Michael: The Pre-Carbon Checklist

 The less than inch worm 

Lies on the translucent leaf 

Enjoying the sun. 

 Tuesday, July 28, 2020

The paradox of now strikes again. 

Now it concerns my feet which I frequently like to treat to new athletic shoes. Lately, it seems the rage is carbon plated marathon racing shoes. But before indulging and trying out any of these wonders, there are a few requirements they need to meet.  

Right off the bat, it’s hard to justify a give or take $200 shoe purchase for miracle worker racing shoes when there are no races.  

Secondly, I’m not keen on running a road marathon even when races do open back up. But one of these shoes may still work for half marathons, 10 and 5ks, which I do plan on running as soon as they become a non-virtual go.  

Then I need to be in shape which right now I’m not due to fighting a prolonged glute injury.  

There’s also the price. I never dreamed that I’d seriously be tempted to pay over $150 plus for shoes.  

And finally, the strongest consideration that’s having me lean against the purchase of a carbon shoe is the great revues that the non-carbon plated Saucony Endorphin Speed is getting. It’s plated, but with a nylon plate. From all the chatter they sound as worthwhile as the carbon offerings out there but at the reasonable(?) price of $160. 

So almost decision made. After it’s clear that a race is going to take place and I’ve had some solid training in, the choice will be between the highly in demand white, blue and magenta colorway, or the more but also more readily available sedate black and gold. It seems I’ll have a few months at least to mull that over.  

Michael: The Disconnect

The elderberry 

Clusters dangling in the woods 

Sustain the scrub jays. 

Thursday, July 23, 2020 

Right now, it’s very difficult to comprehend what’s going on in the world. All of this virus news seems very much like gun violence news except we haven’t taken any measures to mitigate gun violence while the measures we’ve taken to mitigate the virus don’t seem to be as effective as they should be.  

One difference is that because of wearing masks and social distancing, I’m always aware that there’s something out there causing people harm. But it hasn’t directly harmed anyone I know yet. 

In the summer as usual, when I drive along the beach, I still see people out and about. And I do suppose there’s something good going on when, in the middle of a once in a century crisis, people can relax and enjoy themselves while a tsunami’s in the middle of crashing over the weenie roast.  

Unlike gun violence, I’m a bit more sure of what precautions are reasonable to take. And similarly, I don’t suspect any of those around me are setting out to try and cause me harm. Though admittedly, with the virus, the harm caused wouldn't be premeditated.  

Gun violence doesn’t seem likely to cause massive business closings like the virus has and might again. Right now I’m working and am grateful for that. Although being in the service industry, that could change at any moment.  

And that’s where the most significant difference is from the way I feel about gun violence and the virus. I know there both out there lurking in the dark. But I just don’t expect to be shot or to lose my job because people are gun crazy here. With the virus I’m not so sure. And that leads to a lot of anxiety about how to think about and plan for the future.   

Michael: Drummer

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Drummer 

With all this

Noise... 

Sounds like  

The drummer  

Boy 

Screaming at 

The top  

Of his lungs 

“How  

They worship 

Him...” 

Pu..rumpa.. 

Pum...pum. 

The newborn 

Old man 

King 

Won't live 

That long 

And neither 

Will we. 

Pu...rumpa.. 

Pum...pum. 

Michael; An Opportunity

The summer mustard,

Barren of its yellow zest, 

Is a brittle grass. 

Saturday, July 11, 2020 

As I was burning out on teaching I thought I was being thrown a life preserver by the state and our governor. They were proposing to implement a new comprehensive P.E. program and my principal had allowed me to train for a position as a supervisor in that program. That would’ve allowed me to get out of the classroom and oversee a group of schools to assist and guide them in following the new curriculum.  

But I was not saved. The program collapsed due to budget constraints and I continued in the classroom for a few more years ambivalent years.  

Wise or not, without a full pension or health coverage. So continued employment was going to be necessary if I was going to live comfortably in the states.  

I was fortunate enough to find full time work as what’s called an SPG (Senior Program Guide) at a very high-end wellness program.  

Now with several changes in the program I’ve been asked to develop a fitness class to do once a week. Karma? I’m not a big believer. But it is an opportunity to teach in an area that I would’ve been happy to pursue when I was still an elementary teacher.