I had thought now that with no longer spending 35-40 of my weekends a years in tennis, that 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 and etc. That means give yourself a year break before diving into a new "replacement:" for what has been lost with the change. I often hear people say it takes two years to fully unpack and feel settles in a new home (unless they are moving from a dorm room).
Well, I believe that the leaving tennis had a slight amount of depression as I have dabbled into many things over the past 2 months. Been 8 free weekends in a row and only one has seem productive. However, that is because I am immersed in so many other things that keep me busy, but none have really became a passion. I have always loved photography and spent some tim e recently gaining some skill 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 overt he old camera. It has almost three time the MP's.
So I have been "learning" the new camera. It is hard to believe that there are so many variables that make or break the right photo taken in the perfect light at the right time! To see what I have learned so far, here are a few recent pictures I took.
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 regular. Some some who read this blog that is 50-100 miles running plus they throw in a little cross training like weight lift three times a week, swim 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, slipped for about 2 weeks but have has two greta 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 a great way to de-stress from what has become a very very stressful job. I have been looking at possibly 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, never been a Trek fan)
But with the new camera, there is always that thing call a budget. That is notices 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" just 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 am hoping to try occasional runs soon. Will be real slow. I am really trying to get the weight down before I pound the surgically fixed knee, but I am finding the running is the best way I lose pounds... Catch-22.
Anyway, still have some withdraw in the life changes and that shield be expected. It was a over a decade! I think 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...
