Often times I find myself posting hopes and dreams for the upcoming year, resolutions and such. A place to set goals and announce what I plan to do with myself during the next 365 days of my life. It's always fun to reflect on past goals, met or not. I enjoi reflecting on the year previous, and thinking about how lucky I am to be... me. So, a quick reflection.
I started off the year of 2012 completely immersed in the ski season. Working full time as a ski patroller at Sundance Ski Resort and spending my days off working as a Videographer for a California based company shooting video of Utah Ski Resorts. The snow was a bit skimpish through the season but I managed to have a good time. Made a lot of new friends, smiled a lot, got a few face shots, and skied till my toes were destroyed ...
The season at Sundance came to a close, I quit my job of 9 years at Parks Sportsman, I jumped in the truck and was off to Kernville yet again. I started off the season great, competing in the Brush Creek Slalom and Down River Races. I loved it! It was nice to be back in Kernville, back in my boat and back to work. I spent the first 2 1/2 weeks couching at Johnny and Wendy's home. Entirely grateful to have a place to sleep and exist.
I then moved into the Joneses home. Where I house sat. I fed the cat. I suffered the cats generous gifts/killings. And I watered the plants. I checked the irrigation, I serviced the hot tub, I used the wifi, I vaccuumed the floors and I slept in the master bedroom. It ruled.
I kayaked heaps with my bestie and the crew. Shared a bunch of high fives and loved teaching people how to be kayakers. I had plenty of work and was stoked to be apart of it all.
Discovered a PINK stomper and enjoyed messing about in it.
Made a handful of trips to other drainages, and loved seeing new rivers and new places. Had a "close call" one day on the Kaweah. You can read about it
here. Made it through that situation, grateful to be alive.
I learned how to rock climb // in the traditional sense. I made a new friend called Val. She rules, a friend for life. And I discovered a deeper friendship with an old friend. I found myself loving the rocks.
We ran out of water in kernville so I left. I was north bound, driving into darkness. I ended up getting a job at Otterbar. Completely pumped, overwhelmed and full of stoke I spent the rest of my season there. New friends, new rivers, new challenges, and good times. I spent many a night sleeping in the back of my truck and in my tent. I was happy. I read a lot of books, my favorite being: The Art of Racing in the Rain. I was so stoked for the people I met there and the growth that occurred in that short time.
then I came home. for a moment. next it was off to the middle fork which turned out to be a fantastic time on the water. I very much enjoyed myself. beautiful place. wonderful people. lasting memories.
Living in the fast lane, I got home and immediately ran back to California. I spent a week with Tom on the Klamath and loved it. I love working for Tom Moore. I am so grateful that our friendship has continued to grow. I am lucky to have a man like him for a boss and a mentor.
next stop. moab. went on a biking, climbing and paddling trip with wiley and friends. which turned out super fun. mountain biking is super cool and incredibly challenging in the mountains of moab. I loved climbing and challenging myself and just hanging out in great company. I believe I even worked on harmonizing around the campfire. Then I was off to the East Coast. I was fortunate enough to spend some time in Tennessee and North Carolina with an awesome friend called Jeff whom I was lucky enough to meet while at Otterbar; kayaking with the Jackson crew, networking, and just experiencing a completely new world to me. SO FUN!

Man. life was great. I never really stopped! Before I knew it I was in Denver, CO. Picking up a puppy. My new traveling mate. My new best little pal. Leif Roweyn. 8 lbs of pure happiness, I brought my little guy home and I life changed forever. I loved spending my fall with this little guy, running around the mountains, getting to know one another, and realizing that I need him as much as he needs me. I learned how to make dog food, I watched training videos, I cuddled, I bought chew toys and I laughed. Leif and I traveled to California together. Visiting Otterbar and the coast. He loved it! I loved it. Exploration //

and now we've come full circle. but things are different. we are a we. before it was just me. now we go to work at sundance just about everyday. I've loved showing Leif the ropes up at Sundance. It's so awesome to have a little creature running around with me. He is so smart. So far the season and the year have started off great. Plenty of snow, beautiful days, cold weather, good friends, sore feet, fresh snow, and happiness... So that brings us to 2013
My Goals.
1. Continue in my Yoga Practice.
2. Make it to New Zealand.
3. Take time to meditate and find time for quietness each day.
4. Live with the 3 E's - Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Focus on positive. Forgive Fully.
6. Continue to pursue this path of my kayaking career, grow.
7. Design more. Photograph more.
8. Be confident.
9. Be thankful. Be Kind.
10. Learn more about ropes, climbing and rescue.
11. Focus each day on others. Reach out.
12. Learn more about cooking, eat healthy.
13. Be strong. In everything.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! May this season be peaceful! MUCH LOVE //