A-Basin

At the start of 2017, I was excited to settle back into day-to-day life in Denver. This included picking up my CO brewery tour with Cerebral Brewing (#23). I also continued my library trips, which led to the discovery of another great book. A Fall of Marigolds is a story that weaves two New York tragedies into a beautiful novel of love and acceptance.

Although winter got off to a relatively late start, the snow gods were determined to make up for lost time. Early January brought another winter storm to the mountains, so Dana's friend, Reed, suggested that we take advantage. We drove up early to Arapahoe Basin ("A-Basin") after a 16-inch dumping of fresh powder--on top of a 45-inch base.

Having been raised as an East Coast skier, you could say that I was out of my element. My first impression of powder ("pow pow") skiing was how soft and quiet it was; much unlike the icy conditions you often encounter back East. It was certainly a game changer for me, but I rented a pair of skis that were equipped to handle the powder, which worked in my favor. I still could not keep up with the CO natives that I was with, but that allowed me to take my time and focus on form and technique. I knew for sure that my legs would be sore the next day. With more practice, however, I bet that I could really enjoy this new realm of skiing.



Despite the mounds of fresh snow that arrived overnight, it continued to snow all day without end in sight. Skiing in a blizzard was both challenging and fun--or "gnarley" according to the ski bums that I was with. The temperature on the mountain was also chilly, so I stopped several times to warm up.

The main chair lift from the base area connects to another lift that takes you to the top of the mountain. I felt content sticking to this central part of the mountain, ultimately lacking the confidence to journey to the back side or bowls.

I appreciated that the resort is nestled within the mountain range, offering a feeling of near enclosure by mountains (perhaps also due in part to the poor visibility that day).





Dana, Reed, and I were spent by the time the lifts closed at 3:30 pm. Instead of driving back to Denver, however, we spent the night in Breckenridge. Dinner, board games, and the jacuzzi were on the agenda before calling it an early night.










The next morning, Reed took a few "turns" at Breck, while Dana and I went for a walk downtown. Although still cold, the clouds and snow had finally given way to blue, sunny skies.

























Crepes for breakfast was a last-minute decision before making the drive back to Denver... first ski trip of the season officially in the books!

Cheers to 2017

Back in CO, it seemed appropriate to close out 2016 in the mountains. On New Year's Eve, Dana and I spent the day in Roxborough State Park. Just a short drive southwest of Denver, the park is filled with dramatic red-rock formations, distinct plant communities, and a host of wildlife.

We went on an afternoon hike to Carpenter Peak--the highest point in the park. The 6-mile trip was not technically difficult, apart from the icy conditions left from the most recent deep freeze. Still, we took our time and enjoyed the sunny day and mild temperatures.








We eventually found our way to the summit and took in the panoramic views, pointing out the usual landmarks and snowy summits that we recognized.

As you might have guessed, Dana is the new special man in my life.

After sharing tea and good conversation, we began the descent, quickly noting the drop in temperature with the setting sun. Near the trailhead, we stumbled upon a surprised elk. I ventured that we were the last ones on Carpenter Peak for the year.

Back in Denver, Dana and I shared a night of cooking, champagne, Star Wars, and a stroll through Cheesman Park at midnight. I could not have asked for a more ideal way to start a new year.

In reflection of the past year, I feel incredibly lucky for having had so many wonderful opportunities and experiences. For a long time, I looked forward to 2016 as the year that I would finally finish my schooling and become a pharmacist. While this was indeed an enormous achievement, I have realized that this marker was just the beginning. The decisions that I have made since graduation--my move to Denver, a summer working at Whole Foods, taking on a pharmacist role when I felt ready--have helped me learn and grow in unthinkable ways. As a result, I feel more mature, complete, and happy than I have in any previous time of my life.

I anticipate many changes in the upcoming year. While many fear change, I yearn for it. There is something to be said for the ability to adapt to the dynamic twists and turns of life. And so it is my goal to take one day at a time as I unfold the layers of an optimistic future. Raising a glass to 2017!

Home for the Holidays

Just before my departure to spend Christmas in Pittsburgh, Denver entered the second "deep freeze" of the season. It was swift and fierce. Anna and I enjoyed watching the spectacle from her apartment during our sister sleepover.

Before the city was able to thaw out, I set off to spend a week in the 'Burgh. I hadn't been back since I left in March, so I was excited to see family, friends, and what had changed.

One of the biggest changes was coming home to a different house! My parents down-sized this year, selling their home in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. They are currently renting a townhouse closer to the city until they decide what's next for them. Despite the new space, it still felt like home.



















I spent much of the week helping my mom cook and bake--everything from stromboli to ravioli to apple pie. Everything homemade, everything from scratch. Needless to say, I remained in a food coma for the duration of my stay.

When we weren't in the kitchen, my family was goofing around or watching Christmas movies--Griswold-style. It was fun to be reunited again.

I was also fortunate to spend time with old friends. We had much to catch up on.

The annual Christmas Eve party was held at my cousins' house. This Italian tradition is always a fun night. Each year seems to get bigger, louder, and have even better food.



On Christmas Day, my grandma and aunt came up for lunch.



The second feast of the day was spent with Alex's family--Scottish-style.

The week passed quickly, and already I found myself headed back to the airport. I left feeling grateful to spend time with loved ones. I would miss them dearly, but also felt the beckoning call of CO.