Bess Gormley
Hometown: San Bernardino, CA (though I’ve lived in Nashville most of my life)
When did you first join ski club: 2013
Ski club offices held: Board Member
Favorite ski resort: Steamboat
What’s the best trip (traveling wise) you ever had?
Hard to pick but ski trips are always fun. My first ski trip was with a group of teens when I was 15 to Park City. It was my Christmas present and it was SO MUCH FUN! Tom and I honeymooned in Kitzbuhel, Austria where we were stranded after the slopes closed and had to hike and ski our way home by moonlight. Very romantic. We were too poor in both time and money to ski for years after. Our first family ski trip was to Breckenridge for my 40th birthday. I think we tried to go every year after that. We joined the ski club when the kids grew up and made fast ski buddies with whom we’ve shared many a great trip.
If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?
Steamboat? Or maybe somewhere safely exotic in Spanish-speaking Central or South America. I’d like to learn to surf – so let’s go with Costa Rica. Tom could golf.
What’s your favorite seat on an airplane?
The window! And not necessarily in first class, though nice.
How many countries have you visited outside the US?
Several, England and much of continental Europe, though I’m still missing the Iberian & Balkan Peninsulas, the northern countries, and the rest of United Kingdom. We’ve been to several countries in Central America but never South America. And let’s not forget the 18 days in China. I realllly want to visit Spain.
What is your favorite zoo animal?
Chimps! Or giraffes! Or bears! Maybe anteaters. (Have you seen their tongues?) It’s hard to pick. The zoo is fun on a cool fall day!
What is your favorite candy or treat?
All treats are tempting, especially good chocolate. The Sees Candy stores call my name when I walk by in the airports. Sees makes the best chocolate candies.
What is your favorite dessert?
I do like good chocolate. And anything with eggs, butter, cream and sugar combo. I also like grapefruit for dessert.
What is your favorite hobby?
No real hobbies. I’m not organized enough to have a hobby. I like needlework and I used to sew, but not so much lately.
What are your other favorite sports to participate in?
Sports?? I try and stay in shape for skiing! This includes walking, hiking, swimming and a few strength moves. Any sport that includes a ball eludes me. Am I am not competitive in the least. I don’t want anybody to lose.
What are your favorite sports to watch?
Ice skating and water polo. My sporting interests are not quite mainstream.
What crazy activities do you dream of trying someday?
Surfing - Not so crazy but I’m running out of time!
Do you have any hidden talents? What can you do?
I have no talents, hidden or otherwise. I play piano by laboriously practicing what old dead white men have written down. I can’t get the rhythm for anything more exciting. I sing in an excellent choir at church but it’s hard work and it’s excellence belongs to the attributes of others.
Where and when would you time-travel, if it were possible?
It depends on the rules: Would they know I didn’t belong? Would I have the right clothes? Would I be in danger? Could I be younger? Could I be male? This is why I like to read a good book, historical or fictional. Time travel is endlessly possible with a good book.
What show on Netflix did you binge watch embarrassingly fast?
Last one – Queen’s Gambit series in 4 or 5 days I don’t watch a lot of TV but I tend to binge when I get hooked.
What movie can you rewatch over and over again?
I will watch It’s a Wonderful Life every year if I can find it.
What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving. It’s good family time.
What is your favorite job you’ve ever had?
I am a lucky woman to have a job with great people and support. That makes all the difference.