Up & Down and All Around

Been some interesting days lately…..last sunday i had a scare with some knee pain. thankfully, it is all gone. (knock on wood) last monday, MLK jr. day, I got up on what was a very grey day and was driving to work when i was pulled over by a police officer for making a “california stop” at a stop sign right near my house. i had not even had any coffee yet. i was not happy. i should have just stayed home instead of go to work on my day off! 

Tuesday – gosh things were sooo much brighter. I woke up and drove to work and there was a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. watching the tv at work and seeing the inauguration festivities begin was pretty neat. when was the last time our country gathered in such a way for a PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION. When have i seen people in the streets and in coffee shops talking about all this and being hopeful and proud. How awesome it was to see a man take office who was not an old white guy; the typical choice forever. how awesome was it to see someone who people can feel in touch with rather than so far away from….pretty neat all around. I did not watch Obama’s speech live, but caught it in it’s full replay on NPR in the car later that day. I was glad to hear his sobering and realistic message; 

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

And so it was that Tuesday ended and Wednesday began. Wednesday I left work and found my car window busted open. Sure, i was angry. But also I was reminded that even though i want to see the good in everyone, people will still do “bad” things and cause harm. 

Throughout the week I have been watching past episodes of LOST, which has been great. I am totally into it! 

Friday came and with it my 5 year anniversary with my job. This is the longest I have ever been at a job and i’m proud. So many years of my life were full of tumultuous change and its nice to see myself STAY in one place for a while…however long that might be. Friday also was a day a friend at work who had been there for 10 years decided to leave. It was an odd feeling to watch her leave even though i am wishing her the best. There was an aura of uncertainty in the air at our offices of what is to come next. Not the most pleasant energy to be around. 

Saturday morning came and I went for a run with a friend. Was a solid 6 with hills and i felt good up and over the hills. While we sat at a restaurant counter eating some breakfast, the SUN came a shining!

Jan 24: 6 miles, 59:07,9:51 pace – outside w/ hills

Jan 22: 3 miles, 27:27, 9:08 pace – outside

Jan 21: 3 miles, 28:43, 9:34 pace – treadmill