I did something stupid...or did I...

[Arty50]

Well ladies and gentlemen, it's official. I am back in the working world. I have no idea what I was thinking.

Two years ago, I ended up cancelling a last minute trip down to Las Lenas. Naturally, right when I cancelled the Santa Rosa rolled in and dumped huge. The depression was almost crushing. A month or so later, our dear friend Mr. Sobchak planted the idea in my head that would change my life forever.

"You must carry on the proud tradition of the house. Quit your job and move to Tahoe. SuPu did it last year, I did it this year, and it's your turn."

Hmmmm... My work schedule was winding down in December which made for a good time to leave on excellent terms; I had money coming in every month for a while; and my roommates were all moving out of our old house. Fate was knocking me upside the head. So I went into my bosses office and submitted my resignation with 3 months notice. I couldn't ask for a leave. I had just taken one a little over a year before for family reasons.

"No thanks. We'll give you a leave of absence."

"Uh, sure. I'll only be gone 6 months."

"How about we give you 8?"

I was in disbelief. So I took my leave, packed up all my belongings, and moved up to the Lake just in time for the annual late December/early January pounding. Nothing like waist deep insanity on New Years.

That first winter saw me ski many days with lph and some new kid from PA; and of course, my roommates Walter and Ms. Sobchak. Whether we had just gotten 3 feet of blower or had a week of sun, each day was filled with laughter, smilies, and endless memories.

And then there was that fateful Thursday morning. The day that would be forever known as Fat Thursday. Each and every turn was a face shot. I had never skied in snow that deep. So deep, you were floating inside of the snowpack...weightless...blind...choking... The subtle movement of your skis sent you up for air or deep into the white room. Bottom? There was none.

I also got to travel a bunch. Madness at the Utah mini. My first time at Snowbird and the Basin; I was sold on both for life. A long weekend in Whistler saw two days of blissful pow and a new eye for the mountains. And that last gasp hurrah in late April when hardrider called me around 8pm and we put together a last minute flight out to SLC the next morning for three days of glorious pow at the Bird. Of course, who could forget the Mammoth mini? I love that mountain, and the crew there makes it all the better.

So there I was, 5-6 months into the journey of a lifetime. This was the time I had planned on giving myself before I went back to work. But then my sister corrupted me, “Let’s go to South America.” But…uhhhh…ok. So another adventure was planned: a week in Lenas, then a week in Bariloche. To describe it requires a thread of its own. All I can say is if you haven’t been down there yet, go. You have no idea what you’re missing.

[Arty50]

Nine months gone by…such a slacker…no job. Ooops…my leave expired. Time to get on the horse, but what’s this? El Nino? Most amazing winter in decades? Do I believe the prognostications? Do I take the chance? In for a penny…

Hey, while I’m at it let’s go to Moab!

And well, you know the story of this winter in Tahoe. We had so many amazing days I can’t even remember them all. There was that unreal early January day lph and I hit the Heav. Chest to knee deep on the face, where it’s normally rocks and bushes. A couple of days later it was endless pow laps under the Gondola and on Firebreak. And there were the many many ridiculous days at the Wood. Who could forget the roadtrip in February to SLC and the Jackson Summit; and there was March…

The 1st Annual Sta8line Camp - AK Edition

And the winter just kept on coming. There were several unreal days at Kirkwood in March and April. Days where the report said 6-12” and it skied like 12-24”. Best of all, the place was dead and you could ski fresh from bell to bell. Sadly, they closed early; but Mammoth kept delivering. Minis, mini minis, and that last killer day on July 4th.

So I’ve rambled on for god knows how long. It’s time I got to the point. My new job.

After getting back from Moab this spring, I jumped on one of the local job sites. Hey look, an accounting job. So I updated the resume and dusted off my suits. For some reason, I generally interview really well. My final interview would blow my mind however. I was explaining my past job history and what I’d been doing the past year and a half (I didn’t bore my boss like I did to you above ). In response to my irresponsibility (skiing), I was then told that I would love this job.

“Really? Why do you say that?”

“Oh we go skiing all the time. Mostly in the morning for a hour or two, and then we come into work. Or if it’s a good day you can ski all day and work at night.”

“You’re kidding, right? [What’s going through my mind is there’s absolutely no way this is true. I’m being had.]”

“Turn around.”

Well I did, and sitting in the corner was a pair of ski boots.

It’s like a dream. I finally get back into the working world, in a job that’s good for my career, for what appears to be a great company, it’s in Tahoe, and they’re gonna let me ski.

[Arty50]

And there you have it. Thus ends a year and a half of memories that will never fade. There’s just one last thing that’s need to be said…

To the Kirkwood Crew:
You bastards are awesome. Just when I was wading back into skiing after years of neglect, you made me jump in head first. Thanks for always pushing me; and more importantly thanks for all of the laughs, smiles, and general carnage. You are the absolute best group of people a person could rip around with.

To lph and hardrider, my partners in crime:
I’ve spent more days on the hill and bike trails with these two morons than I have with anyone else. They always drag my lazy ass out of bed to go skiing, which is a huge accomplishment. Sometimes they even wait for me on a pow day. I really can’t imagine having two better friends. The days I’ve spent in the mountains with you guys are days I’ll never forget. Thanks for always dragging me along. And more importantly thanks for your friendship.

And finally to Walter Sobchak and Ms. Sobchak:
I would never have done this if Walter hadn’t planted the idea in my head. It’s a debt of gratitude I can never repay, because it’s an experience I will cherish forever. Not just the skiing, but also Tahoe on the whole. It’s shown me a different way of life, one that will have a heavy influence on me wherever I may go in the future. The two of you were also incredible roommates and friends. Two of the best I’ve ever had. Thanks just doesn’t cover it.

[phUnk]

That's the good shit right there.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Welcome back! Sucker!

[Blurred]

THat there is living the dream folks. Poetic justice.

[Superstar Punani]

Beautiful Arty. You've got memories to last a lifetime that you'll relive again and again long after you rejoin the ranks of pencil-pushing, TPS-reporting, 9-5ing Corporate Whores.

You back in the Gay Area? Looks like Wed rides will have an additional mag.

...and who will carry the funemployment torch for 05/06?

[Arty50]

Welcome back! Sucker!

Hahahahaha!!!! I need to apologize though. I forgot to show you the view out the window of my office...

[Alkasquawlik]

Atta boy Arty. Way to chase the dream.

[Superstar Punani]

Hahahahaha!!!! I need to apologize though. I forgot to show you the view out the window of my office...

You're either
a) selling timeshares at the Embassy Suites
b) retrieving shopping carts at Raleys
c) peddling useless trinkets and 10 t-shirts for $10 at a Tahoe souvenier joint

[Arty50]

You're either
a) selling timeshares at the Embassy Suites
b) retrieving shopping carts at Raleys
c) peddling useless trinkets and 10 t-shirts for $10 at a Tahoe souvenier joint

You forgot
d) selling cotton candy to tourons at the "farmer's market" in the Village.

[runethechamp]

That's a great read right there. And it sounds like you got about the best job possible when you decided to start working again. I figure you'll be at the wood again next year

[shirk]

So this means fewer killer TR's next season from Arty? Or will you just have to find a way to slack off at work to get them posted.

Glad I could share a few days skiing with you last January. Your living the dream has inspired me to get a few steps closer to the same.

[Lane Meyer]

I thikn what you meant to type was that you did something incredibly SMART. (brilliant?)

[DJSapp]

Arty50--still killin it. Live the dream, man.

[iceman]

Arty check the desktop thread for my desktop pic.

[Barnballs]

Damn! I was secretly hoping you took a job in Bell Gardens, or scenic South Gate...and were now subject to the 5, 14 and 395 for 5.5 hours every Friday eve!

Congrats man!

[Woodsy]

thats what I am fukkin talking about!

[gimpy]

welcome to the world of getting up early for powder bliss before work. way to make it happen in tahoe bud

and it looks like you'll be sierra cements neighbor at work.

[yogachik]

best TR ever.

This is the best example of following your bliss. It really is possible. It really does work.

[Vets]

Arty, I'm very happy for you. Enjoy!

[shmerham]

A real job within walking distance to lifts. Was it only your soul you sold or did you sell your parents' souls as well?

[Telenater]

Yeah, Arty rocks, couldn't happen to a better guy.

[girlski0912]

So stoked for you (and a little jealous). I might need a career counseling session in SA you know, get some pointers from the pro!

[Joey Bag O' Donuts]

You lucky S.O.B. That was a beautifull write up, looking forward to next season Mammoth debauchery Arty, oh and thanks again for saving me from da police.