Day 140: Attending Our First Ballet and Realizing Human Potential

Though we got caught up watching a TV show last night and didn’t end up going to bed until after 11:00p I was still able to get 7+ hours of sleep last night.

It is an important goal of mine as we head into 2015 to continue prioritizing sleep, maintaining a minimum of 7 hours of sleep per night. I won’t always be able to achieve that goal on a daily basis but will continue prioritizing it in my life. 

When I woke up it was just above freezing outside so I decided to forgo a morning run since I don’t have cold weather running gear. I used the time instead to relax both online and playing video games until Laura woke up. 

We’ll be going to the 49ers game tomorrow so we ran our errands today which turned out to be fast and easy with another holiday on the horizon this week. 

Since we got home quickly from errands and the weather had warmed up I decided to sneak in a quick 2.5 mile run at a 9:00 minute/mile pace. 

I was really happy that I was able to get in a quick workout before having to get ready for our night out on the town.  

It was my first time in a couple of weeks getting in a run due to the inclement weather. My legs were already getting sore from yesterday’s workout so it took a bit to shake out the soreness. 

My physical therapist has encouraged running because it helps my shoulders to rock thus helping them to heal and become used to additional movement. 

We got dolled up and then headed into the city, starting first with going over to Union Square to see the Christmas tree, the wreath displays at Macy’s and the display at the Westin St. Francis. We then headed to dinner at one of our favorite Italian restaurants. 

After finishing dinner we headed to the ballet to see "The Nutcracker". It was one of Laura’s Christmas gifts and was the first time either of us had ever been to the ballet. Not just the San Francisco ballet, but any ballet. 

The interior of the War Memorial Opera House is breathtaking. Every ornate detail. The lighting. Everything about it is gorgeous.  

Seeing “The Nutcracker” was incredible. Beyond being left breathless at the performance, I continued to think about the human movement being displayed.  

Of course, these individuals are among the best in the world having spent thousands of hours, if not more, training.  

But, they realized and pushed to achieve their potential and now are able to perform amazing acts such as spinning on the tips of their toes or doing the splits. 

Imagine if you took that drive and determination, focusing it on whatever challenge lay in front of you. That is exactly what I have tried to do over these last few months and will continue to do as we take on the next steps of our recovery. 

We had a wonderful night and are really looking forward to attending our first 49ers game tomorrow.  

I’m planning on getting in a chest and back workout tomorrow which should really push my shoulders. I’m also hoping to test my new Rogue Fitness bands to help stretch my shoulders.