It's my Blog and I'll Tri if I want to

Now

2009-04-24T07:52:00.003-06:00

You ever think about how everything is better when you're on vacation? Coffee tastes better, food tastes better, you sleep better, you're happier, you have more sex and it certainly seems more special.

Why is that?

It occurred to me this morning that it's because you are present, in the moment and you can enjoy these things. You aren't thinking about how you are running late for work. You aren't thinking about your job and the deadlines you have. You aren't thinking about how the laundry is piling up.

When you are on vacation, these aren't issues that surround you, but these issues, or issues like them still exist in your life...right? The difference is, you choose not to allow them to affect your vacation time. You're not thinking about them...at least, they don't CONSUME your thoughts. What you ARE thinking about is enjoying your PRESENT time on vacation.

The point is, 'vacation' (and, more specifically, your experience of 'vacation') is a state of mind. You get to CHOOSE what you think about, there for creating the happy, blissful experience of being on vacation.

So, when you aren't on vacation, but you 'need' to take a vacation, take the time to choose the thoughts that will create that experience within you. You can take several vacations in a day! It's your choice!

I'm going on one with my cup of coffee, right after this...

Bon Voyage!

Are you normal?

2009-04-21T08:16:00.003-06:00

Be forewarned: this is a rant.

This is a subject that has been eating at me for a while and, since I'm in a particular mood this morning, I thought I'd write down my thoughts.

I came across a book title this morning that included the phrase "traditionally built." As soon as I read that, I got into my shit about it [easily, since I'm punchy at the moment]. I thought to myself, "What? What does 'traditionally built' mean?" There was also a picture of a full-figured woman adjacent to the book cover, so it brought to mind that what they were trying to tell us was that we now had a new pc word-phrase to take the place full-figured, which also indicates that it's "NORMAL."

Now, I don't mean to sound like I have a problem with full-figured, traditionally built people, because I don't. What I have the problem with is how society is constantly trying to place labels on what is normal, especially when it comes to our 'IMAGE'!

It matters not what 'size' you are! It matters not that you are big boned, small boned, tall, short, long-waisted, short-legged, have a voluptuous breasts, or small breasts, one sized penis or another. IT DOESN'T MATTER! What does matter is that you are healthy and happy!

Bruce Cockburn nailed it when he said, "The trouble with normal is, it's always gets worse."

Here are some Stats on what is becoming normal:
* Heart disease: 652,091
* Cancer: 559,312
* Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 143,579
* Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 130,933
* Diabetes: 75,119
[http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/FASTATS/lcod.htm]

Is this the "NORMAL" that you want to be included in?

The CDC also reports that obesity is prevalent among adults at 34.3%, and contributes to these health conditions:
* Coronary heart disease
* Type 2 diabetes
* Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
* Hypertension (high blood pressure)
* Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
* Stroke
* Liver and Gallbladder disease
* Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
* Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
* Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility)
[http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/]

Is this the "NORMAL" that you want to become a part of???

Being 'SKINNY' is not 'NORMAL' either! Anorexia and Bulimia bring with them their own sets of health issues...however...there are those who have that body composition, but it doesn't put them in any category 'normal' or 'not normal'...IT'S JUST WHO THEY ARE!

"Healthy and Happy" is a long lost normal. I get caught up in what society has deemed normal and loose sight of it as well...but I'm done. My focus and my intention, for my life, is "Health and Happiness"...and I'm taking as many of you "NORMAL" people with me, that this healthy and happy body can!!!

Week One - review

2009-04-20T10:45:00.003-06:00

I've held my death grip on winter (and, more specifically, my "winter coat") for long enough. This last spring snow storm dumped feet(!) of snow and then promptly melted away in about a day, bringing with it the realization that winter is over. We will be seeing a lot more sunshine and warmer temperatures this week...even reaching into the 80's...just days after the biggest snow storm of the year, for this area!

All this, to say that I now have the much needed motivation to get back on an athlete-respected food/diet/meal plan, as well as, a consistent regime of exercise.

I have been a week on P90X (workouts and meal plan), to include the exclusion of a dear buddy of mine, alcohol. Being 'dry' for two weeks now, really seems to have allowed the accelerated cleansing and weight loss that I have experienced this week. Not to sound like I was an alcoholic, by any means, but I do enjoy the occasional drink with dinner and friends.

Also, as an experiment, I've eliminated a great deal of gluten in my diet. I'm not aware of any allergies that I have to gluten, but I wanted to see how my health might change, if I were to reduce and/or eliminate it from my diet. I can't say that the increased energy and overall wellness I've been experiencing these last couple of days, is directly related to the reduction of gluten in my diet, but I do have to consider that as part of the overall equation, coupled with my improved meal planning, working out and the absence of alcohol.

To date, I have lost 6 lbs. I think a lot of that was water weight due to the toxicity of my system. Again, just proof that what I'm doing is working for me. Also, losing 'weight' is not my goal, but losing fat and increasing my overall athletic build is. For now, I'm concentrating on losing my 'winter coat' and then, we'll see about increasing some muscle mass.

I have the focus and support I need to ramp this up and stick to it...but being in integrity should be enough. For myself first, then for those who I support with their health.

Rock and Roll!

Mona Vie

2009-03-06T12:54:00.002-07:00

I'm a new independent distributor and really excited to see this flourish!
See my site here...

It's time to create...

2009-03-04T09:36:00.005-07:00

For quite some time, I have known about "Dream boards." A little place where you can put pictures and such, of the things you wish to create/manifest in your life. I've recommended and even coached people on their dream boards, but have never had one myself. Well, I have one now. Though, I've changed the name... I call it my "Intention Board", because these are the things I intend to create/manifest in my life. I just put this together last night and have already realized that there is more I wish to create.

America: Freedom to Fascism

2008-12-11T09:06:00.002-07:00

Oppose the Treasury's Bailout plan

2008-09-24T13:47:00.001-06:00

http://alephblog.com/2008/09/20/oppose-the-treasurys-bailout-plan/

Click here to find and contact your congressman.

Race Report

2008-08-21T09:19:00.002-06:00

Well, it's done. We finished the race!

I was very proud of our team. We battled the elements and conquered the course, to complete the race in 6 hours and 7 minutes!

Yes, it rained the entire time... a steady ran,with long periods of down-pour! Fortunately, I was prepared with a 12x12 canopy and a few sets of clothing. It was unforgettable... and I will definitely be doing it again next year.

With all of the rain, the race officials had to modify the race... so all we really got to do was bike and run. Where, if the conditions where better, there would have also been some rollerblading and kayaking, or some sort of fun in the water.

On the first leg, we were given three photographs of two statues and one telephone booth. We had to run and find these items, take a photo of the the crew, with the statue, then return to the transition area for our next task.

The 2nd leg was on the bike. The girls each hopped on a bike and had to locate a particular stadium, enter the stadium, then perform a hockey maneuver shooting the puck into the goal. On their return, they had to find this particular golf course and shoot a ball through some uprights.

On the 3rd leg, the boys were running again. We had to run to Coors field and then sit in every seat in section 122... which is somewhere in the range of 300, I'm guessing. This was brutal. We had to run to this location and then, essentially, do 300 squats and then run back to the transition area. Ouch.....

For the 4th leg, the girls were on the bikes again. They had to bike to a bowling alley, bowl a strike or a spare and bike back. On of our girls went down on the bike, so I got a ride to her location and finished the bike for her.

The 5th leg was running again. This was a short one, as we had to run to the Denver Aquarium, just down the street. One of our team had to jump into one of the aquariums, swim across and back. Apparently there were large fish in this aquarium. I'm happy to say that she was not eaten alive.

The final leg was another long run. Dennise, Erin and I ran to a local gym. Once there, one of us had to swim to the bottom of the pool and bring up a brick. Then we had to run up to the basketball court, make a lay-up, a free-throw, and a 3-pointer. We were off, on foot, for the final stretch.

I could not have been more relieved to cross the finish line. My legs had been cramping for the last two hours. I immediately screamed for someone to get me a beer! It was my birthday, after all, and what better time to start the celebration!

I generally have fun on my birthday, but this one will certainly be unforgettable!

~EF

It's time!

2008-08-15T15:03:00.002-06:00

So, the race is tomorrow...

Am I ready?

No.

Was I expecting all of this rain and 50 degree weather?

No.

Quite the contrary. I have been worried about the heat and dehydration all of this time.

I don't think I have the gear for the rain.

I might have the gear.

It would be in one of the boxes, piled in my garage.

The Mrs. Blog says it best....

Here we go....

Normal?

2008-08-06T12:56:00.003-06:00

Since moving here, my life has been so out of sorts. We moved into our new house two weeks ago, so I know that 'normal' is on the horizon.... but it still feels so far away. The disarray of boxes and scattered news paper are my indication.

The good news is, I have all of my stuff. The bad news is, I can't find any of it!

I suppose 'normal' is relative... I just know that I need more normal in my life at this moment.

Normal! [not to be confused with boring] Here I come!!!

Stress (and other excuses)

2008-07-16T15:07:00.002-06:00

Okay.... so I figured I should at least check in, since it's been a while. I've been avoiding coming here, because my training has been virtually non-existent. I've done a little running and have done some rollerblading to prep for the Oyster, but nothing consistent.

Tonight, there is a pre-race seminar that should get me pretty pumped up.... but.... the next couple of weeks will be crazy. I will be traveling to attend my 20 class reunion at the end of this week, and then traveling to PA to drive the moving truck back.

The good news is, we have a house. This is a big step in getting life back to normal.

After we get all of our stuff here, get it put away and organized, there should be no more excuses for not working out or training...

...or will there be?

Pace

2008-07-03T09:19:00.003-06:00

I've taken the time to get my arse up early enough to get in some training this week. Running, if you can call it that.

The good news is, my toe is not an issue. Now, the issue is the various pains in my legs... from about the knee down.

It occurred to me this morning that I'm probably not stretching enough. I took a little more time this morning to stretch before my run and it did seem to help with the initial pain.

I'm also realizing that I don't train very well when my life is not so settled... and, at the moment, my life is so not settled. I have a new job. We have been living with friends until our house sold in PA (which just did... yay!), where all of our stuff yet remains. Today, I'm happy to report that we found a house and will be relocating our stuff to our new house later this month.

Despite the unsettledmentness (yes, I know that's not a word, but it works)... I need to create time and motivation to get enough training in to avoid embarrassing myself at my next event and be able to have some fun.

Guilt

2008-06-27T14:41:00.002-06:00

So, I've succumbed to the peer pressure and I've been taking the stairs in the morning.

So there.

Are you happy now?

All on my own, I have been feeling guilty about not working out... but... it hasn't been enough to make me do anything about it (except for taking the stairs). I just have not been able to get my butt out of bed in the mornings, this week.

Wait!

I'm having a Deja Vu....

I'm pretty sure I could go back into my archives and find a blog that sounds just like this one.

I won't bore you with another rerun of this episode.

On a positive note: The time off has given my toe the necessary rest to heal. It doesn't feel 100%, but I can do things to it this week, that I couldn't last week.

Am also happy to have reconnected with some of my old blogger friends. They aren't old, they are quite young in fact, but we go way back!

Thanks for comin' back 'round!

Karma

2008-06-12T12:49:00.002-06:00

So, I started this thing....

I have been at my new job for a few weeks now and I noticed, a couple of weeks ago, when I got to work in the mornings, the elevators were both resting on the TOP floor. I would get grumpy and say to myself, "Why are both elevators on the top floor???" I then thought that there should be some sort of thing that defaults the elevator (at least one) to return to the ground floor, especially in the mornings when people are coming in to work! I knew that this would take quite a lot of work on my part to get the elevator companies to develop something like this, so, in the meantime, I have started a new habit....

When I ride the elevator to the top floor, I push the button for the ground floor, so that the elevator will return for the next person/people coming in to work.

The last two days that I have come in to work, I have walked in to an elevator waiting for me on the ground floor.

Some call it good karma. I know I do.

Mama said there'd be days like these

2008-06-11T12:03:00.003-06:00

I don't know how it is for you, but I am usually highly motivated and excited when I start something new. I'm a starter. I like starting things. New things. As for finishing them... that's another story.

On Monday, I officially started my training towards the Oyster race (no, I won't be racing oysters). Not two days later I'm asking myself, "Has the excitement already worn off?"

I don't think so... but I do think I'm having one of those days. It was tough getting out of bed this morning and it was tough challenging my body to do much while I was out. The good news is, I did more before 6:30 this morning, than most will do all day.

2.5 miles - walk/jogged. The toe seemed to hurt more today, but not while I was running. Go figure.

Namaste

note: I need to stretch more.

Today

2008-06-10T12:28:00.002-06:00

05:38am, again. Two more miles... walk/jog pace. The toe is still tender. The energy level... low. This blog... boring.

Ugh.... Monday

2008-06-09T12:30:00.002-06:00

Why are Monday's so exhausting?

After two snooze cycles, my feet finally hit the floor at 5:38am. The misses and I (and the pooch, Xander) headed out the door for some exercise. 2 miles to get us started training again, after a sabbatical. Okay, it wasn't so much of a sabbatical than a complete abandonment of training, but sabbatical sounds some much more eloquent.

Plus, my toe is broken. I spoke with a professional in radiology (my little brother) and, based on the description of my toe, he informed me that my toe is likely broken. I probably just chipped a tip off of the distal phalange of my big toe. There's a name for that, but I forget.

This weekend I was pissed. My blog was quickly becoming about how I'm "NOT" working out. So, today, I went out to get some exercise, despite my toe. It worked out. I was actually more comfortable jogging than I was when I had started out walking.

Getting up that early, after not doing if for so long has been tough. I have been so sleepy! I had a morning full of meetings and that certainly didn't help!

The good news is, today has given me momentum. My training has officially begun!

Toe and updates

2008-06-06T08:00:00.002-06:00

What is it? It seems like every time I start, or want to start, working out, I get sick. On Tuesday afternoon, I had a great lunch with some associates. Shortly after lunch, I start feeling this tickle in my throat, causing this slight cough. That night, I'm feeling quite punk. I load up on the meds and get to bed.

On Wednesday, I couldn't miss work. Plus, I had other 'official' business that I had to tend to that afternoon, so I sucked it up.

I got home around 7:30 that evening, just drained and ready to head to bed. I start flipping through the channels and I see that the WEC is on. Urijah Faber is fighting Jens Pulver. I would not be going to bed! It was an amazing fight. The bantam weight fight was impressive as well.

Thursday I get up and I still feel like crap... but I go to work anyway. Deadlines! By the end of the day, I'm actually feeling okay. I still have this mild congestion, but nothing like I was feeling originally.

Today, I'm still feeling drained of my energy... I so did not want to get out of bed this morning... but, the congestion is certainly waning.

The toe. The left, big, toe. It still hurts. It feels like, if my toe were square, that I'd chipped off the outer corner. I may never know. Unless my toe starts getting really funky, I won't be going to the doctor.

It's only slightly uncomfortable to walk on it. I did test running, or jogging, on it, a little.... but I want to let it heal a bit more before I really put it to the test.

I thought this sickness was going to keep me down for longer than it has. Now that it is on its way out, I'm just waiting on this damn toe to heal.

I've returned home

2008-06-03T08:28:00.002-06:00

After three years on the East coast, I'm happy to announce that I am back home in Colorado. It's kind of a long story about why we went to PA, but there were just a few things missing in our life. I won't discount the experiences we had while in PA, because we had some amazing times and met some good people, but this is where my heart is. This is where I want to spend the rest of my days.

For whatever reason, my blogging and my training suffered during that time (in case you were wonder why it's been over a year since I've blogged anything). I suppose there were many reasons, but, really, they are just excuses. I wasn't committed to my blogging or my training.

Am I committed now? Well... as we discussed what we wanted to create for our lives, this was one of them. We wanted to be sure to get back into a healthy lifestyle, which includes joining a local gym again, eating right (mostly raw foods), and getting involved in local events.

Life is a little convoluted since moving back and we haven't quite settled in, but I am pleased to report that we have just signed up for my first event...www.oysterracingseries.com - Aug. 16th in Denver, which happens to be my birthday.

When I was propositioned to do this race, I had to make a decision. Was I going to party, or was I going to race? You see, my birthday tends to last about a week, in the days leading up to and after my birthday. Yeah, I stretch it a little, but sometimes you have to. It's not easy to get all of your friends and family together at the same time, so you spread it out. It's a win-win for everyone!... but, I digress......

Back to training.

The day after I commit to doing this race, I'm playing basketball with the kids and I jam my toe. The big toe, on my left foot. Yeah.... the big toe is pretty important when it comes to running. So, as you can guess, I am not able to start my running just yet. The good news is, I did not injure any of the joints in my toe. The bad news is, I may have cracked or broken a bone in the tip of my toe. Have I gone to the Doctor to have it x-rayed? Naw. I'm going to ride it out and see if it heals. There is some bruising that finally surfaced, after three days (I'm not sure what that means). I'm able to walk on it (mostly), but there is still something very obviously not right about it. Time will tell. I will keep you posted.

Finally, I'm faced with a couple of challenges, with training. My bike (and most of everything I own) is still in PA. I haven't yet joined a gym and I can't do any running, because of my toe. Again, only time will reveal what will happen. I have ten weeks to get into shape for this event.

I will find a way......

2007-04-20T07:29:00.000-06:00

I have great news! I got my arse out of bed at 5am this morning and made it to a Spinning class. I felt fantastic! I have been in the best mood this morning... but I'm not sure that I can give all the credit to working out this morning. Here are all of the reasons I'm in a good mood this morning:

I had a great workout
It's Friday
This is a biggie... not only is it my last day of work this week, but, tomorrow, (or, this afternoon really) I officially start my VACATION!!! Woo Hoo!!!

Yes, a long awaited vacation... and it couldn't be coming at a better time. Things at work are kind of crazy after some organizational changes came about, which has tanked the morale around here. Anyway, on Sunday, I will be boarding a ship for the Western Caribbean, for seven days... that's right... SEVEN DAYS. No cell phones, no answering machines, no work, no bosses, no television, no home repairs, no laundry, no cleaning... just relaxation!!!

The one thing I will miss is having email, etc. They do have access to internet, but I hear that they charge an arm and a leg for it... I like my arms and legs, so I will forego internet for the week.

For the most part I'll be packing shorts, T-shirts, flip-flops and a couple of books... oh!... and my ipod!

So, you can see why I would be in such a good mood today. I will have a good report whence I return.

Bon Voyage, mi Amigos! ;-)

~ef

2007-04-19T08:18:00.000-06:00

The warm weather is coming and with it some motivation to get out and swim/bike/run. I've had a hard time adapting to the East coast weather in comparison to the West. Outdoor living is much harder to come by during the winter months. Yes... I could just get bundled up and bare the weather, but, at this point I don't have the means to do so.

Lately, I've just had a hard time making the time for even going to the gym. I'm at a point where I'm wondering whether I should even continue to pay for my membership. I have so much going on, with working on the remodeling jobs around the house, family dinners now and then, helping out the in-laws, watching the kid while my wife is away on business... I sometimes get know what it's like to be a single parent. Add all of this to the daily chores around the house and out goes any hopes of getting in a workout.

I don't know how some people do it. Do they have supportive spouses? Are they just that organized and constructive with their time? Is their life that much more simple?

I'm at a point of frustration, because this is something I long for, yet I can't make it happen for me.

I figure it might help if I were a part of a group or had a friend that shared my goals. I'm working on that. I may have found a buddy that is willing to get out and do things on occasion... time will tell.

Motivation is my biggest problem. I'm going on a cruise this next week, for seven days. Even that was not enough to motivate me to workout over the past several months. If that didn't, I'm not sure I know what will. I've scoped out the summer schedule for local Tri's and Du's. There are a few possibilities for me to race. I need to gauge my commitment for making those races.

One thing that does get me motivated is to share a common goal with friends.... but I question this motivation, if I can't just do it for myself....

Too many questions, not enough answers....

....searching.

~ef

2007-01-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[I know... I'm late. I'm lame....]

Here's to losing the ten pounds we put on during the holidays! ;-)

New Year's resolution:

1. To come up with New Year's Resolutions.....

Peace and Love,

Eric

2006-11-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

I'm thankful for all of my friends in the blogger's world. God bless you all this holiday season.

2006-11-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

Well, it's not pretty, but there it is. The race results have been posted.

It's a little tough for me to take, but it gives me motivation to get better. I like to think of it this way... "I was tenth in my age group!" Booya!

2006-10-23T08:09:00.000-06:00

Saturday Bike.

Saturday was to be a completely lazy day. I was invited to a 'guys-only' day of football, beers and brauts at a friends house. It started at noon and really didn't have an end time [you were expected to just crash for the night]. This was an annual event for the guys to get away from the kids, the wives and the honey-do lists, and just be guys... and drink... a lot!

While some parts of this event were appealing to me, some weren't. I liked the idea of being able to 'get away' for the day, but I couldn't bring myself to spending the entire day there. The weather was too nice to spend indoors... and it was too nice to skip out on a workout.

It was sunny, but it was windy... the wind made it cold... but the sun helped [it's definitely Fall here]! So I geared up for a long bike ride. I thought I would take the last route, but take that loop in the opposite direction for something different. Once again, the hills were brutal! But I took them on with a smile.... I welcomed them... I sought them out, in fact. I deviated off of the original course for the purpose of seeking another, steeper climb. My legs weren't happy about that, but I had this 'sickness' in me that said, "Hills? Bring 'em on!"

The wind added a difficulty that I'd not yet experienced. It wasn't a heavy wind, it was more of a heavy breeze, but when you're on a bike, even a breeze can be a burden! Wow.

I was expecting to ride the 14.2 miles that I traveled last time, but my deviations were obviously going to extend that distance, so at mile 10 I set a goal of 20. I had the time, but whether I had the legs was yet to be seen.

I got lost again. I missed a turn somewhere, but that was okay. It forced me to ride further. It was a long steady down hill that I got carried away with. It took me about a 1/2 mile out of my way and added another 1/2 mile worth of climb for me to get back to the turn that I missed. Oops.

When I got near the house my cyclo-puter was reading 17 miles. I was thinking of routes where I could add the 3 miles to reach my goal of 20. I knew where I could go, but at that time my a_s started screaming at me. I was experiencing some deep saddle soreness from being in the saddle for an hour and a half. The pain was shooting down into my legs, so I decided to call it off. I'd just bring it into the house and call it good. I guess I need to work out my 'cheeks' for those long rides... and maybe look into another saddle.

Overall I was pleased with my ride.
17.4 miles
Time - 01:36:42
Top speed - 43.4 mph!
Avg. speed - 10.6 mph
1358 feet of climb

2006-10-20T13:30:00.000-06:00

Yesterdays bike ride.

When I got home after work yesterday, the weather was really quite nice considering how gloomy it 'looked' all day. It had been cloudy and dark all day, but never produced any precipitaion. So I had this wild notion to jump on the Mountain Bike for a ride before the night fell upon me.

It was completely unplanned, so I was a little unorganized trying to find my gear. It took me a good 40 minutes or so before I was finally on the bike and riding down the road. In my haste I'd forgotten to put air in my tires. I had enough to ride, but I'd dropped the pressure for my off-road excursion this past weekend, so I kind of felt like I was riding through molasses the entire time I was out. Determined to get in a good ride before it got too dark, I powered on. I was already too far away from the house to warrant turning around and taking the time to get more tire pressure.

Off I went. I was taking some roads that I was kind of familiar with. It was my goal to get as far as I could in approximately an hour... because I knew that in about an hour it was going to be too dark.

I remembered that there were lots of rolling hills and many of them were quite challenging, but one forgets just how tough they can be. I guess I still haven't gotten use to how hilly it is around here. Until you get on a bike, it just seems so flat.... until you get on a bike!!!

Pushing myself as I was, I ended up getting a little lost. Thank God for technology! I was able to pull out the cell phone and call my wife. She then whipped out the laptop [we have wireless, so it's always handy] and logged on to mapquest. I told her about where I was and she could tell me where I needed to go. Yeah, I could have just turned around and returned the way I came, but I was determined to make a loop towards home. I knew it could happen... and it did.

As with all of the hills that go UP... there are also the hills that go down. They make all the climbs worth it! I tucked every hill that I thought would be worth tucking... and sucked every once of energy out of that hill that had once sucked the energy out of me, on the other side. One hill shot me out at 40 mph! Now that's intimidating! I read a bumper sticker recently that says, "Don't drive faster than your guardian angel can fly"

I hope my guardian angels are fast, cuz I'm not about to slow down!

...and yeah, it was a little too dark by the time I got home. I need to get better set up with lights. It sucks how it gets so dark so early during the winter months. Power on....

14.2 miles, 01:06:15
1024ft. of elevation (according to USA Track and Field)

2006-10-18T12:38:00.000-06:00

Undeterred.

Yesterday I went for a run... in the rain.

I got home and was feeling kind of blue... sleepy really... and ready for a nap. It had been raining all day, so getting outside never crossed my mind. I had surrendered to being confined to the indoors for the evening... because that's what you do when it's raining... you stay inside!

Perhaps this was why I was feeling blue. Perhaps this is why I just wanted to take a nap and forget about the world [I really was sleepy, but that's another Oprah]. Perhaps....

I was mulling over the idea of taking a nap and had mentioned it to my wife. She says to me, "Why don't you go for a run?" I'm thinking, "Wha?"... and then say, "... Because it's raining outside!" "Duh."

But then I thought to myself, "You know... You really should go for a run. Who cares if it's raining!" The idea quickly became appealing to me. I threw on my gear, grabbed the dog and out the door I went.

It was a step in the right direction. I was just talking with a buddy of mine about how I need to get over being a "Fair Weather" runner. I typically only run outside when it's nice out. The other reason I didn't want to get out in the rain is because I didn't want to get my running shoes dirty. Up until yesterday I'd preserved them from being exposed to any water or mud. I'm just kind of anal like that... but running shoes ain't cheap! I'll get over it.

I took a familiar route, but took a detour on the way back in an effort to lengthen the distance of my run. I wasn't sure how much further it would take me, but was pleasantly surprised to find out that it took me quite a bit further than I had expected. Thanks to USA Track & Field route mapping I was able to map out the distance of the detour. The total distance measured out to be 3.9 miles. My longest run to date.

I started out feeling really sore and tight from the race this weekend, but by mile 3 I was feeling O.K.

My legs are definitely sore today!

3.9 miles in 43:53 [you could probably take off three minutes for all the pit stops the friggin' dog had to make... sheesh!]

2006-10-16T07:23:00.000-06:00

I guess it's time for a race report...

I did it! I've accomplished my first race!... and I lived!

That's about were the boasting ends. I think I was second to last, overall, coming ahead of one other woman. :-(

The results haven't posted yet, but I think my unofficial overall time was 01:46:10 (according to my watch).

This off-road course was a lot tougher than I had expected it to be. The run course was quite rocky and washed out in places, along with needing to jump over fallen trees and navigate through exposed tree roots. Parts of the bike course were similar, but less so. There was one fallen tree that people were obviously having difficulty riding over, as they were high-centering. I think one guy may have damaged the chainring on his cyclocross. I thought it crazy that people even tried to do this course with a cyclocross, but there were about four guys who brought them. I'm not sure whether they all made it or not.

The bike course was a 4 mile loop (x2) of hiking trails and fire roads, with short sections of paved road. The flyer mentioned theis one particular climb which rose 400 feet at 12% grade for over 1/2 mile, but I think the 12% was an average! I had to walk my bike up most of this climb (both laps). I just didn't have the legs for it. I saw one of the cyclocross bikes being walked up this hill, as well as a few others, but I'm sure that most of the racers needed to walk their bikes up this climb.

There were a couple of fun declines. One was paved. It came just before the big climb... steep enough to get 36 mph without even trying. You couldn't ride it out, because at the bottom there was a sharp left turn, so slowing down took up a big part of that section. The other declines where trail. I would go as fast as I could, but at one point was feeling unstable on the loose rock, so I told myself, "Slow it down, Eric, you're not that good!" I was not about to wreck at 20-something mph on loose rock!

I knew that I wasn't in contention for a medal on this day, so I just ran my race. My goal was to finish and I did. While I was out there I was reminded of how unprepared I was for this race; of how out of shape I am; of how 'fast-twich' I am vs. 'slowtwitch.' I was out there thinking, "This is the best workout I've had all year!" I was out there thinking, "I love this!" I'm definitely going to be doing this race again next year... and others just like it.

Fortunately, my wife made it out to the race and got a couple of photos to prove I was out there. If you look closely, you will see that I'm wearing my TRIFUEL hat, doing my best to represent!

(apparently my she didn't set the date correctly on the camera... but, oh well... Thanks for being there Honey!)

2006-10-12T08:51:00.000-06:00

I struck up a conversation with a coworker yesterday. I was just leaving the gym locker room after my workout, when he came in after his run. I was asking him about what routes he takes around the area, telling him of my need-to-know-how-far-I-went compulsiveness. He mentioned trying out this site... USA TRACK & FIELD
Are you kidding me? This is way cheaper than buying a Garmin! I realize that this mapping tool may not be completely accurate... and don't get me wrong... I STILL want a Garmin... but it totally solves some of my issues! Yay!

Yesterdays workout included some ab work and a quick 30 minute workout on the stationary bike. It was the first time that I used this particular machine, but I figured since I'm racing this weekend, I need to at least get my legs ready to churn some pedals. I wasn't too pleased with the stationary bike, but it gave me the workout I needed. I had the 'resistance' [if you can really call it that] as high as it would go, plus I had the workout set to 'hill intervals.' Then I was peddling about as fast as I could, so that I could feel like I was getting a good workout. After the bike, I jumped off and onto the treadmill, for Brick sakes! I've never actually done a Brick, so I figured I'd better do something, since I have one coming up in the race. Wow. My legs felt so heavy. I only had time to run a half mile [@ 9:30 pace], but it gave me a good idea of what it's going to be like to run after the bike on Saturday. I'm scared, to say the least....

The weather is calling for Sunny and a high of 57degrees Fahrenheit, but I'm still concerned about having cold ears and digits... what to wear?... what to wear? Long sleeves? Short sleeves? Long pants? Shorts? I guess I'll just pack for the worst and strip layers as I need to.

2006-10-11T08:46:00.000-06:00

I pounded out a 5k run on the treadmill yesterday. Something wierd happened and I don't know if I can explain it. You see... I went fast.

Now... don't get ahead of me. It certainly wasn't fast for a 5k, but it was fast for me. While it wasn't necessarily a personal best, it actually felt... well, not good, but not terrible and not so hard. In recent weeks of running, just getting 2 miles in was a chore. 3 miles was torture... but not yesterday. It was still painful, mind you, but something happened inside my head. Motivation? Perhaps... and most likely, really. It looks like I will be in my first race this weekend. An Off-Road Duathlon: 1.5 mile run, 8 mile bike, 1.5 mile run.
Lancaster County Off-Road Duathlon

I take that back... It doesn't "look" like I'll be in the race. I, in fact, will be in the race. I'm officially registered!

Wow. Now I'm nervous...

2006-10-06T06:23:00.000-06:00

There won't be a workout today [unless you count taking a 2-year old cross country on a commercial airliner... which I'm terrified of, but I get to take it on...blek!].

My day is going to be too crazy for me to get in a workout today, but it comes at a good time. My legs are... well... not sore [surprisingly]... but they are definitely fatigued. So I'll take the day off, rest and heal. I'm feeling that tightness in the bottoms of my feet again. I'm not sure what's up with that. I guess it's just all part of getting into shape. I just don't ever recall having sore feet.

I read an inspiring blog entry yesterday. It has really made me think about something. I've ignored the 'Athlete' inside of me for a long time. I was a good athlete once... I'm still a good athlete. I just need to pay more attention to the athlete inside of me. He is good for me in many ways and my life just works better when I can maintain a close relationship with him. Here's the blog I read: "I Am an Athlete"

2006-10-05T10:33:00.000-06:00

2.25 miles today.

It was painful and exhausting... ugh!

[but I guess it still counts!] :-)

...that's all I have to say about that...

2006-10-04T12:15:00.000-06:00

Crap!

I don't get it...

It seemed to take everything I had in me to go 2 miles on the treadmill yesterday. I actually pulled out 2.4 miles, but it took me forever! I did a lot of walking, because I just couldn't hang.

Today was a little better... 3.04 miles... And I did this distance as fast as yesterdays distance. My knees are a little sore today. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see that my heart rate remained relatively low during today's workout. My respiratory is another story...

My energy, in general, has been especially low recently. I feel like I'm not getting enough sleep. I think I may have sleep apnea. Ah, the joys of aging! I've got the number to a local sleep clinic. I will get to the bottom of this. Who's robbing my sleep???

I've always been a fan of sleep. In fact, naps are a favorite pastime of mine. "Take-a-nap" could be my middle name, but they are coming more out of necessity than enjoyment, anymore. I wish I were one of those people that could operate on little sleep. I have a hard enough time functioning on less than 7 hours of sleep. Okay... that's enough about that. I'm getting sleepy!

I have got to take the time to map some running routes around my office building. I'm going to be spending enough time indoors, on the treadmill this winter; I need to take advantage of the nice days that are left, until then. The problem is... well... TIME!

I'm heading to Colorado for my long weekend. "What long weekend?" you're asking. I work for the State, so we get Columbus Day off... [Yay for me!] Anyway, my point with bringing up the fact that I'm going out of town is, continuing training while away. I'm terrible when it comes to maintaining a regime while out of town, so I'm hoping to turn a new leaf [no "Fall season" pun's intended]. I'll be taking my running gear [priority over anything 'fashionable'], with the intention of running while I'm out there. The high altitude training will be good for me. ;-)

2006-09-26T08:45:00.000-06:00

Okay, I promised to come back to talk about my “Anberlin” experience

So, now…

… The rest of the story…

This past weekend, my sister-in-law went out of town for business, so we kept the two girls; One 16 months old and one 14 year old. The night they were to arrive I mentioned to my wife how I was surprised that Taylor wasn’t staying with some of her girlfriends for the weekend. She then mentioned that her girlfriends where going to some concert on Saturday night and Taylor wasn’t invited [the band that was playing happened to be Taylor’s favorite rock group!] I was like, “What?!?” She then went on to tell me how the tickets for this concert were only $10!!! So, I decided at that moment that I would take her.

When Taylor arrived I asked her if she had any plans for Saturday night, which prompted a puzzled look on her face and a question, “Why?” To which I responded, “Well, I’m going to the Anberlin concert and wanted to know if you would like to go.” She jumped three feet into the air and gave me the biggest hug! She even cried. She was so happy!

We drove down to Lancaster about an hour early, so as to get a good spot in line. Turns out there was some confusion on the part of the establishment as to when they were going to be opening the doors, so about twenty minutes before we thought they were going to open the doors, we found out that there was going to be another hour wait! Oh well. We were about ten people from the door and knew that we were going to be able to get a good spot near the stage. And we did. We were three people deep off of center stage!

There were five bands that played, all together. The first bands had short gigs lasting about 30 minutes. Each band played a little longer than the last. I liked some bands more than others, but all were enjoyable. Of the ‘opener’ bands that played, a group called “The Classic Crime,” out of Seattle, showed the best and most well-rounded talent, and ultimately appealed to my musical palate.

Anberlin was, of course, the highlight of the night. While the opening bands displayed a high energy with their spot on stage, I wasn’t prepared for the energy that Anberlin brought with them! Not only was Anberlin on fire, but the crowd’s energy tripled compared to when the other bands where out there. It was like the crowd was feeding off of Anberlin’s energy, and equally so, the band was feeding off of the crowds energy. It was so AMAZING!

The entire night, I felt like a kid! I was so pumped up. So energized! …Dancing and banging my head, and screaming like I was eighteen again [although, my body kept bringing me back to reality. After standing for 6 hours, my feet and back where killing me!]. As exhausting as it was, I found it to be and extremely rejuvenating experience for my spirit. I’m still jazzed about it all. Being at a live show is like nothing else.

Before this night, I had only heard of Anberlin. I’d not actually given them a good listen. I didn’t think I would like their style of music. Boy was I wrong! Sadly, I think I had based this opinion of them based on one song I’d heard earlier this summer.

Did you ever notice how the music is so much better at a live show, than on a recording? Now, I’m talking about a live show where the band is actually talented, and actually plays live. Not your “Milli Vanilli” type shows. Now that I've experienced Anberlin live, I feel like I have this connection with them, which makes me a fan by default, and I definitely love their music. Listening to them on my iPod now takes me back to the night of the concert, which gets my adrenaline going again.

One last thing: I was thinking about how I love my music loud. Loud music gets my energy up. I was also thinking how this must be a guy thing, because most girls I know don’t care for loud music. I now have to question this philosophy, because most of the people at the concert the other night where girls… probably a 3 to 1 ratio. If this concert was anything, it was loud! My ears where still ringing the next morning!

I lied… one more, one-last-thing:
Every time I go to a live show, recently anyway, I think of how I wish I’d done more with my musical abilities. I don’t want to sound like I regret… but… I do hope that I’ll do more, starting now. A few of weeks ago I bought a guitar. I played a little, once upon a time. I plan on doing more with it this time.

2006-09-25T10:42:00.000-06:00

If it weren’t for the pain, the shortness of breath and all the body heat, I’d probably be able to run for quite some time… and distance, for that matter.

I got in Three miles this morning, at work, on the “dreadmill.” It was a beautiful day to run outside, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I have this need-to-know-how-far-I-ran, thing. And that goes for swimming and biking as well. I haven’t marked out any routes around this area, so I wouldn’t have been able to “know” my distance for the day. Oh well.

I was happy to have made 3 miles today. I want to attribute much of my success to my new found rock band, “Anberlin.” I [almost by accident] went to their show in Lancaster PA this weekend and fell in love! There’s a long story behind how I ended up going, as well as a long story about how I feel since I went. I don’t have time to talk about all of that right now, but I can say, in short, “It was Amazing!!!”

Anyway, more on that later... Their music is high energy, so it helped when I was on the treadmill. Listening took me back to the concert and the energy I was feeling there. I was able to run at a much higher pace than normal [and it took my mind off the pain I was feeling in my lower extremities]. Good times!!!

Stay tuned for….

…The rest of the Story!

2006-09-19T13:00:00.000-06:00

Short and sweet workout today. 2.3 miles on the treadmill, in the gym.

I had planned on running first thing this morning, but my youngest was up last night with bad dreams... most of the night, as a matter of fact. When my alarm went off at 5 a.m., I chose to sleep in and harvest some pillow time. I knew I could get a workout later in the day, at work.

I weighed in at 199 today. It was later in the morning than usual, but only by about an hour. I've noticed that my weight has actually increased since I've started working out again [starting weight=196]. I'm not sure what's up with that. Am I holding water? I try to drink plenty of water throughout the day, so I don't think that's it. Am I gaining muscle faster than I'm burning fat? It's possible. Who's to say? I've only been at this for a couple of weeks. I shouldn't fret about a few pounds.

I do need to mention that I now have more motivation for my cause. We will be cruising the Western Caribbean for 7 days, in April! Woo Hoo!

2006-09-18T10:04:00.000-06:00

I did workout last Friday, Sept. 15, but I forgot to blog it... and by now I've forgotten what I did. I believe it was a shoulder workout with some Ab work. If I remember correctly, it was short Ab workout, because they were a little sore from the previous days.

On Saturday, I slept in. I had considered, the night before, getting up early for a run, but it didn't happen. I think it was 8:30 before I was so rudely awakened. By mid day Saturday, I was feeling the soreness in the shoulders.... ouch!! Saturday turned out to be one of those super-lazy-days where you do absolutely nothing. Nothing was planned, nothing on the schedule, nothing that just had to get done. So nothing it was... all day long [for the most part. It's about impossible to do absolutely nothing all day].

Sunday didn't go much differently. We had a niece that got really sick and went to the hospital, so I ended up babysitting the younger niece, because my wife had to ref soccer that afternoon. It all worked out. I got to go hang with the boys later that evening, to watch football.

After such a lazy weekend, I was determined to get in a workout. This morning, I dragged my butt out of bed at 5:15 for a run. I was not happy with myself. I so wanted to sleep in another hour or so... but I didn't. I took the dog out and off we went. We took the 2.2 mile route. I was thinking about the 3.3 mile route, but it's so dark at that time of the morning and the longer route is out in the country where there are no lights at all in most places... and there are not safe, wide shoulders of the road to run on. I don't know if it was the long, lazy weekend or the beers I had last night, but my run kind of stunk. I ran about the first mile and started getting cramps in my feet and calves. I walked about a half mile, until the cramps went away, and then I ran it the rest of the way home. It turned out to be a 30-minute jaunt. Oh well, I'm happy that I got my sleepy arse out of bed and did 'something'!

I also got in a weight workout, late this morning in the company gym. Chest and Tricepts.

I need to work on my nutrition. I feel off today and the physical excertion is only making it worse.

Happy [whatever-it-is-your-doing] today!!!

2006-09-14T12:04:00.000-06:00

Yeah... I feel this way sometimes. Thanks to my little brother for the 'toon.

2006-09-14T08:08:00.000-06:00

I didn't get a chance to blog yesterday. I did, however, get in my workout... as I said I would. I was still feeling quite stuffy from my weekend head cold, but was definitely on my way to recovery.

It was rainy and cold yesterday morning, so I didn't attempt to get out for a run. The cold doesn't bother me as much as the 'wet'. I do struggle with being a 'fair weather' runner. I wish it weren't so, but for now it is. I hope to someday be able to gear up with the proper clothing that will help me to battle the elements. Particularly, reflective clothing. It's dark at 5:00 a.m.!

I hit the weights yesterday and did an upper body workout: Chest and Tri's [triceps]. As well as some ab work. I was happy to be able to do a workout that wouldn't tax my respiratory, allowing it to heal properly.

Today I'm feeling better. Unfortunately, my wife and youngest son are now sick. I must have given it to them. My apologies to them. Kisses!

It was raining and cold again this morning. I'll be working out indoors again today. Stay tuned for what today's menu brings....

2006-09-12T07:40:00.000-06:00

My ride on Saturday did happen! The weather held and I was able to get my arse out of bed on a early, early Saturday morning!

That's were the boasting ends. We only got in 9.5 miles. We were unorganized and unfamiliar with the area we chose to ride in... plus the fog was really heavy, which seems to distort one's sense of direction.

Also, my buddy wasn't the aggressive/seasoned rider that I assumed him to be. Our ride seemed to be more of a social visit and a leisurely ride, than an attempt at a workout... which was fine. I need to invest time into making more freinds.

It was probably to my benefit that we didn't ride hard... because it happend again. Every time I begin a workout regime, after being stagnant for a long peroid of time, I get sick. It's nothing horrible, this time. A head cold... mostly sinus stuff. I thought in the beginning that it was just allergies, but Saturday and Sunday I felt quite crappy. I called off work on Monday and I'm wishing I'd called off today. I'm not that sick, it just sucks to be sick at work.

So, it's day three that I've not had a workout. Tomorrow I'll be working out... regardless. There's a heavy scent of Fall in the air. An indication that there are few days left, for being able to swim/bike/run outside.

2006-09-08T09:56:00.000-06:00

Day Four of my Return.

I chose not to run this morning. The combination of running and lifting weights is punishing my body more than I care to admit. I worked my back and shoulders yesterday and my trapezius muscles are quite bitter with me today.

I did, however, decide to get in a little bit of a workout just before lunch. I did a little ab work, some bicep work, and a short, light ride on the stationary bike. My abs and bicep's were about the only muscles that weren't sore.

My bike ride tomorrow is set. It is somewhat experimental, because we are heading out so early, we don't really know where we will be going, or how far we can get in the time frame that we have. I'm just happy I've found someone to ride with. It's given me some motivation. It must have... I've agreed to wake myself at the butt crack of dawn, ON A SATURDAY MORNING!!!

Perception of one's self:

What is it that we don't see ourselves as others see us?

People have noticed that I'm working out again. When they ask me about it, I proceed to tell them the reasons why I'm working out [right now it's 'cuz I feel fat] and the tell me how good I look. Sometimes I feel skinny [as in, not enough muscle size] and people comment on how muscular I am.

It's just kind of strange...

Dusty room....

2006-09-07T06:58:00.000-06:00

... and rusty joints.

Well, it happened again. I ran. Again.

I've finally found some motivation to get my arse up at 5 a.m. and run. My motivation? I recently had a birthday and I now sense "mid-life" approaching. I've reached my threashold with the aching and the...eh-hem... jiggling. Yes, jiggling. I'm getting soft in the middle and it jiggles. Okay, I can't talk any more about that... I feel my eyes watering.

I've been working out for a total of three days now and I've already noticed one big difference; I have been waking up with this back pain in the mornings and [no, it's not my bed... my bed is quite new] I knew it was from a lack of core strength [weak abs]. I was working out today and I remembered that I didn't have the back pain when I woke up this morning. Wow. A little work can go a long way. Waking up with back pain sucks!

I also noticed that I seem to have more energy; during the day and in the evening. Moreso in the evenings, because lately I've been drained. Last night I was full of energy and was in a fantastic mood!... but when it came time for bed, I crashed as soon as my head hit the pillow. Zzzzzzzzzz.....

I'm feeling the soreness now. I was feeling it yesterday, but I wasn't going to let that stop me from running this morning. The worse thing is that I'm feeling like the tendons in my feet hurt [the arch of my foot], which is strange, but I've been stretching it out all day. It's feeling much better now than it did earlier.

I also have a bike ride planned with an aquaintance. I recently over heard him talking about mountain biking, so I approached him and we are planning an outing for early this Saturday morning... REALLY EARLY! I need to be back to the house by 8:30 a.m. I'll keep you posted on how that goes. I'm wondering if I should take the day off tomorrow from working out at all...???'

Oh... I almost forgot. I need to document this. Yesterday and today I weighed in at 196.4 lbs.

2006-09-06T07:10:00.000-06:00

Wow... it's dusty around this blog. Guess I need to clean it up a bit and spend some more time around here...

Got out to run the last two mornings. 2.2 miles each time. That's the most consistent I've been all summer. I've allowed myself to make tons of excuses about why I haven't been able to workout. Well, I'm changing my ways.

There are a couple of reasons why I've finally come to this point. One has to do with the other. Firstly, I recently turned 36 (ick!)... and second, I'm starting to feel my age. I'm feeling soft and experiencing more joint pains than ever... and I know it's all because I've stopped working out.

With health comes youth [well, youthfullness, anyway]. So, let's get to it....

2006-03-21T14:51:00.000-07:00

We went to see the "Celtic Women" concert this weekend in downtown Philly. This was my first visit to Philadelphia and I must say, I like Philly.... a lot! I just love big cities.

The concert was entertaining. However, I thought that the show was too commercialized and mechanical. There was some great talent out there, all of the women have beautiful voices, but I wasn't impressed with the show overall. I can think of three songs (over the two hour period) that really moved me. Plus, I don't know if it had to do with the location of our seats and the acoustics, but I thought the sound was adjusted incorrectly. The 'mids' were way to high. I felt like I was listening to the concert through a tin can. I was mostly entertained by the percussionists. There were two huge percussion cages on either side and to the rear of the stage. Those guys were really getting into it. I also enjoyed the classical
guitarist, but we didn't get to hear much of him.

Ironically, I enjoyed the second half of the show much more than I did the first half. I don't suppose it had to do with the cocktail I had at intermission. You should have heard the comments and seen the looks I got when I had the guy pour straight vodka over ice.

The show was held in the "Academy of the Arts" theatre in downtown Philadelphia. Not a large theatre, but impressive. It looked to me to be a very old place. We were one row up from the extreme back wall, on the highest level, yet we had a decent view of the stage and the performers. As I looked around I could imagine and I felt like I was sitting in the same auditorium where people had once arrived in their horse-drawn carriages to get there, decades before me. In a sense, I felt like some of those old spirits where there with us that night.

After the show we jay-walked across the street to the nearest restaurant for a bite to eat. It was an upscale Italian joint and the food was delicious! And, I learned something new: Do you know how they make black pasta?

Squid. More specifically, squid ink. That's all of the more of the information that I needed to know on that topic.

Another note of interest: Two different evenings this weekend and in two different locations (two different cities, for that matter), I ordered a "Johnnie Black" (Johnnie Walker, Black Label scotch) cocktail on the rocks... and each time I was poured a double. I usually order "Dewar's" on the rocks. I know... now you're wondering what was up with the vodka, right? Well, that's another story.

It was a short trip, but I'm hoping to make many more trips to Philly now that I've fallen in love with her. With any luck, I'll be able to share those adventures with you as well.

Peace,

~ef

2006-02-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

My buddy Jeremy sent me a copy of the new Willie Nelson cd, "Countryman." He asked me to review it and to let him know what I thought about this new venture of Willie's. The following is an email discussion on the topic:

(Eric Wrote):
"On the topic of Willie. I was skeptical about this album and, knowing your musical background (as diverse as it might be), was quite curious of what beauty you found in this marriage of a country boy and his dreadlock dawning counterparts. I was aware of your inclination towards the talents of our island influences, but not that of the 'country' flavor. I tried to keep an open mind, as I know that you and I are a lot alike in our multifarious tastes in music. While my I have never personally purchased a 'country' genre album, I do have a small personal collection of country music (came with the marriage) and I do enjoy a variety of country music from time to time.

My first impression was that this album was very "Jimmy Buffet-esque." And why not, Jimmy has been very successful in keeping his music 'different'. In the first couple of songs, I had a hard time with the twang of the slide-guitar, the bouncy bass in the background, and the oh so familiar off-beat guitar strum played on top. The music is up-beat and happy, as it should be. Yet, despite the 'Don't-worry-be-happy' sound the music portrays, Willie kept with the repressed view of the world and relationships that is so common in lore of country music.

I was pleased with the songs that moved closer in one direction or another (ie, more country or more reggae). Such as, "The harder they come" or "Undo the Right." I guess there is something inside of me that has a hard time accepting with these two very different sounds coming together. One final critique would be the decision to order "I've Just destroyed the World" and "You Left me a long, long time ago" so closely together. As "You Left me..." began to play, I thought my CD was skipping, because these two songs are played in the same key, tempo and rhythm (though, not too uncommon for reggae music).

Overall, I find the album to be entertaining at best, but wouldn't put it on my list of favorite albums or musical experiences. Please don't get me wrong, I have a world of respect for Willie, his music and his accomplishments over his lifetime. I suppose that, as many songs as Willie has written, he probably was getting bored and wanted to explore a different genre. I don't know whether this was his first venture into the world of reggae or not, but I wouldn't call it a failure. It's just not as sweet on my musical palate as some may express.

I can see how this album would be 'fun' for the country music lover. Which brings up the question of whether you've been so heavily influenced by such tastes by living in the 'South' as long as you have? Or has this always been a part of you and I just never saw it?

So, what's next for Willie? Opera? Symphony? A duet with Josh Grobin, or the likes of 'Celtic woman', Máiréad Nesbitt?"

~ef
********************************************
(to which Jeremy replied):
I think Willie's next venture is to smoke pot & play golf, but I'm not sure...

I, like you, am not a huge country music fan, but I have always enjoyed Willie's stuff - he has a great way of styling songs, and can usually carry the weight of the 'sad sack' lyrics better than just about anyone. You are astute in your judgments about the authenticity of the reggae-ness - it is not 100% true-blue reggae by any means (in fact, I couldn't tell if it was reggae or Tejano-based the first few times I listened to it - especially the first 2 songs). The things I like about it most are: 1) Willie is taking some chances. I respect that. 2) Willie manages to stay pretty true to what he does - he doesn't force himself as a singer into any type of reggae-type stylings. He sings the way he always has & lets the reggae influence surround him. 3) It's a fun CD to sing along with.

Don't get me wrong - I don't think this is an artistic masterwork fusing two disparate cultures into a single, cohesive unit of expression (as did Paul Simon's "Graceland"). I am not anticipating that this record will crack my Top-5 list of Willie Nelson's greatest achievements (especially after the release of such gems as "Spirit" and "Teatro"), much less my Top-5 list of favorite records. That said, I like the record a lot - it's fresh, it's fun, it has a beat I can dance to. I give it an 83...

~jl
**********************************************

So there you have it... because I know many of you were wondering. ;-)

~ef

2006-02-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

Feeling better, but this cough keeps hanging on. Last night was the best sleep I've had in a while. I treated my throat with steam before I went to bed and it afforded me with an entire night sans coughing. I'd used this method a couple of other times when my coughing had awoken me from my slumber. When I used steam, I noticed that I didn't cough again for the remainder of my sleep. So, last night, in my spasmodic wisdom, I sat and steamed my throat in the bathroom, whilst enjoying a maximum strength Menthol cough drop. Then, I treated myself to a dosage of a 12-hour cough suppressant, as well as a nights dosage of Nyquil. At one point during my sleep, I remember my stomach mentioning that the heavy Rx may not have been such a good idea. And, at 11 am this morning, I'm still feeling the affects of the Nyquil, because I sure could use a nap!

That said, I'm still cautious in partaking in any sort of exercise that may tax my respiratory system, for fear of creating a much worse bronchial situation.

I once had a bronchidis that stayed with me for three months during the winter. It sucked! I should have bought stock in cough medication that year. That's when I was a ski instructor and was on the mountain every weekend, so that didn't help. I do sense that the end is in sight.

Good news. I just contacted a gentleman that is initiating a Triathlon Club in the adjacent county. The first meeting is in a couple of weeks, so we'll see if this will be something that I'll be able to get involved with.

Have a great day!

~ef

What the Seahawks are good for...

2006-02-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

They make good Chicken Wings!!!

Eat 'em up, STEELERS!!!

~ef

guh!

2006-02-03T06:36:00.000-07:00

It was Saturday evening and I feel this itch in my throat. I think nothing of it. I had been out all afternoon washing and polishing my cars. It was a little cool out, but nothing that a sweatshirt couldn't take care of.

Sunday morning, it's there again. No big deal. I go to church and sing all morning (I sing with the worship team... both services). After church, my throat was feeling raw, but I sign it off to irritation from singing.

Sunday night... in the middle of the night... I wake up coughing and by now I'm feeling like crap, with a very sore throat. Sleep was not my friend and going to work was not going to happen.

Monday I laid around and let my body rest. Monday night was a repeat of Sunday night. Again, no sleep.

Tuesday comes and nothing has changed. I stay home, but schedule a doctors appointment to make sure I don't have strep. The good news is that I don't have strep. The bad news is that I have to just ride this thing out.

I made it to work (guilt ridden from already missing two days for a measly cold) Wed., Thurs., and today, but have felt like crap all along. My nights have been filled with tossing and turning, and coughing and hacking. No amount of cough medicine seems to help at all. I woke up last night and turned on the steaming hot water for a while in the bathroom. That worked the best thus far, and provided me with 5 straight hours of sleep. Yay!!

All that being said, I'm quite irked because this has kept me from getting in any sort or workout this week.

I hope everyone else is having a great week!

~ef

Sleepless in PA...

2006-01-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

I woke up with my alarm today... but I didn't jump out of bed. It took me about ten minutes to get myself moving.

I was super tired, but I found some motivation to do a core workout. It was short, but sweet.

I was reminded today that I am so not a morning person. I went to bed later than usual (10:30) and then I didn't sleep well. I also noticed that I was awake at some point before my alarm went off. I was lying there awake thinking, "I need to get out of bed." And then I realized that my alarm hadn't even gone off yet. I can't remember whether I fell back to sleep or not... it sure doesn't feel like it.

During the time I did actually sleep, I must have slept all wrong. My back is out of sorts. My spine, between my shoulder blades, feels knotted. :-/

Some days I really hate getting old.

~ef

I need not a snooze button...

2006-01-25T09:14:00.000-07:00

This morning, I slept right through my alarm... well, not completely. I woke up after about 25 minutes. The morning workout didn't happen.

I attempted to do some ab crunches, lying there in my bed. I'd heard of people that wake up and do a bazillion crunches before they get out of bed. I did about 60... then, I decided that what I was doing was sacrilege. My bed is not for work... it is for rest and relaxation. It's not a pilates mat. It is for comfort and snuggy-ness.

It won't happen again.

~ef

Has my sanity been misplaced?

2006-01-24T12:48:00.000-07:00

I rose in the darkness

and there was already a chill

from my view I could see

the weather was colder still.

My brain said, "Go back to bed!"

My body said, "We need this. Let's go."

...the majority ruled.

So with excuses aside

I dressed in my gear

said a quick prayer

and then spit in the face of my fear.

Off I went

into the darkness of winter

in the freezing tempuratures

and into the silence of early morning.

Has my sanity been misplaced?

The cold bit at my lungs.

It screamed at me,

"Go back home!"

"This journey will not be fun."

"Hush!" I said, "You'll spoil my run."

I ignored the voices

and put a picture in my head

the body I long for

and a lifestyle of health.

Insanity is where I've been.

Misplaced was my sanity

gone on ahead of me

I've fallen behind.

Running now to catch up.

With every step I take

I lose that which holds me back

and gain more to perpetuate.

2.2 miles and I'm dissatisfied,

but my sanity is closer

and a goal I've accomplished.

Another battle has been won.

Tomorrow is another,

again,

in the absence of the sun

and in the face of my own calamity

I will come closer

to finding my sanity.

Happy Training.

~ef

I was spinning and spinning... and ...

2006-01-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

Spinning... and spinning... and spinning.

Somewhat, seemingly out of control.

The spinning had begun in a flash...

and where was I going?

Spinning and spinning and spinning.

How did I get here? My thoughts retraced the day...

contemplating the steps I had taken,

which helped me to arrive at this place.

The spinning continued...

spinning and spinning and spinning.

It would not stop.

There were no regrets,

but there were steps that brought me to this place.

Now, spinning and spinning and spinning.

There were sounds of spinning all around me.

The whirling of sounds of spinning...

Spinning and spinning and spinning.

The spinning wasn't slowing,

yet the fear in me was growing.

My heart beat was racing,

the sweat was pouring.

I gasped for breath now

and the spinning continued.

Spinning and spinning and spinning.

The minutes seemed like hours

and the spinning got faster still.

I wanted to cry out,

but who would hear me over all of the noise.

Spinning and spinning and spinning.

I didn't know if I could take much more

My body was so hot

my heart beat so fast

would this be the end of me

or would it not?

Spinning and spinning and spinning.

And just when my body had reached it's threshold

I heard a voice

It wasn't the voice inside my head

It was the spin coach

and I realized I was not dead.

Happy Training.

~ef

Shoe appreciation day...

2006-01-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

I'd like to declare today, "Shoe Appreciation Day."

This morning, as I'm dressing and deciding what outfit to wear. I thought to myself, "I want to wear my comfortable shoes today." So, today, instead of choosing my outfit and then my shoes, I chose my shoes, then built my outfit from the ground up.

What shoes, you ask? They are a pair of black slip-on leather shoes. I've had them for a few years now and if I remember correctly, they have always been comfortable... yet they are stylish and formal enough for business wear.

I've worn them to a lot of my favorite places and cities. They were with me as I've walked the avenues of San Fransico, in the rain in New York, and on the coldest nights in Chicago seeking out food and entertainment... and don't forget, frequenting my favorite jazz club in Denver, "Sambuca". A multitude of great memories have been had in these shoes... and always done in comfort.

Have you hugged your shoes today? It's "Shoe Appreciation Day." Please remember your shoes today and remember all of the great places that they have taken you.

~ef

Shout out...

2006-01-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

Hey! I just wanted to send out a quick shout out to Okolo at Blogger Headz for the snazzy new header on my site. I was the 3rd caller in the 'free header' contest! Thanks Okolo!

~ef

One Million things about me...

2005-12-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

(Note: last updated on 10/11/2006)

I've decided that I will make this a 'working document'. I will add the fun, interesting and random things that come up for me... as my mind decides to recall them.

I've created a link in the sidebar so that this list can be viewed and reviewed at your leisure.

This list was originally prompted by a "Five Random Things About You" game that was passed along to my blog.

(The original list)

1. I'm a geek/nerd disguised as a jock. How do I know? I did the 'jock' things in high school. Hung out with the 'jock' crowd and for all intensive purposes, was considered a 'jock'. Yet, I was also in the h.s. band... yes, I was a band geek, too. To keep a long story, short. I'd like to qualify this by pointing out that my very best friend (aside from my little brother) is Jeremy. He was the ultimate geek in h.s. And for the most part, I'd consider most of my other friends nerds as well. My life is cool.

2. When in college, I sang in the University choir (staying with the geek theme). My last year with the choir we toured Spain and sang in most of the Historical cathederals. The accoustics were amazing and coupled with the songs that we were perfoming, where at times overwhelming. It was one of the most memorable times in my life. (ps... we partied like 'Rock Stars'!!! Are you kidding me?... they served wine at just about every meal.... sahweet!)

3. Despite my macho outer shell, I'm very much a metrosexual. As well as, tender. Books, movies and commercials, to name a few, can get the water works a runnin'.

4. If you haven't been able to tell, humor and comedy run my thoughts. Even in a heated discussion my mind can wander to the 'double entendre'. I have to hold back the comments and contain the laughter inside me. It's the hardest thing I do, sometimes. However, I do still have the capability of being serious. Please see number three.

5. Ummmmm.... uhhhhhhh... sheesh, number five is a hard one. I can't think of anything. My brain just stopped working, so I'm going to ramble until something comes up. This is a practice of 'random' thoughts after all. Random things about me... la, la, la. Deei, dee, dee. La, dee, da... crap! Stay tuned...

5. (revisited) I guess my life isn't so random after all. I have four random things about me... the rest is orderly and systematic....

5. (continued) The problem is, while I'm being random, I'd still like to be interesting...

5. (final draft) Okay. Here's what I've come up with for number five: I have read more books (mostly non-fiction. Oddly enough, none have ever been humorous.) in the past three years than I did in my entire life previous. I've actually taken a liking to books that make me think... reflect... meditate... grow. Some day I'd like to list the one's I've read since the year 2002.

(the 'five more' list that has become more than 'five'.)

1. I've discovered that I am the worlds worst gift wrapper.

2. The worst smell in the world to me is dog poo. I absolutely gag... blek!

3. My 'Wild Card' is Charlize Theron (if you don't know what a 'wild card is, let me know). She has been since I discovered what a 'wild card' was. The first movie I remember seeing her in was 'The Devil's Advocate' with Keanu Reeves.

4. In the summer of 1990, I was swimming in an outdoor pool so much that my skin color got dark enough where people started thinking I was of other ethnic backgrounds than my own.

5. I've never had a broken bone (that I know of)... but I have had surgery on the middle finger of my right hand for a broken tendon (snapped it while playing basketball).

6. (I know... I only said five, but I'm going to keep going, as long as stuff keeps coming up for me.)

6. I have had a cracked rib (unconfirmed) from a snowboarding accident. I never went to the doctor.

7. I've never gone skinny dipping with a group of people.

8. I was a Delta Sigma Phi frat boy in college.

9. I use to operate heavy machinery as my occupation... now I'm on a computer.

10. I learned to drive in a dump truck, when I was 15.

11. What I considered to be my 'first love' in High School, was in my junior year. My second true love was the girl I dated after that. I'm currently in the best love of my life!

12. One of my biggest pet peeves is lint and pet hair on my clothes, but mostly pet hair on my clothes... and around the house... sheesh!

13. I'm getting OCD in my old age.

14. When I was 17 and just finished my junior year in H.S., my mother allowed me to fly to Missippi to spend a week with an old girl-friend... I'm still blown away by that.

15. My tattoo marks an important time in my life (2002). I chose the Kokopelli man for several reasons...

16. The "...so you can rest, medicine" part of Nyquil hangs out in my system a lot longer than it should.

17. I've sung duets in two different weddings. One song was "Leather and Lace" by Stevie Nicks, the other song was "Always" by Atlantic Starr.

18. I'm an over-eater (but I'm still winning this battle!). I love food! One food that I'm guaranteed to gorge on is spaghetti with red sauce. There are lots of good foods that I've gorged on in the past, but spaghetti takes the cake.

19. Diet Coke over diet Pepsi. I know, I should chose water over both of these, but there are some foods that just have to be eaten with soda pop. However, I do only have soda when I'm eating. Otherwise, I drink water.

20. Speaking of water... sometimes I like my water over a glass of Scotch. On the rocks, please... and no twist!

21. Speaking of Scotch... I've been known to have my Scotch with a fine cigar.

22. I've been on one cruise in my life. Seven days in the Eastern Caribbean. Yes, I came back with some cuban cigars.

23. My son Logan was conceived on that cruise. ;-)

(Boy, was that boat a Rockin'!!! No, it had nothing to do with me. We went through a storm. Now get your head out of the gutter!)

24. Back on the subject of beverages and meals... not all meals are to be consumed with either soda or water. Other entrées may need to be shared with a suitable wine... yet other's with a glass of milk. Such as an entrée consisting of cookies!

25. When it comes to driving, it's always about the destination and never about the journey.

26. I remember, when in my youth, wanting to grow taller and wider, as many young men do. The growing taller has long since stopped, yet the growing wider hasn't. :-/

27. I've discovered that I'm a terrible blogger, from home. I do really well when I can do it on company time. :-/

28. In my opinion, I'm more consistanty funny on paper (blogging, emails, etc.) than I am in person.

29. For some reason, I've had this desire to shave my head. I've had the desire for years... I've just never done it.

30. I once shaved my entire body (sans my head). That was an itchy experience I never want to go through again!
Read about it here and here2, and here3.

31.

(to be continued...)

Identity crisis...

2005-12-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

I guess I'm having an identity crisis. I've changed my profile name.... again.

I've never had a nickname. When I (or someone) tried to get a nickname to stick, it just never did workout with me.

E-dub has the most relevence. My initials are EWF.... E(dubya)F... "E-dub."

I'll try this on for a littel while and see if it's blog worthy.

~E-dub (or E-Dub? Should I capitalize the 'D'?)

Just a thought...

2005-12-21T12:08:00.000-07:00

So I was thinking...

**** If I'm ever bored... then, I must be boring (at least at that moment). ****

Think about it...

If you are having fun (not bored), can you possibly be boring?

So, what's the accountable version?

If you ever say, "I'm bored"...
... then think to yourself, "What are you going to do about it?"

If I'm bored, then it's my fault.

~ef

Birthdate: August 16

2005-12-20T06:55:00.000-07:00

Your Birthdate: August 16

You're incredibly introverted and introspective. You live inside your head.
You spend a lot of alone time meditating and thinking.
People see you as withdrawn, and at times they are right.
You are caring and deep, but it may be difficult for you to show this side of yourself.

Your strength: Your original approach to thinking

Your weakness: You tend to shy away from others

Your power color: Pale blue

Your power symbol: Wavy line

Your power month: July

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

There was a day when this would have 'hit the nail on the head.' While there are still periods of time when these things are true, I'm not as introverted as I used to be.

I'll break it down:

"You're incredibly introverted" - not really. Recently I took a MBTI (Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator) and I came out a ENFJ.

ENFJ

Envisioner Mentor: ENFJ

Theme is mentoring, leading people to achieve their potential and become more of who they are. Talents lie in empathizing with profound interpersonal insight and in influencing others to learn, grow and develop. Lead using their exceptional communication skills, enthusiasm, and warmth to gain cooperation toward meeting the ideals they hold for the individual or the organization. Catalysts who draw out the best in others. Thrive on empathic connections. Frequently called on to help others with personal problems.
http://www.knowyourtype.com/enfj.html

"Introspective" - yeah, for the most part.

"You live inside your head" - who doesn't?

"People see you as withdrawn, and at times they are right." - at times. I prefer to think of it as reserved.

"You are caring and deep, but it may be difficult for you to show this side of yourself." - caring and deep, yes. Difficult for me to show it, no.

"Your strength: Your original approach to thinking" - I like that part.

"Your weakness: You tend to shy away from others." - A battle I'm winning.

"Your power color: Pale blue" - I like blue. I prefer a midnite type blue, but if they say pale blue, then who am I to argue.

"Your power symbol: Wavy line" - sure, why not. ~~~~~~~~~~

"Your power month: July" - I have no comment for this... other than, "I'll take it."

duck... duck... goose?

2005-12-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by Pnut! Directions are to divulge 5 random things about my person (meaning me)(I like to simplify things for some of my readers... well... okay... both of them)... or was it 5 things randomly? I think, both!

The problem here is that everything about my life is random, so I'll try to narrow it down to five... while still being random. ;-)

[now that I've looked up the word ''divulge" in the dictionary, we can get started.]

Let's see... What can I propagate that my blog doesn't already say about me?

1. I'm a geek/nerd disguised as a jock. How do I know? I did the 'jock' things in high school. Hung out with the 'jock' crowd and for all intensive purposes, was considered a 'jock'. Yet, I was also in the h.s. band... yes, I was a band geek, too. To keep a long story, short. I'd like to qualify this by pointing out that my very best friend (aside from my little brother) is Jeremy. He was the ultimate geek in h.s. And for the most part, I'd consider most of my other friends nerds as well. My life is cool.

2. When in college, I sang in the University choir (staying with the geek theme). My last year with the choir we toured Spain and sang in most of the Historical cathederals. The accoustics were amazing and coupled with the songs that we were perfoming, where at times overwhelming. It was one of the most memorable times in my life. (ps... we partied like 'Rock Stars'!!! Are you kidding me?... they served wine at just about every meal.... sahweet!)

3. Despite my macho outer shell, I'm very much a metrosexual. As well as, tender. Books, movies and commercials, to name a few, can get the water works a runnin'.

4. If you haven't been able to tell, humor and comedy run my thoughts. Even in a heated discussion my mind can wander to the 'double entendre'. I have to hold back the comments and contain the laughter inside me. It's the hardest thing I do, sometimes. However, I do still have the capability of being serious. Please see number three.

5. Ummmmm.... uhhhhhhh... sheesh, number five is a hard one. I can't think of anything. My brain just stopped working, so I'm going to ramble until something comes up. This is a practice of 'random' thoughts after all. Random things about me... la, la, la. Deei, dee, dee. La, dee, da... crap! Stay tuned...

5. (revisited) I guess my life isn't so random after all. I have four random things about me... the rest is orderly and systematic....

5. (continued) The problem is, while I'm being random, I'd still like to be interesting...

5. (final draft) Okay. Here's what I've come up with for number five: I have read more books (mostly non-fiction. Oddly enough, none have ever been humorous.) in the past three years than I did in my entire life previous. I've actually taken a liking to books that make me think... reflect... meditate... grow. Some day I'd like to list the one's I've read since the year 2002.

I tag Kele, Spence and Lisa.

(is this like a chain letter? hehe)

Oops, I did it again!

2005-12-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

No... I didn't pull a 'Britney Spears'... but the song title fits.

Remember when I created a Monster? Well, I vowed to never shave my body again, after that.

(You can read the follow up posts here: The Stubble Report, and
The Stubble Report (part Deux) ).

Since then I've let the hair grow out, in keeping with that vow. However, the hair just kept growing and growing... even beyond it's original length, it would seem. And it was driving me crazy!

I thought... okay... I said I'd never shave my 'entire' body again. So that's what I didn't do. I didn't shave... and I didn't do my entire body. I recalled those 'problem' areas and I stayed away.

Instead, I took out my clippers to cut off all of my body hair. I did, however, shave my back and legs... but these weren't problem areas anyway.

The clippers did a good job of getting the hair cut off quite close to the skin, so it looks good. Plus, I haven't had the unbearable itching and irritation that came with shaving the first time.

It's been about a week since I revisited being hair-less... and I'm happy to be able to report that it has been much more of a success than it was the first time. History did not repeat, in this instance!

Having shaved legs feels so weird to me! I just shaved them down again this morning and they've felt numb in a way. It's just weird... but I like the way it looks. :-)

Shaving cream...

2005-12-01T18:59:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about shaving cream the other night. I was thinking that there are a few benefits to using shaving cream. Such as the moisturizing, the lubrication, the scent...

... but my favorite is that it reminds you of the areas you haven't yet shaved.

:-)

Jeremy's call

2005-11-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

My buddy Jeremy called me some time ago and left the totally hilarious message on my voicemail. He is known for his random rantings and improvisations of comedy. It's something our friendship has thirved on since the fifth grade.

Listen here. (I should mention: this MP3 is a 1.7mb download... 1:48 min. rant)

Or go to my audio web page.

This call was some time ago, but it's taken me this long to get the right software and equipment to have it recorded from my cell phone... saved as an mp3... archived on a 'free storage' website... and then posted to my blog. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

~ef

T.S.O

2005-11-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

I went to the "Trans Siberian Orchestra" concert last night in Hershey, at the Giant center. I wasn't too excited about hearing such an awesome ensemble in a gym, but I was pleasantly surprised with the accoustics. Plus, we had great seats... stadium seats, mind you, but we had a great view of the stage (do I sound like a concert snob?).

I do have to say that I had an incredible experience. The lights... the music... wow. I am really just speachless. I had no expectations going into this, but I was completely enthralled... with the vocal abilities... with the musical abilities... the blending... the mixing. It was amazing... and down right fun!

I sat there most of the time thinking about how much I enjoy music. For a long time, it was a big part of my life... from fifth grade into my second year of college, I was a musician and vocalist. I have to wonder where that would have taken me if I had stuck with it... if I had made a career of it. Would I have been good enough to make it with TSO?

The reason I did drop it was because I didn't think it would sustain me financially. I made it about the money (I guess I always do that... I need to consider how this limitation has stifled my growth as a person).

The other thing I noticed I was doing was just listening... but not to the words. In fact, during one song I was listening so intently to the vocal style of this one bloke, that I realized that I didn't even know what he was singing about. It was the characteristics of his voice and each one of them, male and female... as well as, the playing styles of each musician... their mannerisms as they played... their enthusiasm... their love for what they were doing. That's what I was interested in. Sure it was nice that they had a Christmas theme, but it was the heart and style that interested me.

Music... I need to spend more time with her.

I have recently joined a local group to sing with. We'll see where this goes. It really is a great way for me to express myself. Perhaps I should consider auditioning for the local theatre, specifically, musicals.

Turkey Fry horror! (and weekend update)

2005-11-28T08:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, I've heard all of the horror stories about frying a turkey, but I figured, "how bad could it be?"

(I know I should have been blogging all of this time, but I'm such a bad "at-home" blogger. For some reason I don't like to get on the computer at home. My workouts will be at the end of this blog.)

It was quite a day. We drove up to Philadelphia (Bryn Mawr), to uncle Frank's place for the day. He was hosting Thanksgiving dinner again this year (though this was my first time). We arrived, fashionably late, thinking dinner would soon be ready, pending the usual last minute "fixin's." Come to find out, Uncle Frank hadn't even started heating the oil for the turkey fry. He was adamant that this 'process' didn't take long. The time was 13:30.

Uncle Frank, Arnie and I proceded to prepare an area in the yard (away from the house). Frank was telling us the story of how, last year, he was informed by his neighbor, that his yard was ON FIRE! So we raked away the leaves and assured that this year there would be no danger of catching anything on fire. The ground (and leaves) were wet from the previous evenings rain (and snow), so I was confident that 'fire' could be avoided. (I'm laughing inside at the mere thought of a holiday fire as such)

An hour later, the oil was warming over the seemingly recalescent flame, but, according to Franks thermometer, it wasn't getting hot. It was reading a temp of 120, when the final temp needed to be 400. Typically, this should only take approximately 45 minutes to reach. (again, laughing with myself at another holiday mis-calculation)

Another hour later, we made all the excuses we could about why it wasn't getting hotter faster. It was cold out... It was windy out... The oil was too cold when we poured it into the pot.... blah, blah, blah. We went inside again to give it more time (it really was quite cold out and my glass had run out of Scotch).

I was upstairs putting my youngest down for a nap, when I hear people yelling... "There's smoke! It's SMOKING! There's SMOKE every where!"

I hustle myself downstairs and outside to find Arnie holding a fire extinguisher and Frank standing over a flaming pot of peanut oil. Fortunately, that's all that was on fire. The oil had gotten too hot and had reached it's flash-point ( Autoignition temperature: 443C (829F))!!! Ooops! Apparently, Frank's thermometer wasn't working properly.

We promptly turned off the propane flame. The flame from the oil was easily contained by placing a lid on the pot, suffocating it. Though the smoke was still intimidating.

We agreed that we would allow the oil to cool before placing the turkey in... duh!

Frank was able to find a neighbor that had a temperature gage... THAT WORKED!

Meanwhile, people were starving. We could only eat so many crackers with cheese. (again, laughing inside. Must have been all that scotch on an empty stomach, because I just thought this whole day was hilarious).

After another long period of time, allowing the oil to cool, Frank decided we just needed to get the turkey a fryin'. I helped Frank lower the turkey into the oil, knowing that the oil was still a tad too hot... but we knew the turkey would also help to lower the oil temperature. I was happy when Frank brought out a long pole to do so, because I was wearing some really nice slacks and a very expensive sweater. And besides that, I wasn't open to having flesh scaring oil spashing up on me.

Ever so slowly, we lowered the turkey into the oil and I'm happy to announce that no one was hurt and nothing was damaged. Yay!

Four hours from the originally planned dinner time, we ate... and all were merry!

Workout update:

Wednesday - I thought I was getting sick so I didn't workout.
Thursday - I was fearing for my life... drowning my fear with Scotch.
Friday - I didn't make it to the two-hour spin class. I guess I'm more of a hardcore sleeper than a hardcore athlete at this point in my life. :-/ ... But I did make it to the regular one-hour spin class.
Saturday - 1200 yards in the pool and 3.2 miles on the 'Dreadmill'.

I remembered to bring my headphones, so I was able to get on one of those Treadmills that has the television. It really seemed to help me take my mind off of the 'pains' of running. I attribute much of this to being able to go the 5k distance after the 1200 yds. in the pool... that or I'm just getting better ;-)

ps... mark this as my longest blog ever... phew!

Brrrr..... (and happy holiday)

2005-11-23T06:47:00.000-07:00

I guess winter is here in the Mid-Atlantic. It couldn't even wait to be recognized on it's official, first day of Winter.

We only have light snow flurries, but IT'S SNOWING.

I thought my face was going to freeze off this morning, just walking from the parking garage to my office building. I couldn't imagine running in such bitterness... but I know people do. Hard-core people. Hard-core people ROCK... I wanna be hard-core when I grow up!

We get out early today, for the holiday (I feel like I'm in school again...I'm so excited!). I will use my free time wisely and go to the gym for a workout... but first a nap, perhaps. :-)

Here's wishing each and every one of you a happy holiday weekend. Eat to your hearts delight! We can do that sort of thing... we are athletes and we can burn it off later (or if you're like me, you've been burning it off beforehand so that you can gorge yourself on Thursday!).

The gym is having a special two-hour Spin class on Friday after Thanksgiving... depending on how much I eat, I may be going to this class. :-D

An explanation...

2005-11-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

Why "Double Entendre?"

A friend of mine observed that I used the "double entendre" as a part of my humor.

Main Entry:	double entendre
Part of Speech:	noun
Definition:	play on words
Synonyms:	ambiguity, amphibiology, double meaning, equivocality, equivocation, equivoque, innuendo, joke, pun, tergiversation
Source:	Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus, First Edition (v 1.1.1) Copyright © 2005 by Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

It's just the way my mind works...

... so I've adapted that as my web name.

Email wit...

2005-11-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

This was another email... J. replied to an email of mine inquiring about Hotels for his wedding. It starts out like this:

We are not entirely sure yet - they shouldn't be much more than $100/night for a suite w/ free breakfast. Once we have all that info, I'll get it to ya...

You da man!
~jl

(my response)

Free Breakfast?!! I'm going INSANE right now!!!

They've always said that there's no such thing as a "free lunch"... but YOU HAVE blown away that paradigm with 'FREE BREAKFAST'!!!

And some places serve breakfast all day long! So, essentially, you could order your breakfast at noon (which is really lunch time) and get a 'free lunch'. It's a Loop-Hole! I love Loop-Holes!

Down with all those nay-sayers!! There is such thing as a 'Free Lunch'! It's all around us... all day... everyday!

This has got to be the best day of my life!

It's too late in the day, now, to get my 'free lunch'... but that's what I'm going to do tomorrow.... I'm going to get my 'free lunch'... in the form of Breakfast!!!! [at noon]

Is there such a thing as "National Loop-Hole Appreciation day?" ... No? ... Well there should be... I'm calling the President first thing on Monday!

~ef

**************************************************************************

Just more of the crazy things that go through my head, but don't always make it to my blog.

Fiction for Fun

2005-11-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

In an effort to reveal some of the more interesting (funny/witty) things that I've come up with, I thought I'd post a couple of emails that a buddy and I have formulated recently.

This one starts out with a picture of him and his fiance' (seen below) in an email. I had observed that he was holding out a tortilla chip.

(this email thread is kind of long, but if you like quirky humor, then it will be worth your time.)

(This was my response to his email):

Awww... the picture is great! You guys look in love.... you, Hallie and your chip. What is that?... a tortilla chip? So proudly held up to be captured in the photo.
Your chip is so photogenic! Believe you me, I've seen a lot of tortilla chips and this is a fine looking chip. Not to mention... the tortilla chip is also the best of all chips. Sure there are other chips out there, but this chip you hold... The Tortilla Chip... None other can be reckoned with as the Tortilla chip. Taken from the Corn... America's finest vegetable crop... dried and grinded with the greatest of love. Formed into the perfect sized triangle, then baked (with salt and a couple other ingredients), and removed from the oven revealing the delectable bite-sized morsel. Tenderly placed inside the freshness preserving bag, sealed and gingerly carried to your local convenient store (or arena stadium) for you to savor while viewing your favorite sports past-time. Perhaps, dipping (but not double dipping) it into your favorite salsa or queso variety... or perhaps you prefer your chips drowned in a mountain of chile and cheese... with sour cream, chives, jalapeño's and peppers. Let your imagination take you to your taste buds delight. Ah yes, the Tortilla chip. Brought to us from the ancient Mayan hills... the recipe has been passed down from generation to generation for all to partake, when and where they will. The tortilla chip... your best friend... my best friend... always there when you need one, or two... or a bag full.

I'm so proud of you, Jeremy, for stepping out... and recognizing your 'Tortilla Chip', so proudly. You are more a man than most... alive... free... and in love. It prides me to call you my friend!
Jeremy... you are my friend... my best friend... and I thank you for that. It all began on that sunny, fresh, spring afternoon, when you shared... with me... none other than... a Tortilla chip.

~ef

(Then came J's response)

Whilst Hallie read your rhapsodic soliloquy to the tortilla chip with much laughter and joy, I fear, my friend, that I cannot congratulate you. Indeed, your tribute is truly inspired, but is lacking in the necessary facts to substantiate your argument. To wit...

1) The tortilla chip is made from corn, as you astutely point out. Corn, however, is not America's finest vegetable crop. The US Department of Agriculture has given tomatoes that honor; corn ranks 7th behind lima beans, lettuce, onions, leeks, and carrots. In a recent "Family Circle" poll, corn rates 4th, and the BCS rankings have corn in 11th, trailing Texas, USC, Georgia, Virginia Tech, and LSU (among others). If it is your opinion that corn is the finest, then say so, but don't try to fool me with your "America's finest vegetable" tripe, mister!

2) When producing corn for tortilla chips, the vegetable is not "dried" - it is hydro-pollenated, washed, polarized, ionized with polymer biglutocartomates, then ground (not "grinded") through a multi-tiered farm haberdasher ombudsman. "Dried and grinded"... hah!

3) The "perfect-sized triangle" you refer to does not (and can never) exist. According to mathematicians from Galileo to modern times, the concept of a perfect-sized triangle violates the basic Marconi principle of v=(3pi+xg1)/n where n=neothermic velocity. Even a third grader knows that a 'perfect triangle' would have to include 3pq, which, is only possible if gravity exists as a polytharpic function which, as I am sure Logan would tell you, cannot occur. You would be better off saying 'perfect N*SYNC record' than you would saying 'perfect-sized triangle'...

4) Tortilla chips as Mayan? Mayan!?!? Clearly we have not read G.K. Molterglot's incisive book On the Origins of Tailgating Foods and Condiments, with Asides on the Sausages, have we? If you had, you would know that the tortilla chip is, in fact, derived from the Finnish pryzbilla, handed down to explorers from Davenport, Iowa, in the mid-1500s. From there, to Kansas City, where it became a staple of 17th century blues guitarists. Union soldiers were paid in tortilla chips rather than cash, and Custer had chips with him during his famous "Next to Last Stand", which was really a social event more than anything (we all know how the actual party turned out). Mayans feasted on Ritz crackers and brie, but never (I say never!) did they actually enjoy a tortilla chip until the Rolling Stones brought them to the Mayan Civic Arena during their "Sticky Fingers" tour in 1965 (apparently, "Jumpin' Jack Flash" was big with those wacky Mayans) ...

I could continue, but that would only serve to shame and humiliate you, so please - from now on - get you facts right first, the rest will follow.

Have a great day!~

~jl

(of course, this deserved another response)

Oh sure... Try to complicate your message with...

... your recent polls, your statistical rantings, your big words like, " polymer biglutocartomates", "multi-tiered farm haberdasher ombudsman", and "ground"...

... your sophisticated Marconian principles, trying to intimidate me with "v=(3pi+xg1)/n", "polytharpic functions" and "N*Synch" references...

... your "incisive books", your "Finnish pryzbilla's", "blues guitarists" and "Union Soldiers"...

It's like you are French or something. It was Steve Martin that said, "In French, oeuf means egg, cheese is fromage... it's like those French have a different word for everything."

You were wise to stop when you did. You were only hurting reputation as a "Dr."

If you had taken the time to get a little sleep, while studying for, and writing, your dissertation, maybe you wouldn't have skipped over a small tid-bit of information that your reproach is missing.

It is "beets" that you are referring to. It is the Beet that is derived from the Finnish pryzbilla, but it is the Ashkenazi mutation of the Amylum Maidis (which has become known as 'corn'), which was brought over in the 8th century by the migration of birds (or Waterfowl, if you will)... The Black Duck (Anas rubripes ) from the, then wetlands, of the Anatini tribe, which existed for a short period of time on the West Coast lakes of the Puerto Callo Huancaveltco Mountain range in South America, when an Epic typhoon brought treacherous winds and enormous waves from a Tsunami caused from a purported Volcanic disruption on the Ocean's floor, washing the tribe, of what was believed to be over 800 in number, to sea. The winds carried the specially bred birds, used for their down coats, but mostly bred for their innate ability to foster the tribes children until they were old enough to be put to work in the hill-side crops of what we now know as 'corn'. The birds were carried by the storm North, North-West to 88 degrees longitude and 20 degrees latitude to the Dzibilnocac Mayan tribe in the Yucatan Peninsula, carrying the 'corn' seed in their bowel. The birds were welcomed for some months, until the Mayan mistook the instinctual fostering ability of these gentle birds to be threatening, as the tribes people were waking up to find their newly born children had gone missing and searching only to find the children being fed and being taught to speak a tribal dialect that they had never heard before... though the 'crazy old man' of the tribe spoke of a time when he was washed up on some foreign shore after a boating accident and had once loved a woman that spoke such a language... The birds where then hunted down in the following weeks and were completely extinguished, never to reproduce again. Season's had passed and the Mayans had noticed a new crop of vegetation that was growing, over time, in the vicinity where the "Aves Abductus" (abducting birds) had nested. The Mayans didn't know what to make of this new vegetation, until this one particular season, when the children, who had once been 'abducted' by the birds, had started to cultivate and harvest this strange flower. For Seven Hundred years, the Mayans experimented with the produce, and it became the most coveted commodity among the people. A rebel tribe of the Tepequacuilco province, stole what they thought to be the best seed, used to produce the finest of corn, usually reserved for royalty. The rebels, knowing that they would never survive in their own land, jumped in a boat and headed North across the Gulf of Mexico. Their boat landed at, what we would now know as the port of Pensacola, Florida, but in their haste, left their native shores without any food or water... or fishing equipment... so all of the rebels had perished. The Cautantowwit tribe of the Ohio based Wakaponeta proper was on a hiatus in Florida when they discovered this boat that had washed ashore carrying this foreign seed. The Cautantowwit vacationers took this seed back to their homeland...

... and there we have the real story of how corn began in America.

Someday, when you have time, we can talk about unleavened bread product you refer to as 'Ritz cracker'.

~ef

*************************************************************************

So there you have it. Story upon story... facts made into fiction... all in the name of humor.

Ah... the Tat

2005-11-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

But first... here's a picture of my puppy.

His name is Xander. He is 2 years old (born Aug. 24th, 2003). He is currently, 75 lbs. His father was 110 lbs and his grand-father was 125 lbs., so he still has some growing to do.

I have had some requests to view my tattoo. This was a difficult process and the picture isn't great, but it was the best I could do.

:-)

There's a reason...

2005-11-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

There's a reason that I've been feeling like a fat cow lately.

It's because I am one!!

I need to have more photo's on my site... it just makes things (and stories) more fun. So I found a photo of me from the 2005 halloween party to share with the world.

Yes... I'm admiring my udders.

Roaming...

2005-11-15T12:29:00.000-07:00

Do you ever find yourself randomly roaming the internet reading other peoples blogs?

It reminds me of how un-interesting I can be... depressing.

... And yet there are times when I really think of myself as a funny guy. Those times just never seem to make it to the blog.

One of the reasons I started the blog was to create an avenue for creativity... to 'blog' some of the random and quirky things that go through my head... it doesn't seem to be working.

Are my blogging days over before they've started?

I'm not giving up...

A poem for Marty...

2005-11-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

Where is Marty?
the man with so many hats
with the hole in his stockings
with his A$$ super-imposed
Where is Marty?
the one man show
always looking his best
never wearing a vest
unless he's at Fantasy Fest
Where is Marty?
always ready to go
ready to talk
ready to care
Where is Marty?
the man of great wisdom
a full bottle of Perignon
waiting to share some
his laughter so contagious
his stories, he'll take us
his household fastidious
Where is Marty?
the man of great taste
his life never wasted
yearning to experience more
No need to ask where...
he's out there
doing his life
all places he can
well traveled
and well read
hard working
and hard at play
taking it all in...
Marty the maker
maker of life
maker of friends
maker of History
His story he makes
today and tomorrow...
he's Marty
my friend

blue

2005-11-01T12:38:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling kind of blue at the moment. I just don't have anything to do at work and there's nothing interesting going on. I'd be 'doing' my work, if I had any. So, when there isn't any work to do I get to rely on myself and my friends to keep things interesting... but my friends here at work seem to be too busy. I'm not asking for 'busy', but I am looking for 'interesting'.

I just took a walk for my lunch break. It was nice to get out and get some fresh air. The temperature was a lot warmer than I had expected. The sun was shining. It felt good on my face. I need to get some sun on my skin. I also should bring in some sneakers for walking outside... ouch... my feet hurt from walking so far in my dress shoes... they're sexy shoes, not comfortable shoes.

I just found an interesting radio station on the internet to listen to... disco house music.

There are plenty of interesting people to read about (blogs) on the internet, but I really shouldn't be doing that at work. I do it on occassion, but I should be careful how often I do. My cube is situated near a high traffic walking path, so with all of the people walking by I'm certain that they are looking at what's on my screen.

Music helps... ok, I'm in a better mood now. I've discovered a [new to me] artist, Osunlade. His "Sunlight" dub, from the "Re-Offering", is a hot track! I love it. I need to get my hands on this album. I'm searching the internet now. So far I can only find it in the UK...guh.

Okay... this site rocks... http://www.cheapestcdprice.com/ it finds the cheapest prices on the interweb for you.

Disclaimer...

2005-10-24T05:50:00.000-06:00

I've decided to come up with a Disclaimer to attach to my email messages... for obvious reasons. Here's how it goes:

DISCLAIMER:

The claims and attitudes of this author are not necessarily shared by Microsoft, Lotus Notes, DELL, AES, PHEAA, the Commonwealth, the city of Harrisburg or the state of Pennsylvania... or Bob in security.
The information on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended for dissemination.
The information on this page may not be for the faint of heart as there could be prolonged periods of laughter or sudden outbursts of laughter. Please consult your physician before engaging in outbursts of laughter or prolonged periods of laughter. If you can not see your physician before reading this message, you could consider a more controlled giggle or chuckle.
Should you choose to laugh: The author can not and will not be held responsible for disturbances created by outburst of laughter or prolonged periods of laughter... please consider a more controlled giggle or chuckle instead.
All names of people and places may or may not have been changed to protect the identity of those who may or may not have participated in the events that may or may not have actually happened.
The sender of this message may or may not be the original author of this message.
No animals were used for testing, nor were any animals injured, during the creation of this message.
The author can not and will not be held responsible for the testing or injuring of animals in the delivery of this message beyond the moment of hitting the send button.

Where is the Sun?

2005-10-12T06:34:00.000-06:00

It is day 6 and I have not seen the sun. I miss her. *sigh*
When she comes back to visit, I will have to make the time to worship her so that I will be able to carry somewhat of a tan into the winter months. My skin could use some baking. My face just looks pale... of course, that could have something to do with the fact that I didn't get any sleep last night. :-D

2005-09-19T06:50:00.000-06:00

"Every step you take, is a step away from where you used to be." -- Brian Chargualaf

I was thinking about this quote. Everything about it is true, but be sure of where you are stepping. Are you stepping in the direction of mediocricy or inadequacy? Or, are you stepping in the direction of EXCELLENCE?

And don't think that not stepping at all is a good choice. Mediocracy will come up behind you and take you down. It's silent, but deadly. Like the frog who will die from being boiled slowly in water.

Think about where you are stepping today.

What about you?

2005-09-14T13:07:00.000-06:00

Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Choose courage today!

--Eric

A new season...

2005-09-02T07:53:00.000-06:00

The new Steeler's season is upon us...YES!

This is a pic of me and my brother Dennis, last year (Feb. 2005), Steelers vs. Ravens...and yes, the Steelers won.

Let's hear it for the STEELERS!

Why I do this...

2005-08-26T10:43:00.000-06:00

A reminder of why I'm doing this;

First of all, Triathlons just seem like fun (though, I haven't acutally done one). Then, I like the prospect of enjoying optimal health as a Triathlete, well into my golden years. Thirdly, I've enjoyed being welcomed into a community of people that have common interests (I could use more friends in my life). While losing some weight around my midsection is a goal, Triathlon training has been the best motivation for getting there. Finally, Trialthletes have some of the sexiest bodies on the planet and I want to be considered to be one. When I'm 50 and 60 years old (and beyond), I would still want to be considered sexy. :-) If nothing else, I want to do my to never look my age.

Who wouldn't want to be feeling what this guy is feeling:

Whether you were first or you finished at your own pace, you have to be proud of the accomplishment.

Athlete's Blogging

2005-08-26T09:49:00.000-06:00

I'm a triathlete ~~wannabe~~...gonnabe. I was looking for ways to keep myself motivated and focused on my training, when I found this community and blog on TriFuel.com and Triathlonlife.com. I figured this would also help to keep me accountable to my training and goals.

I created a Blog here so that I could form an alliance with some of the people blogging with blogger.com, and be able to comment and such.

Most likely, I will be doing all of my blogging at my primary site: http://ericford70.triathlonlife.com/