With no longer spending 35-40 of my weekends a year in tennis, ending the decade of tennis officiating would mean so much free time. That has not been the case... There is an adjustment when making a life change. I have always emphasized the year rule when ending relationships, replacing the deceased dog, moving into a new place, etc. That means give yourself a year's break before diving into a new "replacement:" for what has been lost with the change. People often say it takes two years to fully unpack and feel settled in a new home (unless they move from a dorm room).
Well, I believe that leaving tennis caused me a slight amount of depression, as I have dabbled into many things over the past two months. I have had eight free weekends in a row, and only one has seemed productive. However, that is because I am immersed in many other things that keep me busy, but none have become a passion. I have always loved photography and recently gained some skills in that hobby.
As with any hobby, there are upgrades and expenses. I recently upgraded to a new DSLR. I selected the Nikon D5100. While this is not a professional-level upgrade, it sure has a great deal of enhancements over the old camera. It has almost three times the MP's.
So I have been "learning" the new camera. It is hard to believe that so many variables make or break the right photo taken in the perfect light at the right time! Here are a few recent pictures I took to see what I have learned so far.
Nine Mile Creek - Bloomington
Two Harbors MN
Split Rock Lighthouse
Lake Superior south of Two Harbors
Therefore, the new camera has been occupying my time.
I also have had regular workouts for the first time in years. Then again, let us define regularly. Some who read this blog say that 50-100 miles running plus throwing in a little cross-training, like weight lifting three times a week, swimming a little, and another 100 miles on the bike is normal. For me, normal is getting at least five times a week with at least 45 minutes a day. I started 2012 that way and slipped for about 2 weeks, but I have two great weeks behind me.
Rally getting itchy for biking to work. It is 18 miles one way, but more often than not, a nice day ride is a great way to prepare for the day, and then coming home is an excellent way to de-stress from what has become a very, very stressful job. I am considering upgrading my 25-year-old Cannondale SR 400 road bike into a new flat bar road bike. I have looked at:
- Marin Lucas Valley
- Jamis Allegro Comp
- Novara Express (REI)
- Trex 7.5FX (However, I have never been a Trek fan)
But with the new camera, there is always that thing called a budget. That is noticeable as tennis, while a hobby, generated about $400 a month net in extra cash. While I live comfortably, that dent makes a difference. It is more than a 10 percent decrease in net pay from last year. So my "toys" take longer to acquire and appreciate, but with tennis, I never had the time to enjoy the toys, so there is a needed balance.
I plan to try occasional runs soon. It will be really slow. I am trying to get the weight down before I pound the surgically fixed knee, but running is the best way I lose pounds... Catch-22.
Anyway, still experience some withdrawal in the life changes, which can be expected. It was over a decade! I will fully adjust in time for a nice spring.
Hope you all are well and wish you safety in whatever you do...
Carry on...
