Happy 2010!

Holiday Spirit

I pose this question to the tree of you, my avid readers: How does one find holiday spirit when it does not readily arrive with the decorations? I know a few folks that are having a tough time this year getting into the whole holly-jolly and I totally get it. At the same time, for most of my adult life I have faced the economic fears that many are suffering through now. One year, my big gift was boughs of reeds wrapped and offered for luck. Talk about strapped. Hell, I thought that might not even happen as the police were explaining to me the finer points about laws preventing people from removing things like reeds from National Parks. He actually had to think about it when I offered to take them back. .
I don't know how to impart that the holiday spirit need not come in a present or a fortune under the tree. It just has to do with finding some extra love and good will. At least that's what it seems like to me. What I have enjoyed most this year is watching how some have started being just a little nicer out there. That warms me up some. Christmas is about that to me. After this, we just get snow and fierce weather without twinkly lights.

All I Want For Christmas...

As the song goes, "all I want for Christmas is you." I am appreciating that sentiment so much more as I am getting older. The true gift for me each year is seeing the ones I love. Don't get me wrong, ripping paper off even the most eligible to be returned gift is a good time, but I truly do just love seeing my family. This year, as I wrap up my gift getting/making, I am all too aware that I can not wait to get to the part where we are all in the same room and the preparations are finished. Whether that room is in Ohio or Colorado, it just feels good to be there and be done.

It has been a tough year for so many folks I know. Several are looking for work. Others are stuck in jobs they never intended to make permenant. Whatever spot you find yourself, I hope that very shortly you will have a chance to sit back with people you love and enjoy the company.

Give me a call, I'll have a cup of coffee with you anytime.

Out in the Cold

This morning was the Rudolph Ramble 8K. It's the second year I have run it and am thoroughly enjoying the familiarity with some of these runs coming up again. Last year's Ramble was ridiculously cold and wet. The original course was buries under 6 inches of wet ice. Today was ideal, considering. It was cold and a little damp, but no rain or freezing wind. I biked down again and was delighted to have Tiff bring Estes down to cheer. That was one muddy puppy when all was said and done.

I also hopped back on the bike yesterday to commute to work after a short hiatus from sub-zero wind chills. It felt great to be back to riding two wheels for my commute. Not only was it faster, I felt much better once at work and again getting home later. I still am hoping to eliminate the pre and post ride smoke, but for now it is still a part of things.

What I am finding amusing is that as the temperatures drop and the weather gets inhospitable, how much more I find myself out in it. Whether it be running or biking, I am having a ball in the PG winter weather thus far. I am not attempting to brag, but just express how facing the elements is providing an added boost.

PS
My Ramble results:
12 71 TROY COLEMAN 34 CHICAGO IL 36:05.6
(Place O'All Name Age Town St Time)

Winter Biking

I have previously announced I will be attempting to bike through the winter here in Chicago. Thus far, this has not been too rough. Much thanks to Duo Team for their posts on winter biking as that helped me avoid some simple mistakes. Last week I winterized my bike some. I took it apart to degrease and lube it for the first time. I also added a rear fender and front "gunk guard" that I am very happy about. I no longer have to avidly avoid water on my ride down to work. I also picked up a pair of lobster gloves that work fantastic with my Ice Breaker liners. My next steps are to increase visibility some with a couple more lights and add a vest for the short segment of my ride down Michigan Ave. So far so good, but we are also just starting to see ice and snow. I am eager to give it a shot to get the anxiety out. It feels great when I get off the bike to know I just got where I needed to go on my own power. The best was riding to my Thanksgiving 8K (37:49.3 @ 7:37/mi). I got to "park" right next to the starting line. It also feels like I am keeping my legs in shape while my weekly runs have dipped.

Squeaky Wheel

As the old adage goes, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. That has come up often at work when referring to coworkers that often vocalize their displeasure with the way things are done. Is it true though? There seems an amazing number of people out there ready to fill every job currently being held, from doctors too garbage collectors. Why is it then that the feeling of complaints are a means to fulfillment is still prevalent? The most irritating words I hear in any job I have worked are, "it's not my fault." That does nothing to address solving an issue. It's a litigation philosophy of who will ultimately be held accountable and an effort to avoid being blamed.

Sadly, if you are late for work, it does not really matter why if your job is not done. Obviously there are extenuating circumstances, but the fact that whatever you were supposed to be there for at the start of your day was not done by you. fault or no, that is a fact.

For one, I am not in the habit of unnecessary work. If it is easier and less costly to replace the wheel than grease it, why go to the effort? When was the last time you took a faulty appliance to a repair shop? Simply put, it's less time and money to get a new one more often than not.

When do you grease and when do you replace? Just throwing some thoughts out there and venting. To any that catch this and are curious of a modivation for writing/venting, there is none specific in mind.

Graphic Dorks Bigger Than Me

NeutraFace

Actual Christmas Time

So, correct me if this sounds off to you, but does it seem odd to anyone else that the season of premature Christmas is over? It's officially December now and completely normal to hear nonstop holiday music in every store. I find myself still chuckling a little when I hear it thinking how early before I remember. It did not bother me so much this year to be treated to Jingle Bells before the Halloween decorations were even down. While the jaded side of me thought, "fuck, they want our money earlier than ever before;" there was a happier part of me that felt we all just needed Christmas a little earlier this year than we have before.

It's been a tough year as we are all aware. I have gone on at length over the last several post about it. On the lighter side though, we have finally arrived in the potentially magical part of the year when giving and goodwill are touted and more often acknowledged. I for one though am glad it's here. My family is working on homemade gifts this year and I fully participated in Buy Nothing Day. I am attempting to do what shopping I will do in local shops. Conscientious shopping is how I attempt to do my part in these tough times. Feels good to use my almighty dollars for that.

Etiquette

Thanksgiving weekend is almost over. This year, Tiff and I were on our own with our dinner plans. No one really leaped at our invite the "Second Annual Vegetarian Thanksgiving Smack down." Kinda figured that would be the case and did not mind so much. Nice to have dinner with no expectations. However, the weekend usually has come with awkward family encounters, friends, and strangers mingling that usually don't. For years, I dreaded this holiday as inevitably I would become the topic of conversation for whatever I was doing that was unusual in my family. Whether it be earrings or eyeliner, it was never a comfortable conversation.

I have also marveled at the increased hype towards Black Friday over the years. The craze people descend on shopping facilities is amazing. It also seems to be the cathartic release from being nice the day before. Usually being employed in manners that require working on said Friday, I watch people be damn near brutal towards each other, especially those captive folks that are just trying to earn a paycheck that day.

All this brings me to the point of etiquette. I have such an appreciation for the subject. It seems like a forgotten art, but in line with what I have been more focused on as of late. I believe firmly we can only make it through these tough times by fighting the fights we can on a personal level. Standing up to wrongs in my neighborhood, city, and occasionally courtyard all fit the bill. Using my all mighty dollars where they are deserved also works. The other end of this is treating folks with respect and dignity lest they prove they are not worthy. Courtesy, manners, and etiquette seem lacking so often.

I am not suggesting ridiculous falling over to avoid awkwardness, but simple things like "thank yous" and holding doors. For me, it helps me feel more a part of the human race. It's also an essential aspect to staying out of my own self-indulgent traps. The number of people I have encountered over the last few days that take no account for anyone around them has been tough to take. The percentage is small, but they get the attention.

To me, etiquette is still valuable and applicable today. No I will not throw my leather jacket in the snow for a lady to walk over a puddle, but I will continue to ask folks at counters how their day is. Just needed to rant a little on the matter. Chances are the three readers I have are of a similar elk so for bearing with me on this let me justly say "thank you."

Standing Up

It seems like all around me, people are struggling. My family. My friends. People I am depending on to try and make ends meet. It's only been a year or so since everything went to hell with the economy and it now seems everyday knowledge. We are all getting by best we can. Hell in some ways times are better than they were before. We pay more attention and look out for each other a little more.

That's what I have been paying more attention to lately. I have noticed more everyday opportunities to stand up. My neighbors have been having trouble with a guy hanging out in our courtyard that doesn't live here. I got the chance to talk to him last week. It was an interesting moment realizing I had a choice. I could confront him and tell him to leave or walk away. I talked to him. I also handled it clean despite being met with vulgarity. Other neighbors have done the same now. While it still feels like a minor issue, it got me thinking.

America seems to me to still be a good concept. It feels like I have considered our country to be the responsibility of our government and media to represent who we are. Right now, it seems we are in more need of day to day accountability. It felt good to be able to confront a small situation at my home. It also feels good to tip well when I have received good service. That helps out as well.

Hell, maybe all these things aren't connected but it feel like we can do something each day with how we treat each other. We can have each other's back and we can say when we are tired of being treated unfairly. So long as our society relies on money, we have the say here. "Who is John Galt?"

Today, that feels like something.

Protest

I am actively trying to avoid riding the CTA these days. After nearly ten years of hearing the reports for a doomsday cutback if a budget boost isn't found, I am done with caring.

My relationship with Chicago has been like many other relationships with it's ups and downs. It took a long time to warm up to the Windy City, but I do love it now. I finally figured out why people do which ironically was one of my objectives to be able to leave it. Nope, this is home for now. However, there is a tendency here as of late that disgusts me and that is the perpetual raising of costs. This is a working town where many have found they can enjoy the life of a larger city with the some comforts of the Midwest (ie cars, yards, and occasionally secured parking). The town itself though has raised so many regular expenses, it has become tougher to say we are more accommodating than our larger counterparts. The parking meters have gone through the roof since they were wholesale auctioned off. Our sales tax is stifling at 11% downtown. CTA has already raised their rates in recent years a couple times. Hell, we even started taxing candy more here.

Times are tough. WE ALL GET THAT!

However, you can not continually demand more money from people and expect that when less is coming in they can continue to pay it. Myself, I have removed my Jeep from the never-ending money pit of licensing it here. That keeps me out of the meter war as well. By the by, if your meters are so expensive that people need credit cards swipes to pay, it's too fucking much. Thanks for leaving a few behind to park bikes at though. I also only try to buy locally from shops that are local. the chains have very user friendly websites that avoid not only the 11%, but also the hassles of Michigan Ave. tourists.

And CTA? While I can not get everywhere without you, I certainly can more often than not. You offer inconsistent service, delays routinely, and the good people you do employ that get to be the face of your operation get rewarded by never ending threats of unemployment. Nice. I will continue to bike and walk as often as I can to avoid dealing with you. My protest is simply for my own peace of mind. While my words may do nothing to scare you, the dollars I wield else where will.

Faith

I was just beginning to get changed at the gym this morning when a guy next to me broke the usual silent protocol to ask if I believed in God. Now this is a strange question to get asked by an utter stranger, let alone while in the locker room. Through people close to me that I love, I have learned a degree of willingness to be more open minded to beliefs that are not necessarily my own. Furthermore I have been made aware how difficult it is for those whose faiths are not the most popular, at least in the circles I run in.

A wise man once told me it takes true faith to be willing to stand on the corner and speak of what you believe. He followed quickly with the grounded perspective that one does not necessarily need to do that though. It took a few years to get that. Usually when I was confronted with a religious view different from mine, I bristled with antagonism. Why? It's what someone else believes. Usually though my ire was up because of a deep seated fear they knew their belief better than I knew what I believed. Even when said beliefs were peppered with threats of what should come if I did not believe as they did, there really was no changing that even their threats were just their belief.

Over the years I have broadened my views considerably. I read a long time ago, "be quick to see where religious folks are right." That is more where I am today. I feel it takes a hell of a lot more courage to talk about what you believe in than what you don't. Bashing someone else's beliefs is far more cowardly than vulnerably standing up for what you do believe in. Our first amendment insures us free exercise of religion as well as freedom of speech. That means our doors are open to all. There are bound to be some disagreements. But we each have a right to be here and practice the faith of out choice.

Today, I am more impressed with those that can express their faith than those who attempt to tear others apart. Nowadays, who couldn't use a little more faith? At very least something positive to look toward?

I was glad to answer the man in the locker room, "yes, I do believe in God." That was as far as I needed to express myself there. He spoke further about his belief and we went our separate ways to workout. To me that was a good moment I may have missed before.

Still working on not sneering at Red Wings fans though.

Patience

Patience is not one of my virtues. I occasionally think it might be changing only to discover it was just stubbornness with a shiney veneer. I am referring in this particular case to a number of life events that have developed recently for which I can do nothing at the moment. From loved ones losing jobs in our "improving" economy to as simple as waiting out a suggested 2 week hiatus from running to repair ITB issues. I also have another person close to my heart fighting an ailment to which doctors have told her they don't know what it is and what can be done. They were good enough to tell her it could very well be terminal. Nice. Somehow she has the grace to continue to tackle even the most mundane daily tasks without complaint. I think of that when I feel irritated by some of my recent issues and feel very humble. I have a job (or three on occasion), and place to live, family, and food in the kitchen. For the most part, my needs are all covered. Hell, I am in a better place personally than I was when times were supposedly good for all. Yet, many of the things that I can not force out of my head when trying to go to sleep are of the nature where I can do nothing first hand but offer up my prayers. I know that is not a minor thing to do, but I am more the type that would like to have his hands a little dirty with effort. As it stands though, I must remain supportive and available, should I be of service to those working through their tough times. Patience. It would seem that is less of a virtue and more of a description of being willing. Right now I am that. Right now.

Now what?

So, I had been following a running training program since the end of March. It detailed 5 runs a week, every week. I was actually pretty excited to do the marathon, in part, to not be told how often I should be running. However, I find myself missing the structure. The last two days have been my first since my folks left. Over the last couple weeks, I have been trying to figure out what to do now that the marathon is under the belt. Nursing a sore IT band has made any further runs a shade uncomfortable. I reacquainted myself with the gym yesterday. That was humbling. I also started looking for auditions again. I feel good getting back to some of the things training was making tough to get to. I miss having the goal though. Today I signed up for my second marathon. It won't be until June, but I feel better having one in the future. Look out Minneapolis. I also am looking forward to getting more on task with closer goals. My ridiculous time on Facebook over the last couple days has shown me I need to get back to work

26.2 Miles later...

It has been a full day and a half and it has still not quite fully sank in that I ran a marathon. Hell, there is still a little bit of me that feels like I was crashing a party I wasn't invited to all weekend. Everywhere I looked there were runners and they looked serious, prepared and ready to go. Me, I just felt excited to run in the same way people get excited when the amusement park ride lurches towards the dark entrance of the ride. What the hell was coming was still a mystery.

My folks got here on Fri and we hit the Expo at McCormick Place. That was actually a lot of fun, but it did not torment me in a desire to go buy a ton of things. You aren't supposed to run in anything you haven't run in before for the marathon, so there was less temptation. I was still able to find some odds and ends that made the marathon much easier.

In the spirit of Laurel's account last year, I thought I would break it down in incriments to retell the actual run.

4:40am; Alarm goes off and I am stunned that I was actually dead asleep. It took longer to put my gear together than I anticipated and try to choke down some food I did not want. Out the door at 5:10

5:45am: Cory picks me up at Clark and Belmont with my fellow runners Allie, Tanya, and Marie. I have now had 30 minutes to get accustomed to the 30 degree cold. It is unplessant.

6:10am: My fellow runners and I are at the open corral and pacing to stay in larger groups of people to stay warm. It is way too cold to be out in shorts. The sky over Buckingham Fountain is deep orange with the first hints daylight is coming.

7:00am: Allie and I are about the same pace, we figgure, so we are standing in our area when I think it's nerves but I should go hit the port-a-potty one last time.

7:02am: Realize this was a bad idea with 50 people in front of me, but too late to turn back. I make it back to the street as the starting time hits. It was too crowded to get onto the street for a few minutes anyway. I actually cross the starting line at 7:45am. The thrill was incredible, but I remember hearing several times, not to shoot out of the gate too quick or I would regret it. I am happy maintaining an easy tempo and waving everytime I hear someone read my name off the ubber cool shirt Tiff customized for me.

Miles 1-6: Utterly beautiful, running through downtown and heading north. Every mile marker shocked me, they were coming so fast. The crowd was fantastic. Given the tempature was still closer to freezing, I was so glad to have them there. Around 3 miles, I finally wasn't cold anymore.

Mile 7: This was a great point as it was at the east end of the street I live on. Tiff was there with her sign and I suprised here. I stopped breifly with her to fix some equipment. After standing with her a couple minutes adjusting a strap that came loose, it hit me suddenly I needed to get going. It felt normal to be talking to her at the end of the block and momentarily, I forgot there was a hell of a lot of running to still do. Great to actually see our plan was working thus far.

Mile 8: This was the west end of my block and I found my Dad easy enough (only Denver Broncos hat I saw all day). Once again though, I got to tap my support crew to help them see me. Dad was the only one I saw on that quick pass, but it was great to see him.

Miles 8-13: I knew I was on my own for a while. Tiff and the folks would not be around till just after 13 so I just settled in and enjoyed running. I moved a little more towards the center and enjoyed my easy tempo. At this point I was starting to wonder if this abundant energy would last much longer.

Miles 13-16: Sun had broken out and I was on unfamiliar course through the west side. I had missed my fam at 13.3 and was concerned they may have arrived at the spot after I had passed by. Such a strange new cut off feeling from staying connected.

Mile 16: Found a "Troy" sign on the opposite side of course and made my way over for big hugs from Mom, Dad, and Tiff. I was also able to hand off my Camelback belt. Much relieved of the weight and rejuvinated, I picked up my pace for the rest of the course.

Miles 17-24: I somewhat enjoyed these, running at a faster pace. I also started to develop tremendous aches in my back and shoulders. The crowd was thinner on several stretches and those were some lonely times. It was the only time I think I started to feel the weight of all the miles before. At one point, I pulled off at a aide station to stretch. Pulling around the final corner on 35th helped a lot as well. Just one more stretch North.

Mile 24-26: Feeling good and keeping my pace up, but tired. I am reduced to just focusing on running forward. Most of the course I had interacted with the crowds and felt very energized for it. Now I could do very little when I heard my name but raise an arm to acknowledge. Still very excited though.

Mile 26.2: They call it Mt. Roosevelt. It's the only hill on the entire course, hitting an elevation of a whole 26 feet. Nothing usually unless you'd just run the last 26 miles. I was determined to hit that hill hard and took an outside course that was open. With room in front of me I sprinted up the hill. According to Nike+ I was at about 6 min. per mile on that part. I underestimated the length of the hill and had to ease up before the "summit." The final 50 yards or so were smooth and easy.

I finished my first marathon at 4hrs and 11 min! My aim was to finish and if possible, keep a 4:30 pace. I also ran a 5min faster second half, which I feel pretty stoked about.

I can not say enough how much gratitude I have for my wonderful support crew. Tiffany, Mom, and Dad were amazing!! It was cold, early, and all over the city. My route was cleared for me and I was running. They fought their way all over town, hoping they got to spots before I did. I also owe big thanks to all that sent encouragement along the way.

I am very, very grateful!

3 Days To Go

With only 3 days left before the marathon, I am excited to finally get running on Sun. This is the calm before the storm around the home front. My parents are coming in tomorrow for their first visit together. It also marks the their first visit since 2004, so I am excited to have them here. Several friends are making their way to Chicago as well, to either run or cheer. It will be fantastic to see everyone together again.

I also have been forced into a chill week by virtue of an incredibly rare bout of illness. I can't remember my last cold and yet as of Mon. I stopped fighting the obvious and accepted being sick. With the newly cool temp.'s I have avoided running much over the last few days to expedite getting healthy again. Today is still funky, but it feels like it is on the ebb. It has been a challenge to just focus on rest and food over the last couple weeks anyway, so this forced rest could just be a blessing in disguise.

As for any nervousness about the race, I am pretty ok. I realized last week I was actually a shade nervous when my compulsion to buy new gear hit a fevered pitch. I did not go on a shopping spree, but the urgency I wanted to let me see their were a few well concealed butterflies around. I think it will go well and am just hoping to be completely healthy in time.

PAWS Run For Their Lives

I ran the PAWS Run For Their Lives 8K again on Sunday. It was fun to do a race for the second time. Last year, this was the first organized run I had ever tried. This year, I am a couple weeks away from trying my first marathon. It was a blast getting to walk there with Estes and Tiff. I knew I should take it easy as I had aggravated my left ITB, but it felt good that morning, so decided to put a little more speed into my run. Later I figured out that was a bad idea. For the run it was fun as hell though. Estes had a ball as well. Seriously, they gave her a ball. She destroyed it. Here was my result:

PAWS 8k Run for Their Lives
Chicago, IL -
September 27, 2009


Name: TROY COLEMAN
Place: 51st
No: 141
Nettime: 36:28
Pace: 7:21


Out of the 803 that ran, I feel pretty good about this. Plus, last year I ran at 8:46/mi and finished 204th. I am excited for the big 26.2mi. I have to suffer through not running a few days though to get this ITB back under control. It was such a treat to have Tiff and our puppy there too. They are a tremendous cheering section to finish a race to!

Jack's Show

Final stretch

My marathon training program has finally reached it's "taper period." By this, it means I am no longer running longer runs each week, capping with last week's 20 miler. Running from my place to E. 47th on the South side was awesome by the way. I did it in 3:18. The true moment of glory last week was doing my next 5 miler at a pace of 8.18/mile. This week's 12 miler did not seem to be anything of great difficulty by comparison. However, it was one of those runs that just felt like work. Additionally, during the run I started to get pains on my left knee, very much like the ones on my right knee back in May. Those were IT band irritations that sidelined me for 2 weeks. This pain is not nearly as sharp, but enough for me to cancel my run today and take the next couple days as they come.

I am also still smoking. That is frustrating as it is satisfying. On one hand I want to be free of the dependency and not think about it any more. Sadly, having given this a few good efforts before, I know the mental obsession over cigarettes are not over when I finally stop thinking about quitting. Then it becomes a 24/7 process of reminding myself any given minute will not be better if I had one. I also have this perverse pride in running the way I am right now while doing something I shouldn't. I realize it's a lot like shooting oneself to show you can survive the bullet, but it's still there. My folks are coming out for the marathon in couple weeks and I think it may be foolish to even try with them coming. They are both pretty resolved smokers.

I know as long as I keep wanting to quit, it will happen. Plus, barring a catastrophe, I want to keep running marathons. I've got a list of cities I want to run and a tattoo already in mind. That also does not promote continuing to light up. For now though I am relatively content with my mid-level insanity.

Nice

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Role Call

Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Tennesse, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma... this is where I have been in the last 3 weeks. None of which were layovers, but highway treks across. I just finished another job with Caldera in Florida. It involved 6 days of driving a truck in a caravan (3 all together) 11 hours a day alone. Truely some introspective time. One of the things I walked away from this cross country excursion was how fortunate I am. I am fortunate to have a home and family, not only by blood but my happy band in Chicago. I am also fortunate to be employed. While so many good people around me (my family included) are struggling to find work, I have maintained a peicemeal, gainful employment. Like many others still holding jobs, my work has tripled in time and effort, but I still have a job. So many I saw across many states do not. I am also glad to have seen so much of the country. It's easy to forget how vast it is. It's also easy to forget how much we have in common. This may all sound a tad gushy, but it's where I am at. Thank you to all that take the time to keep up with my misadventures.

400 miles later

I just returned from Ohio last night and will be setting forth on another trip for Caldera tomorrow. This time it's driving the truck to Florida from Colorado and back. All this travel has added an unexpected challenge and perk to my marathon training. I put in a couple runs out in Ohio while out there with Tiff and realized that in my training for the Chicago Marathon, I have now ran in 6 different states. They vary greatly in challenge and reward, but every run has been fantastic.

So far I have the obvious Chicago, IL under the belt which is especially helpful as I will be trying 26.2 miles here. Last Wed. I put together a new farthest with 16 miles which took me deep into the South side of Chicago. Pretty cool! Then there was Minneapolis, where I did my first 10 miler along the Mississippi. I still have the scar on my left knee from the digger I took getting across downtown. I then added Colorado. Home sweet home was a little less so when gasping for the thin air on hills. Plus, water became indispensable on those few runs so far. That's when I added a Camel back to my gear. I also ran in my original hometown, Houston, TX. That was the equivalent of putting a treadmill in a shower, even in May. I did my first 12miler there. Funny, no one but the Army was out running there with me. I also ran some in Detroit along the Detroit river and on the 42nd floor of the GM building, where our hotel was. That brings us to the corn fields of Ohio where I just did my last 9 miles. Fresh air was never more noticeable!

Now I am out to add a couple more states, hopefully!

The guy that does not sell you soap

Last week I got some new headshots done and thanks to the digital age, the online gallery was made available within 24 hours. I am so glad to never have to improvise light table again to see negatives. The aim on these was to get shots that convey the sketchy characters I am more often considered for. The saying in the industry for shots to be used for commercials is the "guy you'd buy soap from." I am not that guy, as experience is showing. If anything, I play bad guys selling you soap (see Shout commercial). Any case, these are more designed to be the guy that sells you as security system. Let me know your thoughts.

http://www.jontylercore.com/webgallery/troycoleman/index.html

I truly can not say enough good things about this photographer either. I have been fortunate to work with a couple great ones over the last couple years. This recent photographer, Tyler Core, was solid and a lot of fun to work with. For a shoot that at one point he nearly stepped off a roof and I hung (by my suggestion) off a 2nd story fire escape... well, it was a shit eating grin day for both of us. His friend, a nurse, that was helping out with the bounce board was less excited about the near misses.

So...

I am afraid to admit that getting a puppy has reduced the subject of this here blog. While I am enamored with our new Westie, I seriously doubt you, my dedicated 3 readers are as much so. Sure she photos well and all, I don't think you care that much as to her losing puppy teeth everywhere ( or our dilemma as to what to do with them). I also fear you care little about the fact she has become fond of jumping into the tub with no idea how to get out again, thusly opting to just sleep there till rescue. Yes our puppy is endless hours of fun details that I believe only Tiffany and I can truly appreciate.

The purpose of this blog though was "defend the obvious." My means of doing that noble, yet wholly undefinable goal has been to offer my thoughts on the world around me. That being mostly my aspirations towards paid and satisfying acting work, becoming a husband, and the ever present challenge of not being the self-centered prick I am capable on any given day. Now while Estes is a major part of things lately, I am stating here and now, I will attempt to broaden the focus of Stupie once again to delve into more varied boggling matters as well.

As for a quick catch up on life beyond Estes over the last few weeks. Things have been humming along well. The marathon training is going well despite my resistance to quitting smoking again. I am determined to pit the two desires against each other and come out a nonsmoker again. As is, I have put in several runs already. I am also glad to report some flickers of work on the acting front. I had some great auditions lately and booked a bit role in a commercial for Colorado lottery. The latter caused a last minute trip to CO, where I am now at the airport departing.

Tiff and I are slowly honing in on the wedding plans. She and I are very content being engaged, but are also very interested in having the wedding we want. Right now I an proudly tell you well have part of the date decided: 2010. Further details to follow. What I can tell you is that so far we have yet to start referring to the planning as "that wedding shit" as several folks I have talked to. We're having a good time.

So there it is, you three readers. I am going to get back to work here. I'll be talking about wearing you team on your sleeve, counter government work, and the debut of the School of Falling Down. Look out world, Captain Stupie is back and... whoa check out the puppy!

Puppy Patience

Cute devil, huh?

It's been a few weeks with Estes now and life is still a carnival around the house. We are loving our puppy, but having a tag team seems to be essential. Tiff has been fantastic. Here's some pic's from the first couple weeks.



I truly miss sleeping past 7am though. It seems a great lesson in patience though. I am finding puppy patience is a little tougher than people patience first thing in the morning. She doesn't give a damn if I have coffee or not whereas most folks urge me to have some before I speak. I am getting better though.

Seriously?

When did all these toys go in the attic?

Ah... So I have never posted the Detroit pics. I also have not been able to get caught up on the happenings here in Chicago since returning. I would love to say this is the comprehensive catch up episode, but let's be honest. If you read this, you probably already know what's been going on.

If not, call me. I am probably standing on my street somewhere with a puppy determined to go the opposite direction next to me. No seriously. I'm there right now.

Since getting back from back to back tours, I have been busy getting settled in the apt. we moved to while I was away. I got to put together our office, my first day off and now it looks like a massive puppy landing pad. Work has picked up, but I am still less fond of dealing with people where I have to be nice to be paid. It's OK though. Tiff and I are slowly getting adjusted to puppy life. She's illogical, unpredictable and stubborn as hell so naturally she fits in with us well.



I also abandoned the original training program I was using from Nike+ for the Chicago marathon. After I got back to Chicago, I tried to run my first long run of 14 miles. It was a breeze but also only on week 6 of my training. I finished it with ease in 2hrs and 15 min and felt great till I went to go down the stair after getting home. That's when dual injuries began starting with my ITB and a strain on the opposite foot from the limp and 2 consecutive doubles. I was out of commission for 2 weeks and am just starting back up as of yesterday with a more reasonable plan.

In honest disclosure, I also broke down on the smoking on the last week of tour. I have a sincere desire to quit again soon, but am honest enough to know I am not there just yet. It would be a true fight. It's frustrating and humbling to be back to square one, but I suppose they wouldn't say success comes from keeping after it if it was easy to drop.

That's it in a nutshell. If you were wondering, that is Ed Norton with us at the Tigers game. He just wanted to sit with us. I am still out with the puppy if you want to call.

Introducing Estes!

It's only fair that after trumping Tiff's last birthday by proposing, my birthday this year should have an equal distraction. We picked up our new puppy yesterday. That definitely worked. Tiff and I drove out to Hammond, IN to pick up our rescued Westie puppy from a foster home there. She is about 4 months old and cute as can be. She is all head and tail right now, but very social already. In keeping with a family tradition, we have named her Estes. It was a friggin great birthday!













By the by, if you have the chance to swing by Highland, IN (neighbors Hammond), drop into Les Brothers for some choclate chip pancakes. Awesome!