Progress

Today I ran six and a half miles up and down the PHC. It is in preparation for a triathlon next weekend so it didn't just spontaneously decide to run that far. Talk about wow. Sometimes, I need to step back and take a look at how amazing my life is. I was running right by the ocean. I have dreamed about doing that since I was 19! 

I also recall back at Thanksgiving. I had not worked out in a while. I had gone up to the same location in hopes of surfing after running. I think I ran about one mile before I had to stop and take a breather. Having been a competitive athlete most of my life, I was pretty frustrated I had gotten to that point. 

Now a not even six months later, I got 6.5 miles in and I felt like I could have ran more. Minus the fact that my feet were feeling tingly. I'm going to have to do some research on it. Since I am not nor never see myself being a natural born runner.  

One final note, since I was near the surf, I looked at I wished I could have gone out but I knew I wouldn't catch anything. I can now recognize the tides and what is "rideable." Perhaps this is more reflection but it feels good to know I have achieved something.

Good Books

Even though I am a college graduate, I am still learning that there is a ton I do not know. I am thrilled that I now have time to read for fun. I am also finding reading a lot more enjoyable than watching TV.  However, I am realizing with the ability to read anything. I need to be more selective on what I am picking off the shelf. There are a ton of good books out there.

I want to be reading the really good books. I also want to do a better job of keeping up with the news. In addition, it would be great if they challenged my thoughts on the world. 

I just finished Water for Elephants. I highly recommend it. I am looking forward to seeing the movie but I am afraid it will not be as good! 

I hope everyone finds time to read.

Just A Fan

Today I realized that I am mostly just a fan.

There is some statistic: 20% of people make everything the rest (80%) of the population enjoys. It is funny how as fans we are all entitled to our opinions but when it comes down to it 

we just watch/listen/observe. 

We never create.

I would argue it is so much easier to judge than to get judged. I was recently given the opportunity to tell and artist about their latest music. Thinking about that experience, I could barely tell them in the right terms why I liked one song better than another. This is just one example but it is rather ironic that most of us have very little musical knowledge/background but here we are with all the power to choose what song gets played on the radio. Which songs top the charts and which songs are left off.  It almost seems like the creators who are more crazy/wild to watch are really the ones who have figured out how to captivate our attention and make the money. 

I am just curious what would happen if we evaluate anything on it's actual talent/merit or if all of what we watch is based on shock/awe/wild factor.

Bottom line for the most part I am just another fan.

Tsunami

Tsunami - is a word of Japanese origin. It is defined as a very large ocean wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption. After watching the footage from Japan recently it serves as a strong reminder how powerful the ocean and the forces of nature are. We are all at the mercy of it.

With this being said it is hard to believe I was in Japan this fall. I have no idea what condition all the buildings I saw are in. My heart goes out to all of those impacted by the earthquakes and the Tsunami. Japan is a beautiful country and I hope I can visit it, again. As I sit here comfortably,  I feel helpless in making an impact to the relief efforts. 

I leave you with a couple pictures from my trip to Japan. In the spirit of donating if you like the pictures please consider finding a way to contribute to the Tsunami relief efforts.

The Golden Pagoda

  Ryōan-ji

Karesansui (Dry Garden) 

 Buddha Statue on same property as Ryōan-ji

2011 Oscars

Well, I always try to watch the Oscars. I like the celebration associated with film. The fancy gowns and the acceptance speeches.  We all know who the critics picked. I am not going to bore you with how I feel about them. I am happy for Toy Story 3 and Alice in Wonderland. I feel both their Oscar wins were well deserved. I just want to take a moment to recognize some recent movies I have seen and enjoyed. In no particular order:

Love & Other Drugs - Yes there are several sex scene but it really is just a love story.

Morning Glory - Sometimes I feel a lot like Rachel McAdam's character.

No Strings Attached - It's a chick flick but it's good. It reminded me of 500 Days of Summer.
The Social Network - How many people are on Facebook now? Need I say more?

The Tourist - Clever. I want Angelina Jolie's wardrobe. If anyone has it, please send it to me.