Where we came from

For how much I enjoy writing, it is a strange that I have failed to make a move into the blogging arena. This blog has no boundaries, nothing I MUST write about, so I intend to use it as a forum for the random parts of life. Who knows if these thoughts will be read or just become part of the immense flow of communication out on the Internet, but that's not the point.

After reading the blogs of friends, family, and professionals, I have found it inspiring to read the public diaries of these individuals. It broadens horizons of thought and connects people who may be divided.

And now to the purpose of my first post.

Lyle and I moved from Laramie, Wyoming to Colorado just about 3 weeks ago. But, before I left the Gem City, I found myself consciously recognizing the mundane parts of that town that I would miss the most. Here they are, connected loosely:

-The ability to ride a bicycle anywhere in town with such speed and ease. Without this luxury, I would have been more than 6 minutes late to work every morning.

-The Pedal House. It goes without saying that this establishment turned out to be a home more than a job with a family instead of co-workers. After visiting many places, there is not another bike shop like this one. If you can get by the sarcasm and just sit on the right side of the counter for a while, soon you will see a group of people working hard to make dreams come true.

-Walking to Coal Creek to get coffee (iced mocha, a habit directly connected to the Pedal House). There is something about walking down the street, train roaring by, and getting waves from friends and strangers. Besides the coffee and Cokes, there is something comforting about the creaking of the Coal Creek door. Sure the wind blows non-stop in Laramie, but no matter the weather, temperature, or traffic through the entrance, the door always creaks.

-After a quick ride home from work, we usually turn around and come back downtown. Pedaling down Second St., the sun makes its final appearance on the West facing buildings. The light illuminates the buildings that have stood since the days the railroad was the source of this Wild West town.

-Much of my days in Laramie were spent on the University of Wyoming campus. There is something about this place that makes me most happy in the fall. As much as I love Laramie summers, the lack of people and the perfect weather, when Prexy's Pasture begins to buzz in the first few weeks of school there is such an energy. There is a distinguishable scent of freshness.


-Along with school in the fall comes Wyoming athletics. As a reporter, I have been granted special privileges. I'm not referring to the access to coaches and athletes or my courtside/pressbox seat. It is the moments on Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium after the Cowboys take possession of the Bronze Boot, the fans go home, the players are done with interviews, and my story is complete. I walk back on the field remembering the energy expended on this field and the excitement from 20,000+ fans. It makes you feel small, in a good way.



-Laramie would not be such a draw without its mountain surroundings. The simple and quick access to Vedauwoo, Gowdy, and the Snowy Range Mountains, make these areas a great escape.

-The final point, yet certainly not an exhausted list, of amazing parts of Laramie, is the openness. I love to get 5 minutes outside of town and be able to see to each horizon without buildings and other structures in the way. There are not a flood of people taking over this town because most can't get beyond the lack of a Target. The people who do CHOOSE to live in Laramie, love it. They love it like I do.

Laramie was a great home to me for five years and hopefully will be my home again in the future. A great town filled with great people. But for now, I am on a new adventure in the "Big City."