G Routine

Today I received my first paycheck for contract work under the G Brand. It's a proud moment really. I'm even happier because the check couldn't have come from a better group of people. Sometimes things just align and unlock a certain chain of events that make you wonder about the possibilities...

As I've been floating around the last few months, putting together my "life's plan", I've been asked by multiple people to help with their businesses. I am truly fortunate to have so many people interested in my talents. One of those people is my friend Ryan Goedhart. We started out at HH together as the passionate marketing kids who could see where the US division of HH should go, yet couldn't seem to find the right voice to communicate our good intentions.

Ryan created his own business and became a HH sales representative in the Northwest while I started to slowly climb the corporate ladder. Recently we both parted ways from our first employer. He took the reigns and is now the Sales Guy for POW Gloves and still a sales rep for Bern Helmets. Through him I have gotten to know an interesting and good group of people.

They are: Dustin Goss, Dan Egan, Scott Scoggin, and as you can see from the picture above, the beautiful Liesel Kiel. There is no question that following your dream in business is a scary and exciting thing to do. It take guts. What you have to have is a good product, good people, positive energy, and the need for adventure. POW Gloves has these attributes.

Ryan approached me a couple weeks ago needing some marketing and PR help for the company. That meant going to Las Vegas for the SIA trade show which I have eluded to in early 'routine' entries. I wasn't sure if I should go? I had changed my partying ways and this meant going to the city of temptation. Could I go and not party too hard? I figured this would be a good test of will power. That and if somebody will pay for your room and then a day rate to reconnect with old friends, it hit me as a no brainer.

The show was a huge success for POW and the energy/response was very positive. It's easy when there is good product. All I had to do was tell people to touch and feel the glove, then put it on their hand and watch their facial expression. "Wow, that's the most comfortable glove I've ever put on", were the most common words coming out of peoples mouths. Plus they have a great PR story. People from the Northwest getting together because they love action sports and want to make the best gloves in the business.

I heard owner/founder Dustin say, "When every Nascar driver is wearing a pair of POW gloves, then I'll relax." They also have some great products that offer a point of differentiation. They may be the first one to bring cinematography and photography gloves to the market. Then they have the 'fun factor' glove in the SHOCKER, which if you don't know what that is, you're outta luck because I can't explain it here. Then they also have the most fashionable golf gloves made. It ties back to them providing the highest quality leather gloves in a fashion forward design, at an amazing price. So if you need a pair of the best gloves in the Wintersports Industry, go buy some POW.

They also brought in some local Seattle talent to entertain the show goers. Local band The Mob Law put on a very entertaining show. They are a mix of Danzig, Rage Against the Machine, and Sublime. Keep an eye out as it won't be long before they hit it big. Hopefully both groups make it big.

Outside of my first G Brand payment, I want to thank POW for bringing me to Vegas. I hadn't realized how much I missed everybody. Below are a couple more pictures of the booth, the band, and the fans of both.

Posted by Gary at 08:01 PM | Permalink

I'd like to start off with a couple sayings... One I wrote myself on the plane to Vegas and the other I saw in a book I was reading.

"Life is pure adventure, and the sooner we realize that, the quicker we will be able to treat life as art". - Maya Angelou, Poet.

As I was reading my book, it was spurring on notions and ideas that I had to write down in my journal. So then I came up with my own little saying. I feel like it's been said before or I read it somewhere else, but at the time it's just something I wrote down.

"Traveling is like reading a book, you have to go on an adventure to turn the page". -Gary Winberg, Some dude.

I used to travel all the time for my last job. Actually, I was probably traveling more than staying in one place. It opened my eyes to so many different things but mostly to different types of people. Social interaction and personal stories fascinate me. I heard once that you can measure how well one lived by the number of stories they can tell. I truly believe in that.

So the last 7 months I've been grounded and staying in Seattle for the most part. It's been nice but I was excited to see a bunch of friends I hadn't seen since I left my old job. The trip started off by bumping into my friend Murray Wais, co-founder of the film company Matchstick Productions. I was sitting in a restaurant on a layover at the SFO airport, trying to watch the NFL playoffs when he just happened to walk under the TV. We sat down and caught up on life. That's a picture of Murray in the opening of the blog.

Then when we landed in the Las Vegas airport and there were tons of other people I knew. Both in the hustle and bustle of finding luggage and then in the cattle herding taxi line. Some peoples faces I remembered but struggled to recall their names. Every time we'd do a switch back in the line I'd see somebody else I hadn't seen in a while. It was nice, kind of like a high school reunion.

Same thing happened while at the trade show. I had no idea I had made so many connections and friends through my past travels. Every time I left the booth to go to the restroom or grab a bite to eat, I would see somebody and have to chat. I mean, it literally took me an hour to get from the booth to the restroom one time.

I know I don't want to travel as much as I did before, but I realized I missed the experience. I missed meeting and talking to the diverse group of people. There is no place on earth where you can be exposed to so many different kinds of people. The airport is the best place for 'people watching' and a flight where you may sit next to a stranger, the best place to hear a life story.

On my flight home, I was exhausted and just wanted to sleep. I could tell the person next to me wanted to converse. I had contemplated just putting my headphones on and going to sleep, but then decided I might as well see what he had to say. He then told me about his life long struggle with addiction, losing his wife and family, going into rehab and getting clean, and now his dream of moving to the Olympic National Forest to photograph the old growth in an effort to help the environment. As other people had helped him and clean his environment, he figured the only way he could give back is to help the people who'll inherit the earth.

It wasn't much effort on my part. I just had to listen to him, wish him good luck, and supply a little hope to fuel his dream. So next time your on a flight, don't bother the person you're sitting next to, but be willing to listen to a story.

I leave you with one more saying, "Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I can remember and remember more than I've seen." - Benjamin Disraeli, British Satesman

Oh, I guess that wasn't the last thing. Just wanted to say sorry I haven't been posting much lately. Just been trying to help some friends. I appreciate the emails and a couple phone messages asking about the next entry and when I was going to get around to it. Thanks for your patience and I'll try to catch up. Thanks also to those concerned about my lack of sleep. I emptied my brain and am sleeping again. Cheers.

Posted by Gary at 11:48 AM | Permalink

It's been two nights of no sleep and constant brain downloading. I have always had an active brain that's been hard to shut down in the evenings, but the last couple of nights have just been ridiculous.

Went to Las Vegas and had a great time. Figured a few more things out about myself and the life I want to lead. It's exciting to me. I now have a few more dots, have connected a few more lines, and can see my future 'life picture' clearer now (reference to Gary 4.0 routine entry).

During my 3 nights in Vegas, I didn't go to sleep earlier than 4 a.m. and got up no later than 8 a.m. every morning. I got home and felt exhausted and still do. But last night I watched my bedside clock count to a little past 5 a.m. before I fell asleep. I kept writing in my journal, trying to empty my thoughts on paper.

I awoke in the morning at quarter past eight and this brain of mine clicked back on full speed. I kept my cell phone off all day and just kept writing, trying to empty my brain so that it would be quiet.

Here I am the second evening back from Vegas and still more thoughts race through my cranium. I keep reaching for my journal on my night stand and just keep writing. Just glanced at my clock and it's fast approaching 4:30 a.m. I'm hoping this 'Routine' entry will be my last bit of copy before my eyelids close and my mind finds silence.

Stay tuned, I have some good entries coming up. Just been busy with other things.

Posted by Gary at 04:23 AM | Permalink

This Friday we celebrated my roommate Sarah's birthday with a night out at the Can Can on 1st and Pike. I didn't really know what to expect from the restaurant but had heard it's somewhat like Teatro ZinZanni's.

It's a cool joint and definitely "the place to be". The restaurant and bar were standing room only later in the night. All of the food on the menu was 9 bucks and tasted pretty good. Took a long time to get served but we were there for the evening so it didn't matter. The wine was good too.

Some of the crew arrived at 8 o'clock and had dinner while others arrived later in the evening. The key was getting there by 10:00 pm when the show started. There were four women and one man who put on different performances. The ladies had some sort of 007 spy thing going on while the man just did some really weird lip synching. All of the acts were some sort of strip tease. The above image is when they all first came out on stage.

Some did individual numbers, one girl sang a couple songs, and two were dancers. I had a particular fancy for Agent Rhinestone. She was talented, extremely beautiful, and quite a little gem. Reminded me of Carmen Electra but better. That's a picture of her below.

In the middle of all this, we chanted for Sarah and they called her up on stage. The whole place then sang her Happy Birthday. After some stage fright, Sarah got her groove on, started dancing with one of the agents, and was awarded with some cash and an applause from the crowd. The first thumbnail image is of Sarah working it. Then a couple more from the birthday party.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH.

Like most fun evenings, things come to a close when the bill arrives. We managed pretty good damage at about $750 bucks. Worth every penny. I highly recommend you go to the Can Can.

As the group departed, a girl friend of mine who happens to be going to Vegas for SIA as well, wasn't ready to call it a night either. So we decided to do a little warm up for the trip and headed to another place with female performances. All I will say is that the Can Can was much, much better.

Posted by Gary at 11:25 PM | Permalink

I don't know if I'm just getting older and the body isn't working like it used to, but I keep straining or pulling my calf muscles. The last few months I've lost a fair amount of weight, gotten in pretty good shape, given up caffine, hardly drink the booze anymore, and am eating healthier than I have in years.

I will admit that the last few years just about everything on my body hurt, so just having calf problems is better than where I was. But I don't get it? I can run on the treadmill in the gym for an hour without any problems. I usually run on it 3-4 times a week, sometimes for an hour, other times just for 20 minutes as a warm up. Granted I do stretch before hand.

But then I also run around Green Lake a couple times a week and every time my calves get tight. It's one, the other, or it's both. Whenever I run outside on uneven terrain, I get flat tires. While I'm running I can feel them stiffen up and tighten. I stretch before I run just like I do at the gym.

Same thing has been happening when I play soccer on Thursday nights. So last night we had our first game in awhile (they keep getting canceled due to frozen, snow covered fields) and sure enough I had to leave the game in the middle of the second half. I'm dribbling with the ball into the corner, I cut hard and cross the ball. Right when I cut I felt almost a 'pop' or the tear of the muscle. Shortly afterward, it felt like I had a softball for a calf muscle. Done for the night. Went home, grabbed the ice, the Advil, and the remote control.

I've been making an effort for months to stretch my calves and increase my flexibility but it must not be working. AAaarggghhhh. Is this what happens when you get older? I sure hope not.

Oh they aren't cramps in my calves either. I am pulling the muscle over and over again. Both calves. It hurts right where the diagram is pointing. So it goes I guess. I've participated in sports my whole life with injuries and can hardly remember something not being out of whack. I'm just so close and actually making an effort that its discouraging. If anybody has advice I'm all ears.

Posted by Gary at 05:20 PM | Permalink

Took a little while to figure it out but I'm off to Las Vegas for the Snowsports Industry of America Trade Show (SIA). I'm excited to catch up with tons of people I used to work with. I'm also really excited to be working again. I'm so ready!!!

So the G Brand has landed it's first paying client. Yep, it's official. Nothing long term as of yet but some fun projects to help pay the rent. Well, that and it gets me to Vegas.

Still keeping my irons in the fire for more clients, projects, and potential 'in-house' employment opportunities. I'm just happy to have good options and different opportunities. I'm truly fortunate.

Sealed the deal last night with this Wintersports client up at the local hill, Alpental. Nothing more appropriate than a little brainstorming session and business while sharing your passion. It was my first night skiing of the season and it was so much fun.

Granted there isn't as much challenging terrain to ride, there's just something about being on the mountain at night that makes it a party on snow. You navigate the trails and hit the little jumps like a kid, pulling out what little tricks you have in your bag. Then it's fast cruiser runs and a few bumps to get the blood flowing. I had even forgotten how fun it is to just cruise the groomed.

There was also this quarter pipe hit with a horrible transition but it didn't even matter. Tried to pull off nose presses and a little rock in roll action just about every run.

Grabbed a couple beers in the pub to cap off the fun evening. Listened to a bunch a guys at the bar talk about Helly Hansen and how they used to dumpster dive looking for cut up samples. Too funny. Then watched as the bartender tried to sell a matt shot to the same group of guys. Now that's rough. Below is a shot of the 'night riders' and the making of the matt shot.

See you in Vegas Baby!!!

Posted by Gary at 11:29 AM | Permalink

Not as much fun stuff to report lately. Been getting serious about finding work. Got my 20th ski day of the season in last weekend. But it was one of the first weeks where I only skied one day. Going up to Alpental this evening to talk "business" with a potential G Brand client. Will be my first night ride of the season.

Did have a fun playoff filled day of watching football at a friends house. Ate, drank, cheered, and was merry. Too bad for the Seahawks but what great games.

Looking forward to my Pilates instructor coming back from Hawaii. I miss my Pilates. I've talked a couple friends into signing up at Maya to share in good health.

Been typing up and sending out some more cover letters and resumes. I like switching up the styles. Some are more "ACT NOW" used car salesmen type with fun tonality, others are straight up business. I find it's interesting that I'm getting better responses with the fun cover letters. I think HR people need to be entertained.

Helped my sister and let her use my Mac to reformat an ad for an interview test. Glad I could help her out but she reformatted all my pallets in Illustrator. She even changed the highlight color from blue to red? Took me a while to get everything back to how I like it. I wonder if the companies I'm sending my cover letter and resume to realize I did them in Illustrator.

Working on my calendar a little and inserting the next wave of summer weddings. Got three 'save the date' and wedding invitations last week. Good thing is now I have more bachelor parties to go to. I've been unemployed for a while and spending money like I still have a job. Just dropped some coin on going Helicopter skiing for one day and Cat skiing for another two. Going up to Valhalla Powdercats in Nelson, BC the fourth weekend of March. I'm just impressed we have 12 guys going and it's for my friends bachelor party. Went there on a photo shoot a couple years ago and it was awesome. I'm sure this year will be no different. It will be my first time as a true end consumer.

Ok, time to get back to my 'semi-retired' work. Take it easy.

Posted by Gary at 12:25 PM | Permalink

I am so glad I bought stock in Apple. They are pushing technology farther and faster than anybody else. They announced two new products for 2007: Apple TV and the iPhone.

I can't do either full justice here in my blog, you need to go to apple.com and take the tour for yourself. First check out the new iPhone. I mean, this should change cell phones like the iPod changed MP3 players and how we listen to music. I just bought the new Blackberry Pearl and can tell you that I will be switching to the iPhone once it's available in June. It's basically a really, really small laptop computer. I'm going to call it a pockettop, see if that catches on.

Then there is Apple TV. The thing is, it's so cheap. Microsoft for a long time wanted to bring the internet and computers to every home and integrate entertainment and computing. Well they tired where Apple has succeeded.

I made the switch from PC's to Mac's and Apple products about four years ago and couldn't be happier. My stuff doesn't break down and give me the chronic blue screen. Everything just looks and works better. I'm glad I made the switch because I think down the road, more people will be working on Mac's than PC's. It's a long way out, but if you want a competitive advantage then you'll be using Apple products, period.

I could rant about this for a long time, but I have to keep working on using my Mac competitive advantage in getting a new job. Be sure to also click on the Macworld Keynote address. It's pretty long so get comfortable. There is also a great live performance by John Mayer at the end. Trust me, watching the whole thing is worth it. It will blow your mind.

Posted by Gary at 12:27 PM | Permalink

I had such a good time last night. I met a friend of mine named Tara Ortiz at the restaurant Bricco della Regina Anna. If you haven't stopped by and tried the wine and food at Bricco, you need to check it out soon. It's absolutely amazing.

Kevin Erickson is the owner and chef. He's a friend of a friend, Conrad Snover. I remember Kevin telling me about the restaurant he planned on opening at Conrads wedding. I watched it being built as I drove by on Queen Anne Avenue. I've now been there five or six times and every time the food and wine has been spectacular.

Jesse Hufsader is the wine director and he waited on us for the evening. Tell him what kind of flavors you like and just let him pick the wine for you. Both bottles we had were amazing. Check it out at www.briccoseattle.com.

It had been a little while since I had seen Tara, aka "Lil T". The last time we hung out was fun and memorable. I was expecting no less on this evening. She is always entertaining and has good energy.

Not too long into the evening, her and I noticed that I was one of four men in the entire restaurant. I was surrounded by beautiful women. This restaurant was like an oasis. I got up to go to the bathroom and my wing-woman was fast at work selling the single guy to the crowd.

When I returned to the table, Lil T was chatting with the ladies at the table next to us. We then pulled our tables together and shared good wine and conversation the rest of the night. We got to know Erica and Rebecca, who turned out to have some common friends. Rebecca had known some of my childhood soccer friends like Adam Fenster and Mike Berg, while Erica knew some East-siders that Tara knew. It's a small world after all.

We had finished our wonderful meal and were pretty much just hanging out. The guy Tara has been 'dating' came to pick her up and take her home. Rebecca wandered off down the street and said goodnight as Erica and I went back into the restaurant. There's no question that Erica is a beautiful woman and we were having a great time.

But the night was over, the bill had been paid. We gathered our things and headed out the door. Erica invited me to go to another bar that her friend owned. She had just broken up from a relationship and so had the bar owner. I already had had enough to drink, so I just moved in and gave her a kiss, then another. We exchanged contact information and I said goodnight.

I really should have hopped in the cab and gone with her. What was I thinking? All in all, it was a wonderful evening and I had a great time. What do you think, should I give her a call? Erica is the beautiful woman on the left in the photo below.

Posted by Gary at 11:49 AM | Permalink

I'm closer than I have been to being fully employed again. Lately I've been exploring the possibilities of working for myself doing contract work under the G Brand. Right now it's looking really good.

I have contacted and am in communication with three Wintersports brands. All of which seem interested in having me be apart of their business if the sun, moon, and the stars can align properly. The question for some is whether it would be better if I just worked in-house. I'd be willing to do so with one of the brands.

At the same time I've been researching what it entails to own your own business. I'd have to make more on contract to take care of taxes, health care, retirement, 401K and IRA's, office supplies, cell phone, computer, etc. I've been trying to figure out what to charge for my services. What percentage of what I bring in would have to be put aside for the previously mentioned? Right now it's looking like anywhere between 30-34%.

Then there is how much to take on. The work is all on me, which is actually pretty exciting. I think I'd like the pressure since I've been so relaxed the last few months. The trick would be to have a very defined contract with clear parameters stating what my responsibilities are and what's outside the scope of the contract.

If I start my own business, I will most likely only take on two of the three potential clients. I want to try and find local non-Wintersports contract work to expand my creative marketing brain. I have so many ideas that I don't want to be a one-trick pony.

What I need to decide next is whether or not I should go to SIA. SIA is the Snowsports Industry of America trade show in Las Vegas. It would be great to see everybody and the work aspect I could do in my sleep. I have enough flight miles to go for free and multiple lodging options.

I think I'll make up my mind after reviewing some business plans and see how the interview process goes with different agencies here in Seattle. Stay tuned.

Posted by Gary at 03:47 PM | Permalink

The forecast was for 6 feet of new snow up at Crystal. I traded my friend Tom Maks a new pair of skis for lodging at his cabin in Greenwater. This was going to be the best weekend of the year.

Got up early on Saturday and had another great day of skiing. Untracked down the Frontside in the morning, then caught Chair 6 just as it opened for another four-five untracked runs, then back over to the front where we timed it just as the North Backcountry opened. We were timing it perfectly.

That night we watched the Seahawks game in the Bullwheel and porked out on hot wings and nachos. What a game. How did the Seahawks come away with a win?

Then down to Tom's cabin. Took awhile to find the key as I forgot a flashlight, but we got inside, made a fire, watched a little TV and went to bed. Next morning it was pouring down rain, windy, and warm. We called the report and the upper chairs were on wind hold and it was raining at the base. Hmm, we decided to call it a weekend and roll back to Seattle.

On the way back we decided to stop and have breakfast at Charlie's Cafe. I hadn't been there in years. It was so good and has a great atmosphere. Why do so many people go to fast food places when you can go to a good family restaurant?

The next time you go up to Crystal, get up a little extra early and stop off at Charlie's for one of the best breakfasts you'll have in a long time. Time has stood still here, and you see why it is important to support family owned businesses. Mom will come wait on you while the daughter and her friends cook and drop off the meal. You can check out the family photo's on the wall as well as Coca-Cola memorabilia. Check out the images I took and tell me you don't want to stop off.

Yes that's right, I'm enjoying a cup of hot cocoa with whipped cream on top!!!

Posted by Gary at 09:53 PM | Permalink

I hate departing with my money unless I perceive that I received quality work in return. I will even pay more just to 'feel' like I'm getting a higher quality service or good. Certain things are worth paying more for, but these things are different for different people.

I will pay extra to keep my car looking good and in safe running order. I like my car clean, I fill it up with Super Unleaded because I think it's better (even though it probably doesn't matter), I get the oil changed right at the recommended milage, if anything goes wrong I fix it right away, and I always take it to the dealership where I bought it.

Most people will gasp at the last thing on my list. My friends tell me to find a mechanic that I trust and never take it to a dealer. I have had bad experiences in the past, but so far Chaplins Subaru/Volkswagon has treated me right. I bought my Subaru Legacy GT wagon with 23,000 miles on it and purchased the 3-year or 100,000 mile extended warranty. They have found things wrong with the car and fixed most of them under this extended warranty.

I just had my 90,000 mile service done on the car and wasn't too pleased. Upon leaving, you receive the receipt listing what was done along with the mechanic's report. Problem is they didn't match up correctly.

The receipt listed new oil and filter, replaced brake fluid, replaced spark plugs, replaced transmission and differential fluids, and replaced coolant. All of which I paid, and was listed in parts and labor on the receipt. But then I go to the mechanics sheet and there are two columns, one says 'replaced' and the other 'Ok'. Under spark plugs, coolant, and oil filter it was marked 'Ok' and not 'replaced'. So which is it?

I also told them that if they found anything else wrong to call me and I'd get it fixed the same day. They told me when I picked the car up that I needed new front brakes and left outer CV boot. Another $500 bucks... I told them that the wipers could be replaced and my drivers side doorlock was sticking. It came back with the wipers marked as in good condition and that the locks all worked fine. Did they check what I had asked them to? They didn't even wash the car like normal. What happened?

I have lost my confidence in them due to poor follow-through and inconsistent paperwork.

I then went to get my haircut. I don't have much hair so my only option is getting a buzz cut. I usually cut my own hair, but every now and again I like somebody else to do it. It cleans up the hair on my neck. But since my hair is getting more fine on top, it's hard to get them all even. I tell the person cutting my hair every time to be careful to get every hair. Some take the extra time, but today, the guy just went too fast and left a lot of stragglers. I had to go home and finish the job. I even tipped him an extra dollar.

I get my hair cut at Rudy's, which normally does a decent enough job. I can read magazines while I wait and I like the atmosphere. I usually tip because you never know who you are going to get the next time. I don't know if I'll be going back...

I then took a new pair of skis in to have bindings mounted. This is a rather easy task that involves drilling holes in the skis, then adjusting the bindings to the boot length and skier ability. When I went skiing my skis pinged off three times on the first run. I started looking at them and realized pressure on the toe piece was totally loose. I could lift my toe up and down a lot. I popped out a couple more times on my way down to the base to grab a screw driver. I felt like I wanted my $30 bucks back.

With everything I do, I try to provide high quality work. If I know the work I do is my best, then I have the confidence to justify my position and ask for relative payment or praise. But always let your work speak for itself and stay humble. Give credit to where credit is due. There is a balance between confidence and cockiness. Every once an a while, quality work and humility can be taken for granted, so it's good to send a reminder from time to time. I may have just contradicted myself, but you get what I mean.

It also only takes one mistake out of a hundred for a customers perception to change. Mistakes stand out more than perfection.

There is this need or a feeling to be the best. I could never work for a company that wants to sell on a cheap and quantity platform. If you're not in it to win it, don't bother. The image below is a Bentley ad run in Europe. Simple and to the point. I'd say it's on the cocky side but I included it because it's entertaining. It's open to interpretation. What do you think they are trying to say (besides the obvious)?

Posted by Gary at 08:27 PM | Permalink

My parents are threatening to take my skis away until I get a new job. I"m working on it but it just keeps snowing!!! Went up to Crystal again today with 21" of new the day before and a foot of new last night. On top of that it's a Thursday and nobody was on the hill. Except for the hard core like the folks from EVO. Check out their store in Fremont if you haven't already.

I ran into owner/operator Bryce Phillips, some of his employees like Ben and Peter, and pro photographer Ian Coble as I hopped on the first lift. I thought about making some runs with them, but as we got off the Rainier Express, I counted 7 people in the group, not including me. That's a few too many for me on a powder day.

I did catch up to Bryce and Peter a little later in the day and went for two good runs. One down Right to Left Angle and another down Upper and Lower Exterminator. The day was awesome. Knee deep to waist deep in places. Chair 6 was ridiculous, with multiple runs in waist deep snow.

I also was on a new pair of skis, called the Sir Francis Bacon by LINE. Wow. They have a great sidecut that is so much fun on the groomers. It's also super wide and floats pretty well in the powder. It was a pretty deep and heavy powder day, so the tips did dive a bit, but I should have mounted the bindings a couple mm back from mid sole. Just had to stay a little lighter on my feet than normal.

The hardest thing about days like today is obeying the rules. I've been so spoiled with deep powder that once it gets tracked up, you want to duck the rope. You see the untracked right there on the other side, you see some people who have poached it, but will you? On this particular day I didn't. Most days I don't, as losing my pass would be tragic. I am content with the bounty of fresh inbounds snow today. Looking forward to the 6 feet predicted to fall this weekend.

Posted by Gary at 03:05 PM | Permalink

It's funny how there are certain holidays or events where people lose their inhibitions and do things outside the norm. One main variable in this equation is alcohol and the other is environment. Why is it on New Years Eve, big Birthdays, or certain parties that we tend to drink well beyond our means, almost to the point where it's our last?

Not only do we do it to ourselves but our friends help out. They celebrate the occasion by buying us shots and come along for the ride. In the past I found myself in the middle of the may-lay, but lately I have slowed down (luckily) and now enjoy being a spectator of these social dynamics. More about this in a moment.

I brought the 2007 year in celebrating with some friends at my house with dinner and 'warm-up' drinks, then we walked down to The Nectar for a Masquerade Ball. It was a bargain at 10 bucks with a DJ, the band Altered States of Funk, and a show by Burning Hearts Burlesque. Below are a few more shots from the evening. All in all, it was a really fun time.

Through the years I've drank my fair share of alcohol. It effects people differently in both positive and negative ways. Some get aggressive and have to fight. Sometimes it can act as a truth serum while other times it can make people lie or exaggerate. Shy people can come out of their shell, men and women interact more easily (why we call it liquid courage), we can become more creative, and most often alcohol becomes and is entertainment. What I find most interesting is that alcohol effects people differently. The variables are always different and the outcome to the equation not always the same.

The following is a list of 10 things I've heard about, seen, or experienced on New Years. How many of these things did you hear about or have happen to you?

01. A husband, wife, boyfriend or girlfriend enjoys kissing too many friends or random people, way too long, right after midnight.
02. A husband or wife asks why you didn't hook up before they were married and admits to having a long standing crush on you.
03. People drink too much and try to drive. The smart ones leave their cars and take a taxi or sleep where they are (if at a house party).
04. You have your bags packed to go skiing the next morning or have something purposefully lined up so that if you bring someone home, you have an excuse to leave early the next morning.
05. Friends become more than just friends.
06. Love triangles show their sides and come crashing in, resulting in the 3rd wheel no longer being friends with the others.
07. You have somebody special in mind for New Years, but you get blocked by a girl friend or guy friend.
08. A friend gets too drunk and you end up having to babysit instead of hooking up.
09. A person you never thought about, confesses their love for you, changing your perspective of them.
10. You hook up!!!

Another social dynamic that I have to discuss is the female herd. Yes, they travel in packs and some men look for the wounded one behind the herd while others seek out the leader. The wounded one is usually the drunk girl who can't control herself. She may start falling for some guy she just met, being a tease because she is enjoying herself, but will be pulled away to safety by the others. This rarely works out for the hunter, as the herd is usually too strong. I find if you seek out the leader of the herd, they aren't usually drunk, but in control and able to carry on a conversation. If she decides she wants to go home with a guy, she will without the rest of the herd coming to pull her away. The chances of a connection is higher with the leader of the pack than with a straggler.

With male herds it's totally different. We arrive together, support each other in the hunt, but once playing with prey, we leave each other completely alone. We don't want to break any rhythm or connection that may have been established. As well as we let one another make mistakes with our prey which the female herd doesn't allow as often. It's an interesting game that's played.

Ladies, just don't get wounded out in the open without a herd to protect you.

I hope you all had a wonderful New Years, that no mistakes were made that are beyond repair, and that 2007 brings you a world of happiness. Cheers.

Posted by Gary at 10:15 PM | Permalink