Six Miles Forward, Countless Miles Back

Yesterday I ran six miles. Later in the day I met up with some folks at The EARL for their “luau day.” Cheap beer. Good music. Ample people watching. I should have brought my camera. I wish I didn’t drink and eat so much. Did I mention that I went to Cantina la Casita (who apparently let their domain registration lapse as it’s been taken over by squatters) afterwards? Oh well, at least I had fun.

Read Along With Me
Today’s passage from Notes To Myself.

The rainbow is more beautiful than the pot at the end of it, because the rainbow is now. And the pot never turns out to be quite what I expected.

To all who have helped me — Thanks.

And I Thought It Would Be Hard
When my once-trusty basement bar refrigerator gave up the ghost a few weeks back I thought it was going to be a royal pain in the arse to dispose of. I couldn’t have been more wrong…

On Saturday morning my buddy Gentri and I headed up to Lowe’s where the refrigerator’s replacement I ordered was waiting. We then returned to the Inside The Perimeter estates to do an install.

One thing you should know about me is that I hate to ask for help. Being alone, and I mean really alone, for eleven out of the past thirteen years has given me a pioneer’s mentality whereby I try to perform as many tasks by myself as I can. In the past others have offered up help and I’ve been appreciative, but it has still not made it easier for me to ask for help.

The problem with replacing the refrigerator was two-fold. First there was no way that the old one could be removed, or the new one put in its place for that matter, without hoisting it over the bar. While not incredibly heavy, the refrigerators were bulky and I am sure I would have damaged the bar had I tried to do the job alone. Then there was the issue that the Jackmobile isn’t exactly designed to haul goods…

Not more than a half-hour after dragging the old refrigerator to the curb, and with Gentri and me standing in my driveway, a car pulled past, backed up, and hauled the old box away. Sweet! I just hope that they never bring it back.

Perhaps Having Two Days Off Wasn’t A Good Thing?
I cherished the two days of rest prescribed by my half-marathon training. I would have even driven way OTP to run the Boner Zone Atlanta hash if not for the fact that I was too busy taking a Saturday afternoon power nap.

However, two days off made the return to running on Sunday morning that much more difficult; not to mention that Sunday’s run was a six-mile affair in thirty-plus degree weather. The run was tough, although it was made more bearable by the presence of two female running partners who decided to do the six-mile trek as well (of course one turned into an over-achiever by tacking on an additional two miles). The only reason I could keep up with the youngin’s was unlike me they didn’t fall asleep on their couches and actually ran the Boner Zone hash.

Tonight I’ll be doing a little training swapping by running Tuesday’s distance. I’ve got my reasons; you’ll find out in due time.

ITP Flickr Pic
Um, none today. I never quite got around to taking photos this weekend and I’m tired of digging up archival stuff.

Join One, Leave One
I hate to admit it, but I now have a Facebook account. I’ve resisted Facebook because I understood its origins and deemed it “for the kids.” However, I’m now on so if you want a friendship hookup I am “Paul Nuesslein” (seems appropriate don’tcha think?). Don’t look for me to sign up for a Twitter or Pownce account any time soon however, I simply don’t have the time or interest in a micro-blog.

After ignoring the five previous callers on Saturday who chose not to leave a message on my home answering machine I decided to jump on the sixth. Here is the “conversation” we had, I expect to have similar ones with those who wish to ask for my money…

Me: Hello.
Caller: Hello. May I speak with Paul [last name butchered] (which always let’s me know that it’s a telemarketer on the other end).
Me: Speaking. May I ask who’s calling?
Caller: Um, yeah. This is Zack [somethingorother] from the Water Conservation Society (or something along those lines).
Me: Hi Zack. Will you please remove me from your list?
Caller: Um, sure.
Me: Thanks. Have a good day.

And I hung up the phone without ever letting Zach start his speech.

My home phone number is on the National “Do Not Call” Register. I understand that charities and parties whom I’ve chosen to allow to call me are still able to cold-call. However, I after hearing the phone ring five times without it being a friend or family member (willing to leave a message anyway) I’ve decided to go on the offensive with these people. Wish me luck.

And now for some ideas stolen from LiveJournal…
Current Mood – mad as hell, feel like an outsider looking in. I wish that at least one part of my life would start changing for the better.
Current Music – Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 26 playing Morrissey — “You Have Killed Me”
Website Of The Day – You may have noticed that I haven’t been doing much photography of late. I’ve not had much time and I’ve been in a bit of a rut. What I need is an “exercise plan” for photography and that’s what Hocus Focus will provide. (thanks to Sarah for sending me the link)
Exercise (b)Log – running, 6 miles
Monthly Foot Mileage – 55.5 miles
Monday Morning Weigh-In – 201 pounds (no weight loss = paying for the sins of the weekend)
Monthly Wheel Mileage – 0 miles
Mode Of Transportation To Work – My car
Monthly Marta Rides – 6

January Goals
1) Run no fewer than 50 miles [done]
2) Ride Marta no fewer than sixteen times (eight round-trips) [not going to get there]
3) Read at least one book [done]

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]