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Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary defines the word "Epiphany" as:

(1): a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something (2): an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking (3): an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure b: a revealing scene or moment

This has always been an important word to me. I have always thought the concept of a sort of spontaneous understanding of something was a great idea, but I thought that it only happened to the very enlightened. Maybe the people who have epiphanies really have an extra perception, at least for that moment of their epiphany.

I have always felt that I was waiting for my epiphany. That in a moment of clarity, I would have the understanding that I desparately wanted. I never knew if, like the definition states, I would find the essential meaning of something through an event that was simple and striking, or if it would just come to me.

I'm sure you saw this coming, but this weekend I had my illuminating realization. Unfortunately, mine did not come as a result of an event that was simple and striking. Rather, it came through a very difficult time in my life, through an event that is incredibly hard for me; an event certainly is not simple, though it is striking. Staring this epiphany in the face probes at my emotions, but there is no fear. Only elation. The future is an empty sky, within which my hopes will surely find room.

What, you may ask, was this realization? Well, I don't want to go into too much detail, but it should suffice to say that it involves happiness. Frankly, I'm finally tired of the sunsets. It's time to start making the sun rise.

Every day is a new day.

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 04:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In hopes of helping our quests to get in shape, Martha and I have decided to start taking day hikes on the weekends when we have nothing else going on. Two weeks ago, we took a trip out to Great Falls Park, Virginia to do some hiking. We ended up taking the "River Trail" for some scrambling over rocks that tested our endurance. The rest of the time, we were hiking the main path that was pretty flat and level.

This weekend. to enjoy the unseasonable 82-degree early August weather, we decided to enjoy a longer hike that would put us in the sun for a large portion of the hike. So, we decided to head out to the Manassas National Battlefield Park. We ended up hiking about 10 miles of trails on the day, which took us approximately four hours.

There were two parts of the hiking trail - First Manassas Trail and Second Manassas Trail. We didn't know which one would be more difficult, so we started on 1st. In retrospect that was probably a mistake, because it was must easier than 2nd. 1st consisted of mostly flat, well-maintained trail through farmland. There were a few hills, and a portion of the trail that we had planned to hike was closed (Stone Bridge Loop Trail on the map linked above). About half of 1st was in the sun, while the other part went on a leisurely walk through the woods. In all, it was about four miles on this first part of the trail. After the first couple of hours hiking 1st, we went back to the Visitor Center to use the facilities (after about a 200 meter uphill hike towards the end). I also changed into a dry shirt (I was a bit sweaty), and we rehydrated and ate some salty snacks.

The Second Manassas trail was pretty eary to begin with, but quickly became a more moderate hike. Although we had some difficulty finding the actual beginning of the trail, we ended up hiking through some more farm-land area to start. However, after the "Unfinished Railroad Loop Trail," think got a little more difficult. The trail was not maintained as well, and a large part of the trail was uphill through some rough terrain. By the time we got to Chinn Ridge Loop Trail, we were pretty exhausted. 2nd wasn't as hot as 1st, as a lot of it was through the woods, but it was quite a bit more physically exerting. Both Martha and I were so tired towards the end, we were checking the map every 500 yards or so to see how much longer we had to go. It ended up that 2nd was probably about 6 miles of hiking, which was more difficult terrain as well. We'll probably do 2nd at the start if we hike this park again.

All in all, a moderate hike. We both ended up pretty sore after our hike, but we celebrated with a good higher calorie dinner (as we were both starving). In addition to the hiking, it was nice to read a little bit about the history of the Battle of Bull Run on the signs as we walked around. To think that we walked where these major battles took place was pretty neat.

Unfortunately, the camera battery was dead, so there are no pictures. The next time we go for a hike, I plan on writing another entry and adding some pictures.

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 09:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)