Weekday Winter Warrior

Winter is beautiful in Colorado. The snow in the mountains creates a sense of innocence in the people you see and the small towns you drive through. There is an overwhelming feeling that I get, that I am smaller than I think I am when it snows. All that fresh, white powder covers the mountains and roads saying, "here you go, a clean slate. Start something new, be free of your constraints." That is what I can hear when I'm blanketed by snow.

Then I hear the slice of my skis into the freshly groomed trails and hear myself say, again, 'I LIVE here!? HERE? No way.'

Pause. One of my closest friends sent an email with a great quote: Be old enough to appreciate your freedom, and young enough to enjoy it. Finally know who you are.

I know who I am because I found the place where I feel at home. Chicago was a temporary home and I still feel connected to the city every time I am walking the streets, on the EL and running on Lake Michigan. But Colorado, wow. I know I belong here because I've got the gear to prove it and the seasonal ski rental to show my commitment. And a lot of great friends to laugh with and share our time and love for this state together by running trails, snowboarding, skiing, and discovering more state parks full of fun! I am committed to living life to the fullest out here.

Final exam time is one of the greatest weeks of being at teacher. I didn't have to be at the school for the day I didn't proctor an exam. Wednesday at about 11 AM I left school, picked up a boy and headed to the mountains. We got a few hours of skiing on Wednesday, woke up and skied the next morning. WHAT?! This is my life!? Take advantage of this weekday freedom and get out there and ski!