Remember when the internet didn't exist?

Over the weekend Sarah and I made a visit to Harpers Ferry, VA. Unfortunately, my shoulder was giving me problems that day so I was unable to do a large amount of physical activity. Nonetheless, it was great to get out of Baltimore for a day. Most of the day was spent just visiting the Appalachian Trail Headquarters, a hike to Jefferson Rock, and strolling around the historic area. Some of the buildings were nothing more than remnants of what seemed like a forgotten civilization, others were intact and decorated to the standards of that time period. Intact or not, there was something peaceful about Harpers Ferry. One might think it was the sparse amount of people, but it was something else and didn’t have anything to do with animate objects. Looking into some of the restored and decorated buildings you might except to see grand Victorian halls, but instead you see a sizeable but comfortable living area with nothing more than a bed, desk, wash bin, coffee percolator (essential!), and fireplace. What was peaceful? It wasn’t the abundance of I-pods, laptops, cable television, or other digital accessories, but the lack of those things. I tried to think back to the time before the internet (I’m to young to think back before televisions) and found it challenging. Every night I watch the news, play on the internet, or bum around at Barnes & Nobles. So I am challenging myself and you to pick up a book, read your Bible and talk to God, go running (without the I-pod), write a letter to someone (that means a pen and paper), go fishing, visit a local historical landmark, work to brew that perfect cup of coffee, and plant something (I have a propensity to kill things when I try). REI has a common slogan in its campaigns which says “Out is in”. It actually inspired me not just to spend time in the woods, but spend time in life (which doesn’t include Facebook & Myspace)!

Totally off topic, kudos to some of the best BBQ sauce I’ve ever had at that place I can’t remember the name off. It is in Harpers Ferry.

Rocky Balboa

My 1st post and thoughts on a movie I watched recently is "Rocky Balboa". Naturally like most "Rocky" fans, I was extremely skeptical about the latest installment of in the series of "Rocky" movies. The most recent "Rocky 5", was boring, painful, and didn't have the spirit that "Rocky" 1 and 2 had. I had heard that "Rocky Balboa" went back to the roots. Who ever said that was right. The early "Rocky" movies taught society that we can be the underdog and misfits of society, yet still achieve our wildest dreams. Many movies circle around that theme, but few capture the roller coaster of life that's required to get to that point. From the beginning of the series, we watched Rocky take blow after blow in every fight. Every time he stepped in that ring, he knew he was going to take a beating. Through those blows Rocky learned patience, perseverance, and determination when the odds and status quo said there was no way. On a side night, nothing beats old school Rocky Training like punching meat in the freezer. Nice to see the same ol Rocky gear (hat and jacket) as well.

"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that!" - Rocky Balboa

The rest of us underdogs salute you the "Italian Stallion". Happy New Year!