Old Man, Winter

I went (downhill) skiing yesterday, and I feel old. Due to circumstances (residency, twins, knee operations, etc.) I haven't actually been skiing in two years. I have nice realatively new skis (no excuse there), there was great snow (no excuse there), and I am in reasonably good shape (for my age...no excuse there either). Mind you, I have fairly poor balance, which I believe is secondary to proprioception alterations due to said knee operations, which contributes to my skiing fitness. Aside from orthopedic issues, I also apparently do not have the intestinal fortitude that I had as a younger man/child. This may be the actual problem.

I skied by myself and was found to be surrounded by high school boys on holiday jumping off of lips and hills, landing backways, sideways, frontways, and upside down with no regard to their knees or heads. I used to do this. I used to be good (raced in college, although our team was not exactly known for it's skiing prowess...another story for another time). My day was spent wondering where the next bump or divot was and how it was going to effect my upright nature. And today has been spent dreading the trip downstairs and the screams of my thighs. What happened?

In my defense, I did get better as the day went on, and perhaps next time won't be that bad. Or, maybe I'll go snowboarding next time, because I already know that I am terrible at that, and I have no glory days to relive. Or, maybe I'll go to Australia. I hear that place is fantastic. Still don't know when they will be posting my video...

Application for Island Care Taker

Okay, here it is. My self produced one minute application to become an island caretaker in Australia for six months. Is this going to happen? Unlikely. But, I did learn how to use my video camera, and it was kind of fun to put the movie together. So everyone wins.

Moose tracks

Today, in my mind, everything is about the commute to work. There is something to be said about the sound of freshly fallen snow crunching under my bike tires and the only tracks other than mine, in the early morning hours, are those of the neighborhood moose. Have a great day.

Shameless Plug for Hamilton Island

I mentioned upcoming posts regarding my quest for a "job" in Australia. My efforts thus far have been pretending to be photogenic (and failing miserably), pretending to be a documentary-type film maker (and failing miserably), and researching pictures of Hamilton Island and the Whitsundays online. Truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Click here for a link to some pictures and here for a link to the website

Now my video capture and edit skills are up for a test. Most of you know I can write and take decent pictures, and of course you know my wry wit and
ability to promote my passions (or at least sell the heck out of things in which I am invested). None of this, however, does me any good if my video looks like it was made by a 3 year old...that gives me a thought...Jackson has been taking pictures lately. Maybe I could get him to direct. Wish me luck. Also please note that pictures were stolen from the Hamilton Island toursim website. Full disclosure if I want this job I suppose.

Looking at a new job

Not really. I love my job. Especially if my boss is reading this...I LOVE MY JOB AND HAVE NO INTENTIONS ON LEAVING. That said, I want this job. In Australia. For only six months. I've got it all worked out in my head. So here's what I need from you: after I post my video, I want you to pass this along to all of your friends and have you rate it. Preferably with a high rating. Not to buy your vote, but I can offer you a place to visit (read "stay for free") if you come visit me while I am there. I'm just sayin'. I'm going to go the Facebook route as well and hope you will pass it along via that route. Perhaps you could start a group such as "Send Rob to Australia" or (Your Name here) is a fan of Sending Rob to Australia. Nuff said. I'll be talking about the Great Barrier Reef and it's wondrous islands over the next few posts, so stay tuned.