If you read my previous post you saw how close I am to my cousin who lives in New York. As the post noted, she was a journalist for CBS News. Our family is somewhat conservative. She is more liberal, in part as she tells me, because as a journalist she has witnessed so much first hand. I can certainly understand that.
My cousin is very kind and invited me to spend Thanksgiving with her and her family. Every night my cousin and I would talk politics and public policy. Few things are more invigorating than a lively and intelligent current affairs discussion with someone well informed and passionate. My cousin is that kind of person. We can disagree (we do) and not be disagreeable. I find that my thought process is much sharper after a good exchange of ideas and policy alternatives.
My mother used to ask why is the political process so harsh, why can't we do what is right and why is it so partisan.
I think I now know the answer. It became very clear to me as I talked to my cousin. Reasonable and intelligent people can disagree on the goal and the best way to reach the goal. Both sides think they are right. In all actuality, only one side truly wins.
We hear alot about the need for bipartisanship and compromise. In my study of the political process (at least lately) compromise is not necessarily about getting half or a quarter of the loaf, it is about the losing side softening the edges of a new law as much as possible. In other words, how can the minority amend new legislation that allows for the least amount of negative impact to their constituents and supporters.
Any new and sweeping legislation creates a different set of winners and losers. At least to me, this is why we have such fierce partisanship. No one wants to be on the losing side.
Will it get any better? No, I think not. That is not necessarily bad. We must realize the U.S. House is very much run by the majority and if the majority has the votes, it can get through any bill without even consulting or working with the minority. The U.S. Senate is structured around giving the minority to shape or influence legislation. This is usually done by knowledge of the rules and the filibuster.
That type of structure makes it much harder to agree on the goal and way to get to the goal. Congress holds hearings and you can see people who testify have totally different ideas on what should be done and how.
Our founding fathers thought long and hard before they came up with our structure of government. So far, it has worked well for the United States with several changes like allowing women to vote, the election of U.S. Senators by direct vote instead of each state legislature,and lowering the voting age.
So why can't get along? As I wrote earlier, high stakes and no one wants to lose.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
What Costs $157.88 is is Truly Priceless?
The answer, spending the Thanksgiving holiday with my cousin, her two children and her husband's family.
The total cost of driving to Chappaqua, NY to spend Thanksgiving with my cousin and her family was $157.88. This breaks down as follows:
Thanksgiving Dinner
I left early in the morning on November 24th. I arrived about 4 hours before the dinner was to be served. So I got to spend considerable time with her before the guests arrived. My cousin already finished much of the cooking. I helped where I could.
It was a long and relaxing dinner. In fact, it was a grand event. My cousin prepared a four course meal. First was cheese and crackers and some of the cheese was from Holland. Next was pumpkin soup. Third was the main meal. Finally, desert. Since I consumed so much during the first three courses, I had coffee for desert. And of course wine.
I posted four pics on my Facebook page. My cousin is a very good cook and she bought a fresh turkey. It was outstanding. Her cranberry sauce was homemade and delicious. Her stuffing was quite tasty. Her mother-in-law bought brussel sprouts cooked with bacon (to my daughter I remind her to read this part). The only setback was the mashed potatoes and that is the fault of the potato masher (me).
As I said earlier, my cousin's husband is from Holland. I enjoyed talking to his family. The accent is beautiful. Sometimes Dutch was spoken at the table. It is a lovely language. I learned alot about Dutch cuisine. Among the guests was a young lady from Holland. Her English was very good. My cousin explained to her the Thanksgiving holiday and the typical food served.
Black Friday
On Black Friday we took the train to New York City. As typical, my cousin's husband insisted that I sit by the window so I could see the scenery. We arrived in Grand Central Station and it was just as spectacular as I remembered.
First we had lunch, and just like when my kids were very young, you have to find a restaurant that the kids will like. Boy, I cannot begin to count the number of times my wife and I had to think about that. In one respect, my wife and I appreciated food chains for their consistency, it almost never mattered where you are.
Our first stop was the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Plaza. It is not lit, you can find a pic on my Facebook page. It is sure big, and I think wider this year.
I taught my niece how to window shop. She certainly has fine taste in clothes. We saw horse drawn carriages.
We only went in one store. You will see some of the stores we walked by on my Facebook page, 12 pics total. If you have not been to New York City during the Christmas season, you should. The window displays are true works of art.
Fond Memories
As I wrote earlier, my cousin has two adorable kids, one 3 years old and one 16 months old. I watched as the kids took great delight in discovering something new, playing with their cousins and disagreeing with mom and dad. It sure brought back memories now over a decade old. I sure remember my kids finding out something new and how much fun it was to share in that joy. I also recall the disagreements and how loud kids can be. When it was my kids, I thought everybody was looking and thinking what a bad parent I am. Fortunately, I do not think my cousin or her husband have that belief. No doubt that I do not miss that phase, but it also reminded me how challenging parenting can be.
Afterward
I spent most of my time with my cousin in the kitchen. You know me, any chance to taste something cooking, and talk to my cousin.
A brief description about my cousin. She is a delight and interesting. She worked for CBS News for many years as a journalist. She is highly intelligent and creative (her whole family is). We grew up in Midland, Texas. Her mother was my father's sister. In addition to several holidays, we spent alot of time together. Her family and ours were very close.
After everything was done and the kids in bed, we were able to talk about current issues, family and other things. This time was priceless. The family discussions were so refreshing. We had so many shared memories and it was just fun to relive those days with her. Some of the memories were about Midland, our grandfathers' farm in Stephenville, TX or the occasional family trip. Every night I went to bed, I was happier than when I woke up that same morning.
In all honesty, we just scratched the surface of all the great times our families spent over several decades. Driving back my head was filled with so many more that neither of us brought up. Just to have that opportunity with a cousin I dearly love was priceless.
The total cost of driving to Chappaqua, NY to spend Thanksgiving with my cousin and her family was $157.88. This breaks down as follows:
- Gasoline $72.53
- Tolls $52.10
- Wine $26.50
- Bread $6.75
Thanksgiving Dinner
I left early in the morning on November 24th. I arrived about 4 hours before the dinner was to be served. So I got to spend considerable time with her before the guests arrived. My cousin already finished much of the cooking. I helped where I could.
It was a long and relaxing dinner. In fact, it was a grand event. My cousin prepared a four course meal. First was cheese and crackers and some of the cheese was from Holland. Next was pumpkin soup. Third was the main meal. Finally, desert. Since I consumed so much during the first three courses, I had coffee for desert. And of course wine.
I posted four pics on my Facebook page. My cousin is a very good cook and she bought a fresh turkey. It was outstanding. Her cranberry sauce was homemade and delicious. Her stuffing was quite tasty. Her mother-in-law bought brussel sprouts cooked with bacon (to my daughter I remind her to read this part). The only setback was the mashed potatoes and that is the fault of the potato masher (me).
As I said earlier, my cousin's husband is from Holland. I enjoyed talking to his family. The accent is beautiful. Sometimes Dutch was spoken at the table. It is a lovely language. I learned alot about Dutch cuisine. Among the guests was a young lady from Holland. Her English was very good. My cousin explained to her the Thanksgiving holiday and the typical food served.
Black Friday
On Black Friday we took the train to New York City. As typical, my cousin's husband insisted that I sit by the window so I could see the scenery. We arrived in Grand Central Station and it was just as spectacular as I remembered.
First we had lunch, and just like when my kids were very young, you have to find a restaurant that the kids will like. Boy, I cannot begin to count the number of times my wife and I had to think about that. In one respect, my wife and I appreciated food chains for their consistency, it almost never mattered where you are.
Our first stop was the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Plaza. It is not lit, you can find a pic on my Facebook page. It is sure big, and I think wider this year.
I taught my niece how to window shop. She certainly has fine taste in clothes. We saw horse drawn carriages.
We only went in one store. You will see some of the stores we walked by on my Facebook page, 12 pics total. If you have not been to New York City during the Christmas season, you should. The window displays are true works of art.
Fond Memories
As I wrote earlier, my cousin has two adorable kids, one 3 years old and one 16 months old. I watched as the kids took great delight in discovering something new, playing with their cousins and disagreeing with mom and dad. It sure brought back memories now over a decade old. I sure remember my kids finding out something new and how much fun it was to share in that joy. I also recall the disagreements and how loud kids can be. When it was my kids, I thought everybody was looking and thinking what a bad parent I am. Fortunately, I do not think my cousin or her husband have that belief. No doubt that I do not miss that phase, but it also reminded me how challenging parenting can be.
Afterward
I spent most of my time with my cousin in the kitchen. You know me, any chance to taste something cooking, and talk to my cousin.
A brief description about my cousin. She is a delight and interesting. She worked for CBS News for many years as a journalist. She is highly intelligent and creative (her whole family is). We grew up in Midland, Texas. Her mother was my father's sister. In addition to several holidays, we spent alot of time together. Her family and ours were very close.
After everything was done and the kids in bed, we were able to talk about current issues, family and other things. This time was priceless. The family discussions were so refreshing. We had so many shared memories and it was just fun to relive those days with her. Some of the memories were about Midland, our grandfathers' farm in Stephenville, TX or the occasional family trip. Every night I went to bed, I was happier than when I woke up that same morning.
In all honesty, we just scratched the surface of all the great times our families spent over several decades. Driving back my head was filled with so many more that neither of us brought up. Just to have that opportunity with a cousin I dearly love was priceless.
Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid
Well, it finally happen. I am truly afraid.
Since you are an avid reader of my blog and more than likely a friend, you may ask why?
Now I know my son is a very good teacher and very patient. She could not have asked for a better teacher than him. He is very conscious about safety and even waited to get his license because he was not sure he was ready. Of course that is half the equation. The other half is my daughter.
She is determined, smart, impatient, and hard headed. She equates driving a car to driving a golf cart. She multi-tasks.
In all fairness, I should withhold judgement since I have not been in a car with her, but I will soon. She deserves the opportunity to demonstrate how good a driver she is. Perhaps her first driving lesson with me will rid me of the chill I get every time I think of her behind the wheel of a car. Hope springs eternal.
Since you are an avid reader of my blog and more than likely a friend, you may ask why?
- It is the European financial situation. No.
- It is the decline of the U.S. stock market? No.
- Is it because the housing market continues to sputter? No.
- Is it because the U.S. job growth continues to stall? No.
- Is it due to the downgrading of the U.S. debt? No.
- Is it related to China? No.
- Is it due to the failure of the Congressional super committee to cut $1.2 trillion from a projected $44 trillion expenditure over 10 years? No and I could have told you it would fail.
- Is it because the new season of American Idol starts in January? Is that show still on and no.
Now I know my son is a very good teacher and very patient. She could not have asked for a better teacher than him. He is very conscious about safety and even waited to get his license because he was not sure he was ready. Of course that is half the equation. The other half is my daughter.
She is determined, smart, impatient, and hard headed. She equates driving a car to driving a golf cart. She multi-tasks.
In all fairness, I should withhold judgement since I have not been in a car with her, but I will soon. She deserves the opportunity to demonstrate how good a driver she is. Perhaps her first driving lesson with me will rid me of the chill I get every time I think of her behind the wheel of a car. Hope springs eternal.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
A Small Accomplishment
In an era of constant contact, Facebook, Twitter, smartphones, etc. we seem to celebrate major accomplishments. And consider almost every accomplishment as significant. What I sometimes forget is that it takes several small victories to achieve a big accomplishment.
Now this may start off like a previous post on running, but it looks at a different aspect of running. In fact, this blog post could apply to numerous hobbies and other activities. This blog is about a small victory I achieved today.
First, some background (and you should not be surprised). I decided to lose weight 18 months ago. No fad diet, just watching what I ate, the quantity, and exercising. It is amazing when you actually measure a single serving (this could also be called how I learned to really love vegetable). The exercise was primarily a spinning class. This may surprise people, but I cannot tell you how many pounds I lost, but my waist line is 6-8 inches smaller. This is not meant to impress or brag. I tell you this because it plays into my small accomplishment.
For a long time I wanted to run. When I was a student at Texas Christian University and living in Fort Worth, TX I used to run and I really enjoyed it (yes it was a long time ago). Fast forward to 2010 – after a 15 year hiatus I tried to run but could not get around the block. It was that hard and painful.
And now we are at today (more or less). Since I moved to Prince William County, VA I decided to try running again. That was eight weeks ago. My son and wife told me the only equipment I absolutely needed was good shoes, which I purchased. And I am glad I listened to them.
Before I go too far into this, I need to set the background on my running regiment. (Yes, I know it is taking many paragraphs, but eventually I will get to today’s victory). As noted in an earlier post, I have a trail I like to run in the Manassas Battlefield Park. It is well marked, easy to follow, and diverse. Most people would say I have a somewhat moderate paced jog. I run as far as I can and then walk. If I can run again, I do. Sometimes I can and sometimes I cannot.
My first run eight weeks ago was very short and difficult. I almost gave up, but I was not in pain. What I realized is that I could run again. And I bought the new running shoes. That was a small win. So each time I tried to go farther.
(Hang on, we are almost to the point). Two weeks ago I found a stopwatch. So I decided to see how long I could run right out of the gate. My first timed run was 6 minutes. It was less distance than I had previously run. The second timed run was 7:20 minutes. My third timed run was over 8 minutes. Today I ran 11:35, my best timed run and best run ever. I know it was my best because it was also the farthest I have ever gone.
Now I know most of you can run much farther than I can. But be warned, I am catching up.
For me running farther and longer each time is a small accomplishment. We all have our own ways to measure personal progress. Even when I do not go as far as I did on the previous run I know the next run I could go even farther. This is somewhat of a change. It is easy to get discouraged, but I view this as a journey. Some days are better than others.
That is why this blog is titled “A Small Accomplishment.” It could have been also called a series of small accomplishments. With these small victories I am stumped as to what my significant accomplishment will be. No matter, I will eventually think of it. After all, it is just part of the running experience on the trail.
Postscripts
November 27, 2011. A very good day, I posted my best run time. It was 14:06 minutes. It was a Sunday and I was not sure I wanted to run, but I was glad that I did. It is a journey and one I am enjoying.
December 20, 2011. I was on vacation in my hometown of Midland, TX. My best run time, it was 19:40. Of course part of the reason was I could not find the car.
December 22, 2011. Still on vacation in Midland, TX. My track is the Midland Community College campus. My best run time to date: 21:44. And yes, I did know where my car was parked.
January 1, 2012. I ran on my favorite trail in the Manassas Battlefield Park and posted my best time to date: 24:21. It is a great and refreshing way to start the new year.
Postscripts
November 27, 2011. A very good day, I posted my best run time. It was 14:06 minutes. It was a Sunday and I was not sure I wanted to run, but I was glad that I did. It is a journey and one I am enjoying.
December 20, 2011. I was on vacation in my hometown of Midland, TX. My best run time, it was 19:40. Of course part of the reason was I could not find the car.
December 22, 2011. Still on vacation in Midland, TX. My track is the Midland Community College campus. My best run time to date: 21:44. And yes, I did know where my car was parked.
January 1, 2012. I ran on my favorite trail in the Manassas Battlefield Park and posted my best time to date: 24:21. It is a great and refreshing way to start the new year.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
A Very Special Brunch
Today was very special for me. I got to see my cousin, we grew up together in Midland, Texas. She has lived on the East Coast since graduating from college and is a very successful and respected journalist.
I have not seen her in a long time. She had her daughter and son with her. Her son is one (or as she tells me, 15 months) and I have never met him.
It was so enjoyable to see her interacting with her kids and watching them at the restaurant. The restaurant was the Silver Diner and the food was excellent.
As usual, I digress. Watching her kids really brought back memories of going out to eat with my kids when they were that age. You do not finish your meal, you are constantly interrupted, you continually pick up utensils and other items dropped on the floor. You NEVER have enough napkins. The food cannot come soon enough, and then they do not really eat. In fact, you are fortunate if the kids eat half the food. Be assured, whatever is on your plate looks better than what is on theirs, and they are always reaching for it. The seats are uncomfortable. They want to walk around to other tables (my son was notorious for that). The kids grab everything in sight. Examples include all silverware within reach, any bottle, salt and pepper shaker, (you get the idea).
My cousin’s kids were pretty well behaved. So do not think what I wrote applies to them, it is meant to be a comprehensive list.
She sat with one kid to her right and one to her left. I was next to her daughter. When we finished her table with her kids was pretty clear. It did have paper cars, crayons and a drawing place mat. My table on the other hand, well let me just say I looked like the biggest hoarder and most selfish man in the restaurant. Every cup, plate, salt and pepper shaker, bottle of ketchup, etc. was in front of me. I used to see other adults like that and say to myself, "I know who you had brunch with." Experience really counts here.
Back to my cousin. She looked great and really handled every challenge with grace and humor. Of course we were able to talk and I think she is doing great. I think I will see her more often; she only lives 6 hours away from me. Take in mind 6 hours if traffic is kind. Whatever the time, it will be worth the drive.
I have not seen her in a long time. She had her daughter and son with her. Her son is one (or as she tells me, 15 months) and I have never met him.
It was so enjoyable to see her interacting with her kids and watching them at the restaurant. The restaurant was the Silver Diner and the food was excellent.
As usual, I digress. Watching her kids really brought back memories of going out to eat with my kids when they were that age. You do not finish your meal, you are constantly interrupted, you continually pick up utensils and other items dropped on the floor. You NEVER have enough napkins. The food cannot come soon enough, and then they do not really eat. In fact, you are fortunate if the kids eat half the food. Be assured, whatever is on your plate looks better than what is on theirs, and they are always reaching for it. The seats are uncomfortable. They want to walk around to other tables (my son was notorious for that). The kids grab everything in sight. Examples include all silverware within reach, any bottle, salt and pepper shaker, (you get the idea).
My cousin’s kids were pretty well behaved. So do not think what I wrote applies to them, it is meant to be a comprehensive list.
She sat with one kid to her right and one to her left. I was next to her daughter. When we finished her table with her kids was pretty clear. It did have paper cars, crayons and a drawing place mat. My table on the other hand, well let me just say I looked like the biggest hoarder and most selfish man in the restaurant. Every cup, plate, salt and pepper shaker, bottle of ketchup, etc. was in front of me. I used to see other adults like that and say to myself, "I know who you had brunch with." Experience really counts here.
Back to my cousin. She looked great and really handled every challenge with grace and humor. Of course we were able to talk and I think she is doing great. I think I will see her more often; she only lives 6 hours away from me. Take in mind 6 hours if traffic is kind. Whatever the time, it will be worth the drive.
Running - It is All About Taking One More Step
For those who follow my Twitter or Facebook accounts know I recently started running again. I was unable to for years, but after losing weight, I am hitting the track and trails again. Running is more or less a solitary activity. I prefer solitary exercises because I do not like to depend on anyone else. Hence, I gravitate to running on trails and lifting weights.
My preferred trail is at the Manassas National Battlefield Park and it is called the First Manassas Trail. It has bridges and gentle hills. Often on this trail you see families, hikers and other runners.
Today I was running and I went farther than I have ever gone. I was feeling pretty pleased with myself. My run back was harder than when I first started (it is always that way). Having reached my peak, I downshifted to a slow jog. Behind me I could hear two young voices chatting away. They were coming up fast and did not sound winded. I thought they were young ladies having an easy training day. No, they were slightly older females and had excellent running form. They were not winded and swept by me. One did laugh when I said between heavy breaths "You are making me look bad."
This is not the first time I felt this way. It has happen on other trails in the park. So many of the runners I see have such a professional form and make it look so easy. What I must constantly remind myself is that the only person I should really try to pass is my longest run is me. In that respect I can see real improvement from when I first started. I am less sore and going farther with every run. In the end, that is what it is about - taking at least one more step than my best run.
Back to the ladies. Needless to say, I was impressed. No doubt in my mind these were serious runners. As my son tells me form is important, and so are the shoes. Perhaps if I keep running, I will pass someone and they will admire my form and ease in running. I do not say that to show that I am better, but hope they can see if that gray haired man can do it, then so can I.
My preferred trail is at the Manassas National Battlefield Park and it is called the First Manassas Trail. It has bridges and gentle hills. Often on this trail you see families, hikers and other runners.
Today I was running and I went farther than I have ever gone. I was feeling pretty pleased with myself. My run back was harder than when I first started (it is always that way). Having reached my peak, I downshifted to a slow jog. Behind me I could hear two young voices chatting away. They were coming up fast and did not sound winded. I thought they were young ladies having an easy training day. No, they were slightly older females and had excellent running form. They were not winded and swept by me. One did laugh when I said between heavy breaths "You are making me look bad."
This is not the first time I felt this way. It has happen on other trails in the park. So many of the runners I see have such a professional form and make it look so easy. What I must constantly remind myself is that the only person I should really try to pass is my longest run is me. In that respect I can see real improvement from when I first started. I am less sore and going farther with every run. In the end, that is what it is about - taking at least one more step than my best run.
Back to the ladies. Needless to say, I was impressed. No doubt in my mind these were serious runners. As my son tells me form is important, and so are the shoes. Perhaps if I keep running, I will pass someone and they will admire my form and ease in running. I do not say that to show that I am better, but hope they can see if that gray haired man can do it, then so can I.
When In Doubt...
I have a friend who is a really serious runner and he also climbs mountains. We recently had dinner and told him that I just started running. He offered excellent advice, like do not scrimp on shoes and eat protein bars.
Often I have found that when highly experienced people offer counsel, they do not necessarily know your frame of reference. My knowledge compared to his is miniscule. He has forgotten more about running than I could learn in several years. His experiences alone could be an outstanding reference book for serious runners and me.
He said to eat protein bars. I thought I had some, until I read the nutrition facts on the product label. So I bought some today. Before this I would eat a handful of almonds after a run. I panicked and decided to make sure I was getting it right as to the bars and the time to eat it.
So I did an internet search on Google, found several articles all pertaining to marathon runners. So I did another one, again a bunch of links and somewhat conflicting answers.
Well, I decided to try something I have not done in a while. I picked up the phone and called VA Runner. The person on the other end was a runner and very helpful. He was patient and answered every question I had. I read the nutrition facts and he said it was a good choice. He told me the importance of why it is necessary, when the best time is to eat a protein bar, and how it helps. He was very encouraging.
Hmm, talking to a person instead of conducting an internet search. Perhaps I should try that more often. In fact, maybe we all should.
Often I have found that when highly experienced people offer counsel, they do not necessarily know your frame of reference. My knowledge compared to his is miniscule. He has forgotten more about running than I could learn in several years. His experiences alone could be an outstanding reference book for serious runners and me.
He said to eat protein bars. I thought I had some, until I read the nutrition facts on the product label. So I bought some today. Before this I would eat a handful of almonds after a run. I panicked and decided to make sure I was getting it right as to the bars and the time to eat it.
So I did an internet search on Google, found several articles all pertaining to marathon runners. So I did another one, again a bunch of links and somewhat conflicting answers.
Well, I decided to try something I have not done in a while. I picked up the phone and called VA Runner. The person on the other end was a runner and very helpful. He was patient and answered every question I had. I read the nutrition facts and he said it was a good choice. He told me the importance of why it is necessary, when the best time is to eat a protein bar, and how it helps. He was very encouraging.
Hmm, talking to a person instead of conducting an internet search. Perhaps I should try that more often. In fact, maybe we all should.
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