You know you're a novice camper when...

1. You decide to go camping that very same day and set out driving with the idea that yes, you will find a spot, and it will be B-E-A-U-TIFUL, and cheap, and wonderful, and everything a camping sport should be, on the very first weekend of the summer. (The expectations of camping gives me a good chuckle every now and then.)

2. You bring two full size twin air mattresses and fill them up using the inverter in your car.

3. The only entertainment you can find is gathering up pine needles for a fire and then taking pictures of the said person gathering pine needles.

4. You buy a tarp for your tent that is positively too small.

5. You forget that you're in the mountains, and it's May, and that is it still FREEZING at night.
6. You also forget gloves, a warm hat, and a personal size heater that can keep you warm at night. And realize that once away from the fire, you are screwed.

7. You forget that animals, such as coyotes, do live in the wild. And yes, they do howl, and it starts at 2 in the AM and ends at sunrise.
8. You forget that tents don't have blinds, so when it becomes light at 5 in the AM, you wake up. And you realize you are still freezing.
9. At the 5 AM wake up call, you throw everything back in your car. EVERYTHING. You skip the sleeping bag roll-up, the air mattress roll-up, and they go in as is.
10. You make breakfast because you feel like you should, using the pans from your fully furnished apartment, that are not yours, because hey, you don't really care what happens to them. But, in the end the eggs and bacon are pretty inedible.

11. You drive away at 8 in the AM, when at the same time the lady in the trailer next to you ambles out looking all warm and cozy with a cup of something hot and calls out, "stay longer next time!" And you say yes, but there is NO way there is going to be a next time.

And that's what a novice camper does. And although at the time it seemed pretty wretched, looking back, it brings a nice laugh. Have a fun weekend! 

When you start to explore Colorado.

I think the teacher in me has rubbed off into various areas of my life. For example, we wanted to go on a fun weekend trip and I created a totally awesome PowerPoint to show all of the different places we could go. A real PowerPoint guys, with handcrafted designs and links and pictures and videos and everything that makes a really great PowerPoint.
Anyways, the PowerPoint did its job and we chose to trek our way up to the Vail area.

It is so pretty there.
So pretty.
The way the aspens litter the mountains and work their way through the pines like they have a place to be and they are going to get there if it is the last thing they do. It kind of takes your breath away.

We hiked and biked and walked through the little towns and just had such a nice time. We also stayed in a 4 star hotel that did not have air conditioning. I repeat, did not. I think Brandon was in total shock when we entered the room and it was a good 80 degrees. Actually, he probably is still in shock. He made sure to clarify with the man at the desk that this hotel really did not have AC, the attendant informed Brandon that that was obviously what windows were for. Well, duh.

Also, have you ever hiked in the mountains of Colorado? It is not that easy. I mean it's super pretty, but just not that easy. Especially when the hikes you choose literally go straight up. Like so straight that when we came to rocks in the trail I had to use my hands because my short little legs couldn't make it over the rocks in one step. (That seriously made me sound like a midget and even though I had to clarify to some of my students that although I am on the shorter side I am not a midget, 5 feet over here folks). And then imagine doing that for like oh, 2 miles. And gaining serious elevation. Seriously, is 1,500 feet in 2 miles even legal? I don't think so.

Hopefully I am not painting a bleak picture in your mind, because it was very fun. I just love these weekend trips with my hubby. Here are some pictures to prove its beauty and its wonderfulness :)

Now, stay tuned for our next weekend adventure. Because oh my goodness, it was a serious adventure. Like the use of tents and everything :)

Becoming a gardener.

Well, as much as a gardener you can become when you live in an apartment and all you have is a patio half the size of a normal persons couch.

When we found out we were moving to Colorado my only request was that I could plant a tomato plant. Seriously, that was it. And when we found out that our apartment had a patio I felt like all my wishes were coming true. (Besides the wish that I could have a real house with a real backyard, and the wish to be skinny, that's always a good wish).

Then when we got there Brandon asked what I wanted to do first and obviously I said that I just wanted to plant a tomato. I think he thought I was kidding the entire time, which I am not sure why, because when you make it to a new and exciting city isn't the first thing you want to do is also plant a tomato plant? Sheesh.

So off to Home Depot we went. And oh my goodness I had no idea how difficult it was to choose a tomato plant! Have you ever been there to choose a single tomato plant? There's like at least 22 different variation with the most awesome names ever. Seriously, just for a good laugh head over to your local Home Depot and check out those tomato plants. You'll have a grand time. Now, I decided to be practical since we are only going to be in this mile-high city for about two months so I chose a patio tomato plant (which might have been a mistake) and the early girl, which promises fruit within 50 days. Oh and a sweet basil plant, just because it seemed like a really good idea.

I pretty much love my plants. I check on them all of the time and just think it's amazing how much they are growing. (I feel a little silly because I'm pretty sure I've read that same line in a blog that is describing children and I'm using it to refer to my plants..hmm).

Right after I planted these little gems..

And seriously only 10 days later. TEN DAYS!

I do realize that there is a possibility that they might not produce any tomatoes, which makes me almost tear up, almost. But I think they'll pull through. If not, they just may be taking the journey back to Idaho with us until they live up to my expectations. I am sure I can pack two 2-foot high plants in my car without Brandon even noticing, don't you think? I mean, the succulents make the journey over, so it just seems practical.

See, the succulents made it and they're absolutely flourishing. Besides several dead leaves..

Anyhow, hopefully this gives you some hope if you are in the business of growing a pot of tomato on your patio (or if you live in Colorado, I suppose you could grow marijuana since it is legal..just kidding don't do that). Ha, have a lovely weekend :)

This month of May.

I have this silly whiteboard calendar that I use to gauge all of the most important things in life with. One of those most important things is what we are going to have for dinner. Another important thing is any big life-changing event. I get super giddy when I can erase the former months activities and start on a new month. It makes that said months big events seem much more tangible and closer, like they are pretty much going to happen any day. May felt like this. Right when I could write May at the top of the board I just knew that this month would zoom on by. And it has. In a good way, I think. For example, one event on my infamous whiteboard calendar was our move to Denver, Colorado. And although it did seem like a ways a way when I scribbled it in, it came all of the sudden.

Denver seems like a dandy place. It's supposedly known for its outdoorsy-ness (even though all I can really see are freeways). It boasts of being awfully close to the Rockies, which is an impressive sight. If you happen to have any knowledge of the Denver area we'd love to hear it. Especially if it includes, but is not limited to the following: local eating joints, good bike trails, even better hiking trails, and really breathtaking weekend/day trips. Brandon and I are determined to enjoy this summer in its fullest.

My whiteboard calendar also includes the 3rd year anniversary of our marriage. And folks, today is that day. This very day, three years ago Brandon and I sealed the deal. And I am ever so grateful for that each and every day. Brandon is truly my better half. I am so in love with him and each day that love grows even more. Although I am not quite sure how that happens, it does, and it is truly wonderful.

And although I feel like this is a monumental day (because it is), that everyone should stop and pay some recognition to it, that there should probably be some fireworks to celebrate its greatness, and at the very least Brandon should have the day off so we can frolic around this new city, it is not. Instead I am home thinking about the love of my life and how it's pretty much a crime that he has to work and we can't spend every single moment of it together. Sigh. I guess it's moments like these that help that love grow even more each day.

So here's to three perfect years of grand marriage. And getting to be with my forever, forever.

Wishing you the very best for the rest of your May.

Sunday walks.

It has been said by some of the most intelligent people ever that January and February are the most dreary and awful months of the year. (That is why we have the New Years Man and the Valentine's Man, which is an entirely different post in and of itself) Well, at least it is that way is some places. One of those places happens to be Idaho. And maybe that's not really a direct quote, but I am sure someone really really smart said it once not too long ago...

Brandon and I weren't going to have any of that nonsense. We weren't going to let the 20 degree weather keep us inside. Or the bitter wind. Or the snow. Or the fact that we couldn't feel our cheeks or our noses. We were going to show this winter who the boss was (which is us by the way) and have a nice time outside. And we did. Most ever Sunday we found a little path, or we made our own path, and got the heck outside. It is so nice to feel the sun (or at least imagine it was the sun that we felt). So, here's the living proof that we were really did have a lot of fun regardless of the sub-par conditions.

This is me making sure my nose and cheeks are still there. I thought I had stored up enough fat in those cheeks to keep them warm forever. I suppose I need just a tad bit more :)

I was always under the impression that these little buggers flew south for the winter. At least that's why the movie Fly Away Home always taught me, a little disappointed here.

You know it's going to be a good walk when it involves snow shoes.

And it's so bright outside that you do fun squinty eyed smiles

And sometimes on walks you find quirky metal contraptions that are called art by most.

See folks, living proof. And they were all great memories. And hopefully March will bring more sun and walks that don't require quite as many layers :)

Twenty thirteen

  2013 has treated us well so far. All 35 days of it. Although it started a little rocky with a pretty large pile of  senior papers and a cold that had its way with me and the fact that Brandon spent the first 9 days (although it felt more like 99 days) in Montana working, we’ve been mighty blessed. 

 

My paper grading station.

First off, I got a long-term subbing job. That deserves a high five folks! And although I am working with quite a bit younger kiddos than planned, it’s great. As a matter of fact, I think they are some of the most intuitive and tactless ones I met. Let me give you an example. Last week a first grader told me that my scarf just did not go with my shirt. She said that although my scarf did look cozy the look just wasn’t working for her. What she didn’t know is that I was having the same exact thoughts that morning. Then a fourth grader asked me if I had woken up late one day. Now, I knew were this was going, and thought I would just roll with it. After saying no and asking why she would think such a thing, she sheepishly explained that my hair looked a little messy. Well, gee thanks. This coming from the girl that asked if I could adopt her; she needs a different angle.

 I do have some pretty great stories, most of them revolving recess. Seriously, it's better than prime time television, maybe even the bachelor, maybe ;)

Speaking of the bachelor, I am just tossed. None of the girls seem lilke real winners and I am getting real sick of these monologues of Sean working out. Are you with me? Oh, and Tierra is pretty much crazy.

 

We’ve also spent some time in the lovely Island Park. Our home away from home, and as Brandon calls it, Zion. I got to watch Brandon be an impressive snow-machiner and take some award winning photographs (at least in my professional opinion). We truly love our Island Park. 

See, impressive.

See, cutie pie :)

See, award winning photography.

On kinda a different note Brandon and I have dabbled in snowshoeing. We are about sick of being stuck inside and this seems like a good fit. We went to the local ski resort paid our five dollar entrance fee and hit the hills. And oh my goodness was it fun! Taking big leaps down snowy hills with real fresh air and sun and trees is just wonderful. But then, the realization hit that soon that thirty minutes of downhill glory must eventually turn into an hour of strenuous straight up the hill pure torture. But we made it, and I think we might even go back.

A snow show adventure.

Plowing through.

Heck yes.

Look, the sun made an appearance.

 And now, looking back through these 35 days, I am thinking that we’ve had a good start, and 2013 is going to be one of those really great years (besides the fact that it is an odd numbered year-they just rub me wrong for some reason).  Let’s kick this winter in the bum and show it how it should really be, yes? I think so :)

Brag shesh, round two.

I need to do a little bragging about my Brandon. And yes, I know I did this not too long ago. But, when I think about my life and the important things in it, Brandon always tops it. Always. I can name at least 10 things that he does for me everyday, just because. But today, it was like he was super man times 100! I just feel so thankful and blessed and really just need to do a little bragging. This is how today went:

Alarms went off, I snoozed, Brandon got up so I didn't have to. When I was getting ready he sorted the laundry (as I was pointing out to him which items of clothes he should probably include, I am seriously horrible. It went like this, "Brandon you should probably come in here and grab some, there's a lot of dirty clothes.." goodness me). 

Let me preface the rest of his awesomeness with saying that this week was his finals week. Everyday this week he went to school early and came home late. When I had finals, by the end of them I collapsed on the couch with a good book and took a three day vacation. Not Brandon. 

After finishing his last final this morning he cleaned the house, bathrooms, kitchen, vacuumed, the works. Did the laundry. Like all of it. Like folded it and put it away even. Ran lots of errands. Returned things that I didn't want to return (returning things could possibly me one of my least favorite things ever). Brought in the dry cleaning. Brought me lunch! And amidst all of this, organized a 12 days of Christmas for me. Like, presents for each day, a riddle for each day, wrapped and everything. And it started today. And I opened a scarf I've been ogling over and some chocolates.

And that was only at 3 in the afternoon.

This man is superman, and he's mine :)

I am seriously, so so so lucky. I love my Brandon.