The Marathon Man

I've been thinking a lot lately about how I live my life.

I don't mean on a moral or ethical level, although that is equally important, but rather in "carpe diem", "grand-scheme-of-things", "what am I doing with the time God has given me" sort of way.

Let me back up.

About two months ago, I was chatting on the phone with my dear old buddy Marshall. In addition to being a loyal and trustworthy friend, Marshall is a running machine of sorts. Running comes as easily to him as bad jokes come to me. It's just a God-given gift. That being said - running a marathon is no small task for anyone, even well oiled machines.

On the phone that night, Marshall was describing the many hurdles he traversed while training for and completing his first marathon. I found myself fully inspired, not to mention encouraged, by the passion in his voice. (As a side note, the expression "not to mention..." is really odd. I don't know if it makes sense. I mean, you DID just mention it... but I digress...)

My inspiration was not to run a marathon. That's not a goal that stokes my passion. Instead, it came from something he said.

"Stephen - I have never been stretched as thin and pushed as hard as I was in achieving this goal."

I think that's a fairly simple concept to wrap our brains around. He hadn't just unraveled pedantic theories of astrophysics. But still, it struck a simple guy like me quite deeply.

Like I said... I've been thinking about how I live my life.

I am a fairly goal-oriented guy. I like to think that when I confront or foresee challenges, I rise to them. Sometimes dramatically. But I think it is sometimes my habit to set goals I believe I can achieve from where I stand today. Good goals. Worthy of my time and effort. But these alone don't require me to grow deeper or stronger than I already am. Essentially, all that is required is my effort.

But what about the finish lines beyond the view of my current perspective? If I take myself from point A to point B - if I stretch myself beyond what I believe I am capable of - won't the reward be so much greater?

To use my friend with the tireless legs as the example: am I settling to run the distance I know I can complete instead of pushing myself towards the horizon just beyond my sight?

There's a world of wonder just beyond the mountains in my mind. Mountains aren't easy to climb and they aren't simply conquered on a whim. But the view from the top provides its own reward... not to mention the joy in the journey itself. (although I did just mention it.)

Let's take a hike. Together.

The Phantom of the Opera

Shelley and I went and saw "The Phantom of the Opera" at Fair Park Music hall last night. Don't let your theater-snob friends tell you otherwise, it is quite good.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Today I turn 28. It's good to be alive.

"With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come"
- Shakespeare

Aggies win!

My Aggies have won their first game of the NCAA tourney. The Boudreausian household is quite happy about this.

FC Azul

This past weekend was a weekend of firsts for The Boudreaus. After playing together for nearly a year, we had our first (and long overdue) social gathering with our soccer team (named F.C. Azul). It was also the first substantial gathering of people in our new home. It was the first time I, personaly, ever hosted a large party of any kind. And finally, it was the first time I had ever been the chef behind the grill.

Seven pounds of fajita meat later, I am pleased to announce it was an absolute success. Everyone had a wonderful time and we enjoyed ourselves late into the night.

Trying to overcome my habit of not taking pictures at special moments of my life, I had the camera out and ready the whole night. Unfortunately, I rarely used it and when I did, it was either at an awkward moment or the picture just didn't come out well.

Well, I'll hopefully continue to get better with each event that comes and goes. Enjoy the photos below!

Here we are, the stalwart hosts of the first ever F.C. Azul shin-dig.



Surprise! I'm taking a picture (of Alberto).

Annabel and her man actually got to take a posed picture. Yes, this is my best attempt at posed.

We really should get more chairs... maybe some patio furniture in general.

Here Marshall gives a lecture on the many "patches" he won playing soccer as a child. Alberto, though not pictured, was very impressed.

I told you some of the pictures were taken at awkward moments.

A little look at the table-of-plenty.

I'm not really sure why I posted this picture.

Scary eyes.

Much laughter was shared. Good times.

Elizabeth giving her husband the face that no man ever wants to see his woman give him. Ouch.

Now we're talking! Marshall and Elizabeth: so happy together.

Poetschke putting up "his axe' shortly after playing a little Stairway for everyone.

The camera took this picture without any human assistance.

March Madness

Put on your prophecy hats and let the bracketology begin. Join TheBoudreaus.com March Madness bracket over at espn.com.

Join now and let the competition begin.

Flight of the Conchords

Perhaps you've seen one-half of this comedy duo on the latest batch of "Outback Steakhouse" commercials, but if you enjoy silly, songwriting parodists then Flight of the Conchords might be just what the doctor ordered for your funny bone. Then again, I am quite easily amused.

Their official website: http://www.conchords.co.nz/

A good fan site: http://www.whatthefolk.net/