Just a few things

Getting to the end of March and I was thinking that I haven't written anything for a wee while so I thought I would put pen to paper so-to-speak. Originally thought that I didn't have much to write about but when I sat down and had a think about it, the month has actually been really busy with a wide range of things going on. Its crazy how some things happen and we just seem to forget about them almost immediately! Or maybe not so much forget but they tend to get replaced by the immediate events or overshadowed by everything that is coming up soon. I think that is reason enough to take a moment, look back and reflect, and appreciate the events and activities that continue to shape our lives.

• First and foremost, it is my best mates birthday today. I tend to get nostalgic on this day. Thinking about all the things that he has missed out on since his death. Gone but never forgotten.
• Travelled to Albury/Wodonga to attend the Red Hot Summer Tour concert which while it is not really my music scene, it was great to hang out with mates that I haven't really seen for 5 years or so. Was insanely hot - still 40 degrees at 10pm but a lot of fun.
• Joined in the Black Dog ride for a cruise around the countryside to raise awareness for depression and suicide prevention. A huge thing in rural areas especially. I even had my photo taken (see attached) and while it may not have been as spirited as some other rides I have been on recently, being part of such a huge group of bikes was a lot of fun and it definitely drew the attention of everyone that we passed. (and no, I don't have a headlight out - one side is low beam and the other is high beam - she is old school like that!!)
• Summer hockey competition has come to a close - surprisingly we made it to the major final, but after losing the next 2 games we got knocked out and didn't make it to the grand final. Winter comp is just about to start up as well so I feel like I haven't really had a break at all but with Masters happening in a few weeks I'm also glad that I won't be as unfit as I would have been otherwise!
• Went to the movies with my wife to see Project Hail Mary. I read the book a couple of years ago and loved it so I was really looking forward to seeing how they would adapt it. Was not disappointed - obviously they could not include all the contents of the book, often glossing over some of the science to focus on the relationships which I think is a great way to handle it. Casting was fantastic, cinematography was amazing, such a 'feel good' movie. My wife really loved it and we both agreed it was an awesome evening out!
• Attended a first aid re-certification training day - Doesn't seem like 3 years since I last went but good news is that most of the information has remained the same and I am now certified to continue providing first aid at work (and at home I suppose). It always feels akward having to shake and move a stranger around for the practical parts but I suppose that is part of it when a real emergency happens.

Other than that, work has been work, kids have been doing kid things - It often feels like you get into a groove and everything is business as usual and it isn't until you sit down and think about it until you realise that nothing is business as usual and unless you take the time to reflect, it all gets lost, becomes a blur, forgotten or you don't really appreciate the variety. We should all take time out to stop and smell the roses!