tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39455165337932957062024-03-14T08:35:50.651-05:00The No Worries Blog....Rebooted.The time and life of the Robinson family.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-13917363018304095782022-11-11T12:29:00.001-06:002022-11-11T12:29:09.227-06:00A Lot Changes in 8 Years . . .<p>But a lot remains the same! Reboots of movies, and t.v. shows seem to be fairly common these days so I thought I would attempt to bring back the No Worries blog. I am going to stick with the retro look for now as not to confuse any remaining loyal followers! (We look a bit different now!) LOL Where to start . . .</p><p>Let's go with what has remained the same:</p><p></p>Nigel is still in school, has a very artistic touch, and enjoys making music.<br />Nora is still in school, enjoys the Olympics, and is still competing in cross country.<br />Robin is still awesome, working as a proof reader for the legal newspaper, and is <i>really </i>involved at Eureka Christian Church.<br />I am still working at Eureka College, and love running.<div><br /><div>What has changed:</div><div><br /></div><div>Nigel has turned in his Hornet green of Eureka High School for the Maroon & Gold of Eureka College. He is in his freshman year and is majoring in Elementary Education. He is still very artistic and has picked up playing the guitar and saxophone. In addition to his musical talents he has dipped his toe into acting and improv, and has joined the Red Devil XC & Distance team.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVqURzjTZ1hgF7S285v-r6vzhS1lfxUgz1pOoRKR-igFT6hvwuzPwagUdzt-2u6JlqmF-VAu_3WSfEW2ndSzZyyU-rr7-Fj2ksCjhBgjWEPpH46pU84tMYDMFGN-qDvsIhBb97cCSxlCck8RjYrock2RYhJsjiLA-Me_EG_9SGoTp2FLbYYWVP_vx/s2015/83032034_2381282612182508_3138944704746356736_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRLw1oZteLcaGYoHSBuKOJYMp3WPQOKHm6UOmHhZJ_qCyB3IUZMCC-pro5uCm1WYKKsaNEbPFf0M2LMUm_Cof9RM4wUJ0jUEhVz-LKYhmcb6GhATh89m5E7riRxh5wAS_KSdhHhwpQmow0A3yktymNVdKmyMl6Hi0uzbk8z2Hr43AFdfUm4YcmySU/s1105/300375412_5686131444753764_5386348603422281698_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1105" data-original-width="543" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRLw1oZteLcaGYoHSBuKOJYMp3WPQOKHm6UOmHhZJ_qCyB3IUZMCC-pro5uCm1WYKKsaNEbPFf0M2LMUm_Cof9RM4wUJ0jUEhVz-LKYhmcb6GhATh89m5E7riRxh5wAS_KSdhHhwpQmow0A3yktymNVdKmyMl6Hi0uzbk8z2Hr43AFdfUm4YcmySU/s320/300375412_5686131444753764_5386348603422281698_n.jpg" width="157" /></a></div>Nora really liked the color green. She exchanged Hornet green for Illinois Wesleyan University green. She is currently in her junior year and majoring in Psychology (it's not that simple). She is very involved on campus. She is on the XC and Track team, VP of SAAC (student-athlete advisory committee), running for VP of Student Senate, works as a Titan Ambassador, and is on the Peace Garden Executive Board. She also has a Liam in her life. He's pretty cool (he's the tall one).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVqURzjTZ1hgF7S285v-r6vzhS1lfxUgz1pOoRKR-igFT6hvwuzPwagUdzt-2u6JlqmF-VAu_3WSfEW2ndSzZyyU-rr7-Fj2ksCjhBgjWEPpH46pU84tMYDMFGN-qDvsIhBb97cCSxlCck8RjYrock2RYhJsjiLA-Me_EG_9SGoTp2FLbYYWVP_vx/s2015/83032034_2381282612182508_3138944704746356736_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="1612" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVqURzjTZ1hgF7S285v-r6vzhS1lfxUgz1pOoRKR-igFT6hvwuzPwagUdzt-2u6JlqmF-VAu_3WSfEW2ndSzZyyU-rr7-Fj2ksCjhBgjWEPpH46pU84tMYDMFGN-qDvsIhBb97cCSxlCck8RjYrock2RYhJsjiLA-Me_EG_9SGoTp2FLbYYWVP_vx/s320/83032034_2381282612182508_3138944704746356736_n.jpg" width="256" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDak7x-8RQ8hRCvk4E1EV1zeBZYpcgfbGrAyVWggSlUQ3maDjMGNzRxCFmOORbONzp4pizupifrzKCDas5ppWTrhDdple8zBCQANyXAoHpJgAnPr6xJj7eHCDnM4exGzXGg2YJwYoNMPTdI_wSITPTHPEfRL7zSDwMonmhK_l8LdOgbdIZ16xOLjp/s206/286417611_3033278500316246_3203796716236912034_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="206" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDak7x-8RQ8hRCvk4E1EV1zeBZYpcgfbGrAyVWggSlUQ3maDjMGNzRxCFmOORbONzp4pizupifrzKCDas5ppWTrhDdple8zBCQANyXAoHpJgAnPr6xJj7eHCDnM4exGzXGg2YJwYoNMPTdI_wSITPTHPEfRL7zSDwMonmhK_l8LdOgbdIZ16xOLjp/s1600/286417611_3033278500316246_3203796716236912034_n.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>Robin had the biggest change to date by any of us. She is a dog person! Oh, and Robin is now the Rev. Robin Robinson, or Rev Rob Rob, as I like to call her. I could fill the internet with her accomplishments over the last 8 years, but I am going to quote Nigel from just this morning. "Mom, thank you for raising Nora and I to be reasonable people." What more could you want? <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FiQo0GLSXtbPGLoHzsemfIc2Zy-LWmCADLwxpTSlrqkMZUHS6XK6CHW3Q1iIyvod-WTVlQjWFzq7ZxWFt_G2wsQhvZkz34BSqK5oDKLdekYW2mcalcSbktDX4lpGkJ_qSfS56BRHXZFx0hhI8r47uu2-_Jr-lGE2KfBcvaLiAd_LB-rKiGqGGdD9/s1440/313290198_10224455922240197_535115506828362568_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FiQo0GLSXtbPGLoHzsemfIc2Zy-LWmCADLwxpTSlrqkMZUHS6XK6CHW3Q1iIyvod-WTVlQjWFzq7ZxWFt_G2wsQhvZkz34BSqK5oDKLdekYW2mcalcSbktDX4lpGkJ_qSfS56BRHXZFx0hhI8r47uu2-_Jr-lGE2KfBcvaLiAd_LB-rKiGqGGdD9/s320/313290198_10224455922240197_535115506828362568_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-BY6eEhrDSH3JLLG1lCQbHfNzHx3DM_409K0DY8z2VRFbVRi-Irf0vaQzMD87W4G1PHQ24EAa0YdoLGvJcg9nT4Ld02-BiPLZe9X5XX4AEztvN7GBgyIO6gB7A1s76KP0npURFPJOTfZB25TqtuIHJYhuLzyLUo4VnsDOQBMmCvBONLLUuB-0XDA/s960/222929503_4285052881555766_4199803188913120587_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-BY6eEhrDSH3JLLG1lCQbHfNzHx3DM_409K0DY8z2VRFbVRi-Irf0vaQzMD87W4G1PHQ24EAa0YdoLGvJcg9nT4Ld02-BiPLZe9X5XX4AEztvN7GBgyIO6gB7A1s76KP0npURFPJOTfZB25TqtuIHJYhuLzyLUo4VnsDOQBMmCvBONLLUuB-0XDA/s320/222929503_4285052881555766_4199803188913120587_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />I decided to make running my living. In Dec of 2019 I was offered the opportunity to relaunch the dormant XC program at Eureka College. I accepted, moved full time to the Athletic Department of EC, and am now the Head Women's and Men's XC & Distance Coach.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7UCrFG2-l1HIanrJ9Mggn8n_SGJwOfb63MDqbzFqlyAOvAaCJ4jJExt81DU2IDsAMKPEj2Ljz55KPRvCGPdwhoJenksiUPBCQ9oNnAj_H_cE1aAmE6teRN2q95CyGwzlfVUpOklOJY8METkECKlTzo4GbMZTxa4orWuWRuznIFzomE2RMZEQHEbY/s2048/313208535_210816271328697_7345844854086214882_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7UCrFG2-l1HIanrJ9Mggn8n_SGJwOfb63MDqbzFqlyAOvAaCJ4jJExt81DU2IDsAMKPEj2Ljz55KPRvCGPdwhoJenksiUPBCQ9oNnAj_H_cE1aAmE6teRN2q95CyGwzlfVUpOklOJY8METkECKlTzo4GbMZTxa4orWuWRuznIFzomE2RMZEQHEbY/s320/313208535_210816271328697_7345844854086214882_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As you can see while much has stayed the same, there have been some pretty significant changes in the Lives and Times of the Robinson Family. There should be enough content here for a blog post or two!</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cheers</div><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-38449314869152353082014-12-29T09:28:00.002-06:002014-12-29T09:28:51.097-06:00The Robinson Review...A Look Back at 2014This branch of the Robinson Family Tree has had a pretty solid 2014.<br />
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I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the very best in 2015, and give you some highlights from our 2014.<br />
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Nigel has had a very nice year. He has continued his homeschooling with Robin and is thriving. The homeschool format has allowed him to grow at his pace without having to worry about being slowed down or rushed by the other students a typical classroom. The most gratifying part of this experience has been observations from others on how much Nigel's confidence has grown over the last 1.5 years. It has also been a great experience for Robin. Nigel loves having his Mom as a teacher and she loves teaching him. One of his favorite things about homeschooling is the lack of tests. As he says, "My teacher knows what I have learned."<br />
He has begun art classes with his Grandma Karen and has shown a creative eye and steady hand.<br />
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Nigel continued his Martial Arts lessons, and has earned his Blue Belt with a Red stripe so far.<br />
His favorite memory from the past year was our trip to Washington D.C. to visit Brett, and the rest of his crew. The cousins had a blast spending time with each other, site seeing, and hanging out at the pool.<br />
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Nigel is really looking forward to 2015, and the adventures which lay ahead. Top on his list: learning to play his new blue guitar, which he received for Christmas.<br />
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Nora really enjoyed her 2014. Februrary saw Nora's twelfth birthday, which she had been planning for the last 4 years. As a family we really love watching the Olympics, both Summer and Winter. With the Winter Olympics taking place in February, Nora could not pass up the opportunity to have an Olympic-themed birthday.<br />
Here she is preparing to light the Olympic torch.<br />
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And this is one of the games she created; Pin the Skis on the Jumper.<br />
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Nora has continued her great work in the classroom, maintaining straight A's throughout middle school, and this year has made the Scholastic Bowl team. As a seventh grader she was finally able to participate in school athletics, and decided to join the Cross Country team. She really enjoyed competing with and supporting her teammates. Nora had a solid first season setting a personal record at a home meet running the 2 mile course in 15:14, and receiving a medal for a 16th place finish in the girls open at the El Paso-Gridley meet.<br />
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Nora is looking forward to building on the success from the season, and has started training with me in the offseason. In fact, we ran our first race together this year at the Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run 5k. Added bonus, we made the front page of the local paper!<br />
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Nora is very excited for what lies ahead in 2015. In particular the beginning of Scholastic Bowl, the upcoming track season, and a return to Cross Country next fall.<br />
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<br />
Robin is awesome. As I mentioned in the section for Nigel she has been an amazing teacher. Enough cannot be said about how much time, work, and patience she puts into his education. The dedication she shows to both kids is fantastic. We are very lucky to be in a situation which allows her to stay home for the kids. <br />
She has entered her twelfth year as a proof reader for the Legal Record, a newspaper owned and publshed by our brother-in-law, Brandon. Speaking of the Legal Record, 2014 saw some big changes for them. Brandon has formed a partnership which has opened up the Chicago market and brought about a name change to the company, which is now called Chronicle Media.<br />
Robin continued to be very involved in Eureka Christian Church by singing in the choir and being part of the worship committee. I am constantly amazed by the things she and the committee do.<br />
One of my favorite things about Robin is her creativity and ability to pull things together out of thin air.<br />
Here is the unicorn costume she put together for Nora.<br />
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Our worship committee wanted a traveling Mary and Joseph to travel house to house within our congregation this Advent. They could not find a suitable Mary and Joseph, so, Robin made them.<br />
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We were invited to an Ugly Sweater Christmas party, and I wanted something unique. So, she helped me by making a sweater that is ugly on the inside.<br />
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I, for one, am looking forward to what she comes up with for 2015!<br />
<br />
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<br />
2014 has been Super.<br />
I tired of being beat up by my family, so, in July I joned them in their Martial Arts class. I have been having a great time taking the class with them, and have become a touch more flexible. So far I have earned my White Belt with Yellow stripe. The rest of the family still has a leg up on me.<br />
Work at Eureka College has been great. We brought in the second largest freshman class in school history, opened our first new academic building in 96 years, and have a great start on the class of 2015! I love what I am doing. I feel like I am having a positive impact, and have so much more time to spend with the family.<br />
I am still running and have renewed excitement due to Nora picking up the sport. I am not running as fast as I did a few years ago, but am still earning medals in my age group. In fact, this year saw my first age group wins. Robin and the kids got me a great gift for Christmas; a three pack of races for 2015, the first of which will take place on New Year's Day. To say the least, I am going to hit 2015 running.<br />
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<br />
We all hope you had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to a Happy and Healthy New Year!<br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-35421392288995248442014-06-05T21:23:00.001-05:002014-06-05T21:41:40.251-05:00What Next?Before anyone who is near and dear to me freaks out, I am not making any major life changes. In your defense, there have been several on my part!<br />
<br />
Life is just so cool!<br />
<br />
We are truly blessed!<br />
<br />
There are so many options in life. So many things for us to try. So many flavors to taste. So many people to meet.<br />
<br />
How does one person fit it all in? How does one avoid being overwhelmed by choice, paralyzed by decision?<br />
<br />
Just jump!<br />
<br />
Close your eyes and jump in with both feet.<br />
<br />
I had a saying in college. "I'll give it a whirl." I wanna live like that again. What's stopping me? What's stopping you?<br />
<br />
Nothing.<br />
<br />
Do you want to learn to play the cello? Go for it...take some lessons.<br />
<br />
Get in better shape? Find a fun way to move every day. (Call me if you wanna run!)<br />
<br />
Try a new food? Dig in. (Unless you are allergic it won't kill you!)<br />
<br />
Make or have more friends? Introduce yourself to a stranger. (Most of us don't bite....and we are all social creatures!)<br />
<br />
Just have at it.<br />
<br />
Live life.<br />
<br />
Enjoy life.<br />
<br />
Be you, and....<br />
<br />
GIVE IT A WHIRL!<br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-15218279765096231032014-05-16T15:44:00.000-05:002014-05-16T15:44:22.412-05:00I Am Not Good At......This could be a pretty extensive list. Be sure to clear your schedule prior committing to reading this post. <br />
<br />
On the other hand, (you have different fingers) I could just focus on a couple really glaring weak spots. Yeah, that's the route I am going to take. Why point out many things at which I am mediocre when I can really dig into two which are mega fails?!?<br />
<br />
First and foremost, this blog. It was going to be different this time. I had given myself permission to not hold myself to a standard of writing everyday, or every week even. Once a month was the goal. Have I managed that? Click here to see for yourself...<a href="http://no-worries-chris.blogspot.com/2014/02/january-2013-revisited.html">my last post</a>. I love writing. It is a good way to keep in touch with my friends and family, has some therapeutic benefits, and helps keep me mentally sharp....I think. <br />
<br />
Unfortunately, it seems to have fallen victim to an unforeseen side effect of my new job. I spend a lot of my day in front of a computer writing e-mails, researching prospective students in our database, etc... When I get home the last thing I want to do is sit in front of my laptop and write. Sorry. Sorry to my family for not keeping you up to date on the happenings of the Robinsons. Sorry to my friends...I am a riot and am depriving you of my humor. Sorry to The Ocho, I miss you guys. Sorry to me. I really miss doing this.<br />
<br />
Any suggestions? I really want to make this work. Does anyone else have a similar issue? What did you do to overcome it, or did you?<br />
<br />
My second massive failing is a connected to the first in a way. I am not good at maintaining friendships. I used to blame this on my career in the restaurant business. I was at work when everyone else was out socializing...weekends and holidays. I have been out of the direct running of restaurants for over 7 years. Let the good times roll! Not so fast. The first job I took upon leaving the restaurants was managing a warehouse. I worked strange hours (very early in the morning), and therefore was too tired to go out with friends. Then, of course, came school. Going back to finish my degree was a massive undertaking which consumed nearly two years of my life. Oooh, this is a good one...many of my good friends live out of state or at the very least are several hours away.<br />
<br />
These are all great reasons, right? Not so much. It is easier than ever, thanks to the internet, to stay in touch with people. Just write a quick note saying hi and giving a short account of life....oops, see above. I work bankers hours these days, and have my nights, weekends, and holidays relatively free. I sleep well, and have finished school. Several of my out-of-town friends have extended open ended invites for us to come visit. What gives?<br />
<br />
Am I anti-social?<br />
<br />
Am I lazy?<br />
<br />
Am I powerless against the call of the couch?<br />
<br />
I don't have the answers. All I do know is my lack of communicating has weighed on me as of late. Hopefully writing it down and broadcasting it publicly will help.(Ahh...therapeutic benefits sneaking in here!)<br />
<br />
"Nuff of this depressing crap. Now for some things at which I excel.<br />
<br />
I rock a killer beard. It makes me hot not only in the summer, but year round.<br />
I married well. Have you seen Robin? She was pretty kick a$$ before, but now she is learning how to truly kick butt!<br />
I have awesome kids. They are doing the Couch to 5k with me.<br />
I can run.<br />
I'm killing it on the PLP 61 day challenge.<br />
I have an awesome job.<br />
I am pretty sure I make a positive difference.<br />
<br />
Alright, I feel better. I hope you do too.<br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-33946557398848093292014-02-01T19:13:00.000-06:002014-02-01T19:13:11.411-06:00January 2013, Revisited...I did not get around to writing the Robinson Family year in review letter, failed to write a blog post recapping the year, and even blew it with Christmas cards. We had a pretty good year with some notable happenings. Over the course of several posts I am going to attempt to fill you in on the year that was.<br />
<br />
January<br />
<br />
2013 started with renewed determination to run more, write more, and finish my Eureka College career strong. One of those three goals were accomplished. Resolutions are meant to be broken, right?<br />
<br />
On the personal front, January consisted of a lot of reading and writing for school. I did, however, find time to turn out a couple No Worries entries. In fact, three of them were likely the most viewed in No Worries history. Robin and the women of Eureka Christian Church went off to Springfiled, IL for a retreat leaving the men and children to fend for themselves. I choose to document our story. I am told the testimony was quite humorous. Here are the links if you care to have a read and decide for yourself:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://no-worries-chris.blogspot.com/2013/01/retreat-or-community-conquest.html">Retreat or Community Conquest?</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://no-worries-chris.blogspot.com/2013/01/retreat-or-community-conquestpart-two.html">Retreat or Community Conquest?...Part Two</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://no-worries-chris.blogspot.com/2013/01/retreat-or-community-conquestthe.html">Retreat or Community Conquest?...The Homecoming</a><br />
<br />
January was really about Robin. I was thrilled Robin was able to get away for the weekend, recharge, and spend time with some friends. She carried a huge load while I was in school and deserved more than just one weekend for all she did.<br />
<br />
January 2014 found the women heading out on the retreat again, but without the mischevious intentions. They had a great time as usual, and the men survived on their own...barely.<br />
<br />
The rest of the month primarily found the Robinson's huddled together at home as much of the Midwest was in the grips of a polar vortex. We all managed to get through without losing any fingers or toes, but it did take a huge bite out of the runing I wanted to get done. It also gave us all a real appreciation for the warmer months. Rumor has it a groundhog will let us know what the future holds in terms of weather tomorrow. I, for one, am more interested in the big game:<br />
<br />
#10 Michigan @ Indiana. Go Blue!<br />
<br />
Cheers!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-5013703834026786982014-01-26T19:20:00.001-06:002014-01-27T06:30:07.696-06:00Inertia, Thy Name Is......Bitter Wind Chill!<br />
<br />
A few posts ago I mentioned I was having issues with running lately. I think I have it figured out. My problem is the unbearable wind chill which has been blasting through the Midwest this winter.<br />
<br />
That is it. I have named my ailament, my road block, the thing keeping me away from my running. Now that it has a name I can beat it, right?<br />
<br />
Not that simple.<br />
<br />
The mind is willing, but I still cannot get into a good rhythm with my running. It is a physically daunting task to try and get out in these conditions. The wind literally takes your breathe away. It is hard to do much of anythnig without breathing, let alone run. <br />
<br />
What to do...<br />
<br />
Many people resort to the dreadmill, er, I mean, treadmill, in these conditions. So I thought I would give it a go, and went over to the college fitness center last Sunday and gave it a whirl. <br />
<br />
It. Was. Torture!<br />
<br />
One of the aspects I love most about running is the journey. Unfortunately on a treadmill you are....<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sA00KCSDMY8"></a><br />
<br />
Running to Stand Still.<br />
<br />
Kind of defeats the purpose. <br />
<br />
Many tell me it is better than nothing, and occaionally, it is. However, making it a habit is just not an option for me. <br />
<br />
I had a great plan set for last week, but Mother Nature had other ideas. I am facing a similar challenge with the beginning of this week. Our forecasted tempurature for tomorrow is -1 with wind chills reaching 30 below. Tuesday is going to be a bit better, but I am not sure if it will be warm enough. More importantly, still enough.<br />
<br />
Later in the week should be better and I have to get back on a roll. Normally I would not be so irritated about a lull in January, however, I have been trying to get back into similar shape as I was prior to returning to school. Also, I have a distance goal for the year. I would love to log 1000 miles this year. This may be a a tough task. I am behind the 8-ball due to the weather in January and my need to build my milage up appropriatly with out getting hurt.<br />
<br />
Mother Nature, throw me a bone, please?<br />
<br />
Until she shapes up I hear the couch and a martini calling my name.<br />
<br />
Cheers!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-17807560872734612352014-01-20T16:11:00.000-06:002014-01-20T16:11:07.090-06:00Monday....At Home!This is a situation very unique to my new career; being home on a bank holiday. Having spent the majority of my working life in the restaurant business in some shape or form I typically found myself working most holidays. Early on in my restaurant career it did not bother me at all...it was just an other day, and most of my friends were in the industry anyway. <br />
<br />
Then came the family.<br />
<br />
These holidays were no longer just an other day, but opportunities to spend time with Robin, Nora, and Nigel. Well, missed opportunities that is.<br />
<br />
Now that I work for a college I have many of these holidays off, today being one of them. To the general observer, we did nothing special with this day off. Robin and I watched the newest episode of Sherlock in the morning and were joined by the children about halfway through. We all had separate breakfasts before Robin, Nora, and Nigel went to Mu Sool Wan, and I hit the basement for my workout which was followed by a run. The afternoon found the kiddos spending with their cousin's, Sofie & Pete, and Robin and I home alone.<br />
<br />
Not a lot of quality time there.<br />
<br />
However, just the fact I have been home has been wonderful. We are all back under one roof now. Nigel is putting together his new Lego Technic car, and Nora is practicing her piano. It is great just to be present and able to see and hear the activity. <br />
<br />
The quality of life improvement this new career has provided for me and the family is priceless.<br />
<br />
Thank you Eureka College.<br />
<br />
Speaking of new careers and Eureka College: I kinda had a big year. I will catch you up on the year that was 2013 in the Robinson house during the course of my future writings.<br />
<br />
Oh, and I have not forgotten. I alluded to the grip inertia seems to have on my running. I'll get to that.<br />
<br />
Until then....<br />
<br />
CheersUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-60950266873837466802014-01-19T08:41:00.000-06:002014-01-19T08:41:43.857-06:00False StartsI started blogging in 2007 with a pictorial year in review, (click <a href="http://no-worries-chris.blogspot.com/2007/12/with-family-like-this-who-could-have.html">here</a> if you want a walk down memory lane) had a solid year of writing in 2008, so-so in 2009, and have been hit and miss ever since.<br />
<br />
I really enjoy writing, but find so many excuses not to do it. Inertia is powerful with this one!<br />
<br />
This year I am going to attempt to break free, and write more often. It is good for the mind and soul. To actually accomplish this I am going to be a bit more realistic in my expectations. <br />
<br />
In the past I attempted to write daily; pretty unreasonable. One day missed would turn into two, then three, and so on until I convinced myself there was no point gave up all together. <br />
<br />
To complicate matters even more I would put imaginary (at least I hope they are) pressures on myself. First the obvious, does anyone even care to read my ramblings. I am sure everyone wonders from time to time whether or not others have any interest in ones thoughts, hopes, dreams, or superhero fantasies. Some do, some don't. It is something over which I have no control, so, no need to dwell on the topic. Second, I have written, according to some, a few very funny entries. Guess what? I feel the need to be funny every time I write. Not gonna happen.<br />
<br />
My unreasonable expectations, and imaginary pressures all combined to bring my attempts to continue writing to frequent and screeching halts. <br />
<br />
This time around I am going to be a bit more realistic. Writing once a day, twice a week, or once a week is just fine. The important bit is not how often, but that I just do it. Worrying about whether others care about what I have to express is silly. There are my friends and family out there who genuinely care about the happenings in the Robinson household, and I would like to share. I am not forcing any one to click the link and read. As for the funny bit...I am funny, but not every time and surely not when forcing it.<br />
<br />
So, that is it. That is my plan to break free of the inertia keeping my fingers from the keyboard. Speaking of inertia...<br />
<br />
I really should be going for a run, but I am having issues getting a good rhythm going. That is a topic for another day....<br />
<br />
Cheers!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-24867072291036160472014-01-11T09:37:00.000-06:002014-01-11T09:37:36.200-06:00The Plot RevealedLast night it became clear what the women of Eureka have up their sleeves: <br />
<br />
They have alined themselves with our Evil Thumbless Overlords.<br />
<br />
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The Plot: Sleep deprivation. It is so simple...almost genius. Our Evil Thumbless Overlords will engage in several activities in order to both prevent sleep and frustrate the men to a point irrational behavior and decision making. <br />
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Men, beware of the following activities:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4nec6RSnPWNOtghq08OZsAZ1kcjIzbH-aCSLscbxA5J2OecqCMA3wQp9M84Ep2RqWyn8UZy71twLkMx8mTlSNkBFJWFSZyshtRNSqypwyjUFI4zuQ2gxlM8sfijLwhnQOm3EpQ3TSwU/s1600/cat+in+blinds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4nec6RSnPWNOtghq08OZsAZ1kcjIzbH-aCSLscbxA5J2OecqCMA3wQp9M84Ep2RqWyn8UZy71twLkMx8mTlSNkBFJWFSZyshtRNSqypwyjUFI4zuQ2gxlM8sfijLwhnQOm3EpQ3TSwU/s320/cat+in+blinds.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Do not count on dogs to help us in this situation.<br />
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They are useless.<br />
<br />
I fear for the worst in this situation. With the lack of sleep and subsequent poor decisions, I see no way to avoid the eventual take over by the women.<br />
<br />
Oh well, we will at least have fun along the way!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeBFJ6Fa5zPo1ZHpEA3whrNuBGun2u5PQQXmOg9dPEsxzAlbVUn3g_GBxKsgQ8l64GObr2MPmHNapjUf3VqVga9YPPNRi3DzYxgw8I3W4Nc5N5pFTUdlObqnApB6XmOr78g8d_nhkHls/s1600/toga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeBFJ6Fa5zPo1ZHpEA3whrNuBGun2u5PQQXmOg9dPEsxzAlbVUn3g_GBxKsgQ8l64GObr2MPmHNapjUf3VqVga9YPPNRi3DzYxgw8I3W4Nc5N5pFTUdlObqnApB6XmOr78g8d_nhkHls/s320/toga.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-42474258139280465632014-01-10T19:55:00.000-06:002014-01-10T19:55:11.996-06:00They're Gone.....Once again the women of Eureka, IL have left their men. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnaUYGSpqNx8QaymqHsMRRlyzuLcYm7GkqEqHOm1-b8isQwa16AWwWUG0FIglScRcx5Zmpo36hE4pZxyYdNw1erDTkP8u7E0nq0dNTZ-9vMTqTI2zMqKPV3H1LADfeu8g9WqQPJlbkcw/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnaUYGSpqNx8QaymqHsMRRlyzuLcYm7GkqEqHOm1-b8isQwa16AWwWUG0FIglScRcx5Zmpo36hE4pZxyYdNw1erDTkP8u7E0nq0dNTZ-9vMTqTI2zMqKPV3H1LADfeu8g9WqQPJlbkcw/s320/images.jpg" /></a></div><br />
What plans do they have up their sleeves this time around? Hopefully they learned from last year's attempt to starve the men, and take over due to our weakened state. The men were not, and shall not be so easily defeated.<br />
<br />
We are strong!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNLEuAMYJkG7sq1WTelwwHu3_tNqMYP-KJfxKJnbkGgGk2AHp3X1SjUBHlC7UC_7wQZf9kBsTxXxdMo0GFlrMIsncSuRd-NYg2nkvozf8FwRIqaolwfyeuMVXpx1UuhmpHTwoW9bHLVg/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNLEuAMYJkG7sq1WTelwwHu3_tNqMYP-KJfxKJnbkGgGk2AHp3X1SjUBHlC7UC_7wQZf9kBsTxXxdMo0GFlrMIsncSuRd-NYg2nkvozf8FwRIqaolwfyeuMVXpx1UuhmpHTwoW9bHLVg/s320/download.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We are resourceful!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmugOYMLQ5QCEjK7uWySY6sDhr06aQE4pfrg1rv-EcWXBojWWQv1e75J59cY9SlcAuuIN09VxFyiy2rgw7rsTwAZVwTTtU0UHXgDaSSze0e5rsIVOqeYqyGjJt5qj2qE-myvG77s6UYg/s1600/download+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmugOYMLQ5QCEjK7uWySY6sDhr06aQE4pfrg1rv-EcWXBojWWQv1e75J59cY9SlcAuuIN09VxFyiy2rgw7rsTwAZVwTTtU0UHXgDaSSze0e5rsIVOqeYqyGjJt5qj2qE-myvG77s6UYg/s320/download+(1).jpg" /></a></div><br />
We will survive!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9O-3m4BIl26yMdpXKLXQMTRtB-DwADPAgSOD4aqiA3T8d59VDXR-aJSj3kq3VBCso9fFx_sj5LHF6J1LXsszL0aDZvsLMUgLf_iijTzDhvAIWq5uxD2hpPbFlCqCk8R6t3O8sN2_DQE/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9O-3m4BIl26yMdpXKLXQMTRtB-DwADPAgSOD4aqiA3T8d59VDXR-aJSj3kq3VBCso9fFx_sj5LHF6J1LXsszL0aDZvsLMUgLf_iijTzDhvAIWq5uxD2hpPbFlCqCk8R6t3O8sN2_DQE/s320/images+(1).jpg" /></a></div><br />
We are MEN!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaNVcZ8YR-LKQpU4U9cLNOziufoeZWrMJ2D2tPLVmBjJDh90zoecy0mB7VD1TajKVc8e8u3IxA2MXncoUfixiUjLt-plslcGP7atIoAcrWO9a_q4ymfYKjX4ns4i2Pa_u82Eavq1V4DM/s1600/256104_2194604029519_2925710_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaNVcZ8YR-LKQpU4U9cLNOziufoeZWrMJ2D2tPLVmBjJDh90zoecy0mB7VD1TajKVc8e8u3IxA2MXncoUfixiUjLt-plslcGP7atIoAcrWO9a_q4ymfYKjX4ns4i2Pa_u82Eavq1V4DM/s320/256104_2194604029519_2925710_o.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Stay tuned....<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-58065749174114654272013-02-24T18:42:00.002-06:002013-02-24T18:42:47.704-06:00Run, Chris, RunMy hobby covers both topics for the week, to a degree.<br />
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Over the years I have had several short lived hobbies. I have been an amateur chef, at home brew master, and a recreational model rocket builder. None of them have really stuck (although I have plans to resurrect the brewing). The one thing which seems to have stood the test of time is running. I have been at it for a little over five years, and absolutely love it!<br />
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Running is also the hobby I wish I knew how to do or the time to learn. Now Wait a just a minute. I just said I have been running for five plus years. At this point I should know how to do it, right? I am moderately coordinated and rarely fall down while doing it, so, what is the issue? What is left to learn?<br />
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I want to get better.<br />
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Before I went back to school I was running on a very consistent basis, and was becoming fairly accomplished. The peak came at the U of I marathon weekend when I ran a 19 minute 56 second 5k Friday night and a 1 hour 37 minute half marathon Saturday morning. Later that same year I completed two ultra marathons as well.<br />
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I derive a great sense of satisfaction from being able to run for both speed and endurance. In spite of my accomplishments I do not feel I have reached my full potential as a runner. I have never pushed myself in a 5 or 10k to the point of complete exhaustion. I really want to learn what my body is capable of doing speed wise. The same can be said for the endurance distances. Barring an injury to my knee in my first ultra, I know I could have gone further and faster in that race. There is a lot that goes into training and conditioning the body to be able to do these various tasks, and I want to learn how to do it to the best of my ability.<br />
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For the time being I do not have the time or mental energy to devote to obtaining these things. To satisfy these needs I am focusing my attention on Nora. I am training her for a 1.2 mile run in May in conjunction with Peoria's first marathon. We are both excited and a bit nervous. For me, I am getting a little bit of running in, but most importantly I am sharing something I love with my daughter. Maybe someday running will be one of her favorite hobbies! <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-80513585656723049062013-01-22T21:15:00.000-06:002013-01-22T21:15:35.623-06:00This Is Not FunnyEvery now and again I am going to write without the intention of making my readers laugh. This is just such an occasion. <br />
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When I first started the No Worries blog I tried to write nearly everyday. It was a bit of a challenge coming up with different topics to cover on a daily basis, but one that I enjoyed none-the-less. In fact, it was this exercise in creativity that led to trying my hand at humorous compositions. Now, as I am not able to post as frequently, I find the situation to be just the opposite. My head is swimming with different subjects upon which to scrawl. Should I address the kids newest accomplishments and activities? Or do I bang out a page or two on Robin's wonderful work at our church? Either one would provide fantastic fodder for your enjoyment I'm sure. However, neither one would provide any insight as to why I have not been posting day to day. The real reason as you may surmise, is my foray into higher education. It stands to reason I give you a look into my life at Eureka College. There is a time and place for everything, and it's called...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoDKx3RHenJbGIhZf2N8e2C3j9OoJnnSGI8hLjGM7XT4Rp4S8JegBxN9Pt4S8CwtKq0Zu_1SKiPNQTBxRKiV5Ii05nzsxtYJwnfdLXdCCEvW1azj5PN6mM1s_6H6Iz8eGLEklq97_8T8/s1600/animal-house1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="242" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoDKx3RHenJbGIhZf2N8e2C3j9OoJnnSGI8hLjGM7XT4Rp4S8JegBxN9Pt4S8CwtKq0Zu_1SKiPNQTBxRKiV5Ii05nzsxtYJwnfdLXdCCEvW1azj5PN6mM1s_6H6Iz8eGLEklq97_8T8/s320/animal-house1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Which is exactly why I am going to tell you all about the Health and Wellness group at Eureka Christian Church.<br />
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Right before I started school in August of 2011 I decided I wanted to do something to be more than just a butt in the pew. The church does a great job of keeping our mind and soul in good shape, but what of our bodies? Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Now there is something I know a bit about. I can help the church get in shape!<br />
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The first attempt was a walking and running group. We met on Saturday mornings, broke into two groups, runners and walkers, and got out had a nice little workout. The group was well received and well attended, but as I mentioned, we started just prior to school starting. Once class began every other Saturday was out for me and the group kind of lost traction. I did not, however, give up on the concept. Which brings us to October of 2012.<br />
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I decided to give the group an other try, but this time I repackaged the concept. This time around I called it a Health and Wellness group with the mission of giving the church members, and the community at large, a taste of different fitness options available to them. My plan was to bring in different fitness experts from the community and have them lead a 4 - 6 week session in their field. They would do so on a volunteer basis, and we would take a free will donation which would go to keeping the lights and heat on at the church & fund local charity programs like our food pantry.<br />
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To start I approached a friend and local yoga instructor, Peg Toliver, and asked if she would be interested in teaching a beginners yoga class. She was thrilled with the idea and came on board. With the first session planned I decided to plow forward and let the rest work itself out as we went.<br />
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We were set to meet on the first Monday of November, and run until the week before Christmas. The first evening I was cautiously optimistic, hoping we would have 15-18 people attend. We had 33! The yoga portion of the program was a huge success and even provided some new students for Peg in her regular class. Now the pressure was on to keep this thing going.<br />
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I put out a suggestion box and requested the group members to let me know what they wanted. As they say, give the people what they want. The suggestions came in and now I was faced with the task of finding additional instructors to donate their time and show off their programs. To buy myself some time I decided to tap myself.<br />
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I am currently leading a class in simple body weight exercises. This session has not been as well as attended as the yoga, but attendance is still holding in the double digits, and people seem to be enjoying it. <br />
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While this is going on I have reached out to a local man who teaches Zumba, which was one of the most requested items in my suggestion box. Like Peg, he was impressed with the idea and more than happy to give his time to the cause. I am aiming for a session starting with him in March.<br />
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So, there you have it. This, and many other goings on are why I have been neglecting the pages of No Worries. I think it has been time well spent. How about you?<br />
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Cheers!<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-3060045131148507202013-01-14T11:03:00.000-06:002013-01-14T11:03:14.690-06:00Retreat or Community Conquest...The Homecoming<b>Day Three - Sunday</b><br />
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In the eyes of the women of Eureka, Sunday should have marked a triumphant return to town; conquering heros in the battle of the sexes. However, thanks to quick thinking by the men and an underestimation of our capabilties on the part of the women, that was simply not the case. So, where do things now stand? We cannot return to the status quo in light of this attempted coup. Or can we?<br />
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This speaks to the overall brilliance of the womens plan. You would think there would be an uneasy tension between the two sides. However, relations are just fine. They are fine due to the timing of their attack. The women knew by planning their attempted takeover during the NFL playoffs the men would be sufficiently distracted if all did not go according to plan. <br />
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And distracted we were. <br />
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The women came home to find their mates glued to the television, moderately sedated by suds, and bellies full of hot wings. So entranced by what was and had played out on the screens before us that we had all but forgotten what had transpired just hours before.<br />
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So what did we all learn from this?<br />
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1. Women are smart.<br />
2. Timing is everything.<br />
3. Men can handle the shopping and cooking for a day or two.<br />
4. Football trumps everything.<br />
<br />
Most Importantly<br />
<br />
5. Two is better than one. <br />
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I, for one, am glad to have my wife home. Even if see did conspire to take over town!<br />
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Cheers!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-29654562416840810792013-01-13T09:56:00.000-06:002013-01-13T09:56:55.157-06:00Retreat or Community Conquest...Part Two.<b>Day Two - Saturday</b><br />
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Dawn broke on day two with the men in good spirits. We had survived day one of the attack from the women by getting the word out through an elaborate communication system consisting of smoke signals and Morse code. With knowledge of the plan out there and discovery that eggs and sausage are not just for breakfast we were all able to have a hearty dinner. Now attention turned to preparing for the day ahead.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrK4uriMDK30Gg8xGaE4orvozZovqGX3Ddn7IwIGMsGvzRxtgl9JyCR10OleDq1GaER7IGwO5hlj5DZiv6Yq6Igh7c34FZkuvjSPHoUmXI9uifdswHsdS1PJgAEo0H2Mi7PKK9nXTrI1U/s1600/smoke_signals.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrK4uriMDK30Gg8xGaE4orvozZovqGX3Ddn7IwIGMsGvzRxtgl9JyCR10OleDq1GaER7IGwO5hlj5DZiv6Yq6Igh7c34FZkuvjSPHoUmXI9uifdswHsdS1PJgAEo0H2Mi7PKK9nXTrI1U/s320/smoke_signals.gif" /></a></div><br />
As expected Nora got up in the morning, turned down my offer to help with breakfast, and prepared a sweet potato for herself; no offer was made by her to help Nigel or I. Further proof of the female plot for domination. Nigel and I had it covered, however, he with a bowl of cereal and me with more sausage and eggs.<br />
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Once breakfast was done I turned my attention to eating the rest of the weekend. Plans were made to tackle the shopping list. As I mentioned yesterday my experience owning a restaurant prepared me well for the challenges that lay ahead. We needed to launch a defensive plan.<br />
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First using my prior industry connections we ducked into Gracie's in Washington for lunch. Nora had chicken wings, Nigel enjoyed chicken tenders and I had a big grilled chicken salad. Once we were well fed we moved onto phase two of defense of the men.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlI3HBtbn7jYW_EIfd6999h8ljA2qKKcJM6JjtDIGQ8LjfJaZun589hcOqF0l3efaAP4KVuKfVNVeB1EI1pkCsDDXiojfZw6rETANDDlD0Zi7Ts_xXdUJ7QLnUonsrEy_Fyajgp3uRB_4/s1600/gracies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="229" width="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlI3HBtbn7jYW_EIfd6999h8ljA2qKKcJM6JjtDIGQ8LjfJaZun589hcOqF0l3efaAP4KVuKfVNVeB1EI1pkCsDDXiojfZw6rETANDDlD0Zi7Ts_xXdUJ7QLnUonsrEy_Fyajgp3uRB_4/s320/gracies.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Thanks to our communication system some of the men and I decided to band together for our dinner. I was charged with the task of procuring food for the evening. Once again using my restaurant connections, I went over to Cherry Garden in Washington and order two sushi platters for our meal.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthNXQDDLXJkau-R5B4cxg7f-nuLMaqBAg5ubHHI3YocAtB3V-Uty3tZ_0NwB-v8LDaIAVCda1P6g9E-s63T-KF0x03N2MBFJqBAAZj7eOvCMN2le5MTyk7u70_hjnSkDf_MQnE-wrQe4/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="183" width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthNXQDDLXJkau-R5B4cxg7f-nuLMaqBAg5ubHHI3YocAtB3V-Uty3tZ_0NwB-v8LDaIAVCda1P6g9E-s63T-KF0x03N2MBFJqBAAZj7eOvCMN2le5MTyk7u70_hjnSkDf_MQnE-wrQe4/s320/images.jpg" /></a></div><br />
With the evening meal taken care of it was time to tackle the shopping list. We drove out to Sam's and blew through the list with ease. I picked up every item and did not go off list at all. Nora even commented it was the most efficient Sam's trip she had ever been on. Severe cracks are now forming in the plan for conquest, and I could see the frustration in her eyes!<br />
<br />
Once home and feeling confident I sat down to do what men do this time of year and watch a little playoff football before heading over to Josh's. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pWKiPZU_Q1tZiUlIs888D7-OyoVTOUEIbw1hLAwHdKG4c4_ZLkcChd5HlZo-EFqcwru8oi9UJL04FYJVSlXeo7ztONjXnvK3mFBWtIRhe2E5aCAuA-dZkc9DBSm8EHk2qxxkDEGAi20/s1600/389px-NFL_playoffs_logo_new.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="222" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pWKiPZU_Q1tZiUlIs888D7-OyoVTOUEIbw1hLAwHdKG4c4_ZLkcChd5HlZo-EFqcwru8oi9UJL04FYJVSlXeo7ztONjXnvK3mFBWtIRhe2E5aCAuA-dZkc9DBSm8EHk2qxxkDEGAi20/s320/389px-NFL_playoffs_logo_new.svg.png" /></a></div><br />
The plan was the same once we went over to the Yoders. He and I would eat sushi, sample some beers, and enjoy the game while the kids played. This is where we made a mistake. By Josh and I banding together we also brought together some of the womens foot soldiers. <br />
<br />
Our daughters had managed to communicate to the women how well we were fighting back. They had to figure out some way to regain the upper hand. I still have not figured out how they did it, but somehow the women created a series of power outages in Eureka causing us to miss most of the second half of the San Francisco - Green Bay game. No doubt they thought this would drive the men insane and leave us in the confused, weakened state they were trying to accomplish through starvation. What they did not plan for, however, was our ability to communicate with men in neighboring communities. Once again by putting our smoke signals and Morse code in action we were able to stay in tune with the goings on of the game.<br />
<br />
Good try women. I hope you enjoyed your "retreat", but I am proud to say you will return to a town full of strong and coherent men. You'll just have to try again next year! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-57170475945419783982013-01-12T09:35:00.000-06:002013-01-12T09:35:15.881-06:00Retreat or Community Conquest?Robin is on a women's retreat with the ladies from our church. She has left Nora, Nigel, and I alone to fend for our selves. This shall serve as an account of our days...<br />
<br />
<b>Day One - Friday Night</b><br />
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Robin and the women folk were scheduled to leave town at 4pm, 4pm! That is before dinner! Obviously she left something going in the crock pot or a meal kept warm in the oven, right? No! You can already see the beginnings of their evil plans. They are trying to starve the men of Eureka, leaving us in a weakened state, and take over town upon their return.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-xYrzt96NM8uVdJE8BEK1iz2UtwwKpiEJDq4hf8MK5UDvgvnggfosFN-ZZooCCvqpwhFdVuWvDaOE2-OSfwkcCN_KN0AyBARKaQ6_6reFG2RCOqKZ_xdKq0T89999264NtY8yrDCxps/s1600/funny-pictures-your-cat-is-starving-from-not-eating-for-five-minutes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-xYrzt96NM8uVdJE8BEK1iz2UtwwKpiEJDq4hf8MK5UDvgvnggfosFN-ZZooCCvqpwhFdVuWvDaOE2-OSfwkcCN_KN0AyBARKaQ6_6reFG2RCOqKZ_xdKq0T89999264NtY8yrDCxps/s320/funny-pictures-your-cat-is-starving-from-not-eating-for-five-minutes1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Proof you say. Well if it is proof you want of their dastardly plans then it is proof you shall have.<br />
<br />
First, Robin has had the whole family eating in a much healthier fashion for the last year; no processed foods, no sugar added foods, basically if your grandmother would not recognize it as food, then it most likely isn't and we aren't eating it. That means there are no frozen pizzas, t.v. dinners, pot pie, or Stouffer's lasagna to throw in the oven and call it dinner.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3UClb40a3XOObhIwzXnFX_qMzzKNRszLwVJiyY7mxuWSyYbK1FFQTRnbY9kiJNxGr3pUiK8QtgdFEXeLnyJRNIiQ1FQKpkM6-FUbfwr4y61SJoCVI0OL0jBhuawkIYAKqoV_ns93Sv0/s1600/155_PSimg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="181" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3UClb40a3XOObhIwzXnFX_qMzzKNRszLwVJiyY7mxuWSyYbK1FFQTRnbY9kiJNxGr3pUiK8QtgdFEXeLnyJRNIiQ1FQKpkM6-FUbfwr4y61SJoCVI0OL0jBhuawkIYAKqoV_ns93Sv0/s320/155_PSimg.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Second, Robin taught Nora how to make herself a sweet potato in the microwave. What did she teach Nigel before she left? NOTHING! The women stick together and the plot thickens!<br />
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Finally, the cupboards were left bare! All that was left was an ever growing shopping list. It is well documented in many television sitcoms that men are not capable of handling the shopping.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ldfPQzFJXEAKNv05asuTzO_qGWs9Xq3uxOV80MOcNTHzBHhHIOt5Whwj4qV4eQAYrx5HeOs_q5kryROOaAXvooStzl9A5VsyExnGhRwONYvEMGKFIKiSh1ZPY55z5cvs3GQcPRU81CU/s1600/men%252Bdoing%252Bthe%252Bgrocery%252Bshopping_480d85_3803503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ldfPQzFJXEAKNv05asuTzO_qGWs9Xq3uxOV80MOcNTHzBHhHIOt5Whwj4qV4eQAYrx5HeOs_q5kryROOaAXvooStzl9A5VsyExnGhRwONYvEMGKFIKiSh1ZPY55z5cvs3GQcPRU81CU/s320/men%252Bdoing%252Bthe%252Bgrocery%252Bshopping_480d85_3803503.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The seeds have been planted, the plan is in action, and we are clearly doomed. Please, even if you are not religious, pray for the men of Eureka!<br />
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Ha! All is not lost! They have forgotten one little fact that will play out to be the downfall of their sinister plan.<br />
<br />
I used to own a restaurant.<br />
<b>I CAN COOK! I CAN SHOP!</b><br />
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The men shall persevere.<br />
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Stay tuned for the exciting tails to follow.<br />
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Cheers!<br />
<br />
Disclaimer: actual events <i>may</i> have been exaggerated for comedic effect. <br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-33157158793345416492013-01-10T19:35:00.000-06:002013-01-10T19:35:15.542-06:00Back To The BeginningSince I have been away for so long I would return to Where it all began. Well, not quite. The very first No Worries post was a pictorial review of a year in the life of the Robinson family. From there it morphed into a running countdown for the Tuke Family reunion, once that was over it took on a life as a way to keep in touch with the extended family. Somewhere along the way it took on a life as a written documentary of my running exploits. That is where I would like to pick up today.<br />
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School has taken a toll on my ability to run on a consistent basis, and I miss it desperately. Running allowed me to stay fit, calm myself after a hectic day, and provided me with time to get lost in my thoughts. As you may imagine school occupies much of the time once devoted to getting lost in my thoughts. I could not, however, abandon the fitness aspect of my life all together. I have become very passionate about healthy living. To fill the running void I began doing body weight circuit workouts. I was hooked quickly. First of all, no matter where I went I had my workout equipment. Secondly, these exercises I was doing incorporated my entire body at once. This fact allowed me to get a full body workout in a much shorter amount of time; perfect for my school schedule. Finally, the circuit format (moving from one exercise to the next with little or no rest) gave the workouts a cardio aspect; kept the lungs strong. All this leads me to where I am now.<br />
<br />
I am trying to get a few runs worked into my routine. So far it has gone well. I have managed two runs this week, Tuesday and Thursday, three miles each. The pace is much slower than when I ran regularly, but I was still able to run the distance in its entirety. It felt fantastic to be out there on the streets again. Lost in my thoughts, breathing in fresh air, and building my mileage again. <br />
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Stay tuned for future postings and many miles. Until then...<br />
<br />
...do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today. <br />
<br />
CheersUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-84196307375260699922013-01-07T19:50:00.002-06:002013-01-07T19:50:38.387-06:00Thank YouAs I mentioned in my return to my No Worries; I have really missed writing for the sake of writing. It turns out, based on several of your responses, you missed No Worries as well. Thank you so much for your kind words and enthusiastic replies. Nothing makes a guy feel better than his friends and family taking interest in what he has to say. Additionally, it gave me an even greater desire to share my random thoughts.<br />
<br />
Here goes.<br />
<br />
I indicated in <a href="http://no-worries-chris.blogspot.com/2012/12/remember-me.html">Remember Me</a> a lot has changed in the year and a half I spent away from blogging. The primary difference in my life was created by the decision to return to school. Twenty years after starting my higher education at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale I have begun again at Eureka College. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZKZCYGm1xNlfDOMvD_6PCC3H3Yb7i7z468egLiv2Qgnp2MaWIX7yod27N1cJRFlP2a3hg8TqCRHSM8eciTRl0BlXkKdyOI_r_M8qQPCcyV0SzdRBLBumEkLejpgkukcyDVA18-WLiUI/s1600/eureka02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="213" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZKZCYGm1xNlfDOMvD_6PCC3H3Yb7i7z468egLiv2Qgnp2MaWIX7yod27N1cJRFlP2a3hg8TqCRHSM8eciTRl0BlXkKdyOI_r_M8qQPCcyV0SzdRBLBumEkLejpgkukcyDVA18-WLiUI/s320/eureka02.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I could write for days on the profound change this experience has had on me, however, I think it would bore you a bit. Just know this, when I graduate in June with my B.S. in Organizational Leadership, I will have gained for more than a diploma. I have learned volumes about myself (thank you Bill!), made life long friends, and strengthened my convictions on leadership. Most importantly, I have both the desire and confidence to chase my passion (hopefully more on that later).<br />
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Until nest time,<br />
<br />
Cheers!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-90947506762017309712013-01-03T13:20:00.001-06:002013-01-03T13:20:18.078-06:00Back To The GrindWell, this is it. With the end of the holiday season comes the end of my time away from school. The stretch I am about to begin is the home stretch. The Ocho (a nickname given to my class by one of our professors) and I have four more classes plus one group project standing between us and our diplomas. It is a bit hard to imagine we are so close to finishing. However, before I can even think about finishing, I have to start again. This is proving to be a bit difficult. Even as I write this I should be writing a short paper for my next class, Organizational Communication. It is time to get back to the grind.<br />
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Back to the grind. That has such a negative connotation to it. I, for one, do not want to have any kind of grinding taking place any where on my person. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcuqrCpWeDAS20iz6Jn0XupZNmvwGgZSPAj2XoX68eVCDWj6CWl28dgIJ11oxr0yWS7kBfFfs2N8wa_qQ0SJ-NyOnYLr-Qlg6LAwKJ67HVJm_dyXmiI9ofCvfISYmVfz5Wj3Zs0D6u9A/s1600/nose-to-the-grindstone.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcuqrCpWeDAS20iz6Jn0XupZNmvwGgZSPAj2XoX68eVCDWj6CWl28dgIJ11oxr0yWS7kBfFfs2N8wa_qQ0SJ-NyOnYLr-Qlg6LAwKJ67HVJm_dyXmiI9ofCvfISYmVfz5Wj3Zs0D6u9A/s320/nose-to-the-grindstone.png" /></a></div><br />
Maybe this is why I am having such a hard time getting going. Perhaps I should flip this old saying on its ear and focus on the positive aspects. <br />
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The first image that comes to mind is coffee. You grind coffee beans. What is not to like about coffee. "Coffee smells like freshly ground heaven", Jessi Lane Adams.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivL0sgB-gMJ-lnwrz-bh3sD7q4puSKzJQnBVHzjnTYqILAINVGmJeLTgnPX6BYBxP7liKXTeaR7E4rbrniiWAESiwNDw0C6HZoXlB9wltF4itrRVMoosaT3xqK6VvyQbBtMHRNaijgTXw/s1600/coffee-grinder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivL0sgB-gMJ-lnwrz-bh3sD7q4puSKzJQnBVHzjnTYqILAINVGmJeLTgnPX6BYBxP7liKXTeaR7E4rbrniiWAESiwNDw0C6HZoXlB9wltF4itrRVMoosaT3xqK6VvyQbBtMHRNaijgTXw/s320/coffee-grinder.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Football teams grind out tough yards on the way to the winning touchdown in a hard fought game.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlymJEoVpPuK4E1kzmdg4m1p_8UE_k_oqIL0Cao42JRJmvGw2hv5Chv7owJPX-3mmKy0oDI3OBi1NSZZo3PzZwKhSWiMZJ9QTUCUn2FfEZWR6G7L8lXkloRidOOLfYJZ86cXMkiOy3Xs8/s1600/ncf_u_odoms_mb_576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlymJEoVpPuK4E1kzmdg4m1p_8UE_k_oqIL0Cao42JRJmvGw2hv5Chv7owJPX-3mmKy0oDI3OBi1NSZZo3PzZwKhSWiMZJ9QTUCUn2FfEZWR6G7L8lXkloRidOOLfYJZ86cXMkiOy3Xs8/s320/ncf_u_odoms_mb_576.jpg" /></a></div><br />
In both of these examples grinding produces something worth while and very desirable; something worth waiting for. In both, pleasant things happen along the way as well. The wonderful aroma released when you grind the coffee beans. The thrill of a big hit or ankle breaking move during that game changing drive. <br />
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School is much the same. This degree is definitely worth while, very desirable, and will be well worth the wait. Along the way I have met some wonderful educators and made life long friends. So, with great pleasure it is back to the grind!<br />
<br />
Cheers<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-81361533517504808482012-12-31T16:22:00.001-06:002012-12-31T16:22:39.944-06:00Steps In Becoming An Iconic SuperheroMy fascination with Superheros is well documented in my little corner of the web, but how did it all start and where is it going? It all started with a simple race and has elevated me to Iconic Superhero status.<br />
<br />
This is my story:<br />
<br />
My long-term readers know it all began with my running. Five years ago for my first 5k race I donned my Green Lantern t-shirt and channeled his powers. Since then, every race I have run has been run in a Superhero t-shirt. Superman, Spiderman, Batman, Ironman, Captain America; they have all been represented and served me well. I have run so many races in Superhero attire it has come to be expected (that or in a kilt, but that is a post for another time). I am the that guy in the Superhero t-shirt.<br />
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From there it evolved into Superhero Friday. Each Friday I pick out a different Superhero t-shirt, adopt his persona for the day, wish all you good citizens well on Facebook, and head off to work to save the day. I have continued this practice and have carried it into my schooling at Eureka College. This is where things really began to take shape. Friends, co-workers, family, professors, The Ocho, and others started referring to me as Batman or Superman on a regular basis. I have become the Superheros I pay tribute to through my Friday fashion statement.<br />
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Then, on Halloween, it reached a new level. The Vice President of the company for whom I work, dressed as me. You know you have hit legendary status in the Superhero world when you become a Halloween costume.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31wmuI28bvp89-vWK5ZaDbpRil1qc8wQH-zrS6EL4Kp1o3UnflDQVfv0LRy0ZtsKGze4P6QUUSdWq1VJBPStVUGgvJC8ngMu6PPLjSGS6mm5kMs4q24d4BytB36HoWxgBeqZ4R97jOhU/s1600/HW103112+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31wmuI28bvp89-vWK5ZaDbpRil1qc8wQH-zrS6EL4Kp1o3UnflDQVfv0LRy0ZtsKGze4P6QUUSdWq1VJBPStVUGgvJC8ngMu6PPLjSGS6mm5kMs4q24d4BytB36HoWxgBeqZ4R97jOhU/s320/HW103112+011.jpg" /></a></div><br />
One may think I have reached the top of the Superhero world. People are now dressing as me. Can it get any better than this? Yes, yes it can. You can be immortalized as an action figure, or better yet as a bobble head. That is right my loyal citizens, yours truly has reached Iconic Superhero status. My image has been molded and preserved for eternity in the form of a bobble head.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtblkEpC0o7y2VdQI8k7ZCWsJYMB_yySiybc1Q6dC0fS6-eRYvQdK5LfMbfQa2uZ8_CLh2cXKnZsjpucphRzGQcxwd8ONRDfl7vu82ca_ADQK97KGIq-qI0KD_S9oP0tAJYF_iVw-F8a0/s1600/Superminime.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtblkEpC0o7y2VdQI8k7ZCWsJYMB_yySiybc1Q6dC0fS6-eRYvQdK5LfMbfQa2uZ8_CLh2cXKnZsjpucphRzGQcxwd8ONRDfl7vu82ca_ADQK97KGIq-qI0KD_S9oP0tAJYF_iVw-F8a0/s320/Superminime.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
Thank you to my brother, Brett, for making this all happen. It is hard to make out, but the base of my bobble head reads, "Happy 40th Superman". My birthday present from my little brother arrived today and needless to say, made my day. Thank you bro, it is awesome!<br />
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So that is it. That is how I became an Iconic Superhero.<br />
<br />
Cheers!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-63272810603263051242012-12-30T15:02:00.000-06:002012-12-30T20:37:55.178-06:00New Years ResolutionHi all,<br />
<br />
I trust you all had a great Christmas and are getting ready for a wonderful New Year.<br />
<br />
With the start of a new year many of us make resolutions. These are typically sweeping statements like; save more money, keep a better house, eat better, lose weight, etc... Our intentions are always good, we have great starts, but all too often we fall short of our goals.<br />
<br />
Why is that?<br />
<br />
First of all, resolution is a horrible name in my opinion. A resolution is the act of determining upon an action or course of action. To me what most people want is much bigger than a choice of or change in course of action. What we really want is a life change. We are not deciding to save more money for three weeks, clean our homes for a couple of days, or lose weight just to put it all back on. We want our lives to have a permanent change going forward.<br />
<br />
Secondly, the common resolutions I just named are too general. What is more money? What is eating better? How much weight do I want to lose? We need to define our resolutions much more clearly than we typically do. It is ok to have the big picture of weight loss, but first we need to set a goal for both amount and time to get there. When doing so, be realistic. If a goal is too extreme it will be difficult to reach and therefore easy to give up. Also, and most importantly, make small, easily attainable goals along the way so you have little victories to celebrate and keep you motivated. If your overall goal is 20 lbs, have a goal of 1-2 lbs per week (this depends on body size, but the rule of thumb is 1% of your body weight). <br />
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Finally, we all too often go it alone. With no support group we make it much harder on ourselves to stay committed. Remember, we are attempting to make a permanent life change. This is not an easy task and we need all the help we can get. The first step is to tell someone what you are doing. This will make you accountable to someone other than yourself. It is all too easy to back off your new commitment if you are the only one who knows about it. Find a support group. Check the internet, your local library, or your Church. There are several people just like you out there looking for help and support. Once you have the support, do not be afraid to ask for help. I have found people love to help each other. You just have to be willing to ask. The amazing thing is, when you get help from someone you are helping them as well. Both parties find their commitment strengthened.<br />
<br />
So, this New Year, make a decision to make a life change, make it specific and attainable, and tell someone. Let's make 2013 the best year of our lives.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-48337465241923390132012-12-27T18:32:00.000-06:002012-12-27T18:42:11.996-06:00Remember Me?Where in the heck have I been? So much time has passed and so much has changed since we were last together in the blog-o-sphere. There is no way I am going to try and catch you all up on the happenings of the last year and a half. That would be simply mind-blowing! That is for a later post. Instead, I am putting you on notice...
<b>I'm Back!</b>
Turns out I really miss writing. Sure, I have been doing plenty of writing in school, but they want you to have a point and back said point up with facts.
<i>Boring!</i>
Where is the fun in that? The whole point of the No Worries Blog is there is no point. As for facts...Try and prove my stories aren't true. Sure, they might be embellished a touch, but I do it for you and your enjoyment.
So, be ready for....
<b>No Worries...Revisited!</b>
Until later,
Cheers! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-91486532965060768652011-04-03T19:28:00.003-05:002011-04-03T20:14:59.782-05:00Sweet WeekendWe had a really good weekend here in the Robinson house. Would you like to hear about it?<br /><br />No?<br /><br />Well, tough!<br /><br />Friday was the Eureka Davenport Elementary PTO carnival. Robin volunteered to work at two of the game booths. She had a great time shagging balls at the velcro dart ball game and watching little ones jump around in the bounce house. While she was doing that I led/was dragged by the kids around the school so they could play the games. <br />Each game provided the kids tickets that could be exchanged for prizes at the end of the evening. Nora came away with a birthstone ring and a duck call beak. Nigel got himself a rubber cobra and a complimentary duck call beak. Not a bad haul.<br />After the carnival, we went home and took in the movie Despicable Me. I am sure you all have seen it, but if you have not, watch it now.<br /><br />I assume that since you are still reading you have seen the movie. <br />On to Saturday.<br /><br />You all know about my race on Saturday. However, I do have one update. I actually finished 7th place overall. That has been my best finish to date. <br />The rest of the day was spent out at Robin's Grandparents farm. Most of Robin's family gathered to help her Mom go through all of Grandma Bug and Grandpa Bob's stuff. It is time to get that house cleared to prepare it for demo. Robin's parents are planning on building a home on the land and moving out there in Septemberish. The plans are fantastic. I for one am really excited for Jim and Karen. It is going to be great for them to finally have a new home which they designed themselves. <br />We all worked hard and were beat at the end of the day. In the end we could all pat ourselves on the backs for a job well done. There is a lot left to do, but we got a great start.<br /><br />Sunday brought the Central Illinois Auto Show. This has been a tradition for the kids and I for the last few years. They have a blast looking at all the new cars and "driving" each of them. In addition to the cars they have plenty of other family friendly activities. This years list included appearances by Dora the Explorer, Diego, Sponge Bob, Ronald McDonald, Spiderman and Thor. As well as a NASCAR demo. I will let the pictures tell the rest of the story.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWjOnoLSfYvpOJYO99AwMm5T5EZcWn8vuC10VQ8BflrZsnPIwHC7z0UMuV0ZU03EmKH-SUTG_9rh3l52JKBEx0ZuXle-leXwnwyEZbwtM4vU8hPG3kMdxg3EgJfz84E1ExXdzHwRyBaE/s1600/IMG_1400.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWjOnoLSfYvpOJYO99AwMm5T5EZcWn8vuC10VQ8BflrZsnPIwHC7z0UMuV0ZU03EmKH-SUTG_9rh3l52JKBEx0ZuXle-leXwnwyEZbwtM4vU8hPG3kMdxg3EgJfz84E1ExXdzHwRyBaE/s320/IMG_1400.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591528964385903634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4u4gL-Hp0gzBGAmCEO2D26ZsCklGPlwpqZLppqQHeiuoNeSbhH1VYpvDH5ejUqLSNCJTVfYsOi1GXkhyphenhyphenfV58cDm7nNKNfww_hyER-fSg93tW8zNXiTYly-RIJSHIFhxDxLtkyx09XkPA/s1600/IMG_1393.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4u4gL-Hp0gzBGAmCEO2D26ZsCklGPlwpqZLppqQHeiuoNeSbhH1VYpvDH5ejUqLSNCJTVfYsOi1GXkhyphenhyphenfV58cDm7nNKNfww_hyER-fSg93tW8zNXiTYly-RIJSHIFhxDxLtkyx09XkPA/s320/IMG_1393.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591528957530683058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVlREoAeK5GeXcqc5XgvStbc8cYu8syd0K-9oVcE2juEnfrUh17bnT_86wpgZMWx83HlNfyAGGs0EVsVl5CGQII5SagR7DtYcQ9R9SD3T9ePPP5EHIrnAcLRo30qLu7MKMLPGQaQL5wQ/s1600/IMG_1391.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVlREoAeK5GeXcqc5XgvStbc8cYu8syd0K-9oVcE2juEnfrUh17bnT_86wpgZMWx83HlNfyAGGs0EVsVl5CGQII5SagR7DtYcQ9R9SD3T9ePPP5EHIrnAcLRo30qLu7MKMLPGQaQL5wQ/s320/IMG_1391.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591528953745048786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTyg6JCL2Q6_I_4v1tip7038uT-gYn1Lo-9Z4c2_oHVF8H5f1LB9rmL839TW9X94YuXiBuKHoXuGX3ytV9vGWRw_0bmwMCKyiZNG2Ht1Hqc3y_RbIv3GGNSiGlwV-oeQVgxLm3OJOJwA/s1600/IMG_1388.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTyg6JCL2Q6_I_4v1tip7038uT-gYn1Lo-9Z4c2_oHVF8H5f1LB9rmL839TW9X94YuXiBuKHoXuGX3ytV9vGWRw_0bmwMCKyiZNG2Ht1Hqc3y_RbIv3GGNSiGlwV-oeQVgxLm3OJOJwA/s320/IMG_1388.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591528950263613042" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-dOQ0pEW8feuIaej767ZBUaO4Oy0sKkH3Fp6l8QgkHLkwwDTSiM2etCe5ANJF_U2sYyOhexETEvEBAESvJIRUhQdi97nihYEYokERx-rYoC6yzVAwjZvkDL3GF5tiu4kjFNrZsu5Q5c/s1600/IMG_1386.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-dOQ0pEW8feuIaej767ZBUaO4Oy0sKkH3Fp6l8QgkHLkwwDTSiM2etCe5ANJF_U2sYyOhexETEvEBAESvJIRUhQdi97nihYEYokERx-rYoC6yzVAwjZvkDL3GF5tiu4kjFNrZsu5Q5c/s320/IMG_1386.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591528941938668706" /></a><br /><br />CheersUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-6589718371050743352011-04-02T18:33:00.003-05:002011-04-02T19:16:28.807-05:00Racing Season 2011 Has Begun!I went to a 10k trail race at Black Partridge Park in Metamora this morning. The plan was to help the race director out with pre-race registration and other logistics involving the race. He told me to bring my running clothes just in case. I did and am glad. About 5 minutes before the race I laced up my shoes and grabbed a bib.<br /><br />The course was fantastic. Mainly single track with a few nice hills, several bends and curves and a handful of well hidden water hazards. I really enjoyed the scenery and the variety of the course.<br /><br />As for the race itself, I had no real race strategy going in as I did not plan to run. At the start I took off and was near the lead group. I was not too sure that I wanted to hang with that group or just have a laid back run, but before I was really able to make that decision we hit the single track. Once in that area our group split into two groups. The new lead group did not contain me and put some space between themselves and the rest of us rather quickly. I found that I was feeling pretty good and not happy with the pace my group was running. At about the half way point we hit the water station and an open area in the trail. I took advantage of the open space to make my move. I passed a handful of runners and settled into a quicker, but more comfortable pace for me. With about 1 mile left I caught part of the lead group. They had slowed and I was not able to find a way around them, so I fell in behind them and waited to hit the home stretch which would be in an open field. Once we emerged from the woods I kicked into high gear and left the guys behind. <br /><br />I ended up with a time of 54:09 and in 8th place overall. As the race director said, "Not too shabby considering no warm up and a bloody knee!" <br /><br />Oh, did I not mention the bloody knee? I have a history of falling on the trails. I have even earned a nickname, "Sir-Trips-Alot". Todays crash was due to indecision. As I approached a steep downhill I could not decide whether to run down slowly and in control or to enjoy some free speed. As you cannot do both at once gravity made the decision for me. I did a nice 4-point slide on my hands knees before scrambling to my feet and back up the hill. No one had the pleasure of watching my crash, but everyone got to see the result at the finish. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvzxHRNdN8PH367DlAji1VIHiGEvl4nM27iigGVjujvy6dHz-v38ShuGYd4mkbuQYrYhLyNQ57a42r_A5kb4WkxahLLl8C3A2759exCFsdWRtYAODAFRftL4RgHUDSh-iNflUZ0qRVUI/s1600/IMG_1385.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvzxHRNdN8PH367DlAji1VIHiGEvl4nM27iigGVjujvy6dHz-v38ShuGYd4mkbuQYrYhLyNQ57a42r_A5kb4WkxahLLl8C3A2759exCFsdWRtYAODAFRftL4RgHUDSh-iNflUZ0qRVUI/s320/IMG_1385.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591143532398232866" /></a><br /><br />All in all a good day.<br /><br />CheersUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-80028924880491974092011-03-16T17:14:00.002-05:002011-03-16T18:04:50.399-05:00Peanut Butter M&M'sMy day began with thoughts of Peanut Butter M&M's. The satisfying crunch of the candy shell as it gives way to the creamy peanut butter that is nestled inside a layer of sweet milk chocolate. I could not wait to get to work!<br /><br />It all began yesterday when I caught a glimpse of this perfect candy in the vending machine at work. I needed to have those Peanut Butter M&M's. I pulled out my wallet only to find a $5 bill, and I just will not break a fiver for the vending machine. I like to credit my will power for this, but the reality is that I am just too cheap. To me, a single $5 is greater than (5) $1's. Breaking a fin to feed the vending machine is unfathomable. Life is much better with the $5 in my wallet, but I digress. Back to the M&M's.<br /><br />I went home thinking about creamy peanut butter, silky milk chocolate, a crispy candy shell, and my plan to make them mine. The plan was simple enough, grab a dollar, get a good nights sleep, and get to work where my delicious snack awaits. <br /><br />Everything on the home front went off without a hitch. I woke up well rested, my craving still in full effect, found a dollar, ate a good (but not too filling) breakfast, and headed out the door.<br /><br />By the time I got to work I could barely contain myself. The wait had nearly spanned 15 hours. Sprinting into the break room, dollar in outstretched hand, I was hit with a ton of bricks. There was indeed one pack of my glorious snack left, but it was behind and empty slot! Curses! It is already well established that I am far too cheap to spend the money for an empty slot just to get to the silky, creamy, crunchy goodness. What was I to do? My day was shot.<br /><br />At that point I really should have just gone home. Who could blame a person that had just been denied the treasure of the Peanut Butter M&M's for not wanting to do anything but curl up in the fetal position and suck ones thumb? Against my better judgement I decided to power through the day. Nothing went right from there on out.<br /><br />I was 3 hours behind all day, missed my morning snack, had my lunch delayed by an hour, and nearly dropped my phone in the toilet. That was just a sample. I shall not bore you with the details. Let me assure you, the day did not go well. Just when I thought things could not get worse, they did.<br /><br />Shortly after 1 p.m., when the second shift comes in, I heard a series of loud bangs and thumps in the break room. They were the tell tale sounds of someone taking on the vending machine. No doubt someone had seen MY Peanut Butter M&M's and taken on the challenge of the empty space. Based on the speed and the violence associated with the vending machine battle I knew my M&M's were lost. No crispy shell. No silky milk chocolate. No creamy peanut butter.<br /><br />Mercifully, 3 o'clock made its way onto the clock signaling the end of my day. I gathered up my coffee cup, lunch box and made my way to the door. I took one longing glance at the vending machine and what did I see but MY bag of Peanut Butter M&M's. The scoundrel that had tried to fight the vending machine had lost. Now all that stood between me and the snack that I had been craving for 24 hours was a mere $.65. The day was saved.<br /><br />I would describe the joy that was found in the consumption of the M&M's, but some things are better left to the imagination.<br /><br />Cheers.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945516533793295706.post-50848702448373139082011-03-12T09:39:00.001-06:002011-03-17T19:48:49.521-05:00Holy Frustration Batman!I know I have only been running for a fairly short time, but it has been long enough for me to be completely hooked. When I do not get my runs in I get a little bit grumpy. Lately I have been grumpy.<br /><br />What has been causing the grump factor? A nagging IT band injury. It has left me able to only run every other day. Every other day! That should be plenty you say. No, it is not. I am trying to get ready to run the U of I half marathon on April 30th. But Chris, you can already run 13.1 miles without too much difficulty. I know, but I cannot run 13.1 miles at or near a 7 min/mile pace. Thus the grumpitude.<br /><br />The bigger issue here is the loss of the therapeutic benefit of running. Unwinding after work with a nice run keeps me sane. Well, sane-ish. We gotta keep it realistic here. How sane is a guy that cannot wait to run on a trail for 8 hrs, but I am getting ahead of myself here. Running keeps me centered, makes me happy and keeps me healthy. I miss it and want this injury to go the way of the dodo bird.<br /><br />Much to my displeasure I am doing the right thing. Strengthening the supportive muscles, stretching the offending ligament, and resting. Big ole BOOOO to the resting. I just need to remind myself that rest today will allow for more and better runs down the road. Gotta look at the big picture here.<br /><br />In the meantime....<br /><br />DO NOT CROSS ME!<br /><br />Cheers!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1