The summer is going fast!
I have tons to write about with little time.
I'm almost done with this semester of summer school. Which i'm excited about, I'm graduating in December and i'll be thankful to be done.
Something kind of peculiar happened to me on Wednesday night during my senior seminar class. My professor, Prof Payne, was asking us to evaluate ourselves on a 6 dimensional scale and share with the person next to us. well that went fine, and then he started talking about our purpose in life, and asking people "what is your purpose in life"
Now - this is something i am very interested in and have spent an immeasurable amount of time and mental energy on. When i say alot of time, I mean alot, like... years.
So i raise my hand and ask (Prof. Payne and I have spent alot of time together)
"Are you actually asking what our purpose in life is?"
he replies with "Well, Yea"
At first, I'm in disbelief.
Then the peer to my left turns and says "I know what my purpose in life is"
I reply "Well thats fantastic, but i haven't a clue, I have ideas, but how would i know, What if my purpose in life is to have fun?
The class then asks "Would you be disappointed if having fun was your purpose in life"
I say "No, not at all, i just would want to know, so i could focus on that and not think about it anymore." Subsequently, there were other classmates who also said they knew their purpose in life. Maybe there are more people than i realize that have their purpose figured out.
This discussion goes on for a bit with other classmates and finally it hits me.
I believe my purpose in life is to EXPERIENCE NEW THINGS! New people, tastes, smells, feelings, sights, sensations, places. Everything! Diversity! I really enjoy it all.
In the past i've written about how a new bad experience is still beneficial. You felt something new, even if it was bad, it was something you have never experienced before. probably learned something at the same time too.
This explains it all. He He. This is what motivates me, new experiences.
I've also been learning how to achieve new experiences with only mental energy. Something that takes a lot of time and practice.
Anyways,
It was a nice epiphany (or perceived epiphany)
I believe worth sharing.
Disclaimer:
This doesn't really mean that i have anything figured out, i also will not forget that there is a good chance we have more than one purpose in life (i should hope so, one purpose seems a bit cheap, he)
Friday, July 23, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
These Days
Well,
Unfortunately i have been too busy to write all summer. I have been struggling for a while to be able to continue to do things that i really want to do.
Yes, i want to finish school and graduate, yes i want to learn at my internship.
But really i want to read books on the beach, I really want to go for long bike rides and camp on the river. I really want to slay sunnies!
Fortunately i have been able to do some of that.
Some.
The summer will slip away soon.
Thats ok though
Seizing the day can happen any time of year
I am running the TC 10 mile again this year. My father got in this time too! I'm hoping my knee feels okay, i'll need to take precautions and stretch it properly.
Also, a few months ago i built a chicken coop.
With the help of the fabulous baker boys i'm a proud chicken farmer! I've got 5 hens that are doing well. We'll see how winter goes, i still need to insulate their coop. This has been a really fun project and i am really happy to have gone through with it.
This is the 2nd year i have had a community garden. It's going well but there's a learning curve, i have new ideas for next year. Always improving!
My internship will be done in 4 weeks now and i plan to play catch up on summer.
I'm talking to some people about a 100 mile ride (bicycle)
and i'd like to do a little bike tour and camp along the way, maybe only 3 days or something.
Camp V is planned for september, which i am really excited about. 4th year running?
Anyways,
i'm happy
sometimes i get stressed
but i'm happy
thats the goal
i hope you are too.
Unfortunately i have been too busy to write all summer. I have been struggling for a while to be able to continue to do things that i really want to do.
Yes, i want to finish school and graduate, yes i want to learn at my internship.
But really i want to read books on the beach, I really want to go for long bike rides and camp on the river. I really want to slay sunnies!
Fortunately i have been able to do some of that.
Some.
The summer will slip away soon.
Thats ok though
Seizing the day can happen any time of year
I am running the TC 10 mile again this year. My father got in this time too! I'm hoping my knee feels okay, i'll need to take precautions and stretch it properly.
Also, a few months ago i built a chicken coop.
With the help of the fabulous baker boys i'm a proud chicken farmer! I've got 5 hens that are doing well. We'll see how winter goes, i still need to insulate their coop. This has been a really fun project and i am really happy to have gone through with it.
This is the 2nd year i have had a community garden. It's going well but there's a learning curve, i have new ideas for next year. Always improving!
My internship will be done in 4 weeks now and i plan to play catch up on summer.
I'm talking to some people about a 100 mile ride (bicycle)
and i'd like to do a little bike tour and camp along the way, maybe only 3 days or something.
Camp V is planned for september, which i am really excited about. 4th year running?
Anyways,
i'm happy
sometimes i get stressed
but i'm happy
thats the goal
i hope you are too.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
1/2 Marathon Results
Well,
The race went well. I finished in my goal time. 7 min 54 sec average mile. A friend of my fathers was running the race also and caught me at the finish line. When we checked the stats...he beat me by 1/5th of a second.
My knee was acting up unfortunately, so i cant say i enjoyed the race that much...but it was the furthest i've ran so far.
total time
1 hour 44 min 11.9 sec
stay tuned for photo's of the finish
The race went well. I finished in my goal time. 7 min 54 sec average mile. A friend of my fathers was running the race also and caught me at the finish line. When we checked the stats...he beat me by 1/5th of a second.
My knee was acting up unfortunately, so i cant say i enjoyed the race that much...but it was the furthest i've ran so far.
total time
1 hour 44 min 11.9 sec
stay tuned for photo's of the finish
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Half Marathon
On sunday i am running in my first half marathon ever.
13.1 miles will be the longest i have ever ran. I am so excited!
Were gonna teach those Minnetonka folk how grade "a" beef moves.
Faster than them i hope.
After that is the May Day Parade. which is right outside my house.
A whole day of festivities!
I think by the end of it i'll sleep well.
Stay tuned for results on the race, and the number of people i leave in the dust! (not sure if the high class in Minnetonka know what dust is but i'll make sure to kick some up for them)
13.1 miles will be the longest i have ever ran. I am so excited!
Were gonna teach those Minnetonka folk how grade "a" beef moves.
Faster than them i hope.
After that is the May Day Parade. which is right outside my house.
A whole day of festivities!
I think by the end of it i'll sleep well.
Stay tuned for results on the race, and the number of people i leave in the dust! (not sure if the high class in Minnetonka know what dust is but i'll make sure to kick some up for them)
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Minneapolis is #1 !!
In case you haven't heard:
http://wcco.com/local/biking.best.cycling.2.1614588.html
If you are a biker, Minneapolis is the best place to live according to Bicycling Magazine.
The May issue of Bicycle Magazine just came out and named Minneapolis the most bike-friendly city in America.
The city moved into the number one spot after being named runner-up last year.
Portland, Ore., Boulder, Colo., Seattle, Wash., and Eugene, Ore. are the cites that round out the top five.
The cities are ranked based on the number of bike lanes and routes, bike commuters, cycling events and renowned bike shops.
Minneapolis has 127 miles of bikeways, with 83 of those being off-street trails. There is more bike parking per capita in Minneapolis than any other city in the country. The city also has many bike amenities and big bicycling community.
In June, Minneapolis will start the largest bike-share program in the country.
The worst cycling cities are Birmingham, Ala., Jacksonville, Fla., and Memphis, Tenn.
Having commuted by bike for over 5 years now, and being part of a bike shop and many different events i am very happy and very proud of our city and the people in it. People are catching on to the efficiency of bikes in the city. It's just smarter. Plain and Simple.
http://wcco.com/local/biking.best.cycling.2.1614588.html
If you are a biker, Minneapolis is the best place to live according to Bicycling Magazine.
The May issue of Bicycle Magazine just came out and named Minneapolis the most bike-friendly city in America.
The city moved into the number one spot after being named runner-up last year.
Portland, Ore., Boulder, Colo., Seattle, Wash., and Eugene, Ore. are the cites that round out the top five.
The cities are ranked based on the number of bike lanes and routes, bike commuters, cycling events and renowned bike shops.
Minneapolis has 127 miles of bikeways, with 83 of those being off-street trails. There is more bike parking per capita in Minneapolis than any other city in the country. The city also has many bike amenities and big bicycling community.
In June, Minneapolis will start the largest bike-share program in the country.
The worst cycling cities are Birmingham, Ala., Jacksonville, Fla., and Memphis, Tenn.
Having commuted by bike for over 5 years now, and being part of a bike shop and many different events i am very happy and very proud of our city and the people in it. People are catching on to the efficiency of bikes in the city. It's just smarter. Plain and Simple.
Spring/Summer
The day is sunny
the colors beautiful,
so much to do my head is spinning
too many choices
that is the modern problem with my generation.
too hard to focus with swarms of everything flying around my head.
just want to run for the hills
or the beach
anything simpler than this.
the colors beautiful,
so much to do my head is spinning
too many choices
that is the modern problem with my generation.
too hard to focus with swarms of everything flying around my head.
just want to run for the hills
or the beach
anything simpler than this.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Maple Hardwood Floors
I have been working on a few different projects around the house. None of them as intense as the project of sanding and finishing the maple hardwood floors. When i bought this house, there was disgusting stained carpet everywhere, except the dining room and living room. So i tore that up and found hardwood floors...with paint and old finish on them...and lots of it. Somebody had taken a paint sprayer and sprayed the trim and not put down anything to block the paint from hitting the floor. (why i aughta)
So dad and i began taking paint remover and scraping it off...
after maybe a day of scraping shit off the floor on our hands a knees and a few pints, we decided we needed a knew method. Too much sweat was pouring out with little result.
We went to the next step of renting a floor sander...what a great idea, i just have to walk behind the damn thing.
Well i rented an orbital floor sander that just didn't quite do it. It wasn't strong enough and didn't take the paint off quick enough. After a day of that (and a few pints) we decided we needed a drum sander. With some recommendations i went to Pete's Hardwood Flooring in St. Paul. They gave me some training and sent me off with 3 different sanders: drum sander, edge sander, and a radiator sander.
With the help of some friends (Jordan, Adan and my Dad, thank you all) we started sanding. I knew this was going to be a really big job...but i wasn't sure quite how big. We sanded about 400 sq feet with 5 different grits of sand paper.
By the end of it i was exhausted. It took 3 long days of kick your ass work.
I decided to finish the floors with a flat finish made of wax, linseed oil and flaxseed oil. It looks great and isn't the traditional glossy floor finish you see in rich people's houses. hehe.
Here are some before and after photos:
So dad and i began taking paint remover and scraping it off...
after maybe a day of scraping shit off the floor on our hands a knees and a few pints, we decided we needed a knew method. Too much sweat was pouring out with little result.
We went to the next step of renting a floor sander...what a great idea, i just have to walk behind the damn thing.
Well i rented an orbital floor sander that just didn't quite do it. It wasn't strong enough and didn't take the paint off quick enough. After a day of that (and a few pints) we decided we needed a drum sander. With some recommendations i went to Pete's Hardwood Flooring in St. Paul. They gave me some training and sent me off with 3 different sanders: drum sander, edge sander, and a radiator sander.
With the help of some friends (Jordan, Adan and my Dad, thank you all) we started sanding. I knew this was going to be a really big job...but i wasn't sure quite how big. We sanded about 400 sq feet with 5 different grits of sand paper.
By the end of it i was exhausted. It took 3 long days of kick your ass work.
I decided to finish the floors with a flat finish made of wax, linseed oil and flaxseed oil. It looks great and isn't the traditional glossy floor finish you see in rich people's houses. hehe.
Here are some before and after photos:
cold press
Today its 70 degrees.
I'm having my first cold press of the year
my gums are numb.
It was a big cold press.
: ))
I'm having my first cold press of the year
my gums are numb.
It was a big cold press.
: ))
March
March is over. That signifies a few different things for me. First off, this was the 5th winter that i survived cycling through the arctic tundra that Minneapolis is. This is by no means bragging; i feel an overwhelming sense of pride. Pride in my beliefs, pride in what i accomplished, and happy to keep doing it. Life in excess is nothing i want to be a part of, and that doesn't mean i think driving in the winter is morally wrong. I just discovered I don't have to do it.
My winter bike is in ruins at this point. It really did me well, carried me many miles through rain, sleet, snow, potholes, paved and unpaved road. I have replaced every component on the bike during the last 5 years (except the handlebars and stem). It also has colonies of thriving rust all over it. The worst of areas is beneath the seat post, where i had to re-weld the seat stays after a sign fell on it and snapped them off.
Also this has been a record breaking March...No snow...not a flake...i saw some hail one day...
This is not the end of that bike frame my friends!!!
The Eager Beaver will ride on!!
Off in to the sunset.
It needs new bearings in both hubs and a new chain, but after that it will be basically brand new....well... as new as its gonna get.
My winter bike is in ruins at this point. It really did me well, carried me many miles through rain, sleet, snow, potholes, paved and unpaved road. I have replaced every component on the bike during the last 5 years (except the handlebars and stem). It also has colonies of thriving rust all over it. The worst of areas is beneath the seat post, where i had to re-weld the seat stays after a sign fell on it and snapped them off.
Also this has been a record breaking March...No snow...not a flake...i saw some hail one day...
This is not the end of that bike frame my friends!!!
The Eager Beaver will ride on!!
Off in to the sunset.
It needs new bearings in both hubs and a new chain, but after that it will be basically brand new....well... as new as its gonna get.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Bike Ride!!
Just recently a friend of mine told me about a park just out of minneapolis that is connected by bike trail. This park has a camping area, many lakes, fishing, hiking, and much more! Well that just sounds great, a place i can bike to and camp.
So a few days ago, Teeny and i decide to bike out to the park. The trail consists of 10 miles of paved trail and 15 of limestone trail. Its still March but we are having a very warm march; it was about 55 degrees with the sun out that afternoon. First we made it to Hopkins and after that the limestone trail starts. The trail was a bit muddy as we had alot of snow this year, but it was a beautiful ride. We made it out to the park after 25 miles. Unfortunately we didn't get to explore the park very much as the pub was calling our names. On the way back we stopped at Jake O'conner's for a pint, whisky and some shepard's pie. mmm. After that we were on our way home and made it as the sun fell.
50 mile spring ride!
Hopefully there will be many more to come with camping and fishing included.
Here's the route:
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3553884
I rode my Surly Long Haul Trucker that i recently built and it performed well... The brakes i decided to put on the bike turned out to be not a very good choice. They work, but not as well as i would like.
Overall good ride, good bike.
So a few days ago, Teeny and i decide to bike out to the park. The trail consists of 10 miles of paved trail and 15 of limestone trail. Its still March but we are having a very warm march; it was about 55 degrees with the sun out that afternoon. First we made it to Hopkins and after that the limestone trail starts. The trail was a bit muddy as we had alot of snow this year, but it was a beautiful ride. We made it out to the park after 25 miles. Unfortunately we didn't get to explore the park very much as the pub was calling our names. On the way back we stopped at Jake O'conner's for a pint, whisky and some shepard's pie. mmm. After that we were on our way home and made it as the sun fell.
50 mile spring ride!
Hopefully there will be many more to come with camping and fishing included.
Here's the route:
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3553884
I rode my Surly Long Haul Trucker that i recently built and it performed well... The brakes i decided to put on the bike turned out to be not a very good choice. They work, but not as well as i would like.
Overall good ride, good bike.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
The only poem in 6 months
The light sparkles from a few as we're all on different paths
If your lucky and smart you might catch some of it
It might show you something
It may make you feel something
Have fun
Find joy in all things
If something makes you smile
Well. Then. Smile
and enjoy it
Laugh. Laugh out-loud and enjoy it
Cry and enjoy it
Don't hold back
Don't die a stubborn, prideful bigot
Live with excitement, love and eagerness
Let people inspire you
Instead of keeping your pride,
you may actually be able to learn something from someone else
Just Maybe-
There are so many beautiful people in the world
with ideas, and thoughts and feelings
far different from yours.
You should talk to them
Hi, My name's Brett
How do ya like me so far!
If your lucky and smart you might catch some of it
It might show you something
It may make you feel something
Have fun
Find joy in all things
If something makes you smile
Well. Then. Smile
and enjoy it
Laugh. Laugh out-loud and enjoy it
Cry and enjoy it
Don't hold back
Don't die a stubborn, prideful bigot
Live with excitement, love and eagerness
Let people inspire you
Instead of keeping your pride,
you may actually be able to learn something from someone else
Just Maybe-
There are so many beautiful people in the world
with ideas, and thoughts and feelings
far different from yours.
You should talk to them
Hi, My name's Brett
How do ya like me so far!
Las Lajas, Panama
We pulled in to some cabanas (rustic cabins) late night after being lost for an hour. It seemed even longer because i was driving. As we were walking around the seemingly deserted area another car pulled up. We had checked the huts and they didn't have anything but a bed and a shelf. Which is exactly what you need in a beach hut. The lizards and grasshoppers roam free here, jumping from shoulder to shoulder.
We went back to the chained off entrance to talk to the other car. He found the property manager and woke him, and luckily he let us pass. He gave us some sheets, that barely stretched half of the bed and said good night.
We were left to our huts and bottle of rum to stare at the stars.
STARE WE DID!
There was very little light pollution and the stars were incredible. One of my top 3 star gazing nights. It was if we were at a basketball game and all of the cameras flashes were going off as Michael Jordan dunked the ball from the free throw line. A dunk like that only happens for 3 seconds. Now imagine it for over an hour.
The stars were competing for our attention that night.
They wouldn't stop sparkling and shining and shimmering!
We saw quiet a few shooting stars as well.
I don't know if we realized it at the time but i'm pretty sure it was a new moon. I don't remember seeing the moon, and it was a dark night.
Especially being in rural panama. You had to be lost to find this place.
When we woke up the next morning with the sun so bright i couldn't see with out sunglasses
We had a huge beach with one other family on it. When i say a huge beach i mean massive.
We picked coconuts for breakfast. Delicious coconuts.
Then...... we were off on our next adventure.
: )
We went back to the chained off entrance to talk to the other car. He found the property manager and woke him, and luckily he let us pass. He gave us some sheets, that barely stretched half of the bed and said good night.
We were left to our huts and bottle of rum to stare at the stars.
STARE WE DID!
There was very little light pollution and the stars were incredible. One of my top 3 star gazing nights. It was if we were at a basketball game and all of the cameras flashes were going off as Michael Jordan dunked the ball from the free throw line. A dunk like that only happens for 3 seconds. Now imagine it for over an hour.
The stars were competing for our attention that night.
They wouldn't stop sparkling and shining and shimmering!
We saw quiet a few shooting stars as well.
I don't know if we realized it at the time but i'm pretty sure it was a new moon. I don't remember seeing the moon, and it was a dark night.
Especially being in rural panama. You had to be lost to find this place.
When we woke up the next morning with the sun so bright i couldn't see with out sunglasses
We had a huge beach with one other family on it. When i say a huge beach i mean massive.
We picked coconuts for breakfast. Delicious coconuts.
Then...... we were off on our next adventure.
: )
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
New Post!
Hello Hello,
Well i have to apologize, i haven't written in 10 months or so. Plenty has been happening around minneapolis and in my life...i guess i just haven't felt like writing.
First and foremost...I bought a house in august for those of you who didn't hear. I have been very busy with that, fixing and repairing things. So far things are going pretty well. I'm enjoying having the freedom to do what i want with a place. It has changed some of my opinions now that i am (as my uncle Mark would say) a real tax paying son of a bitch. hehe.
I have been practicing a lot of yoga the last year. lately its been every other day. I am really enjoying the challenges that has presented and always look forward to new poses and expressions.
This summer i was running quite a bit. My father and I had some great times running early morning.
Also i ran the Twin Cities 10 mile race last October and had a blast. I averaged 8:07 per mile, and crossed the finish line in a sprint. I guess i got excited when i saw the crowd. I registered for the Lake Minnetonka half marathon in May and look forward to that.
This summer and fall wasn't easy though, my family has had some tough times, but we pulled through, we always do.
I stuck around minneapolis for the summer and enjoyed the wonderful weather here. Went on some great camping trips to Vagasil Island on the St. Croix river.
My next adventure is coming up very soon......Panama!
After booking the tickets realized i will be there during Carnival! The biggest celebration in the world!!! (basically) 3 days long....
I look forward to surfing, hiking a volcano, deserted islands, fresh seafood, and warm weather.
I will hopefully be writing frequently now.
tell then
Ta Ta
Well i have to apologize, i haven't written in 10 months or so. Plenty has been happening around minneapolis and in my life...i guess i just haven't felt like writing.
First and foremost...I bought a house in august for those of you who didn't hear. I have been very busy with that, fixing and repairing things. So far things are going pretty well. I'm enjoying having the freedom to do what i want with a place. It has changed some of my opinions now that i am (as my uncle Mark would say) a real tax paying son of a bitch. hehe.
I have been practicing a lot of yoga the last year. lately its been every other day. I am really enjoying the challenges that has presented and always look forward to new poses and expressions.
This summer i was running quite a bit. My father and I had some great times running early morning.
Also i ran the Twin Cities 10 mile race last October and had a blast. I averaged 8:07 per mile, and crossed the finish line in a sprint. I guess i got excited when i saw the crowd. I registered for the Lake Minnetonka half marathon in May and look forward to that.
This summer and fall wasn't easy though, my family has had some tough times, but we pulled through, we always do.
I stuck around minneapolis for the summer and enjoyed the wonderful weather here. Went on some great camping trips to Vagasil Island on the St. Croix river.
My next adventure is coming up very soon......Panama!
After booking the tickets realized i will be there during Carnival! The biggest celebration in the world!!! (basically) 3 days long....
I look forward to surfing, hiking a volcano, deserted islands, fresh seafood, and warm weather.
I will hopefully be writing frequently now.
tell then
Ta Ta
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