It's been a busy couple of weeks. While I had imagined my January lighting out on choice skiing outings and over night trips, the reality has been something quite different.

My friend Chris Flood an outwardly dishelved but inwardly sharp independent contractor at the Rochester Area Foundation, recently commented, "you really need to make your blog more edgy." As an upwardly mobile 30-something with a seemingly bright future within his organization, I guess I should heed his advice. But edgy? Come on. What does it really mean to be edgy? Regardless, on with my appearanently overloaded January.

I met up with an old friend Paul Pregont and had a chance to do some dog mushing which was great - even if it was with the Polar Huskies - huge 100 pound goliaths. Slow - yes, but also very powerful. Still, what an amazing feeling to be out with the dogs and enjoying winter. It was so quiet. The dogs rarely make noise when they're running.

As usual, I've been doing a bit of traveling and made my way to southern Minnesota to give lectures at schools in Red Wing, Rochester and a corporate lecture in Roseville. Next on my schedule is two school talks in Winona, Minn. Should be a lot of fun.

The picture shown here (with Lonnie and Aron Ralston) is from last summer and the Outdoor Retailer Expo in Salt Lake City where I will be on Thursday. Special thanks go to Atwater Carey for sponsoring my visit.

Next stop, India.

But first things first. Per Chris's request, I will write more in the next few days. Hopefully, these new postings will have the hip new perspective and generation bridging appeal that Chris suggested these ramblings required. Any other advice out there? Please (and I mean please) send it my way.

I'll say 'hi' to the Great Salt Lake for you. It's the least I could do.