And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. –Anais Nin
Category: Life
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One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
This was not a stellar week, generally, and in particular, training-wise. Sure, I ran, swam, and went to a spin class, but that's not enough anymore. Time to double up on workouts, throw in a brick or two (I did run for 10 minutes after spin, so I suppose that counts), and step up. Something to focus on, if nothing else.
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Keeping Busy
Work, tri training, blogging, the aforementioned Tweetup, dinner with Jon, LOST finale with Jenn, Num Pang with Dave, Underground Food Collective with John, Queens dim sum extravaganza. Still wishing for that fast forward button, though.
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Lessons from Joe Strummer
I was out the other night at a brown booze "Tweetup" (yes, I'm that dorky — if you want more where that came from, follow me on Twitter) and was telling someone my Joe Strummer story. I have always been a Clash fan and also really got into Global a Go Go when he was part of Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros. In 2002 (I think), Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros played a few nights at St. Ann's Warehouse in Dumbo. I bought a pair of tickets assuming that someone would be interested. I asked tons of people, but even those who were interested had conflicts that night. Alas, when the night came I had no takers. I debated for a while — I had never gone to a show by myself, and I was definitely uncomfortable with the idea, but I ended up going. It was an absolutely amazing show — it blew me away. A few months later, Joe Strummer died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart defect. I am so grateful that I got to see him at that show.
I actually learned the same lessons I carried away from the Joe Strummer story much earlier in my life. My uncle lived in Washington when I was in college in Boston. At one point, he sent me a check for train fare so I could come and visit him. I kept meaning to come down, but I was always too busy. As I think back now, I can't even remember what I was too busy doing — being in college, I suppose. Classes, schoolwork, rehearsals or weekend gigs with my singing group, my boyfriend. Time went by. The next time I saw my uncle was when he was in a coma after an accident — I had come to say goodbye before he was taken off of life support.
Never pass up an opportunity if you can make it happen. Don't let your comfort zone restrict you. Always make time for the people and things that are important to you in life — you don't know what tomorrow will bring.
Photo by bassheaduk via Flickr
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Dreaming
I had a wonderful, happy dream this morning. But it was only a dream . . .
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Time Travel
As some of you know, I'm a huge LOST fan (and looking forward to the season finale this week). I've been thinking quite a bit about time travel lately. If I could go back in time and change things in my life, would I? It's hard to say, given that I now have a different perspective than I had in those moments in time. Generally I think that I'd leave most of my life unchanged, but there are a few notable things that I would have done differently if given the chance. Right now, however, I am just dreaming of a fast-forward button.
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This, I Believe
– Sunshine has healing powers, as does a long run, and the blossoms of spring.
– The internet can be a tough place sometimes.
– Carol King is a wise woman.
– Soft shell crabs can be a reminder that if you shed off your old skin, you can become something quite special, and often delicious. They also pair quite nicely with a glass of white wine and the Beatles White Album. -
Strength
Can be found in clean sheets, a bike ride (likely) in the rain, and in the voice of Elvis Costello.
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Reflections
- It is strange when the people who love you see you differently from the way you see yourself — it is just a reminder that we are always our own harshest critics.
– In the past few months, I've helped to raise over $3000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and over $7000 for City Harvest. Here's to putting some good karma out into the world.
- Strength and support can come from many sources, including treating yourself well and relying on your friends when you need them. It can also sometimes be found in marshmallows.