A Long overdue update...

Hello all. It's been about 7 months since my last posting on the Blog here, so I thought I would give everyone an update.

There has been an extraordinary number of things which have gone on since I last posted, which is one reaons why I haven't posted sooner. Where to begin...

Well, as many may know, but others might not, it has been a difficult summer for Ari. Just after my last post on here, Ari came down with severe pain in her neck and her back which later translated to nerve pains and other issues throughout her body. She has been off work since about April, and it will likely be sometime before she gets back. Unfortunately, this meant we had to cancel our planned honeymoon in June, and not much else happened this summer. We have made numerous trips to Calgary to see specialists, and will likely be going to Edmonton next week to meet with a Neurologist.

Things have been steadily improving over the last couple of months, and she is more mobile than she previously was. Will likely be posting closer to Christmas as to an update in this area.

In other news, I am continuing my term on the Lethbridge College Board of Governors. I have had some wonderful experiences as a Board member and met some very interesting people. In June I was fortunate enough to be able to attend a conference in Niagara Falls, ON. Quite a place. Most recently I was able to attend U of L Convocation as a representative of the Board, and was very proud to do so.

In late April of this year I returned to a long time joy in my life, which I took about a 13 year break from...Karate. After a couple of months of retraining to remember what I had forgotten, my Sensei was gracious enough to allow me to wear my black belt again. Since then I've not only recovered much of what I had forgotten but learned several new Katas and techniques. Honestly...I should have started again when I moved back to Lethbridge. It has been wonderful not only for my back and physical health, but also my emotional and spiritual health as well. Which leads me to more news...

In June I began a new long term project which I am hoping will be completed within the year...I have started writing a book. As of today I have written over 13,500 words and I still have several chapters to complete before I finish Part I of the work. The book is about spirituality and helping others find their spirituality by introducing various spiritual topics and providing examples. For the moment, the book is entitled "At the Crossroads: A Guide to Developing Your Spirituality".

Many are going to ask this question, based on my background...is it a book on Catholic spirituality? The answer to that is no. It is a work which takes examples from numerous traditions throughout the world and attempts to introduce them without a particular faith perspective, so that the reader can meditate on the themes and examples provided to discover their own spiritual path. I have no doubt that this will raise the eyebrows of more than a few readers who have known me over the last half decade. However, as one may discern out of the title of the book, it is called "At the Crossroads" for a reason. But more to follow on that down the road...

I'm hoping that I will be able to provide an update on events down the road here. As you may have guessed, it has been a challenging year this far. However, I feel blessed that Ari and I have reached our first year of marriage together, on September 26th. I am also encouraged that we seem to be making our way out of the woods together. Hoping that we will get to go on our honeymoon in 2011, and...hang on everyone...Ari may even come to Vegas this spring. Madonna is apparently going to setup shop in Vegas for a five year stint. Ari has always wanted to see Madonna in concert, so we may be going.

Anyway, hope all is well with everyone. Will chat soon.