Random GnarManda thoughts...scattered this evening, but it's been a while so I figured I would stream randomness...
I hear the trains before I fall asleep at night. It's a western thing.
For the first time ever I helped create a parade float, a daunting task, but in the end so much fun and a crafty way to meet and get to know some of my co-workers. I also walked in my first parade and I am glad I waited for the Truckee Fourth of July to make my first appearance. I have never seen anything like it. Crowds 20 people deep. Thousands of children clustered together. The entire town waving flags, wearing red, white and blue. I felt like a true American. I also made a mental note to keep an eye out for all things "Americana" for next year's outfit.
And we found out today that our float won first place in the commercial division. That's a pretty big deal. Props to the Tahoe Donner team, and Mariah - the leader of the float-building pack - and my new buddy.
I call them tubes but here they are called floaties, or at least that's what my friend Lilian from Brazil says. I spent three afternoons floating on Donner Lake with my new friend Lilian. We met for a bike ride and dinner last week, and snap - we just hit it off. But back to the floating - it's a lifestyle here. I couldn't be happier with a cold beer, sun hat, sunglasses, bikini, sunscreen and great company. I am continuing to meet people I connect with and build friendships. Slowly, but surely.
Skiing in July? That's how we do it in Tahoe after one of the biggest snowfalls in decades. Three runs at Alpine Meadows early Sunday morning with a guy who paid me a compliment at the end of the day. "I was impressed, you're actually a good skier. I wasn't sure what to expect." ha ha ha. I think some kids grow up skiing big mountains out here don't know much about how big Whiteface is...or how steep and challenging it is. It was a solid training ground for me. (I am probably my toughest critic and have set high standards for how gnarly I want to get next season, but that's another story.) So, back to summer skiing - it was hot and sticky, but oh so fun. I wish my back was stonger. I'm having difficulty with it lately, but hope to get into a routine soon to build it back up for next season.
It was a nice day. I am going to leave it at that. The $3 PBR on the deck at 9:43 a.m. was a first, as was the beer at the River Ranch - one of the coolest bars/restaurants I've ever been to with priceless conversation which led to me getting caught up in the moment.
My list of "firsts" keeps growing and I smile as each day starts fresh. I keep forgetting how lucky I am. I know it will wear off, but I catch myself feeling like I am living a dream. Of course I have bills to pay, frustrations at work sometimes, I get lonely and homesick - but all in all, I am living my dream. Wow.
So, another month has passed and my feet are grounded. *sigh*
xoxo
