March 10, 2018 – Lutsen, Minnesota

I’m 32 years old today.

It certainly doesn’t feel like it, but maybe that’s just the combination of coffee and adrenaline currently sweeping over my body. Pour an IPA and ESB. Make a bloody Mary. It’s lunch time on the mountain; we’re getting rocked. A four-day-long ski race, nearby wedding, great weather, and local business all contribute to our projection of around 2,000 people on the mountain today.

And they’re thirsty.

The kid cashiering for me is doing great for his first time. Vodka/soda, chardonnay, belgian wheat. One bar on the mountain, one bartender. Not that I’m complaining – for an adrenaline junkie, shifts like this are where it’s at. Four bloodies. The time flies by.

Just like this season.

I have one month left here, and plenty of things to accomplish before leaving. My birthday gifts presented themselves to me earlier in the week – my boss invited me on my first ice fishing trip, and a coworker invited me over for dinner. Two lagers, Captain and Coke. Both of those events were greatly enjoyed and appreciated. It’s a shame that I don’t have more time for such luxuries here, but my freedoms in Lutsen were limited by my own design. Know thyself.

My boss eventually informs me of the numbers: 436 beers, 116 mixed drinks, 85 bloodies, 15 glasses of wine.

All in a day’s work.

Well, half a day, anyway. My final birthday gift to myself?

Shift number two.

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” – Pele