The Circle of Life

Tis true, on this date thirty two years ago, I came into the world. A bouncing baby boy, that has had a life full of bounces both fun, and some not so fun. (Car induced bounces are so not fun!)



Strangely, one can reflect back on their lives in an attempt to analyze where they have been, where they are, and where they are going. One can find the things they love to do, things they used to love to do, and things they would like to do.



My analysis has found an interesting "Circle of Life" type of twist and where I am and where I am going, at least presently.



During my time on Planet Earth, I have enjoyed several different types of sports. Some I was excellent at, and some not so much. I've played soccer as a little kid (though Dad would argue that it was nothing more the Herd Ball), I've attempted Football, loved Baseball, had some success as a Golfer, and Paintball. One thing I did all of the time but never really considered it a sport was cycling. Now all children ride bikes and have fun. But when I rode a bike, it was special. I was fast, I could jump anything, and somethings I jumped, I probably shouldn't have. "If Mom knew about the Half Pipe down the street, I'd probably still be grounded." Strangely, withing the last 3 years, cycling has come full circle. Each year over the past 3 years, I've bought a new bike. First, one that helped me shed nearly 70 pounds, next a Mountain Bike that I have ripped up all kinds of trails on, and a road bike that is helping keep of the 70 pounds and is giving me a competitive itch. I raced my first bike race this last November during a Mountain Bike Marathon event placing 4th out of 32 in my category. It's sport now, baby.



Also, I've enjoyed different artistic experiences during life. I gained an appreciation for music during elementary school. Sang in choir from middle school into college. Began to play guitar during high school and became very good at it. Started playing drums in a Jazz band during college. Began to enjoy photography. Have been in multiple bands in the last 8 years playing both drums and guitar. Over the last couple of years though, the music took a dive, I became frustrated and vanquished all but my two guitars and hardly ever played those. Now within the last two weeks, I have been invited to play guitar at a dinner party with a long time friend, and have also been asked to play Bass guitar in his long time band.



I have found it strange that after 32 years, and the changes that I have been through, that I have come back to to two things in life that I dearly loved as a child and teen. Cycling has become an important part of my life now, and music, as much as I've tried to squash it, still re-surfaces, even stronger that before.



I suppose one can change, but they can never really change.



P.S. Thank you to all that have donated part of you to make me the whole that I am today. Mom, Dad, Momo, Popo, Shannon, Madison, Ethan, Courtney, Rob, Opa, Oma, Grandpa Kay, Chase, Shelly, Jeff, and whoever they got the cadaver tissue for my knee from! I love all of you and would be lost without such awesome friends and family.