Humility

I suppose it was inevitable, but I didn't see it coming.

My friend and fellow "runner," Ellen Kay, showed up at my house Friday evening at the same time as I pulled in from and afternoon of shopping at the discount mall (more about that later). It was my birthday.

After her arrival and an exchange of a few pleasantries, I announced that we were going out for dinner on my dime. She pitched a fit! Would have none of it - after all, I am unemployed. Even after I insisted that I would be able to survive nicely for at least another nine months without touching my retirement account, she wouldn't budge.

That was merely the beginning. After all, it was my birthday and I really only wanted to be waited on. Instead, I rooted through my freezer and produced a container of my garden-fresh marinara sauce and dutifully produced a pasta (pre-race) meal with garlic bread. I had wine, she (a well-know teetotaler) had water. We stared at the boob tube until EK's eyes drooped. She tucked in about 9 PM, while I reveled in my birthday until 10:30 or so.

Up on Saturday morning about 6 AM. Had to prepare my bag (change of clothes and extra whatevers) and coffee. Grabbed juice, vitamins, and yogurt before loading the car and heading to Decatur.

We arrived at the starting area about 8:10 AM, picked up our race numbers, t-shirts, and other race "goodies" and dashed back to the car to get out of the wind and cold air. It looked to be a challenging weather day.

After a couple trips to the bathrooms, and making final decisions on garb for the run, we lined up with 300 others for the 4th Penguin in the Park 5K race. EK hoped for less than an hour for her finish. I was hoping for a 10:30 pace (about what I had the previous year). The route was dry (mostly) and out of the wind (on a bike path through the woods).

The official results have yet to be posted, but I saw 31 minutes about the time I crossed the finish line. Not bad I thought, particularly for walking 5 times along the 3+ mile route. More than a minute faster than last year. At the starting area I had seen the gal who would win my division, but how many others were in the group was not known (other than Ellen and me).

After I finished and received my medal, I hurried to the car to strip off my running hat, jacket, shirt, and sweat-soaked running bra. I put on a dry shirt and then my winter coat. I grabbed my camera and headed back to the finish area to wait for EK.

I really do enjoy being at the finish, especially for the slower folks. When the runners turned the final curve, I would yell encouragement. I kept my eye on the far ridge in the hope of spotting EK as she came down for the final quarter mile. Finally, there she was in the distance. I started to yell for her as she rounded the bend. Then, she whipped by my vantage point.

John "The Penguin" Bingham was across the route from me. Ellen didn't even notice him as she charged for the finish line. She not only met her goal, she set a PR (personal record). That finish line saw her sneakers at 49:30! It was a great day for her.

We returned to the car, peeled off wet clothes and put on dry, then headed to the Millikan gym where we were fed and the awards were handed out. The gal who had been identified at the starting area won my division and beat my time by about 5 minutes. The gal who came in second beat me by about 20 seconds. I was humbled. If only I hadn't taken so many walking breaks. It wasn't my day, but it was a great day for Ellen!

We left and went in search of the elusive Easter bonnet.

Next year will be the 5th Penguin in the Park. They will cap the run at 500 participants (because of the narrow bike path that constitutes most of the route). We will try again. I will strive for 2nd (if the skinny gal with long gray hair returns).

It is a new week. It is time to recommit to the job search. I have applied for one job and used a cross between the old and the new resume. I have reconsidered the new and it is too "flashy" and doesn't really represent who I am (particularly after Saturday's crushing "defeat').

Even with a better performance, it wasn't good enough for first place this year. There is always someone younger and/or faster. We can only hope to place. But that isn't all that bad. Ellen got to celebrate her personal victory, and I am content to cherish my time as well.

"'Winning' is an elusive if not irrelevant goal to most runners." - Running for Dummies

Birthdays

Another year has almost ended. I suppose some reflection on the past twelve months might be in order.

At this time last March I was preparing to pick-up my severance check from my employer and begin the process of applying for jobs in the local area. Now, one year later, I am still looking for the local job that will cover my basic expenses. However, a review of the current web-based job boards finds few, if any, positions that are compatible with my background and education.

I doubt that the young woman featured here, along with other, post-war couples, imagined that the economic times of today would be faced by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. After all, she and her husband had lived through the Great Depression along with their parents. At the time of this photograph, unprecedented prosperity was being enjoyed.

On the positive side of the ledger there have been numerous things over the year: great neighbors, good new friends at church (thinking of the Seniors), learning new skills in lawn and pond care, maintained good health, and ran several races. Not bad for the year. Government check has arrived every two weeks, mortgage is still up-to-date, house was warm all winter, and bills are paid every month.

But now I face my personal "new year." I have decided to list a few resolutions:

• No more ranting and raving about politics and more support of the elected leaders (even if I don't agree with their decisions).
• Improve eating habits to support a healthy life style and maintain a level of fitness that will allow me to run a local 5K or 10K race at any time.
• Be on time for all appointments and meetings (this will be a true stretch, particularly since is is frequently stated I will be late for my own funeral).
• Find meaningful employment that will support me and the furry ones.
• Be more thoughtful of others

I will continue to work on this list. Check with me in a year to see how well I have done.

"We all need goals. Life is hard to live without one." - Tony Baucum

Hats

With Easter rapidly approaching (four Sundays from now), I decided it was time to start hunting for an appropriate hat for the occasion. Afterall, I had the opportunity to head to the substantial urban area (not really a "big city") of Peru/LaSalle this weekend. The mall includes a Bergner's, which I figured would be the best place to find my chapeau.

Unfortuantely, there were no hats suitable for Easter Sunday at the "big department" store (only a couple straw versions suitable for sitting at the beach). I meandered down the corridor and examined the wares at Sears. I bought a vest (70% off). There were NO hats in the store.

I am dumbfounded. No hats at this point in time! Times have changed more than I thought. My quest is not over, but my disappointment is now evident. I suppose there aren't any hats because many people won't be wearing dresses either. The one parade (see earlier post) that I sometimes look forward in joining may become an event of the past.

"There's never a new fashion but it's old.? -
Geoffrey Chaucer (1342 - 1400)

Random Thoughts

The other day I had a compelling desire to post my thoughts about our new president, Thomas Jefferson (whom the Democrats have selected as their sentinel example), and Abraham Lincoln. I had in mind selecting and posting quotations from both of the memorable past presidents with a juxtaposition against the current political climate. Butd that is too much of an effort for me today.

Instead, my major accomplishment is the completion of a new resume (same old stuff, new format). Hopefully, this will be successful in getting me the appropriate interview with the best-fit (at this point in time) company so a job offer will be made and accepted. We will see. The old version worked, but none of the offers or companies were the "best fit" at this time.

Additionally, the normal "stuff" filled this day: a 2-mile walk at at 15:30 rate, a trip "into town" for stops at the bank and post office, in and out and in and out and in and out with the kitties, laundry on the line, a quick look for job leads, and so it goes. Nothing spectacular - except the weather! Talk about SPRING FEVER - it has struck early this year. With the warm up, outside activities call (and reading a couple books on the newly screened in porch was a treat in the early evening while listening to the cacophony of sounds from the neighboring pond).

The racing season is starting and I am facing my first attempt in a week and a half. I think the gal that I beat by 30 seconds last year will want revenge this time. I will have to run faster.

"The will to win means nothing if you haven't the will to prepare." - Juma Ikangaa

Live Entertainment

I was thinking about small towns (and not so small) and what brings the community together. Many times people gather to watch their neighbors walk, march, or otherwise move down the local streets. This activity is generally known as a "PARADE."

Of course, not all parades are populated with local residents. Notice the circus wagon with large cats being pulled by horses. Some parades, such as the Great Circus Parade, are annual events with participants from around the world.

Having grown up (at least until I was "a young adult" and went to college) in a small town, I must admit that I love parades. And the ones in small towns (Midwest preferably) are the very best. Where else can you see a middle-aged woman sitting in a fake outhouse being pulled around the local community and waving at her friends. You have to love it!

Parades get all the attention. But the truth is the people who are in the parade have the very best views. When you attend your next parade, consider how you appear to those who are the parade participants. Can you measure up to the examples displayed here?

On the left the Great Circus Parade (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) 1990 in the rain. On the right the assembled crowd at an unidentified parade in Philadelphia in the late 1970s. What do they both have in common - it was a rainy day in both cases.

Where was the crowd the biggest? In the Midwest. That is why I love parades that are held in this region of our country - no matter what the weather or season.

"I love a parade, the rat-a-tat-tat ..."

Turbulence

March came in like a lion on LSD. First cold, then warm to hot (almost 70), and then a brief, intense shower leading the cold front. Today, temperature in the 40s, light wind, and almost sunshine filtering through the clouds. Tomorrow could be in the upper 60s with thundershowers predicted (another cold front) and then too cold to run outside. But the so-called grass in my yard is starting to turn green, so that is a sure sign of spring. I am not ready to mow, but that will be inevitable.

Storms in the political arena these days as well. The new president is trying very hard to get his promised programs in place quickly. But the economy is not cooperating (note that I am now in my 12th month of unemployment and not change in sight). The bailouts are now starting to worry the middle class and some are calling for GM to enter into bankruptcy (not a bad thing in my mind).

Today the president has signed the one of the most controversial piece of legislation - funding of stem cell research (touted as "lifting the ban" on the research). This is a thorny issue. The president has called for researchers to act with moral integrity; however, there is no assurance that this will happen. I will not pass judgement at this point, but will remain vigilant to see where this actually heads in the future. Short-term gains for long-term loses? Only time will tell.

BK only has half a face. His fur is missing from the left side, and there is a huge hole where his cheek once was. But he looks better than he has for days. Now outside hunting rodents in the tall grasses. He is such a little scrapper - I hope he gets better (or at least allows me to clean up some of the area on his face). He runs each time I get a wet towel to help remove some of the dried blood. I am not much of a nurse, but perhaps I should consider a career in animal assistance.

Removed two dead frogs from the fish pond. Found a dead bird on the sidewalk (must have flown into the side of the garage during the wind storm). All removed to the tall grasses. The circle of life.

Taxes

The most amazing thing has happened. I have been to the accountant and am prepared to file my taxes! This is no mean feat - I don't believe I have ever been ready to file in March, let alone early March. It is a sign of the times.

To quote a very good friend of mine, "I would love to pay a million dollars in taxes, just once." Imagine how much you would have earned to fall into that category. Less next year than this one, given the current climate on Capitol Hill - but that is a discussion for another time.

'When you earn money and spend money every day anybody can know the difference between a million and three. But when you vote money away there really is not any difference between a million and three.' - Gertrude. Stein

Pay Backs

Some might call "it" karma, but the rest of us generally refer to "it" as pay back. Case in point - my Dad thought it was the perfect Christmas present one year to provide his nephew with a drum set. It took several years (likely 15 or more), but pay back came in the form of a fireman's hat complete with siren. Life is good in that regard. You tend to receive what you sow. [Now I worry about the stuff from childhood and when the "karmic" cycle will complete itself.}

Speaking of "backs" this is not a good thing. I have been training for the Indy Mini again and was well on my way for a great running season. However, I am now waylaid with a hip/back problem - I must have pulled something during my run last week. The pain was tolerable through Saturday, but I was full of Ibuprofen all day yesterday. Today seems to be a tad better, and I certainly hope that is the case. I am not sure I will like the chronic nature of lower back pain when I reach "maturity."

Tax season is upon us (speaking of lower back pain). My goal for the week is to assemble and organize the papers for development of the tax filing. My other goal remains a revised, streamlined resume (personal sales "flier"). Although it sounds simple, both tasks will require a great amount of time and significant concentration. Good that the weather is cooperating and the temperature won't achieve freezing today.

Serious concerns about family and friends. Suddenly the doctors will be having their ways with people. I hope those undergoing the knives will find the outcome rewarding and soon be back on their feet (no pun intended, Sarah).

"The essential thing in life is not so much conquering as fighting well." - Baron de Coubertin, Founder of the modern Olympic games.