Run!

Run. That used to be my response to many situations I created and should have faced. Over time and much practice, that is no longer my survival mode. It's strange then that everyday, at some point my brain says, "run!" As has been well documented here, I have shockingly turned into a runner. At first it was to bond with this girl I liked. Must have worked some as I now call her my wife. After being tired of trying to catch her, I started running to keep a little nicotine monkey off my back. To some extent that proved successful, although not entirely. To my chagrin, I began to run all the time. It became the pause when doubtful or agitated. It became the way to get out of my head. It became the stress release valve. It became the adventure when not on my own streets. Running became something entirely unexpected… it became fun.

Now I have never been a good person for moderation. It's all or nothing in my mind, despite knowing full well that's not healthy. To me, if I want to run, I have to run all the time. At least daily. Now by unhealthy, "at least daily" is a not a reasonable expectation for me. Yet I still have it. I know I am happier on the days I get out there, albeit for a mile or 10 miles. It helps. Maybe at least daily isn't so bad for this vice.

Fa La La La

We finally have snow in the air here in Denver. It feels good to see it as the final days till Christmas are upon us. I have really been enjoying the holiday seaso this year, but a little differently than normal. I have not been obsessed with the shopping and stress this year. I genuinely want to give those I love everything they want in beautiful packages but I know I can't do that. After the move this year I really can't do too much. None the less I am singing along with the Christmas songs and enjoying the lights. So many folks I see about are so stresses out. It seems a shame that a lot of people make this time of year such an endurance match to get to one day. I have come to realize that there are no perfect Christmas plans and the best I can do is loves those I do and try to be more patient with everyone else. I need nothing under the tree anymore, but delight in doing everything I can to make those around me smile.

No Room Ghosts

We have recently moved to an old building in an older neighborhood. There are many ghost stories having taken place just up the street. I believe the home that inspired the Poltergeist movie is even just a few blocks away. It's been interesting running past so many old homes and historic spots lately. I can't shake the stories and tales I have heard and wonder how many of these homes have those unexplainable presences? My wife also has quite the predilection for those haunted house stories and shows.

A similarity occurred to me when reflecting on all those movies and shows like American Horror Story where people move into a spooky old home. There always seems to be a sadness of struggle within the new occupants. It almost seems ripe for some specter to screw with them. Where as it seems when there are families full of love and laughter, the spooky seems as unthinkable as a Smart Car in Kansas. I have no science or facts to substantiate this theory, but hell, neither do half of the ghost hunter shows either. Just an observation.

What I do know as fact is that laughter and happiness ward off the darkness. People overcome amazing odds and struggles when they stay positive and happy. I have recently been fond of the term "true believers" when considering the people that are just willing to believe. I don't care if it's God or a sports team, there is something beautiful in a person's willingness to just believe in something. Mind you the later may be a little less reliable.

I digress though. 

Peace on Earth

It seems like its finally not too early to embrace the holiday season. I am ready. There's a general sense of good will that always seems a welcome relief especially this year. While the actual business of doing holiday shopping and whatnot feels a little stressful. I'm truly enjoying it this year. Whatever it is you celebrate, be it Christmas or just friends and family, I hope this season brings you happiness.

To Do's

The new place is unpacked and taking shape. Very slowly these in scheduled moments are sneaking into my days. I'm not enjoying them. After having such a heavy load for an extended stretch, having moments without something that needs done are uncomfortable. I have a lengthy list of tasks still to accomplish, but their timeframes are looser. Maybe that's what's uncomfortable, the prioritizing? I also disdain projects without clear finishes and some of my to do's are pretty open. Looks like its time for a list. After all, without a list there is nothing to cross off. That is the best part.