I Know Why Forrest Ran!!

I understand that reason Mr. Gump did all that running was a metaphorical scene to depict the drastic changes occurring in his life, and to reflect on his accomplishments and shortcomings not allowing him to be happy. Or maybe he was just a simpleton with no motives, who just liked to run.

A beautiful and intelligent woman once told me the "exercise is medicine" so I decided to get a prescription of that and go for a nice run along the bay in Shelter Island. It was at that moment I could identify my self with that beloved dunce in the movie, and I realized myself that he was a lot smarter than I ever gave him credit for. That 30 minutes I shed the worries, problems, shortcomings, and stresses of my own , to view the world as it slowly passes by (not as I pass it by, important to know). The simple joy of hearing wakes crashing into the shore, the sight of ferocious pelicans dive-bombing for the few scraps a elderly couple laid for them, and the only thought was how much longer I had to go!

It was a much needed dose of that medicine, a time to escape the harsh realities of life, job, and my current situation which drives me into a places that I need not be. A true time to reflect on that which makes me happy. So for that I have to remember keep putting that foot in front of the other and take my medicine!

Mr. Gump was right "Life is like a box a chocolates", in which I would reply "it's gonna take a lot of running to burn it off"

- Cheers (Sorry for the late post all, but what a night!! Story for another time)

Take A Lunch Break it May Change Your Life

As the hustle and bustle of life seems to consume every second of a 24 hour day, I am finding it increasingly harder to find the simple things that make each day a happy one. There seems to be a lot of situations that I am not prepared for (and I assume that this is the same for everyone) while I meander thru adulthood, and how to take solace in the minimal pleasures of life have proven most difficult. It is this difficultly that has opened up my senses to notice the little things that I should be enjoying on a daily basis. (Like the fact that I just lost power for 10 mins as I am writing this and I had a lovely conversation with my neighbor - Coincidence I think not).

Most of you know I do not define my happiness by how much I enjoy my job; that's not to say I don't take pride or put forth my the best of my abilities to my work. I am a dedicated employee that ensures a job exceptionally done at all costs. One of those costs everyday is lunch! I almost always eat at my desk, in front of my computer as I navigate thru my food to continue the grind. If you would of asked me 3 weeks ago what I thought of my practice, my response would be "It's efficient!" What the hell was I thinking!!!

Today I broke myself out of the depressive routine, and for once took a break! What a way to change my perspective on my job. I decided in the morning to have lunch at the Old Town Park in the center of the tourist attractions and gift shops. I found myself working towards a different goal in the morning, working hard and efficient in order to afford myself the time to take a proper lunch. And oh was it proper!! The park is close enough to walk, so I packed my lunch, grabbed my book and headed out for my adventure. On the walk (there and back) I was able to involve myself in my new book and escape my reality (in a good way), taking in all the sights and sounds of a clear beautiful San Diego day. I actually enjoyed my food, eating patiently like a bird pecking at a left over pizza crust (I had pizza, so I thought I would work it in somehow).

Returning to work I was rejuvenated, as Lazarus rose from the dead, so did my outlook for the afternoon. I felt more energized and focused then I've been in awhile, and the time flew by like a flap of a humming bird wing. Now this is never meant to be an advice blog, but here it goes:

"Take an F'ing Break!!" - All I can say is that it worked for me...

- Cheers

Stem Cells - Ethics, Smethics Fill Me Up!

Finally an adventure that I know absolutely everything about...errrrr...yeah... so maybe not, but that's not to say that my experience was any less interesting. Tonight Carmel, Mase, Gray, Natalie, Mom, and I decided to get our knowledge on and attend a Human Embryonic Stem Cell lecture at the Ruben H. Fleet Science Center. First and foremost, ask yourself this question: How long has it been since you actually been inside the Science Center? Honestly, elementary school was the last time I had the child like enthusiasm of running around playing with all the experiments, fascinated with the lights, sounds, and science!!!

Anyways getting back on topic, and continuing the honest trend, I can safely that there were a few words that flew over our heads like a graceful vultures, who feasted on what was left of our melted brains. Overall, the topic is quite intriguing - as one thinks about stem cell research immediately the ethical flags fly, where the definition of a life or living being becomes a contention. The most highly publicized research revolves around post-embryonic development of stem cells (meaning after fertilization of the egg). The lecture tonight was about the creation of stem cells from unfertilized eggs.. meaning no genetic imprint, no embryonic development whatsoever!

Now I am not here to preach about the ethical implications, and definitely not about the science behind their discovery, but about the potential this research can effect society. Imagine curing the blind, replacing (growing) major organs, curing diabetes the upsides seem to be endless. the problem I see is not with the creation of stem cells, it is the business model and rules and regulations that would need to be created to govern the scientists and ultimately how the pharmaceutical companies can profit off a discovery that can save lives. Doesn't that just wreak of jaded American capitalist cynicism?

As the american public debates and the FDA enforces a ridiculous policy, just ask yourself one question: What if you could be saved?

- Cheers

To Be or Not To Be - Is that really a question?

"Now is the winter of our discontent" - What a perfect start to the play that is about my life! Or an epic tale about 15th Century English Royalty, intertwined with murder, jealously, and an evil nobleman with his eye on the throne. Now with the foreshadowing out of the way, I can tell you about what really happened this evening with the Shakespeare Society of San Diego. I attended the monthly Open Reading session held at the Uptown Crow Bookstore & Coffee House in Seaport Village. This months featured play was Richard III, who by the way is an EEEVVVIILLLL (btw you have to say it like that) dude who abuses his murderous tendencies to gain the power of the throne!

Now this blog isn't about reviewing literature or providing a summary that would not even come close to doing it justice, it's about my experience! I went expecting to find some drama wierdos and over enthusiastic Shakespeare lunatics but I was pleasantly surprised. I was apart of the largest turn out to date that included the young and old, the actors and the enthusiasts, and me the one who was along for the ride. The format was extremely relaxed, where the quasi director asked for volunteers to play various parts of the Act 1 Scenes 1 thru 3. One could easily pick out the actors, as their hands went up almost immediately, all who emphatically needed to play Richard the III. The only thing that was puzzling was the large amount of english accents, which I guess I shouldn't be shocked since I was at a Shakespeare reading :) .

The best part of the evening was the pleasure I had in meeting an older couple Eleanor & Nick, who traveled down from the Bay Area especially for the Open Reading session!! A long way to go to make a dead guys words come to life (obviously my opinion). I was amazed how enthused they were about the society, and how they worked the room with ease sharing their love for Mr. Shakespeare's work. The only thing that was more apparent than their love for Shakespeare was the love that they had for each other. I don't know if any of you have been in the presence of a love like that, but it swallowed the entire room. Anyone could see that they were truly happy, and that gives me hope, and a goal...

- Cheers

P90x - More Like P45mins and Screw it!

Much like everyone else in this great nation of ours I have taken up the yearly ritual of New Years resolution of getting into shape. What a better time to shake off all the wrong doing of the previous year, the numerous sessions of over eating, sloth, and lackadaisical behavior by wiping the slate clean. Now I am sure that most of you know the phenomenon of the P90x Workout Routine, and it's overall intensity for 90 days and with my new clean slate why not dive head first!

So Day 1 starts with Legs, Back and Abs (like those 3 need to be worked out at the same time, one would think that maybe just maybe they deserve their own disk). I digress... It was a wonderful workout that truly tested my endurance and mental capacity. Now that I got the political bullshit out of the way, I have a feeling that this program is going to suck the high hard one!! Right now I am having trouble typing, focusing, and standing is quite a chore. A newly born baby deer has more balance and coordination than I do. A weary old donkey right now as a better back, and is probably less of an ass too!!!

I am hoping that I have the dedication to stick to this, I can't promise anything right now. But for 3 days into the new year I am on track and that is good enough for me right now! I wonder what I will have to say Jan 3 2012...TBD

I did get to share some time with my Dad today on his birthday, a nice dinner at Black Angus. Top Sirloin, Lobster, and Shrimp with a nice baked potato with all the fixin's, with great conversation and always needed father / son time. Thanks dad and Happy Birthday! And unfortunately that probably cancels out the workout, oh well til' tomorrow.

- Cheers

My Musical Journey Begins - And I Blow!

Well it has been my dream for the last several years to learn how to play the Harmonica, and I have put it off since I first dreamed of it. Well today marks the first day that I make a real effort to channel my inner Blues Traveler and capture my musical soul. With the aid of "Simply Harmoinica" and my Horner Blues Harp the journey begins!!

The motto of the book "You'll be wailing like a pro in no time" is a complete misrepresentation of the talent and coordination needed to play the harmonica. I know that this is the first time I have really picked up the instrument with the intent and focus of learning to master it, but I have a feeling that this will be an epic endeavor. I can tell you that anyone can pick up an harmonica and play a crude version of you are my sunshine, but playing a single note one at a time might be the hardest thing thing I have tried in a while (outside my new found struggle with achieving mental and emotional health :).

Although the before and after pictures do paint a pretty picture, but I did enjoy myself and look forward to tomorrow's practice session. My goal is to become proficient, work my way up to a open mic, and jam out with my brother Mason! To set more achievable interim goals I will practice and start video recording my sessions so that all of my followers, friends, and family can mock, ridicule, laugh and hopefully enjoy my music as bad as it might be. In the end I am just looking forward to not blowing!

- Cheers

Gosh Damn! It's a Dam!

I'm pretty sure that the title says it all, but to reiterate we went on a dam hike, took some dam pictures, and had a dam good time (sorry that doesn't ever get old)!!! To be completely honest this was a last minute idea that my sis Meow Meow's came up with and it was perfect, so I want to make sure I give credit where credit is due. So Mason, Gray, Carmel and I headed out to Mission Trails to see the Old Mission Dam in Santee (approximately where Mission George meets the 52).

Fo those who have not seen the Dam before I strongly urge you GO SEE IT NOW!!! Being that San Diego is a desert this is usually not the most magnificent waterway that has ever been constructed, and even now one who has been to the Hoover Dam will be completely under-whelemed. But what it lacks in sheer architectural beauty, it makes up in personality and a visitors ability to get close up personal.

As you may or may not know the good ole' SD has been trying to float away with all the rain, making this historic dam come to life. What is usually a light stream slowly trickling down, has been brought to life with water crashing down like lighting bolts from Zeus himself (Ok a little exaggeration, but a little dramatization adds to reader experience :) As we were strapped for sunlight we strolled, navigating rock formations to catch glimpse of a newly formed waterfall, who can argue with the sound of rushing water. I have realized that nature is a passion of mine, and I look forward to seeing a lot more of it.

Once again a great idea - Thanks Meow's and Gray and Mase for joining in! Damn stop waiting and go see this DAM!

- Cheers