As the thunder and lightening pound away the rhythm of my Saturday evening, the rain washes away just about everything that is wrong with the world (though apparently politicians float).
I sit here and wonder... that's it, just WONDER. I wonder about life, love, and what my dogs are thinking. What will Dolly (my bull dog mix) be thinking in a couple of months when my wife actually starts showing physical signs of her pregnancy? Will she be jealous? Maybe I'm just using the rain as an excuse to think about all of the insignificant things that I'm worrying about as the little life starts to grow inside my lady.
I have no real reason to be afraid. We both have great jobs,supportive families and an amazing group of friends. Where does the nervousness come from? I'm not afraid my child will be like me... I'm worried they WON'T be like me. I'm worried someone somewhere will steer them down the wrong path and I won't be able to save them. What if they think I'm lame? What if they don't listen? What if I just suck at being a dad and can't even clean it right?
All of the above questions are essentially rhetorical as there is not only no real wrong answer... but no answer. My parents most likely asked themselves the same questions prior to my birth and were most likely still confused as to my future as I walked across the stage at my college graduation. I guess I just wanted to wonder, think... hypothesize. What do you do while it rains?
Love ya,
D-Ron
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Letter to "my" Bike Thief
To whom it may concern,
I apologize for the vague description of your identity in the salutations of this letter, but unfortunately we have yet to have been formally introduced.
As a follow up to the transaction that occurred in my front yard on the evening of September 12, 2010; I hope you were satisfied with the level of service provided to you. I know that you could have chosen any of 8 other townhouses in my complex to steal a bike from and I am very flattered and appreciative of your decision to steal from me. I'd like to take this opportunity to provide you with some information regarding the bicycles that are now in your possession (being that we were not able to communicate at the time of the transaction).
The late 80's model Huffy mens 10 speed road bike has some interesting "querks". The clean blue color and rear wheel "book rack" are great compliments to the versatility of the shifting devices of that time period. Shift with care as only 3 of the gears actually work while the others will just cause your feet to pedal freely with absolutely no result. About 2 weeks ago I replaced the front brake pads with graphite based sand paper and over oiled the mechanism which should cause the bike's front wheel to catch fire with the use of the front brake at around 10 mph, this is just a theory however though i believed it would look cool.
As for the early 2000's model Diamondback "hybrid" which shifts like a dream and bears the same "electric blue" as the Huffy, you should be mindful of the true owner of the bicycle. I "procured" this bicycle at a party about a year ago. There was a poker game and a rather large, angry and broke man wanted some "house credit" so he could attempt to win his money back. I offered to front the mean man his cash in exchange for his bicycle. After angry Joe (as I've come to refer to him) lost all of his money I rode away proudly on his bicycle as he yelled out to me vowing to "beat the ass of anyone he see's riding that bike". I guess I should thank you for taking this one off my hands because he recently found out where I live.
Once again I apologize for not formally introducing myself on the evening of which you chose to rob me of one of the small joys in my life. Had I known of your intentions I could have unlocked the bikes, sparing you from using what appears to have been an old rusty hack saw to shred through my krypotonite "indestructible" series bike lock. I hope you enjoy the ride!
Sincerely,
darren
I apologize for the vague description of your identity in the salutations of this letter, but unfortunately we have yet to have been formally introduced.
As a follow up to the transaction that occurred in my front yard on the evening of September 12, 2010; I hope you were satisfied with the level of service provided to you. I know that you could have chosen any of 8 other townhouses in my complex to steal a bike from and I am very flattered and appreciative of your decision to steal from me. I'd like to take this opportunity to provide you with some information regarding the bicycles that are now in your possession (being that we were not able to communicate at the time of the transaction).
The late 80's model Huffy mens 10 speed road bike has some interesting "querks". The clean blue color and rear wheel "book rack" are great compliments to the versatility of the shifting devices of that time period. Shift with care as only 3 of the gears actually work while the others will just cause your feet to pedal freely with absolutely no result. About 2 weeks ago I replaced the front brake pads with graphite based sand paper and over oiled the mechanism which should cause the bike's front wheel to catch fire with the use of the front brake at around 10 mph, this is just a theory however though i believed it would look cool.
As for the early 2000's model Diamondback "hybrid" which shifts like a dream and bears the same "electric blue" as the Huffy, you should be mindful of the true owner of the bicycle. I "procured" this bicycle at a party about a year ago. There was a poker game and a rather large, angry and broke man wanted some "house credit" so he could attempt to win his money back. I offered to front the mean man his cash in exchange for his bicycle. After angry Joe (as I've come to refer to him) lost all of his money I rode away proudly on his bicycle as he yelled out to me vowing to "beat the ass of anyone he see's riding that bike". I guess I should thank you for taking this one off my hands because he recently found out where I live.
Once again I apologize for not formally introducing myself on the evening of which you chose to rob me of one of the small joys in my life. Had I known of your intentions I could have unlocked the bikes, sparing you from using what appears to have been an old rusty hack saw to shred through my krypotonite "indestructible" series bike lock. I hope you enjoy the ride!
Sincerely,
darren
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Craigslist etiquette
I'm sitting at my house waiting for someone to show up and look at the washer and dryer I've posted on craigslist less than an hour ago. That's a pretty quick turn around right?
Meanwhile, I'm getting text messages and emails about the set even though my add clearly states to call me if you are interested. This got me thinking about a set of "unwritten" rules that should exist for the craigslist community. Hopefully you agree with my list, as I am very passionate... But feel free to add in your opinions.
1) respond as requested to respond. If it says call... Then call. Email requests generally should be answered with an email. Only "choose your own adventure" if a specific form of communication has not been requested. If there's a request to call... Be a big boy and call... Don't f-ing text because you get nervous talking to strangers.
2) smaller items need a public meeting place. I'm not coming to your house to buy your iPod. Meet me somewhere public so I don't have to worry that you might rape and mutilate me, only to end up in prison so you can kill yourself and write your ex-wife's name in blood on your cell wall.
3) this one is big... I WILL NOT SEND MY ITEM TO SOUTH AFRICA FOR SON WHO IS WANT THIS ITEM FOR SCHOOL AND IS INTEREST IN PAY DOUBLE ASKING PRICE PLUS COST FOR SHIP HIM IN SCHOOL.
Hope you guys like this list... Looks like the guy who wants to see my washer/dryer is here. He must need that machete to cut the twine to tie them to the roof of his GEO. Later!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Meanwhile, I'm getting text messages and emails about the set even though my add clearly states to call me if you are interested. This got me thinking about a set of "unwritten" rules that should exist for the craigslist community. Hopefully you agree with my list, as I am very passionate... But feel free to add in your opinions.
1) respond as requested to respond. If it says call... Then call. Email requests generally should be answered with an email. Only "choose your own adventure" if a specific form of communication has not been requested. If there's a request to call... Be a big boy and call... Don't f-ing text because you get nervous talking to strangers.
2) smaller items need a public meeting place. I'm not coming to your house to buy your iPod. Meet me somewhere public so I don't have to worry that you might rape and mutilate me, only to end up in prison so you can kill yourself and write your ex-wife's name in blood on your cell wall.
3) this one is big... I WILL NOT SEND MY ITEM TO SOUTH AFRICA FOR SON WHO IS WANT THIS ITEM FOR SCHOOL AND IS INTEREST IN PAY DOUBLE ASKING PRICE PLUS COST FOR SHIP HIM IN SCHOOL.
Hope you guys like this list... Looks like the guy who wants to see my washer/dryer is here. He must need that machete to cut the twine to tie them to the roof of his GEO. Later!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Vibram Five Fingers.... SOCCER!!
Ok... This day 1 of week 2 review is following my first attempt at kickin' the 'ol ball around in my fancy KSO's. Here's how it was:
AMAZING! I couldn't believe the control I had over the ball, combine with the speed I was able to pick up in full sprint. After getting used to having no spikes, I had a softer touch then ever before. My passes were crisp and my power kicks had movement that I hadn't been able to achieve in the past. My foot was in complete control of the ball.
I know my toes will be sore from my first session of sprinting, but I can definitely anticipate future five finger football in my future! (too many "F"s?)
AMAZING! I couldn't believe the control I had over the ball, combine with the speed I was able to pick up in full sprint. After getting used to having no spikes, I had a softer touch then ever before. My passes were crisp and my power kicks had movement that I hadn't been able to achieve in the past. My foot was in complete control of the ball.
I know my toes will be sore from my first session of sprinting, but I can definitely anticipate future five finger football in my future! (too many "F"s?)
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Vibram Five Fingers KSO Review (Day 2; Week 1)
So the wife and I took a little trip to visit some family for the weekend and I decided to only pack my VFFs and my Simple Gumshoes. On my first full day with the fam I decided to rock the VFFs exclusively. So from 7am until about 5pm they were on my feet... here's how it went.
Trips to the coffee shop and grocery store were amazing. I felt extremely relaxed and energized which I feel was do in large part to my already slightly corrected posture and the freedom of a "barefoot" walk. I ran with my nephew, helped with a yard sale, and even walked my brother's dog. The was an extremely exhausting afternoon. By about 2:30pm I was passed out on the couch watching Scooby Doo with my nephew.
When I awoke about an hour later my pinky toes were KILLING ME! I have never had any real pain/soreness in what I would have considered my least useful appendage, but considering that my body now relied on my pink toes for balance and stability while barefoot... it made sense that these little piggies were getting a work out. I considered the pinky toe pain to be a "good" pain as it was obvious that parts of my foot were being worked that would not normally receive athletic attention. The VFF is definitely starting to train my foot and posture... stay tuned for Day 3!
Trips to the coffee shop and grocery store were amazing. I felt extremely relaxed and energized which I feel was do in large part to my already slightly corrected posture and the freedom of a "barefoot" walk. I ran with my nephew, helped with a yard sale, and even walked my brother's dog. The was an extremely exhausting afternoon. By about 2:30pm I was passed out on the couch watching Scooby Doo with my nephew.
When I awoke about an hour later my pinky toes were KILLING ME! I have never had any real pain/soreness in what I would have considered my least useful appendage, but considering that my body now relied on my pink toes for balance and stability while barefoot... it made sense that these little piggies were getting a work out. I considered the pinky toe pain to be a "good" pain as it was obvious that parts of my foot were being worked that would not normally receive athletic attention. The VFF is definitely starting to train my foot and posture... stay tuned for Day 3!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Vibram Five Fingers KSO Review (Day 1; Week 1)
I have been intrigued by the Vibram brand in one way or another for a few years now. From the amazing rubber that hold my foot on the rock to the Five Finger "crazy shoe". As an avid runner I have recently started to come across numerous fellow runners who have stressed the importance of building hip, calf and foot strength to endure longer distance with less fatigue. One of the most accepted ways to train said areas of the lower body is to run/work out BAREFOOT. Now I have definitely tried taking a stroll barefoot 1 or two times... a day, since I am quite find of having no shoes on. I have never tried to run barefoot, until a few weeks ago.
My first and only barefoot running experience occurred at a park near my home in the lush green grass. "It's just grass..." I told myself almost scoffing at mother nature only moments before she started to torture my nether regions with an assault I had never know while running in shoes. Now I know why I call them BLADES of grass.
So as any good neurotic would do I went back to my research and discovered that my above circumstance was almost the exact reason that the Vibram Five Finger "shoe" was developed. With these fancy toe socks I would be able to engage my feet and legs as nature intended (allegedly) and not feel as intense a pain in my supple and angel like skin that adorn the pads of my feet. So after many try on sessions and review reading I decided that the Five Finger "KSO" was the model for me. With an adjustable strap and nylon top to the shoe, these would be adjustable and provide a little protection from pebbles that have lost their way and ended up in my heel. So today I went and purchased the KSO in "REMIX" Red.
I enjoyed a walk up the street and around the block with my dogs and was enamored by the amount of texture I was able to feel and experience in the VFFs. Only after about 1/2 a mile did I start to feel the soreness or "raw" feeling in the pads of my toes. As soon as I was home and back onto the wooden floor that I was accustomed to walking barefoot on, the pain and raw feeling was gone, just as if I had just come home and kicked off my shoes.
I am continuing to wear them as I type this and I will try and update on my progression through the recommended break in period. I am fairly certain I will have a bit of soreness tomorrow but so far I am excited with my new found connection with the outside through my feet.
My first and only barefoot running experience occurred at a park near my home in the lush green grass. "It's just grass..." I told myself almost scoffing at mother nature only moments before she started to torture my nether regions with an assault I had never know while running in shoes. Now I know why I call them BLADES of grass.
So as any good neurotic would do I went back to my research and discovered that my above circumstance was almost the exact reason that the Vibram Five Finger "shoe" was developed. With these fancy toe socks I would be able to engage my feet and legs as nature intended (allegedly) and not feel as intense a pain in my supple and angel like skin that adorn the pads of my feet. So after many try on sessions and review reading I decided that the Five Finger "KSO" was the model for me. With an adjustable strap and nylon top to the shoe, these would be adjustable and provide a little protection from pebbles that have lost their way and ended up in my heel. So today I went and purchased the KSO in "REMIX" Red.
I enjoyed a walk up the street and around the block with my dogs and was enamored by the amount of texture I was able to feel and experience in the VFFs. Only after about 1/2 a mile did I start to feel the soreness or "raw" feeling in the pads of my toes. As soon as I was home and back onto the wooden floor that I was accustomed to walking barefoot on, the pain and raw feeling was gone, just as if I had just come home and kicked off my shoes.
I am continuing to wear them as I type this and I will try and update on my progression through the recommended break in period. I am fairly certain I will have a bit of soreness tomorrow but so far I am excited with my new found connection with the outside through my feet.
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