New Moves

It's nearly Christmas now and almost two months since our last post. I hope our avid readers will forgive the temporary absence. In defense, I must admit that Jeremy and I have finally encountered some "speed bumps" along our "highway to heaven." Consequently, we've made the decision to move back to Vermont before the New Year. Of course this was not an easy decision -- one we are still trying to digest -- but considering the alternatives, it was the best we could do.

...IN OTHER HAPPIER NEWS...

...MAIDEN IS AWESOME!!!

... AND Cristin & Andy are here!! They drove across the country last month for a 6-week ski vacation and have been living in our little home in between runs. It's been so nice having them here. Andy taught Maiden how to play "Fetch." Cristin and I discovered Hot Yoga and have been reluctantly trying to avoid adopting more baby animals from the shelter. Jeremy and Andy have been skiing almost every day. Apparently some of the best conditions in years. There have been nights of good food and cheap drinks, and days of hot springs and Christmas tree decorating. Be sure to ask Cristin about the time the Moose ran over her ski tips.



Unfortunately Cristin & Andy leave in a few days to have Christmas in Boston, but lucky for us they're being replaced by Mel & Mike! We'll keep you posted on our 1st Christmas without family and the Great Migration Home!

Vegas Baby

They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. We are not going to live by this motto, but instead we're going to share the details of our two days and nights in the ultimate Sin City.

I arrived in Vegas a few hours before Julie, and immediately checked into our hotel room at The Hard Rock Hotel. Well, immediately may be a small lie... first I had a delicious beer at Hofbräuhaus. The Hard Rock Hotel is huge... It's basically a hotel, casino, mall, tattoo studio, concert arena, vacation club, athletic club, bar, and restaurants all in one. Every hotel/casino in Vegas takes up an entire block, each of which is larger than the entire town of Jackson (no joke). I wasted time waiting for My Love to arrive by of course spending time in the Tattoo Studio at the hotel. Don't worry I did not get "new ink" but instead looked at the portfolios of the resident artists. My favorite tattoo was by far an enormous piece encompassing a guy's entire chest with the word "VEGAS BABY." I knew we were in for a good time.

When Julie finally arrived at the hotel we met up with Julie's friend Mick in the lobby. Mick was visiting from Australia. Julie had told me many stories about Mick. I was excited to meet him. The three of us went up to Mick's room where we had some drinks and met up with another Aussie, Luke. I have to admit one thing... i really really love Australians. They are so carefree, fun and happy. It was great to be around them as we don't get many interactions with Aussies here in Jackson.

That night we went to a night club in The Mirage Hotel with a bunch of other ladies visiting Mick. Julie had told me Mick was a ladies man and all the American girls studying abroad fall in love with him. I could tell every word was true. The only question I had was: "how many of these American ladies had Mick wooed in Australia, and were they going to get in fights over him here in the states?" I was hoping to experience some serious cat-fights.

I was, and still am, completely blown away by the size of Vegas. The hotel/casinos are enormous. I had no idea they were so expansive, and so over-the-top. I kept thinking what humans would think of our civilization 1000 years from now once our "Vegas-style Empire" has collapsed. I think they will be amazed at our engineering, be disgusted by our lack of foresight, and have completely wrong theories about what all the slot-machines were used for.

I could write loads more about our Vegas experience, but for time's sake I will continue with a brief summary of the highlights. We loved being able to walk around the city with open Coronas. Julie treated me to one of the best Italian meals I have ever had. And we rode the roller coaster throughout the Vegas skyline at New York New York. I felt like a kid again (Vegas, the R-rated Disney Land).

One final order of business. We did not come out on top. We did not really loose too much either. Neither of us are big gamblers. I lost about five dollars at the slot-machines despite being on a "hot machine" that decided become cold once I got close to winning a motorcycle. We also lost 20 dollars at roulette. In the end we lost 25 dollars, had a really great time, got to spend time with friends, and committed no sins in the Sin City (which maybe a sin itself).

Oh yeah... one more thing... We resisted the urge to get married in Vegas. It was hard... so the wedding is still on this June 17th and 18th...I can't wait!!!! Also, I love Julie more than love itself.

The Hard Work That Pays

Let me just start out by saying my fiance is perfect. I mean, no one is perfect, but Jeremy is really good at being perfect for me. No one else tries as hard to make me happy, no one else will do whatever it takes to be with me as much as possible, and no ones else works as hard to get me what I want.

On Friday, Jeremy left to go to work at 4:30pm. We were both crying from a previous dispute (started by me, of course) and neither one of us wanted to be apart. By 5:30, I had stopped crying and was starting to think about what I could do to mend things between us, when suddenly, in strolls Jeremy with a bouquet of flowers!! So I started crying again and we just held each other for a very long time. Long enough for all the "whatever" from before to disappear and all the love that we have for each other to come rushing back. Finally, he pried me off of him, told me to pull myself together and put the flowers in water. When I had finished following his instructions, he had me sit down next him on the couch. Then he slid the silver band we wore for each other off my finger and pulled out a little red box.


I found this ring in Vermont the weekend he proposed and fell in love with it. Ever since, Jeremy has been working around the clock to make sure I got it.

Jeremy, I know I'm good at giving you a hard time, but where it counts the most, you are perfect.

Life after Engagement

People have been asking me what "engagement life" is like. Well I'll tell you:

Everyday Jeremy and I wake up in our bed of roses, hop on our magical engagement pony and fly through pink, fluffy clouds to the top of the Tetons where we play in fields of flowers with the fairies. Then we get out of bed, make breakfast, plan our wedding and go to work. Just kidding! Only Jeremy goes to work. I stay home and play with Maiden - who has leukemia. Boo :(

But in all seriousness, the first month we've spent as an engaged couple has probably been the most stressful month of our relationship. Now that I've got my heart set on a ring, Jeremy's been working double to try to pay for it, and I've had a lot more time alone to reflect on my decision to move out here. Jeremy and I agreed that we'd try to keep this post positive, so I'm trying my best not to complain and appreciate this as a learning experience.

Through the stress, tears, screams and silences, I think we've learned a few things about life in love. We have learned that life can't be a compromise it always has to be an agreement; that we have to love ourselves to love each other; that having independence is what brings us closer together; and that if one person isn't happy, it just doesn't work - no matter what.

In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have moved to Jackson. At the time I was trying to convince myself that I could be different and learn to love a lifestyle I had never lived. Why is this always the hardest lesson to learn? You simply can't change people. Not even yourself. But I'm going to stick it out. I am determined to find a way to be happy here because Jeremy and I deserve to be happy.

I do have many things to look forward to: road-trip to Colorado, a weekend in Vegas, Thanksgiving in Arizona, Christmas with Mel & Mike, and hopefully some other visitors into snowshoeing and skiing the bunny hill.

So there you have it: Life after Engagement. Maybe not Cloud 9, but guess what? I'm still madly in love.

Meet The Maiden

Miss Iron Maiden Walker (the 'Iron' is silent) was adopted into our family on August 28th, 2010 at 12:57pm from the Star Valley Humane Society in Thayne, Wyoming.

Weighing in at a whopping 1.7 lbs, this 10-week-old brown-eyed, gray and white tabby won our hearts by gingerly kissing Jeremy on the chin the first time he held her. She has the perfect balance of spunk and affection, has already pooped on our carpet and is still trying to figure out who that funny looking cat in the mirror is.

For those who don't know, I have been wanting a kitten for quite some time now. To be honest, ever since I moved out to Jackson I've been desperately in need of some company around the house when Jeremy's at work. It's questionable whether or not I'll be able to concentrate on my work now, but I can already tell that I'm going to love having Maiden around.

We're Engaged!!

On August 19th, at the top of Mount Mansfield in our beautiful home state of Vermont, Jeremy Walker told me there was a question he would only be asking once in his life. Sitting on a rock ledge, sweaty and jet-lagged, he asked me to marry him.

It was so surprising, yet expected and so silly, yet serious that I didn't know how to react. He was visibly nervous and I was in shock. I was experiencing my once in a lifetime proposal; the answer was so painfully obvious I was speechless. Finally, I came to and managed to say, "Yes, of course!"

Twenty minutes later, when we had finished crying and laughing and embracing, we got to our feet and had someone take our picture. "Sweet! Let's go down and start planning our wedding!!!"

The Full Report

My Love has been gone for over a week now and I barely know what to do with myself. It's been interesting, though, because this is really the first time I have lived by myself. Our babies are still alive and being watered everyday and the dishes are remarkably clean. However, I do have to say that there is a bit more clutter around the house without Julie here to keep me organized and I have been taking full advantage of leaving the toilet seat up. I really miss her terribly and can't wait for her to come back. The house is too silent without her here and I need her back to color the silence.

As Julie mentioned earlier July was a very busy month for the two of us. It was also an incredible month for us. We are getting very good at living together. It's been easy for us because we complete each other. My dad and his partner Gale visited us for five days. This was very important for Julie and I as now we have both met each other's parents. I think I can speak for my parents when I say that Julie has their overwhelming approval.

With my dad and Gale here we did what we always do best: being active in the outdoors followed by cocktails. I took my dad on a great mountain bike ride on Teton Pass. He survived without too many cuts and bruises. We also went on two great hikes. The first hike we did was an out and back up Granite Canyon. The second hike had to be one of the most memorable hikes I have experienced. We hiked up Teton Canyon to Teton Canyon Shelf to Alaska Basin and back down Teton Canyon. It was about 16 miles of some of the most gorgeous scenery the world can offer. The hike took us about ten hours and the conversation was never dull. After the hike we we ate Mexican food in the "Mexi-Bus." A perfect cap on a perfect day.

The last night of my dad and Gale's visit turned into a good old fashioned Jackson night including farmer's markets, great food, and pig wrestling at the County Fair. Classic!!

So that's the "full report" on a great visit. DAD, thanks so much for coming and spending time with us. We welcome other visitors with open arms. You just have to be ready to experience an almost gross amount of love in our house of love. As of now I am just waiting for Julie to come back from California. It's not natural for us to be apart like this. She truly is my other half. Before her return I will have my work cut out for me: cleaning the clutter, bathroom, kitchen, and of course making sure the toilet seats are down.

July, July

Man oh man, what a crazy month! I can't believe it's August. July has gone by so quickly. I apologize to all the die-hard fans out there (**cough, Cristin, cough**) for the lack of posts this month, but you wouldn't imagine how busy we've been out here in Jackson's Hole. What with all the late nights and lazy mornings, Jeremy spraining his ankle and getting a rash (probably from watching Big Fish), me getting an infection (probably from eating gluten [source: Dr. Charles Marks M.D.]), both of us getting a year older, and Jeremy's dad coming to visit the days seem to have just slipped away.

Now (all of a sudden), I'm getting ready to leave for a 3-week adventure with the Fam. For the first time in 78 days Jeremy and I will be apart. (*GASP!*) - I know. Scary. I can hardly believe it myself! I am leaving him for a 100 mile hike on the John Muir Trail. I'll miss him terribly and pray every night that our babies will still be alive when I get home.

(Our babies)

And I guess I should explain the picture at the top...

First of all, the title of this blog is misleading. It's not really over. It's just the beginning. For my birthday, my one true love pulled yet another remarkably romantic trick out his sleeve: a photo album handmade out of bamboo and banana leaves from Bali. This being a 'love blog' I guess I can tell you what he said when he gave it to me. "A photo album for our family. So our children can see their parents when they were young."

Jeremy, I love you and will love you more every day for the rest of our lives.

I'll let you fill you in the details about your father's visit. (But remember this is going into the 'Full Report').

xoxo

Wyoming Wild

Wyoming is full of wilderness. I suppose that's why people come here: to experience wild country. I was promised lots of amazing hiking here in Jackson's Hole and I got it. One morning I left the house at 5:45am driving two hours to Shoshone National Park to meet fellow Wyoming Wilderness Association staff members and some good ol' Wyoming locals for a nice long walk in the wild.
We walked 15 miles out to this immense valley where we were met by a man and woman dressed in full jean tuxedos and cowboy hats on horseback. They fed us brownies and Sobe water they had hauled up on donkeys. We talked about how the grizzly habitat is being threatened by the beetle-kill, how the locals want to wipe out every wolf in the state, and how getting dressed up in Wyoming means putting on your best hunting clothes.
It's beautiful country, but I have to say Wyoming sure does live up to its motto...

Dragonfly

Yesterday there was a humming bird outside my window. It stayed there hovering for a few moments, then left, then returned, then left again to perch on the tree. The humming bird is Jeremy's spirit animal so I thought of him while I was sitting by the window without him.

Right now, we're sitting on our love seat drinking G&Ts. It's Tuesday. It's the weekend. Uruguay just got their asses beat by Holland, and we are sitting here discussing symbolism. Not because Holland whooped Uruguay's ass, but because Jeremy spent $100 on a dragonfly tea pot set for us that apparently symbolizes love, happiness and eternity (according to Japan). He bought it hoping it would symbolize our relationship, but according to Google, the Native's believe it symbolizes the undead. That made us wonder if there was any credibility to symbolism. Does anything really mean anything at all or does it just mean what you want it to mean? (Yeah, I heard Carrie Bradshaw in my head when I wrote that).

Jeremy turned 28 yesterday. His sister, Ayla, thinks he's an old fart now. But apparently (according to Google), 28 is the new 18 -- check your facts, Ayla.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Last night we drew a picture. At the fancy restaurant, we drew (with crayons on the paper table cover) a symbol of our everlasting love.

To me this means I love Jeremy very much, but I don't want him to get embarrassed by my heart drawings infront of his waiter friends so I drew skull and cross-bones to even it out.

What does this mean to you? Seriously. We're interested. Apparently, symbolism is subjective. But just so you know... we side with Japan: Our dragonflies represent love & happiness for eterenity. (4Eva)

Jeremy needs a new G&T now. So do I. Adios. Happy Tuesday.

A New Taste of The Tetons

We have been here for a little over 3 weeks now and I feel like we are both starting to experience the full flavor of the Tetons. This makes perfect sense for Julie cause she just started living here, but I have been here for 4 years now and I am just starting to taste the Tetons. I am perceiving them in a whole new light because I am experiencing them with my partner. I am not just looking at them through my eyes, but I am looking at them through OUR eyes. For me, this feels great. A few days ago we drove up to the Granite Hot Springs in the Gros Ventre Mountains. I had been there last year, but on this time I was looking at the landscape and thinking about all the possibilities for us, and they were nearly endless. Normally I would drive up to these gorgeous hot springs and relax in them and then drive back home. However, this time my mind was racing with ideas of spending days relaxing by the river, camping out, hiking, and doing myriad of nothing with nobody else except each other.

I have a very established life here in Jackson, and I know this has been hard for Julie to become accustomed to. It can be a scary thing to just pick up and move to a place where your lover has been living for years. I know that some days are better than others for Julie here in Jackson, but I have noticed that the good days are not only becoming better, but they are more frequent as well. Julie is doing an amazing job acclimating herself here and adjusting to our new lifestyle in this new place. In usual fashion she has landed herself a job with the Wyoming Wilderness Association. Originally she interviewed for a volunteer position, but they loved her so much they just needed to have her on as a payed employee. Sometimes I ask myself, "how did I happen to land this incredibly talented, smart, charismatic, and gorgeous woman known as Julie Fucking Marks." She makes me feel secure.

I coached my first of two bike camps last week as well. It went really well and the pay is great. Not that I will be seeing much of my hard earned money cause every cent is going to the IRS... gotta pay the taxes. I have never felt better on my bike and it was going so well until two days ago I sprained my ankle biking. I realize now how precious my body is for earning my needed income. I could not work last night because I could not walk. I will heal though, and I plan a full recovery.

Two nights ago we had a joint birthday party for me and my friends Ryan and Derek. We camped out on top of Shadow Mountain, built a fire, had some drinks, enjoyed the incredible views and great people. The night could not have been better. We even got see a lightning show over the Tetons in the distance. Again, this night was incredible and unique for me. I was experiencing my home here in an entirely new light because Julie was by my side. She has enhanced my life here and completed me. Now I am a member of a two person team while doing my everyday activities because she is a part of them. I first arrived here 4 years ago, and I am finally tasting the full flavor of the Tetons.

Me to We

Jeremy and I have been living together for almost 2 weeks now. And if starting a blog together wasn't enough, we've also exchanged car keys, opened a joint bank account and signed up for a "couples" membership at the gym. Everyone here knows me as Jeremy's girlfriend. And now, if Jeremy goes anywhere without me the first question is always, "where's Julie?"

We're officially a "we," aren't we?

Our house is perfect; a perfect blend of him and me. Everything was done in perfect harmony, from hanging pictures and moving furniture to stocking our fridge and shopping for plants. This is Our house, with Our bed, Our books and Our toaster oven.



But we aren't always together either. Jeremy works full time at the restaurant, so I've been eating most of my dinners alone. I'm going to start doing some volunteer hiking & GPS work for the Wyoming Wilderness Association and Jeremy has started volunteering twice a week at the Latino Resource Center (dónde él habla español).

On our days off, Jeremy's been showing me around: hiking up to some mountain lakes, touring around the village farmer's market and introducing me to the best mexican popsicles in town. Yesterday, we went to the Alternative Healthcare Project hosted by the LRC. Jeremy said we were signed up for free massages, but when we got there the physicians were armed and ready with needles..... Turns out I'm not so into acupuncture. Twenty minutes of laying on my back, body twitching with needles in my wrists, ankles, shins, stomach and abdomen, was more than enough for me. They told me I looked "generally unhealthy", which felt like getting told you look tired when you're not. But at least we got a good laugh and some Chinese Herbs out of it.

So life is good in Jackson Hole. Jeremy and I are having an amazing time together. Everything from making breakfast to making the bed is more fun now.

I have fallen in love the "we," "us" and "our" of this new life.

2600 miles later...

After two days in New York City we were more than ready to get out. Not to say we didn't love our time there. Highlights included a kickass wiffleball game under the lights (for Jeremy), falling asleep to Robin Hood in the movie theater, and I got to meet my new baby cousin, Avery. Wednesday came and Pugs navigated us miraculously out of the city and into America's heartland. Along the way we encountered the most intelligent people. At a grocery store in Nowhere, Ohio we were asked if our avocado was in fact an avocado upon check out, and then if our purchased bottle of water was going to be for "here or to go." 15 hours later (13 hours of driving and 2 hours of getting lost in "south side" Chicago), we found ourselves in the Courtyard Marriott of Highland Park.

The fact that Jeremy is still sitting next to me means he survived a long weekend with my extended family...barely. Not that it was incredibly difficult. We ate, drank, ate some more, went for a swim and then planned for our next meal. (Side note: Jeremy and I are both 5 lbs heavier). We were graced by the presence of my grandfather (aka Wodad, in his 98th year and still talking shit), Lenny, Uncle John, Cousin Richard and Cousin Josh. Together we toured the Botanic Gardens and Baha'i Temple then feasted on oysters and softshell crab. (Shout out to our hilarious waiter, Tim in the Hawaiian shirt who told us all about his sister's water-birth).

Four days later, as we were gearing up to set out for the Badlands at 5am so we could make it there by 10pm and pitch our tent, I got sick. Food poisoning or the usual shit-show that my life has become since Nepal that kept me up alllll night (Jeremy too thanks to the paper-thin walls). Needless to say, we didn't hit the road until about noon and I was still doing everything in my power to keep from vomiting.

But with Pugs carrying at little extra weight, we hit the open road and busted through Wisconsin, Minnesota and into South Dakota. Highlights included filling a bag at the Jelly Belly Factory in Wisconsin situated next to the coal-burning, smog-pumping, acid-rain inducing power plant (which was slightly depressing) and then driving through the massive wind turbine farms that span Minnesota (which was extremely uplifting).

We didn't quite make our destination that night, but early the next morning we arrived in the Badlands. The Badlands were not as 'bad' as I expected. I blame the almighty Himalayas and volcanic landscape of Iceland for spoiling all other mountain ranges for me. So we took a few photos and kept on driving to the equally unimpressive Mt. Rushmore where we met up with Jeremy's friend, Zach and his girlfriend, Amanda. We formed a caravan the rest of the way to Jackson, passing through Yellowstone National Park to take a dip in the icy mountain lake, pet some buffalo and have lunch in the Yellowstone caldera.

Now, 11 days and 2,600 miles since the time Jeremy first threw me over his shoulder, we settling into our new home in Jackson Hole and beginning our lives together. Over the past few days, we've been hard at work unpacking, rearranging the apartment and setting up my life here. The change is huge and we're getting used to it, but so far so good.

Pictures of the place coming soon.

Cheers!

The Road Trip has Started

Finally we have started the road trip. It all started by throwing Julie over my shoulder in the City Market parking lot and throwing her into the car so I could steal her away. However, the car (Pugs) is so overloaded Julie had to guide the car out of our parking space to make sure I did not get in a fender bender. So as it was a romantic gesture on my part, it was not quite a text book move, but funny none-the-less.

We had a really wonderful time in Burlington before we left. Seeing our friends and family before embarking on our Journey together was especially special. Saying goodbye is always hard, but it makes reuniting that much more special, especially after starting our lives together.

So after packing Pugs literally to the brim, saying goodbye to everyone, and almost committing a perfect act of romantic showmanship in the City Market parking lot we took off for our first destination: the wedding of my friends' Bryant and Becca. Their wedding was located at the picturesque town of Chittenden, Vermont at The Mountain Top Inn. This resort is situated on a hill overlooking the Green Mountain National Forest and a gorgeous lake nestled in a small pocket in the Green Mountains. Beautiful weather, amazing people and this setting made the wedding quite literally picture perfect. So picture perfect Becca arrived to the wedding ceremony on a horse drawn carriage. We rented a room in a large vacation house where about 15 of my incredibly fun friends were also staying. We made sure to get to the house early and lay our claim to the suite room at the top of the house. Even though people were drunkingly sleeping in every corner of the house I made sure to hold onto this room throughout the weekend. I must say it was very special to have Julie meet my friends. I know it must have been very overwhelming to her, but she handled it very well and I got all my friends' enthusiastic support and approval of my love.
Yesterday we left the wedding site to drive to Mel and Mike's place in Connecticut. I was so tired and hungover from the long weekend of partying with friends I hardly see these days I nearly fell asleep at the wheel. I also have to blame that on being nursed to sleep by the book-on-tape we had just started. Julie immediately took over and drove the rest of the way to Connecticut while I put a pillow on her lap and slept soundly.

It was great staying at Mel and Mike's house. It is absolutely gorgeous there. Mike took us to eat at a vegetarian restaurant and Julie was actually able to eat some of the food there. She got a veggie melt sandwich on gluten free bread and dairy free cheese. It even tasted really good.

Today we are in Brooklyn after saying goodbye to Mel and Mike and somehow navigating our way though the streets of NYC in the overloaded Pugs to find my great friend Alex's house. I have known Alex since I was 5 years old and have not seen him in about four years. So needless to say I am very excited to spend tonight with him, which happens to be his birthday. We will continue to keep you all updated on the progress of our trip and our life. Stay tuned. We love and miss you all very very much.

Welcome to Jeremy & Julie's Blog

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!!!

As you both well know, we have reached a momentous turning point in our lives. This move is a big step in our relationship; a relationship we cherish and know will last forever. We may not know exactly where life will take us, but we do know that wherever we are, we'll be together. In that regard we have decided to start a blog and invite you to share in our adventures.

Mother's Day is a holiday to focus on family and in particular our moms. We want to use this blog as a medium to not only share our evolution as a couple and keep our friends and family updated on our lives together, but to also bring together our families. Family is very important to us, and this is just one step bringing our families closer so that one day we will be one family.

So happy Mother's Day to our beloved moms. Thank you for bringing us into this amazing world. We are so excited to share this day with both of you for many many years to come.

This blog is dedicated to you.

With love,

Jeremy & Julie