Back in Utah. I spent the last two weeks home in Chicago celebrating the holidays with my family. It was very nice to see them (and Cleo, my dog). I’m back now in Utah for January. Literally the only thing keeping me in Chicago at all is my family. I’m the only one of the five of us who doesn’t like Chicago. It’s great that they are cool letting me take advantage of working remotely by living out here. Again, no misunderstandings, I miss my family, but I love living out here. Any time I step outside I see mountains. Any drive, mountains. Beautiful. Oh, and no traffic. Anyway…
I taught my classes as usual and the minute I was done I went skiing. My wife very generously bought me my own skis and boots for Christmas. I had been using rental skis and, while they are fine, the new ones are fantastic. I’ll spare you the details, but I skied exponentially better than ever. Part of it was a gorgeous day. Sunny and packed snow. But, the skis are lighter and easier for me to use. They felt great. Like a road bike instead of a rusted Schwinn.
I was also lucky that my first lift ride was with a guy slightly older than me who was chatty. Surprisingly, I don’t mind talking on lifts. We talked a little skiing (he is a local who has skied his whole life) , a little working remotely, and when we got off he said he’d follow me down to give me some tips. And he did. Great tips. It was like I got a 15 minute private lesson. I spent the rest of the day practicing what he told me. I don’t think I’ve ever skied better.
I came back “home” after skiing to do some work. Now, I’m caught up at work. Physically tired from exercise. I’m looking forward to just sitting on a couch and reading and/or watching TV.
I have a few days before my college roommate comes out for a few days. After that, a few more days before my wife comes out. It’s all ideal! I know it’s very vacation mode, but on the negative side this has been making me less interested in continuing to live in Chicago. However, I am very interested in staying married to my wife, so it looks likes compromise is in the works. Her gift of skis was her acknowledgement that we’ll do more of it. I can work with that. I’m sort of a fan of half the winter skiing and half the winter in Mexico or somewhere warm. I can handle Chicago for the summer. I just want to establish residency somewhere else for reasons.
/ramble
