"the best two years..."

After many LDS missionaries return home they confess, "that was the best two years of my life." The picture on the left is me and one of my best friends, Philip Bond in Preston England. We were attending the open house of the Preston England Temple in May of 1998.

I wouldn't trade my mission for anything. It was a remarkable time and I'm honored that I was able to serve my church and represent my beliefs. I learned a lot about work, life, and what I want out of it.

Two years is an interesting period of time. October marks my two year anniversary as a bicycle commuter. I can honestly say - it has been the best commuting years of my life. As I was riding home tonight, I thought about what I might say. I thought about a funny line from the movie Fever Pitch. The line comes at a seminal moment in the movie, where one of Jimmy Fallon's students (he's a teacher) says to him, All these years you've loved the Red Sox, but can you honestly say that the Red Sox have ever loved you back?

The sage-like wisdom from his pupil helps Jimmy's character decide to give up his valued seats at a Red Sox game, and pursue his love for Drew Barrymore's character. I really love that part of the movie - because it makes me think about the reciprocity needed in love.

People love their cars... but do their cars ever love them back? For the most part, cars are money pits that take, and take, and take. They don't give anything back. I know that cars are a necessary part of life and they provide safe and comfortable means of transportation for many. But lets face it - they pollute, cost a lot of money, break down... not to mention the hassle of traffic, insurance, and the host of other headaches that come from car-concerns.

On the other hand - the last two years of bicycle-commuting have been so rewarding. I've become so familiar with my city. I'm recognized by school crossing guards. I have interesting conversations with strangers. I get almost two hours of exercise every day. I don't put any harmful materials into our atmosphere. My fuel is free, and the most expensive maintenance on my bicycle has been new tires ($39.00 each).

This isn't to say that bicycle riding is free. Of course there are costs - but for two tanks of gas I can covered my entire bicycle maintenance budget over the past two years.

I know you have kids, I know you have errands that are far away. I understand. I'm not saying that bicycles are for everyone, all of the time. But they are for some people, a lot of the time. My full time job is to make it easier for people to get to places by bike... and I absolutely love my job.

In other two year increments...

Ashley and I have been married for almost two years... and these years have been the best of my life.

Ashley and I - Easter, 2006

Ashley and I met in Washington D.C.... and our time together has been remarkable. Whether it was blizzards, jungle-chicken bus escapades, or rendezvous in the mountains because we couldn't bear to be apart - my life is exponentially more fulfilling, exciting, and happy with Ashley in it. I love her a lot.

Just North of Leadville, Colorado

One thing I know for sure about my life with Ashley - it will never be dull. She loves adventure like a fat kid loves cake... or Angela Lansbury loves a mystery. I'm more cautious and hesitant by nature, but Ashley always helps me get a better glimpse of what is around the corner. Thanks honey.

So - I'm looking forward to these next two years... who knows what they the stork
will bring. Whatever it is I know it will be amazing.