Surf and Turf

It's Christmas Day, and I've got an early start at the beach with my very first surf lesson. I am nervous and excited. I get to the beach early for a quick walk and a some stretching. I hear "are you ready?" I get up and boldly go forth. I fall again and again and again - as expected. The teacher is ever patient and keeps giving me new tips. The focus of now - to find a semblance of control; or rather to become one with the ocean and in doing so both giving up and gaining controls - I think this is what Stephen Covey would call true synergy. I finally manage, once, close to the end of the lesson, a small run. Not bad. And better yet - I've discovered a new sport I could love. I've also discovered something else, it turns out; a muscle group I've never really felt before - ow ow ow....

It's now Christmas afternoon, and I've gone on a dinner boat with the group. We motor along on the rolling waves and chill with some drinks and a decent soundtrack. Soon the boat stops in a very clear patch of ocean bathed in sunlight. Within minutes I'm out snorkeling in the ocean with gorgeous tropical fish. After frolicking around it's dinner time - fresh fish in a cilantro cream sauce with rice and potatoes - deli!! After another couple of drinks we begin to witness character changes in the people around us as they begin to shed their inhibitions - some acting goofy, others a bit crazy, and other's happier or moodier than I've seen them before. Soon however, everyone is in rapture of the pink sunset that quickly steals the sun on the open ocean. Night has enveloped the sky and soon the stars will twinkle from the darkness. 
Later that night, fresh warm creamy cheese cake, and good conversation cap a practically perfect day. Again I thank my lucky stars. I feel fully charged and connected to this beautiful world.