130/365
February 16, 2024
Bradenton, Florida
Started the day rooting for Chloe and Ellie at their school’s annual Fun Run. With all of the digital influences that seek and contain our attention, I appreciate an event like this because it reminds us of the joys being outside, exercising with friends, and not heads down in our devices.
129/365
February 15, 2024
Wimauma, Florida
Today I dropped by AJ’s for my new bike. I went with a Santa Cruz Heckler SL with custom wheels and suspension. I’m not sure if retail therapy is a real thing or just an excuse for spend, but “New Bike Day” has me feeling good!
Immediately following, I dropped by Alafia for 17 miles.
On the way home saw two guys selling Tilapia on the side of the road. Chuck was more than happy to pose for a picture.
128/365
February 14, 2024
Bradenton, Florida
I took some time away from the trails today to rest up and allow some soreness to set in and recover. I walked Ripley for two miles and rode my bike over to Atria for coffee. Call it an active recovery day!
The afternoon had some disappointment. I developed three rolls of film, but the results were awful. It was awful for the second time in a row, despite refreshing the chemistry. The developed film was cloudy, with weird patterns of uneven grain in some of the frames. I had to step away from it and let the results be.
This weekend, I’m going to clean the scanner and refresh the chemistry, again. Fingers crossed for improved results!
127/365
February 13, 2024
Parrish, Florida
After my two-mile walk with Ripley, I went to the gym for some weighted training. 45 minutes later, I was back and home but still felt a little restless. I decided to pack up my bike and head off to Alafia for some more miles. It’s pretty amazing how much my riding has improved over the last three days. Despite being tired, it’s amazing how many techniques you can pick up if you pay attention to the bike’s feedback. I suppose that’s a great lesson for life: awareness and presence.
On the way to Alafia, I noticed a truck and a boat nestled behind a few trees on an unimproved road. I decided to make a quick turn and capture the scene. The owner of the home was outside fixing his fence, so I walked over and asked for permission. He was friendly and said it was OK, but paid no mind to what I was doing. I thought later about what the image could have been if I had captured his hands mending his fence.
126/365
February 12, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
After a late night watching the Super Bowl, we let the girls sleep in longer than usual. I’ve found that letting the girls wake up on their own helps them immensely throughout the day, especially at school!
Today was my last day at Cisco Systems. It’s bittersweet because while I’m sad to leave a great company, it’s time to move on and stretch my capacities in other ways.
In the early afternoon, I took to the trails over at Alafia State Park, and mustered nearly 18 miles. While I was using a motor-assist to help push my speeds higher, this park is a lot different than nearby, Balm Boyette. It’s condensed, more technical, and has a lot more BMX-style features that stretch your limits as a rider. I really want to spend more time here!
125/365
February 11, 2024
Wimauma, Florida
Woke early this morning and added 20 miles to my bike over at Balm Boyette. It was a warmer morning, so the dirt didn’t kick up and attach itself to my frame and tires. I am thankful for that, and because the trail conditions were nice!
For the last few years, I’ve driven through this town called Wimauma. You might as well call it “Little Mexico” because it houses a lot of immigrant families for nearby agriculture and other services. There have been a few times that I’ve wanted to stop but never brought my camera along. Today, I did. I noticed an old tire shop that caught my attention. Hopefully, the metering was right because the sun was starting to blast the side of the white building!
In the afternoon we caught up with our neighbors over at Adam and Kim’s house for the Super Bowl! While my team didn’t win, it was a great game and awesome to spend several hours with neighbors we call friends!
124/365
February 10, 2024
Anna Maria Island, Florida
I needed a few more hours of sleep last night, but the extra hours with friends did wonders for my spirit! After cleaning up the house, we stuffed our beach bag, grabbed Ellie’s friend, Lily, and we drove to Anna Maria Island for an afternoon on the beach.
Initially, I was happily seated in my chair, but after a while, I joined the girls in the 60-degree water. Sometimes, I just have to let go of any comforts and ideals ... and go for it! More importantly, to see what life looks like on the other side. The girls loved it too, so it made the experience all the better!
I swear, kids just don’t have the mindset of limitation. I wonder how parenting causes us to limit ourselves later in life.
123/365
February 9, 2024
Venice, Florida
I took another day to reconnect, leaving technology behind. Ripley gave me a look that she needed more than our usual walk so I took her to the dog beach in Venice. It was excellent, and I love seeing her swim, interact with other dogs and their owners. If there’s one thing that is unique about Ripley, she loves humans more than other dogs. Perhaps that’s more about the breed, but she goes the extra mile. She’ll sit at or on your feet and put her head under your hand, subtly encouraging you to massage her head.
Later, we had a few friends over for dinner, cigars, and a few IPAs. I cooked two 3.5-pound tomahawk steaks. Before I could ask our friends if they enjoyed their dinner, all of it was gone!
It was a great way to end the week.
121/365
February 7, 2024
Wimauma, Florida
Hours and miles on the trails today were needed for personal replenishment.
On the drive home, I had some extra time and noticed a mid-80s Lincoln Towncar parked among newer vehicles. It appealed to me because of its body styling—edged fins, squared-off lines, and bright chrome. It was also in much better condition than everything around it, including the rubbish piled-up nearby.
I recalled my parents and grandparents mentioning, “Remember when things were built to last?” This car was not created only for physical durability but also for the durability of its design. I could feel the quality through my eyes.
120/365
February 6, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
Today, I had a difficult conversation I was not ready for but needed to have.
I indicated my intention to look outside, and seek a role with another organization. I have been torn on this idea, not just of change, but elevating my game at a different organization. If we’re listening to the prods of our soul, I think everyone will hear feedback to the question: Am I aligned? Am I doing the things that push me? Am I just as good as I was yesterday? What have I learned in the last week, month, or year?
In the afternoon, I needed a change of pace and mindset, so Ripley and I walked to a nearby park. There parked was a unique conversion van that looked to have been adapted for longer road trips and stays. Now that would be fun!
119/365
February 5, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
It’s Monday, and it rained. It rained some more and then rained into the evening.
Sometimes, I find the rain pleasant because the cloud cover offers some relief from the sun. However, today, it was fitting because I notified my leader of my intentions to leave the organization. His reply was curious but also heartening: He asked me to think about it for another 24 hours. I agreed.
118/365
February 4, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
I managed to sleep in until 7:30 this morning! Perhaps too much sleep, but I think my body needed a little more recovery.
I’m about 11 rolls behind in development, but I have plans to knock a few out tomorrow. I was going to tackle a few today, but I noticed some laundry collecting in the laundry room (where I develop). I learned some time ago that having anything going in the washer or drying machine makes for a lot of work in the scanning and post-scan work. Dust abounds!
Wendy had plans with her neighbor friends so the girls and I finally made it over to Arts-A-Blaze art studio on Main Street. Chloe painted a pencil holder while Ellie opted for the kitten. After that, we went over to the nearby miniature golf location for some “putt-putt.” It was fun to see the girls work the angles and use a little geometry to try and find the best route to the hole. Chloe had one hole-in-one, while Ellie had several close calls!
A fantastic wrap a busy weekend.
117/365
February 3, 2024
Venice, Florida
I rose at 5:30 this morning to pack up my bike and head over to Balm Boyette for some early morning miles on trails. The scene was pretty spectacular! Dense fog dusted the foilage and shrubbery with dew, making it look like a coat of snow. I managed 18 miles and felt very refreshed!
Around 6 in the evening, we met up with Wendy’s mom for dinner over at Fin’s in Venice. Unfortunately, Walter hasn’t been very stable lately, so he opted to stay home. Overall, we made the best of the occasion and had a great time. I opted for a whole Red Snapper, which I enjoyed very much!
There’s a quote by legendary chef Anthony Bourdain that goes something like this: "Order the thing on the menu you haven’t tried or are unfamiliar with. It’s a grave mistake to fall into the predictable tastes from yesterday’s experience.”
116/365
February 2, 2024
Bradenton, Florida
The day was delightful in every way.
I had my final panel interview, which was subsequently followed up with an offer to join the organization. I believe this is the platform I need to accelerate my growth and bend my intentions into action.
The family wrapped up the week by participating in Braden River Elementary School’s annual bonfire. While everyone was off chatting and trying to find their kids on the nearby playground, I spent time trying to figure out the setting that would capture the intensity of the fire and include shadow detail. Fortunately, Tri-X 400 film has a great deal of flexibility, but getting it right in camera also has personal rewards!
114/365
January 31, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
Wendy wasn’t feeling great this morning, so she opted to have a substitute teacher cover for her day. I helped ready Ellie and Chloe and then drove them to school.
The temperatures have been hovering in the mid to low 40s, so that’s been enjoyable. When this happens, the ponds tend to fog and steam up as the sun crests. I usually kick myself for not stopping, but today, I did! I took several photos from different perspectives, but the one I’m looking forward to has a bird nestling on a tree while the fog hovers behind it.
A scene like this reminds me of Walden and simple living amidst natural elements.
113/365
January 30, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
Yesterday, I finished my 5th book of 2024. While it does feel like a badge of honor, I can feel my mind changing and becoming sharper. Perhaps the combination of reading and exercising more intensely reconnects me to what’s good and returns me to alignment. I’m enjoying feeling refreshed, not just through mindfulness but also by pushing my body to respond. I think the next step is to seek outside counsel. There’s only so much I can do between my ears and through the written words of others. I feel compelled to seek guidance from a mentor.
I’ve already picked up the next book, Can’t Hurt Me, by David Goggins. In addition to listening to his exchange with Joe Rogan and his audiobook, this will be my third go-round with this one.
Late in the afternoon, I drove to Alafia for a few miles on my bike. On the way back, I saw horses on the property I usually pass by, this time standing close to the fence line. They were so focused on feeding that neither of the two paid me any attention.
112/365
January 29, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
I took a personal day to assemble my thoughts for my panel interview on Friday. I had difficulty collecting my thoughts, so I decided to put on The Last Dance and watch the final three episodes. If there’s one thing you can say about Michael Jordan, he was relentlessly focused on improving and winning.
I started the series a week ago, but one part of the third episode caught my attention—Michael Jordan’s use of a professional coach. That coach was Tim Grover, who wrote the book, called Relentless. It’s one of those books you have to read, watch the accompanying series, and do it all over again to pick up on the breadcrumbs.
Life leaves clues.
111/365
January 28, 2024
Sarasota, Florida
I exercised three times, and felt like I had more to give. They weren’t particularly full-on stressful, but today’s activities follow the 5 miles I ran yesterday. It consisted of walking Ripley for 2 miles, working out at “The Y” for 50 minutes, and a 4-mile run. After, I sat in my 70-degree pool to help my body cool down and recover. I haven’t yet jumped on the ice bath wagon, but I can see how it would benefit the nervous system and overall recovery.
After that, I spent time outside reading with Wendy while the kids played in the pool. After joining them in the hot tub for a bit, we went to Walt’s Fish Market for dinner. There, I took a picture that reminded me of Louis Jay’s black-and-white work.