You know that you have great friends when you have a really bad week and still manage to head home on Friday night with a smile on your face. I had taken for granted what truly wonderful people I have in my life. From family and close personal friends to coworkers, everyone has been very supportive of this tough transition period in my life.
I know that I am a strong person, but I am not an island. Though I feel much better now, I don't think I would have done this well without everyone's love and support; it has meant a lot. So I guess that's the lesson learned - if you surround yourself with good people, even in your darkest and loneliest hours, you will have someone to help guide the way and keep you company.
In my case, I've had several of these friends. You know who you are. Thank you.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Reading and writing
Having time to yourself, you get to do a lot of things that you have neglected to do for a long time. One of the things that I used to do a lot was read, I also used to write a lot as well. We know that I am doing ok with the writing part as evidenced by this blog. I am also writing other, more private things - these are things that I need to think about and express. I hope that these are things that I can feel comfortable sharing with others in time, but I'll just have to know that the time is right.
I've been reading books and websites and blogs in search of some answers. The funny thing is I stumbled across something from a couple years back that is a little reflective of my current situation. There are similarities, but thankfully I can see significant differences as well. I can see a glimmer of hope that everything is not lost. I know that things will take time, and that with time, things will happen naturally. I don't want to push so hard that something breaks and I lose what opportunities I do have. I don't want to think, however, that change happening naturally doesn't do so without a little nudge from those looking for the change. We have to be in control of our own destinies. Sure things will happen as they are meant to, but that doesn't mean that we are merely spectators.
I am in the process of building up myself for me, and making me stronger so that I can accomplish the thing that I want to. I know that it is a tough road to travel down, and a long one as well, but I am doing better and I feel that progress is being made. I feel good about myself for the first time in a long time, and I like that feeling.
I've been reading books and websites and blogs in search of some answers. The funny thing is I stumbled across something from a couple years back that is a little reflective of my current situation. There are similarities, but thankfully I can see significant differences as well. I can see a glimmer of hope that everything is not lost. I know that things will take time, and that with time, things will happen naturally. I don't want to push so hard that something breaks and I lose what opportunities I do have. I don't want to think, however, that change happening naturally doesn't do so without a little nudge from those looking for the change. We have to be in control of our own destinies. Sure things will happen as they are meant to, but that doesn't mean that we are merely spectators.
I am in the process of building up myself for me, and making me stronger so that I can accomplish the thing that I want to. I know that it is a tough road to travel down, and a long one as well, but I am doing better and I feel that progress is being made. I feel good about myself for the first time in a long time, and I like that feeling.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
New Job
So there's been literally a dozen different things that have been happening in my life recently. Some things I've dealt with well, other things, not so well. I'm trying to look at things on the bright side as best as I can, but sometimes it's a little tough. It is good to know that I have such great friends, though - they have really helped me through the beginning of some tough times and I know that they will be there as more and more good times start to pile on.
One of the first good things to happen to me is I got a new job! I've been unhappy with my current job for quite some time now and have been actively searching for something new over the past couple months. I've managed to keep all the lines of communication open with my employers, so thankfully, they weren't taken completely by surprise when I gave them the news the other day. In fact, I think that they were happy for me.
This will be a great opportunity for me to grow and learn, not only about my field of work but about myself as well. I am being given a lot of new responsibilities and will have the opportunity to work on some great accounts. It will also be good to be working in an environment that seems to suit me more...hard working, but casual.
As I stated, there are a lot of other things that are going on in my life that I need to take care of as well, and I know that this one good thing is only part of putting me on the road to recovery. But, every little bit helps, right?
One of the first good things to happen to me is I got a new job! I've been unhappy with my current job for quite some time now and have been actively searching for something new over the past couple months. I've managed to keep all the lines of communication open with my employers, so thankfully, they weren't taken completely by surprise when I gave them the news the other day. In fact, I think that they were happy for me.
This will be a great opportunity for me to grow and learn, not only about my field of work but about myself as well. I am being given a lot of new responsibilities and will have the opportunity to work on some great accounts. It will also be good to be working in an environment that seems to suit me more...hard working, but casual.
As I stated, there are a lot of other things that are going on in my life that I need to take care of as well, and I know that this one good thing is only part of putting me on the road to recovery. But, every little bit helps, right?
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Thinking a lot
I've had a rough past few days. I think that I've had a little too much time to think about things on my own and that's kind of a bad thing. I dwell and I overthink and then I overreact, and that can have unwanted consequences. After talking it over with some friends, they have convinced me that I am just reading too much into things and that I need to lighten up, take it slow, and let things happen naturally.
I've learned a number of things over the last two weeks. I've learned that sometimes being comfortable isn't good enough, sometimes you have to get up and fight for happiness. I've also learned what great friends I have and how much I owe to them. I've learned other things, I'm sure, but they haven't all sunk in yet.
What am I feeling? I'm hurt, I'm scared, I'm confused...and the worst part is that I know someone else who is feeling the same way and there's nothing I can do about it.
I have to stop thinking about this stuff.
I've learned a number of things over the last two weeks. I've learned that sometimes being comfortable isn't good enough, sometimes you have to get up and fight for happiness. I've also learned what great friends I have and how much I owe to them. I've learned other things, I'm sure, but they haven't all sunk in yet.
What am I feeling? I'm hurt, I'm scared, I'm confused...and the worst part is that I know someone else who is feeling the same way and there's nothing I can do about it.
I have to stop thinking about this stuff.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
The first update in two years
So I feel that I should bring people up to speed on things that have been going on in my life - especially if you are reading this blog for the first time. I've made some bad choices and have been neglectful of certain people and things in my life. That aside, I am working on making myself better and atoning for mistakes. Ok, so it was a quick update, but that about sums it up.
So, with that out of the way, I will be taking on this blog by myself for the time being and posting updates on myself and my training. You may be asking yourself, what training is he talking about? Well, I am training for a mountaineering expedition to summit Mt. Shasta which will take place in early June.
For those of you who might not have gotten the last email, here is a little more info on what I'm doingI've had friends and family in the past that have participated in all manner of fundraising events where they ran a marathon, completed a bike race, or even participated in a dancing marathon. All of their efforts helped raise money for worthy causes and charities. Now I can be counted among those that is doing something a little different to raise awareness and raise money to help a great cause. I recently signed up to participate in the 2008 Climb for Research supporting the American Liver Foundation (ALF). For those that don't know, I'm an avid hiker and when one of my hiking buddies brought this climb to my attention, I had to check it out. Upon further research I realized that the opportunity to climb with an ice axe and crampons, and support a worthy cause could not be passed up.
In addition to the "cool" factor, I do have ulterior motives. A friend of mine from college was afflicted by liver disease early in his life and had to undergo two liver transplants before he was 14 years old. If it wasn't for organizations like the ALF and the research that they support, he might not be with us today. I am climbing to support the work that the ALF does and the research that they support - here's a little more about it all.
The Climb
The Climb for Research is a pledged overnight climb event taking place at Mt. Shasta, June 7-8. Climbers raise a minimum pledges through corporate and/or vendor contacts, friends and family members for the ALF while promoting liver wellness and organ donation. Since its inception, climbers have raised $375,000 to help support the ALF.
The Mountain
Mt. Shasta is the second highest volcano in the U.S. This magnificent mountain rises 14,161 feet and at its base, is more than 17 miles in diameter. Eight massive glaciers scale the sides of this mountain. The climb will take place on the southeast side of Mt. Shasta, the traditional way favored by legendary John Muir. On the first day, the team climbs as a group to base camp for instruction in the fundamentals of safe mountain travel. On day two, an early morning start (2 AM!) is made for the summit.
Support
This is where you come in. Your financial support will not only help those with liver diseases, but will also help researchers in their search for cures to these diseases. Please feel free to share this email and information about my climb with friends and family - all support will be welcome. Donations are tax deductible and can be made through my website: www.active.com. Through several generous donations, i am currently at 15% of my fundraising goal of $2,000 - keep the money coming in!
I have already begun my training regimen to help prepare me for hiking at altitude and will hopefully be all ready to go by June. Shasta is but the first step - McKinley (at 20,320 ft.) is next year! Then, who knows? Regardless, any support is greatly appreciated.
As I do more climbing, I will be updating the blog - hopefully once a week. I will also update as the mood strikes me with anything that may be on my mind. So, check back often, you never know what you might see!
Thanks to everyone out there for all their support and well wishes.
So, with that out of the way, I will be taking on this blog by myself for the time being and posting updates on myself and my training. You may be asking yourself, what training is he talking about? Well, I am training for a mountaineering expedition to summit Mt. Shasta which will take place in early June.
For those of you who might not have gotten the last email, here is a little more info on what I'm doingI've had friends and family in the past that have participated in all manner of fundraising events where they ran a marathon, completed a bike race, or even participated in a dancing marathon. All of their efforts helped raise money for worthy causes and charities. Now I can be counted among those that is doing something a little different to raise awareness and raise money to help a great cause. I recently signed up to participate in the 2008 Climb for Research supporting the American Liver Foundation (ALF). For those that don't know, I'm an avid hiker and when one of my hiking buddies brought this climb to my attention, I had to check it out. Upon further research I realized that the opportunity to climb with an ice axe and crampons, and support a worthy cause could not be passed up.
In addition to the "cool" factor, I do have ulterior motives. A friend of mine from college was afflicted by liver disease early in his life and had to undergo two liver transplants before he was 14 years old. If it wasn't for organizations like the ALF and the research that they support, he might not be with us today. I am climbing to support the work that the ALF does and the research that they support - here's a little more about it all.
The Climb
The Climb for Research is a pledged overnight climb event taking place at Mt. Shasta, June 7-8. Climbers raise a minimum pledges through corporate and/or vendor contacts, friends and family members for the ALF while promoting liver wellness and organ donation. Since its inception, climbers have raised $375,000 to help support the ALF.
The Mountain
Mt. Shasta is the second highest volcano in the U.S. This magnificent mountain rises 14,161 feet and at its base, is more than 17 miles in diameter. Eight massive glaciers scale the sides of this mountain. The climb will take place on the southeast side of Mt. Shasta, the traditional way favored by legendary John Muir. On the first day, the team climbs as a group to base camp for instruction in the fundamentals of safe mountain travel. On day two, an early morning start (2 AM!) is made for the summit.
Support
This is where you come in. Your financial support will not only help those with liver diseases, but will also help researchers in their search for cures to these diseases. Please feel free to share this email and information about my climb with friends and family - all support will be welcome. Donations are tax deductible and can be made through my website: www.active.com. Through several generous donations, i am currently at 15% of my fundraising goal of $2,000 - keep the money coming in!
I have already begun my training regimen to help prepare me for hiking at altitude and will hopefully be all ready to go by June. Shasta is but the first step - McKinley (at 20,320 ft.) is next year! Then, who knows? Regardless, any support is greatly appreciated.
As I do more climbing, I will be updating the blog - hopefully once a week. I will also update as the mood strikes me with anything that may be on my mind. So, check back often, you never know what you might see!
Thanks to everyone out there for all their support and well wishes.
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