I’ve been back in Colorado since October. About five months. I’ve settled into a routine. I found a job that I enjoy. I’m a barista at a hotel. My mornings are an early start but the upside is I’m done in the middle of the day. I have a small lounge area and a bar where guests sometimes eat breakfast too. I serve them. I enjoy what I do. I simply want to make people smile.

At times I will work a bartending shift as well. Same job, different liquids and conversations. A different vibe.

Routine has been good for me during this grieving time. It gives me some stability. Helps me feel stronger.

I enjoy the guests. Most are repeat business travelers. I love to hear peoples’ stories. It reminds me of my time driving Uber and Lyft, except the stories are shorter given time constraints.

I purchased a small patio set for our apartment so I can enjoy the summer evenings. Summer nights in Colorado are epic. The temperatures cool. The beautiful sunsets. Minimal bugs issues with the exception of an occasional fly. Cocktails and books. And Owen the Dog. I am looking forward to this as I have missed the last two summers.

I am working on some new ventures, as this story comes to an end. My time in Alaska was amazing. I will not return to work it though.