“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” ― Ernest Hemingway

There have been a couple really good articles that have come across the radar on CrossFit and weight lifting. First this one on the Central Nervous System and being a Sponge, the importance of sleep and eating right.

One of the primary constants that have resulted in my time with CrossFit is the need for adequate healthy sleep and a healthy diet to match. You simply cannot fake it when it comes to a WOD and training, if you try, you will get crushed and it is brutal. A hard lesson worth learning.

This next read is from a Blogger who explores the KoolAid mythology of CrossFit. One of my favorite quotes as follows:

“Yes, CrossFit can be a bit “culty” at times. Just like owning a Harley Davidson, being a car guy, or having babies can be “culty.” It’s an activity that has its own vocabulary, encourages commitment from its members, and becomes a neighborly gathering place for those with like mind. CrossFit can be a very social activity… And while some members can take it a bit far by revolving everything they do around it, it’s up to you on how far you want to go down the rabbit hole.”

I have lots of friends who have kids, young kids, and I’ve learned over the years that as a single adult with no kids, going out to dinner with friends with kids can be, well, extra work. A majority of the conversation at the table will center around sleep away camp and teachers and school supplies and whether or not to buy a 6-year-old an iPhone. Rightly so. None of these topics apply to me and interest me only to the degree that I love my friends and want to be supportive. Are they all in a cult? You decide. After countless nights out where I’ve found myself sitting quietly at the table having little to contribute and passing on the bread basket and pizza because I want to hit an early WOD the next day while their shuffling off to soccer practice, I’ve learned to adjust my expectations and my schedule.

Different lives – different priorities. I just want people to be happy, with whatever it is they choose.

My Uncle Jerry just called, to follow-up on my upcoming visit as I get ready to drive South. He’s well into his 80’s. He sounded so excited that I was coming to stay for a couple of days. He is my mom’s older brother. My mom died in 2003. It has been a long time since I have spent time with a parental-like adult. I’ll admit I’m a bit nervous about this trip, but there’s no backing out now.

2 Aunts, 2 Uncles, 6 Days.

My brother Greg suggested I bring along my Strongman Trophy and take pictures along the way of family members posing with the trophy. Like the Stanley Cup. ‘You’d probably have to hold it for them,’ he added. ‘It’s heavy and you’re a badass.’

I think he’s proud of me and this makes me boundlessly happy.

I think a part of him wishes he was coming on this journey too. As he and I become the adults in the room and our deceased parents grow further and further away from us and the generations that follow, we reminisce about Thanksgivings and piling into a station wagon and Dad dipping his toast into his orange juice at the breakfast table. This visit with my Aunts and Uncles will be one of the last, if not the last, opportunities to get close to our parents again. At least for the remainder of my brother and my life times. It is good to go. It is okay to be  nervous. There is so much to learn.