Welcome to the Hungry Mountain Goat. A collection of things bursting from my a mind somewhat deprived of oxygen, rich in clean air, and prose from which I can spew these things I keep writing about, but never end up typing. In this you will find thoughts about wine, skiing, camping, hiking, food, Scouting, and general philosophy of love, life, and otherwise.On today's docket was somewhat of a partly cloudy day, a normal early morning meeting at the bank. In case you didn't know, I am somewhat responsible for educating the public as to how to obtain money at interest, how to manage their money so they don't get charged overdraft fees (though I am told this is to change), and how to send money to far away lands like Peru, Argentina, Mexico, and the Philippines. My bank garb today was a lavender/pink shirt with a tie bought for me by a special girl, a patterned purple/pink tie. I felt pretty fly.
My day is usually broken up by an hour of hanging out at the bank, with the hopes of grabbing a 3 (most of the times 4) shots of espresso. I have been eating on the run, my diet packed with Vitamin Water or protein shakes, and a bagel. Getting a bit bored with that, lately, so I bought some oatmeal last week. I know that gruel will get old. Lunch consisted of half-decent sushi, and the Summit Daily News, chock full of slow-news- rantings about environmentalism, the occasional idiotic AP story, and my favorite, the Summit County Rotary page, telling of all the things that Rotarians do in Summit County...Rotate...I mean it.
My day was also full with dealing with Peruvians (not like last week, though) having to tell me they need money, and I am the Patron that releases it to them. They are young kids, the majority of them engineering students, devoid of any free connective thought, unless it has to do with mechanization.
I also spent the day on my latest project, that being the newest Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 187, in Breckenridge, Colorado. I am liking how it is coming together; I feel already as if I am mobilizing the boys to be adults. I have always felt that Scouting and my experience with it was so valuable in ways of integrity, inner strength, and faith in oneself.
Oh, I must say, and my philosophy to apply to this Troop will center around straight talk, trust, and faith in a young man. This means trusting them with sharp objects, fire, and decisions that men must make, even at a young age.
If you have any questions, please consult: http://artofmanliness.com.
It looks at some old-fashioned truths, fundamental to the development of a man, like choosing a barbershop, the 'Man-ovational' musings of Teddy Roosevelt, and even basic things like when to open a door for a lady, and what true patriotism and a certain toughness means. I highly recommend it.
I am not advocating life or death in the hands of a 13 year-old. I am advocating a strength that boys lose in today's world with technology and anything that the softy school systems advocate. More on this later.
Recovery today still, on the athletic front. I am a tired boy from the Imperial Challenge, with pain up near my shoulder blades, near the Teres and the Infraspinatus. Not sure why that happens. It surely has something to do with my posture.
The Mountain bike and 'cross bike must be cleaned (power-washed), but the weather is being temperamental anyway. I like not going out consistently, coming home, making something in my favorite cast iron skillets, and making my way upstairs, a refuge full of books, computer, and stacks of notebooks.
Food (hence the hungry part) was pretty simple, a hash I mixed with some pasta, a few handfuls of spinach, and a leftover steak I cooked last night. I drank Arrogant Bastard Ale, which suited my longing for floral hoppiness in beer. Wine shops are a little hard and inconvenient in Breckenridge, unless I go to Ridge Street, which is out of the way. I really love Cast Iron, a material which retains heat, leaves a rustic feeling about your food...mmm. I did add some Gorgonzola and butter to the steak, which is awesome. Last week it was Lamb with Gorgonzola-Habanero butter.
I am still inspired by Ratatouille, and rustic mash of mixing and matching ingredients. After all, why is any cuisine great? It is wonderful because of the synergy within, not individually. I cook as a messy oil painter. The mixing of the colors, swirls, no real complete color definition. I loved painting for that reason.
I think a lot about a young lady, almost whenever I can. I found that over a several (3) month period, I found myself missing her. I do, honestly. Through some communications, it comes to me that maybe any of the outside world are not quite what she is. We are all imperfect, including your mountain goat. And what I learned to do for myself, after many years of torture and self-imposed social exile, is forgive myself for being imperfect. It felt good being by her side, watching the Country Music Awards, even though I hate those kinds of shows. I like the pace...slow and steady, as she says. Its great to be supported, but in a way of happiness: 'I just want you to be happy.' As simple as it sounds, it makes sense to me. That and for some reason, she finds a way to calm my itchy heels and spinning mind down to a manageable size and speed.
Have a great Wednesday! More Mountain Goat later!
Cheers.
