A lookback of 2013 and my 2014 list

"So much of our time is preparation, so much is routine, and so much retrospect, that the path of each man's genius contracts itself to a very few hours."

What a year 2013 turned out to be...it's hard to believe that so many things fit into such a small 365 day window and that there was any time left to simply breathe, let alone exhibit any form of genius. Emerson said it best.

Preparation
2013 began with Emily and I preparing: We prepared for our fifth year of marriage. We prepared to grow our family. We prepared, as is obvious from this blog, for ironman. Along the way there were many things that went according to plan, like completing IMTX and qualifying for USAT Nationals, growing the relationship with Emily as we attempted to get pregnant and purchasing a new home to fit our anticipated larger family. There were also things that did not, such as losing our first pregnancy and having hip surgery. As is with anything in life, the preparation has paid off. As we embark on 2014, we have an 18-week old baby boy doing summersaults in Emily's belly, the foundation has been poured for our new home in the burbs and we are all (2+1+2 dogs) healthy.

Routine
Three words: work, work and work. I am currently responsible for the financial operations of twelve small-cap E&P companies located in Texas, New Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico. Work is routine and is not my passion, but I understand it and think I might be pretty good at it, however I definitely prefer to be outdoors in the sun. I am a perpetual attendee of conference calls, budget meetings and board meetings. After typing this, I can understand why I am so active outside of the office....

Retrospect
In retrospect to 2013, I have learned that Emily and I are resilient people. I could blame this on extreme hard-headedness but I'd rather (and truly) believe that we are, quite simply, tough. Our personalities feed on challenge. I look back at all we have endured individually and as a couple and it amazes me at how much stronger we are now than we were 5 years ago. We both approach life as an endurance event, taking what it gives us and moving forward faster than we were at the last hurdle. I am proud of us.

Genius
Genius for me were those moments when I pushed myself until I felt like I could not take another step, but I moved one foot in front of the other and kept moving forward. The applications of this principle are vast and reach so much further than athletic accomplishments. I view the world differently now. The people who told you growing up that you could accomplish anything you set your mind to were absolutely correct, whether or not they meant it or you believed it at the time. The world is full of people who are either too afraid to try or quit too soon. The genius for me is knowing that I will never be a part of this group.

My 2014 List

1. I will wake up everyday and accomplish something that positively affects the world I live in.
2. I will make a conscious effort to forgive no matter how badly I am hurt.
3. I will give more than I receive. 
4. I will choose my words (and tone) more wisely.
5. I will follow God's commandments.
6. I will pray everyday.
7. I will be thankful for my plight, understanding that somewhere out there, someone's predicament is worse.
8. I will do something active everyday.
9. I will be more conscious of the way I treat my body, aka, I will stretch more.
10. I will call old friends once a month.
11. I will complete another ironman this year.
12. I will learn to embrace traffic, and again, choose my words more wisely.
13. I will watch less TV and read more books.
14. I will learn to be a father.
15. I will travel somewhere new and experience a new culture.
16. I will #keepmovingforward

Kelly