bits of two weekends, and a week: september 10, 2012

{the view from the site of the gorgeous nuptials, jackson hole, wy}

I’ve been a bit scarce around here lately, though I promise it’s been for good reason(s).  Over the past week (and two weekends), there have been a couple of big changes around here – both being cause for excitement and celebration.  For starters, I’ve decided to take an exciting new job at a local bakery, and I could not be more thrilled.  Though I am incredibly sad to leave the wonderful and talented team of people at Cafe Aion, I am absolutely ecstatic to embrace the (many) new challenges that lie ahead of me, and I’m totally energized at the prospect of a new (hugely educational) opportunity.  Of course with all of this excitement comes a bit of nervousness at the shakeup of my days and the prospect of the unknown – but I’ve felt all of these things before, and know that they only stand there to motivate you to try harder and to be stronger.

The second change comes with four legs, itsy bitsy paws, and one long and spindly black tail.  This past Saturday, we welcomed ‘Waffles’ the sweet black kitten into our home after rescuing her from the Boulder Humane Society.  (Which, as an aside, is an amazing facility with the kindest volunteers.)  She is just about the cutest and most inquisitive little feline I’ve ever seen, and we spent a good bit of this weekend trying to impress her with one clunky and spunky pug who has been attempting to hoard every stuffed mouse and crinkly paper kitty-ball in her bed (a bit of sibling rivalry, me thinks).  We all snuggled into bed last night, and though I am sure the crazy kitteh and wild puglet will have a bit of sorting out to do, it’s looking like they’ll soon be fast friends.

Outside of new jobs and new family members (!), we spent an amazing weekend in Jackson, WY, one week ago to witness  two of our closest friends give their lives to each other.  Every detail of the entire wedding weekend (three nights of parties!) was nothing short of fabulous; the evenings were top notch, the food was literally out of this world (I’m still dreaming of the ceviche), and being in the presence of two people who are absolutely devoted to each other was at the same time exhilarating and comforting.  It was the first time I had ever been to Wyoming, and (of course), I was totally taken with it.  It isn’t hard to fall in love with Jackson Hole, with sweeping vistas of the Grand Teton Mountain range cutting jagged figures against the expansive horizon, and the ‘cowboy town’ mentality and rusticity lent a unique quiet and authentic vibe to the streets and stores. The nuptials were held at Couloir Restaurant, a funky and modern space that sits at the summit of the mountain, at just over 9,000 feet.  We dined and danced the night away, and the entire weekend – complete with a rafting trip, time spent lounging poolside, and so many good friends – was perfect in every way.

{welcome, indeed!}

{roasted vegetable salad}

{sun pushing through some evening clouds}

{a bacon bloody}

{the jagged grand tetons}

{the best airplane reading, ever}

{tall boy}

{dropping back into boulder is always such a great feeling}

{chicken liver pate on toast at the beehive}

{some very large sapporos}

{‘the cart driver’ pizza at basta: broccoli rabe, spicy sausage, fennel pollen}

{very excited to soon spend my days here}

{saturday bike ride through grand teton national park}

{clocked in at just under 20 miles – and with a moose sighting – not too shabby!}

{our newest family member: waffles the kitteh!}

{sushi boats on a friday night at zanmai}

{a ‘throwback thursday’ snap” vintage winnie, circa august 2011}

{fields of organic basil}

{a guilty pleasure: salvaggios turkey, salami, and swiss – with extra pickles}

{fried green tomato sandwich lunch stop in jackson}

{a fun friday night show at the boulder theater}

{sleepy waffles}

{weekday work}

{brushing up, with some ‘light’ reading}

{my favorite yellow deli order, the ‘yellow submarine’ sandwich: pesto spread, yellow tomatoes and peppers, olives, and sprouts}

{my favorite hikers}

{a perfectly tiny fresno chili}

{a favorite notebook}

{no explanation needed – just another day at work}

{living up to her nickname ‘noodle’ (and perhaps contemplating a kitty strike?)}

{warm marinated olives}

{afternoon treat from tee & cakes: a pink champagne macaroon}

{another ‘throwback’: a view across the street from my old house, circa july 2010}

{yes, please!}

{shoes off and legs crossed in the tea room}

{a lion fish}

{fall is already starting to make her presence known}

{and finally, some cooler weather for nicer walks}