I have changed the layout of this blog for a couple of reasons. Previously, my blog was black and grey, much like my outlook. The other day, we celebrated Sophie's 1st birthday with a balloon release with family and friends. My wife and I started the day by visiting our nurses from the 7th and 8th floors of St. Elizabeth's Hospital followed by visiting Lifebanc and taking a Thank You cake. We spent the rest of the day at a nearby park inflating balloons and prepping for the event.
I thought about writing a speech. There were things I wanted to say, thank yous to mention. I never got around to it and together, we spoke to everyone and Isabella, out 2 1/2 year old daughter got us started with the release. As we stood there watching the balloons rise, I felt my wife's hand on my shoulder. We held Izzie and cried. We agreed later that it was the perfect day for honoring our little girl.
My wife amazes me. She has resigned her position from teaching and is currently enrolled as a grad student pursuing her Master's degree in clinical counselling.
I am still teaching, but I wanted to get back to roots of what made me "me" so long ago; mountain biking. It may not sound like much to some, but it is to me. One of my fondest memories from my childhood was the day my dad took the training wheels off my old grey Huffy and I rode across the street like I was a pro. When I was 14, I applied to work at a local bike shop and did so every month or so until I was old enough to legally work there. I started working and quickly traded my paychecks for the newer, lighter, better looking part for my mountain bike. Later, I switched to road and triathlon riding, and then life happened and I got lazy.
I decided to get back in to riding. I set a goal of 1000 miles this summer for three reasons.
1-The obvious health benefits of exercise.
2-I want to reignite my passion for cycling.
3-I think that being out there, pedaling, listening to the sound of my breath and the world, I would feel closer to Sophie and to God.
I know this blog has seemed scattered...it's late, the night before the last day of school for the year, and the end of a tough week for my family. I'm tired, but I'm here.
Until next time...
