I'll roll the dice......

Well that post changed the tone..........and now it's time to shift gears.  Life may surprise us at times but the nice thing is, WE always have the choice to come back to center.  It is entirely up to us.

I've always determined that you have to celebrate major events in life, good or bad.  There is good in everything if we choose to find it.  With that being said, it's a rare occasion to take my wife and kids out for a really nice dinner.  Usually, the kids get a brewery or a pizza place and most of the time, I get what I expect.  If I'm concerned to the point of riding my kids, then the stage has been set.  From that moment on, they truly can do no right, because I've made the decision that I'm not going to let them.

Time to step out of my shell.  The frozen lake was absolutely beautiful, framed by the snow covered mountains and the sun gently setting on the horizon.  Shore Lodge is a landmark in McCall and to the best of my knowledge, after living my entire life in Idaho, this year is the first time I've ever eaten there.  Yes, I did have my frustrations (you can't break all your habits in one night) however, my children were very well behaved.  My son remembered to put his napkin on his lap, my daughter used her please and thank you (granted that was post spitting out food into her cloth napkin), but they were very good kids.  In fact, I'm pretty certain that none of the other patrons of the restaurant knew that there was a 3 and 6 year old present.

Normally I would add a beer to the post at this point, and I will, but it's in a little different form.  Oh yes, we celebrated, but it was with a chocolate stout cake with cream cheese frosting and a Jameson whiskey glaze, because the kids could share a little nibble too.  For the record, the dessert would have been perfect with SRB, Chunder Stout in the cake.  The main point here is this, the evening was different because I changed my expectations!  I didn't set the evening up for failure and I gave the kids a chance.  You'll be amazed what you can experience when you aren't always bound by unreal expectations.

Cheers

"Across the lake" a view from Shore Lodge

The two most beautiful girls I know

A long, short story

I debated on sharing this information as I didn't want it to be received as having any ulterior motive.  This IS a success story and I'll own that statement.

5 years ago I purchased a property in Boise's historic North End, near Hyde Park.  It had always been a dream of mine to rehab and live in a historic home, so, the journey began.

Several months into demolition and construction the water main below the home broke, pumping 700,00 gallons of water into the ground beneath the home.  Just for the record, yes that's a lot of water, the equivalent of 12 swimming pools.  Unfortunately, the only way we knew was when we got our water bill which was $17.48 one month and $3,420.00 the following.

Good thing we have insurance, right!  I notified my insurance company and after 5 months of non-action, we were forced to retain an attorney to help protect our rights as insured homeowners.  There are a number of details amidst the four years that this drug on, all of which combine to make possibly one of the most bizarre stories I've heard.  The house sunk into the ground a foot and the foundation and supporting wall of the structure actually split from floor to roof line, the property was condemned by the city, our insurance dropped us due to "increased risk of loss" I assume that would be due to the fact the claim was never paid to repair the property, our bank went out of business and notified us they would have to start foreclosure, in spite of the fact that we had never missed and/or been late on a payment as they could not extend our construction loan.

In the end, we spent our life savings and then some attempting to defend ourselves for something that was not our fault.  The ultimate result, we will lose most of our earthly possessions, we will not recoup even 5% of our personal cost, our credit is ruined and we may potentially lose our current residence.  With that being said, what we have gained is the ability to work together, to rely on each other and the knowledge that we did nothing wrong.  We can hold our head high and we have a greater perspective on what's really important in life.

This is the last time I plan on telling this story, it's over, it's behind us, the outcome has been decided.  I wanted to share it for several reasons.  First, I could walk away bitter, defeated and depressed.  What good would that do anyone?  Life is short, it's a gift and it is what you make of it and that is the way I intend to move on.  Second, I hate rumors, so, I will tell you the truth!  Third, I want to thank the people who were so meaningful in helping us along the way.  What each of you did, made the difference to us and that has all the difference in the world.

Now, I plan on finding an amazing bottle of craft beer and living a new adventure with my family.  I can't wait for what's to come!

Cheers

A special thanks to the Farm Bureau for the addition of this beautiful hole in the ground in Boise's historic North End

Curve Ball

Sometimes, despite what you think you may know, despite what you think you may be learning, life throws you a curve.  It catches you off guard, as if to say, I want you to be a little bit more uncomfortable.

This post may be nothing more than short and to the point.  I am reminded of something I said early on.  I am thankful for the journey and for the experience.  We have to live a life of no regrets, only looking forward, but learning from the past.

I am thankful for meaningful people in my life who have helped me more than they can ever imagine.  I am thankful for friends, excited for tremendous new business possibilities and ready to face challenges head on.

Life is an adventure, no matter how it's served.  Stay positive in whatever life sends your way and YOU will make it too.

Cheers

Celebrate

Todays post is dedicated to my beautiful wife.  One year ago today, she got the opportunity to do something she had always wanted to do, more than climbing the corporate ladder, competing for bragging rights or a company car.  She was gifted the chance to be a stay at home mom.  For years we had talked about it, attempted to plan towards it, ultimately, we came to realize that plans don't often understand that life changes we have did not have control.

Some of the best, most amazing things that have happened in our lives, those that have given us the deepest meaning and most satisfaction are completely, 100% out of our control.  It has been a massive change, I am certain that there were very romantic views of what being at home would be like.  The reality on the surface is, however, far different.

I/we was extremely driven, mainly financially and goal focused, with that being said I have felt very fortunate to have this very unique opportunity.  I can't possibly imagine a more rewarding experience and I can see the positive changes in my kids everyday.  Melissa, you truly are a wonderful wife and mother.

We enjoyed a little celebratory break and had an evening out at Brewforia.  Exciting to try more of the new local craft beer (or soon to be local) in 10 Barrel Brewing's, India Session Ale.  Delicious!

Cheers

My beautiful bride

Cheers

Do you remember a time in your life when you succeeded, when you truly experienced a moment of success.  To some it may have been a huge accomplishment or a very minor task that you achieved, but to you, it was success.

Few things can lift your spirits quite like the thrill of an achievement, no matter how big or how small.  Today, I enjoyed that moment.  After stepping out of a paying job 3 months ago, today I got the phone call.  My first paying job in my new career.

Call it an endorphin rush or whatever you will, but for the moment, I felt invincible.  I felt like every potential client I talked to, I was confident of a successful outcome.  Today, was fun.

I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than a beer with a buddy for his birthday and for todays success.  I really enjoy the tap selection and pub fare at, R&R Public House.  To celebrate the occasion we enjoyed Grand Teton Brewing's, Double Black Lager and some great conversation, attempting to solve the worlds problems or.........just live our lives in the best way we know how.

Happy birthday to my buddy Ryan and to many here's more successes.

Cheers

Wax on, wax off

There is an Asian Proverb that reads something like this, "He that does not reflect is a ruined man."

I used to think that kids were incredibly indecisive, not entirely sure what they want or don't want, where or when they want to go somewhere/do something or not go somewhere/do something.  In the end, at least with my kids, they end up enjoying immensely what they originally didn't want to do.

I've since reassessed my way of thinking and have determined that adults are just as bad, if not worse than kids in this way of thinking.  Now, I'm quite certain that there are those that don't waiver, they stick to a plan, a schedule and nothing short of nuclear holocaust can change that plan, but, be serious.  How often and how easy is it to back out of something?  Why is that?

Enter again the Asian Proverb.  Maybe, just maybe, you don't reflect often enough to know what you want.  Now, with that being said, that train of thought can go too far.  Secluding yourself to the point of becoming a hermit is just as unhealthy.  That's my reflection for the day.

With that being said, I pulled a beer out of the back of my fridge, I guess you could say it's been secluded.  It's not necessarily a beer you would consider cellaring, and truth be told, I didn't.  I forgot about it in the fridge.  Time, however, was on my side.  My 2007 bottle of Elysian Brewing Company's, Perseus Porter was not a ruined man.

I'm going to continue in reflection over this rich, dark, creamy porter.  No surprise it was an award winner!

Cheers

Firepit

I can sit here and stew over what to write.  I can mull over and over in my head what I've learned, what would be relevant and what has actual meaning to others.  This evening, however, for me, it's the firepit an amazing dinner, a conversation with a buddy, a few great beers and some ski and mountain bike films.

I believe I could quantify this evening in the ultimate relaxation category.  That's right, here at home, no cabin, no mountains and no gently falling snow.  Right here at the house, in the midst of normalcy.  It truly can be done.  Granted, the firepit, food, beer, etc. did help.

It's nice to know that there is and can be another world right outside the backdoor.  I believe I've said this before, but, the best investment that I've ever made is my firepit.  There's just nothing quite like the dancing of a fire.  The quiet sway and flicker tend to lull you into relaxation and take you away to a different place.

Eric and I are enjoying our first bottle of Pyramid Breweries, Discord, their attempt at a Dark IPA.  Now, I'm a big, bold flavor type of person, but this is very drinkable.  It has that subtle dark IPA taste, a little hoppy and a great firepit drinker.

The simple life is good.  Step outside your backdoor, away from the clutter, enjoy the firepit.

Cheers