Back at it...

So, its been a minute since I have posted any updates of whats going on with me and such, so I got a wild hair today... you are in luck.

A few weeks back I had an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon to get a 2nd opinion on my back. He looked at my MRI and such and the news was great... if you were looking for an excuse to lay around on the couch. The doctor told me that my lower discs were pretty rough and that, again, the condition that they are in is more consistent with a 50 year old than a 27 year old. To save you the detail basically I have to quick running, which ultimately makes triathlons difficult. Needless to say that has been my struggle these last few weeks... trying to accept that I can't race anymore. Training for races has been such a bit part of my life over the last few years, its been pretty difficult for me to deal with. I guess its especially difficult since I was racing at a high level last summer and I felt that I still had a lot of room to improve, but I guess right now that will be on hold for at LEAST a year or two. The doctor said that riding and swimming would be ok, so my tentative plan is to really work on my bike speed and get faster with the hops that in a year or so I may be able to start running again. At this point its difficult for me to find motivation to start riding, but swimming is keeping me going... as always.

I did get some injections into my back almost two weeks ago that is supposed to help with the swelling that hasn't gone down over the last several months and should help with the recovery process as well. I can't say that I have seen a noticeable difference from the injections, but this have been feeling a little better lately. So keep your fingers crossed.

Besides that life is pretty much as normal as possible. The summer is coming quickly and the weather is finally permitting us to get outside without getting rained or snowed on... which is awesome. I head out to San Diego / LA in a few weeks, so I am pretty excited about that. I am looking to battle some sharks when Nic and I are working on our surfing skills. If anyone has any concerts they are looking at attending this summer let me know. I am looking to check some bands out. I have already committed to Jimmy Buffet, but that is all I have going on along those lines... oh and if anyone is going to Jack Johnson in Noblesville, let me know.

Hmm... I know I had something great to talk about as far as everyday things that I have noticed lately that annoy me, but I can't think of what it is... I know it is just a long list I should just pick one, but it was something specifically. In the mean time... I saw a guy at work last week that had a bluetooth headset on AND was talking on his cell phone at the same time. Now correct me if I am wrong, but the point of bluetooth is so you don't have to talk on your cell. Idiots. Man... I can't think of what this recent event was but I will think of it and add another post.

I was catching up with someone this weekend and we were talking about the current state of society and the general consensus of society. He was saying that he has talked with people that told him that there isn't much hope for where things are going and that the future is dark. THe same person was telling me, because I asked not because he was boasting, that he takes personal funds every month to help out local needy families anonymously. I was floored by that. It really makes you see people in a different light. Prime example... there's your hope. You get out of the future what you put into it. If you expect things to be bad you will look for the negative aspects of life. There is no doubt that there are things going on right now that, quite honestly, suck, but they all provide opportunities as well. Opportunities to help people and to makes changes. Generally there is always another day and another chance, but you can't sit around and wait for things to change or to be handed to you. So get out and try new things, meet new people, and travel to new places. Life can be short, but its only limited by your choices.

Much Love.
jk