Idiocracy

Certainly, there isn't a bigger fool on planet Earth this morning than yours truly. Long story short, I ran my mouth last night in the Taco Bell drive thru because I thought the gentleman in front of us kept his eye on Erica too long (which he didn't)... so in return, I got whipped by the aforementioned sir and his buddy in the car... leaving Erica and her friend to do their best to retrieve the idiot that was me from their repeated punches.

Words can hardly explain how embarrassed and abysmal I feel about a completely avoidable circumstance. And while I would prefer to cower in a corner and practice up on my self-hate for a month, I think this method may give me the opportunity to really see just how stupid this little trick was. Thank God nothing happened to Erica and her friend. To put them into that situation was deplorable. Even if I were a fighter (and I'm not), there wasn't much of a chance for me seeing myself out of that situation. It's one thing for me to run my mouth and get my ass handed to me in a deserving manner, but to rely on a couple of women that might combine to tip the scales at 200 lbs is out of control. Completely and without argument, the dumbest stunt I've ever pulled. And just weeks before I turn 30! This is so white trash. I wish I could apologize to the guys that did the ass kicking. I would like to apologize to Erica and her friend until I'm blue in the face, but what's done is done. Now it comes down to making sure anything like this never ever happens again.

Holiday

The Envoi crew celebrated the holidays last night in downtown Cincinnati. We started with happy hour at Palomino's and then had dinner at ViaVite across the street. Nothing crazy, other than driving home late last night. It had been a long day and the skyline of Columbus couldn't appear out of the black soon enough. It didn't take long for me to find the backside of my eyelids once I did get to bed. I took this shot in the parking lot behind our building as I was heading out. I want to take it again, sans cars, and maybe with the help of a tripod. I've always liked the row of houses along Woodward Street.

But I was up and at 'em early... kind of. I ended up taking Tuesday and Wednesday off because of the ice and the party, so I wanted to get out this morning and see how things were with the equipment... and I'm happy to say that the 5+ mile run was virtually pain-free. And I felt like I could've gone farther, but I held back. I'm definitely not going to get ahead of myself on this one. But this is good news compared to where I was a week ago. I'm debating on a month-to-month gym membership for the use of the treadmill. I wouldn't normally go to such lengths, but I had some run-ins last year with old man winter and he's a bitch. I even took a nasty spill on an ice-covered manhole. Cost and availability will be driving factors, of course.

Pajama Party Pt.2

Over the hills and through the woods... you know the rest of it. But that was Saturday, so let me take a step back. I got to watch Lauren Friday night. Erica and I got a pizza and anticipated the group from Cincinnati. They were coming up for a friend's holiday party and so after A TON of phone calls to cancel my plans for the evening, I was able to hang out with my niece for the night and the following morning... which was a blast. She's getting big and fast and mumbly. She talks to herself but not really... or maybe I just can't understand it yet. She's also on the verge of walking so the girl's need to move knows no limits. But we're at least still in the stage where repetition is your ally. I wore out my F12 key as Lauren tried to figure out just how things were zooming in and out of nowhere. The magnetic power cord was another fan favorite. Apple... for babies too.

And lo and behold, wouldn't you know it... Ryan and Leslie were planning a trip to Englewood as well. So we all met once again at my grandma's house later in the day. My Uncle Chuck also came up to retrieve the prayer cards that had been reprinted from last week's 90th birthday party. And then I had the honor of taking my grandma to Skyline at 48 and 70 for an inaugural cheese coney. She also topped it off with a 3-way and cleaned her plate. How proud I was.

After calling it a night in Englewood, I headed north on 48 en route to Piqua. BIG NEWS in P-town. Sixteen city workers got an early Christmas present this year with the winning Mega Millions lottery ticket worth $207MM. That's roughly $9MM apiece. Not bad. You just never think that it would ever happen to folks you know. Hmm... $9MM. I wonder if that would buy me a new IT Band? After a week off, and some compression band advice from my brother, I took off for what I hoped would be three easy miles Saturday. I got through a mile of it, maybe... before the pain set in and I was reduced to a hobbling mess. So the following day, I headed to the local running store to purchase a different compression band. This time, it kind of worked. I was able to run four... kind of. So armed with all kinds of newfound confidence, I set out Monday morning, in hopes of topping Sunday's feat. It didn't start so well, but an adjustment a half mile in saw me through the next four, including a sizable hill, so I was again, hopeful. I'm taking Tuesday off in hopes that the rest will help in the recovery department. In the meantime, stretching, ice and strengthening every day. Finally, a little hope. But, to keep things in perspective, I am fortunate enough to have been able to run in the first place. Many would kill to be able just to walk.

Famiglia

Another weekend... another reason to travel. My great uncle turned 90 on the 5th. Father Angelo Caserta. And no, I'm not Sicilian. My dad's mom died when he was ten... or thereabouts... and my grandpa remarried Rose Caserta, one of 13, I think. But it's the only family I've ever known on that side, so they might as well be biological. Out of the 13, two became priests... Angelo and Charlie.

I did the prayer cards for the service. One side was dedicated to his ordination and the other to his birthday. The printing came back f'd up, so there'll be 2000 more coming shortly. Oh well. I was also supposed to take the pictures for the mass and the party afterwards. The mass wasn't so bad, although I really should know my equipment better than this by now... and I really spent the majority of the party taking pictures of my most immediate family.

In the end, none of them really turned out all that great, but I never claimed to be a professional photographer, so no one can complain. Erica and I lit the Christmas tree Sunday night... so we took some time to drink a little wine and listen to some music. I do like this time of year when there's the opportunity to sit down and enjoy it.

Awful news on the running front, however. It appears as though I've been stricken with IT Band Syndrome which is fairly common and unfortunate. After a mile or so, it literally feels like someone is jamming an ice pick into the outside of your knee with every step. I still don't really know what to expect from this and should make a doctor's appointment sooner rather than later. This just sucks sucks sucks. I was running well and enjoying being out there. I'm going to take a week off and start up next week on slow, flat, soft surfaces. Again, trails would help if there were any around here.

Anniversaries

48 months ago, Erica and I started dating. Wow... it sounds like a shorter time period if you say the months rather than the years. Where has the time gone though? It's hard to think back on all that has happened since then. I was 25 when I started dating her. Hell, she was 23! Yikes.

Another year and nine months and we can celebrate another anniversary. Here's to 4(0) more.

Giving Thanks

Well, the United States took part in a little Turkey Day celebration over the long weekend. I wonder how many turkeys have been killed in the name of giving thanks? Could this be like a modern-day sacrifice... ehh... to ourselves? Either way, our families did their part to celebrate as well. The annual Turkey Bowl was punctuated with an engagement. My cousin, Andy, took advantage of having everyone in one spot and popped the question. She, of course, said yes, and then told everyone that he had told her of his plans the previous night after a few too many beers. Oh well, at least I was surprised. The rest of the day was spent at 500 Adams Street, eating turkey and trying to find 15 minutes of quiet so I could steal a nap. Nothing doing.

That night we made our way to Cincinnati. Got up early for a slow, slow run and stayed the hell away from Black Friday. We should be ashamed of ourselves. A man is trampled to death because of $400 flat screen TVs? A woman run over in the parking lot due to the mad dash? We need a T.O. from Christmas or some kind of wake-up call. It's not right that our greed has become this insatiable.

We went out that night in Cheviot to celebrate Abbi's birthday. Always a good time with that group. Got to sleep in Saturday and got ready for the Weiss Thanksgiving dinner. Watched football intermittently throughout the day and into the night. Stayed up way too late playing yahtzee and finally found our beds around 2 a.m..

Then it was off to Columbus town, but not before a house-warming party in Northern Kentucky and we swung by Bradley's to pick up my single most important piece of running equipment in the winter... my blue Nike wind-negating space jacket. It's a gem. I had left it there over the Farles Bachelor Party Weekend Bonanza. I had gotten up early that Saturday for a run and was told to hit the trails in French Park. I'm glad I did... and not so glad... all at the same time. It upsets me that there isn't a damn thing like that in Columbus. You want trails? Run in your backyard. It's awful. That alone would be reason to go back, because it's not just French Park that offers you trail running in the city.

But alas, Thanksgiving is over. An unintended 13.25 this morning in some pretty windy conditions. And the legs were still a little sore from that friggin' football game... but I was just so glad to get my jacket back, I had to keep going.

This Is A HUGE Grape!

I like my fruit cups from Kroger. This week's medley was cantaloupe, honeydew and grapes. Upon opening the container, I thought they had put grapes with seeds into my mix. No biggie. But once I bit into the fruity goodness and realized they were seedless, I was shocked. These things were enormous. I had to document my finding. 

It looks delicious, doesn't it?

Stories From The Road

Another weekend, another place to go. Piqua was the lucky lady this trip. Lots to do and we gots it done.

I had to drop off some files in Cincinnati Thursday and I took advantage of an early departure by heading to the Echo for breakfast with my friend, Gerry, whom I hadn't seen in some time. He worked for Envoi when I started, getting our lunch, but he mostly shuttled my boss's teenage son to and from soccer practice, tournaments and school. That teenage son has since graduated and gone on to college leaving Gerry without much to chauffeur. So I don't get to see Gerry like I used to, but enjoy Echo breakfasts with him when I can. He's as far to the right as anyone I've ever known and absorbs more information in a day than I do in a month, so it's always good to hear what he has to say. Gerry's one of those guys that, had I grown up with him, would've gotten me into loads o' trouble... but we would've had a good time doing it. He's legendary.

Before leaving in order to get back to Columbus before dinner, I headed out to Lunken for a jog. I wanted to do the loop twice as I planned a 5K on Saturday and would inconvenience others if I tried to get my long run in following the race. So I got out there around 5:45. The thing about Lunken is that there's a looooong stretch that parallels the runways between the Little Miami and the property. Other than the path and the airport on one side, there isn't much back there. It's not the greatest place to be when it's dark. The first loop went fine although it was dark for the majority of the backside. Fellow joggers would appear out of the darkness with a surprised look and a wave. I made the turn and decided to head back into the black. After a mile and a half, I passed a runner as he yelled out a warning. Apparently the raucous barking in the hills was due to coyotes... as far as he could tell... however that worked. Well, it was enough of a warning that I turned tail and headed back to the road. Wild dogs were not in the plans. But I made it to the parking lot and continued to the right on Wilmer... past the hangars and then turned right again into the golf course. It was a wicked mile and a half. Low-lying fog hung over the fairways and greens. All in all, it was a very cool run. I'm looking forward to repeating some ass-kicking routes through those hills in future trips.

So it was off to Piqua Friday night. Nothing special. We got to bed early and were up early for the 2nd Annual Lehman Alumni 5K at Tawawa Park in Sidney. The weather really couldn't have been worse, but there were still about 30 runners that made it out for the race. I knew most of the folks. I thought I'd at least try and give it a shot from the start, but within 4 or 5 minutes, realized that I wasn't going to hold up. I ended with a PR of 19:45 and that was good enough for 4th... 1st in my age group (25-34). Erica also got first in the 25-34 age group for women. Now we have matching plaques... which is humorous because of the fact that there were only 30 runners (note: My sincerest apologies to Erica for downplaying her accomplishments).

The rest of the day was filled with purchasing wedding bands, a suit and some brunch. We checked out the newly refurbished Piqua Hotel. It's historical significance was almost flushed down the toilet when plans were approved for a $2MM demolition. The entire community should be proud that this gem didn't get hauled away in dump trucks. And that was about it. We played scrabble, euchre and yahtzee the rest of the weekend. I reigned supreme but the only thing that will be remembered is how my 257 points were bested by Erica's 260 in a scrabble battle for the ages. All tiles were used and her final turn took over 30 minutes... but with a "U" and two "N"s, she found the 17 points needed. Well done.

As for the picture, I was mostly snapping shots of my mom, but she'd kill me if I posted them. So I'm it. Sorry.

November BDays

I'm off today. A long run didn't work. Coffee hasn't worked. My last option is a can of V8 sitting in the fridge. It may be time. I'm tired as hell for no apparent reason other than a restless night's sleep and some birthday partying Sunday.

After doing nothing for the entire weekend, we packed up the VW and headed to Cincinnati on Sunday to help my brother and sister celebrate their birthdays. Ryan's is the 7th and Meghann's is the 8th. My parents were watching Lauren while Ryan and Leslie were in Chicago for the OSU v. Northwestern game so we all met up at my sisters for my ma's legendary chicken & noodles. It was worth it but damn, I'm worn out.

And this week isn't looking pretty. There could potentially be a lot of running around.

What Makes Us Great

It's come and gone. Months and months of TV ads, flyers, phone calls and knocks on the door have culminated  in an historic event. It's hard to quantify what this means to this country and to the people of this country, but I do know what it means to me. As cliché as it might sound, I do feel as though the majority of the country's voice will be heard. I really don't believe that George Bush had this country's best interests in mind. I don't believe he wished it ill will and I tend to believe that he's a good father and a good husband... better than most perhaps. But I feel as though he was more concerned with the perception that the United States was a vibrant, healthy nation rather than it actually being one.

Four years ago, it was more about seeing things through and finishing what you'd started. To this day, I would still not vote for John Kerry. Maybe it's because he looked like Herman Munster... either way, I made my choice and I was able to see W "see things through"... right into the damned dirt.

I oftentimes let my temper get the best of me. I'm quick to blurt words that I'm not entirely sure are true... words that I'm not sure I even mean. My mom has a saying hanging on the fridge back in Piqua that resonates with me, and I'll try to get it as close as I can remember:

Words said in anger will be the greatest speech you ever regret.

I thought McCain grew angry towards the end of the campaign. I didn't like it. I don't like it when I get angry. So to see the patient way Obama went about the debates and his speeches was exemplary. Sometimes you have to stop screaming and search for that moment of clarity. Erica has certainly done her part to help me with that. There are so many issues that this country addresses on a daily basis... the economy, the environment, illegal immigration, etc, etc. Ignorance should not be one of them. It bothers me to see people trying to pass laws mandating English as our only language. Have you read studies about the beneficial effects of learning a second language? No, you can't stop screaming about how this is your country. After you find out about how challenging your brain by learning a second language can fight off the effects of Alzheimers, then maybe you should flip through some factual history books to find out how many Native Americans we had to murder in order to make this our land. It bothers me that people waste their time finding ways to rob others of their freedom and happiness because their beliefs tell them that a gay union isn't right. No one's asking anyone to agree with it. But give a man the right to be next to his partner when he dies. Allow him to sort through their shared life and do with it as he sees fit. Allow him the tax benefits that any heterosexual union enjoys. So we waste our time with these issues while children are abused and millions starve. Congrats. It's good to know you've made a point. As for oil, what part of the word "nonrenewable" is so hard to understand? We're smarter than combustible engines. We're smarter than Joe the Plumber, who, according to his tax concerns, endorsed the wrong candidate.

I can't say I've ever been big on the religion that I grew up with... Catholicism. Any religion, at the heart, provides a base for a good moral society. My biggest problem is that we've taken it too far as humans. I think that Jesus was a man that said and did amazing things, but I think the most amazing of them all was to call on everyone to love their neighbor as themselves. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Simplistic living. I see that in Obama. I see someone that just wants to help his neighbor. I see someone that cares about the people in his community as much as he cares about his own family. It's commendable and that's why I voted for him.

Regardless, Election Day was something to behold. The anticipation created an air of excitement. People were out and about... cheering on their candidates. It's uplifting and it gave me a little hope that we're all better than the hate radio... the scare tactics. We're not a snarling dog anymore, snapping and biting at what we don't understand. We can address our problems and the world's problems with patience, commitment and sincerity. But then again, maybe that's too much to ask of a politician.

Apple Squared

There's really nothing to note... hence the apple. I eat me apples with a paring knife. I whittle away each side... right down to the core. I had a pretty decent square today and thought I'd document my successes.

Election Day is a week away. I made it through my buddy's bachelor party... somewhat unscathed. I've started running again after a week's absence. Winter has arrived. The Bucks lost numero dos to Penn State. We saw Old Crow Medicine Show at the Madison Theater Friday night. Don't ever go see anyone there. The band basically apologized for it at the end of the show. Um... that's really about it.

So I guess that brings us to November. Thanksgiving. Other things too. OSU v. Michigan game, although it lacks the significance that the past years enjoyed.

Worked Out

Wow. It's really the only word to describe the experience. Wow, because I knew it was going to be tough, but there was nothing (other than a previous marathon) that could've prepared me for how tough it really was. Wow, because of how great it was to be a part of it. Wow, because of how many people came out and supported their city's marathon. Wow, because I really can't believe I crossed the finish line.

Truth be told, I know I couldn't have done it without some great people that showed a lot of support along the way. Erica put up with 12 weeks of long runs, tempo runs, speedwork, messy porches, stolen water bottles, running theories and I commend her for that. My family, especially my parents and sister for being there at the end. And to the Bradleys... Hoffmann and Wise. I wish I could've been more together at 19.5, but I had just dueled with the devil and lost. And to Ryan... I should've heeded your advice and run my race.

As for the race, I wouldn't say it was the most organized thing (ie: bag drop), but I was able to find the 3:10 pace group... all the way the hell up front! And I finally settled in with about two minutes to spare... which meant there was no time for stretching and I'd have to warmup in the first miles. I like to be better prepared than that, but it was my own fault. We made it downtown in plenty of time. But the gun sounded and it was time to run... whether I liked it or not... and run I did. The miles passed easily in the cold air. I thought we had come out a little hot, but didn't realize it until about mile five when I heard a group of about four runners confirming their splits with each other... "Split!"... "7:03!"... "Split!"... "7:05!" I heard them bashing the 3:10 leader for running his group out so fast and before long, people were looking around wondering what the game plan was. I knew this was going to be my undoing as I like to start slow and give a good kick in the end. But there was no turning back at this point... we were nearly to the halfway point. After building up a nearly two-minute time bank, we crossed the 13.1 mile mark at 1:34:29... a PR for a half. So that meant I had to run a 1:36:31 to qualify.

Obviously, the second half didn't go as well for me as the first. I'm not sure when it was that everything kind of started to go south, but I was determined to make it to Hoffmann's with the 3:10 group. It may have been my undoing, but I did it. I stopped long enough to take a Gu and some water and I reluctantly hit the pavement... but much slower. I saw the 3:10 balloons up ahead and knew that if I wanted to have use of my legs for the rest of my life I'd have to give up on Boston and work on getting through the rest of this one mile at a time. The race became a point-to-point struggle, but I kept my legs moving. I would think of someone each mile to run for. It was when I was thinking about my Grandpa Alberts during mile 21 that an older guy came up beside me and struck up some idle conversation. We talked about past races, mostly his (this was going to be his 42nd marathon), and shortly before mile 24, he looked over and wished me well. Say what you will, but there's not a whole lot of doubt in my mind who sent him. The last two miles were tough, but manageable. I made my way by Goodale Park and into the Arena District on some shaky legs. I saw my mom on the right but missed the others. To say I was focused was an understatement. Right before crossing the finish line, everything kind of came back to me. They were out of the mylar blankets, but not far ahead was the older runner that got me through those toughest miles and I grabbed his hand and thanked him over and over for what he did... and then he gave me his blanket before I walked away. Whoever that man was, he's a saint in my eyes. 

So I was able to find my parents, Erica and my sister without much trouble. We sat in the sun and I did as much stretching as I could. We finally made our way back to Grandview. We stopped at Hoffmann's. I wanted to say thanks. Bradley Wise was still there and we headed out to lunch. The rest of the day was uneventful. We went to the grocery for a few things, rented a movie, ate pie and donuts (Thanks DT!).

So there's still work to be done. That's good. If you hit all your goals the first time, you lose out on all the experience, right? I'd like to help others get across the finish line the way that guy helped me. Run for a greater cause... for the ones that can't. There's a lot of people that do good things with these races. You can't always run for PR's. At some point, it's got to have more meaning. But an injury-free 3:15:52 is a good start.

Fly Bye

This fly really has nothing to do with me, just my day. I don't know if the suddenly-cold air has brought them inside or if they've been hiding out in corners all along, but these varmints are wandering around under my desk drunk on the stagnant air, which makes them easy targets. Or maybe they're just tired. You could almost say they were delirious. So maybe it does have something to do with me.

It's officially under 60 hours until my alarm sounds and I'm up preparing for my first marathon. I never thought I would and I'd be content if I never did... but I'm committed. I haven't given it much thought up to now. I took it one week at a time, but now there's just one more item to check off the list... the actual race. I'm looking forward to it for a number of reasons. First and foremost, you get to interact with a lot of great people that are in the same boat you are. My sister is coming up to run the half with Erica and I like to see that. My friend, Hoffmann, is hosting a marathon party to cheer on runners as they pass, including me, and I look forward to seeing them there... if only for a minute. And my parents will be at the finish and I know we'll be hanging out afterwards.

But the butterflies are still playing Slam Jam in my stomach and probably will be until those first couple miles are under my belt. And I suppose that's expected. I remember not being able to fall asleep at all the night before my first Indy Mini. It's just a part of the process. But I really really really don't want to end up like this fly... deliriously trying to find my way to the finish... only to have some big monsterface step on me. But here goes nothin'. A good time with family and friends still awaits me after the run... whether I hit my goal or not.

Holy Union!

The weekend was a good one. It was supposed to be a low-key Friday night, but upon returning home, our neighbors were throwing down on some brews and campfires and they asked us to join them... so we did... and ended up staying out until well past two in the morning. It was worth it.

It was off to Cleveland for a wedding on Saturday. It was a perfect day for a wedding. Tommy Dome was the groom. Erica met him at OU while serving a community service sentence for open container. Kids. But he was a seminarian for some time and then was not, and is now married. It was a great time and met some interesting folk.

I was thinking we'd be able to tool around the city for a bit on Sunday, but the closest we got was a view of the skyline from our room at the Sheraton. And what's the cost of a clean hotel room? Obviously, I'm not paying enough so I want to know.

And just to note... I've tried to keep politics out of this and I try not to get too heated in conversation with strangers... as is written in the politically correct bylaws... but dammit, we're three weeks out of the most important election I'll ever take part in. I'm not a political person and I don't try to pretend that I know everything about this election as that would be impossible, but I do know that I refuse to base my decision off of a TV ad, televised debate or gossip. I know that if you want the truth, you have to search it out. You have to dig deep because there isn't a soul running in any election that's going to spoon-feed it to you. What they will feed you is bullshit because apathy is their greatest ally. I never knew Kurt Cobain on a personal level, but I feel close to a quote of his:

"My generation's apathy. I'm disgusted with it. I'm disgusted with my own apathy too, for being spineless and not always standing up against racism, sexism and all other -isms the counterculture has been whining about for years."

Discuss it with people you respect. See what they have to say about it. Read. Gain insight any way you know how, but it's hard for me when people tell me they just don't care... and it's their right to not care. Again, I'm not some pundit preaching in people's ears, but there are issues that I care about. And there isn't a candidate that completely aligns with my views, but I wouldn't necessarily expect that. I just want to pick the one that aligns the best. After half-assing it through much of my life, I'd like to maybe do things the right way from here on out... or at least try.

It's Rollin' Round the Bend

Another night shot... another train track. Different one but in the same general area. I was on my way to Barnes & Noble tonight when I was stopped by this train. I was going to try and beat it and probably could have, but I really wasn't in all that big of a hurry.

Who am I kidding? I was chicken. I should've gone for it. Why is beating a train such a rush? People pull out in front of other cars all the time. It might be a difference in perception that gives the added thrill. You're really not sure how fast it's moving or just how close it is. We don't encounter the situation multiple times a day. It's somewhat the same when I'm riding the bike and I zip across 5th when I probably shouldn't. Sometimes, you just have to go for it. But it's second-guessing your choice that gets you in trouble.

Either way, there were a ton of cars, all full of coal... where they were headed... I really don't know. That might rhyme if Toby Keith would sing it.

Sky's Up

I liked the sky... and that's... ehhh... about it. It was one of those crap-ass, stay inside days that finally gave way to some clearing about the time the sun went down... which happened to coincide with me leaving work. Due to all the rain in the morning, I decided to walk the mile plus to the office. It wasn't all that bad, but I am in need of a breathable waterproof shell. My rain coat created sauna-like conditions in my pits.

There's train tracks that run along the parking lot. Where they go, I'm not sure... but they are used often. It's my shortcut, but I could've walked them forever last night. They seemed to go a million miles in both directions. But with no tent, I thought twice about it and made my way up the hill instead.

Rennenwochenende

Race weekend. I heart ze races. So many folks coming together to run their little hearts out.

We drove to Cincinnati Friday night, woke up early Saturday and checked out Music Hall. After many months of deliberation, we may have found a spot to seal the deal. It's between the two last weekends in August, but I'm thinking it's going to work out. So that's a huge weight off our shoulders and now it's just a matter of planning it in a most practical way. So I'm going to cross my fingers that it works out, but as of right now, you can count on either the 22nd or 29th of August, 2009.

The rest of Saturday was filled with brunches and birthday parties. We ate with Bradley and Leah at the Echo. It was my pleasure to introduce them to the excellent fare. Erica's niece turned four over the weekend, so we spent the rest of the day playing princess games and opening presents. It's crazy how excited she was. You could tell how hard it was for her to contain herself. All the gifts went over quite well and the night was finally capped with a victory for the lucky Bucks. Madison is a tough place to play and an even tougher place to win. But I'm pretty sure Wisconsin deserved it. OSU's D-line was null and void the entire night.

Then it was up and at 'em early on Sunday morning. I made my way north to Piqua, picked up my sister and took 66 the rest of the way into Minster for the 30th running of the Minster Oktoberfest 10K. The weather couldn't have been better. It was chilly and clear... with nary a breeze to be found. This was the first race for my brother and at 6.2 miles, he was slightly nervous. This would also mark the first time that my two siblings and I would be running a race together. It was fun to be around them for the start and especially for the finish. Everyone did really well and I even ran into Rick Callison. Rick won the inaugural race 30 years ago in near world record time. Back in the day, he was as fast as they come. In 1980, he ran a 2:17:42 for the Olympic qualifier in Buffalo, NY. I've known "Calli" for a long time as he's been a member of the Turkey Bowl brigade for as long as I can remember. Every Thanksgiving morning, a group of roughly 20 men, women and children get together to play a rousing football game behind High Street School in Piqua. Not until this year did I realize his running accomplishments. I was looking forward to talking with him Thanksgiving morning, but was lucky enough to run into him at the race. I'm sure I'll still have plenty of questions when I see him in a month and a half.

As for the race, I turned in a respectable 41:29 and was able to better my first half 5K by almost a minute. I almost placed in the "Clydesdale" division (over 185 lbs.). That just means I have something to work for next year. Maybe I can get Erica to run it as well. The best was seeing how many people puked immediately following the race. Sunday morning follows two very heavy nights of drinking in this sleepy little town and it is expected that many won't be able to hold in the previous night's revelry following 6.2 miles. Hurling a day old brat all over Main Street is almost a rite of passage for these folks.

Sehen sie folgendes jahr.

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What a month. I've spent most of it behind this computer screen. I'm not going to lie... I'm glad to see it go. It really started with August, but September will have to suck it up and take the blame.

But a new month finds me back in the office with much faster connection after some finagling on their end. And with two very big projects, a wedding invite for friends and a 21-miler successfully completed, it's time to get onto things I've been neglecting...

It's time I sit down and pick a weekend for my friend Gordon's bachelor party. I have to figure out if I'm going to get a new car or go with zipcar.com. It seems enticing on the computer screen, but we all know how that can go. Pick a place to get married. Go fishing. Go camping. Go mountain biking.

And there's already a whole lot to look forward to this month. We're headed to Cincinnati this weekend and then I will probably be getting to Minster somehow on Sunday morning to run a 10K with my sibs just to let them know what's up. This will be the first time my brother and I run a race together. I'm looking forward to it. Then a wedding in Cleveland after that, then the big race. The race route happened to be changed last minute and now runs right down my friend's street around the 18 or 19 mile mark. So I can't wait to make the turn onto Berkshire and get the high-five that I'll probably desperately need at that point. Then two big weekends in Cincinnati... both in honor of Bolton. So with all that, November will be here before I know it. Hopefully I will have made some progress by then.

What the H-Cane?

Yesterday started much like any other... with a hangover. I kid, I kid. Although, my head still pounded from having to endure the frustration of another coaching meltdown courtesy of the Ohio State Buckeyes. Three strikes, you're out Tress. I'm not asking for your papers so much as Heacock's. These guys were so cued up on cues, they let a simple pick route go for six? Well done... you make your players look stupid... again. Dantonio, if you're out there and are tired of the Lansing nightlife, Columbus is calling... or should be.

So after a lazy morning, I took to the bike and headed to Griggs for a run. No doubt, it was a windy day. I didn't realize it was the remnants of Hurricane Ike. I thought it was finally that front making it's way on through. Got to the reservoir without too much trouble and took off on foot. About halfway through the run, I noticed how much windier it had gotten. A majority of the route meanders under black walnut and sycamore trees. I found myself dodging sticks and debris... hoping a large limb wasn't next.

After finishing, I rested on a bench that sat on top of a hill near the dam as the wind continued to grow in intensity. I sat in a clearing so I wasn't too concerned, but large limbs on large trees started to come down with frequency. Then half of a tree collapsed onto the road below me... followed by an entire tree giving way. It was a little surreal. I never felt like I was in any kind of danger, but whole trees were falling down around me. So I headed back home on the bike and the ride home was an entirely different scene from what I had encountered on the way in. Not far up the road, a tree had fallen onto two houses. Large limbs were strewn about. The wind easily knocked me around on the bike. I got home to find a downed tree in our front yard and the neighbor's trees didn't make it either. It was nuts. We were somehow one of the few with power. Driving around last night, we were lucky. We did almost wreck into a felled tree on Riverside. Fun for me, not for Erica.

Weekendus Laborious

Yeah, I know Labor Day was ages ago, but I've been more than busy since then... with work and headaches.

We skipped down to Rocky Fork Lake Sunday morning to help with some deck maintenance. It needed to be torn out and a new deck needed to be installed. I've always been good for grunt work and it had been some time since my last trip to the RFL.

The history behind it is this... I met Bradley in a bathroom at orientation. Bradley's family had a place on the RFL from way back in the day. Bradley would bring fellers out and we'd burn firewood and throw hatchets and ski. He'd bring girls out and they wouldn't understand. In school, trips to this place were like finding Willie Wonka's Golden Ticket several dozen times.

But the trip didn't last much more than a day which sucked, but we got a lot done on the deck... I think so. Then on the way back, my transmission decided that enough was enough. Too bad it was in Greenfield. If you're not familiar with Ohio, it's 70 miles south of Columbus in the middle of nowhere. We were stopped at a gas station and as the locals would roll up, I kept thinking to myself, "His car will run and mine won't?? What the hell??" Needless to say, there were some beauties. But the worst part was missing the final baseball game at Cooper Stadium. Tickets were purchased, Clippers shirts were clean... we were set... except for being 70 miles from home of course.

And this past week has been so busy I haven't had time to think about buying a new car... not that I even want to. I never used the one I had all that much, so I don't want to buy a new one, but I want something that's going to last me more than five years. I've just got to bite the bullet.

I did get a chance to run a 5K this weekend in Delaware with my friend Hoffmann. We had talked about doing it, but then it got lost in the shuffle, but he called Saturday and wanted to know if I was still interested. I was interested and shouldn't have stayed out so late. But there's nothing like a run to sweat that crap out of you. And it was a great time. There were only about 100 people that ran and we preceded their horse parade so there were all kinds of people lining the streets as you ran by... not necessarily cheering, but at least they weren't rooting against you. It must've worked because it was my fastest 5K by more than a minute.

Runnin' Scared

I think I feel confident enough at this point to describe my quest to slap a "26.2" sticker on the Intrepid's ass. I was more than apprehensive at first, but was nonetheless going to do my best... and they say that you never know until you try.

So the Columbus Marathon is about seven weeks out. I've been officially "training" for five and I got my long run for the week out of the way this morning which leaves me with four really long ones to go.

At the end of the run, my front porch was a mess of empty bottles, twisted Gu packs, sunglasses, a nasty hat and an absolutely drenched shirt. I had a 16-mile run the week before and decided that I'd do it in one loop. By mile 8 I was out of fluids and begging for hose water from the security guards at the Ohio State Supreme Court building... and that didn't last long. So I planned ahead for this week's 18-miler. I'd run two 9-mile loops so I could pick up a fresh bottle and choke down some Gu. It worked out much better. Other than nearly getting smooshed by a trucker as I tried to cross 33, I did all right.

So I've made it to my rest week in one piece. But now the real work begins. And what's crazy is, as hard as this marathon is going to be for me, I was reading about a woman that completed a triple Iron Man. Here I thought the regular Iron Man was the pinnacle of human endurance. No, someone had to go and triple it... 7.2 miles in the water, 336 on a bike and then a 78.6-mile run. WHAT!?! Seriously? I would have to use a boat and even then, I might not finish until Christmas. Makes me feel stupid for having such a rough go of it.

223 Words... the Real Story

So Bradley sends a picture out and people voluntarily send back a story pertaining to said picture using 110 words or less... I think. Maybe it's a class of some kind. I'm going to do my best to butcher it:

Her favorite coffee cup was full. It would be her only company for the night so each sip was made with careful precision and patience. It's nearly September of an election year and as the phone rings, she wonders which candidate is on the other end hoping she'll remember to register before October. She answers it regardless.

"Hello. This is Barack Obama asking that you'll join me in an effort to redefine this country and what she stands for. Register by October 13 so you too can be the difference America needs. Thank you."

She didn't remember when she'd first heard why America had to be a woman. Maybe it was because rich white men preferred the idea of women when it came to matters of manipulation and pillaging. She was never this bitter. It's not in her genes. Maybe it's work. Maybe school. Maybe him. She makes her way to the couch but turns quickly in the direction of the back door hoping to catch the light falling on brown hair and smiles when an open hand joins the face in the window. This won't be the last time he has to sleep on the back porch and that's unfortunate. She should be stronger. He shouldn't have to fend off raccoons. But this is a game that neither will quit.

Beat This

I boiled eggs this morning... four of them. I only ate two.

What did you ever do?

Thrifty Nifty

This one goes out to my Grandpa Alberts... a man far beyond his time. You might say, "How can someone be so disrespectful as to dedicate a plastic peanut butter jar full of Cheez-Its to his late grandpa?" Well, let me tell you...

My grandpa was not one to waste anything. Everything had a place, a purpose. I'd like to think that the compartmentalized environment I prefer is due, in part, to him. Now, I can't take credit away from his daughter... my mom, as she too prefers the comforts of an organized cabinet, but she lacks the real grit it takes to reuse a plastic bag used to house bread. And I'm not saying that I have acquired that grit, but I do feel as though he'd be proud of this number. It's a used peanut butter jar that holds my chips I take to work. It's a perfect for my preferred portions and its contents aren't crushed en route. I'll use it until it's lost or until someone unknowingly throws it away.

And that will be unfortunate. I'm often quick to throw things in the garbage or in the recycling (which I can't say I trust too much) without thinking of ways that could give said trash a second life. But we've done this to ourselves. Everything is so specialized that no one thinks of second uses... and all the while, we create more waste. My grandpa had it right. It's not enough to simply recycle when we can, when it's convenient. We have to rethink the way we use things.

Pajama Party

Lauren spent the night Friday. My brother skipped town and Leslie needed a night out with friends so I got the baby for the night.

She took it easy on me for sure. She was remarkably good... better than six month old babies should be. She went to bed at 9-ish and didn't make a peep until 7 or so. The only time she cried was when I attempted to put some clothes on her after a bottle. Babies don't like to lay on their backs with full stomachs... or maybe it's just this one. I can't say I have enough experience to make such a generalized statement.

We watched the Olympics and then cartoons and played with toys and wiped up slobber constantly. She even helped with the laundry so she's welcome back anytime... and I hope it's sooner rather than later. I worked on some leg strengthening drills with her. There's no way she's going to be outside hitter for Team USA if she starts at three. It has to be now. This is when champions are made.

New Digs

The move is official. I was in the new space for part of last week. It's smaller, stuffier and it has zero running water. Yeah, that and the connection speed is worse than dial-up... at the moment. On the upside, it's a cooler looking building and it's close to home. I'm still not sure if that last point is a good thing or a bad thing. It doesn't really feel like I'm going to work anymore. I don't like the fact that I could ride my bike home for lunch. It's not far enough removed... but it still beats working from home.

Ode to TNT

Side note: I was reading Bradley's blog today and thus convinced myself that I, too, needed a customized masthead.

Back to business... my dad turned 62 yesterday. At 62, he's a better golfer, driver, prankster, mechanic, euchre player, procrastinator, person, friend and dad than I might ever be. I'm almost positive that he can outrun me in a 100m dash... and I'd let him prove it if it weren't a certainty that it'd be his last, because he's already told that he'd win if it was the last thing he did. This is also the guy that apologized to me for naming me Jason. He said that it wasn't very professional and thinks that's why I'm a graphic designer instead of Bill Gates.

Here's to you TNT. Retire already.

Taking a Dip for Jesus

My niece, Lauren, was baptized Sunday in Minster. She was baptized alongside her two cousins, Austin and Jake. My sister-in-law, Leslie, and her two sisters each had babies within about four months of each other and they did a group baptism... a clan cleansing of sorts.

I had the distinct honor of being Lauren's godfather. It was a great day... beautiful weather with lots of family. Photo credits go to my sister. She does better than I do.

Her initial reaction to the water on the head was, of course, a funny one... but she regrouped and pulled through with nary a peep.

Big Bear Blue Skies

It's been so farkin' hot lately that today was welcomed relief. I don't do well in muggy weather. I sweat just thinking about it. I'd rather be wrapped up in a sweater than the hot, humid air.

So I took the long way home tonight. I first went south on the bike path. I could've and should've taken it farther, but I was hungry. I still thought I'd try and find a better route into Grandview. I hate heading straight up the wind tunnel that is 3rd Avenue with cars giving you hell the whole time because they're so far removed from actually using their own energy for transportation that they consider you to be in the way. Turns out there really isn't a better way home. Doesn't matter. The place where I rent an office is moving next week and I'm tagging along. It's literally down the street from me. I'm not sure how I feel about it as it takes almost four miles out of my commute. I'll miss the river. No more bus either. It's the bike or the car for me.

All good things must come to an end. Big Bear's warehouses are being torn down to make way for some fancy mixed-use mega-condo thing. Recent graduates from around the state will flock. Goodbye Big Bear... hello Big... eh... something.

Chariots of Fire

Over a dinner of delicious sandwiches at Habits Café last week, "barging" was brought up. I didn't know what it was up until that point and I'm not so sure that's the correct term, but I'm going to stick with it due to its ease of use. The idea, compliments of Bradley, was to hop on one or another of the hundreds of vacant barges on the mighty Ohio and set sail. Set up tents for shelter, but otherwise enjoy the wide open beauty of river life. Go for a swim, cast in a line, get a tan... whatever you fancy. At the end of the trip, we ghost ride it into the Gulf, swim to shore and go our separate ways.

On the way to work this morning, I came across the Poseidons. Twin barges tethered together and tied to the shore. Not sure when they got there, but it's been within the last 24 hours. Regardless, it's a sign. Brad, if you're out there, our chariot awaits. We'll pick up other thrill seekers on our way down the Scioto en route to the Ohio. Time to get this party started.

Speed Trucker

I was headed Cincinnati's way this morning and there wasn't much to do but take pictures or think. So I took pictures. I took a lot of them. It was kind of fun just snapping away while driving. Maybe not the safest, but I've done worse.

The bottom shot was taken while going over the Little Miami River bridge at mile 35 on 71. If you're going north, you might as well fall asleep until Columbus because there isn't much in between. When headed south, it means that the 75 mundane miles you just drove were not in vain.

But it'll be time to repeat the trip in a few hours anyways. The nice part is that I get to sleep in my own bed... but it comes at the expense of a late night drive up 71. Never fun but it's not the end of the world. The Skyline was worth it. So good.

Parking

This is the park where I stop to cool off in the mornings. I pick a bench and spread out. I usually have some kind of granola bar to snack on and I let the cool breezes and shade go to work. It was a particularly relaxing break this morning. I wasn't running behind and was able to enjoy the blue skies and think about Bob Seger.

I woke last night to the sound of thunder, "How far off?" I sat and wondered. Started hummin' a song from 1962. Ain't it funny how the night moves... when you just don't seem to have as much to lose...

I remember waking up last night to a storm. I'm not sure what time it was and I wasn't awake long enough to find out, but it was dumping some serious rain on the roof just outside the window. I didn't have to wonder about how far off the lightning was as the flashes and cracks were nearly on top of one another.

But I couldn't help thinking about that song when I woke up. I'm not saying I'm a huge Bob Seger fan or even a fan at all, but I've always been a fan of the song. I can't really even say why other than that the fact that I'm a nostalgic sort of fellow. But I like how something as simple as a clap of thunder in the middle of the night brings him back to a bunch of awkward summer nights. Unfortunately for me, thunder in the middle of the night only makes me think of Bob Seger.

Offline

These photos were compliments of Sticky Steve. They were taken with my camera, so I've got free reign to use them... not that it really matters. Things were wrapping up Friday when Sticky came running back into the studio asking for the camera... Cross was outside with his car. He's one of a few Cincinnati rappers we've done work for through the group that promotes him. So this is his car. 28" rims and he even got his name thrown on em. Ridunkulous. It looked liked a big, white wagon.

It was off to Piqua after that small bout of entertainment. I was helping my dad and his friend sling brewskis at the St. Boniface parish festival. It was good to hang out with people I haven't seen in a while.

I really should've accomplished more, but it was tough to get motivated. I need a haircut, clean clothes, a clean bathroom... I guess all that's not so momentous, but the lure of forgetting them was all too tempting. It's been tough to concentrate lately. Something in that summer air.

Habituals

I've mentioned this dog before and his unusual habits. I wish you could zoom in on Phil's machine and see the time. Just a few minutes past 11am and there sits Oscar... ready to roll for his daily walk.

There's a park to the southeast of our building. Just a few steps out the back door and through our beautiful alley and you're there. I would take him most days when I used to smoke, but the dog actually prefers Phil. When Phil's not around, Oscar would go, but he refuses to harass anyone else.

Buffett was at Riverbend Thursday for the annual show. I didn't get out there until 2:30 or 3, but that was all the leave time I needed. Any longer and I may not have made it to work Friday. It was hot and sticky, and you could tell folks were feeling it. But it was good to sing along with Jimmy again. A lot of people don't like his music, and I'll be the first to admit that I only have one album, but damn, he does a fine job of taking you to a place that's got boats, beaches, bars and sun every day of the year. How I wish I could be somewhere like that now.

Night's Fall

I guess I take a lot of pictures at night. It's usually when I have the most time on my hands. This one isn't all that clear. It's the window in our second bedroom. The light from the alley is falling on the bed.

I like night for the ambiguity as well, the "cover of darkness". Details give way to general shapes... senses heighten, anticipating the next movement or sound... imaginations take shape.

Why aren't we nocturnal? It makes the most sense. All these opossums and raccoons work hardest when it's coolest. They sleep when their body doesn't have to work so hard to keep them warm. I might not mind the idea of starting the day with a sunset and sleeping all day underneath an oak tree, hidden away.

Blowin' Up

The 4th. It's come and gone.

When I was a kid, this always seemed like the halfway point for summer break. At this point, we had been out of school for a month and a half and the end of August was closing in. Maybe those same apprehensive feelings surround me still at this time of the year. They shouldn't. It was worlds away from the stress of adulthood. Although, memories of two-a-days always seem to swarm me on muggy summer mornings. Man, I hated two-a-days.

We got to watch the infamous Red, White & Boom fireworks on the 32nd floor of the LeVeque Tower Thursday night. It was a good start to the long weekend. Spent Friday in Dublin at my aunt and uncle's house, then off to the west side of Cincinnati for dinner Saturday. We ended the whirlwind tour of Central and Southwest Ohio in Piqua. We got to hang out with Lauren, my brother and Leslie. Lauren keeps getting cuter. She was a lot of fun. It had been a while since we'd seen her last. She got big. And then it was back to Columbus... tired and ready for bed.

Summer never seems to relent. Seems like there's something going on every weekend. People scurrying to take advantage of the warm weather. I know our summer isn't slowing down anytime soon.

The Coop

Behold, Cooper Stadium. It's a Triple-A ballpark on the west side of town. It's not on a river, or in an entertainment district... which is why this is its final year. I understand the need to... well... no, I guess I don't understand the need for an upgrade. This is an amazing place to watch a baseball game, because the fans come to do just that... watch a baseball game.

I attended a few games when I was younger and remember darting between rows of seats for foul balls, and I have to smile when I see the kids of this generation running after those same foul balls. They've added some things that I would just as soon throw out, but it's never been up to me, and it's not like it gets in the way of the game. Tickets are $6 and you get a front row seat to some really good baseball. I can't tell you why I dig the minors more than the majors, but I do know that I'm envious of everyone associated with the Clippers. I want to be the center fielder, the manager, the bat boy, the announcer, the keeper of the brick dust, the usher, the umpire, the beat writer... any of them and all of them. Maybe it was because of the Sandlot. Those crazy kids made baseball in the dead of summer look like it was the greatest thing on earth. Either way, I need to infiltrate the ranks and see how I can put my expertise to use for the Clippers so that I might one day get to throw back roasted peanuts and a cold beer while on the job.

But it just wouldn't be the same with the new stadium. Twenty-somethings will start treating it like happy hour. Only going because it's new... not because Pete Orr is fast as heeeell in center field. But those kids will spend their money and in the end, that's what the owners are after.

Bloggo Immedioso

Two posts in one day!?! You'll just have to call me crazy. I got home somewhat early because a deadline was postponed so I took to the task of seeing what was up with Macintosh HD. Alas, Startup Disk came to the rescue and made all appropriate repairs. Didn't charge me a dime and looked good doing it.

Earlier in the day, there was potential Catholic Church festival in the works, but my boy blew me off and left me to my own devices. After a good run and a so-so shower, I took off on the Trek... due east.

Community Fest, or ComFest, is this weekend at Goodale Park. I road my bike over last year on a Sunday and didn't see what the hype was all about. The grass was filled with people that drank and smoked way too much over the weekend and even the trees smelled like bratwurst. But I decided that it would be a nice night for a bike ride. I'm not really sure what ComFest is all about. They're trying hard to be this uber-liberal hippie festival. There's a bunch of tents selling crap, a bunch of tents selling beer and three or four stages selling propaganda and bad music. Sound interesting? It isn't. Hollister was getting drunk and talking on his cell phone next to the anti-Christ who was getting drunk and talking on his cell phone. I saw hipster couples in arguments over the same things that non-hipster couples argue about... ie: "Why are you ignoring me?"

But I was glad I went. It was fun to ride through the throngs of people. The most interesting part of the night was getting a beer. It was the "buy tokens at this booth, get beer at a completely different booth" system which I knew nothing about and I'm terrible at reading explanations. So I take my two tokens ($8) and head over to the appropriate tent. After waiting several minutes behind the entire freshman class of OSU, I get up to the front, hand the man my tokens and tell him to get me whatever two tokens will buy. So he brings me two plastic cups... one full and the other about a third full. I have my bike alongside, so there's no way I'm getting out of there with two cups. He seemed like a nice guy, so I tell him the second cup is his... cheers. We toasted, drank and I got the hell out of there.

And here I finish out the night on the front porch. Nothing much going on. Some SUV just backed into a parked car and then sped off. There was something not good about the sound that Xterra made when hitting that pothole. And you can hear cats either fighting or having sex in the alley. Bon noir!!