First Run and Cartooning!

Yesterday after work, with the temps in the high 40's and the sun out, I decided to go for a run. I've not done this since that unfortunate hospital stay of mine a couple of weeks or so back, but the doctor said my lung functions would improve. So I did the run to see how much improvement I'd made. Having not run for several weeks, I expected my stamina to be all but gone.

The good news is that I managed to get 2.6 miles in before I ran out of gas. Even better news was that I didn't stop because I couldn't breathe (like last time), but because I just didn't have the energy to do more. So I'm scoring it as improvement. Of course, my body is screaming in certain places this morning after the workout. I need to stretch more.

Last night I did some drawing while watching TV. I've been trying to do little cartoons between pages for the next Grizzly comic. I drew this one for a buddy whose birthday is Friday. He seemed to like the shirt I made for Brian last week, so I did one for him. He's not a regular LJ reader, so I think I'm safe posting this before the package arrives at his house later this week.



My only regret is that I remembered how much he loves the big tummies on bears before I came up with the tagline. I'd have drawn the cartoon a bit differently if I'd remembered (and had more time before his birthday rolled around).

It's Tuesday, y'all. Only three more days before the weekend.

March Questions Part Two

Asked by the Inquisitive epinoid,

"What are your favorite ways to explore/learn the stuff you are interested?"

Usually when something new catches my attention, I tend to surf the web for background information on it -- history, photos, blogs, etc. If it's something that lends toward a hobby or trying something new, I might buy how-to books on it. When I wanted to improve my cartoon inking skills, I bought a couple of books on inking techniques. Recently, I bought a Dummies book of sewing because I've thought about learning how to use a sewing machine (granted I need to buy one first).

"If you could immerse yourself in another culture (any type) which ones would you pick?"

I've always been a big fan of Irish history and recently Scottish culture. I realize they are not so drastically different than say Japanese or Norweigan culture, but the familiarity makes them appealing.

"What is a skill you want to learn in the next few years?"

Other than the aforementioned sewing machine stuff, I'd love to learn to speak Spanish.

"What does your life look like in ten years? in twenty?"

Heh! At 50, I'd like to have a furry husband of many years with no mortgage and heavily-stamped, well-worn passport. At 60, I'd like to be retired with the same husband, in good health, and still traveling about places we'd like to go. I wish I could be more elaborate, but I rarely think so far ahead.

"What do you find most engaging in other people?"

The ability to make me laugh often catches my attention the most. I like being able to have a good conversation with someone where the topics evolve where each of us learns something.

-----------------------------

I have other questions to answer and I'll get to them soon!

March is Question Month! If you would like to ask me anything (anonymously if you prefer), you can leave your question on this entry.