Digital Junk Drawer

I've recently started trying to clean up some file on my computer, namely my photos. They seem like a virtual vision of throwing them in a drawer for the last 8 years. With many different computers and cameras they all seem to be in different files and organization. I just recently noticed my music also needs some clean and purging as well.

When I moved to LA a few years back, I took my extensive CD collection and moved most of it onto my computer. To my parents chagrin, the now pointless cases are still boxed in their basement. While this allowed for a considerable downsize in space and weight, my music library overflows with filler songs on albums I was never that interested in. This becomes very apparent when out on a run and I just hit shuffle. At least once a run, I recognize a singer or band but have no idea why I have a particular song. There are great artists and groups I love having entire albums of, but certainly not all of them. With the mainstreaming of digital music and photos, the old idea of house cleaning seemed like an unnecessary task. They take minor space and why bother?

Well, it would seem there is good reason to bother. Beyond keeping many junk files from bogging down my machine, it feels good to let go of the stuff that I don't need. Much like finally taking unwanted clothes to donate, getting rid of the songs, albums, and blurry pictures makes me feel better. Technology continues to make so many things easier and faster, but I don't necessarily need to max out my music capacity because I have it. Much like the spirit of the Year of Good, I'd rather have a few beloved tunes than a ton of ehh.

Actual Spring

It's supposed to rain this evening and to me that feels like when Spring actually begins. I am feeling the bug to purge the closet, clean the corners, and open the windows. There is a great energy about this time of the year and personally I needed the rejuvenation. With a much more intense marathon training schedule, I have been feeling just worn out. I am glad for the rain and the fresh breath that just comes when Spring actually comes.

It's Duo Marathon Year

Game on!

Furry Scurry

My wife and I are about to head down to the Furry Scurry this morning with our Westies. We are just spectators but are excited to see what it is all about. Benefits for the animals are are definitely activities we are strongly interested in. I am excited to go and take it in, even if it does not include a run. There seems no end to what can be done to help with rescues and while I know it is not the most talked about group in need, it does have one thing most tragedies do not. Our society (and many other around the world) perpetuates most of the troubles faced.

Our shelters overflow and labs continue to get away with what they are permitted to. Groups like The Beagle Freedom Project and The Dumb Friends League are working to try and help where they can. That seems a noble enough cause to get behind and do what we can. It will not change the problem, but our efforts do make a difference and they do help. Whether it's dropping a bill or two in the donation jar or making sure your house hold products are cruelty-free, every action can help lead to some change.

Good After 4 Months

This is still what I have deemed the year if good. My resolution has not faded. Over the first 4 months, I have begun eating better and moving more towards a vegetarian diet. My music has included more jazz and looking for better songs through Pandora with some great new acquisitions. The sleeping is getting better with further efforts to retire at earlier hours and get up more routinely around the same time.

After 4 months, I am happy to say it has seemed to be raising a level of happy has been going up. More importantly, it feels good. It's the 3rd day of May now and New Year's resolutions are such distant memories. Those were consoling ideas for post holidays and deep winter cocoons. However, should the idea of good food, good music, and good sleep sound… well good, give it a try for a day. Three decent meals, a great album, and a decent night's sleep. It makes a big difference.

Volunteer

I'm off to volunteer to help restore a park this morning. It feels good to be trying to do some good. I am not sure to what extent I will be working today but I am glad to have the chance.

What I Should Have Said

I had an interaction yesterday that has just stuck with me. Right or wrong, I can not seem to let this discussion go. It's frustrating to me to keep replaying it over and over again, although I know it is very normal to do so. The whole fantasy of having a conversation where you said this or that seems fairly common. What irks me is when it was an unpleasant one and I continue to stay in the discomfort, reliving it. To paraphrase a friend, healthy is not having conversations with people that aren't there. While that seems a no brainer when considering going all Harvey, when I apply it to my mind I am challenged at times. Especially right now. Rarely can I just change for the sake of change without knowing why. This seems simple enough though. I need to stop replaying that conversation to feel better. Simple, not easy.