Moments

Well, Christmas and New Years have come and gone too quickly. I can't believe it's already 2007! I feel like it was yesterday that the world was spazzing out about turning 2000.

Looking back on '06 brings many good memories. I climbed my first mountains, "raced" my first mountain bike race, completed a metric century on the road bike in Buena Vista (and what a buena vista it was!), learned to knit, finished off my first year of teaching with a bang and took on a big challenge to start off my second year, went to California for the first time, got both of my brothers married off without a hitch, lots of bike riding and home redecorating, bought a new car, and learned to be a support crew for hubby in Park City (by myself might I add -- I take all of the credit for the 3rd place finish), Leadville, and in Moab (with wonderful friends and family thank goodness -- picture me trying that alone -- haha). I've learned to let Chris do his hobbies that most people see as crazy. I've learned to drop him off at a trailhead and hope and pray that he comes back a few days later. I've learned to sleep by myself in the warm bed while he sleeps in the yard in -5 degree weather. I've realized I am a much more patient, forgiving, understanding, and capable person than I ever gave myself credit for.

Looking forward to 2007? You bet! If all goes as planned, '07 will be a huge year for me. I've realized my abilities and talents and this year I am going to do my best to challenge myself to accomplish things that I've always wanted to do. I am semi-committed to give time trials on the road bike a whirl. We'll see how training and trying out aero-bars feels. I like the idea of a 20something minute race although getting over the fear of going fast is going to be my biggest challenge. I am also semi-committed to thinking about registering for the winter park mountain bike series. I need to get out and push myself on the mountain bike... once I am convinced that I'll get something other than last place in my age group, I will think about committing. I'm excited about conquering a few more of those mountains that I look at out the window everyday. Chris and I are hoping to expand the family this year and find out whether or not a guy who rides on an SLR for 6000+ miles can really have babies successfully ;) Should be a big year. Even if things don't work out as planned, I'm sure there will be memories galore in the coming 12 months. Good or bad, we'll get through them with grace and plenty of pictures!

Thanks to Michelle for taking what I consider to be the picture of the year. This is the face of pride, relief, success, exhaustion, and adrenaline all rolled into one:


Here's to happiness, hope, and warm feet in '07!