When I think about the selection of Governor Sarah Palin as VP nominee to Senator John McCain, my blood boils. I am not sure why. I don’t know if it is that she is a virtual unknown, was chosen because she is young, female, and pro-life or if it is because SJM has totally attempted to pander to the Hillary-independents by this choice. News Flash Senator, Hillary-fans are not stupid. The ones who are still hanging on (despite her pleas for them to support Senator Obama) are not interested in a beauty queen who doesn’t believe in a women’s right to choose. Certainly not one who espouses family values yet has a knocked up teen daughter and plans to serve the second highest governmental office (well, in Dick Cheney world at least) while leaving four other children, including her infant with downs syndrome, at home. (Presumably the pregnant teen daughter will marry the father and stay thousands of miles from DC in AK?) And yes, I was raised by a working mother (the best ever mind you) but never once has our family espoused uber-evangelical double standards for women.

I am pretty sick of the pundits going on and on about the executive experience of Governor Palin versus the experience of Senator Obama. Let’s be clear, I’m a bit more concerned about foreign policy, our national economy, and personal responsibility in office which I don’t think a state office holder (particularly with the population AK) has a grasp of better than a long-term Senator such as Senator Biden (and Senator McCain for that matter).

I tried, very hard, to watch the RNC last night. I was sickened by the sight of lots and lots of old, middle-aged, upper middle class white people. That is all that you saw in the entire audience. Seriously? Where is the reflection of America in Republican delegation? There was more diversity on the new generation of 90210 than at the convention, as watched on MSNBC. It was such a throw back to GOP good ole boys that I found myself feeling completely unable to open my mind to listen to the speakers; all of whom were spending a lot of time clapping and introducing people rather than speaking. I did, out of respect for VP Gore, refuse to watch the Traitor Lieberman. For he, I believe, is the most horrid person ever to have been a member of the Democratic party in my lifetime–the Benedict Arnold of the donkey set.

I have no idea how to process this information and realize that this particular post has just been a venting rant. I need someone to set me down and help me to look beyond the pundit party and really examine the issues. Because right now I’m just darn mad and that doesn’t help me stump for Obama/Biden.

So if you’ve actually made it to the bottom of this post, find out for yourself.

Barack Obama, 2008

If you want to read a good one…. Andrew Sullivan

And whatever you do, please vote in November. If you don’t, you don’t get to write stupid rants like me. 🙂

Peace.

In honor of the first day at school which is tomorrow, I give you Carly Simon. My anticipation stress is higher this year than ever before. Lots of changes in life and changes at school; I have two new classes, a new leader, and of course, the ever-present life stuff. Very excited, very nervous. And I can’t wait to see my kids.

As part of my World Village boot camp last week at school, we watched this video. As I watched it, at age 30, I found myself feeling very divided. I feel as though I am not completely a digital immigrant, but I also don’t see myself as a native. I feel as though I am an adapter floating the tip of the conceptual age wave, yet at the same time, I’m close enough to the sand of the previous age that I can manage effectively between the two. I feel really blessed by this but at the same time, terribly conflicted. I often hear digital immigrants complaining about natives and calling them lazy or unfocused. When I was growing up, this was called ADD. But now, I see myself relating so well to the “kids” who process information quickly and are in constant need of stimulation (thanks to my classmate who used this word today, it totally fits). Perhaps what was diagnosed as mild ADD was really just an advanced ability to process information? Wishful thinking, I know, but the next time you encounter a kid connected to his texting or constantly checking her facebook, remember what you see below.

Peace.

This is perfect after two days of meetings and two months of working on the schedule. Fact of the matter is, I really do like my new boss(es). Happy start of school teachers!

I am not particularly motivated to write a long race report from yesterday’s Annapolis Ten-Miler, so here is the quick wrap up…

It was good. I felt really strong the entire race, went out too fast in miles 2 and 3, but maintained well. The bridges were really difficult, particularly because of the blazing sun which beat down and radiated up through my feet (as well as burning my nose).

At the turn-around it was really good to see where I was positioned amongst the rest of the field and it gave me the confidence I needed to turn up my effort once I was back over the bridge. The prospect of coming in under 1:20 was too exciting not to pass up so I churned up the hill passing my fellow weary running mates. Crossing at 1:19:54, just a notch under my goal of 1:20.

I am not sure what it was that made me feel strong on this particular day. Strength has certainly been fleeting, but I was definitely motivated and for the strength, I’m grateful.

Annapolis 10 miler: 1:19:54, 23/319 (F 30-34), 656/4454 (OA)
Happy Running.

Our running club lost a member last night. I didn’t know him personally. My runners (those I coach) were running our club weekly race and he finished and had some kind of health trauma which resulted in his untimely death. As we tended to him in the best way we could–CPR, cold water, calling 911, etc.–I felt a complete sense of uselessness. I am capable of CPR, but that was attended to by others. I poured water and looked for a pulse on his wrists, but watched as he slowly pulled in and out of consciousness.

The emergency squad arrived and our participation in the process of his resuscitation was quickly ended we found ourselves cut off from knowing the status of our fellow runner. We tried to keep the children occupied and documented the process as best as we could for others. And as the ambulance left 20 minutes later, we were left completely unaware of the status of our comrade.

The night ensued with much prayer and the morning run with my dear friend (also the club president) included great discussion of all the steps we used to try to save him. And then, mid-day, came the email. Our great and amazing Lord had decided it was our comrade’s time to join him at the great banquet table.

Unable to process, I became overwhelmed with this loss of a great stranger. Having held the hand of a man I do not know as he was lifted home to be with God. An honor and a devastation all at one time. My heart aches for his family. My mind swirls with the thoughts that always come with death; telling ones I love them, asking everyone to make sure their hearts are healthy, and most importantly, their soul’s right with the Lord.

I’m not particularly sure why this loss is impacting me so much. This man whose name I did not even know as he was attended to by other people unknown to him. Perhaps it is the realization or reaffirmation that God’s timing is not our own. Ironic in that was just what I was hearing on Christian talk radio this morning on my way to work. God answers prayers. He just might not answer them the way we want. God gives us everything we need and not more than we can handle. Though, at times, it may feel as if we are falling down the rabbit hole.

There is no real capstone to these thoughts. My mind still continues to swirl on them and so I cannot find an intelligent ending, except to say to you, dear reader….

I love you.
God loves you.
Have you seen your dr. lately to make sure all is ship-shape?
Are you in a place in your life where if the Lord took you today your family would be ok?
Have you done and seen as much as you possibly could in your life?

Again, you are loved, beyond measure.

Peace.

I unplugged this morning. Seeking rather the sanctity of the local woods with my trusty four-legged companion, we approached the morning with quiet. As we slowly took our time traversing the familiar rock-laden chocolate paths I tried to be very observant of what was around us. A brief period of time spent in true gratefulness for all that God has put before me, both in nature and in life.

We took in the verdant vibrancy of the green canopy that almost completely shelters the path from the morning sun. Yet, the yellow glisten of the morning found itself able to peek through the holes in the forest roof. The air was crisp and fresh and completely unusual for an early August morning in the DC metro. The traditional mug and fog layer did not exist and was seemingly replaced by the cool morning air of fall. Though this set of woods is not far off from civilization on this particular morning, it felt as though we had escaped. We had miles to ourselves and took to our familiar blue and green route path. We did not encounter any other creatures, but were certainly aware of the birds around us. Their morning song reminded us of the glory to beheld when we quiet our minds and hearts and spend time in communion with the Lord and His creation.

Using this walk as a meditative practice really had an impact on my day. While Buddy enjoyed his sniffing and tromping through our walk, I used the time to think, pray, and focus my mind on a spirit of gratefulness, confession, and seeking of redemption, guidance, and grace. I believe that these few moments of being unplugged, disconnected from the world and plugging into my surroundings and thoughts really set up the rest of the days hours for good.

I think that in the bustle of day to day that I easily forget the joy that quieting of the heart and mind provides. It is a seemingly easy practice, but quick to be lost on the check list. Luckily, God is patient and always there when I return to Him.

Peace.

Love bug is officially passed out on the couch this morning. I think his six mile run yesterday tuckered him out. I don’t think much could disturb him today. He is going with me today to work just so that he isn’t alone while I crack out schedule stuff and plan for day 1.

He has more love in 17 pounds of fur than any earthly love I know. Joy.

Let me first begin by saying I love the Olympics. For three weeks every four years, I thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in international sports while at the same time learning personal interest stories of fabulous places like Guinea Bissau, the Maldives, and Azerbaijan. I admit the sports I enjoy are fairly traditional: swimming, gymnastics, running (track, no field), rowing, cycling, triathlon but I have been known to enjoy a lot of things in the spirit of the games.

So why is it that I am terribly disappointed this year? I have worked hard to over look the issues in China (human rights much?) to enjoy the games, but alas, I find that NBC (my favorite network) is killing that enjoyment for me this year. I am increasingly disappointed by the singular focus on Chinese/American match-ups to the neglect of other countries in sports like gymnastics. I am frustrated by the lack of respect shown to athletes who win, heaven forbid, a silver or bronze medal as the TV coverage spends their time waxing poetic about Michael Phelps in his gold medals. Don’t get me wrong, his feats are spectacular but he doesn’t win relays alone and he isn’t the only American athlete OR the only athlete to win gold.

I understand the evening coverage is fighting the battle of a 12 hour time difference and the internet giving scores and results before they can be seen to a television audience. This has certainly had an impact on the coverage. Yet, could we not just admit that this is an issue to the public and say, “we are showing the women’s gymnastics tomorrow, if you don’t want to know who won, don’t look at the internet!”???

Last night, my heart was crestfallen as I worked very hard to stay up late to see the competition. I realize I’m an early-to-bed girl, but 8-10 year old girls in pony tails across the country, particularly on the East Coast, probably had a hard time getting the chance to watch their heroes compete last night. That makes me sad, as I remember watching (and videotaping) hours of coverage from 88,92,96, and 2000. We cheered, we cried, we pretended to do the compulsory routines and we got to know the gymnasts. I realize that dvr exists to deal with things like this, but it is just not the same.

The Olympics were created to put the entire world on display. To bring athletes from around the world to communicate in the arena of sport. It is a true shame that, for whatever reason, the decision makers at the tv networks (or whomever made the decisions) have decided to ignore most of the rest of the world and even most of the athletes.

I pray that all of the athletes, from the US and globally, feel as though their participation alone is reason to be praised. I hope dearly that our US athletes who are not covered at all by the US media know that they represent the country just as well as those who smash records and win medals.

Higher, Faster, Stronger. For everyone, everywhere.

If you have the chance…download Hope for Every Fallen Man by Relient K from The Birds and the Bee Sides album. (the link is not the acoustic version from the album, but its ok.) This song is having a profound effect on me this week and I can’t seem to stop playing it. If you have 9.99, buy the whole darn album. They have never disappointed me but this song is amazing.

(no I don’t work on commission for Relient K.)

Thank God, I’m not God.