A "Rock and a Heart Place"

No, I am not talking about the time between "Black Friday" and Christmas Eve, but a movie that touches the soul. "Rock and a Heart Place" is a documentary/movie about Tim McCloone and his creation the "Holiday Express."

The "Holiday Express" a band/charity was created by McCloone a Jersey Shore musician as way to liven up the experience of feeding the homeless. It was his idea in 1993 to form a group of musicians that would play a gig for those in need everyday between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Mike Sodano and Nancy Sabino the producers of this documentary have really created something special. What I most liked about this movie is it makes you want to do something (for somebody in need).

The reason I am sharing this with you is this movie has really touched my heart. I believe it will touch yours.

So, if you are finding yourself Caught Between A Rock and a Heart Place this holiday season here is why I think you should order a copy of this movie.

1) You say "It Just Doesn't Feel Like Christmas" this year. This movie will help.

2) You are looking for the perfect gift for the family. This movie is the answer, a movie for all ages.

3) You are dreading the malls. Order Right Now, in your underwear from home.

4) You are starting your own charity and are looking for inspiration.

5) Your grainy VHS Copy of "It's a Wonderful Life" just doesn't cut it on your 1080i 50" Plasma.

Take a chance on this one.

www.rockandaheartplace.com

Running Sucks

When I trained for my first marathon in 1997 I had a mantra to help me through my training.

It was "Running Sucks."

Not quite your typical Power of Positive thinking type mantra I must say. However, I found that when I was honest with myself that running does suck, it made it easier for me to get on with my training. You see although the running sucked. I wanted and decided to run that day. My goal at the end of the road transcended the fact that "Running Sucks."

Today I went out for my first run (outside the treadmill) since running the Marine Corps Marathon. I had a moment of clarity. I had remembered that "Running Sucks."

It was a relief. Now that I know the truth, I can just get on with it.

Are there any areas of your life you just need to get on with?

The Scorecard

In my car "Running Errands" today I had a glimpse of nostalgia.

How could it be? I am in my car driving and wishing I was running, as I cross paths with my marathon training routes, another marathon is calling my name.

I never thought I would miss my marathon training. It is a beautiful day for a run.

I guess it's time to get to get signed up for my next marathon. Since I now have seven under my belt, it might be time to commit to running a marathon in every state. Not good planning on my part since I have run the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon twice and the Columbus Marathon once. That is 3 marathons but 1 state (Ohio).

But, The Flying Pig crossed over into Kentucky 2 states, 1 Marathon. Being a Marine I can't count it (Honor).

Could this be I am committing to 43 marathons in a few strokes of a keyboard? I am chickening out for now but I will let you know.

I just realized my real success is the training. The Marathon is just the scorecard.

Enjoy the journey.

Make it Concrete

After 5 months of marathon training, I have returned to the gym. To be honest, I don't really like the gym. I get bored pretty easy.

Tonight, I had an "AHA" moment. The reason I do well with marathon training is I have a clear training schedule. The problem with lifting weights for me is I just have a vague idea of the exercises I am going to do before I start my workout.

I have noticed with no concrete plan I easily get bored and even find myself wanting to leave the gym, unlike my marathon training which I know exactly what I need to do to achieve my goal.

I would suspect that the lack of clear plans affect other goals in my life.

I am committed to having a workout plan by the end of next week.

What steps do you need to take to make your game plan concrete.

Marine Corps Birthday

It's hard to believe with my recent immersion into my Marine Corps past I missed the fact that today is the Marine Corps Birthday.

My new buddy Gannon Beck a fellow Marine and outstanding illustrator reminded me about this important day in history.

Gannon put together a great lens (basically a web page) on the Marine Corps Philosophy if you are a fellow civilian Marine its a great reminder of what drives you daily. If you are not a Marine its great information to learn about what makes a Marine.

Thanks for the reminder Gannon,

Happy Birthday and Semper Fi, to my buddies from Parris Island, CPL Gunter, CPL Hrbanek and Sgt. Garcia.


Brian