Lots of thoughts...

My world on Sunday was long uphill cycling. It was pondering, reflection, and introspection. I liked what I found inside, inside myself, in who I have become. I've worked hard at this, and a beautiful payoff was seeing my goals realized and watching my dreams come closer day by day. I've never dared to dream so big and yet never have my dreams been so achievable...it's not the dreams, it's the drive. I like to think it's also that I've gotten a little better at this thing called life.

Please don't be confused, life is not magically perfect and I have yet to discover that land of flying ponies and sparkly kittens (actually scratch that, I really dislike cats) how about flying bikes and sparkly skis (yes, I like that). There are big challenges and they are there daily, sometimes hourly. Please excuse me for a moment while I make a statement that is very cliche: with every challenge there is an opportunity for success. It's true. And though I don't seize each of those opportunities and success is not always achieved I've learned something even more important through what I perceive to be failures.

My birthday is a short three weeks away. With this come many emotions, much anticipation, and uncontainable excitement! As I pondered my birthday I took a little time travel (no shape shifting, just time travel) I reviewed the last year in my life and it seems like it's been far more than a year that has passed. A barrage of significant events occurred in my life this year; some positive, some negative, some of the best, some of the worst, some that I never wanted to end, and some that I didn't think I'd make it through. On the other side, at the genesis of a new year in my life I am beginning to realize just how far this year has brought me. I believe the health of my soul gained 10 years in just this one year, I have come far and the possibilities are endless.

With my birthday my loved ones will return to the mountains for a time. I look forward to their return. The week following my birthday I will venture to Southern Utah (my heaven) for a 420 mile bike ride and 7 days of camping, cycling, and good company. I think I will only be in the office for half of September...not a bad deal! September will be good, my birthday will be good. This year, more than any of my other 25 years, I feel cause to celebrate. I am a life that is worth celebrating. I will celebrate; where I've come from, where I am and where I'm going.