For this life, I am Thankful

  I could complain about the bitter cold mornings, the short days and long nights. I could lament that summer and spring went by too fast. That we didn't take that epic vacation we had hoped for. Or the fact that everything we accomplished took way more time, money, and effort to achieve than it should have. But the truth of the matter is, I am thankful for every trial...ever day that we had to go out and earn it...every hurdle, every obstacle, every mountain. Because looking back, it was all worth it. To look at 2015 on a calendar, it was one crazy, packed, epic year thus far, and promises to finish with a bang.
  I cannot have anything but gratitude for my life. I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams. A life full of love, laughter, goals, achievements, hardships, and victories.
  I am thankful for a beautiful wife that can cook, bake, craft, and create, and then run 8 miles like it's nothing...often doing all of this in the same day.

  I am thankful for my amazing sons; they make me laugh every day. Their youthful perspective on life is refreshing and invigorating.
  I am thankful for my step sons and the men that they are becoming.
  I am most thankful that they are all so healthy and strong. That is a true gift and something I do not take for granted in the slightest. Every morning when I awake, I am glad to be alive and give thanks for my family and their health. I am grateful that I get to spend another day with such an excellent group of individuals and get to call them my family.

 I am thankful for the friends that I have made this year, and the rekindling of some old friendships...Ragnar...what can I say? I'm still laughing. Twice in one year, 200ish miles running, crammed in a van for 32+ hours with 5 people as crazy as me (crazier)...Twice!!

  I am thankful for my love of cycling and for the ability to do it, not to mention a wife that supports my cycling addiction (within reason). A year ago, I would have never even considered riding Levi's Gran Fondo (101 miles, 9,600' of climbing) and yet in May, I decided to do it and pushed my self beyond my limits for 4 months... and did it.

  Yes, we trained. We trained a lot. It brought Melanie and I closer, gave us some great memories together, and in the midst of it all, I think we are setting a great example for our boys on how to train, to be active, and have a good time doing it. We have taken them on short runs/walks, cycling, hikes, and adventures. On warm days, we try to finish the day off in the pool with them. There is so much beauty in this world and so many ways to enjoy it. That is the lesson we are trying to teach them.

  With the cooler days, and long cold nights, the vineyards have given way to autumn. I ride the back roads through the vineyards, redwoods, and oak trees. I shut out the world around me and and embrace the sights, sounds, and smells. It's my reset button. With all the bad in the world, I try to focus on all the good in my life and the beauty that surrounds me. I find my peace and tranquility. For this life, I am thankful.