I made it!!

Posted on June 17, 2010

My First Year in Wyoming

A year of laughs…

Some days we laugh. For no reason at all. Sometimes we may laugh because someone told a joke, or because we saw a funny movie. But other times, we laugh because we just enjoy being with one another.

The past year has cemented the idea that Tristan and I make a kick ass team. When one is weak, the other is a support. When one is sad, the other makes silly faces. Moving across the country with the idea and hopes that this would work out was truly risky. I haven’t looked back.

A year of tears…

To say that the transition from a urban area of 5 million+ to a small city of 27,000 was an easy one would be a complete and utter lie. I never really appreciated the comfort of convenience. In Pennsylvania, I had choices upon choices of any products my mind could dream up. (Don’t even get me started on produce…or in Wyoming’s case, lack of.) Not only did I have a Target, I had a choice of Targets. (Yes, two within 5 miles of each other.) It quite different to drive 50 miles if I want to shop anywhere other than Walmart.

Wyoming is known for having lots of wide open spaces. There’s a reason for that. Our first snowfall was in October and our last snow was late May (keep your fingers crossed). We’ve had wind, sub-zero temps, ice, and loads of unplowed streets. If it’s not 3rd Street or Grand Avenue (the two main streets in town), it’s not plowed. I learned quickly why so many people drive large vehicles. My car got stuck many times because of the snow, the ice and the extremely deep gutters.

A year of adventure…

Together, we traveled 2,395 miles from Exton, PA to Laramie, WY. We saw Niagara Falls, stopped in Toronto, and drove through the UP (Upper Pennisula of Michigan…our favorite!). We ate cheese curds in Wisconsin, rode the rides at Mall of America, and had our pictures taken with the presidents at Mount Rushmore.

In the last year, Tristan and I have gone camping in 40 mph winds (he woke up every half an hour by the wind pounding against the tent; I slept like a log and woke up to enjoy the sunrise.) We went snowboarding almost every weekend this winter (I’m actually getting good!) For our most recent adventure, we bought a rice cooker on impulse and have eated rice every day for the last week. Love it!

A year of fears…

Like the time Tristan was away for two weeks and I saw a spider walk across the floor and underneath the dresser. I slept with the light on for the next couple of days.

But most importantly, a year of joy…

Right before Tristan proposed, I had moment of extreme anticipation. Even though we had talked about getting married several times and I knew that he had the ring, my breath lightened and my heart quickened. My mind raced with thoughts of “This is actually it. This is THE moment. He’s going to propose!”

Tristan, thank you for a year of laughs and joy. Here’s hoping for 50 more!