Last Tuesday, Aaron turned 31. I think he's now reached that age where he feels old and 'fat'.

"I think I'm having a 'fat day', Melissa," he'd say as he held his hands on his stomach, pushing his belly out like he had a gut or a baby inside!

"Oh Aaron," I'd laugh. He of all people should feel fat?! Since we moved to the desert, much has changed with our training as our season went from peaking to a complete halt. With summer being too hot to race or ride much for that matter, it's the off-season for most people in the desert. So, for our 'off-season' we have started enjoying our loose riding schedule, having time to explore and play, and of course eat cupcakes and enjoy a beer or two on the patio as we watch the sun set over the valley.

When Aaron turned 31 last Tuesday, we both were working. Did I mention that I got a new job as the marketing director for FASTER?! All it took was a few bike-rides with the owner, James Kramer, and I had myself a position that I'd wake up every morning and get really excited about!

As I was saying, it was Aaron's 31st birthday, so, I made him cupcakes. He assisted by helping with the frosting.

And to make his birthday even better, it was my first day of work, so his gift was not only having cupcakes, but me at the office too!

Needless to say, this past week has been quite busy with my new job, but we have still found time to beat the heat and explore Scottsdale on our bikes. The biggest challenge has been trying to go to bed early so we can wake up at the ass crack of dawn and get in a decent ride before the sun hits the valley. Once the sun crests over the hills or breaks through the clouds (there are hardly ever clouds here...that's why it's called "Valley of the Sun"), it's HOT!! I'm talking it's like going from an oven set to bake cupcakes to broiling! By 9am, it's usually over 100 degrees and by Noon, it's over 110. Lucky for us, everything has central air and our apartment has a pool that we usually jump into after a hot ride of climbing.

Although this is the worst time of the year to move to the desert - "What crazy thing brought you here at this time of the year?!", it was a great move for the two of us. We are on a new adventure together and have a chance to finally breathe and enjoy each other's company.