Looking forward to:

Our Wedding. After a year of decisions, planning, travel arrangements, stress, a new house, a new pup, more planning, a change here or there - our wedding is coming up fast. We have learned a lot about the process, the frustrations, the challenges, and the happiness that comes bundled with getting a wedding organized. Maria's parents have been awesome, as have mine, at making sure we are set and sane. Maria and I attended her Mom's family reunion this past weekend - it was a glimpse of the amount of people we will see Oct 3. Her mom is one of 12 siblings, whose father was one of 16 siblings. My pops has a sister; my mom was an only child. I continue to be amazed at how large Maria's family truly is.

I hope this needs no explanation. My favorite book as a kid. Do it justice, Jonez.

and of course, Cyclocross. I have completely fallen off the wagon as far as a training plan. The wedding/dog/house trifecta has taken its toll, but those are far from bad things. Works has ramped up as well for Fiscal Year End, and I have found myself just wanting to lay down next to my bike instead of pounding out a daily program when I get home. More rides on the road have given me a boost in attitude. Building the workbench for bikes/fly tying has helped a bit as well. Each year I tell myself "there is next season," and it is repeated like some annual mantra. Setting realistic goals when you have a full-time job, a wedding, a house, family, etc - I really need to do better. My goals are like dreams - totally floating in this ether of "there is always a chance that the 15-20 riders in front of you will all flat simultaneously." Time to shift my focus. No one but me races my bike or pays my bills...