The Four Phases of the Post-Paddle

Phase I: “The Hunger”

Phase I often begins immediately upon termination of the workout, though in some paddlers the effect can be delayed.  There have also been cases observed in which the Hunger will begin over the course of a strenuous workout.  The Hunger descends with great fury, a primordial drive that terminates all logic, and can remove ones very identity.  The empty husk that remains is a desperate creature, fueled solely by the need to eat everything and anything within reach. 

On a more positive note, spouses and roommates attest that the Hunger is an excellent way of getting rid of leftovers in the fridge or fruit on the verge of spoiling.

Phase II: “The Bliss”

For a moment in time, carbohydrates and proteins make peace with one another, and fats, salts and sugars of all varieties are welcomed to the table of even the pickiest eater with gusto.  Only a miracle of heaven can be compared to the sensation of full life being restored to the body through food.  The sensation of unalloyed joy consumes the once hollow body; the spirit returns to the eyes and soul.  Just as the Israelites were led out of the wilderness, one may feel that they have been freed from the bondage of hunger and into the paradise of milk and honey.  (Or both milk AND honey, on top of large crusty rolls of bread, dipped in yogurt with fresh fruit, a whole chicken, and a stack of peanut butter pancakes on the side …with hot chocolate and horchata.)

Phase III: “Denial”

Riding the wave of Bliss, there is a moment, ever so brief, where a paddler may think for a time that their day can continue on as normal, like any other human being.  In this phase, as one relishes the color that has returned to their cheeks, they may begin to plan doing chores, attending events, or mapping out projects which have yet to be accomplished for the rest of the day.  One may even begin to exert themselves in large social gatherings in complete ignorance of there own limitations. 

This phase is often short lived.

Phase IV: “The Crash”

Once the body obtains that which it needed so desperately, the crash may begin with a sometimes violent, sudden, and unexplainably powerful wave.  It is recommended that paddlers be watched by loved ones prior to this phase; in case there is need to set up a soft landing space for their impending collapse.  Like C3PO, the body shuts down with an electronic “biiieeeeewwww” and hums happily in the healing cocoon of sleep.

(Phase IV: Guest comic thanks to Matthew "Chumie" Ochocinco)

Wash. Rinse. Repeat next Saturday.

Shantaram

As I said before, I've been trying to write a bit every day for Lent.  (I've missed a few days, but have been generally good about this.)  Some of it is, as to be expected, utter rubbish.  This one, however, I thought I'd share because I like the inspirational quote so much.

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This is a passage from the novel I am currently reading, Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts.  I highly recommend it to pretty much anyone; the story is beautifully written, dark and at times quite challenging.  There have been several passages I have dog-eared or jotted down, but of them all I think this one so far has struck me the hardest.

“One of the reasons why we crave love, and seek it so desperately, is that love is the only cure for loneliness, and shame, and sorrow.  But some feelings sink so deep into the heart that only loneliness can help you find them again.  Some truths about yourself are so painful that only shame can help you live with them.  And some things are just so sad that only your soul can do the crying for you.”

At one point or another, every human being has been lonely or felt completely alone.  It’s incredible how terrifying that feeling can be, especially when it is unexpected.  There are times in my life, too many times, where I managed to delude myself into thinking and believing that I didn’t need anyone or anything else, that if I had to go it alone in the world I would be able to survive.

Being alone makes you face things that creep up in the silence, the stillness.  We have an incredible stockpile of noise and distractions we use to combat the reality of our dark hearts, our petty needs, our twisted thoughts and deeds.  Facing our flawed reflections can crush our spirits, but can also indeed be cured with love; the overflowing forgiveness and unconditional covering that is the grace of charity. 

Love fuels the effort we sacrifice in the belief that we can be better than what we are, and gives us the continued opportunity to become the person some believe us to be already.

Free Writing for Lent

Yesterday I thought I was going to skip celebrating Lent this year because I couldn’t come up with anything good to give up.  The past five years or so I have given up simple sugars and white bread, but with outrigger training I have pretty much eliminated those things from my diet anyway so it wouldn’t be much of a struggle.

My beloved old roomie Hilary used to take it upon herself to write a journal entry every day for Lent.  I decided today I am stealing her idea – though I’m going to call them “free writes” instead of journals because for some reason the idea of “journaling” always makes me think I have to write about my feelings, whereas “free writes” are, well, self explanatory.

Some of these writings will likely turn into blog entries, many will probably be poorly formed story ideas, and who knows what else.  I think I’m looking forward to it.

Happy Ash Wednesday!

Imriel de la Phillips

Meet our new kitty, Imriel! ("Imri" for short.)  On Friday, Chris and I adopted this little snuggle bug from 2nd Chance Cats.  He is named after the character Imriel de la Courcel, from one of our favorite book series' Kushiel's Dart by Jaqueline Carey.  (Yes, I have mentioned these books before and will continue to do so until more people read them!)

Our little Imri is 10 months old and scrawny little string bean.  He is incredibly affectionate and has one of the loudest motor boat purrs I have ever heard.  He has been having some tummy trouble but other than that seems to be adjusting nicely.

Inara, our other cat, currently hates him and resents his introduction to the house.  (Hopefully that will change soon.)  She is certainly curious about him, but keeps hissing whenever they make eye contact.  Last night we made them both sleep with us in our room, and this morning I had Inara under the covers at my right side, Imri under the covers on my left.  When I started rousing at 5:30 to get to the gym, Inara gave Imri a growl and a hiss good morning and he promptly ignored her completely.  We'll see how this developes - especially since today will be their first day alone together.

As usual the hardest thing about having a new fuzz-ball in the house is I don't want to be at work! I just want to go home and play with him. :)