Hopefully

Lake Michigan during a training run, 2009

Perhaps it's the season, but a world of possibilities feels open right now. As has been obvious thought posts like yesterday, the house is starting to look damn near livable and soon the cardboard boxes will invade our apartment. Routine frustrations feel quieter as there seems a number of options open out there. Even running feels new again, not having to be buried under several layers of Under Armor. The nonsmoking campaign 2011 is closing on month 2. Take that monkey!

All in all, things are good. When I can remember that, and stay out of the way I usually feel optimistic more often than not. Here's hoping, literally.

Who's house...

It's so... damn... close...

Thanks Nike+

MPG

It's been on my mind lately to get a new ride for various reasons. I yearn for the benefits of a truck and am wishing for a quirky older model. All that, however, may be getting pushed back in lieu of need for better MPG. Tiff told me that reports have it we may see $6/gal by the end of summer. I, like many, can not fathom paying for my current vehicle at that rate. Especially doubling my commute. While I was looking at cool 60's pickups last week, this week I am signing up to "learn more" about the new Prius. The latter still looks like a doorstop to me. We'll see what happens. I still love my Jeep. 

Simple Happy

There are some moments that are worth remembering as long as you can. We all have them. Sometimes we get to hold them for years without even trying. Others are more well maitained, like remembering the rush and satisfaction after running a marathon. That one can easily get buried beneath weeks of grueling training.

For me, today I am holding fast to the happy family I got to enjoy this weekend. I know it may sound corny, but seeing so many people I loved this weekend with big smiles has really lifted me this morning.














How about you?

Let's Get Outta Here

The most used line in movies is, "let's get out of here." Makes sense, being versatile enough for Gone With the Wind as well as Aliens. It also seems handy as it's such a wise sentiment. Tiff and I suddenly found ourselves with mutual days off this weekend and a raging need to get out of town. She found a fantastic, eclectic B&B in Frisco, CO called the Frisco Lodge. With more than ironic reservations we headed up to see if this was a great idea or a horrible one.

Turns out the folks at the Frisco Lodge were amazing and we had a fantastic trip. On the spur of the moment rented snowshoes and headed up the mountain. Snowshoeing in shorts is awesome, by the by. If only I had my Utilikilt!


It was most beneficial though for our spirits. We just needed the change of scenery and with the Colorado Rockies at our doorstep, it helped to get out and enjoy them some.

Still Out

Happy Easter all you egg laying bunnies!

Out of the office responce

I am glad to report, the Captian Stupie is on  vacation today. In fine spirit of the defender of the obvious style, I am writing to tell you all I will not be writing today. :)

Till tomorrow kids...

TGIF

City Love Song plug

City Love Song countdown: 13 days from Jack Finnegan on Vimeo.

Smell the Rain

It has ben raining all night and the sun just broke out. Everything smells fresh, clean and damp. This could be my first return of being able to smell again. That is pretty great!

Just Plain Odd

A little oddity to bemuse you all, my four readers. Strangely the coworker that mustached me said he thought I could pull off the look.

The Waiting Room

I recall when I was pretty young asking my Mom incessantly for something and her reply was in five minutes. I had to watch a clock to wait five minutes. I still remember how excruciating it was and that hours, days, and weeks were eternities.

Over the last few years I have discovered  a new time frame to wait out. It is the six month stretch. It began when training for Chicago's marathon in 2009. The idea of working everyday towards a singular day for six months was mind boggling. Now I have 3 marathons under the belt (or a 18 months of training) since then. In a way it seemed natural to buy a house in December last year and not get to move in till June.

There are these new found long stretches of excitement I am getting to enjoy. Who would have known when waiting for those five minutes to pass, how much more patience would be needed down the road. "I am a patient boy. I'll wait, I'll wait, I'll wait..."

Running Like the Devil

The whole reason I started running in the first place was because I quit smoking. In LA, I discovered when I was running I thought about smoking a lot less. Ergo, I ran A LOT. Looking back you can tell how bad the initial attempt to quit smoking was. I went from 2 packs a day to running 3.5 miles a day in 100 degree, Los Angeles quality air. This go round has not been as difficult, but the mental obsession is a bear to let go. Consequently I am running all the damn time. It's good and I am enjoying being out there more, especially now that the weather is turning nice. So far, I am at about 5 weeks.

Just a Matter of Time

We now have a date for closing our house! With interest in not jynxing things, I am holding off on announcing it. Let's just say early June could be pretty friggin' alright. Yet again though, my birthday will ride backseat to a bigger event. I am ok with it though! :)

Sometimes...

Sometimes it just feels good to get wedged into a couch. A good reminder from Maggie who actually stayed stuck behind the cushions quite a while.

So Odd, So Good!

Enjoy this odd little video to a great song and have a wonderful Friday!

President Obama's speech makes the Baby Paul Ryan cry | Crooks and Liars

President Obama's speech makes the Baby Paul Ryan cry | Crooks and Liars

See This Show!

So I was just doing the usual surfing over Facebook posts while sipping my first cup of coffee. I started clicking links and was soon watching videos my incredibly talented friend (and occasional minister) posted about his ongoing show City Love Song. Not only was I reminded yet again how impressive this show is, but I was humbled by a simple principle I seem to have lost lately. I have been heartily focused on my challenges quitting smoking and been unfortunately focused upon myself. That aim has never relieved me of any difficulty. When I can focus outwards and say try to help someone else out, the miracle happens that I feel better.

Now what does all that have to do with Jack and City Love Song? Easy. He is launching one of the most incredibly ambitious tours VERY SOON. Chances are, if you are reading this you either live in a city he will be visiting (NYC is the first spot) or you might know someone in one of his global stops. If you do, GO SEE THIS SHOW or tell your friend to. It's delightful and fun and a truly unique experience.

As for your Captain here, I think I might try spending a little more time discussing the awesomeness around me, rather that the temporary irritations of quitting the cigarettes. That is even boring to me. Thank you all for the support and I will keep you updated!

Luck

I am one lucky guy. While I know I have a Jeckle and Hyde within me, it's felt all the more obvious over the last smoke-free month. I am not a fan of the "I quit smoking so allow me to be a jerk" camp, but my ability to catch it has definitely been slower. I am glad to say that has been improving, but man am I ready to not feel like a bad guy while trying to do something good.

Can't Light Up

Today marks the one month point of my Quitting Smoking 2011 campaign! As was stated yesterday, it has not been flawless, but impressively close. Hell, close enough I've been annoyed I have not trespassed more. Yeah, it's one month crazy talk.

One interesting observation I've had of late is whenever I am asked if it's still tough and EVERYTIME I want to say YES, it's the truth. None the less, there are times when I don't think about it too. Those are the good times, but much like willing myself to fall asleep, I can not control them. Even just thinking, "hey, I have not thought about smoking in a few hours," inevitably leads to wanting one quickly thereafter.

For the most part, I am doing well by just procrastinating that next trespass. Oh, I'll have a cigarette, but not tonight. That seems to be some healthy, self bull-shitting. Hoping this effort sticks!

So it goes

While my 2 am post last night was recorded on Sunday, it doesn't feel like it should count for today's post. It also reminds me my "all or nothing" approach to life is not usually a good one. To me if the record isn't perfect it's f**ked. That approach has led to me giving up on a lot of worthy starts way to soon. My quit smoking campaign has not been flawless, but it surely is A LOT better than nothing. Hell, the few drags have been so few in a way I don't even think they get to count. There's that all or nothing angel again. Truth of the matter is, there are very few areas of my life that require perfection. Everything else lies in the grey and as long as I don't turn them into black or white, all or nothing, I get to do some cool things. As far as Stupie goes, I am appreciating the challenge of writing daily and the thoughts it is flushing out. It's keeping me honest and working harder.

Just for laughs...

I actually woke up remembering you my dear readers. While I may have missed the day, I will add more later.

House Updates

Drive

It's not really a consideration right now, but it has been on my mind some as of late. The idea is to replace the Jeep with either a more efficient vehicle or a more versatile one. I love my ride though, so I can not say I will be trying to do anything right away, but there is an appeal to both camps, especially when facing a considerably longer commute soon. Then again, with the top off and a Rockies game on the radio, where is the problem?

As I have been considering it, the two most important aspects are the soft top and a potential bed in the back for ability to haul more. I also firmly believe, if you can swing it, you should love what you drive. After all, it should be able to offer some thrill when you get to drive it.

My top picks, in fantasy land are the Smart Car convertable, a Yaris, a Scout International, the Brute conversion for my Wrangler, and just a simple pick-up.

Of course, the bike would still be my first choice.

26.2 at 5280!

I am all signed up for my 4th marathon. This year will be the Denver Rock 'n' Roll Marathon
on October 9th. It will be wonderful to train in the town of the race this time, but I will be bummed to lose that training at altitude advantage. We'll see about improvements though. It could be my first marathon as a nonsmoker. I am told by a running friend in CA, that alone could shave 30 minutes off my time. Intriguing, but I am a little skeptical. It would be fantastic to break the 4:00 mark in my home town!

Home Stretch

We have been given an early estimate on our closing date. Dramatically it is on the same week our lease is up. It is now a matter of weeks, which is pretty exciting. New challenges are looming as well. Things like grass, a fence, etc. are being figured out. Neither Tiff nor I have ever done this before. It is exciting and also a new chance to find middle ground on ideas.

Damned if I do...

It's been a little better than 3 weeks now since I made the plunge into nonsmoking. For the most part it has been pretty good. The cravings though are intense and right now I am riding out a significant one. I hate being in that place where I can't say as I want to smoke nor do I want to fight the desire to smoke. Limbo.

By the by, the pic wasn't within the last three weeks.

Not Included

 The process of purchasing a house has been educational, to be sure. So many things we were unaware of going into all this. Of that lengthy list was the learning what is included and what is not. Having once purchased a new car that a passenger mirror was an option, I thought I would be ready for the odd ball bag of what you needed to get separately and what was included. I have not been terribly surprised yet, but what kills me is the cost the builder would like to do some of the not included items. That seems like a no brainer, but when your finance sheet is in decimal points you ordinarily do not operate in, it's tough to keep perspective. "Only $200 to do that/ A bargain!" Not always true though.

Quite often too, I could do it and probably well for far less. For example, Tiff and I found our "not included appliances yesterday. It will end up saving us quite a lot. The biggest challenge was discovering we are in one of those places where we don't know anyone with a truck. Slowly though, the house is coming together and move in day can not come soon enough.

Baseball!

It's finally back! Baseball! I love baseball season because no matter the day, no matter the problems in life... there is a game of baseball being played to take your mind off of whatever it is that's troubling you! While I would have loved a Rockies win yesterday, I am excited to see them do well this year.

Recharged

Sometimes you just need a timeout to recharge. Today was that day. You know when that day is needed, your mind is brain is slow and your body is shot. It helped to step off the hampster wheel today.