Look what the mailman brought!

Stickers and Swag! Thanks, Megan!

Good Vibes - Friendly People!

So, the folks at Crested Butte (namely Megan in social media/PR) have seen this blog, heard my story, and have generously offered to send me all sorts of info, advice, AND, get this: STICKERS! My guitar case, and possibly car, will be rockin' Butte swag soon! Woot! I heard the small-town, friendly vibe of CB is one of the best aspects of the town/resort, and it's already proving to be true.

In other news, had a rockin' workout, today. No movement on the scale, though. Stupid old age...

Passion Within Trailer

Passion Within: Crested Butte Trailer from Crested Butte on Vimeo.

Bring it, Baby!

The Shock Wears Off...Or Does It?

A week ago, my wife, Krista,  gifted me with the only thing that has been on my bucket list since childhood: a ski trip out west. I know, this may seem like a superficial dream, but I teach in an urban public school, and on the weekends, I'm a struggling musician and I coach little league, so back off. I get a little frivolous fun. I skied all over the east, but never got to fulfill my fantasy of Rocky Mountain skiing. We're lucky to have a little money saved, and a couple years before we have to worry about college payments. Over the past week, I've been a kid, again. I've memorized the driving route from Denver to Crested Butte. I've poured over the trail map and have planned out each day on the slopes - which lifts, which runs..... Next, likely, will be to research restaurants and watering holes... I could not be more excited. Then, reality creeps in - am I up for this?

 Here's the problem: I'm old as hell, I weigh too much, and my body is a mess. I used to be a pretty good skier in high school, but since 1990, I've skied maybe five times.  I've also had three major orthopedic surgeries, including two ACL reconstructions...on the same knee.  I've skied enough in the past five years to know that my knee won't explode on turn one (or it shouldn't). But I have a lot of work to do. I used to be a pretty serious athlete, playing top-level rugby until my late 20s. But the truth is, I'm 45, and those days were 20 years ago. I've stayed active: I swim, spin, and I still play baseball. But that will get me about three turns on any kind of incline. It's time to get to work.

I have 50 days to get my legs in skiing shape. I've already gotten a five day head start - I've hit the bikes, the Stairmaster, the pool, the planks, the weights, and the Erg. I've re-learned the joys of wall sits. I've recruited both my 11 and 15 year old to join me in this fitness journey.  Everything else, I can pretty much write a check for. But if I'm going to truly savor this experience, I don't want it to be from the bunny hill...or the infirmary. Wish me luck.