Be and let be

I would like to share a story with everyone. A story that has had my mind running for awhile now. If you can understand the message behind it, I can guarantee it will change your life forever. Here it goes.

In an ancient Indian story, a king called Vipashchit breathed his last and journeyed to the afterlife. He had been such a kind ruler, a model for all kings, that the devas in heaven were all anxious to set him up as their teacher and guide. When he reached his destination, he was welcomed with smiles and embraces and even tears of gratitude.

Some time passed, and Vipashchit settled down in satisfaction to his new life. Heaven, he remarked to one of his new companions, was a happier place than even he had ever dreamed it could be. "Heaven?" the man replied. "This isn't heaven, your majesty! This is hell. The people here are miserable. But in your presence their suffering turns to joy."

Just then some heavenly messengers arrived with abject apologies; a terrible mistake had been made. "All of us in Heaven are waiting for you, O Great King," they said.

Vipashchit looked around and smiled. "I am staying here," he replied. "I have already found my heaven."

"The mental state  is paramount; it can make life hell or heaven whatever the surroundings. The kind of experience one undergoes depends on the choices one makes." - Simon Rupenthal

Sidenote: First riding of the season out west two days ago was incredible. An impressive showing getting off the lifts as Evan and I both managed to not eat shit and stop the lift!!!

Boarding on a Budget

       Yesterday we hit the ski slopes for the first time this season.  Though there hadn't been much snow in the mountains recently we saw that the resorts were making snow and a few runs were open.  Arapahoe Basin or Keystone were the mountains of choice.  We figured being from the East coast that though less than 10% of either mountain was open that the boarding would be plenty good for our standards.   This assumption was true.
       The mountains were grand, the sights were beautiful and the snow was very good.  We were actually able to ride both mountains in one day spending the morning at A Basin and the rest of the day at Keystone (its a 5 minute drive between the two).  Keystone was the better of the two, with plenty of long runs and an awesome gondola from the village to the summit.  Didn't wait in a single line all day.  I guess the snow wasn't nearly good enough for what the locals are used to.  Both had great views as you rode down and friendly folk for the ride up.  Met some fella who claimed to be a sponsored snowboarder in the winter and a sponsored surfer in the summer.  What a life.
       Can't wait for some real snow to hit the mountains and for all the trails to be open.  Also excited to get out there once the snow is good enough for the local snow snobs.  More updates to come!

There's Gold in Them There Hills!

So as we continue to search for work with little result we figured we should try an alternate route for income.  Eric and I decided to tap into our inner prospector and went panning for gold!  Gotta make rent somehow right?!

First attempt no gold (or at least we think, we couldn't tell if it was gold or just shiny rock flakes) but we'll be back!

Wake Me Up When November Ends

October has come and gone and though it was a great month its now time to get excited about November.  "Why" you ask?  Not because there's a new 5 Dollar Footlong of the month (Spicy Italian).   Not because the Presidential Election is just days away.  No, not because its the last full month before the world ends on December 21st.  No no my friends, a new month means a new calender at The Front Porch.

The Front Porch is a bar downtown and each month they create a calender.  On this calender are three names for each day of month except on Wednesdays which is Flip Night.  If your name shows up on one of the days then you drink for free that day!  For FREE! As much as you want!  Once again my name has been left off the calender for the third straight month.  Eric is on it for the second time.  Figures.  So check out the calender and if you see your name, come on out for your day!  Flip Night is cool too.  You order your round of drinks, then the bartender flips a coin.  If you guess right then the round is free.  Here is the link to the Front Porch Calender.

http://frontporchdenver.com/calendar/

We'll definitely be going on the 9th for Eric and the 20th when Lindsay is out here visitng but we would be happy to join anyone else on their day.  As for me, I'm crossing my fingers for December.  My name has to be on it, no one gets left off four months in a row plus its my birthday month.  Its meant to be.