Hi Everyone! Long time, no blog. As I am hanging out on a bus in Ireland on the way from Galway to Cork, I realized that there is no way that I will be able to fit the last 8 months in one blog post so I will post two: January- mid august, and then a whole one about Ireland and Texas. That way, those of you who hate hearing about other people's awesome vacations can skip that one :) So for now... I will start with my first skiing adventure.
The place: Okemo Mountain, Vermont. The adventure: learning to ski. The reason: It made Timmy happy. For those of you who know me, you know that.I am extremely athletic. 20 minute mile, no problem. Quarter mile hike, bring it. Taking the stairs to the third floor, probably won't pass out. You also probably refer to me as quite the dare devil. Take the subway after midnight- yeah I've done it. Walk around in 12 degree weather- I've done that too. Needless to say my extreme athleticism and affinity for danger should make skiing a breeze. Nope.
Let me set the scene for you. We have just gotten to the resort. We came with some wonderful friends. Timmy and Mark are pretty avid skiers, I've just recently seen snow for the first time, Florence has never really been, and Chris hasn't been in years. Flo, Chris, and I sign up for a lesson, but Timmy and Mark feel that we could do the baby slope at least once before the lesson starts (under their brilliant tutelage). Bad idea. I fell, which really got me pumped about skiing. Not too bad, but enough to make me very uncomfortable. There is a good chance that the following came immediately out of my mouth, "Timmy, I hate this and I want to go home. Skiing is stupid." I am the eternal optimist. Mark did tell me that I really looked the part though. This was enough positive reinforcement to keep me going. That and the fact that Flo was still pretty hesitant as well. So we left our fantastic teachers to go to our lesson where they actually taught us important things like, HOW TO STOP, how to steer, and how to slow down. I felt much better, even did several runs down the baby slope. PS... little kids are awesome skiers, probably because they are made of rubber so falling isn't scary. The kids on ski leashes are the best though haha. Anyway... by lunch, I was feeling better, Flo and I were really giving the baby slope the business. After a few more practice runs, it was time for the big slope.... the one where you have to go on the lift... I'm sorry the what?! Who thought of that thing. They put teeny tiny kids on it too. Not cool! Seems like pretty much the most dangerous thing in the world. First run, I fell kinda funny and twisted my knee a bit, because there is really no way to fall gracefully or un-painfully in skis. You always land like a pretzel. I also got separated from the group which freaked me out. But I made it down. The second time down the big slope... no good. I fell on my head and saw some stars. This was probably karma after make fun of people who were wearing helmets. That really threw me and I fell several more times going down the mountain. That was the end of the day, thank God. I was debating not going back the next day.
The next day came and I decided that I wasn't going to let a stupid mountain defeat me. With my helmet on...I spent the next 3 hours or so on the tiny baby slope to really perfect my skills. The guy that worked the magic carpet kept saying, "Ally, you know this is only supposed to be for practice. Eventually you need to go up the mountain." First of all, I have no idea how he knew my name. Second, mind your beeswax man! He was very nice and very encouraging though. So... it was time to try again. Timmy came with me this time, and I did it! I made down the mountain without falling or running into a tree or a person or anything. Take that Vermont! I went a couple of more times, and made it work. I really worked that green slope. Keep in mind, Timmy, Mark, Chris, Jason, Johnathan, and even Flo were completing much more difficult courses. But I didn't care, I did it, and I didn't cry at all (that day).
Later that day, Flo and I turned in our skis and took Jason's car back up the mountain to where we were staying. We were almost home when all of the sudden, the car starts going backwards even though my foot was on the gas and the car was in drive. I put my foot on the break and started to panic, saying something like "I don't know what to do, I'm from Texas! We don't drive on mountains or in snow!" Poor Flo, who doesn't drive, just looks at me like... uh oh, I'm in the car with this genius. Then, as if summoned by the bat signal, Timmy and Mark come skiing around a tree and see us. We immediately start yelling and waving as though we are about to die. They see us and figure it out, like it was no big deal. Bunch of jerks. Point of the story... between driving and skiing, my life was essentially in danger the entire time we were in Vermont.
If you ever go to Vermont (you should, it's lovely) buy and eat as much maple candy as you can. Delish!
While we were home, we also got to go to Grandma and Grandpa's ranch. I appreciate the country even more now that we live in the concrete jungle. My mom's whole side of the family was there. Aunt Terri and Uncle Jack came in from Tuscon, Aunt Cindy and Uncle David from San Antonio, Grandma and Grandpa, and my whole family. Charlotte's first Easter was indeed a success! She even got some cutie pie pictures in the bluebonnets. (Side note: people in other states find our intense knowledge of our state strange. We all know our state flower, state bird, state rodent, state tree, etc. They don't know anything about their states. Bunch of weirdos. Have some pride! I digress) She has so much more personality each time we see her. We had so much fun with everyone and of course, had a hard time getting back on the plane to leave. That's the worst.
Back in NYC, things got busy quick. Between my new job, Timmy busy at work, and planning the next few months out, it seems like we didn't have a moment to stop moving. Sally came for a fun visit. We went and saw our friend's a capella group sing. They were awesome! This of course made Sally and I believe that we too could be in an awesome group like this. Turns out, they are looking for more than enthusiasm. Bummer. We also went to the beautiful cherry blossom festival and took some awesome Romy and Michelle pictures :) Spring is my favorite time in the city! It's beautiful and fun to show off.
A few weeks later, Mom and Dad came for a super fun weekend visit. They both got to witness why I feel so many people like living in New York City. 1. Luke's Lobster 2. Carmine's Italian food. Dad especially was pumped. We ate Luke's twice while they were there. We also walked the high line bridge and went to a fun beer garten. This was where mom coined the phrase, "Beer before liquor, kill a fella." I loved it! Timmy and I say this all of the time now. On Sunday, we went to see "The Book of Mormon." SO FUNNY!!!! So offensive, but SO FUNNY! If you get the chance to see it, do it, unless you are uptight or easily offended. As a little warm up, download "Turn it off" on iTunes from the sound track. It's amazing and my new life motto! You won't be sorry you paid $1.29. If you are lame and don't like it, I will reimburse your money. Disclaimer, it is offensive in content, not language :) We had a great time with Mom and Dad and I can't wait until they come up to visit again!
I got to spend my birthday with my favorite people in the world... my family :) My best little birthday buddy turned 1 and her birthday was so much fun. I can't think of a better person to share my birthday with! Love her, and them so so much!
That brings us to the present. My next post will be about my trip home to Texas and our trip to Ireland. It will be complete with tons of pictures :) I'm sorry this post is super long, and I don't have many funny stories in it. I really need to post sooner after big things happen. That would probably work better huh? Don't worry, the next one will be funnier :)
Well, I love you guys and I hope you enjoyed this read. If you didn't... sorry. I didn't force you though. Miss you all and can't wait to see you soon! Until next time xoxoxo- Ally
