Betta

Slept in, which I'm quite certain isnaiding in my recovery. My cough has dissipated a bit, and the fever took a hike. Made it to the gym and got through the new routine from my coach.

Took Ollie for another slow 1-miler, and saw a neighbor running with his doggie, a little bigger than Ollie. Welcome to the Small Dog Running Club, buddy...always room for one more. :-)

Missing out on mucho fun this weekend - the Alpine Shop is having its paddling event, with deep discounts on gear and fun films. And the Tri Club had a bike trainer session that my buddy went to...pics look like fun was had by all. Bah.

Ah well...spring is around the corner. I'll rally soon.

A trickling down...

...can bring about spilleth.

I think a lot. Most days, I make a concious effort to live in the moment, because you cannot rely on the future and the past isn't an option.

I do my best not to overthink, which I find to be exhausting and a waste of time, and the challenges I encountered this year helped me to realize my ability to and the beauty of spending mental energy on things I have (some) control over and not to worry about that which I cannot control.

Lately, usually during the wee waking hours, thoughts creep into my mind relating to my purpose. Thoughts of how to live a fulfilling life, give back, realize the value of time and kindness and act accordingly.Forgive myself and others the pitfalls, mistakes, and wrongs which were done not out of malice but of ignorance and move forward in a positive way.

So on this day before Thanksgiving, I decidedly take a moment to pause and reflect upon that for which I am grateful:

1. Family - near and far, here and gone. I'm gthankful for the time I've had with them, and for what time remains.

2. Really, really good health. Aside from the not-quite-perfect vision which makes me bespectacled towards the end of the week, I take no medication, I have no pains, and I am clear-headed. And it's about time I started appreciating that on a larger scale...

3. A job in which I'm thanked almost on a daily basis for how much I contribute, and I know I'm a cog in the wheel of making a difference for generations to come.

4. My many years of education. My most recent degree, in Professional Counseling, was not only an education but almost three years of therapy due to the practicum, the research and generally being a guinea pig for my classmates and vice versa.

5. Straight teeth - thanks to my mom and two years of orthodontic hell.

6. My best friend, Oliver. It's all about timing, and the April day when we found each other is the day I, for the first time, invested wholly in another being. I will only have a few years left with him, and I will strive to make each of his days as happy as can be.

7. Friends - mine are amazing. The most amazing on the planet. And I strive to be equally amazing for them. My friends come in all shapes and sizes; they were made during my childhood, my college days and my adult years at work, in play and in passing. Some are brand new, others were on my 2nd grade kickball team. From wherever, whenever, I hold them dear.

8. Love - I have been blessed to have known true love a couple of times in my life. It's an amazing feeling, and my memories of the good times I shared with these people have taught me the importance of being in a relationship built on trust, respect, deep friendship and shared values. Shared musical taste is a bonus.

There's so much more I'm thankful for - French cinema, live music shows, cycling, running outside in any season, guiding my yak through various waterways, mediation - but there isn't enough time or room to list it all.

I leave you with this - whether you're celebrating big or small, alone or with many, here or away, I wish you a safe, celebratory and savory Thanksgiving.

Lewis & Clark'n it...

I've been spending more time on area rivers to test my mettle. I'm fine kayaking on a lake, but depending on the current, some rivers are a little fast for me.

There's a race I'm thinking of doing, which takes place on the Missouri River. One of the items on my dirt nap list is to kayak on the Missouri, but would rather do so with a large group of experienced paddlers, during a sanctioned race. Safety is key here, due to the dangers this rivers is famous for - large, floating logs...super fast current, especially during high water, around the pilings and wing dikes....and barge traffic, which can capsize or pull a boat under.

Thankfully, the water level is very low due to the drought the country is experiencing, which decreases the chances for overly fast currents. However, the danger is still there.

The biggest river I've been on is the Illinois, and while I was with very experienced kaykers, it was still a little overwhelming.

I've got a few weeks before I need to register for the race, so I'm giving this a lot of thought. I really don't care about checking something off my list, but it would be such a great accomplishment to say I kayaked solo, 20 miles, down the longest river in North America, like Lewis & Clark did....word.

Paddle On...

I have embraced my inner paddler, and have been giving the kayak a good workout this summer. Aside from my usual lake excursions, I also started taking it out on local rivers - and boy has that been fun! The rivers are somewhat lazy, so nothing too crazy.