Washington DC Diversity

One of the greatest things about working in, living near, or visiting Washington, DC is the diversity of outlooks, activities, and interests that chose to call this place home.

NCA Outrigger Canoes Racing on the Anacostia

I have literally walked this route hundreds of times, but today is the first time I've seen outrigger canoes racing down the Anacostia.  Based on the art on the side of the boats, these particular crews are members of the National Capital Area Outrigger Canoe Club which falls under the National Capital Area Women's Paddling Association (NCAWPA).  Not only did I fail to realize that outrigger canoe racing was an option, but I had no idea that a Women's Paddling Association existed in the area.

Every day is a new adventure, and I'm looking forward to what tomorrow may hold.

Sport or Punishment?

I managed to recapture what amounts to a more normal routine today, and during my constitutional around Annapolis, I came across something that I've never seen before today.

Four Man Crew Setting Up for a Run West on College Creek

It's not too unusual to see crew boats in College Creek, but I've never run across one west of the county bridge on Roscoe Rowe Blvd.  These guys were setting up for what amounted to a pretty short but intense run to the mouth of the creek and back. Another boat was following in their wake.

Two Four Man Crews in Full Stroke Headed East on College Creek

Watching these guys race from the top of the bridge made me wonder, "Is this sport, or is this punishment." A friend of my on the lightweight eights in college tells me that it's both, and I have no reason to doubt his experience.

It's good to get back in the groove, and I'm looking forward to catching additional surprises and new experiences tomorrow.

Incremental Changes Make Big Differences

The practice of divesting myself of unneeded stuff is having and impact already. Two books today. A week ago, I had no desire to get rid of these books, but today they are gone. Not only are they gone, but I've been left with a handful of memories and a new place to attempt to offload some others.

Given the reluctance with which I gave up David and Goliath, it seemed appropriate to stick with a theme and offload Outliers and Blink. I hope to write half as well as Gladwell right now, and I felt a pang of uncertainty moving on from these books because of their inspirational value. I embraced all three books, and they became a small part of my identity. Giving up a piece of oneself feels awkward.

Separating from them needed the right venue. A quick search, and I identified one.

Little Free Library - East Capitol Street - Washington, DC

I really like the concept of Little Free Library. The first crossed paths with these tiny places to exchange books in Fairhope, AL. The gist of the gig is that you take a book and leave a book. So far drop-offs comprise my interaction, but the idea resonates. The uncertainty of "not knowing" what might present itself for your reading enjoyment puts a bit of pizzaz back in a way of life in this country that takes on an air of mundane predictability with every passing day. These kiosks of surprise represent a connection with fate that I reach out and access at a time of my choosing. Today, this little beacon of chanciness got a couple of books that speak to me and I hope speak to someone else as well.

Minimizing - Day 2

The act of dropping these books took me to a new area for walking. I did not expect that benefit from the early steps toward minimalism. I gained a new four mile loop. It's not more than a long stone's throw from where I walked in the past, but that distance opened up new vistas that I look forward to experiencing. A used bookstore along the route advertises that they buy books. I've got some to sell them, or give them away if they'll take them.

Today reemphasized the big changes that can come from incremental changes. The anticipation of letting two books go filled my day with the good kind of anticipation. The new route a short distance from my old standby reinvigorated my sense of curiosity. The positive benefits of both results energize my hope of more to come as I move away from the things that tie me to an anchor in my past.

I always look forward to what's around the corner, but tonight the imaginations seem a bit more colorful. The hopes just a tad more real. The excitement just a bit more prickly. Till then...