KZak: Addicted to life at 6280ft. (approx.)

I hate Laundromats. I’m currently sitting in one because my valiant efforts in locating a “wash-n-fold” were less than successful and I’m now forced to do my own laundry (it’s been piling up for 2 weeks…’bout time eh?). Because I’m a “baller” (or lazy), I’ve been paying someone to do my laundry for the past 6 months. My time is extra valuable and I love not folding clothes. I figure, if I must be stuck in a facility such as this, I might as well reflect on the last 2-3 weeks of my life!

I moved to South Lake Tahoe about 2 weeks ago and spent the first week all by my lonesome (not really), discovering the area, settling into my cabin, and preparing myself for this daunting Laundromat experience. Monday morning of week one, I woke up, looked outside, and found 3 inches of fresh snow outside my window. It was June 6^th. In a state of denial, I climbed back into bed and didn’t leave until the snow had melted and I was able to wear my running shoes for a run instead of my snow boots. About 3 weeks prior, I was able to run 3-7 miles a couple times a week without much problem. On Monday, I was about to flag down an ambulance at mile 2. Running at 6300 feet for the first time is a horrible, horrible experience. My feet morphed into cinderblocks and my lungs embraced emphysema and I died. No bueno.

Throughout the next few days I walked down the street to read on the rocks, treat myself to a massage, watch the sunsets, and decide which local pub would become my favorite. I also needed to reacquaint myself with commercially run grocery stores (tear) and map out where all the locally grown/harvested products are (ok…so there’s a Trader Joe’s near work! I won’t have to try as hard as I thought). Thursday was spent paddling around the lake with my favorite McCusker, soaking up the sunshine, and eating a late afternoon snack with a raccoon. The tourists were highly amused and the locals highly amused by the tourists. I’m still a tourist.

Friday, after dying on a run, I made my way up to Reno for a BBQ with some old Spaulding favorites. There’s a small group of therapists from back home who are all traveling in this area for the summer…it’s fantastic. The dinner spread was something I wasn’t prepared for. I think Martha Stewart was there setting up before I arrived. It was a crazy night of delicious food, good drinks, new friends, and serious belly laughs. Definitely needed. Saturday, a group of us traveled to Truckee, CA for a brewers festival and bluegrass show. In order to enter CA from NV, you have to pass through an agriculture checkpoint. I freaked when I realized I had leftover blueberry and peach cobbler in my car…turns out they don’t care about cobbler. Phew! We arrived in Truckee an hour early (surprised?), ventured around the downtown area (super cute), and then made our way back to the festival.

A really wonderful thing about the west coast…tons of microbreweries. I started making beer a few years ago and have much respect for brewers. I’m nowhere close to crafting beers on par with the ones I tasted at the festival but certainly have high hopes of learning one day.

On Sunday, I was contacted by a really great couple to go sailing on the lake. I put my name up on a “crew finder” list and it’s worked out pretty well! I showed up to their boat in the Tahoe Keyes neighborhood and was eager to help rig. In college and grad school, I sailed “competitively” around the northeast. After college, I lived in the BVI’s for a short while to teach on larger boats and learn more about navigational skills. I’m most certainly not the best but I have an idea of what I’m doing, have the necessary gear, and definitely have the love for the lifestyle. At this point in time, this couple has confidence in me as their crew…which they should. I pick up a few gear bags, get to the dock, put on my boots, and start heading down to the boat. Within 20 seconds, I’m in the water. I gracefully slammed into the dock, bounced off a pontoon boat (docked on the opposite side of their boat), and get stuck between the pontoon and the dock. I heroically manage to keep their gear bags above water while I wedge myself even further between my two vices.

Once out of the water I realize I failed to put my cell phone in the waterproof pelican case because my pocket would obviously do a better job. Great…I’m now sopping wet (dry clothes at bottom of lake), swearing because I now need to order my 4^th replacement phone in 3 months (I hate cell phones and swearing), and I’m convinced I broke my elbow mid bounce off the pontoon (still convinced). All I could do was look at them and ask, “which one’s the sailboat?”

Despite the seamless introduction, we hit the water, enjoyed some cocktails, and I was able to experience the incredible Tahoe scenery from the water. Not a bad way to end my vacation week. That night, I prepared my work clothes and hit the sheets early. The next day was my birthday and first day at a new job.

I didn’t have much expectation for my birthday this year. No phone, no internet, no family, and I wouldn’t see any friends that day. Honestly, I was in denial and didn’t want to acknowledge what day it was. All it took was a 94 year old man and a balloon to change my day around. I seriously love working in skilled nursing facilities…and old men.

When my co-workers caught drift of what day it was, they bought cupcakes, sang “happy birthday”, and decided it would be a good idea to take me to a casino for dollar drinks once work was out. I truly lucked out with some great co-workers. They quickly made me feel welcomed, less homesick, and excited for this next year of life.

Mid-week, an old friend from college and her boyfriend arrived to stay for a few days. My home felt more alive, happy, and comfortable. I was excited to have company. We set out to watch the Bruins win the cup, found a fantastic pub (partially owned by a UNH alumn!!!) and went to sleep after I made a few recommendations for day excursions around the lake. I knew Tahoe was a magical place (I’m corny, I know) and the news I received when I arrived home from work the next day proved it. During their kayak trip to Emerald Bay, Adam asked Nell to marry him. As I entered through the front door, Nell came jumping (literally) into the living room shouting, “KZAK! I’M ENGAGED!!!”. I welled up with excitement for them (Adam’s amazing and I’ve never seen Nell so happy or content…great match) and headed straight for the champagne. We made a delicious dinner that night, toasted their happiness, and headed out for a champagne sunset.

The rest of the work week went seamlessly, I battled food poisoning Friday night, and decided that dehydration was no excuse to miss out on a camping trip/hike the next day in the Sierra Mountains. I’m so stubborn.

So far, Tahoe’s been a roller-coaster ride and I’m lovin’ it. I wish you were all here with me. For those who are able to make the trip…fair warning…you’re going to fall in love and never leave!