*Francesca Battistelli: My Paper Heart - Deluxe Edition
*Whitney Houston: I Look To You
*Matt Dusk: Two Shots
*Judith Owen: Here
*Sophie Ellis-Bextor: Read My Lips
*Will Young: The Hits
Great weekend. I kept to myself for the most part. I did enjoy a Saturday morning run and breakfast with friend, Lark. I attended early Mass on Sunday and returned home and meditated, prayed & spent time recollecting precious moments from my past. I sorted out boxes and boxes of old photographs, letters & cards.
I thoroughly enjoyed the 84th Academy Awards. I am happy that Meryl Streep took home the Oscar for the Best Actress for her role as the Iconic Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. I wasn't too fond with how the movie show cased the former leader as senile but Meryl was superb during Thatcher's peak years. I was quite happy to see that recognition was given to a woman that portrayed the Life of an amazing woman of the 20th Century. The Academy got it right this time!
I'm ready to start training for my next half marathon: Six Tunnels to the Hoover Dam Half Marathon. My right foot feels good. I'm so ready to prove to myself that I can run a better race after that last half marathon.
A close friend of the family passed away last weekend. This woman was part of my childhood memories. She had 3 children but I was close to the oldest daughter that was a year younger than myself. She was diagnosed with Cancer and after her long battle of illness, she was never quite the same. I had various conversations with her during the last of her years and she was simply tired. When I last visited with her, I didn't see the 73 year old woman but rather the young woman she was that I remembered during my grade school years. She was a strong and fierce woman. This served as a reminder that we are all apart of one another's lives.
This week I reconnected with former best friends during two very rough periods of my life. I'm so blessed to have these 4 people back in my life. Ann was a dear friend of mine just before I came out. We parted ways because she was engaged to her then boyfriend and didn't like our relationship. The three male friends became my best friends during the years I came out. They were there for and with me through the beginning of my 'gay' life. I don't know how I would have made it this far without them. Kim, Rodney & Harry were true gifts of friendships. Love or hate Facebook, it has the power to reconnect with the ones you've truly missed in your life.
I treasure the friendships I currently have and those I lost for one reason or another. Last Summer I was constantly praising three people for their friendship. Turns out I'm no longer friends with those three individuals. Sad but Life goes on. The blessings that resulted from those friendships were two people that are still in my Life - Patty & Arriana. I am thankful that my inner circle consists of the same friends as always. 2012 started off rocky but I feel the tide turning. I'm ready to get back on track and follow the detour so that I can get back on my path to this journey called Life.
Ben Rector recored an outstanding cover of Whitney Houston's ' I Wanna Dance with Somebody' on January 15th, 2012. This cover is special because he recorded this before the Woman with 'The Voice' passed away. He played all the instruments & sang the back up vocals. Love how musicans turn an amazing song and mold it into a song of their own. Hope you enjoy this cover as performed by Ben.
Simple Joys are all around us - they're like little treasures. Take a moment and search - you'll be surprised at what you'll find.
****CHEERS!****
Current Music: Judith Owen's Here
Current Mood: Wide Awake & Thankful for this Moment!
Celebrate the True Meaning of Christmas, Be thankful for all Blessings; big and small and Feel the Love & Joy of the Season. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas...
I learned so much about myself throughout this year. I've always wanted to be a Runner. If running around the block or two every now and then qualifies me as a runner then that was me. Although I wanted to be a runner that actually entered running events and actually stuck to goals and program. I'm not a great runner but I get out there and run. Early in the year, I felt a great ease while running. It wasn't till I ran a trail 10K run in April that slowed me down. For most of the Summer I felt a bit sluggish. I also realized that with anything in life, one must have a plan. I allowed myself to veer off that path and take the easy road. That was definitely a wrong turn. I'm now doing my best to get back on track and get ready for a New Year of great running. I want to see results and improve my Personal Records.
Without one's health, you're nothing! Thanks to running I'm in better shape than I've ever been in my life. If only I didn't wait till I turned 46 to understand all of this. Now that I am 47, I want to feel at my best. Two major surgeries and another Cancer scare during the Summer didn't stop me. Moral of this chapter? If you're not feeling well or something doesn't feel quite right, have it checked out by your Doctors. Don't wait! Better to correct the problem than to face the consequences head on.
Like any other year, I learned a great deal about friends and acquaintances. Funny how one can feel so connected to certain people and minor events happen that allow their true colors to show. Miki Howard wrote a very powerful quote: "Everyone who says they're a friend doesn't mean they're your friend." Thanks to running I have gained so many wonderful and supportive friends. Running connects us so again I am thankful that I am able to get out there and put one foor in front of the other. Overall I am thankful for the true friends in my life.
Rodan and I have added another year. We will soon celebrate 12 years together. It hasn't always been easy but it's definitely been worth it.
Omar, Kylie & Baby Ella continue to be the Feathered Angels of our house. Each bird has a personality of their own...just like children. I will have to post most clips of our babies throughout 2012.
Praise God, my Patron Saints and Angels for allowing my Faith & Sense of Humor to get me through the rough patches. My good friends are like tiny treasure...priceless. So I thank those that have been there for Rodan and myself.
To those that read my blog or stumble upon this blog post, I do Wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look forward to sharing in 2012!
Armin van Buuren & Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Not Giving Up On Love
The Dance mix version of this song has become one of my fave running songs. I've enjoyed the last two rainy days here in Phoenix. It's such a sweet change of pace. Will update soon - I am currently writing the next post in my head.
I have an exceptional run. From the first few steps I can feel when my body is in sync with the moment. It's such a great feeling. I am not really a runner...I just aspire to be one. So when I feel a great run taking place, it's such a kick ass feeling running the last few hundred yards. Today's run was just that...a major kick ass run!
Weather was kind: 82 degrees/cool breeze. I didn't overheat. Once my second wind kicked in, I felt energized. My playlist helped a great deal as well. I thought I'd share that list:
***Today's Running Playlist
*Alison Krauss & Union Station: The Lucky One
*Andrea Marchant: Seattle
*Gary Go: Wonderful
*Jane Child: I Don't Want To Fall In Love
*Jessie J: Price Tag
*Jon McLaughlin: Things That You Say
*Kerrie Roberts: No Matter What
*Natalie Merchant: Bleezer's Ice Cream
*Nathan Angelo: Mary Poppins' Birds
*Rey Ruiz: Creo En El Amor
*Sheila E: The Glamourous Life
*Shannon Brown: I Won't Lie
*Spice Girls: Spice Up Your Life <---Don't Judge!
*Ty Herndon: Living In A Moment
It's amazing how a morning gives me the confidence to tackle a work day. I feel as though I can take anything that is thrown my way. Gotta love the Little Things in Life. Final Thought: I actually felt like a runner today!
I was on a great running roll - a great stride and within my 'zone'. I slightly injured my right hamstring the week before last. It wasn't anything serious but I've never had an injury that affected my regular training. On the advice of Bri at Road Runner Sports in Tempe, I purchased The Trigger Point Grid Foam Roller. This is a great tool for pre and post workouts. If ever I feel a bit tight from my legs and calves, I just 'stretch & roll'.
My leg is feeling so much better now. Problem is that since I wasn't running as much while I was healing, I have had the 'Forrest Gump blues'. I just don't want to run. I know I need to but I just can't get in the mood to run. I've been running a few miles each day just to say that I ran and to test my leg. Anyway, I ordered a few items from Nike.com and my order arrived last night. Most of the items I ordered were for winter wear and on major discount. That's okay. I tried on the tops and pants and felt great. I pictured myself running in the cooler months and fell back in the mood to run and run. I'm looking forward to my run this evening. It's amazing how the little things can change one's outlook.
I ran 3.34 miles last night. I knew I needed my best jams during this run so I whipped out the Big Kahuna faves:
* Nia Peeples: Trouble -Dance mix
*Cyndi Lauper: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Remix
*Rey Ruiz: Creo En El Amor
*Madame X: Just That Type of Girl -Extended Dance Version
*In Grid: Vive Le Swing - Gavin Brassy Remix
*Joey Youngman: Bless My Soul
Felt as though I need this pick me up mix. I'll be shure to use this on my long run this afternoon. Yep, I'm looking forward to my run this evening. My running life is fabulous once again. To each of you: Please go out and do something for yourself. Enjoy the weekend!
Jimmy Needleham's Acoustic/Live version of his single, Forgiven and Loved.
I'm finally over my cold. I had the blah blahs after Sunday's half marathon. Now that I have two races under my belt, I can share that I set a PR for a 10K: 65'27 and one for a Half Marathon: 2:28:42. Yes, I'll probably be writing and sharing about my running moments. It feels great to actually be running again. For the longest time, it hurt to attend so many races and support friends while deep down inside I wanted to run. I wanted to be the one that spectators would cheer toward the Finish Line. It's now my turn. After two races, I want more. I want to reach my goal: To finish a Half Marathon under the 2:20:00 mark. I know I can do it.
After Sunday's race, I was disappointed that my time was much slower than expected. I was doing well until I reached Mile 10. After looking back at my runs, I realized that I didn't put in enough long mile runs. I know I need to do exactly that so my body and legs will adjust. This afternoon, I ran as though I had nothing to lose. Yes, it was merely 3.12 miles but happy with my time of 33'19 - 10'40" mile pace. I crave the speed. I want to improve. I'm gonna do it. I won't have any races until April so I have plenty of time to improve and make adjustments.
Part of the beauty of long distance running is the feel of being out in the open space and allowing your confidence to shine through. During my first race back in January, I didn't feel worthy to be a participant. During the most of the race, I was worried that I would be one of the last runners to finish. Once I reached Mile 10, I realized that I was near the Finish Line. Me...the same guy that hadn't run a Half Marathon in 13 years. I was told that I shouldn't train for a long race; to give it a few months and run a 5k first and work my way to long distant races. So with that in mind, I set and reached a goal. This past race, I took it for granted that I ran one that I could run another without as much dedication and training. Wrong! My body learned this harsh lesson towards the end of Sunday's race. The cold, rainy, windy, mixed with a bit of hail didn't help matters. That's okay...it's about the adventure. It's about crossing the Finish Line. It's about having a medal around my neck to prove that I did it, that I can run with the rest of them. I may not be as fast as most but that's okay.
I recently finished reading a wonderful book about Changing One's Life through Running: Running for Mortals written by John "The Penguin" Bingham and Coach Jenny Hadfield. I love John's mantra, "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." I LOVE THAT! I plan to apply with to my running and every aspect of my Life. I no longer fear running. I plan to become FEARLESS!
*Aaron Beaumont: Nothing's Forever (Not Even Goodbye)
*Ayo: Self Titled CD, Ayo
*The Script: Self Titled CD, The Script
*Diana Winter: Escapizm
*Matt York: Mine
I can't believe we're now into the month of May! Time goes on and on...and my ass gets lower and lower. Time...it can be such a harsh enemy.
I've been working on a few projects and collaborating with incredible and creative partners on a few others. I love doing what I do. I'm inspired by the talented individuals I surround myself day in and day out.
I've gained three pounds. Yikes! Can't take the weight loss for granted...no, no, no! Ready to get back on track. I was hoping to run early this morning but that didn't happen. I slept in...and it felt great. Ready to get back on track. I've written out my goals for this coming week.
I wanted to share Laura Marie's first single, Love You Like Me, from her Last of The Ones EP. This is currently one of my favorite songs. I love that Laura Marie is one of my fave singer/songwriters and a dear friend. Please check her out!
Time to enjoy a lazy Sunday. Wishin' all of you an abundance of blessings.
