Shattered Glass

Back home in Georgia. No problems getting here, but things got a little tense between Dawn and I.  I was anxious going to the airport in Tucson because we left later than I would have preferred. Our flight was scheduled to leave just before 3PM, but we didn't leave the house until 1:15. What I didn't know until we were on our way is that it was going to take nearly 40 minutes to get to the airport. It was nearly 2 by the time we there. Fortunately it took almost no time to get our bags checked and through security, but they were close to boarding our flight by the time we got to the gate. Because of all the anxiety I had about getting there on time, I was pretty keyed up by this point. My anxiety led to a miscommunication between Dawn and I as we looked for a place to get a sandwich to take with us on the plane. She thought I took off on her; I thought she wanted to go to another place because she didn't want a sandwich. After a couple of curt exchanges, we both apologized ...

Last day of our mini-vacation. Heading back home to Georgia this afternoon.  All in all it was a good trip. I enjoyed my time with the guys skiing in Colorado. And it was great to finally be able to visit Mark and Kip in Arizona and see their new home.  As I mentioned yesterday, I am bit worried about the emotional turmoil that may be lying in wait for me upon our return home. The deep emotional hurting that I experienced after coming from New Mexico is still fresh in my memory. It was a terrible couple of days. I’m also worried about Dawn. She also went through a lot of emotional upheaval  after our last trip.  There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of Damian, but I haven’t been thinking about him as often the last week. When I do think about him, I have to gently remind myself that he is still gone. It hurts but not as much as it did before. Does this mean that I’m moving closer to acceptance? Maybe. Only time will tell.   

Had a good morning. Went for a long hike with Mark in Wild Burro Canyon (in Marana, AZ). The weather was beautiful - not a cloud in the sky and warm. We hiked about 3 miles, much of it over rocky terrain especially during the ascents and descents. Mark recommended that I not wear tennis shoes. I’m glad I listened to him. The extra ankle support from my Timberland boots gave me a lot of confidence walking the trail. I saw lots of saguaro cacti, several that were over 25 feet tall.  Me standing next to a saguaro cactus on the Lower Javelina trail. Estimated height 30 feet.  This afternoon we drove south of Tucson almost to the US-Mexican border. We went to Tupac, Arizona. Tupac has lots of artist galleries and a few restaurants. After a nice lunch at one of the local establishments, we spent the next couple of hours exploring some of the galleries. I lost interest after the third one. I spent the next hour bored out of my mind but tried really hard not to complain. I think I was...

I’m now in Arizona. Flew into Phoenix this morning (from Denver). Uneventful flight. Just the way a flight should be.  I’m staying with our very close friends, Kip and Mark. Dawn is also here. She came on Friday when I left for Denver.  We’ve known Kip and Mark for 22 years.  We first met as couples in 2000. I met Mark before 2000 but we didn’t hang out socially until 2000. We both worked for the same company in Omaha. In 2000 Mark started reporting to me, and days after that change went into effect, I had emergency eye surgery to fix a partially (mostly) detached retina. Mark was fantastic during my recovery. He would come over to the house, give me updates on what was going on, ask for my guidance on specific items that he wasn’t comfortable deciding on his own, and then take word back to the office on what we discussed. It was an amazing example of someone going way above and beyond. And it became the bedrock upon which the foundation of our friendship was built. Dawn ...

Another good day of skiing in the bank. Felt good but I definitely made some rookie mistakes today. No wipe outs though.  My first rookie mistake was a doozy. I forgot my ski boots  at the place we are staying. I didn’t realize it until after we got to the parking lot at the resort (Mary Jane) about 20 minutes away. Mike graciously offered me the use of his truck which I accepted. Reluctantly.  Mike’s truck is massive. It’s a GMC with huge Diesel engine and a lift kit. I’m certain it’s the largest vehicle I’ve ever driven. Getting it out the parking lot at MJ was a little nerve wracking. I knew if I hit another car it was going to leave a big dent. The parking lot was full and full of creative parking so not a lot room to maneuver. I got out unscathed - well, the truck got out without me bitting anything - but I decided I wasn’t too keen to push my luck so opted to not park in the lot upon my return - with my ski boots this time! Instead I parked on the road coming into t...

Went skiing today. As planned. Did ok. No wipe outs. Did all blues except for one blue-black. One was enough. I got down ok but had to work too hard to want to do it again. Planning on going again tomorrow. As long as I don’t wake up with my leg muscles in giant knots I’m going for it. Lots of cramps since I got off the mountain today.  Leaving the house today I wasn’t too sure. The outside temp was -10. By the time we got the bottom of the little valley the house is in, it hit -24. This all happened within 5 minutes. When the sun finally hit the mountain the temp went way up. It had to have been close to 30 so almost a 55 degree swing. Tomorrow should also be a fantastic day to ski - warm and no wind.  I would have really liked to see Damian on a pair of skis. At least once. Or maybe even a snowboard. I think he would have enjoyed it. Maybe not the first day, but I think he would have liked after he got comfortable. At least I think he would have.  But of course I’ll nev...

Today has been a good day. I haven’t left the house all day. Just taking it easy with some fraternity brothers: John, Mike, Mark, Tom and Barry.  I just lost at poker. Not a big surprise considering that I never play. I don’t mind, but it was fun to play for awhile. Before lunch we ate brat burgers. Yeah, they were new to me, too. These are hamburger patties made from bratwurst sausage. WAY better than a traditional hamburger. Leave it to the Iowans to come up with yet another delicious way to serve pork. So good. But if lunch was good, dinner has the potential to be even better. There are 6 enormous porterhouse steaks sitting on the counter now soaking in the salt that was liberally sprinkled on them earlier this afternoon.  I’m looking forward to eating mine. At least part of it. No way I’ll be able to finish all of it.  We didn’t go skiing today - too cold. Minus 2 when we woke up this morning. Hard pass. It’s supposed to be warmer tomorrow so we are going. At least I ...