I've never been so "aware" in my life in the past few weeks.

Tonight I ran in the evening with a chill wind on my face. It was a blast. Literally. In list form:

--I've come to realize how special Buddhist views are. I read an eye-opening article on Buddhism and science. In a nutshell, it's not really a religion but a way of being aware of reality. Kind of like knowing you're in the/a matrix of some form. I love the notion of our real selves being in another world/state and not being attached to the physical. I like the view of death as a transition to something else and rebirth as a continuation of a proccess. The clincher for me--reading a quote from the Dalai Lama where he basically states that if science can refute anything that is part of the tenets of Buddhism, they will change their views/beliefs to go with what science finds. A very positive view of the state of things...

--I've been running like mad lately to defeat Phil in a Nike Challenge to see who can get to 120 miles first. At 37 years old, I've grown to realize that the physical is just as important as the mental. You can't emphasize one over the other since they work in tandem in our universe. I hope to get any youngster that I love into this mindset--it won't be that hard. My nephew Mason just got "Outstanding Athelete" at his school. I wish I was in this mindset when I was only 16. I'm doing this challenge against my cousin Phil, not because I will easily beat him, but because I'm really proud that he can even do this at his age.

--In the realm of senses, I've been enjoying a ton of great new music, videogames, and artwork. Because of the holidays, the videogame scene is like a Casino buffet. I'm hooked on Phantasy Star Univers (Xbox 360), Lost Planet (360), Zelda (Nintendo Wii) and Ridge Racer 6 (360). My ears can't get enough of Phoenix, the Rapture, Jet, Jamiroquai, and Justin Timberlake. Even though my profile takes awhile to load, I'd love to add graphics showing the latest games that I'm playing. During my run, I even entertained the notion of getting back into DJing. In high school, I spun New Wave at dances...

--This profile is almost done! I just have to post the last of my artwork, finalize the top banner, finalize my real friends, post the "One Day In LA" video, and plan a myspace party.

....But first, I have to kick Phil's ass in the Nike Challenge...