when you’re having fun. So one year ago today I arrived in Colorado to start a new phase of my life. Although there are a few things that could be improved (like getting the condo sold and a house purchased), on the whole it’s been one of the better years of  my life.

I’ve been able to live with much of my stuff in a tetris-like wall of storage, proving that stuff is clearly less important on the happiness scale. Of course, if I had a dollar for every time I’ve said ‘I have one of those in storage” to Stan I would be at least $50 ahead.

I’ve continued to learn how to navigate Colorado weather including snow, sleet (or hail, in my opnion), rain, thunderstorms and winds from the west. Although asked many times about the winter cold, it was the summer heat that was harder for me to take. Looking forward to central air!

It has been hard to be away from the people who I have known for many years, but there have been new (and old ) people in Colorado, and I expect more new folks the longer I live here. People are usually quite friendly although driving with bicycles can take a bit of getting used to.

Navigating has taken a bit of getting used to, but usually the mountains to the west (backwards of So Cal) are helpful in getting your bearings. And if everything is really flat, your going toward Kansas. The car has held up well, with only a new battery, snow wipers, and low temp window cleaner added.

I’ve traveled to Italy, ridden on several trains, witnessed hereford judging and scottish games, punted on Cherry Creek, been to the top of 2 14,000 foot mountains, watched the Padres beat the Rockies (3 times!),  and got married.

The reason that all these things (and many others) have been so much fun it that I’ve been able to share them with someone who makes enjoyable things a joy and boring things bearable, someone who makes me want to be a better person, someone with patience and kindness in spades, and someone who can make me laugh no matter how bad things seem – Stan.

Thank you for letting me be part of your life. I love you. Here’s to many more.