Saving gas. Enjoying life.

I have been doing this experiment these past few weeks. I have slowed down my speed when I drive to work and I have been keeping my speed around 65 mph or slower. Amazingly enough, I have been able to get up to 450 miles/tank (12 gallons). I used to drive about 75-80 mph on the highway on average, and I barely got to 400 miles. So I consider this experiment a success based on how much money I have been saving, but there's another area that I feel like I succeeded with.

Ever since I slowed down and not rushed myself to get from point A to point B, I have been able to look around and see what's around me. I have intently watched day in and day out the changes of the colors of the fields-from brown to green. It makes me think of how life takes on a gradual change, and to witness the whole process, is in many ways inspiring, which then causes me to reflect on life. I think that sometimes, we get so busy with all the things we want to do, that we miss out on the little things that should matter more. It seems as if we thrive on staying busy, but at the same time complain about it, and sometimes we think that we're being lazy when we're not doing anything. Is that really the case? I am not admonishing laziness, but I think that slowing down can lead us to cherish more simple things in life. I think that has been a new philosophy I have been practicing lately.

I used to just be absorbed with work and making extra money so I can do more, see more, buy more. And that lasted for a while. But I think the older I get, and hopefully wiser as well, I have started to want different things. Waking up early no longer meant getting to work earlier so I can get overtime....it's more about taking my time and enjoying my time while I am still at home. I don't feel like I have to rush myself out the door, but I take my time and hope that my son would wake up so I could see his smiling face before I leave. Or I can talk to my wife just a few minutes more in person, not just on the phone throughout the day. I think I leave my house a happier person when I do these things because I don't feel like I am racing with time. Come to think of it, who can catch time anyway? I don't want to miss a beat..or miss a season in my son's life. I don't want to wake up one morning regretting what I could have done more.

I think living in the present is what LIVING really means. Grammatically, living is a progressive verb - so, it's in the process. I can't truly enjoy life if I am not cherishing TODAY.

As a father, I think I want to the best dad. I don't look for a medal or a plaque, but as long as my son knows that I am there for him, I am happy. I don't want to have to pretend that I am the best father or husband, I want to be that kind of father and husband right now, this very moment, today.

So, this experiment with slowing down really opened up my eyes and my mind to why it is so important to cherish our families and closest friends today. As much as I like saving money, I think that what I have learned is priceless - that life, stripped of all the vanity and complexities - is all about treasuring what we already have - and that life is not to be lived by trying to catch tomorrow. LIVE IN THE PRESENT. When I think of it this way, it's pretty simple, isn't it?

Who's in? Who's out? Off to the races!!!!

Well, I have some amazing news!!!! I got some new people who committed to run a half marathon and half marathon this year!!!! I think the word "COMMITTED" is perfect to describe what it takes to be motivated to run these races! We must be CRAZY! Well, I know I am! I guess you have to be to hang round me!! But it's okay! I promise that it will be worth it! I know that all the hard work will pay off. And I promise that all the blisters, cramps, etc. will go away after an extended period of time! Always remember that it's for a good cause! And YOU can finish the race! NO MATTER WHAT! You can prove to yourself that you can do it!

But of course, you have to work hard and do your own share. Preparation is crucial! Learning how to prioritize your time for training is essential to your success! So, Let's all start working hard! Walking precedes running! Don't overdo it and push too hard in the beginning!! Take your time and condition your body well!

Below are the people who have committed to run!

Michelle Filio (half marathon)
Rey Lim (half marathon)
Trent Warner (half and full marathons)
Brooke Warner (half and full marathons)
Cameron Beckham (full marathon)
Calvin Murdock (full marathon)
Joe Nevels (5 mile)

I am going to start a new blog to feature all the runners! And keep track of their progress!

I am soooo excited! See you at the finish line!!!

It's official! Let's do it!

Okay everyone!!!! This is going to be crazy!! But I have decided and convinced myself after much thought.....I'm running another marathon this year! I am finally feeling pretty determined! My body seems to have healed from the last marathon and the car accident! WOOHOO!!! I can move about freely without pain! And pain killers!! So, that's awesome! I got my work cut out for me, but anything is possible.

I have not decided what race to do for sure, but it will be in fall. I will most likely do a half marathon sometime in the summer to see where I am at! It will most likely be in Chicago. As for the actual marathon, there's a lot of possibilities, so START TRAINING! Commit...and run!!!!!

Please feel free to let me know if you get hit with the spirit of running! The feeling of accomplishment after enduring all the pain is like no other!

Learning from a child

Last night, I rocked Owen before he went to bed. I usually sing to him, but I have been sick and have a cold, so I can't really sing. So we just talked. He told me about his day and he usually says he played a lot. But last night as we were talking, he said something that really almost made me speechless, and I had to apologize to my toddler.

He said: "Daddy doesn't play with me when the t.v. is on. Daddy plays with me when it's off." At first, I wasn't sure what I heard from my son, so i asked him again. He repeated it, and I was so surprised that he was able to see that at his young age. I was almost embarrassed to admit that there had been times when I would be glued to the t.v. even when he wants to play. I felt like the worst father in the world, so I apologized to him and asked him if he was mad. He said: "No." He then gave me a hug.

The lesson I learned here is that I can't underestimate how much my son does and doesn't comprehend. His observation was clear and simple. I promised him I would be better. For him, I am sure he didn't know the effect it would have in me, but since I want him to always know that I love him, and that he is important to me, I am willing to set aside my desire to watch certain shows so I can play with him.

It was truly a humbling experience to hear the words of a child - so honest and true. I love the fact that he communicates so well. He amazes me each day as he continues to grow and learn so many different things.

A few days ago, I asked him three questions. 1) Do you want a new train or daddy at home? 2) Do you want a big big new train or daddy at home? 3) Do you want a really really new big train or daddy at home? To my amazement, he said: "I want daddy home. I like you home. You play with me." It makes me smile inside and out. I love being a father. I love being a husband. I love trying to be the best I can be for my loved ones so they will know that I am and will always be there for them.

Looking through Owen's eyes

Ever since Owen started talking a lot, I have been so excited to just hear him talk and listen to him even when I have to listen to certain things a few times before I get it. But as days pass by, his words become clearer and clearer. Every time I get a chance to get him ready for bed, I love talking to him and asking him about his day! Sometimes, I ask him questions that are so simple, but his responses seem to move me.

The other night, we were talking about President Hinckley. We have taught him that he was the prophet, and then we told him that he had recently died. He repeated the other night that President Hickley is dead. And I asked him: "Where is he now?" He then said: "I don't know." I proceeded to explain to him that he is in Heaven. He then smiled and told me: "Heaven is a happy place." I smiled and commended him for his answer. I then asked him,"Do you want to go to heaven?" He shook his head and said: "No." I asked why not, and he then said: "I WANT TO STAY WITH YOU."

There was just something about it that made me feel a lot of joy as a father. And even close to tears when I think about my son who loves me so much. He loves it when I am home from work, or on weekends, when we play. I guess he is my number one fan.

Being a father is so much enjoyable when you have a son like Owen. His smile just melts my heart!