Backpacks are DANGEROUS

I have decided to never wear a backpack again.  They are dangerous.  Seriously.  Firstly, if you go to school they can be too heavy, and we all know that we wear our backpacks entirely too low.  Secondly, they can become chocking devices.

So, let me preface the story.  I was skiing with Lauren, Will, and Brian.

We were on our way to meet Brian at the Lodge, and I started telling Lauren this story because she was wearing a camelback (in the back of my mind I was thinking I should keep my mouth closed)....

"the kid's backpack got hooked to the side of the chairlift. the chair went around the unloading zone and started heading back down the hill. he fell out and the straps of his backpack caught him by the neck and he dangled. kid said he couldn't breath and came close to blacking out, after about 20 secs he managed to unsnap his helmet, it popped off and that let the backpack strap slip over his head and he fell free, about a 30 foot drop, apparently survived fall to snow below w/o getting too badly hurt."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_47M2v8YJw
 (yes, some stand by person did film it)

Well, we pick up Brian and head to the next lift.  As we are unloading the chair, I start hearing some strange noises.  I just think it is Will and Lauren crossing skis, and I was expecting someone to fall on the ground when I turned around.  Instead, I hear Lauren start yelling some profanity, she's still hooked to the chair, and the liftee yells "BOOKBAG!"  Well Lauren face plants, the chair goes over her, and she manages to wiggle out of the camelback and hit the emergency stop bar.  I could not believe it.  Lauren skis to us, and is completely fine.  She somehow did not lose a ski, did not get hurt, and did not lose any pride in that moment.  It was such an experience and blog moment.  It still blows my mind.

So people, moral of the story is be careful what is on your back, or more important what is hanging down from it.

Rainbows

I love rainbows because they remind me of God's promise to us, and His deep love for us.  I never expected to see one in the dead of winter out here.  But here you go...

One of the girls that I was teaching spotted it.  Pretty amazing how He shows up to remind you that He is still there.  Always.

Excitation

I know, I know, it has been WAY too long.  And I totally agree.  I must say I feel like I have been walking around in a daze recently.  I guess now I am finally waking up, and I know that this is real.  I am really living out west, in Utah of all places.  I am living in the mountains, and I am a ski instructor.  When did this all happen?  Anyway, I have some super exciting news...

This guy and this girl

Are coming to visit....

This guy and this girl

In this state

Well honestly, they are coming to ski.  And the snow is finally falling.  Two blessings in one... friends and powder.  I cannot freaking wait.  

Also, funny story.  Today, I was skiing with a local kid and we decided to see who could spot the most items hanging from the tree.  For some reason skiers like to throw beads, panties, and bras into trees.  Don't ask me why.  I honestly like to keep all of that on so that I stay warm, but people do it.  I guess they think they will always be remembered by that specific tree above the bumps they probably cannot ski.  Anywho, the little girl goes... "I see a necklace and BOOBS!"  Meaning a bra, but I literally almost fell off the lift because I was laughing so hard.  

The town is currently being taken over by film makers and producers for Sundance.  It is kind of strange because the town has a completely different vibe.  Tons of people and no lift lines.  It is so nice.  Lots of ugly coral jackets walking around saying (I keep thinking it is Michael Koors/Coors?  but it is not) Kenneth Cole.  I thought that was a designer?  Excited to see what is to come these next couple of days!

Hope all are doing well.  If you are feeling adventurous, head out this way and we'll go find some moose, elk, mountain lions, or bears (have not seen the last two yet thank goodness, but have ample time to do so).  

Much love, 

Jessica