From The Alps to The Rockies, A Journey of Going Up While Coming Down

Learning to ski in your mid-40's is something close to torture.

It's totally unnatural to slide down a mountain, and for three years now, my middle-aged brain has waged a valiant battle against the entire notion. But my head is losing the battle. It's letting go, and by golly, I'm sliding down the damn mountain. It's terrifyingly electrifying.

I cried at the top of the mountain this past week in Colorado. Not because I was disabled by fear (as usual), but because I was so proud of myself and so filled with joy to ski with my kids and my husband. I spent days skiing with my family. I spent days not being stuck on the bunny slope or at the restaurant with a glass of wine waiting for everyone else to finish a gorgeous day of activity. I laughed with my son as we played chase on the slopes, and had cute conversations with my daughter on long chair lift rides to the top. I had dates with my husband--on skies. None of this was ever assumed; it was never clear I'd break through my fear. I've spent years trying, frustrated with myself while frustrating those around me.

This trip was different. Something clicked. A loosening occurred. I've got a long way to go, but I'm so proud of the terrain I've covered. I'm still stunned I can check this box. Indeed, through the process of learning how to come down, I've been lifted up.

It goes without saying that I'm even prouder of my two beautiful children, who love to ski and impressed the hell out me this trip. They totally took down black diamonds for the first time, like the stars that they are.

This was also the first time we've had the opportunity to ski with friends, and we happily skipped the formal lessons and skied as a group. But this wasn't just any set of friends--we're god parents to each others' children and some of us go as far back as middle school. This was a major reunion, for while we've seen each other in various smaller combinations, this occasion marked the first time all six adults have been together in thirteen years.

 No, seriously. I guess they're experts, cuz they did this one!

Photo bomb!

 The grown-up buds:

We capped things off on our ski adventure with a trip to the local hot springs, then a couple of days in Boulder at the home of our dear ski buds, including a Denver Nuggets vs. Brooklyn Nets game.

A huge thanks to DB and AF for all their planning and hosting--we had an amazing time!

And a really, really huge thank you to DB and AF for the cowboy boots. What a hit! Yee haw!!!

Catch Up

Many people asked if I was planning to keep up my blog once I moved back to the U.S., and I wholeheartedly said, "Yes. Of course!" The presumption behind the question being that once I returned to what I know, there wouldn't be as much to write about--a nod to the age-old 'fish out of water' tale, which is always rife with good material.

The thing is though, I still feel like a fish out of water. NYC is new. I hired a babysitter (one week ago), so that I can really focus on my novel, and in this respect my time is new. I'm toying with a business idea and doing lots of research (just in case this writing thing doesn't pan out). My children are in an American school for the first time, facing new pressures (like the godforsaken standardized tests coming up next month). DS and I just finished a training course so we could volunteer easily in NYC neighborhoods. We just bought an apartment. In.New.York.City.

Oh, and speaking of fish, we adopted two: Winnie and Mrs. Pom Pom. :-)

Above all, the election and it's aftermath have left me emotional and exhausted. I confess to losing hours and hours in front of my news feed. I have a genuine concern for the country my children will inherit, and feel a mounting desire to act in a committed manner, in ways that really effect change. That said, I mourn the inevitable distance that will occur with friends and family who disagree with my views, or think I've become "too" political. I'm at a crossroads.

The point is, I still have plenty to write about. And I imagine I'll pick up speed again soon. Just taking some time to regroup.

In the meantime, to catch up a bit . . . .

We enjoyed a much-needed family reunion in Nashville over the holidays, the stars of which were these four love bugs:

A big hug to our hosts, grandparents with most-ess!

Back in NYC, my little girl received the best Christmas present ever when her Amsterdam bestie came for a visit:

We also took time to squeeze in quintessential Big Apple holiday outings.

Afternoon at The Rockettes with dinner at Tavern on the Green in Central Park:

Urban tree hunting:

Santa at Macy's:

Skating at Bryant Park and Central Park:

 And going waaaay back to Thanksgiving, we were overjoyed to spend the week with this lovely family, who we are lucky enough to see AGAIN tomorrow morning in Colorado!