It's a Small World After All

Quite a few weeks ago now, I had the chance to catch up with my dear friend, Cat. Cat and I were best pals when I lived in Hawaii for a short time and I hadn't seen her since! We were lucky enough to cross paths for the first time in almost 8 years! 

Also, Søren made it out to Salt Lake for business, which happened to coincide with my birthday... It's hard to believe that he often flies all the way out here. Although I'm far away from my family back home, it's comforting to know that not only do I have great family here, but my family in Denmark aren't so far away :) 

I also can't believe that Jordan and I were in Sydney together not so long ago...

And now here we are in Utah. We also got our own apartment a couple of weeks back, which we've been busy setting up. The real world is setting in and I've got a desk job, while Jordan goes to school and works at the grocery store (we are trying to get him a better job)!

- Alice

Into The Woods

Our chihuahua, Keeva came back to live with us last week. Because she's been confined to our bedroom, we decided to take her out.

We also thought that this would be an ideal excuse to go for a little camping trip in the mountains before the weather got too cold. It is still summer, but those mountains are high! It was actually pretty cold.

Jordan was worried that I wouldn't be too keen on the idea of camping, but I took to it very well! We cooked dinner on the campfire (tinned soup on the coals) and slept without pillows or sleep mats. I may have only complained once. It even rained.

I think Americans must think it strange how exotic I find their flora & fauna. Not to mention their gun laws - but that's for another time.


- Alice

This American Life

 on the last couple of weeks, I have been trying to soak in every American cultural experience that I can. I've been trying to notice the small differences and to celebrate them, to appreciate this funny place in the middle of the desert and to get to know the place where my dear Jordan grew up.

America: The Only Place Where....

1. You ask for a 'cone' and receive a cup full of ice-cream with a cone stuck on top

2. People decorate their homes according to most seasons, featured is one of the fall home deco sections of our local Walmart

3. At sporting events, it's not unusual for someone dressed up as a hot dog to chase someone dressed up as a slice of pizza, the crowd to stand up, sing songs and then wait for the fireworks at the end of the game.

Utah: The Place Where...

1. The mountains greet you whichever direction you turn.

2. There's an LDS chapel or temple on every block

3. Instead of 3 cheese aisles, a deli and 4 yoghurt aisles (as in the supermarket in France), Utahn supermarkets will have 3 greeting card aisles, a craft section and 2 party supply aisles.

4. The best pizza ever (possibly world wide) can be found in a quaint diner on the outskirts of town

5. We can spend time with our lovely baby niece, Maeve

6. I can land a French-speaking job with a company who sells juice in wine bottles

and yes, I am geeking out over my company ID tag.

- Alice 

Reunions and Restlessness

It's now been 2 weeks since we came 'home'. Home is in inverted commas because we haven't yet got a home yet. We need jobs first, but I feel that we're getting there, slowly but surely.

I had an interview last week and I have another scheduled for this week, so I'm definitely hoping to hear something!

The first week that we were here, Jordan's entire family was about. It was really nice to spend some time with them.

Now that Shelby, Tim and both their families have gone back home, things have been quieter, as the hunt for house/job continues.

This week I will try to be more diligent in taking photos!


- Alice

Die Hard Fan

On Thursday We went to a concert in Salt Lake City.

Not just any concert. This concert featured bands My Morning Jacket, Wilco and the great -

BOB DYLAN

There was no way that Jordan wasn't going to that concert. Tickets were really cheap and Jordan probably thought it was fate that we would be home in time to go.

It was a great summer night! It was balmy and breezy. We had a great view. We spent some time with Shelby and Ryan, too. Jordan's friends let him use their tickets when Dylan came on. Jordan was nearly in tears watching his idol. It made me so happy!

Oh, and I had my first corn dog. It was also my last. I feel like some American food is in a no-go zone. The corn dog entered that category.

Did I mention how hot it is here? It's HOTTTTTT. But I'm not complaining.

- Alice

The Journey Home

At the crack of dawn on Monday, Jordan and I boarded our flight to LA.
It was a long flight. I'm a seasoned traveller, but this flight was hard. Lots of turbulence, white knuckles etc.

My immigration status was accepted at the border - which was a huge relief!

Well, Utah is hot. Stinking hot. I'm not complaining yet, though. It's a nice change from the cold weather at home. It's been great to see Jordan's family and to meet our nieces for the first time! We've already eaten quite a bit of Mexican food... Jordan got his old job back (we think) and we're excited to move out of Chris' basement and finally into our own home.

Things are good and exciting for now - so we'll see how life begins to pan out for us very soon.


Will post soon, incl pictures!

- Alice

The WOW Week

The last week has been so SO amazing.

Really, though. I don't think I've ever been so happy for the space of 30 hours running.

On Wednesday (Australia time) Jordan's sister, Kenzie had her baby. It was so exciting and lovely to talk to her on the phone. We can't wait to see everyone.

On Thursday one of my dear friends, Brianna got married! She and her now husband, Michael were sealed in the Melbourne temple. Jordan and I went to the reception that evening. She looked STUNNING. Of course she'd made her own dress, too (she also made my wedding dress).

I was so happy for her that I kept getting weepy.

Here are a couple of professional photos that were taken for Brianna and Michael. They were taken by Pop Photography. See the full preview here


                          Life is so beautiful. It really is!

                                                                Here's to life!



- Alice