3-18-10
Lots going on

This will be brief so you can get back to work, tucking the kids in or whatever. I'm very excited about this weekend -- I'm headed to the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) and the Tsali trail system. I've not been to Tsali in about 4 years and while it's not one of my favorite trail systems, it's still fun to ride from time to time. The main reason for going is the SORBA Executive Board Meeting on Saturday where I'll get to debut some news about SORBA Atlanta that I'm very excited about. I'll share it with you first though ;)

We got a logo! For the first time in it's 20 year history, SORBA Atlanta has a logo -- the first step in redefining the future of the chapter. We're also revamping our website and will be adding new pages for each of our trail systems that we maintain -- Atlanta Beach trails in Stockbridge, GA International Horse Park in Conyers, and Sope Creek at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA).

Second, we were accepted to participate in the Atlanta Braves 50/50 Raffle on August 27 -- SAVE THE DATE!!!! We'll need your help! Details will be posted at SORBA Atlanta soon.

Third, we'll be working with the Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta Boys & Girls Club on an after school program in the Fall of this year. We'll do this for (6) weeks at the Sope Creek trails and I'm very excited about the positive exposure this will give our organization and mountain biking in general.

What else? Let's just say it: BREAK-UPS SUCK! Makes me wish I were more jaded than I am, but alas, I'm still a hopeless romantic. The Lord is still providing healing and direction and clarity and as long as I stay focused on Him, I know I'll be ok.

Oh, here's another bit of news! Through Atlanta Outfitters I'm beginning to organize two overseas mountain biking treks this year: one to Bolivia and one to Asia. The Bolivia trip will be 4-5 days of riding then 3-4 days of volunteer work with a local non-profit agency that works with street kids in Santa Cruz. The Asia trip may be up to 8 days of mountain biking...details are vague at this point but I'll know more in a couple weeks.

Enough chatter! Now to pictures!
1. Photo collage from the Sope Creek work party last Sunday (pictures courtesy of LadyD).
2. The new SORBA Atlanta Logo

'n ddedwydd St Padrigs Ddiwrnod!
3-17-10

That string of consanants above is Welsh, in case you were wondering. I am a mix of Welsh, Irish, and Native American (quite the blend -- laid back with a fiery temper)! Unlike some folk, today being St Patrick's Day doesn't change what I normally listen to on Pandora at work. I have a station called Flogging Molly radio and it's a great mix of Flogging Molly (duh), The Dropkick Murphy's, The Pogues, The Coors, The Street Dogs, THe Dubliners, and others. This song just came on by FM and I wanted to share it...

"The Story So Far"

"You always had what you wanted
So leave it behind
And if the glass isn't broken
Then the futures not blind
All that you know means nothing to you
But its the loss of control shatters the truth

Here's the story so far
It's already here
We've made it this far
Sure we battled the spears
But life cuts to pieces
To the wounds from the secrets
Makes it all who you are

Love craves self destruction
It's a blizzard in hand
Lay your cards on the table
But you're not in command
So burn with the fire
You so eagerly lit
Watch the flames flicker higher
Said I don't care about you

Here's the story so far
It's already here
We've made it this far
Sure we battled the spears
But life cuts to pieces
To the wounds from the secrets
Makes it all who you are

Oh it's bitter the pill
That you swallow to feel
I don't care what I lost
I just thank god I'm alive

Makes it all who you are [x5]

That's the story so far"

So that's it, that's the story....so far. We are a work in progress and will only be complete the moment we stand before our Maker. Life is a series of joy and pain -- interesting when you remember we were created in the image of God. We have the same feelings that God does. So why feel guilty about being upset...or hurt...or TOO happy...or TOO passionate about something...or even angry. Just food for thought.

Go drink a green beer today...listen to some fun Irish music and remember that most of it's about real life. Hug a neck today and laugh -- I assure you the Irish are!

Sásta st Pádraig lá!