Ridgeline Trail

I had an incredible hike with my Bro-in-law Norm. This was our second annual Ridgeline trail hike. We did this trail last year but it was fogged over the whole way. This year we had clear skies. We did it in about 10 hours. Whew! My legs are still recovering.

The Cope Family

Eric Cope is my cube mate at work and my good friend. His family was in town over Christmas so he asked me to take some family photos. Fun times were had by all. :)

Jump! Action shots are the best.
This photo alone would be confusing.
Here's a keeper. It's a challenge to get everyone to smile at the same time.
This was taken 30mins after we said we were done.
The happy couple. :)

Pictures from the last few days....

Wow... my life just got real busy. Holidays are always busy but geez!

So in the last week I was running around like crazy seeing a multitude of friends and having great adventures.

The skiing trip was incredible. Winter park is an amazing ski resort. Please check it out if you like that sort of thing. I only picked up my camera a few times on the trip. Here's a photo of a cold morning in Dillon CO.
Danny and Laura were too busy on Monday to shoot the engagement session. Their wedding is in May and I should get another chance. Here's the only shot I got of them together because Laura came over, we ate dinner, then I had to catch a flight. I wish I had more time to spend with them, they are truly amazing people.Here's Danny driving his huge truck...
Clark, one of my co-workers, had a meeting of the minds with a holiday theme last week. Clarks' parties are always interesting. The conversation ranges from marriage to religion to history to economics. It got dark fast but I got some good shots of Eric looking rather dapper...
Eric was asking me "what do I do" so I told him to contemplate his navel.
Here's how I see Clark. Yeah he's tall but he's also a mental giant....
Here's Clark making us feel welcome by building a warm fire in his backyard.

One week in

Ok I have a new plan. How about one or 2 goals at once. I have kinda overwhelmed by my December challenge. I have been doing well on the blogging, diet, and exercise. The reading, business, and piano have been taking a hit. Especially after work.

I think I need to concentrate on starting good habits. Things that I do subconsciously. The working out comes natural to me. The diet is not easy but with a little effort I can keep it under control. Blogging is fun for me.

December challenge so far has been a success. It has made me aware of the things that I want to get done, the things I am willing to get done, and the things I do. I am going to scale it back to be more achievable. I understand that goals are important, I'm going to manage them more carefully. Instead of me getting fed up with the state of affairs I'll make small steps and get better everyday.

Workout
didn't have time today
unexpected rest day

Going Skiing

Sweet! I'm going to Denver with some friends from work and I'm going to get a few days in at Winter Park. I can't wait. I haven't been skiing at a real mountain in about 3 years. The snow here in AZ has really stunk the last few years. Which hasn't let itself to good skiing conditions.

I'm also going to see my good friend Danny and his fiancee Laura. I'm staying at their place all weekend. I'm finally going to get a chance to shoot their engagement session. I can't wait. Is it here yet? Fun Stuff!

Crossfit #3
12 Kettelbell swings 35lbs
10 Ring pushups
10 Ring Rows
4 rounds

Second Thoughts

I'm struggling with how much the loft is a month. I won't say how much it is but it would be a stretch for me. I was super excited before I was sent the lease. I started to do the math and it stopped making sense. I'm going to sleep on it before I make my final decision.

I need to find a place that won't break the bank. I like things like vacations.

I'm going to stop worrying about this for now.

Here's a picture of me working out tonight...

Crossfit workout #2
Front Squats x 5
Push press x 5
135lbs
6 rounds

Good Progress

Alright! Let's see how I'm doing on the December challenge.

My diet has been good. I had some takeout that my roommate brought home tonight. It was really tasty which means it was unhealthy. Oh well all my other meals have been spot on.

Workouts have been going nicely. I killed myself yesterday with the interval sprints. I should go take pictures of that hill so you all can feel my pain. I have a workout tomorrow which will be front squats and push presses. I really missed these hard core workouts. They are such a rush.

I have been reading. Not as much as I would like but I seem to be getting back in the groove. Just think if you read 30 mins a day of non-fiction you would compound knowledge like saving money in a bank account.

The coffee thing... yeah it was good while it lasted. I have cut back but the afternoon coffee is a must in the nerdery.

I have been working on my businesses. I seem to be lacking in direction. Maybe I'll write up an action plan. yeah good idea.

I didn't take any pictures today so here's one from the vault...

Workout
Rest day

Relaxing weekend

Sometimes you need a weekend of inactivity. It's not that I just sat around all day. I did plenty. I just didn't overdo it with a huge project or a road trip. I feel relaxed and ready for the week ahead. I highly recommend weekends like this.

I had time to clean. Here's proof...
I did all my laundry. I did some reading. I cooked and prepared lunches for next week.

I know this sounds like normal life but lately it seems I have been rushed and most of the normal stuff gets overlooked.

Pace workout #1
Hill repeats
Road bike
Castle loops x3

Grey Day

We had a taste of Seattle today here in Phoenix. It was cloudy and drizzly all day. I stayed home and packed some stuff for my big move next month. I'm moving to the Orpheum Lofts in Downtown Phx. Here's what it looked like out my current window....
The view out of my new place will be quite different. I'll be on the 10th floor. I can't wait.

The clouds parted for a short time around noon...
This shot was taken with my new B&W polarizer. It really makes the sky pop. I have been wanting one of these for a while.

Crossfit workout #1
Elizabeth
21-15-9 reps of
135 Cleans
Ring dips