Winter... not digging it

(pic: my very tanned, shoeless feet basking in the Jordanian desert) 

I've never really had to combat any affects of the winter blues, but I would have to say this year marks the first. Maybe it's due to the fact that I haven't surfed in almost two months. Possibly it could be attributed to going to work in darkness and returning in, you got it, darkness. If you know me, there is sea salt and surf wax running through my veins & with the proper form of visual imagery, a pair of flip flops on my feet at all times. Come hell or high water I dig the ocean and the weather that typically accompanies that. 

So, it may be the end of the weekend but I do believe the Atlantic beckons. Checking surf conditions and ensuring there is a wetsuit, flip flops and a bathing suit in the back of my car for the next few weeks. Water temps are at a very tropical 43 degrees... very inviting, I know. 

(pic: sunset on the Sinai of Egypt)

(enjoying dinner with some friends @ Mikado) 

Peace like the Euphrates

One of my New Year's Resolutions was to begin the art of balancing my life and making 'down time' more of a priority. Its an area I emphatically stress to the kids I counsel to examine in their own lives and I'm not one to find hypocrisy as an attractive attribute. Between work, coaching, Young Life and life in general I often feel pulled in 50 directions. So, the past few weeks 'me' has become more of a priority. Go me. This first weekend in 2009 finds me catching up on sleep and catching my breath after a fairly intense week. Were there opportunities for distraction? Yes. Did I flinch? Nope. 

(1st pic: selecting the perfect marshmallow stick with Tristan  /  2nd pic: Charlie chilling on a hay bale) 

I struggle sometimes with seeing down time as problematic, but my mind and body are often in dire need of recharge and chill time. I managed a very successful New Year's Resolution for the 1st weekend of 2009. I'm going to maintain the mindset of an optimist and say this lasts another twelve months. Hoping positive self talk takes me the distance.

Let the good times roll

I am always baffled the fleeting nature of time. Twelve days with the family went like the bat of an eyelash and here I am now back home reflecting on some pretty sweet moments. Jess is expecting at the end of March and its hard to believe there will be another boy scampering around before spring arrives. Tristan is pretty excited kissing Jess's belly and watching his brother grow before his eyes.

On Saturday, the three of us worked the Richmond Farmer's Market on 17th Street. The sun was out and the skies were clear. A few other vendors were present with fresh breads, veggies, fruits, jams and of course we had a truck load of chicken, beef and pork to sell. Tristan always has a way of making the day more enjoyable with tons of laughing, running around and giggles.

Whenever I'm in the area, which isn't too often, I beg and plea for local veggies. My parents purchase their produce from a local amish family & it's almost worth the six hour drive. Well maybe not, but it's still fairly epic stuff.

Last night Tristan and I were outside until after sundown hanging out on the tire swing, roasting marshmallows and just simply having a blast. Man does that little kid light up my heart and make any worries or distractions just simply go to the wayside. 

So when he says, 'E, you're my best friend' my heart pretty much melts. He's got me wrapped around his little finger. I'm already looking forward to seeing the crew within the next month or so. Just sitting and reflecting I can only smile and thank God for a family I feel so profoundly blessed to have.