The beautiful people

Great song with many fond memories. I was listening to some CD's that had managed to fall out of my regular rotation and was amazed to find that I had both the Johnny Cash and Marilyn Manson versions of "Personal Jesus". Now I must say that it is very interesting to hear the same song from completely different ends of the musical and spiritual spectrum. With Johnny Cash, it's almost a hymn, whereas with Marilyn Manson, it's so sarcastic and caustic that it takes away any real religious overtones. It's really weird to think that Marilyn Manson's version is closer to the real meaning of the original song. I always end up thinking about televangelists and cult leaders, which is the point I suppose. I also have both the NIN and Johnny Cash versions of "Hurt". I absolutely love the original, so full of pain and anger, but the video of Johnny Cash's version is so beautiful I always tear up. There is a lot of truth in his version, and it's almost a love song.

As for me, what to say? I've been working out like a mad man, trying to beat myself into shape in time for the next round of officer testing in March. It's strange that the thing I feared the most, the 1.5 mile run, is actually coming around, while now I'm having trouble with the push-ups. Oh well, I'll just keep pushing and hopefully I'll be ready in time. If not, it's not like it was a waste of time. I figure if I don't pass the physical in March, I'll just push harder and be ready for the next round of testing in August. Maybe I'll even run in that triathlon I was talking about last summer.

I went cross country skiing this past weekend and found another sport that I can inflict massive amounts of abuse to my body with. It was actually fun once I got the hang of it, but it has a pretty harsh learning curve. It is an amazing work out and I can see where it would be a great winter sport for keeping in shape for summer sports. I'll have to go again once the swelling and bruises come down. Anyway, that's all I have to report from the land of Big Sky. I hope all of you are well.