Well, today is Thanksgiving, and I have some rare alone time in which I can sit and think. Of course, I've spent much of today thinking about all the things that I'm fortunate to have, including all of the intangibles that one might expect when discussing such things. There was lots of talk on that topic earlier when I was visiting with my wife's family, so of course, many things come to mind. I'm healthy, run my own business (that I love), and have a house and two cars. Oh, and a scooter that I could drive if I needed to. I have a pretty cool wife who is finding herself and has yet to kill me in my sleep, and a son who brings such joy to my heart...most of the time. I have just enough money to get noodles now and then. And two absolutely ridiculous pugs. (Boba loves everyone, BeBe seems to just love me.) I have friends for whom I would lay down my life, as they've been there for me every single time I've needed them. You know who you are. And I'm thankful for the last few years that have ranged from wonderful to extremely challenging. Every step of the way has been a learning opportunity, whether the day was fabulous or just a big kick in the nuts...either way I'm grateful for it all.
That being said, I watched a mock-umentary on mermaids today. It was obviously fiction, but it tweaked my imagination and sent me Googling. The show was on Animal Planet and apparently got enough buzz when it came out that the NOAA actually issued a statement regarding the non-existence of mermaids, saying that there is no definitive evidence of their existence. Just centuries of stories.
Do I think they exist? I don't know. I'm not an oceanographer, nor a historian. But my belief (and since this is my blog, I can write about those anytime I want) is that we haven't discovered EVERYTHING about this world of ours. New scientific discoveries are coming to light every day. Things we once thought completely and utterly impossible are commonplace now, and we are constantly learning more and more about our planet.
The ocean is vast. VAST. We can't even begin to search its deepest reaches, all of its darkened places. Considering that we only just discovered two new species of whales in the last decade (yes, whales...giant marine creatures), could it be possible that a race of mermaids might be out there somewhere, intelligent enough or possessed of peculiar abilities that allow them to evade discovery for so long? Hmmmmm. Even a slim chance is still a chance.
I've always believed in possibilities. I like to think that magic is out there...life is far too amazing, too astonishing at times, to be completely mundane. I wonder if the day will come when suddenly some scientist says, 'Holy crap, the Faerie really do exist!' I'd like to see that day, I really would. And if I should ever stumble across a mermaid, faerie, or elf, I'll count myself extremely, crazily fortunate.
By the way, I saw that I had 3 page views yesterday. Who reads my nonsense?? I'm quite curious, so if you're reading my blog, drop me a line or a comment or something. I mean...you don't HAVE to...but I'd like to say thanks for reading my rantings. I kind of appreciate it.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Just musing.
It's rare that I post here anymore. I generally post things as they happen on my facebook page, pics and comments, the usual, and so I've let this blog sit, unused, for months at a time. I do miss writing, though. It's fun, and helps me impose order on the whirlwind of thoughts that's whooshing through my head at any given time.
I'm 43 now. Wow. When I say that, my thoughts automatically turn towards my physical capabilities and how they compare to what I was what I might have been 20 years ago. I'm fairly pleased, but certainly not satisfied. Aside from that, I think about the fact that I'm inching up on a time when I'll have fewer days ahead of me than behind me. I have no idea when that might be, honestly. My dad lived to be 81 before he finally found a cancer that he couldn't manhandle, so if I were going to only live that long, I'm already on the downhill side. That's a sobering thought, even if I consider that because my lifestyle and habits differ from his, I'll probably hang on a bit longer. I always say that I'm on the 120 year plan because I've just got that much stuff to do.
I think back on the steps I've taken in my life up to this point, the people I've known, things I've done, the places I've been (though I don't travel much), and I think about having an empty slate ahead of me that might be at least as big as the one that holds all of my previous experience. That's one big-ass slate. I've got tons of chalk here, lots of different colors. I've got a stool so that I can reach the highest, far corners of it, and fill that slate with, well, whatever I want. To be honest, the thought of such a vast, pristine board can be a little bit intimidating. But in my finer moments, OH! how wonderful that can be, too!
What do I want that board to look like when I expire? When I look back at the things I've put on that board, what do I want to see? I just had my birthday, and thoughts like this usually come around this time, and I've had many folks ask me if somethings wrong, or am I ok...yes, I am ok. I'm just thinking, and that frown is my thinking face.
Life goes on whether I figure it out or not...it's just up to me to either reach out and make something happen or just drift along, doing the same old-same old.
I must say that I feel something coming. I'm no Sage, or wizard, and I don't pretend to see any future ahead except for goals that I set and pursue, but like the pressure in the air before a storm, I feel a change on the wind. That pressure isn't a bad thing, as storms aren't necessarily bad things at all...a wise teacher once told me that a thing is neither bad nor good, it simply IS. We attach meaning to such things based on our own experience. Well, whatever may be ahead, I think it'll end up a good thing. I plan to make it so, whatever it is. There are a million ways to live a life, and I can only live mine as best I can. So that's what I'll do. And in the end, I'm pretty sure I'll have a pretty interesting slate to look at.
I'm 43 now. Wow. When I say that, my thoughts automatically turn towards my physical capabilities and how they compare to what I was what I might have been 20 years ago. I'm fairly pleased, but certainly not satisfied. Aside from that, I think about the fact that I'm inching up on a time when I'll have fewer days ahead of me than behind me. I have no idea when that might be, honestly. My dad lived to be 81 before he finally found a cancer that he couldn't manhandle, so if I were going to only live that long, I'm already on the downhill side. That's a sobering thought, even if I consider that because my lifestyle and habits differ from his, I'll probably hang on a bit longer. I always say that I'm on the 120 year plan because I've just got that much stuff to do.
I think back on the steps I've taken in my life up to this point, the people I've known, things I've done, the places I've been (though I don't travel much), and I think about having an empty slate ahead of me that might be at least as big as the one that holds all of my previous experience. That's one big-ass slate. I've got tons of chalk here, lots of different colors. I've got a stool so that I can reach the highest, far corners of it, and fill that slate with, well, whatever I want. To be honest, the thought of such a vast, pristine board can be a little bit intimidating. But in my finer moments, OH! how wonderful that can be, too!
What do I want that board to look like when I expire? When I look back at the things I've put on that board, what do I want to see? I just had my birthday, and thoughts like this usually come around this time, and I've had many folks ask me if somethings wrong, or am I ok...yes, I am ok. I'm just thinking, and that frown is my thinking face.
Life goes on whether I figure it out or not...it's just up to me to either reach out and make something happen or just drift along, doing the same old-same old.
I must say that I feel something coming. I'm no Sage, or wizard, and I don't pretend to see any future ahead except for goals that I set and pursue, but like the pressure in the air before a storm, I feel a change on the wind. That pressure isn't a bad thing, as storms aren't necessarily bad things at all...a wise teacher once told me that a thing is neither bad nor good, it simply IS. We attach meaning to such things based on our own experience. Well, whatever may be ahead, I think it'll end up a good thing. I plan to make it so, whatever it is. There are a million ways to live a life, and I can only live mine as best I can. So that's what I'll do. And in the end, I'm pretty sure I'll have a pretty interesting slate to look at.
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
It's been awhile...but I'm back!
Wow...I haven’t blogged since 2009! I’ve been feeling the urge to write again, though, so here I am. Don’t expect just a whole lot...I’m not planning to be terribly profound or insightful. I just like uploading all the junk that rolls around in my head all day. It makes me feel better, and my head rattles less.
It’s lacrosse season again, and I’m beside myself with glee. I love playing the game. The combination of rough stuff and skill is just fantastic to me, and I can’t get enough of it. And this year, my fabulous son Connor is playing as well! It’s been suggested many times that playing a team sport would be great for him in terms of improving his fitness and his interactions with other kids. He’s been on the swim team, but even though swimming is a team event, it still boils down to individual performance. Lacrosse is definitely more of a team effort, and to Connor, it’s much more like video game combat!
Although I’ve played for over 20 years, it’s Connor’s first year to play. When he first walked on the field in Pearland for lacrosse camp, he knew about as much about lacrosse as I know about nuclear physics. Thanks to Steve Mathiason for holding that camp, and getting him started! He now knows which end of the stick to use and how to catch and throw. Kind of. But he’s excited!!! And as long as he’s out there having fun and doing his best, I’m thrilled beyond words.
Connor now plays on the 4U (4th grade and under) Squad of the Katy Cavaliers. Although he missed his first game because we were at the Tough Mudder, he’s been hustling out there to play his guts out each weekend. He’s learning as he goes, and the coaches have been very patient with him (Connor picks up some things instinctively, but lacrosse is not one of those things) and have helped point him in the right direction as necessary. Often repeatedly. During his second game on Sunday, he scooped up the ball and raced down the field to the whoops and hollers of the fans...in the wrong direction. Thank goodness he tripped! However, he later picked up another loose ball and proceeded to dodge his way up the field (in the right direction this time) by using a couple of spin moves that looked an awful lot like my own. He gets better each game, and he’s always smiling and talking a mile a minute about the game on the way home. Makes my heart stretch seeing him like that.
My own team, Bayou City Lacrosse Club, finally won a game on Saturday night. We played a new team, the Pearland Panthers. We are used to playing with only 10 players (which means no substitutes). This team was in a similar position, plus some of their players were new to the sport. They were pretty wrung out by the third quarter, while we were still cruising along at our usual speed. Gotta hand it to ‘em, they played with everything they had, and I look forward to seeing them improve in the future. I had a pretty good game, three goals, two pinwheels (knocking an opponent’s stick from his hands, making it spin like a pinwheel) and a whole bunch of shots that missed because the goalie was apparently using the Force to deflect the ball. I even won a handful of faceoffs, not so much due to my amazing faceoff technique but because I was just sneaky enough to know when to kick the ball out to where I could scoop it.
I’m 42 now...happily, I’m still able to play and have fun out there. Last year, I became certified as a CrossFit Level 1 coach, and training that way has made a major difference in my fitness level in every area. It has made my lacrosse playing a lot more effective, and I’m having an absolute blast out on the field.
Currently, I’m competing (ok, I’m using that term loosely) in the CrossFit Games Open competition. For 5 weeks, a new workout will be posted online, and competitors do the workout as best they can and post the results. We’re two weeks in, and I’m in 1844th in our region, and 23,472nd place in the world. I have no illusions in regards to my chances of being in the top 60 in my region...there are too many younger, stronger guys out there. Even so, I look forward to the posting my results to the leaderboard every week, finding what exercises work best for me and which ones I need to improve, and giving my all during each and every workout. I have my reasons for persisting in the face of rather unlikely odds.
It’s been said that it’s not what you get when you reach your goal that’s important, it’s what you become. I know that I’m making physical progress, but more importantly, by working through this competition, I’m gaining experience and knowledge that I can pass on to my students. Being a good teacher and setting a good example are important to me, and I feel that this is helpful in that regard. Plus...it’s really big fun!!! I plan to keep at it until the end, and see in what place I end up on the leaderboard. Then I can start getting ready for next year!
There’s a lot going on...we just finished competing in a tournament where all of our students medaled and I performed (with Mark’s help) in the Master’s Demo. We took a big team to the Tough Mudder and had a blast...wow, that was fun. There’s a kettlebell certification coming up at the end of the month for Kathryn and Richard, and I’m going along as a refresher. I’m slowly outfitting my school to resemble a CrossFit gym...in general, I’m staying busy and trying to move forward.
I’ve rambled a bit here...forgive me for that, I’m a bit rusty. Hopefully, I’ll be more amusing, more inspiring, or more informative, as I get used to writing again.
Have a great day...and find a way to challenge yourself today.
It’s lacrosse season again, and I’m beside myself with glee. I love playing the game. The combination of rough stuff and skill is just fantastic to me, and I can’t get enough of it. And this year, my fabulous son Connor is playing as well! It’s been suggested many times that playing a team sport would be great for him in terms of improving his fitness and his interactions with other kids. He’s been on the swim team, but even though swimming is a team event, it still boils down to individual performance. Lacrosse is definitely more of a team effort, and to Connor, it’s much more like video game combat!
Although I’ve played for over 20 years, it’s Connor’s first year to play. When he first walked on the field in Pearland for lacrosse camp, he knew about as much about lacrosse as I know about nuclear physics. Thanks to Steve Mathiason for holding that camp, and getting him started! He now knows which end of the stick to use and how to catch and throw. Kind of. But he’s excited!!! And as long as he’s out there having fun and doing his best, I’m thrilled beyond words.
Connor now plays on the 4U (4th grade and under) Squad of the Katy Cavaliers. Although he missed his first game because we were at the Tough Mudder, he’s been hustling out there to play his guts out each weekend. He’s learning as he goes, and the coaches have been very patient with him (Connor picks up some things instinctively, but lacrosse is not one of those things) and have helped point him in the right direction as necessary. Often repeatedly. During his second game on Sunday, he scooped up the ball and raced down the field to the whoops and hollers of the fans...in the wrong direction. Thank goodness he tripped! However, he later picked up another loose ball and proceeded to dodge his way up the field (in the right direction this time) by using a couple of spin moves that looked an awful lot like my own. He gets better each game, and he’s always smiling and talking a mile a minute about the game on the way home. Makes my heart stretch seeing him like that.
My own team, Bayou City Lacrosse Club, finally won a game on Saturday night. We played a new team, the Pearland Panthers. We are used to playing with only 10 players (which means no substitutes). This team was in a similar position, plus some of their players were new to the sport. They were pretty wrung out by the third quarter, while we were still cruising along at our usual speed. Gotta hand it to ‘em, they played with everything they had, and I look forward to seeing them improve in the future. I had a pretty good game, three goals, two pinwheels (knocking an opponent’s stick from his hands, making it spin like a pinwheel) and a whole bunch of shots that missed because the goalie was apparently using the Force to deflect the ball. I even won a handful of faceoffs, not so much due to my amazing faceoff technique but because I was just sneaky enough to know when to kick the ball out to where I could scoop it.
I’m 42 now...happily, I’m still able to play and have fun out there. Last year, I became certified as a CrossFit Level 1 coach, and training that way has made a major difference in my fitness level in every area. It has made my lacrosse playing a lot more effective, and I’m having an absolute blast out on the field.
Currently, I’m competing (ok, I’m using that term loosely) in the CrossFit Games Open competition. For 5 weeks, a new workout will be posted online, and competitors do the workout as best they can and post the results. We’re two weeks in, and I’m in 1844th in our region, and 23,472nd place in the world. I have no illusions in regards to my chances of being in the top 60 in my region...there are too many younger, stronger guys out there. Even so, I look forward to the posting my results to the leaderboard every week, finding what exercises work best for me and which ones I need to improve, and giving my all during each and every workout. I have my reasons for persisting in the face of rather unlikely odds.
It’s been said that it’s not what you get when you reach your goal that’s important, it’s what you become. I know that I’m making physical progress, but more importantly, by working through this competition, I’m gaining experience and knowledge that I can pass on to my students. Being a good teacher and setting a good example are important to me, and I feel that this is helpful in that regard. Plus...it’s really big fun!!! I plan to keep at it until the end, and see in what place I end up on the leaderboard. Then I can start getting ready for next year!
There’s a lot going on...we just finished competing in a tournament where all of our students medaled and I performed (with Mark’s help) in the Master’s Demo. We took a big team to the Tough Mudder and had a blast...wow, that was fun. There’s a kettlebell certification coming up at the end of the month for Kathryn and Richard, and I’m going along as a refresher. I’m slowly outfitting my school to resemble a CrossFit gym...in general, I’m staying busy and trying to move forward.
I’ve rambled a bit here...forgive me for that, I’m a bit rusty. Hopefully, I’ll be more amusing, more inspiring, or more informative, as I get used to writing again.
Have a great day...and find a way to challenge yourself today.
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