Growing Up

Growing up... or getting sensible... or getting wiser as you get older... learning your limitations. Whatever you choose to call it, that point in your life when finally get a grip of reality hits us all eventualy (although there do seem to be some exceptions). Anyhow, I think that I reached that point in life about a week ago and since then can face the world with a lucid clarity that I don't think I've ever experienced before. Suddenly, my aims are clear and I really know where I would like my future to be whilst maintaining a solid grounding in the present.

Don't get me wrong..... I haven't got religion (of any kind) or had a drug-induced vision and certainly haven't been reading any self-help guides for the disoriented! Seems I just woke up a few days ago with a recalibrated life-compass and self-determination that I didn't have when my head hit the pillow the previous evening.

So what does this mean? I'm still me.... moody, stubborn, driven... just a more realistic me. First thing I did was to pull out of the Gigathlon. I didn't realize how much pressure I was putting myself under with that one and now feel realy relaxed about my cycling. Suddenly my bike rides are just for fun and fitness.... not that they are any fewer or lower intensity. Now I can make time for other activities (especially spending time with friends) without feeling guilty about that lost hour on the bike, or skipping the last climb because I'd rather be home with Fiona! There will still be a place for competition.... just at a realistic level that suits my lifestyle. There are just so many other interesting things to do. For instance, I spent the afternoon with Lorenz last Saturday visiting Astronomical Observatories. Very interesting, great fun.... and a good meal afterwards!

Work continues to consume alot of time and energy so I'm really lucky that I enjoy my job. Last week I was in Italy, in the region of Napoli and just in the shadow of Vesuvius. Always a pleasure to visit my colleagues there as they make me feel really welcome..... just wish the flight connections from here were a little easier. Fiona will tell you that I've been managing the travel and pressure better this year. Easy to say at the moment as I'm off for a week... BUT... no Blackberry... no withdrawal symptoms as there is plenty of other stuff to do in the beautiful spring weather that has finally decided to arrive in these parts.

Well, I hope it is Spring and not just a warm week as I put my summer tyres on the car this morning.... followed with cutting the grass for the first time. We even have frog-sporn in the swimming pool (not worried as we are going to get it filled in this year). Ahhh, the country life ;-)

Fröh Ostern!