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Next Task

Tiff and I got a chance to take care of some tasks around the house today that were little but felt great to see done. It's funny when you realize the list of small things you keep in your head of things to do without even realizing it. For me, one of those things has been to touch up the paint I did last year in spots it has chopped. While not huge, it left me feeling so good once I had crossed it of the list in my head. I may not even be able to tell you a few hours later all the tiny spots I hit, but I know I saw them daily before.

I like crossing things off that list.

Happy Picture Friday!

My love.

My Neighbors

Neighbors. We are still getting used to our neighborhood and home living. Tonight, one of our neighbors threw a BBQ. We attended and it was great to have a chance to just chat with the folks we live near. One of the things I loved in Chicago was just that, seeing and knowing my neighbors. It helps sometimes.

Reminded

I had a chance to go out on an audition today, set up by my agent. It was such a thrill to go out an get a chance to do that, even though it wasn't such a big audition or very difficult one. I was reminded once again where my true passion is. I am grateful to just know that.

Rest

Catching up is tough sometimes, especially when it comes to rest. When I fell asleep on the couch watching TV tonight it occurred to me I may still be a little down on the sleep quota as of late. It seemed a decent idea to relax a little and take it easy. Not a natural order when I would much rather lace up and run or hit the gym, etc. None the less, there is an art to being quiet. I am not very good at it though.

Liar

I don't understand people sometimes. Someone close to me was in a car accident recently that was not their fault, yet the other driver blatantly lied and is being believed. While dishonesty is more natural to me than not, I have also grown and seen its distructive powers. Even when I instinctively want to say it wasn't me, I am quick to take responsibility when I do. I do believe in karma and only hope this guilty party comes around. The world needs a little less "not my faults" in my humble opinion.

Litter!

Seriously, so some people still think it's ok to just toss trash out of the window when they are driving? I am just asking. I was on my long run today and trekked 14mi around my house today and never went further than ten steps before another piece of trash. After a while it got so depressing I had to start analyzing the array. In my estimation, the three biggest sources of trash were beer bottles/cans (depressing and scary on the road), cigarette boxes, and McDonald trash. The last on surprises me as there isn't a McD's for 5 miles anywhere on my route. What the hell though? Why is there so much trash? I grew up just after the crying Indian and at the height of the "Give a Hoot, Don't Polute" Campaigns. Do we need a refresher? Has the recycling movement forgotten the simple, at least get it in a can idea?

Help me. Tell me if I am off base here?

Out of Touch.

I got a chance to just relax a little at home with my wife and our dogs. I tackled very little as far as actual work and while the momentum was a tough thing to work against, it helped. I just needed to veg out and recharge. I didn't run. I didn't make calls. I didn't check emails. The chance to unplug was exactly what I needed.

Happy Picture Friday!

Home Is Where...

It's now been a week since I left home on the work trip. While a part of me appreciates the break in the norm, I am sorely missing my home and little family. They bring a quality to my everyday that is more than noticeable when I am away. The trip home tomorrow will be very welcomed. It's alway good to know where home is. For me it's with Tiff.

Standards

I've been trying to get closer to an ideal as far as conducting myself. I am perfectly ok with not being perfect, but I do strive to live better. Yesterday, there were a few humbling moments of falling short. In contemplating the downfalls, I am torn between feeling embarrassed and motivated. I am focusing on the latter. I know I'll screw up, but if I can keep trying to do better and not just relive the pitfalls, hopefully things will get better.

We Know Why You Needed A Pencil With Your Walkman

The whole crew went out to dinner last night to celebrate the near completion of this job. It felt so goo to just laugh and relax. Funny how a good meal and an entertaining discussion about the superiority of cassette tapes can recharge you.

Wave Back

I have been up here in Aspen for a few days and braved my 3rd run at high altitude this morning. While there is a pervasive smugness up here, I have also been thrilled to get the occasional wave in return for my standard wave while out there. It's refreshing to see the warmth in a place typically pretty cool.

Missing Home

I've been away from home for about five days now for work. I miss my family quite a lot.

Happy Picture Saturday

Happy Picture Friday

Running on Empty

I am on a job in Aspen and like most travel jobs, the hours are pretty long and physically taxing. None the less I am venturing out for my training runs, at altitude no less. It has been tough to get out of bed for them, but I have felt so much better each time after I am back. It pays sometimes to push a little harder, even if that effort is just lacing up and facing the cold.

Stress

Yesterday I had to change some plans on my wife last minute. That's one of those little things that can really stress her out. Today I am facing one of mine, packing for a trip. It's a little thing, but it's one of my stresses. I am fascinated by how everyone has a little something that can just unnerve them, even in the face of knowing better. When it is in full force it can feel damn near dibilitating. Walking through it can feel impossible, which makes it feel even more ridiculous when you are still able to just say, "it's friggin' packing!!" None the less, these little stress triggers can certainly be tough.

Running Through

My run this morning was tough. When in training sometimes the joy is not there when I know I have to get my moles in. None the less, I also know it helps to keep lacing up even when I don't want to. After all, not every mile in a marathon is fun.

Pack It Up

It was a decent day. Work was slammed but it went well. Everybody just seemed to put their head down and do what needed to be done. While I never really like a day that involves quite this much packing, it feels good to see such a clear result. Here's to a Monday friends.

Worn Out

Today was just one of those days where despite best efforts, I was forced to surrender to exhaustion. I am just beat and today there was no getting around it. I went out for my long run, but it never stopped feeling long. I counted off the ticks till the final mile was over and promptly walked. It catches up, that tired thing.

Parents Big Day

My parents are getting remarried today. This has been a day I have hoped for for many years now. They have become so good together since getting a little time apart, that marriage seemed natural. It's funny how no matter how old you get, your parents can always make you feel a little bit like an eight year old again. That part of me is giddy to see them so happy. Today's nuptials are the final piece in a reconciliation it has been wonderful to watch.

My parents show me what it means to love each other enough to walk away for a while but not entirely. They have demonstrated unconditional giving and a true care for one another that, at least for the last 18 years, has been based only on the unofficial bond they still felt.

I wish you, Mom and Dad, nothing but the best today. I love you both!

Happy Picture Friday

Layering Reality

I spent a better part of the day in the world of Photoshop. Funny how a full day of design can warp perspective in the real world. Any more I am thrilled when I get a chance to turn the computer off and just be in the real world, even if the colors, shapes and shading are not so simple to manipulate. I am glad for the work and ability to do it.