New Year's has always been a time for merriment and celebration with Time Square residing at the epicenter of those "parties". However, when the sun rises, it's just another day, with one exception; many people look at this day as an opportunity to erase past mistakes or failed commitments. This is the year for yet another resolution, but this time it will be different for sure.
Unfortunately, for the majority of individuals, the legendary NewYear's resolution is broken shortly into the new calendar year. Many times, the excuses for failure are as creative as the resolutions themselves. Well, I would like to propose this. Make your resolution, not just for this day, but every day for the rest of your life. Since many of those failed resolutions are focused on healthy lifestyle changes, I hope that this is the year that you are successful with those worthy resolutions. The clock is running, so good luck and Happy New Year to all!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Peace, goodwill towards men
Christmas marks the celebration of a birthday, but this birth was not just any, it was the birth of the Christ child. Even for those whose belief may not recognize Christ as the savior of the world, this familiar story is well known, even to those who don't believe.
However, regardless of one's religious convictions, few could refute the fact that the true message of Christmas is the message of hope. Of course, one must escape all the commercialism that has become synonymous with this day first in order to find the true meaning, but that's what my hope is for everyone this Christmas day. My wish is for peace and goodwill towards all. Merry Christmas!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Giving thanks at Thanksgiving
When the Pilgrims gave thanks after a successful harvest, having endured the hardships of a harsh New England winter the year before, the wonderful tradition we still call Thanksgiving was conceived. Then, at the urging of Sarah Josepha Hale and through a proclamation from the hugely insightful Abraham Lincoln, the national holiday we call Thanksgiving was established.
By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.
By the President: Abraham Lincoln
William H. Seward,
Secretary of State
Today we are able to enjoy the freedoms afforded us by living in this great nation. The Pilgrims were risk takers and they were survived by another group of risk takers called the founding fathers, and because of a long lineage of men and women who have been willing to defend that freedom, today we can give thanks for so many things. Norman Rockwell painted a series of illustrations called the "Four Freedoms" and today I hope and pray that everyday people can have freedom from want. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.
By the President: Abraham Lincoln
William H. Seward,
Secretary of State
Today we are able to enjoy the freedoms afforded us by living in this great nation. The Pilgrims were risk takers and they were survived by another group of risk takers called the founding fathers, and because of a long lineage of men and women who have been willing to defend that freedom, today we can give thanks for so many things. Norman Rockwell painted a series of illustrations called the "Four Freedoms" and today I hope and pray that everyday people can have freedom from want. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
The not so Joy of Sox
After the Red Sox won the World Series in 1918, their fans were prepared for an annual appearance in this great American classic. However, shortly following that fabled season, "The Babe" was sold to the New York Yankees, and thus began the "Curse of the Bambino". For the next 86 years, Red Sox nation had to endure watching other major league teams reach the promised land of a world champion while we collectively watched our boys of summer disappoint us sometime before a fourth win in the world series. However, that all changed in the post season of 2004 when our team went on an 8 game winning streak and captured the world championship trophy with what seemed like relative ease in the end. Life was good again for the Boston faithful, and who would have predicted, but that magic was repeated again in 2007.
For the young recruits to Red Sox nation, winning it all became a simple formula: start the excitement with spring training, play the regular season to get to the playoffs, and expect to win it all in the postseason, right? Well, for those of us who have enjoyed more than a handful of birthdays, the experience of those years from 1918 to 2004 prepared us for most anything that our beloved team could deal us, and allow me to recap.
After the 1918 campaign, the Red Sox would not make it back to the post season until the great Ted Williams led them in 1940's. Unfortunately, there had been all those years of disappointment beforehand, and the hometown team faltered against the Cardinals. The Sox met up with Cardinals again in 1967, the same year my passion for "the Sox" really began. The Cardiac Kids pulled it out on the final day of the season when Rico Petrocelli recorded the final out against the Twins. However, even with the triple crown winner, Carl Yaztremski, the Cardinals emerged victorious. They ran into a pitcher by the name of Bob Gibson, end of story...another disappointment for Red Sox fans. Then came 1975 and Carlton Fisk's homer, 1978 and the Bucky Dent homer, and then the 1986 series against the Mets and the Bill Buckner error. Each of these events created an emotional high or a precipitous blow to the spirit of Red Sox fans. How could this all happen? It was all part of being a Red Sox fan. In fact, this phenomenon is so well known, the folks in Hollywood made a movie about it..."Fever Pitch', and even that ending had to be changed because of the events of 2004.
Now, we have the 2011 Red Sox, and with them, we have had yet another season of heartache. However, this time it's different. The Sox "completed" an historic meltdown, unlike any other team in history. Why not? They are the Red Sox, and they have been preparing us for generations. In fact, my older brother quipped, "it kind of feels like the old days before 2004, and it's kind of nostalgic!"
Well, I'm not disappointed. In fact, the team's demise has restored my faith that there are no guarantees in this life, except that games will be won and games will be lost. However, for me, I was able to watch many of those games with my dad and talk about baseball, as if we were managing the team. We'd ask each other questions, talk about different strategies, but that paled in comparison to just having time with my dad talking about the game and life. Yes, the Red Sox may have disappointed their loyal followers, but they provided their fans with stories for a lifetime. For that, there is joy in "this" Mudville tonight, and I, for one, look forward to another season talking about baseball and life with my dad. Who couldn't find joy in that?
For the young recruits to Red Sox nation, winning it all became a simple formula: start the excitement with spring training, play the regular season to get to the playoffs, and expect to win it all in the postseason, right? Well, for those of us who have enjoyed more than a handful of birthdays, the experience of those years from 1918 to 2004 prepared us for most anything that our beloved team could deal us, and allow me to recap.
After the 1918 campaign, the Red Sox would not make it back to the post season until the great Ted Williams led them in 1940's. Unfortunately, there had been all those years of disappointment beforehand, and the hometown team faltered against the Cardinals. The Sox met up with Cardinals again in 1967, the same year my passion for "the Sox" really began. The Cardiac Kids pulled it out on the final day of the season when Rico Petrocelli recorded the final out against the Twins. However, even with the triple crown winner, Carl Yaztremski, the Cardinals emerged victorious. They ran into a pitcher by the name of Bob Gibson, end of story...another disappointment for Red Sox fans. Then came 1975 and Carlton Fisk's homer, 1978 and the Bucky Dent homer, and then the 1986 series against the Mets and the Bill Buckner error. Each of these events created an emotional high or a precipitous blow to the spirit of Red Sox fans. How could this all happen? It was all part of being a Red Sox fan. In fact, this phenomenon is so well known, the folks in Hollywood made a movie about it..."Fever Pitch', and even that ending had to be changed because of the events of 2004.
Now, we have the 2011 Red Sox, and with them, we have had yet another season of heartache. However, this time it's different. The Sox "completed" an historic meltdown, unlike any other team in history. Why not? They are the Red Sox, and they have been preparing us for generations. In fact, my older brother quipped, "it kind of feels like the old days before 2004, and it's kind of nostalgic!"
Well, I'm not disappointed. In fact, the team's demise has restored my faith that there are no guarantees in this life, except that games will be won and games will be lost. However, for me, I was able to watch many of those games with my dad and talk about baseball, as if we were managing the team. We'd ask each other questions, talk about different strategies, but that paled in comparison to just having time with my dad talking about the game and life. Yes, the Red Sox may have disappointed their loyal followers, but they provided their fans with stories for a lifetime. For that, there is joy in "this" Mudville tonight, and I, for one, look forward to another season talking about baseball and life with my dad. Who couldn't find joy in that?
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
65 and counting
For many people, 65 is a very important number. It's the age that we become eligible for Medicare, and historically, many individuals face retirement. However for some, the number 65 represents something far more significant, and in the case of my parents, it reflects the number of years since they committed themselves to a lifetime together.
After meeting in Boston during WWII, the two were married on September 7th, 1946, and what has transpired since has been legendary. They have 8 children, 19 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, over 40 nieces and nephews, and countless friends who have all been touched by their boundless love and generosity.
To my parents on this momentous anniversary, congratulations on achieving such a milestone. Your family and friends have been richly blessed by the love you share for each other. May God watch over you and keep you well. We love you!
After meeting in Boston during WWII, the two were married on September 7th, 1946, and what has transpired since has been legendary. They have 8 children, 19 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, over 40 nieces and nephews, and countless friends who have all been touched by their boundless love and generosity.
To my parents on this momentous anniversary, congratulations on achieving such a milestone. Your family and friends have been richly blessed by the love you share for each other. May God watch over you and keep you well. We love you!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Proof there is a parallel universe
Recently, I was out for an early morning run and looked up at the last vestiges of the night sky in the west and the rising Sun in the east. In spite of the effort spent getting my heart rate into my aerobic training zone, I often find that it is under these circumstances, that I do some of my most important thinking. The pressures of life seem to melt away when one is distracted from it, even if it's just for awhile. This particular morning was no different than any other day, but my thoughts had me thinking about the possibility of other life forms. Could there be another group of individuals out there engaged in an exercise routine much like mine?
Years ago, I realized the benefits of regular exercise, but what I under appreciated was just how supportive doing that exercise with a group was to the consistency of training. It was, and still is, far easier to get up each morning knowing that there is a group of equally "insane" individuals willing to brave the morning elements with you. Of course, when you don't have such a connected group, then the motivation to get the exercise juices going comes down to pure self discipline.
Over the years, I have engaged in a variety of exercise routines, from running only, to running twice daily, and as my interest in triathlon grew, cross training with swimming and biking became an integral part of the schedule. A typical week might go as follows: swimming on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; running on Tuesday and Thursday; and a nice bike ride of Saturday morning. More recently, however, the morning schedule was modified due to the lack of "water" for the morning swim, so spinning became a substitute. Now, spinning is the Monday, Wednesday, Friday routine, with running on the alternate days.
What, you may ask, does all this mean? Well, I have concrete evidence that, while I am engaging in my exercise program, I believe that there is another disciplined group of souls out there engaging in very similar activities at the very same time, proof positive that there is a parallel universe. In fact, I am sure it exists because have seen them and have been included in their workouts, and they are just a great group of individuals. However, there are some differences between the two worlds; after my workout I sit down to a cup of Dunkin' Donuts coffee, while I am willing to bet that my comrades are sipping a hot cup of Tim Horton's brew, and it tastes just fine, no matter where we are!
Years ago, I realized the benefits of regular exercise, but what I under appreciated was just how supportive doing that exercise with a group was to the consistency of training. It was, and still is, far easier to get up each morning knowing that there is a group of equally "insane" individuals willing to brave the morning elements with you. Of course, when you don't have such a connected group, then the motivation to get the exercise juices going comes down to pure self discipline.
Over the years, I have engaged in a variety of exercise routines, from running only, to running twice daily, and as my interest in triathlon grew, cross training with swimming and biking became an integral part of the schedule. A typical week might go as follows: swimming on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; running on Tuesday and Thursday; and a nice bike ride of Saturday morning. More recently, however, the morning schedule was modified due to the lack of "water" for the morning swim, so spinning became a substitute. Now, spinning is the Monday, Wednesday, Friday routine, with running on the alternate days.
What, you may ask, does all this mean? Well, I have concrete evidence that, while I am engaging in my exercise program, I believe that there is another disciplined group of souls out there engaging in very similar activities at the very same time, proof positive that there is a parallel universe. In fact, I am sure it exists because have seen them and have been included in their workouts, and they are just a great group of individuals. However, there are some differences between the two worlds; after my workout I sit down to a cup of Dunkin' Donuts coffee, while I am willing to bet that my comrades are sipping a hot cup of Tim Horton's brew, and it tastes just fine, no matter where we are!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Run like an Amateur
On the eve of the annual Yankee Homecoming road race in Newburyport, Massachusetts, I am reminded of just how far road racing has come since those early days. Some say the running revolution began with Jim Fixx and the "Complete Book of Running", but runners have been toeing the line in this 10 mile classic through the streets of Newburyport for 51 years now. Obviously then, the revolution started slowly with only a few amateur, "patriots". Today, however, the YH road race attracts runners of all talent levels, and that is why this event has truly become a community activity. However, that wasn't always the case, and I'll explain.
I recall registering for my first YH road race in the 70's, and frankly, running 10 miles did seem to be somewhat daunting. But what I remember most was that I had to apply first for membership in an amateur running association, before I could even submit my application to run the race. Given the remarkable changes that have occurred since then, it is almost hard to conceive that there were ever such restrictions for participation. Equally, the total number of runners in those days was minuscule compared to the crowds that will make it to the starting line today, and of course, there weren't any T-shirts.
Over the years, I have several vivid recollections of the YH race. Along with the need to provide proof of my amateur status, that race was my first long distance run. Consequently, I had little knowledge of the benefits of carbo-loading, so I had a nice steak and green beans as a pre-race meal; bad idea. I was haunted by that fare later that evening; lesson learned, never run after eating such a heavy meal. On another occasion, my brother, who had just eaten a Big Mac snack, asked me where I was headed for another of my YH appearances, and when he found out that I was going to run a race, he said he'd be happy to join me. Who knew, a Big Mac was just like carbo-loading in his world. He finished without as much as a hiccup. I also ran one of the YH races in a torrential downpour, another bad day at the races.
Yes, the YH 10 miler served as a practical, early training ground for a lifetime of involvement in running. As I reflect back on some of those plebeian behaviors, there should never have been any question about my amateur status given what I know today; and now that I have a lifetime of experience, I no longer have youth on my side. Oh well, stay active my friends!
I recall registering for my first YH road race in the 70's, and frankly, running 10 miles did seem to be somewhat daunting. But what I remember most was that I had to apply first for membership in an amateur running association, before I could even submit my application to run the race. Given the remarkable changes that have occurred since then, it is almost hard to conceive that there were ever such restrictions for participation. Equally, the total number of runners in those days was minuscule compared to the crowds that will make it to the starting line today, and of course, there weren't any T-shirts.
Over the years, I have several vivid recollections of the YH race. Along with the need to provide proof of my amateur status, that race was my first long distance run. Consequently, I had little knowledge of the benefits of carbo-loading, so I had a nice steak and green beans as a pre-race meal; bad idea. I was haunted by that fare later that evening; lesson learned, never run after eating such a heavy meal. On another occasion, my brother, who had just eaten a Big Mac snack, asked me where I was headed for another of my YH appearances, and when he found out that I was going to run a race, he said he'd be happy to join me. Who knew, a Big Mac was just like carbo-loading in his world. He finished without as much as a hiccup. I also ran one of the YH races in a torrential downpour, another bad day at the races.
Yes, the YH 10 miler served as a practical, early training ground for a lifetime of involvement in running. As I reflect back on some of those plebeian behaviors, there should never have been any question about my amateur status given what I know today; and now that I have a lifetime of experience, I no longer have youth on my side. Oh well, stay active my friends!
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