Try.

I think I'll just pretend it hasn't been over a year... if it's all the same to you. :)

A few things from this summer that are worth mentioning:

• I've been setting up my classroom for a second  year of teaching math at Air Academy!
• I'm the new student council advisor.
• I bought a Harley.
• We had a lovely wedding.
• This thunderstorm is shaking the house.

So, there's that.

(Be right back.  Time to put dinner in the oven.)

The past few years have brought about some of the most severe, yet welcomed, growing pains of my life.  I'd like to share one that has been on my mind the most:  embracing mistakes.  This has proven to be one of the greatest challenges of my life to overcome.  Anytime I feel as if I have failed in any way, my reaction has been to shut down/give up.  I've seen it happen in relationships when I feel as though I've failed as a friend, or flaked one time too many, and just gracefully backed away ashamed.  I've also seen it when new opportunities arise, and I've avoided them for fear of looking foolish trying.  Since Kelly, that all has changed.

Now, I am much more willing and eager to admit a mistake or shortcoming, apologize, and move on.  For example, if I double book myself by accident, instead of shutting down and not communicating with anyone, I will inform both parties and apologize.  It sounds simple, but is so hard for me.  I am a better skier now because I was willing to take risks and laugh at myself when I face planted or lost a ski in the waist-deep powder.  I can ride a motorcycle now because I was willing to wobble around on a bike, realizing that with practice would come confidence.

Maybe you can relate; maybe you have no clue where I am coming from...  I have an intellectual understanding of what it means to be a good friend, or spouse, or runner, or teacher, or skier, or any other identity I may temporarily assume.  But, I have been scared of the practical application of each of those things-- thanks to the inevitable mistakes entailed.  Now, at nearly 26, I'm learning to love embracing those mistakes.  I savor new-beginnings in order to better enjoy the celebration of growth down the road.  I accept that reaching a goal requires taking countless small steps.  And I respect and appreciate those around me who are tripping as much or more than I am along the way, but persevere with a smile on their face.

It is still a struggle, and still a mental battle.  One day.  One choice.  One expression of forgiveness.  One step.  One inch at a time... I am growing.

"Mistakes mean you're trying."

Reverse 911

OK, I know, I'm a bit late on posting about the fire.  Better late than never, right?

Kelly and I were driving home from my PLACE exam (which is another story in and of itself) when we saw the plume of smoke rising behind Mount Blodgett.  Occasionally the Air Force Academy conducts controlled burns on its property so I brushed it off.  Then we saw it; the sign that read "Fire in Waldo Canyon.  Do not call to report."  WHAT!?  There's a fire in Waldo Canyon??  Thus began a week of being glued to the news 24/7, following every move the fire would make.

On a side note, it is more challenging than you might think to type while eating a Popsicle.  Just sayin'.


After several days of watching the fire grow larger and nearer the unthinkable happened:  it jumped Queens Canyon.  Until then we had no real expectation of an evacuation because the flames remained ridges away.  The time did come, however, to pack our belongings.  It was amazing to realize how little we needed from the house--safety was truly our priority.  So, we packed up and headed to my big sister's place.  It was actually a rather fun adventure spending time with her-- you would be amazed at the ability my nine month old niece had to diffuse any tension and anxiety.

Several homes burned.  Thousands more could have.  I cannot begin to describe the magnitude of the efforts and victories of the fire fighters.

Four days later we returned home with grateful hearts, and a relieved sister.

Things I took away from the experience:
* Things are just things.
* Home is not defined by a structure.
* Family, family, family.
* You won't regret packing a portable air conditioner if evacuated during 100+ degree weather..
* I live in an awesome community and have incredible friends.

Thank you to all of those who offered their homes to us.  And thank you to all those first responders and soldiers who kept us safe.

June 24, 2012

June 25, 2012

June 26, 2012

There is much, much more that I could say.  Mostly, we're just happy to be home.

Hi there!

I'm still here :).  There is so much to say, but I'd rather basque in the sweet evening air and listen to my sweetie make music.  

For now, just know that I am blissfully happy.  I've got it all: The dream guy.  The dream job.  The dream home.  And a whole lot of hard work and service staring back at me.

God is so good.  All the time.

Oh.  And I've got the dream family.

More Life

"Why do we teach music?

Not because we expect you to major in music.

Not because we expect you to play all your life.

Not so you can relax.

Not so you can have fun.

But: so you will be human,

so you will recognize beauty,

so you will be sensitive,

so you will be closer to an infinite beyond this world,

so you will have something to cling to,

so you will have more love, more compassion, more gentleness,

more good--in short, more life."

Trick or Treat!

I have been looking forward to this night since I moved in in June.  I did not allow any scheduling conflicts, made sure my workout was early in the afternoon, and filled my pumpkin-shaped bowl with candy.  My string of little Jack-o-Lantern lights came on at 5:00 on the dot, lighting the way to my door.  After months of waiting I  finally greeted my first trick-or-treaters-- the beautiful weather brought far more than expected.  What a joy it has been to share treats with so many little ones in their creative and extravagent outfits!  I have definitely been blessed by all the sweet, little faces (disguised though they were) that rang this doorbell.

Happy Halloween!

Auburn and Gold

Holden and I spent the morning hiking through the golden aspens.

 He pulled a dead tree out of the ground.

It was the perfect birthday present.

Love you, little bro :).

Naomi BobbiSue Lucia

My niece.

 She is perfect.

They are so happy.

She wasn't pleased with the Buff's performance against Ohio State today.