I hate Comcast. I detest the way they do business. I hate the fact that they essentially hold their Harrisburg consumers hostage, forcing us to pay for channels that people 10 miles away get as part of their basic package (NFL Network, Fox Sports Pittsburgh for starters) with a supposedly lesser cable company. And I especially hate their methodology of using lawsuits to delay others (eg. Verizon FiOS) from intruding on their turf. If it wasn’t for the fact that I do not have a reasonably located east-facing location on my house, I would have dumped the cable-Nazis when we moved in favor of DirecTV. I had dreamed that when we finished our basement, I could hook up my new TV to FiOS, and enjoy faster and cheaper service that included the NFL Network and Fox Sports Pittsburgh. Alas, that is not yet to be.
The arrival if FiOS is coming…slowly. They appear to be running the lines for it in our neighborhood. In talking with some of the Verizon people, it takes 3-4 months to get the FiOS internet access up and running once the lines are run. TV comes 12 – 15 months later. So it appears I will have to wait up to 18 months for my TV utopia to begin. Until then, I will have to suffer through more of Comcast’s stranglehold on my viewing choices.
Of course, this is also assuming that the Gestapo that is Upper Allen Township decides to pull their collective head out of their collective butt and approve our permits for getting our basement finished. For nearly a week, we’ve been fighting with them over the insulation value of the walls we’re putting up. We’re using a company out of Carlisle to get the work done, and their wall system is a R11 insular value, which becomes an R13 when you factor in the 4” open space between the new wall and the basement wall. This value is more than acceptable by state standards, but not for the dictatorship of Upper Allen. No, they require a value of R15. So, the end result is that our contractor will have to attach a layer of ¼-inch think foam insulation to the back of our walls to increase the value to R15. My basement is being delayed because of a ¼-inch think layer of foam! Yes, a layer of foam that is the approximate thickness of a staple width cost me a week of work in my basement. In-freakin-credible!
To quote the great Mark Twain, “Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it.”
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Survivor - Rehoboth Beach
Well, we survived another annual excursion to Rehoboth Beach. Truth be told, my disdain for the beach is not directed so much at the beach itself as much as it is at the accommodations we avail ourselves to year after year. Don’t misunderstand me, I’m still not a big fan of the cruddy, murky water of the North Atlantic, and I still hate the coarse, rock and shell riddled sand they call a beach, but that tends to pale in comparison to the almost frightening apartment that we rent annually.
The apartment consists of 4 rooms. A main bedroom that has 2 undersized double beds, another bedroom that has 1 undersized double bed, a kitchenette/dining area with a small single bed in it as well, and a bathroom. The total square footage of all of this would be lucky to top 400 square feet. The beds, as mentioned, are barely able to sleep two people, and are painfully thin and lumpy. The floors are uneven at best. The whole apartment is cooled by two window air conditioners – 1 in the bathroom and the other in the small bedroom. Because there are no thermostats, your options are to blow warm air or freeze yourself out. This year wasn’t too bad given there were only 5 of us in the apartment. But any more than that, and you feel like your standing on top of each other all the time. And the place is, well, less than clean by in large. The main areas are cleaned between renters, but don’t dare to look under the beds or the dressers. One year we found a partially eaten and since spoiled turkey in the oven. Who knows how long it had been in there before we discovered it.
Now, couple that image with the reality that the apartment is one of three in the ‘house’, all of which are typically filled to beyond capacity with families and others who tend to find Wal-Mart the pinnacle of high-class shopping, and, well, you get the picture.
I’m sure you are asking ‘Why don’t you find somewhere else to stay?’ Well, there are two primary reasons. First, the place is cheap (although not nearly as cheap as it should be considering the condition of the dwelling), and thought I do not want to point fingers, this is a very important factor to some in the family. Second, and probably more telling, the family has been staying here for almost 20 years, and to change would be paramount to invoking Armageddon. Realistically, we most likely will not look for new accommodations until these places collapse upon themselves, which may be within the year given the condition they’re currently in.
So, is it the beach I dislike, or the accommodations? Would I like the annual trek more if we had a more livable dwelling to stay in while we were there? Probably. My contempt for the water and the beach probably wouldn’t change, but I would probably dread the trip less.
I did come up with some random thoughts that may interest only me while we were there…
- Fisher’s Carmel Popcorn is, perhaps, the best there is, and is really the only way to enjoy popcorn.
- The shops on the Boardwalk rarely, if ever, change their inventory. The T-Shirts, towels, trinkets and other bric-a-brac is the same year after year after year. This may be comforting to some, but I find it disappointing.
- I have no patience for people who refuse to acknowledge there is a world that exists beyond the 6 inches of personal space that surrounds them. I am constantly amazed and frustrated at the ignorance and rudeness of people who seem to believe that they’re entitled because they’re on vacation.
- I don’t understand the apparent need to deface your body with tattoos of all shapes and sizes. I don’t have a problem with tattoos, but I don’t understand the point of covering one’s whole body with them.
- There are way too many young teenagers dressing and acting like they’re older than they are. I know I’m starting to sound old, but can’t we encourage kids to be kids a little longer?
- Crocs are cute on kids, but really kinda strange looking on adults.
- there are a certain style of swimsuit that should never be worn by most of the people who insist upon wearing it. And that's all I have to say about that.
The apartment consists of 4 rooms. A main bedroom that has 2 undersized double beds, another bedroom that has 1 undersized double bed, a kitchenette/dining area with a small single bed in it as well, and a bathroom. The total square footage of all of this would be lucky to top 400 square feet. The beds, as mentioned, are barely able to sleep two people, and are painfully thin and lumpy. The floors are uneven at best. The whole apartment is cooled by two window air conditioners – 1 in the bathroom and the other in the small bedroom. Because there are no thermostats, your options are to blow warm air or freeze yourself out. This year wasn’t too bad given there were only 5 of us in the apartment. But any more than that, and you feel like your standing on top of each other all the time. And the place is, well, less than clean by in large. The main areas are cleaned between renters, but don’t dare to look under the beds or the dressers. One year we found a partially eaten and since spoiled turkey in the oven. Who knows how long it had been in there before we discovered it.
Now, couple that image with the reality that the apartment is one of three in the ‘house’, all of which are typically filled to beyond capacity with families and others who tend to find Wal-Mart the pinnacle of high-class shopping, and, well, you get the picture.
I’m sure you are asking ‘Why don’t you find somewhere else to stay?’ Well, there are two primary reasons. First, the place is cheap (although not nearly as cheap as it should be considering the condition of the dwelling), and thought I do not want to point fingers, this is a very important factor to some in the family. Second, and probably more telling, the family has been staying here for almost 20 years, and to change would be paramount to invoking Armageddon. Realistically, we most likely will not look for new accommodations until these places collapse upon themselves, which may be within the year given the condition they’re currently in.
So, is it the beach I dislike, or the accommodations? Would I like the annual trek more if we had a more livable dwelling to stay in while we were there? Probably. My contempt for the water and the beach probably wouldn’t change, but I would probably dread the trip less.
I did come up with some random thoughts that may interest only me while we were there…
- Fisher’s Carmel Popcorn is, perhaps, the best there is, and is really the only way to enjoy popcorn.
- The shops on the Boardwalk rarely, if ever, change their inventory. The T-Shirts, towels, trinkets and other bric-a-brac is the same year after year after year. This may be comforting to some, but I find it disappointing.
- I have no patience for people who refuse to acknowledge there is a world that exists beyond the 6 inches of personal space that surrounds them. I am constantly amazed and frustrated at the ignorance and rudeness of people who seem to believe that they’re entitled because they’re on vacation.
- I don’t understand the apparent need to deface your body with tattoos of all shapes and sizes. I don’t have a problem with tattoos, but I don’t understand the point of covering one’s whole body with them.
- There are way too many young teenagers dressing and acting like they’re older than they are. I know I’m starting to sound old, but can’t we encourage kids to be kids a little longer?
- Crocs are cute on kids, but really kinda strange looking on adults.
- there are a certain style of swimsuit that should never be worn by most of the people who insist upon wearing it. And that's all I have to say about that.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
We Are Family...
Last weekend, Anita and I headed back west for the weekend. It was time for the annual Derr Family Reunion, which is the reunion of the family springing forth from my paternal grandmoter’s siblings (my Dad’s Mom, for the remedial readers among us). Gram had 7 brothers and sisters, and though none are with us anymore, the family continues to get together at least for this one time a year.
Truth be told, while I enjoy this time with my extended family, it makes me realize how little I know a lot of them. I have 2nd cousins and 3rd cousins that I only see once a year, or every couple of years, if I’m lucky. In today’s information age, you would think this would be easier. But sometimes, it’s not. However, when those times come when we are together, we know that we have family in common, and that seems to transcend the voids created by our physical distance.
It was a very good weekend, right up until we got stuck on the PA Turnpike for almost 2-1/2 hours because of a very serious accident a few miles ahead of us. I found out later that the turnpike was shut down for almost 90 miles in both directions because of the accident. When we passed the accident scene, the rubble that was left was a clear indication that something very bad had happened. I’m still amazed that, given the amount of vehicular carnage that we passed, no one was killed according to the reports the next day.
This afternoon, we head to Rehoboth Beach with Anita’s parents and sister. While I certainly don’t mind spending time with the crew, I really don’t care for the beach at all. I’m just not a beach person. I am thoroughly disturbed when I am ankle-deep in the water and I can’t see my toes. I’m alarmed when scores of jellyfish wash up on shore. I’m not a huge fan of scalding hot sand pressed against the soles of my feet. But I’ll probably be able to get my usual 3 books read by Sunday, which is good – I have some books to catch up on before I can move on to some new material. As long as the weather holds out, it shouldn’t be too bad. I don’t mind the boardwalk and the outlets (to a point), but if I never stepped foot on the sand, I really wouldn’t mind at all.
So, until next week…
Truth be told, while I enjoy this time with my extended family, it makes me realize how little I know a lot of them. I have 2nd cousins and 3rd cousins that I only see once a year, or every couple of years, if I’m lucky. In today’s information age, you would think this would be easier. But sometimes, it’s not. However, when those times come when we are together, we know that we have family in common, and that seems to transcend the voids created by our physical distance.
It was a very good weekend, right up until we got stuck on the PA Turnpike for almost 2-1/2 hours because of a very serious accident a few miles ahead of us. I found out later that the turnpike was shut down for almost 90 miles in both directions because of the accident. When we passed the accident scene, the rubble that was left was a clear indication that something very bad had happened. I’m still amazed that, given the amount of vehicular carnage that we passed, no one was killed according to the reports the next day.
This afternoon, we head to Rehoboth Beach with Anita’s parents and sister. While I certainly don’t mind spending time with the crew, I really don’t care for the beach at all. I’m just not a beach person. I am thoroughly disturbed when I am ankle-deep in the water and I can’t see my toes. I’m alarmed when scores of jellyfish wash up on shore. I’m not a huge fan of scalding hot sand pressed against the soles of my feet. But I’ll probably be able to get my usual 3 books read by Sunday, which is good – I have some books to catch up on before I can move on to some new material. As long as the weather holds out, it shouldn’t be too bad. I don’t mind the boardwalk and the outlets (to a point), but if I never stepped foot on the sand, I really wouldn’t mind at all.
So, until next week…
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Perhaps a bit overzealous
As I suspected, I am goingt o fall short of my ellipping / pedalling goals (hard to call it running and biking when you don't actually go anywhere). I did get to the gym last night and 'ran' 2.25 miles in 21 minutes, and 'biked' 3.1 miles in 16 minutes, so I'm at 5.9 miles 'running' and 9.1 miles 'biking' in two days.
Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to get back to the gym this week. too much to do tonight before and after VBS. Softball game tomorrow (which does coult for something, I would think). Heading home to McKeesport (and eventually Ohio) for the weekend. So, while I was on track to come close to my goals for the week (9 and 15 miles respectively), It does give me something to shoot for next week - on Monday and Tuesday since we'll be away over next weekend as well.
Nothing like proper planning and goal setting to keep one on track. D'oh!
Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to get back to the gym this week. too much to do tonight before and after VBS. Softball game tomorrow (which does coult for something, I would think). Heading home to McKeesport (and eventually Ohio) for the weekend. So, while I was on track to come close to my goals for the week (9 and 15 miles respectively), It does give me something to shoot for next week - on Monday and Tuesday since we'll be away over next weekend as well.
Nothing like proper planning and goal setting to keep one on track. D'oh!
Mid-Summer Classic...for a change
Last night, I watched what was one of the most exciting All-Star games in recent memory. And yes, I watched all 15 innings of it. As the game dragged on inning after extra inning, I was reminded of how good, solid defense is so incredibly underrated in today’s game. If you need proof of how underrated solid defense is, just listen to some of the potential trade rumors floating around. Everything focuses on the player’s offensive statistics, not his glove work. In fact, in today’s world of “home runs sell tickets” you will never see a player traded because he brings a solid defensive quality to a team.
Last night’s game was a defensive gem, and I’m willing to bet few people stayed up long enough to appreciate it. Actually, it was a gem with the exception of Dan Uggla, whose selection to the team puzzles me. But, again, he was selected on his offensive merits, not his defensive ones (not that he did much at the plate either). But Ugly, er, Uggla’s foibles notwithstanding, it was impressive to see each team work it’s way out of a jam inning after inning. Here’s just a few that stand out for me…
- The NL getting out of a bases-loaded, no out pickle in the bottom of the 10th, with two of the three outs being made at home.
- Nate McClouth throwing out the runner at home. McCarver and Buck, in their typical over-the-top manner, spent nearly 15 minutes going on about Russel Martin’s handling of the throw and tag (which was high, mind you, and the runner should have been called safe), but not one word was mentioned about the perfect, dead-on throw from McClouth.
- Ryan Ludwick’s diving catch in left to keep the game going for the NL.
However, watching the game, and listening to the incessantly repetitious discussion of how Scott Kazmir wouldn’t be used unless there were no options left, and how Kazmir and Brandon Webb were not to be used, and would be under a pitch count, yada, yada, yada. The talking heads then began this discussion of how they think that perhaps the All-Star roster should be expanded to allow for more pitchers to make the squad to avoid this type of situation.
And to that I say, “Nooooooooooooo.”
If you want to make the game more interesting, shrink the roster. Shrink it down to 25 guys like a normal baseball roster. Keep the requirement that every team has to provide at least one player. This will eliminate any one particular team from overwhelming the roster (Cubs, Red Sox, Yankees, Angels). Also, if a pitcher is ‘unavailable’ to pitch in the All-Star Game because he pitched too many innings on Sunday, well, then he doesn’t make the squad. Too bad, so sad. If these over-paid, over-hyped prima donna’s can’t suck it up for 2 or 3 innings in an All-Star game, then perhaps they are not truly All-Stars. And please, please, please get rid of the DH in the All-Star Game. I don’t care if you’re playing in an AL park or an NL park. The DH has no place in the All-Star game (see my earlier argument about overrated offensive statistics).
The All-Star game is supposed to showcase the best of the best from every team in baseball. Not just the best hitters, but the best all-around players. Somewhere, in the midst of TV ratings and Home Run Derbys, baseball seems to have forgotten that.
Call me a purist, or call me nuts, but being an All-Star used to mean something more than a ‘pay-me” clause in a contract. These guys are getting paid more than the GNP of some countries to play a game. It’s time they start acting like they realize that.
Last night’s game was a defensive gem, and I’m willing to bet few people stayed up long enough to appreciate it. Actually, it was a gem with the exception of Dan Uggla, whose selection to the team puzzles me. But, again, he was selected on his offensive merits, not his defensive ones (not that he did much at the plate either). But Ugly, er, Uggla’s foibles notwithstanding, it was impressive to see each team work it’s way out of a jam inning after inning. Here’s just a few that stand out for me…
- The NL getting out of a bases-loaded, no out pickle in the bottom of the 10th, with two of the three outs being made at home.
- Nate McClouth throwing out the runner at home. McCarver and Buck, in their typical over-the-top manner, spent nearly 15 minutes going on about Russel Martin’s handling of the throw and tag (which was high, mind you, and the runner should have been called safe), but not one word was mentioned about the perfect, dead-on throw from McClouth.
- Ryan Ludwick’s diving catch in left to keep the game going for the NL.
However, watching the game, and listening to the incessantly repetitious discussion of how Scott Kazmir wouldn’t be used unless there were no options left, and how Kazmir and Brandon Webb were not to be used, and would be under a pitch count, yada, yada, yada. The talking heads then began this discussion of how they think that perhaps the All-Star roster should be expanded to allow for more pitchers to make the squad to avoid this type of situation.
And to that I say, “Nooooooooooooo.”
If you want to make the game more interesting, shrink the roster. Shrink it down to 25 guys like a normal baseball roster. Keep the requirement that every team has to provide at least one player. This will eliminate any one particular team from overwhelming the roster (Cubs, Red Sox, Yankees, Angels). Also, if a pitcher is ‘unavailable’ to pitch in the All-Star Game because he pitched too many innings on Sunday, well, then he doesn’t make the squad. Too bad, so sad. If these over-paid, over-hyped prima donna’s can’t suck it up for 2 or 3 innings in an All-Star game, then perhaps they are not truly All-Stars. And please, please, please get rid of the DH in the All-Star Game. I don’t care if you’re playing in an AL park or an NL park. The DH has no place in the All-Star game (see my earlier argument about overrated offensive statistics).
The All-Star game is supposed to showcase the best of the best from every team in baseball. Not just the best hitters, but the best all-around players. Somewhere, in the midst of TV ratings and Home Run Derbys, baseball seems to have forgotten that.
Call me a purist, or call me nuts, but being an All-Star used to mean something more than a ‘pay-me” clause in a contract. These guys are getting paid more than the GNP of some countries to play a game. It’s time they start acting like they realize that.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The First Shall Apparently be Last
Okay, explain this to me. Josh Hamilton hits 38 total home runs in last night’s All-Star Home Run Derby, and Justin Morneau hits 22, yet Morneau claims the title of 2008 Home Run Derby Champion. I’ve been annoyed for years at the practice of starting back at 0 for the final round of the tournament. If a player is able to pull that far away from the rest of the pack, there should be no reason why he doesn’t walk away with the trophy. Heck, Morneau even said that in his acceptance speech (though he didn’t pull a Ving Rhames and give the trophy to the deserving Hamilton).
This is yet another example of how the greed of TV ratings has completely destroyed the essence of the sport. Tonight will be no different. The All-Star game, which used to have mean something to the players in the game – some sense of pride to play for – will be nothing more than a 4-hour long Fox commercial and Yankee Stadium retrospective, interrupted only by Joe Buck sitting all by himself behind the plate. And don’t give me the whole “Winner get’s home field advantage in the World Series” argument, because this matters only to the 2 teams who eventually make it.
I love baseball, but I’m quickly becoming fed up with the “Rich get Richer” approach of the sport, as well as the apparent belief by ESPN that all of America is only interested in seeing the Red Sox, Yankees or Cubs on TV.
As a side note, I ran 3.67 miles in 35 minutes last night, and biked an additional 6 miles in 27 minutes. Again, not overly impressive for some, but I’m pleased with my progress so far.
This is yet another example of how the greed of TV ratings has completely destroyed the essence of the sport. Tonight will be no different. The All-Star game, which used to have mean something to the players in the game – some sense of pride to play for – will be nothing more than a 4-hour long Fox commercial and Yankee Stadium retrospective, interrupted only by Joe Buck sitting all by himself behind the plate. And don’t give me the whole “Winner get’s home field advantage in the World Series” argument, because this matters only to the 2 teams who eventually make it.
I love baseball, but I’m quickly becoming fed up with the “Rich get Richer” approach of the sport, as well as the apparent belief by ESPN that all of America is only interested in seeing the Red Sox, Yankees or Cubs on TV.
As a side note, I ran 3.67 miles in 35 minutes last night, and biked an additional 6 miles in 27 minutes. Again, not overly impressive for some, but I’m pleased with my progress so far.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Still Going strong...relatively speaking
So, after three days of getting back to the gym, I ran/ellipped a total of 7 miles (give or take a tenth), and pedaled 11 miles on a stationary bike. Not exactly going to set the world on fire with my distance or time, but it was a good way to ease myself back into things. I'm finding myself tired afterwards, but not exhausted to the point of being unable to function.
My goal for this week is to hit the gym 3 times, run/elip for 9 miles, and take the stationary bike another 15. I'd aim higher, but we'll be away this weekend, and I don't want to make things too unrealistic. Plus it's VBS week, so my time will be limited at best.
I'll keep all 4 of you posted.
My goal for this week is to hit the gym 3 times, run/elip for 9 miles, and take the stationary bike another 15. I'd aim higher, but we'll be away this weekend, and I don't want to make things too unrealistic. Plus it's VBS week, so my time will be limited at best.
I'll keep all 4 of you posted.
Friday, July 11, 2008
The Piano Man
"Sing us a song, you’re the Piano Man. Sing us a song tonight. ‘Cause we’re all in the mood for a melody and you’ve got us feeling alright."
- Piano Man, by Billy Joel
Last night, Anita and I were 2 of nearly 20,000 people singing these words to close out Billy Joel’s concert at HersheyPark Stadium. More accurately, I was one of the people singing. Anita kinda just sat there and watched, somewhat amused (I think she just didn’t know the words, lol).
The evening was perfect for an outdoor concert, which I convinced is the only way to watch Billy Joel. His music is just too good to be confined to a stuffy arena. The temperature was mild, there was a gentle breeze throughout the evening, the humidity was practically non-existent, and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. The sound was perfect – we sat on field level, close to the rear of the stadium, and there was never a point where I felt we were missing something in the sound relay. The balance was perfect between instruments and vocals, and the sound only lagged a second behind the video, which was perfectly acceptable, given our distance from the stage.
The concert began a bit late, as the decision was made to let the sun set behind the walls of the stadium before beginning the show. It turned out to be a good decision, as the setting sun would have made it difficult to clearly see the video displays on either side of the stage. But once the concert began, it was non-stop energy and excitement, which is impressive when you consider that he hasn’t produced a commercial album (his classical album, "Fantasies and Delusions" not withstanding) in over 15 years. And the audience was as diverse a crowd as I’ve ever seen at a concert. I saw a couple who had to be well into their 70’s, as well as families with children easily as young as 5 or 6. In fact, in our general vicinity, there were a lot of people who were college-age, or at least not much older than that. I would have guessed high-school age, but given the volume of beer most of these kids consumed, I’m going with at least 21. It did make me chuckle that at least 60% of the songs performed were written and released before most of these kids were even born. Yet there they were, singing along to every song.
I think that’s one of the things that makes Billy Joel such a great artist – his music spans generations and isn’t marketed towards any one specific demographic. During "Goodnight, Saigon," he had a group of men singing the chorus, some of whom were around during the Viet Nam crisis, others who were clearly not even born during that time. Yet there they were, standing shoulder to shoulder, every one of them singing along.
And he’s a great performer as well. It was refreshing to sit back (well, stand, actually) and watch a concert that didn’t require a flashy stage show or pyrotechnics to overwhelm the performance of the artist. In fact, the only special effect was the piano platform spun, very slowly, 180-degrees so that he could face everyone in the audience at different parts of the show. Otherwise, it was completely about the music, which is where the focus should always be. With his songs, you need to hear the lyrics, to experience the grandeur of the instrumentals, to immerse yourself in the blend of the music. He tells a story with each song, and he uses more than just words to tell that story. There are few artists in the music world today that can accomplish this feat.
All in all, the evening was nearly perfect. In fact, the only real complaint I have is that it took us almost as long to get out of the friggin’ parking lot as it did to listen to the concert. The show ended at just about 11:00, and it was 12:40 before we were able to get out of the HersheyPark complex and onto the main highway. Nothing like leaving a feel-good concert to bring out the absolute depths of obnoxiousness from the general populous. It was a frustrating end to an otherwise perfect concert experience.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Time to get serious
For those of you who know me, you know I am painfully out of shape and, I will openly admit, overweight. I'm still active - playing softball over the summer, some basketball in the winter. I'd include Bowling in there, but, let's be realistic, it's not exactly the most intensive workout sport in the world. And every once in a while, I would hit the gym for some exercise, but not enough to justify my membership, that's for sure.
So, after reaching a point the other day of being thoroughly disgusted with myself and my current state of being, I decided it was time to do something about it. We did a good deal of walking last week in Baltimore, and I was able to hold my own in the outfield for a game of softball, which was definitely a step int eh right direction, but not nearly enough to really make a dent in what I need to do. So, I've decided to make that gym membership work for me and I've crossed the threshold two days in a row now (please, hold your applause).
Yesterday, I jumped on an open elliptical machine and elliped (do you walk or run on an elliptical machine?) for 30 minutes, which, according to the readout, was good for 2.12 miles. Not exactly burning up the charts, but a decent start in my opinion. After my 30 minute ellip, I hopped onto a stationary bike for a quick 2-mile 'ride' lasting a little over 12 minutes. I felt pretty good afterwards. Legs were a little wobbly, but not aching to the point of collapse. In fact, when I woke up this morning, I was pleasantly surprised that my knees were essentially pain-free.
So tonight, I made my way back to the house of sweat and mounted the elliptical machine once again for another 30 minute journey. This time, however, I accidentally hit the cardio program rather than the manual program, which 'encouraged' me to ellip faster for a higher heart rate. I quickly noticed the difference, to say the least, but I was not overwhelmed by the faster pace, which was...surprising. In fact, before I realized it, I had gone .52 miles in 4 minutes. So I decided to see how fast I could ellip my way to a mile. I could sit here and regale you all with a second by second account of my progress, but the end result was I hit the mile indicator at 8:01. 8:01! (that's 8 minutes, not hours, by the way).
Now, I realize that for some of you (Jeff), this is not exactly a fire-starting pace. But for me, it was actually exciting. I haven't run a sub-ten minute mile since my senior year of high school, before I blew out my knee. Now, for those of you who may want to poo-poo on my moment of self glorification by saying that ellipping is not running, well, I don't care! It was close enough for me. I'm not ready to run the Harrisburg Mile just yet, but it certainly made me appreciate those who can in under 5 minutes.
At the end of my 30 minutes on the elliptical machine, I had 'travelled' 2.68 miles (yes, the pace dropped off quickly after the first 8 minutes). But it was again another indication to me that there is merit to what I'm doing and that my body, as out of shape as it is, wants to get better. I also put in a 24 minute, 5-mile ride on the stationary bike for good measure.
I'm feeling it a little more this evening, probably more so because I didn't stretch out as well before my endeavor this evening. So I will make a mental note of that for next time.
Another reason for my desire to improve my body is our pending adoption. China has very stringent guidelines on the adopting parents, including guidelines on Body Mass. While I have already passed the 'test' - barely, I am well aware that I will need to be in better shape when that time comes for us to travel, not only for the amount of walking and whatnot that will take place on our trip, but because I want to be around a long, long time for my child.
So, after reaching a point the other day of being thoroughly disgusted with myself and my current state of being, I decided it was time to do something about it. We did a good deal of walking last week in Baltimore, and I was able to hold my own in the outfield for a game of softball, which was definitely a step int eh right direction, but not nearly enough to really make a dent in what I need to do. So, I've decided to make that gym membership work for me and I've crossed the threshold two days in a row now (please, hold your applause).
Yesterday, I jumped on an open elliptical machine and elliped (do you walk or run on an elliptical machine?) for 30 minutes, which, according to the readout, was good for 2.12 miles. Not exactly burning up the charts, but a decent start in my opinion. After my 30 minute ellip, I hopped onto a stationary bike for a quick 2-mile 'ride' lasting a little over 12 minutes. I felt pretty good afterwards. Legs were a little wobbly, but not aching to the point of collapse. In fact, when I woke up this morning, I was pleasantly surprised that my knees were essentially pain-free.
So tonight, I made my way back to the house of sweat and mounted the elliptical machine once again for another 30 minute journey. This time, however, I accidentally hit the cardio program rather than the manual program, which 'encouraged' me to ellip faster for a higher heart rate. I quickly noticed the difference, to say the least, but I was not overwhelmed by the faster pace, which was...surprising. In fact, before I realized it, I had gone .52 miles in 4 minutes. So I decided to see how fast I could ellip my way to a mile. I could sit here and regale you all with a second by second account of my progress, but the end result was I hit the mile indicator at 8:01. 8:01! (that's 8 minutes, not hours, by the way).
Now, I realize that for some of you (Jeff), this is not exactly a fire-starting pace. But for me, it was actually exciting. I haven't run a sub-ten minute mile since my senior year of high school, before I blew out my knee. Now, for those of you who may want to poo-poo on my moment of self glorification by saying that ellipping is not running, well, I don't care! It was close enough for me. I'm not ready to run the Harrisburg Mile just yet, but it certainly made me appreciate those who can in under 5 minutes.
At the end of my 30 minutes on the elliptical machine, I had 'travelled' 2.68 miles (yes, the pace dropped off quickly after the first 8 minutes). But it was again another indication to me that there is merit to what I'm doing and that my body, as out of shape as it is, wants to get better. I also put in a 24 minute, 5-mile ride on the stationary bike for good measure.
I'm feeling it a little more this evening, probably more so because I didn't stretch out as well before my endeavor this evening. So I will make a mental note of that for next time.
Another reason for my desire to improve my body is our pending adoption. China has very stringent guidelines on the adopting parents, including guidelines on Body Mass. While I have already passed the 'test' - barely, I am well aware that I will need to be in better shape when that time comes for us to travel, not only for the amount of walking and whatnot that will take place on our trip, but because I want to be around a long, long time for my child.
Softball Catch-up
So I've been rather delinquent with my softball updates lately, but I will attempt to quickly rectify that here and now. We played twice the week leading up to the 4th of July, and both times, we were pressed for guys. On Monday, we had all of 9 guys make it out, which might sound like a recipe for disaster. But not for the Immanuel Church team. Despite the threat of rain the entire evening, we were able to pull out two victories against a newly surging Bible Baptist squad. Both games were hard fought by both teams, and we were excited and relieved to come away with two victories.
Thursday night, we were on the phone calling people out of the woodwork to help us out. With no fewer than 10 of our regulars away on vacation, we pulled out some old friends - Kevin Kunkle and Dan Miller - to give us enough to play. The other team pulled out a couple of ringers, which turned out to be the difference in both games. We lost both games, but we played hard. How difficult was it, you may ask. Well, I played left field in the first game, so that should tell you all you need to know right there. I have not played the outfield in well over 4 years, and I was in no shape to play it Thursday night. Of the 10 guys on the field, 3 were playing their 'natural' positions. In fact, Paul was playing essentially without the use of one ankle. We had difficult convincing the other team of that, since he went 7 for 9 on the night. But each guy played their heart out, and I couldn't ask for any more than that.
So, here's the rundown from last week...
Game 25: Immanuel Church won 5-4
Game 26: Immanuel Church won 12-8
Game 27: Immanuel Church lost 21-11
Game 28: Immanuel Church lost 16-14
2008 Season Record: 14-14
Thursday night, we were on the phone calling people out of the woodwork to help us out. With no fewer than 10 of our regulars away on vacation, we pulled out some old friends - Kevin Kunkle and Dan Miller - to give us enough to play. The other team pulled out a couple of ringers, which turned out to be the difference in both games. We lost both games, but we played hard. How difficult was it, you may ask. Well, I played left field in the first game, so that should tell you all you need to know right there. I have not played the outfield in well over 4 years, and I was in no shape to play it Thursday night. Of the 10 guys on the field, 3 were playing their 'natural' positions. In fact, Paul was playing essentially without the use of one ankle. We had difficult convincing the other team of that, since he went 7 for 9 on the night. But each guy played their heart out, and I couldn't ask for any more than that.
So, here's the rundown from last week...
Game 25: Immanuel Church won 5-4
Game 26: Immanuel Church won 12-8
Game 27: Immanuel Church lost 21-11
Game 28: Immanuel Church lost 16-14
2008 Season Record: 14-14
Friday, July 4, 2008
Celebrating Freedom
So I'm sitting here watching the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on TV enjoying the fireworks thanks to CBS since the rain out here kinda washed out the local fireworks. Craig Ferguson is the host, and it was mentioned that this was special for him because he recently became a US citizen. That got me to thinking how many of us take being a citizen of the US for granted. How many of us take for granted the freedoms that we enjoy here in this country - freedoms that many of our family and friends are overseas fighting to protect.
I think that one of the greatest freedoms we have is the freedom to choose. Unfortunately, when many of us choose to engage that freedom, we do so without first considering the cost and consequences of our choices. It saddens me to no end to know that we have been given so much as a society, yet we squander so much as a result of our freedom to choose. I can only imagine where we'd be if we would just make better choices.
I think, as Christians, we take much for granted as well. I am guilty of this, I will confess. I have often taken for granted my salvation - the gift of eternal life that I am assured of. And for that, I beg God's forgiveness. As Christians, we have a freedom that no one can take away. We have an assurance of eternal freedom. That is what we should be celebrating, not just today, but every day of our lives.
Today is July 4th. It is Independence Day (sans Will Smith). As Americans, we celebrate this day once a year. As Christians, isn't everyday our true Independence Day? If we believe that, let's celebrate it every day! Let's allow the world to see the fireworks of joy and peace within us. Let's give the world a reason to turn its collective eyes back to the Lord!
Let the fireworks begin!
I think that one of the greatest freedoms we have is the freedom to choose. Unfortunately, when many of us choose to engage that freedom, we do so without first considering the cost and consequences of our choices. It saddens me to no end to know that we have been given so much as a society, yet we squander so much as a result of our freedom to choose. I can only imagine where we'd be if we would just make better choices.
I think, as Christians, we take much for granted as well. I am guilty of this, I will confess. I have often taken for granted my salvation - the gift of eternal life that I am assured of. And for that, I beg God's forgiveness. As Christians, we have a freedom that no one can take away. We have an assurance of eternal freedom. That is what we should be celebrating, not just today, but every day of our lives.
Today is July 4th. It is Independence Day (sans Will Smith). As Americans, we celebrate this day once a year. As Christians, isn't everyday our true Independence Day? If we believe that, let's celebrate it every day! Let's allow the world to see the fireworks of joy and peace within us. Let's give the world a reason to turn its collective eyes back to the Lord!
Let the fireworks begin!
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