TGIF

This week has been a challenging one. There has been so many things to think about, worry about and stress over. And it's all sort of pointless because I can't change things in the future that I fear. Fear is not of the Lord. I am trying my hardest to break through this little funk and I am determined to fill my days with joy. It's tough. It's been a tough few days for me over here. I am being challenged to be deliberate in my thankfulness, because when I am, then joy floods my days. Every now and then the beau or I will say, "Jeez I really am a broke student. I really am penniless" and one will kindly remind the other, "but we are so rich".
I am a rich person. I am rich because I have people in my life who love me and I love them. I have the most incredible room mates and friends around me every day as I study and work. The sun has been shining and casting the most incredible rays of pink light on the hills as it sets. I have a man in my life who has stolen my heart entirely. I have legs that work and will take me on long beautiful runs through the hills. I have the opportunity to go to University and learn. I get to learn from incredible people every day - the things I learn!
And I currently have half a bag of Stumpton coffee beans in my fridge. So that's always a bonus.

Happy Weekend to you all!

gear

Boise is a beautiful city. It is an incredible hub for outdoor pursuits with an abundance of coffee stores and great places to eat, a few intriguing bookstores and a handful of amazing brewery's thrown into the mix. A friend frequently will smile and say, "oh the magnet that is Boise!" whenever yet another person informs us of their recent relocation to this great city.
I recently was prompted by a friend to consider how I have been changed by this city and the people here and perhaps discover some lessons I have learnt along the way. It is no lie that I definitely dress differently here, I [unfortunately] speak differently and my passions and pursuits have been altered. I owe a lot of this to the outdoors and the laid back approach to life that the outdoor community exudes.

My ideas of what are attractive has been shaped by my environment. When I lived in Europe my thoughts would be along the lines of,

"Check out that sharp Ralph Lauren Suit, Tag Heur watch, leather satchel and sleek BMW. He looks like an Oxford PPE graduate....".

My thoughts now?

"Whoa, check out that dude's sick puffy jacket, osprey backpack with a wealth of quickdraws hanging from it whilst he rides across town, a hydro-flask of organic coffee in hand, on his beautiful ride [aka his Surly bicycle]".

Maybe a slight exaggeration.

I am sure glad my beau loves the outdoors as much as I do. And he sure has some nice gear :)

Just another weekend....

Oh you know, just another weekend when my Mum has her birthday, England win the rugby, two lambs move into the house and demand constant attention, my dear friend gets married, my best friend/room mate gets engaged and it's all wrapped up with working (aka taking people XC skiing in the mountains on the most beautiful Sunday) and returning back to the city for a dinner date and impromptu house dance party because we are all bursting with joy!

Just another weekend.

Idaho City [Part 2]

I can't believe it has already been a couple of weeks since the Beau and I had our little Idaho City camping trip before classes began for the Spring Semester. Time continues to fly by and we are already getting ready for our next adventures which may or many not include skiing, mountains and a yurt....stay tuned!
Our little trip to Idaho City was just not long enough for me. The Beau is extremely good at getting me to slow down, take a breath and enjoy some peace and quiet. We spent the majority of our first day walking around Idaho City with hot coffee in our hands, looking at the old buildings, chatting with locals and enjoying the pretty view across the mountains from the chapel on the hill. The sun was shining and my goodness my heart was happy.
We then left Idaho City and drove through the mountain pass to Lowman where we sought out some hotsprings and a place to camp for our second night. The drive was spectacular! I really do love my Idaho mountains.

Oh, and Happy Friday everyone! I have a great great great happy weekend ahead! It includes family time, a birthday, a wedding and a XC ski trip.....and then maybe an all-nighter to catch up on homework! YOLO right?!

Someone had ice cream for breakfast