I'm..

I'm in San Francisco.
I'm in my hotel room.
I'm in bed.
I'm heavily medicated.
I'm hopeful I will be healthy by morning.

Good night!

Is my luck changing?

For my San Francisco flight, I have a middle seat (boo). The woman along the window in my row asked if she could take the middle seat, so she could sit alongside her husband in the aisle seat. Why yes kind woman...you can. Sweet! Maybe my luck is changing.

Push forward

I'm at the airport (yes, again) waiting for my flight to San Francisco. I feel like complete hell. I woke up this morning with complete body aches, a headache and a sore throat after falling asleep at 8:00 PM last night. I feel 11% better than I did this morning, so I decided to push forward with my scheduled work trip. I figured I am back tomorrow at 9:00 PM, so I only have to push on for 29 hours, right? At least that is what I am convincing myself of at the moment. In reality I just want to be home and in bed with the curtains drawn.

In other news, my plane is already here and there is not a cloud in the sky, so I suspect with my luck as the world's unluckiest traveler, there will be a mechanical issue of some kind to delay us because my flights are rarely on time. But maybe the travel gods will take pity on me sense I am already sick. Maybe.

We shall see

I woke up Monday with a sore throat but thought it was the result of a chilly evening and the bedroom window open. Nope. By 8 PM last night I felt exhausted and fell asleep. I woke up at midnight with body aches, sore throat and headache. I thankfully managed to track down some NyQuil and cough drops in our bathroom without making too much noise to wake Dale. This morning I feel even worse. I am supposed to catch a flight for work to San Francisco at 5:00 PM, so I am hoping if I rest this morning, I will feel better by then. We shall see.

Confusion over Young MC’s Bust a Move

Okay, I know this will sound weird, but I am weird. Every time I hear the song Bust a Move by Young MC, there is a line that always seems weird to be. I heard it again yesterday on my iPod. It is the part - “Your best friend Harry has a brother Larry.” In fact, here are the lines, I find confusing:

Your best friend Harry has a brother Larry
In five days from now he's gonna marry
He's hopin you can make it there if you can
'Cause in the ceremony you'll be the best man
You say "neato"... check your libido
And roll to the church in your new tuxedo

Here is what goes through my head almost every time, I hear that song – Why doesn’t Larry ask Harry to be the best man, since Harry is his brother? Why would your best friend’s brother ask you to be his best man. Am I the only one who has ever wondered this?

BBQ - good food, good friends

It is always great to kick off summer with a BBQ. This evening we went to our neighbor's Michelle Poole and Kevin Stephens house. They put on an amazing spread of Italian sausages, burgers, potato salad and chili. It was delicious and a great way to spend Memorial Day.

Thanks Kevin & Michelle!

More photos from Dale’s garden

I love this time of year when Dale’s mad garden and flower skills show in all their glory. The guy definitely has a green thumb.

View Full Album

• Photo Left: Our pond as everything starts to bloom.
• Photo Center: I love how the golden broom bush is reaching over the fence.
• Photo Right: The red color of this tree is just incredible.

Happy Memorial Day!

A bunch of people posted quotes on Facebook today related to Memorial Day and our military. These were three of my favorites:

“Four things support the world: the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the good, and the valor of the brave” - Muhammad

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” - Joseph Campbell

“True heroism is remarkably sober, very un-dramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” - Arthur Ashe

I also love that Dale raised our flag today to celebrate the holiday and show our support of our troops - both past and present. I hope everyone has a great day!

I’m on my way

I headed out this afternoon and did my “I’m going to do a 5K” training again. I did the 6 minute walking / 1 minute running cycle three times. I was joined by my friends Anjanette and Sam who are also going to try to work toward a 5K.

What happens to me while I'm sleeping?

Woke up around 4:30 AM.
I had no blanket.
Just the sheet.
Dale had taken all the blanket.
Our window was open.
The room was chilly.
I had no shirt on.
Yet I went to bed with a shirt on.
Found my shirt was on my nightstand.
What happens to me while I'm sleeping?
How can I not remember undressing?
Weird.
I suspect Dale drugs me.
Just saying.
It is one theory.

Out past midnight!

Another great night for Dale and I. After dinner our friends Tim & Shannon Spencer texted us to see if we wanted to join them at a bar for some shuffleboard. Since most of the bars with shuffleboard sucked (or scared us) we decided Dave & Busters was the best option. I also pleasantly discovered they Dave and Busters serves a cherry berry mojito (or three) and although I do not love cherries or berries...I love anything in a mojito. They were sweet goodness.


Firstly, let me say that we adore the Spencer's. They are a complete joy to hang out with and have the best dynamic together. They compliment each other perfectly and I get a huge kick out of the competitive streak they both share. I have to say they have become some of our favorite people.

Secondly, I think shuffleboard is my new favorite activity. I loved it. I have played in a few bars over the years...but tonight I fell in love. I must convince Steve Stubbendick to buy a shuffleboard table for his basement. It would be the perfect addition and would make the Stubbendick basement complete.


Not only did we play shuffleboard, but we also played a ton of games including skeet-ball, car racing, motorcycle racing and best of all got to be kids again for a night. It was a complete blast and we won over 2,000 tickets, which we used to get a few prizes for the Spencer's kids - Mallory & Drew...plus maybe a few things for me. I got a giant Pixie stick and my new light up toy, who I named Bluey.


A huge thanks to Dale, Tim & Shannon for a great Sunday night. We need to do this again soon. Oh and for those wondering, Tim & Shannon beat Dale and I 2 out of 3 games in shuffleboard, so we will need a rematch.

Disappointed in my HOA

Today, Dale and I were walking Zoe and we passed our neighborhood community center, known as The Depot and saw about a dozen patio lounge chairs in the dumpster. Last year, our Home Owners Association (HOA) purchased new patio furniture for our community pool. The HOA sent several emails last summer and fall stating they were still looking for a way to handle the old patio furniture. In fact, this is what they sent on 07/20/11.

Pool Furniture:  It is not yet decided what will be done with the old pool furniture.  In the meantime, please keep your children from playing in, on, or with, the old furniture.  We would like to keep your children safe and preserve the quality of the furniture as much as possible.  Your assistance with this will be appreciated.

I guess they wanted to preserve this furniture for the landfill. Rather than donate or give-a-way these chairs, I guess they decided the landfill was the best option. This is sickening, sad and just plain lazy. These chairs may not be in great shape, but I am sure a shelter could have used this as makeshift beds or if our HOA had simply put an ad on Craigslist offering them as free, I bet someone would have given them a good home. To me anything is better than these chairs being added to a landfill.

Dale immediately emailed our HOA board alerting him to our frustration over this matter. For those of you who are my neighbors and live in the Village of Five Parks, please email the following board members and let them know you also find this unacceptable:

Preston Branaugh : preston@branaughpc.com
Cynthia Pacello : cpacello@comcast.net
Lee Morrell : leemorrell@aol.com
Juli Grossman : kjplus3@q.com
Aaron Zieschang : fiveparkshoa@wickedz.com

Thanks.

Way to go United Airlines!

I forgot to post about this the other day, but United Airlines now allows military personnel in uniform board flights first. I love this. I feel it is well deserved and shows a great deal of respect as this is before first class, 1K, premier and all the other statuses board. My hat goes off to United Airlines for leading the charge in honoring and respecting our military men and women. On my flight from Atlanta to Denver there were three army soldiers who board first and I was very proud to see that they were given a standing ovation and tons of applause by almost everyone waiting at the gate. It made me very proud to be an American and I am sure it made these three young men feel appreciated and loved.

Way to go United Airlines!  I know you tend to delay a lot of my flights, but this boarding order change makes me love you anyhow.

Baby steps

Today, I started what will forever be known as “my first day of training for a 5K.” I headed out and as part of week one of transitioning from a walker to a runner, I knocked out my first 27 minute workout.

• I walked 6 minutes;
• I ran 1 minute
• 1 walked 6 minutes
• 1 ran 1 minute
• 1 walked 6 minutes
• 1 ran 1 minute
• I walked 6 minutes

Now, running for 1 minute seemed a bit short and a little ridiculous, but everything I read on-line said to start small and build…so I did. I am not fast by any means, but I did 3 minutes of running, so I am on my way. I ultimate goal will be running 30 consecutive minutes.

Yesterday, someone sent me a message on Facebook and asked if I decided to run a 5K on a complete whim. Yes, I did. I was disappointed how poorly I did when I tried to run yesterday, so rather than feel mad, sad or accept defeat…I decided to use these emotions for a positive. So, yes…on a whim I decided I would train and run a 5K by the end of summer.

Date #9 – Unplanned Fun

Sometimes the best dates can be those that happen with no planning at all, right?

I love Dale, I love brunch and I love movies, so when I woke up this morning and it it was cloudy and cool, I woke up Dale and told him I was taking him to brunch. He of course, asked where. I said it was a surprise. Within an hour, we were in Dale’s Mini Cooper, Bruiser and on our way to brunch. We headed out Highway 93 toward Boulder and Dale immediately knew I was taking him to Southside Walnut Cafe, where I had gone with our friends Sam and Anjanette a few weeks ago.

It was a wonderful brunch. The place was hoping and we both opted for the breakfast burrito, which was delicious. Dale had a coffee and I enjoyed their amazing chai. It was a great meal and I was of course reminded once again why I absolutely adore Dale. Dale had commented to me how friendly the entire staff was and how they were all constantly smiling. Now most people would just end their thought there…not Dale. He pulled our waitress aside and repeated the comment to her. He told her how enjoyable the meal was and how wonderful it was to come to a place where the whole staff was so happy and smiling. She told him that it was an amazing place to work and that the staff really likes each other, so that makes you want to smile. She thanked Dale for telling her that and you could tell she was genuine appreciative. I love this about Dale. He always goes that extra step to thank and appreciate others. He is so incredibly kind. I treated him to a piece of peach pie to take home, since Dale loves all things pie.

After brunch, we came home and changed into pants before heading the AMC Theaters at Flatirons Crossing to see the movie Bridesmaids. Dale and I splurged and got ourselves some popcorn and candy, which would be our lunch for the day. The movie was very good. We laughed out loud several times, so that is always a good sign.

It was a great morning with the guy I love, but of course any morning where I get to spend time with Dale is a great morning.

Good times tonight

It was a great evening.
Our friend Tammy Robles came over for dinner.
She brought salad and candy.
Dale made chicken (twice, don't ask) and zucchini/squash.
Dinner was yummy.
Dale made a charm bracelet.
Tammy helped.
I did dishes (see how it works).
We went to Smart Cow Yogurt Bar (again).
Met the Spencer Family there.
They are some of my favorite people.
I adore them.
Banana pudding frozen yogurt is good stuff.
We went home.
We played the card game Quiddler.
I won.
Yeah me!
Bedtime.
Good night.

Beading on a Saturday night

Dale is working this evening with our friend Tammy Robles to make a charm bracelet for our friend Jennifer Wheland Wettergren’s daughter, Georgia who lives in Rhode Island and I undergoing treatment for leukemia. Isn't he the sweetest guy? And how great of Tammy to come over with her supplies to help?

Backyard Photos

Our backyard is really looking beautiful right now, so I snapped some photos tonight.


Iris

Broom bush

Snowball bush

Dale's rhubarb


Our pond

More of the pond

I have a 5K running partner

My friend and neighbor Brenda Messingham has agreed to run my first 5K with me in late August/early September. It is all coming together and knowing I have someone running the 5K with me will keep me motivated to train. Also, it will be good as I will have someone there to call 9-1-1 for me if needed.

Happy running.

If you really want to do it, just do it

My friend Mark Stearns shared a blog with me today titled, Ben Does Life. It is by a guy who weighed 360 pounds in 2009 and now weighs 231 pounds. He started running one day. He could barely run at all his first day, but soon now he is an Ironman. His words and this video are very inspiring to me. I love the quote, “If you want to do something with your life, if you really want to do it, just do it. I promise that you can. You just have to do it. And when you do, you’ll be happier for it.”

My name is Ben Davis. On December 25th, 2008, I decided to get my life together. I weighed 360 pounds and was a miserable person.
Then I started jogging.
Then did a 5K.
The pounds started falling off.
I ran a 10K.
And a sprint triathlon.
Then I did a half-marathon.
I kept losing weight.
And kept running.
Then I did a full marathon.
I decided to keep going.
Then I did an Ironman.

Thanks for sharing this Mark. I appreciate the support. I am 225 pounds and 1 year ago I was 275 pounds. I have come so far and I can go even further. I will run a 5K by Fall. I will do it.

My summer goal: Learn to run, then do a 5K

Okay, today I went for a run and reached three conclusions:

1. I was not born to run
2. I am not going to let #1 stop me from becoming a runner
3. If #2 is not possible, I will at least run a 5K once (no matter how long it takes me or how bad I look doing it)

So with that said, I decided I need a plan. And where should all plans start?  A Google search. I actually searched “learn how to run”. Yes, I figured I need to start with the basics. I came across several sites, but I found one that was titled, How to Start Running. It gave a good plan, (I think) which I modified to get my own plan.

So here is my plan:

Week 1 - 05/29 thru 06/04: Three times per week walk for 6 minutes, then run for 1 minute; repeat 3 times in a single session with 6 minute cool-down at end. (27 minutes total with 3 minutes of jogging)

Week 2 – 06/05 thru 06/11: Three times per week walk for 5 minutes, then run for 2 minutes; repeat 3 times in a single session with 5 minute cool-down at end. (26 minutes total with 6 minutes of jogging)

Week 3 – 06/12 thru 06/18: Three times per week walk for 4 minutes, then run for 3 minutes; repeat 3 times in a single session with 4 minute cool-down at end . (28 minutes total with 12 minutes of jogging)

Week 4 – 06/19 thru 06/25: Three times per week walk for 3 minutes, then run for 5 minutes; repeat 3 times in a single session with 3 minute cool-down at end . (27 minutes total with 15 minutes of jogging)

Week 5 – 06/26 thru 07/02: Three times per week walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 7 minutes; repeat 3 times in a single session with 2 minute cool-down at end . (27 minutes total with 21 minutes of jogging)

Week 6 - 07/03 thru 07/09: Three times per week walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 10 minutes; repeat 3 times in a single session with 2 minute cool-down at end . (38 minutes total with 30 minutes of jogging)

Week 7 – 07/10 thru 07/16: Three times per week walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 15 minutes; repeat 2 times in a single session with 2 minute cool-down at end. (36 minutes total with 30 minutes of jogging)

Week 8 – 07/17 thru 07/23: Three times per week walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 20 minutes; with 2 minute cool-down at end. (24 minutes total with 20 minutes of jogging)

Week 9 – 07/24 thru 07/30: Three times per week walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 25 minutes; with 2 minute cool-down at end. (29 minutes total with 25 minutes of jogging)

Week 10 – 07/31 thru 08/06: Three times per week walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 30 minutes with 2 minute cool-down at end  (34 minutes total with 30 minutes of jogging)

So if all of this works, I will find a 5K run to participate in late August/early September to finish out the summer. Wish me luck.

Virgin Territory

This morning I set out into virgin territory and tried something I have not done in over 20 years (no, not sex with a girl for those of you with your minds in the gutter). Thanks to support from my friend Mark Stearns and the Nike + GPS app on my iPhone (free for a limited time from Apple), I went running this morning.

Now, let me say it was not pretty (and that is an understatement) for several reasons:

1. Ten minutes I before I planned to leave I carried my suitcase downstairs from my business trip this week and threw something out in my back. This was probably a sign. Also, sadly Dale informed me we now keep my work travel suitcase upstairs, so I did not need to carry it downstairs (d’oh!). I took a hot shower to try to loosen the knot in my back and then took Zoe for a walk to try to make sure I could run. My back did not feel great, but I decided to give the run a shot anyhow.
2. I set out on a 2 mile run. I quickly learned I do not know how to breathe and run at the same time (I also coincidentally struggle with crewing gum and walking at the same time). I sort of look like Elaine from Seinfeld when she dances, but at a jogging pace. I am sure my neighbors who saw me probably had their phones already dialed to 9-1 and planned to press the last 1 once I dropped to the ground. I made it 1.09 miles before I called it quits and sadly, I did not run all of the 1.09 miles sometimes resorting to walking to catch my breath.

I have concluded, I was NOT born to run. I have always joked that I only run when being chased and there may be more wisdom to that statement than I originally thought. I am not a natural runner. However, I want to be a runner. I want desperately to be that guy person who loves running. The guy who just gets lost in his mind when running. The guy you see running and know that is his passion. That is my secret dream and who I want to be deep down. I see those guys and I am jealous.

I am not going to give up. I normally would just quit…but I am not quitting. Instead, I am going to be realistic and realize I am not going to become a runner overnight, even if I do want that. I am going to try to incorporate running into my walking, so I can try to learn to breathe and run. I will try walking 1 mile, running 1/2 mile and then walking 1 mile. I think once I perfect a good 1/2 mile, I can then go to 3/4 mile of running and ultimately 1 mile of running. My dream would be to run a 5K one day….but I know that is a ways off.

Maybe I will never really be a runner…but I am going to give it more than one try.

Against All Odds: My Life of Hardship, Fast Breaks, and Second Chances by Scott Brown

 

I read Scott Brown's autobiography on the flight from Denver to Atlanta. There is something about Scott Brown I find intriguing from his televised interviews. His winning attitude is inspiring. For those of you unfamiliar with Scott, he is the Republican Senator from Massachusetts, who won Teddy Kennedy's seat after his death. Before this book, I knew little about Scott except his under-dog story with the election.

Scott's book proved to be quite impressive. I am not a Republican, nor do I consider myself a Democrat. I have always been an independent, who believes in voting for the best candidate. I tend to lean toward Republicans from a financial perspective and Democrats for their social stance. You do not need to be political at all to appreciate Scott's book as it is oddly not that highly political. It is more about finding a direction in life and striving to win. Scott's story is remarkable, heart-wrenching and incredibly inspiring. From physical abuse at the hands of his stepfather, to being left with an aunt and uncle to live as a boy when his mother could no longer care for him, Scott's childhood was never easy. He was bullied and even sexually abused. Yet, he never comes across like a victim. As an adult we found some fame in New York in the early 1980s as a model and eventually finds his way to becoming a lawyer and then public office. All along the way, Scott is always the under-dog, who fights for what he wants. His determination and drive are inspiring. This book really has something for everyone, a powerful and difficult boyhood, the magic of sports, the thrill of the chase in politics, and the pleasure of watching him win in life.