OK, I may have posted this before, but I'm in my 40s so I can start making excuses. I imagine heaven includes no cancer, my Mom's incredible meals, my sister Anne on the phone, a smiling Dori, laughing kids and painless, fast half marathons. Thanks to The Simpsons, we have another view.
via videosift.com
Now for the tunes. Time to flash back, starting with another kind of underrated godliness from The Who.
Since we introduced the excellent Traveler's commercial recently, might as well enjoy the original, a more recent flashback. Who can't relate to this? Brilliant.
Ok, we need classical cheese and pointless fun.
I hope you tap your feet all weekend.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Little Lance
I'm thinking differently about running these days. The vacation cleared away a few cobwebs. I'm beginning to think about training again, not just running.
A buddy who is planning to run an arduous November marathon, the Flying Monkey, has invited me to join his young buck group on Wednesday and Saturday runs. Much of their training is in the hilly Percy Warner Park, home of their goal race. Of course, I'll let you know how those runs go.
On Monday, I ran four miles; yesterday morning, I ran five. Both runs were in 90-plus percent humidity. After the five-miler, I looked like a swimmer emerging from a pool. It was a tough run, but I conquered my little Ventoux.
Will has been on his bike every day since the end of the Tour de France. I know what's going through his mind - the same dreams I conjured, transposing myself to an athlete I admired. Jack Nicklaus was a favorite.
Will asked if he could ride tomorrow morning alongside me. Done. I'm looking forward to it, even though Weather.com says 97% humidity. Sweating profusely is part of late July, and now I'll have a new morning friend.
A buddy who is planning to run an arduous November marathon, the Flying Monkey, has invited me to join his young buck group on Wednesday and Saturday runs. Much of their training is in the hilly Percy Warner Park, home of their goal race. Of course, I'll let you know how those runs go.
On Monday, I ran four miles; yesterday morning, I ran five. Both runs were in 90-plus percent humidity. After the five-miler, I looked like a swimmer emerging from a pool. It was a tough run, but I conquered my little Ventoux.
Will has been on his bike every day since the end of the Tour de France. I know what's going through his mind - the same dreams I conjured, transposing myself to an athlete I admired. Jack Nicklaus was a favorite.
Will asked if he could ride tomorrow morning alongside me. Done. I'm looking forward to it, even though Weather.com says 97% humidity. Sweating profusely is part of late July, and now I'll have a new morning friend.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Wonderful Vacation
Family time doesn't get better than last week's vacation in Edisto, a lowcountry island between Charleston and Hilton Head.
Last Sunday, Dori, the kids, my Mom and I headed east, cars packed with goodies and good vibes. Mom promised to be "our chef" and organizer, and she did not disappoint. We ate like royalty from the local markets.
On Day Two, Dori's sister Kathy brought her family to the area for her son Parker's baseball tournament, so we spent some excellent time with them at the beach, dinner table and baseball park in North Charleston. The four cousins had a blast in the surf while I fished. Watching the kids laugh in the ocean while reeling in fish is a simple pleasure. Over several attempts in the surf and in the back creek, I caught sea trout, whiting, a small sand shark, croakers and a bluefish.
Will and I also played golf three times. It was his first time on a course with respectable yardage, more than 5,000 from the red tees and about 6,200 from the back tees for me. The beautiful, well-maintained course is known for being tough because it is very narrow with water prominently featured on 15 of the 18 holes. You can also catch yourself gazing at impressive live oaks with spanish moss, giant palm trees, fantastic fauna, alligators, jumping fish, egrets, blue herons and pileated woodpeckers, to name a few. The entire course was recently resodded with Sea Isle Paspulum, a very unusual grass that flourishes in areas with water issues. I liked it because the greens putted true.
Highlights for Will include clearing the water all three days on the difficult par 3 sixth hole and chipping in for a par four on the hardest hole on the course, No. 10 (397 yards, all uphill from the red tees). He also had several good holes on other hard par fours. What I liked most, however, was that I asked him to enjoy each day and never get angry after hitting bad shots. He did very well in this regard. So did I, even as I played poorly the last round. I did sneak in a 73, three over par, on Wednesday, the hottest and windiest of the three days. It's about the best I can score. Mom took photos of the boys, which I hope to post soon.
Yesterday, Dori and Kathryn took a boat ride across the bay to Otter Island. On the way, they marveled at dolphin. While there, they beach-combed successfully. Dori called it a highlight. I was on the pier fishing when they returned, and can report they were chatterboxes about the excursion.
Everyone stayed active, working off the good food. Dori ran four days, while I ran five, Monday through Friday. On Friday, we ran together with Pepper, who also smiled (constant tail wags) the entire vacation. I never ran more than four miles, only 15 for the week, but they were good miles early each morning in very high dewpoints. Kathryn took Pepper for many walks. Will scoured the grounds around our impressive villa overlooking Hole No. 7, finding a few dozen stray golf balls.
Last year, we had a celebration of sorts just getting to the beach. Dori wasn't 100% in June 2008. This year, we thoroughly enjoyed our entire stay. Dori was able to engage in every activity with a zest she's always had but with the understanding each moment with family is so very precious.
Last Sunday, Dori, the kids, my Mom and I headed east, cars packed with goodies and good vibes. Mom promised to be "our chef" and organizer, and she did not disappoint. We ate like royalty from the local markets.
On Day Two, Dori's sister Kathy brought her family to the area for her son Parker's baseball tournament, so we spent some excellent time with them at the beach, dinner table and baseball park in North Charleston. The four cousins had a blast in the surf while I fished. Watching the kids laugh in the ocean while reeling in fish is a simple pleasure. Over several attempts in the surf and in the back creek, I caught sea trout, whiting, a small sand shark, croakers and a bluefish.
Will and I also played golf three times. It was his first time on a course with respectable yardage, more than 5,000 from the red tees and about 6,200 from the back tees for me. The beautiful, well-maintained course is known for being tough because it is very narrow with water prominently featured on 15 of the 18 holes. You can also catch yourself gazing at impressive live oaks with spanish moss, giant palm trees, fantastic fauna, alligators, jumping fish, egrets, blue herons and pileated woodpeckers, to name a few. The entire course was recently resodded with Sea Isle Paspulum, a very unusual grass that flourishes in areas with water issues. I liked it because the greens putted true.
Highlights for Will include clearing the water all three days on the difficult par 3 sixth hole and chipping in for a par four on the hardest hole on the course, No. 10 (397 yards, all uphill from the red tees). He also had several good holes on other hard par fours. What I liked most, however, was that I asked him to enjoy each day and never get angry after hitting bad shots. He did very well in this regard. So did I, even as I played poorly the last round. I did sneak in a 73, three over par, on Wednesday, the hottest and windiest of the three days. It's about the best I can score. Mom took photos of the boys, which I hope to post soon.
Yesterday, Dori and Kathryn took a boat ride across the bay to Otter Island. On the way, they marveled at dolphin. While there, they beach-combed successfully. Dori called it a highlight. I was on the pier fishing when they returned, and can report they were chatterboxes about the excursion.
Everyone stayed active, working off the good food. Dori ran four days, while I ran five, Monday through Friday. On Friday, we ran together with Pepper, who also smiled (constant tail wags) the entire vacation. I never ran more than four miles, only 15 for the week, but they were good miles early each morning in very high dewpoints. Kathryn took Pepper for many walks. Will scoured the grounds around our impressive villa overlooking Hole No. 7, finding a few dozen stray golf balls.
Last year, we had a celebration of sorts just getting to the beach. Dori wasn't 100% in June 2008. This year, we thoroughly enjoyed our entire stay. Dori was able to engage in every activity with a zest she's always had but with the understanding each moment with family is so very precious.
Happy With Third Place
I watched much of the Tour de France while on vacation, cheering for Lance Armstrong and others and rooting against a few jerks. On Saturday, Lance solidfied third place with a gritty effort up the famed Mont Ventoux, which has some 12% grades, no let-ups, heat and high winds. A British rider died on Ventoux in 1967.
Lance's story is well chronicled. Some who follow this blog also follow his journey closely. I have mixed feelings about Lance. I greatly admire his tenacity, courage, indomitable will and commitment to wiping out cancer. His cockiness and occasional abrasiveness are things I try to avoid and his pursuit of Hollywood starlets and rocky relationships aren't endearing.
But it's nice to see the old man of the tour mellow some over the years, including in this introspective interview with ESPN. Lance, a seven-time winner of this race, says he's pleased finishing third, and I believe him. He's found some nice perspective along the way.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Beach Tunes
I've been work-free this week, and until now, blog-free. I'll recap later about the great vacation we're having. Nothing like smiling faces and relaxation at the beach.
It only makes sense to go coastal with FNFs.
The more refined studio version. Both are good, just depends on the mood.
It only makes sense to go coastal with FNFs.
The more refined studio version. Both are good, just depends on the mood.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
One Run, Two Tales
Yesterday afternoon, Middle Tennessee was greeted with fall-like weather. A cool northwest breeze, something we don't expect until late September, rushed through town. All I could ponder during limited free time was "long run tonight."
Three earlier runs this week didn't go so swell. A five-miler early Monday was humid and slow. The last two miles took effort. A three-miler Tuesday with Pepper and a solo three-miler Wednesday weren't impressive, either. We've had a decent July, just muggy as usual. Maybe that's it, I thought.
Around 5, I took off feeling great in the dry air. My aerobics would be good the entire run. My legs muscles and back, on the other hand, didn't perform. It was confirmation this pair of Brooks Dyads, which seemed different than previous pairs, was toast after 150-plus miles. Usually, I get 250-plus.
At Mile 4, with muscles clamoring for a break, a skinny-mini gal glided past me. I didn't hear her with my iPod playing. I rationalized, "She's not running eight like me." Some mystery voice on my shoulder said, "She doesn't eat as much cheese as you, either." I kicked mildly, hoping the legs would loosen up, but to no avail.
At 5.5, a skinny-mini dude soared past at the same pace, probably on an 8:00/mile. Near my favorite independent grocery store, I decided to gel and stretch briefly. The effects were instantaneous. My legs felt almost stress-free for about two miles. Toward the end, the leg bite returned.
I wasn't tired after the run. I felt refreshed, a sign my conditioning hasn't dropped too much. That's been a goal this summer. My back and legs, however, begged me to buy a new pair of shoes. I listened, purchasing some Brooks "Defyances" this morning. The Dyads worked well for a few years, but the last pair was a failure. Time to try something new.
Three earlier runs this week didn't go so swell. A five-miler early Monday was humid and slow. The last two miles took effort. A three-miler Tuesday with Pepper and a solo three-miler Wednesday weren't impressive, either. We've had a decent July, just muggy as usual. Maybe that's it, I thought.
Around 5, I took off feeling great in the dry air. My aerobics would be good the entire run. My legs muscles and back, on the other hand, didn't perform. It was confirmation this pair of Brooks Dyads, which seemed different than previous pairs, was toast after 150-plus miles. Usually, I get 250-plus.
At Mile 4, with muscles clamoring for a break, a skinny-mini gal glided past me. I didn't hear her with my iPod playing. I rationalized, "She's not running eight like me." Some mystery voice on my shoulder said, "She doesn't eat as much cheese as you, either." I kicked mildly, hoping the legs would loosen up, but to no avail.
At 5.5, a skinny-mini dude soared past at the same pace, probably on an 8:00/mile. Near my favorite independent grocery store, I decided to gel and stretch briefly. The effects were instantaneous. My legs felt almost stress-free for about two miles. Toward the end, the leg bite returned.
I wasn't tired after the run. I felt refreshed, a sign my conditioning hasn't dropped too much. That's been a goal this summer. My back and legs, however, begged me to buy a new pair of shoes. I listened, purchasing some Brooks "Defyances" this morning. The Dyads worked well for a few years, but the last pair was a failure. Time to try something new.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Techno Flashbacks
Ladies and gentlemen, start your synthesizers. Here are some programmed tunes from the 70s.
Alan Parsons always had one or two like that on his albums, like Hyper-Gamma Spaces, Lucifer, Voyager, and my favorite The Gold Bug.
Many fans pair video creations with their favorite songs on YouTube. Most aren't good, and a few are disturbing. Once in awhile, you get some good ones, like from this Simple Minds fan. Wonderful scenery to a great song.
Anyone remember this one? It's pretty cool on an iPod loop for a fast 5K.
Lastly, a friend requested a tune. If enough requests are made, maybe Casey Kasem makes an appearance.
Alan Parsons always had one or two like that on his albums, like Hyper-Gamma Spaces, Lucifer, Voyager, and my favorite The Gold Bug.
Many fans pair video creations with their favorite songs on YouTube. Most aren't good, and a few are disturbing. Once in awhile, you get some good ones, like from this Simple Minds fan. Wonderful scenery to a great song.
Anyone remember this one? It's pretty cool on an iPod loop for a fast 5K.
Lastly, a friend requested a tune. If enough requests are made, maybe Casey Kasem makes an appearance.
Dori's Good Day
Dori called me for the third time today just after lunch, delivering the third piece of good news of the day. Round One was to tell me she had a job offer at an elementary school she likes. Round Two: Job offer number two, same view of that school.
The after-lunch call was to tell me how well her scheduled clinic visit at Vanderbilt went. Her blood counts are normal (translation - excellent). Red blood cell counts hit 42 (36-43 is normal), white blood cell counts were a very good 9, and platelets, those old bugaboos, were 166, a two-year high. Dr. Greer called her a success story and said she looked great. I'm eager to tell Hans this fall he makes good blood.
"I'm having the best day," Dori said. I'd say so and isn't it wonderful, I replied. While Dori filled in the details, all I could think of was where she was even a year ago. She sounds so different today. Her energy was lower a year ago, almost non-existent in late 2007 and early 2008. She had to combat near-constant lethargy, doubts, fears ... all of it. Some of those enemies still try to breach the walls, part of the legacy of cancer. A big part. I was a little verklempt on the third call.
I also thought of friends who are not doing as well or whose blood cancer fights have recently been renewed. I wouldn't say I felt guilty today. I would say any idea of euphoria was tempered.
I said a prayer for those friends. Whatever it takes ... I hope they survive and thrive. The other side is nice. My beliefs tell me the other-other side, which so many of us fear, is even nicer. It's always comforting to have that outlook, no matter how grim things look or will look in our temporal existence.
I'm a lucky man in so many ways. Dori is healthy. She's a gem of a wife and mother. I like the beat of this song and hope the needle gets stuck in the right place.
The after-lunch call was to tell me how well her scheduled clinic visit at Vanderbilt went. Her blood counts are normal (translation - excellent). Red blood cell counts hit 42 (36-43 is normal), white blood cell counts were a very good 9, and platelets, those old bugaboos, were 166, a two-year high. Dr. Greer called her a success story and said she looked great. I'm eager to tell Hans this fall he makes good blood.
"I'm having the best day," Dori said. I'd say so and isn't it wonderful, I replied. While Dori filled in the details, all I could think of was where she was even a year ago. She sounds so different today. Her energy was lower a year ago, almost non-existent in late 2007 and early 2008. She had to combat near-constant lethargy, doubts, fears ... all of it. Some of those enemies still try to breach the walls, part of the legacy of cancer. A big part. I was a little verklempt on the third call.
I also thought of friends who are not doing as well or whose blood cancer fights have recently been renewed. I wouldn't say I felt guilty today. I would say any idea of euphoria was tempered.
I said a prayer for those friends. Whatever it takes ... I hope they survive and thrive. The other side is nice. My beliefs tell me the other-other side, which so many of us fear, is even nicer. It's always comforting to have that outlook, no matter how grim things look or will look in our temporal existence.
I'm a lucky man in so many ways. Dori is healthy. She's a gem of a wife and mother. I like the beat of this song and hope the needle gets stuck in the right place.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Bonus Flashbacks
Dori, who's with the kids visiting her Dad in Florida, called me an hour ago, gazing with wonder at the Gulf of Mexico with Kathryn. On speakerphone, they described the panorama. Through the eyes of battle, Dori had a view she won't soon forget.
Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice, I'm hanging with Pepper, listening to tunes. I've come across some great ones, enough to offer you some goodies across the retro spectrum. Don't say those last two words fast cause it may sound sorta dirty.
A few years before she went breakin' your heart, the very talented Kiki Dee found the rhythm.
And you thought we were struggling for material. Here's a stellar tune from Seattle grunge. Darker, yes, but fantastic. Just as powerful is Pat Benatar's You Better Run. Some songs aren't meant to be played on low volume.
The movie Risky Business had some excellent moments, but none better than when Joel saw the light on that train before he went to Princeton. Same tune, different video.
Here's Elton again. I miss Soul Train, the way it was.
Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice, I'm hanging with Pepper, listening to tunes. I've come across some great ones, enough to offer you some goodies across the retro spectrum. Don't say those last two words fast cause it may sound sorta dirty.
A few years before she went breakin' your heart, the very talented Kiki Dee found the rhythm.
And you thought we were struggling for material. Here's a stellar tune from Seattle grunge. Darker, yes, but fantastic. Just as powerful is Pat Benatar's You Better Run. Some songs aren't meant to be played on low volume.
The movie Risky Business had some excellent moments, but none better than when Joel saw the light on that train before he went to Princeton. Same tune, different video.
Here's Elton again. I miss Soul Train, the way it was.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Work Is Done
Remember that song by Loverboy, "Everybody's Workin' for the Weekend." Of course you do. It seems that most e-mails and conversations on Friday conclude with, "Have a great weekend."
In this little corner of cancer activism, what weekend wouldn't be worth igniting without fiery Friday Night Flashbacks? Good music is part of what makes life worth livin'.
Pure 60s.
Pure power.
Pure diva.
And now for some modern-day brilliance. Hands down Will's and my favorite commercial this year.
In this little corner of cancer activism, what weekend wouldn't be worth igniting without fiery Friday Night Flashbacks? Good music is part of what makes life worth livin'.
Pure 60s.
Pure power.
Pure diva.
And now for some modern-day brilliance. Hands down Will's and my favorite commercial this year.
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