here's lookin' at you, kid

It is quite humorous to see the social dynamic between sick people and healthy ones. Having recently spent a week as a mucous-zombie - with my couch as ground zero - it was interesting to see my roommate express his concern from behind a closed bedroom door.

"Do you need anything? How are you feeling?" Or at least that's what I assumed he'd said, though the hinged wooden slab between us proved an effective sound barrier if not only serving as the established germ sanctuary. Needless to say, I didn't really see him for a week. His concern was genuine, and I'm sure he would have done everything within his power to help me feel better from the safety of his room. 

Hiking has been put on hold, but the streak continues! I managed a mile or two the days I was sick and now I find myself at the halfway point for the year! How exciting is that? 180 days and counting.

Heather Lake

I'm also trying new things, or at least toying with the idea of trying news things (baby steps). I don't know where you live, loyal reader, but I come from a conservative town where people stay in closets, shoes and shirts are required, and cowboys abound.

Last weekend I witnessed my first naked bike ride, a Seattle tradition, in celebration of the summer solstice. Donned with body paint, brightly colored people and their privates rode through town in celebration of the longest day of the year. Despite all the sunshine, the many moons of Seattle were out in full splendor. 

I can't wait to participate next year.

I'm reading more, probably in pursuit of enlightenment. Currently lost in the pages of Danny Wallace's book "Yes Man," I'm finding a take-home message that may be worth putting into practice. Say yes more.

Ah, and now for the pinnacle of my last few weeks that effectively made my year. How would you behave if you met a celebrity? We all like to think we won't be that asshat that flips out, rambles incessantly, and manages to snap a candid photo we later set as our profile pic with the caption, "Me and my bff." No, we are cool. Calm. Collected. After all, they are only human. They're just like me. 

I now know that I am a complete and total wanker in the presence of even B-list celebrities. Not quite the stalker photog sort, but admittedly not far from.

I work in a running retail store, running specialty to be more specific while still be adequately vague (when I suddenly find myself a W-list celebrity, I will still be able to live a normal life having kept my personal details out of my media...).

A day like any other, until it wasn't. A man walks in. We're busy as per usual, so another coworker assures this man that someone will be available in just a minute to help him. I stare at this man for a few seconds before making my way to the back of the shop where I corner my coworker. "Is that...is that Bill Nye?" He pauses, "No, no it..." I didn't let him finish. I began bouncing around like beakered water molecules held over a Bunsen Burner.

Bill effing Nye. Bill effing Nye was in this running store, my running store! Life = complete. I didn't even speak to him, but I know what shoe he bought. Kind of a big deal. Real talk? I half expected him to approach me, proclaim that I was the next face of Hollywood, and sweep me back to California for a career in the movers... I'm still waiting for his return.

So...are you jealous of my exciting life? Currently pitching a reality show to MTV, so be on the look out.

Until my next entry, I continue my prep for Ragnar. Run happy.

life, love, and my pursuit of happiness

Hello darling, we meet again.

What day is it? Hell, what month is it? The last few weeks are all a blur, but in a good way I suppose.

Running everyday, working most everyday, and hiking to the outer ends of the Earth at least three times a week...welcome to life in the Pacific Northwest.

The only problem with my schedule is that it left little time for sleep. To answer your next question, a person can last roughly 2 weeks at that pace while neglecting sleep before said person becomes inflicted with the plague. Bummer.

Frankly this is the only reason I found enough time to stop and compose the next installment of my memoirs. But since we've both found our way here all the same - lovely strangers I've probably never met before - I'll take the time and give you the latest scoop.

Hiking

I get around...alot.

*Remove head from gutter*

Annette Lake 

Lake Twenty Two

Talpus Lake

Granite Mountain

Running

Ragnar Northwest Passage quickly approaches. The nerves are starting to set in as I haven't been able to get my weekly mileage up to where I'd like it. I look forward to it though, something to check off my bucket list.

I'm still running everyday. Some days though I have to haul down the mountain to sneak in a mile when I don't get the opportunity to go for a separate run later in the day. Now that I've fallen ill with what can only be described as the viral plague, I imagine getting in that precious mile will be a challenge over the next few days.

Life

Now we get to the good stuff. Those intimate, personal details shared only with my closest group of online strangers...you!

First, I love my job. Want to know the secret to loving your job? Stop chasing dollar signs, illustrious titles, or whatever other accolades you think you need to be happy in your career. I always thought I needed to climb the corporate ladder, jump through hoops (flaming ones) in an effort to makes more money and gain more status...the only formula for happiness, right?

Bogus. 

The things I associated with happiness instead brought me stress and misery. Now my life is simple, and I couldn't love it more. I am surrounded by coworkers who have become my closest friends, I find joy in what I do, and I am able to go on adventures to my heart's content. Life is good.

Love

Not much to report in this category, except to say that my world is about the size of a melting ice cube left out in the Fresno sun. All other areas are going exceptionally well for me, so it is cosmic balance that this particular arena be a bloody mess. That's alright though, I expect my phenomenally small world will eventually yield an encounter with Daniel Craig or Robert Downey Jr and all will be made right.

The Pursuit of Happiness

So far, so good. I'll call it a win.

Until next time. Run happy my friends.