I Is A Runnin’ Fool

Today, I ran 6 miles. It was more or less a spontaneous action, but I don’t regret it in the least. One of my co-workers (who is an avid runner) suggested I go run with her as a bit of training. I mentioned that I missed running but motivation to get back into it was a struggle. She said I could go running with her tomorrow morning. So I did.

6.2 miles later, I unofficially finished the Buckeye Classic 10k in just over an hour. Not great, but not horrible for someone that hasn’t ran more than 300 meters since June. If the motivational level continues (and the soreness doesn’t), I’ll get up Wednesday and take a crack at a 5k morning jog before work. We’ll see how it goes. In the meantime, I’m just satisfied I haven’t had to amputate a leg by the afternoon.

Another Year, A Trip to Athens, And Some Clothes

I celebrated (somewhat) my 25th birthday over the weekend. Nothing really exciting, just a couple o’ beers and some cake at work (cake at work, not beers). After 21, birthdays tend to be a pretty chill experience. I’ve never been one for big birthdays, mostly because they were overshadowed by my parent’s divorce and their fighting. Don’t get me wrong, by no means is that a pity story, but it definitely affected the mood in the house, so consequently, I downplayed said events.

I spent the weekend in Athens and gave a speech Monday evening to fifty or so business students. I was asked to speak as a “young business leader.” Not really sure what that meant, but I decided I was going to be the fluff piece/entertainment for the evening. It went okay, but I on the whole, I was disappointed with my visit to Athens. I don’t know what happened, but I tried to call/text a good dozen people and nobody responded. Pretty weak for Athens standards, but maybe it was me. Maybe I’m just too old for that game.

This Business of Speaking

I’ve been somewhat asked to speak to Ohio University’s Alpha Kappa Psi business Fraternity next week. The theme is “Young Leaders in Business. A friend of mine recommend I speak to her former fraternity, and I received an invitation via email a few days later from them.

Here’s the thing: if you know me, or if you’ve been reading this blog for a short time and you’re smart enough to catch on, I am NOT a business leader. Okay, this is usually the point where people combat that statement with, ”But you do lead, you have your own store that you run. You manage people – that’s leading.“ There’s some truth to that yes, I’ll agree. However, the challenges of my work don’t necessarily require the traits of a ”young business leader“ and I don’t feel that I am the most qualified individual to speak. There are far more interesting, more qualified young persons in business that would be better speakers for such an occasion.

So yes, if you haven’t surmised by now, I’m somewhat freaking out about this speech. I don’t mind public speaking, but I just don’t have my heart set on this one because I don’t feel I’m the one for the job. Nonetheless, I’ve got a speech to write. Suggestions?

No Internet Make Fisher Go Crazy…

As determined as I was to get Internet and TV at my place, I still haven’t done anything about it. After a month of living without it, I’ve found that I can work around the inconvenience of having the world-wide-web at your fingertips. Granted, I do have Internet on my phone, but it is far from the most convenient way to look things up online. I don’t see this changing anytime soon, as I’m not about to pay $50 for that service. I’ll stick to using it at work, running to coffee shops, or the beloved Columbus Metropolitan Library.

As I sit here typing away (in aforementioned library), I just received an email from AT&T telling me my U-Verse bill is ready. This is ridiculous on so many levels. Namely, because I don’t even have the service. Also I spoke many, many times with customer service about this issue and they did confirm that I wasn’t on their billing list. With all the bullshit I’ve had to go through for this, I’m just shy of livid when it comes to dealing with the subject.

Work’s work lately. We’re starting to pick up a bit as the cold is coming, but it’s still pretty low-key and manageable. Tomorrow I’m going to The North Face’s Fall ‘10 line showing which should be entertaining, but the novelty of seeing what’s in store for next year “wears thin” (ba dum da) on me. It’s not like I’m going to get the gear/clothes and play with them ahead of time. Oh well, I’m still loving my Patagonia down sweater and Arcteryx rain jacket. Don’t even get me started on my infatuation with the sleeping bag. I’ve slept in it multiple times and it’s been absolutely awesome.

Observation: It’s amazing how simple things get you excited when you are living simply. I bought new chocolate borwn colored Jersey-T sheets for my bed now that winter is approaching. I’ve tried flannel sheets before, but they are just not as soft and comfortable. Granted, they last longer than the Jersey boys, but you can’t beat softness and comfort when it comes to sleeping.

About a month ago, I met with someone in the hopes that she would make a good candidate for the podcast idea. We discussed the idea and she seemed enthusiastic, but here we are four weeks later and I haven’t seen any results. I think it’s time I give up on the idea and sell the gear. I can’t justify holding onto electronics/software that isn’t being used, especially when resale value goes down every day thanks to the onslaught of updates and computer advancements. So if anyone wants any ProTools hardware/software, or some good mics, just give me a shout.

They Came

The whole no-internet thing has hindered the blogging, but frankly, nothing exciting has happened in my life as of late.  However, the bag and jackets came in.  I will probably end up sleeping on my floor tonight… just to try out the new sleeping bag.

In other news, I have been asked to speak at OU regarding being a “young business leader.”  Not really sure how I qualify for this, but at the very least, I get an excuse to head down to Athens for Big Mama’s Burrito’s and a beer at the ‘Wood.

Update

Still no Internet. I’ve given up. I just can’t justify paying $50 a month right now, especially when I was paying $30 at my last place. Oh well, for now I’ll have to suffer with only using it at work and visiting the local coffee shops when needed. In other news, I bought a new car. Actually, it’s an SUV – which is much more functional for my lifestyle, although I’m not excited about the gas intake.

In other news, I sold a bunch of gear at our consignment sale at work, and have taken the money made from said sales and put it towards new gear. I went on a mad spending splurge this week… 1 new car, 2 new jackets, and 1 new sleeping bag. I’m super-excited for the bag and jacket combo (pictures all below). You can’t beat a 20 degree sleeping bag that weighs less than 2 lbs. And the jackets… I’ll be set for the winter and anything that Mother Nature can throw at me. Between Gore-tex Paclite and 800-fill down, my outerwear life is pretty much complete. Next big purchase… winter boots. We’ll have to wait on that for a bit though. Car payments come first.

Other than that, nothing new.

Denali

It’s been way too long since I’ve thrown a rant, image, etc. up here. I still don’t have Internet. Summing it up… AT&T fixed the billing issue, however I can’t get Internet/cable through them and I also can’t justify spending $50 a month for Internet alone with Insight. Therefore, I’m left with neither for the time being. Eventually, I’ll succumb to the mercy of Insight, but for now, to hell with the overpriced bastards.

In the meantime, here’s a fun fact for you:

1 out of every 20 Americans own or have owned a North Face Denali fleece jacket. That to me, is ridiculous.

Glee

It’s relatively safe to say that I’m diggin’ on this new show.

Don’t judge me for watching a prime-time version of High School Musical with a little sexual innuendo added in for good measure. When you don’t have cable you’re options are paired down pretty heavily. It’s either this or Antique Roadshow… and if you’ve ever seen Grandma’s Boy, then you’ll understand why I choose Glee.

I Hear A Train A-Comin’

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The last 30 days of my life can be summarized with this image.

I Need Internet

This coffee shop thing is bullshit. I need to get my own Internet connection at home. Friday this will happen, no arguments.
(Then I can catch up on the tv shows I’ve been missing)