Erase/Rewind

Over the past few months I've sat down to write a blog, only to find the topics and feelings I've had were not meant for the internets, and for the journal instead. Though things inevitably get thrown up on Facebook once in a while, so much of our lives doesn't need a digital channel to the rest of the world. That being said...

I've got some time in AZ over the next few weeks. In Absencia, the place has grown on me in a way I never anticipated it to do. I miss the 48th state. It's got my heart, in more ways than one. My family is over there, as are many of my friends. In the next few weeks, though I won't see them all, I'm looking forward to running into many of them. My buddy James is graduating college, and the group of us that lived with him during his time up in Flag will be out there to root him on, not just for his degree, but also Amanda and James' first child. It's a milestone amongst our group of friends. None of us has yet hit that point, and I think we're all thrilled for James' new family. Seeing the guys is always good, hijinks to ensue I'm sure.

I miss my brother so often that i think it will shock me to see him. Andy is the best mirror I have because no one calls me out like he does. It's incredibly frustrating to have someone who can read you so effortlessly, but it's also very comforting. Nothing I do gets by that kid.

There are some people in Flag that I'm just dying to get up there and see; some old friends, and hoping to reconnect with the mountain while I'm up there. The peaks anchor so much of the spirit of Flagstaff. Their ever present watchfulness is sorely missed here at the edge of the Pacific. Whenever I go back home, I find myself looking at the mountain a lot. I'm hoping to do some snowshoeing, and hopefully some running, if my lungs don't fall out all over the place. Christmas is coming, but the best gift I can think of will be some sweet, cold, mountain air. Chances are I'll get that. It's a shame I can't give it though.