Becoming American

National Public Radio (one of what I consider to be two taonga--treasures--of the United States, the other being the National Park Service) is running a series of interviews with immigrants on what it means to be American or to become American. Yesterday, an interview with author Junot Diaz really resonated with me. When asked what it is to be American, he talked about how Americans wrestle with that very question and it's that struggle and continual questioning that defines us, not the answers themselves. I have often said that one of the things I love and admire about this country is how people do struggle with difficult questions. I often hate the results of that struggle, but I admire the effort. Another thing Diaz said was that it is possible to carry in ourselves two countries - the one of our origin and the one that received us. He quoted Walt Whitman from Song of Myself:

Do I contradict myself?
Very well then I contradict myself,
(I am large, I contain multitudes.)

I love that. It is so true of everyone - not just immigrants. We all are capable of incredible hypocrisy or compartmentalization or comfortable co-habitation of opposing ideas. I like how matter-of-fact Whitman is. Very well then I contradict myself.

Training related - I'm feeling the workouts this week - it's the second build week, although last week was more recovery from the race. That means strength workouts. Aside from some of the pushups, they don't feel that tough, but the next day, I sure know if I put my arms or legs through a strength workout. Had a good track workout this morning. And spin this evening. Tired now. Going to bed early and to sleep early. I try to sleep as much as I can, as if I can 'bank' sleep for when things start getting really tiring. Nightie night.