Gratitude – 7/31/2012

Posted on July 31, 2012 by dean

Day 4 of mini vacation. Got in a 1/2 mile open-water swim. My first real swim since IM WI in September 2010! Did a day trip to Madeline Island. Rode the ferry over, did some biking, and ate lunch at The Pub. While there, we met up with some of the family and got to watch a huge sea plane land and take off very close to the beach.

Got back together with the whole gang back at the cottage for dinner and clean up (surprisingly fun) and wound down the day with an idyllic campfire and launching of two sky lanterns.

Sea Plane off Madeline Island

Sea Plane off Madeline Island

Cozy campfire overlooking Lake Superior

Cozy campfire overlooking Lake Superior

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Gratitude – 7/30/2012

Posted on July 30, 2012 by dean

Decent, but hilly run with a friend in the morning of Day 3 of mini vacation. Had an amazing solo ride with lots of hills and wind. Finished off the day with dinner at the Steak Pit with family friends.

As we were getting out of the car to go into the restaurant, I put my keys in my hoodie pocket and manually locked the car door but hadn’t shut it yet. Realizing it was too warm for the hoodie, I tossed it into the front seat. As soon as I closed the door, I had that sinking feeling and realized what happened. To my compatriots’ credit, we turned the whole affair into an after-dinner adventure including gathering several tools at the cottage with another vehicle and then “breaking in” through the sunroof to hook my hoodie. All ended well and I was grateful for getting it all taken care of in a mostly fun way.

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Gratitude – 7/29/2012

Posted on July 29, 2012 by dean

Enjoying Day 2 of mini vacation in Washburn, WI. Got a ride in with a friend, we even did some off-roading on an over-grown retired rail trail. That evening a big storm was rolling in and several of us went out and played in the waves. There is a sand bar not too far off shore where the water is typically only waist deep – the perfect place to body surf or try to stand up on a stand up paddle board.

Matt enjoying the waves on the paddleboard

Matt enjoying the waves on the paddleboard

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Gratitude – 7/28/2012

Posted on July 28, 2012 by dean

Grateful for a mini vacation to a friend’s family cottage on Lake Superior. We had safe travels and settled in with some fun new folks and several familiar folks with my new “adoptive” family. Enjoyed a late lunch at Pickled Herring in Bayfield and then partied with the gang at Patsy’s bar in Washburn late into the evening.

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Gratitude – 7/27/2012

Posted on July 27, 2012 by dean

Another good run this morning with Norm. With the help of my team at work, drafted a proposal of sorts to help address a significant business issue at work. Felt pretty good to feel really engaged again. The last few months have been difficult and I haven’t been able to put my finger on why it’s been so hard to stay motivated. The job/new opportunity has certainly provided high degree of engagement opportunities. Finished  packing and looking forward to the cottage trip.

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Gratitude – 7/26/2012

Posted on July 26, 2012 by dean

Had my first massage since February and it was fantastic! Crystal at The Spa took great care of me.

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Gratitude – 7/25/2012

Posted on July 25, 2012 by dean

Enjoyed a delicious Indian dinner with The Family tonight before buckiling down in the studio with Norm. Tonight’s recording session was more work on Zirconium.

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Gratitude – 7/24/2012

Posted on July 24, 2012 by dean

Loving the new patio furniture! Got it assembled after work tonight and did dinner on the deck.

Assembling new patio set with Kitty supervising

Assembling new patio set with visitor Kitty supervising

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Gratitude – 7/23/2012

Posted on July 23, 2012 by dean

Today was registration day for Ironman Lake Placid 2013. I am gratful to not have signed up. I had been in discussions with friends earlier this year seriously considering Placid for next year (you need to register a year in advance for IM events). After my spectator and sherpa experience at IM Coeur d’Alene this year, it seemed clear to me that I was not yet ready. Today confirmed that decision. Sometimes the most important things are things we decide not to do.

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Gratitude – 7/22/2012

Posted on July 22, 2012 by dean

Was nice to sleep in this morning with no plans for the day. Finally picked up a patio set so I can enjoy more time on my deck.

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