In Hiding

I hate to begin all posts with an apology for the dearth of updates. I have good excuses though: patchy internet access, roaming around Canada and the US living out of a suitcase, distaste for staring at computer screens except when absolutely necessary, awareness that future program directors may be reading the blog...

It's been a wonderful handful of weeks though, I really must say. You know, I love Ireland, but I LOVE Canada. The fact that my future job prospects are looking quite good here makes me oh so very delighted. I actually left a suitcase of winter clothing at Momma Bear's house, knowing that my next Christmas will likely be HERE! It is exciting. Also, did I mention that I actually got some skiing in this year?!

Luc and I on the lift. Quality time with my nephew/Godson (said with Brando voice while stroking underside of chin).

Cruisey Tree Skiing = Happy Place!

Yes. After family Christmas in the dark we traveled to Montana for some fine, fine skiing and even the odd celebrity sighting! Saw Timberlake and Biel snowboarding (they're quite good!), Affleck and Garner skiing (she is even more gorgeous in real life, he's a scruff box) and had a random chat about powder quality with Mary Hart (ridiculously nice and bubbly).

I forgot how much I love spending a day on my skis. The quiet of the trees, the hypnotizing snow flakes, the tired legs, crisp air. It was such a beautiful resort, they had to drag me away at the end of our week there.

Will post some more updates about the last couple of weeks soon. 2013 has already been VERY top shelf. A nice change so far from 2012.

In the meantime, working on a literature review and getting ready for my interviews.

Eep!!

Dreaming

Last night I dreamt that I was skiing. It was one of those powdery-goodness days. I was flying, and landing.

More often than not I have nightmares, so this was a wonderful slumbering reprieve. This morning I remembered it so clearly, it left me giddy with the emotional imprint and a little sad with nostalgia.  I wanted to make a post about how much I miss certain parts of my former life. I found this post from my original blog, Feb 20th, 2008. And of course, a video which ought to make you laugh. Turns out transitioning from telemark to alpine bindings isn't that easy (i.e. 'fixing the heel does not necessarily fix the problem).

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Anna and I had one of those perfect days at Rogers Pass yesterday. Bluebird skies, great snacks, good conversation, fluffy snow, warm sunshine. It rocked. We went to the "toe" of Pearly Rock and did two mellow loops and enjoyed a picnic lunch in the sun.

After I slid backwards, slow motion style, into the tree well Anna took over the trail making part of the excursion. The new bib pants paid for themselves already, kept me nice and dry despite the 'face shots' which were in fact, ass-over-tea-kettle-shots...though I did find pine needles in my underwear and bra at the end of the day...not sure how they made their way there...

Anna patiently letting me take her photo before dropping in...

I asked Anna if she wasn't afraid of losing her sunnies in the snow--only then realising that the former heli-ski and backcountry guide probably hasn't wiped out since 1995. I remembered: not everyone goes halfway down the fall line on their ass like I do.

These guys poached our line while we were snacking....which is what you get for making most of the sweet uptrack I suppose. No bother, there were still a few acres of freshies to be had. And plenty of space for me to drop and roll. And yard sale. Behold the video of humiliation. 

Woot! Some proof that I can stay upright after all!