Why I love Utah in the Winter

Carrie gave me some inspiration on a subject to write about. I love the snow, when its fresh and beautiful. I love how it clings to tree branches, sits on the roof tops, and makes good projectiles. I really love it to ski though. This year I was fortunate enough to befriend an employee of the Canyons Sky Resort. Do to this friendship a season pass made its way to my ski gear pile. Last year I got skis, boots and poles, so I get to ski this year for gas money only. And I do plan on taking advantage of that.

I have been up only twice with the camera. It makes me nervous to ski with it on the back. So the first time I barely took it out. The day was cloudy, so not so good of pictures. Yesterday though it was awesome! Cold, but the sun was out. Fresh snow everywhere. All I can say is, don't hate the playa' hate the game.

At the Canyons there is like a town up there. So you ski under bridges that cars drive on. I think its cool. Plus all the brown stuff you see is wood sticks. I will get a better shot of it next time.


This was a nerve racking self portrait on the lift. Turned out nice I think, but man all I was thinking, don't drop it, don't drop it, don't drop it!


And a scenery shot I converted.

zagledati vi v pred enim letom približno

For those of us who can't read it says "See you in a year or so" in Slovenien.

I spent the better almost all my free time Thursday and Friday helping get the finishing touches on the packing and cleaning with Benjam and Chelsea. Sometimes that was lugging boxes other times it was just watching Skye. The whole time was kinda surreal. I have known Benjam 14+ years. Unlike most of the people I meet we stay pretty close. Through marriage and most recently kids we spend less overall time together but we stay in touch. Thanks to the internet we will still get to see and talk to each other, but no more random lunch dates. Or spontanious game nights or no more photo sessions with the cutest member of the Welker household. (you know who you are)

What was interesting to come to understand over the years is how much Benjam and Kati are alike. As well as how much Chelsea and I are a like. In the personality department not so much the physical department. It makes me wonder how we are attracted to different people, those with skills and attitudes we need to balance our own out. You guys make a really good team! I know you will do well on your adventure. I am excited for you and nervous at the same time.

You will be missed here. Every time I watch tv, play the Wii or watch a movie at my place I will thnk about you. If you extend your stay past a year there is a good chance we will come see you in Europe. I hope you get to take advantage of your position to explore. I know how much you both like to learn. (dictionary in the bathroom, nuff said) Take tons of pictures. Update the blog like you used to. Finaly once you get settled lets set up a Skype night.

I truly love you like family and miss you already!

Hug them if you love them.

Yesterday about 2 in the morning a friend of mines husband died. To be more direct my best friend Benjam's sister in laws husband died. I don't know all the details but he is from Argentina and was doing guide work there since Christmas. Something happend on this last one and he didn't make it. I felt helpless. There is never something you can really say to that. Even sorry sounds cheep. I was home kinda stewing wishing there was something I could do. Finally I just took over some movies and popcorn. I gave her a hug and was just there. She has a rough road a head, as well as those close to her. I hope she knows I will do anything I can to help.

The strangest part for me is just two years ago this would not have had such an impact on me. This is because before Kati's accident, death was an inevitability, non emotional, just something that happenes. I find myself much more empathetic. I am glad to understand much better that death is very emotional, so I can be supportive to those who need it.

So as the title says, be greatful for those loved ones you still get to hug, and take advantage of that. A hug says all you want with out having to utter a word.