Gone

I'm off to Kauai for two weeks. Woohoo!

Simple Joys

"You would not believe what happened today!" Troy exclaims as I take a swig from our shared root beer purchased from the Wal-Mart vending machine. I laugh and share the details of my day while Troy pours hot sauce on his 99 cent taco. 

"You're becoming an expensive date, you know," Troy interjects. "I think tonight cost me almost $5." 

And our silly ritual continues. After both of his monthly 12-10 shifts, Troy meets me at the gas station located at the bottom of our exit. I jump into his car and we drive five minutes east to Taco Bell. Fatty fast food always sounds good on these nights. We pick up our order and drive across the street to the Wal-Mart. I grab a root beer from the only functioning vending machine outside and hop back in the car. The parking lot is lightly peppered with empty cars and we wonder if there is actually a business in Park City opened past 10. Roughly 30 minutes, and too many calories, later Troy drives me back to my car. 

"I'm actually starting to look forward to these shifts just because of our Taco Bell run afterwards," Troy states contently as he gives my hand a little squeeze. 

"Me too," I respond through my exaggerated smile. I hope this tradition doesn't end.

Engagement

A year ago today, Troy asked me to marry him. I knew it was coming sooner of later. Heck, he had already booked the honeymoon and not so subtly asked what style of ring I liked. But he still wanted the actual engagement to be a surprise. The previous week, we traveled to Yellowstone for a cross-country skiing weekend. We returned with some great memories and a wicked case of the flu. But Troy stuck to his plan and popped the question that February 20th. I realized afterwards he picked a date that would be easy for both of us to remember. We were engaged on February 20th, my birthday is May 20th and we were married June 20th. Now he has no excuse if he happens to forget my birthday or our anniversary. :)

Skiing

I love skiing, plain and simple. I enjoy the beautiful Utah terrain, the people and yes, even the occasional fall. This season I set my sights high and vowed to comfortably ski black diamonds before the season ends in April. Today I met my goal. Yesterday I did three runs on some black diamond moguls and today I did three runs, with ease, down a regular black diamond! I am stoked that I hit my goal with two months left! Now I just need to catch my intermediate snowboarding skills up to my skiing.

One More Week!

I have been looking forward to our Kauai trip for months now, but after Troy and I finished reading a Kauai guidebook he received for his birthday (thank you Ben and Melanie), I have become overwhelmed with excitement. I've been revving up my exercise program and keeping a closer eye on my diet. Since I am going to be home for only two weeks this month, my February goal is to drop five vanity pounds for our trip. Two down, three more to go! I can't wait to rock my bikinis!

**10 more days!**

Southern California

Troy and I spent 5 days last week in southern California. After spending four months in the snow, we were excited to pull the swimsuits out of the back of the closet and bask in the sunshine. Unfortunately the bad weather followed us. As soon as we arrived, the temperature dropped to 50 degrees and it downpoured the entire time. Though cold, we still had an amazing time.

Disneyland! 

At Splash Mountain

Of course the rain caught up with us after a few hours of sunshine. We were determined to stay from open until close, so we grabbed a poncho and sipped our hot chocolate under the only shelter we could find - the carousel.

On our third trip through Splash Mountain. The plus side of heavy rain is there are absolutely no lines for any rides. Woohoo!

Getty Art Museum

This was about all the beach time we had while there

Troy's Birthday!

February 3rd was Troy's 34th birthday. I got up early to decorate the house and make breakfast. Though the day was surprisingly warm, we went snowshoeing at one of our favorite spots. We then cleaned up and went to a scrumptious Japanese restaurant followed by a movie. It was a wonderful day and I'm so happy Troy had such a good time.

Troy getting ready to make a wish.

Me singing "Happy Birthday".

I love the stern expression Troy gets every time he holds a knife.