For Boston

  As many of you witnessed last week our nation was under attack and it had occured at one of Distance Running's most prodigious events, the Boston Marathon. Before 2:50 PM, when pretty much 75% of the field in the Boston Marathon was finished two suspects who were 19 and 26 years old left 2 pressure cookers explosives in backpacks filled with pellits, nails and other debri, and after they left the backpacks they exploded and the result horrific.  3 people dead(which included an 8 year old boy cheering his dad who was running)  and over almost 260 people with injuries some of them minor but other almost sever to the point of being amputated . It was a devistation not only to the Running Community but to this entire country and I'm sure everyone of us felt affected by it in some sort of way.

Boston, to me was very special. 2 years ago I have displayed my emotions on what it meant to get there along with the experience I've had running in my past blogs.

http://dmoneystwocents.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-blood-sweat-and-tears-literally.html

http://dmoneystwocents.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-boston-marathon-experience.html

Yet, many people who were there ran it for the very first time hoping to have the same positive experiences as I had or there were some who did this yearly and it kind of like a yearly journey for them to run Boston, or there were those running for charity and completed to help support their causes and have a good time. However, the devistating explosions ruined a moment of triumpth and celebration for everyone into heartache, sadness and anger.

Kind of like 9/11, everybody now remembers where they were when they heard the news of the explosions. I was at work listening to 97.1 The Fan getting ready to leave work at 3:30 PM like I usually do when they cut in from the Local Sports Talk Shows telling of the explosions that had occured. I got into my car and turned to News Talk Radio(that I hardly never listen to) and they told of what occured in Boston and got home and turned on the TV and saw the images of what was going on. Pretty much I looked at friends' Facebook updates, who were at Boston, to see if they were ok and they were and got home. They were lucky but those who were at the finish line area at the time were not ok and now their lives are now changed forever due to the acts of these two Chechen brothers.

Thankfully due to social media, cameras and witnesses the Police and FBI were able to make a lot of progress this past week and now one of them was killed early Friday morning but the other was taken Friday evening. The capture wasn't without another loss as a police officer at MIT was killed Thursday by those 2. But, the main thing is one of them is alive and captured.

God will be the one that truly going to judge these two but personally I hope the one who is alive would get the death penality for what he and his now deceased brother has done. That's my personal opinion and I hope many of you share the same thoughts as me.

However, back to the reason I'm writing. Everyone of us as runners had a true place in their hearts for Boston and those that were affected. Even those who didn't compete watch in horror of the images and stories of those victims hurt and prayed for friends who were there. Runners who had competed felt they had their moment taking away from them by actions of those 2 BASTARDS!!

Yet, there have been great stories of heroics that have been told. For example, Carlos Arrendondo, the Cowboy hat wearing race volunteer who was helping runners and watching the race to support a runner who was running the marathon in honor of Arredondo's son, Lance Cpl. Alexander S. Arredondo, who was killed in Iraq in 2004. But instead Carlos was helping victims like this one who had to have both his legs amputated. The victim was one of the first ones to give a description to the FBI of the Tsarnaev Brothers.

There were others as well. Especially one of the first victims that was checked into the hospital thanks to her friend.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/04/21/boston-bombing-survivor-grateful/2101403/

They're were a group of Army men who usually start the Marathon early and walk the whole course in full gear with their backpacks from Hopkinton to Downtown Boston. After the bombings many of them did what they were trained to help those who were hurt and tried to remove debri caused from the explosions.

 

 

Former New England Patriot Joe Andruzzi who ran the Marathon was carrying and helping people to safety.

 

These were just some of the example of heroism shown in the aftermath despite the turmoil and Chaos. They were a whole lot more I wanted to mention but I didn't want to go on any longer but it shows you the example of what our country can do in a crisis.

The Running Community has been very supportive. Charities have been set up to help those victims in need. In fact this past Monday, Columbus Running Company along with other running stores around Central Ohio and probably the entire country set up a Run for Boston run. In which people signed up for shirts and donated money to the One Fund Boston. Almost 400 people were at the CRC Dublin Run for Boston Run.

If you still want to donate go to
https://secure.onefundboston.org/page/-/donate4.html

Runners come all sorts of different backgrounds. We may have different goals, act differently, and have a different way of obtaining them but the one thing we all have in common is our love not only for our sport but also for our country, our families, and each other. To me that is at least one postive thing I can take from this senseless act of violence. I apologize if I had affended others in my last blog I'm just in a funk at work. But I feel a sense of urgency hopefully as we can all come together and support one another and others in our communities.

I'll leave with what was posted on Columbus Running Company's Facebook Page the day after the bombings

Runners don’t run from things. We run for things. For our dreams & goals. For charity. For our own personal finish lines.

Yesterday’s terrible tragedy has an impact on all of us, and our thoughts are with those suffering in Boston. But we can’t let that change who we are. We’re runners. Step outside today. Whether it’s a block, a mile, or a marathon, go for a run. Run for something.

Run for Boston.

I'll also leave you a video of the National Anthem that was sung by the fans in attendance of the Boston Bruins hockey game 2 days after the bombings. It was a very touching moment.



Let's Make Real CHANGE!!!!

  Hello everyone, it's been a long while, and Happy Easter as I am typing this right now. We have a lot to be thankful for right now. In fact one of the reasons why I haven't been blogging is because of this right now and how it effects my job and other people's jobs within the federal government right now. This has been the approval rating of Congress for the last 2 years with the highest being at 24% one of the lowest in years. Usually it is above 40% or around it but right now with the Sequestration, furloughs, fed employees fearful of losing jobs, and the slowness of the economy recovery  people are getting annoyed at how our government is handling everything.

  I never thought in 2 years blogging I would write a political blog but right now I'm frustrated since it would effect these hard working government employees. Politicians now a days act like kids it seems when arguing over certain issues such as the economy, defense, and gun control. I believe many of them forget why they went into politics in the first place. It's a public service and if the public isn't happy with the job they do then they have the right to vote these guys out.

Well, I also believe the America people are to blame as well. Many Americans for some reason or another keep voting them back in because they are tied to a certain party or they can't think for themselves. These Americans expect the government to fix everything. Too much government can be a really bad thing. Everyone I think has an idea of where I stand, but I try not to post any or if little Facebook posts about certain issues as to where I stand. I respect and honor people's opinions including those friends who have different views than mine, however I hate it when someone stirs the pot. It just divides us as a people and a country.

I mentioned that with what is going on everyone at work is considered down the road with furloughs. Good news is the furloughs are down to 14 days since the delay of notices and possible more funds but still doesn't solve any of our problems. That's my personal opinion.

Lately, on a side note like I have mentioned I have people very frustrated with working here at my job in Dept of Defense at DFAS.There has been a hiring freeze to some hire positions that I think are around my skills, the job I'm making less than what I think I should be making and for the pay position I'm at I totally am getting bored at doing the same thing. I don't like a couple of the people I have to work with from Vendor Pay that our section has to work with. I feel out of place not only in how much education I have and how much younger I am compared to a few of my fellow co-workers.

 Also, I feel my lifestyle is extremely different than many of them. I tend to live a much healthier and active lifestyle than pretty much most of my co-workers. A little bit of negative energy tends to rub off to me and I do not want that for me or anybody else. I only see a few I know that work in different sections that like me love to maintain almost a daily, healthy workout habits. Even my buddies whom I eat lunch with don't usually share my enthusiam for healthy eating. They either are busy with house work,wife, family, girlfriends, and that's ok. I know one of them can do a lot better at meeting other people and just likes to watch movies, play video games, and doesn't necessary eat decently sometimes.

Though, despite work, feeling as if almost everyone around me there is a pain in the ASS, our Congresss has been screwing all of us(fed workers, middle class, other Americans) royally as well. I'm trying to find some positive around me on the outside of work and I want that for my friends, family, or anyone I know to also.

Training so far has been good as to get ready for a Spring Half Marathon. Had some good races last March with Stingray 5k and Beer Bottle 4 mile. However, CRC will not send a Men's Team to Chicago for the Shamrock Shuffle. That's because only 3 guys myself included volunteered for the trip. For the elite team race you need 4 to score. The Women, however are going with a team. It really disappoints me so far that the ladies seem to have it together while I'm trying to be that leader the Men need even though I'm not the fastest guy on the Elite team I want some of the guys to step up now that the weather is getting warmer and we have a chance to kick butt this summer and fall. Hopefully some of the negative influences we had on the team are gone!!!

This right now is a critical time in our country still but at the same time I think it has shown me a little bit of light for me I haven't or refuse to see for quite sometime. I am not happy right now with the job I have and I am 50/50 on staying within the Private Sector. Sorry Mr. President but I feel as if  I'm not a whole lot better off now than I was 4 years ago.

 It seems there really is no middle ground where I work. I hope their will be some job openings for the building next door DLA, it's the Logistics building. My cousin works there. They have a few more miltary over there and from what I've seen people seem to like it over there. My business degree could be useful and I interned over there for a summer before my last semester of college which made me fell in love with living in Columbus. Nothing progressed but I hope to keep my eyes open and get my resume ready if given the chance.

 Like I mentioned I feel not a whole lot of connection with the people I work with in my section. I don't hang out with them after work nor not too close with them. I'm friendly and talkative to them of course and help them like they help me of course. Yet, I still don't hang out with them, have a brew or something like that with my other friends outside of work and you all know who you are. I see my co-workers plus the annoying people in our Vendor Pay section more often than I do my family and friends. Lately the past few months I seem like I have grown very distant to my family and friends and hopefully I would love to see them a little more often as the weather gets warmer hopefully.

Also, I've been meaning to look into purchasing a place a of my own so that one day if I do get hitch I can use that place I own to build it up and make it a rental property by keeping it looking good. Right now it hard to keep up with my own apartment since I'm out training and working so far. Spring is here I would like to catch up.

Another thing I'm trying to do is get back out into Dating. I'm not getting any younger and some days my body feels that way especially. Hopefully God will keep opening my heart a little more and lead me to the ONE!!

However, there have been some positives. I just completed a Level 1 training course with USATF and I'm now certified to coach junior high, high school and individuals in track and field or running itself. I'm getting started into helping out with possibly a few individuals thanks to CRC but right now I would like to use this opportunity right now to speak to anyone who would like to improve their running or their health. I'm really thinking deeply on becoming a personal running coach. This is not limited to only select individuals, but to anyone. This includes beginners, people who want a to finish a half or full, those who want a qualify to Boston in their age groups standards, and especially post collegiate athletes who still want to compete at a competive level. I also hope to get into jr.high or high school coaching this fall in cross country if anybody in the Franklin County area knows any schools that at least would like an assistant.

I'm just getting started with this so bear with me. I'm reading a little more about youth training, marathon training plans, looking for online sources, and going through books my parents have gotten for me in the past that I still have(Heh Mom and Dad those are going to come in handy finally!! :) So I'll be still learning as well. I'll try to make my training plans reasonable but with some workouts to challenge everyone. But I'm open to listen to my clients and athletes. Communication is a great key for it. I can even recommend someone to a nutritionist for diet plan or physical therpist for injury. Trust me I run on a competive team for a Shoe store and develop some friendships and by helping you I can be open to help them with their line of work as well.

That's another message I want to get across in this blog. People helping each other out. Neighbors helping Neighbors and friends helping friends. With so much distrust in society our country has forgotten a little bit about it and I feel because of that not much gets done like it should. Now our country has given aid to other countries but right now we're still in depth but that's for another debate. We should give out of our hearts with nothing in return. God wants us to do that to give our of our hearts.

Though maybe one day you or one of your friends do return that favor.  It's kind of like in that scene The Godfather when Vito told the Caretaker that someday he will ask for a favor in return but Vito accepted the Caretaker's favor since it was the day of his(Vito's) daughter's wedding. Great movie, too!!!

Trust me Change is never easy and it doesn't happen overnight. From what I learn over the years we can't rely too much on our government to make change. They do the best with what they got but politics always get in the way for what they mostly want for people they represent. I don't want to go into any more detail about. Thinking about gives even me a headache. I say just take every change bit by bit or one small step at a step before taking the next. That's what I think I want everyone to learn from my rambling today. All it takes to just one foot out the door, kind of like running.

To close, look around at what you like about yourself and what you would like to change. Sort of like a giving or sacrifice to other as said in Romans 12:1-2. Frienship to other is REAL CHANGE that politicans can not promise!!

That's my 2 Cents!!!

The Best Super Bowl 47 Commercials

  Sorry for not blogging been busy getting ready for my USATF Level 1 class for Track and Field and other things. Going to try to update it a little more but that's life. Well the Super Bowl 47 happened this weekend. Disappointed as a casual Browns fan the Ravens won and send Ray Lewis out a winner(murder cover-up and Deer Antler Cheater) Long story but I'll get to that in my Lance/Mante Te'o and Ray Lewis blog coming up after my class is over this weekend. Pray that I do well. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed the commercials.

Though I honestly think some advertisers are trying to hard sometimes throwing out a lot of money in order to get on TV during the Big Game. But here are a few ones I enjoyed this year and what I thought was the worst Super Bowl Commercial this year. First the good ones

Deion Sanders as Leon Sandcastle

 

 

Doritos Goat

 

 

Tide Joe Montana Miracle Stain

 

 

Budweiser Clydesdale Brotherhood

 

 

Dodge Ram Farmer

 

 

Those I liked this year. Now here is what I thought was the worst ad during the SuperBowl.

 

 

 



All I have to say is Bar Refaeli most have been paid a lot of money to do this ad. Also I included the Calvin Klein ad because they didn't ask me to be the Male Model in that commerical. LOL just kidding. Well hope you enjoy these commercials like I did. Next post will be better. That's my Two Cents.

2013 New Years' Resolution

  Happy New Year everybody. We made it through 2012 and the world didn't end despite what the Mayans had predicted or how their calendar ended. Now it's 2013 and everybody's getting their New Years' Resolutions in order. Last year a had a couple in mind from this link below.

http://dmoneystwocents.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-years-resolution.html

Now I think I've done a lot better in some areas but I realize there is much more growing I can do. I believe that being by myself now for over one year has caused me to lose a little bit of that focus. I mean lets be honest when I get home from work or working out it's hard for me to keep my place clean. I really don't want to do much but relax and get ready for the next day. I feel this has become a constant cycle and bad habits of leaving stuff out have got in the way. When I do get it cleaned up its hard to stay clean. Would help if I was living with someone to take a little pressure and I can help out. But I'll get to that in my resolutions.

Saving money has been a little bit of problem too. Since I'm by myself again after my sister left Columbus to go back to school. But, one of my big Student loans was finally paid off and so is my car so I don't have to worry too much about those payments. Yet it feels a little more comfortable putting a little more in my pocket.

I finally come back after a nagging injury and posted some really good races in the 5k, 8k and half marathons that I ran in Louisville and Cleveland. Yet more importantly I finally achieved something that has been eating a little at me for years after a big mistake I made as teen. I finally ran a race through Ohio Stadium during the Columbus Marathon.

http://dmoneystwocents.blogspot.com/2012/10/race-recap-2012-columbus-marathon.html

So far in running I know what I need to accomplish. I might try another Marathon this fall. Maybe going to Indy to do the Monumental if I choose to run a few weeks later instead of running Columbus again pretty much since I want to run the Indy Mini Half this May to run a fast Half Marathon. We'll see.

But good news on the coaching front. There is a USATF Level 1 Coaching Class being offered in Ohio this February and its in Central Ohio so all I have to do is just spend the money on the class itself. If anybody(talking to my Running Friends out there) knows a high school that needs or how to get in contact with the athletic offices about an Assistant Track Coach, please let me know. I would also like to use this to get more involved in writing out training plans as a personal trainer coach as well for anybody. I mean doesn't matter the skill level from beginner to seasoned veteran I would love to have that chance down the road. If not this spring maybe in Cross Country also.

With resolutions being the way that they are it would be best if we don't set our sights to high to the point we crash and burn with our resolutions. This is a very interesting article by Donald Miller I found on a friend's Facebook page. I can't take credit for this but I read it and found it very interesting.

http://storylineblog.com/2012/12/22/4-reasons-new-years-resolutions-dont-work/

The article was very informative with some of my goals from last years'resolution I wasn't able to accomplish fully now I can see why. I ended up really busy with my own training and with the free time I had at home I did not read my bible or anything else more than what I should have. Reading could have helped me a little more. Though it's difficult when you live by yourself and you don't seem as much motivated. I think my mind is a little more alert if I read a little bit more. Going to try to force myself since I'm talking a Coaching course next month and I wanna read up a little more.

Living situation could be a little better. It would help me out financial if I could room with someone right now especially in my situations. I have some options but keeping it open. I think I've become a little bit more easier to get along with just have to be more considerate if I do room with someone.

That said right around this time of my life its hard to look at that when especially I see friends and people I know either settling down or starting families. I want God to just open my heart a little more and be patient. This year seems much better than last year when dealing with that.

Speaking of that, work seems to be the most miserable thing I seem to deal with and it has effected my life outside I don't want that to happen this year since the progress I've made last year. Now, we're dealing with the fact that our government has now increased payment on our social security making it tougher for all Americans. But don't get me started with that subject. Just another obstacle I have to deal with at work.

Far as my resolutions are considered here they are

1.) Continue to keep run throughout the year.
   - I have some races in mind but I just want to compete and train the best I can see where everything fall and hopefully stay healthly
2.) Try to be a  Good Leader for the CRC Elite Team.
  - Especially on the Men's side there is no strong leadership. We have a great group of young guys but right now it's do your own thing. Work Schedules get in the way of course. But I see some great races ahead this spring and summer on both the Men and Women's sides if we keep encouraging one another. I also think it goes for CRC as a whole which includes the C-Bus Pacers. Great bunch of people.
3.) Read more
  - This includes my bible and other things running related.
4.) Clean once in awhile
5.) Have an Open Heart.
   - In all areas and I think many of you know what I'm talking about.
6.) Get to know my new Small Group Mates
  - Got into a new small bible study. Enjoy it so far. Want to get to know them more. Show them I'm more than a runner.
7.) Try not to let work
  - This is specially important. I'm trying to get my resume to where the wording in my job relates to how I apply which is the way they want it. I want to try to at least get out of Accounts Payable even for same pay. Been thinking about taking Grad Classes with some friends at work in the fall. Maybe.
8.) Coach
  - Maybe not in the spring but down the road see if I can volunteer in the fall. We'll see. Like to see if any of my running friends know some people.

I think it's a great thing for one to share one's Resolutions. But, it's important to try to encourage one another because the more likely we can meet most of our goals. Right now, I feel as if people in this country just want a handout especially from our government. We should remember that encouragement, helping out one another, and working hard will lay out a great foundation for everyone. Kind of like the parable in Luke 6:47-50.

Didn't mean to go off on the subject too much. Having a good resolution is like training for a marathon. Have a plan, tell about it, get advice, use resources, get a schedule, have people that will help or train with you, and leave it out there and what will be will be. A hope you all have a great New Year and I want you to think deeply about Resolutions and setting realistic goals just like I'm going to do and don't be afraid to share. And that's my Two Cents.

2012 College Football's Surprises and Disappointments

Well Happy Holidays to everyone out there and Happy New Year in a few days. Speaking of which I'm working on my New Year's Blog shortly and what to expect in the New Year. It's coming on 1-3-2013. 1-3-13 Pretty cool huh. Anyway in keeping with the Festivus celebration from my last blog and watching some College Football Bowl Games, I've decided to list teams that surprised me and teams that disappointed me from my College Football Predictions this past year.

http://dmoneystwocents.blogspot.com/2012/08/d-moneys-2012-college-football.html

I'll start with the lessor conferences and go down to the Major ones.

Sun Belt
Suprise Team: Louisiana-Monroe.
-They made it to a bowl game beat Arkansas, gave Auburn and Baylor a game. Played in a pretty decent Sun Belt Conference this year.
Disappointment: Troy
-They usual compete for the Sun Belt Title. 2nd year in a row not bowl eligible.
Mid American
Surprise Team: Kent State
-First time bowling in 40 years, made it to the MAC Champioship Game, beat Rutgers.
Disappointment: Western Michigan
-Magazine I got had them winning the MAC West with 14 starters back from a 7-6 season. Finished
4-8
Conference USA
Surprise Team: Memphis
-Didn't make it to a bowl game but went from 2-10 to 4-8. Double the win total
Disappointment: Houston
-Went from 13-1 and possible getting into a BCS game last year to 5-7 this year but it hurts when you lose your coach to Texas A&M and your QB that set the NCAA Passing Mark.
Mountain West
Surprise Team: Fresno State
-New League from moving from the WAC Conference and didn't make it to a bowl game last year to a 3 way tie for the Mountain West title.
Disappointment: Nevada
-Made it to a bowl but struggled down the stretch to a 7-6 record with their coach retiring.
Big East
Surprise Team: Syracuse
-I thought they wouldn't make it to a bowl game with a tough non conference schedule but ended up in a 4 way tie in their last season in the Big East
Disappointment: South Florida
-Everybody some how is high on them but hard for them to recruit in the state of Florida with Flordia State, Florida and Miami and a couple other big out of state schools getting the top recruits in that state.
ACC
Surprise Team: Duke
-Heh their Football Team made it to a bowl game enough said. But still a Basketball School.
Disappointment: Virginia Tech
-They had to win to get to a bowl game this year after usually winning the ACC or being in the title game. Most Overrated team the last 10 years in my opinion.
Pac-12
Surprise Team: Oregon State
-I didn't think they would make a bowl game. Usually the little brother in the state of Oregon. Very solid 9-3 record.
Disappointment: USC
-National Championship contender gets chewed up this year to a 7-5 record in the Sun Bowl. Probably the biggest disappointment this college football season.
Big 12
Suprise Team: Kansas State
-I thought they still be solid but didn't think they would win the conference and have a Heisman contender in Colin Klein.
Disappointment: West Virginia
- Started out winning 5 straight then lost 5 in a big way. Had to win their last 2 to go bowling. Can't play defense.
Big 10
Surprise Team: Penn State
-I thought with all of the scandals and probations it would start the decline of the team with players leaving. Bill O'Brian rallyed the team after starting 0-2 to 8-4. Don't know if they'll keep it up with scholarship restrtictions and no bowl games next 3 years.
Disappointment: Michigan State
-Would have put Wisconsin on here but thanks to Ohio State and Penn State not eligible in the Leaders Division and Wisconsin being down at 8-5 they went to the B10 Championship game and lit Nebraska up. Michigan State started out good but lost to Notre Dame and their Offense struggled with no passing game. Defense carried them at times to a 6-6 record.
SEC
Surprise Team: Texas A&M and Vanderbilt (Tie)
-First year in SEC and Johnny Manziel (aka Johnny Football and Johnny Heisman) has a Heisman year for A&M and gives Alabama's only loss. Vandy goes 8-4 beats Tennessee 2nd year in a row and has best record in 30 years.
Disappointment: Arkansas and Auburn (Tie)

-Arkansas fired Bobby Petrino due to his affair with assistant but he got another job with Western Kentucky so as the crazy lady says in this clip

 and Arkansas gets a crazy intern coach in John L. Smith and when things go back he tells the fans and press to smile.

 

Meanwhile Auburn not the same team last year without Cam Newton and this year after losing more talented players goes 3-9 , they have the NCAA knocking at their door for possible violations and fires their coach just 2 years after winning the National Title.

 

 

Well, I hope you enjoy my analysis of the College Football Season even though I'm not a sports writer or ESPN Gameday commentator.Next year since the bowl ban will be no more Ohio State will be back on top of the College Football World after going 12-0 in a bowl ban season. Big Ten was warned about URBAN and now the rest of the country will take notice.

Have a Happy New Year and I hope Alabama beats Notre Dame in the National Championship. New Years Resolution Blog to come. That's my Two Cents.

 

My Airing of Grievances

 

    That's right. It's Festivus. Time to get out you metal pole, strenghen up for the feast of strength and most of all get all of you're aggrestions out with the airing of grievances. Now maybe it's just me it's just me and I had a few Great Lakes Christmas Ale's right now typing this but now right now I have just a few grievances I need to get off my chest right now. I feel like CM Punk and his promo against John Cena and the wrestling business last year.

  I feel as if people do not think I'm smart as they think I am. Just because I have a learn differently than others does not make me stupid. I recently volunteered for research as a test patient for medical students at Ohio State University Medical Center as part of this research on how people can deal with Asperger's Syndrome better since I myself have Asperger's Syndrome. I must say it was the training and experience was pretty fulfilling to me and I told them I would be open for anything else down the road. Yet, I just feel my quietness at work sometimes makes everyone at my job perceive me as cocky or yet different or not out spoken at times to what is going on. I want everyone to know I tend to pick and choose my own battles and maybe it perceives me as different or to others there in the section I work in they perceive me as different since I tend to live a different lifestyle then many of them do.

Don't get me wrong I get along with many of the people that I work  with and those in other sections that I'm friends with as well but sadly I don't see those people as much and the others I see more often aren't as positive as my friends there at work.  I tend to feel I'm stuck where I'm at in Accounts Payable and they want certain people on a production but I want to get out and learn more even if it's the same pay I'm making right now I still want to learn more. It's the main reason of looking at getting my personal trainer's license this coming winter.

Change can be good for the soul. Right now there is some reorganization going on in my line of work but I feel I need to work my resume a little bit better to what they want so I can get a pay raise or get interview but in a sense I would lose a little bit of my morals along the way. I take pride in the job I do by paying the military and working for my country but lately the DFAS has not my opinion supported those people whom given their hard work and sacrifice especially to those folks working in my section for work almost as hard as me. Sometimes when you don't get recoginized too much it can be demoralizing for a group of employees.

I tend not focus on the negative. I feel at home or a lot more positive when I'm with family, friends, church friends, running friends, and those at work who are my friends that try to be a lot more positive like me and you know who you guys are if you read my blog.

I'm sorry if I offend anybody with my rambling drunkness I got going on this blog I've had a few beers slow weekend and my Buckeyes just lost to Kansas in Basketball. 95% of my stress has always came from that place.

Though there have been some positive things that have happened this year. I met some new years goals, met new people and conquered some personal demons. Yet, I feel I have a little bit more to go. A little bit of criticism from the people I love would help so much on how I would become better in order to become the person I want to be.

In fact, as crazy as it sounds that's what "The Airing of Grievances" is for. Not to bash others for faults but to point out to make themselves rise up and be better. Because isn't that what it's all about?

I hope you all have a MERRY CHRISTMAS, a HAPPY FESTIVUS, and a HAPPY NEW YEAR. Also, keep me level headed and pointed in the right direction and I hope you all know I would do the same for you all as well.

What Music Pumps You Up for a Race???

 

Sorry, I haven’t blogged back in awhile. Mind has been kind of wandering among other things but that will be for another post, and of course getting ready with Team Columbus Running Company for the USATF Club Cross Country Nationals this coming weekend down in Lexington. This MMA fighter is full of adrenaline. Which brings me to what I’m about to say in this post. I know a friend of mine told me I should post a little more advice on running and what not which would help others and I thought why not.

But, for today I’ll just talk about a fun topic that we all like, Music. There is music all around us and it typically defines what type of person we are to somebody else of what we listen to. Depending on what mood we are in we can just put in a CD in our cars, put our headphones on and listen to our IPOD’s, or turn to a station and listen away to whatever puts us in the mood.

For athletes it’s a little bit different/ For one I like certain types of music, (Except for anything that’s Justin Bieber, he sucks). But, I know everyone is different when it comes to their music tastes. I for one can’t understand why my sister likes Jessica Simpson or some of my friends like certain Indie bands which I call “Hipster Music.” I would consider myself the Anti-Hipster but that’s for another post maybe. Like I said everyone is different in their music tastes but it’s the certain types of music that either get you motivated, pumped or even get through a workout whenever it be cardio or lifting as I’ve noticed people with their headphones and IPOD’s running on a treadmill or lifting at the gym.

To me great examples of pump up music would be the entrances of MMA Fighters, Pro Wrestlers, Baseball players when they come to bat, or introduction of a starting lineup to home teams in the NBA. Professional sports have become a little more entertainment at times but music that plays during pregame warm-ups motivates players before competition. Same could be said with runners.

Keep in mind everyone knows I’ve Country Music but I don’t listen to it before a workout or a race. For me Country Music is what I love to hear on a long road trip, partying, or playing a great love song to someone ;) But, anyway there’s certain types of bands or songs that I listen to beforehand that just gets me into THAT ZONE everybody says I go into while I’m racing!!

Here are some examples of what I listen to on race day!!

AC F/N DC = Thunderstruck

Metallica = Enter Sandman

Sick Puppies = You're Going Down

Kanye West = Stronger

P.O.D. = Alive

Dropkick Murphys = Warrior's Code (From the Movie The Fighter)

Eminem featuring Nate Dogg = Till I Collaspe

Living Color = Cult of Personality (Because it reminds me of one my favorite Pro wrestlers CM PUNK)

 

Smashing Pumpkins = Bullet with Butterfly Wings

OZZY = Crazy Train


I feel like I'm ready to go bust out 12 (hard) miles and lift after that. But, like I said I like all types of music yet, these are the type of songs that get me going. What are some of your favorites bands, or songs you like to listen to. Would like to hear some feedback on this one especially from all of you runners out there.

That's my two cents!!!!