I’ve Joined a Cult!

cult [kuhlt]:
1. an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, esp. as manifested by a body of admirers
2. the object of such devotion
3. a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.

Yup, looking at its definition it does appear that I have joined a cult. I wasn’t paying attention and then BAM!, here I am part of a group bound together by veneration of the same thing – a Blackberry. The iPhone cult almost had their claws in me but the Blackberry group made too compelling a case. I must admit, if I was looking for a purely personal phone then the iPhone would be in my possession already, but I needed a phone that would be an email beast with a full keyboard that wasn’t on the screen. So, with the decision made, I browsed the used phone listings and found a great deal on a Blackberry Curve 8310 over the weekend. Bad timing though as it is the long weekend and so now I have to wait to get a new SIM card and a plan on Rogers.

So, I guess I should also explain why I need such a phone. This time it isn’t just a case of me wanting a cool, new toy (which has been known to happen.) In line with all the changes happening in my life situation, I have chosen a new career. While searching for a new job, I was offered a position as a mortgage consultant by an acquaintance who has a mortgage brokerage. After a couple of weeks of research and meetings with him I came to the decision to accept the offer and registered for the course I need in order to get accredited. It is not going to be an easy career to start out in since it is solely commission based, but with some hard work and perseverance I believe I will do well. It is going to offer me the opportunity be in control of my own success – the harder I work the more I am rewarded. I am really excited about this opportunity and can’t wait for the course materials to arrive this week so that I can get started.

I guess the last bit of news to share is that my goal of getting in better shape is still on track. Following my three weeks off at the beginning of July due to heel ligament damage, I am back on track with my running. I have managed to get out for seven 5k runs in the last thirteen days, even with a three day layoff with a knee injury. Yup, the same leg… it appears to be moving up the leg and so I guess the hip is next. I have been running with the knee pain for the last couple of days still, but it isn’t getting any worse and it is actually feeling pretty good tonight. I hope I can stay healthy for the next month and a half as I have signed up for the Canada Army Run 5K on September 20th and I would like to be able to run the entire thing with as few walking breaks as possible. I am a few weeks away in my training plan to running an entire 5K and so, barring any further injuries, I should be ready. Aiding me in my training is a pair of Thorlos running socks . They certainly aren’t cheap, $17 CDN after taxes, but well worth it! My feet feel refreshed after a run rather than sore and they also prevent blisters on longer runs. Not only that, but I picked up some tech shirts to help keep me cool and dry, and that they do. I don’t know how I even ran for a couple of weeks before without them – again another great investment in my training. I would like to get some Under Armor stuff to see what it is like now but can’t justify spending $40 on a shirt just yet; I am still only at 5K distances after all. If all goes well with this first run then I plan on doing the Run for a Cure 5K in October as well. Wish me luck in keeping healthy!

Tags: 5K, blackberry curve, career, Fitness/Running, mortgage consultant