Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Oh that's where I left you....

My goodness, I have been so blown away by the gorgeous weather that I left my friend BLOG behind.  I spent two glorious days doing little or nothing over the weekend.  Or at least nothing that MADE me money.  I invested a little money in my wardrobe, but that won't net me too much of a gain, except pleasant looks.  :)  And I like those.

Yesterday, I had a GREAT photo shoot with my chum Sara Corwin.  It was way past time to get updated head shots.  Mine are so old they are in black and white and crumbled and frayed at the edges.  LOL  Being the predictable Pisces that I am, I took a trunk load of clothing options.  I paid to have three changes of outfit, so I had a double layered pink/brown, an electric lime green and a blue/white herringbone array of shirts.  I LOVE to be photographed so it was two plus hours of pure bliss. Darling Sara had recently broken here leg or ankle and she was in a cast but such a trouper.  I was the first client with her being in a cast and since I'm easy (in so many ways) we had a blast.  Tara did my makeup and Laura helped out too.  All in all, it was a great time.   I will update with a photo once I get the proofs.  Trust me when I say digital was and is and will be so much easier.

Now comes the fun part.  I am such a social creature, but only when I want to be.  That's not only the Pisces in me but the ONLY child syndrome too.  And yet another thing:  I DO know what makes me happy.  I am asked to go to work related things and I really don't like to.  I am a "separationist" type of fellow.  I like to keep work and home separate.  (I like for church and state to be separate too, just in case you wanted to know that.)  I am so very lucky that the people with whom I work are very good to me, just as I am to them.  But I like my evenings to myself and my personal time to myself.  I can say with truth that I've been burned a number of times when work and personal collided (or were combined).  That isn't the only thing.  To a small percent I am a class believer.  (While I detest others to say someone should know their place, I feel free saying I know my place and I keep it with respect.  I believe that I can know my place but never yours. So I like to keep my place.)  And  I don't want to say or do anything that "I" feel is inappropriate.  I respect others.  And by the same token, I want and desire the same thing.

So now we will see if I sit here on my Rusty Dusty and surf the net  - or - if I "make nice" and go to this birthday dinner. 

Heavy hearted and conflicted.  We shall see and I will probably confess all at a later time.

Peace (I'm a-lookin' for it)

Saturday, January 15, 2011

New Challenge

So this week I hooked up with a friend of mine online and we have committed to doing the Blue Ridge Marathon in Roanoke, VA.  It's billed as one of the hardest marathons in the country.  But I've kicked asphalt before, and this nearly 1300 foot incline will be a walk in the park.  No seriously, it IS a walk in the park. 

Before I go to VA to do the Blue Ridge, I will be in Palm Springs on February 13th to do Half Marathon #10.  It is billed as mostly flat and since I've been out in the desert many times, I do know that there are mountains there, but more flat land, so I assume it will be quite easy to accomplish.  But training has begun.

Today, I started my first hill work.  I did .5 miles of a steady incline to about 300 feet.  It was a steady incline without a release.  Once I made it to the top, I did a round-about on some up and downs and then I headed back down.  Not a very long distance, but a good one.  My assent took only 8 minutes which is far faster than I usually cruise along, so the old (I mean nearing middle age) ticker was a-tickin' fast and hard.  I realized that I was totally alive.  ha ha  Tomorrow I intend to kick up a little dust working the Baxter stairs, those fun 230 stairs up the side of a mountain in Echo Park, stairs.

And next week we will get 1 to 2 miles in uphill mountain climbing.  So there is my next workout challenge.

PEACE

Blue Ridge Marathon

Friday, January 14, 2011

Old Friends SAME Feeling

How often SS,DD (Same Shit, Different Day) has been uttered I couldn't even begin to estimate.  It seems that this kind of sentiment is all too pervasive.  And I will admit that I'm just as guilty of expressing these same sentiments.  But today I share a completely different sentiment.  Here is part of an email that I received from a woman with whom I worked with over a dozen years ago:

I will be there for you any month, any day,
any time, and now I am so looking forward to
seeing you in March.
How perfect you would be for this (a job opening)

- and if you
noticed I had to mention the negatives of our
former CFO - because culture means just the
opposite of what he was about.  But I don't
discuss "toxic" any more and refuse to have
it in my world - if possible.
..., and so we march on !   Love ya, Miriam
The red and purple section are from me.  Miriam had sent me a job opening notice.  It is in NY and truthfully I would love to apply and win the job.  It isn't in the cards currently, but.... 

Miriam is a breast cancer survivor and it left her emboldened and brazen.  She is not afraid, she is sure.  She knows what she does or does NOT want in her life.  I LOVE IT!  She and I shared the same boss when we worked together and he took advantage of her at every opportunity.  I don't think either of us realized how much until we left.  And her cancer experience gave her real balls back to her.  God Bless Miriam.
The part that I loved the most is And So We March On!  How true.  Each day on this earthly journey, we do march on.  The marching on reminds me so often of scenes from GWTW or other war movies where the soldiers are marching and marching.  But here Miriam and I are on the same point.  We are marching on, but with our Heads Held High, Proud and Sure.  Again God Bless Miriam.  I wish all of us a proud march forward in Peace and Prosperity.

Love, D
DAN

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Peace and Harmony

Yesterday, I took the bus and the train to work.  My clients are downtown on Mondays.  I have an annual bus/train/subway pass that I use from time to time.  After work,  I took the Red Line (subway) to Union Station and hopped on the Gold Line (light rail) and went to South Pasadena.  In So Pas is one of my favorite French restaurants (which isn't open on Mondays) but there is another healthy food restaurant that has Quiche, homemade I might add, on their menu.  And last night I wanted Quiche.  I arrived just at 6 and they were closing.  They tired very hard to sell me something to go, but truthfully I wanted to sit and be pampered, not to eat on the park bench.  And while I like to eat on the park bench, last night wasn't the night for that.

So I ambled around Mission Street and found a "new to me" Indian restaurant.  I love Indian food and now I love this new place.  I was well fed AND well pampered at Radhika.  The food and the service were superb and my soul was so nourished.  (This after a "hung low" day from my buddy Jack in my previous blog.)  I left Radhika and just as I was exited I heard my train approaching and I ran along the platform just in time to catch it back to Union Station.  Our Union Station in LA is very similar to the other Union Stations out west.  It's a low long mission styled building.  With train and rail lines out back and subway lines downstairs.  Between the Gold and Red lines I sat in the expansive lobby and just WAS.  No muss, no fuss.  I was so happy to see others simply being as well.  I was joyed to see so many either reading or chatting, either on a phone or to another human, and all seeming so peaceful.  After my respite, I entered the Red Line train.  My journey was from one end of the Red line (Union Station) to the other end (North Hollywood).  Then onto the Orange Line (the bus) back to LA Valley college and my car to head home.  All the while I was so enchanted to see how calm people were.  I love taking public transportation.  It's peaceful to me.  I usually see many colorful peeps and often lots of loud and rambunctious people, but yesterday we all seemed like tired children coming home from a field trip.  Maybe my soul wasn't the only one wanted to get home safely and with ease.  Maybe we were all in one accord.

Today dawned brightly after a great night's sleep and the clients today have been 2 very VERY different ones, but neither with much drama.  Maybe for this week, drama will only appear on TNT.  THEY know drama!

May your week be filled with Peace and Harmony and GREAT LOVE!
Danny

Monday, January 10, 2011

OUTTA BALANCE

Or outta whack.  That's been my day.

I have strived to find peace and harmony and I've completely missed it.  At least for today.  In the words of a friend of mine, "I was Over-Served."  LOL  I enjoyed Jack's company just a wee bit too much yesterday and I have certainly paid the price today.  No headache, but I have been as sluggish as an engine with dirty oil. 

I am reminded of the song "Have I Stayed Too Long At The Fair" by Billy Barnes.  An excerpt is as follows:

I wanted the music to play on forever
Have I stayed too long at the fair?
I wanted the clown to be constantly clever
Have I stayed too long at the fair?
I bought me blue ribbons to tie up my hair,
But I couldn't find anybody to care;
The merry-go-round is beginning to taunt now

The last line is my Favorite.  That's how it seems on the next morning.  I wanted to be the clever clown and ride and ride but now the merry-go-round IS beginning to taunt me.  I love being out and about and imbibing and enjoying, but sometimes I forget that I do have to get off the ride before....

Another great lyric which aptly describes what I perceive as my turn at the party

The circus tent
Was strung with every star in the sky
Above the ring I love so well.

(This from Little Girl Blue by Richard Rogers)


So of course, TODAY, I wanted/needed balance and it was quite hard to achieve it.  With my slightly addictive personality, I have great highs and don't want them to end.  A great Yoga class, a great Dan-day alone, a great outfit, but then comes the pendulum swinging back the other way.

So in my quest, I am searching and seeking more sustaining highs with a little less Jack and a little more self-created highs.  Those wonderful highs that come from our own internal energy.  So tonight and tomorrow and all my many tomorrows, I will strive to amp up my own energy.  Wish me luck!

Peace

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Yesterday and Today

So yesterday was such a great day.  I went the dentist and he gave me a great bill of health and NO cavities, at least in the teeth region.  After that I went shopping and had so much fun.  Shop, shop, shop!  And I bought WOOL socks.  No more cold feet with these rain and cloudy days.

After shopping and such, I did Yoga.  God bless Ruthie.  You know her from other posts.  Our studio ran a groupon online and then several hundred thousand people (or so it seemed) showed up to sign up.  When I arrived there were at least 30 peeps there.  At first I thought oy vey I will never get in, then I thought oy vey we will be packed up, then I thought I will go home because someone else might need the class more.  And at last I thought I NEED THIS class.  I am staying!  And OH WHAT A CLASS.... It was everything I needed.

Yesterday I bought a pink blouse (I love calling it that.  I am such an irreverent fag).  Oh now I need to tell you everything.  I felt good, and I looked good and I wanted to be bad!  Yesterday I actually liked the way I looked and I would have gone home with ME.  Usually, I am not my biggest fan, but yesterday I was my biggest fan! 

I went out of my comfort zone to a birthday party at a bar I don't frequent and short story long, it wasn't my best.  Oh I stood erect, with great posture and with a broad smile on my face.  But after a couple of drinks and no sight of my "friends" who were supposed to be there, I left.  I then went to a local watering hole I frequent.  And I wasn't "On" there either.  I went home....

Today I dragged myself up and met a friend for coffee and a bagel. Afterwards, I went for a DAN day without anyone.  I need a day every now and again where I am simply just Dan without anyone or anything.  And today was that day!  I pissed and moaned to a friend of mine today telling him all about my yesterday.  And just in the middle of my pissing that last night wasn't my best night out, it came to me what the issue really was:

I was HAPPY and PROUD of myself last night.  I would have fucked me! And it seemed that I was the only one.  And that made me unhappy.  So at the end of the night, I would done me, yet no one else would have.  That sucks, everyone but me.  LOL

So today, I learned AGAIN that if I impress me, STOP!!!!  That's it, no more, NO MORE.  Don't fucking look outward for approval if you've already granted it inward.  And inward is the only place that counts.

XOXO

Friday, January 7, 2011

CLUSTER

FUCKING!  There I said it!  LOL

Over the last few years, I have worked with a small collection of interwoven people.  I set out to do a diagram, but truthfully it even confused me on how to do it.  I will give you a short essay to explain:

I had one client who became two clients.  One of those was married to another client.  They got a divorce.  I don’t work for the ex-wife anymore.  I also worked for his brother.  No more.  I work for the brother’s ex-wife.  I’m still there.  I now work with the second ex-wife’s current husband.  Also the two ex-wives are best friends, again.  Next, I worked for two best friends, and also the children of their other best friend.  I have now left the children.  I worked for the daughter of one of the remaining two best friends.  When she announced she was divorcing her husband, I left her AND her father.  I am still with one of the best friends.  Briefly I worked for his daughter too, but thankfully no more.  I now work with another of his best friends.  A client of the children above is now a client of mine.  Their accountant turned me onto a new client.  I work with three CPA who represent some or all of the above.  Jeepers it’s no wonder that some days I can’t remember who I am supposed to be loyal too and who is on the shit list.   
                            
All of the above shenanigans are another reason why BALANCE is King this year.  (I maintain that I have little drama in my personal life because I had so much drama at work.)  This first week in Twenty Eleven has already been better than most of the weeks in 2010.  And truthfully, most of 2010 was great for me.  I am laying out boundaries that will keep me balanced and still allow me to offer my services in accounting.  (I firmly believe that what I do IS a service.  I’m not too good to get my hands dirty.)   

And, I am also applying my running attitude to work.  Lift one foot and advance it.  Place it down and lift the back foot, move it to the front.  Repeat often.  As I smoothly sail through twenty eleven, it will be one foot in front of the other with Grace and Dignity and Peace and Harmony.  I wish the same for you.  

PEACE!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

A Bright New Day

Today dawned ever so gently for me.  I awoke a little before 7, after having slept so wonderfully, and I simply luxuriated for another 30 minutes or so enjoying the peace and tranquility of early morning.  When I finally did fully awake, I was aware of the distant sun shining its glorious light through the window shades.  The restorative sleep coupled with day being filled with sunshine delighted my heart.  I tossed the covers aside and sprang up from my bed.
This springing was another reason to be elated.  Not needing assistance is one of the first things I’m thankful for each and every morning.  The simple fact that I have my limbs and that they work makes me a happier camper.  This is a life lesson that I learned from Della Reese many years ago.  She said she thanked God each and every time she was able to stand up from her bed on her own accord.  This so impressed me, that I adopted the exact same philosophy.  I consider that I cuss and fuss plenty during a day’s time, so if I can remember to praise a little in the mornings, I “might” have a fighting chance to make it a good day.
So today I give thanks for “getting up” and I give thanks for the Sunshine and I give thanks that I’m here on my journey for at least one more day; and hopefully, I’m here for lots more.
Peace!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

CLOWNS

Short Post

Today, we have a potential client in the conference room that has a laugh that would make Pagliacci stop crying.  (At least I  hope Pag is the crying clown.)  All I know is that this Half Giggle, Half Laugh is so nervous and getting louder and every employee is now on the edge of their seat in frustration.  And he hopes to be represented in a lawsuit.  I can only imagine the courtroom AND the judge the first time Mr Clown squeals out with laughter.  At least I can't say that Twenty Eleven hasn't already presented me with my first Clown of the Year.  Thanks Mr Sondheim, No need to "Send In The Clowns", they're already here.  LOL

Cheers to MORE Laughter and Clowns to bring it!

Day Four

So Twenty Eleven is definitely on.  I am in the throws of deciding which Half Marathons to do this year.  I have been a-googlin' races all of the US map.  So far, I am sticking with races here in the US with an eye on maybe going International in 2012.  (Time will tell on that.)  My unofficial goal has been to complete Half Marathons in each state, with no particular goal as a finish date, just completing all 50.

To date I have completed a nine half marathon in six states:
California (Four)
Arizona
Florida
Ohio
New York and
North Carolina. 

The following is a list of highly potential races for 2011:
Feb 13 - Palm Springs 
Apr 16 - Roanoke, VA (Blue Ridge Marathon) 
May 15 - Pasadena
Aug 20 - Park City, UT
Sep 11 - Chicago
Oct 2 - Sacramento, CA or  Oct 9 - Joplin, MO (Mother of All Roads)
Dec ?? - Oxnard, CA  (Santa to Sea)

This schedule would give me three new states, but I hope for five, so let's see if the above changes.  Indianapolis substituing for Sacramento and adding Memphis (12/3) and Philadephia (11/20) would give me more out of state.

I am ever mindful of doing 2 races on two consecutive weekends.  I did Miami the last weekend in January in 2009 and Huntington Beach the first weekend in February the same year.  Jeepers, by mile 8 I thought my feet had fallen off.  There was only 3 weeks between Cincinnati and Buffalo and that too was hard.  So I've tried to give no less than 4 weeks between races.  And of course, $$$ is a race factor.  Between the race fees, air travel (if any) and the hotel, races can get costly.  But it's totally worth it.  If I hit the lottery, I'll double the race schedule!

And it's NOT raining today, so that's a big, BIG plus.

Peace!

Monday, January 3, 2011

That wee small VOICE

A friend and I were chatting recently about that “Small Voice” and how powerful and insightful it is.

It’s that direct line connection to God, the gods, the Universe, your True Spirit, whatever name you want to call it.  It is Truth personified.  It is NOT a guilty conscious, it is NOT doubt or fear, it is NOT feelings of limitation or lack, it is ONLY TRUTH.

That small voice never leads you astray or in a completely wrong direction, it is Sure, Stable, Unwavering, Direct and Positive.  It is a small voice that rings true in both Small and Large things.  To quote the great poem by Cecil Frances Alexander:

Maker of Heaven And Earth

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colours,
He made their tiny wings.

The rich man in his castle,
The poor man at his gate,
God made them, high or lowly,
And ordered their estate.

The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning,
That brightens up the sky;

The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one.

The tall trees in the greenwood,
The meadows where we play,
The rushes by the water,
We gather every day;--

He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell,
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.

THIS is where the small voice comes from.  It IS all in Order and without Chaos.  It’s that small voice that leads us in the true and perfect way in which to go. 

And it’s much more powerful that EF Hutton.  Please listen to it when it speaks, you won’t be disappointed.

PEACE!

Sunday, January 2, 2011

2011

Here we are on Day #2 of 2011.  So far, I'm liking it.  And I consider that I will make the most out of liking it for the next 363 days as well.  Hey, it's only 356 days until Christmas.  Ha Ha.

Christmas is my second favorite Holiday in a year.  My Birthday is my most favorite.  Yesterday I started my New Year off on the right pose by going to Yoga.  I was so stoked and ready before I got there, and then when I first arrived, all I could think of is "when is this over?"  It certainly wasn't that I didn't want to do Yoga, or that the class was in any way was unappealing.  It was that a wave of separatism washed over me.  Despite that emotion, I put as much of my soul and spirit into the class and as usual was aptly rewarded.

After class Rick and I stopped and "partooked" in coffee and a danish.  (OK, I didn't share one morsel of that Danish, but I know Rick enjoyed watching me stuff it down. LOL)  We discussed that neither of us had really enjoyed this recent Holiday of Christmas and New Years.  Oh, I had great times at parties or at home being alone, but this year's Christmas was off, somehow, just off.  As I type this I also realize that not every Christmas can be "THE BEST."  I mean, this isn't Wall St where the profits are supposed to climb without ever have a "correction."  So 2010's year end holiday festivities were simply a "correction".  Certainly, and thank heavens, not BAD, just off.

Then Ricky-Ticky and I talked about BALANCE.  And how both of us will strive to have more Balance in 2011.  I jokingly refer to myself as a Control Junkie, but assuredly, it's really the Balance that I want to acheive.  For me, it's not about driving the car, or piloting the yacht, it really is about "did it appeal to my Heart, Mind AND Soul?"

So lift one leg and put it in front of the other and then the other leg and so on.  One step at a time in Peace and Harmony and Balance!

These are the things I wish for OUR 2011.