08-08-08 That is Really Cool!!!

With our daughter all signed up for the fall softball season we were a family of three. Our son was at a neighbor’s birthday party and we decided to utilize a gift certificate last night. Our daughter wanted to return home but she was overruled and we went to a new Mexican restaurant. The dinner was very nice and we returned home to pick up our son from the party and the night was over. I was reminded by both my daughter and son that I would be taking both of them to work with me in the morning. My daughter wanted to join me at work which meant getting up much earlier than she is used to but promised to be ready in the morning. I was not so worried about my son because he is always awake early.

The early morning came and I was up on my way to the gym. Since I missed yesterday I “had” to be there this morning to continue the marathon training regimen. I did receive a replacement pair of running shoes for the running shoes I sent back to the manufacturing. Unfortunately the running shoes I sent back were no longer in stock so my second preference was sent. These shoes are a little different from the first pair and different from my other pair. I have discovered the “performance” running shoes which are much lighter but do provide very good cushioning and support. The replacement shoes were not of the “performance” category but were still good in a different manner.

I never realized what a difference it makes in wearing the right pair of running shoes since this does affect the rest of my body. I did run in less than the perfect pair of running shoes while I served my sentence. In fact the pair I put the most miles on over the 19 ½ months was a pair I would have never purchased out here in the free world. However; the circumstances being what they were these running shoes were the best available and I was grateful to have them at the time.

I ran with the new running shoes which does take some getting used to since these are much heavier than my other pairs. I say much heavier because it is a difference of 2 ounces!!! Well two ounces is 20% of the shoes weight so as strange as it may seem this does make a difference. These shoes are much more durable than the other pairs which are a positive.

I got in a very good run and once again the hot water was out of order at the gym. I have had enough cold showers over the past two years I did not need to subject myself this morning so I headed home all sweaty. I would rather head home and take a comfortable shower than stay at the gym to take an uncomfortable shower. As I ran I thought about today’s date of 08-08-08 which I think is so cool. All this decade and into the next decade the numerology people will be having so much fun. The fun ends in 2013 but the next three years still has some of those anomalies and I see the Olympics are commencing on this very “lucky” day for the Chinese.

I said to someone the other day after I was told “good luck” that I don’t do luck and I said this with my tongue firmly planted in my cheek. However; I did mean it because I’m not sure I understand luck at all. There was a time in my life that I thought I was unlucky and other times where I thought I was lucky. Now I am neither I am. No, I didn’t forget the remainder of that last sentence and it is how I feel all because of recovery. Certain things happen and these certain things formulate my life. It is entirely up to me to deal with whatever life happens to give me in a positive manner. I continue to learn so much in recovery and this is one of the many things.

I returned home and both my son and daughter were ready to go into the office with me. My daughter surprised me with not only being awake but waiting for me in the family room. I guess she just needs an incentive and going to the office with me was this incentive. We made the short drive to the office and it was wonderful having my children with me today. They are wonderful children and were able to keep themselves occupied while I got some work accomplished. My son showed his sister how to bowl in the office and she took it one step further with keeping score on a white board.

We were at the office for a long time and both of them were great the entire time. My daughter kept herself occupied with being on the computer, reading a book and playing with her brother. My son kept himself occupied with bowling, watching a video and playing with his sister. The amount of grief my children give one another I can see through this and see that the two of them love one another very much. I know my daughter would never admit to loving her little brother but just watching them there is this unconditional bond. I do hope this unconditional bond continues on throughout the years because they have a wonderful foundation.

The day was indeed wonderful and it didn’t feel like “work” with my two children with me today. The last time I took them into work was a very long time ago and even back then I remember them keeping themselves occupied. They have grown so much since that last time but are still the same wonderful children. My wife and the rest of our families did a great job providing so much love over the past two years I am eternally thankful. I am eternally grateful for all the wonderful people in my life especially my family.