This is the foggy, gray, and contemplation-inducing side of the James' personality. Damien sits in this very spot almost every day on his way home from work. I think his peaceful outlook is enhanced through his relationships with nature.
We had a fantastic weekend in West Virginia with the Lisowski brothers. We had Jimmy's cabin which is perched on top of a mountain and overlooks a breathtaking valley full of trees. We spent our days hiking, exploring, biking, eating, reading, and making various paper mache birds for Chris' art show, which we hear was a great success in Pittsburgh!
We also went snowboarding on a 50 degree sunny day in the Blue Ridge mountains last weekend. And this weekend we went mountain biking at Pochahontas State Park. Being outside in the winter here is less frigid, and the temperatures certainly make it easier to enjoy the outdoors.
Teaching is going well for us. It is utterly exhausting, both physically and mentally, and it's rewarding beyond explanation. We typically work either at school or at home on school stuff, on average, for 12-14 hours a day. I constantly feel overwhelmed, but I also feel nourished in a way I have never experienced before. The high schools here are a bit insane and totally stressful, but they are also a source of joy for us. Sometimes I forget who I am during the week, and on Saturdays I breathe in the world and notice things like clouds and can actually here my inner voice saying, "hey!" I'm still searching for the right balance.
Well enough of that. The Superbowl is this evening and I'm rooting for the Patriots! Go New England! Bwa ha ha...
