The GOAT

It was the logo on our vehicles.

It was always a Ford. The early 1950s pickup and the 1960 station wagon carried that name plate. Subsequent vehicles though different in style and model displayed the same four letter name. Unwritten and never proclaimed, yet it was clear that Ford vehicles were the Greatest Of All Time.

The drive to be the GOAT not only remains strong, but it has taken on a 

E-Bikes with Harley-Davidson status

chest-thumping and social media bombardment which is relentless. Every aspect of life from the Keto lifestyle to NHL playoff teams are promoted with an evangelical fervor. Once reserved for religious revival meetings, evangelism has spread like the smell of cigarette smoke from the slightly open window of the vehicle passing on the street. This evangelism is not subtle. It is in-your-face, antagonistic tribalism which thrives on strong division. Just as some Christians tout being "born again" as a sign of a genuine believer, equal zeal is woven into providing greatness by blindly following the trite remarks of socially savvy and socially manipulative entities. Our society may use the language of diversity and acceptance, but its actions indicate a moral absolutism. We have dug an ever eroding chasm separating right and left, good and evil, traditionalists and wokes. The Greatest Of All Time has less to do with character and more to do with self-aggrandizement and monetary gain. 

The reason my father stayed with one brand of vehicle was based on two factors. First, but less important was the familiarity with parts and repairs. Interchangeability was an asset when parts either were not readily accessible or needed to be crafted on the farm. The primary reason was the relationship he had established with the owner of the dealership.  It was more than a business or transactional exchange. It had nothing to do with political affiliations or religious beliefs. It was based on mutual respect and a sense of community. There was no need to get ahead at the expense of someone else. The interdependence necessary for people to sense a meaningful life was more important than self-promotion. 

Who was the Gladiator
GOAT?

Estimates predict over a half million people descended upon the extravaganza surrounding the NFL Draft which concluded April 30th in Las Vegas. Getting in on the ground floor, posting a selfie on social media indicating your presence as your beloved franchise chose the next NFL GOAT may be your current claim of significance. Now the NFL and Las Vegas want to make this a permanent, annual venue. All the hype, all the promotion, all the excess because football is the greatest sport and Las Vegas is greatest destination of all time, right?  Those who disagree will vigorously take exception with blatant examples of their own. It is important to be the GOAT, no matter what it takes!

Enjoying the journey

In my current existence I lean more toward gratitude than greatness. The ability to maintain, as well as foster new 
relationships is a priority. I look forward to the time when I do not require a motorized vehicle. Loyalty to name plates, institutions, doctrines, and geography are not as important as personal expansion and understanding. I have no desire to gloat or GOAT. My goal is to find satisfaction in daily experiences.

The Bunny Egged Me On

 

Recent upgrade

Friday morning I made a visit at the local bike shop. Even with the recent winter weather and snow predicted for Sunday, it was an active shop. In conversation one of the mechanics said, "It's two days until 'Ham Day!'" This person looks forward to the feast of ham surrounded by mashed potatoes, ham gravy, and the other trappings of their traditional meal. I mentioned how ironic it was that the defining Christian holiday which changes its day of celebration yearly to remain close to the Jewish holiday of Passover, as well as the fact that Jesus of Nazareth was Jewish, has a traditional meal based on pork.                                                                                              

Tradition!

Instead of ham, my wife's favorite Easter tradition is receiving a chocolate bunny. It has to be quality milk chocolate. When she unwraps it the first part to be eaten are the ears. After the ears, there is no particular portion which comes next. Yet, like an excellent ham, it is nibbled on at various times until it is all gone. At least she does not make sandwiches from the bunny parts!

In 1890, a drug store owner named Robert L. Strohecker displayed what is said to be the first chocolate rabbit in the United States. It stood 5 feet tall. From that point forward the fascination with chocolate bunnies rose even higher. Those who research chocolate bunnies indicate that in 1939, the bunnies began to have hollow interiors. It was a product change which provided easier eating, as well as using less chocolate. Biting through chocolate with a thickness of more than a half inch is extremely difficult, a chocolatier stated. Then in 1942, chocolate bunnies were banned due to the rationing of cocoa for the military. After World War II, the production and sale of these springtime treasures grew faster than rabbits propagate!

Hollow tradition!

In the United States in 2017, 90 million chocolate bunnies were produced. Those who observe such things reported that over 70% of Americans eat the ears first. (My wife is normal after all!) According to the National Retail Federation, in 2021, the average family expenditure for Easter related food and candy was almost $180. Finally, Easter is second to Halloween in candy sales.

Not only are ham and chocolate bunnies interesting, but the Easter Hare backstory is intriguing, as well. According to research by Time, the origins are from one or both legends (English and Germanic) about the Goddess of Spring. These stories are about fertility, new life, change, etc. The Germanic version is the tale of Ostara, who transformed a bird into a hare. The hare produced colored eggs. These eggs would be left at night for the "good" children to find in the morning. Mindful children would leave carrots in a nest to help the Osterhase (Easter Hare) maintain its strength for the journey of delivering eggs. (Connection to the Santa legend with milk and cookies?)

Too sweet!

On a practical level, some scholars believe eggs were hard boiled during the six weeks of the Lenten season for preservation. Due to giving up animal products/proteins during this time, eggs needed to be preserved. Once Lent concluded with Easter, eggs were distributed freely. Some of the eggs were colorfully decorated to symbolize their being special gifts. This was especially noticeable to the peasants who received the oval produce. Wealthier people resumed eating meat and dairy while the impoverished received eggs.  

Church sponsored Easter egg hunts, hard boiled eggs for Easter breakfast, folktales of egg delivering rabbits, as well as gift filled, nest-like baskets make for a fascinating melding of traditions which have no connection to the Biblical New Testament  account of the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Is this a bad thing? I do not find it necessary to take a stand about such matters. Humans blend and incorporate traditions from cultures, families, and individuals constantly. We use stories to explain many things. Fascinating, creative, retold stories become the basis for many aspects of life we assume to be true. What is sacred to one group may be ridiculous to another. What is important for an era may be modified or forgotten in the next. What I find key to all of this is the aspect of relationship. We live in community, not isolation. We are enriched, enlivened, and expanded through the sharing of ideas and traditions. In my opinion this is much healthier than rigid, mono-cultural entrenchment. 

So, I will celebrate life today while sharing caramel rolls, glazed ham, and those little eggs filled with peanut butter brought to me by the M&M character!

Good to be Green

 

When I think of "green" the image of Kermit the Frog from the Muppets jumps into my mind. A song associated with him, "It's Not Easy Being Green" has these lyrics:

     It's not easy being green having to spend each day the color of the leaves.. it       seems to blend in with so many other ordinary things, and people tend to pass       you over 'cause you're not standing out.  

The desire to stand out, be unique, and be recognized continues as a strong human characteristic. With the plethora of social media platforms, standing out should be relatively easy. Yet, so many postings, pictures, and videos look the same. Could social media be the new "green" which Kermit sings about? With a resounding "NO" posts are ramping up, pushing the limits in risk taking, trash talk, and bizarre activities just to get likes and followers. Going viral and becoming an influencer is the goal.

I recently enjoyed the initial bike ride of 2022. I purchased a new bike in January. It has remained motionless in the garage. I rode my old bike sparingly after October 2021, as I was training for an ultra event on foot. I also did not want my old bike which had been cleaned, serviced, detailed, and polished after Thanksgiving 

The old bike in July 2018

2021 to get dirty. It was going to be posted "for sale" on a few online sites. No need for more than one bike! I enjoyed the sound of gravel crunching under the fat tires. The wind in my face and on my back at various times provided stinging and pushing sensations. Numerous aircraft sounds captured my attention. These prodded me to scan the skies testing my skills of matching the sound to the type of aircraft. My only disappointment was not meeting a friendly dog with whom I had established a relationship during previous rides. Yes, dogs chase bikes. Yes, I have been both nipped at and bitten by canines. However, this particular furry friend enjoys people, attention, being scratched and petted, and striding alongside me for a few yards when we meet. Maybe the next ride will bring our reunion?

The new bike

The many miles covered on foot have provided numerous benefits beyond the physical and mental. Unexpected waves from strangers, whether in vehicles or on foot have boosted my steps. Conversations with strangers on trails and paths have overshadowed the rudeness sometimes experienced from passing motorists. I have met neighbors in the area, as well as established relationships with their four legged fur balls and larger breeds. I have enjoyed the spontaneous laughter, sharing of life events, and expressions of caring during these times. Not every journey includes these happenings. Many times are undisturbed solo hikes. Yet every opportunity to get out on foot or bike is a valuable opportunity

The lyrics of Kermit's song continue:  "green's the color of spring and green can be cool and friendly-like...when green is all there is to be it could make you wonder why, but why wonder why?"

Spring is gaining momentum in the Northern Great Plains. New life, new sights, and new discoveries are part of the season. For me it is what makes this season alive. The times I begin to bemoan being in the statistically last decade or two of my life, I attempt to think green. I want to be imaginative, inquisitive, and awed like someone who is just starting. Being "seasoned" is great for cast iron cookware, but not if it means having my mind made up about life. Being green is not exclusive to recycling. I do not want to reuse past ideas and observations. I prefer to be astonished by what I can incorporate into my life. I want to expand and appreciate each day and each person with whom I have the opportunity to interact. 

It is Good to be Green!  

Fun Factor

                                                                                                   

Creativity!

Peloton instructor, Matt Wilpers concludes every workout with the phrase, "Train hard, train smart, and always have fun." Peering back on more than four decades of work life, I ponder the fun factor. To me this encompasses concepts of enjoyment, creativity, interaction, questioning, challenge, and growth. These are key to making something fun from my perspective.

2013 Start - Wes Peck photo

2013, was the inaugural END-SURE, 50k event (Extreme North Dakota-Sandhills Ultra Run Experience). The starting temperature was -10 degrees F. It did not warm too much during that bright, sunny day. After 25 miles, I dropped out. The following year I completed 100k (62 miles) in much better conditions. After that I began working into being the director of the event. Over those years of unpredictable weather, expanded distance options

2022 Event

(25k, 50k, 100k, & 100 miles), numerous participants, COVID-19, dedicated volunteers, off course runners, and hours of no sleep my stint as director has concluded. In short, the fun factor has dwindled. 

I have been involved in various aspects of pastoral care for most of my vocational life. Small and large congregations, short-term interim duties, treatment center and general hospital chaplaincy, on-call crisis response for two rural counties, and specialized consulting have provided enjoyment, challenge, creativity, interaction, questioning, and growth. For the majority of those years, the fun factor has been relatively high. Sure it went up and down, but overall it was engaging. Moving into the final portion of life (as defined by our society), I am reevaluating the fun factor. I sense it is a natural part of life. I connect this pondering to the Eriksonian Developmental Stages. I am by those parameters in, "Ego Integrity vs. Despair." I am grateful for my past. Now, I want to continue exploring life.

Hike scene in Nevada

Writing has held an interest for decades. Whether it was for a class, a presentation, or a publication I have enjoyed painting a picture with words. When I write the text can be edited, word searched, and rearranged much easier than when I speak. I have not been comfortable reading a manuscript in public when I am meant to address and engage a group of people. Thus writing is more creative than speaking, as well as forgiving.

Runners from England

Being outside in all seasons, exploring numerous locations, and using a  variety of modes of movement increases my fun factor. Sounds, landscapes, colors, and even traffic captures my attention and imagination. Opportunities to both watch people, as well as interact with them provides stimulation and insight.  I would rather participate in an event then organize and direct one. Or volunteering and leaving the decisions to another increases the fun factor. I am also comfortable and oftentimes desire being by myself for numerous hours. 

Time has become a special and even a sacred commodity in my life. The ability to set my schedule and minimize interruptions is gaining greater enjoyment. Saying, "No." to the requests which come my way is empowering and freeing. The health conditions which my wife is experiencing provide many unknowns and disruptions. Those are enough in this segment of my life.

It is another part of my journey in life. There are many aspects outside of my control which remain unpredictable. I have no illusions that I can direct the events of my life. However, I can choose how to respond. For today and into the future my response is to maximize the fun factor!

Uncomfortably Challenged

Ryan in the Grasslands

In about one year, my friend Ryan (pictured left) will be in Alaska participating in the Iditarod Trail Invitational. He will be traversing 350 miles on the sometimes marked, sometimes visible, and always challenging trail on his fat bike. He won entry into this event in a drawing of the divisional winners and runner ups in the Tuscobia Winter Ultra. He has been searching out maps, watching online for hints and helps from this year's event, contemplating gear needs, riding locally in the brutal winds and frigid temperatures, and connecting with past ITI participants to prepare himself for this ultra adventure. This may be the first time Ryan has gone into an event with so many unknowns. He is an experienced winter, ultra distance athlete. Yet this is a longer distance in a new location with unique weather patterns and copious amounts of barren wilderness. 

In two weeks, I will be directing my final March ultra event for Extreme North Dakota Racing. It appears that two younger ultra athletes will take leadership of the event in the future. Fresh eyes and fresh ideas are always welcomed! One of my many quirks (for this event in particular) is to mark the course well. I want it to follow the established North Country Trail. Following the Trail is relatively easy when there is little or no snow. In recent years that has not been the case. The trail becomes lost underneath months of snow. This

Blaze on Oak Leaf Loop

produces great anxiety within me. I obsess about making certain it is within a couple feet of the Trail. Maps, painted blazes on trees, and GPS tracking makes it feel easier. Yet I still get frustrated when I cannot accurately and with certainty be within my established margin of error. 

Which path to take?

Lately my greatest challenge has been accepting uncertainty. This is not about aging, retirement, vocation, finances, or health. It specifically relates to my wife. She has a progressive, degenerative disorder that affects every aspect of her being. I want to do the correct things, say honest and encouraging words, and provide freedom while at the same time maintaining a safe environment. It seems easy in theory, but extremely difficult in reality. Which is the correct path? What happens if I veer off course? How many people will be affected by my choices? i know the basics. I have faced challenge previously. For many reasons this challenge feels different. 

Current Read

Recently I began reading "The Comfort Crisis" by Micheal Easter. There were many reasons why this book attracted my attention. One was its recommendation by another blog I read. I was struck by the discussion of a Japanese practice called, "misogi." It has diverse spin-offs from its original concept. What captured my thoughts was the broad concept of challenges which crush an individual's perception of comfort. As a person takes risks and confronts fears, stress and discomfort rises. As that person accepts and moves into the midst of stress and discomfort, personal resilience and improved self-concept are part of the results This happens even if the challenge is not completed. New vision and expanded views of oneself and the world replace previous structures. 

I am in the process. I am not certain of the outcome. Attempting to keep my anxiety in check and moving along the unfamiliar and uncomfortable path is where I am at today. The journey continues!

Data Driven - Data Drowsy

 

Early indications point not only to a cancelled spring training season, but possibly no regular season for Major League Baseball.  A "lockout" with no easy solutions is given as the reason. Instead of live baseball, a favorite movie about baseball, "A League of Their Own" will be added to my watch list. A Women's League which was formed during World War II is the basis of this movie. Of the memorable characters, Coach Jimmy Dugan (played by Tom Hanks) says to Dottie (played by Geena Davis), "It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great."

We live in a society driven by data. Every time we browse the internet, fill out a survey, scan a loyalty card, order online, or use a streaming service data is collected about our habits. We are enticed to turn over our information for the sake of financial incentives or the promise that our lives will be easier and more seamless in the future. Precious time will be freed up because our decisions are already made. All we have to do is touch the button on the screen. It is that easy!

Tracking Device

According to Dictionary.com one of the definitions for the word "adventure" can be, "a bold, usually risky undertaking; hazardous action of uncertain outcome." On numerous occasions I have described my life as an adventure. I believe life is lived when the outcome of an opportunity is uncertain. Yes, the final outcome is certain, but there are ample opportunities for adventure prior to that point. However, as more devices, more data, and more buttons orbit the hours of my days the reality of adventure is dwindling. Long gone are the hours of outdoor activity without a communication tool. I used to mute the notifications on my phone. Recent circumstances have changed that option. "You never know what may happen," echos through my mind. This has been etched on my psyche from many sources. I realize those individuals, as well as organizations are concerned for my well being. Yet with all of the data, all the connectivity, and the ease of assistance and escape I feel the reality of adventure has lost its meaning. Coach Dugan was accurate in saying, "If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it." It now seems like everyone wants the experience of adventure without the inherent risk which defines it. Everyone wants easy!

Tracker with messaging

Has the ease of life and/or lack of adventure made us drowsy? We rely upon data and algorithms to solve our problems, direct us to our destinations, make our decisions, and free our time. However, we are freed to do what? Are we seeking adventure but unwilling to assume the risk? Is success so important that we are fearful of learning from failure? If so, is that being free?  Data collected over years of life directs me to believe life is best encountered in what we cannot control. Individual characteristics are developed, as well as personalities chiseled as we confront aspects of life with our full attention. We all have unique and important aspects of our lives which cannot be honed by pressing the "Easy Button."

"The hard is what makes it great." These words of Coach Dugan came after he stopped numbing his life with alcohol and encountered the multiple dynamics of the team. For him it was a season of adventure, a leap into the unknown which was not driven by data. There may not be Major League Baseball this summer. The national pastime may not capture some of our time. Instead each of us can create individual adventures which will develop and enhance our souls and spirits. Such actions will make it a great season for our lives! 

 

Functionally Dysfunctional

Last Sunday (January 30th) was the beginning of my fifth year supporting Ryan in the Arrowhead 135 Winter Ultra. As I parked at the Hillsboro United Parish, I noticed a chemical smell. With no factories near

Ryan @ Jan 31 start

downtown Hillsboro, ND, I was puzzled by the smell. As I unlocked the church doors the air was crisp and fresh. Following worship, I listened to the navigation prompts directing me on county and state highways to Bemidji, MN. As my speed lessened through the small towns and especially in Bemidji, the smell was noticeable again. Could it be oil? Was it a belt? Parking to investigate, the smoke rising from the engine compartment confirmed that something was amiss. The belts were not hot, not loose, not glazed. It must be oil. The oil level was checked. A quart was purchased and a small amount added to the engine. The final push to International Falls, MN to meet Ryan was uneventful. 

My family of origin

In my opinion the word "dysfunctional" is both over used and misused. According to Dictionary.com it means, "not performing normally; having a malfunctioning element; and behaving outside social norms". Too often it gets used to negatively describe a person or group of people. "That certainly is a dysfunctional family!" gets bantered about frequently. It appears to be a veiled and judgmental way of saying, "That family sure behaves strangely." The comparison of normal comes from the person making the statement. Is there a standard norm of behavior for families?

Engine ran but it did not move!

Another example could be the legislative branch of the Federal Government. Numerous pundits and commentators describe Congress as dysfunctional. What is the function of government? In our current partisan culture what type of performance are we expecting? Is what we see normal functioning given the current mood in our country? Do we judge today by the norms of the past? Congress is functioning, just not moving.

My family of origin was loosely connected to extended family. We did not place emphasis on specific holidays. Heirlooms, as well as traditions were not a facet of our family. My wife's family was the opposite. Gathering on holidays was more sacred than the holiday itself! Values, expectations, traditions, and furnishings were to be followed and passed through generations. This aspect of family was initially attractive to me. Over time I saw it as both humorous and constricting. I learned to embrace it because I choose to enter into the relationship. Numerous times over our years of marriage my wife clearly stated that our family acted dysfunctionally. As we grow in years realizing that our future is shorter than our past, my wife wants to pass on stuff. Most of the stuff is material in nature. It is too late for passing on values and traditions. Our daughters have no need of material stuff. It does not hold the value which my wife places on it. Is this being dysfunctional? Our daughters are choosing how they want to function. Do we make judgments about today based upon the norms of the past? Do we all have to operate the same way in order to be a functioning family?

The evidence on the ground

Following Ryan's fifth place overall finish, second place in the unsupported bike category (total time of 17 hours and 33 minutes), and a few hours of sleep we headed back to International Falls. Checking the dipstick before starting the car the oil level was fine. It did not take too many miles before the smell returned even on a windy, ground blizzard drive of 4+ hours. The oil light did not come on. Everything sounded fine. It was just the annoying smell of burning oil. Ryan's nose provided the second opinion. I let the car sit outside while Ryan and I got gear placed in the proper places. The pattern on the driveway made me think. With a few searches online and a couple of videos watched, it appears the oil is leaking from the oil filter which is surrounded by the exhaust. With the severe cold temperatures my favorite, dependable, and honest repair shop (Johnson's Auto Repair) could not get the vehicle in until this coming week. Thankfully the other vehicle is working fine!

I believe we function, we survive in all types of circumstances. Could we be more caring, more efficient, more understanding, more responsive? Certainly! Yet, it is in the willingness not to judge people by the past, to consider the current circumstances, to own our quirks, and get repairs as needed that we discover meaning in the adventures of life!