Hardware ranch elk.

LIFE UPDATES! It's been a minute since I've blogged about regular life stuff. Today we took lots of pictures at the elk fest in Hyrum at Hardware Ranch, and I had a minute between laundry loads, so I thought why not update about my new job and such?

The DWR (where I now work) organizes a festival with activities and sleigh rides this time annually. This is the time of year when hundreds of Rocky Mountain elk visit the ranch to rest and eat in the meadow. The sleighs are pulled by a team of large-breed draft horses and the drivers explain the ranch's history and elk's behavior. It's such a sweet experience, seeing the huge elk in their natural environment. They don't seem to mind the loads of people on sleighs winding through their herd. They're actually very charming, the little ones with their whining noises when they want to suck milk from mom, and the big bulls perking up, judging us with their intimidating stances.

My new job is going very well. I have always been a wildlife lover (observer, not hunter. though I have no moral objection to hunting.) so it's nice to learn more about the different species and what Utah does to protect them. I'm so happy to be part of that effort. I had been to Hardware Ranch before, but it's been years. I'm glad we got a group together today and went for it. It was such a lovely day fulls of smiles, wildlife and sunshine. Perfect!

With Breanne, bundled up, ready to head out.

Inside the visitor's center at the interactive wildlife display. Breanne and Stormie got super cozy with that taxidermied elk.

LOOK AT THAT CAT BEHIND ME

Chris loved being in a car for four hours with us gals.

Rick, John, Izzy, Liz, Abby, Storm, me, Breanne

(huge elk off in the distance)

The sweet man on the right was our sleigh driver. Super informative and totally polite.

APPROACHING THE HERD

At the end of the day, we went back to my house and Chris made us all hobo dinners on the grill outside. YUM. We also snuggled up with blankies and watched Raising Hope (which is hilarious; netflix it). 

What a great day.

Life changes.

As some already know, I received a job offer from the Utah Department of Natural Resources (wildlife division) which I hastily accepted; I'm going to be a writer! This job, you guys, is truly my dream job. I've always wanted to end up in a government position ('cause of the stability, growth opportunity and longevity) where I could write and be involved with animals (two passions in one) and have a chance to positively impact the community. Expect posts, links and plenty of updates.

With a heavy heart, I gave my two weeks' notice at Sun. My last day is this Wednesday. That job, though short-lived, taught me a lot. It gave me opportunities to travel, learn and start to wiggle outside my comfort zone. The people are fabulous and talented beyond belief. I could never match their passion for laundry--but I did try. The company takes care of their employees by offering fantastic salaries, good benefits and lots of fun community activities. Tons of perks. I'd recommend it to anyone. But as of now, I'm looking forward to a bright and thrilling future.

Here's to new beginnings!

Side note: Chris took me to Chili's for lunch the day the call came. I ordered a pomegranate margarita. (Don't judge me. Sure, it was barely one o'clock but I deserved some victory liquor.) But folks, this drink...STRONG. Like, I'm-wondering-if-it's-within-legal-limits strong. And if I'm saying it's intense, then you know it must be..to the max.