Nelson's blog...

Advice for the New School Year

2011-08-15T16:50:00.000-05:00

This week's Dallas Morning News question of the week was what advice did we have for students/parents/teachers for the new school year. I responded something like, "High school girls, don't forget that if you get sent to the office because your clothes are inappropriate, you're going to have to wear the outfit your mom puts together and brings up to you."

This only happened to Katie once, and Mom put together and brought up an outfit she would never forget. So, Katie learned her lesson. She started keeping an extra set of clothes in her car.

Back on My Feet Run - 8/10/11

2011-08-10T10:50:00.003-05:00

I ran with Back on My Feet this morning.

It's kinda funny. A new volunteer "non-resident" (she doesn't live at the shelter) ran with me today -- Rachel. She said she hadn't been running a lot lately, though she is a runner, and the three miles we were supposed to do were going to be a challenge for her.

So, Rachel ran along side of me, and it was kind of a complicated route, and when she saw the neighborhoods we were running through, and that it was dark, and that if she didn't stick with me she might get lost, she had no problem completing those three miles! I dropped her off at the end and then circled back to pick up some others. When we all got back, she was gone. I hope she comes back.

The "residents" (those who live at the shelter) love my baked goods (pineapple bread today), and I get to bake for someone else who really appreciates them. Only, they aren't supposed to bring outside food into the shelter, so they take my carefully-wrapped baked goodies and stuff them deep into their pockets to get past the security guard.

Troy Aikman and St. Francis

2011-06-21T12:02:00.003-05:00

For some reason, in our main lobby today at work there's a big spinning wheel, and employees can take a spin to try to win a signed Tony Romo official Cowboys jersey.

It reminded me of the year at Father's Day when my brother-in-law opened his gift and it was a white football signed by Troy Aikman (one of my father-in-law's regular men's suit customers at Neimans.)

My present was so big it had to be wrapped in a brown plastic yard bag, so I thought man this must be good. It was a plastic statue of St. Francis to put in my garden.

Maybe it was a good thing everyone decided we're not doing gifts any more for Father's Day. That hadn't been decided yet last month for Mother's Day, but minds were made up by Father's Day.

Why Girls Run With the DRC and My Job As a Pace Leader

2011-05-24T12:37:00.008-05:00

I'm starting to learn some things about girls as I continue to pace lead.

One thing pace leading has taught me over the years is that moms and wives and daughters and girlfriends come out to run with the DRC to have some girlfriends time. They're not coming out to run with the guys. Oh, guys are out there, too, but it's been my experience that the girls come out to have some time for themselves as women -- some time away from the responsibilities of being a mom and/or wife and/or daughter or girlfriend.

So, I've learned that my job as pace leader is to keep us on pace and on route (heaven help us!), to offer encouragement, to share inspiration when I can find it, but to otherwise stay back and out of the way and let you all have your girlfriends time. That's usually how our long runs go -- we all stick together, but the girls are in their little running pods having their conversations, enjoying each other, the running, the mornings. That's the experience of running with the 3:90 marathon training group.

We guys are just along for a little comic relief, and to shoo off dogs and strangers. And, to bake.

I Just Love Austin College

2011-05-16T15:09:00.006-05:00

It's Saturday night, and we've been to the Baccalaureate ceremony, which was amazing, and we've been to the refreshments get-together afterwards and are leaving. And, for some reason the college president Dr. Marjorie Hass singles Kelly and I out and comes over to congratulate us and shakes our hands -- she is leaving, too.

So, we find Katie and start down the stairs to leave, and Dr. Hass and her husband are leaving at the same time in front of us, and Katie says, "Marjorie! I love your shoes!" and she and the college president stand there for a couple of minutes talking about her shoes -- how they are Cole Hahn, and how they have a deal with Nike, so they're dress shoes, but really athletic shoes, and have a cork sole, etc. And, then after a bit, we go on our way -- us to our car, Dr. Hass to her next graduation function of the evening.

Kelly and I were flabbergasted. I said, "Katieeee... That's the college president -- you don't call her Marjorie!" Katie said, "Dadddddyyyy... Everyone calls her Marjorie!"

That's what Austin College is like, one of the many reasons why I just love Austin College.

2011 OKC Memorial Marathon

2011-05-02T10:04:00.017-05:00

(Picture: Waiting for the start, wearing our brown trash bags)

Marathons tend to be hard enough without driving rain, hail, gusty winds, lightning, and 30-degree temperatures. The 2011 OKC Memorial Marathon was quite the experience...

Picked Marty up at his house, and then we picked up Sam in Denton on the way. Stopped for lunch/breakfast in Ardmore -- I ate the lunch I had brought myself (I refused to change my routine), which kind of freaked out the little girl who waited on us. We got to OKC around 1:30 and went straight to the expo to pick up our packets. The expo was pretty boring, so we didn't spend too much time there and just went to the hotel. It was a beautiful, sunny cool day, and there was an art festival right by packet pickup, so the downtown area was bustling. We decided on rest rather than walking the art festival.

Veronica and Brian were running late, so we just checked in at the hotel and rested. Sam and I shared a room. The bathroom doors were multi-paned French doors, and the toilet was right there -- what the h?

Lied in bed and caught multiple episodes of some super-couponer show -- people who fill their garages and bedrooms with huge amounts of stuff (regardless of whether it will expire or not, or whether they will ever use it or not) because they can get it for free with coupons. One woman said her closet with 200+ bottles of her daughter-in-law's favorite soda made her happy, another women her 3-year supply of toilet paper, a man his 100+ bottles of hand soap. Made me sad, and a little angry. This world wasn't meant for everyone to stock what they don't need and can never use.

Went to dinner -- reservations at 6. Brian and the GPS took us on a long loop around the city until we finally found the Olive Garden. I told him I swore I could see our hotel from the restaurant. It was a beautiful prom night in OKC, and the lines at Olive Garden were out the door and down the sidewalk. It's always nice to be with someone from the corporate HQ (Veronica) because we walked right past them all and into our private nook at the restaurant, had two waiters assigned to our long table, and were warmly greeted by multiple other people and management staff from the restaurant. Veronica and Brian paid for all our dinners. Bill from our training group gave Veronica and I a nice card with a $50 gift card in it -- what a nice guy! Ate dinner with Veronica, Brian, Sam, Marty, Courtney, Alan, Jaulik and husband, Bill and his wife and Courtney's parents. Ate my standard pre-race cheese pizza.

Brian took us back to the hotel, and he and Veronica and I headed over to Walmart. They needed some things, and I wanted a carry bottle of Gatorade to get me through the first few water stops of the race when it is always so crowded. I told Veronica that I couldn't believe that Bill gave us each a $100 gift card; she looked kind of confused and said he had only given her $50. I laughed. When we got back to the hotel, Sam was already snuggled in bed, so before very long it was lights out.

I didn't sleep a wink. I kept checking my alarm clock all night so as not to oversleep. I finally got out of bed at 3:30. The race started at 6:30, so we were meeting in the lobby at 5:15 to drive over. Sam had said not to let him sleep past 4:30. So, I got up and made some coffee, ate a Clif bar, and showered. I swear when the light came on in the bathroom, the whole room lit up with those dad-gum French doors. I'm surprised Sam was able to sleep. We all met in the lobby at 5:15 but kept going back and forth to our rooms because we'd forgotten stuff. As we finally started out the door to the car, it started to sprinkle. Back to the rooms for brown plastic trash bags (for wearing.)

Brian drove us all downtown in Veronica's car, we parked and made our way towards the starting line. We were still early, so we snuck into a really nice old hotel to sit in the lobby and use their restooms. We found a spot to sit, looked out the window, and the deluge began. Lots of lightning. Soon, word came that the race start had been delayed 30 minutes until 7. The rain never let up, but the lightning stopped, so people started making their way towards the starting line about 6:45.

We waited on Veronica for one last restroom stop, the lines were long, and we didn't actually head to the starting line until about 6:55 -- race start at 7, and we were at least 4 blocks away. Marty and Sam had left earlier (we didn't see them again.) So, we hustled over in the driving rain and wind. We weren't sure where we were going, but looked over and could see people running, so we made a left and headed that way. Before we knew it, we were in a huge crowd of 5Kers who were standing and waiting for their race to start -- about 20 minutes after the marathon start. They didn't want to let us squeeze through -- at one point I thought we'd never get through, but we finally did, assuring them we were marathoners and needed to get going. I had forgotten to start my Garmin in all the confusion, so I turned it on, and it finally found a satellite about a minute past the starting line. We were on our way. Heavy driving rain with lots of wind, and super-chilly temps. It wasn't too far before we ran through our first puddles deep enough to completely soak our shoes and feet.

Veronica and I ran together the whole 26.2 miles. We picked up Jaulik (who ran with our group in the spring) at about the half-way point, and she ran with us the rest of the way also. Sam was doing the half-marathon and passed us at about mile 7 -- he and Marty had actually started behind us since we had squeezed our way through the 5Kers to the front of the line. We never saw Bill or Courtney or Alan or Robert. We tried to stay on pace as best as we could -- at every mile marker I gave a report of how many minutes we were off on our 4:30 goal, and gave assurance that we could possibly make up some time at the end (we were using a "modified warm-up" pace band where you start and finish slower.) I tossed my Gatorate bottle at the halfway point, I had only taken a few sips, and was tired of carrying it. The rain stopped for about 3 miles from miles 13-15. I actually took off the soaked $2 sweatshirt I had picked up for Veronica and I at Academy (months ago for the Austin marathon, which was hot, so didn't need them), but I tied it around my waist just in case I might need it later. Veronica never took hers off -- she was frozen the whole way.

At mile 15 it clouded up, and the rain started again. This time it was heavier, windier, colder, and at two different points contained hail. Lots of lightning. I put my wet sweatshirt back on. We kept moving forward -- it was so cold and windy, there was no stopping, we had to keep moving to stay warm and keep the hypothermia away. Veronica was fighting like a champ to keep going. At mile 22, I looked over and made eye contact with her, and the tears were flowing, so I decided I couldn't make eye contact any more, or we'd never finish. So, we just kept going. We did finish -- Veronica, Jaulik and I side-by-side! Ran the entire way! 4:46:50 was our finish time, which was respectable given the circumstances.

Near the end, Veronica said she was so cold that she felt like she was going to pass out when we stopped at the finish line. She was not looking well. We finished together, stood for a moment as they draped our medals around our neck, and headed down the chute. Almost right away was the medical tent -- we snuck in the back door. There was a blowing heater in there! We stood for a few minutes trying to get warm, and then someone stood up from one of the chairs, so Veronica was able to sit down. Finally, I thought I was warmer, and I said I was going to go find Brian and bring him back. Don't move from right here, I said. I walked outside in the driving cold rain, walked further down the chute and didn't see anyone I knew, and began to get bone-chilled again, so I headed back to the tent. Veronica was huddled in the corner, shaking all over. She said she was not getting warmed up and was going to need some medical help.

I went over and flagged someone down and said we needed some help, so they cleared a table, and I walked Veronica over to the table, and they laid her down, took off her shoes and socks, made a tent so she could discreetly change into one of their medic dry shirts, and then they wrapped her up like a mummy in a couple of blankets. Her vitals signs were good; she was just super-chilled. She started to come back around before too long and kept telling me to go back over where the heater was because I was shivering, too, and to look for Brian. I'd walk to the edge of the tent, look out at the driving rain, and thought there is no way I was going back out there again. I prayed for Brian to walk in, instead. Every few minutes I'd go back and check on her and let her know I hadn't found Brian, yet. I wasn't for sure how to get to the car from where we were (Veronica had the key!), where anybody else was, or how in the world we were going to get out of this place. The rain kept pounding.

Finally, I overheard someone mention something about somebody shuttling people to their cars -- 5 at a time in a mini-van. I commandeered a ride for us on the first one, and we shuffled out into the rain and into the warm mini-van. By the time we finally got to the car, we were starting to thaw a little and cheer up a bit. But, we got in Veronica's car and started it up, and it was freezing in there, so we started to shiver and shake again. She started dialing people to see where they were. Next thing we knew, Marty was walking up to the car. He had been in the building across the street and saw us. Sam and Brian were at the Starbucks up the street -- they said stay right there, and they'd come to us.

In all the excitement, we had given up on getting a finisher's shirt, but once we were all in the car, Sam said if we'd drive over near the finish line, he'd jump out and go get our shirts, so we did, and Sam got our shirts. We finally got back to the hotel around 2, and got chilled again getting from the parking lot into the hotel. After I took a hot shower, made a cup of coffee, and put on all the layers of clean dry clothes I had left, I finally started to warm up.

On our way back home, we stopped at Cracker Barrel for a hot lunch, which took forever, got a little chilled again, and then headed for home. There was lots of construction on I35 coming home, at one point, coming to a complete stop, and the rain and storms were wild from before Ardmore all the way to Denton, but we finally made it back to Sam's truck in Denton to drop him off, to Marty's near White Rock Lake to drop him off, and home by 7:45. During the trip home, I finally had to tone down the heat in the car -- we finally got thawed out.

Takeaways from this year's OKC. Next year, pay a little more to stay at a hotel within walking distance of the starting line. Go to Walmart and stock up on 88 cent clear plastic parkas with hoodies (that you can probably wear the entire race and the photographers can see your number through it -- with our sweatshirts covering our numbers, our pictures of the experience will be buried in the lost and found pictures.) Figure out something besides Clif bars and Clif Shot Bloks to eat during the races -- all that sweet starts to get nauseating afterwhile -- I'm thinking maybe those peanut butter-filled pretzels. Will have to try some training runs with those.

OKC was quite the experience, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Can't wait for the next marathon.

Next Up: Nov. 19 Wild Hare 50-Mile Endurance Trail Run
50 while I'm still 50 -- turn 51 on Nov. 20

Garmin Statistics:
Overall: Miles: 26.65; Time: 4:47:12; Pace: 10:47
Laps: 41 degrees/1-10:19, 2-10:59, 42 degrees/3-10:48, 4-10:26, 5-10:37, 39 degrees/6-10:33, 7-10:34, 8-10:27, 38 degrees/9-10:37, 10-10:52, 11-11:19, 37 degrees/12-10:57, 39 degrees/13-10:54, 14-10:42, 38 degrees/15-10:20, 16-10:17, 37 degrees/17-10:27, 18-10:25 19-10:27, 36 degrees/20-10:19, 21-10:24, 37 degrees/22-10:41, 23-10:54, 24-11:15, 25-11:47, 36 degrees/26-12:06, .6-12:05

Lily Loves Santa!

2010-11-29T06:15:00.005-06:00

He's delicious!

The Technodrome

2010-11-03T08:14:00.004-05:00

I have to document these stories while I can still remember them.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Technodrome was the must-have toy for boys in the late 80s/early 90s. John insisted it was all he wanted for Christmas. It wasn't cheap.

Putting together the Technodrome was more torturous than working a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle. I'm sure there were more parts than that. I spent hours putting it together on Christmas Eve after the kids had gone to bed.

But, I finally got it together. I had taken my time, was very careful, and it looked exactly like the picture on the box. Sweet success. The only task left was to apply the decals.

So, I got out the decals to add the final finishing touch. At the top of the page of decals was a note:

"Make sure to apply decals to the individual parts before putting the Technodrome together."

Giving Camping Some Thought

2010-10-21T16:09:00.000-05:00

We used to go camping when the kids were little. We outgrew the desire to do that over the years, I guess. But, I'm starting to think that might be fun again. I'm sure camping would be a solo adventure for me now, though. Maybe I'll try it out in the back yard first.

We used to camp at Lake Bonham with the Byrd and Falls families. I remember on one trip the Byrds and Praters got there first. The wives took the kids over to the playground, and Mark Byrd and I struggled to get our tents up. Sweltering heat, dusty wind, uneven ground, bent tent stakes, profanity-laced outbursts. Mark finally came over to give me a hand. We eventually got both tents up, our hair going in all directions, our faces covered with dust, our shirts salt-stained, but our egos feeling accomplished.

The Falls finally arrived, and David, decked out in plaid shorts, polo shirt, and topsiders, hopped out of their mini-van and sent Teri and the kids out to play. David turned a little handle and popped up their camper, canopy and all. Mark and I looked at each other and hung our heads in shame. When David started stringing those party lights through the trees, we got misty-eyed and had to look away. What kind of men are we, we thought? What kind of fathers?

We headed over to join the others at the playground. Mark and I draped ourselves over a bench, totally pooped, while David scampered over to play with the kids. We should be ashamed of ourselves! What kind of men are we? What kind of fathers?

We men finally snuck back to camp for some snacks. Mark and I got out our Ho-Hos and Ding-Dongs and Nutty Buddys and Bugles and Cheetos and Big Red; David got out a big bag of grapes and plums and some sparkling water. And, man did David ever eat some grapes and plums! By the time the girls and kids got back about an hour later, David was starting to turn green and was laid back in one of his adirondack chairs with a wet towel over his face.

What kind of a man is that, we thought? What kind of a father is that?

Jesus, Is That You?

2010-09-15T10:26:00.002-05:00

I used to see (who I referred to as) Cap'n Jack on my early morning runs -- an older, heavy-set fellow wearing a fishing cap and kind of lumbering along. I didn't see him all the time -- just on mornings when I was a little down, or maybe working out a frustration or something in my head (I do that a lot on my solo home runs.) Some mornings we'd be on the same side of the street, some not. But, a smile and big ol' wave from Cap'n Jack always lifted my spirits. (Remember, this was usually at 4:30 in the morning!)

It's been over a year since I've seen Cap'n Jack, but now I have a new friend. A little old lady out walking, wearing her AM/FM headphones with the antenna all the way up (yes it's still 4:30 in the morning.) Even though we often pass just inches from each other, she smiles and waves with her whole body. I don't see her all the time -- just on mornings when I am a little down... A big smile and whole-body wave from my little old lady friend always lifts my spirits.

Jesus, that's you, isn't it?!

(My) Vision for the 4:30 Training Group

2010-08-22T15:08:00.002-05:00

This is an open letter to the DRC Fall Training Program - 4:30 Full Marathon Training Group.

Dear friends,

Ashley and I are so thrilled that you have chosen to make the journey to the starting line of the marathon with us. What an honor you have bestowed on us, and what a responsibility we now have!

If you haven't already, I think you will soon get a sense that Ashley and I (and all the pace leaders) take this very seriously and have dedicated this season of our lives to helping you get to the starting line trained and healthy. Yes, we're for real. Really.

But it's more than just getting to the starting line -- it's discovering who we will become between now and then. We won't be the same people then as we are now; trust me. We will be something supremely different, and better.

I'm reading Tony Dungy's new book "The Mentor Leader: Secrets to Building Teams That Win Consistently." Can I be so bold as to attempt a Vision, Mission and Values for our group? Having a vision, mission and set of values will enable us to make group decisions that are focused on where we want to go and be.

Vision A picture of where we want to be, what we want to look like, what we hope things will be like in the future.

I have a picture in my head of us huddling together at the starting line of the White Rock Marathon, near the person holding up the 4:30 sign. We're each wrapped in one of those cheap fleece blankets (imagine that, now!) - that we're going to throw off to the side when the race starts, to be picked up and given to someone else who is trying to stay warm but can't afford a cheap fleece blanket. We're all there, every one of us. Not a single one of us was lost to injury or burnout this fall. The race starts, we say our goodbyes, and we're all off to run our race.

My next picture is of us gathering together again for a group picture in the chute past the finish line of the marathon. We've each run our own race and are together again. Some of us ran together, some of us didn't. We've all just had the time of our lives, can't even really remember what our finish time was, and are on top of the world. What smiles! And, we're wondering when we can go do this again.

Mission Why do we exist? Why are we doing what we're doing? Why bother with all of this, anyway?

We exist, the DRC Fall Training Program - 4:30 Full Marathon Training Group, to help each other accomplish that vision. We are in this together. At least two days a week, we will run not as individuals, but collectively as a group. There is a higher power in group running - we can accomplish things together we would never be able to do on our own (for example, run 4+ miles in 100+ degree temperatures!)

We are doing this to find that person inside of us we kind of knew existed, but may have never met. Again, trust me, the person standing at the starting line of the marathon won't be the same person you know right now.

Why bother with this, anyway? Because this new person is going to be infinitely more-capable of giving back to others. I think we do this because there are others, who we might not even know right now, who are counting on us to become these new people, counting on us to be prepared to help them take this same journey we just took, maybe even as early as next spring. We are preparing ourselves now to be able to share this experience with others in the future.

Values "Rules of the road," how we will treat each other, what is important to us

We can come up with these as we go along...
What is important (to me) is that every time we get together to run, we have fun. Running is meant to be fun. Group running can be a blast. It's really a social event - a chance to get together with our friends, enjoy each others' company, and accomplish something that is good for our bodies and for our souls. Let's enjoy each route we take together.

We will encourage each other. We will do our best to stick close together when we run. (We didn't join a group to then run by ourselves, did we?) If someone needs to take an extra water stop on a hot day, we'll stop. If we need to take a little longer stop so somebody can sneak in to the restroom, we'll wait. Our group is special in that we have two pace leaders - between Ashley and I, we can make sure that nobody gets left behind. Ideally, though, we will start and finish our group runs together.

We will be known for our respect and encouragement of the other DRC runners, other runners, cyclists, walkers, skaters, etc.

Basically, we will create an environment that we all can't wait to get to each Wednesday and Saturday. That's the 4:30 Full Marathon Training Group.

So, there you go. We have a long journey ahead of us, one we've just started, and I promise you, one we will never forget. It's going to be a real trip!

Thanks again for trusting Ashley and I with your presence in our group. Hope you had a good run today, friends.
Nelson

I Used to Think 50 Was Old

2010-06-30T05:43:00.001-05:00

When I was ten, twenty seemed old. We had a family friend who was twenty, drank black coffee, and played the guitar. I thought he was old, but I sure wanted to learn how to play that guitar.

When I was twenty, thirty seemed old. I was standing in the checkout line with a mother and her young daughter who bumped me, and the mother said, "Say you're sorry to the nice man." Ouch.

When I was thirty, forty seemed old. My son would already be fifteen, and my daughter twelve when I turned forty.

When I was forty, fifty seemed old. Now that I'm fast approaching fifty, sixty seems old.

I'm going to keep running so that when I turn sixty, seventy will seem old.

Saved

2010-04-22T05:49:00.003-05:00

(Thanks, Phil, for reminding me of this story.) I never could figure out what being "saved" meant. Saved from what?

When I was 7 or 8, my best buddy Kevin Owens and I were throwing the football in the front yard when some guy walked up and asked if we wanted to be "saved." Sounded interesting to us, so we said OK. He said a prayer over us, gave us a mini Bible, and declared us "saved."

We thought that was cool and went inside for some Kool-Aid.

The Secret to Parking at Winfrey Point

2010-03-17T14:08:00.001-05:00

Shhhh.... There's a secret to parking at Dallas Running Club races that start at Winfrey Point. Interested?

It was frigid at the last February race -- below freezing before and near freezing afterward. With limited parking at Winfrey Point, many parked at the clubhouse and walked over. When it's not frigid out, it's not really very far -- a nice walk before and after the race, and maybe even a short warm-up run.

After the February race, I gave Mike and Sam a ride back to their cars. Sam drew the short straw and flopped over into the bed of my little truck -- like a piece of red, raw meat. It was so cold, and he looked so miserable back there. If he hadn't been so sweaty and gross, I would have thrown him the Mexican blanket I have over the seat in my truck.

But, this doesn't have to be. There is a secret to parking at Winfrey Point. Wanna know what it is?

Volunteer.

Those parking spaces right up by the door are reserved for volunteers. Well, not really reserved, but the volunteers get there first and have their pick of the prime spots.

Did you know you can volunteer and run the race? There are lots of jobs race runners can do before or after the race.

There's no telling what kind of new things Jason could plan at the DRC races if he could count on an abundance of extra volunteers.

If you've already registered to run the April 5-miler, you can go back and register to also volunteer. And, when you register for the May race, go ahead and register twice -- once to run, once to volunteer. You'll feel great about yourself, you'll get a prime parking spot, and your DRC will have a better race and be a better running club because you volunteered.

What's in your race volunteer wallet?

Now's the Time to Plan for a 1-Year Marathon

2009-12-19T08:25:00.000-06:00

I'm carbo-loading for my second 1-year marathon. It begins Jan. 1 and ends Dec. 31, 2010.

If you've never read the entire Holy Bible, but have always wanted to, now's the time to start planning. You're runners; you're disciplined people. So, there's no doubt you can do it, if you want to. If you don't, no big deal. But, if you do... I did it in 2008, took off in 2009, and am going to do another one in 2010.

I've always been a New Testament junkie. I've read the New Testament over and over, enough times now that I feel I have a good sense of who Jesus is and how he would prefer we behave towards each other. I can't quote Bible verses, but I have this sense.

I had never read the Old Testament very much. And, I was getting indigestion from others taking a few lines out of their context and shoving them down my throat. I wanted the whole story so I could make up my own mind. But, how do I approach such a big reading assignment?

The One-Year Bible. The entire Holy Bible broken up into daily readings, starting Jan. 1. Old Testament, Proverbs, Psalms, and New Testament every day. A mere 15-20 minute reading commitment each day. And, on New Year's Eve 2010, you finish the whole thing. I like to start my day with it (say, 3:30 a.m. for me) and then I have my 4 a.m. run and the rest of the day to give that day's reading some thought. One could start his day in worse ways.

If you've ever wanted to read the entire Holy Bible, now's the time to go get you a One-Year Bible and lay it out so you are ready on Jan. 1. Good luck. You just ran a half-marathon or marathon. This will be a walk in the park compared to that.

My Work is On the Roads

2009-12-01T05:44:00.001-06:00

I ran up on a young man this morning at mile 2. He was maybe 20. Maybe not that old. Walking, but didn't seem to really be walking anywhere. Short sleeves. It was 4:20 and 42 degrees. He looked scared.

I started doing a lot of praying. Praying for warmth. Praying he would get to wherever he was going. Praying a police car would come by and give him a warm ride somewhere. Praying for guidance on what I should do. I turned back towards home at mile 3, and when I got back to mile 4, he was gone.

Jesus and I had a pretty good little conversation the last 2 miles. What if he were my son out there? (Well, isn't he? Really? -- sometimes Jesus answers me with a question.) What would I have wanted someone else to do if it were my son? What should I have done? What should I do?

We came to the conclusion that I definitely needed to start carrying a cellphone. And, I've got plenty of room in my windbreaker pockets for an extra pair of gloves and maybe a Clif bar. And, a sweatshirt tied around my hips isn't going to make me any slower than I already am (and, who cares how it looks -- it's 4 o'clock in the morning, for crying out loud.)

I'm beginning to think there is work for me on the early morning roads of Garland.

Some Guys Buy Flowers

2009-10-22T08:41:00.001-05:00

Dale Carnegie wrote that he goes fishing in Maine every summer. He wrote that he is fond of strawberries and cream, but that fish prefer worms -- so he fishes with worms.

Some guys buy flowers.

Kelly loves Handi-Wipes. She uses them for a week, throws them in the wash, gets a new one out, and uses the old one for cleaning. She hasn't been able to find them at the store for weeks. Last weekend, she was excited to discover a couple of old/new ones at the bottom of the tablecloth drawer at her mother's house.

I found a 72-pack of Handi-Wipes on eBay on Monday and ordered them for her. They came yesterday. No dozen roses could have brought the delight those six dozen Handi-Wipes did.

Some guys buy flowers. Sometimes I buy flowers. Kelly prefers gladiolas and gerber daisies.

But, guys, before you pick up a bouquet of flowers on your way home, you might consider what else might bring her more delight than a dozen roses.

You might try fishing with worms.

Stress Test Today

2009-10-14T08:41:00.000-05:00

During my routine physical this week, I let it slip that my plan pays outpatient diagnostics at 100%. And that's why, I think, I have a stress test today at 2. (I'm wearing my DRC RUN shirt to it! I didn't think he could handle my Team Sprinkles shirt.)

I told my doctor that I had a 7 p.m. run tonight, and that 1-this better be a treadmill because I don't do bikes anymore and 2-if this was going to interfere with my run tonight, the deal was off. He was OK with that.

He also said, "You look wimpier this year." I replied, "Your hair looks thinner." (We have this kind of relationship.) He said, "No, I'm serious." I replied, "I am too." He said, "You need to eat more protein. At our age, we can't afford to have any muscle-mass loss." I replied, "We're not in the same category. And, if you want to go out back for a throw-down, I'll show you."

But, that's why I have a heck of a Dagwood turkey sandwich in my lunchbox today. And, a big ol' Sprinkles water bottle full of chocolate milk filled and ready to bring for my after-run dinner tonight.

A Run I'm Looking Forward To

2009-09-03T08:37:00.000-05:00

There's a run I'm particularly looking forward to, and I get butterflies in my stomach when I think about it. It's a little over 25 years from now. It's on a late December morning, maybe even Christmas morning, well before sunrise. It's cold out, but above freezing. It's calm, and quiet -- not a creature is stirring. There is some frost on the rooftops, an occasional smell of a fireplace going, and several houses that have left the Christmas lights on all night. And, I'm thinking as I run that there's no better time to be alive, to be a runner.

All of my running decisions are made with this run in mind.

Yellow is the New Green?

2009-08-12T16:26:00.000-05:00

OK, we're all family here.

If you're following the new conservationism, the new water-saving movement (like I do), you're bound to have heard "yellow is the new green."

"In the land of fun and sun, we don't flush for #1."

"If it's yellow, let it mellow. If it's brown, flush it down."

OK, so these environmentalists could improve on their poetry skills.

But, how do you feel about that? Not flushing for #1 (unless company is on the way, of course.) Have you ever pondered that?

Today's Police Car Count: 4

2009-08-11T08:53:00.004-05:00

There is only one 1/4-mile stretch of my regular route where I've either got to run on the street or jump the curb and run in a field (which is full of dips and drops and weeds). Since this stretch is so short, I run with traffic and keep my eye out for headlights behind me coming down Shiloh. There's not much traffic at 4:15, so it's not usually an issue.

I can't use headlights as a warning sign anymore.

This morning I got through the stretch and got back up in the alley -- and here came 4 Garland police cars creeping up Shiloh with their headlights off. 3 with lights on top, 1 unmarked. 2 going the right way on my side of the road. 2 going the wrong way on the other side. Hmmm... this couldn't be good.

They turned into the apartment complex just ahead and were out of sight -- for just a minute when they all came barreling out with their lights on this time. I just kept plodding along.

They made a U-turn at Arapaho, and all 4 converged on a man walking down the sidewalk carrying a black trash bag. I swung out and around them (out of stray bullet range, I was thinking) and just kept plodding along. They still had the road blocked off when I came by there 5 miles later.

I think the Garland police know me by now out there, but I've played in my head what to tell them if they stop me. I live next door to former City Councilperson Mark Monroe; I am current City Councilperson Rick Williams's appointee to the Garland Library Advisory Board; Office Shannon Wilson can vouch for me -- we served on the City Charter Review Committee a few years ago; and I'm wearing my RoadID bracelet listing my name, phone number, and Kelly's name to call for help.

And, if things get really messy, I've got my Catholic 3-way cross around my neck that says on the back "I'm Catholic. Call a priest."

26 Years Ago Today

2009-08-06T10:24:00.001-05:00

26 years ago today, I was constantly checking my dress shoes to make sure one of my brothers hadn't written "SAVE ME" or "HELP ME" on the bottom of them. Father Fernandez told me to be vigilant, that such wasn't good when I was kneeling at the altar exposing the bottoms of my shoes to friends and family at the church.

I wasn't a Catholic at the time, and I remember Father Fernandez particuarly addressing me saying he didn't expect me to listen to church hymns in the car, so don't expect him to allow Neil Diamond music in his church. I didn't have any Neil Diamond LPs, so this was OK with me. Kelly's friend Kathy Wilson was a classically-trained singer, and she ended up playing the piano and singing Ave Maria so beautifully that even the statue of Mary was weeping.

26 years ago today, my brother insisted we needed a limo to take us from the church to the reception. Kelly and I were the last to leave for the reception, waiting outside almost 30 minutes in the August 6th heat for the limo to arrive. At the reception, my brother took me off to the side and whispered that I needed to write a check and give it to him to pay the limo driver, and to make sure I included a generous tip.

26 years ago today, whoever got to the reception first insisted they start pouring champagne (even though, on our shoestring budget, we had decided only to have enough for one toast.) When we arrived, the champagne was flowing, and my sister-in-law was already slurring her words and dirty-dancing with one of my co-workers. I never saw my groom's cake -- it was all gone by the time we got there. I hear it was a delicious German chocolate.

Fred was at the reception. Kelly and I met at the grocery store -- she was a checker, and I was a courtesy clerk. When I got promoted to checker, and thus had a future, she agreed to go out with me. Fred was one of our regular customers. A sweet and salty old man. Lived right across the street and walked over. Came in the mornings to drink coffee in the snack bar with his buddies. If one of us were on break, he'd pull up a chair. We visited Fred when he was sick. Checked on him from time to time at his apartment if we hadn't seen him for awhile. Fred is gone now, but we remember him when we look at our wedding pictures.

26 years ago, I was green. I wasn't so gentlemanly, and modest, as I am now. Kelly has trained me well, coached me along, turned me into an infinitely better man than I would have been otherwise. And, I'm still a work in progress. I know that. I don't try to kid myself.

(Note to my running girl-friends: We men don't come pre-packaged and ready-to-show. We're pretty much hairy, spoiled little boys whose Mama has tended to our every need for the past 20 or more years. We're yours now. It's your job to coach us, teach us, mold us, turn us into the men who are going to be good fathers for your babies, God-fearing and dedicated husbands, reliable providers for your family, and community-serving citizens. It's pretty much up to you now. If you need some advice or tips, feel free to contact Kelly, or meet up with her at the August 15th Team Sprinkles get-together. She'd be glad to help you.)

So, what does this have to do with running? As marathon runners, some of us are also green (I know I am.) We're on week 5 of a 23-week program. But, think of how far we've already come in just 5 weeks since our initial run on 7/11. In just 5 weeks, our fitness level has improved exponentially. In just 5 weeks, I have met some new people whose company I enjoy immensely, and who I genuinely miss between Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Considering the progress we've made in just 5 weeks, imagine who we are going to be at 23 weeks.

My old boss, who convinced me to run my first marathon in 1997, was also a mountain climber. When the going was particularly treacherous, his group would tie themselves together with a long rope so that if one person fell, the others would catch him so he didn't fall off the mountain, and then he could get back up and get going again. That's going to be us at this year's White Rock Marathon.

26 years ago today. Happy Anniversary, dear!

And, So He Went Home By Another Way

2009-07-28T08:22:00.004-05:00

I checked the radar, and it looked like I might have a short window this morning to do my run, so I finished the Brad Paisley article I was reading in my Cowboys and Indians magazine, and headed out a little after 4.

There were 3 Garland Police cars down at the end of the street at what we refer to as "the nightmare house." Having the police down there is not such a big deal anymore, but a regular occurrence. Lots of fighting and drinking and just general carousing goes on down there at all hours of the day and night. Our street is often strewn with beer bottles and the remains of fast food. I often take a trash bag when I go to deliver my neighbors' papers to their front porch. I could hear lots of shouting from down there this morning. I'm just glad we don't live closer. And, luckily, I run the other direction out of the neighborhood. (Though, with all that going on down there, I felt a little uncomfortable at taking off running away from 3 police cars.)

The air was thick and wet and still. Some guy turned in front of me and floored it, leaving a cloud of that burning smell a car makes when it gets too much gas and can't burn it all. He drove this way about a quarter of a mile, and thus the cloud ran that far. I was sure I was going to pass out from asphyxiation at some point. But, he turned off, and the air cleared just in time.

Someone else drove up close and yelled out at me. I jumped about 3 feet in the air. That was good for a warm-up -- got my heart pumping real good.

I didn't see any animals this morning -- I figured they had decided to sit this one out.

There was some lightning around, but nothing too close. Enough, though, to wake Kelly, who met me near the end of my run with the car (to rescue me.) I was almost to the end of our street, so I just finished up while she drove back home and put out the trash.

I normally finish my run and then cool down by walking down to the nightmare house and back. But, this morning, I went home by another way.

I've been eating better since our training program started. The pleats are starting to show up again in my work pants. So, that's a good thing.

Life With Ed (Nelson)

2009-07-26T10:20:00.004-05:00

I ran Kelly and Katie off the back porch this morning fertilizing the plants.

I use my 2.5-gallon sprayer with an organic mixture (I buy at Roach Feed and Seed in downtown Garland) that contains, among other things, fish and seaweed and molasses.

The every other week smell reminds me of all those fishing trips we made when I was a kid growing up in Corpus Christi.

Kelly and Katie don't share those memories, so for them it's just stink.

Life with Nelson.

I Wimped Out, To Save the Planet

2009-07-21T08:28:00.002-05:00

I made it about 1/3 of the way to running with Team Goldilocks this morning, checked my watch, made a U-turn, and went back home and did my morning run there.

I'm into the whole green thing these days. It's a pretty long drive from my house to the the start location. I knew if I ran with the Team once, I'd be hooked. I wish I lived closer.

I just couldn't do it. I've written articles for the paper on going green. I've set a goal of going a whole month between fill-ups (I've gone as far as 23 days so far -- OK, so I drove Kelly's car for a few days.) My drive to and from work is only about 10 minutes, on side streets. I try to limit myself to 1 lunch trip per week.

I'm buying Stonyfield Farms yogurt, and shopping Patagonia (when I have a gift card) these days -- both very green companies. I'm trying to buy local, in-season, organic when I can. I bring my own shopping bags to the store. I'm making my own Gatorade -- trying to avoid all those bottles in the recycling bin. Running my sprinkler system manually.

It just didn't seem right to be doing those things, and then to get in the truck and drive 25 minutes or so each way to run, when I can sleep a little later, head out the front door and do my run, be back in time for coffee and the morning funnies, and leave a much smaller carbon footprint.

I know that the porridge at the Team Goldilocks runs is just right -- because I've looked at the team members, and they're my favorite runners on the planet. But, Papa Bear's porridge is going to have to do for me.

For Everything a Season

2009-07-18T09:49:00.000-05:00

As I was driving to this morning's run, I saw a billboard for Chubby's Restaurant at Jupiter and Northwest Highway. And, I thought some of us are driving down to go run 7 miles, and some of us are driving down for some fried eggs, country potatoes, bacon, and biscuits with sausage gravy.

Don't get me wrong. For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to run, and a time to eat biscuits and gravy. (Hey, that's not in the Bible!)

I'm glad I am in my running season.

Another Life First -- 100-Degree Run

2009-07-16T12:33:00.000-05:00

I work for a health and wellness company. One of our subsidiaries is a life insurance company, which means most of us have excellent life insurance coverage. And, that's why I wasn't overly worried about last night's run.

When I left the house a little after 6, my wireless thermometer on the back porch in the shade read 105.2. Maybe it was much cooler by 7 -- maybe just 100.

As we stood in the sun waiting to start, Chris said "take your time, don't overdo, stop if you feel lightheaded." OK, I thought, I'm a little lightheaded right now.

As we got going, our fearless pace leader was yelling out, "you should be able to have a conversation." I was having a conversation, alright, the entire 4 miles, "Lord, forgive me for putting you to the test like this. Hail Mary. Glory be. Our Father..." A virtual rosary of running.

After the turnaround, headed back, I thought I heard Mary audibly responding to me -- from way out in the distance, maybe from the lake. She was yelling out, "Push yourself, but be comfortable. Find your happy place." "Mary, is that you?" I thought, "Are you coming to take me home? Mary, happy place?"

In all fairness, I had a better 4 miles in the heat than I had 6 miles last Saturday. It was actually OK. I chalk that up to clean living and finally starting to eat right.

My run this morning was boooring. Now that I know what running with a group is like, I'm not such the good company I once thought I was.

Regarding my life insurance. I'm worth exponentially more if my demise is accident-related. So, 10:30-11 team, if I crash and burn and it looks like I'm not going to make it -- do my family a favor and make it look like an accident.

Garland Smells in the Morning

2009-07-14T08:20:00.001-05:00

The big news on our side of Garland is that QuikTrip opens in 3 days. We must be Dorito-heads in northwest Garland, because there were 2 Doritos trucks unloading out front this morning.

Garland smells in the morning. Sometimes good, sometimes not so good.

Almost every morning (that I run) I experience the dreaded loud, smelly trash truck. It roars by leaving a thick cloud of stink, dripping liquid stink on the roadway. It pulls up to dumpsters, tosses them high in the air, shakes and bangs them a couple of times, and then slams them back down. And, in my area of Garland, usually close to someone who is sleeping. I guess the location that bothers me most is the Alzheimer's/memory care center. These poor people have a hard enough time sleeping, I'm sure, without the sound of crashing metal outside their windows at 4:30 in the morning.

This morning a group of cars drove by, and I smelled my 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Salvatore's perfume. I was one of Mrs. Salvatore's favorites, and she invited me to be on a small team to work after school to plant a school garden. I'll never forget the first day we worked, she took all of us into the teacher's lounge and bought us each a bottle of Coke. That was probably the highlight of my elementary school time, except for the time I got to help Dalene Owens carry our class Christmas tree to school.

Many mornings I smell the same guy drive by, and his cologne almost overwhelms me. I feel for those who have to work close to him. (Note to guys: I work in HR. We get calls constantly complaining about your cologne. Please either barely put it on, or avoid cologne altogether at work. And, at races and group runs -- please don't. If you need a good aftershave, pick up a bottle of SeaBreeze at the store -- it works as a wonderful and refreshing aftershave.)

Sometimes I smell Starbucks brewing; when the north wind is blowing, cinnamon rolls at Tom Thumb. Sometimes I know that Uncle Ollie and Aunt Novella are with me because I smell Skin Bracer strong (when no cars are around) and sausage patties frying up (when I'm in an open field).

I don't smell myself much, anymore, now that I've started washing my running clothes after each run.

Ahhh... Rest Days

2009-07-13T11:44:00.001-05:00

Mondays are rest days on my new training group's marathon training schedule. I don't normally rest on Mondays.

This marathon training stuff is great!

Cross-Training: Yow!

2009-07-12T10:12:00.002-05:00

Today was our first scheduled cross-training day. 30 minutes of some other exercise besides running. Work different muscles. Improve your fitness and stamina.

I always like how my legs feel after biking, so I pulled down the old mountain bike off the hooks in the garage, aired up the tires, and headed out.

I only went about a block before I had to turn around and come home -- bicycle seat torture. The bike seat was a smidgen more comfortable with a bath towel wedged into the back of my shorts (I have no bum, really). Every bump in the road a small penance for all my sins of the week.

I feel pretty great after my first cross-training experience, and look forward my next session.

I may have convinced the love of my life to go with me next Sunday. Marathoning may actually be good for the marriage, you see.

I Never Knew Running Could Be So Enjoyable

2009-07-11T10:39:00.001-05:00

I never knew running could be so enjoyable.

This morning was my first Dallas Running Club (DRC) Saturday morning training run towards completing the 2009 Dallas White Rock Marathon. There were about 400 or so people out there, in all shapes and sizes, colors and nationalities. What a colorful, beautiful, and diverse group. There were many different pace groups.

My friend Roxanne and I talked before our run about it being like the first day of school. Especially for me. Roxanne was about all I knew there. So, I kind of stood around while others visited. Thinking they were all looking at me. Wondering which ones I'd eventually be friends with. Roxanne is doing a triathlon in a couple of weeks, and this is her first marathon. She is amazingly dedicated. What an inspiration she is for me.

Today was 6 miles. It was HARD! I've been running 6 miles in the early morning hours, but in the daylight, on a somewhat bumpy and hilly path, was something totally different. I've got to get in better shape and trust the schedule they gave me -- and take these Saturday morning runs very seriously.

Today was something I've never done in my life. It was such a pleasure to run 6 miles with a group of cheerleaders, and not in the least bit be trying to go faster than anyone. We were all in this 6 miles together, today.

Running bliss.

Flagship Hotel - Galveston Island, Texas

2009-07-08T09:06:00.002-05:00

Start Time: 6 a.m.
Temperature: 84 degrees (at least 100% humidity)
Location: Galveston Island, Texas Seawall Boulevard
Wildlife Report: Lots of seagulls, some pelicans
Police Report: None
Distance: 7 miles
Time: 1:16:30

Hurricane Ike knocked out all the lighting from the Galvestonian to Seawall Boulevard, so I didn't feel comfortable running on the roads through the dunes in the pitch dark. Usually I leave at about 5:30. Once the sun comes up the back (of my out and back run) gets brutal.

On the way to the Flagship Hotel, which is my turn around point, I thought I saw Kara Goucher running down Seawall towards me. It wasn't Kara, but she was a delight anyway, and she smiled and waved. Let me be honest -- that smile and wave makes all the miles I log worthwhile. It's why I get up and keep going out the door in the early mornings.

The Flagship Hotel is as it was post-Ike. No driveway to get from the road to the hotel. Parts of it missing. I don't see it coming back. Kind of sad. When my kids were little and starting to read, it was the "Flags-hip" hotel. It will always be the Flags-hip to us.

The wind was in my face on the way out, but at my back on the way back -- when made it almost neglible. About halfway back, my face felt blood red, and I was a little lightheaded. I had finished half of my 6 Fuel Belt bottles, so I stopped and ran/walked the rest of the way. Actually my time was only 3 minutes slower than last year.

During one walk break, I noticed a little tiny 2X2-inch book on the ground. I picked it up. It was a "Personal Bible: Verses of Comfort, Assurance, Salvation". If that wasn't the Lord providing me just what I needed at the just the right time, I don't know what is. I read it during my walk breaks.

I was pooped last night after a late-night putt-putt game, so I slept in and plan a cross-training day today -- the dreaded surrey.

I'm hoping to have pictures soon. Run on, friends.

Galveston's Oaks Are No More

2009-07-06T21:47:00.002-05:00

Drove to Galveston Island, Texas today for some fun and sun on the beach.

I try to start my mornings here with a run from the Galvestonian to the Flagship Hotel and back -- almost 7 miles. The Flagship Hotel appears will never be built following Hurricane Ike -- too much gone.

As you drive down Broadway in Galveston, what's most stunning are the rows and rows of dead oak trees. The saltwater that flooded the island last year with Hurricane Ike has killed virtually all the oaks -- some majestic and very old.

The trees are something that can't be rebuilt.

Chased By a Thunderstorm, and a Grackle

2009-07-05T07:59:00.002-05:00

Start Time: 5:10 a.m.
Temperature: 79.5 degrees
Location: Garland, Texas
Wildlife Report: 3 cottontails
Police Report: 0 cars
Distance: 6 miles
Time: 1:01:35

Sunday morning runs always have the potential of being wonderful -- I leave so that as I make my turnaround, the sun is rising. Often, stunningly beautiful. At the end of my Sunday morning runs, there is also the potential for excitement -- since early spring, grackles have been dive-bombing me as I run by where I assume they are nesting. When you're in a mental "zone", and something loud swoops down and brushes your head, it can be harrowing. I embarrassingly let out a loud yelp, and then look around to see if anyone saw or heard me.

This morning I was chased by a thunderstorm. About 2 miles out, it started to sprinkle a bit. By 3 miles it was a pretty good rain. Normally, this would be wonderful, but as hot and steamy as it was this morning (a visual steambath rising from the pavement), this had the potential of developing into a serious thunderstorm. So, I made the turn and high-tailed it home. Safe and sound. Thank you, Lord.

I have been caught in serious thunderstorms twice, and don't like it a bit. So, I avoid that possibility as much as possible.

All-in-all, it was a good run. The wet roads kept me from "braking" which I have a tendency to do. I was totally soaked when I got home, but in a good way.

I ate a little bit this morning before my run, which I haven't been doing for awhile. I'm trying to turn myself into a real runner, perhaps to train and eat like a real athlete.

If You Can Call This a Rest Day

2009-07-04T15:50:00.005-05:00

Vacuumed out and washed Katie's car, and Kelly's car, and my truck.

Mowed and edged my neighbor's yard, and then my yard.

104.5 degrees.

Rest day.

To Live and Run Another Day

2009-07-03T08:19:00.004-05:00

Start Time: 4:15 a.m.
Temperature: 83.3 degrees
Location: Garland, Texas
Wildlife Report: 1 cottontail
Police Report: 0 cars
Distance: 12 miles
Time: 2:30:35

I walked the last 2 miles this morning. At mile 10, all 6 bottles in my Fuel Belt were empty, my ears were completely full (I thought I was under water), and my shoes and socks were making squooshing sounds.

This morning it was too warm, and I was too heavy, to do my normal 12-miler. So, I decided to stop and walk the last 2 -- to live and run another day.

All Over Garland on a Thursday

2009-07-02T09:03:00.013-05:00

Start Time: 4:10 a.m.
Temperature: 79.9 degrees
Location: Garland, Texas
Wildlife Report: 4 cottontails, 1 skunk (deceased), 1 armadillo
Police Report: 0 cars
Distance: 6 miles
Time: 1:05:37

The sound of my alarm clock sends me into orbit, so I often wake up right before it's about to go off and shut it off. Most of the time this works for me, other times I fall back to sleep and get behind on my morning.

The skunk (whose tail I almost stepped on this past Monday) was laying on the side of the road this morning. Kind of sad. She didn't spray me on Monday, and didn't spray whatever car hit her this morning.

My legs felt like logs this morning, after a day of rest. I think it was the Blue Bell ice cream I ate after dinner last night. I've got to get off the sweets, if I want my runs to be better, and if I want to lose this bale-of-cotton look I'm sporting right now. "Giving those pleats a run for their money, I see," Kelly says.

Uneventful run (which is always a good thing) except for the lone, young, male walker clutching a plastic grocery bag. I swung out wide into the street -- you just never know. He had a blank, almost-panicked look on his face. I sent up a little prayer, a Hail Mary, and an Our Father for him.

Got home in time to make a batch of cookies to take to Jim the barber. Men can still get a pretty good haircut in downtown Garland for just $8. I keep Jim supplied with cookies, he keeps my hair neat, and shares jars of his homemade jalapeno pepper jelly from time to time.

Stopped at Roach Feed and Seed to pick up a bag of milo for the doves -- we have whitewings, which is very unusual for this far north in Texas. I also picked up a bottle of organic liquid fertilizer concentrate to feed the outside plants with. It's made from fish and seaweed. She said it works wonders, but smells something awful. The love of my life is going to love that.

Rest Days are Good

2009-07-01T09:50:00.001-05:00

Ahhh... I slept in and took this morning off. Rest days are good.

Burger and Fries

2009-06-25T08:16:00.001-05:00

Have you ever seen anything so cute? My little niece Emma made these. The "bun" is a yellow cake cupcake, cut in two. The "burger" is a brownie. The condiments are colored icing. The "fries" are sugar cookies, cut into strips. Delicious!

My Brother's Gone Organic

2009-05-15T06:50:00.006-05:00

My older brother (not that much older) has gone organic.

I think this sudden change from Czech Stop cheese and apricot kolaches, washed down with gallons of full-fat whole milk, to organic was initiated by our trip to my mother's.

We had to check in at the security gate, my brother and his wife checking their truck through first. When we got to the security window, the officer said my dad in the truck in front of us had already checked us in. I've been calling him "Poppi" ever since.

The reality of his imminent demise has caused him to go organic. My years of running and trying to eat healthy have been good to me, I guess.

We talked yesterday on the phone, and he said he has switched to some kind of salt crystal for deodorant. I said, "Uh-huh. You know, Poppi, how those salt crystals work, don't you?"

"No, how? I just know it works."

"That salt gets in your system and dulls your ability to smell your own body odor."

Norman Bates may have proclaimed, "Well, a boy's best friend is his mother," but, there's nothing like the relationship between a boy and his Poppi.

I'm Having Weighty Thoughts

2009-04-28T09:05:00.003-05:00

I'm considering doing some weight training. Again. I think God has been thumping me on the back of the head about this lately. It seems that everything I pick up to read is talking about how I need to be doing some weight training. To be a better runner. Better person. Better All-Pro Dad. Better husband. Better Catholic. OK, maybe not a better Catholic.

My friend Mary Rigney at CrossFit Rockwall says I have a whole new life of fitness just waiting for me. And, if you know Mary, you know that Mary knows.

I'd like to be stronger than my wife. She does weight training, and Pilates, and yoga at the gym. And, before she goes, she does power walking at home. I tried to walk with her once, but sprained my knee trying to keep up and had to return to my running to recover. I'd like to not have to cower down behind her when a bully approaches.

And, I'd like to not have to wrestle with a bag of mulch like it was a dead body. And, I have lower back pain that I know would go away with the right back training program.

I tried weight training once. Years ago, when I was a newlywed. We received a free 3-month membership. I went once. You have to understand that I'm of the if-one-is-good-two-is-better faction (Blue Bell pints, Johnsonville brats, reps, sets). When my trainer wasn't looking, I'd do another rep, another set. I felt pumped on the way home. Then, my wife had to shampoo my head and towel me off because my chest was so tight, I couldn't get my hands above my shoulders. For two days. But, it's been almost 26 years since then. I've grown, matured, gotten much smarter - ahem.

I bought my son and I a home gym set of weights for Christmas when he was a junior in high school. We were going to lift weights three days a week. It's been two years since he graduated from college, and I'm still reminded every day that I have a home weight gym because I have to just bump it (to get my truck to fit) when I pull into the garage.

It's not a vanity thing. I don't think. I'm just trying to figure out some magic combination of exercise that will enable me to eat Blue Bell ice cream nightly, and Hershey's milk chocolate daily, and still wear size 36 pants.

We go to Galveston every year for a week. I keep my shirt on. To keep from getting sunburned. Yeah, right. A couple of years ago there was this beautiful specimen of male human being college student in the surf with us, floating by. The girls (wives included) were all nervous and faint, even from way up under the umbrellas on the shore. I struck up a conversation with him out in the surf. Evan.

"You're the reason I keep my shirt on, you know." "Hey, all I have to do is go to class, study, work out, and come to the beach." We chatted for awhile, and then he floated on along. I have to admit, I kind of had a crush on him myself.

Later, I told the girls, "Evan is a nice guy. I invited him to come to dinner with us." "Oh my God, Daddy! Tell me you are kidding. Please, no." "Oh, I'm just kidding. Sheesh." We were all up at the pool finishing up after a day in the surf, and I had my shirt off. Here came Evan. "Hey, you have your shirt off -- good for you!" he said. "I thought you had class this afternoon." "Got cancelled."

One of these days soon I'm going to bump that home weight gym, and then back right back out of the garage and get out and do a couple of sets. But, only if I'm sure my wife is home. In case I need help showering.

Running = Happiness?

2009-04-27T15:31:00.000-05:00

People undertake a new fitness or weight-loss program because they think the end result will ultimately make them “happier.” Let me help you out. Please don’t do that.

I'm a happy runner, a very happy person really. But, running isn't responsible for my happiness. My fitness level, my strength and stamina, my not being a medical burden on my family, my energy level, my good spiritedness, my positive outlook on life -- yes. My happiness? Well...

Happiness is so subjective. My happiness is based on who I am right now. What makes me happy right now may not make me happy tomorrow, or next week, or 20 minutes from now. I won't be the same person then as I am now; I’ll have had an infinite number of life experiences between now and then that will have changed my perception of happiness. (Imagine, trying to plan a "happy" retirement. Lord knows what’s going to bring me happiness 20 years from now!)

I was about this happy as a non-runner 15 years ago. When I was someone who had never run a 5K, a 10K, the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot, the DRC Half Marathon, the White Rock Marathon. I was perfectly happy (whatever that is) with getting 8 hours of sleep; waking up and having a cup of good, strong, hot, black coffee; showering; eating a bowl of cereal; and heading to work around 7:30.

Now, to achieve the same level of morning happiness, I must also run.

Get 2 less hours of sleep. Slip quietly out the front door in all weather conditions (I avoid running if the temperature is below freezing, or if it's stormy -- OK, so I'm a wimp.) Spend money on 4 extra pairs of shoes each year. Shorts. Socks. Magazines. Fuel. (This is not to say that I don't get all giddy and goofy when I know I'm headed down to Luke's Locker for a new pair, or two, of running shoes. It makes me euphoric!) Endure the aches and pains associated with running (good aches and pains, mind you.)

When I first started running, a 1-mile run made me "happy." Then, it was 3. Then 5. Then 6. Now, it's 8. Until August, and then it's anywhere from 6 to 20 miles, depending on the week and day. When I first started running, 12-minute miles were great. Then, it had to be 11-minute. Then, 10-minute miles. (OK, I'm pokey, too.)

So, for me, happiness and running aren't the same game. They have virtually nothing to do with each other.

Someone tried to turn me on to Nutella yesterday, again. I am the lucky person who has not yet tasted Nutella. She assured me Nutella was out of this world, and that I must try it.

Nutella is not going to increase my "happiness." If anything, it will decrease it.

Right now, I'm someone who has never tasted Nutella. I'm perfectly happy (whatever that is) sitting on the couch after dinner, watching TV, with a handful (or half a box) of graham cracker sticks. One taste of Nutella, and to achieve the same level of happiness, I'm probably going to have to sit on the couch after dinner, watching TV, with a handful (or half a box) of graham cracker sticks -- and a fresh tub of Nutella to dip them in.

This will lead to a higher level of guilt and anxiety, and make my next morning run almost mandatory (just try to calculate how many miles you're going to have to run to burn that off, mister.) No, sir. No Nutella for Nelson.

I'm a runner. I'll never again in my life be someone who hasn't gone for one of those long, exhausting, exhilirating, rewarding, 20-mile training runs. And, I'm so glad for that.

But, don't take up running, or any fitness or weight loss program, because it's going to make you "happy" (whatever that is.) Happiness is going to have to come from somewhere else.

I'm Good at Math

2009-03-18T10:15:00.000-05:00

My brother and his wife drove up from Corpus Christi on Saturday. Any trip up or down I-35 in Texas mandates a stop at The Czech Stop in West for world-famous fresh-baked kolaches. They picked up 2 dozen.

On Monday morning, I ran 8 miles. And, then I ate 8 cream cheese and apricot kolaches.

Though terrible at self-control, I'm very good at math.

The Dangers of Health Food

2009-02-22T11:59:00.001-06:00

On Friday during my lunchbreak, I almost got run over and killed by a little ol' granny in a big ol' Buick -- as I was walking into the health food store.

Old Friends I've Lost in 2009 (NOT a sad story)

2009-01-20T16:01:00.001-06:00

At the beginning of a new year, we tend to take stock of the previous year and consider what changes we need to make. I did some serious taking stock late in 2008 and early in 2009 and came to a sobering conclusion.

I knew if I was going to live a long, healthy and prosperous life, I had some friends who could no longer be a part of it. From then on. For the rest of my life. “For the rest of my life” is what was so staggering for me.

For almost four years, I had kept them out of my life. And, really, I’d never been better, and felt better. Based on my test results, my doctor said I was his most-healthy patient. (OK, so he’s got a lot of elderly patients.) Life was so good with these old friends out of my life.

Then, early in 2008, I decided that I was strong enough to let them back in. I was sure that if I just limited our time together, I could still have a good life – maybe even an enhanced life. Very shortly, I knew I’d made a mistake. By mid-year, it was too late – they were woven through my entire life. I didn’t get my annual physical in 2008 because I was afraid of the results.

So, now it’s a new year, and it’s time for a clean break from these old friends. Let me tell you just a bit about them.

Ben and Jerry and I spent a lot of time together in 2008. At first it was just on Friday nights. Then, on an occasional weeknight. Then, whenever they were in the house, we partied.

Famous Amos and Little Debbie went to work with me – old faithfuls. They got me through many afternoon lulls. You might get a mealy, pithy orange, but you can always count on Little Debbie to be good.

Milton Hershey and I celebrated a productive workday, a good grade report, the end of an exhausting day. Hershey and I also got through some tough times together.

Duncan (Hines) and I spent many evenings together, making cookies. Duncan taught me how to “love” with food. I know now that what Duncan and I were doing wasn’t “love” – baking cookies for family and friends who shouldn’t be eating them in the first place.

The turning point for me in 2008 will shock you. I trained for a marathon – and gained 25 pounds. I ran a total of 1450 miles (I log them) – and gained 25 pounds.

Making the decision to eliminate (for the rest of your life) such friends who have been such an integral part of your life is terribly difficult. I think we actually go through Kubler-Ross’s stages of grief – I know I have.

Denial and isolation – denying there has been a loss, withdrawing from social settings. I’ve been there – terrified of, perhaps, a family birthday party where I know my old friends will be, tempting me.

Anger – furious with the one who inflicted the hurt, or at oneself. What kind of a company would make such destructive products? What kind of a weakling am I to be drawn in so?

Bargaining – with God, “If I do this, will you take away my loss?” I promise to run more miles if I can just keep these old friends.

Depression – feeling numb, with anger and sadness underneath. What’s life going to be like without these old friends? Is it even worth it? My family will still love me if I’m fat. (But, I know I won’t love myself.)

Acceptance – finally accepting the reality of the loss. I’m not here, yet, but I hope to be someday.

Maybe you have some friends who are holding you back from the healthy and prosperous life you deserve, friends who need to no longer be a part of your life? There’s no better time than now, at the beginning of a new year, to make a change.

It won’t be easy. But, nothing worthwhile ever is. There’s going to be some grieving. But, you’ve got a network of family and friends, and Nelson pulling for you. You can do it.

Happy new year, friend.

Gentian Violet

2008-11-23T09:43:00.004-06:00

Gentian Violet is an intensely purple powder. It's used for a variety of non-prescription medical purposes, and at one time was used to make the purple dye they stamped prices on canned goods with at the grocery store. (Anyone old enough to remember that?)

My old boss kept Gentian Violet around because he was an amateur plumber and would flush a teaspoon down the toilet from time to time when he thought he might have a leak, and then go look to see if purple water came up anywhere.

He once put a little bit in his pool, and turned the whole thing purple (much to his wife's dismay.) Gentian Violet is powerfully purple -- get a speck or two on your fingers, and you've got purple fingers for at least a week. My old boss was always coming to work with purple blotches in various places.

One year at Christmastime, he'd go out in the morning to get the paper, and bulbs from the Christmas lights he'd lined the sidewalk with would be missing. He'd replace them, and the next morning there'd be more gone. Gentian Violet, he thought.

That evening, he went out with a popsicle stick and put just a tiny bit of Gentian Violet on each bulb. The next morning he went out to get his paper, and then walked down to the school bus stop. Three little boys stood there with purple fingers, and blotches of purple on their cheeks, noses and foreheads (and Lord knows where else).

The bulbs stopped disappearing. He never ratted them out. Just seeing that sight at the bus stop was entertaining enough.

Diversity - A Different Topic

2008-10-14T15:41:00.002-05:00

This column is about diversity. Now there’s a different topic.

What does a white guy know about diversity? Well, I’ve learned a lot in facilitating multiple workshops on diversity awareness. I haven’t learned in the facilitating, but in the listening to people pouring their hearts out. I’ve thus become a student of diversity.

I’ve watched tears well up (mine, mostly) while participants described instances where salespeople stood close by – not to offer assistance, but to watch and make sure nothing gets stolen. Or, about having a flat tire on a country road and fearing for their life, for darkness to fall. What’s that like?

Garland is a diverse community. We’ve got it all. So what? What’s important is not having diversity, but recognizing diversity, valuing diversity, celebrating diversity, leveraging diversity.

My wife and I worked the Care Van last night at the McDonald’s on Walnut and Garland Road. The Care Van (there are multiple) rolls out to various locations around the state offering free immunizations to kids. They work with the local schools to set up clinics for those students needing their shots to stay in school. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas picks up all the administrative costs – Texans’ donations go directly to pay for the immunizations. Fill out a few forms (English on one side, Spanish the other), bring your child’s shot records, and get in line for free shots – and a sticker for a free McDonald’s ice cream cone afterwards.

What a diverse group there was. Hispanics, Blacks, Asians, East Indians, Whites. Children arrived with Mom, with Dad, with Mom and Dad, with Grandma, with big brother and big sister, with Auntie. A snapshot of Garland. All waited for a long time in multiple lines. Care Van volunteers spoke to them in a variety of languages. Totally diverse group, but with the same basic mission – offer these children a brighter, healthier future.

So, why is recognizing, valuing, celebrating, leveraging diversity so important to Garland’s future, and to our country’s future? Because diversity means different ways of thinking. Our city and country are in a financial mess right now, and if we just keep thinking the same way, we’re going to continue to see the same results. What we need is a new way of thinking – and that’s going to come from our diversity. Haven’t you ever had the experience where you said to yourself, “Wow, I’ve never thought about it like that!”?

Our country is in a serious energy crisis. We’re going to need some different thinkers to get us out of this mess. It seems the current thinkers are trying to figure out a way to get our hands on more oil. We need a new way of thinking. Perhaps how to reduce our country's dependence on oil by becoming the world leader in building creative, renewable energy sources. Now, there’s a different thought.

The more diverse our city is, the more diverse our country is, the more diverse the thoughts are going to be. The person who gets us headed down the right path to solving the energy crisis is most-likely not going to look like me, talk like me, dress like me, behave like me, think like me. And, thank goodness for that!

The person whose work ends our insatiable appetite for oil by showing us a new form of energy that’s clean, safe, renewable, and available to all may be one of those people whose body is covered with tattoos and piercings. Or, perhaps a first-generation American. Let’s make that person American of the Decade, and teach our children to think like her, and smile when we see others on the street who look like her. After all, she’ll be the one who helped turn our country back into the land of hope and promise.

We must understand (before we dig in our heals) that we are all different – backgrounds, education, friendships, religion, community, life experiences. So, we’re not all going to think alike. And, not only is that OK that we’re not going to think alike, the future of our country depends on it.

#1 Son-in-Law

2008-10-09T11:18:00.007-05:00

Looks like I'm the #1 SIL (son-in-law) again since my brother-in-law blew off (he had to "work") my father-in-law's (Pops') birthday dinner last night.

Perhaps being the #1 SIL isn't such a good thing. The #2 SIL got a Troy Aikman-signed football a couple of Father's Days ago. The #1 SIL got a large plastic statue of St. Francis for his garden.

Just looking out for my eternal salvation, and for a bountiful harvest, I guess.

God bless us, every one!

Not Appropriate for the Newspaper: A Love Letter

2008-09-11T11:03:00.004-05:00

I wrote the following for my regular newspaper column, but it was deemed not appropriate for the Community Voices section. I think it's a message everyone needs to hear, however. So, here it is...

This is a love letter to you. Haven’t gotten one of those in awhile?

Dr. Dee is one of my biggest fans at work. She never fails to offer me support and encouragement. I once overheard her tell another medical director that if Nelson was working on it she was confident that it would be done well.

I once sent Dr. Dee a note thanking her for being such a positive influence on me. She sent me an e-mail thanking me for my note, and saying she had tucked it into her “treasure chest.” She told me she has a little “treasure chest” where she keeps really nice things – notes, pictures, clippings, trinkets – things that she knows will make her smile when she sees them.

When she is having a rough day or struggling, Dr. Dee opens her “treasure chest,” goes through it, and is inspired and renewed again. My note made Dr. Dee’s “treasure chest” – how special is that?

Do you have a “treasure chest” of really nice things? Things you know will make you smile at first glance? Things that will inspire and renew you when you’re having a rough day?

Maybe you create your “treasure chest” today and clip this column and tuck it in. Uh oh. Now I have to write something worthy of that.

You may not have been reminded of it lately, but you are absolutely special. There is no other person in the world just like you. Never has been. Never will be. You’re totally unique. One of a kind for all of eternity. Imagine that.

And, because you are so unique, you have a unique purpose for being on this earth. You weren’t a mistake. You are here for a reason. All of your skills, and knowledge, and talents, and creativity are a gift to you to be used for a specific purpose. (Let me give you a hint – your purpose involves doing something for someone else.)

Here’s something else you should know. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing right now – God loves you. God’s love is unconditional. It’s not based on anything you’ve done or haven’t done. It’s not a bonus for work well done. It just is. God made you and said, “Wow, this is really good.” So, there you have it.

One more thing. Having a bad hair day? Less than perfect today? God thinks you are stunningly beautiful. Sheer perfection. Whatever you are, whoever you are, is exactly perfect for what God has in store for you, for your unique purpose. When you look in the mirror, you may not like what you see. God looks at you and beams.

So, there’s three things to put in your “treasure chest” – you are totally unique and thus incredibly special, and on this earth for a specific purpose; God loves you unconditionally; and in God’s eyes you are absolutely beautiful.

Here’s what I think God wants you to do with that knowledge: take one day a week and rest in it. Consider it enough for one day. A sabbath day. God has even set the example for you, remember?

One day a week just stop. And rest. Without guilt or apology. If for no other reason than because God has given you the OK – actually the command – to do it. Not because you have completed all of your tasks, but right in the middle of all of your tasks. Stop for one day a week and rest in the security that those three things (that you just put in your new “treasure chest”) are enough.

A day to rest. To celebrate. To feast. To recover. To renew. To refresh. To do only those things you want to do. Take a day of rest one day a week, and you’ll be amazed at how much better the other six become.

Start a “treasure chest.” Tuck those three truths in it, and also deep into your heart. And take one day a week to rest in those truths, to refresh and renew. You’ll be a better person for it.

Someone who is so unique and special, and loved, and beautiful deserves a love letter every now and then, right?

On the Road to 26.2: Chicago, IL

2008-08-18T10:16:00.003-05:00

It's strange that I was out of town 2 weeks out of the last 3. I don't have a traveling job. I despise traveling. I am a creature of habit, and when I get out of my routine, I can barely function. But, last week I was in Chicago again.

I love running in Chicago! I was downtown very close to the harbor -- about 1/2 mile from the nice, soft composite biking/running trail that runs right along the water. Yachts and sailboats, seagulls, Canadian geese, cottontails, and lots of other runners and bikers were my companions. The temperature was near 60 degrees each morning with a light wind. Running heaven.

Near one of the stadiums there is a memorial area for fallen paramedics and firefighters. Huge rectangular stones, I assume memorializing each hero. The stones are spread out, and some in clumps, and it appears are meant to be sat on to stop and reflect and remember.

The landscaping along this trail is amazing. Flowers that have long given up in North Texas are thriving there. Alot of the trail is shady from tall trees. There are several huge yachts -- much bigger than my house, docked along the edge. I left to run at 5:15 a.m., and on a couple of these big boats, someone was up on the deck with a cup of coffee. As I made my turnaround and headed back, the sun was coming up over Lake Michigan.

Have I gushed enough about running in Chicago?

I know it's not truly running heaven because of one thing -- gnats. There were funnel clouds of gnats swirling around most of the lights on the trail. Sometimes you don't see them, and you run into a cloud of them. They're all over your face and neck and arms. They're in your eyes and mouth and nose. (I always bring a washcloth with me to wipe sweat, and gnats.) You wipe and wave and cough and gag and spit -- and the people driving by are thinking, "Man, if that's what running looks like, leave me out of it."

Other than the gnats, Chicago running in August is pure bliss.

One other observation -- everyone is so driven up there. The bikers that race by are totally focused. They don't smile or say good morning -- they just race by like they are trying to catch up with Lance. (Except for the really large black guy who is riding along with his bike helmet, and he is smiling from ear to ear, and he actually greets me like an old friend now that we've seen each other the last 3 mornings.) The runners are the same -- racing along, checking their watches. One man's watch was beeping -- how much fun is that in such a beautiful setting?

There was one delightful red-haired girl on the trail. She alternated running with biking. She was stunningly beautiful. An angel with red hair and rosy cheeks. She also smiled at me one morning, and life was good for the rest of my day.

Have you ever gone out for a run just to experience the joy in moving? That's really what I do every morning. I'm not going to win any races. I don't often establish any PRs. (On Monday, my time was 1:04:07. On Tuesday, my time for the same route was 1:04:06 -- getting faster. On Wednesday, when the red-haired girl smiled at me, my time was 1:02:42. Thursday, I rested. Friday I couldn't wait to do my 12-miler to finish my week.) I finish, and I pretty much enjoy every minute of my runs. If you haven't run that kind of run lately, you might give it a try.

I'm just a plodder. You guys go on ahead.

Run on, friends.

Northwest Garland at 4:30 a.m. Tuesday

2008-07-22T06:10:00.003-05:00

It would probably have been safer for me to stay at home this morning and not gone for my early morning run. There was a negative energy in the air that just made things not feel right.

This was northwest Garland at 4:30 a.m. today.

I wasn't bothered at all by the biggest possum I'd ever seen giving me a big smile as I headed down the street towards Shiloh Rd. After all, I am one with nature early in the morning.

Up ahead near Goodwill at Shiloh and Beltline there was a group of 5 teens talking loud and cursing. I thought, "This can't be good." So, I crossed to the other side of the road, and they didn't bother me other than to throw a few choice words in my direction.

It seemed like there were 10 times as many cars as usual on Shiloh this morning. Lots of loud thumping bass music. Maybe the big party had just let out.

Just north of Arapaho on Shiloh I heard a man on his back porch yelling out, "Shut the f up!, and shut your f-ing mouth!" at someone over and over. That was unnerving. I was going to flag down the GPD if I saw one this morning -- I usually do see them in the mornings.

Up ahead near the Shiloh bridge, I noticed another runner out. Another early morning soul. But, he swung down into the Spring Creek Reserve to a car that was waiting down at the bottom. I wondered what kind of a deal was being made down there this morning.

I was barked at for the first time in months by several different dogs this morning. They had finally gotten used to me and had decided to just sleep and not bother with me anymore. But this morning, I guess they sensed the negative energy and were up and barking.

On my way back from 190/George Bush Freeway, it was finally energizing to see and wave at "Cap'n Jack" (who always wears a fishing cap) -- my other regular early-morning sidewalk mover.

Back near Arapaho and Shiloh again, I heard someone pumping up a pellet gun (I know the sound -- I went through several pellet guns as a kid.) I imagined being hit by a pellet at any minute, but was able to duck by the fence and get up on the alley where I felt more protected.

Obviously, I made it home safely, but I hope mornings in Northwest Garland in the future are a lot less interesting than today was.

Muslim Wedding Ceremony

2008-07-20T15:58:00.001-05:00

I went to a Pakistani Muslim wedding ceremony on Friday night for two of my favorite people in this world. You didn't need to understand the language they were saying blessings in, and singing prayers in, to be overwhelmed and brought to tears by the love that filled that room.

I've never seen a young man and young woman so honored and adored as I saw on Friday night. This world needs more of that.

Fishing

2008-06-01T09:20:00.001-05:00

The spider webs are back.

I run a little later on Sunday mornings -- sleep in a little, and don't want to be out too early when some are just coming home from their Saturday nights (they tend to be unruly towards early morning runners.) I like to time my Sunday morning runs so that at my turnaround the sun is just rising.

It's a beautiful time of morning. The birds are really singing their morning songs.

As I crossed the Shiloh bridge this morning, headed south and back home, the sun was lighting up the new spider webs. On virtually every corner of every square in the railing, there was a glistening web -- probably a total of 50 different webs. Fishing for their breakfast. Casting their seines, perhaps.

Some appeared to be novice webs -- irregularly shaped, corners flapping in the wind. Others were the webs of experienced spiders -- perfectly symmetric, beautiful and built to last.

As I shuffled by, enthralled by the sunlight on the webs, I was sure at any minute I was going to see the words, "SOME PIG".

Harrisburg, PA

2008-05-27T11:32:00.000-05:00

My wife, daughter and I went to visit my son in Harrisburg, PA over the holiday weekend.

We visited Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey, PA twice and came home with bellyaches, tight waistbands, and a carry-on bag full of types of Hershey's chocolate one cannot find in Texas (i.e., hot cocoa flavored Kisses, Reeses brownies, chocolate truffle Kisses, etc.)

We made a trip to the Amish country (Intercourse, PA - formerly Cross Keys, PA) and saw the traditional images (horse-drawn buggies, mule-pulled plows), and the non-traditional images (a blushing Amish girl clearing the pebble driveway with a gas-powered blower).

We flew into Baltimore and drove to Harrisburg (much cheaper airfare). In Texas, one can just reverse the map to return. In Pennsylvania, that doesn't work so well. On our way back to the airport, we got on (OK, I got us on) a turnpike going the wrong way and had to drive 19 miles in the wrong direction to get to an exit to turn around.

We are all thrilled to be back in Texas, except that our son is still in Pennsylvania.

Silent Auction

2008-04-28T18:58:00.000-05:00

I went to a silent auction on Friday night. I was outbid at the last minute on a Pampered Chef stoneware bar pan. Rats! Duped again.

I have a whole cabinet full of pans for bars, but I sure wanted that one.

When my daughter Katie was in elementary school, my wife and I were working the food line at the annual school carnival, serving up pizza and hot dogs and corny dogs and nachos. We weren't able to get away to the silent auction, so Katie took my wife's secret number and went to check it out.

Katie's concept of a silent auction was that you bid what you thought each item was worth, and the closest bidder wins the item. She was curious that everyone else was not also bidding on each item.

My wife got a call the next Monday with the good news that she had won 14 of the items in the silent auction. And, the school secretary said, "You really gave me a run for my money on that big Mary Kay basket!"

After lengthy discussion and negotiations, my wife was able to talk her into only paying for the 6 items for which there were no other bidders -- and let the second place bidders claim the other 8 items.

Our 6 prizes included a very large stuffed goose, a wire basket with a big square of bird seed suet, lunches with 3 different unpopular teachers, and one item so awful we can't even remember what it was. Please make your check payable to Kimberlin PTA for $49.

Katie (now in college) and her boyfriend Joe were at the silent auction with us on Friday night. It was also an art show, and my wife was there selling her original artisan southwestern turquoise jewelry. Katie said, "Why did you bid on that Pampered Chef pan? Shaina's mother sells that stuff and will probably give you one. Hey, what's your secret number, anyway?"

I'll just stop there and let you figure out the rest of the story.

A Wild Morning

2008-04-24T08:30:00.000-05:00

Big storms last night in Garland, but they were over and out of the area by 4:15 when I left for my run this morning. Everything was washed clean. A few large tree limbs down.

Sometimes a black plastic trash bag looks like a skunk when you're out running, and sometimes a skunk looks like a black plastic trash bag, the former always being better than the latter.

This morning, I experienced the latter. Luckily, the skunk didn't spray, but I surprised him, and he surprised me. He jumped about 2 feet in the air, and I jumped about 4 feet in the air.

Hootie the owl in the top of the tree off in the distance must have seen it all and thought it was pretty funny (a hoot) because he immediately started hooting. And, he hooted until I was up and over the hill.

I don't know if wild animals have some kind of special communication or not, but when I got home, a raccoon was crossing the street in front of the house. He stopped and looked at me, and I was close enough to see a kind of smirk on his face, like he was thinking, "you goofball."

It was a wild morning for a run.

I'm Jamie Lee

2008-04-22T08:57:00.000-05:00

Do you remember this scene in the movie Halloween? Jamie Lee Curtis had been to the house across the street and seen the horrific carnage, and was stumbling back across the street to the house in which she was babysitting. Michael Myers was following her, zombie like. She got to the house and couldn't get the front door open, and here he came.

I was Jamie Lee this morning.

I had finished my run and was finishing up my "newspaper ministry", putting several neighbors' newspapers up on their front porch. I was at the house directly across the street from mine and was headed back home when 3 mean-looking dogs ran through the yard between our and my neighbor's house.

They turned and headed down the street away from me, so I thought, "OK. Just walk slowly to the front door, and everything will be fine." I eased my keyring out of my pocket, and it jangled. Drat it all!

They turned and looked my way, and then started running towards me. Bah!

I rushed to the front door, pepper spray in one hand, key in the other. For the life of me, I couldn't get that key in the door, couldn't concentrate enough on the lock to stick in the key! They were barking now as they got closer. Gaaa!!!

I finally got the key in the lock, opened the door, and pulled the glass door shut right as they got to the door. Noseprints all over the glass door.

I really prefer that my morning runs be a lot less exciting.

Earthquake

2008-04-19T07:34:00.000-05:00

I was in Chicago this week. I don't have a traveling job, so it was unusual for me to be there. I don't mind traveling if I can drive, even if it's a long drive. But, I really don't like the whole airport thing. Though I've often considered it, Chicago is really too far to drive from north Texas.

I don't know what it is about business trips that entice me to eat a pint of Ben & Jerry's every night in front of the TV.

Thursday evening wasn't a particularly good one. I fell asleep watching a show about Alaskan king crab fishermen. What a terribly dangerous, and awful, and exciting job that is. I could envision myself doing that job. Working with some real men. Trying to be one of them.

I forgot to call home.

At 4:15 (I looked at my clock) on Friday morning, the girls next door came flip-flopping down the hall (it was warm this week in Chicago) to end their evening. I couldn't go back to sleep, and I was crab fishing again.

At 4:30 my bed started to shimmy a little. Hmm... Must be a big truck. Then, my bed started to shimmy quite a bit, like I was sleeping in a bowl of Jello. Hmm... This wasn't good. At one point, I thought I should probably get my clothes on and get off the 21st floor. But, I just got up instead and had a cup of that awful hotel room by-the-cup coffee.

Never heard a peep out of the girls next door again.

They said it was the first earthquake in the area in 24 years, not just the normal swaying of tall buildings. I'm just lucky that way, I guess.

1-stories in Garland, Texas are great. No earthquakes, and no sway.

It's interesting to learn, after I've gotten back from a trip, what little things I do that irritate my wife, but that she lets me slide on.

My smelly running shoes were in the garage. Big Yank, my 20-year-old heavy hooded sweatshirt jacket and friend wasn't hanging over the utility room door but was back in my closet. All my CDs, books and other junk I pile up on the kitchen cabinet were put up.

I'm happy to report that this morning everything is back in its rightful place, including me.

Soap

2008-04-05T11:20:00.000-05:00

We're out front weeding the flower beds, fixin' to plant some begonias. It's a glorious day in Garland.

Case, the sweet little 3-year-old next door neighbor boy, and one of our babies, is helping. Case said, "Kelly, you know what?"

"What?"

"We don't say bad words."

"That's right. We shouldn't say bad words."

"Kelly, you know what?"

"What?"

"I don't like soap."

"You don't? Why not?"

"It tastes bad."

Ashes

2008-04-03T08:47:00.000-05:00

Perhaps it's sleep deprivation, or maybe the aging process. But, I'm not that old (47). My memory is slipping. Does anyone remember Tom Hanks as "Mr. Short-Term Memory" on Saturday Night Live? That's me.

Grocery lists are only any good if you take them with you to the store. I make some great lists -- I just seldom take them with me.

Some days I get to work and can't remember if I brushed my teeth or put on deodorant. Sometimes I get to the back of the house and wonder why I'm back there.

At dinner I'll say, "Uh, excuse me. We need to say the blessing?" "We already said the blessing," they reply.

We went to Ash Wednesday Mass and received our ashes. My wife and I were in the bathroom getting ready for bed, and I was brushing my teeth. I looked up in the mirror and said, "Good grief. I've got something all over my forehead!"

I think I'm going to start sleeping in more often.

Mensa

2008-04-02T18:15:00.000-05:00

Our kids had scored virtually perfect scores on several standardized tests, so we were at the elementary school for the gifted program in Garland getting them registered.

One of the counselors asked my wife and I if we were members of Mensa. I said, "No, we have Blue Cross," and wondered what in the world that had to do with anything.

They knew one thing right away -- these two exceptional children had not been home schooled.

Thunderstorms

2008-04-02T11:38:00.000-05:00

We're expecting thunderstorms tonight.

I enjoy a thunderstorm now that I’m an adult and thunderstorms mean much-needed rain and nitrogen for the grass.

As a child, I was terrified of thunderstorms, and often slept on the floor at the foot of my parents’ bed. Until one night my father got up and almost stepped in the middle of me and from then on I was banished from their room during thunderstorms.

I started spending thunderstormy nights in my older brother’s room. My brother wasn’t afraid of anything, and also kept an old blanket pinned up over his window during thunderstorms.

Advent Calendars

2008-03-28T18:49:00.000-05:00

I sliced my Collin Street Bakery fruitcake into 24 tiny little equal slices last December. I was going to use it as my own Advent calendar -- a short prayer of thanks and one slice of fruitcake to kick off my day from December 1st through Christmas Eve.

Fruitcake has a lot of calories, which I don't need at Christmastime, so dividing a fruitcake by 24 (I was hoping) would allow me to enjoy it without too much guilt.

Also, I have developed an allergy to pecans over the past several years. On Thanksgiving, I ate a big ol' piece of pecan pie, and my mouth was instantly on fire and my throat started to swell and close up. Collin Street Bakery fruitcakes are 20% pecans by weight, so I was hoping 1/24th of a fruitcake wouldn't send me to the emergency room. And, that's how much I love fruitcake.

We Catholics love our Advent calendars -- especially the ones with chocolate in them. Every morning, the first thing my kids did was run from their bed to their Advent calendars and eat their little piece of chocolate.

Now, my kids are grown, so we bought Advent calendars for the two little boys next door. My son has moved to Pennsylvania, and my daughter is off at college, so these boys are our "babies" now. We love these boys like they're our own -- just beam with joy when we're with them. We visited them the day they were born, and now they're starting to grow up, too. We miss them when we don't see them everyday.

When we gave the boys their Advent calendars, they loved them. They made great Frisbees in the front yard.

Lost Dog

2008-03-28T08:04:00.000-05:00

"Lost Dog" "Male German Shepherd" "Goes by Butch". Runners don't like signs like these.

I was out running early one morning when up ahead I saw a Rottweiler trying to attack drive-by cars. I stopped, he saw me, and he turned and started running towards me.

I said, "Lord, I guess today You're calling me home."

But, the Rottweiler slowed and walked up to me. I patted him on the back and said, "Good boy!" He ran off, kicking up his heels.

I picked up my pace again and continued on. He followed me for a bit, then stopped to attack another drive-by car.

"Lost Dog" -- a forboding sign.

Spring

2008-03-21T16:08:00.000-05:00

The forecast may call for a winter weather "event" today, but I know spring is on its way. God told me this morning.

I reallllly didn't want to go for my run this morning. I was tired, and sleepy, and it was cold out, and the north wind was bending the trees.

I knew the 3 miles north would be brutal, but the 3 miles back would be OK. And, I knew that I probably wouldn't be able to run tomorrow morning because of the weather.

So, I put on an extra layer, knowing I'd be too warm on the trip back, but at least somewhat more comfortable at the start. 4:06 a.m.

I don't run with headphones because I love the sounds of the morning, and sometimes I need to hear the sounds of the morning for my safety. The sounds of a speeding GPD car headed north on Shiloh Rd., of the nails of a coyote scratching the pavement as he crosses the street behind me, of a mockingbird welcoming the sun.

I grew up in Corpus Christi and have been a sportsman my entire life. I know sounds. And, about 3 houses down from mine I heard my first faint whisper.

Then, by the end of my street, there they were. Flying low under the clouds. Directly over my head. Like ghosts in the night, their white underbellies reflecting the city lights below. A couple changing their positions in the pattern. Headed north, back to their summer home.

God's perfect timing sent them on their way days ago, and timed my morning and theirs perfectly so that we'd meet at the end of my street at 4:10 a.m. As I turned north and headed up Shiloh Rd. and towards 190, that north wind didn't seem quite as cold.

Spring is on its way. The geese know. God told me.