Holy smokes, it's been a while.

Things have been a bit hectic lately.  My oldest son, Lamar, has come home for a while, which is great (I hadn't seen him in over a year), but certainly adds a level of energy to my life.  Meanwhile, Catrina (formerly Chet) is preparing to move out, which will be very good for all of us.  The inital plan was to live with me for a year to a year and a half, and  this May it will be two years.  It's time for a separation... for her to get out on her own and get her adult life started instead of slacking off, working a few days a week and spending the rest of her time sitting on the couch.  Aaron has been taking college classes at the local community college, so I've been helping him with homework more of late, and Kyle is finishing up 8th grade... wow... so many things going on!!

On the more personal side, I've been really delving into my studies of Buddhism more and more, and I finally feel comfortable saying that I'm a practicing Buddhist now.  It's the faith that seems to make the most sense to me, though I'm still wrapping  my head around some of the concepts and from time to time find myself comparing things to my Episcopalian background.

On yet another note, I posted a proposal on Crowdfunder.com to raise money for the Foundation.  The money will be used to buy yoga equipment for the climbing team I coach... we do yoga as part of the program, and each year, students comment on how yoga not only helps their climbing, but also affects their academic, social, and personal lives in very positive ways.  Several students have commented that they would like to be able to get their own yoga equipment, so I want to help them out and hook them up.  If you can and want to donate, head over here and feel free.  I need to raise $300 in a month's time, so any help you can give would be super appreciated.  :-)

So... how has everyone been?

Some years ago, while studying Native American Shamanism, I had a dream which revealed my Totem Spirit to me, so I wasn't surprised by this:

You are a Wolf! (your score: 22)

Characters: Marek, Alanka, Kerza in Eyes of Crow; Lance in "The Wild's Call"

Powers: Stealth, hunting ability, enhanced senses of smell and hearing, as well as strength and stamina

"Family comes first" could be a Wolf's motto. You form deep connections with close friends and family members, and they know you'd do anything to protect them. You're loyal, devoted, and passionate. Your worst fear is being alone, but be careful not to drown your loved ones in too much emotion.

Best matches: Swans, Otters, Crows

Watch out for: Spiders, Owls, Foxes

http://www.jerismithready.com/quiz/

Yesterday I opted to head down to Denver to the Avalokiteshvara Buddhist Center in Denver and took Blake with me.  I'm glad we went.  We walked in and as it turned out they were having the first in a series of community lunches, and we were invited to join them.  We sat and chatted with people for a while, and discovered that classes are taught in Northglenn, just a short drive from my house, every Thursday evening.  As it turns out, this Thursday is parent/teacher conference night, so I won't be able to attend this Thursday, but I would like to check it out at least once, for sure.  I was impressed by the warmth and openness of the community, and that it seemed to be a small, tight-knit group.  I've been thinking about joining a sangha for a while now, and though I have also been told that it isn't necessary, it would still be good to exchange ideas with others.

Neil Gaiman's American Gods is available to read online for free, courtesy of his publisher.  Head over to his site and you'll be able to find the link there.  It's only up for about a month, so don't take long to do it. 

There was more when I started writing this, but it seems to have escaped me, at least for now.