January 3, 2017 LEAN ON ME

The Hayden Keating Fun Run and Plunge is a great way to start the new year. This run is dear to my heart because it is a wonderful way to remember a special boy who was obviously dear to  many people. People gather--young and old--at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in downtown New London at 12:00 p.m. They either walk or run to Guthrie Beach where dozens jump into the frigid water. They actually hold hands--form a link--count to three and charge in--to honor Hayden.  I do the run and enjoy watching the plunge but --I know my limitations--my heart would probably stop! The plungers are then met with towels, hot chocolate and even champagne as a way to celebrate Hayden's life. It's a community coming together to share not only sadness but the joy of having the privilege of knowing Hayden and his family.   It really is a wonderful experience--a curious mix of  sadness and joy--people reminiscing--sharing stories of yesterday--it's also sad because he is no longer here. He would be a freshman in high school now--that's the hard part. We didn't get to watch him grow up.  We are left to wonder, reflect, remember and honor him in the best way we can. It really takes a village. This idea of people helping people reminds of a truly inspirational story I read a few years ago by Markus Zusak called The Book Thief.

Set in Germany during World War II and narrated by Death, the main character, Liesel Leminger, is a sad orphan on her way to live with a foster family in Munich. Liesel develops a close relationship with her foster father Hans, who plays the accordion and teaches her to read. After learning to read, Liesel becomes the book thief--stealing books from bonfires and mansions. Books rescue her from the grim reality of war torn Germany. She then reads these books aloud to neighbors during bomb raids and later to a Jewish man named Max hiding from the Nazis in the Hubermann's basement. Find out what ultimately happens to Liesel, Max, and the Hubermann family when you read this excellent novel that was recently made into a movie. This is an easy read of about 450 pages or a 5 mile run--that will stick with you--and teach you the value of friendship and caring for our fellow man.

December 31, 2016 BLUE AIN'T YOUR COLOR

Over the last 24 hours, I've signed up for the 1000 mile challenge and the Mystic half marathon. The 1000 mile challenge seems doable--I have a year to run/walk/exercise 1000 miles. The half marathon is more of a challenge because that will require long runs during the school year and they can be really hard to fit in. It's good for me to have goals for 2017 AND it's also a great way to stay motivated through the LLOONNGG winter.  I usually get through January without a problem--it's supposed to be cold. February isn't too bad as it's a short month and we have a break from school. Now March and April are a different story. March is the longest month ever and it's REALLY cold. My brain keeps telling me it's getting warmer but it doesn't happen. It gets to be a drag. Then fickle April comes around--AND--just when I think I've made it through another winter, I'm fooled again. That's why I have to stay focused and have goals for myself through the dense jungle known as winter--I could get lost--take a wrong turn--if I'm not careful. Hope you're setting some realistic goals this New Year's Eve and have a Happy 2017.

Nick Hornby wrote a great book a few years back that always pops into my head on New Year's Eve called A Long Way Down. I must confess that I am a big fan of Hornby--and went through a phase where I read all of his books. Many of them have even made it to the big screen-- High Fidelity, About a Boy and Fever Pitch to name a few. I'm a fan of British writers and find his writing to be both witty and intelligent.  A Long Way Down is a dark comedy about four strangers who find themselves together on the roof of Toppers' House contemplating suicide. Martin is a disgraced TV talk show host, JJ is a failed musician, Jess is a teenage girl with boyfriend problems, and Maureen is a lonely mother with a disabled child. After meeting on the roof and realizing their plan is ruined, the four strangers take turns telling their story to the group. Hornby does an excellent job here--Four very distinct characters told in first person. After getting to know each other, they resolve to wait 90 days. They also decide to help each other overcome their problems. Find out what ultimately happens to these quirky characters by reading this dark--but laugh out loud comedy. It's an easy read of 350 pages--about a 4 mile run--that will definitely make you feel better about your life.

December 29, 2016 YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND

Habits. We all have them--some are great--and others--WELL--I'll leave it at that. They are something that just become part of our lives over time. Nothing makes me happier than going out for a run at 8:30 a.m.--it's become a habit over the years. I feel most ready to start the day when I get that morning run in--EVEN during vacation. It's crazy--I could sleep in a bit longer--run at 10:00--but I don't because it's my norm--I also had plans this morning to meet up with some old friends and was determined to squeeze a run in first. While running, I thought about my old friends and realized that they are like habits--good ones--people I've been lucky to  have in my life for almost 40 years. I learned at a young age that in order for me to survive and be successful, I needed to surround myself with whom I wanted to be--and this wasn't necessarily going to be found at home. Thankfully, I chose well or did they choose me?? Who knows but it's all good.  We don't get together often, but when we do, it's like time stands still. It's never awkward--we never run out of things to jabber on about. These are the people who have known me through good times and bad. They know where I've been and watched me grow and change over the years. Hopefully for the better. They are the people who have never judged me or competed with me. They just cheered me on and always wanted the best for me as much as I did them. I guess that's why the friendship has endured. We grow, change and continue to laugh A LOT. Thanks for the memories.

When I was in middle school, one of my best friends though was a book. That might sound strange but it's true. I never would have survived without Judy Blume's classic Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. I must have taken this-- Times 100 best fiction books--out of the library at least 10 times in middle school. I felt such a deep connection to Margaret, the main character of the story. Middle school is a tough time for girls and Blume's character spoke to me. She is worried about puberty, buying bras and sanitary napkins--sounds so old fashioned. Margaret is also insecure because her parents haven't introduced  her to organized religion.  Margaret copes with the unknown and her insecurities by informally  praying to God on a regular basis on a variety of topics.  She also forms a secret club with a group of girls where they discuss exercises to increase their busts, kissing boys and other highly important topics. Seriously though, this is an excellent book for any middle school girl. They will appreciate and be able to relate to Margaret and she just might be able to get them through some tough years. It's about 150 pages or an easy 3 mile run that has stuck with me forever, like an old friend. It will do the same for you. Enjoy.

December 26, 2016 AULD LANG SYNE

The holidays are exhausting. Cooking, cleaning, wrapping, smiling, making conversation, making eye contact,  cooking, cleaning, wrapping........oh, I already said that.......and fitting in a few runs. No wonder I'm so tired. As much as I love the holiday, I am relieved that it's December 26th.  Ran about five miles on Christmas morning--No small feat after making TOO much  merry on Christmas Eve. Ran again this morning--OKAY--did a lot of walking this morning--THE AFTER EFFECTS OF TWO DAYS OF CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS. Seriously though, this smiling, making conversation and eye contact thing can really take a lot out of a person, especially, someone like me.  As much as I love being with family and friends, I really am kind of a loner. I enjoy  the peace and solitude of every day life--maybe it's because I am surrounded by constant noise and 100 or more different kids everyday at work.  Who knows? Anyways, looking forward to 2017 as my comrades and I plan to log 1000 miles--our New Year's resolution. Anyone care to join us on our adventure--let me know--the more the merrier. HO HO HO. By the way, I'm really not one to make New Year's resolutions, but at least my resolution seems more attainable than the main character of Helen Fielding's hilarious novel of 1996 Bridget Jones Diary. 
Poor Bridget is a thirty-something year old single woman working and living in London. She's facing another Christmas, alone, bombarded with the same old questions. So, Bridget decides to make some changes with the new year. Number one--lose weight. Number two-- cut down on cigarettes and alcohol. She also aims to be a better person, learn something new and improve her PATHETIC love life. Written in the form of a personal diary, the reader is treated to a year in the life of Bridget Jones. Bridget's life, family and friends are laugh-out-loud funny, especially, her mum. Throughout the year Bridget fights her weight, vices and tries to find her place in middle-class British society. She also get caught up in a love triangle of sorts between her playboy, double crossing boss and "The snooty lawyer" Mark Darcy--whom her parents want her to marry. Find out what ultimately happens to Bridget--does she lose weight--cut down on her vices--find her dream man--when you read this comedic story. This is the first installment of a three books series, that won the British Book Award in 1998 and has sold over 2 million copies. If you enjoy this book, than you will certainly love the others. At only 280 pages--or a 4 miler--you will have this finished in no time. Enjoy--and think long and hard before you make that New Year's resolution.

December 23, 2016 RUNNING WITH THE DEVIL

Saw the shirtless runner again yesterday--it was cold--about 34 and breezy, but he didn't seem to be fazed in the least bit. Shorts-socks-sneakers-NO Shirt OR Cape this time. His chest was really red--I'm thinking it's a mixture of wind burn and the cold. Some might find this odd, but we are all odd in our own way, and I actually pride myself on being different. Anyways,  I read about him in a book that a friend wrote 10 years ago.  I remember reading that he had had a tough childhood and continues to  deal with addiction and other mental health issues. He's just another runner trying to outrun his demons--I've seen him running or walking around the area for at least 25 years trying to EXORISE them--it's a life long battle. Life can be hard for many people, especially, during the holiday season. If you are blessed with health and surrounded by family this holiday season,  don't take it for granted. It is a gift, be thankful and remember many people aren't so lucky. This reminds me of a  book that I finished a few weeks ago, where the main character wasn't so lucky in life either called The Opposite of Everyone by Joshilyn Jackson.

Paula Vauss is a 35 year old successful divorce attorney living in Atlanta. For all appearances, she has the perfect life. People would never believe that she came from a broken home. She spent the first ten years of her life roaming the country with her mother, Kai, and her every changing boyfriends. After her mom went to jail, Paula spent several years in foster care before returning to her mom to finish out high school. She hasn't seen her mother in about fifteen years. No family, no connections. It's a sad, lonely world for Paula. Her personal life is a mess as she can't seem to let go of the demons that haunt her past. After receiving an odd letter from her mother, Paula decides it's time to find her.  She hires her ex-boyfriend private eye, Birdwine, to look into the case and learns a lot more than she bargained for. She actually has a brother and a sister who desperately need her help. Find out what happens to Paula as she tries to heal the past so that she can forge a new beginning. This is a great story of about 300 pages or a 4 mile run that will definitely make you feel thankful for all you have.

December 21, 2016 MEMORIES

The  best part of Christmas vacation is that I have the luxury to run when I want to--which is especially important in the winter--when it's 20 degrees with a north wind of 5-7 mph at 8:00 a.m.  So yesterday, I decided to do a few errands and run later when it was supposed to be a balmy 31 degrees. I put on my running gear--so I couldn't change my mind--and jumped in the car for those last minute presents. While checking out at a local store, I had a moment. Not sure what else to call it. Behind me in line, I noticed a woman of about 28 with her elderly grandfather. They were chatting and laughing--enjoying each other's company--and all of a  sudden I was back. Schlepping around with my grandfather--we called him Ump--delivering eggs, fleaing--his lingo for going to flea markets or just following him around the farm. We spent a lot of time together AND he was my hero when I was a kid because he  always had time for me. He was also loud, demanding and extremely funny if he didn't embarrass you to death first. He was the type to make the waitress teach you how to fold a napkin properly even if you didn't want to learn. He was DEFINITELY one of a kind. I really wanted to talk to the woman and her grandfather--to tell them both how lucky they are to have each other--but I couldn't without tearing up. So I watched them and smiled.  I'm glad that I changed up my running schedule yesterday because it helped me remember my grandfather--who died 18 years ago.  I still miss him but I have wonderful memories of him that will last a lifetime--when it comes to grandfathers, I hit the jackpot and he is surely smiling down on me from heaven.

 I like to think of heaven much like Mitch Albom's thoughtful novel of  about ten years ago The Five People You Meet in Heaven. Wouldn't it be great if there were five levels of heaven, and on dying we were able to meet  five people whose lives we touched in some way, but perhaps never knew while we were alive. This is what happens to the main character of the novel named Eddie. Eddie has been a maintenance man for Ruby Pier Amusement Park forever. One day while trying to save a little girl from a ride that has malfunctioned, Eddie is killed and finds himself in heaven with the blue man, the first of the five people he needs to learn from before entering heaven. In addition to meeting the blue man, Eddie is reunited with the captain of his platoon during World War II, the former owner of Ruby Pier, his late wife and a young girl named Tala. Throughout his journey to heaven, Eddie finds out how he impacted their lives--both good and bad--but most important--he learns many valuable lessons about sacrifice-forgiveness-love-purpose-and how interconnected we all really are. I can't tell you enough how wonderful this story is-- I absolutely loved the ending too but you will have to read it yourself to find out why. It is only about 195 pages or a 3 mile run that will have you thinking about heaven in a whole new way. Enjoy.

December 19, 2016 COLD AS ICE

Woke up Saturday to 3-4 inches of snow. Called my comrade and we decided we would be better off at the gym--the roads weren't plowed and we would probably fall and break our necks. Get to the gym and it's really coming down hard--so we think we have made the right decision??? Get out of my car, and start trudging our way through the snow. Next thing I know, I'm up in the air- HORIZONTAL--I've slide tackled my comrade and we are both lying on the ground covered in snow. So much for going the safe route huh??  SOOO EMBARRASSING but even more than that--I gave myself a little whiplash when I hit my head. Fear not-- we got up, brushed ourselves off--laughed until we almost cried--and went into the gym- you see RAIN, SLEET, SNOW OR EVEN A SLIP ON THE ICE WON'T  KEEP US DOWN. Sure, I've had a headache for three days and I can barely move my neck, but it's all for a good cause right? We shall persevere. If Santa and the mailman can do it, so can we.

All this talk about snow and ice made me think of a true gem of a story by Pulitzer Prize winning author Edith Wharton called Ethan Frome.  One fall, while working in Starkfield, Massachusetts, an engineer tells the story of a man named Ethan Frome-- he has heard from villagers described as, "the ruin of a man." The engineer becomes curious about Frome whom he sees limping around the town and makes it his business to know him. He eventually hires Frome as his driver and is forced to spend a night at his house because of a serious snowstorm--end of prologue.  Wharton then takes us back 24 years--so we can learn all about Frome who was once, "the most striking figure in Starkfield." We learn that soon after Ethan's mother dies, he marries Zeena because he can't stand feeling lonely. They end up in a sad, loveless marriage as  Zeena  turns out to be a hypochondriac who needs constant attention. Zeena's cousin Mattie, who has no place to go, is eventually hired to stay with the Fromes to help take care of Zeena, cook and clean. Over time, Ethan and Mattie fall in love and Zeena, suspicious of the relationship, decides to send Mattie away. You will have to read the book to find out what happens next. All I will say is that the epilogue is quite a shock and you will not be disappointed. It's only 195 pages or about a 4 mile run that is beautifully written and unforgettable.