Good times, bad times, you know I've had my share...

Hard times demand introspection. Thank God for the recession! I’ve rediscovered myself and been forced to evaluate my values in more direct a manner than I ever would have on my own - cut this, sell that, forget that vacation…

It’s all whittling down to my core. Like a financial cleansing.

I’ve been called naïve for looking for something that is “fulfilling” in my career. Funny, seems there are two camps – find work or find work that matters. I’m still sticking to the latter, but I have to admit I’m beginning to wonder if it’s a just or prudent decision.

I guess it comes down to what you consider to be “making a living”. I tend to think that settling on any career (job) that pays is “making a paycheck”. Not interested. But I don’t know why – it would be so much easier (I tell myself) to just suck it up and go to work – keep your head low and get the job done. It’s gotten me this far, after all.

But there’s this voice in the back of my head that says there’s more to it. Stick it out and be true to this vision.

Everything is going to be okay.

Right?

A Dip in the Pool

Last night a friend of mine mentioned he was taking a trip to Glenwood Springs for a soak in the hot springs. I was immediately reminded of my trip there this fall along with the time I spent at the local swimming hole this summer. Needless to say the memories were not good!

What came to mind is that I can’t help but think the human body shouldn’t age that bad. It just doesn’t seem normal to me. Now don’t get me wrong, I understand that aging is a process we can’t stop but I can’t help but think a bit of exercise and a more healthy diet would improve our appearance in swim wear. Young and old alike seem to be headed in the wrong direction when it comes to health.

What does this say about our society? I would say (are you ready for this?) the current trends in diet aren’t working. Why are we more worried about the gas we put in our cars than the food we put in our bodies? Personally, I don’t think you need to eat fruits and vegetables 24-7 to be healthy but I think you need a moderate approach to both exercise and diet. With that one monumental statement I expect the way the country thinks in regards to food to change overnight. Then again, maybe not. McDonalds is a multibillion-dollar company for a reason.

Buying and Selling

Patagonia (the clothing manufacturer) has a way of getting to me. I'm a classic catalog target for them. They load the thing with amazing pictures and personal accounts and stories that get my blood pumping every time - whether it's about climbing Fitz Roy, fly fishing in Alaska or surfing a break off Baja. And, of course, amidst all this is some of the finest technical wear money can buy. I've been very happy with their wares, but know that I could get by with less. But I continue to pay Pata-Gucci prices to support a company that embraces my own environmental and quality values (despite their recent run to China for manufacturing - I'll let Kevin expound on that issue).

I'm learning, though, that the novelty of a new item wears off quickly. I don't need much in terms of gear or clothing anymore (with the exception of a good fleece mid-layer...).

In fact, I'm selling more than I'm buying right now. But not my gear - my daughter's. She's outgrown the baby jogger, back pack carrier and Strider bike. Renee has taken multiple loads of used clothing to the consignment store as well. Our baby is growing up fast.

So I seem to be edgy on two fronts - I'm anxious for future trips and climbing - and this ski season - but I'm also shocked at how fast time passes and want to hold on to my little girl for as long as I can.

Two good arguments for living in the present.

It's going to be 75 in Denver tomorrow. I'm going skiing. This is ridiculous. I like nice weather as much as the next guy, but you know what else I like? WINTER!

Bring it.

Okay, here's a not-so-random thought that I've been working on. I was listening to a podcast about "Hellhouse" - a shameful display of absolute crap meant to scare an impressionable youth to Jesus. They re-enact things like the Columbine shootings, a gang rape at a rave, an bloody abortion (of course), and a gay suicide. Not sure what a gay suicide is really, but I'm sure the rope is coordinated with the tight jeans.

Got me thinking - you know we hear about recruitment for extremist groups and gangs being successful because the create an atmosphere of family for the likewise impressionable youth they attract.

Doesn't it seem that they're using the wrong tools? Christians (?) using hate and gangs using love. How perverse is that?

Buenas Dias, Shitheads

Let's not beat around the bush. This blog is not a family-friendly, politically correct collection of poetry, vacation hot-spots, or recipe exchange. It's going to be honest, rough, and very rarely of any practical use whatsoever. If you've been invited to write here, it's because I respect your opinion - sometimes. If you're reading this, I apologize for wasting your time. If you want to write, there's an application process with one rule - make it interesting.

Trout Pond Review is Open.

Sincerely,

Nuke