almost there
Not training for a marathone has re-opened many doors this year. Training and training prep precluded many activities, from nights out on the town to playing basketball. This spring, I've enjoyed reclaiming my free time. I joined a softball team for the first time in 6 years and had a great time, even though I pulled my hamstring in the first game. Fortunately, our games were weekly, so I was able to play around it for the 4 weeks it took to heal. I've also gotten back on the basketball court weekly. It brings back so many memories of my youth playing the sport that was my first love. Then, I used a volleyball on a makeshift grass yard court, pretending to be the Showtime Lakers. My mom used to take me to games and practices. She rarely missed taking me to practice and never missed a game. Being able to count on someone always being there and always cheering for you, as if the other 9 players on the court were just a sideshow, is something so special you don't begin to grasp when living in the moment. I remember the car trips as much as the games.
A colleague gave me a set of golf clubs to see if I have any natural ability or interest. I never thought of taking up the 'sport' but I figure that I'll give it a shot and if it works out, then that's something else to keep me occupied. I even picked up a tennis racket for the first time in 7 years last weekend. It's amazing how many variations of 'in shape' there are. I am 9 months removed from a marathon and could probably still run 9-10 miles if I had to without any training. However, 5 minutes of tennis and I am completely winded. I guess you can't protect against Father Time in all directions. But it's fun trying.
SV and I also set a wedding date and location. Her parents ignore the topic for 4 years, then give us 2 weeks to secure a venue within the next 4 months. Fortunately, fall weddings are not as common and we really lucked out in finding a place that catered to nearly all of our divergent requirements. The fun part will be creating our own ceremony that synthesizes both cultures without disrespecting the cultural sensitivities of anyone. It is fun planning though, because thoughts that have been brewing for over 6 years rush out. You would think a 3 hour reception would be long enough to fit everything, right? But this is the culmination of a long and sometimes trying path - not between us, but for us. To get this far has required so much dedication on our part, moreso for SV. She fought the fight many never thought she would and has accomplished far more than she hoped. She never would have believed you if you had told her that her that both parents would not only be coming, but offering advice on how to prepare - she definitely didn't believe me when I tried to be Silver Lining Boy. Now, we have one more step. It is still a major challenge, putting all our mental prep to work to weather the 'family' and 'religion' issues that will be in our face. However, it will work out in the end and hopefully, this will be a true celebration for us and our friends, as much as anything a marathon of the soul.
We enter the wedding prep without much knowledge of how it's 'supposed' to be done, so we are not trying to live up to the dream sequence we've held since childhood. In some ways it's easier to accept than if I'd married a nice girl with a similar upbringing. I'd be less likely to part with my notions of how my wedding should be. Now, I just look forward to a ceremony that is unlike any that anyone has seen, one that is a reminder of who we are and a small token of our appreciation for those who have supported us.
Ask me if I still feel that way in 3 months. :)
A colleague gave me a set of golf clubs to see if I have any natural ability or interest. I never thought of taking up the 'sport' but I figure that I'll give it a shot and if it works out, then that's something else to keep me occupied. I even picked up a tennis racket for the first time in 7 years last weekend. It's amazing how many variations of 'in shape' there are. I am 9 months removed from a marathon and could probably still run 9-10 miles if I had to without any training. However, 5 minutes of tennis and I am completely winded. I guess you can't protect against Father Time in all directions. But it's fun trying.
SV and I also set a wedding date and location. Her parents ignore the topic for 4 years, then give us 2 weeks to secure a venue within the next 4 months. Fortunately, fall weddings are not as common and we really lucked out in finding a place that catered to nearly all of our divergent requirements. The fun part will be creating our own ceremony that synthesizes both cultures without disrespecting the cultural sensitivities of anyone. It is fun planning though, because thoughts that have been brewing for over 6 years rush out. You would think a 3 hour reception would be long enough to fit everything, right? But this is the culmination of a long and sometimes trying path - not between us, but for us. To get this far has required so much dedication on our part, moreso for SV. She fought the fight many never thought she would and has accomplished far more than she hoped. She never would have believed you if you had told her that her that both parents would not only be coming, but offering advice on how to prepare - she definitely didn't believe me when I tried to be Silver Lining Boy. Now, we have one more step. It is still a major challenge, putting all our mental prep to work to weather the 'family' and 'religion' issues that will be in our face. However, it will work out in the end and hopefully, this will be a true celebration for us and our friends, as much as anything a marathon of the soul.
We enter the wedding prep without much knowledge of how it's 'supposed' to be done, so we are not trying to live up to the dream sequence we've held since childhood. In some ways it's easier to accept than if I'd married a nice girl with a similar upbringing. I'd be less likely to part with my notions of how my wedding should be. Now, I just look forward to a ceremony that is unlike any that anyone has seen, one that is a reminder of who we are and a small token of our appreciation for those who have supported us.
Ask me if I still feel that way in 3 months. :)