2 days

a mere 48 hours, and G is on our side!!!


Went to The Park to do a quick run with Tom. Warned him to go ahead of me, that I was doing St.Francis, he wanted to run with me-fool that he is-so I was forced to pick up the pace/shorten the distance, so we went 4+, but at HIS pace. Ouch. Didn't wanna push too hard, really should'a taken the day off, but would'a been bouncing off the walls.

Did the expo, had a BLAST! Went in with Tom and Hank. When Hank said he wanted to go I was annoyed, I didn't know him too well, but of course had an opinion. But, when you throw it out to the club, it isn't just to A listers, but to all. Turns out to have been a great experience. Got to know him better, a good guy. I couldn't have been more off base. HE has a history and a half, knew/ran with not only Lebow, but George Sheehan as well. He has years with Prospect Park. Wow.

Expo was cool, saw the usual suspects there, FMG guy-he actually remembered my name-first time he didn't call me "mohawk." Got our numbers from Carlos from College Point. This experience really brought home the idea that this is OUR marathon.

Went to Paragon. Every year they have a big "free lunch" come on, they bus you to their store, feed you etc.....this was the first year we did it. Well worth it. Pizza, hot dogs, fruit, not bad-free-what the hell-PLUS got to meet and get a signed poster from Deena Kastor. Wow. Told her she really was an inspiration in the movie, that she looked truly in her element during the race-as we all are-but her smile really was something. Really a nice person. Her catchphrase/what she signed the poster with was "dream large," nice compliment to "live strong." What I REALLY liked, got a couple of other autographs too, was the stars took the time to ask "is that Gerry with a G or a J." Runners ARE a breed apart n'est pas.

Then off to dinner. Tom had the bright idea-too late unfortunately-to have the restaurant/caterer he works with, make up some pasta, all we needed was a location to sit n chow down. Helen volunteered, but this must be for the next gathering. Tonight was the Olive Garden, and, lo n' behold, everyone showed up! On time no less!!! Really fun, great bunch of people. Gillian (STILL can't bring myself to record a Sarah Maclachlan cd, just can't do it, pc refuses) offered to drive me to the start sunday, what a group. Made me proud. Never again will I sneer @ the Olive Garden. The food WAS good.

Monday will inevitably come, but the wonder of such events, I'll not be the same, you never are. Really nice benefit of running, with each challenge, you evolve. With each daily run, you're not the same thereafter. Even better (ever think I'd say this???) when it's a shared experience with peeps. Bless them. Thank you guys. Owe you more than you'll ever know. No, not gonna go all Elton John on ya', but you know who you are.

*best Halloween costume: you know those guys with the 5 gal water bottles collecting on the streets for the supposedly homeless, "give a penny..." one of them was smart enough to do a homemade Heath Ledger Joker costume-he was outside Paragon. VERY good costume. Didn't contribute, but very good costume.

.....you don't know but you have come to see the strange man, changed man. Lots of people mess around, me I do this in every town, sometimes I feel like a circus clown, but I'm a strange man, changed man. Deranged man, changed man.

3 days, 72 hrs!

The end IS in sight.

St.Francis this am-for a change. 37degs, cold-but good. Actually, picked up speed @ run's end. Dunno whether it's the knowledge of what's around the corner, or actual-dare I say it?-progress?

Things are picking up for the pasta dinner as well. Looks like a re-gathering of the tribes.

don'tinjuredon'tinjuredon'tinjuredon'tinjuredon'tinjuredon'tinjuredon'tinjure

4 days!!!

What did I come home to? No, not the s.o.s., GOOD news (surprise surprise surprise!!!), the Quebec Marathon certificate. Ahhhh, good times. Really WAS catching lightening in a bottle. Gotta-again-give G props, few days before The Big One n' what's in the mail? Nice. Grab an atheist.

St.Francis this a.m., cool, not cold. Either I'm gettin' used to it or it wasn't windy. Biggest problem: BRANCHES. Almost broke my butt falling-yes, again. G was looking out-i.e. running in the dark w/branches littering the road=great exercise in keeping your knees high.

Settling in on a time for the peeps to hook up for dinner. Got bless cruise director Julie, not to mention Tom for hatching the idea.

Spike? He'll be either with his brotherfromanothermother or his school peep. I was worried: it's really his last halloween as THAT age-he's right on the cusp. Def NOT a day he should be alone. I'd offered to keep him outta school, he could hang with me, go to the expo-he's never been to the Javits center, then dinner with the peeps, but no, he's hooked up.

One more day of St.Francis, then...(theme from Jaws)......here it comes!!! AND temps are predicted to be doable. Nice. Grab ANOTHER atheist.

*and yes, the arm is friggin' KILLING me.

5 days!

wow. Gettin' that butt clenching sense of excitement.

Downside: RAIN!!! No, couldn't bring myself to run in it, took the opportunity to sleep in. It happens.

Toxichouse, s.o.s. turns out we have no heat because Shebitch didn't pay the bill...the company refused our contract...gonna be a COLD winter.

Good news: 5 days!!!!!!!

Things I love about the marathon:

1)Roadway signs announcing "Verrazano br. closed from 6am-3 pm."

2)Billboards all over-esp on MTA busses, promoting the marathon.

3)"What it takes" catchphrase.

4)In mid run, attempting to chat w/runners on the right or left-slowly realizing NEITHER speaks english.

5)The jet engine roar of the crowd as you exit the 59th. st. bridge.

6)Smiles on the faces of the NYPD and FDNY.

7)Low 5-ing the kids.

8)The U.N. atmosphere you feel with each passing block in Brooklyn.

9)Seeing the Striders in LIC, like an oasis in the desert.

10)The sensation of being embraced by the city, and the feeling that as a result of having run it, you OWN the city.

11)The pride that comes with doing what few can.

Heard Teresa on WCBS 880 on the drive home being interviewed.

Funny how everything else pales. Didn't even think back to places now long gone-i.e. Marine Corps. Loved that run, but it got to be too much. One of the miracles of running is how it got me back in touch with myself. To whit, I truly feel, for me, wherever I am @ that moment is "where it's at." That's what life is about really n'est pas? That place where you're at is the best possible place to be. Nice feeling, grounded, centered. My sponsor always used to tell me that, "you are where you should be." Took years to feel it.

I've got to admit, it's getting better!!!

WOW! Wearers of the green smoked Totten. Really happy. The nice part, we placed in various categories. Down side: not that many entrants, that race deserves to have bigger numbers, but we made it ours. Wish I could'a been @ two places @ once.

Ok, 6 days and counting. You can feel the buzz. Phone from one of my peeps, setting a plan for the expo+. So far, put out the word that we're hitting Javits friday, Olive Garden after. All agree the carbo loading the day before is uber stupid.

St.Francis this am, another notch on my belt. Manana, rain, lots of it. I'm ready, got the rain gear. Can't take a day off this close.

***over 5,000 hits on the site. NICE!!!!!!! Kudos Deb.

I Don't Suck!!!!!

Not bad. Did the Poland Spring 5m. Now kiddies, remember: you know that person you have in your life who gives you what you need? Gives positive affirmations? Validates you? Know how you have your place arranged juuust so, looking forward to coming home to it nightly? Now, subtract all that, add a shrieking always raging bitch, n' you got my situation. Night before a big one, yelling, screaming, in other words, the s.o.s. That's not a downer, not depressing, it is what it is. So, we head out to the race. Not a moment too soon.

Killer parking spot, missed Tom-this corral thing isn't real conducive to hooking up, but saw some of the usual suspects. ALOT of people @ this one, with The Big One a week away, no wonder.

Reading the Lebow book. Wow. Was in awe of today's race, but with the thought in the back of my mind "wonder if Fred ever thought it'd get THIS big???" AND, one of my fave things: I'm off the day after, so I get to go back to the scene of the crime and witness the post-event. God I love this shit.

Did well, under 9, for me that's good. Sue and Tom smoked it. Bless 'em. I was glad to be there, experiencing what I'll be too wiped to take in next week.

Come home, It's out @ some Dog walk fundraising shit, Spike in his pj's @ the computer. No breakfast. No nothing, but go on the fundraiser. Take care of everything else EXCEPT what's under your roof. Hide the sharp objects.

One week to go, 7 days, I can make it.

8 days

can you smell it? Right around the corner.

Did St.Francis in the am, hooked up with the Green Peeps, sharing info re: The Big One. Ran with Russ and Christina-for a mile-hey, I ran with them n'est pas? Impressed myself there. Dave was doing his last 8 before The Big One.

Some are doing the 5k manana, the rest the Poland Springs Marathon 5m. Hopefully the Wearers of the Green will represent well @ both. What cheeses me off is we keep supporting Queens events. It seems we're the only peeps that do. Good for us!

MAN did it feel good to reconnect this am. Legs felt like lead, too used to running pre-dawn, but seeing the peeps-esp they that'll be on the road next week or @ 14+ mark, well, it just made my heart full. For that all too fleeting time, was able to feel good about myself. Nice.

*fyi: backstory; Shebitch has yet to secure an oil contract. Yes kiddies, we have no oil heat. You think I exaggerate? Still wonder why I do what I do???

Thank YOU!

thanks to you, I made it. This was a rough week-major understatement. But, made it.

Again, perspective is everything. Went to the NYRR to get stuff for Sunday's 5m, and got into the spirit. As in: of things that REALLY matter, yes kiddies: The Big One.

Never gets old.

No small realization that everything else is chaff to the Big One's wheat.

Again, esta manana, St.Francis. Yummm. PURRRRRFECT weather.

Took Spike to see SAW 5. Another reason to be happy you have a son. Could you imagine taking your daughter to this-I think not. He was sick, home from school. Not THAT sick-how healthy do you need to be to sit in a theater. And yes, for the informed reader, he's sick AGAIN. Something about a sedentary lifestyle in which the word "vegetable" is a word on a page.......don't get me started.

Focus, focus, focus. 8 days to go.

sucks for you

pity...Americredit calling It for late car payments.....suddenly the picture frames I had in the dining room and living room are moved to the den......hmmm.....wonder how Webster defines displacement??? Complaints re: the cost of the biscuits the dog wouldn't eat...hmmmmmmm.

Fuck It.

St.Francis this am, cold-very cold. 9 days to go until The Big One. YESSSSS. Let Shebitch bitch. Doesn't matter. Not a lick. Thank G for my peeps.

Perspective IS indeed everything. Since I started running, I've been fortunate. Through no fault of my own, people have come into my life who keep me sharp and challenge me-the bar being raised ever higher. It associates with assholes who believe whatever It tells It, suckers. What kills me, It has poisoned my brother as well. Doesn't say much for him does it??? THAT realization hurt deeply. Proof, we all go out alone eventually, some earlier than others. THIS is what I feel daily. THIS is why I run.

My peeps know me better than I know me. It's peeps know the shit It feeds them. My peeps keep me honest and can smell shit a mile away. This is why we grow.

So, why a marathon? Remember the year I did about one a month? If you've run one you needn't ask why. If you haven't: marathon running is the nest plus ultra. NOTHING you do in life comes close. If you disagree, sorry, you don't get "it." Once done, you're never the same. Why more than one? Like a dog chasing it's tail, you try to recreate that initial experience, though you know you can't. You do it merely because that's what you do.

You look at the rest of life as transient. Things that come and go between marathons. Relationships are couched in the context of they that get "it," and the rest.

Compared with that, again, for the record, fuck It. It really doesn't matter. Anyone who can help you, support you, ok, be with me. But from the moment I walk into the house to the second I leave, NOTHING but negative words are uttered, NOTHING but F bombs, while @ all other times teaching religion and preaching 12 step crap. Makes me wonder how anyone can believe that shit, but that's their problem. Like a marathon, eventually, in the long run, you're with you and you alone. They you meet along the way are surreally helpful-the proverbial cup of water when you've hit life's wall. Bless you. You know who you are.

9 days and counting. And after.....do it all over again ;). Life IS good.

I got a new attitude!!!

back to "avoid the house before _____o'clock." Better this way. Downside: I'm sure Spike's report card is gonna suck, but, I can only do so much. REALLY had it with being emasculated in the presence of my son. Later for this. WHY would someone endlessly critique the parenting of another??????? I uust don't get it. It hurt too much, hadda let it go. Spike knows I'm there for him, but-out it this way-when even a 13 year old refers to his maternal unit as "that bitch," do the math. AND It has the nerve to tell him to watch his language-when It returned from doing laundry the other evening, FIRST words out of it's mouth were "fuck.....fuck..." @ which point I of course interjected "Mommy's home!" But Keith should watch his language. Right.

*p.s.Shebitch on major psycho tear, again. First It asks me if I called my bro (you know, the one It claims gave It $$$ for a divorce???) to confirm thanksgiving plans. (!), THEN goes mental re: I owe It $45 for the dog biscuits. Yes, the biscuits Hulk wouldn't eat. Women really CAN hold onto shit n'est pas, oops, mental women.

So, St.Francis. Again. COLD!!!! Wearing gloves now. Gots'ta. Just think, in 11 days what will the temp be? REALLY getting excited.

***See down below for pix from the Get to the Point 5k. Thanks Elik!!! Cool to see 2 Wearers of the Green in close proximity.

just when you thought...

it couldn't get any worse....

make it a point to get home asap to review Spike's homework. Today's mission: 86 the chickenscratch. Translation: he uses pens, not pencils, crosses out to the point that it'd give Gandhi a headache. So, left voicemail this am re: starting today no mas, either use pencil or scrap. You can imagine his response, to be expected for sure. Problem lies with Shebitch, of course. With every comment I make patiently explaining this to him, stressing that homework reflects on him as a person, It's making side comments in the background. Not kind side comments. Think. You'd think parenting would be reinforced rather than sabotaged. THAT hurt. I left the house telling him "have your mother check your homework, I'm done." And I am.

St.Francis predawn. Gotta get used to the cooler temps. Which brings us to our next point: Spike's breathing. Of course every window in the house is shut, he has a headache and runny nose. Hmmmmmmm. THEN I get lectured re: the cost of home heating. I give up, how can this get worse.


12 days and counting............

13 days and counting

rare "off" day, hadda: did the almost 1/2 yesterday, knees killing me.

no, you CAN'T write stuff this good

Shebitch does 5m walk for breast cancer. Now, think about it. Ignores It's family, curses the father of It's child in the child's presence, but will walk for breast cancer. Amazing. Utterly amazing. AND, the best: yesterday, did the Oysterfest 5k, Keith STILL in pj's when I come home, we went to see Max Payne. We come home, Shebitch indicates I must drive him to his brotherfromanothermother's for a party. Now again, think. Shebitch is home all day, but has the tits to tell me to chauffeur. Truly a useless bitch. Took GREAT pains to explain to Keith that though his mother treats him like luggage, I adore each moment spent with him. Can you imagine how he felt??? Cheapertokeephercheapertokeephercheapertokeepher. Bitch.

So, what did today bring? "The Six Hour, Sixtieth Birthday" run. Now, for the uninitiated, you do a 2.1 mile loop @ Sunken Meadow Park until either you lose your mind, cut it short saying "I've had enough," or the horn sounds indicating 6 hours.

I set out to do between 5 and 7 loops, thus, completing a half marathon. I got what I came for. After what seemed like 80 loops, I'd completed 5, unknowingly. Only way I kept track was the clock. Figuring around 20 mins per loop, I was on track. Eventually, I'd passed a couple of walking peeps, figuring-using them as benchmarks, I was drawing close to my feill. Sure enough, I was. Took one walk break on the last loop, but got my 6 loops in. Perfect. 6 loops = between 12/13 m. Ok. I'm satisfied, can run another day without taking manana off, and reconnected with my peeps.

Tom was there, bless his honest/open heart. Spoke with me yesterday, reflecting what was on my mind: "I miss you," how many guys have the balls/are so secure in their masculinity to admit that? Helluva guy. Michelle Nero was there-bless her, one of Curtis's crew, and of course, Vinny, Mike and the Glirc peeps.

This one was good because it marks several points in my life. When I first started I did this one to the point of exhaustion-did 26 + /ALMOST a marathon when the horn sounded. Ouch. Then and there I internalized the fact that you DON'T have to kill yourself to train. Gots'ta save something in the tank.

progress

did the Oysterfest 5k. NOT the brightest thing to do after a race last night and long run tomorrow, but this was a tourist thing. The bluepeoplewhoshouldjustcallaspadeaspadeandjoinaREALclub were there-well, 2 of them anyway. One mentions I should join the other further ahead in the pack. Right, like I could if I wanted to. Nice tights though. Good incentive.

Cool, brisk morning, actually wore a sweatshirt for the race-shouldn't have, but you know how the first cool race of the season can be deceptive. Dunno what manana's dress code will be.

Props to Deb for mentioning I was slowing down in the last 800 metres. Gave me what I needed.

DO regret one thing I have absolutely no control over: natural speed/lack thereof. The bluepeoplewhoshouldjustcallaspadeaspadeandjoinaREALclub, rarely race anymore, don't run like people possessed, yet are always light years ahead. Then again, they lack knee braces. I know it, but can't feel it. STILL believe hard work + dedication = speed. Wrong, obviously. Oh well, how long ago was it that I believed everyone who isn't grotesquely obese must automatically be happy and content since they're not stuck shopping @ the fat people's stores? What gives me the right to hope for something I've no right to?

cute, real cute

did the "Not So Midnight" 5k. Fun, held @ Republic Airport, this one WAS a midnight run until the wusses demanded an earlier start time. Bummer there, but a fun race nontheless. The only prob: 2 loops, last loop was the site of too many people cutting the course short-rather than 3.1 they did 2+. THAT pissed me off as in the "last" 800m a guy I was keeping pace with passed me to cross the finish line rather than go another loop. Oh well. I did well, left a lil in the tank for today and tomorrow, but ok. I was happy with my time. Nice, shirts-tech shirts.

Came back to Toxichouse, this time the peeps across the street were going at it. I was cracking up, ALMOST on the floor laughing. Why? Laughing @ another's expense? No. Because She sounded exactly like Shebitch, I mean "word for word." Though She has an excuse-She's a crackhead. I mean, if you closed your eyes, you'd have thought Shebitch was on another tear. Hilarious.

stay the course

lot to be said for those words.

Went to see the orthopedist, he ch-ch-checked me out, gave the rehab a thumbs up. Didn't know what to feel, ambivalence. Was secretly hoping he'd do surgery-STILL can't straighten the bugger. But, he said that's how these injuries go-they take FOREVER to regain full range of motion. Told him if were anyone but him, I'd ask for a second opinion-he's a runner, hence, his cred is ok. Gave him a Strider shirt-said he'd wear it manana on his run. Cool. 4 MORE weeks of p/t. Good side: gets me outta work early.

Did 86th + this am. Figured with tonight, tomorrow n' Sunday's races, take it easier. Got my 6+ in, but on an easier course. Felt good, cool in the am-54 degs. Nice. Looking forward to tonight's run, the scorers are triathletes-good group.

REALLY looking forward to The Big One. Only 2 weeks. Starting to think logistically-power gels etc.......


***AND, what comes in the mail following a phone call from T, THE CARD. As in: the card you gots'ta present w/I.D. @ The Big One. Getting pumped!!!!!

tgif

for me anyway, off manana.

St.Francis again. Didn't wanna, but Shebitch in rare form last night. When was the last time you were awoken from a sound sleep, It's face inches from yours, SCREAMING. Yes, that was how I was awoken @ 9:30pm last night. Fun fun. What was the screaming about? Dog biscuits, yes, dog biscuits. Hulk wasn't eating some It bought, I gave them away, It freaked, left 2 voicemails @ the job, really went mental. This proceeded to "...and you call yourself a man........I feel sorry for your patients....." Yes, Spike was sitting literally in the middle. Joy joy.

So, hadda go longer, St.Francis, then, Kissena. Felt MUCH better.

Off tomorrow, St.Francis @ crack of dawn, orthopedist @ 8, Airport 5k @ 10, then sleep.

Miracle of the day: 1)Recreation Therapist from SBATC wants to run The Marathon together, like I'm in HIS league. Quite flattered, but we'll see.

2)Veeeeeeehicle back, no pain, VERY user friendly process. Nice.

ok, terrific

St.Francis bright n' early. Nice groove we got goin' here. Another of those "hadda" runs-was scheduled to be @ a conference all day, so hadda get those miles in. Yes, another "before the sun rose" runs.

Was s'posed to hook up for the ride home, but wasn't to be. Good thing. I got home early, surprised Spike. He was-of course-@ the computer. I was fit to be tied. He was supposed to FIRST do his homework THEN play, but as Shebitch was nowhere to be found, he was left to his own devices. Can't believe that bitch. HOW can you expect a child to gain good habits, and when I reinforce them, It chimes in with comments from the peanut gallery, way to undermine. I REALLY wanted to kill him for lying to me, and I made this known.

God I hope someone somewhere takes note, I'd hate to think my efforts are wasted, we'll see. Don't call 'em the "terrible teens" for nothing. Then again, considering Shebitch abandons him for It's selfish needs, I should be happy he doesn't smoke crack...yet.

one step closer

St.Francis VERY early-even by my standards. Usually the sun is juuuuuust about rising as I finish, not today, hadda be up extra early. Spike off, Shebitch having surgery, so hadda show my face, check homework etc.....SOMEONE'S gotta be a parent. Today was extra tough-he has HORRIBLE habits-hey, what would YOU do if left to your own devices-poor spelling/near illegible, really shit work. That's corrected, now to dinner, then fun. Had a GREAT plan for us to go out, but like all great plans, that fell to shit. I tried.

Back to our story: felt warmer this am but with temps today expected to near 79, to be expected.

Manana, to the city for a meeting. Damn. Gotta squeeze in the run before.

I'm BACK!!!

After a "lost weekend," 1m on sat, 5k on sun, back to St.Francis. Felt REALLY good. Actually felt strong. Alot to be said for rest, even if it came after 2 days of shorter/sprinter distances. Was funny passing the school's football players on their way to practice-they were beginning as I was ending. Yin and Yang. Life. Surprised not more peeps @ the park, their loss.

Took the veeeeehicle to the collision place, thanking G for Geico all along the way. Gave them my veeeeehicle, they gave me keys to a rental-seamless. AND all I gotta pay is $.39 per day. As in cents. I love my coverage. Pays to think of tomorrow rather than focus on the moment.

now THAT'S what it's all about

did the Get to the Point 5k. Quite the event. Sucks that it starts @ 1pm, but that's really a testament to the 'hood. THIS race is what it's all about-coming together for a good cause, and having a blast!

Saw my peeps from far and wide, and thank G, 2 Wearers of the Green showed. Nice!!!!! THIS is one of those races I wish everyone I knew did. In Greenpoint/land of 1,000 churches, more Polish than Poland. And it all goes to the St.Stan's Athletic club. Really a together neighborhood. THIS is the race where the food is such that it reaches the point of gluttony-they used to have servers with trays serving White Castles as you waited on the food line. And, TONS of raffles. You could really get the sense from the MC that they were there to raise some $, but also to celebrate as a community. Nice, very nice.

Deb walked away with yet more hardware-she placed yesterday as well, and Jessica and her bf ran it. Really nice-and-the mc got to embarass Jessica by announcing her birthday for all to sing along to.

Back in touch with why I started running. Pure fun with no expectations. It was WONDERFUL to have new blood there. Being @ this one with the newest Wearers of the Green really brought it all home/full circle. Remember that spark-now long lost -in your eye when that fire first burned in your belly? The joy that came from pushing yourself harder than you thought? The naivete/optimism/excitement of the first couple of races? THIS made it worthwhile. Not being there for selfish gain, but for the colelctive good. What a thrill.

.....I gotta walk before they make me run......................

you get what you need

ok, did the St.Clement's race. SHOULD'A done St.Francis, but, Queens gots'ta stick together.

Not bad. A beautiful morning, race started WAY too late-10am, but I think they wanted to be inclusive of the late bloomers.

Suffice to say, it was a sea of green. We really made it our own, quite the showing. Unfortunately, we were the ONLY Queens club there, but fuck 'em. We done good. Another of those "youze guyz made me proud" moments. Not only did we place pretty much across the board, we helped run the event. REALLY nice. Not one of those what's in it for me," but a "what do I bring to the table." AND two notables helped underwrite it, it really WAS a Strider event. Reaffirms my belief that people are fundamentally good.

Had 20-ish more than last year, good to be growing. We placed in practically every category. I'm, again, quite proud. Wish I'd run longer, but proud.

alrighty then

hadda avoid Toxichouse last night, went out. Had done a drive-by, couldn't stick around, too Toxic, so headed out. In the course of returning, BOOM! Accident. DAYUM! Fender bender, right front corner pushed in, not a biggie, but enough. Geico couldnt'a been more user friendly. Monday I bring the veeeeehicle into their recommended body work place, pick up a rental right there, and pick up my veeeehicle when all's done. AND-for some odd reason, when I set up the policy, I set it up with a $100 deductible. WHEW!

Took Spike to see Quarantine. Nice. (why G gave us a son instead of a daughter). Great flixk for male bonding.

Got my St.Francis on this am, felt good. Hadda do it-1m tomorrow, 5k Sunday. Might actually have to run The Line beforehand. We'll see.

....I thought love was only true in fairy tales........seemed the more I gave the less I got.....then I saw her face!!!! I'm a believer!!!

what the_______???

woke up, rain. Drats!!! Still...maybe...ok. Got dressed headed out. More rain.

Dammmmmmmmmmmmit!!! Got to the unit, misty. SHIT! Maybe, just maaaaaaybe it was G's way of getting me to take a day off? That's my story n' I'm stickin' to it.

Went to p/t. Ok so far, no progress whatsoever but I keep hoping against hope that the pros know better. Came home, THERE'S the fatal error. Shebitch out, Spike still in his pyjamas as we speak-it's almost 4 pm. Jeeeez. House devoid of food. And for some small reason his head hurts-no wonder. God grant me the serenity...............

Otherwise, s.o.s. And this is good. I like same.

YESSS!

What came out 10-6 (besides me)? The Clash @ Shea Stadium!!! Now kiddies, this SOUNDS good, but...we're in the digital age. Record stores are history, Circuit City/Best Buy carry top 40. You can imagine how tough it was to find the cd without ordering it online. But...got that mother!!! Yes!!! And well worth it. I was @ that concert. The Clash were soon to disappear into history, were opening for the Who, and I thought they blew the Who away. It was me, my best friend Loewenstein, his best bud, and rain-lots of rain. We walked home after. Ouch. But it was AMAZING. What fun. You CAN go back again, in a manner of speaking.

AND, what ALSO came out 10-7??? The Liz Robbins tome. Wow. Really captures the essence of the event.

Quite the eventful release dates n'est pas?

St.Francis again. Brisk, cool again. Everyone whining it was cold. Wusses. What're they gonna do when winter kicks in??? Good news gets better: found a killer set of longs @ Target-6.98. Do I already have millions, yes, but hey, @ a sub 7 cost???


....n' a man needs something when he ain't got nothin' to hold onto...n' there ain't no tellin' when I feel like yellin' "I love you!!!..."

on a roll here

God grant me the serenity.......

With each passing second it seems I grow increasingly intolerant-if it's at all possible/not that I was tolerant. The old fuse just keeps getting shorter and shorter. Why SHOULD I (or anyone for that matter) have to put up with assholes??? Rhetorical q (the assholes were always there, my fuse is just at it's end). The boss is currently #1, actually topped Shebitch-no small accomplishment there. Keeps putting me in shit situations. He's got the 5 year window of retirement-could be next year, could be in the next 5. His anal-icity is growing with each passing day. REALLY wish he'd just shut up and lemme take care of business.

Shebitch is back to normal, forgot what I called Spike but It had the nerve to correct me-I of course refreshed It's memory of language directed to It's offspring "pain in the ass," "stupid," real uplifting shit. Funny how some believe they have an inherent right to judge while not accomplishing a goddamned thing in their lives. Meanwhile, we have mashed potatoes and toast for dinner. Yes kiddies, yesterday it was a 3 lb lobster, today.....Yes, I'm living with a child-a mental child.

OK, so, St.Francis continues serving me well. Thank G. Crisp, VERY brisk morning. Almost long sleeve weather, but can't, yet. VERY happy with the distance, hadda. Gots'ta log 'em.

Got an e mail re: the wave starts. I'm in wave 3, set to go off @ 10:20. Beats last year's time by 45 minutes-on paper. Truth be told, there's no telling when wave 3 will actually cross the starting line, but hey, at least most of the wearers of the green are doing it this year, few deferred. Runners of the ilk of Sue, Tom, Dave the SuperJew are in wave 2; Yariv etc are in wave 1. As well they should. Hadda celebrate: bought a pair of green cons.

...and those who loved and lost will know the way it feels-to touch the night without the one you love.

parallel universe?

did St.Francis+. Hadda. What would YOU do to mark another year on the planet? Felt good. Crisp, cool morning. No more shirtless runs.

So, today I turn 49. Wow. Never thought I'd make it past 40. Feel really good. Did Grete's in faster time than last year. Can't complain.

So...wassup with the parallel universe? Walked into the house (Toxichouse), Birthday baloons, the Run Fatboy Run DVD (GREAT movie), a wonderful card, Shebitch is out. Perfect. Where is It? Out getting Lobster to cook for dinner. Did I walk into the wrong house?????

It enters the house with a 3 lb lobster in hand. Fucker was a behemoth!!! Real fun putting him into the boiling water. Spike n' I tortured him proudly. Ahhh, those father/son bonding moments.

Also a couple of green tee's-American Eagle outfitters (gettin' down with my inner caucasian) and one Billabong. Green why? Ap baby!!!

So am I Satan today, to be turned into Shebitch's probono lawyer, or am I the Father again. Odd house n'est pas?

Happy Birthday to me. And thanks for being there for the ride. Couldn't have done it without your love.


******from the "you really can't write stuff this good" files: I was just asked to pick a date next week to be taken out for dinner. Assuming this means I'll be served instead of being WHAT'S served, I'm shocked. I DID apparently walk into the wrong house. I actually looked @ Shebitch and asked "what have you done with the person who lived here last night?"

.......this is ONE example of "magical thinking." Keep hoping against hope that when you walk in the front door you don't get a new one torn. Nights like this occur about once every 5 years. There IS an agenda: Shebitch's friend is having her birthday party saturday-since It's getting gifts for this groupie, I'm sure today hadda happen to keep homeostasis. Don't care. I'm thrilled to have one decent night in the past 4 years.

so, did it stop or what???

woke up, pouring fucking rain. OK, suit up, see whassup.

Head to The Park. STILL pouring. Read the paper, await outcome. Sure enough, it stopped. Jeeeeez. Was this a test or what?????

Got my St.Francis on, felt good. After doing a half yesterday, anything else is easy. Trying to use the half as a base, but careful there kiddies, can't raise the bar too high too fast. Only a select crowd there @ the park, the few, the proud, the patient. I'm sure most woke up today thinking "it's raining," wusses.

Took Spike to the flix. Been too long. Prob is, no one but me does anything, but...(yes, we came home, Shebitch tells him to walk the dog. Odd how some people are great at telling others what they should be doing yet...................)

So, what did we see? Nick n' Norah's Infinite Playlist. VERY good. Actually wanted to see the Chihuahua flick, but a)Spike wasn't into it b)WHY would George Lopez-of all people-have ANYTHING with a flick that reinforces Latino stereotypes??????? (unfortunately, it IS funny, but...) So, Nick n' Norah's it was. REALLY good flick. Reminded me of my youth. Back when I'd be up for days going to one concert after another, recording @ Electric Ladyland...the way New York seemed the city of endless fun to a young'un. Miss those days, but now, if I'm up after 9 I'm tired (then again, getting up @ 3.....) STILL have that feeling of: there's something cool out there to do n' I ain't gonna miss it. Thank God. Keeps me from getting as old and bitchy as_______.

missed it by THIS much

DAYUM!!!

Did Grete's Great Gallop. Deb was there with Chel for the Norway Run, Tom n' Jerry did the 1/2. PERFECT morning for a run, crisp, very brisk-as in "wish I'd brought gloves/but then again, what're we gonna do when the REAL cold comes???" cold. But again, perfect for a race. Actually found a parking spot one block from the start-a friggin' miracle for a Saturday in Manhattan.

Saw some of the usual suspects, missed some. Pity really. A race like this has a length for everyone, their loss.

Did ok, actually VERY ok-2 mins faster than ever in Central Park for a half, but pissed. Wanted sooo badly to break 2 hours, but, wasn't to be. I got faked out. What I-and those around me-thought was the 12 mile marker was actually for 11, so we sprinted too far from the finish. SHIT! Was like having 2 - 12 mile markers. But, got the miles, logged 'em, 4 weeks to go until.........The.....Big.......One.

***Payback's a _____Joe Torre done it! Dodgers beat the Cubs. Who really gives a shit? Well, no one really, but, Joe Torre deserves it! The Yankee's jerked him off, he boogied, good. Fuck the Yankees, bunch'a overpaid prima donnas. Mets (overpaid yes, prima donnas, no) should'a grabbed him, but typical Mets, they cheaped out. Good for Joe!!!!! His best quote "nice to work in a town where sports ISN'T front page news." God bless him. Go Dodgers!!!

It? Back from Hospital. Damn.

it was the best of times/it was the worst of times

good news is: Shebitch is in the hospital.

bad news: dunno which hospital.

(you'll notice I'm not complaining).

Came home, Spike's alone. Turns out Shebitch hadda leave the job to go to the hospital. It didn't call to lemme know, so, guess I'll have a peaceful home tonight. Nice.

Downside: you KNOW I'm gonna get torn a new one for not having my crystal ball operational. Oh well.

wow

260+, impressive. N' the website has over 4,600 hits. Would be nice to break 300, but let's don't get carried away.

GREAT, n' I don't use the term lightly, GREAT meeting. The bored meeting flew, a new record: 26 minutes. With the incentive of our trip presentation, we had bidness to discuss, we did so, not bad, THEN moved on to the membership meeting. NICER! Hopefully, our newest member was impressed. The members riffed off the vibe from the trip, can actually say for ONCE seeing slides of "how I spent my summer vacation" didn't suck. The warmth was indeed infectious. Bless Helen and the peeps.

More good news: the committee got together to discuss proposals for the election. They actually came up with a couple of scenarios! NICE.

St.Francis this am, felt MUCH better. Dunno que paso ayer, pero, ouch! REALLY had zip. Today, actually felt strong(er), not quite up to snuff yet, but getting there.

.........here I come but I ain't the same.................

KNOW I'm gonna regret this but...

regged for the Oysterfest, sucks, only a 5k, but I didn't do it last year n' as a resident, gots'ta do it. But that's not the point: regged for the 6 hour GLIRC run. NOT that I'm gonna do the 6 hours, oh no. Gonna use it as a half. Each loop is 2.3 miles @ Sunken Meadow-XC, tough. If I can get at least 5 loops in I'll be good.

Did Kissena this am n' shouldn't have. Felt run dooooooown all day-to the point that I didn't have the energy to respond to e mails. THAT'S wiped. Hadda do it though. When I woke up it was raining, got dressed to run nontheless. By the time I got to The Unit, it was misty-perfect. The temps were in fact perfect, but I had nothing.