So it has been a little while since my last post. Had some issues with logging into my account. Almost had to start over. In that time, SO MUCH has happened. Hopefully over the next week or so I can recap the 2nd half of a very wild and crazy 2020.
2020 is a year that felt like it lasted 7 years. It was eventful. There were some good things to come out of that year, don't get me wrong. However, I cannot wait to see history books 15-20 years from now. 2020 will be it's own course most likely. Again, I will expand more on the year we all want to forget over the next few posts, but here is a recap of 2020 Wildfires in Australia burning 47 million acres Prince Harry and Meghan Markle step down from royalty Covid-19 emerges in Wuhan, China Covid-19 World Wide Pandemic Kobe Bryant killed in helicopter crash, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Alex Trebek and other notable deaths Impeachment trial for President Trump begins (acquitted in Feb) #MeToo movement Murder Hornets Beirut explosion Black Lives Matter West Coast wildfires Joe Biden defeats Donald Trump in crazy presidential election We are only 2 weeks into 2021 but here is a small preview of it Storming of the US Capitol 2nd Impeachment Trial for President Trump Rumor of armed protests at all 50 capital buildings on Inauguration Day New Strain of the Covid-19 virus found Looks like I am going to have a lot to write about in the next few weeks. Buckle up and stay tuned!
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Anyone who has known me for any period of time knows I was never a person who enjoyed running. I was that little fat kid who cheated on the mile run in elementary school. I walked most of the mile run throughout the rest of school. I played baseball from T-ball on and hated running laps. There were times I "tripped" and fell during the laps just to get out of running. I didn't like running. Wait, why am I saying didn't and not don't?
Why? because now, I might be starting to kind of like it. I know I know, I must be going crazy. It started out as just walking on the treadmill to aid in my weight loss endeavor. I finished a mile in 18:30 then I thought to myself, I can do it a little quicker the next time. Well, being the competitive person that I am, I started throwing in a little running here and there to bring the time down. After just a month of treadmill work 3 to 4 times a week, I am now doing a mile between 11 and 12 minutes. Best time so far is an 11:04 mile. I was pretty proud of that accomplishment so I shared it with a friend of mine who thinks he is part Kenyan, dude loves running, weirdo. He said we should do the princess run with he and his wife in Disney World next year. Side note, I said we because my wife is another one of those weirdos that likes running. Another side note, Facebook listens to your conversations. After I told my wife the idea I have been getting a lot of virtual 5k or marathon advertisements. Back to my point. I must be going crazy because I am now thinking I can actually do a 5k. How cool would it be to say my first 5k was in Disney World?!?! Here I am, 37, and kinda liking running. Must be that midlife crisis thing people talk about! Anywho, just today I completed 2 miles in 24:50. With a cool down walk, I did 2.5 miles in 32 minutes. That made me think that within the next week I could actually pull of 3 miles without hating myself. My goal is 3 miles in under 38 minutes. If i can get a 12 minute mile average, I might consider trying a 5k! Have I really lost my mind? Sounds like it, because I am actually enjoying something I used to hate! cmk. Social Distancing. An order by the government to avoid being in public if not necessary and to keep at least 6 feet of separation between individuals is what the term will forever mean due to the current Covid-19 pandemic we are experiencing. We are almost 1 month into the social distancing quarantine and everything feels different, IS different.
Families are separated, unable to be in each others company (well supposed to be, there are some who aren't taking this seriously, which is why its lasting so long). We just came through Easter and, as seen on many social media platforms, the Easter Dinner pictures were mostly just that household, not entire families. People who are used to eating out are now cooking 98% of their meals. While several restaurants remain open for take out and delivery, it is still safest for those who are non-essential to cook their own meals rather than eat out. The virus could possibly travel even on food containers. Why risk exposure? Why be around someone who is possibly infected and wouldn't even know it? It is not worth the risk. It is the entire family trip to stores, people gathering in large groups to hang out because they are bored, and the "I'm young and healthy" or the "I feel fine" attitudes that are causing this stay at home order to last so long. People don't want to listen. I slightly got off point, but let's bring it back in. I hear many MANY people say "I can't wait to get back to normal" but I'm not sure I want to get back to normal! Wait, what did he just say? Am I saying I like the way things currently are? Absolutely not. When I think about what we have taken for granted and can't do at the moment, it makes me realize how much we have to be thankful for. How many times were you thankful to have the ability to go to Buffalo Wild Wings and sit down to a huge platter of wings and your beverage of choice? How many times (before this) did you go to the store and see empty shelves, no toilet paper, eggs, milk, water, cleaning supplies and so on? Most importantly, how often were you thankful for the ability to call up a friend or family member and make plans for tomorrow night or the weekend? We did all of these and more without a 2nd thought. Never once did it occur to us that these would be something we COULDN'T do. Being forced to stay in has caused us to think about who and what we love and miss. People and things we took for granted. The freedoms we had that are now on hold. When we come out of this, will we appreciate life more? Will we have a new found respect for society? Will we treat people differently because of their job? Their views? Their beliefs? For many, I hope the answer is yes! This crisis has showed many who and what is most important. My prayer is that your eyes, like mine, have been opened. That you will see people differently. That you will not take for granted the little things that were considered "normal" or "daily routine" I don't want things to return to the way they were. I want them to become the way they should be. Where no one or anything is taken for granted. Will you do your part in making that happen? Let's replace the self-centered view with the thankful for everything view and watch the difference it makes! cmk. Coming to you live from Casa de Kolar on Day 25 of the social distancing quarantine. I can proudly count on one hand the number of times I have left the house and went into public. 4 times. This doesn't include the occasional car ride to break up the monotony of isolation. If it weren't for those, we'd be in the crazy house already! Two of those times were to take work packets to the prison for our students, and turned that into a grocery run. The other 2 times were Family Dollar runs for essential items needed at the house. We have not ordered out or had any delivery. We are playing everything safe. We are doing our part to #FlattenTheCurve. It is a good thing that we both know how to cook! Meals have been pretty good. Between recipes we have found and the fact that we are creative, it's been some good eating around here! Now once everything calms down, businesses reopen, and it is safe to go out again, our list of local restaurants and businesses is queued up and ready to go! Big Momma's Pizza, The Baker's Nook, and Our Back Porch are just a few on the list! #SupportLocalBusiness here we come!! We recently took one of those "I gotta get out of this house" drives. and were blown away by the LACK of social distancing we observed. I didn't get many good pictures of the packed parking lots but you will see Walmart looked like it does 2 days before Christmas. Sad. Here were a few observations from that trip. Whole families walking into the store, well waiting in line because Walmart was limiting the amount of people allowed in the store at one time, several without masks and gloves, those who were wearing gloves playing on their phone, just to name a few. MIND BLOWING!! If we want this to end people need to do their part. Several are, but a lot are not. All in all we are doing well, staying safe and sane. Just ready to go back to normal. I miss going to work, seeing people whenever we want or just going out to dinner and/or a movie. On my next post I want to expand on that idea of returning nack to normal. I hope you will come back!
cmk. Anytime a tragedy or pandemic strikes, the nation suddenly turns to God, which is a great thing to do. But I have an issue with that! Why does that happen ONLY in times of great despair? (Side note, when I say "we" "you" I am meaning society as a whole, not singling anyone out.)
During this Covid-19 pandemic, we see governors making time to pray publicly, several people posting on social media that certain people or groups are in their thoughts and prayers, and even the president of the United States mentioning God and prayer. There is nothing wrong with turning to God when times are difficult. That's what fathers are for, to comfort their children. If you are a child of God, having that assurance of protection, comfort, and love is a great feeling. Will He stop things instantly, or make it pass over you? Maybe. Maybe not. But, He will help you through it. The nation turned to God after 9/11, but how long did that last? As soon as things got back to normal, the nation slowly forgot about God again. Things went back to the way they were. Laws being made that contradicted His word, people going back to their old, evil ways, and so on. God is not a go to when times are bad, He needs to be remembered in the good times as well. When things are going well, we go about our daily lives, no cares, and sadly, no credit. Credit to who? God of course! Many don't think of God in the good times. "I trained hard for...", "I spent 6+ years in college to learn...", "I worked 60-80 hours a week to earn the money for..." When things are going well the mentality is "look what I did, look at me." But who gave you the talents and abilities you used? Please remember, ever talent you have came from God. He is the reason you can (fill in the blank). We need to talk to God and thank Him or praise Him daily, not just ask him for help when times are tough. God is a loving Father who wants to help, but he is also a Father who deserves recognition. Don't just talk to Him in the bad times, talk to him ALL the time. cmk. Yesterday was supposed to be Opening Day for America's Past Time. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been delayed. We are not sure when the season will start. While I am pretty bummed that the season is on hold, I completely understand. The way this virus is spreading, social distancing is the #1 way to slow it. Most states have a stay at home order in place. Even though the season didn't start, we can still discuss and share baseball memories! Let's start with the idea of Opening Day. I was lucky enough to 1 Opening Day so far (It wasn't actually opening day, but it was the opening home game for the Buccos. That's as close as I have come so far. It was in 2013 when the Pirates opened against the Cubs. As usual the Pirates didn't fare well. The pageantry behind opening day was what made it worth it. We were able to get standing room only tickets due to the price, so watching every couple innings from a different location was a lot of fun. Another fun thing about baseball games is going to an entire series! Last season we didn't get the chance, but the 2 seasons before, we went to the Dbacks series in Pittsburgh. If you are a baseball fan and have never been to an entire series, I highly recommend it! As mentioned above, different perspectives really change the dynamic of the game. Both times it was a 4 game series, and each time we say in a totally different section of the park. Seeing the same 2 teams play 3 or 4 days in a row, is a lot of fun. Interacting with the fans (both home and away) each day adds to it as well. Another thing I enjoy is the hunt for autographs before the game. I am almost always there as soon as they open the gates so that I can make a mad dash down to the field during BP in hopes of catching a few of the players. Between baseball cards and baseballs I have collected during previous BP's, I like to get as many autos as possible! In the picture above, Fernando Rodney decided to sign the picture upside down. It was the 3rd day attempting to get his auto before I succeeded. That is another joy or challenge that comes with an entire series, several tries at autographs. Most of my in person autographs have come from Dbacks players, because it is always easiest to get the away team during BP. Since they are my favorite team, I am not going to complain there. I also attended a Braves game in Atlanta and it was alumni day. Got to meet several former Braves players and collect autographs from them as well. I highly doubt I will ever sell any of the autographs. The thrill of the hunt makes them all the more worth holding on to! Well, these are just a few of the things I enjoy about baseball season. I am excited for the season to eventually start. Until it does, I would love to hear from you about your favorite baseball memories or traditions. Feel free to reply here. Hope to hear from you soon. Stay safe!
cmk. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Many athletes today are the biggest culprits of an overused misuse of Phil 4:13. You see it on their eye black, written on their shoes, hats, gloves, wrist bands, and a variety of other places. However, athletes are not the only ones guilty. We see it and hear it in many places. It is used as a source of strength, and rightly so. The verse is intended to give one strength and courage, but not to hit homeruns, gain a promotion at work, ace a test, or bench an extra 10 pounds to set a new personal record. While there is nothing wrong with drawing inspiration or a lesson out of a single verse, it is crucial to understand the context surrounding that verse. Many of the new testament books were written to a group of early Christians for a specific purpose. We need to know who is writing and who the audience is to understand the true meaning of the verse. We cannot simply twist it to mean whatever we want, it has a purpose and it is up to us to discover that purpose through study of the Word. In this particular book, Paul is writing to the Christians in Philippi to a) thank them and b) encourage them to stand firm in the face of persecution and rejoice regardless of circumstances. In chapter 4 verse 9 we find Paul telling them to do the things they have received, learned, or seen him do. This will result in the God of peace being with them. Is there any record of Paul asking for strength to win a game or achieve a personal gain? No. Paul suffered many times for the sake of spreading the word, but kept faith in God that he would survive the situation and have a crown of life waiting for him in Heaven. The assurance of heaven was the source of strength Paul referenced in verse 13. Knowing God is on our side, we can get through any situation the world may throw at us (Romans 8:31). God may not always take the situation away, but He will help us through it. We will never be left alone in the face of adversity as long as we ask His help and rely on our fellow brothers/sisters in Christ. As Christians, we are comforted by the fact that if we live faithfully and follow His word we will have a home in heaven when the end comes. That is the source of strength we should be seeking from God. This knowledge will help us though any temptation or obstacle that may come our way. Knowing that Heaven is waiting for me, I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Side note before you read this, I have never had the urge to harm myself, but I did go through a low point in life and found the topic very easy to write about.
I wrote this in 2005 and it was published in the Fairmont State Whetstone. I shared this on an old blog I forgot about and wanted to put it out there again. Enjoy. Death is breathing down my neck It's hand traces my spine It's constantly lurking all around me It's telling me there's still time. Time to live in misery Time to be without Without anything that is good I begin to wonder what life's about. I realized I did no good Nothing ever went right Everything I ever had Never shed any light. Light that would reveal The reason for my being, Tell me why I am here Explain the darkness I'm seeing. The darkness I lived in For all of my life Is the same darkness now Why my hand grasps the knife. The knife penetrates my chest My vision begins to blur As I drop to my knees I know one thing for sure The end is drawing near I see the bright light But as I near the end It's all darkness, no white. Back to the darkness where I've spent my life It's a vicious, endless circle Because all I see is a spotlight Shining down on the knife. cmk. Social Distancing Day 1
I'm coming to you live from Casa De Kolar where we are nearing the end of the first day of isolation. My work schedule was created to allow for the first round of the NCAA tournament off. As the tourney drew close, my excitement heightened. I couldn't wait. I had my TV situation figured out well before to be able to watch as many games as possible. Then something unimaginable happened. A virus hit the United States with such force the likes of which we have never experienced. First, the NBA cancelled the season, then the NCAA shut down conference tournaments and eventually the NCAA tournament. Next, all other sports cancelled. The MLB delayed the start of the season. Next, universities started extending spring break, then went to online only classes. Public schools closed their doors for several weeks. Next, bars, restaurants, and non essential businesses shut down. Institution education (my profession) even closed down for a period of time. All of this within a week's span. America is slowly coming to a halt. At the urge of the president, we are being asked to avoid congregating in groups of 10 or more. The best course is to practice social distancing to slow the spread of this devastating virus. Due to all of these shut downs, we are being told to stay in, don't leave if you don't have to. Our first day of isolation went well. The weather was nice so we got to spend a good amount of time outside. We will be watching a whole lot of Netflix, Amazon and Hulu over the next few weeks. Our TV show list is going to grow and we will be spending a lot of quality family time together. Good thing we both can cook! One of the next few posts will give more detail about the Covid-19 pandemic. As I wrap up day 1, my thoughts and prayers are with all of those infected, the ones dealing with the infected, and those with essential jobs that can't stay at home. cmk. |
AuthorJust a God Fearing family man that loves music, sports, food, and photography. ArchivesCategories |