Author: Michael Kreiling

Day 1,862 – Thankful for More Reasons to Travel – Impromptu Vacation Memories Over Dinner

There are so many reasons our family loves to travel so much. I’m intrigued as to how many times the words “vacation” or “travel” have appeared throughout the past 2,227 blog posts. What I am grateful for today is another reminder of why I am thankful for traveling with my family.

Over our family dinner tonight Dominic was sharing how he had temporarily misplaced his earbuds in the side pocket of his driver’s side door. We talked about the weird rip in the time space continuum that must exist there as it seems objects put into the pocket gravitate to hat one little place in the pocket in which you can’t quite feel the object you’re searching for the first several times you reach your hand into it. You know which part of the side door pocket I’m talking about, right? I swear, there’s a weird shifting of gravitational pull in that door…

Anyways, as we laughed about that I remembered someone losing their phone in that pocket on a vacation a while ago. Very quickly we remembered that it was in Maui. Dominic “lost” his phone and he and I had to drive back 15 minutes to go look for where we thought it must’ve been left while Becky and Gavin hiked (and saw whales). By the time we got back I happened to reach into the pocket for the 375th time and was rewarded with his phone.

Next thing we knew, our dinner conversation shifted to memories of that trip to Hawaii and the sights we saw. We talked about Gavin sleepwalking out of the condo in search of “a better…” Not only that, but we even got a little into other vacations as well. Every one of us were smiling as we re-lived some of those excellent memories.

I am still in disbelief of this photo being from three years ago!

I’m so grateful for our family putting a high premium on family travel – distant or local. In those moments we have the opportunity to create incredible memories, learn new things, experience different cultures, and walk away with fodder for future dinner conversations. Stuff comes and goes, memories are forever inscribed in our hearts.

Thanks!!!

Day 1,861 – Thankful for a New Trail to an Old Lookout

Day 1,861 – Thankful for a New Trail to an Old Lookout

After church and lunch Becky and I headed out for a hike. The weather was perfect and we both felt compelled to get both fresh air and a little exercise. Becky had noticed that there was a new trail opening this past week in Hixon so that was our destination.

The trail itself was certainly brand new. They had just knocked it our not too long ago and the smell of soil was fresh in the air. The path itself was nice and soft as it hadn’t been packed down by many travelers yet. Most of the trails in that area have been traveled many times by us, it was awesome being in an area we were unfamiliar with. Each new twist and turn showed us sights we hadn’t seen before. The autumn colors were fantastic and the rock formations we had not seen prior were very interesting. All in all, it was great taking a new path.

As it worked its way up to the top we re-connected with a trail that leads to a scenic overlook. We’ve been up there before, but it was a long time ago. The views of La Crosse may be amongst the best from anywhere in the city. We were able to see the power plant in Genoa a little less than 20 miles away. All along the valley we saw the various colors of leaves in the trees. Throw in the perfectly picturesque clouds and it was nothing short of beautiful.

Ahh… time in nature. There’s not much else in life I’d rather be doing, especially with my family and friends.

Thanks!!!

Day 1,860 – Thankful for a Moment at the Beach I’ll Never Forget

With the sound of Lake Michigan waves upon the sandy shores over the past few days an old memory was stirred to the surface of memory. The reminder of that day, and another like it, have brought an added level of calm to my life.

Way back in my senior year of college I took a spring break road trip to a quiet beach town in Mexico. This wasn’t the party all day and night experience at crazy college bars that you may be envisioning. The setting was much more chill and relaxed, I think we only went to a single bar for a very short period of time. While the road trip and time with those friends were my favorite parts of spring break there was a single moment in which a deep state of inner calm was found and has been tapped back into often.

Not from that night, but a very similar evening many years later.

One of the nights my friends were all chilling out in the beach house. I felt compelled to sit out on the beach. In the moonlight and under the stars I sat on the beach, looked up to the stars, and became hypnotized by the rhythm of the ocean waves. There was no nervousness, fear for the future, stress about the next chapter of life, or anything like that. I had no past, I had no future, I was completely immersed in the present.

When I put that memory into focus I can almost swear that I am back in that moment. I can see the stars overhead, the wisps of clouds, the glittering moonlight on the waves. The repeating sound of waves landing on shore, the slight ocean breeze blowing across the beach, and the silence of the rest of the world all echo in my ears. I can feel the sand under the palms of my hands as I lean back with my legs outstretched as I sense cool air blowing across my legs, face, and hair. The scent of the ocean air hangs around me. Even my lips have the faint taste of salt upon them. I remember the waves, I remember that moment, and my soul is stilled and I am there again.

Over the past few days that memory has re-surfaced and I am so thankful for it. In a calm waters, stormy seas, and everything else in between this moment is a refuge of serenity. Breathe in, picture that moment, breathe out, and I am there.

Thanks!!!

Day 1,857 – Thankful for Scenic Hiking Side Trips

Day 1,857 – Thankful for Scenic Hiking Side Trips

Becky had a brilliant idea for our trip to Madison this morning. She grabbed her Wisconsin State Parks map and found a couple parks we’ve never explored just off the beaten path we were traveling.

Talk about enjoying the journey and not just the destination!

Nothing like almost empty state parks early on a fall morning shortly after the sunrise. Fresh and crisp autumn air, a cool breeze, and the smell of forests and leaves were all around us as we saw beautiful vistas and fantastic rock formations.

Thanks!!!

Day 1,856 – Thankful for a Stunning Sunrise and a Serendipitous Shelf Shuffle

Day 1,856 – Thankful for a Stunning Sunrise and a Serendipitous Shelf Shuffle

The drive up the Mississippi River Valley was so stunning I felt compelled to pull over and grab a picture. The steam was again rising from the river into the cool air while the sky was positively pink and purple in one direction and blue and orange in the other.

When a day starts like this there is no doubt it will be a great one should I choose to carry the stillness of that moment into my day.

Later in the afternoon I was looking for a book on my shelf. In the process of looking I moved a couple of books around. For some reason my eyes were drawn to the back of How the Mighty Fall by Jim Collins. Most books have a summary on the back, but this one had a quote instead:

Whether you prevail or fail, endure or die, depends more on what you do to yourself than on what the world does to you.

Jim Collins

Sometimes the world is trying to help us hear the message we really need at a specific time. Other times it goes so far as to tie it to another message – in this case the irony of the title in the context of a recent challenge. Regardless, I am very thankful for the serendipitous shuffling of books on my shelf today!

Thanks!!!

Day 1,855 – Thankful for a Quiet Early Morning Drive, Living Into My 2021 Goals, and a Student Uber

My drive to Eau Claire was a very calming endeavor. The sun slowly rose while I drove. Rather than a book, podcast, or music I chose the sound of silence as my driving soundtrack. With all of the busyness of the last weekend it was refreshing to pause and think. With few cars on the road it was easy to focus my thoughts on what I had going on today as well as a handful of near and long term future projects and decisions as well.

This quiet time also helped me better live into one of the goals I set for myself for the year. By taking time to prime my brain in the right way I found it easier to still my mind and focus on listening more than talking. It made a very positive difference in the results of my day.

Another thing I’m thankful for today is the reason I’m currently blogging while laying in bed rather than driving back from picking up Gavin from soccer… we’ve got Student Uber in our house. Dominic offered to take Gavin to practice but instead I asked if he’d pick Gavin up so I could head to bed early. How awesome is that? A few extra zzz’s for me tonight!

Thanks!!!

Day 1,854 – Thankful for a Filling in the Gap and Gavin’s Cheering Section

Day 1,854 – Thankful for a Filling in the Gap and Gavin’s Cheering Section

My first reaction to seeing the schedule for Gavin’s soccer games in Eau Claire today was a very loud sigh. An 8am game in Eau Claire meant waking up at 5am to get there on time. The 2:40pm game meant a 5 hour gap in between games when we’re 90 minutes from home. That seemed like the worst possible schedule to me. An entire Sunday of soccer, well over 12 hours away from home. Then I took a deep breath and remembered to appreciate the time rather than wish it away.

Becky had a perfect idea to fit in between our games. We drove a half hour west towards Menomonie and did some hiking. The trails were stunningly beautiful with so many colorful leaves drifting slowly to the earth. The sun caught each in just the right light and it made for a stunningly unreal sight:

Afterwards she had the idea for pizza at the Lucette Brewery, the place we ate for Kala & Dylan’s wedding reception a little while back. The wood fired pizza was THE BEST pizza I’ve ever had – dee-lish!!!

We headed back to Eau Claire, ran a couple of errands and then headed back to the field. Rather than being a terrible schedule it became an opportunity to spend more time with my family enjoying the types of things we enjoy doing. It was the perfect way for us to fill the gap in the schedule and looking back I wouldn’t change a thing.

At the second game Gavin had his own cheering section! Becky’s parents and the Hause family all showed up to support Gavin and his team. It was obviously a success as Gavin’s team won the match 3-1. Pretty awesome to have an extra cheering section 🙂

Thanks!!!

Day 1,853 – Thankful for an Anniversary Party with Friends

Tonight we celebrated Steve and Kathy’s tenth wedding anniversary. Spending time together as a group of friends was fantastic! After the past year and a half I am so much more grateful for events like this. It’s always been a great time with friends, but after experiencing prolonged time without event like this I appreciate each gathering so much more.

Thinking back to ten years ago was a trip and a half! Going through old photos brought back foggy memories and has us laughing all over again. Spending time together to reminisce was an awesome way to spend the evening.

Thanks!!!