Having a better day today than two years ago today. That turned out to be quite the adventure. This week has seen a pretty quick council meeting (started an hour earlier, thus the lack of crowd), employee appreciation breakfast, a Mob Mixer, and some sticks with the boys. Grateful for (relatively) good health.
Trying to find and hold onto the silver linings after a very tough last couple of weeks, starting with the passage of 1A, a professional setback, and illness running rampant in the house. It was fun and honoring to participate in two speaking engagements: Startup Colorado and reading to students at University High for Read Across America Day. Hung out with the crew at the annual Evans Chamber of Commerce dinner and awards. Still walking the dog every morning around the neighborhood (and am glad spring is arriving!). Was the only Council member to attend the Success Foundation Breakfast. A night on the town with friends. Another Council meeting (and more big decisions) are always on the horizon.
Needed a good laugh after the last few weeks, so I whisked Jen off to stunning and beautiful downtown Greeley for the Board Teachers comedy show “Is It Friday Yet?” There was a lot going on in downtown, and we were unable to find a place to eat that didn’t have a 45 minute wait. We ended up in the lobby of Meekers for a Coors Light and a water. I’d never been on the third deck of the UCCC before…it’s pretty high up there! Show was fun, Jen laughed, and only a 15 minute commute home afterwards. Still never got dinner.
I did it. Over the weekend I hit a huge milestone. While I was recovering my last year’s hernia surgery, I set a big goal that I wanted to set a new personal record for closing my Apple Watch rings every day for a year. My previous best was 342 days, which ended the day mom was confirmed in her diagnosis of ALS. It was a challenge to get up every single day, rai, snow or shine, and move my body. There were easy days and hard days. There were days that I didn’t think I could do it, but I dug down deep and closed the rings for that day. Having Bella waiting for me helped. Nice work, Ryan, I am proud of you.
One of my favorite events of the year: the Greeley Chamber annual gala. I was still in the hospital last year recovering from my latest surgery, so I was thrilled to be able to attend this year. What made it better was I didn’t have to volunteer and I got to attend as a City Councilman! Didn’t snag too many pictures, since I was busy chatting with all my friends. A great night.
Lively week! I had the opportunity to do a second ride along with GPD, this time on the night shift. We had hardly buckled in when a call came over the radio of a man with a gun in a possible DV situation. HE WE GO!! Lights and sirens!! What an adrenaline rush as we raced across town to assist. Thankfully the situation was defused when we arrived. Spent the next few hours driving around, checking on a runaway, and writing some tickets for expired tags. The officer I was with was actually a former student of Jen’s and classmate of Little D. Fun night for sure!
Couple of items that can fill another post on the way to 200 for 2026. Think I qualify for the “Random Acts of Kindness” week at my favorite coffee shop? Earned a fun little badge from Apple for our walk on Saturday. Things continue to heat up as the vote gets closer for the West Greeley project. On an unrelated note, not many pictures from last week since I was in a 6 hour interview on Wednesday and two full days for the annual Greeley City Council retreat with City staff, the CMO and Council on Thursday and Friday. The kids stopped by for a few minutes to say hi and drop off a present to my favorite coffee shop listed above. A little more love from the ALLO page.
Another trip around the sun. My parent’s little Valentine. Enjoyed a quiet and relaxing birthday weekend around Greeley. Drinks and dinner at some of my favorite spots on Friday. Saturday breakfast with Jen, the UNC Men’s Basketball home win over Portland State, and dinner with friends at the Tavern to close out the day. Grateful for so many calls, texts and messages from friends and family near and far. Already looking forward to my 50th, which will fall on Super Bowl Sunday!
