Lion Hunting

I know I've written about goals, and that Nick and I had made a list together about things we wanted to accomplish in the next couple years. Well...one of those dreams came true two weeks ago. We picked up our little girl, Zuri the Rhodesian Ridgeback. 

I knew I wasn't going to make it much longer not having a dog- there was a big space in my life. And Nick has been absolutely committed to getting a Ridgeback. So we pinched our pennies and brought this little fine dime home. Ridgebacks were originally bred to hunt lions in South Africa, and they're a combinations of a lot of different breeds. She's already trying to keep BearCat in line (even though he literally doesn't do anything at all). 

We got her because we knew this would be the perfect companion for running and hiking, which we do a lot. We also really missed our community of people at the dog park and I'm super excited for her to finally finish her shots, attend her first puppy obedience class, and hit the park and meet all her new friends. 

Growing up, my parents never let my brother and I have a dog. That's okay, I'm making up for it now and I'm learning so much. First, that life with a dog is crazy and it's better than life without one. Second, dogs will always love you and they will never judge you. That's something I think everyone needs in their life more. And third, how to be kind and understanding. Not that I'm a mean person, but teaching them takes time and being gentle and patience is key. Having a dog makes me a better person. 

La boda jamón

The Circuit- Portland, Oregon

It's been two months since Nick asked me to be his forever lady. I'm so stoked to marry such a wild character. Nick is definitely the stuff dreams are made of- I could get lost in his eyes and his beard and his delicious Nick Ham breakfasts. Mhmmmm...

I'm going to write about wedding planning for a little while. It wasn't something I grew up dreaming about and planning, so I feel excited at all these new little discoveries and the experience as a whole. Ah I already lied. I'm actually pretty intimidated by it, and I've asked my friend Trevor to just take my colors and my budget and make it work. 

Then, on Sunday, I bought my dress and my heart swelled with joy! I had tears in my eyes when I typed in my credit card number and got the confirmation email (what a beautiful moment with my iPad, huh?). Nick laughed from my living room because I was all ooey gooey over the fact that the dress itself comes from an environmentally responsible company that produces sustainable fashion by recycling old or excess fabric. That was important to me. It was important to me not to have to think too hard about the dress; I bought it because it was exactly what I'd been imagining. Oh, and it was on SALE. We're simple folk, folks. 

SO! This will be a simple wedding. This will be a happy wedding. A fun wedding. I hope our love is the centerpiece, and that we can celebrate this day with all our good friends and family. Look for more posts or follow me on the Insta-waves for every day nonsense and photos of my dog.

10 Things to Remember to Do Before I'm 30

My friend Emily inspired me to make a list of long term goals. She updates her list every year, and I am just starting one. Nick has a few to put on here, that we'll try to do as a team, but here are just a couple long term goals I have :). 

Walk a high line

Become an expert light weight backpacker

Hike the PCT with Zuri, our Rhodesian Ridgeback

Save $10,000

Develop a creative start up business

Pay off my student loans

Get a couple more dogs

Build our Tiny House

Run a trail marathon

Publish a small book of collaborative poems and short stories

There are a few more, and I need to make a more comprehensive list! But for now, I hope these few inspire you to make your own list.