So I've been biking a lot lately. Taking advantage of the weather as well as the escarpment trails. Yesterday was my wife's birthday, so I bought her a bike. As we were riding down to the harbour for a little breakfast, we discussed the idea of riding our bikes with no hands. I thought about my face, and how much I like it. Why would I risk falling on it? Then I thought about being a kid. All I wanted to do was be like the big kids. They were riding around with no hands and looking so cool. That's what I wanted. So over time I built up the courage and faith in my bike to do it. I didn't think about my face, or breaking a bone or anything like that. I was focused on the task and just went for it. I was 10 and I was free.
What happened to me? All of these "what ifs" popping into my head 20 some years later. When did I lose my sense of adventure? I learned to ride this way when I was 10. Why can't I do it now, in my thirties?
I sat over breakfast pondering this dilemna. Somewhere along the way I became a wuss. I let logic talk me out of doing something adventurous. As I savoured my cinnamon- raisin french toast, I couldn't help but feel remorseful about the person I'd become. I didn't want that adventure seeker to die. So, with a full belly, and a fresh perspective. I biked back home. And, as I turned down my street, I let go. Did I mention that it was down hill? The speed kept building and building and building. My eyes got wider. My smile got bigger. I didn't crash! My wonderful face is still in tact. I even waved at my neighbour as I passed by. He must have thought I was so cool. Or not.
It doesn't matter. What matters is that in some small way I claimed that adventurous 10 year old back. I'm still here. If I can attach a lesson for my life from this experience. It's just to simply: have faith. Ride thru life sometimes with no hands. If you're battling insecurities, or fears or anything that is holding you back from "living"...let go.
God Bless
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
A litte piece of Heaven
Although the title of this entry seems a little cliche, it holds meaning for me. I just returned from visiting, what I grew up thinking, was the greatest place on earth... The Cottage.
Tucked in a quiet corner of Lake Waseosa, just outside Huntsville, is truly "A little piece of Heaven"
I hadn't been there for almost 13 years and all I've been able to think about was the phrase "A little piece of Heaven" I'll explain why in a second. 13 years ago I went on the annual trip to my favourite place in the world, with a bunch of friends. No parents, just a bunch of 20 year old buddies. It was an epic weekend... to say the least. Many stories that have since been repeated over and over, and some we'd like to forget. We were at a reckless age, and probably drank more than we needed to. But we cleaned up after ourselves and left the place the same way we found it. Or so we thought. I've had 13 years of experience, five of those as a married man, to hone my cleaning skills, so it might not have been up to today's standards. However, I've always respected the cottage and would never leave knowing that I ruined anything. Two weeks after I'd returned home, I received a letter. It ripped me to shreds. In a very detailed manner, I had been basically scolded like a child and banished from the cottage. The reason still resonates with me today. The last sentence in the letter said that I had ruined their "little piece of heaven." I didn't let on at the time, but that comment cut me deep.
How could it be their piece of heaven if it was my piece of heaven?? I loved that place! How could someone think that I'd want to ruin it? But there was no compromise,
no opportunity to make amends. My Uncle bought the cottage and it became his and it was used solely by his ever expanding family. I wondered if I'd ever be able to enjoy that little piece of heaven again.
As you can see by the pictures, the answer is yes. I took these pics this morning at 7am while everyone else on the lake was asleep. It was a moment I'd been dreaming about for 13 years. I just wanted to see it again. I wanted to smell the pine. I wanted it to feel like it was mine. and in that moment, this morning I understood what the that sentence in the letter meant. This place is magical. This place is glorious. I was so appreciative of that moment. Thanks for forgiveness. Thanks for second chances. Thanks for letting me back, Uncle Jack.
God is good.
Amen.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Reboot..
#1 I haven't blogged in months. #2 Life gets nuts sometimes. Now that I've got those two facts out there, I'd like to announce that I'm back! and am now living in Hamilton.
My wife and I have committed ourselves to this new journey and we are officially off and running! Well, maybe jogging, ...er' speed walking.
Hamilton has been a big adjustment. Were renting again, which feels like a step backwards, but in reality, it's a big step sideways until we get a feel for this city. We left a pretty comfy existence in Sarnia to come here, so I'm expecting a couple of bumps. Well, maybe hills ...er' escarpments.
When Cindy and I moved into our apartment it was supposed to be cleaned... it wasn't. Including the carpets... they weren't. So all of our belongings went into the kitchen while we set up an appointment for a cleaner. Which couldn't happen until the following day. so, we headed back to Sarnia for the night. Back the next day to meet the cleaner, we realized the hydro was shut off by the power company. How did we discover this? Our carpet cleaner (paid by the hour) went to plug his machine in, the one he already lugged up a flight of stairs, and it didn't turn on. So in a panic, I called the hydro company and to our surprise, they had our hydro back on almost immediately. There have been some emotional ups and downs since then, but all in all it's starting to feel like our home... Until last night... Last night, we discovered we were not alone.
I woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of little feet scampering across the roof outside. Or so I thought. Cindy freaked out and thought it was inside. I laughed, thinking she was half asleep. So I put my head down and started to drift off when it happened again. I remember being very impressed with acoustics in our bedroom. Wow, that sounds like- Then it flew a foot above my head. It was A BAT!!! that's right, A FRIGGIN' BAT!!! and it wasn't outside!! I looked at Cindy, who was already on lockdown inside the comforter and pillows. I was on my own. I sprang out of bed and grabbed the closest thing to me. A white T-shirt. I tried to flick the bat with my T-shirt and pick it off in mid-flight. The whole time running thru a mental checklist of all of the things I know about bats. Which isn't much. I thought they were blind, but he just toyed with me and easily evaded my attacks with the T-shirt. I heard bats carry rabies I don't know if that's actually true, but, I was a little nervous. And lastly, I thought bats lived in caves, so why the hell was I up at 3am in my boxers, trying to kill one with my dirty white T-shirt in my bedroom?! After minutes went by, Cindy could wait no longer. She made a mad dash with our comforter out of our bedroom into the spare room. I was convinced that he was rabid by this point and now I was alone. So I quickly followed and slammed the door behind me. We trapped the bat, but it wasn't a very good night sleep after that.
This morning I went into our bedroom and the bat wasn't anywhere to be seen. I'll keep you posted if he returns.
Yup, Cindy and I are so excited to be on this journey together.
My wife and I have committed ourselves to this new journey and we are officially off and running! Well, maybe jogging, ...er' speed walking.
Hamilton has been a big adjustment. Were renting again, which feels like a step backwards, but in reality, it's a big step sideways until we get a feel for this city. We left a pretty comfy existence in Sarnia to come here, so I'm expecting a couple of bumps. Well, maybe hills ...er' escarpments.
When Cindy and I moved into our apartment it was supposed to be cleaned... it wasn't. Including the carpets... they weren't. So all of our belongings went into the kitchen while we set up an appointment for a cleaner. Which couldn't happen until the following day. so, we headed back to Sarnia for the night. Back the next day to meet the cleaner, we realized the hydro was shut off by the power company. How did we discover this? Our carpet cleaner (paid by the hour) went to plug his machine in, the one he already lugged up a flight of stairs, and it didn't turn on. So in a panic, I called the hydro company and to our surprise, they had our hydro back on almost immediately. There have been some emotional ups and downs since then, but all in all it's starting to feel like our home... Until last night... Last night, we discovered we were not alone.
I woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of little feet scampering across the roof outside. Or so I thought. Cindy freaked out and thought it was inside. I laughed, thinking she was half asleep. So I put my head down and started to drift off when it happened again. I remember being very impressed with acoustics in our bedroom. Wow, that sounds like- Then it flew a foot above my head. It was A BAT!!! that's right, A FRIGGIN' BAT!!! and it wasn't outside!! I looked at Cindy, who was already on lockdown inside the comforter and pillows. I was on my own. I sprang out of bed and grabbed the closest thing to me. A white T-shirt. I tried to flick the bat with my T-shirt and pick it off in mid-flight. The whole time running thru a mental checklist of all of the things I know about bats. Which isn't much. I thought they were blind, but he just toyed with me and easily evaded my attacks with the T-shirt. I heard bats carry rabies I don't know if that's actually true, but, I was a little nervous. And lastly, I thought bats lived in caves, so why the hell was I up at 3am in my boxers, trying to kill one with my dirty white T-shirt in my bedroom?! After minutes went by, Cindy could wait no longer. She made a mad dash with our comforter out of our bedroom into the spare room. I was convinced that he was rabid by this point and now I was alone. So I quickly followed and slammed the door behind me. We trapped the bat, but it wasn't a very good night sleep after that.
This morning I went into our bedroom and the bat wasn't anywhere to be seen. I'll keep you posted if he returns.
Yup, Cindy and I are so excited to be on this journey together.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Simple Stout Visits Vegas
Everyone who has been has told me to go a least once. So, I went. Not only did I go. I went as part of a 5 man entourage. We went equipped with the expectation that our friend's bachelor party was going to be off the hook....and it was.
First of all, when he woke up on the morning of departure, he had no idea that he was going to be in Vegas that night. He was told to bring some spending money and a passport and that's all he was given. It turned out that it was his first time as well. So, when we got there, the 2 of us talked out our initial impressions as we walked from our hotel... Which happened to be the Bellagio... Not a bad first impression.
My friends and I sat at the bar at the Burger Bar having a drink while waiting for our table so we could eat our fancy dinners. Which, as you might guess from the name, were Burgers. Only in Las Vegas do you have to wait 40 minutes to get a burger... and only in Las Vegas is it worth the wait. And, so, while we were waiting, my VVB "Virgin Vegas Buddy" and I figured out Vegas. We figured out that living it up correctly must be accompanied by the correct mind frame. 2 overwhelming feelings were needling at us both as we sipped on our beers. Las Vegas is constantly whispering to you....
1 It's getting harder to care.
2 I deserve this.
If you listen to those 2 attitudes while in Vegas you will have an amazing time. You will also come home broke and regretful. But, I'm telling you, you feel those 2 overwhelming feelings dictating your every move while in that city. Vegas is crazy.
"I deserve this" hit one of my friends in the head while he was ordering his burger. All the burgers were expensive, but he ordered the sixty dollar kobe beef burger complete with truffles and fois gras. And after having a bite of it, I must admit, it was worth it. I couldn't get over the price while watching him eat it, but when I took a bite "It's getting harder to care" nailed me right in the mouth. I didn't care about the price, I didn't care about anything. I just wanted the yummy to last forever.
Of course Vegas is more than just a great hamburger. We had some some serious bachelor partying to do. So, now equipped with the Vegas attitude and a couple pints of beer, we were ready for a serious night out at Tao Nightclub.
Before I continue, I must thank two of my friends. You see, they are making great money, so they took care of the bill that night. In Vegas, someone better be making great money if you want to enjoy a night out at Tao. We not only had a night out, we had VIP table service. You have no idea what that means unless you've experienced it. We were ushered straight thru the 4 hour lineup (people actually waited 4 hours not kidding) straight up the elevator to a packed club with snow coming down from the ceiling.
Our fancy wristbands got us past the last line of security where we were greeted and seated and spoken to on a first name basis. Oh yeah, and the last words I heard before we entered the land of drum and base... I've got a table for you right next to Charles Barkley. "I deserve this. I deserve this. I deserve this."
It was a night of self indulgence for sure. We were told by our very personal hosts that we could have had anything that we wanted. and when they said "anything", they meant "anything". I'm glad my will power outlasted my new found Vegas attitude that I didn't take them up on their offer. We did well enough with our own private bartender, free bottles of dom and our celebrity neighbour. Charles Barkley's words of wisdom to me that night. "Never stay longer than 3 days"
And that's exactly the length of our trip. We ate, we drank, we hurt, we walked, we gambled, we deserved it and at times we didn't care. I was very tired last night when we touched down in Toronto. I was happy to see my wife, and was happy to get back to life. I want to thank all of my buddies for being a part of my first Vegas experience. I want to thank my 2 very generous friends who made the experience a tough one to match. I can only imagine what is going to happen when one of you gets married. The bar has been raised to very impressive levels.
And if I may repeat the words that were spoken to me before I left.. If you haven't been, you should really go and see it at least once. You deserve it.
Vegas Baby. Vegas
First of all, when he woke up on the morning of departure, he had no idea that he was going to be in Vegas that night. He was told to bring some spending money and a passport and that's all he was given. It turned out that it was his first time as well. So, when we got there, the 2 of us talked out our initial impressions as we walked from our hotel... Which happened to be the Bellagio... Not a bad first impression.
My friends and I sat at the bar at the Burger Bar having a drink while waiting for our table so we could eat our fancy dinners. Which, as you might guess from the name, were Burgers. Only in Las Vegas do you have to wait 40 minutes to get a burger... and only in Las Vegas is it worth the wait. And, so, while we were waiting, my VVB "Virgin Vegas Buddy" and I figured out Vegas. We figured out that living it up correctly must be accompanied by the correct mind frame. 2 overwhelming feelings were needling at us both as we sipped on our beers. Las Vegas is constantly whispering to you....
1 It's getting harder to care.
2 I deserve this.
If you listen to those 2 attitudes while in Vegas you will have an amazing time. You will also come home broke and regretful. But, I'm telling you, you feel those 2 overwhelming feelings dictating your every move while in that city. Vegas is crazy.
"I deserve this" hit one of my friends in the head while he was ordering his burger. All the burgers were expensive, but he ordered the sixty dollar kobe beef burger complete with truffles and fois gras. And after having a bite of it, I must admit, it was worth it. I couldn't get over the price while watching him eat it, but when I took a bite "It's getting harder to care" nailed me right in the mouth. I didn't care about the price, I didn't care about anything. I just wanted the yummy to last forever.
Of course Vegas is more than just a great hamburger. We had some some serious bachelor partying to do. So, now equipped with the Vegas attitude and a couple pints of beer, we were ready for a serious night out at Tao Nightclub.
Before I continue, I must thank two of my friends. You see, they are making great money, so they took care of the bill that night. In Vegas, someone better be making great money if you want to enjoy a night out at Tao. We not only had a night out, we had VIP table service. You have no idea what that means unless you've experienced it. We were ushered straight thru the 4 hour lineup (people actually waited 4 hours not kidding) straight up the elevator to a packed club with snow coming down from the ceiling.
Our fancy wristbands got us past the last line of security where we were greeted and seated and spoken to on a first name basis. Oh yeah, and the last words I heard before we entered the land of drum and base... I've got a table for you right next to Charles Barkley. "I deserve this. I deserve this. I deserve this."
It was a night of self indulgence for sure. We were told by our very personal hosts that we could have had anything that we wanted. and when they said "anything", they meant "anything". I'm glad my will power outlasted my new found Vegas attitude that I didn't take them up on their offer. We did well enough with our own private bartender, free bottles of dom and our celebrity neighbour. Charles Barkley's words of wisdom to me that night. "Never stay longer than 3 days"
And that's exactly the length of our trip. We ate, we drank, we hurt, we walked, we gambled, we deserved it and at times we didn't care. I was very tired last night when we touched down in Toronto. I was happy to see my wife, and was happy to get back to life. I want to thank all of my buddies for being a part of my first Vegas experience. I want to thank my 2 very generous friends who made the experience a tough one to match. I can only imagine what is going to happen when one of you gets married. The bar has been raised to very impressive levels.
And if I may repeat the words that were spoken to me before I left.. If you haven't been, you should really go and see it at least once. You deserve it.
Vegas Baby. Vegas
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Truckin'
I've been having a regular breakfast meeting once a week with a good friend of mine. He's got 4 kids, and a really busy career, so I'm glad to have an hour of his time to myself. Like anyone, he's got his own struggles in life, but in my eyes, he is succeeding. Part of me covets what he's got. A family, a well paying job that he loves, and a growing investment portfolio. Which leads me to ponder my current situation.
I'm happy, well married and on the road to success. -But I have no idea how long the road is or what the route looks like to get there. Heck, I'm not even sure if I'll recognize success when I arrive. Maybe I'll keep driving. I hope I'll keep driving. You see, it is very clear to me already, that I'm sitting in a big rigg on this open highway of life, with a full tank of gas and a very limited set of directions. I'm eager with anticipation, and scared of the unknown. What if I keep driving and I'm never able to deliver what I'm supposed to? Will I ever be able to afford a nice house? Will my investment portfolio ever expand? I keep reminding myself that the most important fact is: I'm driving.
Like I said before, we all have our struggles. I'm dealing with mine own. I'm coveting a little certainty, coveting a little family, coveting success in my career, coveting that this big rigg full of ideas reaches its destination, coveting a little more faith that all will be well despite all of my coveting.
Ah the life of an artist. exploring ideas, creating beauty and over analyzing everything. It sure is great to be back.
I'm happy, well married and on the road to success. -But I have no idea how long the road is or what the route looks like to get there. Heck, I'm not even sure if I'll recognize success when I arrive. Maybe I'll keep driving. I hope I'll keep driving. You see, it is very clear to me already, that I'm sitting in a big rigg on this open highway of life, with a full tank of gas and a very limited set of directions. I'm eager with anticipation, and scared of the unknown. What if I keep driving and I'm never able to deliver what I'm supposed to? Will I ever be able to afford a nice house? Will my investment portfolio ever expand? I keep reminding myself that the most important fact is: I'm driving.
Like I said before, we all have our struggles. I'm dealing with mine own. I'm coveting a little certainty, coveting a little family, coveting success in my career, coveting that this big rigg full of ideas reaches its destination, coveting a little more faith that all will be well despite all of my coveting.
Ah the life of an artist. exploring ideas, creating beauty and over analyzing everything. It sure is great to be back.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Avatar
So this little tiny movie called Avatar has totally messed up my rating system for good movies. My criteria used to be: for a movie to be considered really good, it must make you laugh and cry. Yes, I cry during movies, shut up....But Avatar did not evoke those under the surface emotions from me. I spent the entire 3 hours sitting in my comfy high back, slightly reclined seat, viewing thru my plastic, slightly uncomfortable 3d glasses with the biggest smile on my face. I didn't even realize that I was smiling until the credits rolled and my cheeks were sore. What a trip!!!
Before I continue, let me tell you that I don't like sci-fi movies that much. My favorite movies are all small budget dramas. So this declaration is going to sound stupid to most. -But Avatar is the greatest movie ever made!!
The plot wasn't surprizing. The acting wasn't Merril Streepish. (you can use that) But James Cameron invented a world that I did not want to leave. 3D like no other. It was absolutely mind blowing. It was an absolute master piece.
I kept turning to my wife saying the most obvious comments as the movie went along. Stuff like: "This is so much fun!" and "This is fucking amazing!" and "This is so much fucking fun and amazing" I don't swear very often, but it was that good!
If you're like me and a bit of a jaded movie goer, then please hear this.. put all of your artsy fartsy crafty wafty opinions to the side. Throw on a pair of cheap 3d recyclable glasses and enjoy the ride. The Movie Theatre experience is back and better than ever.
Thanks James Cameron. I really liked your movie.
Before I continue, let me tell you that I don't like sci-fi movies that much. My favorite movies are all small budget dramas. So this declaration is going to sound stupid to most. -But Avatar is the greatest movie ever made!!
The plot wasn't surprizing. The acting wasn't Merril Streepish. (you can use that) But James Cameron invented a world that I did not want to leave. 3D like no other. It was absolutely mind blowing. It was an absolute master piece.
I kept turning to my wife saying the most obvious comments as the movie went along. Stuff like: "This is so much fun!" and "This is fucking amazing!" and "This is so much fucking fun and amazing" I don't swear very often, but it was that good!
If you're like me and a bit of a jaded movie goer, then please hear this.. put all of your artsy fartsy crafty wafty opinions to the side. Throw on a pair of cheap 3d recyclable glasses and enjoy the ride. The Movie Theatre experience is back and better than ever.
Thanks James Cameron. I really liked your movie.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
How to Balance "Life"
December 23rd 2009. 1045am. It finally all made sense. A quest for life's perfect balance. The key ingredients for happiness and effectiveness in one's day. "How did it take me so long to figure this out?" ..I thought to myself. "I can't believe it's this simple" ..I said with a smile. "Why didn't I try this before?" ..I wondered out loud.
See, I've been on this quest for years, trying to find and maintain the balance, trying to keep track of my levels. Trying to keep my my mental state, my physical state and my spiritual state all working in harmony and at full capacity to achieve maximum efficiency in my day to day. If one level were down, I'd know it, and would make strides to work on it. But sometimes even when all levels were up, I was down. How could that be? Was my system flawed? Was there a level that I hadn't been checking? How many levels are there? Stress??!!
The levels...
1/ I am a Christian man and...I believe that if you proclaim to be a Christian, then you should be reading your bible and praying everyday. Now, even though I find that task incredibly difficult (some days the bible feels like kryptonite to me and I can't pick it up) it should be the most important thing I do in a day. Spend time with the creator. nuff said.
2/ I also believe that exercise is fundamental to a healthy balanced life. I feel more confident and more stress-free when I'm in a workout routine. And more vain when I walk past the mirror after my shower. (see comment about me being transparent in my first blog) and it's also good for my marriage. nuff said
3/ And reading is vital to stimulate the brain, fuel imagination and take in some knowledge and wisdom. I used to hate to read, but now I find it's the only activity that requires all of my attention and I love that. I can't be in "Jeffland" when reading or I have to go back and start again from where I drifted off. It keeps me focused in a way that no other activity does.
Those 3 things I do, or at least try to do everyday to maintain my "levels" But, and this is a BIG BUT! It doesn't guarantee happiness. So, this morning, as of 1045, I added 2 key elements to to ensure a perfectly harmonious day.
1/ 8:30 am ----I roared
2/ 10:40 am ----I danced
When I got out of bed I felt the need to stretch, as one usually does. The normal noise I make when stretching could best be described as a "joyful wookie" What you'd imagine Chewbacca would sound like if he were sitting in a hot tub making noises. But this morning, as I let out my inner wookie, it became clear that it wasn't enough. I felt unsatisfied. I walked around the house a bit trying to put into words what I was feeling. I couldn't. So I trie to explain it to my wife. She didn't quite understand or didn't appreciate what I was going thru, but did ask the most important question of the day... "what do you feel like doing?" and from there it just came out. "I wanna roar!!" then she said the next most important thing I heard today. "okay" So just like that, I let out the beast inside of me and roared from the depths of my soul. It literally felt like the house shook which it most likely didn't ...but Damn it felt great.
From then on, the morning went as mornings do, but I felt cleansed. I felt like "Man" with a capital "M". I got showered, ate breakfast, and did my morning read and prayer. Cindy and I were both ready to go when we realized that we had a couple of minutes to spare. That's when we put on the itunes.
1040am In the living room, fully clothed in jacket and scarf, dancing with my wife to an old song that somehow made onto a playlist. The song is called "2 times" by an artist named Ann Lee, which is irrelevant. It's a dance track from the mid 90's. I don't know much more about the song or even how it ended up on my computer, but it sure got the 2 of us rockin this morning.
5 minutes later we left the house and I was jacked. I didn't really care how the rest of the day was going to go, because I was ready for anything. I don't think I stopped talking until I got out of the car. I felt like I had discovered a secret and couldn't tell anyone.
And hear it is 415pm and I'm still talking about it. I can't wait for tomorrow morning. I cant wait to get up, check my levels, then dance and roar to start my day. Just reading that gets me pumped... and Isn't that how it should be? Shouldn't we always be excited about tomorrow.
If you read this, your life is probably changed forever. Throw in some good good loving with your wife or husband and now, officially, you finally have the perfect balance. If you didn't receive a card from me this year, consider this my gift for you for Christmas. Simple
Merry Christmas
See, I've been on this quest for years, trying to find and maintain the balance, trying to keep track of my levels. Trying to keep my my mental state, my physical state and my spiritual state all working in harmony and at full capacity to achieve maximum efficiency in my day to day. If one level were down, I'd know it, and would make strides to work on it. But sometimes even when all levels were up, I was down. How could that be? Was my system flawed? Was there a level that I hadn't been checking? How many levels are there? Stress??!!
The levels...
1/ I am a Christian man and...I believe that if you proclaim to be a Christian, then you should be reading your bible and praying everyday. Now, even though I find that task incredibly difficult (some days the bible feels like kryptonite to me and I can't pick it up) it should be the most important thing I do in a day. Spend time with the creator. nuff said.
2/ I also believe that exercise is fundamental to a healthy balanced life. I feel more confident and more stress-free when I'm in a workout routine. And more vain when I walk past the mirror after my shower. (see comment about me being transparent in my first blog) and it's also good for my marriage. nuff said
3/ And reading is vital to stimulate the brain, fuel imagination and take in some knowledge and wisdom. I used to hate to read, but now I find it's the only activity that requires all of my attention and I love that. I can't be in "Jeffland" when reading or I have to go back and start again from where I drifted off. It keeps me focused in a way that no other activity does.
Those 3 things I do, or at least try to do everyday to maintain my "levels" But, and this is a BIG BUT! It doesn't guarantee happiness. So, this morning, as of 1045, I added 2 key elements to to ensure a perfectly harmonious day.
1/ 8:30 am ----I roared
2/ 10:40 am ----I danced
When I got out of bed I felt the need to stretch, as one usually does. The normal noise I make when stretching could best be described as a "joyful wookie" What you'd imagine Chewbacca would sound like if he were sitting in a hot tub making noises. But this morning, as I let out my inner wookie, it became clear that it wasn't enough. I felt unsatisfied. I walked around the house a bit trying to put into words what I was feeling. I couldn't. So I trie to explain it to my wife. She didn't quite understand or didn't appreciate what I was going thru, but did ask the most important question of the day... "what do you feel like doing?" and from there it just came out. "I wanna roar!!" then she said the next most important thing I heard today. "okay" So just like that, I let out the beast inside of me and roared from the depths of my soul. It literally felt like the house shook which it most likely didn't ...but Damn it felt great.
From then on, the morning went as mornings do, but I felt cleansed. I felt like "Man" with a capital "M". I got showered, ate breakfast, and did my morning read and prayer. Cindy and I were both ready to go when we realized that we had a couple of minutes to spare. That's when we put on the itunes.
1040am In the living room, fully clothed in jacket and scarf, dancing with my wife to an old song that somehow made onto a playlist. The song is called "2 times" by an artist named Ann Lee, which is irrelevant. It's a dance track from the mid 90's. I don't know much more about the song or even how it ended up on my computer, but it sure got the 2 of us rockin this morning.
5 minutes later we left the house and I was jacked. I didn't really care how the rest of the day was going to go, because I was ready for anything. I don't think I stopped talking until I got out of the car. I felt like I had discovered a secret and couldn't tell anyone.
And hear it is 415pm and I'm still talking about it. I can't wait for tomorrow morning. I cant wait to get up, check my levels, then dance and roar to start my day. Just reading that gets me pumped... and Isn't that how it should be? Shouldn't we always be excited about tomorrow.
If you read this, your life is probably changed forever. Throw in some good good loving with your wife or husband and now, officially, you finally have the perfect balance. If you didn't receive a card from me this year, consider this my gift for you for Christmas. Simple
Merry Christmas
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)