FourSquare in the Nodwell

Last night's game was pretty crazy. In addition to hanging out with a bunch of people I rarely see, I really got into the game, and was able to be both competitive, yet easy-going. Most people seemed to really enjoy themselves, and I'm sure I got quite the workout simply be participating. It's interesting to note my personal interactions with other participants. I'm much more social, I think, than I was when I first got to Rosebud.

Running has been going well. Still difficult to remain present at times. I think all generations have their own tools for staying out of the present and returning to the past or looking to the future. My generation's tools include music and Facebook. It keeps you from being in the moment, and takes you back to a different time.
Well, that different time for me is quite sad for me now. Perhaps it's time to give up music for now. That, or listen to new music I haven't heard.

Morning runs in Rosebud

After returning to Rosebud, it's become slightly more difficult to wake up early. I'm now waking up close to 8, and running at 8:30. That said, my lungs are definitely thanking me, and it feels like I can breath better.
I've dropped from running six days a week to five, which may be simply giving into exhaustion.
I find my mind wanders to the past during my runs. Soul Diver, by Seabound.
It's easy to feel when I am alone. I give into my feelings much easier, and unfortunately, my feelings seem to be rooted in a victim complex. I'm not sure what to do with that. I think I have been trying the 'fake-it-til-you-make-it approach, and some days, it simply feels like I'm faking it, and won't make it. In those moments, I try to push aside my feelings, and lean on my knowledge that it will get better.

Bronze errywher

My earwax is bronze.

I've found a helpful video on how to do pushups correctly, as well as a method to work myself into the habit. I'm only doing ten a day, but I think it's a good idea -- it gets me into the habit of doing them.
I'm still quite nappy, I find. I crash in the afternoon, which impacts any work I'm doing during that time. Perhaps it's lunch, perhaps it's simply that I've created the habit of sleeping in the afternoon. It makes up for my terrible sleep in the night.

Running

Running every day gives me a chance to think about the world around me. It also gives me a chance to be introspective, something I seem to be very good at. I recall crying as I ran, a very difficult thing to do, as you're attempting to use your lungs for two vastly different purposes.  All the same, after a workout of that sort, you feel refreshed and able to do more for the rest of the day.
My left hip socket feels agitated and unhappy. Wish I could change that.
Running in the city is also different, as there are more cars obviously, but also in that the pavement is a different toughness.

Being a living statue is not nearly as difficult as you would think. As the great philosopher of our time, Shia Lebeouf, has said: JUST DO IT

Seriously. I wasn't given a crash course or anything. What is expected of being a living statue? Misdirection, and laughter/fear. That's it. Stand still. I can't do it right now, but you put me in the right skin, I apply the bronze to my face, and suddenly, I don't feel the need to move nearly as much. I can stop myself from blinking for what seems like an eternity. The biggest key, I believe, is that you don't zone out, but use the skill we love so much in Rosebud -- passive awareness. I lose visual focus, and attempt to gather information through my peripheral vision. I begin to eavesdrop -- it's the easiest way to know when a mark is coming near. "Is it real? I don't know. I think so. Maybe" means the person won't be terribly surprised if I start to move. Surprise still, and compliments on being so convincing, but not terror.

"I wonder who designs these little scenes around here. That statue looks so real..." Means that the person is going to lose
their
poop.

Little children are some of my favourites, as they like to play. They hide, the come up, they high five. Their sense of magic is still there, when statues can be both real and statue.

There is no preparation. There simply is being still, and moving. If you belch, it's hilarious. Even more so if you sneeze.

Canada Day!

I didn’t do any running today. Instead, I woke early, packed some equipment along with a lunch, and headed out on a hike with Caitlyn. We drove out to Kananaskis country, getting only slightly lost as we went, until we came to Upper Kananaskis Lake. We got out, and after a few preparatory bottles of water, we began the ascent to Rawson Lake. Along the way, we crossed a stream that had washed away the initial log bridge that had been put into place several years ago, and instead we had to find an alternate crossing. We settled on a few smaller branches farther upstream that had the risk of giving out, but we were lucky and crossed without too much difficulty. 

One thing I had challenged myself with was to eschew the use of hiking poles. about 20 minutes into the hike, this proved to be a difficulty, as our constant uphill angle began to take a toll on me, but I endured and pushed through the experience. I realized that a great deal of my strength came from being able to rapidly run up slopes, using my free hands to keep myself balanced as I went.
Finally, we reached the end of the hike -- Rawson Lake. 

We ate lunch at the top, and I personally enjoyed a well made sandwich consisting of tomato, corned beef, spinach and spiced Monterey Jack cheese. We then began our descent, which was a workout on the knees, but on my toes particularly, as my hiking boots seemed to be ill-fitted. Along the way, I dropped my glasses without realizing, then went back and found them after about 5 minutes -- a feat I am especially proud of. We reached the bottom at last, and after a quick change in the car, went for a small swim in Upper Kananaskis Lake. 

Beautiful scenery, and a good workout to boot!