Ahhh, yes. I have no good excuse for my summer blackout period. Simply put, I guess I was lazy about writing. Maybe I was just caught up taking everything in, or perhaps my time was occupied by new adventures, great people and weather like I've only seen in movies. My biggest fear about starting this up again - because I've been thinking about it for a week or so now - was having to re-trace those summer steps or give some sort of wrap-up. Well, I really don't want to, so for now, I'm not going to. I'm going to bring you right back into the present, which was actually a big present to myself.
I took a short hike with my friend Mariah tonight after work. We drove up to the top of Tahoe Donner (where we both work) and decided to walk out the trail on Glacier Way. I had been out there with Henry a few weeks before, but only out to the Donner Lake viewpoint. Tonight we opted to hike out to the Negro Canyon overlook. We also headed out late - around 6ish, so the sun was setting and the moon was rising.
To top it all off, it was a full moon, so we watched the large white disc rise over pink skies. It's funny how sunsets just get better and better. Tonight's was no exception. We got out to the overlook and the world just opened up. I swear the sky was lavender with buttercup and orange hues. The jagged Pacific Crest Trail cut through the light shaded canvas. It was a double rainbow moment for me. Snow crunched below our feet in a few places and the air was a little brisk. On our walk back I stopped, turned around and saw a blazing orange sky - a rich shade of pumpkin - one that I have never, ever seen before, blanketed against the range. On our walk back down the trail on the moonlit path, although neither of us came out and said it, I'm pretty sure we were both feeling genuine appreciation for that shared experience, the opportunity to live in such a beautiful place, and the true chance of encountering such beautiful works of magic at the most random times. Neither of us expect to see such a painted sky on our simple, unplanned hike after work.
On my drive home I started thinking about how things just happen. My journey brought me here and I still have so many places to explore, people to connect with and things to see. Tonight was my inspiration.
I am soooooooooooooo incredibly stoked for the ski season. I am giddy to be able to be here and do something I absolutely love. I went to a movie premiere on Friday at Squaw Valley, and watched with new eyes. Especially the slaying of powder and the bond between folks on the mountain. I remember watching those movies before the season at home in NY and dreaming of taking my big ski vacation out west. This year my grin was double its normal size and lasted the entire show. I'm not sure if it was because the pros from the movie were sitting in the fourth row just a few seats down from me or because my reality is: right now Tahoe is my own backyard. I'm living the dream. I wanted to pinch myself right then and there. Yes, it's true. I am going to be able to just live it and ski epic terrain - like EVERY weekend and hopefully a few powder days. It's so exciting. It was also the boost and wake-up call I needed to get my ass in gear to start a strength training program - which was one of my reasons for the hike tonight, actually.
Anyway, this is me checking in again. I'm still in Truckee. I'm enjoying each day. I am trying to live in the moment and put my heart and soul into finding happiness in simplicity. Until the next time...xoxo
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Trains, American Pride, Floaties, Summer Turns
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
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
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Summer Solstice
6.21
Both numbers are multiples of three. I am celebrating my three month anniversary of employment at Tahoe Donner today. I love the number three. Is it a coincidence? Perhaps.
It is hard to look back at my last post and put myself back in time. I should have trusted in the people around me that life would change, and yes, this is probably going to be one of the best summers of my life.
Everything is different in California. It is insane. I know I keep stressing this, but I honestly don't consider myself a hard core New Yorker. More of an upstate type, or even better, a New Englander - since I went to college and spent most of my formative years there. But when it comes to summer, sunshine and blue sky, i have never, ever, in my entire life experienced what a Tahoe summer is. Sure, I heard it over and over again, but each turn is different, and filled with more surprises.
I always have these "ah hah" moments, and I love them. I was driving home from work last night, sun beaming away. Windows down and music cranking, and I drove into old town Truckee. As I approached the stop sign - on my normal work commute route - i looked to my left at the town and had a strange, sinking feeling. Like one of those creepers that just felt like home. It honestly scared the sh*t out of me. In fact, I stopped and was like "really, Amanda, is this happening?" and felt a rush of "oooooh, this is starting to feel like home, i could get used to this" almost stop me dead in my tracks.
Maybe "ah-hah" moments are not the best way to describe them, but for me, it's an unfamiliar circumstance that is some sort of guidance tool to help me keep on facing forward and continuing on and putting one foot in front of the other.
BBQs, cowboys, binkini's, the beach, pbr, sunsets, relaxation...soaking it all up. it's shocking. i see hints of east coast amanda shine through on a constant basis. but they also say that you can't change who you are. i am just absorbing all that i can, focusing on myself, and putting one foot in front of the next.
xo
Both numbers are multiples of three. I am celebrating my three month anniversary of employment at Tahoe Donner today. I love the number three. Is it a coincidence? Perhaps.
It is hard to look back at my last post and put myself back in time. I should have trusted in the people around me that life would change, and yes, this is probably going to be one of the best summers of my life.
Everything is different in California. It is insane. I know I keep stressing this, but I honestly don't consider myself a hard core New Yorker. More of an upstate type, or even better, a New Englander - since I went to college and spent most of my formative years there. But when it comes to summer, sunshine and blue sky, i have never, ever, in my entire life experienced what a Tahoe summer is. Sure, I heard it over and over again, but each turn is different, and filled with more surprises.
I always have these "ah hah" moments, and I love them. I was driving home from work last night, sun beaming away. Windows down and music cranking, and I drove into old town Truckee. As I approached the stop sign - on my normal work commute route - i looked to my left at the town and had a strange, sinking feeling. Like one of those creepers that just felt like home. It honestly scared the sh*t out of me. In fact, I stopped and was like "really, Amanda, is this happening?" and felt a rush of "oooooh, this is starting to feel like home, i could get used to this" almost stop me dead in my tracks.
Maybe "ah-hah" moments are not the best way to describe them, but for me, it's an unfamiliar circumstance that is some sort of guidance tool to help me keep on facing forward and continuing on and putting one foot in front of the other.
BBQs, cowboys, binkini's, the beach, pbr, sunsets, relaxation...soaking it all up. it's shocking. i see hints of east coast amanda shine through on a constant basis. but they also say that you can't change who you are. i am just absorbing all that i can, focusing on myself, and putting one foot in front of the next.
xo
Sunday, June 5, 2011
I hear the drizzle of the rain
"I hear the drizzle of the rain. Like a memory it falls. Soft and warm continuing. Tapping on my roof and walls."
And so it is Sunday. I find myself humming that tune each time it rains. I have dissected so many great lines from that song through the years. The lyrics provide me with some comfort through many different times.
I jinxed myself with my last post. I took the sunshine for granted, and am begging her to come back! I love snow. I love skiing. My favorite thing in the entire world --see first post -- is to spend the evening outside listening to the snow fall in tall pine trees. Snow in June does not make me happy. I am still feeling out how to describe what it's like to see snow when I am used to lush green gardens, tulips and spring. I yearn for a Saturday morning stroll through the public market, making fresh salsa and entertaining friends. I keep hearing that summer will keep me in Tahoe, and I am waiting, patiently, to see if that will be true.
My three month anniversary is soon approaching. My roller coaster ride has started to smooth out and I am slowly finding my way. The transition was a challenge. But the homesickness is a knock em out drag em down type of melancholy. When I think of exactly how far away from home I am, I immediately force myself to stop. I shut it off and put it away inside. I must keep looking forward. I must keep my focus and realize that I am doing what most dream of. Sure, there are sacrifices, but I put my trust in each step along my new path.
I am looking inward, and sometimes just confirming details about myself I already knew. I am growing stronger and embracing the good and the bad.
I don't know. Life never happens as you think it should. I know about my expectations and sometimes need to just let go. Find my balance.
The people and relationships I've made thus far are the most challenging, but most rewarding. I find that is true everywhere though. I love being back in the ski industry at a job that affords me the opportunity to share my creative mind, makes me think and forces me to learn new things. It is a great match and I consider myself so very lucky to have landed there. I guess everything else will just fall into place.
Today I made a list of all the territory I want to cover while I'm on the left coast. It is quite long, and I'm still asking around for the secret spots.
And so I sit in bed listening to the drizzle of the rain on the rooftop above me. I am dying for summer to get here and the fun to begin. I was told today that there is no "hoping" it will happen. He "guaranteed" it would! That made me smile...
xoxo
And so it is Sunday. I find myself humming that tune each time it rains. I have dissected so many great lines from that song through the years. The lyrics provide me with some comfort through many different times.
I jinxed myself with my last post. I took the sunshine for granted, and am begging her to come back! I love snow. I love skiing. My favorite thing in the entire world --see first post -- is to spend the evening outside listening to the snow fall in tall pine trees. Snow in June does not make me happy. I am still feeling out how to describe what it's like to see snow when I am used to lush green gardens, tulips and spring. I yearn for a Saturday morning stroll through the public market, making fresh salsa and entertaining friends. I keep hearing that summer will keep me in Tahoe, and I am waiting, patiently, to see if that will be true.
My three month anniversary is soon approaching. My roller coaster ride has started to smooth out and I am slowly finding my way. The transition was a challenge. But the homesickness is a knock em out drag em down type of melancholy. When I think of exactly how far away from home I am, I immediately force myself to stop. I shut it off and put it away inside. I must keep looking forward. I must keep my focus and realize that I am doing what most dream of. Sure, there are sacrifices, but I put my trust in each step along my new path.
I am looking inward, and sometimes just confirming details about myself I already knew. I am growing stronger and embracing the good and the bad.
I don't know. Life never happens as you think it should. I know about my expectations and sometimes need to just let go. Find my balance.
The people and relationships I've made thus far are the most challenging, but most rewarding. I find that is true everywhere though. I love being back in the ski industry at a job that affords me the opportunity to share my creative mind, makes me think and forces me to learn new things. It is a great match and I consider myself so very lucky to have landed there. I guess everything else will just fall into place.
Today I made a list of all the territory I want to cover while I'm on the left coast. It is quite long, and I'm still asking around for the secret spots.
And so I sit in bed listening to the drizzle of the rain on the rooftop above me. I am dying for summer to get here and the fun to begin. I was told today that there is no "hoping" it will happen. He "guaranteed" it would! That made me smile...
xoxo
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Sunshine
I was driving down the road today thinking that my friend Hamilton was right. Sunshine makes the world (and my world) a better place. I have one window in my bedroom, and each morning I push the curtains aside and raise the blinds knowing that most likely I am going to see sunshine and blue sky. It forces me to cut back on the snooze action, and something inside just feels good. I smile. Another beautiful day filled with sunshine. I keep thinking this base is going to drop out from under me, but I physically and mentally feel so much better here. Is it because everything is new and an adventure? I'm not sure. Is it because I have a fresh start and a new perspective? Maybe. But it just feels good.
Who would have thought?
I want to bottle it up. I want it to last forever. I feel as if I'm just scratching the surface. Chipping away at the base of the money spot. It's exciting. For sure!
So I wanted to post something today - even if it really is about nothing. Now it's time to get outside and play with Henry!
xoxo
Who would have thought?
I want to bottle it up. I want it to last forever. I feel as if I'm just scratching the surface. Chipping away at the base of the money spot. It's exciting. For sure!
So I wanted to post something today - even if it really is about nothing. Now it's time to get outside and play with Henry!
xoxo
Friday, April 15, 2011
gnarManda Spice
I have officially landed in Cali.
Here is the latest fix of gnarManda spice.
1.) I fully realized my complete love for frozen chocolate before bed. (It has become my ulitmate indulgence.)
2.) I believe that you never know the world, or yourself, until you decide to make an conscious effort to step outside of your comfort box and let things unfold.
3.) "Let things unfold" has become my personal phrase every day, as well as "live each day as it comes." I often ask myself how I was able to transform into this type of woman, after all the years of the opposite? It is my destiny. At least for now.
4.) Chillax is a commonly used term here in Cali.
Life revolves around "chillax-in".
Good things are "tight" or "hella good."
Bad things are "jenky."
I hear "right on, rad, dude, totally, for sure" all the time, and have actually adapted my slang to include local terms. It's not "hello, how are you today," but rather "hey, how's it goin?"
5.)People love to hug the left lane in Cali. I was told that the right lane is the passing lane here. It has been tricky to figure out on my own.
At first I was consumed by trying to figure out what i thought was "passive/aggressiveness" but now i just realize it is a way of life here. And, reading between the lines is a bonus. Taking care of business, and making sure things get done are two things that are completely respected and admired here.
The beauty completely ROCKS my world beyond any previous expectations. It is nothing like Jackson. They are apples to oranges. But the whole vibe and "living the dream" attitude continues to amaze me each and every day. I wake up smiling at the sunshine, gazing out over the tallest pine trees i have ever seen. The mountais have become pillars in the everday scenery. I can not wait for float trips, and seeing the California stars from my sleeping bag, next to some california mountain man.
My dream is me right and I welcome it with open arms, and a naturally full smile. Life is good. Bring it on, keep it coming, :)
xoxo
ab
Here is the latest fix of gnarManda spice.
1.) I fully realized my complete love for frozen chocolate before bed. (It has become my ulitmate indulgence.)
2.) I believe that you never know the world, or yourself, until you decide to make an conscious effort to step outside of your comfort box and let things unfold.
3.) "Let things unfold" has become my personal phrase every day, as well as "live each day as it comes." I often ask myself how I was able to transform into this type of woman, after all the years of the opposite? It is my destiny. At least for now.
4.) Chillax is a commonly used term here in Cali.
Life revolves around "chillax-in".
Good things are "tight" or "hella good."
Bad things are "jenky."
I hear "right on, rad, dude, totally, for sure" all the time, and have actually adapted my slang to include local terms. It's not "hello, how are you today," but rather "hey, how's it goin?"
5.)People love to hug the left lane in Cali. I was told that the right lane is the passing lane here. It has been tricky to figure out on my own.
At first I was consumed by trying to figure out what i thought was "passive/aggressiveness" but now i just realize it is a way of life here. And, reading between the lines is a bonus. Taking care of business, and making sure things get done are two things that are completely respected and admired here.
The beauty completely ROCKS my world beyond any previous expectations. It is nothing like Jackson. They are apples to oranges. But the whole vibe and "living the dream" attitude continues to amaze me each and every day. I wake up smiling at the sunshine, gazing out over the tallest pine trees i have ever seen. The mountais have become pillars in the everday scenery. I can not wait for float trips, and seeing the California stars from my sleeping bag, next to some california mountain man.
My dream is me right and I welcome it with open arms, and a naturally full smile. Life is good. Bring it on, keep it coming, :)
xoxo
ab
Monday, March 21, 2011
Ewe-taw and winter wonderland
I got feathers clamped into my hair. It is all the rage out here. I got them in Steamboat before I left. They look really cool. I went with the subtle brown, blonde, grey striped ones so they would blend into my natural hair.
The drive from Steamboat to Salt Lake City was a rough one. I was finally starting to feel exhausted and it was definitely a long day. Henry and I covered a lot of different landscapes and ran into some nasty weather just outside of Heber. We caught some great pictures of dinosaurs in Vernal, UT and some amazing desert sights. I would love to go back and mountain bike if I ever get the chance. It was pouring in Park City and Salt Lake as we drove down. The roads were scary slippery and just nasty with all the trucks hauling. We checked into a hotel, got settled and I was just in time for Sushi Happy Hour at a restaurant right across the street. It was yummy. The night in the hotel was perfect. I was able to unwind and relax. We definitely needed some down time before our big day at Snowbird celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
Henry and I met up with Toni the following morning at her place at the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon. We have not caught up since college – and it was great to see her and spend time with her. Being St. Patrick’s Day we sported green flare. Got up to Snowbird and started the day off with a couple of PBR’s – they know how to roll – for sure. Toni knows everyone – or maybe I should rephrase that – everyone knows Toni. She’s been there for nine years and is just one of those girls that everyone knows and loves. It was awesome to tag along with her for the day. She also rips. I remember skiing with her in New Hampshire back in the day, and was stoked to spend the day chasing her down the mountain. We ran into two of her friends – Uncle Mike and Woj – who were visiting from Mass. and spent the day skiing with them – or I should say I tried my best to keep up with them. I also got a couple tips from Woj – who coaches at Sunday River. Repetition, hands up like you are driving a truck, and crush the grape in the front of your boots.
Snowbird is a sick mountain. The terrain is steep, diverse and takes your breath away. I could feel the tram laps halfway down and got my butt kicked trying to keep up. The vibe with the locals there is also awesome. The lodge area is very chill and relaxed. People bring their own beers and food and chill out on the picnic tables. People are just nice and chill. We ended our day at the Tram Club to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish car bombs and green 3.2 Budweiser. It was one of my favorite days – for sure. We headed down the canyon back to Toni’s for dinner and group sleep over in the living room. I totally love the randomness of ski life. Her friend Uncle Mike ended up squeezing his gear in my already packed Subaru, duct taped his skis to my roof rack and made the trek to chase the powder in California. It was awesome to have a driver for that last leg. Henry sat on my lap the entire way and was a little prince. Uncle Mike was a trooper for hauling it the entire way – tumbleweeds and all. His nephew lives here in Truckee, so I dropped him off and met some new people. It’s just so interesting how everything comes full circle and just falls into place if you let it. Good people, good friends, good Karma and the rest takes care of itself.
So I pulled into Copenhagen Drive just before dark last night and am still getting settled in. The scene is chill here. It’s almost old school. I unpacked and finished settling in today. We got pounded with fresh pow pow, but I decided to just relax. I felt a cold coming on and really want to be prepared and ready to go for my first day at the office on Monday. From what I’ve seen so far things are chill and laid back here. No frills. I am living in a house with 2-3 housemates. The place is a typical ski place – my room is cozy and nice. Henry seems to be settling in ok. There’s an Alaskan malamute named Tawney and their first encounter was ok. Last night he got after her a little bit, but he will just have to work through it. I had a hard time falling asleep last night just because my mind was spinning. I am still amazed that I actually made it and I am actually here in this winter wonderland. I am hopefully going to get a better lay of the land in the next couple days and will spend some time trying to describe what it’s like. I am taking it all in. It is completely different. The 10 day road trip was incredible. I have been thinking about it all and will probably blog more about details as I process it all. It’s been great – for sure.
On that note, I see the sun peeking out between the clouds. Snow covers half of my window and the tall pines shoot up everywhere as far as the eye can see. There is white fluffy magic everywhere. It is like nothing I have ever seen. I had to wade through waist deep powder to get to my car in the driveway. Ooooohhhh laaaa laaaa.
Bring it on.
The drive from Steamboat to Salt Lake City was a rough one. I was finally starting to feel exhausted and it was definitely a long day. Henry and I covered a lot of different landscapes and ran into some nasty weather just outside of Heber. We caught some great pictures of dinosaurs in Vernal, UT and some amazing desert sights. I would love to go back and mountain bike if I ever get the chance. It was pouring in Park City and Salt Lake as we drove down. The roads were scary slippery and just nasty with all the trucks hauling. We checked into a hotel, got settled and I was just in time for Sushi Happy Hour at a restaurant right across the street. It was yummy. The night in the hotel was perfect. I was able to unwind and relax. We definitely needed some down time before our big day at Snowbird celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
Henry and I met up with Toni the following morning at her place at the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon. We have not caught up since college – and it was great to see her and spend time with her. Being St. Patrick’s Day we sported green flare. Got up to Snowbird and started the day off with a couple of PBR’s – they know how to roll – for sure. Toni knows everyone – or maybe I should rephrase that – everyone knows Toni. She’s been there for nine years and is just one of those girls that everyone knows and loves. It was awesome to tag along with her for the day. She also rips. I remember skiing with her in New Hampshire back in the day, and was stoked to spend the day chasing her down the mountain. We ran into two of her friends – Uncle Mike and Woj – who were visiting from Mass. and spent the day skiing with them – or I should say I tried my best to keep up with them. I also got a couple tips from Woj – who coaches at Sunday River. Repetition, hands up like you are driving a truck, and crush the grape in the front of your boots.
Snowbird is a sick mountain. The terrain is steep, diverse and takes your breath away. I could feel the tram laps halfway down and got my butt kicked trying to keep up. The vibe with the locals there is also awesome. The lodge area is very chill and relaxed. People bring their own beers and food and chill out on the picnic tables. People are just nice and chill. We ended our day at the Tram Club to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish car bombs and green 3.2 Budweiser. It was one of my favorite days – for sure. We headed down the canyon back to Toni’s for dinner and group sleep over in the living room. I totally love the randomness of ski life. Her friend Uncle Mike ended up squeezing his gear in my already packed Subaru, duct taped his skis to my roof rack and made the trek to chase the powder in California. It was awesome to have a driver for that last leg. Henry sat on my lap the entire way and was a little prince. Uncle Mike was a trooper for hauling it the entire way – tumbleweeds and all. His nephew lives here in Truckee, so I dropped him off and met some new people. It’s just so interesting how everything comes full circle and just falls into place if you let it. Good people, good friends, good Karma and the rest takes care of itself.
So I pulled into Copenhagen Drive just before dark last night and am still getting settled in. The scene is chill here. It’s almost old school. I unpacked and finished settling in today. We got pounded with fresh pow pow, but I decided to just relax. I felt a cold coming on and really want to be prepared and ready to go for my first day at the office on Monday. From what I’ve seen so far things are chill and laid back here. No frills. I am living in a house with 2-3 housemates. The place is a typical ski place – my room is cozy and nice. Henry seems to be settling in ok. There’s an Alaskan malamute named Tawney and their first encounter was ok. Last night he got after her a little bit, but he will just have to work through it. I had a hard time falling asleep last night just because my mind was spinning. I am still amazed that I actually made it and I am actually here in this winter wonderland. I am hopefully going to get a better lay of the land in the next couple days and will spend some time trying to describe what it’s like. I am taking it all in. It is completely different. The 10 day road trip was incredible. I have been thinking about it all and will probably blog more about details as I process it all. It’s been great – for sure.
On that note, I see the sun peeking out between the clouds. Snow covers half of my window and the tall pines shoot up everywhere as far as the eye can see. There is white fluffy magic everywhere. It is like nothing I have ever seen. I had to wade through waist deep powder to get to my car in the driveway. Ooooohhhh laaaa laaaa.
Bring it on.
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