year end

every year flies by now.
a lot happened in 2012 though.
trained in the philippines.
hosted tuhon mel's seminar.
grew the brooklyn training group.
started teaching at elementary schools again.
began mentoring at a high school.
rode the mtb more than last year.
no cross races, but more riding on the cross bike.
also got to visit worcester for the first time in years.
rode the track bike there and in boston too. fun.
also visited tahoe for a buddy's wedding.
spent some time in oakland too of course.
i guess it was kind of a busy year.

next year is a day away and i'm already planning.
big ideas: bikepacking/camping. gravel rides. mtb rides.
getting our students ready for sparring.
getting a driver's license. finally..
studying for the GRE, maybe?
oh and shooting photos. and video. creating art.
travel will figure itself out.
more ideas percolating..
new year, new adventures.
chasing the horizon.

appreciation

when was the last time you felt really great?

that big, full, overflowing feeling of joy and wonder.

the kind that makes you whoop and yell.

i can't really remember.

and in seeking those big joys,

do we overlook the little ones?

all the small pleasures and half-smiles and bright eyes.

things worth noticing, but we forget.

the focus is shifted the other way.

even part of a moment of something perfectly itself,

could change your whole day if you gave it a chance to.