Category: General
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Retire, Rewire, ReFire
On one side was safety and routine, on the other side was uncertainty and adventure. From The Art of Non-Conformity Retire On May 1, 2024, I’ll be retiring from my programming job of 25 years with UCHealth. Including other prior jobs, that will be approximately 30 years of sitting in front of a computer screen.…
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Note to my future self
MARCH 19, 2023 Discontent is the first necessity of progress. – Thomas Edison It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your front door. You step out on to the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you’ll be swept off to. J. R. R. TOLKIEN It was a long time…
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How to be happy
I came across this the other night reading Matt Haig’s book Notes on a Nervous Planet: 1. Do not compare yourself to other people. 2. Do not compare yourself to other people. 3. Do not compare yourself to other people. 4. Do not compare yourself to other people. 5. Do not compare yourself to other…
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Questions on MOVING FORWARD!
It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you in trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so. Mark Twain Where are you at? For years, years, have you been over analyzing every detail of your past trying to find the holy grail of why you ended up where you are now?…
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Creating a sacred space in my mind
I’ve often read about creating sacred spaces in homes with some sort of shrine like area or just a special nook you can claim and arrange that brings you peace. I started thinking about what if I did the same thing with my mind? I could be physically anywhere and could reach the power of…
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2023: Will this be the year you stop wallowing?
I’m completely serious. Will this be the year you STOP wallowing in your own crap? Think about that. But I’m not you say. I’m good. Some of you may be … but I’m thinking many of you actually are and don’t even know it or just blind to it at this point. Or you’re like…
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Walking to breakfast
For the last few years, I’ve walked from my house to the Hungry Bear at 6 AM every Thursday for breakfast. It’s 1 mile to there and takes approximately 23 minutes. Often when it’s very cold out or raining, I’ll get asked by Trish, the waitress, if I walked today as I come through the…
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Hello, My Friends
It’s been awhile hasn’t it? Just wanted to come out, say hello, and let you know how things in my world are going. I’m continuing with my fitness endeavors which now entails going to a gym with a trainer 3 times a week, 3 solo workouts at home, and daily checkins with the best support…
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Come back into the light
The mind is a tricky bastard.Often it has an inclination for the negative.Before you realize it’s too late.You find yourself in darkness and feeling all alone.The thing is we all fall from time to time.Folks just don’t admit it enough. Life is never hopeless.You are not a failure.You are not worthless. You ARE a beautiful…
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Coffee Time
The positioning of the exact location to sit your coffee is key to enjoying your morning brew. One doesn’t want to strain nor overly adjust going into the approach. Am I the only one who dials in the placement each morning? Have a great day folks, Dwight 😀
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Meet Alice!
Alice is a pit bull mix, approximately 1 yr, and weighs 23 pounds. I got her from the Pikes Peak Humane Society in Colorado Springs. When my son, Bob, and I went there last Sunday I was honestly only 45% onboard in getting one. We went up and down the aisles and I wrote a…
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More on Clean & Sober
For some reason this morning, I was feeling extra “clean” after a short jog and shower. Some of you will get it. Looking into the mirror I was hit with much gratitude for being able to smile big on how much better my life has been with alcohol no longer swimming throughout my body. My…
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Prequel
When interacting with others: Stop. Take a breath. Think. Understand. Being judgmental is cheap. Any fool can do it. Barbara Sher Everyone has a prequel.
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Our Legacy
Legacy:- a gift- something passed on What will you pass on to those who will never remember you? Think of the long line of others who came before you. What actions will you take daily to create your legacy? What if each person left tremendous LOVE? Generation after generation after generation more love. Those of…
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What if
What If There Was A War But Nobody Came? Made me think from a mental health standpoint about all the wars we’ve created within our mind. Peace, Dwight 🦋
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Feeling good
Hanging out front on my rocking chair in shorts, t-shirt, barefoot, and sipping water. There’s a nice cool breeze, sun is working on going down, and everything is green from all the rain. The Wong Janice is playing in the background as a dog barks and cars drive by. I yell hi to my neighbor…
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Back To Eden
Every July I try to take this hike. It’s from Green Mountain Falls, CO up to Catamount reservoir. Along the way you pass through the Garden of Eden Meadow. Just gorgeous: Great getting out with these two. Michael just got out of the Army after 4 years and two tours to Kuwait. I’m proud and…
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Stay in front of it
Stay in front of what? Stay in front of how you’re showing up to life and what you want to accomplish along the way. Many times we show up as the victim week after week wondering why nothing is improving in our life. THE VICTIM IS ANXIOUSLY STANDING IN THE SHADOWS WAITING TO TAKE CENTER…
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Boris: For Love’s Sake
On Wednesday, I put down Bo Bo. It was time. Just incredible how much love and joy he brought into my life. LOVE IS SO PRECIOUS, Dwight I didn’t drink this time! In 2009, I was in a period of 6 – 9 months of sobriety (I forget there were numerous attempts) when I had…
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Week 12: 90 day jumpstart to wellness COMPLETE!!! (Before & After Pictures)
Let me say before I begin that even though the 90 days are complete for the “jumpstart”, I’ll be continuing this new lifestyle.😊 Each week we add a new habit and mindset. For week 12 we stopped the cold showers and instead did a 3 minute plunge into cold water (40 to 50 degrees) submerged…
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Week 10 and 11: 90 day jumpstart to wellness
Each week we add a new habit and mindset. For week 10 we extended the cold showers habit to five minutes. Week 11 is have a daily curious conversation with someone very different then you with the purpose of empathy and understanding. You goal is to see the world through their eyes. We does this…
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Week 8 & 9: 90 day jumpstart to wellness
Each week we add a new habit and mindset. For week 8 we extended the Wim Hof breath hold to two to three minutes. We were practicing one to two minutes. Week 9 we up’d our meditation to 10 minutes. The mindset for week 8 was Stand Now. Stand opposed to sit. Stand is active.…
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Over Sharing
As many of you know, I’m a huge sharer out here in Blogville. I’ve always listened to my soul, wrote from the heart, clicked publish, and received much love and support. My thought process is to be as authentic as possible, because there most likely are others folks out here that have experienced the same…
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So here you are
You came out to read something new. Maybe something to do while you sip your morning pleasure. Your blanket on your lap with calm still on your side. Nothing to tend to just beautiful you. Welcome my friend! Sit with this peace. Grateful for all of you, Dwight❤️
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Maybe the perfect job isn’t out there for you?
Have you ever got discouraged from wanting to change careers, but haven’t been able to find one that lines up with what your soul is craving? You searched this way, that way, followed leads, hit dead ends, taken personality and skill tests, and sat there feeling a bit hopeless and lost. What if that “job”…
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Too much self-__________?
FOR ME … For me I’m finding there can definitely be too much self-awareness, self-analysis, self-review, self-love, self-forgiveness, self self self….enough already! I can see now all the therapist, counselors, gurus, and preachers yelling “WHAT”! It’s definitely been my go to path these last few years working on improving myself and growing, but over the…
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Calling all superheroes. This World needs some serious love!
With all that we’ve been through in the last two years plus what’s currently going on with the war, politics, shootings, and inflation, …- it is beyond time for all of us to step out and start spreading LOVE! It’s very easy to pick your favorite political I hate the other political party news channel…
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Week 7: 90 day jumpstart to wellness
Each week we add a new habit and mindset. For week 7, I stacked on the habit of intermittent fasting for 18 hours/ 6 hour window to eat. We were doing a 16/8 intermittent fast prior to that. The mindset for week 7 was of the infinite game. The goal is to not actually win,…
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Give yourself a chance
Henceforth I ask not good fortune. I myself am good fortune. Walt Whitman You have always been perfect – whole – complete. It’s been here within you this whole time. Shine!
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Game changer
Every system is perfectly designed to get the results it gets. * attribution disputed Really think about that quote in reference to your current state. We have fined tuned all of our processes to be where we are at. From mental, physical, and spiritual. Good and bad.
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Week 6: 90 day jumpstart to wellness
Each week we add a new habit and mindset. For week 6, I stacked on the habit of journaling before bed. It’s a one paragraph reflecting on your day. If you plan your day in advance you can contrast it to what actually happened and reflect. On Sunday also add one overall reflection of the…
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Week 5: 90 day jumpstart to wellness
Each week we add a new habit and mindset. For week 5, I stacked on the habit of meditating for 5 minutes everyday. Sit quietly for 5 minutes. Doing nothing. Give yourself this gift each day. Develop strength and awareness with love at the center through sitting quietly. All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s…
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“Put something on the plot”
Who is writing the story you’re living? Are you tired of your story? Has it become dull and a ghost of a life? Do you feel out of rhythm? The goal of course is to take responsibility of your own life and make it meaningful, but often we can’t get ourselves out of the role…
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Week 4: 90 day jumpstart to wellness
Each week we add a new habit and mindset. For week 4, I stacked on the habit of on a daily bases every 24 hours find someone to do a good deed for and not get credit. Do it anonymously. Find things you actively see in the world you’re walking around in, something that could…
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Week 3: 90 day jumpstart to wellness
Each week we add a new habit and mindset. For week 3, I stacked on the habit of including 30 seconds of cold water in my showers. This is one of Wim Hof’s methods to keep your body and mind in its optimal natural state. The cold is your warm friend and one of the…
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Week 2: 90 day jumpstart to wellness
Each week we add a new habit and mindset. For week 2, I stacked on the habit of breath work using Wim Hof’s method and an app called Go Deeper. I do it first thing each morning. The first pillar of the Wim Hof Method is breathing. We’re always breathing, yet we’re mostly unaware of…
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Faded Jeans Living 2.0 – Accountability
Hey folks. I wanted to let you know I created an accountability channel on an app called Volley. It’s a team application using video to communicate with one another. You can access it via this link: Faded Jeans Living The idea of the site is to help us be accountable for areas of our life…
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Week 1: 90 day jumpstart to wellness
YES I’M BACK AT IT!!! Last week I started a 90 day jumpstart to wellness program if you will. I’m doing it over the internet and am completely pumped to find a group of folks who have the same mindset as me that in order to change we need to persevere through discomfort to gain…
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Sometimes
Sometimes all you need is “a little cheese” to make life brighter and move forward. Thank you all for your support SUPERHEROES! Dwight 🦋
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I don’t want to do anything today
I don’t want to do anything today.I don’t want to show up.There are no curtains to close and life seems to be staring me down.Nothing particular happened. It just is.I want to bury myself in bed, but the beds are leaning against the wall.The drywall guy will be here soon and another day of work…
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Life of the Rich and Famous here
Reminds me of the movie The Jerk. I’ll I need is this chair, stand, and light. I’ll I need is this chair, stand, light, dog bed, dog, and some PAINT!!! YEP I DECIDED TO PAINT THE INTERIOR OF MY HOUSE INSTEAD OF HIRING IT OUT. NEVER SAY NEVER IN THE HYDE HOUSE. SOME DAY I’LL…
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We can do better
Start Coming Together and Practice Diplomacy. We wonder how our country can be so fucked as we ourselves toss negativity at each other. We write things like if you watch THIS news channel you’re a complete dumb ass, trying to put others down and to look educated. The Republicans are xxxx and the Democrats are…
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Winding down a career
Let me get some clarity first before I start. Career – a profession for which one trains and which is undertaken as a permanent calling (Merriam-Webster) – an occupation or profession, especially one requiring special training, followed as one’s lifework (dictionary.com) – a career is the job or profession that someone does for a long…
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Dragons
I have a bit of a fascination with dragons, so when I saw this photo out on castelliditalia’s site on Instagram I was in awe. I’m all about understanding we must tend to our dragons. One way or another they won‘t remain hidden for long. Try as you might they will eventually arrive at your…
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Celebrating 3 Years Sober Today
At three years sober, I feel at home with myself. I feel welcomed. I wish this for all of you. For those considering quitting alcohol, Do It! It will be the best gift you’ve ever given yourself. Dwight 🦋 You are Worthy. You are Intended Here to Shine. I Believe in You!
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Part III: The Rising
Please read Part I: The Rising if you haven’t already to get the context of this post. Have you ever experienced a Phoenix Rising? I’ll attempt to answer these but I’m guessing it will be more like bits and pieces of ramblings but that’s okay I guess. I would love to hear about your rising…
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Don’t jump into your sh*t!
We don’t have to jump into our thoughts. Just because it paints a vivid picture and tries to suck us in we do have the option to say no and just let it pass. It is definitely tricky though and you must remain alert. Train yourself to Witness your thoughts and become the observer and…
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What I’m learning from starting a Walking Group
In case you weren’t aware, I started a walking group while I was off WordPress for a month last November. To recap just a bit, I used Meetup.com and started scheduling two walks a weeks. It’s not virtual, we meet in person to walk. Tuesdays are slower 1 to 1.5 mile walks and Thursdays are…
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Part II: The Rising
Please read Part I: The Rising if you haven’t already to get the context of this post. Have you ever experienced a Phoenix Rising? I’ll attempt to answer these but I’m guessing it will be more like bits and pieces of rambling but that’s okay I guess. I would love to hear about your rising…
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Part I: The Rising
*** Before I start I want to make it clear this is in no way a slam against my ex. She is a beautiful soul! As anyone who’s been married knows, life happens. I completely own my part of that dance that ended. This series will be focusing on my phoenix rising afterwards. It started…
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Merry Christmas from Woodland Park, Colorado
Merry Christmas Everyone ✨💫 Big warm hugs to you all, Dwight🦋 UPDATE * There was a miracle on Sundance Circle! We got a dusting of snow Christmas Eve❤️
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A Little Vroom Vroom Today
Still able to get in a ride in on my Yamaha TW200 It’s been awhile since I’ve taken this out on a ride. So much fun and just crazy it’s December 19th. Hope everyone is doing well and getting ready for the holidays! Dwight🦋
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Improvement
You may bring about that improved condition in your outward life which you desire, if you will unswervingly resolve to improve your inner life. James Allen
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Going for it – The Bitch is Back (Week 38)
YEP. SHE’S BACK! As my gut and face kept getting bigger and bigger, I relented and bought another scale. Week 38 of 52 The best way to describe Week 38 of my “Going for it series” is that I’m OFF THE RAILS. Quite honestly I’ve been sloppy and half-assing these last several weeks as the…
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Focusing on Now Cartoons
I came across this little gem of a book with these cartoons this past weekend called Love is letting go of fear by Dr. Gerald Jampolsky. It’s a very short read, but the messages are spot on and timeless. If you’re like me, you spend a lot of time on regrets from the past or…
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What I did while being off WordPress for a month
I created two meetup.com groups! “Meetup is a platform for finding and building local communities. People use Meetup to meet new people, learn new things, find support, get out of their comfort zones, and pursue their passions, together.” This was a long time coming. I had wanted to do this for a couple years, but…
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HOLD ON
Sometimes you don’t even realize it. A force out of nowhere says come with me child. Take my hand. As you are led along small tears leak from your aged eyes. What is this? What is this all about? To late they are streaming now. All you can do is follow along and… GO WITH…
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My Faded Jeans Living Blog
After being off WordPress for 30 days, let me start off by saying HELLO MY FRIENDS! I think of my blogging as a way to connect to others, and to give and receive support as I try to make sense of this life and move forward and grow. By sharing my fears and experiences many…
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Life lessons learned from painting the outside of my house
It won’t get painted by thinking about doing it …like say for the last 4 years. Wishing on a star doesn’t work either, scratch that off your list. It’s a big job. You just have to get started. You might be a bit nervous on how it’s going to shake out. Always remember you can…
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Rough week at the office for BoBo
Yesterday and actually all week was a tough for old Boris. Between pain and anxiety attacks he went to his go to place in the corner behind the end table. Now a days he likes tight places against the wall where he can hide and peek out. It’s so hard looking into those eyes and…
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Good Morning
Was thinking of you all and just wanted to say Good Morning!😊 Do you know how hard it is for a guy born in 1966 to hold up a cup of coffee and take a selfie? Have a most wonderful day my super heroes. You are loved❤️ Dwight
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Pillow over the head
Today was a mental health day. I laid in bed, put the pillow over my head, and shut my eyes tight so darkness would come, and I could escape via sleep. There had been too much negative talk building up within and be it good or bad it is my escape. Some will say you…
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Our Virtual Reality
* So this is way out there as far as my ramblings go, and I’d advise if you’re currently having depression or alcohol craving issues please SKIP this post. This is also not meant to question or offend ones faith. So this conversation might have been something that would of occurred in my past after…
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Tuesday ride – Dedicated to Joe
*when we share we create opportunities to connect I was biking all the way around this reservoir and stopped here to take a break. At this point I realized it was Joe’s birthdate. I said out loud look at all this beauty Joe. Then I sniffled and just let the tears come pouring out. Joe…
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Thinking of you
I just wanted to let you know I’m thinking of all my super heroes out here this morning. Some of you may be happy, sad, jazzed, lonely, at peace…. who knows right and it may depend on the time of the day. I get it! Always always always remember you are an amazing beautiful worthy…
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YOU have the POWER over how YOU respond to LIFE
Before I start I’m asking for all of my superheroes to go check out and follow my friend at Rock Bottom To Sky High who is currently on their sober journey. Thank you. *This is going to come across grandiose and pompous. I get it. Fire away. Going to jump right into this! So I…
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Going for it – mortality (Week 19)
The graphic above is inspired by an amazing soul who I came across this week. Her name is Lex and she is a digital nomad who travels the country with her dog Riot living in a cargo trailer. She’s definitely had some life experiences from her husband passing away, to becoming sober, and more. You…
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I didn’t realize you had a drinking problem
Last night I was having dinner with one of my best friends and he said he wanted to ask me a question. The last I was out with him for dinner he was with his wife and they saw my two tattoos I got this year and when I told them that this one was…
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Going for it – back from vacation (Week 16)
Spent a week, week 15, off and enjoyed the sun and beach out at Sandbridge, VA. It was wonderful to take a big break and just relax and play. The two houses we rented worked out great. The one on the beach had all the families with young kids and the one one block back…
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The Fourth
My hope is we can somehow become united again where all can experience true freedom and the same opportunities for success and happiness. Where we can respect each other’s differences without fear and rage. I’ll be honest though, I’m not quite sure. I’ll leave it at that to ponder more. Sending peace, love, and light…
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Going for it – and then there was three (Week 13)
Coolest Father’s Day gift from my daughter! For those who don’t know I’m a huge Who fan. I’ve seen them twice in concert. Had a great day with my kids. We went to an old mining town and had burgers, fries, and cheesecake. The best! Week 13 So as the title says I’m down to…
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Rucking
*Disclaimer – I’m not a doctor, and didn’t spend the night in a Holiday Inn Express. Use common sense and do what works for you and your body. I’ve only learned about rucking in the last few weeks, but so far from what I’ve experienced I’m totally jazzed! I heard it described as an activity…
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Going for it – Enjoying the great outdoors (Week 11)
Had a great week rucking, walking, hiking, and mountain biking. The weather has been just perfect. Feeling pretty motivated health wise and just can’t but help pushing myself as I described in my last post. Afterwards I’m spent but feeling so relaxed and happy. Best therapy ever! Week 11 Didn’t hit all my targets, but…
Faded Jeans Living 