Managing Moment

An event took place at work today, that eventually led about 20 of us to the Krispy Kreme two doors down. A few of us ordered doughnuts and coffee, but most people just hung out until it was time to head back to the offices.

Image via Wikipedia

While we were in there, someone must have explained to the manager why we all bombarded her store. She stepped out into the dining area and announced "all refills on your drinks or coffee are free, let us know how we can help."

Then a few moments later, one of the employees came out with a tray of Kool Kreme samples. That was smart!

She seized the moment and made a friendly gesture knowing we worked close by. I am now looking for a good excuse to go back over and by some Kool Kreme.

Take advantage of moments that allow for random acts of kindness.

A Flower for Mom

Image by Andreas-photography via Flickr

Every year on Mother's Day, there was a battle between me and my father.

It was a tradition that seems to have been lost in the last 20 years, but on Mother's Day everyone wore a flower or corsage in honor of mothers. You wore red to honor the living and white to honor the deceased.

On the Saturday before Mother's Day, my father would stop by the florist to pick up all of the flowers for my mother and grandmothers. I always thought they were big and gaudy and I new hugging my grandmother at church that morning was going to be extra annoying when the huge floral arrangement on her shoulder connected with my face.

On Sunday morning, he walked outside to the rose bush and cut off flowers for me, my brother, and himself. I just didn't think it was right for a boy to wear a flower. After kicking and screaming, the quiet threat on my life was made clear from my father's stare. The battle ended quickly and I came around to honoring my mother by wearing the red rose.

My mom never met her grandchildren before passing away, but having kids of my own has created a new appreciation for my mom. And as for my wife, the mother of my children, I now understand why wearing that flower was so important to my father.

How will you honor the mothers in your life this year?

2010 Country Music Marathon Results

For all of those who were pretty sure I was going to die running the half marathon, I'm still here and kickin'. I don't recommend NOT training for this race, but if you don't, I'm proof you can still make it to the end.

I started out in Corral 9 with the intention of finishing at 2:00. Atleast that was the plan back in December when I signed up to run. So, for the first 2 miles of the race I managed to keep that pace. Then, as I turned off of 4th Ave on to Demonbreun, I managed to catch the edge of a drainage grate where I rolled my ankle in a puddle. The next 11 miles my ankle began to swell causing me to run with muscles I don't usually use. At mile 9, those muscles decided to cramp up. I did manage to run about 6 of 13.1 miles. Unfortunately, it was well behind my pace two years ago.

Chip Time: 3:21:14
Clock Time: 3:28:56
Overall: 21324
Sex Pl: 8012
Div Pl: 1414
Age Grade: 29.4%

I was wearing a bright yellow Team Ramsey shirt this year with The Dave Ramsey Show logo on the front. As my pace for the last 4 miles slowed to a leisurely walk, I heard all kinds of statements as everyone passed me.

• "I'm debt free!"
• "C'mon, running is easier than getting out of debt!"
• "Cheetah!"
• "Where's the intensity? You can do it."
• "Is Dave running this year?"
• "Do you work for Dave? What do you do?"
• "I'll be debt free in two week!"

I jumped in behind Lance Morgan from the Biggest Loser, and watched as the crowd cheered for him along the way. I just pretended they were cheering for me as they yelled "Go Biggest Loser!" Unfortunately, I couldn't keep up with him for more than a half mile.

I did manage to make it to the end and back to my car, just before the terrential downpour.

Next year? We'll see.

Marathon-Photos.com Country Music Nashville Marathon and Half