I’ve just recently jumped back into the gym. Ok, maybe not jumped, but definitely sauntered. (but not sashayed) The facility is overwhelming which always great when you’re the new guy. My favorite part is that when I walk into the main area everyone gives you the thousand mile stare and also passing judgment, “I’m in better shape that that guy”. So when I finally get comfortable with the surroundings I’ll still have the “look” to look forward to.
So how is the “Y” trying to kill me? The dang Treadmills!! On one specific day, a certain treadmill had my number. I ascended the machine and then put the correct speed that I was used to. Walking along for just a breif moment when all of a sudden the traction got shifty and i slipped a little. No big deal, maybe I wasn’t paying attention. I got so locked into the Today show hat I wasn’t aware of my surroundings. And then it happened again. this time I almost lost it and had to grab onto the sides to make sure I didn’t bite it. To let you know I’m surrounded by other runners and health nuts on all sides. I’m feeling a bit embarrassed (which is a really wild thing) but i give it one more shot and keep going. The treadmill attacks yet a third time this time nearly launching me backwards into some 120 lb woman who I’m sure was laughing and then was scared beyond belief with he thought of me making an entrance onto her machine. So I did the only thing I could do… retreat. This monster was too much for a mortal to beat. i switched machines and the world was returned to order.
As for Tim Grahl… He’s been incredible to lend me a bike of his (it’s a Redline Monocog) and this past Monday we got together to take a “stroll” on the Black Water Creek Trail. I’ve just recently been introduced to this route and it’s gorgeous. We headed out with my brother Ryan and Canadian Import Alex and headed down the 3.5 miles to the downtown area. The ride wasn’t hard, the day was incredible. and we made it downtown joking on the way about if I had to live out doors I’d probably live underneath a bridge by the black water creek trail. When we hit downtown (half way through on our adventure) we headed back on the Point of Honor Trail. Again, great day and lots of laughs. But now we’ve biked 5+ miles and I haven’t been on a bike in 8 years and Tim starts checking in with me, “Dan, are you ok?” Yes, of course I’m fine.. but sitting on this seat is the equivalent to balancing a pizza on a nickel. So we head on. While on the trail we all seem to notice that the birds have stopped chirping and that the silence is deafening. Tim starts to mention that on this part of the trail is where he worries about getting injured because no one would find him. THANKS TIM!! I’m from Boston. Sometimes nature is amazing, sometimes the sheer spectacle of creation leaves me awestruck… and sometimes I get the feeling that I went on a canoing trip with Ned Beatty and a couple of banjo’s! We press on through the proposed rape victim area and make it back to some civilization. Just as we’re getting back to the original trail we see a glorious (albeit man made) waterfall and it was pretty cool actually.
Tim checks in again (for the 400th time), “Dan, are you ok?”
This time I respond differently. “No, I’m not ok”
Tim: “Why, what’s wrong?”
Me: “I have a huge gut and it’s not letting me ride this bike!”
That got him laughing, so it was fun and we returned to the parking lot and then the slight chaffing that is never realized until the end of any trip (see going to the beach or hiking) I was just so glad it wasn’t just me. it’s incredible out here in Virginia now so get outdoors or meet me at the treadmill at the YMCA and we can battle it together.
For the life of me I’m having trouble figuring out why the bike seats are so small. Somebody help me.
I attended the Big “G” Conference today put on by the Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. The “G” is for generation and as a small market Lynchburg is competing for the attention and vying for the talent of Young Professionals from all around the country and the globe. As the keynote speaker The Chamber brought in Rebecca Ryan, founder of Next Generation Consulting and voted Entrepreneur of the Year by U.S. Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship - needless to say she knew her stuff. (More Info On Rebecca) She presented data from over 20,000 surveys taken by her company of Young Professionals nationwide and the part I loved the most was that she kept asking the question, “What’s Lynchburg’s Game Plan?”. She elaborated on why young professionals choose a place to live as a key component to job selection and cities that are doing it right. Places like Denver, CO and Austin, TX have championed the idea that you’ve got to appeal to a persons life instead of just finding them a job.
I could hear the disbelief of many and the fear of others as she continued to share what areas Lynchburg needs to be focused on. This has become an increasingly interesting subject of late because of joining up with the Young Professionals of Central Virginia. They are a group that is really getting there act together and I’m a fan of action, not just talking about it. I’m also seeing the fruit of many people from the past year getting things in order and now by adding a director, it’s attracting attention. The next meeting of The Young Professionals Council is next week.. and right now I’m so raring to go - I can’t wait. If you’re a young professional in the Central Virginia area, (which is a funny term - because I don’t know if I’m young or professional) let me encourage you to sign up at the website for updates on whats happening or shoot me an email, dan@danportnoy.com
A few times a year my local community radio station asks for pledges and these are crucial to the life blood of station. The money that they collect gets use to pay salaries, upgrade equipment and tons more. Just as important as calling and making a donation to the station are the people who answer the phones to take your money. This year they made a blanket request for people to help and I thought that this would be a great time to get off the wall and move from speculator to activist in the area of college/community radio. I’ve been a fan for years and actually rejoiced when the signal finally made it into town via a translator at WNRS Sweet Briar (See David Bazan Show).
So this year I’m taking some names and taking some numbers… but here’s the thing..
Will you join me?
If you will: 1. That’s Great! 2. Shoot me an email to dan@danportnoy.com and then we can work out the details.
Talk with you soon, Hugs and Kisses..
He’s been on MTV, BET, and Comedy Central and this week Cleto Rodriguez joins THE DROP with the lowdown on the state of Texas and the state of comedy. Cleto talks with Dan about his name in lights, Mariachi Bands and setting goals. Download it Today!
“He has not learned the lesson of life who does not every day surmount a fear.”
Ralph Waldo Emmerson
I got tagged a million years ago (2 and a half months) by Candace to divulge 5 things about myself that you may not know. So here goes:
1) I have weird sleep patterns. I wonder if I ever settle down if that will change. I might sleep for 3 hours three nights in a row and then just sleep 7 and then one day might be 12.
2) Going through emotional baggage is something I should’ve done 8 years ago. I started really making a conscious effort to shed some of my predispositions about some things this past fall and let go of some hang ups, it’s been hugely rewarding and life changing.
3) When tough times come I have to work very hard not to be bitter. Does it relate to #2? Sometimes. The past few years have taught me very harshly that not all things will be going my way. It’s in those situations that holding on to bad feelings and anger hasn’t got me any further. This was not an easy revelation, believe me.
4) I’m way too black and white on life. I’m frequently called intense. These issues aren’t unrelated. I rage against the machine as much as the next guy but it isn’t until my blood cools and level headed thinking returns that I realize what it is I’ve done, said, or destroyed. I’m working on my apology skills everyday, or so it seems.
5)I’m just learning the balance between training the mind and working on character and personal development and the need to train the body as well. For many years the pendulum swung one way and was promptly followed by over correcting and having it swing the other way. I’ve got a huge amount of gratitude for Issac Bird for aiding me now.
That’s it for this edition of breakdown my personhood on the internet. I tag Luke, Chrissy, Joe and Amber.
