Words from a Visionary (pun intented)

A pair of wings, a different respiratory system, which enabled us to travel through space, would in no way help us, for if we visited Mars or Venus while keeping the same senses, they would clothe everything that we saw in the same aspect as the things of Earth. The only true voyage of discovery, the only really rejuvenating experience, would be not to visit strange lands but to possess other eyes, to see the universe through the eyes of another, of a hundred others, to see the hundred universes that each of them sees, that each of them is...

-- Marcel Proust, The Captive

Manifest Destiny

The marathon is over! Although it was beset by many, MANY injuries, the three of us were able to complete the endeavor and were lucky enough to be joined by Brian's father, Scott. I blew out my knee, Dan got blisters, and Scott- well, he's just old.

Final results:
Brian - 4:35
Dan - 5:20
Brad/Scott - 5:53

I'm glad Scott was able to finish; it was nice to see what it meant to him and be with him at the end of the course. Photos can be found at:

www.ingnycmarathonphotos.com

Hasidic Cowboys

So, it's been awhile. Not a lot has changed, though; I'm still teaching, I'm still in New York, and I'm still running the NYC marathon (tomorrow!) I feel as though these three things have defined my life for the past six months, and although two of them probably will continue to do so for the forseeable future, I'm looking forward to having a new focus (or focii).

To address the marathon, I am feeling a bit anxious. I have been sick for the past two weeks, and have not been able to run for the majority of my taper. This should not affect my time, or my ability to complete the race, but it does add a mental barrier that will take a few miles to overcome.

Great news! The Grove Foundation was able to raise $7,750 towards the research of pediatric cancer. I'm very humbled and appreciative of ALL the people who took the time to donate both their time and money to helping us reach this goal; there were times that I was either over-confident or doubtful of our ability to succeed, and without those around me I would have had a much harder time dealing with the peaks and valleys.

I have also gained a profound respect for those who raise money and do charity work for a living. It is not easy to create a cause that has both the organization and the ability to invest its donors. Those that have done so, do so through tireless, intense, and consistent work. This is something that I believe I could continue to do if I choose to leave TFA- I'm encouraged by the concept that both the receivers and donors of the funds are galvanized and impacted by a common mission.

Until next time.