Jonathan R. Schmidt

Rudy and the Republicans

CBC television has been showing brief clips from the Republican National Convention and every time they show a clip the background music from the Republican Convention is from the movie “Rudy“. If you can’t remember, the movie Rudy is based on a true story about a small guy from a small town who has a dream to play for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. All in all it’s probably one of the most inspiring movies I’ve ever watched. To top if all off the music is incredible and also, most inspiring. Have a listen to just a clip of one of the songs. rudy2.mp3. The score is by Jerry Goldsmith, a well-known composer who also did the scores for other famous movies. As a lover of soundtracks this one is great, though I don’t know about the recent attachment to the Republican party – oh well – at least they know how to choose good music. Have a listen and tell me it doesn’t give you goose bumps and make you want to go outside and run a marathon or sprint the length of a football field. The full album is only available through iTunes. If you want a little story about the movie you can watch a two-part special starting with this Part I.

On a related note the Notre Dame football team has a modern day “Rudy” playing for them this season. A walk-on’ player turned starter his story is every bit as good as the one from the movie Rudy. Read about here.

Changing seasons

The seasons are changing and I thought I should add some updates here.

Family: Our family is expanding – that is, we are expecting a new baby in the new year. This is very exciting and there’s some pics from the ultrasound at www.jonanddarlene.schmidty.ca. I can’t believe what a miracle this is! There’s definitely some change in the air for our household.

School: Yes, I feel like I’ve been in school my whole life. Which isn’t far from the truth actually. I think the longest time I have not been in school was between zero and 5 yrs of age. Five straight years without school and I probably learned everything important in life, or least that’s what some book once said, or was that kindergarten? I got a black eye in kindergarten and don’t remember much else, so refer to earlier comment. Anyway, I’m hoping finish my Masters of Environmental Design – Planning degree by the end of 08. I hope it works out. My thesis is about historical land use change in the MD of Foothills. If I had a minute of your time I’d explain more.

Running: I used to never think of myself as a runner, but the last few years I’ve gravitated closer to that label. Being away from grebel ultimate groupies and other team sports I enjoy, running has become my exercise. I’ve been going through physiotherapy for about half a year and finally can begin running again. Physio is over and I’m up to 34 minutes of running with breaks. Hopefully by the summer of ’09 I’ll be back in marathon shape or something close to compete in a few 10k, half-marathon or trail races.