I’ve been a bit AWOL when it comes to this blog, so I thought I’d post an entry summarizing a few things I’ve been up to lately.
Yoga
Rita and I just finished 8 weeks of Yoga (once a week, every Tuesday). We’ve wanted to find something that we can do together on a regular basis and since I’ve been wanting to try yoga for a while and it is something we can both do, we gave it a try. It has worked out really well and I think we both find it to be a nice way to wind down from everything else that goes on in this crazy world.
My Wrist
As you probably know, I broke my wrist 7 months ago (can’t believe it has been that long). It was quite a bad break and I’m still working through the tissue damage and getting it back to normal. I can finally reach a near-full range of motion again, but it takes work and discomfort. I can do most activities, but am definitely still limited. Progress is very slow at this point and the doc says it’s just a waiting game for the next 6 months as I slowly build the flexibility and strength back up.
Car Accidents
I’m not very lucky in this category. Over a year ago, I had someone back into the front end of my car and drive off, leaving me with a nice big dent. A couple of months ago I accidentally backed into a friend’s door due to a lack of communication between Rita and I as to whether there was anyone behind me. Insurance covered his (not my cracked bumper) so I’ve yet to see if that will increase my rates. Then, last Friday someone rear-ended me at a stop light. There isn’t really any visible damage, but he pushed the bumper in enough so that my muffler annoyingly rattles against it–I’m getting it looked at today (he doesn’t want to go through insurance).
Guitar
I’m still practicing the guitar and am definitely getting better, although I still have a long way to go. I’ve learned about 5 songs, but my actually reading of music and knowledge of notes/chords is still lacking.
Spanish
I started learning Spanish (Latin American) via The Rosetta Stone software. I’ve only done one lesson so far so I can tell you that a cat is sitting on the plane (un gato encima de una avionetta), but that’s about all. I’m trying to prepare for my trip to Costa Rica.
Costa Rica
Dave and I are heading to Costa Rica on April 17 to attend Witch’s Rock Surf Camp in Tamarindo. We’ll be learning how to surf for the first week, after which Dave will head home and I will backpack around seeing the sights (Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano, etc) for another week. I’m super-excited for this.
Photography
I’m disappointed in the lack of photography that took place over this winter. The cold weather really isn’t enticing, but getting out and shooting during inconvenient times is what makes one a good photographer–anyone and everyone can go out on a nice mid-summer day, but that is usually the worst time to be out shooting. I do still love the hobby though and did buy a new lens last weekend that I’ve wanted for over a year now (Nikon 70-300mm VR). I saved $200 by buying it used on Kijiji (and it still has a few years left on the warranty)–sweet! I also started to play with the video function on my D90. See a short clip I made below.
7 Years
Rita and I will are reaching our 7-year anniversary on March 11. 7 years! We’re going to a rock climbing and then to Medieval times in Toronto this weekend to celebrate.
In the Meantime
I’m still working on contract and will probably continue to until the end of the summer. I will know in April whether I got accepted to teacher’s college, at which point I will have to decide whether I actually want to be a teacher. I’m thinking I probably don’t, but have yet to come up with something better–I’m open to ideas!
Ciao.
The Tank from Patrick Briscoe on Vimeo.
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8 Comments
Wow, with your activities and what you went through, it sounded like an adventure for a decade already. Life is really capsulized in various events which when we looked back we wonder how time can actually fly…
Hey stranger, its nice to have this blog. I feel like I know whats going on in the life of Pat to an extent. You really do have the worst luck with your car. Sorry to hear about it. Congrats on the 7 years. That is truly amazing. I hope you have fun on your trip. Later Days
Wow what an adventurous life you have. I’m amazed and awed at how much my son continues to achieve in his life. While reading your last post ans watching your video, I only wish I could still enjoy the wonder in your eyes when you expeience all your new journeys. I’m reminded of when you learned to walk and to talk, not so very long ago.
I still think of you as my precious boy, and you are always young in my heart.
I love you so much and am so proud to be your Mother.
Mom
Hey Patrick, I haven’t check your blog for a looong time so I thought I’d come back for a look. I can’t raz you for not updating it more… every time I start a blog it dies within 2 weeks (twice now). How your spanish going? I started studying last month too, I’m planning a trip to Mexico this summer to study it. I find the Rosetta Stone is OK for picking up vocabulary but not really for being conversant at all. I’d suggest Michel Thomas Spanish (msg me on facebook if you want suggestions for where to get it) to easily pick up the grammar of the language.
Take care, hope we cross paths soon!
Neil
Keep at the guitar. When I learned, I never bothered taking the time to do it right and learn the theory. Now, I regret that decision, but still enjoy strumming away.
I like Yoga as well.It is very interesting.I have been doing it for one year and i have learned a lot from the yoga classes.
I have found that yoga is great for the body, mind and soul.
great stuff, great post