The Lucky #13

Somewhere in between learning how to ski at Waterville Valley (with godparents) and being ga-ga over Steve R. (hottest dorm-dweller at Univ. S. AL) I made a decision that I wasn't going to be happy unless I moved my southern-behind to Colorado. I'd spend hours at Barnes & Noble pouring over books about the rugged landscape, the skiing, the seasons, the festivals, the people. I visualized becoming a "hot" ski-bum sipping Snugglers in a lodge with other "hot" ski-bums. 

I opened a savings account. I worked extra hours. I dreamed. I made a plan. I set a goal departure date and I marked off the days of my calendar. Nothing was going to stop me from moving to Colorado.

I narrowed down my "dream" destination to two spots, Boulder and Steamboat Springs.  Even though Boulder wasn't necessarily a ski town, it was located closer to the airport. I was brave about "The Big Move" but I wasn't THAT brave it would work out. So, Boulder it would be.

Back then (ooooohhh WAYY back in the dark ages) the Internet was a relatively new thing, but I was fascinated and used it to search for a job. I had been bartending, so it seemed only natural that I should start there. My search led me three spots I thought would be a good fit; The Oasis, The Hungry Toad and The Barrel House. I typed up my resume, attached glowing references and a short letter alerting them of my arrival, then stuck the packets in the mail. (Yes, for a restaurant job.)

Imagine my surprise when I heard back from The Oasis. An interview was set for Friday, September 5, 1997.

With my Jeep Wagoneer packed and a small U-Haul in tow, I left Mobile, Alabama the morning of Sept 1st. I was headed in a direction I had never been before, driving across the country by myself. It was the most exhilarating thing I had ever done.

The drive took me three days. I landed in Boulder on September 4, 1997... 13 years ago today.

Taking that leap of faith to start a new life in a place I had never been before and where I didn't know anyone was the best decision I have ever made.

I got that job at The Oasis and within a year of working there - mostly in the first three months - I became very close with a core group of friends. That group has grown and expanded into an amazing community... a community of friends, my Boulder family, I cannot imagine getting through this without.  Whether it was divine intervention or a cosmic interlude, I was meant to be right here, right now.

I don't know what the future will hold for me, but I do know I'll continue to follow my heart. I'll live with love and appreciation for the people I've drawn to me in this amazing community.

Happy 13th Anniversary!