Reflections on The Way...

I’m glad this Sunday is off to a relatively low key start. I have a lot to accomplish this week including gauging how long it will take me to cover the material for my InDesign ACE exam. There is a ton of material to cover and for the next two weeks I’ll be focusing on the layout review which will be 16% (the largest portion) of the exam according to the reviewer.

I went with Mom and Dad to the African Association Campmeeting yesterday and it all went ok. I enjoyed the song services because they put an African spin on practically every song and they did so singing acapella! (Come to think of it, are there any African inspired songs that don’t do well acapella?) But the service dragged on long and I snuck out of the Canadian University College (CUC) gym (or was it the high school gym? Not sure.) where the camp meeting was being held, and headed for the College Heights SDA church to see if I could catch the sermon of Bill Santos (who was the keynote speaker for the day).

I was only going to catch a few minutes of his sermon but I was drawn in by his message. Although his exact words escape me, the gist of the sermon was grounded in the concept of finding our purpose through self-denial and a commitment to God. This spoke to me because I’ve experienced many upheavals during the past year or so where I’ve lost sight of any sense of purpose. And even though I have new goals now the seeds of doubt and fear do sprout and I often still wonder if I can do this. Also, more importantly, am I intended to do this?

I would like to say that I had a Hollywood moment and the answer just appeared miraculously on the wall. But this was not so. I just had profound sense of lack and that I indeed needed help. Not the kind of help that you look inwards to find (a route or belief system that seems so popular these days). Rather there was a sense that Devine intervention was an option I truly needed to give a chance.

One of the aspects of self-denial is reliance and or dependence on a greater power. This dependence runs through every aspect of living so much so that even the power to let go and trust is even provided through this dependence. Whether you ascribe to this concept or not, you have to admit that it is indeed deep. I, for one, would really like to give it a try.

To those of a Christian background this may all seem cliché, but how many of us have actually given the fundamental core of our belief system a chance? And by chance I mean a wholehearted effort grounded in the understanding that even the ability to stick to that effort is provided for if we reach out in faith and trust?

Lookin' For The ACE Up My Sleeve...

Hello kids! I know I usually fill out an extensive blog pretty much every day of a “normal” week but this week I’m streamlining things a bit. This is because, after working on my Master’s Degree for the past 3 months and making that my sole focus, I’m adding a few more goals to the mix.

Of equal priority to my degree are the Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) exams. These exams were instituted by Adobe [the premiere graphics software manufacturer and creator of Photoshop] in 1995 of means of setting a standard for graphic’s professionals. In short, they are the equivalent of board exams for other professions like nursing and physical therapy. (And believe me the sample questions appear just as hard as an MCAT sample! Of course I'm biased and my view is slanted.)

While becoming an “ACE” is not currently a prerequisite to working most jobs in the industry, the field is dynamically changing and they soon could be. I am focusing on these exams for two reasons: 1. Prepping for and passing them would solidify my confidence in my software skills. 2. The ACE exams are prerequisites to the Adobe Certified Instructor (ACI) exams which, after I take those, would solidify my confidence to instruct software at the university level.

Hence the cutback in extracurricular activity, including my daily blogging, because the review material for my first ACE exam is quite extensive. While I am familiar with the material, I know I have to bump up my sharpness a few notches before I would be ready to take my first exam. I have allowed myself a 9 week prep window commencing fully this coming week.

In other news I have an interview tomorrow afternoon with Vector Marketing. I’ve been considering working for while now because I’d like to start saving some money and replace my bike. (Note: Aren't the lines on the Specialized Tarmac SL2 below simply lovely?) However I’ve been skeptical because I know the exams and school are the priority and they certainly cannot suffer because of work. I also don’t want it mess with my workout schedule which is producing such good results in my health progress. I’m still a bit nawt sure as I read through their website but I figure I’ll give them a shot and any interview can be a source of training for future opportunities... so bring it!

Tomorrow Dad and I will be going to the Ponoka Stampede. Yee Haw! He figures I’ve been cooped out in the house for a bit so he figures we’ll go watch some cows! I’ll be sure and post pictures!

Anyway I’ll write more on Sabbath afternoon. For now have a great Friday ya’ll!

Hungry...

As this week winds down to its close, I laugh to myself because I kind of slacked off in general. I didn’t even resume working out till Wednesday which was 2 days since the last session on Sunday. Bad bad bad bad bad!

But I’d have to say that several good things happened this week. I now have my Alberta’s Driver’s Licence after working through some hurdles to get all the associated paperwork done, my latest grad program class has an outstanding grade, and I finally replaced defective eyewear that I’m been using for a year. I’ll debut them in a week or so. So things are looking positive and I am truly grateful, humbled, and feel blessed.

There are still obstacles ahead and I have 20 more credits before I get that Master’s Degree so the fight isn’t over yet. But for now I know I can rest head off to Edmonton with my Dad and chill for at least one more day.

Its back to the grind on Sunday and I look forward to it.

The Grades Be In!

After a few days of nervous waiting, I finally got my final grade from my latest grad degree class and I have to say I’m thrilled with it!! I am particularly happy with my performance over last two weeks. It was a hard class, the first class that I truly felt was a real graduate level course and I’m glad I rocked it! God is definitely good and carries me through my struggles.

Mom and I just got back from eyewear shopping; yes I’m finally replacing my old worn and busted frames with a new set (courtesy of the parental units for my birthday). My prescription has not changed much over the past 5 years so that’s a good thing. I originally picked out a pair of Porsche Titanium frames that have a really cutting edge shape and design to them, but they were a bit pricy so I relented. I figure I’m back in school and I can splurge on that stuff when I’m doing and working again. So I settled on some nice Ray-Ban rimless frames which also allowed me to pick up a pair of Ray-Ban semi-aviator style sunglasses as well for a reasonable price. No need to be pretentious at this stage in the game but no need to be out of style neither!

In a weird, universes colliding, and Twilight Zone twist, my new optician’s name is Christina. (All of you who know my eyewear history know that my Toronto optician’s name is Christine!) Christina was really nice and friendly but I have to say that I miss Christine [thats her with the mic, she sings] a whole lot. It’s nice when your service providers are also your good friends. And to be honest Christine… is a lot more fun and gorgeous! When I get back to the T dot, I’ll be sure to get those Porsche frames from her.

Anyway my arms, chest, and stomach are still tingling a bit from yesterday’s successful workout. I’m always adjusting to try new things to stress my muscles in a new way. I’m still not sure how far I can push myself and without any one to spot me I’d rather err on the side of caution. There is also the matter of proper technique and training my mind to constantly focus on quality over quantity. But we’re getting there and December is fast approaching!

Well that’s it for now. The new eyewear should be in within the next week or so and I’m looking forward to having frames I don’t constantly have to tape up to keep on my face! (Aint that totally geeky?!)

Oh... aren't Aprilia's the hottest bikes next to Ducati's... Check out all that carbo fibre! Hawwt!

Morning Beasties...

Not sure about what to write for this entry. Didn’t really do anything significant yesterday because there is a lull between this class and the next one… I actually slept for most of the day because I stayed up the night before in order to get my final class work done.

I should probably put together an entry on the upcoming Tour De France. I’ll be rooting for Cadel Evans since Alberto Contador and Levi Leipheimer have been excluded from the race. I think it’ll be an interesting race with fresh faces since Operation Puerto has cleaned out all and suspected doping riders. I’ll also definitely be checking out the new bike technology i.e. electric shifting systems.
But that can wait for tomorrow.

I need to do a serious workout today since I slacked off for the past 2 days. I can already fill my body loosening and I don’t like that. I feel like I’ve made some great progress over the last 4 week cycle. You can certainly see the difference in my bicep and tricep areas. But much more needs to be done especially around my problematic middle. Plus I miss the endorphin rush or afterglow! (Hah! Like sex but different! TMI! )

I’ve been having fun with Photoshop over the past few days. I’m happy that I am able to reach into my creative side again. It’s awesome because I’m working with some good images off my cell phone series of shots. I feel like I’ve improved with each new shot I take on that little guy.

I’m also looking to raise funds for a Nikon D300 because I feel my imaging needs would benefit from a full fledged digital SLR. Over this break I’ll be exploring my options to legitimate money making (as if I had the guts to make it otherwise and not feel the moral repercussions!)

Anyway better go get my weights on! Remember kids, "there is no charge for AWESOMENESS!"

One

One lives, One dies...

Wow 33. I was so busy yesterday finishing up a class that I did not get a chance to reflect on the passing of another year of life. I finally took a moment around 1 a.m. this morning(when my fate was sealed and I could no longer turn in any homework for my class).

My mom likes to point out that my Dad had all three of his kids by the time he turned 33. This boggles my mind. It also means that we were living in Surinam at the time and I can recall my Dad being a person who had already done so much in his life. At that point he had already been a missionary to two countries and had learned 2 lauguages other then his mother tongue. And here I feel like I'm just now getting my life back on track.

Jesus’ ministry was over at the age of 33 when he was crucified on the cross. The entire Christian faith is based on a 3 year period in his life on earth. This makes it unique amongst the different spiritual walks out there. What he taught and how he lived during that brief period made a undeniable dent in human history.

My Dad is now approaching his mid 60s. I would hazard a guess that even he could not have predicted where his life would take him. To reflect on his life would certainly take time and many lessons could be gained by his walk and example. It was certainly not the proverbial “bed of roses” but a study in the need for constant growth and shaping. And he still embraces the day and attacks it. I have learned a lot from that attitude.

A life that was not even half over at 33 and a life that was over by that same age. Somewhat of a distinct contrast. However, much can be gained from the comparison. Time really isn't an issue in this realm. All that matters seems to depend on how you use it.

I walk my own path. Even though I sometimes look back and wish that I had made wiser decisions with the choices that were presented to me, those very decisions have shaped me and taught me lessons few others will have the opportunity to learn. I believe lessons are taught for a reason. You need these skills for heavier tasks that lay down the road.

Despite the upheavals that happened in the past year of my life, I press on. This time I hope with greater clarity and a spirit to embrace come what may.

[God]fathers Day....

So the parental units are down in the living room doing a Godfather marathon (yes, parts I, II, and III back to back). I’m content to be up here in my study hearing them both hurl comments at the screen. No matter how parental they get, I think the following offers some insight into how fun they were as youngins.

Embellish liberally with a Filipino accent…

Mom: Hah! It was an abortion Michael… So…what are you going to do! Lagut ka Kay! Nako dat is abuse!

Dad: You know I just make him an offer he can’t refuse…hah hah hah!

Mom: Antonio Andolini… Aray why does he have to do with a knife… I don’t want to see that!

Dad: Shhhh… Neh… Be like the movie. You know. They only speak with their eyes… One look you know!

Mom: Patay na si Fredo sigi… Imagine what the mom wud say if she was still alive… Sure Michael is hugging him… But he is lying…

Mom asked me what I wanted for birthday and I said “meat”. Well since consolidation of celebrations is a trait of this family, she said my Dad and I could go to KFC and pick up a family chicken dinner today. We did.

We ended up with a 10 piece wing dinner complete with fries, coleslaw, macaroni salad, and potato salad as well. While being completely veggie has done my body some amazing good over the past 4 months, I must fess up to the fact that I miss devouring the bird! (This is where chickens start singing slave songs... Mama dun carried her burden to the grave aww...lawwd!)

This is a running week so it’ll burn off in the next few days I’m sure… heh heh heh ahem...

I’m glad I got to relax for the morning even though I have some major homework to turn in by midnight tomorrow (Anybody want to complete my ARP article reviews?) We did a whirlwind tour of the Edson, Peers, and Whitecourt churches yesterday and I must confess that I wasn’t too excited about our 5 am start. I was indeed, cranky.

That all changed when we were greeted by Brayden at the Edson church at 9 am. This little dude was a bottle of sunshine in his overalls, sunglasses, and disarming smile. He offered a handshake, “happy Sabbath”, and innocent giggle that sent my inner gremlins off like the bugs in a Raid commercial.

Anyway I best get started with those reviews! Happy birthday to all the Junelings of the Gemini brother/sister-hood!

My WBFM Church Family...

While everyone is always welcome to read my blog. This one is especially intended for my Word Became Flesh Church Family (WBFM) based in Brampton, Ontario.

I have been thinking about all of you lately for many reasons. The cliché is that “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” I am not sure if that is truly the case with me. But I do know that my absence is giving me daily clarity and insight into many things including the value of my church family. That is all you guys. You still are very much my church family.

I know that this is a time of transition for many of you. Change isn’t easy in any realm of existence especially when it has to do with the realization of new truths. I guess it is like what happens when the light is turned on in your bedroom before daybreak. Even though light is better than darkness, in that moment, you feel the shock and instinctively hide under the covers. We all do it. There is no shame in it.

I just want to encourage you to lift those covers and allow your eyes to adjust to the light because there is so much still to see. The learning process is often difficult and it is easy to think you need to make this journey all by yourself. This feeling is compounded by the thought that you are alone in your journey.

It is true that most of the climbing is done with your own two feet. There are many obstacles that you alone must conquer. The butterfly must escape from the cocoon under its own power in order to have the strength to fly. But herein lies the beauty of it all, if you overcome, you will fly.

Through it all however, do not forget your adopted family. Even though they may not always understand what you are going through, and may sometimes not even be aware that you are struggling, they do love you. I have learned that it is just as important to recognize love in the form that it is individually given, as it is to receive love.

You are all intended for great things. Your piece is integral to the completion of a beautiful story. You are more valuable than even you realize. But in order to fulfill that potential means you will go through the pains of shaping and also the fear of risking that step into the unknown.


And should you choose to take that step. Should you choose to lift the covers and allow your eyes to adjust to the light. Trust that the hand that will never leave you nor forsake you, will be there to pick you up and guide you through to your future.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29: 11

The Gift of The Moment.

I can hear the birds singing as I awoke this morning. I love the quietness of my parent’s house at this hour because this allows me to realize how noisy my mind can be and I can truly focus on bringing it to stillness by prayer or simple reflection.

Some have asked how I’ve handled the transition from being caught up in the hustle and bustle of life in the big city, to relative isolation in a tiny town on the edge of the great Canadian prairie and the beginning of the mighty Rockies. I can attest to the fact that it hasn’t been easy, but it is changing me in very positive ways.

A number of things are happening. I’m hearing myself again after focusing so much on the outside and being distracted by it. I think I’m hearing God again and possibly what he wants from after a long period of trying to shape things into what I wanted them to be. I am continually touched as I learn more about the life of his son.

As I look over the last few blog entries, especially within the past 2 months, I smile because they are honest. I have questioned the validity of religion, revealed my passions, confessed my likes and dislikes, and even done some healing through disclosure. A time of purging and rebuilding from the ground up is upon me. The process is far from over.

But what I am seeing is that I am reconnecting with the man I always wanted to be and simply allowed fear to erode away. This is a man who wishes to approach each day and each challenge with clarity of mind, strength of spirit, and a compassionate heart. I am humbled even as I “write” these words because I know much is yet to be done. I dedicate this time of my life to this cause.

I leave you with two of the wisest quotes I have heard recently:

“Your mind is like a pool of water. As you thrash around you only continue to disturb and distort things. But if you simply stay still, things will become clear.”

“The past is history. The future is a mystery. Only this moment is a gift. That is why it is called the present.”


One

Keepin' It Real in Red Deer...

So I’m grateful for the love and support that came my way in regards to my playing engagement at church yesterday. When I got up to play I distinctly told myself “just pretend you are back at WBFM and everyone there is carrying you through the song.” It worked and I feel I definitely played it clean. Tank dah lawd mos high and my fam back in da T dot!

People came up to me after to compliment me on a job well one. I secretly wished they could see me in a jam session with some of my friends of color. Or maybe even “building to the soar” at a gospel concert. That’s when I really feel like I’m throwing down and reaching my potential. However I still need to work on more power and sustained vibrato that truly comes from having your abs in shape. Alas, more crunch work ahead or maybe I should go get a wheel like July and Majoire (you are my fitness gurus! Y’all can mos defahnitly school mah ass!)

People seem really nice here and I want to give them the benefit of the doubt. But… I wonder how much of it is the veil a lot of hardcore Christians wear when they hang out on Sabbath. Those of you who grew up in Christianity know what I am talking about… That “Sabbath” face and attitude you put on because either you want people to think you’re saintly or because you want to avoid the “trouble” that comes when Christian’s judge each other’s shortcomings…

Now I’m not calling out people. I can sense that a lot you/them are wonderfully nice! I’m just saying what I’d really like is people to be real with me. I don’t really care if I run into your ugly side. You don’t have to put all that stuff on just cause I’m Pastor Daquila’s son… Chances are I’ve been involved and done things that would make you blush! Not that I’m promoting a life of reckless abandon - I’m all grown up now… or A LOT more grown up now andI am embracing a journey leading to deeper spirituality…

But let’s just stop pretending we’re saints and admit we watch movies, eat meat, (well I’m veggie for the most part for working out reasons. But I’ll go eat a steak with you if you invite me! hint hint...) dance our asses off when our jam comes on, rock it out when we can, get a bit tipsy to celebrate, question the relavence of religion, follow the latest fashion, (even if it means wearing jewelry!) swear when shit goes bad, lust over Roselyn Sanchez (or insert the latest hottie there!) and yes struggle to rise above it all. That’s my list, but I’m sure you have your own… Well that’s the list I want to see behind your squeaky clean image!

Anyway so there is this guy Franz, flip dude who made me laugh when he went off on the youth pastor about Filipinos not being oriental as we were readying ourselves to go onto the platform. Poor guy. I think the youngin’ pastor actually didn’t know. But it was a moment of realness and I totally dug that. Thanks dude! You made my Sabbath.

Well to everyone who has made it this far through my blog entry… hope this triggers some thoughts. But realize its all layered with love and willingness to accept you for who you are. Plenty of room in my life for you!

Special thanks to Curtis, Karin, Rita, Lucia (sorry if ah slaugtered your names) and Jorlene for reaching out!

My Musical Sundae...

So I am bit nervous about playing for the Red Deer Church this Sabbath. Even though I’ve performed in countless venues and in front of large groups of people, (24,000 in the summer of 1994) I am still not comfortable with solo work. What most people don’t realize is that I have to play a song through over 100 times or at least till I’m sick of it (ironically) before I am truly comfortable with playing it in front of an audience.

The scenario changes when I’m with a group of musicians, especially those who are used to playing as a group. By “used to playing as group” I am speaking of the unspoken communication that occurs when each member is aware of the other’s playing style and can often predict where his/her partners are going to go. Of course outright communication is equally valuable. A glance, a drop of a hand, or a change in pace on the trap-set can carry so much meaning. In this environment, even if you are carrying the solo, you are not playing alone.

What would make my ideal praise team? Well, I’ve limited the group to people I actually know and have had the chance to throw down with. And if I really could assemble all these people, I think I’d permanently retire afterwards because there would be no reason to play anymore.

Now mind you some of these people would play throughout the set and form the foundation of the sound kind of like vanilla ice cream. Others would be brought out as the show progresses to flesh out the sound and add some soul to the mix kind of like Nestlé’s chocolate syrup on your vanilla ice cream. Others would simply play for one song and just wow everyone with their musical talent kind of like the cherry on the syrup on the ice cream. Naturally then, I am going to use these labels.

GUITAR
Vanilla
Vilma: She comes from a truly musical family and she knows how to hold the rhythm down when things start to travel too far off course. She is the quiet consistent center.
Gabriel: Although he is a soloist in his own right, his improvisational notes add that right amount of color which make you wonder how sound existed without him

Chocolate Syrup
Addison: The master of praise worship leading. He is the energy that drives a song and is the hub of the group.
Jason: This cat can rock out and is the master of the wah wah pedal. I think if we left Gabriel and Jason in a room with their instruments they’d never leave.

Cherry
Dennis: If there was a Filipino representation of Eric Clapton it would be this dude. Many people own a Fender Stratocaster. Very few can make it sing.
Kent: If Dennis is Eric Clapton then Kent is Jimmy Hendrix. Pure musical genius on the axe with the personality to match.


KEYS
Vanilla
Lily: This girl embraces any musical challenge and can read on sight. This puts her in a very special category of musician.

Chocolate Syrup
Colville: This man is blessed with equal footing in the classical and gospel worlds. The consummate musician with a heart of gold. It shows in his playing.

Cherry
Glenn: This cat is music defined. There is nothing compared to a Saliba groove especially when it is him who produces the whole sound. Nuff respect!

BASS
Vanilla
Zola: This dude personifies the classic bass player. He be chillin’ while he lays down the soulful foundation that you can depend on to carry you through.

Chocolate Syrup
Majoire: Who knew this boy could play? And yet he can and of all the people I have listed, he defines the joy of playing live and a true example of stage presence.

Cherry
Joey: The foo man chu of bass playing. This guy is a guitar soloist in his own right but he knows how to lay groove down with perfect technique.

PERCUSSION AND DRUMS
Vanilla
Christian: He is your nuts and bolts. Keeps the beat and brings you home safe and sound.
Fred: Is the jack of all trades. He can sing, dance, and play guitar. If there is a person who loves to play no matter what, he is your go to guy.

Chocolate Syrup
Brad: Impeccable technique. As far as foundations go, he is the rock.

Cherry
Al: He is the beat. This cat lives and breaths rhythm and feels it where others only hear silence.

Stay tuned for the latter part of the list…

And be sure to check out http://www.soundofworship.ca/

Religion vs. Spirituality.

Since the inception of this blog I have avoided writing on the subjects of religion and politics. Yes, I have tucked a seed or two into an entry here and there, but nothing substantial enough to warrant real notice. Well, since this blog is about “the journey”, it would not be complete without a few musings on religion.

When asked if I am religious person, I often counter with an answer like, “I’m not religious. I’m spiritual”. So far I am still sticking to that distinction. Being religious conjures too many images in my mind of fanatic fervor gone array including knights marching off to the holy land on “crusades”, fundamentalist Muslims seeking to rid the world of infidels in often warranted retaliation, and Amish people in horse drawn buggies on modern highways. Don’t ask me why these specific images dominate my imagery of the word, they just do.

The point being that religion, in my eyes, has done more evil than good when interpreted in a misguided fashion by those who tend towards the fanatic. On the other hand, people who have been enlightened by the template of their religion have attained peace within themselves and harmony with others. Is this not the most noble of earthly existences? Such an experience is not exclusive to a religion. These people exist in Christianity, the Muslim faith, and Buddhism (the latter of which is not considered to be a religion but “a way of life”.)

What is the difference then between the fanatic and the enlightened? I am still sifting through the answers to that question. You might be surprised as what I am finding out...

Bravo Alberto Contador!

I feel somewhat cheated out of the coverage that Europe gives the sport of cycling. Although the sport has seen much turmoil over the past several years, it is still my favorite, both as a participant and a fan. Also, despite the lack of the coverage here in North America, I have kept track via the plethora of websites that inhabit cyber space. Most notable of these sites are Graham Watson’s photography site (http://www.grahamwatson.com) and the Procycling magazine site (http://www.procycling.com).


Hence, I was overjoyed when I learned that Alberto Contador won his first Giro d’Italia this past Sunday. According to TREK: (http://www.trekbikes.com)

Alberto Contador held off the competition in the final stage’s individual time trial to win this year’s Giro d’Italia, delivering TREK its 11th Grand Tour title and earning the reigning Tour de France Champion his second Grand Tour win. Contador’s win also marks the second Grand Tour Championship for the latest version of TREK’s flagship road bike platform, the OCLV Madone—a bike redesigned from the ground up to deliver an unrivaled balance of high performance, all-day riding comfort, superior efficiency, low weight, and captivating styling. Coming into the final stage just four seconds ahead of second-placed Riccardo Riccò, Contador raced his TREK Equinox TTX to an 11th placed finish, besting Riccò by nearly two minutes and sealing up his Giro Championship.

Contador’s latest Grand Tour victory is especially impressive given his less than ideal preparation. Originally excluded (along with the rest of his Astana teammates) back in February by Giro organizers, Contador was on holiday in the days leading up to this year’s race, spending his days on the beach rather than in the saddle. A last minute invite left a big question mark over Astana’s triple threat of Andreas Klöden, Levi Leipheimer, and Contador—all potential title contenders, but all in less than dialed conditioning. While Contador’s form certainly lacked some of its usual punch, consistently high finishes in the mountains and time trials, savvy racing tactics, and a powerful supporting team helped Contador ride into, and retain, the leader’s maglia rosa [name for the leader’s jersey in the Giro].

In my opinion, Contador’s win seemingly heralds good changes for the sport. It comes in the wake of controversy surrounding the disbanding of his former team: Discovery Channel. Due to replacement sponsors being hesitant to throw their support behind a cycling team in uncertain times, questions were also cast on the legitimacy of Contador’s win of the 2007 Tour De France as well as his teammate Levi Leipheimer’s amazing last day time trial performance. This win throws these performances back into the realm of legitimacy.

My Challenger...

He is always there to haunt me, riding my case every chance he gets. Goading me on when I am at my weakest; pushing my face in the dirt when I'm already down on the ground. Even though I have just given my best shot he yells at me to do better. I can fly higher. I CAN do better!

Relentless.

It works. I do get up. I do fight. I am driven. Don't follow the crowd. My heart beats to a different drum. My soul carries its burdens and motivation in one song. All fire. All heart. I may fall but I will get up again...I got up this morning and stared him in the face. I acknowledged the image in the mirror.

My challenger is me.