"Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountain is going home; that wildness is necessity; that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life." - John Muir

Eventhough it is only 3 and a half months young, I think 2006 has been the most confusing year in 24. Confusing isn't the word I'm looking for, lets go with cogitated. From the moment the ball dropped it has been a roller coaster ride. There was no slow climb in the beginning of this one though, it began with a heart-in-throat plummet, proceeded by a barrel roll. After a few whiplash inducing turns, I now find myself in April. Good thing I watch what I eat or else my friends spectating from the ground might have ran away frantically by now.

Maybe I exaggerate the year's dynamic, but cogitate is right on. The fact that I have been so introspective has intensified emotion and circumstance. However, the past few days has provided me with a reality punch to the face (nothing bad happened, I like being punched).

Why do we worry so much about the things that matter so little? Work...school...relationships (while important, we take the good ones for granted while the ones that sour occupy our thoughts). It is my belief that we spend too much time looking at what surrounds us, hoping to pinpoint the problems, intending to formulate a solution, and not enough time (if any at all) appreciating everything that is right. If your job sucks, look for another one. If you hate school, everyone does so shut up. If you aren't happy with friends or significant others, guess what, not everyone likes you either. I know my life will never be perfect, so why waste my time overcomplicating things?

On Saturday I paddled through Round Valley Resevoir and hiked the nearby trails without a care in the world. True friend at my side, I was more refreshed than a smack head following my first post-Bettie Ford fix. Although I had valid reason to be terrified (25+ mph winds and a canoe filling with water), doubt never entered my mind, yet, every single day I doubt this "world's" mediocre threats. Hmm...