Christian Reid in Portland

cmreid84 — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 04:39:38 +0000

True Colors of a Chameleon

cmreid84 — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:54:05 +0000

The chameleon’s color change is an expression of their physical and psychological condition. This is contrary to what is commonly believed which is that chameleon’s change their color to match their surroundings. Chameleon’s color change respond’s to temperature and light exposure changes as well as mood shifts and emotion shifts. I consider myself a chameleon in this sense. I have known this for quite some time and have characterized this trait as a strength. This belief concerning myself is also contrary to the metaphor “Chameleon” that most use which references a person who will blend their personality in various social situations and abandon their true values if it is convenient to do so. I have always known that my ability to shift and change to a situation is not me mimicking the environment that I am presented with but a stimulated aspect of my personality being brought out by my surroundings. I have considered this a strength because it has provided me with insight into so many different classifications of people. I enjoy being a generalist as well as a specialist. In high school I was defined as an athlete by most, but was also on the chess team. In college I was defined as a fraternity boy, but also had an intellectual side. I am the outgoing drunk at the party or the quiet thoughtful in the back at the open mic night. I appreciate all, provide myself with opportunities to experience all, and give myself to all fully at that time. I have prided myself on this and stood by it as a defining point of my character. However, as life passes I feel I the need for more definition in my life struggle. In this generalist state i feel like a drifter. A haunted house in the day time. A soldier without a country if you will. Will you? I long for something to believe in truly and deeply but I refuse to abandon any one of my traits. Therefore, I have decided to continue on my path of being defined only as being undefined but to strengthen each aspect of myself. The goal of this mission is to follow down each of my twisting and intersecting roots until I finally reach who I really am and discover my true beliefs. Passionate is the word that I wish to best define me. I wish to grow emotionally, intellectually, physically, spirtually, and as fuel to the previous four financially. Perhaps, and more than likely, that is why I found myself in Portland. I knew in order to grow I had to be somewhere that I was not able to rely on the backbones that I had in place (family, friends, comfortability with my surroundings). I had to test myself by being on my own and making it as a result of my immediate actions and will to survive and thrive. Through this I knew that i would truly grow as a person and have the best shot at accomplishing my goals. I decided on Portland based on my brief experiences there and few safety friendships (Nate, who has been extremely helpful, and the Bob Bruene family). A nervous Christian a month ago now feels reassured that he has made the right decision. There are so many aspects of Portland that I have found to be so enlightening and inspiring, through these I hope to find everything about myself. The culture of this place defines it and it runs deep. The people here really believe in what they say and I truly respect that. They believe in preserving the earth and the environment, they believe in acceptance of others and forgiveness, they believe in equality and a world free of judgement, and they believe in love. I see the proof of this everyday. I see it in the small and old cars that are driven with bumper stickers that say go green or bumper stickers that say COEXIST with each letter made of various denominations of faith (C = the Crescent and Star of Islam, O = the Pentagram of Wicca, E = the scientific equation of e=mc2, X = the Star of David for Judaism, I = the Buddhist Dharma, Karma, Wheel is dotting the I, S = the Tao Symbol, commonly referred to as Yin Yang, for Taoism, T = the Catholic, or Christian, Cross). I see the proof of the people of Portland’s beliefs when i sit on a stoop in the city and have five different people say hello(in different ways of course) to me in a span of ten minutes as they pass by. A stand in a neighborhood with a sign that say’s “Leave a book, take a book.” Please’s and thank you’s and helmeted bikers everywhere. When I bike around, cars at busy intersections will stop to allow me to pass. A famous rose garden with people all around stopping and smelling. The only judgement that I genuinely see passed by locals is when someone drives by in a Hummer. Is’nt this judgement so much different than the judgement that is passed by people in different places of the U.S. when someone walks by not wearing designer attire or not behaving in the societal agreed upon norms? Not only concerned with the well being of one but concerned with the well being of all. Judgement based on character clues rather than status clues. Where does this sense of oneness and deeper understanding stem from? How did this culture emerge? I speculate that it derives from the presence of nature and the over abundance of stunning green views that are unavoidable throughout the city. It’s inspiring and it’s hard to be a dick when any person is surrounded by them. I am proud of where I come from. I love the Chicago land area and many people there now presently. I love that I was raised in a diverse community and that I was exposed to so many different viewpoints and people. It has made me the person that I am today, but I find myself in a euphoric state and perceive this place as a utopia. This may be because it is so much different than what i am used to which insights excitement. I know I can be a bit of an adrenaline junky but I don’t see this sense of belonging and thrill fading soon. This is how I know that I am on the right path. I am in the right place but not where I want to be as a person. I know that in order to pursue my goal of growth and to reach the moment of self epiphany that I long for I must further explore the culture of this place and the majesty of “Mother Nature” that is presented throughout. Through these exploration endeavours i will discover my reason for being and will find contentment in this knowledge.

Memorize A Quote A Day October 2008

cmreid84 — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 02:12:51 +0000

October 1- “Take risks: if you win, you will be happy; if you lose, you will be wise”-Anon

October 2- “You can’t do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth.”- Shira Tehrani

October 3- “Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you only spend it once.”-Lillian Dickson

October 4-“For all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these, It might have been.”-John Greenleaf Whittier

October 5-“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure…than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.-Theodore Roosevelt

October 6-“Be curious, not judgemental”-Walt Whitman

October 7-“It is said that the world is in a state of bankruptcy, that the world owes the world more than the world can pay.”-Ralph Waldo Emerson

October 8-“For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories.”- Plato

October 9-“The language of friendship is not words, but meanings. It is an intelligence above language.”-Henry David Thoreau

October 10-”To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”- Steve Prefontaine

October 11-“Watch your thoughts;they become words. Watch your words;they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.”-Lao-Tze

October 12-There are many who dare not kill themselves for fear of what the neighbors will say.”-Cyril Connolly

October 13-“There will be no regrets when the worms come, and they shall surely come.”-Stephen Jenkins (Third Eye Blind)

October 14-“Compromise is the essence of diplomacy and diplomacy is the cornerstone of love.”- Dr. Killinger (Venture Bros)

October 15-“En mi mente la existancia de infierno solamente ser interpretado como un horrendo pesadillas de que hay no despertando.”- Ivan Morales

October 16-“The truth is cruel, but it can be loved, and it makes free those who have loved it.”- George Santayana

October 17-“As long as you derive inner help and comfort from anything, keept it.”-Mahatma Gandhi

October 18-“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.”-Confucius

October 19-I know for sure that what we dwell on is who we become.”-Oprah Winfrey

October 20-“Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity.”-Louis Pasteur

October 21-”One of the indictments of civilizations is that happiness and intelligence are so rarely found in the same person.”-Robert Orben

October 22- “The lust for comfort murders the passions of the soul”-Kahlil Gibran

October 23- “Beware of small expenses, a small leak can sink a big ship.”- Benjamin Franklin

October 24- “Difficulties strengthen the mind as labor does the body.”- Seneca

October 25- “Do not be too timid or squemish with your actions. All life is an experience.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson

October 26-

October 27-

October 28-

October 29-

October 30-

October 31-“What is defeat? Nothing but education; nothing but the first step to something better.”-Wendell Phillips

A Stronger Tomorrow

cmreid84 — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 05:56:46 +0000

Training & competing is easier to do when you are under a structured regimine. It is also easier to do when there are people around you that share the same goal’s & workout’s as you. These two aspect’s are primarily found in a team foundation. I no longer compete for a team, therefore, I plan to fuel my motivation by catalogging my workout’s and seeking out other athlete’s to train with. By doing so, I will be responsible to myself for my training and have a firmer grasp on my progression. I will record each running workout by outlining where it took place, the time duration, approximately how many miles, the pace & terrain, and who was present. I will record my biking and swimming workout’s by outlining approximately how many miles were done. I will record my lifting by recording the duration, the muscle group concentrated on, and the regimine. Other related athletic activies will also be catalogged under miscellaneous such as soccer games, basketball games, etc.

September 13, 2008

Run

Workout-Track 6/800 meter repeats with 3 minute rest (3 miles)
Pace & Terrain-Hard (2:30 pace)/ Flat
Present-Nate, Eric, Jamie, Christian

Bike

4 miles

September 14, 2008

Run

Workout-Road 20 minutes(2.5 miles)
Pace & Terrain-Easy/Flat
Present-Christian

Bike

2 miles

September 15, 2008

Run

Workout-Trail (Washington Park Wilderness Trail) 1 hour 10 minutes (10 miles)
Pace & Terrain-Hard/ Hilly
Present-Nate, Christian

Bike

6 miles

September 16, 2008

Run

Workout-Road (Think Loop) 45 minutes( 7 miles)
Pace & Terrain-Medium/Hilly
Present-Christian

September 17, 2008

Run

Workout- Road (New Seasons Run) 45 minutes( 6 miles)
Pace & Terrain-Medium/Moderately Hilly
Present-Christian

September 22, 2008

Run

Workout- Road (Waverley Run) 45 minutes (6 miles)
Pace & Terrain-Medium/ Flat
Present-Christian

Bike

5 miles

October 3, 2008

Run

Workout-Road(Waverley) 45 minutes(6 miles)
Pace & Terrain-Medium/Flat
Present-Christian

Bike

5 miles

October 5, 2008

Run

Workout-Trails(King Mountain Loop) 4 hours(15 miles)
Pace & Terrain-Easy/Hilly & Difficult
Present-Jake, Christian

October 8, 2008

Lift

Chest

October 9, 2008

Lift

Biceps/Triceps

October 13, 2008

Lift

Chest

Swim

1/2 mile freestyle (150 intervals/ 2 min rest)

October 15, 2008

Run

Workout Road (Waverly)-45 minutes (6 miles)
Pace & Terrain-Medium/Flat
Present-Christian

Lift

Biceps/Triceps

Swim

1 mile freestyle (Fin workout)

Bike

3 miles

October 17, 2008

Lift

Chest

October 19, 2008

Run

Workout-Trail(Machuan Trail)-45 minutes (5 miles)
Pace & Terrain-Easy/Hilly
Present-Christian

October 20, 2008

Lift

Bicep/Tricep

Bike

6 miles

The Red Summer Sun

cmreid84 — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:16:30 +0000

I chose The Red Summer Sun as the title for my website. I know it’s actually a blog and thank you for pointing that out, however, i would rather call it a website. The Red Summer Sun is a song from Third Eye Blind found on their Blue album. It may surprise some to hear that my favorite band is Third Eye Blind and has been since sophomore year when I borrowed their first album from Jeff. The reason it may be surprising to you is because this band is known by many for their mainstream 90′s pop hit Semi Charmed Life. The fact is, when you look beyond this song to their other tracks you will delve into a world of inspirational and unique forms of lyrical genius that is seldom matched. The blue album is Third Eye Blind’s second CD and is often misunderstood. The Red Summer Sun is not particularly one of my favorite tracks from Third Eye Blind or even from the album. However, when i pondered the meaning of the lyrics to this song i found that they were particularaly relevant to my life when i started this thing up. When i outline my intrpretation of these lyrics i think that you will find that their relevance is applicable to everyone and is constant. Here it is:

The Red Summer Sun

By: Third Eye Blind

There’s a big red sky over you and I
And it’s coming down and we’re pumping over ground

The big red sky i interpret to be our own armageddon. Or in other words, our finite life and the end of our individual existence, death. It’s coming down meaning that every day that passes is another day we are closer to death. Were pumping over ground is an illustration of our the daily activities we fill life with, the rat race we are thrown into.

In desert air I hope you’ll be there
Cause it’s coming down
Pumping over ground

In desert air is a reference to the most inhospitable of places. A metaphor for the hard times in our lives. I hope you’ll be there refers to God. He hopes that God will be there for him during the tough times in life specifically his own death because its coming down, it closer and closer everyday, and he’s filling his life with the pursuit of selfish endeavours whether noble or immoral.

I’ve seen car wreck kids walk away from it
Laughed from within
I know these days will end

Car wreck kids walk away from it laughed from within is referring to teenagers that survive car accidents and are still at an age where they take life for granted. They laugh within and do not realized how close they came to meeting their own mortality. I know these days will end is merely saying that he understands that we are not here forever.

It’s been a long time, a long time
To walk with the mighty
I won’t be a martyr

Been a long time to walk with the mighty i believe is referring to eternally walking with God in heaven at the end of his existence. However, he wont be a martyr and die for his beliefs. He will die when he is ready and no one will tell him when he should die.

So let me go, let me go
On my own
I’ll make do with none
I will blame no one

This is basically saying let me do what i want, ill make it without you or God’s help and if i does’nt work out he won’t blame anyone but himself.

Slept on packing foam
I’ll make it all my home
And I’ll take on anyone

Slept on packing foam is referring to specific example of a tough time and saying that he will make due with this and still be happy. I’ll take on anyone is saying if you oppose me and my way of life i’ll take you on

It’s been a long time, a long time
To walk with the mighty
I won’t be a martyr
So let me go, let me go
And I’ll take on anyone
These days they’re not done
The red summer sun

Live each day of a dying life to the fullest is the general message i see within the song. Live your life and go out in a blaze of glory like a burning match. At this point in my life i am getting pulled in a lot of different directions and it’s nerve wrecking thinking and worrying and weighing various options. At the end of the day, I realize it’s best to figure out what is going to make me happy. If it’s not working out with what’s her name then fuck it. If this place is not giving me the surge of excitement i need then off i go then. Whatever life i lead at least it will be mine. My mistakes, my glory, my path.

The Great Escape

cmreid84 — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:13:24 +0000

A perplexing activity to some and an inherent itch that needs scratching for others, running offers more than the obvious health benefits for those who “just do it.” However, in order to capitalize on these benefits one must run in the most scenic of places. These places are characterized by attributes such as rolling hills, surrounding forest scenery, winding turns, varying terrain, remoteness, etc. Trail running, although more challenging and dangerous than running on a straight and level concrete surface, has more to offer than any other form of running.

The famous runner’s high caused by the release of endorphins gives the runner an intense sensation of euphoric happiness. This sensation comes in a more potent form during a trail run because you are working a wider variety of muscles. This brings a larger dose of the endorphins to the brain. A sense of adventure rides shotgun to your blood pumping through your veins as you zig and zag through the dirt trail. This feeling can be mimicked by driving a car through a dark winding road with loud music blaring.
The trail is littered by land mines in the forms of roots and rocks, branches over hang across the trail causing you to split second decide whether to duck, weave, or plow through them. By navigating the uneven terrain and judging how to best tackle the various obstacles the runners coordination is greatly strengthened. Control over ones body is essential and developed with practice so as to not trip and stumble.
You experience the “Moment of Clarity” which lasts for much more than a moment. You decide whether to contemplate life’s problems in search of a solution or to simply let them slip away. When running on the streets or bike trails its not uncommon to have to stop for traffic or get distracted by passing cars and people. This causes you to break concentration and is a focus killer. When your out on the trails the only thing that can break you out of your zen like state is when you happen upon a deer. This references the most obvious aspect of trail running.
The scenery and wild life gives you a chance to appreciate nature and feel more at one with “Gaia”. You see the vibrant colors and intricate detail, you sense the forms of life surrounding you.

From a males perspective, when i get done with a long trail run i can feel my animal instincts rise to the surface. Each muscle tense and pulsing with aggression that’s been repressed by life’s medial tasks. As the run comes to a close you emerge from the greenery with a renewed sense of self and prepared with the answers to problems plaguing your life. Not to mention, that night you sleep like a baby who’s been adorned for hours by a group of middle aged un wed women.

Birthday & Anniversaries

cmreid84 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:07:07 +0000

January 6-Gina Krilich Birthday

January 8-J.R. Entsminger Birthday

January 15-Adam Vesely Birthday

January 26-Kaily Jensen Birthday

February 10-Grandma Reid Birthday

February 22-Eric DeShazo/Josh DeShazo Birthday

March 12-Leon Gordon Birthday

March 13-Jonny Williams Birthday

April 11-Jessica Reid Birthday

April 13-Phil Baratta Birthday

April 14-Eric Comiskey Birthday

April 17-Jon Adams Birthday

April 24-Grandpa Reid Birthday

May 2-Andrea Aguilar/Jenna Rogers Birthday

May 5-Jake Jensen Birhday

May 7-Dan Monico Birthday

May 8-Pat Standish Birthday

May 9-Jason Besse Birthday

May 12-Chris Jensen Birthday

May 21-Michael Biederstadt Birthday

May 28-Valerie West Birthday

May 30-Ryan Bryson Birthday

May 31-Eric Verbeek/Michelle Wales Birthday

June 5-Samantha McCarthy Birthday

June 14-Ivan Morales/ Melissa Mota/Ashley Lyle Birthday

June 24-Nate Swarzendruber Birthday

July 2-Brad Shafer Birthday

July 5-Michael Rice Birthday

July 16-Jeff Friesema/Heather Ross/Ken Reid Birthday

July 19-Craig Painter Birthday

July 23-Jeff & Hillary Friesema Anniversary

July 24-Chris Thompson Birthday

July 26-Pam Reid

August 5-Angie Mizanin/Ronnie Archie Birthday

August 7-Graham Reid

August 24-Michael Frascatti/Mike Andonian Birthday

September 1-Jake Gourley Birthday

September 17-Mike Johnson Birthday

September 24-Chris Brazzale Birthday

October 14-Adam McDonald Birthday

October 24-Jon Gilbert Birthday

October 26-Caleb Krohn Birthday

November 1-Rob Jensen Birthday

November 2-Alex Panici Birthday

November 3-Scott Weer Birthday

November7-Jake Bruene Birthday

November 8-Travis Clinton Birthday

November 19-Josh Parker Birthday

December 1-Chris Repa Birthday

December 15-Jonathan Bogs Birthday