The Dangers of Exercise

I'm sure all of you heard or read about the fatal shark attack that occurred in Solana Beach on Friday morning. It has been the hot topic in SD this weekend. If you didn't hear about it, a 66 year old man was killed by a great white shark while swimming about 150 yards off shore with a group of triathletes. It was most certainly a tragedy and has shaken up the water community. We had a beach day planned at Del Mar for Saturday and it was perfect...hot, sunny, and glassy all day. Great white lurking or no great white lurking I was determined to get in the water. Despite the advisories to not enter the water, my boy Tim and I went out and surfed. We were having fun until we saw a dorsal fin emerge about 20 yards away from us. For a moment, both Tim and I were terrified. A second later a dolphin pierced the surface as it rode in and out of the wave. I've never been happier to see a dolphin in my life. This story isn't a tale of bravery, nor a tale of dolphins though. I tell this story as a prelude to what I thought was pretty hilarious commentary regarding the whole shark attack ordeal. My uncle Mike called my dad and said, "You know what I'm taking away from this whole thing? Don't exercise! Exercising is dangerous. That's why I don't do it. No one's ever been attacked by a shark in a doughnut shop." Although it sounds tongue-in-cheek, I think Mike probably really meant it (which makes it even more hilarious).

Massage vs. Words

The differences between men and women are very interesting and seemingly limitless. Especially when it comes to how we give and receive love. One of the great challenges of marriage is learning what our partners love languages are and then loving them in those ways. For instance, Jordyn's love languages are quality time and words of affirmation. I continually try to love her with acts of service (cleaning, building things, washing the cars, yard work, etc.). Although she appreciates these things, they don't make her feel loved. Last night we were laying in bed and I asked her to give me a back massage. She said, "How about I say nice things to you instead?" I said, "No thanks, I'll take the rubs." Now, I do like to be affirmed. But if she were to ask me this question ten times I would probably choose the massage nine times out of ten. We chuckled at how primitive men can be some times...make body feel good now. I'm convinced that God uses marriage to grow us and build our character. He's teaching me to get out of my own world and think of the needs of others. He's teaching me to love others in new ways. I'm glad that He and my wife are patient.
Tunes: Cat Power - Silver Stallion (the whole Jukebox album is pretty stellar)

My ism is perfection...

I approach this blog like I approach most things in life...if I can't do it right or perfect I won't do it all. It's a pretty lousy, small way to live really. But somehow it's become my way. There are many truths that I can recite to myself: there is a learning curve to everything, just be human, there is no right/perfect way to do anything, get outside of the box, etc. Sometimes I just feel like this guy. Stuck in my box...doing the same things and hoping for a different result.

"I'll be happy to give you innovative thinking. What are the guidelines?"

Quote of the day: “Realization that we have the capacity to envision perfection yet are destined to flounder can encourage a sense of humility and an appreciation of paradox in our shared humanity.” -Froma Walsh

Sleep Walker

Sometimes I feel as though I'm fighting a heavy dose of anesthesia pulling me deeper and deeper into an abyss of fatigue, disengagement, and disconnection from myself and others. The drug is powerful and often difficult to fight. Usually it's easier to just let go; to become a zombie walking around half asleep. I can tell you that this is the absolute worst way to live. There is no passion, no risk, no creativity, no giving of self, no growth, no active interest in life; nothing that makes you feel alive. Certainly Satan gently lures you into this state. Before you know it your life has become a drugery of to do lists, managing risk, maintaining control, fighting fear, and ensuring that you've had proper sleep and nutrition. I've yet to find the perfect antidote for me. Of course my natural approach is to do more of what has gotten me into this state - make a list of things to check off to be more alive. I suppose at some point you must break the routines; speak truth to the lies; push through the perfectionism and performance mentality; abandon the oughts, shoulds, and expectations; trust God and who He says you are; and risk living a new way.

"People are either driven to action or complacency, mission or rust. You're either participating in the Game of Life or you're watching it from the grandstands. Here in lies a crucial difference. A champion plays the game: a spectator observes, criticizes and never really gets to live. A champion knows what he or she wants and goes after it with carefully calculated goals and no-holds-barred action. A spectator feels that his or her life is not their own. They let others dictate their destiny. They become victims of life instead of masters of it." -Bruce Jenner