tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248873693271928272024-03-13T09:38:21.151-06:00The Boulder ExperimentTwo(sort of)adults and two newbies chuck the east coast city life for a slice of heaven in Boulder, Colorado...Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16883596868538035737noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424887369327192827.post-11780685174109018062009-12-17T20:39:00.004-07:002009-12-17T20:43:36.595-07:00Mild Winters...Gotta Love 'em<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1H0NxhkkIh8voOhHZmzOeeaP8heETZwq0D4NcmUWSHyd1RX9rYha7LXWPMPMwOeSIVDQuNSFsciTsauD2toKA2Fc1oFui_5c8kxIUXTV-xwrGW8NGgf3rsYJI5WlTAD_jzbafY-2_qA/s1600-h/Skies.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1H0NxhkkIh8voOhHZmzOeeaP8heETZwq0D4NcmUWSHyd1RX9rYha7LXWPMPMwOeSIVDQuNSFsciTsauD2toKA2Fc1oFui_5c8kxIUXTV-xwrGW8NGgf3rsYJI5WlTAD_jzbafY-2_qA/s400/Skies.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416416466951155810" /></a><br />While my bretheren are freezing their tails off back east we're "cold-kickin' it" as I like to say in 55 degree weather. Light fleece outside midday. Check out the photo of the alto-cirro-nimbus-somethingorother the wife took a photo of as it crossed over the last of the rockies...Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16883596868538035737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424887369327192827.post-65000423531425671392009-12-15T21:33:00.000-07:002009-12-15T21:53:05.195-07:00Winter????Sunny and 50 degrees here today. No wind so I could almost get away with a short sleeve shirt. The sun is melting the snow off the mountains and the only trouble spot is right in front of our house where the roads STILL have not been plowed.<br /><br />Brutal. Other than that winter here is infinitely better than winters back east. The difference is the break you seem to get from the cold and snow. In NY from December – February it’s basically brutal with very little let up. Boulder weather seems to be more like a see-saw. Cold and snowy for 5 days then 50 and beautiful….Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16883596868538035737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424887369327192827.post-63342709653113938032009-12-09T21:43:00.005-07:002009-12-09T21:57:05.622-07:00Pre-School<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQvlt03wkgm5enqS0r6PXb3jgEDM4PZm1Hx6DQWZc7_ZFGi92YiIU18AEpaxflKyW7ZBqRG6FkreqipyxUrLq58Wg1jk9NYj94Ug-bpXkEgyvkkYUY_lInzccXtKwXuKvL8Vn2K98jBk/s1600-h/schoolbus-big.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQvlt03wkgm5enqS0r6PXb3jgEDM4PZm1Hx6DQWZc7_ZFGi92YiIU18AEpaxflKyW7ZBqRG6FkreqipyxUrLq58Wg1jk9NYj94Ug-bpXkEgyvkkYUY_lInzccXtKwXuKvL8Vn2K98jBk/s400/schoolbus-big.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413466460024630546" /></a><br />Our first daughter attends <a href="http://boulderwaldorf.com">Boulder Waldorf </a>in North Boulder. This being our first little girl and her first schooling we were very particular and honestly, pretty apprehensive, about her first school experience.<br /><br />That said Boulder Waldorf could not have been a more perfect choice for our daughter. She does not do well in a structured environment. Like her dad she is stubborn and just does not like being told what to do! BWK is fairly unstructured and geared towards a ton of outdoor play and that suits our girl perfectly.<br />The staff in general and her teacher in particular are some of the most caring people I've ever come across...<br /><br />But beware. If you're looking for a "school" atmosphere and some rigidity this is not the place for your child. There is a very Boulder, earthy-crunchy vibe to the place and there are even farm animals in the back yard. I'm not sure how long she'll stay at this school, but as a first experience this has been absolutely perfect.Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16883596868538035737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424887369327192827.post-18660990354238373672009-12-06T21:25:00.003-07:002009-12-06T21:30:23.143-07:00Let It Snow Let It Snow Let It Snow...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcuwjIZf1HnWmChEPN4yh3TJmAjpxZWwSkS-MRw7MffV92rZpx6l-vQHelBSUyRrmQdEjLNLYKw8HhXt0WhNm1NpdbM7jaznTN9b7HS0vsAHi7J3BmPkKA8dzt-5TGkpxEUr-ln7yFsw/s1600-h/330134422_2f3f2bc0b4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcuwjIZf1HnWmChEPN4yh3TJmAjpxZWwSkS-MRw7MffV92rZpx6l-vQHelBSUyRrmQdEjLNLYKw8HhXt0WhNm1NpdbM7jaznTN9b7HS0vsAHi7J3BmPkKA8dzt-5TGkpxEUr-ln7yFsw/s400/330134422_2f3f2bc0b4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412346790208054018" /></a><br />We're finally getting a taste of the winters I used to hear about back east when I asked people about Colorado in December and January. Sledding today for me and daughter #1 while the wife and daughter #2 stayed toasty near the fireplace.<br /><br />I had it explained to me today that the Boulder DOT tends to let the sun do most of the snow removal. I buy that because the sun is so strong around here and snow evaporates quick, but there HAS to be a better plan for when the temps stay in the teens and twenties like they're supposed to this week. Too many roads are still like skating rinks...Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16883596868538035737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424887369327192827.post-28782322366860311292009-12-04T20:36:00.004-07:002009-12-05T18:58:08.685-07:00Streets and Skating Rinks...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNARrwTO21X-qJn7Kdw8v8Ej7I0wU5w0B71hXhwvQ9BrF7XokiegjKpsXeVXtrA12XX308kyegd4VA_Dc1bgepatU4dglOYntzT9SBT5b2tT1L_g1BOfjq0tKFptFYRN7xViGeeX9p6SY/s1600-h/DSC_0019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNARrwTO21X-qJn7Kdw8v8Ej7I0wU5w0B71hXhwvQ9BrF7XokiegjKpsXeVXtrA12XX308kyegd4VA_Dc1bgepatU4dglOYntzT9SBT5b2tT1L_g1BOfjq0tKFptFYRN7xViGeeX9p6SY/s400/DSC_0019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411936450404693506" /></a><br />I have one word for the city of Boulder today. Snowplows. Or is it snow plows so it's really two words? Whatever...<br /><br />I came back from a business trip last night and our local roads were like ice skating rinks. 48 hours after the snow had fallen! Now I know that the DOT might be used to the snow just melting away because the temperatures kick above freezing pretty quickly around here...but this isn't Hawaii. And this isn't the first snow to ever fall in Boulder. You'd think they'd be prepared and have the plows and the salt ready to go.<br /><br />Sure didn't seem like it.<br /><br />Hey, I'm not sure but I think I actually have a bone to pick with this town for once?!Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16883596868538035737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424887369327192827.post-67248607831510679252009-11-30T15:42:00.003-07:002009-11-30T20:03:42.711-07:00Pearl Street...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5KD8wovMv4rVdYcY6QlMOz1aKlqLJh8AYCI5_7xCQ6Z6r7zEaEvW88UWB3pX4Ia85OqMOd1y0P4n3J2RFM_OzzRNKesTGjxOBdHpb9QwGyHW_8D5IiZPWCWLLlvjBxqyS9S5bqaCYRs/s1600/boulder_pearl_st_modified.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5KD8wovMv4rVdYcY6QlMOz1aKlqLJh8AYCI5_7xCQ6Z6r7zEaEvW88UWB3pX4Ia85OqMOd1y0P4n3J2RFM_OzzRNKesTGjxOBdHpb9QwGyHW_8D5IiZPWCWLLlvjBxqyS9S5bqaCYRs/s400/boulder_pearl_st_modified.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410032522337577730" /></a><br />The Pearl Street pedestrian mall is located in the center of town. It's been a destination of ours for shopping, dining and times when we just wanted a place to walk around with our kids.<br /><br />The best comparison I can think of is the Santa Monica promenade. Upscale stores, artsy vibe, throw in a granola feel and a few homeless people/street musicians and you're there. Pearl Street probably has more of a college feel to it than Santa Monica because CU is just blocks away. But take away the beach and mix in the mountains and it's a very similar experience.<br /><br />So far the city planners have done an excellent job of keeping the chain stores out...there's a cheesecake factory, a subway, a chico's and maybe one or two other "chain" type stores but overall it has kept the unique feel you would want. There are always tons of children running around and on every block there's something for the kids...animal statues to climb on, a short pedestrian bridge to walk on, etc. On any weekend when the temperature is good you'll see tons of families letting their kids run wild with the mountains as your backdrop.<br /><br />The only issue we seem to find is parking and dodging the Greenpeace kids who mean well but boy they can be a pain!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.boulderdowntown.com">http://www.boulderdowntown.com/ </a>Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16883596868538035737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424887369327192827.post-4373345616794374922009-11-28T08:30:00.006-07:002009-11-28T08:33:20.194-07:00Sporting Boulder<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicynY63IkhT_un5VnBN8jltymRU5qIvCeLo6hjdQa41i3JzdfbjoI14GETXZKaklLsZQ_HArWZ1A9Z9Sb70uVSRjZg_oFcmdH1sg53Xw-TQt0_KT_BAdf4y6Decl6wmcclYmsT025QJsU/s1600/DSC_0039.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicynY63IkhT_un5VnBN8jltymRU5qIvCeLo6hjdQa41i3JzdfbjoI14GETXZKaklLsZQ_HArWZ1A9Z9Sb70uVSRjZg_oFcmdH1sg53Xw-TQt0_KT_BAdf4y6Decl6wmcclYmsT025QJsU/s400/DSC_0039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409177829019488018" /></a><br />Long before we moved here we knew Boulder had the rep for being a triathletes paradise and an oasis of outdoor activity.<br /><br />That's no lie.<br /><br />One of my favorite sights in North Boulder is seeing cyclists one after the other taking Broadway North towards Route 36 which is the gateway to a dozen rides. I mean, you literally can't drive 30 seconds without seeing a roofrack on a car. I used to judge how upscale a town is by how many sushi restaurants it had. Well you can judge how active the population is here by how many cycle shops there are within a 3-mile radius. I count seven! And then they're are the pilates studios, yoga centers, running stores, climbing gyms etc etc etc.<br /><br />Yes there are overweight people here. Just like there are vegetarians in Texas, the land of lean beef...just not many of them.<br /><br />Someone told me when I left New York that if I didn't find a career out here I could always coach people in cycling/running/triathlons. I was a bit doubtful. And I was right. Back home I'm pretty good. Here I'm middle of the pack, maybe a little better. It's inspiring in a way...I'm looking forward to all the sports I've come to know plus some of the things I never learned or rarely had time for; snowshoeing, skiing, rock climbing, stand-up paddleboarding....Basically any athletic endeavor you can think of is right here waiting for you....it's an athletic oasis, just as advertised...Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16883596868538035737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424887369327192827.post-14361791829905180202009-11-23T21:05:00.006-07:002009-11-23T21:25:27.053-07:00The Ward Ride<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6kPC46ZHbHzaeyggYhaQLQi0BLjlk55HzLy8G2eHQYCko6tLP76h_DgIOBAJZR0k6VNnbt-WalCzi37GypF1RKrsLzWYnvvM5eN8iEzvIgAKwNm5tCJQZQFzf14ey-gl_bLlWu3owME/s1600/DSC_0048.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6kPC46ZHbHzaeyggYhaQLQi0BLjlk55HzLy8G2eHQYCko6tLP76h_DgIOBAJZR0k6VNnbt-WalCzi37GypF1RKrsLzWYnvvM5eN8iEzvIgAKwNm5tCJQZQFzf14ey-gl_bLlWu3owME/s400/DSC_0048.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407520631061188722" /></a><br />This is the ride that separates the men from the boys...or the women from the girls if we're being politically correct here.<br /><br />See the road sign pictured? This is your moment of truth. You started out at Route 36 with every intention of doing the Ward ride. 5 miles up the gradual incline the road splits. Go straight and you'll be sipping hot chocolate at the Jamestown Cafe in less than 20 minutes. Hook a left and you're headed for Ward, baby. More than a few times I approached the split sure I was hooking left but opted for the easy hot chocolate instead.<br /><br />Ward is tough. 10.5 more miles. About 3 times the time and distance it takes to get to Jamestown. The terrain is much the same...maybe a tad steeper in sections. But you get the feeling it takes forever since there is no let up. Just a pretty constant 4 - 8 % grind up the mountain. The Ward climb FEELS a bit different though. Not just longer. You're climbing so long you actually feel the temperature drop along the way. My guess is Ward sits around 9,000 feet and way back a week ago when you started this climb it was probably at 5,300 feet in Boulder.<br /><br />Then you hit the last 1.4 miles. Forget it. Just put your head down. Look at your feet, hope the pedals are still moving and grind on. The first time I did Ward my buddy told me to watch out for the last bit. I kept waiting for it. Waiting and waiting and waiting till I was sure he was off his rocker and it was never coming. Then I rounded a corner and my wheels just about stopped moving the grade got so steep. 13 minutes later I had made it to the general store which was the size of a big closet. And I finally got my hot chocolate. By the way the "town" of Ward is a sight. Cars from the mid 70s parked all over the place. A few people who looked like extras from "Deliverance." Definitely not where you'd take the kids on summer vacation. But hey, what a ride. And then you get to fly back home on a downhill that kicks you up past 45 miles per hour if you let it...Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16883596868538035737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424887369327192827.post-5559746206570109902009-11-23T07:55:00.007-07:002009-11-23T15:51:54.187-07:00The Jamestown Ride<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoMNZSS6vmCivlLwetBfLKymUz6FbbTEWwAU_akxqlTWJ_ghHy1tyzEiE53dXKkJ0cZvgGnspRmAoye-v3z2oUx8dy8MDB0q6mnIFiqk2UNLXEMmgzEX8u-IgkWA4-K6h6vRIhIm-Uzg/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoMNZSS6vmCivlLwetBfLKymUz6FbbTEWwAU_akxqlTWJ_ghHy1tyzEiE53dXKkJ0cZvgGnspRmAoye-v3z2oUx8dy8MDB0q6mnIFiqk2UNLXEMmgzEX8u-IgkWA4-K6h6vRIhIm-Uzg/s400/DSC_0041.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407314890967636002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjeR7OqAyk8JoV_w2iwjLGKOmLLxx2QNR0fN4oeH-u6yy0G90X84ny-4zwGu9V-oHuDzpCGx609yA3GXysUjqxEDiJnm8Dmm6uio2pKK1Nt5gptxs5ERdOsSoXAz3KlHOILfQxT_d1q8/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjeR7OqAyk8JoV_w2iwjLGKOmLLxx2QNR0fN4oeH-u6yy0G90X84ny-4zwGu9V-oHuDzpCGx609yA3GXysUjqxEDiJnm8Dmm6uio2pKK1Nt5gptxs5ERdOsSoXAz3KlHOILfQxT_d1q8/s400/DSC_0045.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407314885609203794" /></a><br /><br />The Jamestown ride is what I think when I think of the perfect ride on a bike. 8 + miles starting at route 36. Riding through the very front of the rockies. Probably between 3 and 7 % grade the whole way. You’re never really in trouble no how tired you are because the grade never gets steep enough. It’s perfect for repeats. Numerous times I’ve done two and one time I did three. Usually I’ll take it slow the first time then burn it on the second trip. <br /><br />At the top there’s a hole in the wall café in the center of a town that might be 100 feet long. Cyclists always seem to stop there, it’s like a meeting place where you can recharge and share war stories. Seems like the owners of the café fill Gatorade coolers with water and leave them across the street every day so the cyclists can fill up. It’s a nice little insider thing that you only know from living here. The cafe is a total dive but it serves as the cultural hub of the town. During the day it’s a café. At night it turns into a restaurant and on weekends I think they have music. I guess you have to multi-task when you’re the only game in town.<br /><br />If you don’t stop at the café you can keep riding up the road but the going gets considerably steeper…did I stress the word “considerably?” Holy mackerel. I’ve done the 3 or 4 miles twice and both times it was full “survival mode.” Granny gear and just keep the pedals turning while the people driving in cars laugh at you. Best advice. Just do repeats up to the café most days. Work on your cardio, see 100 cyclists doing exactly what you are. Wave to them. Have a hot chocolate at the café, love the fact that you live in Boulder and can do this ride as often as you want…and then go home…Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16883596868538035737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424887369327192827.post-11134566886512608272009-11-22T21:58:00.005-07:002009-11-22T22:01:23.649-07:00Amante's<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdBHcYcvpqfS4jXg9BcenndsxKtf0EfJm0F9EY_qfwPInKMMJElu1QjsEKD2xF-Aa8PPXtTwSy2SeNqZ9wfL9nowIIFHTxFzcc2rBAjMbBtb41B2F0CyRKpbPA2CwPZFwPXgCAYNEpjM/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdBHcYcvpqfS4jXg9BcenndsxKtf0EfJm0F9EY_qfwPInKMMJElu1QjsEKD2xF-Aa8PPXtTwSy2SeNqZ9wfL9nowIIFHTxFzcc2rBAjMbBtb41B2F0CyRKpbPA2CwPZFwPXgCAYNEpjM/s400/DSC_0030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407159299075172082" /></a><br />If you live in North Boulder, Amante’s is clearly THE meeting place for shoe-gazers, cyclists and people planning to take over the world via computer.<br /><br />As I type this there are two cycle-dudes chatting up two cycle chicks (loudly I might add) three 20-something kids talking about launching something (I’m not sure what) and six people with computers. Smart business move by the owners, providing free wi-fi. People are in here all the time, slapping computer keys and plotting their next move…wait that’s exactly what I’m doing. So maybe I should make that seven people with computers.<br /><br />Amante’s is going for the modern, Euro look…lots of clean lines, bright glass behind the counter…and they serve gelato. Nothing says Euro like gelato. I mean they could serve haagen-dazs or baskin-robbins but I guess that’s the point.<br /><br />The three kids within earshot are talking in low tones about “viral marketing” and “flash flooding” the web…sounds intriguing but for all I know they’re selling diapers on the net. All three have that dirty Boulder look…college kids who look like they need a shower.<br /><br />Anyways Amante’s is perfectly situated in a big space for a café. Right on Broadway. It’s a natural place for cyclists to stop because it’s maybe ¼ mile from the farthest tip of North Boulder which is the jumping off point for 1,000 rides and 1,000 cyclists. On a beautiful morning chances are if you’re stopping here you’re either wearing a cycling jersey or using a computer and plotting a viral takeover like these kids in front of me. They’ll probably be selling insurance in ten years…but hey, chase your dream, boys….Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16883596868538035737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424887369327192827.post-18695146960081838162009-11-15T10:34:00.000-07:002009-11-22T20:34:52.079-07:00The Backstory...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnECteQ3Ah3pA3wDO86eKUbG-lTljQ5A98stTo6HOd-ZNPCgBFjm69U-SaNzt3eBHhMx5m48Lgg1BJ-gu23vXHyqZoyMVx5-12Rko3wVy3uqeux56xU94dRtGHondQZme9vF3By7lK8U/s1600/DSC_0198.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnECteQ3Ah3pA3wDO86eKUbG-lTljQ5A98stTo6HOd-ZNPCgBFjm69U-SaNzt3eBHhMx5m48Lgg1BJ-gu23vXHyqZoyMVx5-12Rko3wVy3uqeux56xU94dRtGHondQZme9vF3By7lK8U/s400/DSC_0198.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407137313282800498" /></a><br />To understand our Boulder experience it might help to give a little backstory...<div><br /></div><div>I worked for two major sports leagues for the past 20 years. My life was a succession of long hours going project to project and then droughts in between where I could catch my breath. It also meant travel, a lot of it, especially in the last few years. That meant that my wife and young daughter only caught bits and pieces of my time. It was professionally fulfilling in many ways but at the same time it was <b>not</b> how I drew it up on the blackboard and certainly not how I wanted it to be for the next 10 years. </div><div><br /></div><div>At the same time I have a love/hate relationship with New York. As I've gotten older and raised a family I loved the various things the city had to offer, but I detested the pace and the values that so many New Yorkers seem to have. And raising a family that last part became especially important to me. When I knew I was leaving my career I sat down and literally wrote out a list of what we wanted for our family if we were going to move. I'd lived around NY my entire life so this would be a monumental life change for all of us...</div><div><br /></div><div>If we were going to do this we wanted a lot; a beautiful location, a progressive town, great schools, good restaurants, music and culture, a major university nearby and an active community. We wanted a place that was big enough not to be small town but small enough not to be big city. I went on so many websites doing research, I was on <a href="http://www.city-data.com">www.city-data.com</a> constantly gathering info. </div><div><br /></div><div>I had done a lot of work in Denver over the years so Colorado always intrigued me...and as a triathlete Boulder has a legendary reputation. So last December I sandwiched some work around a Boulder vacation and we spent 7 days here in the dead of winter. It was cold....10 degress most days....but I could picture us living in Boulder. The mountains were indescribably beautiful. Pearl Street was loaded with boutique shops gearing up for Christmas. There were yoga and pilates studios on every block. It felt big but small, homey yet progressive. I imagined cycling into the mountains when spring came. I think my wife and I knew we wanted to quit NY, knew we knew we wanted something different for our kids...I think we looked at each other and knew that we were going to give Boulder a shot.</div><div><br /></div><div>The meek may inherit the earth someday but in my world it's only after the strong have had their way with it. I knew it was going to be a tough road to get to Boulder, but we were committed. I always kept in mind the alternative....talking to my kids in 10 years and telling them, "sorry we weren't strong enough to start a new life for ourselves in a better place..." </div><div><br /></div><div>That wasn't going to happen.</div><div><br /></div><div>8 months later we touched down in Denver, ready to start a new life at the foot of the mountains. I had no job....no job prospects to speak of...one friend who lived 15 minutes away...we had 100 reasons to do nothing and stay in NY, near family and friends. But for us it was time...it was as simple as that....there was no doubt in my mind we were doing the right thing...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16883596868538035737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424887369327192827.post-29026203082350138532009-11-15T09:19:00.000-07:002009-11-22T20:40:24.318-07:00On the Downside...So let me start this off by offering some negatives to Boulder. They may seem trivial -- and many of them are -- but living here you need to get down to the trivial in order to find the bad...<br /><br />1) <b>The Weather</b>. Overall much better than the northeast, but it is damn near impossible to dress properly. Never has the phrase "dress in layers" been more applicable. Clouds, wind and sun play a major, major role in what you're wearing...<br /><br />For instance, a few days ago I'm running errands and the thermometer read 65 degrees. With the sun beating down it feels like 80 and there was no way you'd have more on than a short sleeve tee. Then five minutes later the clouds roll in, the wind picks up and all of a sudden it feels like 50 and you're looking for your sweater...Now kick in the fact that I'm a cyclist and those 30 degree swings feel like 50 when you're on the bike...<br /><br />I still haven't gotten this one right...<br /><br />2) <b>Traffic/Construction</b>. Broadway, Valmont, 28th street have all been undergoing major construction since we've been here. Nothing that can't be avoided but when you're just getting yourself situated getting from point A to point B it sure can add time to your travel...<br /><br />3) <b>Traffic in General</b>. Just an impression but Boulder seems like a town that's just about filled to capacity. By that I mean at rush hour lights can back up a bit and things can slow down. Take that for what it's worth. I'm from a major city and I drove 1:15 to and from work every day so this is really a breeze, but I do notice it...and maybe I'm overly sensitive to it since I often have a screaming infant in the back...<br /><br />4) <b>Greenpeace</b>. Boy I'm really scraping the bottom of the barrel here for negatives. I don't feel like we can walk five minutes on Pearl Street without being stopped by a college kid dressed in Greenpeace gear trying to talk to me about saving the whales. I mean I respect the passion and the idealism but I do find myself trying to navigate around them so I don't have to say "No" all the time...<br /><br />5)<b> Liberalism</b>. If you're a conservative or a libertarian like I am you will be in the distinct minority...let me emphasize the word <b>distinct</b>. This isn't as bad as it sounds since I don't involve myself in local politics anyway but this is a town that wears its politics on it's sleeve. I do just fine by keeping a little bit more quiet than I would in other places and picking the people I share my political views with...trust me on this one...<div><br /></div><div>6) <b>Snakes/Mountain Lions</b>. Oh they're here. On my first trail run near our house I nearly ran over snakes twice. I had been warned about prarie rattlers in the summer but my knowledge of snakes had been limited to the zoo in NY so what did I know? I nearly pee'd in my pants...turns out they were harmless snakes but I waited till it was about 20 feet away before I kept running. </div><div><br /></div><div>And mountain lions...yeah, well they come out hiding sometimes when they're looking for food. I actually came close to one yesterday. A little scary but after living here three months I already take it in stride. I just turned back and decided not to tempt said mountain lion into making me today's dinner.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now if you're a big city type, adapting to mountain lions and snakes may seem a bit much, but in a way it's part of the fun. A slight element of the unknown inserted into your carefully-planned life and I like that...besides, I've seen plenty of 70 and 80 year old women hiking the same trails I am so if they can do it without becoming lunch meat then I figure I can too....<br /><br />That's about it for the negatives so far. I'll try to think of some more but much of this blog will be a love letter to our new hometown so in the interests of fairness I thought it right to start with some negatives. </div>Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16883596868538035737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424887369327192827.post-60368340047337710832009-11-13T14:55:00.000-07:002009-11-23T15:51:28.879-07:00In The Beginning...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfwM4o4YMUnipAgV8BBcCN75UWf8NKLOgZkOjJyVxogqsXJaLtDSPSDTg1y7WZm15piuHhGAFRKJO55ARquET6-G0447Fm27gOueGd4sbbQI5bMNc5AA_4e4NRSppfmc432t_E25no1U/s1600-h/DSC_0353.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfwM4o4YMUnipAgV8BBcCN75UWf8NKLOgZkOjJyVxogqsXJaLtDSPSDTg1y7WZm15piuHhGAFRKJO55ARquET6-G0447Fm27gOueGd4sbbQI5bMNc5AA_4e4NRSppfmc432t_E25no1U/s400/DSC_0353.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403801623790579506" /></a><br />Three months ago our family moved from New York to Boulder, Colorado...it has been a life change of epic proportions putting it mildly. Now that we're (sort of) settled into our new life, this blog is dedicated to relaying our experiences in "the new world." <div><br />So much has been written and said about Boulder and we consumed just about all of it before making this life changing decision. I believe that there are many people, many families just like us who have a deep desire to change their life for something better but who can't quite make it happen for whatever the reason. This describes many of us at different points in our lives and as a family we are no different. But we took the plunge, and for all those who are thinking about Boulder as an option, the following will be an honest appraisal of what we've gotten ourselves into...the good, the bad and the ugly...but at the risk of letting the cat out of the bag let me tell you that there just isn't much "ugly" to be seen....</div><div><br />By the way we made the move with a 2 1/2 year old and a 22 day old infant...so if we can do it, just about anybody can!</div>Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16883596868538035737noreply@blogger.com0