Why? The Serengeti, of Course
James Joyce took the ordinary and made it extraordinary. Daily, mundane lives exploded in color, richness, and intricacy in the pages of his great works. Something as simple as making breakfast or walking on the beach became opportunities to explore the interior of life and plumb the depths of the conscious mind. Which brings me to this blog.
Nothing has led me to examine my life more than becoming a parent. Like getting married or buying a house, having children is one of those things that most people do at some point in their lives. Yet, while it's seemingly trivial in the aggregate, each is a very big deal to the individual. And, I have to say, bringing up my two sons as a part time stay-at-home dad has taught me many things about myself--some of which are admirable, some of which are far-from-flattering. Let's just say, when I have plumbed the depths of my conscious mind, I have more than once turned away chagrined. But, I'm learning every day and trying to be a better, new-and-improved father.
Athletics is another seemingly mundane activity that also plays a huge role in my life and in my self-exploration. I've raced bikes, ran, swam, or speed skated regularly for over 20 years. Why? There's health. There's fitness. There's the rush of competition, and the challenge of mastering technique. All thing's that motivate me. But what really keeps me interested is the inner journey of athletics. It's a chance to mesh the mind and body; to return to a long-forgotten state when, as little australopithecines, we roamed the Serengeti looking for food and avoiding predators. We're hard wired for activity; and for me, it gives me a chance to transcend Seinfeld and Survivor, CNN and the New York Times, and just turn inward--associating my mind and body, not dissociating them, which so much of today is focused upon, and which I fall prey to more than most.
I've recently signed up for an Ironman triathlon in Coure d'Alene, Idaho (www.ironmencda.com). If I finish the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run, i'll definitely be able to mark one off my short list of things to do before I die. In "Tri Dad," I hope to chronicle the ins, outs, and in-betweens of taking on this task while being a part-time stay-at-home dad. Some posts will wax philosophic. Some will simply chronicle the week. Each will be a piece of the puzzle.
Nothing has led me to examine my life more than becoming a parent. Like getting married or buying a house, having children is one of those things that most people do at some point in their lives. Yet, while it's seemingly trivial in the aggregate, each is a very big deal to the individual. And, I have to say, bringing up my two sons as a part time stay-at-home dad has taught me many things about myself--some of which are admirable, some of which are far-from-flattering. Let's just say, when I have plumbed the depths of my conscious mind, I have more than once turned away chagrined. But, I'm learning every day and trying to be a better, new-and-improved father.
Athletics is another seemingly mundane activity that also plays a huge role in my life and in my self-exploration. I've raced bikes, ran, swam, or speed skated regularly for over 20 years. Why? There's health. There's fitness. There's the rush of competition, and the challenge of mastering technique. All thing's that motivate me. But what really keeps me interested is the inner journey of athletics. It's a chance to mesh the mind and body; to return to a long-forgotten state when, as little australopithecines, we roamed the Serengeti looking for food and avoiding predators. We're hard wired for activity; and for me, it gives me a chance to transcend Seinfeld and Survivor, CNN and the New York Times, and just turn inward--associating my mind and body, not dissociating them, which so much of today is focused upon, and which I fall prey to more than most.
I've recently signed up for an Ironman triathlon in Coure d'Alene, Idaho (www.ironmencda.com). If I finish the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run, i'll definitely be able to mark one off my short list of things to do before I die. In "Tri Dad," I hope to chronicle the ins, outs, and in-betweens of taking on this task while being a part-time stay-at-home dad. Some posts will wax philosophic. Some will simply chronicle the week. Each will be a piece of the puzzle.
posted by Hank at 10:45 PM
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