On the run

Today I'm celebrating the first running of the Boston Marathon in 1897, inspired by the marathon at the first modern Olympics Games in Athens earlier in 1896.

I'm definitely not going to compete in the Boston Marathon, the local Cowtown Marathon or any footrace. However, I feel that I'm a very avid runner. After all, I have a lot of experience in running:

• In my early career, I found many bugs while running test cases
  
• As an programmer, I spent a lot of time running the code
  
• For pageants, I create the running order
  
• I can often be found on a headset running the show
  
• While stuck in a six-hour gas line after Hurricane Katrina with my cousin, we never felt that we were running out of stories to tell each other
  
• Back on the farm, it's fun to hear that we'll be running to town
  
• After cooking a large meal for guests, I'm running the dishwasher several times
  
• Last week I answered the phone, missing loading all the clothes for the wash cycle while the washing machine was running
  
• I spend my time on many Saturdays running errands
  
• I no longer have the task of running the vacuum with my new floors
  
• It feels like I've been running in circles trying to fix my icemaker
  
• It seems that I'm too often running a little behind schedule
  
• I'm running with the pack of employees trying to stay employed until retirement
  
• I regretfully am guilty of locking my keys in the car while the engine was running
  
• Thankfully, my little brother came running at my call for help
  
• My Mom cautioned me as a teenager about the dangers of running with the wrong crowd
  
• I've been the unlucky one to take a cold shower because those before me were running the hot water too long
  
• I once barely made it to the gas station, running the car on empty
  
• I wonder if the parents in the neighborhood know where their kids are -- they seem to always be running the streets
  
• When I'm home for the holidays, on most days I'm running to the grocery store
  
• My neighbor once did not think anything was wrong, even though two guys were seen with my stolen electronics wrapped in sheets, running across her yard
  
• I'm too often concerned about running out of money if I get to retire (foolishly forgetting that I need not worry, remembering the lilies in the field)
  
• Scheduling events for a group is sometimes challenging, running down my friends to discuss availability
  
• I try to make wise decisions while running the risks
  
• I rarely have a cold, but I endure it, running its course
  
• Time is running out on several nice coupons I recently received
  
• I'm running out of reasons why I'm not riding the bike more often
  
• I would have missed one flight, but a colleague told the flight attendant that I was running through the airport
  
• I am often reminded that my computer has been running too long
  
• I have several friends who are faithful -- and will come running when needed
  
• By the end of the weekend, it felt like I was running out of steam
  
• I'm almost running out of patience with the repairs due by my gas company
  
• I often worry about who is running our country
  
  It occurred to me that people spend a lot of time running. So many we know are running ahead of their bills, running out of money, running for their lives, running from their problems, and simply running away. We hear of others who are obsessed with running to meet short-term and long-term goals, but seemingly missing the joys of life along the way. Many are running so hard, just to keep up with the Jones' too. I recently saw an interesting statement:
  All men should strive to learn before they die, what they are running from, and to, and why.
  
  I recently heard a nice song by No Doubt that you may enjoy. However, for those who seem to be running with no purpose or running astray, Reuben Studdard sings a song that may bring hope today.
  
  Photo credit: Associated Press, 2009

Free french fry day

Today I'm celebrating Free Fry Day at my local Jack in the Box restaurant. Not only are their fries free today, but they are also now trans fat-free.

This event got me thinking -- I LOVE french fries. I began to worry about how much trans fat I was consuming while driving through some of my favorite fast food restaurants. After a little research, I had a brief moment of celebration. Don't get me wrong - french fries are not on the recommended list from our nutritional experts. However, I was surprised to learn that the french fries at McDonalds, Burger King, and Wendy's don't have any reported trans fat either.

Hey Jack, what took you so long? I guess Jack is hoping to encourage those folks who were worried about the TF to come back. Or, might Jack have been worried about the rug being pulled from under his feet by those cities considering banning all trans fat from restaurant menus. Either way, thanks, I will take your FREE fries with that!

BTW, if you haven't visited the Jack in the Box website, try it out. Don't forget to visit Jack's office. At your request, Jack can make a phone call or send a video message on your behalf -- to simply talk trash, help you get a date, send your apologies, break up with a boyfriend, call in sick, or help you get a raise. Don't start celebrating that new raise too quickly -- be sure to actually listen or view the message first. Else, you may be spending quite a bit of time burning the midnight (trans fat-free) oil or shaking things up with Jack.

Do one nice thing today

Today I celebrated "Do Something Nice Today"

When I was in junior high and high school, by student body vote, someone would be voted "Most Polite" or "Nicest" in the school. I always thought that was quite an honor, but it was not always the most envied award, when compared to Most Popular. I was pleasantly surprised most years that the students really could identify the nice people and select someone that really truly deserved it.

Today people are not encouraged to "be nice" very often. You're more likely to hear things like Nice guys finish last or No more Mr Nice Guy or even Must be nice! said enviously when one hears of another's good fortune. I sometimes long for the days back home when you'd regularly hear, It's nice to meet ya or Have a nice day. Those are still common phrases you hear around the South.

I can still hear my Mom say: Think nice thoughts. Or, it never hurts to be nice. And, of course, the one you likely heard: If you can't say something nice about someone, then say nothing at all.

I found some interesting quotes about niceness:

• At home I'm a nice guy; but I don't want the world to know. Humble people, I've found, don't get very far. (Muhamma Ali)
• Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one. (Bill Gates)
• I've decided to cut out the part of the speech where I say something nice about Democrats. (Ann Coulter)
• Nice to be here? At my age it's nice to be anywhere. (George Burns)
• Always be nice to people on the way up; because you'll meet the same people on the way down. (Wilson Mizner)
• Always be nice to your children because they are the ones who will choose your rest home. (Phyllis Diller)
• If you live long enough, lots of nice things happen. (George Halas)
  

I think we'd all be able to celebrate life more often if folks would just be nicer. You may have heard about a survey conducted by ABC News "20/20" about rude behavior. I believe that Oprah recently covered a rudeness survey on one of her shows too. It's easy to recognize the rude behavior around us: the loud cell phone discussion in public or the annoying ring of a cell phone during church. Just recently Hugh Jackman called someone out for a ringing cell phone during his Broadway performance. Don't you just hate it too when someone is in the express line at the grocery store with more items than allowed? It's just not bad math skills!

It's surprising to me that many consider rude behavior to be so acceptable. I'm still offended when people curse around me. However, I don't think I blush as much as I once did though. I don't like it when people start working on e-mail when I'm trying to talk with them in their offices. It's annoying to hear the keyboard tapping during teleconference calls as people multi-task during discussions. Some are not nice enough to at least mute their phones. I am still surprised when people make or take cell phone calls during conversations. I especially am annoyed when friends make or take cell phone calls when we're out dining. I'm generally nice though -- and generally just bite my tongue, waiting patiently for the phone conversation to end.

Today I found an article about a movement and book by Debbie Tenzler about being nice. It's called Do One Thing Nice. She encourages people to pick out one day a week to do one thing nice. That does not sound like a hard thing to do.

Today, I encourage you to be nice, recognize the nice people you meet, and to do one thing nice each week.

Image credit: http://www.doonenicething.com/_images/d1ntbook.jpg

Flipping for free pancakes!

Today I'm celebrating National Pancake Day with IHOP.

They say that some of the best things in life are free. From 7am to 10pm today, International House of Pancakes (IHOP) will give you one free short stack (3) of their famous buttermilk pancakes. National Pancake Day coincides with Fat Tuesday or Mardis Gras in the USA. Some say that National Pancake Day originated several centuries ago when the English prepared for fasting during Lent. Because strict rules prohibited the eating of all dairy products during Lent, pancakes were made, using up the supply of eggs, milk, and butter. IHOP simply asks that you consider making a donation to Children's Miracle Network, which supports local children's hospitals. IHOP hopes to raise $1,000,000 for Children's Miracle Network or other local charities on this day.

Cruising around the track at Daytona

Today I'm celebrating The Great American Race, watching the 51st annual Daytona 500. While the heat is already rolling during the season-opening event on the tires for Daytona, the ticket prices were rolled back from $99 to $55 in some areas, an economic stimulus package to make the
NASCAR racing more affordable for the devoted fans. The race is running with a capacity crowd near 200,000. The star drivers of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series hope to battle for 200 laps, 500 miles, rolling past the finish line before the rain rolls into town. The press and fans enjoyed Grammy Award winner and country music star Keith Urban as he performed in the pre-race show. I expected to hear Julianne Hough singing the National Anthem, but that was NOT her. I wonder what happened. Tom Cruise (whose ex-wife Nicole Kidman is now the wife of Urban) returned to the racetrack where he filmed "Days of Thunder" to drive the pace car during the opening pace laps. The winner? the race is still on.

The grand slam is a hit out of the park today!

Today I'm celebrating the FREE Grand Slam at Denny's today!

In today's economy, it's great to hear good news about FREE offers. Today, Denny's offered its Grand Slam breakfast free to customers from 6am to 2pm. I unfortunately was unable to get to Denny's today to catch that fabulous offer. There are many reports of people standing in line for the free breakfast. I love the Grand Slam -- but I prefer 4 slices of bacon instead of the bacon plus sausage. Denny's was once a popular place for me and my friends during a long night of exam prep or after long rehearsals and performances. After tearing down a set and loading lights up through the evening, the Grand Slam is a great treat for the crew after midnight. It's always been a popular place for breakfast too when meeting my friends before the start of a busy day. I have to admit though --- it has been awhile since we've been to Denny's. I'm not sure why -- I guess it's partially because the new IHOP is a bit closer and is a central location to the group. However, I'm impressed with Denny's offer today! It is reported that Denny's paid $3 million for the Superbowl ad, but expected 2 million customers to take its offer on the free Grand Slam today. I understand that rain checks were available for those who could not wait. I also hear that some neat coupon books were available to the first guests who ordered the free breakfast. Way to go Denny's! You're now at the top of my short list for breakfast. I can practically hear that bacon sizzle now!
If you made it to Denny's today, post a comment --- tell us how long you had to wait.

What a pain!

Christmas is right around the corner and there are several things remaining on my to-do list. The tree is done and the shopping too. Two more gifts to wrap and I am done! However, those Christmas cards may need to wait until next year. Maybe I can find some "Happy New Year!" cards instead. You may be feeling the time crunch too. Or, maybe your wallet is a bit more light this year. I found several videos on YouTube describing the 12 pains of Christmas. Here is one that you may enjoy:
Posted on YouTube by sebbydinatale

Although you may be jolly during most years, you have likely had a challenging moment when you think of some of the pains during the holiday season. Maybe it is the long line at the post office or the check-out counter. Maybe it's the challenge of finding the parking spot at the crowded mall. Maybe you've noticed that they have all the sizes --- except the one that you need. (Try a gift card instead!)

I celebrate Christmas every year --- but sometimes my checklist is shorter on some years than others. Or, maybe there are some items that just aren't completed. However, I try to remember the reason for the season when I get a little frustrated or stressed out. I'm hoping that you understand that too! I hope that your holidays are happy! Merry Christmas all!

Image credit: thedailygreen