The waters of reflection

I try not to get too philosophical or self reflective too often, but as February begins to merge into March I can't but help think how quickly life passes by and the changes that accompany time's passage. Every blink of an eye brings another breach in time and although exciting it can be daunting. Last weekend I spent some time with old friends in NYC and my cousin in Bayonne. Mo & Mike are expecting their first born (the same day as Jess: ) and Jenna is now a sophomore in high school. I love having such opportunities to sit and soak in those that hold such a precious place in my heart.  

It's always neat to be able to soak in memories that tie you together in ways that are sometimes good and not so good. Although life can be overwhelming, it is amazing how wonderful it can be if you alter the angle that your looking at whatever situation or chapter you're at in life. 
It was a blast catching up, laughing and reflecting on life with Mike, an old friend that I think the world of. Lots of good stuff in the past 9.65 days of my life. Diggin' it...  As the weekend approaches I am super stoked to take a deep breathe and reflect on the good, the bad and the unbelievable. Bellisimo! 

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Here piggy, piggy

I love animals. But what most don't realize is that herding and feeding pigs is not for the faint of heart. This video clip makes me laugh and know that there is no hope for me as a farmer : ) 

On the road again... and again...and again .

On Friday the clock struck three and I was out of here & on the road to Virginia.  I was beyond ready to be out of the land of  traffic, pressures of life and crazy stress.  A three day weekend to see the family is a gift I dare not take for granted.  The everyday realm of life has a funny way of keeping priorities in clear check. I had two old school family friends join me on the weekend escapade.  Needless to say with two high school girls in a car for 6 hours, the trip was anything but monotonous. 

The weather has been perfect and there is really nothing like hanging on the porch, playing the guitar and listening to my nephew laughing and asking for his 'E' to give him hugs.  Other than the fact that I can confidently cross off farmer from my list of occupational possibilities, it's still crazy fun to try and fill those shoes once in awhile.  The past few days have been a long over due break from a whole lot of 'stuff.'   

** Chicky, Tristan & Dani kicking back on the hammock **

It's funny how things work. The two girls I brought with me hold alot of family history. I've known both families for over twenty years (wow, that makes me feel old) with some ups and downs thrown in over the years. God's timing and sense of humor can at times just leave me in laughter. It's pretty neat. I feel blessed to have so many random awesome people in my life that make life richer and a little more interesting. May life never be predictable, lacking challenge or void of richness. 

Red wine, flip flops and sun makes 'E' a happy chica

Sitting on my porch on a Sunday afternoon with bare feet, a glass of wine and a calm spirit with temperatures more like Spring than that other season we're really in. I'm just digging being in the moment. This past week I found myself in Atlantic City for an annual drug & alcohol conference with about 250+ SAC counselors. I came to the conclusion after my first conference a few years ago that there are indeed other 'loco' peeps such as myself & that gave my self esteem quite a boost. Positive self talk all the way : ) 

The conference is 2 1/2 days that I really look forward to & find it as a pleasant recharge that I always need this time of year. One of my favorite people & fellow SAC, Sue, was there making the time at the Taj anything but ordinary. 

The past few weeks have been a little more challenging than usual & having a weekend to catch up with friends & on things I've sort of allowed to go to the way side has been a good feeling. I have to say I'm ready for another week and even more looking forward to spending next weekend with my family. I haven't seen them since Christmas & I've exceeded my time frame for not seeing Tristan. TIme to head on down to Faith Farm and chill with my favorite little dude: ) 

(Chicky & I hanging @ School house jamming to some tunes)  

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.