5-1-2012 "GICK!" and other nonsense words

Once upon a time, when my oldest son was very little, he started this thing where he said I should say the word "gick" on the first day of each month.

I have no idea what the word was supposed to mean, but we say it, at least someone usually remembers on the first day of each month.  I guess it means happy first day of the new month.

Nonsense words are fun and they can take on their own meaning.

I'm grateful for gick and other nonsense words like them.

4-30-2012 "follow me to Boston" Kenny

This is a flashback post, something that popped into my mind.
Back in 2008 I was trying to qualify to run the Boston marathon and was "planning" on running a 3:15 at the San Diego marathon in June.  Sometime in April I injured myself and had to take some time off.  With physical therapy and a few good sports massages, I was able to get back in shape enough where I could at least complete the race which I had signed up for already and had plane tickets and a place to stay arranged (my brother's house in Carlsbad).

On race day I felt a little bit better than I thought I would.  Headed down the hill from Balboa park into San Diego's gas light district.  I came up behind a man running with no shirt on who had written in marker on his back "Follow me to Boston!! 3:20 or bust".

The man's name was Kenny and I followed him, and suddenly the running felt easy and I was really enjoying the day while running at a nice pace.

I didn't quite make it to the Boston time that day (had a 3:24), but it was one of the best marathons I ever ran as far as feeling good and being able to do more than I thought I was capable of.

I'm grateful for "follow me to Boston" Kenny.

4-29-2012 Rediscovering a Favorite

Sometimes, when you think you've seen and done it all (which of course you haven't!) it's good to rediscover something that you did a long time ago and experience it again.

My parents were about to head out of town and then back up north for the summer and wanted to have dinner with us, so they picked a restaurant which we used to go to but not for a long time.

It's a place called the Lucky Dill Deli (a New York city style deli), and I'm not sure how long it had been since we were last there.  The kids remember it but they were pretty small the last time we went.

It felt new and familiar at the same time.  I think I'll go back there again soon.

I was grateful today to rediscover and old favorite.

4-28-2012 A Chance To Lead

I'm not often the one leading people out on new adventures or new experiences, I'm usually more of a one on one type of person in a supporting role.

But, today I had a chance to do something a little bit different.  99% of the people associated with the group I run with usually sticks to the main biking path in the park where we often run.  But, there is also a network of miles and miles of off road trails.  The paths are pretty wide and dry, often with good tree cover for shade.  There's some sections of very sandy stretches which can be a challenge to run on.

But, a lot of people are afraid to try these trails because of many unknowns.  The routes aren't well known, they think they need special equipment, special shoes, there will be too many bugs.  I used to think I'd have to run through a lot of swamp.

However, there is some pretty mild easy sections that don't require anything special other than to try it out.

So, I offered to take a couple of people on a stretch of trail.  The couple of people turned into about 8 people and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.

I used to be one of those people, afraid to try those trails.  But, one day I went along with some other people, saw they were actually quite pleasant.

Today, it was my turn to lead some other people so they could see for themselves.

I was grateful for this chance to lead.

4-27-2012 Intentions Kept

Sometimes you say you are going to do something but then don't get around to it.  Eventually it seems it is all but forgotten.  About 4 years ago, Andy was reading a book for school and something about the cover drew me to it.  The book was on loan from the library and I said I wanted to read it but did not get around to it.  I often thought about reading it.  Finally, last week I went to the library and checked it out.

It was a wonderful book and had some valuable lessons about looking for the wondrous things that are right around you.

So many times we have the best intentions and they get swept aside, but sometimes we remember, and for those times, I am grateful.

4-26-2012 Perspective

I had some bad news today, and then later heard about someone who has much worse problems than I do, a friend who is dying.   It help put things into perspective about what is really important and those things which will eventually move on.  It is sad about my friend but also she is the kind of person who I think would be grateful that she is helping someone.

I'm grateful for perspective.

4-25-2012 My Thinking Pond

I go here each day during work, usually just a few minutes...
It's not necessarily always my happy place (sometimes it is), but it is a place to be alone, think about things, and watch a turtle or maybe a duck going about their business

I'm grateful for this spot.