Set backs

Just when things were going great.... the rug gets pulled out from underneath me.  Frustrating week so far and if I didn't have a great support network and my faith in God, I can see how some people go just plain nuts.  Not to go into too many details, but I screwed up on some things and it affected somone whom I love very much.  While I can't go back and fix or do-over the problem, I can just pick up from here, ask for forgiveness, offer my pround apologies, profess that it won't happen again and then just go from here.  Faith will take over and see me through. 

To add to that issue, I learned that my cousin who has lung cancer is having a really tough time.  Tumors have spread to various regions of the body, she has been undergoing treatment for a long time and she will have good days and bad days.  Things have declined recently and time is getting short.  This is a bit of dejavu for me since losing Naomie to cancer in '97.  Cursed cancer.  Ugh!  I am riding in a 100 mile bicycle event in May in honor of cousin Dana.

Then one more thing... more court drama to be had.  Oh brother.  It never ends.  Just when I think there will be a respite, here comes more surprises in the mail.  These are less shocking now and I have become numb to the sting.

So a lot of stress over here.  A lot of weight to bear on one's shoulders.  But as I learned recently, put it on God's shoulders, his are much bigger and He will see me through.

In the meantime, stay tuned for this sunday's Eugene Half-Marathon when I attempt to break the 2hr mark which will be a huge personal record.
Mike

Happy Easter

Christmas is certainly the most popular of Christian holidays during the year and the birth of Jesus was truly a miracle, but I find the story of Easter and Jesus' resurrection more astounding and amazing. Yet it seems like it doesn't get the attention that it deserves.

Anyway, this Easter was special because I made the decision to get re-baptised. Oh sure, I have been baptised several times throughout my life and there is nothing wrong with getting baptised more than once. All I am doing is washing away my sins and transgressions, professing my faith and love for Jesus and starting fresh and new. I think we all could use some cleaning and washing every now and then.

For me, I have had a rough go the past year in my personal life, with relationships, making decisions, developing some bad habits and I just didn't like the direction I was heading. So I decided to make some changes. I am glad I did, because after this morning's baptism I truly do feel like a new person.

I am very thankful to have so many family members that love me. I am thankful for my kids. I am very thankful for my girlfriend, Wendy. She has been very patient with me through all of this and I am so blessed to have her in my life.

Afterwards I got to enjoy a great Easter dinner with Wendy's family and it was a lot of fun. Great time playing games, laughter, and excellent food. I look forward to spending more time with her family.

Praise God. He is Risen!

Back from Oregon Coast

Just got back from a 3-day trip along the soutern Oregon Coast. Wow! There are many times I simply have to pinch myself to see if this is real or just a dream. I love the scenery between Newport and Florence, especially. So breathtaking.

After looking at a fishing boat in Toledo, OR I made my way down 101 to Coos Bay. The views along the rocky cliffs around Heceta Head are amazing. Wish I had more time to stop and explore.

The next day I had to venture down to Port Orford, OR to do a quick inspection on a small fishing boat. On the way back I stopped at the lighthouse at the Coquille River near Bandon, OR. This completes my quest to visit all lighthouses along the Oregon Coast.

On the way back to Coos Bay, I got a phone call that a fisherman needed an inspection in Winchester Bay so I decided to press on and get him done that evening. I have known this vessel owner for over 10 years and his boat is one of the best in the fleet and certainly one of my all time favorites to examine. There are just a handful of vessels and owners that I would consider working for if I were a commercial fisherman. This outfit is near the top of that list.

Then this morning, I was treated to a beautiful sunrise as I made my way out to Charleston, OR for a quick follow-up on a boat I had done in Newport a few months back. Ironically, this was the first time I had to go through the fish plant in Charleston and peeked in to see the workers cracking dungeness crab and filling tins with the succulent meat. It doesn't matter what they are producing, but most fish plants smell the same. The only exception is a plant that makes fish meal. Oh brother, that smell activates my gag reflex pretty readily.

After the follow-up it was time to head back up the coast to Newport. Again, I was treated to some superb views of the coast. There was an extra-low tide this morning and I saw lots of people out clamming and inspecting the various tidepools. I stopped at Cape Perpetua Visitor's Center to grab a hiking trail map for an upcoming visit and the ranger wanted to ask me all sorts of questions like if I wanted to go tide pooling, or hiking, or where did I want to go, or where I was from.... I appreciate his eagerness to chat, but I really wasn't in the mood.

I also made a stop in Florence to get some quick pics of the historic bridge. I find it very interesting and someday want to take a spectacular pic of it.

Newport usually never disappoints and it was gorgeous there, again. Looked at my 5th and final boat on this trip and then pointed the GV home.

Ahhh, home at last. Loved coming home and seeing Erik and Wendy. I have missed them so much.

Til next time...