Marriage is hard?

Being a young adult in the age group where everyone I know is making big life changes like new careers, weddings, starting families, etc. is a time where everyone seems to have words of encouragement and advice.  The most common phrase I seem to hear is "marriage is hard". I've had the difficulties and struggles of marriage explained to me numerous times in my short life and I've come up with a significant and personal conclusion on the matter: I disagree. I feel that in my own life the one, easiest choice I've made was that of marrying Ben. I still feel to this day that the one huge part of my life that hasn't been difficult or complicated is my marriage with Ben. Since that day in Spain when he gave me butterflies I have never looked back or questioned my decision to be with him at all and I would still do anything to continue to be with him. Not to get all mushy on this blog but I feel that is an important prelude to this post.
Yes, for me, marriage has seemed easy, but that's not to say that life altogether has been simple. You see the problem is not time with Ben but time without him. I have so much fun with him and we both work so hard as a team to ensure ourselves a good, comfortable future together. The part where I struggle is the balance. I want nothing more than to run off into the sunset toward some great unknown adventure but I know that can't be. We both want to disappear into the woods and live a life of working hard and having fun together without the stresses and obligations of everyday life as we know it but that, too would be impractical. We are always trying to find a balance of work and fun of responsibility and spontaneity. Sometimes, we seem to have it figured out just right but then comes life throwing a small yet dramatic change to tip the scale to an unbalanced state of chaos and confusion.  The amazing thing about my forever partnership is that we are really good at sitting down and finding a way to balance it out again for both of us.
In summary, no, marriage itself is not work...life is work. Sometimes you just have to open your eyes and see that having that person beside you is actually in a big way the solution and the real problem lies inside yourself and how you are allowing yourself to perceive and react to various life circumstances. Don't let life change you, it's time to actively change your life instead.

The call....

The mountains seem to call me more and more each year. I am tied over in May, June and July with my bike, big white water, and the cast of the fly. 

 However come august the mountains begin calling, beckoning my presents. A longing, a ache, an indescribable urge comes over me and I start wishing, hoping, and praying for snow. Fall hikes are filled with “beta collection” for winter lines. My bike no longer becomes an escape but a means to train and prepare for the snow.

 It is the days between fall and winter that the majesty of the mountains is unveiled. As if every year she, mother nature, prepares herself for the rebirth.

 October brings sixty plus inches to pow mow with leaves still on the trees in town. The transformation over night is truly mystical.

I feel like the dreams of deep fresh snow tend to bring deep self reflection, thoughts of the why we are drawn to the mountains with such a strong conviction. The sense of connection. To be so far from anything and feel completely at home. There is no feeling quite like putting in that last turn on a ridge right before you come to the summit. The entire journey she whispered to you her story. Views rush into you as fast as the air rushes into your lungs from the top. The vastness of the white desolate world surrounding you is humbling.

As I grow older the connection I share with my mother nature grows stronger. With each adventure she provides me we grow closer our love for each other thrives. She never ceases to amaze with her beauty, pristine vistas, and awe striking power.

Please SNOW!

This ski season started out so bleak, spirits were low. The middle bowl triple was getting more use than ever and gear taking serious abuse from the 15 in. man made base. Denver and I decided that we needed something else to do. We did a few projects around the house and yard, but ultimately we decided that we needed something "else". Something that we have both been wanting to do for some time, photography was the answer to that question. It has been so fun to get out and "photographize" as we have nick named it. In some ways it changes the way we look at things, others it enhances them. Night shots have been some of the favorites to date. This new hobby pasted the time well and just in time for a 20 in. Day followed by a 26 in. Day. It was deep.

Good memories

I have been getting excited about the ski season since Den and I both bought season passed to Snowbasin.
Then I was thinking about one of my favorite trips last year. Bloomington Yurt with a crew.

Just outside of Bear Lake is the amazing Bloomington canyon yurt. Tons of terrain within sight of the yurt and seemingly endless terrain within a couple hour tour. I have been exploring this area for about 3 years now and every year I find even better lines.

8 of us met up in the parking lot at about 8pm and loaded the sled. Two gear trips, one tow rope trip, 37.5 miles on the sled, and we finally got everyone to the yurt around 11:30pm.

With no snow at home for about 10 days we were all prepared for the worst conditions. We got to the yurt with a fresh 8-10in. YES!!!

When you have to dig into the yurt deck that sits about 5.5 feet of the ground you know it is a good sign. We woke up to a blue bird powder day smiles all around

There were stunning views as every climb to the ridge. Panoramasof the still unfrozen Bear Lake.
By lunch time we had tracked out what they call "red pine". More Smiles brought the end of a great trip.

Boulder Comp

In the previous post, Ben talked about the climbing festival and how much fun it was.  The part that he didn't mention was that because of his work schedule at the hospital he was really only able to be there for the hard labor and service parts.  On Friday he was able to be there for the entire gear demo and afterparty at Slackwater Pizza (Best hawaiian pizza ever!!! They actually put canadian and real bacon on it making it amazing).  Saturday he was only able to go to the set up and be at the Ogden Boulder Field for the start of the bouldering competition until he had to go to work but he didn't complain a bit about helping out and working hard so everyone else could enjoy the rest of the day. 

The bouldering comp was really neat, I am not a strong boulderer so I decided to be a judge instead.  I ended up judging a few of the more difficult problems so I got to spend the day watching the more advanced climbers working on some tough routes.  One of the coolest things about rock climbers whether it's a comp or not is that they are all more than willing to help each other out.  While climbing your body needs breaks between routes and instead of heading to the sidelines and drinking gatorade, climbers will stick around and watch the next person work on a problem and help give them small suggestions or technical beta or sometimes just to cheer them on.  There's a strange feeling that you get as a climber when someone is able to complete a problem they've been working on because of the encouragement and advice that you give them.

This would be after the competition when Tim (the guy under the jacket behind me in the picture who is actually typing on a laptop and I were busy running totals and scores to determine the winners.  Once again when it comes to competitions, the awards at the end aren't always centered around the very best climbers.  Usually everyone walks away with something if possible and the first place climbers aren't always given first choice of the schwag.  It's not about winning in these competitions, it's about figuring out ways to get your body to stick to the rock in weird ways, it's about pushing yourself to the top, it's about reaching your own potential, and it's about having fun helping others do the same thing.

There was also a slideshow with professional climber Peter Croft followed by an afterparty catered by Roosters that was held at the Front Climbing Gym.  That, for me, is the best part of the weekend.  Delicious food, some climbing, and just hanging out with a bunch of my favorite people including my parents this year!  (of course my #1 favorite person, Ben, was working hard and unable to come even though we both really wanted him to be there).

Sunday was the boulder field clean up and maintenance where once again, after a late night of working, Ben woke up and was at the boulderfield at 10am to help make rock steps, close unofficial trails, and help get the current trails system in better shape.  He had to run to work shortly after and stayed there until 10pm but he did it all with his usual hardworking attitude.  He's always so good at doing what needs to be done and helping out at his own cost.  After it all, we were completely run down and tired from the big weekend so this morning (Monday) neither of us woke up until 11am.  For anyone who knows us this basically hasn't happened for the entire time we've been together.  When we decide we're going to sleep in we usually are awake by about 8:30am.  Oh my did it feel good to catch up on some much needed "Z's". 

Ogden Climbing Festival

Getting back from the much needed weekend rally to the river things have been a bit crazy with work and the Ogden Climbing Festival. Seems like the days drag on and fly by at the same time (most likely cause they start at 5am and end at 12 or 12:30am) I don’t know how I could have done it all without Denver. The climbing festival seemed to run the smoothest it ever has thanks to Daniel and his team getting things together so far in advance! Friday night’s gear demo was quite the scene with a live DJ, giveaways, raffles, demos, climbing, and more Red Bull than you could possibly drink. Lets just say if you drink too much its not the wings but the butt rocket that will have you flying! Tear down went really fast and then it was off the Slackwater Pizza, where the infamous Russian Imperial still lurks for an unsuspecting victim.  Good food and good times. Saturday and Sunday I was only able to help in the mornings with the set up and clean up. Everything I heard about the comp was really positive so I am sure it all went well. 

Spontaniety

Well, life has been crazy this past year, Ben has been working a crazy schedule with seemingly endless work days, random hours, and scarce days off.  On those days off, we've been trying to get things done, catch up on rest, and actually spend some time together whether it's watching movies, riding bikes, working on projects, or cleaning the apartment.

Ben actually had the last two days off so what did we do?  We had some friends over Saturday night so we cleaned up and got ready for a fun night in followed by some sunday fishing on the Weber River.  In coordinating plans for the night, my husband and his buddy James decided last minute that we would instead go to the Oneida Narrows to run the river just outside of Preston, ID instead of staying home.  Even more fun, they tell me we're leaving in an hour.  I was looking forward to fishing so it took some time to get my mind changed to the idea of camping and rafting.  I helped pack the car and before I knew it we were on our way for a late night drive to Idaho.

We spent the day calmly running the river and hitchhiking back to the car (we brought a bike to run the shuttle with but as a car was passing we decided it was much nicer than biking for 8 miles up a hot dirt road).  In the evening, we went to the hot springs to soak and enjoy the night followed by some time back at camp watching the amazing shooting stars, listening to music, and sitting around the campfire.  That night was much warmer than the first and Bagheera was so tired from the events of the day that she slept solid and didn't want to wake up when the morning came.

It was such a great weekend in the end and even though I was reluctant at first, I am very glad we went.  We used to do random weekend getaways on a whim like that all the time but now with work and busy schedules it seems we never are able to do something that branches too far from the routine or schedule of events.  It was good to get back to that side of us and to see how easily we can make lasting memories instead of just watching time pass.  Sometimes the quiet weekends are necessary but adventures always last longer in the scheme of things.

7 Random things your hygienist/dentist probably wishes you knew.

1- I do not get paid more when you floss. Actually, the reverse is true, if you don't floss, you have to come and see me more which gives me more job security so if it was about money I'd tell you to stop flossing and that toothbrushes are a joke!

2- Helping me doesn't actually help. I know you know how to floss and your tongue does too, trust that I, too, know how to floss and clean your teeth so let me do it. When you help you're actually in my way which makes it harder to see and a lot easier to gouge your lip, tongue, cheek, eye, etc... (not really the eye but who knows?)

3- Relax, I won't let you drown. Despite what you may think, drowning and death occurring at the dental office is pretty much un heard of. I know how to keep you safe and your nose works just as well to breathe as your mouth, unless you have respiratory problems in which case let me know. That suckerupagus thingy is actually there to help you and works quite well.

4- We're used to spit. Don't be embarrassed if you end up drooling, gleaking, etc... we're used to it and if I really can't handle saliva professionally, I obviously chose the wrong career path. At the same time, I don't necessarily love it so please, spit in the suction do not bring a napkin to spit into throughout your appointment for that will actually get to me.

5- You're probably not the worst I've seen. In school they make you find the absolute worst of the worst where you get to hold the teeth down as you clean them to prevent them from popping right out. Trust me, as bad as you think your teeth are... I've seen worse.

6- Open wider. 95% of the time patients aren't open wide enough, if it's hard for you to hold your mouth open, ask for a bite block. When you're not open, I can't see and if I can't see I can't do my job effectively or painlessly.

7- My finger is not a hot dog! It may sound strange, but this is a BIG one for me. Believe it or not, more people bite their dental professionals than probably realize. Once again, when I'm flossing or doing anything, don't try to help me by closing your mouth our pursing your lips. Chances are you're actually increasing your chance of getting hurt or chomping down on my fingers.

A Picture's Worth 1,000 Words.

First of all, I have to apologize for all of these pictures being out of order and crazily mixed up but that's always been a struggle for me in the blogging world:) At least I've finally had the time to do all of this.

This is a not so great picture of us on our 1 year anniversary, of course we just had to take it, and it's of course, in our yard where we got married.

For our anniversary we decided to get our firearm concealed carry permits so we can be safe when we're hiking deep in the backcountry. Of course most people think of the bears and cougars and other large predatory animals as dangerous, but there are also some very strange and sometimes scary people that you run into more frequently than you would think when you're out that far away from civilization.

This is kind of a funny one to me because I painted this for Ben for Christmas, but of course it was a very long, time-consuming painting so it wasn't actually finished until this spring... I've never been the very best when it comes to timing anyway. Oops!

My parents have a new place in Mesquite that they are very excited about and they have been working on decorating it so my mom asked me to paint this for her to hang on the walls down there. It turned out really well and I think it's now my new favorite painting.

A post by me just wouldn't be complete without a picture of the Hound. She's doing really well, her hips are starting to give her a hard time but only if she overexerts herself... which of course is most of the time.

On our 1 year anniversary, we had a crazy windstorm. Of course my parents (our landlords) were out of town and randomly our blue spruce that grows just outside our basement door blew over. For those of you that don't remember, that was the background for our entire wedding and reception. I was so sad when we had to saw it into pieces and pull out the root ball. I was seriously considering trying to right it again and save the tree. The best part was when my parents came home and my husband was home alone. My dad came downstairs and said to Ben: "son, come here, I need to talk to you for a minute." Ben of course was speechless and nervous, frantically thinking about what in the world he could have done to upset my dad. My dad brought him outside and pointed to the down tree and said: "I leave you in charge for one weekend and you let this happen?!" Then Ben realized that he was joking of course, in my dad's uber serious way of joking. It was so great!

The last three pictures were from our way back home from Sun Valley with Ben's family. We stopped in a small town in Idaho where just off the highway there is this amazing hot spring. It was so awesome, full of little tiny fish and it had a spring bubbling up on one end with a tiny creek running out the other end. We had a good time and it was a nice break from the drive home, but I was sad to see the way other people would treat such a beautiful gift like this one. Apparently some people had decided to throw a party there recently. There was trash everywhere and random socks and broken glass. I seriously can't believe how selfish and lazy people can be to not even consider how their actions and negligence can effect the earth and the other people that come by to enjoy it later. We really wanted to help clean it up like we usually do when we hike but there was too much trash to carry and a lot of it I wouldn't have touched without rubber utility gloves and a long pole.

We also spent St. Patrick's day and the whole week around it in Milwaukee, WI with Ben's sister, her husband, and their new baby Wesley. He's huge but such a cutie I really do love that little man!

We went to the Miller Stadium to see have some appetizers and walk around and bask in it's enormity. I was amazed with how huge it was. I bet those games are a blast... even though I'm not really a big baseball fan.

We went on a tour of the Miller brewery along with a few other breweries that were so cool. It was neat to see the process the the different breweries use and how different Miller was from the tiny microbreweries we went to. Some of them even made amazing hand-crafted sodas that we could try after the tour!

We went to the very best Chicago Stuffed pizza place, Oh my goodness! Now that's what I call a pizza pie!

We went on many what we called "custard crawls" because there were many frozen custard places around where they live and they all had different flavors of the day. This particular flavor was my favorite: birthday cake! It was cake batter custard with yellow cake pieces and frosting mixed throughout.

Insert 2 months worth of posts here:

Yikes! I didn't realize how much time had gone by since my last post! I have been really busy since Ben graduated in April. I've either been working or playing with Ben and our friends and family every day since then and just haven't had a good opportunity to post pictures yet. I'm still missing the post about our awesome trip to Milwaukee to see Jessica, Mike and baby Wesley! We also had a graduation and anniversary in between... I think even a funeral if I recall the dates correctly. Life has been changing so much so fast and yet in some ways it's not catching up. My work has been great and it's been absolutely wonderful to have Ben at home more and not having to study ALL THE TIME! I really love having him around and being able to get out and do yard work together (when the weather actually allows us to). We've been planning trips and getting into new hobbies while continuing old ones as well. The only thing that hasn't happened for us yet is a job for Ben. Apparently the market is really tough right now in his field, jobs are opening and closing so fast that it's difficult to keep up, let alone keep track of where and when you sent which resumes to. We have some exciting prospects and I'm really not too worried about it at this point since I'm working and expenses aren't too big of an issue right now, but poor Ben is getting bored quickly! When I'm home we have fun but when I'm at work, especially when it's raining, he starts going crazy. I really hope he holds on and can find a job that he loves or at least something to do to keep him nice and busy for now!

On another note, I seriously can't wait, Hailey, my sister, is coming to Mesquite this weekend and she'll be home with me on tuesday and wednesday and I get to spend the rest of the week with her and we get to meet her new boyfriend: Bob. I miss her so much and seriously can't wait to see her!