Running on empty

16 miles into a 19-mile run and I’m starting to bonk. I’m training for a marathon and I’ve been faithfully putting in the miles. I just did 17 miles 2 weeks ago with no problem at all.  Why is today different?  Maybe it’s the heat.  Maybe I didn’t drink enough water.  Maybe I didn’t get…

Wait, what?

Have you ever smiled and nodded after not hearing a word someone just said… and you didn’t want to ask for a replay because you’re embarrassed that you weren’t paying attention?  We’ve heard about the dangers of “distracted driving” and the damage it can do.  What about “distracted talking,” which can damage communication and relationships?…

Father time

The births of my two children were unforgettable peak experiences in my life. I knew at the moment they entered the world that they would BE my world.  If you are a father, you know that it is one of the hardest and most rewarding things you will ever do.  I worked hard to be a…

How you play the game

Hang on to your hater hat, I’m about to defend LeBron James.  There is nothing wrong with wanting to make more money or win a championship in your chosen sport.  Professional athletes change teams all the time to achieve these goals. You’ve switched jobs to make more money once or twice in your life, haven’t…

If only I knew

This is an unsolicited letter written by my current self to my self at age eighteen. Feel free to share with young adults in your life if you dare. Dear Younger David: This is your future self coming back to give you some advice.  Yes, those science fiction movies are true and time travel is…

The gold-plated rule

Regardless of your religion, you’ve surely heard a version of this Golden Rule: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”  I bet  you agree that this “gold standard” of behavior is a good idea.  A society is more civilized if most people follow it.  But dang… it sure is hard to live up to!…

High anxiety

Clouds appear to be solid from a distance, especially dark, menacing cumulo-nimbus clouds rolling in over the foothills.  I was just out walking after lunch and I watched a plane flying through those dark clouds… shooting straight through that mass of water vapor without hesitation.  Imagine how terrifying it must have been for early aviators…