Life is a saga. A novel filled with fun anecdotes and intriguing lessons. Tucked within the pages of everyone’s personal story lie glimpses into the human condition, tales of triumph, loss, grief, success, and hints of what motivates, inspires, and gives hope to each individual.

I’ve heard harrowing stories from many of the difficulties they encounter, and am continually amazed at the resilience and tenacity each person shows. Seeing one friend, for example, push through a concussion and a breakup in the same weeks, and maintain the will to still pursue meaningful relationships and an illustrious career gives me hope that when trials come in my own life, I can encounter them with joy and a resilience myself!

What has given you hope recently?

My grandfather was a great man.

He performed in “The Music Man”, “Madame Butterfly”, and “Fiddler on the Roof” and sang in over 10,000 funerals and weddings in his time (no joke), all on top of a full-time position as a pharmacist and a focus on quality time with his family.

He was one of the most generous people I’ve ever met and remained unabashedly positive regardless of the circumstances.

I’ve learned a lot from him, and hope to carry his legacy forward by deepening my faith, continuing to connect with others, and genuinely contributing my time and energy to lifting up humanity, just as he did. I love him to the moon and will miss him immensely.

I write this in seat 21C of Alaska flight 234-1 from Eugene to San Diego.

You know that nervousness you feel right before you step off the high-dive into the your community pool? Yeah. That’s me right now. Except my high dive is in the form of a teeny tiny round silver diamond encrusted object that I’m about to give to the love of my life. And rather than leaping into the cold shimmering waters tinged with chlorine, I’m bending down and planting one knee in the San Diego sand…

Yep, I’m (hopefully) getting engaged today. And I couldn’t be happier. What can I say? She’s got me, hook, line, and sinker. If not her, then who?

I’ll save you the sappiness, but these milestones are such important parts of our lives. Such a small moment, but such a big leap.

Well, here’ goes. Into the deep end. Wish me luck!

(Post update, she said yes. Thank goodness or I would have just swam west).

I used to downhill longboard all the time. Every once and a while I’ll still dust off the ol’ deck, slip on my slide gloves and find a fun little hill nearby. Here’s some footage from an afternoon bomb today. Enjoy!