SKI UPDATE

This weekend was my second trip up the mountain and I'm happy to report it went really well.  Don't get me wrong, no one would confuse me for an Olympic finalist but at least I'm getting more comfortable on the skis.

Since I banged up my ribs on my last go-around I was a bit nervous on the first couple runs.  Lucky for me I got more and more confident as the day progressed.  I am also happy I stuck with my game-plan...end on a good note rather than pushing for one last run after my legs turned to jello.

Sorry for no pictures, but I'm not confident enough to take my phone with me and possibly smash it during a fall.  Hopefully this will change by the end of the season.

I'VE SAID IT BEFORE...

Recently there was a terrible accident near Chicago, Illinois due to the weather.  Unfortunately three people passed away and two are in critical condition (at the time the article was published).  I have to wonder if the severity of the accident could have been reduced if there was a separate highway system for semi-trucks. 

I understand the typical arguments of cost and lack of needed space...but it's something to think about.


Article Here.

INCOMMUNICADO

I still don't have a phone.  At first I felt weird not having it, almost like a feeling of vulnerability.  What if I need to call someone on the way to the store?  What if someone needs to get in touch with me? What if my car breaks down and I get stuck somewhere? 


As the days with no phone continue to add up the feeling of vulnerability has been replaced by a sense of freedom (of sorts).


I've also noticed a few things since becoming phoneless...
1. Lines seem longer when you don't have a phone to keep you occupied
2. The amount of times I reach into my pocket for my phone is astounding
3. I only know a few people's numbers by heart

TAN LINES

The weekend review via a list...
1. Watched Anchorman 2...ehh.
2. Cleaned the garage
3. Got a sun-tan line on my face from sitting on a patio and watching the Broncos game
4. Found 2 new watering holes with great happy hour specials
5. Had my phone broken via a dog
6. Hung out with some good friends
7. Donated stuff to Goodwill
8. Watched 2 DVDs
9. Went to the library
10. Organized some stuff and things


Please note the above items are not listed in order of occurrence.

LIGHT OUTSIDE

Yesterday at 5:15 PM it was still somewhat light outside.  This is a huge improvement over a month ago when it was pitch dark by 5.  I love the winter but I miss the ability to do outside activities after work.

GOING GOOD???

Today's is January's half-way mark...how are your resolutions going? 


So far mine are going according to plan...
1. Learn to ski...took a lesson and am well on my way.
2. Eat healthy...check.
3. More realistic plans of what can be done each night...check.
4. Do small things now so tomorrow is smoother...1/2 check.  Still need to work on this but I'm showing improvement.


Good luck with all of your goals.

SKI LESSON...

Since we made the move to Colorado I've been wanting to learn to ski.  My wife skis, nearly all of my friends ski, and it seems like a ton of fun.  So, for the past couple months I've been piecing together all the necessary equipment...the majority of it acquired through the generosity of friends. 


Saturday was the day.  With my borrowed gear and my beginner lesson purchased I set off.  The instructor was great and pretty soon we were on the beginner hill learning to turn and stop.  I was feeling pretty confident at this point and was doing relatively well (for a newbie).


As the day progressed so did the size of the hills.  I continued to do well and only had a few wipe-outs.  Actually, I'd say I had a few spills and only 2 wipe-outs...but they were major.  Or at least by my logic they were major...judging from the spot where the fall started and where I ended up and by the number of times I couldn't tell which way was up during the tumble.  But no fear, I was able to move all my parts and ski after each wipeout, so I'll chalk that up as a victory, regardless of how small.    For the most part, the worst part of the fall was getting up after...simply because having skis on your feet make normal movements very difficult.


Overall I was very please with how I did.  By no means am I ready to venture outside of the green runs, but I know what to expect for next time.  And, I didn't end the day swearing off skiing forever.  In fact, I'm really excited to go back next weekend.

SO FAR SO GOOD

Adios holiday weight.  Hola healthy eating.

I've also started trying to do what I can today so my tomorrow is smoother.  It hasn't been too painful and has been paying off big time.  Hopefully this trend continues.

SIMPLY AMAZING

While 2013 was a great year for my family I have no doubt 2014 will be even better. 

We are starting the new year out healthy, happier than we've been for a long time, with jobs in our career fields, with the love and support of our family, and with an amazing group of friends both near and far.

Thank you to everyone who helped make 2013 great and I wish you all the best in 2014.