Life in Color

This morning's swim workout was a good one. It really got the blood moving and working the muscles--especially my lungs. Nothing like a day of sprinting and kicking with fins to work the muscles (the good news it makes me feel fast).

Warm up: 200 free

600 free at 80%
100 free sprint with fins (1:09) whoohoo
5 minutes rest
100 free sprint with fins (1:09 again)
200 easy
2x200 hard
200 easy
2x100 hard
200 easy kick
100 cool down.

Total Yards 2100.

As I was driving to the pool this morning I actually paid attention to the lyrics of song by Jamey Johnson called "In Color" One verse really hit home with me:

This one here was taken overseasI
n the middle of hell in nineteen forty-three
In the winter time you can almost see my breath
That was my tail gunner ole’ Johnny McGeeHe was a high school teacher from New Orleans
And he had my back right through the day we left

And if it looks like we were scared to death
Like a couple of kids just trying to save each other
You should have seen it in color
A picture’s worth a thousand words
But you can’t see what those shades of gray keep covered
You should have seen it in color

The reason this hit home was for two reasons. 1) Many years ago I was in a grocery store were the older gentleman bagging my groceries was a Navy vet from WWII who had survived Pearl Harbor and other battles in the Pacific. There was some dumbass teenager in there mocking him because the older man was so slow. That man lived a more full life than that pimply kid every will. So I had to have a few polite (well not so polite) words with the little punk. Don't disparage anyone as old, or crippled, etc because you just never know what kind of life they have lived. 2) As my unit prepares to deploy again to the middle east, it dawned on my how my memories of my two years over there have somewhat faded. They are still with me, but it more like looking at a black and white photography than the HD Picture that I had lived.

Just something to think about!!

Catching up

This morning was the first day in a while I have been able to get out and run. I just do not have the time (make the time) when things are so busy to get in a work out. I really should be better about working out in the evenings when I get home from work. However, I am a morning person and if I do not get my workout completed prior to 7am during the week, it probably is not going to be completed. However, my running buddy and I did about 4 miles this morning. It was in the low 50s and I broke a good sweat. Great way to start off hump day.

I had my army commitment this past weekend and even though the weather was good, I did not get in a workout. When you are the commander, everyone wants a minute of time for something. Saturday night the bride and I attended one of her friend’s 40th birthday party. You have to love a wine tasting birthday. Too bad I could not drink more than two glasses (I was driving and I had to get up very early on Sunday).

Tomorrow is back in the pool.

Friday Funny

Thursday Ramblings

• It has been too cold for me to run the last couple of days. I have a rule that I don't run when it is colder than 20 degrees outside.
• I did yoga for the first time yesterday. I can't say that I am any more centered or at peace with myself, but it was a really good stretch.
• There was an issue at the pool this morning so there was no swimming. I did do some ab work and pushups. I should get smart enough to take workout clothes with me so when this happens I can do some weight training.
• I wish my blog was for sale. But then I am not as interesting as DC Rainmaker.
• I am continuing my "politeness study" and the results are very interesting. Over 50% of the women are not as happy when you hold the door open for them, but about 75% of the men are very appreciative. I still don't understand it.
• James Bond movies always entertaining. Especially the ones with Sean Connery.
• I am torn over the controversy regarding Michael Phelps. I have never done drugs and I don't understand them at all. When an athlete accomplishes the feats he has he becomes a role model whether he wants too or not. However, all the work that has gone into his accomplishments have kept him from being a normal person. He did not grow up like the rest of us. Let's hope that he has learned from this episode and become the role model he should be.

Being Boorish and Forgetting the Proper Equipment

I just want to reassure all the ladies who commented, I will not stop being polite and holding the door open. My intent was to try to determine the “WHY” that appears to be offensive. I have my own opinions as to why, but they are not politically correct and people seem to be find my comments both offensive and boorish. I hate to be boorish.

Last night I decided I head out and do some night photography along the Jefferson Memorial. I have not really used my Canon 10-22mm lens in ages and was itching to see what I could create. But of course, I did not have the lock-plate assembly on my tripod (I should have checked it prior to leaving the house), so all of these photos are handheld. I had to turn the ISO up to 1600 and in some cases 3200. Next time out I will have the correct equipment. Let me know how you like the photos.

I had a meeting this morning at 0630 and did not make it to the pool. I hope to get in 1500-2000 yards this evening.

Weekend Workouts and Trip to the Willard Hotel

This has been my first full week of working out in AGES. Saturday morning I did an aerobic spin on the trainer for about an hour. I was pleased with the ride. I was able to do 16.8 miles over that hour, and after my warm up of 10 minutes I was able to hold about 17mph the entire time. In my slow, lazy world 17 mph is my grail. If I can hold anything over 17mph for a race I am very pleased. And btw, Magnum did get off on the murder charges.

Today My running buddy and I are planning on doing an easy 4 or 4.5 miles. Both of use need to get back into the swing of running. Plus my legs are sore from doing more than sitting on my ass.

Yesterday, I took a Washington DC Photosafari to the Willard Hotel. The Willard is a very old prestigious hotel near the White House. This is one of the hotels that dignitaries stay when they come to DC. Lincoln stayed here prior to his inaguration. I have been to the Willard twice and both times I have see a former secretary of state. Yesterday I passed Henry Kissinger and the first time I saw Madeleine Albright. Unfortunately, I was in the revolving door and could not get my camera out fast enough to get his photo.

In such partisan charged times, this is one of my favorite signs that was put up for the inaguration. Whichever view you have the world, this sign was very respectful and I thank the company that did it.

This photo is from the Jenny Lind suite on the 12th floor. Can you imagine that view, especially at night as you are bathing? It is hard to see in the photo, but you can also see the Jefferson Memorial.

This photo was taken in the Willard Room (the main dining room). I was shoot handheld at about 1/15 so it is not as clear as I wish. The ceiling was not the right color to bounce the flash.

This table was set up for afternoon tea. The hallway was full of people enjoying their tea, but I tried not to take their photo.

One of the many alcoves in the lobby. I was practicing with my white balance and flash. This photo turned out to be the most natural of the lot. The intent of the class was learn to shoot as you would for a brochure of the hotel (and to get see places in the hotel not normally available to the public.
Another photo from the lobby. This one turned out to be very good also. If you are ever in the DC area I recommend you take a DC Photo Safari. They have plenty of tours of the monuments and you will come away with some great pics.