I Just Wanted to Watch Shaq Hoop-Lady,What is With the Farting?

Greetings all, this LPC reporting, on this glorious night of the lunar eclipse.

Today was an extremely productive day that went by quickly. Work was solid. I had a 3 hour training session in the morning and then was at the house (group home) from around 1pm-6pm. I decided to call it a day a little early and went home to work where my computer works faster than our circa-1995 issue computer in my office.

Anyway, after working I decided to hit up the gym for some time on the treadmill. I am continuously trying to shrink myself, with the ultimate goal of not having my belly shake when I brush my teeth. Now, to the subject of this post. Walking to the gym I remembered that tonight was the debut of Shaq with the Phoenix Suns. Although I had my pick of treadmills, the only one in proximity to the Suns/Lakers game was next to a woman who appeared to be having a rough go of it. So to set the stage, there was no one on my right, this struggling woman on my left, and no one for two treadmills to her left. Upon getting my water, magazine (to cover up workout stats), and shoes ready, I noticed a distinct fart type smell. Now, for anyone who has been around a gym in their life, sometimes a bit of errant funk will float your way. Thinking nothing of it, I began my run, catching the starting lineups and tip of the Suns game.

I am getting the legs going, hitting up my run and watching Shaq run the floor pretty well. About five minutes into my run, I smell another funky batch of horribleness come my way. Knowing that it was not me, I quickly deduce that this woman is the instigator. Although it does not last that long, it is not pleasant. Five minutes or so go by and I am finding a groove. The woman to my left is on a walk, not looking pleased, and lo and behold, another gross air pocket hits my nose. At this point, I begin thinking of finding another treadmill. However, I am having a great run, so I am not going anywhere. After this present of funk passes, she reaches over on my treadmill and takes a magazine. A stunned look hits my face. I do not say anything because, well, this woman had a “Tell ‘em Large Marge Sentcha” kind of vibe.

Five minutes after the mag theft, she gets done with her walk and offers me my mag back. I politely decline and bask in the glory that is somewhat fresh air. I feel as though Shaq should send me thank-you note for my trouble. At any rate, the Suns will transition nicely with Shaq. At the time of this writing, he is one rebound shy of a double-double.

Alright, that is my story and I’m sticking to it.

Here are some tunes to check out:

The Dave Matthews Band’s Crash. This is most likely a record that many of you own, but have not listened to it in awhile. I highly suggest taking it out, putting in the ole player and give it a whirl. #41, Crash Into Me, and Two Step, are great songs on this album.

My Awesome, But Surreal Life

Greetings, I hope this finds everyone feeling good and otherwise living the dream.

I must say that I am really enjoying my new role as manager. This job is a great balance of management, administration, and direct care. I have an excellent staff and it is an honor to supervise them. I title this post ‘My Awesome, But Surreal Life,’ because this job has brought up a lot of thoughts in my brain.

The awesome and surreal part about this and my life at this point is this. Following my morning shift that included a challenging blood draw experience, I had three hours before I came back for my evening shift. During that time, I grabbed some Subway, watched the conclusion of a Band of Brothers episode, and had an excellent run at the gym. I find it so surreal to walk in these two worlds. I have been faced with this thought all week. While running on the treadmill, I look around and see many other people going about and leading their respective lives. Do any of them realize there is a population out there, like the one I work for? Maybe some do and choose to ignore it. Maybe others, do not know and would be great allies. I am not sure, but either way, it is awesome and surreal for me. I am blessed to work with my staff and our six clients. They are truly amazing puzzles and are capable of great things.

Thanks for reading. Stay strong and happy!

Oh, some music before I roll out.I am into Army of Anyone right now. This band is an excellent conglomoration of the Eric Kretz and the DeLeo brothers, formerly of the Stone Temple Pilots, and Richard Patrick, formerly of Filter. These four have put out a strong record highlighting the unique music stylings of the DeLeo brothers and Patrick’s distinctive, rock/harmony laden voice. If you have a moment, check them out. There are some strong tunes to work out to.

New Blog-It Has Been Awhile

Greetings friends, family, and other people who enjoy reading. This is Lucas P. Calhoun. I know it has been awhile since I last wrote a blog; October 16, 2007, to be exact. Well, I am back from a self-imposed writer’s strike. Just kidding about the strike, I just did not feel like putting fingers to the keys.

This blog, www.lpennthoughts.wordpress.com will now be the clearinghouse for all thoughts/ramblings/ideas/observations that I have on a daily (or whenever I write) basis. Over the next few weeks I will cover things on my mind at the moment. These topics will include, music, politics, life, religion, inventions, and anything else that crops up in my dome.

There have been numerous occurrences over the last three months that bring me to this place and time. The first being that in November, I decided to leave the IU Student Foundation and strike out and try new things. After a few months of reading, reflection, and warehouse working, I have an exciting new job. I work for a company here in Bloomington that works exclusively for persons with disabilities. I am in a management position where I am running a group home here in town. I supervise staff, manage a state and federally regulated budget, oversee medicine distribution, work in direct care, and manage the overall direction of the house. My house has 6 adult males living in, with a variety of ages, ability, and medical issues. I am honored and excited for this position.

Otherwise, life is really good. I am very blessed. Over the last few months, I have grown stronger in my faith, thus keeping my soul right. Also, my time in the gym has been fruitful with an overall loss of 40 pounds since August 1, 2007. My music library continues to grow and thrive, especially with the addition of an 80 gig iPod and a Bose Sound Dock. If you have the means, I highly recommend any sort of Bose Wave technology. These products just make me want to listen to music.

Alright, this first post is coming to an end, but not without some music you should dial up and listen to. These are full records that you can listen straight through and just enjoy.
Marc Cohn-Marc Cohn This record is soulful, has strong lyrics, is one you should own.

John Legend-Get Lifted I did not get on the John Legend bandwagon when he first started. I am a card carrying member now. This record touches on relationships, growth, and love. An excellent listen.

Barlow Girl-How Can We Be Silent These ladies have great harmonies, a strong faith, and a desire to get the message of the Lord out to the masses. I really enjoy this record.

M.I.A.-Kala This already accomplished visual artist uses strong samples, and a message of popular culture fused with political upheaval in her music. I really enjoy listening to her.

Until we meet again…