Like old times?

It has been too long since my last post. Even Mike noticed the other day that I have been away from the blog as late. The reason is, of course, that school has been sucking all my time from me. My accounting class is complicated, but I have good support from my instructor who is always available to assist. My business statistics class is even more complicated in no small part to the fact that that instructor is almost entirely nonexistent. When someone posts in the "questions for the instructor" forum, the questions are left unanswered - unless a student knows the answer in which case he or she will field it. That class is singularly irritating as a result, so I shall skate by with a B or C as a result never to look back. In two weeks, I can bid that class (and hopefully the intructor) a not so fond adieu.

I am especially busy with school because I have to get ahead in light of my trip to Dayton, Ohio next weekend for Festival. It is here where I will reach a milestone in my training. I will get to train under and meet one of my childhood icons (and founder of To-Shin Do), Mr Stephen K Hayes. I will get to renew my acquaintance with Tori Eldridge and Brett Varnum, and I will get to meet and train with many new people. I will also determine my place within the To-Shin Do community as a whole. I have been put off a little bit by some elements of the art, so this trip more about the answers to questions that have been bothering me for a couple months now. I won't elaborate on this, but I plan to return with a full report.

In other news, Kristin and I have decided what we are doing for our 10 year anniversary this upcoming January. We have settled on a ski trip. Kristin set a tight budget, so my initial plan to go to Colorado was instantly crushed. Then, as I was goofing off on the internet between claims at work I came across this little gem:

This is Sunrise Ski resort in the Arizona White Mountains. I can't believe I didn't know this place existed. The only place I knew of is that uber lame Snowbowl near Flagstaff. Not only does Sunrise boast more runs, but it has three quad lifts which, as a rule, are the high speed runs for those of us who just want to get to the top quickly. This place is not a far cry from what I was exposed to in Colorado (even the elevation is comparable at over 11,000 feet). The major difference is that the places I have been in Colorado (Copper Mountain, Keystone, Breckenridge) all have well over 100 trails each wheras Sunrise is just over 60. Still, the layout is very similar to those in Colorado (sans the bowls - but I am not a bowl-level skier, so I don't really care). Anyone who skis regularly will clearly see this. I believe the reason I have never heard of this place is because it is owned by the Fort Apache Indian Tribe. They don't spend a lot of money on marketing. Instead, they spend it on grooming amazing (from what I can tell) slopes and providing high speed quad lifts. Yeah. Suck on that, Snowbowl.

We will be staying at the Red Setter Inn on the grounds of the Greer Lodge Resort in Greer, AZ where we will stay in the Penthouse for the first two nights:

For the last night, we will stay in room number four (the penthouse has been previously booked for that night):

Yes, these are pictures of the rooms I will be staying in. Since each room has its own charm, they allow guests to choose from what is available. The wife and I could have taken cabins for less, but they weren't as nice. Well, some are even nicer, but we do have a budget.

All in all, this vacation will fall right within out budget and will prove to be just the kind of thing we need. It has been many years since i have gone skiing. Images of the ski resort and the lodging brings back some of my greatest memories. During my time in Summit County, Colorado I spent many hours skiing. I spent many hours sitting at a window table at my parent's restaraunt at the base of the B lift (not the "Super Bee") at copper mountain cradling a cheeseburger, or sipping on hot chocolate watching the skiiers bounce from side to side amongst the fields of Moguls (my parents restaraunt was named "Mogulfields" for a reason). Some of my fondest memories found me sitting by a crackling fire discussing the days events on the slopes with my family.

One thing I miss incredibly (and won't get this time around) is Christmas time in the mountains. You know those Christmas Villages they sell at Michaels? Anyone who has been to my house in the last three or so years knows I have one that I expand on every year. Anyway, those villages look exactly like some areas in Colorado. Main Street in Breckenridge is one such example. Quaint, overpriced shops lining the roads, horse-drawn sleighs clip-clop past you to the rhythmic chime of jingle bells, and the holiday light displays illuminating the scene are all parts of a sum that can only be truly appreciated by experience.

In January, I will be able to enjoy many of these things with my companion and best friend. We will enjoy the skiing, but we will also get a chance to sit by the fire in deep conversation - in our room or even with other guests in the common area who have also spent the day skiing. Hot chocolate will be had by some, brandy by others. We will likely take the opportunity to take a sleigh ride. We also plan to do some tubing on our first day there. This anniversary will be a healthy mix of romance, adventure, relaxation, and chid-like innocent fun. Sweet fancy Moses, I am stoked!

Ok, so let's put that sentimental stuff aside for a moment and move on to the music segment. Since I don't do this every week anymore, I try to make my anthem selections as \m/ as possible. This week is a band that emerged in the late seventies as one of the quitessential hair metal bands only to end up sounding closer to Styx or Asia in the 80's. Their songs were solid regardless. They are still together and usually only play festivals like "Rocklahoma". At any rate, I give you Triumph and "Fight the Good Fight" (tell me this guy doesn't sound like Geddy Lee). Sorry, the sound isn't too great.