SUP for Cross Training

Running, Biking, Swimming -- all I needed was another sport. That's why today, after much deliberation, I finally broke down and bought a SUP.

Ok, what's a SUP, some may say. Well, it's the newest multi-water recreation.  It's a Stand up paddle board and it's a lot better than surfing. Why, because you don't have to wait for the wind and you can use it in any body of water, even a pool.

Katrina -- Remember this Day

 I remember vividly that desolate summer morning when Katrina slammed ashore and turned this once vivacious city upside down.

    Since my endearing college days, when I would embark on an yearly pilgrimage to N'awlins for Mardi Gras, this vibrant city of Cajun, Creole and Crawfish pie has stayed mythically close to my heart, soul and cuisine.

Restoring Honor Rally: Honor the Message, not the Messenger

"It's not the messenger, it's the message."

In my nearly nine years in DC,  I've never seen anything like this on one single afternoon -- dueling rallies at the National Mall, merely a few hundred yards from each other.  It would be a day to reflect on, a day rich with many key messages.

Martin Luther King was a great messenger, a messenger of Hope, A messenger of Love.

Who's Picking Up Your Trash? DC Trash Runners and Raising Awareness

"When we're running hard up a hill, it doesn't matter what socioeconomic status you come from."

I had the unique opportunity to run with Donna, Anastasia, Darnell and new friends as we picked up trash along the historic H Street corridor.


Back on My Feet gives the homeless a second chance to regain control of their lives. The program's mission also exemplifies several of Runin DC's core values. The first of these is "reflecting on relationships" or seeing how we are all connected. Back on My Feet is not a handout; it is about partnerships and seeing ourselves in others. While running and training, the homeless and the trainers support and challenge each other to strive higher.

Back on My Feet is also about "understanding" or empathizing with people--no matter how different they may appear at first glance.

Rev Sharpton Civil Rights Rally

My First Charity Date Auction

"And yes, Virginia, I'm now sold!"

I've never been to a charity date auction -- I'm not that kind of guy who would patronize such an event.

So when I received an evite to attend a date auction, I quickly dismissed it and vowed not to attend.

But after some time, the idea started eating at me.  I like to try just about everything (that's legal and moral, that is) once and also believe in challenging my preconceived notions.  After all, I do not have the right to have an opinion, if I've never experienced it myself, right?

Jitegemee's founder, Farah Stockman

The Charity date auction was for a very honorable cause: Jitegemee (Swahili for "Sustain yourself").  The non profit is dedicated to providing street children in Kenya with formal and vocational education.  All money raised from the auction would directly support the construction of a new environmentally-sustainable school.

Running with Other Striders

There's something uniquely special about running with a running group.  No, it's not mainly the training, the motivation, the running route.  For me its the camaraderie.  Because with a running group, it's about meeting new people and revisiting with old ones.  No, I don't normally push myself hard when running with the DC Capital Striders.  It's the friendship that gets developed that is actually more precious than anything training can provide.

The Five Senses of Tapas

"Tiene usted Tapas?"

There's something romantically divine about Spanish tapas.  I don't know if it's the succulent taste, the exquisite Mediterranean touch, the Spanish, romantic feel of the whole setting,  Hearing the fruity crunch of the almonds in my gazpacho salad, or the delicious smell floating over my pan-seared scallops, stimulating my sense of smell.

Whatever it is, I love it when exquisite food stimulates my five senses.

SUP Up!

I want a new sport

One that won't make me sick

One that won't make me crash my car

Or make me feel three feet thick

I found a new sport today.  Yeah, move over running, biking, ice soccer (crazy sport played on the reflecting pool during cold winters when it freezes over).

My Star and Shamrock on H St, NE

I got another So What's The Deal (WTD) invitation today to enjoy two free drinks at Star and Shamrock on H Street near the Atlas Performing Arts Center.  Since I was seriously missing Ireland from last week, I was truly interested in downing some green beer or dark stout.  And maybe I might get lucky...

When with the Irish...

"When in Rome do as the Romans. When with the Irish, drink lots of Guinness."

I normally don't like Guinness.  The last time I enjoyed its roasted malts was exactly three years ago, when summers were mild and friends called instead of texted.

But I was at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in DC.   I did not second guess.  I easily gulped it down because I was with new friends from Northern Ireland, and I wanted to immerse myself in the merry spirit that they so gladly touted.  "When in Rome do as the Romans. When with the Irish, drink lots of Guinness."

But for the last three years, I practically refrained from tasting this popular stout.  It was too strong, too dry, too heavy, not tasty.  But then again which light beer had flavor.  I wanted to head the other way.

But then when my wanderlust travels took me to the hills of Northern Ireland, I knew it was time.  For the first three days, the moment wasn't right.  Yes, I passed many pubs and yes, the mugs were overflowing with creamy head mixed with liquid nitrogen.  As tempting as it may seemed,  I just didn't want to go solo, even in a bar filled with Patricks and O'Malleys.  I wanted to enjoy the thick stout in the company of friends and better yet, in the mist of a special celebration, even if it was the very last day in Ireland.

Don't Know Much about History of the Gullahs

"People come and go.  Some Cultures even go through change.  But language must never be lost, or else we'll lose our identity and our will to live."

Life can be exciting at times, especially when you're open to explore it.  I was literally just in the area meeting with the inspector for 2356 Green Street, SE, a house with a splendid, panoramic view of the Capitol, USS Barry and the expanding development across the Federal gateway.

The inspection went fine, so I decided to kill some time in the local area -- it had been a long while since I visited the Anacostia Museum -- had no idea, what was on display...why not?  Sometimes surprise can be exciting.

As soon as I walked in, the museum staff informed me of a program that was just starting called "The Roots of Gullah".  Attending high school in coastal Georgia and being stationed aboard USS O'Bannon (DD-987) in Charleston, South Carolina, I had definitely heard of the Gullah people before.  The problem was, the topic never really interested me much -- it was something I overlooked or just took for granted.

Hello Kindle, Goodbye Borders

"Books no longer, get lost on the shelf. They can be accessed even in the remote parts of the world, even that clunky textbook.  With the Kindle, once you buy a book, it's forever yours."

Reminiscing

I used to love Borders and Barnes and Nobles.  I would spend countless hours, flipping away at shelves,  relaxing in the comfy chairs, eating away at books and sipping Seattle's Best.

Those were the days. Long, and lazy with nothing in store but a good book and an open mind.  Now those long, lazy days are long gone....


Planning for my European Backpacking Trip

When I was planning my trip to Europe, I knew I would spend countless hours waiting for a plane, for a train or riding on one.  Since I was backpacking, I had to travel light.  I was convinced then that I needed to purchase a Kindle.  And since Amazon had just reduced the price on the Kindle 2 by 20%, I was off running to Target to make that storied purchase.

A Bike in a Bag

When I arrived in London and boarded its renowned Tube train, I noticed something different right away. No it wasn't the faces or the accents -- I already was expecting that.

The Difference

There were no bikes.  No regular bikes at least, just foldable ones.  The ones that could almost fit in a gym bag and slide underneath your seat. Come to find out only foldable bikes were allowed in the Tube, rush hour or not.  I could see why the trains were compact and very crowded, even before rush hour.  I finally understood the meaning of a poor, helpless sardine packed in a crushed tin box.

Critical Mass for Fun but Abide by the Rules

Today, I joined Critical Mass in their monthly rides through the heart of DC.

It wasn't planned. I didn't even know the group existed.

It was just a matter of being at the right place at the right time, I guess.

I had just taken my Specialized Tri bike out for a spin at Haines Point.  It was exhilarating, but I wanted more.

Actually I had a deep yearning to take my new Dahon Mu P8 for a spin around the mall.  It wasn't fast, it wasn't sleek.  It even wasn't sexy.  But it was cool, compact and precisely just me.