What fills me

An evening of much reflections. Workouts, race planning, work trip to eastern Oregon, Rachel's retirement, Indiana family concerns, did the Cubs make the trades today that will get them into the World Series?

So much and too much. 

I don't know where to begin. My eyes are closed and I'm just typing.  

For the most part, I'm in a good state. But there are also issues, concerns, doubts. 

Our public lives are not necessarily the truth of what we reveal. 

In reality, life is complex, challenging, planned but with unexpected occurrences This is not meant to be a depressing message. I hope more of a reflection of what our lives are. Complex. That is about as good as I can describe. But, personally, satisfying also. 

What fills me is a grand child running to greet me when they see me.

What motivates me is planning running events for people to challenge themselves.

(Continued days later)

The eastern Oregon trip was a success. Two school districts that needed updated policies...check. 

They were very different communities. I love that my job allows me to travel this beautiful and diverse state. I drove through central Oregon to the very edge of eastern Oregon. The first district I visited was actually in the Mountain Time Zone. And a very small community. Five in the graduating class of 2025, one restaurant and it was a food truck (the burger was delicious), a coffee shop in an over 100 year old stone house, the motel over looked the gas station (where you check in to the motel) and several junked vehicles. But the surrounding land was beautiful and the people friendly. 

The second community was a metropolis compared to the first. Modern hotel, downtown had brew pub, wine and cheese bar, sports bar with awesome prime rib, Asian cemetery, more beautiful surrounding land and wonderful people. 

Rachel's retirement continues to be a success. It's so good to see her relaxed and enjoying this phase. Even if she isn't so much enjoying the workouts she does at the Y. She's dedicated though!  

Indiana family is stable at the moment. I need to plan my next trip back. Probably in October when Medicare re-enrollment opens up so I can get mom re-enrolled. She's doing well after another fall and 3 broken ribs. That's gotta hurt! I know it hurts me. These past few years have been the only times that I regret being so far away.  

And the Cubs. What can I say. The mid year trade deadline came and went and they made a couple minor trades. I like their team, but they are on a slump since the passing of Ryan Sandberg. Ryno was a legend like Ernie. I hope they pull out of the funk. 

So, I titled this "What fills me". In many ways the things I discussed above fill me. Traveling Oregon fills me. Seeing Rachel relaxed and happy fills me. Hearing from my mom her progress fills me. Following the Cubs, no matter their fate, fills me. Getting out and walking/running fills me. Chasing my grandkids at the park fills me. Planning the next USATF Junior Olympic meet fills me. Meeting the challenges life presents to me in a positive way fills me.