Back On The Asphalt

Bad week for the diet, the scale and the workouts!!
World Series week so I took two days off from the gym (and working out) to start work early and get home for the games early.
Tuesday, I had my best times in the 2 miles in multiple years.  I finished the first mile at 12 minutes 9 seconds and the two miles at 23 minutes 34 seconds.  So, not only was I under 12 minutes for both miles (my goal), I was under 11 minutes and 30 seconds for the second mile!!
Needless to say, I was shattered, but it was nice to finally hit a goal.
Today, (Saturday) I went out for my first jog at home in ages (well, weeks).  I did my normal 70 minutes, a little over 4 miles.  I watched the sunrise and listened to the birds calling for breakfast.  The sky was very cloudy, dark and gray.  Very picturesque.
Hil’s birthday was yesterday and we went out to eat, but I felt like doing a little more so after my shower I made her breakfast in bed.  Later in the day, she said the breakfast in bed was worth more to her than the card and meal out.
Sometimes, it is the millions of little things you do for each other which really show your love…
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No Sweep – Rangers Win Game 3 by 4 to 2

It goes without saying that at World Series level of play, it is VERY difficult to beat any other team three times in a row.  This is demonstrated by the rarity of sweeps (winning 4 games in a row) – primarily because you’ve got to win three before you can get to the fourth successive win.  Up two games to nil, the Giants didn’t get it done today and the Rangers are now back in the Series.
The Rangers get a single and a walk early and then one BIG home run by Moreland to go up early 3 to 0 in the 3rd inning.  They held that for another two innings until their best hitter (Hamilton) added an insurance HR in the 5th inning – 4 – 0 Rangers.  The Giants made a push with two solo home runs by Ross and Torres in the 7th and 8th innings (respectively).  But, for SF, it was too little, too late.  Game ends, Rangers 4, Giants 2 – Rangers win.
The good news is that although Sanchez did not have a particularly good game, he only gave up two big hits (out of 6 total hits), the Rangers still did not touch him a lot – and certainly did not demonstrate they were the “feared” dominating hitting and running machine they were purported to be prior to the start of the Series.
The big question now is whether despite today’s win, will the Ranger throw Lee back out for Game 4 tomorrow?  Had they lost Game 3, it is almost certain the decision would have been yes.  But are they in any different position?  If they don’t give it to their best pitcher and lose Game 4, they will be down 3 games to 1 and need to win EVERY game – THREE IN A ROW.  (Remember the lead paragraph to this post?)  If they use Lee and win, they have breathing room to lose one of the last three, but they will almost certainly need to use Lee again (certainly in Game 7) and again it will be on short rest.  Will Lee be effective on short rest?  Will he be effective on short rest twice?
Do you have faith in your whole staff?  Do you believe you can win a critical game without your best playing?  Do you save your best for a potential Game 6 or 7 which you may not reach if you don’t use Lee in Game 4?  And so, you roll the dice – play for the Game or play for the Series…
We’ll know the Rangers’ decision and the results in about 24 hours from now…
GO GIANTS!!! I AM ORANGE INSIDE!!!
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Greek Myths For Kids

Today I completed a book recommended to me by my son.  The book is: “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan (2005©).  The book is a coming of age story for a young man who discovers he is actually the son of the Greek god Poseidon.  As such, Percy has some super powers, mostly to do with water.  As part of his growing up, Percy must choose to become a hero and in order to be a hero he must complete a quest.
The book is basically a children’s (young teens) book.  But that doesn’t mean it won’t be enjoyed by others.  I found it quite interesting to learn so much about Greek mythology while being entertained by a good story.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who still reads kids or action books and to anyone who reads books to kids.  They will enjoy it and learn from it too.  It does contain scenes which may be too intense for very young (under 10 years of age) kids, particularly those with vivid imaginations, but I think most could handle it.
My son says the first book was turned into an unsuccessful movie.  I look forward to reading the remaining 4 novels in the series and to seeing the movie.
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