My Dad the Giant

I don't think I've posted this. I wrote it years ago and it came up today so I thought I'd share it with those that read. It was submitted to be published, but wasn't selected. I think it should have been, but I'm biased.

The Athabasca river flew by swiftly

And I threw rocks and watched the splashes

Being engulfed by the current.

One rock decided I should follow

If it had to freeze so would I.

Dad chased me along the shore as I bobbed

Down the river.

He looked frightened, angry.

The water was too cold to feel, or I don’t remember.

Only feeling his giant hand

Plucking me from liquid ice.

When he grew sick,

I could not save him

From leukemia, his icy river inside.

Dad felt pain I never had to.

His rock would not let go.

Nineteen months I ran along his shore

I didn’t look scared, just angry.

Dad could do everything,

But I could never pull him from death’s grip.

I didn’t have big enough hands.

Copper Triangle 2012

I can't even begin to explain how incredible our cycling adventure was. I'll only say it was challenging, fun, relaxing, tiring, and I'd do it all over again.
We drove out on Thursday to Copper Mountain. Rode our bikes that night. Friday we headed to Vail for lunch on our bikes. Also, climbed up Freemont Pass later that day. Saturday we rode The Copper Triangle. An 80 mile ride that took us over 3 mountain passes and through some of the most beautiful part of our country.  That said, enjoy the photos.

Weekend

Tough weekend in the news. A bit odd being at a shooting match after such an event. I encourage you to place blame on people, not inanimate objects.

DePauw 2012

East College

Two weekends ago I traveled back to DePauw University in Greencastle, IN for my 10th reunion. It was quite enjoyable reliving some past experiences and seeing how much things have changed. For one, sticker price tuition has doubled in 10 years. So if I had kids right now and want to send them to DPU, I need to save more than the value of my house.

Meharry Hall

I wondered around to some spots. East College is the main building. We had many special events held in Meharry Hall. It is less Methodist Church and more auditorium these days. It still creaks the same way but they put in some new carpet! I don't think I remember the organ.

Meharry Hall from the back

First classroom in college, College Writing

Roy O. West Library received a face lift

GCB and Ranch Fries

Of course no trip to Greencastle would be complete without a stop at Marvin's. Marvin's is the home of the Garlic Cheese Burger, GCB. It is a creation that was divinely inspired. What you see in the picture is actually a half GCB. A whole is 2 1/4 patties because we all know college students need something to help pack on the freshman 15. Just imagine the best thing ever and multiply by infinity, that is the GCB.

Fraturday on the lawn of my beloved Sigma Chi

All day Saturday we brought back Fraturday and drank and told lots of stories at the house. Two RVs showed up. Lots of Sigma Chi, Pi Phi, Kappa, and Alpha Phi love to go around. We even let some Phi Psis join the fun.

Crazy dancing by young and old alike. Jessica has skillz.

Eventually, we moved the party to the big tent for the band and silly dancing. There was some lawn mower, shopping cart, stove, and more sweet dance moves on display.

List of those "officially" in attendance from class of 2002

Great times had by all. I should go back every year. If you have kids, send them to DePauw, you won't regret it, and they'll have a fantastic time they'll enjoy forever. (They'll also party their ass off)

Cutting Edge Half Classic 2012

photo credit: SJP

This weekend I traveled to Effingham, IL for the Cutting Edge Half Classic with Stephen. It was a fun little trip aside from my passenger door not closing and then not opening. I'm sure it looked like a clown car with Stephen climbing out after me through the driver's door.

This was my first 70.3 mile triathlon since 2010. I was only a runner in 2011. For those not in the know, this is considered a half. We swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles, and run 13.1 miles. Yes, in that order.

The day started with an overcast sky. The swim had excellent buoys that I could actually see.

On the bike we traveled due west for 28 miles, turned around, and came back. On this day, we had a 15 mph West wind. Fighting the wind was a struggle. At one point I looked down and saw I was going 14 mph. When I figured out that meant it would take me 2 hours to get to the turnaround, I LOL'd, for real. Once I turned around, it was excellent having such a strong tailwind. Of course, it started to die as I went. Also, the sun really started to come out.

The run was 13.1 miles of sun baked gravel and pavement. The temperature at finish was 93 degrees. I could hear my shoes sticking to the hot tar in the pavement. With 3 miles to go I started to run out of energy and really wish I could find a port-a-potty. Needing the facilities really slows my running down. As you can tell from the picture, I have a more on my mind than simply finishing.

Finished 6th in my age group and 40th overall. Even with all the wind my bike was just under 6 minutes faster than my previous best bike. Thanks, Big Tree Cycling!