Run the Reggae Marathon 'noise' growing

"Gotta make noise to get noticed".

The announcement of my fund raising efforts got picked up today by Strongbar Industries in Mississauga: http://www.strongbar.com/Press-Releases.aspx.

Thank you very much Kyle.

And this afternoon, the Wasaga Sun is coming to the house for an interview.

But the really great news is the progress of my knee: out running for 4 days straight now and the pain is virtually non-existent. My knee is strengthening nicely. Hey, I even made it through a run Sunday morning with the Wasaga Beach Road Runners (thanks Jeff, Pete and Jim).

And I know the race in Negril is still 3 months off, but the hot, humid weather really helps. I know even though it is a 5 am start that heat will be an issue :)

Until next time...

Things to ponder as we hit mid-summer 2009

Miscellaneous observations on 'stuff' as we hit the mid-summer point 0f 2009:

• Why do people with more than 8 items insist on using the "Express" checkout in grocery stores?
• Why do people still insist in on idling in drive-thru's to get a cup of coffee or a burger?
• I saw a person in a car reading a book the other day...on the 400 at 120 kmph...he was the driver!
• If smoking is bad, would a doctor smoke?
• Yelling doesn't solve anything
• Read the book, "Who moved my cheese?" http://www.whomovedmycheese.com/. It is the best way to deal with change I have ever read
• Gardening is good for the soul...and your marriage (ask me, I know)
• Keep busy when you don't feel like it...idleness will sink you
• "Don't let the bastards get you down" (OK, this one is from my friend Tim)
• Running solves everything...just ask Forrest Gump
• Complaining solves...nothing!
• Kids have all the answers...they just don't know the important questions yet
• LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN! Then listen some more
• Passion for something...anything...is absolutely necessary for happiness
• "Pulp Fiction" is a great movie (and I know what was in the briefcase...and I know the link between "Reservoir Dogs", "Pulp Fiction" and "Kill Bill")
• Love 'Mad Men'...wait a minute...I lived 'Mad Men'. Guess which character I was?
• Never lie; then you have no fear of the truth
• My grandmother was right...you do have to eat all your vegetables

Until next time...

(PS: the picture is of a recent sunrise over Southern Georgian Bay, summer 2009)

Press Release for my fund raising run in the Reggae Marathon

The word is spreading. The press release that was sent out last week to media in the Greater Barrie Area has resulted in my first interview. Based on that, I decided to post the the entire press release:

Simcoe County Man to Run in Jamaica’s Reggae Marathon to
Beat Diabetes

Wasaga Beach resident, Chris Morales, wants to see the end of diabetes and is willing to battle the heat and humidity of Jamaica, on top of the personal challenge of a full marathon, to do his part in the fight against diabetes. Organizing his run as a fundraiser in support of the Canadian Diabetes Association, Chris is running in honour of his father, Carl Morales, who passed away last September after living with diabetes for many years.

“My Dad lived with diabetes and suffered serious complications from it as well. This is my way of giving back.” says Chris Morales. Chris was born in Jamaica and his family moved to Canada in 1972. He chose the Reggae Marathon in Jamaica due to his Jamaican heritage.

This summer alone, 50,000 more Canadians will be diagnosed with diabetes, and more than 10,000 will die from its complications - diabetes is a very serious disease. Chris' goal is to raise $10,000 in pledges by the time he leaves for the marathon in December. If you'd like to pledge your support of this serious cause, call Chris at 422-1657 or send him words of encouragement by email at chris.morales@sympatico.ca. You can also pledge directly at the Barrie office of the Canadian Diabetes Association at (705) 737-3611 , 28

Adrian Anantawan: You should have seen him play baseball!

This young man is supremely gifted. It was apparent early on when we first heard him play.

He and my twin sons, Andrew and Court went through grade school at St. Christopher's in Clarkson together. All three played on the same baseball team. He was very, very good at first base.

My strongest memory Adrian was his optimism. And his infectious smile. He never made excuses, never made a fuss. He just ran out on the field with the same enthusiasm and great big smile for every practice and every game. He was glad to be playing with his friends.

I haven't seen Adrian in years. I have followed his amazing career. He is an inspiration.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IxaNyVjDKU