Zero Regrets

So I am reading a book written by Apolo Anton Ohno entitled "Zero Regrets: Be Greater Than Yesterday." It isn't a biography of his but it is more of a personal philosophy based off his experiences in the world of speed skating and just in life. I am really enjoying reading the book. I started it yesterday and will finish it by tomorrow. Why would I read a book by a guy who is the most decorated American in U.S. Winter Olympics. Well it just so happens that he will be making a visit to Syracuse on Saturday for a book signing. My first thought was "man my little sister is going to be jealous of me." You have to understand when Apolo was in the 2002 Olympics my little sister was absolutely in love with the guy. Every article he was in she got and cut out. So she pretty much told me that I had to go see him. So I decided to get the book for her as a gift so I can have him autograph it especially for her. I felt that I needed to read the book first, so I could have a better understanding of the guy. I am now a big fan. However, his workout regiments are crazy, I could never and probably will never be in the shape that this guy is in. He is only going to be signing the book for an hour, so I hope I can get there and the line is short. A lot is going on this weekend here on Saturday. The Syracuse football game on Saturday during that time as well as an Equestrian competition and horse show. Hopefully I won't look stupid standing out there.

Other than that, things have been kind of slow, which is good. Right now I am trying to face those things that really lead me down a path to temptation and to act out. It is one of the hardest things I face right now in the novitiate. Not being able to really go and do much, leaving me room for my mind to wander and sometimes it wanders in places I do want it to go. That's when things go downhill. I must stay positive.

Last night, I went with my friend Dan to a Healing Mass in Syracuse. My first one here and I sort of thought it would be like a Charismatic Mass. It wasn't full Charismatic, but it had elements. Dan is going through a lot right now, he is discerning the priesthood and is not getting the kind of support he would like from his immediate family. Sounds a lot like the position I was in. Dan and I have a lot in common. I feel like I can be a support for him. We have both agreed that we are each others best friends because he can talk to me and I can talk to him. It is just nice to have somebody to listen. What I got from the Mass is the sense that I need to stop worrying about myself and start thinking of the others. I am here to serve others and God, not myself. That gives me strenth!