Current Projects
This list is by no means all that I am
currently working on, but
it gives an idea about some of the major projects that I have
undertaken.
- Project 1
- I recently bought my dream house in Boulder. Sure, there are other
houses that are bigger, better, more fancy, etc. However, this house
is more than I was ever looking (and hoping) for. It's mostly the
location. From my backyard, I
can see the Flatirons to see the front range climbing conditions, the Indian
Peaks to check out hiking/backcountry skiing conditions, and some other
mountains as well. I'm within biking distance to Boulder, and can be
climbing within a half hour, skiing within an hour, and even to Rocky
Mountain National Park in about an hour too! I'm finally catching up on settling in, and am
looking forward to getting out to play more. It's been almost a year
of cutting back on travels.
- Project 2
- I have been doing photography work for a couple
of years. While I get many compliments, I still stand by the fact that
my best shots happen mostly because I get to places many folks would never
have seen. I'm starting to work on a new idea involving video; stay
tuned!
- Project 3
- I have also thought of trying to find a position in an outdoor company (or
starting a company of my own), as I have a great love for nature.
There is a struggle with that one, because maybe doing it for a living
would detract from the experience and the love I currently have for the
outdoors. Not to mention it's a complete change in the style of
living. Another thought was to go into acting. I think it would be an
incredible experience to get into film making. This is not to say I
don't like my current job. Oracle is an excellent company, I
highly recommend them (and have, to many people.) I love the
position I have, and it would definitely take the perfect opportunity for me
to leave. However, I do have many
interests in different areas and love to try new things and challenge
myself. So far, I've been able to make that happen while still
keeping my day job; never know what the future holds though.
- Project 4
- Learning, Learning, Learning. From Internet to Business
to Communications to Programming to Investing to Outdoors; especially of interest right now are
more outdoor skills. Still learning some tricks of the trade of my
latest outdoor endeavor; canyoneering. I'm also getting back into
Search and Rescue (see project 6) so I've been learning how this group
operates. I also have a HUGE stack of
books to read and numerous projects that I am currently
working on.
- Project 5
- Rentals. I currently have two rentals, and am still learning the
tricks of the trade in that realm. Since I lost money in the stock
market with the technology bubble burst (I was the poster child for
non-diversification), I figured I could branch out and loose more money in
different markets. Kidding of course. Hoping that it pays off in
the long run; and am learning from the challenges it presents in the short
run.
- Project 6
- There are many ongoing projects such as investing, as well as I'm
currently a prospective member of the Rocky Mountain Rescue group. I'm
hoping to become a member and help give back to the outdoor community by
helping those in need.
- Project 7
- My travels have taken me to some spectacular places, and given me the
opportunity to have some incredible experiences. I would like to
give others the opportunity to learn about the experiences available in
nature, and have given many presentations at Michigan locations, and to
outdoor groups out here in Colorado. I'm hoping to expand that a
little and work more with local
Colorado outdoor stores. I would also love to get back into
more freelance writing. It's all on the
to do list; the problem, as I'm sure you know, is never enough time...
- Project 8
- Work on my house. Sure, it doesn't seem like a project to some,
but those homeowners out there know that this is pretty much a full time
job in itself. Especially when you add the rentals to the mix.
- Project 9
- Keep up with my friends and family. Taking time to visit and
relax. This is an important thing that I sometimes lose track of.
The real satisfaction from life comes from the friendships you make, and the
support you can give each other. It is a wonderful feeling when you
can help someone; change a tire, learn a new sport, or even just be there
when someone needs you emotionally. I try to put on around four trips
per year for new folks, whether it is climbing, canyoneering, biking, etc.
It's great to help people have new experiences, and to do things they never
thought they would (or could.)
- Past Projects
- Completed - In 2007, I completed a goal in my latest outdoor
endeavor, canyoneering. I had done quite a few canyons, and thought it
would be fun to try to hit all of the biggest and baddest canyons that had
beta available. I finished my goal in November of 2007, and then went
to FreezeFest over New Years to add icing to the cake. It was an
incredible year; encompassing canyon gems like Heaps, Imlay, Choprock and
many others. It even included several explorations, one of which
discovered the world's 9th largest known
arch! In all, I
did over 80 canyons in 2007, with many great canyoneers. Thanks to all
who helped make the goal happen!
- Completed - I had wanted to move to Colorado for quite some time.
I made it happen in April 2003, with the help of a good friend, Scott.
I love it out here in Colorado. It's an outdoor enthusiasts
playground. I can ski, bike, climb, and more; all in the same day!
I miss my friends and family in Michigan, but this definitely feels like
home. I travel back home to Michigan twice a year to see everyone
there.
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- Completed - Adventure Racing. It was a great run; with more
than 40 races, including many top 10 finishes, several top 3 finishes, and a
couple first place finishes. I had some wonderful experiences with
many great racers over the years. I had some challenging and great
learning experiences as well. Overall, I'm very thankful for all of
the wonderful events we attended, the great racers I met, and the wonderful
places we saw.
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