January
2006 started with a daytrip to Mt. Baldy to take the dogs for a run in the snow. After three hours in the minivan we arrived at a muddy, rocky ski lift. Rats. We mistakenly read the snow report for Mt. Baldy in Canada.
Drove the VW bus to Big Sur to hear a lecture on the Beat Face of God at the Henry Miller Library.
February
Ran up my credit and got Maureen an iPod for Valentine’s Day.
March
Got serious about improving my career situation. Began a job hunt that several final-round interviews. But always the bridesmaid, never the bride.
April
Rebuilt downWrite website. Photo-blogged the San Francisco YWAM mission trip.
May
Started my own personal “40 Days of Purpose,†with daily concerted prayer and several days of fasting, to find some kind of direction for life.
June
Was invited by Bob Bechtel to participate in a study of John Eldredge’s Wild at Heart
Inspired by the “call of the wild†I seriously overran my credit and bought a new digital camera.
Went to the Ojai Valley Gun Club’s Seven Gun Shoot with the “Men Gone Wild Group†and nabbed the top score of our little band of brothers. Beginner’s luck I suppose–haven’t shot a gun in some thirty years.
August
Extreme Driver’s Training– With Emma’s driver’s permit about to expire I decided the best why to rack up 30 hours behind the wheel was to head out for the Grand Canyon. Thirty hours of Pure Fear.
September
Gave Emma the Ford Escort–now I needed a Daily Driver. After much research, head-banging and a temporary lapse of sanity I bought a Land Rover Discovery at a “no credit, no license, no problem†shop in Northridge. The car was in perfect condition–until I left the lot. Then temp gauge pegged at H on the drive home beginning a 48 hour ordeal to return the car and get my money back.
October
Bought a Jeep. Went to Ireland.
November
Did some exploring in the Jeep. Took up geocaching as a hobby. Visited Ros and Gene in San Luis.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Hey Phil,
Sounds like a good year. Didn’t know you had the hunter instinct. I’ve never fired a gun. Next time you go, give me a call, I’ll buy the coffee.
Hope 2007 is an outstanding year for you. May God give you both direction and adventure. Think Green River, mud and vans with a max speed of 25 miles an hour.
My year had very little actual adventure. I hope for more this next year.
Fellow traveler,
tom