1,000 sit ups

Nearly ten years ago, I was a fifteen-year-old with outlandish dreams and ideas constantly passing through my mind. During the summertime (of '99 I believe), I somehow got the idea to start doing sit ups on my own. Perhaps I wanted to follow my older brothers in their pursuits of increased physical strength and improved physique... Perhaps I wanted to get the attention of girls... Or perhaps I wanted to feel more confident about myself; I hadn't taken a P.E. class during the previous school year, and I wasn't exactly involved in any established sports to speak of...

I can't say exactly what I was thinking or feeling that drove me to do sit ups; it was probably a mixture of all of the above-mentioned reasons. But the part I still can't figure is how I suddenly bridged the gap between a 'few' sit ups and 'a lot' of sit ups.

I started out, as I recall, doing a maximum of 50 in one set... Now 50 sit ups aren't a big deal, but they were to me at the time! I kept on pushing myself, and after a few weeks, I reached my initial goal of 100. Reaching that small goal boosted my confidence immensely, and I started doing a set of sit ups every day to the point of being able to do a set of 200 and not even feel much different after the fact. I decided to step it up one day, and I did 250... without really feeling much of a difference. The next day, I was feeling good, so I decided to aim high: 500 sit ups. "Now I'll feel the burn for sure this time," I thought...

I thought wrong... no burn... so I just kept going... I reached the 750 mark, and having drastically surpassed my initial goal by a whopping fifty percent, I decided to stop. I felt good; I could have done more. But I was just so surprised with my newly increased capability that I stopped...

The next day, I set a new goal: 1,000 sit ups...

But something changed; I got distracted somehow in that short time. Perhaps my pride pulled me down... I don't quite remember, but I'm sad to say that that goal remained untouched all these years... only apparent on an old chalkboard in our basement /makeshift weight room.

Over the years, I thought about my unaccomplished goal every once in a while. I wanted to be able to lay down and just crank out those 1,000 sit ups like clockwork... but I knew I didn't possess the same reserves of strength and stamina that I had built up previously. After returning from an LDS mission in 2005, I had managed to immediately return to my weightlifting habits easy enough, but I hadn't dared to start doing sit ups again.

Towards the end of this past summer, I was looking for ways to develop my core body strength, and so I started to do crunches and sit ups of different types. Inevitably, I was reminded of my sit up goal... of my failure to finish...

I set a new goal on August 20: 1,000 sit ups by my birthday in mid-November. I wasn't sure if I would be able to make progress as quickly as I had in my teenage experience; nevertheless, I was quite confident in my potential. After all, I had reached 750 sit ups before, and I knew I could do it... even if I was to make the attempt nearly ten years later.

Now, lest you think it was a cakewalk this time, take a look at what I recorded in my sit up log:

SIT UP TRACKER ===> GOAL = 1,000 SIT UPS!
Aug. 21 @ 11:45 ===> 200 sit ups ===> 10:05.54 mins
Aug. 20-something? ===> 250 sit ups
Sept. 5 - in weight room ===> 100 sit ups
Sept. 6 - " " " " ===> " " " "
Sept. 9 - " " " " ===> " " " "
Sept. 11 - " " " " ===> 200 sit ups
Sept. 16 - " " " " ===> 250 " " ===> + or - 10 mins
Sept. 19 - " " " " ===> 300 sit ups ===> 12 to 13 mins
Sept. 23 - " " " " ===> 500 sit ups ===> + or - 20 mins
Sept. 25 - " " " " ===> 800 sit ups ===> 32 mins
Oct. 2 - " " " " ===> 300 sit ups ===> 17 mins :(
Oct. 7 - " " " " ===> 500 sit ups ===> 25 mins
Oct. 200
Oct. 100
Oct. 21 - " " " " ===> 200 sit ups ===> 11 mins :[
Oct. 29 ===> 1,000 sit ups!
2008 =) 'TIS DONE!
AMAZING

1,000 sit ups ===> 25 extra for contingency
TIME = 55 mins 47.84 secs

There it is... talk about a roller coaster! With the start of school, I lost desire to do my sit ups at home, so I started doing them at the end of every workout in the gym. As you can see, I was still all over the place, including this past week or two. Just last night, however, I decided to do a set at home, since I hadn't done any in the previous week; I guess the break paid off!

For your information, if I haven't clarified the fact already, my goal involved a single set of full sit ups, no rests, no cheating in form. I simply placed my toes under a small bar (or cabinet toe kick at home), held onto my head by the ears, and went to town!

I like to compare the whole process to a marathon, or perhaps a mini-marathon (or at least my concept of such). The human body can take amazing amounts of punishment, especially when trained and built-up for such a purpose. Let me describe how the whole process feels, just to give you an idea:

40 to 50 sit ups - oftentimes this point represented the first pain threshold; pain and tightening

150 to 200 sit ups - pain usually subsides in abs; moderate sweating; focus on next hundred or next intermediate goal

400 to 500 sit ups - no pain in abs; heavy sweating (gets in your eyes); other muscles (back, shoulders, arms, calves) tightening; pain in joints (especially elbows, sometimes knees, lower back, or shoulders); focus on final goal (whatever you think you can do based on how you feel)

700 to 800 sit ups - discomfort returning to abs; increased tightening and/or pain in lower back; continued pain in elbows; profuse sweating (to the point of my hands sometimes slipping off my ears); eyes closed (keep out sweat and focus on count); dry throat

1,000 sit ups- all of the above; great satisfaction (and not just because you can finally stop and drink water!)

During the whole process, I was amazed at how much it helps to focus on small, intermediate goals along the way. For example, I would often reach 25 sit ups, in a given interval of a hundred, and tell myself, "1/4 done," or at 67 sit ups, tell myself, "2/3 done," and so on. I was feeling so good and confident last night that I told myself, "1/3 done," at 333 sit ups (in addition to the small increments), and so on until reaching 1,000...

If I ever lost count or was unsure about the previous sit up, I would do the following one at the last number I remembered (usually only off by one in a moment of delirium!). And at the end of every set, I always did at least ten extra sit ups to assure myself and anyone else that I had reached my goal beyond the shadow of a doubt...

I am grateful to have achieved this goal, however immature or ridiculous it may have seemed. I finished what I started. I reached a point that seemed unattainable... perhaps even laughable to my own former, doubting self.

I share this small miracle with the intent to uplift, inspire, and motivate, as well as to celebrate in a small way. You and I can do it; we can realize our dreams if we simply believe and push... and push some more... and even a little more. What else is this life?

DBIA

Just last week, I was selected to be a member of the DBIA competition team for BYU. Although several people were interviewed, I was unofficially assured a spot on the team, because I had previously showed one of the interviewers my work displayed on the Autodesk Education website.

I feel honored to be given a chance to compete at the collegiate level doing what I love. I will be the designer in charge of most every part of the project's appearance: external image of the building, design characteristics, presentation methods, and etc. The project involves the design of a cancer institute as an addition to an existing hospital.

In mid-February, the team will go to Reno to coordinate a proposal for the project over the course of a grueling, 18-hour day. I have a few months to prepare and build my knowledge of applicable projects and design factors, as well as my expertise using different design software. If our team takes 1st place, we will then go to a similar competition at the national level...

The task before me presents no small piece of cake; success will only come at a great cost.

And did I happen to mention that the results of this competition could completely and directly affect my future career? Employers from around the country witness the competition and, drawing from firsthand witnesses' accounts, spare no expense in catering to students at a career fair the day following the competition. Basically, if I do well, I could have employers lining up to sell themselves to me...

The potential for success or for failure in this endeavor is enormous. I just pray that I can do my best, not only for my benefit but for that of the whole team; I'm not the only one with skin in the game.

'Twould be a great blessing to win... wish me luck as I again pursue success on a plane higher than I've ever attempted. Go BYU DBIA!

Windiana

Living in Utah does not often provide much variety in terms of weather. I have lived here for three years now, and I must say that it feels like only two seasons dominate, WINTER and summer, without too much in between.

As I was walking home tonight, however, a gust of wind swept across campus, bringing the trees to life, rippling through the folds of my shirt, and caressing my skin. Though it lasted only a few minutes, I couldn't help but remember those fall winds that blow so often and so strong back home in Indiana...

I miss the exhilarating sensation that the wind brings, ruffling and stirring up the leaves of my soul.

Ronan Tynan and me

Today I met Ronan Tynan... well, actually I just shook his hand and quickly took a picture with him. I went to see his forum address in the Marriott Center at BYU, but I didn't have time to get a camera before it started. After it ended, I walked back to my office on the other end of campus, retrieved a digital camera, and walked all the way back just in time to quickly snap a photo with him before he left. 'Twas the luck o' th' Irish that granted me this opportunity!

If you are now wondering who Ronan Tynan is or why I care, let me share a short story.

During the summer of 2002, I had recently returned from my freshman year of college and was looking ahead to serving a mission for the LDS church. My birthday was not until November, so I had plenty of time to prepare... but, suffice it to say, I lacked much to prepare myself mentally and spiritually for a two year mission. My older brother, Chris (Alma), had returned from his mission not more than a year before, and he was not blind to nor silent about my needs.

That summer, there were several occasions in which Chris and I would be alone in the house or driving somewhere. In an effort to improve our thoughts, words, actions, and attitudes we would refrain from listening to questionable and distracting music. Rather, we would pop in a CD that my parents had purchased some months before, Ellis Island by the Irish Tenors. One song in particular, Isle of Hope (Isle of Tears), was our favorite for the great story, emotion, and power which it held; we loved singing along for the fun as well as the innocence of it all. I will never forget that time in my life, a time in which I drew closer to God in sobriety and humility.

If you aren't aware or haven't guessed by now, Ronan Tynan was one of the Irish Tenors. I was greatly pleased and somewhat moved to see him stand and, even before addressing the audience, hear him sing Isle of Hope (Isle of Fears).

Though being a world-class singer is as grand an achievement as any might hope to attain in life, Ronan Tynan has done so much more than this... all with a physically impaired set of legs. I was previously not even aware that he wears prosthetics from the knees down. Yet after having both legs amputated, he won sixteen gold medals and set fourteen world records as a paralympian in the '80s. Later, he became a doctor and practitioner of medicine. And even later still, already in his thirties, he sought to develop his singing talent. Since then, the world has come to recognize him as one of the three Irish Tenors, and recently, as a solo effort which has been highly successful.

What a great example of effort and desire resulting in great talent! And all of us, the onlookers, reap the rewards...

http://byunews.byu.edu/archive08-Sep-tynan.aspx

http://www.rhapsody.com/theirishtenors/ellisisland/isleofhopeisleoftears

It gets better...

So I thought that the Autodesk Student Online Community was only featuring my rendering in a series of five selections as a backdrop for their homepage... I thought that it was the only recognition I had received in a subtle sort of way...

So I thought...

Today I was browsing the same website to ensure that my new group, "Autodesk BYU", with its accompanying logo was visible and searchable among the group listings.

At one point, I clicked on a graphic link to view the statements and renderings of the winner of the architecture category of the Student Design Competition, Andrew Southwood-Jones of Canberra, Australia. I hadn't seen anything more than a thumbnail image of his entry before, so I was interested to learn a little more about his design. His was definitely more developed than mine... and so deserves my respects.

As I looked at his entry under the "Winners" tab, however, I realized that there was also a "Finalists" tab. I scrolled down the list of nine finalists, and lo and behold, there was my design in the list!

So it's official... I am a finalist, after all. Feels good.

Honorable Mention... of sorts...

Here's a screen shot from the Autodesk Student & Educator Online Community Website. You have to sign in to your account to see this image, but I'll have you know that it is legitimate. One of my coworkers said she saw a picture of my design on the background of the site, and I almost didn't believe her. I signed in, and, sure enough, there it was. After refreshing the page almost a hundred times, I realized that my rendering is one of only five displayed...

I thought that the only award possible in the Architecture category of the Student Design Competition was First Place (and potentially the Grand Prize if you received the First Place award). I didn't win the First Place award and easily left it at that, especially considering the fact that I was competing against tons of architectural students at accredited architectural schools across the world. My coworker, Clyne the RJ(Revit Jedi), and I had joked, prior to learning the competition results, about my design appearing on the Autodesk website...

Well, as they say, "be careful what you wish for." This small exhibition of my work is more than consolation indeed... a sort of Honorable Mention. I am proud of this recognition and grateful to those that helped me in getting there.

The caption on the bottom right of the image reads: "Image courtesy of A. Scot Clark, Brigham Young University Student." And below the black menu bar by the "Logout" link, it reads "335,502 Current Members." So, in all honesty, this is definitely the largest exposure my work has ever received and may ever receive in the future...

But, I've still got some time...

A personal immersion in Architecture

Architecture has rooted itself deeply in my life. More than simply an interest or occasional hobby, the practice thereof has developed into a compulsion, a drive to create newness. In this creative pursuit, I have realized that the process itself has generated within me a deep respect for the master works of professionals, here and there, past and present... I have learned of their magnificence as I have feebly attempted to emulate their work in the expansion of my own ideas and concepts. My respect is never ending.

This admission, however humble, does not come without a hint of pride... I have never given up. I have continually pushed myself in spite of my weaknesses. I have never let go of the dream that is architecture.

Just recently, I realized that I have been pursuing this dream for nearly 10 years, almost half of my life. Has the time and effort been worth it? Indeed. But what proof??? Love... Support... Admiration... Recognition... Respect... All of these, however private or relatively small in magnitude, are overwhelmingly powerful in their effect. So I continue...


Here are some pictures of and links to some of my work. I do not claim to be at a professional level by any means.

Ascot Manor


The VAULT - Bachelor Pad Concept

Becca House
Becca House - more


AXO Student Center: Evolution


Tower5 - Concept

Michael Phelps' Olympics

Just over 3 years ago, I returned from Mexico to find my younger brother Brett much taller and much stronger. I also found out that he was on our high school swim team doing quite well as the team's leading backstroker. One of his coaches liked to compare him to some guy named Michael Phelps who was apparently one of the best swimmers in the world. My 'little' brother is just an inch taller than Phelps and similarly has very large feet and hands. I didn't know why Phelps was such a big deal; I was in Mexico during the previous Olympics, quite oblivious to his accomplishments and presence in general.

That was then...

Since last Saturday, I haven't missed a televised race involving Michael Phelps, preliminary heat or final. Let's just say the intrigue and possibility surrounding this man drew me in. I am lost in the surreal nature of it all. Phelps seems so real, so 'normal' in pre-race mode... but take off the earphones and warm ups, and you have a titan, a world-beater. In relatively short races, he bests the competition not in terms of hundredths of a second or inches between touches; rather, he has set a trend of winning by whole body-lengths and multiples of half-seconds. His performances demand the attention and respect of all, for they appear supernatural.

Uncertainty certainly lingers as the world observes the varied events of the Olympic Games, yet in the midst of all this unknown potential stands Michael Phelps. His potential is known, his great capacity even expected. This Olympics belongs to him, to the man who will receive more gold medals and more world records than entire countries can hope to achieve.

And though I feel rather desensitized by this year's presidential elections and talk of economic woes, nevertheless I am grateful for one thing right now: the chance to witness the overwhelming excitement of the 2008 Michael Phelps Olympics... and feel renewed as an American.

U. S. A., U. S. A., U. S. A.!

Royal Ascot

A word on the significance of 'Ascot'...

(Freddy? What's he got to do with it?)

In 1711, Queen Anne held the first race meeting at Ascot, at the time known as 'East Cote', establishing the tradition of the Royal Ascot meeting for the next 300 years. Today, the Ascot Racecourse persists as the world's most renowned horse racing venue.

History: http://www.ascot.co.uk/aboasc/aboasc_his.html
Virtual Tour of facilities: http://www.ascot.co.uk/virtour/ascottour.php
Main page: http://www.ascot.co.uk/index.html

Perhaps the only image any American would have of the Royal Ascot is the scene from My Fair Lady wherein Eliza lets fly a dandy of an expletive... I won't repeat it, but you get the picture.

The setting is the Ascot Racecourse, and the outrageously ornate costumes worn by one and all are actually the standard for anyone who wishes to attend. Granted, styles have changed somewhat, but the men still wear formal suits, some with ascots (don't worry, I'll explain), and the women still wear lavish gowns with, shall we say, overly expressive hats. Basically, the Royal Ascot is the place to be seen if you're anybody who's anybody in England; Queen Elizabeth II herself attends every year. And so the name 'Ascot' has become synonymous with high society, posh lifestyle, and the general 'lap o' luxury'.

Royal Ascot Magazine 2008: http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=other&refresh=Ha91z30TLw20&PBID=7b98fe2c-6a05-4cb0-a223-b632edc2ded8&skip

Now, in terms of clothing, an 'ascot' is a type of formal cravat, or tie, usually fastened with a stickpin and worn with a morning coat. Not surprisingly, the ascot was so named for its original appearance at the Royal Ascot.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascot_tie

Drawing upon the aforementioned definitions (as well as the one listed at the end), I applied the name to a home I designed during my high school years, 'Ascot Manor'. The house was my attempt to incorporate most all the luxuries I saw available in residential construction into one plan.

And last but not least, in my estimation anyway, 'Ascot' is a play on my name, 'A. Scot'. And I think it fitting, given my English and Scottish heritage.

So... now you know the story of at least one 'Ascot'.