good ol' fresh air

I'm discovering that a way that I get refreshed and reenergized is to be in fresh air doing something mildly to quite strenuous. [I think I take after my grandpa (uh...and dad and uncles and bunches of other relatives) who would go to the woods to get firewood - although I think perhaps we heated our house with wood to supply the excuse.]

I'm also realizing that my attitude towards my current location improves drastically when I take the time and seize opportunities to get out and exert some physical energy while breathing in good air and taking in loverly sights. I'll admit that I sometimes dwell on the negative (ha! just now I listed 10 or so crappies...and deleted them because that's not what this particular blog is about). Yet seeing how beautiful Kosova can be is something special. And there are some really nice places with really nice views without the oh-so-distracting piles of garbage - high mountain villages, a waterfalls area, some woodsy paths, and a snow-capped mountain range. Last month alone I had 3 opportunities to go to a ski/sledding area - twice with colleagues and once with 6 buses of 250 Gjilani youth. Although I'm a lamesauce skiier, it's super refreshing and lovely.

Last week I had the opportunity to climb Mt. Lioboten (Lyboten?), the highest peak in KS, with people who know their stuff. Had they known that I've never hiked on a steep slant in snow/ice, I probably wouldn't have been invited - but I'm oh-so glad I was. I know I'm not alone in being this way, but seeing, hearing, and touching majestic creation is somehow - holy... worshipful... uniquely satisfying. What a difference!

Gorgeous, huh.