1.21.2005
sheer terror
So I'm taking my 2k ergo test today. It's for crew selection, and I couldn't possibly be more nervous. I woke up at 5 because I couldn't sleep, I've been having trouble concentrating as I read, and my stomach is about to invert upon itself. Our coach gave a pep talk on Wednesday - I wasn't there, thank goodness. Apparently, he said that a 2k is the meanest thing he can do to a rower, and it's the worst thing a rower can experience. It's 100% aerobic while being 100% anaerobic. Our muscles will scream out in pain for us to stop, but if we do, we'll take it again next week. And just a point of comfort in all of this, if we happen to die during the 2k ergo test, rest assured that we will pass out before we do. Oh goody.
Sheer terror of another sort as well: the inauguration of President Bush (or, as some are calling it, the coronation) yesterday was a stark reminder that the election results have now ratified our position on pre-emptive military action, our so-called defense of freedom through force, and President Bush's move toward an 'ownership society'. I try to have faith that a man of faith will use his wisdom (or the wisdom of his advisors) for the forces of good. But I wish that in all of this, there were a more sensible recognition that there's a lot of grey between the demarkations of good and evil. There are things that are always good, there are things that are always evil. And in between is a lot of muck. I was so bummed out about the inauguration and what I think was probably one of the worst speeches I've heard in a while (William Safire calls it the 5th best inaugural address in American history) that I watched a few episodes of the West Wing to calm myself down. And wrapped up in its unbridled idealism is at least one truth: that diplomacy and tact and conviction are more important than ever.
Sheer terror of another sort as well: the inauguration of President Bush (or, as some are calling it, the coronation) yesterday was a stark reminder that the election results have now ratified our position on pre-emptive military action, our so-called defense of freedom through force, and President Bush's move toward an 'ownership society'. I try to have faith that a man of faith will use his wisdom (or the wisdom of his advisors) for the forces of good. But I wish that in all of this, there were a more sensible recognition that there's a lot of grey between the demarkations of good and evil. There are things that are always good, there are things that are always evil. And in between is a lot of muck. I was so bummed out about the inauguration and what I think was probably one of the worst speeches I've heard in a while (William Safire calls it the 5th best inaugural address in American history) that I watched a few episodes of the West Wing to calm myself down. And wrapped up in its unbridled idealism is at least one truth: that diplomacy and tact and conviction are more important than ever.
