Strikes and gutters

"Ah, you know, strikes and gutters, ups and downs." - The Big Lebowski

A reflection on the past week: there was finally sunshine. Then I had things I wanted to do. One day in particular I spent some quality time outside, even getting a bit of sun on my cheeks. It was glorious! I cannot tell you how great it feels to accomplish things you really want to do, but have a hard time doing because of pain. They may seem like small things, but in reality they are huge!

Inevitably I paid for my bliss. I maintain it was worth it. Even if the payback was mean and nagging.

I had a dream a few nights ago I was running a marathon. It was the end of the race and I was done. I'd hit "The Wall" miles before. It was so rainy and muddy in the final stretch that I had to take off my shoes so I could lift my feet off the ground. There was a mile left and with everything I had I sped up and finished strong. I felt that deep ache you get in your joints from running a long distance. I felt my lungs fill with air as I sprinted to the end. It felt so real.

I'm not sure what all of these events mean, added together. Maybe nothing. Or maybe it is a metaphor for life. Strikes and gutters, man.