There was a photo I took in December that I chose not to publish here- it just wasn’t the right time, but now probably is.

Christmas morning.

That’s Sarah.  I took this photo on Christmas Day, just before I kissed her goodbye and drove 510 miles back to Missoula.  This weekend, Sarah made the opposite trip to see Missoula for the first time, and that made me happy in a way that I haven’t experienced in a long time.  Call it as you see it.  To me it’s fun, solid, and exciting, but the title doesn’t really matter- I’m just stoked to think she might show up in my life with increasing frequency.

Despite my month away, life in Missoula has fit back together quickly, and in some ways I’m already fighting to avoid bad habits I was hoping to break away from.  Fortunately, I’ve had a lot of help.  My boss called off work on Friday and bought us lift tickets to enjoy the 3 feet of fresh snow in the mountains around town (which also meant Sarah had a chance to sleep after driving all night to get here for the weekend).

FRESHIEZ

Saturday though, I was more than happy to get back in the habit of finding good ice climbing in Finley Creek.  My friend Tess joined Sarah and I for a perfect day under blue skies and many top rope laps.

More belay.

Mostly importantly, Sarah reminded me how awesome it is to break my busy habits, go for a walk, and get to know someone.  Along the river, around my neighborhood, through First Friday, and up the Rattlesnake we enjoyed learning just a little more about who we are welcoming into our lives.  I can’t wait to see her again soon.