update 8.28.08

So, the month of August flies by.  I mean, it's one of those times of the year that I look back on and can't remember how one day led into the next.  And, what's equally interesting is that each day holds so many new experiences that last week seems like months ago.  And, after three pretty relaxed months, I enjoy the time.  In fact, it's my constant work with the awesome people that truly makes me forget how old I am. 

The pictures on this entry were taken over the past few weeks.  The top one is a selection of students with whom I work.  And, I'll say it again, these are the kids that will one day shape the world for a better place.  They are just THAT good.  The second one was my glow-in-the-dark, miniature golfing

team.  We were pretty awesome.  John (far left) and I tied for first place.  

So, these next pictures were from Fire Safety Training, with Memphis Firefighter Jeremy Lansing.  Jeremy has come out to Rhodes a couple of times to teach the students how to use a fire extinguisher.  I think that most of the girls get really passionate about fire safety after the training.

And, this is John.  John really got into the training...to the point of donning the gear (except I think he was wearing flipflops) so that he could re-light the fire after it has been extinguished.  

But, that's a glimpse of my life over the past few weeks.  Now it calms down and I get to actually remember the days as the fly by.

29 footprints

I think I feel deeply.  I mean, I get emotional.  Watching the Opening Ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics has made me get a little choked up several times.  I think the synergy and symmetry of it all is so beautiful.  The history.  The performance.  The harmony.  Knowing that weeks and months of preparation went into this...a platform that is built on competition and unity.  (Those are, by the way, two of my favorite things.  I like to compete...and win.  But, I cherish unity.)

 Fifteen thousand performers.  That's four thousand more people than the Olympics have athletes.  And, no one was used twice.  Watching over 2,000 Tai Chi masters execute at the same time while formed in perfect circles is awe-inspiring.  The large scale, with attention to the small details.  All of it held in a place nicknamed "The Bird's Nest."  

Perhaps the coolest thing, was watching the fireworks of footprints, 29 in all, flash across the Beijing skyline and walk their way, one per second, to the Opening Ceremonies. That, and seeing the men, women and children smile and wave.  So, I'll shelve my opinions of China right now, and focus on the beauty of the Olympics.  

hard questions to answer

So, I picked up a book at the airport on the flight home from my Uncle Sandy's funeral called "How to Talk to a Widower."  Probably a bad choice, but it happened.  And, I've been reading the book while working out.  And, there have been some comforting instructions.  Like, it's okay to not know how to respond to the comment of "I'm so sorry for your loss."  Like the widower says, "what, are you suppose to say 'thanks?' That just doesn't seem right.  It's like you're thanking them."  

I'm not sure if it's profitable to put my feelings out here, mainly because I really wonder if people care about others.  I'm not trying to sound cynical, but really...when you ask others how they're doing, do you really care to hear if the answer is "not so good."  And, if you do entertain those comments, then it's only a few sentences into the explanation before you're thinking about your "to do" list or what you're having for dinner or "did I remember to turn the coffee pot off this morning?"  You get caught up in your own worlds too often and forget that everyone we meet is fighting some kind of battle. (And, I say "you" because it's easier to make the accusation than to make it personal--but all of those "yous" above are really "I" or "me.")  It's not always great or good or, even, okay.  Sometimes it's just rough.