For the past few months this kid has been swimming 4-5 times a week. Sport was never her ‘thing’, but after joining her new swim team she has embraced the sport. This past weekend we went to Divisionals and the young lady pictured above managed to qualify to compete at Champs in the backstroke!!! We could not be any happier. Well done Lana Banana!
A bit of a delay today on the ride home from swim. As we drove down the road between Aspen and Snowmass someone ran up to the bus driver. I figured she missed a stop. Nope. It seems her snowboard has flown off the outside ski/snowboard holder. Just another day in the valley.
First ride on the poma lift. They did it so they could ride a LONNNGGG one at the top of the mountain. No problems here.
Since this year it’s just the 4 of us we decided to keep our New Year’s partying pretty low key. We went into the village and had a dinner that was perfect for each of us.
While at dinner, I shared my New Year’s hopes with my family. Much to my surprise Lana got right on board with her list of what she wished to achieve in the new year, as did Nuno. Their lists are pretty cute, so I will take them back and post them on our bulletin board back home, but  I thought I would share them here too.
Lana’s List:
Nuno’s List:
And on that note, I wish you a happy, healthy, prosperous and exercise filled New Year!
Looking to the new year I realize that my biggest wish is for us to continue to inspire each other. Every day I see people doing wonderful things, both big and small. Witnessing acts of kindness, generosity, bravery, and belief in oneself are just a few of the things that move me. They inspire me to be a better person. This year brings an opportunity to move forward with a clearly defined goal to just be better, kinder, more patient with myself and others.
2013 ended with me feeling a little sorry for myself. But that is really just a waste of my time. So I thought about some better things to focus on for the new year and I will share them. This year I will…
1. Do yoga 3 times a week
2. Write something in Portuguese every day!
3. Run at least 1 half marathon this year. Preferably 3;)
4. Find an excuse to go out dancing at least once a month. ( I am counting on my village friends and my girlfriends in Lisboa to help me out with this one:)
5. Improve my tennis game so I don’t embarrass myself when I play Sarah, Sophie and Amanda this year at Christmas.
6. Be more patient….worth repeating.
7. Do a better job keeping in touch with friends… Beyond FB.
8. Create a gratitude wall.
9. Learn proper swim strokes. And fingers crossed, learn to do a tumble turn. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 10. Launch my tutoring business.
I think that should keep me busy.
Happy New Year!
No words needed. This kid is right at home in the role of ski bum.
If you know me, you know I’m a huge fan of public transportation. Here in Snowmass they have both a great local bus system as well as inter-town bus system, and they are both FREE. It’s what we use to get around. It’s awesome. And so is the view from one of our bus stops.
With all the traveling we have done there have rarely been any perks. We are a cattle class, cheapest flight sort or family. Period. But I can’t complain as I get to travel. A lot.
When we board airplanes I ignore the first class area. What you don’t know about, you won’t desire. Ignorance has been my bliss.
That all being said, my husband just got a credit card associated with an airline. This card gives us membership to the frequent flyer club allowing us to ‘hang out’ in their club room at the airport. I always imagined a swanky bar full of people laughing passing the hours until it’s time to board their flight. It might be that in the evening, but right now at 8am it’s a quiet spot where we can comfortably sit and enjoy a free cup if coffee, orange juice and a selection of breakfast foods.
The kids are safe and comfortable watching their devices.
Travel just got significantly better.
It’s here, not the place so much, but here, with these people, that I am so happy to be snowed in. I love my family. I love their company, their kindness, their silliness, their sarcasm, their smarts, but most of all their love. I am starting to regret the moment a few hours from now where I need to bid them farewell. Breaks my heart to know that I’ll have to wait a bit until I see them again.
