Clear vision, shaky lens
Tricky thing to compile right? It is easy to create a top website list as long as you cheat eliminate a few of the obvious social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Gmail (or whatever other e-mail you foolishly use). I also excluded Spotify since, once downloaded, doesn't function quite like a regular site... Continue Reading →
Baseball has been, and by title always will be, America's pastime. Even though other sports like football and (arguably) basketball have out-gained baseball in overall popularity, there is just something about the sport that always brings people back. The game itself is typically a slow, plodding sport where the majority of the players stand around... Continue Reading →
This heat is reaching absolutely ridiculous levels! I love living in Virginia but man have the overpowering temperatures drastically increased my desire to move up north sooner than planned. One can only assume that global warming, which isn't going anywhere, will make this summer's temps a trend but it sure isn't a good one. Regardless... Continue Reading →
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkf1x-iW-Ks&feature=related
Isn't being impulsive just a wonderfully annoying trait to posses? My reaction to most anything is to act first, think second and (potentially) pay the consequences third. One relatively recent personal example the was decision to sign up for a marathon. I wasn't pushed, prodded or provoked into singing up, I merely had a few friends that decided to do it so I, being a very impulsive being, literally just said "I'm in!" I'm writing this so I've obviously survived the first few weeks but I'm still in desperate search of that runners high that I read about in 'Born To Run.' I mean, if others can run ultra-marathons through deserts and at altitude why can't I run a measly 26.2 miles? Personally, I feel more like Forrest Gump when he decided to run simply by standing up and beginning to run. Sure my running attire involves 10€ flat-soled walking shoes and sweat wicking clothing but the act of running itself is quite comparable because it began on a whim. I can only hope I continue to run on a, ahem, whim three times a week now through November when I attempt the Richmond Anthem Marathon. Fingers are crossed... Exercise log: 7am - 4.5 mile run with the Rutts (hills)
Is moderation all that it's cracked up to be? I sure hope so in light of the fact that today, of all days, is the perfect day for all Americans to exercise (pun intended) restraint and learn to moderate! That said, I don't think that everything truly is (always) better in moderation. My argument is... Continue Reading →
"If you are ashamed to stand by your colors, you had better seek another flag." - Unknown
How patriotic are you? I ask this question knowing full well that I cannot fully answer it myself. Sure, I can flesh out different aspects of it but I definitely struggle with pledging my allegiance to any flag. I created a short quiz to test myself, and anyone who reads this, to help me test my current stance on patriotism....
Well, how did I do? How did you do? This is a test of my own creation and I realize that it is absolutely flawed to create a self-quiz but for me, it was at least helpful. Nonetheless, I know that I will find tomorrow to be a struggle when it comes time to "celebrate" America but I'm starting to get used to it. I know one thing, I am jealous of any person that has a true passion for their country, yes that includes ignorant folks that parade their strong beliefs via car flag, red, white and blue bandanas and the like, but I don't anticipate ever fully being able to join in.
Exercise log:
7am - 4.75 mile run with the Rutts (42/Acorn)
By this time next month, I will be (mostly) moved in to a new apartment in the wonderful city of Boston. Having only seen my apartment but once, I'm quite eager to check it out again and to begin moving in and "Michaelizing" it a.k.a. making it my own. Since my first trip back is... Continue Reading →
Harrisonburg is a beautiful place. Where I live, at the county line, I have a great view of green fields, not-so-distant mountains and, of course, sunsets. This little part of the 'burg is typically pretty serene and the beauty is a quiet one. That was not the case last night. A wild storm just blew in, knocking out our power, whip-lashing our plants, moving the outdoor furniture wildly about, depositing our recycling bin down the street and even now, leaving branches and other such debris all over our yard and the yards of many others. The storm was truly an impressive display of raw power that was wonderful to witness from the safety of indoors (mostly, I ventured out a few times). I find it ironic that the wild storm created a different kind of beauty. By giving us, the Rutts and us Millers, the chance to drink wine in candlelight while watching the storm was serenity in a new way. I can only hope that I have many more moments like these in my future. Exercise log: 6:30am - 6.4 mile run with Lex & Jay
"Everything happens for a reason"
My motto in life, as you can see in the title of this blog, is that everything happens for a reason. Basically, I believe that if something is meant to happen, it will and vice verse. This belief is absolutely connected to my spirituality since I trust that God is in control and the life is not entirely random. Every action I take will have a specific consequence that I help shape by the choice that I make.
Let me immediate future serve as a good example. My wife and I are moving to Boston later this summer to begin graduate school yet that very nearly was not the case. I, we, anticipated moving to Australia for grad school in and everything seemed to be gearing up for that finale. However, as it grew closer to the time and the obstacles began to mount, it became obvious that to move to Australia (at that time) would have been forcing the issue. Once we changed gears and reconsidered Boston, everything simplified and I am positive that this new direction is the right one. If Australia, not Boston, was meant to be, it would have been.
My motto might not apply to anyone else since it requires a it of optimism, guile and flexibility but it is mine and it works for me.....anyone reading this, do you have a motto you live by?
Exercise log:
7:30am - tennis with bro-in-law for 2.5 hours (won 2-6, 7-6, 6-1)
Mikethatmiller 