I’m currently reading Haruki Murakami’s memoir, “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running,” and there’s a quote in there that clearly explains a good point I’d like to share:
Most runners run not because they want to live longer, but because they want to live life to the fullest. If you’re going to while away the years, it’s far better to live them with clear goals and fully alive, than in a fog, and I believe running helps you do that. Exerting yourself to the fullest within your individual limits…
It’s been a hectic summer thus far. I haven’t had much time to spend at home and just relax. Every night of the week, it seems, I’ve tied myself up with something and I’ve lacked the sleep I wish I could get. But you know what, it’s worth it. I’ve gotten to have a lot of fun, and spend time with many people, getting to know newer faces and getting closer to older ones. I guess I would say, I wouldn’t trade my experiences, relationships, and feelings for an extra hour or three of sleep.
But it’s catching up on me. It really took a bite out of me last night, when, on Wednesday I had a movie night at my friend’s place in Belltown and then got home and stayed up a little late to do some random things around the house and “chit-chat” with people online, and then had to get up 3.5 hours later to drive to Portland. That was brutal. I had to work down there at a supplier facility, and then made the trek up in rush hour traffic to meet up with my friends at the Red Hook Brewery in Woodinville. They have a moonlight movie night every Thursday in the summer, and yesterday, they were showing Tropic Thunder. Was it worth it? Tough to say: I have the film already and have seen it twice in the past year, plus I was practically dead tired, and had to pay $10 for parking and $5 to see the movie, but… you know what? To be able to sit down with your friends outside and relax is priceless. It also my last chance to see someone who’s moving away for a little while, and that in itself was worth all of that and more.
Anyway, that’s a ramble. I’m currently in San Jose, CA now. Three states in two days for separate things! Had a fun time with Dean, who traveled with me from Seattle, my cousin Lan, and one of my best buds Neil, who both live down here now. Tomorrow, I hope to meet up with others for Alcatraz and other things in San Francisco! And then… its the Sounders match in Santa Clara on Sunday!
I’m getting old. Turn 27 in a few weeks. I have to try to be young while I still can. Live life to the fullest!