Life = Greatness

I found myself back on the highways and byways towards Los Angeles International Airport yesterday evening for the second time three nights. Yes, my friend who departed on Tuesday was returning last night for a whirlwind of a bicoastal trip. I could see myself doing this type of trip a few years ago because I wanted nothing to do with the east coast; however; now I understand how quickly life moves and it is best to enjoy life one very small day at a time. I can’t blame my friend for returning so quickly because he accomplished what he set out to do and he didn’t not want to linger any longer in New Jersey longer than needed. So last night I completed the second part of my promise to my friend; picking him up from the airport.

I have to say once again the time of his arrival was without incident and more importantly without any significant traffic. However; for the second time my GPS device led me astray. I would have hoped that I am slightly smarter than a machine and knowing the mistake happened on Tuesday I trusted the machine and made the same mistake again. Apparently “keep to the right” really meant “keep to the LEFT” but as soon as I repeated the mistake I knew where to make the u-turn. Even with this slight detour I made the trip in very good time and did pick up my friend.

I was out much later than I have been in a very long time and thus I was awake much longer than I have been in an extremely long time. I took precautions knowing I would be awake much longer than usual prior to departing. I had purchased one of those energy drinks earlier in the day and I had it with dinner. The extent of my energy intake has been the “natural” energy drink FRS and I have enjoyed these; however; the supermarket had run out of these so I decided to try one of the “mainstream” energy drinks.

This was one of the “Monster” brands and had no sugar and very low in calories. Apparently this also meant very low in taste and all that goes along with it. This drink was probably the worst tasting drink I have ever had in my life and that is not an understatement. It tasted like bad tonic water and I don’t like “good” tonic water. In my quest to ingest the drink for the energy benefits I drank much more than I really tolerated but couldn’t do anymore so I dumped the rest in the sink. A scary side story is my son as me if he could try it and I thought no harm would come of a sip so he tried it and stated; “I like that it tastes good.” I don’t know what this means for his future but I wouldn’t give him anymore since a 7 year old boy doesn’t need any added “energy”!!!

I returned very late or early depending on your point of view and went to sleep. I was awakened by my son who entered the room at his usual time but was very tired and quickly fell back to sleep. I came as close to oversleeping as I have come probably in my life because I glanced at the clock when my son entered the room and then what seemed like only a few minutes glanced at the clock once again; apparently a few minutes accelerated into an hour and a half so quickly. I got out of bed and had to wake everyone else up in the house. It is amazing how the children do make it out of the house in time to get to school without incident. This morning may have started sluggishly but went off very well as there was limited yelling and cajoling.

Everyone was off to school and had some work to tend to before I headed off to the gym. I completed this work and went off to the gym for the continuation of the intense portion of my running regimen. I got through the session but my legs are certainly feeling the effects. If my memory serves me correctly the same thing happened as I trained for the San Diego Rock n’ Roll marathon and had to make some adjustments. I didn’t need any adjustments today but my legs were hurting.

After the gym I made my way to a few work and personal errands and the day had lapsed by so quickly. It was time for my daughter’s softball practice and although I know I don’t “need” to go to these practices I “want” to attend these practices. It is wonderful being able to attend these practices, games and just being with my family means the world to me. We sat at the softball field watching my daughter practice while my son was at the nearby skate park. This is the best of both worlds because my son is occupied and doesn’t interfere with my daughter’s practice. He is very happy to be at the skate park with a friend and my wife and I are very happy he is at the skate park as well. This was yet another way to end another wonderful week; life is truly wonderful!!!!