Back in the Mid-Atlantic for a Little While

Successfully made it back to the Mid-Atlantic states. Travel will continue until morale improves, and as such this is about a fifty two hour stopover, some relatively local travel, and then we'll see what shakes out.

I took to opportunity to get in some much needed rest this afternoon. As I get a little older and wiser, I believe I'm getting better at listening to the body tell me when I'm pushing too hard and adjusting accordingly. To a degree, I wish I'd learned this a little sooner.

Departing CLT

Nothing to terribly exciting on the picture front, although I caught the above gem on the window of the A320 hauling me to Baltimore after a quick trot through the airport to catch this connecting flight. It's good to be back and I'm grateful I managed to basically keep up with all aspects of the daily practice in one form or another during a relatively challenging time from a schedule and sleep perspective.

I read a quote on a running website the other day that I think has some real applicability. It said, "Motivation gets you started, Habits keep you going." That's speaking with Big Medicine  from my perspective, and it's more than a bit heartening to realize that I've managed to develop some of those more positive habits over the last couple of years. It's been quite a trip.

Looking forward to what tomorrow's sunrise will reveal.

Easing Back Into a Routine

I don't like to admit it, but I am a creature of habit. While I like to think of myself as adventurous and free thinking, if I am honest about the way things really are, I am most comfortable when operating in a world of small adventures within a routine.  I once again made it through the relative chaos of the Christmas season with the disruption of normally scheduled events and the compression of months worth of expectations down into the space of twenty four to forty eight hours.

The last five days have been surprising, a little unsettling, busy, and even fun, but now that I'm easing back into my more familiar routine, I find that I can feel more centered.  Concentration and appreciation for smaller variances is simpler, and I just feel quite a bit more content. I don't think I'm a grinch, but I'd prefer a more experiential holiday experience than the retail fueled maniacism that the winter festival seems to have become.

All that aside, it's good to ease back into the routine.

Anacostia Morning with the USS Barry

Speaking of routine, I'm happy to report that the ex-USS Barry is still moored in the Anacostia River, and I fully expect it to be there tomorrow as well.  While there seems to be a new pier going in just downriver from this location, the ship is not yet being prepared for it's final tow down the river  from the Washington Navy Yard.

Supreme Court of the United States

As far as people watching, this time of year in Washington, DC yields a sparser set of diversions than the normally bustling metropolis when the Federal Government is truly up and running at full speed. I did receive one of the warmest greetings in reply to what I hope is a friendly salutation offered to just about everyone I pass on the street. My "Howdy" was met with a big smile and a wave from a fellow pedestrian traveller who was taking a break against one of the many wrought iron fences that adorn the front of the numerous rowhouses and townhouses in the vicinity of Capitol Hill. That passing of a greeting and a smile put a spring in my step for the final three miles of the day.

Another good day passes into the books, and another one looms on the horizon if I'm lucky.