The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
So around this time every year, the media has a tendency to compile lists. It’s an easy way to fill space and get people’s eyes on a publication or website. We at the Crested Butte News would not sink to such lazy fare. Oh, that reminds me, Our Best of the Butte results can be seen on page 41.
So as I sat at my desk on a holiday Saturday “working,” I came across a list, on the site Buzzfeed of all places. The list was “37 Things You’ll Regret When You’re Old.” Since I just had a birthday and the Universe is telling me I am now leaning toward that category, I opened the link that started with a photo of Jack Nicholson.
Some things on that list were typical…tell people you love them, get out of bad relationships, don’t keep working a job you hate, remember to wear sunscreen…. and others could seem to apply to the greater “we” of this valley.
Here are a few things on that list of 37:
1. Not traveling when you had the chance.
It appears that most people who live here are onboard with the idea of travel. Almost everyone I know here has a passport and is excited to get out and explore the world. Whether it is heading to Machu Pichu, a resort in Mexico to scuba dive, Canyonlands to play in the dirt or up Oh Be Joyful to sit by a stream in July, people here understand the benefit of getting out and about.
2. Not learning another language.
Learning another language applies to many here. Even if you don’t know it, if you understand it when the dude on the East River chair next to you says “Sick line down Cesspool Bra Chach…” you are sort of bilingual.
3. Staying in a bad relationship.
When most ski bums first get here, any relationship is a good relationship. And if you come to town already in a relationship, be aware of ski bum reality. As the old Crested Butte saying goes, “You don’t lose your girlfriend, you just lose your turn…”
5. Missing the chance to see your favorite musicians.
This is one that people here get. Heck, half the town leaves when Widespread plays somewhere in the hemisphere. Red Rocks is a short road trip away. But the real beauty is that often, your favorite musician might play here and that a special thing in a town of 1,500. If you’re really lucky, you were in the Eldo when Trey came in the back door or in the old Forest Queen when String Cheese or Leftover Salmon were figuring it out.
7. Failing to make physical fitness a priority.
Check. Not very likely here.
10. Not trying harder in school.
Why won’t my kids listen to me when I remind them of that?
13. Not listening to your parents’ advice.
Check. That might not have anything to do with location.
14. Spending your youth self-absorbed.
There is a bit too much of that around here for sure. It is one symptom of the annoying affliction known as “Crestitude.” Let’s try to pull back on that if we can…
15. Caring too much about what other people think.
Based on the number of powder days, parades, parties, fundraisers and townie takeovers and on and on…that’s not a big regret around here as a community…
17. Not moving on fast enough.
Given the amount of familiar faces in this little village (myself included)…perhaps this one is a lingering issue…or not.
19. Not standing up for yourself.
Ask US Energy, Amax, Phelps Dodge, the Forest Service or any other number of organizations that might come under “The Man” category what they think about that when it comes to Crested Butte. We don’t always win but we’re not afraid to stand up. Hey, but we did just win the Ski Town Throwdown. Stand tall!
20. Not volunteering enough.
Not a problem here for most.
23. Working too much.
Check. Not a real issue—especially at Teocalli Tamale on a Pow Day. Hey, It seems to me we work hard but we’d rather work smart than work too much.
25. Not stopping enough to appreciate the moment.
Based on the number of sunrise and sunset pictures on local Facebook postings…not an issue. Just remember to do it more in 2014 than you did in 2013. You won’t regret that.
30. Not playing with your kids enough.
We live in a special playground so make them play with you at least a little even if they’d rather play with their friends. And I’m talking to the local kids about the parents here.
33. Worrying too much.
It will all work out…somehow.
34. Getting caught up in needless drama.
That is sometimes part of the deal here. We do like drama and we do like to argue at times. We should have less of it but we don’t. Deal.
37. Not being grateful sooner.
This is the last regret on the list. That’s a good one for everyone to avoid.
So from me personally, thanks to everyone out there for your contribution in making this a weird place full of interesting people who don’t always agree on things but seem to understand we live in a pretty different community. For that, I am grateful.
Have a wonderful 2014!
