Stephanie and Ryan: Happy Holidays and Sympathy Shivers

It was hard being away from home for the holidays this year. We were fortunate to come home for Thanksgiving, but Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. We decided to live it up for Christmas. We bought a bottle of champagne, a hunk of cheese, a bunch of olives, a tray of baklava, and ingredients to make chicken frances. We also bought each other a couple of gifts to open on Christmas Eve. Our parents really made it feel like Christmas by sending us gifts to open on Christmas morning. They were both very generous, the shipping boxes full of gifts like gloves, gift cards, thick warm ski socks, some gourmet vinegars and specialty foods, and a portable speaker for playing our music, among other thoughtful gifts.

Our tree was up right before Thanksgiving so we could enjoy it when we got home from Ohio, our stockings were hung, and soon our mantle and fridge were full of Christmas cards. I had put so much thought into our Christmas Day meal that we had nothing planned to eat on Christmas Eve.

On the 23rd I stopped at City Cakes and bought two servings of their vegan mac and cheese. I knew I wouldn't be able to avoid gluten over the holiday week, so I rolled with the pasta and baklava.

On Christmas Eve we Skyped into my moms house for the gift exchange portion of their night. Ryan's parents were over at their house so it was great to get to say hello to everyone. We held up our gifts and watched other get opened. I got to see my cousins new boyfriend, whom otherwise I may not have met for a long time.

After the Skype session we had our mac and cheese and exchanged gifts with each other. Ryan, as is tradition, got me a really neat rock from a rock shop downtown. It's agate from the Green River area of Utah. I've got 7 rocks in my Christmas collection now :) 7 holidays together already!

Ryan also got me a new yoga mat, new slippers, and a shoe horn (I commented that I really like shoe horns and would like to have one about a month ago - he remembered!) From me, Ryan received new ski mittens and ski socks.

On New Years Eve we decided to use the remainder of our Mazza gift card that was given to us by my Mom. We ordered a variety of appetizers and enjoyed their unique tea before coming home and watching a little of the New Years Eve broadcast. We were in bed at 11, MST.

New Years Day we wanted to go on a hike, but after driving to a trail just north of downtown, we realized the inversion pollution was just too think and we wouldn't be above it. We headed back and made an ice cream stop along the way. It was back to work the next day. We had a really nice holiday thanks to our families. Here's to hoping next year we will be home to celebrate.

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It was a strange week, going back to work for only 2 days, then having another weekend, then being off again for New Years. Over that time we went skiing. I spent the majority of the time trying to get up off the snow and back onto my skis after falling again and again. It was not a good day on the slopes for me. Very sore the next day. But, on the bright side, it was a really beautiful day and I counted that as my workout for the weekend.

The midwest is experiencing arctic cold right now. It's in the mid 20's here in Salt Lake City. Most of my friends on social media are in Ohio/Midwest and posting about how frigid it is. I feel the same way! I really think I'm having sympathy chills over here.

Last weekend Ryan and I didn't really do much. We have grown stagnant with our dinners, so we got a few cookbooks at the library and picked out some recipes for this week, then went grocery shopping. We managed to squeeze in a stop at City Cakes where we cashed in one our filled up loyalty cards for a free cookie and coffee. There is a girl that works at the bakery and she's often there when we stop in, I joke that she's my only friend in Salt Lake City.

Looking forward to "Ice Castles" on Saturday. Its s display put on just outside Park City, and we have discount tickets. Should be a good time :)