Me jumping a small rock under Jersey Cream. Thanks to Chris Hacking for the amazing photo.
This thanksgiving, I have many things to be thankful for. Firstly, I'm thankful for my mother. It is thanks to my mom that I am alive, thanks to her that I have friends, and thanks to her that I was able to spend this Thanksgiving in Whistler, and a have a great Thanksgiving dinner. Secondly, I'm thankful for my father. It is thanks to my father that I am alive, thanks to him that I am able to enjoy any part of the mountain (whether by hiking, climbing or skiing), and thanks to him that I am privileged enough to be in a fantastic department at such a strong university. Finally, I'm thankful for the snow, rocks, gondolas, lifts, lifties and ski patrollers that all make it possible for me to enjoy the mountains.
If not for all of the things I mentioned above and much more, I would not be able to enjoy Blackcomb on Thanksgiving, and Whistler the next day. I would not be able to hike Jersey Cream bowl on Blackcomb and ski down, or hit the terrain park in Whistler (it was better than the one in Blackcomb, more jumps, more jibs, more fun).
This has not been an easy quarter for me at all. It has been incredibly busy, and very intellectually demanding. Were the short two days worth 7 weeks of suffering? I don't think that this comparison should be made. I think if you like something, you should do it, and not work on something you don't enjoy simply so that you can spend a little time doing stuff you love. Hopefully, I will be able to combine my love of programming and my love of skiing so that I can do both and get tired of neither. I haven't figured out a way how yet, but maybe someday I will. If you have any ideas, please let me know.
