Changes
I'll admit. I haven't been totally honest with you this year. There are some things I've been subtly omitting from the laura valaas blog. But now it's time for a catharsis.
As hard as it's been for me to accept, it's time for me to move on from my professional ski career. If I'd been honest with myself I would have realized that it's been time for me to move on for months (maybe even years). Don't misunderstand me, I absolutely love skiing and I am so grateful for everything that has happened in my life and much of that has come about because of my decision to ski race. Skiing has taken me places, introduced me to people, and given me fabulous experiences.
I feel so fortunate to have the life I have. And have the people (and dog) in my life that I do. But for now it's time for me to explore some other aspects of life. There's a long list of things I haven't been able to do because I've been a "serious" athlete. Trips through the jungle, mountains to climb (of the literal variety), other sports to attempt, a start-up to run.
What I don't know is what happens to the laura valaas blog. It's always been about skiing, but now I want to focus on five thousand different pursuits. Does anyone want to read about a "normal" life? Or will my life ever really be normal? (Those are rhetorical questions, fyi.) I haven't been posting because I've been been disinterested in skiing and wasn't sure that I should stray so far from the ski arena. Life is so wonderful and I feel like I've been pretending to be subdued, but the truth is that I am absolutely ecstatic about all the new opportunities in my life right now.
I hate being cliche... but I feel like Dr. Seuss again
As hard as it's been for me to accept, it's time for me to move on from my professional ski career. If I'd been honest with myself I would have realized that it's been time for me to move on for months (maybe even years). Don't misunderstand me, I absolutely love skiing and I am so grateful for everything that has happened in my life and much of that has come about because of my decision to ski race. Skiing has taken me places, introduced me to people, and given me fabulous experiences.
I feel so fortunate to have the life I have. And have the people (and dog) in my life that I do. But for now it's time for me to explore some other aspects of life. There's a long list of things I haven't been able to do because I've been a "serious" athlete. Trips through the jungle, mountains to climb (of the literal variety), other sports to attempt, a start-up to run.
What I don't know is what happens to the laura valaas blog. It's always been about skiing, but now I want to focus on five thousand different pursuits. Does anyone want to read about a "normal" life? Or will my life ever really be normal? (Those are rhetorical questions, fyi.) I haven't been posting because I've been been disinterested in skiing and wasn't sure that I should stray so far from the ski arena. Life is so wonderful and I feel like I've been pretending to be subdued, but the truth is that I am absolutely ecstatic about all the new opportunities in my life right now.
I hate being cliche... but I feel like Dr. Seuss again
"You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.
You'll look up and down streets. Look 'em over with care.
About some you will say, "I don't choose to go there."
With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,
you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street.
And you may not find any
you'll want to go down.
In that case, of course,
you'll head straight out of town.
It's opener there
in the wide open air.
Out there things can happen
and frequently do
to people as brainy
and footsy as you.
...
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3 / 4 percent guaranteed.)"
posted by LAV at 17:11
9 Comments:
So.. does this mean that you can go bike touring with me?
;)
Woohoo!
I think the ski world will miss you, but bravo for going for what you want!
For what it's worth, I think you should keep writing about your adventures.
Good for you, Laura, in coming to this decision. We have loved following your ski adventures, and now please please continue your blog so we can see what turns up next. Toss in a little cooking and dessert fantasies along with your mountain climbing. And don't forget your fascination with grammar.
Granny
I started following your blog (one of only three in the sports world that I have found worthy of my time) back when your were still at Whitman. However, sometime during the past year I began stopping by only rarely. To be honest, your blog was way more fun when you weren't a professional skier and I expect it will be so again as you take on new adventures -- so my vote is to keep writing!
I say keep on writing!
Aunt Lisa
You must be happy you won't have to wear the same pants 365 days a year! (APU tights).
I think you are a good writer/ blogger. But why not take a break, dive into other interests and then see if you are still interested in blogging. Just my opinion. Best to ya!
RJ- most definitely. that should have been on the list :)
Thanks for the notes, now that I don't spend so much of the day sleeping and eating there's a lot more going on so I will probably stay around... although at the moment commentary will be about laying bamboo flooring...
This bums me out a bit, but just from reading your blog I can understand why and how the life of a ski racer is a tough one. Whatever you do, you'll do well!
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