Next Stop BLR@FR

Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by
The rules of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes
And leap...

It's time to try defying gravity
I think I'll try defying gravity
And you can't pull me down

Elphaba



Let me just start with what was the most outstanding night I have had in awhile. WICKED, the musical was amazing. I loved it. I loved the fact I didn't know the story going in. I loved the fact that they put a wonderful spin on the story. I loved the music, I loved the humor. But most of all I loved the message. And especially in this time when people are being bullied into suicide, and members of congress think it's okay to send out derogatory hateful message, and equal rights are still a dream for many. The message of Wicked was it's okay to be different, you can't judge a person by how they look, and, of course, it's okay to be green. This play was near perfect and if you have the chance please go see it.

New movie opened last weekend about the greatest horse ever to look through a bridle. Now, I debated this with someone very wise who didn't know the story of Secretariat and really enjoyed the movie. We both agreed it was exceptionally well acted. I didn't like it. It missed the story of Secretariat's impact on the country. Failed to capture the sheer brilliance of the horse. And misled as to the struggles of the female owner, whose farm was "saved" by Secretariat according to the movie. Miss Chenery/Tweedy is a wonderful lady and a huge advocate for horses. She is also a two time Kentucky Derby winning owner. The first time she won the race was the year before Secretariat with a brilliant horse named Rive Ridge. Somehow this was omitted from her story. I know that the sports movie formula demands an underdog, but this story in no way called for an underdog. Secretariat was never an underdog, he was the greatest who ever lived, and there is no need to do a story inspired by him when the real story is so much more fascinating. Check out ESPN's story called Sports Century and learn why this horse made grown men weep and why his Belmont race is in the very small group for discussion as the greatest athletic achievement ever.

Here is the country's reaction to Big Red's Belmont:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-KvaeuIIsw&feature=related

I went to see Farm Aid, the day long concert to raise awareness about the plight of the family farmers in the country. It was a very fun day spent with the girl I married and the couple I married. I love music, I don't love a format like this that has people on stage for a few songs. Neil Young is truly amazing and I was happy to take him off the list of people I had never seen. Another I had never seen was John Cougar and I thought he stole the show. Also enjoyed Jason Mraz, Norah Jones, and Dave Matthews.

More good news. I have been really pain free this last week playing volleyball. A little sore in the morning, but I have been a little sore virtually every morning for 3 years :) I'm hopeful that my upcoming trip to the Ridge will not be hampered by the knee and still very hopeful that I will be able to compete in the Nov. 13th triathlon. Looking forward to seeing lots of old friends. The mixture of fear and anxiety on the competitors faces the week leading up to the tri is always fun to share, but as I look back last year, it was clearly one of my favorite weeks ever. My goal for this trip is to concentrate on making sure Jimmy gets the most out of his 3 weeks. I have the tendency to lose some focus at times as to what is best for me and am promising myself not to let that happen this trip. I'm excited to see how the program has changed. Excited not to have a camera following me around, and of course excited to spend my first Halloween at the Ridge. Although the trick or treating is going to suck. I already have my costume... Preppy guy in a sweater vest. Just for the record I don't really post pictures of myself that make me look fat. And believe me I have plenty. Hope everyone is enjoying their fall. The Wisconsin fall weather has been nothing short of amazing.... scares me because I know what's coming.... The Wicked Winter of the West... Peace and Love, Jim