Sunday Morning

Bailed on the hike w/ E and SJ. Felt bad but just wasn't feeling it. Ended up heading to a party w/ the climbing group. We dranks some beers and watched "climber porn" which was just some climbing videos. Hilarious. One of the videos showed this solo climber who would go up some 600 feet 5.11s. Insane. Well he died on a solo climb in '93. I wonder what he was thinking while he was falling......that really bothers me.

Going to do some climbing today at GF w/ Neal. Looking forward to that. Cleaned the condo yesterday (instead of Veterans day). Hmmmmm......watching CNN and just found that the tax dedcution for giving your car to charity is going to change after Dec. 31. In '05 you can only deduct what it actually sold for not what the blue book value is. I may accelerate my plans to get a new car. BTW- I've decided to buy a Subaru Forrester. Its in between an SUV/typical car and gets decent gas mileage. I talked to a women at Starbucks yesterday who had one and she said she loved it.

Spent some more money this week on a sleeping bag/pad and also ordered some more books from Amazon.com.

Day off for Veterans Day

Almost done with "Touching the Void". I can't understand how he had the resolve to keep going, its beyond me. Have some time off today for veterans day. Heres some of the things I'd like to get done- clean condo, clean car, climb. Lets see how the day goes. Overall, not pleased with the way things are going right now. Trying not to be too hard on myself but need to do something to keep things moving.

Finally had VN provide some architectures and meeting w/ FAA on friday to review. We'll see how that goes. Still uncomfortable with me leading this work but trying to work through it. I think the WV civil war is finally ending, such drama. I need to talk to AM and CL to close this out.

A good quote from the climbing group:

Struggle all day with what you love doing, and you're just tired.
Struggle 5 minutes with something you don't like, and you're overworked.

Right on...

Braces

December 20th......thats the day the braces are coming off. The ortho did a CR (check for removal) today, made some adjustments, and said next time they're outta here. Sweet! I wanted them off before Thanksgiving but this will work.

Had a good weekend. Drove out to Coopers Rock on Saturday for some bouldering, not too sure how I feel about that. We were going up some pretty high boulders and it was unnerving to be that high w/o a rope. Sunday did some climbing at Sugarloaf Mountain. That is a great area w/ good rock and some beautiful views. Scraped up my arms and legs pretty good, interested to see what the doc. will say on Wed. for my physical.

Work was so-so, ATO roadmap stuff and WV meeting which I ended up skipping out early on anyway for the ortho.

Portrait of an INFP or ISFP (take your pick)

I took the Myers-Briggs test a couple of weeks ago and it said I was an INFP (Introvert, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving) or an ISFP (Introvert, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving.). I was tied on the Intuitive vs. Sensing dimension and, according to them, the tie-breaker goes to the N (Intuitive). Anyway, heres what the say about INFPs:

If you are an INFP, you make up approximately 1% of the American population.

You are sensitive, idealist, and loyal, and have a strong sense of honor concerning your values.

You are interested in possibilities beyond what is already known.

You focus your energies on your dreams and visions.

You are depply committed to whatever you choose to undertake.

You are compassionate, sympathetic, and understanding, and very sensitive to the needs of others.

Possible blind spots:

Since logic is not a priority to INFPs, they sometimes make errors of fact and are unware that they are being illogical.

Because INFPs are so committed to their ideals, they may have a tendency to overlook other points of view, and appear to be ridgid.

Since INFPs are so emotionally entangled in their undertakings they are very sensitive to criticism.

Because they are "people pleasers", INFPs find it hard to criticize others or to take a stand for an unpopular position.

Possible solutions:

Developing more objectivity in reference to their projects will help INFPs be less vulnerable to both criticsm and disappointment.

INFPs need to learn to be more assertive and offer constructive criticism of others when the need arises.

Not too bad as far as describing myself. Pretty much dead on. Now, heres what they say about ISFPs:

If you are an ISFP, you make up approximately 6% of the American population.

You are patient, flexible, easy to get along with and have little need to dominate or control others.

While you are gentle, caring, and sensitive, you tend to keep much of your personal ideals and values to yourself.

Since you tend not to lead you are often a loyal follower.

Some possible blind spots:

Being highly sensitive, the ISFP can clearly see the needs of others, and may neglect their onw needs in the porcess.

ISFPs may be seen as gullible and too trusting because they accept things as they are.

Possible solutions:

ISFPs need to learn to take time out and care for their own needs.

Learning to consider the the implications of others behaviors, applying
some objectivitity and skepticism to their analysis, may help the ISFP become
better judges of character.

A couple of issues with this one. First, is the "too trusting" and "gullible" part. I'm actually pretty skeptical about most things I hear in the media or read about. Always like to verify stuff on my own. Also, the "since you tend not to lead" part is not really accurate. At least with work stuff, I lead pretty much everything. I am the "boss-man" as they say. Other than that, pretty decent assessment overall.

Week in Review

Hmmm....lets see if I can remember what I did this week:

Monday- ?? Don't remember. Scary.
Tuesday- Alisia helped pack my stuff for my office move. Went climbing w/ sky and Ocean.
Wednesday- Alot of drama at work. Had a miscommunication and forgot to clean my office. Felt really badly that K and A had to finish up. Boss called me when I was downtown, WTF- theres nothing I could do unless theres some magic transport that I don't know about. Then I got back to work and there were some last minute edits to our deliverable. Also, boss scolded me about Daves WV deliverable. So happy that I won't be working w/ her anymore. I did a run @ Golds. Tired.
Thursday- Worked on slides for Jays meeting for Friday. Wanted to go to HH w/ Yahoo group but was tired and fell asleep on the couch.
Friday- Briefed Jay on our FY05 plan. Went really well and I'm excited. Spent the afternoon setting up one-on-ones.
Saturday (today)- going to a RAB w/ E and football watching in the afternoon.

Courage: Quotes

Some quotes I found about courage that I really like:

3rd Agreement: Don’t Make Assumptions. Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.”
~ Don Miguel Ruiz from The Four Agreements Courage Quotes - Honesty

“A 'No' uttered from deepest conviction is better and greater than a 'Yes' merely uttered to please, or what is worse, to avoid trouble.”
~ Mahatma Gandhi20th century Indian spiritual & political leader

I postpone death by living, by suffering, by error, by risking, by giving, by losing. Anais Nin

It takes courage to push yourself to places that you have never been before... to test your limits... to break through barriers. And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. Anais Nin

Life is a process of becoming, a combination of states we have to go through. Where people fail is that they wish to elect a state and remain in it. This is a kind of death. Anais Nin

Life is truly known only to those who suffer, lose, endure adversity and stumble from defeat to defeat. Anais Nin

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage. Anais Nin

RAB

Went swimming Thursday night. I definititely feel like I'm getting better but I'm still having trouble with my breathing. Went to dinner after that with Erin, Lauren, Drew, and Kev. Drew and Lauren both got health insurace so it was a min-celeberation. We were talking about Halloween costumes for me and Erin eventually said "screw you" which was funny.

Friday met w/ Jay, was late and embarassed. Anyway, it went well and I'm excited about this whole thing. I think its going to be great. Hung out at FAA rest of the day. Went to happy hour with Jim and Randy. It was ok. Jim talks a little bit too much about work for my tastes, Randy not as much. We argued about Bush. Jim is voting for him which I was suprised about.

Today going to do the Run Against Bush this morning.

Julius 1st B-day

Went to the nursery yesterday (2:30 - 6:30). I can't remember the last time I've been in one. It was fun seeing all the little ones running around. The boss lady showed me a copy of Julius testing and he looks like hes testing fine. They had their own little boxes with their names on it to put their stuff in. The party with Julius was great. I was happy I was able to make it there. I ended up taking some videotape while Marty took pictures. I need to get some of those pictures from them. Anyway, Julius was a little tired and cried a bit but he had no problems when I held him. I think he remembers who I am. Thats it...

Group Meeting

Just met w/ my group and told them I'm leaving to manage a different effort. Peter looked upset but I talked to him later and he's ok. Ralph was not happy but I told him he's better off staying where he is. My stomach is all upset. I guess its making me realize this is real and I'm getting nervous. Ah well gotta love change...

Went swimming and climbing w/ Erin. She did a good job of improving my feet technique for swimming. Swallowing alot of water though. We may go swimming again on Thursday.

Marathon Conversation

Had a funny conversation this morning getting my coffee- saw Charlie and we were talking about work and he mentioned seeing me at gravelly point. At this point I was feeling all proud and bad ass and told him yeah, I was running there and just got done with the SF marathon. He then said thats great and in the course of conversation mentioned he had run two marathons before- in just over 3:00 hrs!!!! My jaw just about dropped through the floor. Hes got to be in his mid-fifties so I was humbled a bit. Anyway, hes interested in partnering with me for training on whatever events I would like to do so thats cool. Talk to ya....

This and That

I visited Julius last night and it was amazing. He's such a beautiful baby and so happy. I was really looking forward to seeing him and I picked him up for awhile. He was interested in my braces and was putting his fingers on my teeth. I'm glad I did this CASA thing. It looks like I'm going to see Julius at his daycare next week. I also need to follow-up w/ Leslie after her meltdown and go visit her.

Big happening this past Monday (8/16). I'm definitely going to be moving over to Tony C. group to lead up the SE for Terminal. Its a big move seeing as a I have no experience but I think this is the type of stuff I thrive on. Tell me I can't do something and I will work to prove you wrong. Anyway, let's get it on. I'm ready to move on that work. Its going to take a couple of months to transition over but we'll see how things go.

Have not been doing much working out or running at all since the marathon. I'm definitely getting my weight back and clothes are fitting better. Heading out to do some rock climbing tonight w/ Lauren.

What else? Got my braces adjusted yesterday and I think they may come off Nov./Dec. At least thats what he says. Also, signed up for Spanish, Cooking for Busy Professional, and Myer-Brigss Assessment. I was going to sign up for Internet classes but I think I can take those at work for free. That's it for now.

Marathon- The Week After

So I haven't updated in awhile. The SF marathon is over and I was able to do it in 4:30:06 (10:18 min./mile pace). I did better than I thought I would. Meg, Kev, Ronnie, and Saisha were there to watch.

Spent the weekend at Bears Den and the climbing was great- we set-up a sweet route at the far left that was great to climb on. I also ran into a couple of copperhead snakes while we were setting up a second route. That had me a bit shaken up but it didn't bite me even though I was standing over it.

Marathon Run #42 (10 miles)

Total time- 1:42:46. Just about a 10:20 pace. It felt pretty good. I'm optimistic again that I can pull this off. Next week will be a big test, think its something like 15 miles. Icing the knees right now...

Marathon Run #41 (7 miles)

Left work early and did my 7 miles. The GPS had trouble tracking so my timing got all messed up. The run went well overall and I'm pretty sure I was averaging 10 mile/min. I went over to Home Depot to try to get better sized filters but couldn't find any. I did get Return of the King DVD so that's cool. See ya..

Marathon Run #40 (3 miles)

Did the run yesterday and it wasn't bad. Total time was 31:00. Just over 10 minute/mile. I got a pay raise today (3%) but also had to deal with a water leak that has put water all over my carpet. Its starting to smell moldy since the A/C is toast as well. Someone will be coming by tomorrow to check it out.

Marathon Run #39 (13 miles- only did 5)

Tried to run 13 but it was too damn hot w/ temps in the upper 80s. Got as far as 5 miles and turned around. I ended up just walking back for the last four miles. Total distance was 9 miles w/ time of 2:00 hrs. The good news is that the legs seem to be Ok. What is making me nervous is that the legs felt good but I just couldn't keep running. I hope it was just the heat and this doesn't mean I'm losing out mentally.

I also missed Mass today so I can get an early run but didn't start the run till noon but I learned I need to do these long runs early in the morning if I want any chance of completing them. Well that's it..

Marathon Run #38 (6 miles)

Well, I tried the 6 miles today and it seemed to go ok overall. Total time- 1:04. The only reason I was able to run today was because the Spanish I was planning on taking tonight got canceled. The enrollment wasn't enough to hold the class.

I was nervous about how my legs would hold up. The left leg is still hurting but it seems like the right knee is holding up. I just got done icing the knees and am watching the season finale of Angel. Not enough action but it'll do. Anyway, I'll know tomorrow about how the legs pan out. Planning on 3 for Friday and 13 for Sunday.

I have an early flight to ATL tomorrow for EAT. This weekend looks like PW RV on Saturday, making sangrias, and Shrek 2 at some point. That't it for now...

Marathon Run #37 (3 miles)

Did three miles in 34:20. It didn't feel good. The hip and right knee were acting up. I'll see if I can do the 6 miler tommorrow. The DW project at ARI went bad (again) and I'm so sick of that stupid project. I'll be happy when it is done. We are looking to wrap it all up in late June/early July.

I did my first CASA hearing today for JB. I also talked to Rebecca about the case. There's alot to do and I look forward to helping JB out.

Marathon Run #36 (A random 5 miles)

So I decided sometime last week that the June SD marathon is off. It was disappointing but the injury never did heal properly. I want to get this over with so I quickly found a marathon August 1 @ San Fran. That is the one I'm shooting for now. I checked it out the website today and it doesn't look too hilly. Sis and niece live there so I'll have some supporters.

So in preparation for August 1, did five miles today (Total time- 53:00) and it felt OK overall. The right knee is a little tight but seems like this might be the turning point. I figured out the schedule of runs to meet the August 1 marathon. I will need to be ready for a 13 miler next Sunday. This should be an interesting week. Tomorrow is my CASA hearing, need to run 3 miles, and meet Susan for some climbing. Wed. is my Spanish class. I leave for ATL early Thurs. morning and get back early Fri. morning. At least I'll get to be in a simulator for that.

Yesterday, I did some climbing w/ John and Susan at Carderock. LC joined us for her 21st b-day. It was her first climb outside and I think she had a good time. Later we had dinner and sangrias to celebrate her B-day. That's it.

Marathon Run #35 (4 miles)

Did the run in 42:00 but it was not smooth. The right knee was hurting again and I stopped to stretch three times during the run. Icing the knees down now and watching "IT" on TV. A great flick that has some funny memories of the guys back at school. Anyway, I'm hoping between stretching, icing, and Ibuprofen I'll be Ok for the nine miler tomorrow. I'm not hopeful that I'll make it to the marathon but I have to keep trying.

Got back from ATL for EAT this morning. Not a bad trip but I'm tired of travel and would much rather stay home. That's it...