10.18.11

One other comment re. sports and athletics. For me watching and- especially- participating in athletic endeavors has always let my mind be still; the only thing I'm thinking about or concentrating on is the event, game, workout at hand. They've always been my main way to clear my thoughts, clear my mind.

I haven't read a lot about most of his policy proposals yet but I was astounded to read about GOP Prez candidate Herman Cain's bout with cancer, 1, 2, 3. Leave aside the politics if you wish; back in 2006 he was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that had metastasized and spread to his liver. Sound familiar? It's now 2011 and he's still around- maybe you folks will have to put up with me for awhile yet...

The one pain in the ass side effect I've had from my chemo treatments is an increased sensitivity to cold, especially my fingers and face (and lips, mouth, and throat when I drink something cold for about a week or so after treatment.) It sucks when I go out for a run in the morning- and it's not even all that cold, I'm talking mid/upper 40's to low/mid 50's)- and my fingers sting and /or cramp up a bit and my face stings and gets numb, especially the tip of my nose, and forehead, cheeks, chin, lips... I wear gloves when the mornings are cooler and that helps, and I suppose I'll have to get a ski mask or something to wear once it gets colder/winter. (A ski mask like this?

Dirty Harry references are appropriate for any occasion... )

10.05.11

As anyone who knows me knows, sports and athletics have always been a big part of my life. Whether participating or watching they have always brought me enjoyment and satisfaction on many levels. It's not that I can't or don't appreciate other endeavors; literature in it's various forms, music, and films often bring me enjoyment as well. And I can appreciate that there those are who find enjoyment in other realms: art, sculpture, theatre, dance, and more. But to me there has always seemed something pure (for lack of a better word) about sports. Sports and athletics are probably the closest we come to a meritocracy; background, pedigree, connections really don't count as much- think Division II Chadron State Danny Woodhead vs. Big Ten Minnesota Laurence Maroney. Demonstrated excellence is what is valued and what matters most. Opportunity and success don't depend upon an editor, a critic, judge, or committee making a subjective judgement; if you perform better than the other guy or gal, you'll be on the team, you'll win, or at least out-perform others in, the race, match, or game. With few exceptions, success is easily quantifiable- you ran, swam, or cycled faster than the others, you lifted more weight, you scaled that peak; you, or your team, scored more points than your opponent. While innate talent and genetics are helpful, consistent hard-work and training, consistently trying to improve in ways small or large, are as important and, if not always easy to accomplish, they are easy to identify (add some speedwork, tweak your lift, shoot more free throws, etc...) And to me the most enjoyable are team sports; seeing five, six, nine, eleven individuals working as a unit, each fulfilling their role as part of the overall group, to me it's one of the most enjoyable things to watch or to participate in.

Alright, so it's not that profound- whaddya want for nothing?!