One of my 2020 goals was to establish “ski week” as a family tradition. I booked a week in Telluride for each of February and March.
Feb 2020 : Ski Week 1.0 => Everything was going according to plan. The night before we drove through a storm and arrived ready to shred.
Two hours into our powder day, after dropping a double black in style (!), my daughter slipped on a catwalk and fractured her wrist.
We drove home that afternoon.
March 2020 : Ski Week 2.0 => Our trip was blown out by COVID.
I’m not the sort of guy to be put off by setbacks.
I’m patient with execution.
We checked out JHMR last summer.
Feb 2022 : Ski Week 3.0 => Vail, Beaver Creek, Steamboat Springs then Jackson.
“Dad, do these heart-pants make me look like a beginner? I think I need all black.”
We currently have two family traditions, matching Christmas PJs and Christmas in Mexico. Adding Jackson fits with my medium-term goals.
It gives me a forum to relate with my kids in my best environment. I should be able to rip until our youngest is done with high school.
It gives me a forum to expose them to my mentors, Doc J was there.
It gives me a forum to introduce them to younger, role models of outstanding character. Justin Daerr, Ironman Boulder Champ, all around good bro, was along for the week. I’d like to get his wife out for Ski Week 4.0.
As an athlete, I learned “the first time you go somewhere is usually a hassle.”
This was a reminder to stay put and train… as well as a warning against thinking life is better somewhere else.
The first step is making it work, where you are.
The next step, once it’s working, don’t mess with a streak.
Jackson worked great, eventually.
++
When we arrived, we were greeted by an AirBnB that smelled like stale cigarettes and dog!
My wife and daughter were flying in the next morning.
My son kept asking me… “Are you OK, Daddy?”
I was not OK.
I couldn’t fall asleep.
I got up.
Rather than spending energy assigning blame, I jumped on a travel app and made the problem go away.
I booked a very nice room, slope side.
The bill was large. However, just like I recommend with taxes, I compared the bill to my family net worth… it was manageable. I will remember the lesson, and not miss the money.
My thirst for blame and revenge was replaced by gratitude that I had the insight to make the problem go away.
I slept great, despite the staleness!
Doc J has an athletic wife, kids both older / younger than mine and a family tree where elders live a very long time.
He faces many of the same challenges/concerns as me. Plus, he actually went to med school… 😉
He also has a proven track record of giving me advice that nudges positive change.
He’s a better listener than me.
The list goes on and on…
The good doctor is helping me with a project and we are talking about compensation…
You could pay me, but I’m good at earning my own money. What would be better is if you could teach my family in an area where I’m not an expert => finance, money, forms of wealth.
A strategic family relationship, combined with a family tradition, combined with the kids not noticing we are teaching them while they’re having fun.
Similar to bible camp, but we shred.
Many other signs of a return to normal living – Jackson had a tolerant, relaxed vibe.
A thought on kids.
You don’t need to be a parent to have a child reflect your inner goodness back to you.
Teaching kids has proven to be a surprising source of strength, and quiet pride, within my life.
I ran my light setup and was grateful.
It was really nice to spend time with old friends.
Recap:
- Spending time, and money, in a way that meets the family’s strategic goals of building its human capital.
- Exposing young family members to various lifestyle options, of friends with strong character.
- Providing a forum for young people to speak with young adult role models.
- Listening to the advice of friends who know me well.
S & S // that ship has sailed
Feel The Byrn 
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