One of my favorite things about Golden has always been the ability to step out for a walk and encounter neighbors walking their dogs; people riding bikes, playing tennis, or going to the gym; kids tooling about on their SCOOTS as well as some of the smartest young people in the world trying to make cardboard float down the creek…all within 15 minutes. You might encounter a city councilor or your barista; Golden is community.
No matter where I am in life, walking beside the creek and running into neighbors there reminds me what life is for—connecting and enjoying the outdoors. Although I no longer live downtown, I can frequently be found walking my pug, Nala, or her foster siblings, along the creek. OMG, I just love the new recreational path up the canyon, and Nala loves all the smells.
I’ve been in Golden since 2012, but so much has changed, both in town and in my own life. I have loved being a part of Golden Rotary, working the peach sale or gala, watching Golden’s kids grow and serve; making new friends on the planning committee for Golden Gallop; starting the first co-work space in the American Mountaineering Center—long before it was cool to work remote—and participating in the Golden Community Garden since 2015.
I met my partner, Terry, through a meetup called Golden City Peeps, which I started to connect with other Goldenites, in Golden, and while the meet-up was short-lived, it served as the basis for building my own family here. Over the years, my family has expanded, and I love that I can run into someone I know and enjoy nearly everywhere.
Together, Terry and I love riding bikes, hiking and exploring all around this amazing community. We also raise bees, make about 200 bottles of wine each year, and love traveling near and far.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career/accomplishments. What do you love most about what you do?
Although I love what I do—helping businesses build a revenue operations strategy and system that allows them grow—I try really hard not to let it define me. Life is really, really short, and I’m most proud when I can get exercise, connect with neighbors, and embrace a bit of joy, each and every day.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants or breweries in our community?
I love the salads at Miner’s Saloon. Pug-dog Nala loves the patio at The Eddy, and I always look forward to a spring morning with coffee on Pangea’s outdoor patio.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived in Golden since 2012—wow, how both it and I have changed!
Q: What is one of your favorite hiking or biking trails?
I have to say I love that you can ride to the top of Lookout and be back at your desk, during a slightly extended lunch hour.
Q: What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?
Life is really, really short. Anything that doesn’t bring you joy is small stuff. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Incidentally, I also offer this advice up to my 10 years into the future-self.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I really miss the original Buffalo Rose bar, the physical wooden bar. When I first arrived, it was such a comforting place and it represented the wild, wild west, and Golden is “Where the West Lives.”
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
When we moved into our current neighborhood, our new neighbor Janet showed up with cookies to welcome us and say how glad she was that we were here. Then our nextdoor neighbor greeted us, saying “If there’s anything I can do to make your life living here better, you just let me know.” Honestly, I could never have asked for a better neighborhood. I mostly “blame” this on Janet as no doubt she’s been welcoming people this way since 1976. The result being an incredible neighborhood where everyone genuinely likes and cares about each other.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have already shoved so much into my life. I couldn’t possibly get it down to just one thing…
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
One of the things that has changed for me was losing my mother at too young an age. I try to live every day in joy and gratitude for the days I am given, and make her proud.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
garden, patio, bikes