colorado: two years out.

two years ago this morning, i left my behind my little steamboat world. i awoke with a bit of a headache from my farewell bash the night before, enjoyed bagels with my boys, finished packing and cleaning and scrambling, took a final gondola lap with brett, said tearful goodbyes to a few more friends, and hopped in my car loaded with the contents of my apartment, two pairs of skis, and a bicycle. 

i've now enjoyed life in vermont for two whole years. i've developed a wonderful life, enjoy a good job, and have settled into a sweet routine that includes family, best friends, and sweet dogs. moving across the country has brought brett & me closer, and now we have a wedding planned. for all of this, i am grateful.

this morning (without knowing that today is my departure anniversary) brett asked me how often i miss steamboat. the answer is that i miss steamboat all the time. not in a negative, life-sucks-now sort of way. just in an appreciative way. i loved my five years in colorado- the lifestyle, the people it brought into my life both at vista verde and in steamboat, the blue sky, and the growing up that i got to do there. i carry all of those lessons and memories with me here in vermont. 

the top three things that i miss--

1. my people. those dozen or so sweet friends who came riding, skiing, stumbling, and smiling into my life in moments of adventure or loneliness. for the laughter, the bike rides, the free concerts, the powder days, the dance parties and the happy hours that we shared together. some of those friendships have survived a few thousand miles of distance thanks to technology and effort, while others have not. friendships take time to develop, and consistent exchanges. we've got a few wonderful folks we're getting there with here, but patience and persistence are necessary. 

2. the community. those mountain people are some good folks and i met so many great people through my jobs, committees, fitness classes and more. i felt known and embedded in the community. despite spending the first 18 years of my life in montpelier, it's different to re-establish yourself as an adult in the community. i'm getting there, through committee participation, a partner who works in a prime downtown shop, and becoming more of a peer to the "grown ups" of my childhood. it's different, too, to not work right in the community where i live. 

3. the culture. i miss the powder clauses on snowy mornings, the short walk from my apartment to the office, the happy hours everywhere, the public buses, and the mountain town. in vermont, i appreciate the incredible food culture, the frequent live music, the enthusiasm for a variety of activities. i love that i can choose to go nordic skiing on a snowy day and not get grief for not hitting up a powder day on the mountain. i love that i can go for a casual bike ride and not feel as intimidated because i didn't ride a major pass, or mountain bike from one peak to the next. 

so, here's to carrying a little steamboat in my pocket. and continuing to appreciate all that vermont has offered me. 

dear sugar.

i've been reading cheryl strayed's book called "tiny beautiful things: advice on love and life from dear sugar" off an on for a while now. dear sugar is an advice column, and the book was recently published compiling some of her best and never-before-published columns. i've been so enjoying the writing and advice. i came across this poster full of many of her greatest quotes.

sunshine.

the weekend.

friday: class all day, an icy & fast ski at morse, the arrival of my ring (!!!), thai takeout, a bonfire with friends, boys building snow domes.

saturday: a short night's sleep, a snoozing dog, a visit to my parents house, a walk with jen & the pups, a sweaty workout, a full grocery cart, clean laundry, new josh ritter album, leftover blueberry pamela's pancake lunch, and an afternoon matinee. here's to productivity & relaxation.

routine.

what would you like to do if money were no object?

how would you really enjoy spending your life?

post a comment & tell me!

lately.

friday morning sunrise ski.

snuggle time.

bluebird snowy morning in montpelier.

bright & sunny.

sunday morning ski.

family fun.

session americana.

this is the band we saw on friday night. they rocked it! great stage presence, sweet tunes, laughter, raucous rhythms.

the weekend.

a two generation double date x 2 friday: dinner out with brett, my folks, jenna & al, and j's folks followed by a terrific concert. a ski day with brett, jen & al followed by relaxing, lasagna and phone time. an early backcountry ski, a clean apartment, a bathed dog, big snowflakes, a full fridge, a cozy tea date, fresh muffins and an easy dinner. what a lovely weekend.

live fully.

"i get the invitation every morning when i wake up to actually live a life of complete engagement, a life of whimsy, a life where love does. it doesn't come in an envelope. it's ushered in by a sunrise, the sound of a bird or the smell of coffee drifting lazily from the kitchen. it's the invitation to actually live, to fully participate in this amazing life for one more day. nobody turns down an invitation to the white house, but i've seen plenty of people turn down an invitation to fully live."

-bob goff, love does

a special ski.

recently, brett and i went for a sunset ski at sparrow farm, one of my favorite vistas in the montpelier area. at the beginning of the ski, brett got down on one knee and asked me to marry him (!). i said yes. we have had so much fun sharing the news with our loved ones, and starting to plan a wedding for early fall. 

a list of things to do every day.

concert night.

brett and i are headed to a concert tonight. i know, going out on a school night. yikes.

i'm really looking forward to the opening band, the dunwells, who have a hit on the radio right now.

and then the main act is josh ritter, who i've seen several times since he visited camp while i was a counselor in training.

happy hearts.

each valentines day since 2002, montpelier has been blessed with a little visit from the "montpelier valentine phantom" and the town is simply covered in hearts. the effect is heartwarming, endearing, and makes me just love my community. this morning brett, lu & i walked around town to enjoy the scene. 

add life.

a poem.

"every moment is a poem if you hold it right."

-lauren zuniga

sale season.

tis the season, my friends, when all of my favorite outdoor brands have massive winter sales to clear out their inventory & get ready for summer. if you don't mind, i thought i would share a few products i personally have enjoyed. happy shopping (and sorry for tempting you!).

patagonia's twice-annual sale has started and goes until feb 19th. here are a few personal recommendations you can snag during the sale:

• the women's nine trails shorts: i picked up a pair of these last summer and love them. i am not a big shorts-wearing girl but i found that these were a good length, didn't ride up, lightweight material, and flattering cut. plus mine are hot pink. come on!
• the nouli tank: i don't have this, but i've had my eye on it for a while. what a fun cut, and cute stripes! would be great for yoga. 
• the down sweater vest: i got this last week for my birthday. versitile, thin, warm.
• i can't say enough about the patagonia better sweater. i've had mine since 2009, have inspired about 12 people to buy them/give as gifts, and wrote patagonia a love letter about this product. if you don't have one, get one. 
• the nano puff jacket, pullover, and hoody: our department got the jackets as our holiday gift this year. it's thin, but a good layer to wear under a shell or jacket for cold days or ski adventures. fits under everything.
• brett got the men's down sweater hoody last winter and raves about it all the time. it's incredibly lightweight but warm. good solo or under a shell. it's so light and warm that i've started wearing it to take the dog outside. 

ibex's winter sale also started this week.

i'm a newcomer to ibex, though it's a great local vermont company. their price point is a bit out of my budget, but the quality is incredible. i received my first ibex piece for christmas this year (the joys of a partner who works in the outdoor industry!), and i cannot say enough good things about it.

• the carrie button up jacket: comfortable, stylish, warm, and currently available for a good price!
•  the carrie vest  is slim-fitting, and would be good for work or play (on my wish list!). 

singing made a lot more sense.

tidbits.

• i had a wonderful birthday last week, and i feel like i have just been powering along into 29 ever since.  work has been productive and appreciated, i t, and my life is full of just the greatest people. i am so fortunate.
• on saturday, we went bowling with a small crew of said great people. friends, i bowled a 32. i am stating that publically. i didn't know such a score was possible. meanwhile, brett had 5(?) strikes and bowled a 219. damn. fortunately the second game was much closer, with all of the scores in the 80s and 90s (mine included!). bowling was followed up with a delightful trip to the diner. chicken fingers & a chocolate milk shake = big girl birthday celebrations. call me 29 going on 12. 
• the sun is shining and the sky is blue. but my snow is nearly gone and the icy and bare fields break my heart. please, oh please, bring on the snow.
• i made this polenta with tomato and basil dish recently and it was heaven. please go make it. i topped it with goat cheese. i also had leftovers with an over easy egg on top-- similar to my favorite breakfast from kismet. 
• i attended (and co-hosted) my first baby shower recently. separate post to come. holy grownup. 
• recently, my love for this green tea with kombucha came back. full force. it's my afternoon delight these days. the lemongrass and kombucha cut the bitter green tea taste that i often dislike. 

ladysmith black mambazo.

brett and i are going to see ladysmith black mambazo tonight at the flynn. i got free tickets through work, and it should be really fun. i mostly know ladysmith through sesame street, and their collaborations with paul simon. i expect it will be entertaining and unique! i'm also hoping to try somewhere new for dinner first.