Inspiration can be a fickle thing. If you ever decide to write a blog, inspiration may be the key ingredient for success. Without it, you simply have nothing to write about. That's kid of the spot I am in now. I really want to write about skiing. I suppose that is because I really want to GO skiing. I really want to go skiing because I really like to ski. And I have not skied much this year. And I know the skiing has been fantastic this year. And I know this because you folks tell me on a daily basis what you experienced the day before on the slopes.
Ideally I like to be able to say "yeah, I know, I was up there too, and it was awesome". I haven't got to say that much this year. Bummer...
So I was thinking that every year is a good ski year for me. If I don't ski it is simply because I am too busy at work. That means the register is clicking, and the deposits at night are a bit heavier. If business is slow, I get to ski a lot. So I cannot lose either way, right? Yeah, keep telling yourself that Greg!
Typically I get 40-50 days of skiing in each year. Less than a ski bum, but more than most recreational skiers. Actually pretty good for a person that only takes off one day a week during ski season. I had made myself a deal early on in this business that I would shoot for 40 days a year. If I didn't ski that much, maybe I should get out of the business. It would mean I was either burnt out on skiing or too busy at work to ski. If I was working so much I could not ski, then I should maybe be too busy in a vocation where I could make more money working that amount. Sounds right, don't you think?
Well this year I may not make it. I am about ten ski days behind where I would normally be. In the spring I leave on a three month trip. The departure date is May 4th. We may be open through that date so I may not even be the one to put the sheet across the door indicating that we are closed for the season. That would be a first!
After we close seasonally, I have traditionally taken the staff skiing for a week or so at Mammoth or Mt. Bachelor. Some years this week puts me over the 40 day mark. One year it took a trip to Chili to push me over the magic number. Or maybe I already had over 40 days but just wanted a few more. I cannot remember ; ).
This year I will miss the spring trip. I will also not be going to the southern hemisphere. I may fall short of my goal. Should I fret over this? Well, I don't think so. If I do fret I think I will be compromising my ski year in a different way. I also realize that it would not be due to lack of desire. On top of that, I can average it out with next year and use that as a goal to ski a ton next year. Yeah, that's it! 60 days next year!
So, I have been trying to get to Utah, even if only for a day or two. That would double my days for the year. I have people there I want to ski with, and the window to get there is closing for an opportunity to do that this month. I will still get to Salt Lake a few times later in the season, but I want to get in a trip right now. My chances are a bit slim, but I could really use it, and will be a bit bitter if I cannot figure out a way to do it. To Peter and the others I would like to come ski with, please know I am trying!
If I don't make it this week, I have the national trade show to go to next week in Denver (see the Jan 17th 2010 blog entry for more about the show). Before then I need to catch up on a lot of business analysis. I am usually able to spout off percentages of growth (or decline) in every category on a month to month basis. This year I have no idea. If it doesn't involve having the store open and staffed and giving my customers the best possible experience each day, I haven't really had time to do it. Business analysis is one of the things that has had to suffer. On the other hand I have a hunch that I will like what I see overall. It has just been that kind of year.
So now I leave you to head in to the shop. If I have enough energy after we close at 8 o'clock, and there is not too much boot work to do before tomorrow, I may be able to run some reports. I hope so. I also hope not. I hope it is busy as all get out like most days. Bring it on!
So with the topic of inspiration as a theme for todays entry. I say to you, be inspired today. Be inspired to ski. Be inspired in your work and play. Shoot for all the great days you can. And make the best use of EVERY day!
1 comment:
Hey Greg I really enjoyed your comments on your blog about shooting for everyday being all that we can make it wether we are skiing or working.
Like you, I recently, well two plus years ago now, moved down from the mountains to shorten my work commute. But, in doing so I lengthened my ski and adventure commute from minutes to 1.5 to 2 hours. I continue to hold a season pass at Bear Valley each year and that is where I get my workout or lap skiing in virtually every Sat. and get to other destinations about every third week or so. In recent years with some econmic success I am able to enjoy Mt. Bachelor,Bogus Basin and Colorado almost yearly. I have a goal of 30 plus days a year... I realized 28 last year and only 18 the first year. I was disturbed by this. Dropping from 40 plus a year is difficult and does mess with your mental well being indeed! This year I am on a pretty good pace at 9 days thus far but Do not see any new snow out there for a bit...none the less. I am grateful for my job, home and those mountains just to the east of me. Another day in paradise!
Post a Comment