Injuries and illness

Well while I've been screwing around having a great old time running through cactus bushes like an idiot more serious aliments have struck at a couple of my good friends in the last week which have put everything in a bit of perspective. A good friend back in California has been diagnosed with luekemia while another good friend back in England has broken her back. I don't know all the specific details in either case but I'm staying as positive as possible and dreaming of the best possible recovery for both. It's made me think a little of the stupid things I've put myself through, my cactus hiking story most recently. There really is no reason to put myself in a situation where I'm needlessly and recklessly injuring myself. I'm hobbling around for a bit now and why? Because I got drunk and was stupid. I'd like to think it won't happen again but I'm sure it will, and that just makes me feel stupid. On the other hand its also made me realise that having this year off and doing the ski season and raft season is one of the best things I could ever do. Taking advantage of the time I do have and doing the most with it while I can because you never know how long you'll be able to exploit these opportunities. I suppose one could argue that snowboarding and rafting are dangerous and maybe I'm increasing the risk of injury but I like to think that I try and minimise those risks through proper training and experience and being fully informed of the situations I get involved in. In any case I could never live in a bubble, I have to go out and enjoy life and I hope that everyone else does the same and enjoys their lives to the fullest and grows old happy with all they have done and experiened. I guess times like these make you think and reflect about your own life and your friends. In any case my thoughts are with both of you Kirsty and Marco. I hope the next time I see each of you, you are both happy and healthy.