Top 10 Firsts in 2009

1. Visited Istanbul, Turkey with my family. Fascinating. Must see more of that part of the world.
2. Ran the Pengelly Double Dip a 13 mile run (21 kilometers) in the mountains. Did not do well but finished. Felt satisfied and humbled. Plan to try again next year and train differently.
3. Learned Final Cut Studio Pro a video editing software package for the Mac. Took summer course at the University of Montana. Still remember how to study. Great program.
4. Did 50 muscle ups in Crossfit. Click here if you don’t know what that is. Harder than it looks!
5. Drove to Las Vegas in August. 112 F (44.4 C) at 10:00 PM. Enveloping heat. 95 F (35 C) was considered cool according to the local weather report. Very unique experience. 
6. Visited the Grand Canyon. Vast. High. Too high. Made me a little nervous.
7. Hiked to Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park. I love this place. Maybe my favorite place in the world.
8. Presented a 2 hour presentation on technology enhanced learning at an Imperial university in northern Japan. Nerve-racking but big fun.
9. Ate a shrimp head, sea urchin, and tuna liver. I’d eat the tuna liver again. That’s about it.
10. Zip lined at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Nice!

I’m ready for 2010!

Beer and Ale (These days it’s quality not quantity):
 

Mississippi Mud - This beer rocks! It’s not the most expensive brew I’ve ever consumed but definitely one of the best. Smooth and creamy and goes down easy.

Kirin Ichiban - Like most things Japanese this beer is very well made. I love most Japanese beers and they’re especially good on tap. 

Corona - With lime on a hot summer day. Hard to beat.

Guinness - Many people think it’s too dark and heavy. Actually, it’s lighter than most domestic darks, low in carbs, and looks really cool as you pour it in your glass. I drink it cold not at room temperature like the Irish.