRECHT, The Netherlands - Paralympic silver medalist Monique van der Vorst has miraculously become an able-bodied Olympic hopeful after a crash reversed her paralysis.

Paralyzed from the hip down since she was 13, the 27-year-old handcyclist, who has just signed with the Rabobank women's professional cycling team to compete as a top-class able-bodied athlete, was hit by a bicycle last year while training in her wheelchair for the 2012 London Paralympics.

While recovering from the trauma, van der Vorst's feet started to tingle and miraculously she began to move them again. From that point on she spent months in the hospital and in the rehabilitation centre trying to regain the use of her legs.

When she was 13, van der Vorst — good at tennis and hockey — suffered nerve damage during a routine ankle operation and was paralyzed from the hip down, according to the U.K. Telegraph.

She also sustained a spinal cord injury in 2008, when she was struck by a car while hand cycling through Amsterdam, the Telegraph added.

She told Reuters that when she took her first steps again in July 2010, she felt just like a child learning to walk.

"I wanted to jump in the air for joy," van der Vorst said this week, and recalled how great and surprising it was to look at herself standing in front of a mirror.

Doctors have no explanation for her amazing recovery. Some believe the trauma of her last accident may have jolted her body back into activity.

But the realities of her new-found joy also put an immediate end to a successful athletic career.

"Although walking is the best thing you could do in life, I immediately missed the sport, the people and the challenges," van der Vorst said.

Rehabilitation and physiotherapy with an athletic focus strengthened her and as soon as she sat on a bike she again wanted to give it a try.

"The spirit is in my body," she said.

Despite a near-crash the first time she cautiously climbed aboard a racing bicycle for able-bodied athletes, van der Vorst got back on her bike and carried on to complete a painful and slow 30 km training route and has not looked back since.

Although she is not on the same cycling level as the other women on the Rabobank cycling team, her willpower is enormous and the team isconfident van der Vorst will quickly catch up.

When you consider van der Vorst won two silver medals at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, was elected Dutch disabled athlete of the year in 2009, was the first handcycle athlete to win the 2009 Ironman world championship in Hawaii, her goal of riding in the 2016 Rio Olympics does not appear unrealistic.

Cajun Coyote 2011

It started as a relatively normal Saturday in Chicot State Park, I was there for a run although I was not to be the one running. It was the Cajun Coyote trail race and I was working the first aid station with Edie Riedel of Geaux Run. I didn't know exactly what to expect, but what ensued was to be mind altering and potentially life changing. As I write this I am given to believe that I will not find my creative dialect of adjectives to adequately describe what I felt for this event, but I will try nonetheless.

The race was set to take place offering 3 different distances, a 20 mile loop, a 100k (60 mile) loop, and the rugged 100 miler. I had previously agreed to aid Edie for the duration of the race, and as I am true to my word I was there with clothing, sleeping bag and pillow.

I arrived in Chicot at approximately 4:30 in the morning on Saturday with equipment in tow. I was able to sleep for about an hour once I arrive, and at 6:30 a.m. the race was off, at least for the 100 milers. I still had no idea what was in store for me. I will take this opportunity to congratulate my twitter friend @LSUBeerRunner Brenton Day on the 20 mile victory and my good friend and trail running colleague Nathan Shull for a graceful victory in 100k (his first time running 100k mind you).

There were 30 100 milers and at 7:06 the first 100 miler came to our aid station (we were mile 4, first aid station in the clock wise direction). Everyone stood in awe as Tetsuro Ogata aka Buford (all trail runners have weird trail names, mine is Vuijsters (pronounced Vies-Stirs), I will explain that later) approached only 46 minutes after the race start. (The first 4 miles of Chicot are the hilliest and typically our saturday group takes a little over 1 hour to overcome, he did it 46 minutes). Of course the comments start, "there is no way he can hold that pace for 100 miles..." Shortly thereafter (7 minutes) Mossie Smith aka Lion-O approaches. Now both Buford & Lion-O had smiles on their faces, no grimace of pain and when I say the most polite people I have ever met, I mean it. These guys were top notch polite, despite Buford's broken English.

Hours went by that created oblivion to our time concepts. We conversed with every runner who came through and the service we provided to them was second to none. It was an honor to serve the men and women that approached us, and my heart was graced by their efforts.

Morning turned to noon and noon turned to night and the party and festivities of the faithful remnant runners began to depart from the Geaux Run aid station leaving only the company of our thoughts and short stories. It was me, Edie, Phil & Nick, and our bonding though not intentional was inevitable.

It was the wee hours of the night that brought to me the state of mind that would eventually alter my mood. After awaking from a few hours nap, around 5:30 a.m. I awoke to find only 1 runner had come through since 3:30 that morning. It was then that I realized what I had signed up for. I was here to witness greatness, I was fated to witness the act of human heroics. The moon shined effervescently through the trees above and coyotes sang brilliant hymns as the stars danced to the harmony of the elements surrounding.

As the sun rose once more a car approached, it was Lion-O. I was a bit startled.. Perplexed by his arrival I approached him cautiously, as though approaching a lion, uncaged and untamed. He was walking (a surprise) and of course, smiling. He had come by to thank us, as he had thanked us every time we'd seen him on the course. I couldn't believe it, I began to choke up. Here was an individual who had suffered 100 miles for 18+ hours (18:49) and here he was thanking us for our service. Was he serious? I was floored, in every word escaping my lips I fought to hold back tears, had one dropped fallen, I would have come undone.

The station was torn down and Edie and I headed back to the Start/Finish line, upon our entrance we saw a runner from Boston approaching the final 100 meters, he looked over at Edie and smiled as she encouraged him along. Here it came again, damn tears. I walked in to the pavillion and saw true heroes, I saw people that story books are written about.  I now realize that I witnessed what are truly unsung and untold heroes. These men and women will drive home (after running 100 miles) and people will never know the greatness that they accomplished.

In every passing visit from these runners I learned a little more and more about them. I saw people in their lowest and highest moment, and in that I learned the greatness of humanity lies in the highs and the lows of life. When I saw them at their lowest my respect grew and grew, and despite their desolate battered and beaten bodies, I glowing faces and radiant spirits. Although I may never be a 100 miler, I will forever respect and admire those that are, and given the very opportunity to support them in any way I shall.

To Edie Riedel, thank you so much for the opportunity to serve these men and women! It is an experience I will never forget.


P.S. - Tetsuro Ogata finished first and Mossie Smith finished second.

C&R Quality Cleaners

It started as an unfortunate event, but ended in honesty and incredible customer service, two things I cannot dis-count.

Two weeks ago I went to gather a few items from the cleaners as they had called and said my habiliments were ready. The garments included a pair of Zanella black and white hounds tooth pants, and 3 button down oxford dress shirts. I have been a customer of this cleaners for approximately 8 years now and have never had any reason to check my clothing upon departure, so I exchanged pleasantries with the ladies behind the counter and headed off home. A week went by and it came time for me to wear the hounds tooth slacks, much to my surprise, they were ruined. I opened my suit bag, removed the pants from the cleaners packaging and froze.

I couldn't believe what I was seeing, my slacks, my go to favorite get me out of a clothing pinch when I need you slacks... not to mention they were probably the most expensive pair I had in my closet. I began to notice the actual hounds tooth pattern was not the same as it had been when I first dropped them off, so I compared the pants to the suit they accompanied, nope, no match. I then noticed the pockets were frayed, the belt loops were undone, the seem along the top of the pants had separated and the lining behind the zipper had been torn completely. I called my wife over and asked her to inspect, she saw all the same problems as I and we agreed, these weren't my pants. Turns out they were!

I called C&R Quality cleaners the next day and spoke briefly to Mrs. Anita. I explained my dilemma and she merely requested I bring them by. I was there the next day!

C&R stated they would inspect the pants, speak with the owner and call me. My qualms were upon me. What was to be the retribution? How do I qualify an appropriate reprisal? If a friend damaged a suit or pants to a suit and the pants were no longer available, do I require him to replace with an appropriate pair of equal value? I plagued myself with these thoughts for a couple of days, then it came to me.

There is a level of responsibility we all take when entrusting our belonging with others. In that, there is a sort of psychology we adopt in knowing our products will be taken care of. If a friends lets me borrow a book and I lose it I would be certain to replace it. If I entrust a pair of $300 pants to a friend and he damages on accident, what then? There are a few ways to look at it, pick your own, but in my present situation with the cleaners, I merely accepted the loss and requested I be treated to an allotted amount services at no cost. I would be lying if I say the cleaners weren't pleasantly surprised with my offer. They called offering a replacement, I declined stating personal responsibility.

The next day I received a phone call from the owner Miles Frank. His words were very apologetic and thankful for my position on the matter. He doubled my service request based on my attitude toward the situation. He was very kind and certainly did not owe me a phone call for any reason. My dealings were with is employees and they had handled the situation with care, I was disappointed in my lose, but very pleased in the resulting customer service.

Life goes on, and lessons are learned. There is a time and a place for the eye for an eye retribution approach, then there are times for understanding and forgiveness.

Aria's Baptism

Ashley hasn't proofed these photos yet so for the sake of saving my marriage I am only posting this pic, I will take the opportunity however to high light the more habiliment based aspects of this picture.

I broke out the Seer Sucker (Jos A Bank)!!! There is never a time when seer sucker is not appropriate, never! The shirt, a traditional oxford Jos A Bank button down, and the vest, oh! the vest!! A cashmere Jos A Bank piece! It's a fun easy outfit, looks great and is light weight and comfortable. 

Who Knows Clothes

It was turkey day, and, as my wardrobe would have it, time to break out some goodies. I had a few options too, most exciting. I first thought simple... solids... but after a quick appraisal of the new Ike Behar, Ermenegildo Zegna & Ted Baker shirts I have acquired over the last few months, I figured it was time to put them to work.

ESQ Aviator Beacon Watch

What I have pictured first is a fall over a watch I absolutely pine for when I adorn a sweater over a button down. The watch is sized so that is does not move from that position, the sleeves of the shirt are hemmed accordingly, and the sweater merely adjusted in conjunction with desired location.

The color choice didn't sit well with me at first, yeah, I was surprised too. I wore a pair of light tanned window pane pants, flat front, with a very light turquoise and very dark brown pain stripped pattern. My initial choice to accompany was a soft pink Ermenegildo Zegna with this sweater, which is a beautiful Merino Wool. But at the end of the thought, I felt it was safe, and safe was not my direction on the day. I ran my fingers through many shirts, crossing this one a few times. After settling on the Ted Baker, I figured a pink cashmere would be the quality sweater to wear, and although it would've been nice, the pattern in the Ted Baker would have been lost, I needed something to accentuate the plaid textured button down. It was unsettling at first to drape this turquoise sweater over the selected shirt pictured, but as you can see it all came together quite nicely.

I am upset that I didn't have the chance to photograph the garments as a whole, the shoes really brought it all together. I went a most unconventional route wearing a pair of Romano Martegani Athletic Inspired Driving Shoes. They are two tone brown and tan and are more beautiful than I can describe. (I will try to photograph them with the pants tomorrow and post later)

Happy 3rd Anniversary

Well, it's that time, 3 wonderfully roller-coastery years have gone by. I have had such a wonderful time being a husband and a father, my wife and I often chat about our single days, and quite frankly, we struggle remembering life before kids. Having 2 kids isn't a walk in the park, but our little one's are absolutely wonderful so it's always fun in our house. My 3 year old is a nut, and the 4 month old is developing a hilarious personality.

I have a wonderful wife and she is quite possibly the most amazing mother in the world. I adore my wife and look forward to the rest of our lives together, or at least the rest of mine. HAHA!

We Also Took Family Photos

You can view them here!

Breakdance Yoga

The title is misleading I think, but I am always impressed by forms of athleticism. Enjoy!

How Proud...

So I was able to put my jealousy aside for this one.

This past weekend (Saturday) my wife and my mom ran the Geaux Run Cajun Cup 10k in down town Lafayette. This is probably the most fun race anyone can ever do. I ran it for the first time in 2009 and it's been a goal to run it again. 2010 I was in San Antonio for a Half Marathon with long time friend and training partner Jeremy Zenon, and this year unfortunately I was on DL with a stress fracture in my shin.

Registered to run were me, Ashley, mom & dad. Dad is injured too. Well my wife felt under trained and my mom felt old, but I put my persuasive skills to the test and got them to run it. And like all things wonderful they had a blast. Their target goals were 1:15, final times: 1:11 for Ashley & 1:13 for my Mom. AWESOME!!!!!

I was/am very proud of them both. They were enthralled to report they ran nonstop for the entire length of the race. Excited and elated, they are planning the next 10k or better, with better times.

Conversation 11/13/2011

The family and I were heading to Ruby's this morning for what was suppose to be lunch but with sick employee's I ended up working. At any rate, the conversation to the restaurant proved most amusing.

Eden: Daddy, when we get home, I'm gonna give you a present from my playroom ok?
Me: Well that sounds lovely baby, thank you very much!
Eden: You're welcome daddy, I love you!
Me: Princess I love you too...

Within the next moments I was forced to reprimand Eden verbally, due to an attitude she developed:

Eden: Daddy, remember when I was going to give you a present from  my playroom when we got home after we ate at Ruby's and I cleaned my room?!
Me: (Trying not to laugh) Yes baby I remember!
Eden: Well, um, well you not getting it any more... I'm giving it to Mommy!
Me: Eden, why are you taking my present away?
Eden: I'm not talking to you right now Daddy...
Ashley: Eden, that's not very nice baby, Daddy was just asking you not to yell in the car.
Eden: Mommy, don't talk to me, I'm not listening ok?
Ashley: Eden, do you want me to pull this car over, apologize for your attitude please!
Eden: (silent for a moment) I'm not talking to you guys anymore!!

The rest of the story ends in Eden apologizing and me and Ashley laughing!

The 3's... Can't wait for the 5's!

Susan Enan, House Concert in Lafayette

Susan Enan does house concerts! Yes house concerts. Last year when Susan began working as the scorer on the Television Show "Bones" she and her friends came up with this great idea that they would post online that they were interested in going to people's homes to do in house concerts, just a chair and a guitar, no microphone, no amps, and a very limited audience. Well the idea took off and before she knew it, she had traveled half the world and performed in 80 countries... in one year!

Last night she did a concert at 413 Marilyn Dr in Lafayette, that address belongs to my boss' and I was invited to attend. I cannot put in to words the magnificence of this woman and grandeur voice she possesses. This video I posted does nothing for the range and brilliancy that Susan Enan so effortlessly vocalizes. 

Born in South England, near Cambridge (although in her diction your can hear a hint of Glasgow, when I chatted her up at the break I asked about that and her Grandmother is from Glasgow). she moved to New York 7 years ago and gearing up for a move to Nashville, TN next February. 

It was an honor to sit and watch her perform, the second photo was taken with her permission but no flash as so not to disturb her, she feels all of her songs very deeply and may not even have noticed if the flash were on. In between each song she would talk and we would ask questions and engage with her on very funny and very personal levels. She is a wonderful individual. 

My boss, Scott, emailed Susan about 10 months ago after hearing her song on "Bones", she responded shortly, as she was in the Artic Circle doing a show, and they scheduled a date. She travels completely alone, just a guitar. She sang 12 songs in the night, the night lasted 3.5 hours, and it wasn't long enough. During the break Susan wouldn't disappear in the back, she hung out and laughed with everyone.

After the show was over, Susan, Scott and myself went to Blue Moon Saloon and watch a new Cajun Music band perform. She was wonderfully impressed and even went so far as to tweet a pic of the band.

A wonderful evening, I wish Susan all the best in her career!

LSU Party Tray

I'm a little late in posting this, but I am the proprietor of the Cajun Party Tray, I have these trays in an array of colours, the most common being this LSU striped edition. Please contact me at Xularite@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing some, if you know me personally, you may call or text me directly for orders. I have+ of these, also I have one that is brown and green camouflage striped which is also really nice, but in lieu of the game this weekend I thought this was more relative post.

The tray itself measure's 18" in length, 6.25" at its widest point, and 2.75" tall. It holds 3 lbs. of crawfish, great for vegetable trays, shrimp platters, french fry trays, or even poboy trays. The recessed whole is great for dipping sauce, but ironically it also comfortably fits a long neck bottle beer and a can.

$4 each

Business Branding

Upon my recent employment I made a comment about professional attire should accompany a professional company. Polo style shirts are more suited for the weekend picnic or BBQ, maybe even running the streets on luncheons, but for trade shows and meetings that are to introduce a prospective client or customer to what we are, it is certain that a beautifully adorned classic oxford is in top form. With that, my wonderful boss said something that swiffered my heart, "Well Tim, why don't you coordinate the fashion for our trade shows. Go to Jos a Bank and pick up some shirts for you and Scott and get them embroidered." If you know me, then you know what I was feeling at that glorious moment.

The shirts shown are the first 3 of what is soon to be an amazing array of wonder and beauty. In my appropriation of company branding I wanted to do something different. Despite a brilliantly pressed shirt, crisp, clean and polished, I wanted more than the typical logo on the chest, so I opted for a stylishly branded cuff. The results were perfect. I loved the cuff work. I wore the shirts to LAGCOE this past week and they were an absolute hit. It worked well because I where sweater vests quite often, so with that, the company name is not lost to sight. I played with a few ideas for this, it was either the cuff work or the Noble Plastics initials on the collar, but the initials on the collar are generally used for the initials of the individual wearing the shirt, and my name does not contain the N or P as initials. 

As the Shoe Turns

As a runner, I have found to have quite simple taste, no matter what it is, I am always satisfied with the best. I can't take full credit for that quote, it's a quote from Oscar Wilde slightly tweaked. At any rate it's true, I believe in the best, shopping at the best stores, and buying the best products. Best products don't necessarily have to be "name brand" products. Lines like Sugoi, Louis Garneau aren't indicative of "name brand" products, but they are two of my favorite lines, the other is Zoot, a favorite clothing line of mine, not too huge a fan of their shoes although they are posted here. 

My running career has been short lived up to this point. In '09 I ran the Cajun Cup 10k (on a whim, no prior "training", just woke up and said, "I ain't got no plans" so I ran it) After that I didn't run again until the following November in '10 where I ran the San Antonio Half Marathon with a great close friend of mine, so it is safe to say that November 2010 is the origination of my running lifestyle, so I am still very new. However since November 2010 I have run 2 HM's, (5) 5k's, (3) 10k's and miles mile miles, Chicot State Park has been a favorite of mine thanks to brilliance of Edie Reidel, Smitty Smith, Donald Cleveland and Brad Delcambre for being crazy enough to introduce the vexed populi to ultra trail marathons!

So over the past year I have had the option of 3 pair of shoes, I have posted them here and ran in one for the very first time today, so.. I thought I would waste some time this morning and post about them.

Nike Dual Fusion

The Nike Dual Fusions were purchased last Christmas for me by my wife, I hate all things Nike so I only wore them to do P90x, Insanity or take out the trash. I didn't wear Nike when I played soccer, I wasn't going to wear them now, although this morning I wore them for a 7 mile run and if you promise not tell anyone, I really enjoyed them. But my ego says I enjoyed the weather, the shoes just happened to be on my feet. I did however enjoy the toe box, it's wide and roomy, no swelling issues toes never went numb. The shoe is relatively responsive with a positive spring in the step.

Zoot Ultra Tempo 

The Zoot, not a running shoe in my opinion. In fact this shoe is not made for standing, it is made for sitting down and drinking. I don't understand how people run in this thing, it is better suited for short sprints on a track, I don't know how this is a triathlon shoe unless the run portion of the tri is .5 miles.

 Brooks Trance 9

Ah the Brooks Trance 9's. The favorite in the running selection I posses. This is a responsive, high stability, incredibly cushioned shoe. What I have received from the Brooks is more comfort and perfect stride than anything else. Be that as it may, it is a beautiful shoe as well. The quick laces call for adjusting some time mid run due to swelling of the foot, I typically notice that when a couple of toes go numb. The toe box is roomy, though not squared, the lugs are perfectly fitted to the sole of the shoe increase response time and add comfort.  

Confession

When I was a young child, I use to think that there was a Bear in heaven named Gladly that had really bad eyes. I never understood why my parents always walked in and said, "Gladly, the cross I'd bear." I thought, "what the hell is wrong with that bear?"

Most Frustrating

Tonight my U18 Team played the CSC Coach's Men's Team. Not a big deal right? The last time we played them I had my full 20 man roster and we won 3-2 in a very hard fought, educational game. It was a big win and we played pretty well. Tonight wasn't horrible per say, but there were some differences from then until now, and a certain Coach from the opposing team had me almost on the field in a fight. I came very close to pulling my entire team off of the field and walking away.

The night started slowly, only 10 of my players showed with an 11th showing minutes before game time. With 4 starters out, I wasn't sure what to expect, but as a Coach/Trainer I have to find the Coaching moments... so I did. We were going to run a 4-5-1 and hold the ball up as much as possible, conserve our runs and progress up field as a unit and shoot from range with one striker crashing. All was set.

We possessed the ball quite well for the first 7 minutes (I have a player that can't make a rudimentary pass so every time the ball went to him, we lost it, but it was a practice for us so I kept composure and coached through it. In fact, at one point, one of the coaches from the other team was helping him with a few pointers, I was happy to hear that). On to the good part...

... The other team has a Coach that doesn't know what a friendly game is apparently. He had a foul called on him in the first 10 minutes, he forearmed one of my players while that player was over a ball about to make a pass. His forearm went in to his neck his hips followed suit, player down, foul called. Moments later, my striker working back to play a ball from his position to a center back, Coach Player, slide tackle from the back, grabs players jersey and pulls. Another again, my CM working the ball to the outside dribbling looking to play over the top, Coach Player, incessantly hacking his ankles telling him as long as he holds the ball he's gonna hack his ankles. (that wasn't so bad, but it gets better). Second half, my players are tired of him, his players are making jokes at his expense, every time someone missed a shot he came unglued at them, whatever. We go in to the second half down 2-1, but considering our circumstances we were playing extremely well. I was getting amazing results from some guys who don't play much. 15 minutes in to the second one of my CB's goes shoulder to shoulder with Coach Player guy and Coach Player guy goes down, ball goes out of play. CB reaches out a hand to help him up. Coach Player response, "Get the f*** away from me, I don't need no f****ing help from this sh*tty ass team! This is the luckiest piece of sh*t team ever!"

These are distinct instances that I can recall. There were a few more but they were inconsequential. I am all for physical play, almost all of the other players were playing physical, but not aggressively dirty. In fact, I would love to play that team all the time because of their type of play, but because that one individual plays for them, I have refused to play that team any more. It's not worth risking injury over something so trivial as a friendly match. Maybe I'm just being a bit ridiculous, but I could never imagine cursing at my players, or someone else's players on a field. My players don't even curse that way and they're 17 years old.

At the end of the night I was happy with how we played and certainly happy with the result. But I was very upset with the quality from one specific individual from the other side. Well two individuals. As Coach's in this program it is imperative that set certain standards for ourselves and our team.

After typing all of this I just realized, I have had an issue with CSC for a while now, this is just me searching I'm sure. Ah well, another lesson learned.

Texas Tough Mudder Central Texas

The Crew (Me, Jeremy Zenon, Joe Zenon & Jessie Zenon)

Fin!

If you would have asked me 2 days ago what the toughest thing I had ever done was, I would have given you a story of when I was in China in 07 and I contracted a form of Bird Flu and lay on a dirt floor for 3 days with no medical attention whatsoever convincing myself as to why I shouldn't die! If you ask me that question today, I will tell you the Texas Tough Mudder in Central Texas. This endurance race owned my every bit of dignity, all of my energy and came close to consuming my mind, but I was tough, and so were these guys pictured. Let me say this before I go on, I was struck with 10,000 volts of electricity... in the face... twice (more on that later). The Tough Mudder is 10-12 mile event with anywhere from 24-27 obstacle courses. This particular set was 10 miles and 27 obstacle courses. The event was held at Cycle Creek Park in what I think is Bastrop, TX, a middle of nowhere place between Houston & Austin. The first obstacle was pretty indicative of what they say, we crawled through 6" of muddy water with barbed wire less than 1' from our heads, all the while military personnel yelling at us to get moving and get out, not so bad. Stage 2 crawl through 3' of water but this water had buckets of ice added to it, then you had to swim underneath a barrier (left my skin burning for several minutes). The 3rd stage was my personal favorite I think, we had to jump off of a 30' ledge in to a pool of muddy water (you can view event photos here) thankfully the many dead catfish in the water were there to dampen the impact of the water. The stages carried on accordingly, with wooden walls to climb all getting taller as you conquered the one before. There was one in particular stage that was most weird, I think it was at mile 6 we had to remove our shoes to trudge through waste deep black mud, this mud would pull you further and further down with every step, about 25' of frustration and agony on the quads, it was shortly thereafter my cramps in my legs kicked in. There were underground tunnels, water stages with tunnels, all with dead fish in them. It was a simple walk through water that both of my quads tightened up and every step was more painful than the next. The log carry stage burned my shoulders and forearms and guess what stage was next, monkey bars. The monkey bars stage was interesting it was the only one I couldn't complete, I fell. The bars angled up at a 30 degree angle to a 35' crest, the catch was, every other one was greased or buttered, and the bars weren't stationary, they rolled in your hands (a true test of strength). From mile 6 to mile 8 there were no obstacles, just terrain, it was nice I made some great time running with a group of marines at a pretty descent pace although there were loads of hills, we pushed on in a very marine-esque fashion.

One of my favorite aspects of the Tough Mudder is the comradeship they implore. I remember one stage I helped approximately 8 people over a wall before I went over, when I arrived at the next stage all those guys were there and waiting to help me up a 35' quarter pipe ramp that had been oiled. Tak, a Japanese fellow that was most helpful found me again a mud hill that was proving very difficult for me to mount. He stationed his leg for me to jump from his thigh, and as fate would have it, 2 miles later we meet again, and I am stabilizing a tight rope for him to walk across this wire over dead fish filled ice water (pain, pain, pain)! It was constant, no man or woman left behind, and these folks took it seriously. You spend a lot of time waiting in lines to undergo the next obstacle so you see how long some folks sit at the end and help people, people they don't know, people they will never see again, but we were all committed and all committed to finish and no one was going to let any fail. One of the final stages me and another guy spent about 20 minutes helping people get done to walk a cargo net, it was a difficult and scary drop to the net, and the possibility of getting your foot loose through a whole was high. We never complained, only encouraged.

There were 100 yards left after the cargo net stage, 100 yards to victory and my orange head band. There was only one thing standing in my way, 20' of dangling wires, and some of them carried 10,000 volts of electricity. Now, 10,000 isn't a lot, but after 3:30 hours on a course, physically and mentally exhausted and the finish line so close, this was not in my book of things to enjoy. I got my wits about me and sprinted through, the ground dropped from beneath me, mud filled my mouth, water overtook my vision then it hit me, I had been shocked and what better place than in the face (the cheek) it woke me up, I was back on my feet, the ground disappeared again, "more mud? damn!" Shock! "Again?!"  I was done, the wire were behind me I was lain on the ground in shock, I had done it, I had actually completed the Tough Mudder. I rose to my feet and was greeted by smiles and cheers and of course, my coveted head band.

On the way out we were served, water, banana's, shot blocks and beer!

The New Shoe's News

Salomon SpeedCross 3's, in a looming and illustrious lime green. I saw these shoes about 4 months ago at Geaux Run for their grand opening. It was then that I began my never ending desire to own them. Given my unemployment status at the time I was in no position to own them and with a price tag of $120.00 (which mind you is cheaper than Zappos.com and Ebay.com) I didn't think I was ever going to own them. Well, I waltzed in to Geaux Run a couple of days ago and Edie asked me when my Tough Mudder was, so I told her... she told me I needed these, so now I have them and I am something excited. They are by far the most comfortable trail shoes I have ever owned, and this is my 3rd pair (all Salomon). If you're a runner or thinking of becoming a runner and you are looking for a place to get started, you absolutely have to check out Geaux Run, Edie is very inviting and extremely knowledgeable about all things running. She has helped my Dad overcome some small injuries in just a short conversation. 

CMA Sashay 5K Today!

If you were alive in Lafayette, La today then I do not need to introduce the weather to you, but to be fair I will, it was beautiful. Now, if you were a runner, then it was especially most coveting to be alive this morning. It for me and my family, it went off with a bang, most notable is the fact that my parents completed their very first 5k today. I got my mom in to running about 2 months ago, not to be shown up, my dad hopped on the band wagon. It was a bet actually that lead to this 5k for them, but my motives were ulterior. I wanted to show them that they could complete a 5k, in top fashion and feel good later. No sooner did we get back to the vehicle my mom asked when the next one was, I reminded her that she was running the Cajun Cup 10k, she thought this race was the Cajun Cup, I chuckled and we ironed the details out, now she is really excited. Although she still wants to do at least one more 5k before hand, it wasn't hard to find one.

Mom: 35:12 (which is fantastic for her, she didn't stop once, I am super proud of her)
Dad: 29:36
Me: 23:19

It was a wonderful day, if you were a beginner runner and went out for your first run this morning, you are spoiled.

What's the Deal?

Ever since my near mugging incident 2 weeks ago I have been reluctant to run in the mornings. I have relegated my training to Insanity DVD's and running sprints with my soccer team, but today I decided (with the Tough Mudder less the 2 weeks away) that I was going to endure a painfully hot distance run post work. I left out at 5 pm and felt horrible, every painstaking step was met with a reason to turn around and go home. I convinced myself that I would run 2 miles, gauge my O2 levels and adjust my run accordingly. ( I was planning to run 6) At the two mile mark it was confirmed, I was going back, but first I was going to run around this track (1.1 mile per lap) twice then go home. Somehow, not quite sure, I looked down and I was at mile 6.5, I had run the track 3.5 times and hadn't realized it, completely lost in thought, shaking off the bad juju of the day (not that there was much) and had lost all concept of time, I looked at my watch 50 minutes had gone by, I was moving. The weird part is I felt sluggish, lethargic, apathetic, lazy, hot, miserable and dull the entire time. I had let my psychology take me over, but I wouldn't let it win. With this time and distance under my belt, all bets were off, I was on to run and run I did. I felt great after that, I made peace  with the running gods and gods of weather and streets and finished with pain in my legs and peace in my mind. I was hurting but smiling, I realize only now as I type this, I still haven't looked at my watch to see what my final time was, I suppose it doesn't matter, I finished and I feel great. 

It Feels Quite Nice to be Back

It's been a while, too long in fact, since I have been able to post to my blog via my personal computer, and since my last encounter with online activity much has changed, most note worthy, I have a job. Upon my termination July 12, 2011 I knew I would have to make sacrifices, and fast, the first to go was internet and cable, saving $250.00 per month immediately, the second was eating out and then it was just a matter of watching our spending habits until further notice. So the race was on, and the interviews were countless, some great some not so good. I think I went on approximately 11 interviews with 8 different companies. It was the last and final company to contact me that was to be woo me in to employment.

Noble Plastics is a custom plastic mold injection manufacturer in Grand Coteau, La. We are in a vast array of businesses' and markets. We work with indivual inventors, developers and entrepenuers, to the elite members of the US Military. We operate in a 30,000 sq. ft. facility off of Hwy 49 at exit 11. We presently have an Industrial Designer, 3 Mechanical Engineers (2 with PE's), a Process Analyst with a Ph.D, and now, for the very first time, a Marketing and Sales Specialist (me). Our facility is incredibly hi tech and incredibly advanced. We are currently running 6 Six Sigma Axis Robots:



I have attached a short video to show what our robots do, I cannot show what products we are currently producing nor can I show photos from the back of the shop as I am bound by law to keep all that private, at any rate, the video of the robot is pretty much what we have, we have 6, 3 of which operate on a 24 hr scale. Employing Robots has created some moral and ethical questions about putting people out of work, but our robots work so diligently that we have been fortunate to employ more people and we are still in need of personnel. Our robots are creating jobs, which is really exciting.

I have been with the company now for 2 weeks and I have a really great thing going. My bosses are amazing and the people I work with are wonderful. Recently it was a young girls birthday, that morning the owners of the company cooked a 3 course breakfast just for her, everyone was invited, but it was in honor of her birthday. Last Thursday I was out back working in a non air conditioned portion of the warehouse for about 8 hours (I had come in really early), I was pulled from the warehouse at 3 to find a huge bowl of ice cream had been fixed for me! I think I have found my family with this company, I start traveling for them next week and I am ecstatic. I hope to be able to grow the company as well as grow with the company.

Well, I finally have internet again and just at the right time, Cox was running some new customer discount stuff and I have Fox Soccer Channel, super pumped about that. No more missing games! Although I am glad I missed that Man Utd. Chelsea game last week.

How You Know Your Phone is Soccer Based

I've played the sport since my youth, its been a constant in my life, surpassing all other hobbies I've ever taken on. In that, my "smart phone" has adopted my general conversation with producing words soccer related in the midst of a non soccer conversation. The words are as follows:

Of = PK
Check = Chelsea
Shit = Man Utd.
In = JB
Crap = Man Utd.
Ass = Arsenal
Post = Pass (suggested)
Go = GK
English = EPL
Most = MLS

These are the ones I see the most, I'm sure there are more, but they elude me at the present moment. Found it funny what I choose to overwrite to my phones dictionary. 

The Tough Mudder Approaches

I am embarking on a very big event here soon, my Tough Mudder. My good friend Jeremy Zenon tuned me in to this last year after the 2011 Houston Half Marathon. The course that we are attempting has been published here. According to the race reports and data, there is only a 68% completion rate of all participants, and the top 5% of finishers are invited to Tough Mudder World Event which is an endurance event. I think I am in good enough physical and psychological condition to compete in a 24 or 48 hour endurance event, but can I finish in the top 5% of the Tough Mudder? I certainly hope so! The event is October 8, our heat starts at 11:00 a.m. (hoping for some reasonable temperatures). We registered almost 6 months in advance and this is the earliest start time we can get, the next one we will register 1 year out, I want an 8:00 a.m. start so the course is fresh and the mud is unscathed. As the terrain gets abused it will be harder and harder to wade through. I have 1 month to finalize my training, my running is strong, my physicality is descent, I haven't lifted weights but between P90X and Insanity, I am thinking I should be good. I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous as a cat, but I am prepared and that's all I can be at this point. Any particulars beyond this I am just circumcising mosquito's!

Conversation

A really close friend of mine is a school teacher at a local private school, she teaches the 4 year olds. In her class she has a young boy from Vietnam who is just learning English. This confabulation ensued yesterday during arts and crafts.

The kids were playing with Styrofoam shapes:

Kid 1: Look, stickura, stickura!
Kid 2: Ms. D... what is he saying?
Teacher: he's saying sticker.
Kid 1: Wead, Wead, herre.
Kid 2: What does it say?
Teacher: It says, "Made In China"
Kid 2: WOW, JUST LIKE YOU HUH? YOU WERE MADE IN CHINA TOO HUH MS. D...?

Thought of the Day

So this morning on my run I made a deal with my wife, she was at home sleeping. I established her argument, then I developed mine, found a common ground and went through with the plan. When she discovered my grand scheme upon waking up she was so impressed that she got mad at me. If that ain't love.

The dilemma was, she hates when I come in the house after a run and walk my sweaty feet on the floor, and she also hates when I wear shoes in the house... so... the deal was I would leave a towel at the front door wear flip flops from door to bathroom while drying on the way. It was full proof.

You know you're a runner when...

Psychological Sunday

This was a post I wrote Sunday August 21, 2011. I was very hesitant to post it as it holds an embarrassing portion to my psychology that morning, but in order to overcome I needed to write it down and read it over and over. I am not happy about some of the content, but saw fit to divulge what I was going through. There is much much more to the story that I am surely forgetting with every key stroke. I ran this past Sunday in Memorial Park in Houston and perhaps that was the catalyst for this post being published, it was a good run with a dear close friend. Here is goes:

I ran 14 miles this morning with a group from Geaux Run. The group included Owner Edie Reidel, Greg, Dan, Liz, Bobbi (2 time breast cancer survivor) and myself. I was the youngest person in the group by about 6-8 years, so I was very happy to engage with everyone around me about their youth and their running history. It was quite fun. We all finished well in a time to be proud on a hot and humid morning, but there was something amiss to my psychology, I found I was beating myself up for something and I couldn't figure out what it was, but I know now and I'm verklempt.

It was my ego! Now, I've always known I had an ego, and it's certainly been no stranger to those who know me but this morning was different, I legitimately felt badly about how my ego was interacting with my conscience this morning.  It started around mile 6.5, we had just arrived at Red's and were filling up our water bottles as well as grabbing a bite of nutrition. We left out and were well in to mile 7 when we crossed paths with another runner, a solo runner, a woman. She was pacing along and we all exchanged a hearty good morning and I thought, ''we are in mile 7, I hope she doesn't think we just started!" I was adamant about it too. I continually thought to myself, we have been suffering for over an hour, how dare anyone think of us as any less than awesome, we had a steady uninterrupted pace and the company was amazing. I became frustrated and played one scenario after another, as cars would drive by I demanded they respect our efforts as we were a group of runners, not casual once in a while runners, but seasoned, efficient runners. We were runners with stories and runners with injuries at one point or another! This lasted in to mile 10 at which point I had another epiphany - this run was euphoric! Had I missed the title purpose to this event, was I ignoring the very reason of our engagement, yes, yes I was. The first six miles went by really really quickly, then, as stated earlier, I fell in to a very poor egotistical psychological rant, one that went unseen by those around me. It was at mile 10 that it all came together for me, I realized that I was the only one who cared. There was no cause to our run that need public attention, this run was not personal, outside of the reasons as to why we exercise.

    So mile 10 was my milestone, I figured it out, I was being a prick and there was no call for it. We finished the run in the heat of the morning and everyone was in great spirits, it was very refreshing and insightful to pass my Sunday morning with these individuals. One can learn a lot when one does not speak at all. Thank you to all who allowed me the pleasure of their company this morning. 

New Shoes Blues

I had a request today from LOM to do a bit on work/dress shoes. Although it seems fair, albeit seemingly interchangeable, the two are not synopsis. Your work shoes and your dress shoes should lead different lives. They should also be categorized differently by price and style. Everyone has their own opinion of the "dress shoe" and the "work shoe" and what they should look and cost, here's mine. Although your work shoes can be a dress shoe, it should not be your title dress shoe, for instance, I own many pair of Donald Pliner's and Romano Martegani's, these prices and design are not for the work environment, they are for dress occasions only, however, I also own many pair of Cole Haan's and Mezlan's, which are both really brilliant shoe lines but at really reasonable price points, which is where this post is going.

Cole Haan Calhoun

The Cole Haan Calhoun, pictured here, has been for me one of my personal favorite work/dress shoes on the market, I probably buy 2 pair per year, brown and black. (It is very important to have a brown and black pair of work/dress shoes). The beauty of the Calhoun is they will last all year and they are a great price, retailing at 155.00 at most outlets, I just found them on 6pm.com for less than $100.00. Also note, Cole Haan partnered with Nike, and almost all of there shoes have the Nike Air pockets in the heels, very very comfortable for being on your feet all day.

Mezlan Tyson II

The Mezlan Tyson II's are another personal favorite of mine, retailing slightly higher than the Cole Haans at 185.00 (on sale at 6pm.com for less) these will last a bit longer than the Cole Haan's because of the crimped upper on them. Where the discoloration is on the Mezlan is almost deerskin like, prohibiting the shoe to form creases from walking, allowing a longer more beautiful wear consistency.




Price is very important in buying a dress shoe, I don't recommend going cheap, but I also don't think it wise to spend over $200 per pair of shoes. Keep it simple, keep it luxurious, and make sure your belts match somewhat closely.  There are many other options for shoe companies but these are my two favorite work/dress shoe lines, they are both timeless designs. A few other companies I endorse are as follows:
The Cool People, Bostanian, Johnston & Murphy, Rockport, Calvin Klein, Bacco Bucci, Bruno Magli, Magnani & Allen Edmonds; but my two top choices are certainly anything by Mezlan or Cole Haan.

You can try on the Cole Haan's at any local Jos. A Bank, and Mezlan's can be found at a local Dillards.

Conversation

Eden: Daddy, I want to go to Crackerdile!
Me: Wait, where?
Eden: Crackerdile Daddy!
Me: Eden, I don't know exactly where that is.
Ashley: Cracker Barrel
Me: Oh! Cracker Barrel baby?!
Eden: Yeah, but it's pronounce Crackerdile!!!
Me: Eden, I think you should trust Daddy on this one, it's pronounced Cracker Barrel.
Eden: Daddy, now you listen, I'm big and I'm smart so, you need to trust me okay! I'm smart Daddy!
Me: Indeed you are little monster!
Eden: I'm a BIG monster!

Runners World Bad Poetry

If you've ever run a long distance, you've most likely experienced this.

Tender Nipples

Pink eyes of flesh
Staring forward, never blinking;
My nipples.

Five miles, ten miles
Twenty or more;
My nipples.

Rubbing, grating
Under a technical tee;
My nipples.

I stop my watch,
I walk inside,
I step into the shower;
My nipples
Scream.

Never again
will I forget
The Band-Aids.

The Very First Day

Today is Eden's first day of school. She is in K-3 at Highland Baptist School in New Iberia. The travel is not my favorite but the people and the program that run this school is absolutely amazing. There are 2 teachers per classroom and I'm beginning to think you have to pass a personality test to get in because all of these kids are hilarious and silly.

Last year Eden was constantly being reprimanded for the same thing almost every day, you guessed it, talking too much. She met a young girl named Lizzy that was fuel to the fire that is Eden's personality. Once the teacher tried to separate them, Eden asked the teacher if she should talk louder bc Lizzy couldn't hear her.
The school teachers handle disciplinary actions very delicately and have consulted us on our discipline styles at home so that they are not lost in the classroom. I have many great things to say about CLC at Highland, but I think you get it that I like having Eden here, it's not the cheapest but education is priceless. She learns so much.

PS - She gets the talking bit from my lovely and wonderful wife. Lol. 

Conversation

Me: Eden, if you put that hand near my book I'm gonna gnaw your arm off.
Eden: But daddy, I'm not gonna have any arms anymore?
Me: Nope, I'm gonna eat em and spit em outside.
Eden: (paused, thinking and almost crying) daddy, I like my arms on though!

Who Are You?

I hate the outdoors! There, I said it! If it's not a soccer match, or a bike ride, or a brisk run, I don't particularly care for the outdoors, with it's generally smug attitude of thinking it can control the weather on a whim. Let me elaborate, when I say, "outdoors" I don't just mean the outside, as in the pavement, or the side walks, I mean the woods, the trees in their congressional unison, I loathe them. Well I did, until last weekend. Back story time: In high school I was involved in a monthly program called "Rangers", wherein, the first weekend of every month (so long as it didn't obstruct soccer) we would travel to Kisatchie National Forest in Alexandria and camp for the weekend. Then, for Easter Break, we would take a week long trip to the Apalachain or the White Mountains, and even the Rockies for a 1 week camping expedition... I hated every single one of them. Every step was lamentable, I did it because me best mate Mike was in it and I wasn't gonna be called a quitter... ( I am not prideful, I am strong-willed). Ok, so, there is that little tid bit of info, now on to why I am writing/typing/thinking.

I need to rephrase that whole bit, it should read, "I use to hate the outdoors", I still do, but I use to too! Some new friends over at Geaux Run put together a trail running clinic, painted a large Monet-esque picture of what it was like, all the good and great of trail running. I fancied that I might like it, so you may have read an earlier post about a run at Lake Fausse Point, I truly thought I was on to something. (I knew nothing of the crunch). There was an open invitation to join Geaux Run for a run at Chicot State Park, there were various distances and all were invited. Well I made the social mistake of befriending an Ultra-Marathon Runner, well actually I befriended 4... Edie, Brad, Donald & Smitty (all crazies). In my confabulations with Edie, I was convinced that a 20 mile loop around Chicot was both sane, and attainable; I was right about 1.

The mood was set, and so was the time, we were to depart from Geaux Run at 05:05 a.m. sharp so arrive at 04:45 to make sure you are ready to go. We arrived at our destination for 06:15 and were on the trail by 06:30, running. I couldn't believe we were actually gonna run 20 miles. It never once occured to me that we would actually make it to the end, I figured we would just get lost and spend the rest of our days living it out with the wild (I saw a deer). In the first 10 miles I probably made it with 50 spiders, big, ugly, nasty, blood sucking Banana Spiders (they don't bite, but I didn't care, I screamed every time I had to get one off of me or run through a damn web). Now you may think, "50? Wow, that's absurd!" And you'd be right, here is the kicker, I only lead for about 3 miles, the other 7 miles were lead by Donald, were he made it with 3x's that. Oh yeah! Also, at mile 10 is where I realized, OH SHIT! I have on Gortex Trail Shoes... That level of psychology must have been pretty huge because I struggled from then on, to the point where at mile 15 I just stopped running completely (we didn't run the whole time mind you, we stopped and walked a good bit, it's really beautiful there). But at mile 15 I just plained stopped running, and walked the next 5 miles out. Mother nature owned me for those 4.5 hrs of my life...

The moral of the story is trail running is awesome and I have every intention of doing Chicot again, soon. Trail running is a new love and so is the outdoors! Just yesterday I walked through a spider web, and it didn't phase me. I had muscles sore that had never been sore before. It was euphoric to be out there that day, and the company I kept for that time was irreplaceable. There were six starters and six finishers. I look forward to my next Chicot run. I am not all that great at this long story stuff, I get too winded so I leave out important stuff, like the part where I died and Donald had to save me instead he through a big ass black spider on me! Stuff like that!

I will have more, and next time I will be concise...

July 31... Another Again

My Father in Law owns about 500+ acres of crawfish ponds in the area, lately I've been helping him restock the ponds with my brother in law Luciano. This is what the rice did to my arms during the process. Most unpleasant, I had a very busy Saturday that day.

Cruising the Basin

My good friend and cousin in law Blake Durand, also known as Deadly Durand, Blake "Mangrove Killer" Durand and Captain Durand, took me on my very first trip in the Basin on July 31. Had a freakin blast.

Introspective

I went out for a run this morning at Lake Fausse Pointe. Accompanied by my brother in law Luke Capritto, I had great conversation and company for the drive there and back (which was much needed there, we left Lafayette at 4:55) On the run (I was solo for this part, he is 14) I had loads of time to think, and while thinking these words of Bruce Lee came to mind, instead of summarizing them I saw fit to type them word for word as I feel it appeals to my introspective quite accurately as of late: "I am learning to understand rather than immediately judge or to be judged. I cannot blindly follow the crowd and accept their approach. I will not allow myself to indulge in the usual manipulating game of role creation. Fortunately for me, my self-knowledge has transcended that and I have come to understand that life is best to be lived and not to be conceptualized. I am happy because I am growing daily and I am honestly not knowing where the limit lies. To be certain, every day there can be a revelation or a new discovery. I treasure the memory of the past misfortunes. It has added more to my bank of fortitude."


PS - I am trying to send the pics of the run to my blog but I am running in to some difficulties.