Days 1-4

So, right now I'm sitting at a puiblic library trying to fill you guys in on what's going on. As all of you knew my trip was going to start in Brian Head, UT snowboarding with Brian, Darrick and trish. Well, to evryones surprise Jonny Rocket showed up and it turned out to be a great time to be had by all. To make a long story short I spent the nihgt in Cedar City, UT and drove to colorado in the morning.
For those of you that have never taken this drive I highly recomend it and should be on the to do in life list. The views are amazing and something new comes up after every turn the freeway makes. I stopped at a scenic view turnoff and encountered some real indians selling hand made pots and bracelets. Ohh they also had tomahawks, but they were quite pricy. After talking to this very nice man for a few minutes I decided it was time to hit the road again so I couold get to my destination before sunset. That was pretty much my sunday with nothing really exciting other than the drive.
Monday was a day for snowborading so I woke up extra early so I could shower and get my gear ready to hit the mountains. I left the condo where Im staying at which is only a few minutes from Beaver Creek, which is the resort closest to me, and drove to the mountain. When I got there i was trying to be the cool out of state kid, but as soon as I started walking I hit some ice and down I went like a sack of potatoes. My day did get better when I got a call from one of the roomates (Mike) telling me that he wanted to meet up so we could ride together. He is a really good skier and it was tough keeping up with this guy, but it pushed me to do better and I got a tour of just about the whole mountain. During one of the runs I got a little distracted lost an edge and landed on my head pretty hard, my neck still hurts today from that fall. After the fall we kept ridding for a while and what takes care of pain better than anything... Beer!! A weird , but fancy bar called the Dusty Boot has PBR's from 3-5pm for $1. With prices like that Mike, his friend John and myself enjoyed about 5 each. Later on we headed back to the condo where Mike and John made dinner, which was delicious!
Tuesday we stayed in and watched the Inaguration of President Obama, but as soon as that was done we headed out for the mountain once again. Another day of ridding and enjoying the mountain until the lifts closed. Once again we headed to the Dusty Boot for some refreshment before going to taco tuesdays at Agave, which is the mexican restaurant where the other 2 roomates (Shannon and RJ) work at. Shannon is this really cool friend of Vanessa's who is letting me sleep on the couch while Im in town. After tacos there was not really much to do so we went to the rec center and enjoyed some time in the jacuzzi.
Well, I hope this gives you a small glimpse into what's going on with me and i will try to post more often and maybe make the stories alittle more exciting. I hope everyone is doing good and I can't wait to see you guys again.

Almost Gone

So, after a long night at work of doing lots of engineering stuff and a whole lot of nothing the time came for me to finally leave work and I do have to say it was not what I expected. All the grumpy old men at my work, which usually nay say everything that anyone does and are not open to any new ideas, actually were excited about me going on this trip and thought it was one of the greatest things anyone can do. Some were actually jealous of my little adventure because they have never been able to do anything like this due to having to start a family at a young age.

I didnt realize how frustrating packing would be when you're trying to take what you think you're gonna need during a 2 month trip in snow country. I'm trying to fit alot of stuff into my small truck and it's just not working. This is a picture of the inside and back a little over half packed:

Can you believe all this crap actually has a place and purpose in this trip? When I first saw all this stuff finally together I knew it was gonna be trouble, I just hope it all fits.

Well, I know that no matter what everything will be OK in the end and I will be able to continue my trip as planned. For those I won't get to see before I go this is probably the last post until I get to my next destination so I wanna say I'm gonna miss you guys and don't worry I have a journal to keep track of everything. Know that you all hold a small part of me that keeps me going everyday and I cant wait until I come back to share all the great adventures I have experienced with everyone. I love you guys and don't forget I'm just a phone call away.... If you guys would like to receive post cards with a personalized message text me your address and I will try to make it happen...... Ohhh and Chris this is the beginning of the book :)

B-Day Speech

Another year has come and gone, but will always be remembered by all the memories and changes experienced by all. 2008 was a year of unexpected changes and activities which none of us ever in our wildest dreams thought we would do. With the good always comes the bad as some of us lost loved ones to the never ending cycle of life.

First I want to thank all my friends for your continuous investing in our friendship, which has paid off better than any bank can right about now, and hopefully our friendships will continue until we get old and try to beat each other with our canes… wait Bob only has a few years left so for the next birthday party we should all dress up as old people (canes might be provided). Well, enough of this rambling and let’s get our drink on and Darrick please try not to pass out. Thank you all…..

p.s. I remember this speech being way better....