The power of sunshine is truly magical, isn’t it? I’m amazed at what a difference a healthy dose of rays can do for my mental well being. With the exception of only a few small gaps I was out in the sun the overwhelming majority of the day. Even as I type this I’m sitting outside listening to the sound of the waves crashing into shoe and getting some natural light.

As with many people this time of the year is when it’s most difficult for me to get enough sun. Most of the sunny hours are spent in an office and the time outside usually involves being covered head to toe to stay warm. The sunlight shrinks to such a minuscule level (though it could be worse, I can’t imagine those whose live in Alaska this time of year!).

Today I was up shortly after sunrise and will go to bed only an hour or so after it sets. Back home there was about 9 hours between sunrise and sunset, here it is currently about 14 hours. Those extra five hours each day are glorious and greatly appreciated!!!

I know, I’ll have to deal with it when I get home. No worries, I’ll be working my sunlamp overtime to get some artificial sunny goodness. In the meantime though I’ll soak up every ounce of sun I can while here.

Much of the day was spent at the ocean relaxing on the beach. You may not know this, but I have a lingering fear/nervousness of the water. This is something I continue to work on. As I watched Dominic and Gavin have tons of fun body boarding I realized I shouldn’t let my nervousness get in the way of having a great time. When Gavin came in I grabbed his board and headed out with Dominic.

It was so much fun! Yes, I totally got water in my nose, ears, and mouth, but it was completely worth it. Wave after wave would come and Dominic would help me choose which ones to hop on. After a while I was able to start catching them without his help. We had a blast watching each other hit the waves perfectly, miss others, and both decide that some were a bit too big (when it was nearly two feet over my head I squealed like a little kid and ran quickly towards shore).

The power of the surf was mind blowing to me. There would be some waves that would hit me as they broke and push me backwards several feet. The sheer power they pack is amazing, and to think it’s only water. I can’t even imagine how powerful the bigger waves the surfers are catching are.

All in all, it’s been an awesome day. I’m thankful for soaking up so much sun and for enjoying a day in the surf. This is about the most relaxed I’ve been in a very long time.

Thanks!!!