I can't get the bottle open AGAIN!!!!!! UGH!

Cirque d'Aspen followed by another night without wine.

So, I worked today and decided to go see Cirque Aspen after work. It was a great show. I went to see the trapeze and just to be in the circus atmosphere again. It was wonderful. I went by myself because I think everyone that I know in Aspen (not that I know many people) aren't into circus like I am. They just stare at me when I talk about trapeze.

I'm home now and am so excited to open a new bottle of wine. Marco helped me pick out a few bottles so I was going to try his favorite. I used my new opener and yes, it happened again....I couldn't open it. I am not strong enough to pull out the cork. I need my fancy opener, but it's in my storage unit in NYC.

I think it's time to buy a new fancy EASY opener.

So....for the 3rd time, no wine for Lester. I no longer deserve the nickname "Tipsy."

I'm going to open another Bud now and watch tv. I thought Aspen was supposed to be fun. :(

I made it to Tracy and Jeff's

I did make it to Tracy and Jeff's. I didn't have to work. yeah. I opened gifts and had a wonderful dinner. It was a great belated Christmas. I did have wine but not at my apartment yet.

Another day without Christmas (even though I'm Jewish) and without wine!

So, I woke up early, cleaned off my car (it took me about 1/2 hour) and was ready to go have a huge breakfast at Jeff and Tracy's. I was ready until I got a call to go into work because Darren (the other concierge) was sick.

Oy vey....back to work I go! Another 13 hour day and another day without Christmas at Tracy and Jeff's.

I went to work again and came home late again and was so excited to open a new bottle of wine I bought at the Specialty Food Store. Marco helped me pick out the bottle. He said it was wonderful.

I opened it....I tried to open it....I couldn't get it open!!!! THE CORK SCREW GOT STUCK IN THE CORK AND BROKE. ANOTHER NIGHT WITHOUT WINE. I WANTED TO CRY! Ma...no, I do not have issues, I just wanted a glass (or 2) to relax.

Another night without wine so I decided to open a Bud. I drank it and went to bed. I didn't have to work the next day so I would buy another bottle of wine and another opener.

How my plans for Christmas quickly changed and without WINE!

So, if you read the posting below, I didn't make it to Tracy and Jeff's on Christmas night. I decided to stay home and open some wine after a crazy long day at work.

I opened a yummy bottle of Chianti...well I thought it was yummy, it wasn't. It was bad. UGH! I was so sad. It was my only bottle of wine left and by the time I opened it, put on my pj's and sat down to relax all the stores were closed. boo hoo for me.

I decided just to go to sleep. I would wake up early, clean off my car and go to Tracy and Jeff's. Night!

Tracy and Jeff's Christmas Tree!

Pretty huh?!?!? Tracy did it all by herself. Jeff had to put the star on the top though.

My 1st Christmas in Aspen and not with the Horans and Laffeys

I forgot to add a section on my 1st Christmas in Aspen. I spent Christmas with Tracy, Jeff and Elvis. Tracy's family was in town too. It was a great holiday. Well...I didn't get to spend actual Christmas with them, I was working, but I did spend Christmas Eve with them.

This was my first Christmas not with the Horans and Laffeys. I did sent them a package so they wouldn't forget about me. I sent them a bunch of Aspen sh** (touristy stuff) and a picture of me in ski gear and my recipe for noodle kugel. For those that know me....know that I love to make kugel and I make it every year for the Horans and Laffeys. So...they had a picture of me, my recipe and a bunch of Aspen "stuff"....what else could they ask for???!!! HA!

So, I spent a wonderful Christmas Eve with Tracy, Jeff, Mindy, Montie, Tommy, Janet, Jack and of course Elvis.

I worked 13 hours on Christmas but it was kinda fun, in it's own way. The time went by quickly. I was going to go to Tracy and Jeff's after work but I got out late and there was too much snow on my car to clean so I decided I'd go in the morning.

Since I was just going to stay home, I decided that I was going to open a nice bottle of wine and just relax. I'll go to Tracy and Jeff's in the morning. Well....plans quickly change!!

Today is Thursday, December 27

Hi! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. Things in Aspen, my new home, are going well. I really enjoy my job and the people I have met. I joined a gym in town and am so excited to be working out again. My calf is still not 100% but I can walk normally now. I probably won't be able to ski until mid January, I can't wait!!!!

I actually found a girl that teaches trapeze in Aspen so once my leg is better, I'm going to take some classes. It's not flying trapeze, it's single and double, but that's okay. I'll be happy to do any type of trapeze again.

Aspen is packed now for the holidays but it's a lot of fun. The hotel is really busy but it makes the day go by quickly.

Believe it or not...I do miss NYC a little bit. I can't believe I admitted it. Yes, I miss some things but I am very happy here. I especially miss my friends.

Anyway....things are going very well. It's so pretty out here and the lifestyle was just what I needed.

Come visit whenever! Happy holidays!

- Les

What I miss most...

1. My friends

2. Trapeze and everyone I met doing trapeze

3. Talking to Jason everyday...oh, I still do that. Nevermind.

4. The Horan family

5. Steph's apartment (and Steph too)

6. Going out after work and grabbing a drink with anyone!

7. Trapeze again

8. My friends again

Some differences...NYC vs. Aspen

Besides the obvious...mountains vs. city...

1. I have a dishwasher.

2. I have a garbage disposal.

3. I have a washer and dryer IN the building.

4. I have a car AND parking.

5. People smile and say good morning on my walk to work.

6. I went to get a parking permit and the sign said I needed a Colorado registration but I didn't have one so I started to walk out and the person behind the counter stopped me and said that was not a problem, she'll give me a guest permit and it's good for a year. The time it took to get the permit was less than 5 minutes. Easy and not a hassle.

7. My super gave me back the holiday tip I left him. He said the cookies were perfect but he felt funny taking the $.

8. People stop for you when crossing the street.

9. No flying trapeze classes. :(

10. Salaries!! It's okay though....I'd rather make a lot less to be less stressed. It's not worth it.

11. The view from my "office". NYC, I looked out upon the East River and the Statue of Liberty and in Aspen, my office is a "used to be" coat check closet. I sit with a heater at my toes every day. But....I'm happy.

12. Way of life!

Pictures looking out from my apartment....

A little different from my W. 76th Street view. Both gorgeous in their own way.

Pictures of my apartment...

Looks a little bit like my NYC apartment. Recognize some things? I love it. It's tiny, but cozy and comfy!

Pictures of my commute to work...

Getting settled....

Hi everyone. It's been a while since I posted anything. Not sure why...I guess I was busy getting settled in my little apartment and my new job.

I've been here for about a month now and I feel pretty settled. I'm all moved into my apartment and I'm getting the hang of being a concierge.

About my apartment:
It's a cozy studio but honestly I think I have more room and closet space than I did in NYC. Funny. It's walking distance to everything....that's my favorite part. I really love the apartment. If you come and stay, you can walk to the mountain, bars and restaurants. FUN! Come visit!

About my commute to work:
5 minutes walk....I'll post pictures of my commute. Don't be too jealous. :)

About my job:
I'm a concierge and I do pretty much do anything (well not anything. Pete/Mountain, you're going to say something rude, I know it) for the guests. It's a lot of fun. Every day is different. I'm getting to know Aspen pretty well in a short period of time. I book restaurants reservations, spa appointments, hair appointments, I shop for amenities for guests and some other random things. I'm having fun. The people that work in the hotel make it a lot of fun too. Overall, I really enjoy the job....a lot!

Pictures from the first big snow and our holiday lights!

Today is Saturday, December 1 - FIRST BIG SNOW!

Hi - I'm home at Tracy and Jeff's hanging out with Elvis. Last night it snowed...it snowed a lot!!!! It was the first big snow here. They needed it. I'm sure everyone on the mountain is having a great time. I can't wait til I can ski again.

Things are going very well. I'm getting settled and enjoying Aspen. As you'll see below...I found a job and an apartment in Aspen! I'm so excited!!! Things are coming together.

Oh, I'll be back in NYC tomorrow night thru Tuesday morning. I'm going to ship some things from my storage unit to my new apartment. If anyone in NYC is up for meeting out for a drink Monday night, just let me know.

Come visit me soon!

- Les

I found an apartment in downtown Aspen!

I did it, I found a cute, little apartment in downtown Aspen. I can walk to my new job, the mountain and to all the restaurants and bars. It's a cute little studio. Jeff, Tracy and I have been busy painting it because it was a very lovely pink and purple. UGH.

As soon as I'm finished painting, it's time to move in. I have enough rooms for guests....it will just be cozy. Everyone that visits will be so happy because you can walk to everything in town. It's amazing!

Come visit soon...just wait until my calf is completely healed.

I GOT A JOB! YES, A JOB!!!

Yes, I got a job...I know, I know...a job....what's that? I'm not sure since I have not worked since May 1st. Yikes. Let's hope I can do this "job thing."

I am a Concierge at The Sky Hotel in Aspen. It's a gorgeous, kinda funky/trendy hotel right at the base of the mountain in Aspen.

Before I start this Wednesday I'm going to have to:

1. Learn everything about Aspen

2. Become trendy

3. Become funky

4. Become cool

5. Be able to recognize famous people (oh no...everyone knows I'm horrible at this)!

6. Be able to work again

I'm actually ready to work...it's time to make some $. When everyone comes to visit, you can go to the hip and trendy bar while I work. Just come over and say hi once in a while!!

Marisa goes back to Surf Camp in Costa Rica...while I'm freezing in Aspen...brrrr!

I'm not sure if you know but Marisa (from NYC trapeze) is one of my friends whom went to surf camp and told me that I MUST go. She had a great time when she went earlier this year so she decided to back again. She left the day after Thanksgiving.

Marisa and I emailed while she was at camp. She kept me updated on her progress. She said she was losing her fear, was able to time waves on her own and was able to ride big waves without guidance. She even said that she did really well on the class trip....which is always to beach with bigger waves.

I was so proud of her! One day I received an email from Marisa with pictures attached. I was so excited to open them to see her riding the huge waves and enjoying the awesome beach.

Well, let's just say, they were not pictures of Marisa surfing, they were pictures of Marisa napping....her favorite hobby. For those that know Marisa, she loves to nap and she can fall asleeep anywhere. When she and I traveled throughout Germany, Stockholm and Prague together....she would nap a few times a day. I don't get it....who can sleep so much? Marisa can.

Enjoy the pictures of Marisa napping...NOT SURFING! HA! Marisa, send me some surfing pictures so I can put them on the blog so everyone believes that you really can surf.

Today is Wednesday, November 21 - I'm in Colorado!

Hi everyone. I made it here! It was an awesome last 2 weeks. I updated the blog with NYC days and my trip from NYC to LA then LA to Vegas then Vegas to Colorado.

Right now, it's the night before Thanksgiving and I'm sitting in my pajamas in front of the wood heater. This will be my first Thanksgiving away from The Horans...my NJ family. They have been my 2nd family while I was in NYC and I spent Thanksgiving with them. I'll miss them a lot!

This year, I'll be spending Thanksgiving in Colorado with new friends ...actually friends that I knew from visiting before.

It's been a wonderful first few days here. I already went to a doctor (cute doctor!) for my leg, went to physical therapy, unpacked my boxes, went food shopping and went on a job interview! I'm getting settled. It snowed a little bit too.

More to come...I'll keep you updated on the job search. Wow, time to get a job...back to the real world.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'll update more soon! Stay in touch. Miss everyone. Come visit!

:)
Leslie

An out of order posting...my last weekend in NYC (again)

Hi - this is out of order but I wanted to post this picture. A bunch of us (not everyone is in the picture) went to see Cirque in NYC on Friday, November 9th. It was an "okay" show...other Cirque shows are better...but it was a great time anyway. It was a great last weekend in NYC. I know, I know...another "last weekend" in NYC for me. I had a million good bye parties, blah blah blah.

Oh, guess what else I did during my last weekend in NYC???? I'll tell you....Jason and I FINALLY filmed our Amazing Race audition tape. Rob filmed it for us....with Emma as Assistant Director. Keep your fingers crossed....let's hope we get picked. If we do, we have interviews in NYC in December. We better make it.

Could you imagine Jason and me on the show? It would be awesome...oh I mean.."amazing" (ha, stupid joke).

So...that was my last weekend in NYC (again).

Step 5 - My new home and my own "real" bedroom.

I'm living with Tracy, Jeff and Elvis (their adorable dog) until I'm settled...with a job. Yes, I know, I have to get a job...for the first time since May 1. I'm ready to work though.

I have a bedroom now. I actually unpacked and I have a bedroom. This is my first "real" bedroom since I left NYC on May 16th. Steph's apartment was wonderful but my bedroom was her living room.

I'm excited to be here with Tracy, Jeff and Elvis. I have a new home. I can't wait for everyone to visit.

Step 4 - Vegas to Colorado....9 hours!

Monday, November 19, Tracy and I started the drive from Vegas to Colorado. Mindy flew back to LA (she lives in LA....and only did the drive with us to Vegas for fun!)

Tracy actually drove the entire way to Colorado. I relaxed in the passenger's seat in my new car. It was a long drive....with not many exciting sites along the way. Oh well. I think my car has a small gas tank because we had to stop a few times to fill up (and to pee).

Well....we made it! We got back to Colorado by 9:45 p.m.....just in time to see the "rose ceremony" on The Bachelor...and he didn't even chose anyone...he let both girls go. Anyway, whatever...we made it to Colorado, my new home! I'm living with Tracy and Jeff until I'm settled...with a job. Yes, I know, I have to get a job...for the first time since May 1.

Step 3 - LA to Vegas with Tracy and Mindy

Lynnie and I spent a great few days together. We celebrated her birthday and just had a great time hanging out.

On Sunday, November 18, I started the drive to Colorado. Tracy (my friend, and roommate, from Colorado) and Mindy (Tracy's sister in law) did the drive with me. It only took about 4 1/2 hours. It was an easy drive. The new car did well. Phew!

We stayed at the Mandalay Bay, enjoyed a delicious dinner and then I watched Tracy and Mindy gamble....win, lose, win, and lose. Oh well. They lost but not too badly. I only lost $28. I'm such a gambler...ha!

Step 2 - Buying a car!

Lynne's friend John helped me buy a car. He knows lots of people and was able to get me an aweome deal on a white 06 Ford Escape. I love it. It's perfect! It's a mini SUV. It has 4 wheel drive, has snow tires, and best yet...it can fit 4 friends plus luggage...so that means 4 people can visit at once. Oh yeah...just wait until I have an apartment and my leg is better so I can ski with you. I could not have done it without John! Thank you!!!!

Step 1 - Making the BIG MOVE...NYC to Venice Beach first stop...

Hi - I did it. I left NYC on November 14th and flew to LA to spend more time with Lynnie and to buy a car/SUV so then I could drive to Colorado.

Lynnie lives in Venice Beach, one block from the beach. It's an amazing place! I went to my favorite coffee place, The Cow's End, (I just call it Cow) and sat outside each mornring to drink my coffee and to watch the surfers head to the beach. It was a little over a year ago at Cow when I decided to change my life and that's where it all began.

It sounds so goofy but it was a great feeling to be back at Cow a year later to know that I really made the change by quitting my job and traveling and now I was onto another adventure...moving to Colorado.

While wearing a "boot" in NYC...

As everyone knows...I pulled my calf muscle in Costa Rica at surf camp so I had the pleasure of wearing a very sexy to-the-knee boot for my last week in NYC. Just imagine hobbling around NYC in a boot...to the subway, on the subway, crossing the street, to UPS from my storage unit and back on the subway.

I can't even begin to tell you the comments I received in NYC while hobbling around place to place. It was a riot. I met the nicest, strangest, kindest, rudest, meanest people ever. All types of people feel they have the right to talk to you if you're wearing a "boot". Here are some of the comments...

1. "Oh honey, I wore a boot once for my ankle. It was the worst month of my life. I hope your life is better than mine."

2. From an old lady screaming at me..."YOU should NOT wear a heel on your good leg because it will make your hips off balance. I know for a fact. Go back and put on a flat shoe or else you'll be sorry."

3. From a construction worker on Wall Street, "Love, oh Love, are you okay, do you need help? I'm in a rush, but I can help Love. I hope you feel better. Bye Love, have a good day." Hmmm - I don't remember ever meeting this guy or ever being in love with him. Maybe it was one of my tipsy nights. (just kidding Mom).

4. "Oh, that looks uncomfortable."

5. "Better hurry across th street or else you'll get hit."

6. "Ouch"

7. From 2 out of 10 people on the subway..."Would you like to sit down?"

8. From 1 out of 10 people.."I hope you feel better soon."

9. From Steph..."Take your boot off in my apartment, you may mark up my floors." Just kidding Steph. :)

10. From my friends at surf camp..."Run Forest Run!" HA!

Anyway, you get the point. It was hilarious. I think everyone just wear it for one day, just to see what people say and do. I could right an entire book on the comments.