It is time to mothball this blog.
I've been thinking about doing this for some time. I'm doing so now for a few reasons.
First, the blog's purpose, thank the Lord, has been fulfilled.
You've probably noticed, but in recent months I've gravitated more to the mundane than the blog's original purpose, which was to connect, inspire, vent and educate. I can and may still do those things, but it will be much less frequent and focused on the original purposes of RFD.
It is time to move on. I will still volunteer, run races, fund-raise and all those things, but we've been given a gift. Dori is a survivor. Normal times have returned. Blessings in hand, we move on, but never to forget.
I will still follow other blog friends closely. You continue to mean much to Dori and me. God has connected us forever, for which we are grateful.
Our very best to each and every one of you!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
No More Avocadoes, Please
Yesterday morning, I ran a solo three miles through downtown Nashville before joining my Team In Training friends for our weekly run. I needed the mileage because I was only going to be able to run five miles with them before heading to coach Will's basketball team.
I knew I was going to be sore after Friday's parent-student basketball game. The three went OK, as did the next five, but I never shook the soreness completely.
What made a lot of it go away, however, was a Mission Moment from Martha, who replicated last month's presentation to the entire Middle Tennessee group, as well as conversation on the run. I ran most of the five miles with two new teammates, Geoff and Sherri, who lost family and friends to leukemia. Their stories bolstered me. I'm grateful to continue to meet new friends who are committed to slamming blood cancer.
Later in the morning, Will's team played the best team in the league, losing 38-12. For most of the game, our guys played on their heels, which was frustrating. If they would have played more aggressively, the game could have been closer, but we were outmatched in talent. Positively, we held the opponent to their lowest point total of the year. They had scored above 50 in every game this year.
Will was disappointed, but we had a great talk after the game about how you learn more when things don't go well. I shared I've been in his shoes, disappointed when things don't go well and elated when everything goes right. But you learn from each experience. He said he understood frustration converted to determination will lead to better results. He has made a great deal of progress since last year.
Kathryn played well in her game, scoring, hustling and battling. Her team only had seven players, so she played almost the entire game. She was still going very hard at the end. The opposing coach ran a box-and-one on her, a sign of respect for her game. Kathryn was fouled repeatedly, but they never called it. In the car, she showed me several bruises and scrapes. She has the potential to be a good player, if she sticks with it. I like her fire.
Last night, we had a splendid dinner at my Mom's. I raved about a gorgonzola-walnut-vinaigrette salad with avocadoes, forgetting briefly that Dori hasn't handled avocadoes well since her transplant. Dori picked our the pieces, deciding to give the salad a whirl. A few hours later, the salad gave her a whirl. The score after four periods: Avocadoes 28, Dori 0.
I knew I was going to be sore after Friday's parent-student basketball game. The three went OK, as did the next five, but I never shook the soreness completely.
What made a lot of it go away, however, was a Mission Moment from Martha, who replicated last month's presentation to the entire Middle Tennessee group, as well as conversation on the run. I ran most of the five miles with two new teammates, Geoff and Sherri, who lost family and friends to leukemia. Their stories bolstered me. I'm grateful to continue to meet new friends who are committed to slamming blood cancer.
Later in the morning, Will's team played the best team in the league, losing 38-12. For most of the game, our guys played on their heels, which was frustrating. If they would have played more aggressively, the game could have been closer, but we were outmatched in talent. Positively, we held the opponent to their lowest point total of the year. They had scored above 50 in every game this year.
Will was disappointed, but we had a great talk after the game about how you learn more when things don't go well. I shared I've been in his shoes, disappointed when things don't go well and elated when everything goes right. But you learn from each experience. He said he understood frustration converted to determination will lead to better results. He has made a great deal of progress since last year.
Kathryn played well in her game, scoring, hustling and battling. Her team only had seven players, so she played almost the entire game. She was still going very hard at the end. The opposing coach ran a box-and-one on her, a sign of respect for her game. Kathryn was fouled repeatedly, but they never called it. In the car, she showed me several bruises and scrapes. She has the potential to be a good player, if she sticks with it. I like her fire.
Last night, we had a splendid dinner at my Mom's. I raved about a gorgonzola-walnut-vinaigrette salad with avocadoes, forgetting briefly that Dori hasn't handled avocadoes well since her transplant. Dori picked our the pieces, deciding to give the salad a whirl. A few hours later, the salad gave her a whirl. The score after four periods: Avocadoes 28, Dori 0.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Ventilation
Earlier today, I wasn't having the best of days. Essentially, someone's mistake caused me to run some damage control.
I did get to blow off some steam at Spirit Day at our kids' school. The parents played the varsity basktball team, which was a lot of fun. Especially enjoyable was seeing our kids and their friends watch Fade Too Soon play hoops against the young-uns. My other Indian name is Back So Sore.
I also reminded myself my wife is alive and happy, and that's helped. But I still have a little steam in the whistle.
It makes sense, then, to ventilate some more with some FNFs.
Moody Blues: Ride My See Saw 1968
More Moody, from The Threshold of a Dream, circa 1969.
I did get to blow off some steam at Spirit Day at our kids' school. The parents played the varsity basktball team, which was a lot of fun. Especially enjoyable was seeing our kids and their friends watch Fade Too Soon play hoops against the young-uns. My other Indian name is Back So Sore.
I also reminded myself my wife is alive and happy, and that's helped. But I still have a little steam in the whistle.
It makes sense, then, to ventilate some more with some FNFs.
Moody Blues: Ride My See Saw 1968
More Moody, from The Threshold of a Dream, circa 1969.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Snow Run
I couldn't take it anymore. I had to run this morning.
It was 17 degrees, but felt warmer. The back roads are slick, but main roads are starting to clear.
Today's run was marvelous. In bright sunshine, I crunched hard snow and skipped over patches of ice. It felt great, despite the slow pace. Oddly, four miles felt like six, mostly because running in slushier parts felt like running in sand. I ran cautiously, working out yesterday's crash-induced soreness. No ka-thuds like yesterday.
I did see a car in the ditch and a towman trying to extricate it. Other than that, I saw and heard little.
Playing and running in the snow does two things: It empties the mind and makes me feel like a kid.
It was 17 degrees, but felt warmer. The back roads are slick, but main roads are starting to clear.
Today's run was marvelous. In bright sunshine, I crunched hard snow and skipped over patches of ice. It felt great, despite the slow pace. Oddly, four miles felt like six, mostly because running in slushier parts felt like running in sand. I ran cautiously, working out yesterday's crash-induced soreness. No ka-thuds like yesterday.
I did see a car in the ditch and a towman trying to extricate it. Other than that, I saw and heard little.
Playing and running in the snow does two things: It empties the mind and makes me feel like a kid.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Return to 1980
I took the kids and Pepper to my favorite sledding spot this morning on Chickering Road. Will the Daredevil sprinted straight to the top of the steep hill while Kathryn decided to observe and critique. Later, she found a friend and hit the easier slope. She was as happy as we were flying down the steeper slope.
Will went airborne big time, pumping his fist after one particularly successful run. I did one slow run, then decided to go for broke over a ramp at full speed. I crashed and felt pain in my right ribs. Two minutes later, the pain was gone, but I've been sore all day. Sore in a good way.
I saw some people I hadn't seen in 30 years ... which was awesome. It's like time had stood still.
I had a blast with the kids. The photo says it all.
Will went airborne big time, pumping his fist after one particularly successful run. I did one slow run, then decided to go for broke over a ramp at full speed. I crashed and felt pain in my right ribs. Two minutes later, the pain was gone, but I've been sore all day. Sore in a good way.
I saw some people I hadn't seen in 30 years ... which was awesome. It's like time had stood still.
I had a blast with the kids. The photo says it all.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Winter Time
It's snowing at a decent clip, rare for these parts. I've been working from home all day, which is kinda cool. Little phone, lots of catch-up and prep.
With work behind for a few hours, let the sledding begin! First, here's what happens when garlic hummus, edamame and French wine begin to collide. Retro fusion.
This isn't very retro, but it might as well be.
This is definitely old school. Made me feel 25 when I heard it in the car yesterday. Also made our kids wonder who their Dad is.
I want a harmonica like that. - Verucha Salt
Here's some bootleg Doobie.
With work behind for a few hours, let the sledding begin! First, here's what happens when garlic hummus, edamame and French wine begin to collide. Retro fusion.
This isn't very retro, but it might as well be.
This is definitely old school. Made me feel 25 when I heard it in the car yesterday. Also made our kids wonder who their Dad is.
I want a harmonica like that. - Verucha Salt
Here's some bootleg Doobie.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Learning Lessons
Yesterday, Will's basketball team played another thrilling, heartbeat-skipping basketball game. They tied, 35-35.
Our guys were up 19-11, then down 26-21. Back and forth it went. Down one with 90 seconds, Will nailed a 15 footer, then found an open man underneath for a three-point lead. The other team's star, who was three inches taller than our tallest player, made a no-doubt three with seven seconds. No kidding, it was more exciting than the 1992 East Regional final between Duke and Kentucky. I told the opposing team's star, who probably had 30 of their 35 points, that it was a pleasure to watch him play his heart out.
The parents and players knew they had witnessed something special. But, no offense, probably not as much as Dori, our family (my Mom and sister were in attendance) and a few close friends. After the game, Dori hugged her son, who played spectacularly. They both cried lovingly, which of course tore us up a smidge. Near the end of the game, I looked at Dori from the coaches' bench a few times, and she was crying then, too. How could you not?
I share this not because of the game itself. I share because I've learned so much from it and a few other events this week.
Last year, Will struggled to make progress in basketball. The potential was there, but he mostly took a few steps forward and few steps back. Sometimes, I handled it well. Sometimes, not as much. I walked a fine line as a parent and coach to help him elevate his game.
This year has been completely different. He's grasping most everything. He's combining smarts with persistence, a trait he didn't show as much last year. The development is ongoing, but my takeaway is to stay focused on combining encouragement, instruction and firmness when necessary. When does one do the latter? Two occasions for me are when I hear an excuse or when I see lackluster effort.
I'm seeing similar things in other places. Dori didn't get a job she was shooting for last year. At the time, I told her assuredly, and I completely believed it, that the disappointing result was a blessing. Many months later, she's in a great spot. Last semester, Kathryn struggled with a subject. We encouraged more effort, and she volunteered to do some after-school study. Her grades improved, and she made honor roll last week.
My life, and I would wager yours, are filled with these moments. Struggles and disappointments, and yes even disasters, are opportunities. I see that in the calamity in Haiti. Many have died; millions more are in a terrible place. But the outpouring of support and desire to rebuild are stronger than the inclination to retreat. Just ask Hurricane Katrina survivors ... They will be watching their New Orleans Saints play in the NFC Championship game today. Just ask the people of Charleston, SC, who emerged stronger from Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Anything come to mind in your life?
Another great part of my weekend occurred through Team in Training yesterday. First, as teammate Catherine and I were finishing an eight-miler, she said, "It's interesting how the last mile is always harder." I said yes, but that's the best training mile. Rather than slow down, I dropped the pace significantly, encouraging her to stick with me. Impressively, she stayed on my shoulder the whole way.
At a coffee afterwards with her teammates, she said, "Coach, did you hear my heavier breathing as we were finishing?" I said, "No, I heard your determination!"
An hour later at a recruitment meeting, teammates Jim, Sara and I shared TNT insight, encouraging the eight attendees to join us in the fight against blood cancer.
I think all of them are signed up or in the process of committing. They must have appreciated our determination.
Our guys were up 19-11, then down 26-21. Back and forth it went. Down one with 90 seconds, Will nailed a 15 footer, then found an open man underneath for a three-point lead. The other team's star, who was three inches taller than our tallest player, made a no-doubt three with seven seconds. No kidding, it was more exciting than the 1992 East Regional final between Duke and Kentucky. I told the opposing team's star, who probably had 30 of their 35 points, that it was a pleasure to watch him play his heart out.
The parents and players knew they had witnessed something special. But, no offense, probably not as much as Dori, our family (my Mom and sister were in attendance) and a few close friends. After the game, Dori hugged her son, who played spectacularly. They both cried lovingly, which of course tore us up a smidge. Near the end of the game, I looked at Dori from the coaches' bench a few times, and she was crying then, too. How could you not?
I share this not because of the game itself. I share because I've learned so much from it and a few other events this week.
Last year, Will struggled to make progress in basketball. The potential was there, but he mostly took a few steps forward and few steps back. Sometimes, I handled it well. Sometimes, not as much. I walked a fine line as a parent and coach to help him elevate his game.
This year has been completely different. He's grasping most everything. He's combining smarts with persistence, a trait he didn't show as much last year. The development is ongoing, but my takeaway is to stay focused on combining encouragement, instruction and firmness when necessary. When does one do the latter? Two occasions for me are when I hear an excuse or when I see lackluster effort.
I'm seeing similar things in other places. Dori didn't get a job she was shooting for last year. At the time, I told her assuredly, and I completely believed it, that the disappointing result was a blessing. Many months later, she's in a great spot. Last semester, Kathryn struggled with a subject. We encouraged more effort, and she volunteered to do some after-school study. Her grades improved, and she made honor roll last week.
My life, and I would wager yours, are filled with these moments. Struggles and disappointments, and yes even disasters, are opportunities. I see that in the calamity in Haiti. Many have died; millions more are in a terrible place. But the outpouring of support and desire to rebuild are stronger than the inclination to retreat. Just ask Hurricane Katrina survivors ... They will be watching their New Orleans Saints play in the NFC Championship game today. Just ask the people of Charleston, SC, who emerged stronger from Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Anything come to mind in your life?
Another great part of my weekend occurred through Team in Training yesterday. First, as teammate Catherine and I were finishing an eight-miler, she said, "It's interesting how the last mile is always harder." I said yes, but that's the best training mile. Rather than slow down, I dropped the pace significantly, encouraging her to stick with me. Impressively, she stayed on my shoulder the whole way.
At a coffee afterwards with her teammates, she said, "Coach, did you hear my heavier breathing as we were finishing?" I said, "No, I heard your determination!"
An hour later at a recruitment meeting, teammates Jim, Sara and I shared TNT insight, encouraging the eight attendees to join us in the fight against blood cancer.
I think all of them are signed up or in the process of committing. They must have appreciated our determination.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Transitioning
This week passed quickly. Active minds and bodies are a good thing. My running was so-so, as I seemed to be fighting a minor bug. Percy Warner Park kicked my behind on MLK Day. We run eight tomorrow.
Dori has a new car and a new job, working as a credit analyst at a small bank. She seems to be liking both a lot. We're all enjoying the transition and adjusting well. Kathryn finished fourth in her school in the spelling bee contest, a very good showing. Will's birthday is tomorrow, and we're ready to celebrate. My work is good.
Blessings counted, here are some 70s blasts from the past, but first a photo of Dori, with her lovely sister Kathy, from her best friend's wedding last weekend.
Dori has a new car and a new job, working as a credit analyst at a small bank. She seems to be liking both a lot. We're all enjoying the transition and adjusting well. Kathryn finished fourth in her school in the spelling bee contest, a very good showing. Will's birthday is tomorrow, and we're ready to celebrate. My work is good.
Blessings counted, here are some 70s blasts from the past, but first a photo of Dori, with her lovely sister Kathy, from her best friend's wedding last weekend.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Eight-Hour 'Run'
For some, Saturdays are a day to stop or brake. Not around here.
This morning, the TNT-ers showed bright and early for a six-miler. I joined Coach Carey, Catherine and Krystal for some 9:15/minute miles. We learned Krystal's father-in-law is battling leukemia. The miles flew by as we talked. This morning's 35 degrees felt like 75 after the last few weekend runs.
After the run, I headed to the gym to coach Will's team and to watch Kathryn's team. Will and his buddies lost in a thriller, but not before a furious rally. Down 18-10 with four minutes remaining, Will scored seven points, including his first three pointer. As the gym went bonkers, Will rebounded a teammate's missed free throw and put up two quick put backs that almost went in before the buzzer. They didn't. We lost, 18-17. I was so proud of our guys. They are fighters. Kathryn's team showed some improvement, but lost 16-13. They also rallied at the end. Great morning!
Dori is out of town at a wedding, but we bought a "new" car for her ... a 2004 Honda Odyssey EX. We don't buy new cars because we can't stand the premium loss. After polishing off some healthy, tasty burritos, we finally settled in about an hour ago.
Phew.
If you ever need to know how to pack eight hours full of activity, give me a shout.
This morning, the TNT-ers showed bright and early for a six-miler. I joined Coach Carey, Catherine and Krystal for some 9:15/minute miles. We learned Krystal's father-in-law is battling leukemia. The miles flew by as we talked. This morning's 35 degrees felt like 75 after the last few weekend runs.
After the run, I headed to the gym to coach Will's team and to watch Kathryn's team. Will and his buddies lost in a thriller, but not before a furious rally. Down 18-10 with four minutes remaining, Will scored seven points, including his first three pointer. As the gym went bonkers, Will rebounded a teammate's missed free throw and put up two quick put backs that almost went in before the buzzer. They didn't. We lost, 18-17. I was so proud of our guys. They are fighters. Kathryn's team showed some improvement, but lost 16-13. They also rallied at the end. Great morning!
Dori is out of town at a wedding, but we bought a "new" car for her ... a 2004 Honda Odyssey EX. We don't buy new cars because we can't stand the premium loss. After polishing off some healthy, tasty burritos, we finally settled in about an hour ago.
Phew.
If you ever need to know how to pack eight hours full of activity, give me a shout.
Friday, January 15, 2010
A Re-Read
Sometimes, when you go back and read what you've written, you realize it could be interpreted differently by others. Whoopsie. Just re-read a recent post and realized it may sound sorta unclean. Not the intention, blog friend, but the fix has been made.
Shifting gears and turning pages, it's time for tunage that should be interpreted for what it is. First, some Friday Night Haiku, in honor of the sweepers who position themselves in their cars on our long Team In Training runs.
Sweeper, sweeper, see
Me looking for no sweeping
Stay warm and watch me.
Shifting gears and turning pages, it's time for tunage that should be interpreted for what it is. First, some Friday Night Haiku, in honor of the sweepers who position themselves in their cars on our long Team In Training runs.
Sweeper, sweeper, see
Me looking for no sweeping
Stay warm and watch me.
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