Tabula Rasa

I originally latched on to the phrase "Tabula Rasa" during my psychology class my junior year. It stuck with me even moreso after it was an episode title for LOST. Now it brings even more meaning as I strongly believe everyone has a chance for a clean slate.

Don't get me wrong, the slates you've already beautifully scrawled across will stay in the corner of your mind - some covered in dust and cobwebs while others lovingly framed on your wall - but your present and future are yours to do what you will with.

...

A few days ago I was riding through the town with my friend Kelli ... on my bike of course.

I forget how sheltered I am.

On an hourly basis.

Completely forget.

I know I grew up shielded from pretty much everything, until I started working at McWorld, but every once in awhile reality slaps me in the face with a giant fish (ever seen the Veggie Tales Jonah?) to remind me that I have it so good and am so protected that I really have no idea what a true life problem is.

As we rode through the streets, I saw a child tear by who was probably about 12. This boy had a look on his face that I can't even begin to describe. He was so angry that I'm pretty sure murder was reflected in his eyes. I'm pretty sure it had nothing to do with something as simple as losing a soccer game or having his best friend tell his deepest secret.

A little further down I noticed a woman holding her shoulder with one hand and a beer in the other while screaming as if crying out for help. The shadow of a man who did not care about her plight, and most likely caused it, looming in the doorway.

Who knew common place misery took place in my basically small town cornfield existence of bliss.

Shame on me for losing myself in my comfort zone.

...

I just got back from my second to last session of training at Gold's Gym.

Crazy how it's been sixteen months since the first time Drew walked up to me and informed me the machine I was using was doing the opposite of my expectations. It amuses me how that's so true in so many aspects of my world - tools meant for good used for their unintended purpose and become a hazard rather than moving me forward. One would think I would learn.

I have mixed emotions about my training coming to an end.

It's definitely been a good thing for me. Drew completely transformed my life habits and I am much healthier (And dare I say irresistible? You know I'm halfway kidding.) because of it.

My credit card has taken all it can of the expense; however, and now that my health is back on track it's time to get my finances back on track.

In other news, Melface and I are training for a 5k.

See Sherrie Run.

This ought to be good.

...

My life, as I now know it, rocks my socks off.

In case you had any doubts, those are Adidas socks.

:)