Resolutions- kept and unkept

Unlike I planned nearly five months ago, I have not been updating my blog at all. It's not that I have nothing to say- ask any of my friends here and they will tell you I am never at a loss for words or stories. I somehow cannot motivate myself maintain this journal in my precious little spare time. If I had internet connection at home, it might be different, but as it is, the perfectionist in me only wants to write when there is a good, well constructed story to tell.

One resolve I had when coming to Lebanon was to relearn to down hill ski, which I had not in thirteen years. Last year, there were very few opportunities to ski, due to the weather and snow conditions (lack of snow). I went twice this year, and was surprised to find it easy to remember what to do. I wish I could have gone more, but it looks like the season is about to end. This past weekend, some friends and I went up to the mountains and decided to snowshoe instead of ski, since the snow was heavy and the weather looked like it might be unfavourable. It turned out to be a fabulous day- the sun shone, it was about 20C, and we hiked up and down the ski slopes, which was far more challenging for me than for my three very athletic companions. After our "walk" we had a little snack, then proceeded to the public beach at Byblos (the Phoenician port city) where we had a brief, chilly swim in the Mediterranean. Now I can say I have done what people brag about having the ability to do in Lebanon- go to the snowy mountains in the daytime and swim in the sea in the afternoon.