March 12, 2017 – Big Sky, Montana

It took three months, but I’m finally up here.

No more bus rides. No more tolerating disrespectful, inconsiderate passengers. I can walk to work in ten minutes. Instead, I’ll be tolerating disrespectful, inconsiderate neighbors throughout my next month in employee housing on the mountain. It is what it is.

My 31^st birthday month has been splendid thus far. One of my best friends from Iowa (Steve) recently flew in for a four-day visit which included two glorious days of riding. This marks the first time that I’ve had a friend come out to visit me outside of the midwest, much like last fall when my cousins came out. His visit was much appreciated and I wish more would do the same.

The unintentional birthday celebrations continued with a Friday night man-date with my buddy Chad, which consisted of dinner and a movie. Then the next day I met up with the Bozeman gang (Kevin, Elisabeth, Thomas, and his friend Erica) for an overnight cross-country ski/camping trip to a cabin on Mystic Lake nearby. It was by far the most time I’ve ever spent on skis, but the journey was immensely satisfying and rewarding. I propositioned getting together annually for such an adventure, and I truly hope we do. I’m sure I’ve said it before, but those three friendships are the best gift I have received during my time in Bozeman and Big Sky.

I have one month left here. I’m picking up extra hours at work, including filling in at another restaurant, since the international temp workers have left. I take advantage of these opportunities when they arise in an effort to afford myself more flexibility in the upcoming year. More time to focus on my hosts and my project without worrying about paying off my debt.

More freedom to do what makes me happy.

It’s what you do in your free time that will set you free – or enslave you.” – Jarod Kintz