"May you live all the days of your life!" -J. Swift

Call it... Hibernation

2012-02-09T22:27:00.000-08:00

That's what it was a year ago anyway: Hibernating from my social life in general. It felt as though my entire focus was on teaching... Wait, it didn't "feel" like that, it WAS like that. It's almost embarrassing to admit how many hours I worked, especially the first half of the school year my first year teaching. I calculated it a time or two, then compared my salary to the lawyers I was competing in hours with, and I realized I must not be in my profession entirely for the bulging paycheck.

People kept telling me that it was important to take breaks and not immerse myself so completely into teaching, that it would cause burnout and would be worse for me and my students in the long run. My only reaction to that was, "How?" How on earth could I do less when I felt like I was only doing what was necessary and still gasping for air. Now... the burnout part: check. That came quickly. But I didn't have time to think about it, so I guess in a way burnout didn't happen. Exhaustion ensued. Emotional, mental, you name it. And where I never watched television much before except "So You Think You Can Dance", suddenly I found myself watching every Jazz and BYU basketball game on television, and listening to the games that weren't. These became my respites. Of course, even that I did while grading papers or planning lessons 90% of the time (The other 10% I watched while exercising). I know, real relaxing, right? But it worked. It still felt like a break. The only break I felt comfortable taking at times. I certainly wasn't willing to make plans with others on weekdays... there was no time for that, but I could grade while watching a game.

Even when things started getting a little more under control, others said I was doing too much. It was mainly teachers giving me this insight because they were the ones who saw me... my car often the last in the parking lot. Even the principal suggested that I take days off (is that a bad sign?). Yet I literally couldn't fathom how I could possibly spend less time than I was putting in because it meant things wouldn't get done which, in my perception, HAD to get done. It wasn't in my persona to wing a lesson I had never taught, nor to let grading pile up, nor to skip planning out the next day (and I never was more than a day ahead of schedule). In my mind, I had to stay on top of things or I literally would get buried. It was what it was. I eventually surrendered to the idea that I'd put in the hours now and live with it; that by my second year the hours would go down a little, by the third year a little more, and maybe by my fourth year I'd be at a normal work-week. I just had to make it through a day at a time.

Well... I'm a year and a half into teaching now, and good news!: My second year has been so much better. SO MUCH BETTER. (Did I mention it has been a good deal better this year?) I have another amazing class. Both years I have genuinely loved the students in my class. Each class has had a different personality and different challenges and has been worth every minute of the time I put into teaching. I wouldn't trade them for any other. I've been blessed... not sure why, but not asking questions. And hoping that this doesn't mean that the "third time's a charm" idea works in reverse as well. Just because I have such a teachable and enjoyable class this year and had such a fun class last year, doesn't mean that next year I will have the antithesis, right? I'm crossing my fingers for another good year next year while basking in the goodness of my class this year.

AND... Hibernation is over. I have been on play mode for a while now. I got my life back. I still enjoy teaching, and the best part: I feel I am a better teacher this year even though I don't put in lawyer-like hours. Sure, I'm still over 40 a week (and probably always will be on average), but I'm at a level that I can live with the rest of my teaching career already. That's good news for me, and for my students. I am able to teach more effectively because of my experience with the curriculum and school procedures and policies, and I am happier at school because I have opportunities to be away from it physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Brigham Young once said "Life is best enjoyed when time periods are evenly divided between labor, sleep, and recreation... all people should spend 1/3 of their time in recreation which is rebuilding, voluntary activity, never idleness." It's about balance. I have that this year.

I watched my first BYU basketball game of the year a week or two ago. I loved it, and I would like to watch more, but I don't have as much time... not because I'm grading or planning (I'd just do those during the games anyway), but because I have been making time to follow other worthwhile pursuits. I have time to spend with people now, time for exercise, time for reading, time to attend the temple each week, time for writing in here if I start taking it, time to do my taxes (why do I love that so much?). While last year I wouldn't make plans with people for a weekday, this year I fill my time up with a variety of evening activities throughout the week AND weekend. So, welcome figurative springtime, I'm waking and living and loving life. I can't believe how blessed I've been this school year, in and out of school itself, and I'm hoping to continue counting those blessing and not ever take them for granted.

Hiatus

2010-09-12T09:58:00.000-07:00

I took a bit of a hiatus from blogging, and I'll be taking a bit more of one while I'm in the thick of my first year teaching, but I forgot that I never added a picture of the awesome graduation present my mom made for me. It is a quilt of all my favorite t-shirts representing my life since elementary school. There is a Brookwood t-shirt, Brighton High, USU, BYU, BYU Jerusalem, U of Phoenix, 5k's including the Willie Walk, half marathon, travel shirts from when I went to Ghana), concert shirts, and more. She did a very thorough job, and I love my gift. My mom is so talented. It really is beautiful... as beautiful as the meaning and time that went into it. What a meaningful treasure, and since it acts as my bedspread now I get to enjoy it every day.

And pretty much all I spend my time doing now is teaching and prep for teaching. But as part of our prep week in going back to school the staff went rappelling at Camp Williams (not a bad way to be paid). And a very attractive picture (does anyone look good in a harness?) was taken of me, as shown below.

Renaissance

2010-07-19T17:36:00.000-07:00

renaissance n. A rebirth or revival

July 8th I got the welcome call/offer to work at Renaissance Academy. I'm going to be a 5th grade teacher (my #1 pick for grade) at what feels like a fantastic charter school about 20 minutes/13 miles from my house, so not too bad. I'm very excited, and a bit nervous as well. I'll likely be spending the next month doing little besides preparation and school. Here's my classroom, complete with zebra print desk.

By the way, I finish my master's degree August 11th... also highly exciting.

TdU continues... in Logan

2010-07-05T14:13:00.000-07:00

Bluebird +

Tour de Utah continued Saturday with a trip to Logan during which, for the first time, I hiked the USU famous Wind Caves hike and went to the Bluebird Restaurant and Candy Shop. Most who have lived in Logan would find it pretty surprising that I had never been to the Bluebird most of all. Including me... But I loved it! The building was awesome. It has the perfect, old-time classy feel, like you stepped back in time to a restaurant where they were going to open it up for ballroom dancing after the meal. There is an office upstairs that overlooks the restaurant to the west, and has a great view of the outside via the large windows to the east. Prime office location. The food was great for the rather low prices they charge ($7 for a large, complete meal that would feed most with leftovers for the next meal... I had leftovers and I even split my meal with Connie). I don't know why it took me so long to make it there.

The hike was also very cool. It was about 3.5 miles roundtrip, and not too strenuous. We saw a couple snakes due to the tall grasses being an inviting place for snakes and also making enough noise when animals and reptiles moved that it made them easier to spot. Here is one that came out into a more conspicuous spot so it could get its picture taken.

The wind caves are a lot less cave, and a lot less made from wind, and more they are arches made from water erosion. (Who named them???) Though not caves, it was still quite a destination with an amazing view. The main sound I heard: cows. Yeah, mooing incessantly from over the top of the mountain. We couldn't see them, but they were not hiding their voices in the least. Below are a few pictures from the hike.

Finito

2010-07-02T19:37:00.000-07:00

It's done... I have a new roof. I haven't completely cleaned up yet due to the fact that not everything fits in my garbage can, but everything up top is done except some gutter clean out, so it's definitely at project end. Below are the before, during and after pictures. I know, I know... It looks the same. Humor me. Tell me it's the best looking roof you've ever seen. I deserve it. I've worked hard. :) It was actually cool to learn how it's all done. I've learned so much that I never really wanted to know, but it's a good thing. And I am hoping, wishing, and crossing my fingers that this is the last big repair or high cost item I'll need for my house for a very, VERY,... (did I say very?) long time. Like, never again in this house would be perfect.

BEFORE (This one was actually taken before I even moved in... so 5 years ago, before a couple trees that did a great job of masking the ugly chimney died)

DURING

AFTER
YES! I have time back for things besides roofing. All is well.

Outside

2010-06-28T15:17:00.001-07:00

I wasn't expecting it as one of my "firsts" in the new things experienced this summer, but my 23 year old roof is at the end of its life. RIP dear roof. So, my friend Tim who's a general contractor is putting a new one on for me, and I am helping. Oh the fun things you can do when you're a homeowner. My first time roofing, and I wouldn't be sad if it was my last. It's hard work... at least, the tearing off of the shingles can get you a good workout. I haven't exactly stayed clean through the process (note picture below). After a few days of toil and labor, and several sore muscles that I'm fairly certain had never been worked out in my body before, we're onto the easier part of putting the shingles on... and hopefully Thursday it will be complete. I'll add updated photos once it is done. Then again, it's a roof... who pays attention to what roofs look like?

Though most of my week last week was spent roofing, I did find time to go on a hike with my roommates and to go to a Bees game. I have a few pictures from hiking as shown below. These are from a hike on the Rocky Mouth Trail -- only a few miles from my house. It's a whopping 0.4 mile hike each way... fantastic destination, and only disappointing because you don't get much of a workout with it being so short. 1 or 2 miles and it would be perfect.

Last, here are a few pictures from a hike Connie and I did a week ago at the S curve in Big Cottonwood... a hike called Broads Fork.

A new favorite lunch spot of mine... the bridge a mile up the trail.

The good summer of 2010 continues... The good part being the getting things done and enjoying life. The job search... not so successful. So, I don't write much about that. Unemployment would be far more relaxing if I was a millionaire.

Tour de Utah begins

2010-06-13T23:03:00.001-07:00

I was born and raised in Utah... still here, and still have never done most of the touristy experiences around. For instance, I had never hiked to Mt. Timp Cave National Monument (or Mt Timp for that matter... later this summer on that one) until a couple weeks ago. I had also never been to the infamous "clothing optional" hot springs at Diamond Fork until last night (no show that night though). And there are so many other not-yet-completed adventures within a couple hours' drive of the place I've lived most of my life, and it's high time I get out and do them. So my touring Utah summer has kicked off and I can now add a few adventures to the list of "checked" items, with hopes of many more to be checked off soon.

Memorial Day weekend was when it began. After canceling a trip to Yellowstone due to bad weather, my roommates and I made up for it by packing in the local adventures. This is when we hiked to Mt. Timp cave (which I had never done), went to a Real Salt Lake game (which Connie and Cherissa had never done... at Rio Tinto Stadium anyway), enjoyed an hour and a half at a massage and oxygen bar (which none of us had done), and ate at our favorite thai and indian restaurants (which I was all too excited to do again). All-in-all it was an immensely enjoyable backup to Yellowstone. A few pics from Memorial Day weekend follow.

The next weekend Connie and I continued a tradition with the 2nd annual "Make Adam give up a perfectly nice Saturday morning to take us to Carl's Cafe and fishing on free fishing day." It was a success... except we didn't catch any fish. Or was it 20 fish that we caught? We kept mixing up our answers when different people asked. Ok, the correct answer was "zero". Maybe it had something to do with how the lake was FROZEN!? We were not expecting that. But there was a little melted area by the dock so we at least pretended there was a point to throwing in our lines. Adam's a great sport to take us fishing two years in a row. And we had a great time, even though the fishing itself was unsuccessful.

Finally, this weekend we continued Tour de Utah with my first time going to Fifth Water Hot Springs. It's a 2.5 mile hike (easy at that!) to a water fall and 5 varying-temperature hot spring pools. It was amazing... and I will be back! This adventure was headed up by our friend Joseph. I've wanted to go there since I was a student at BYU, so I was grateful for the invitation. Another long-time goal fulfilled.

The next picture of me was of me trying out a new style of brainfreeze.... sticking my head through a waterfall. Each of our group did this... a kind of initiation rite I believe.

Tour de Utah is off to a great start. Hopefully the coming weeks and months will bring more new and exciting experiences. Stay tuned...

One giant, happy but sad leap forward...

2010-05-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

One small step for me, one giant leap towards my masters degree. One class to go this summer and I'll be done. I just got home from my last day student teaching, and after 10 weeks I'm kind of used to it and might even miss it. I know I'll miss the students. They kept me laughing. I genuinely liked and loved them. And the teachers I worked with were top notch as well. So, today I had a few of those moments where you say, "Ahhh, this is totally worth it. I like teaching and am finally doing something that's fulfilling, AND... fun (though not always)." So, that's the sad part about leaving. But don't worry, I am excited about the bright side: I have time to look for teaching positions, to exercise and do all that stuff I put off "until I'm done student teaching." (the test now is if it will get done or if I'll find some other pawn as a procrastination tool).

My cooperating teacher (she was fantastic), had all the students write on a paper a few of their favorite things and a note to me. I love these notes. The teacher bound them and gave them to me, and it's a definite treasure. First, they each told me their favorite food. By many of their answers you'll know the socioeconomic level in which they reside. Answers follow, and I'm leaving their spelling as is:

* crapes with berries and powdered sugar

* hot dog

* shrimp

* garlic lemon chicken

* eggs benedict

* snow crab

* sushi

* pizza

* hamburger

* oranges and grapefruit

* steak

* tuna sandwich.

So, there are some "normal" answers, but I was just staring and thinking, "wow, at that age I wouldn't go near or understand half that stuff."

Some of the fun comments in their notes:

* You were way better than my last student teacher.

* You never let me down and your a awesome incourager.

* Thanks for not getting to mad when me and zac threw crayons. (apparently I should have gotten a little more upset!)

* You have been educating us and we wanted to say thank you!

* You are cool and nice But you lick BYU thit is god. I lack byu to.

* You mack hore lafe. (I think he was saying I make the other teacher laugh, but it came out a little rushed and... well, don't interpret the misspellings or it's a little sketchy).

* I will miss you so

* I wish you could be my teacher in 6th grade. [I really really really hope]

* You wear cool clothes (only a 5th grader would say that :)

* I hope you will live a long and happy life!

They're the best! I really am going to miss them. Fifth graders are cool... especially these ones. And if you don't believe me, go visit their class. They're the best!

Since Christmas...

2010-02-16T17:18:00.000-08:00

While it is probably true that I haven't done MUCH since christmas, I've at least done a few fun things. So, for the benefit of those who read this blog and are not on facebook to see the pictures I've posted, I'll include some pictures of a few of the latest adventures.

I went on my annual yurting trip with Lisa Smith, and fortunately this time she invited me to bring some additional friends along, so Connie, Cherissa, Christian, and Jen joined us for the event. Connie and I were sure to tell everyone just how difficult yurting is: cross country skiing on incredibly rough terrain (Or... nearly level, but that's no fun to say), telling them about the intense hill that they surely would not make it down without injury (that one really is kind of scary and usually leads to a few falls in the group, though no injuries that I'm aware of have occurred yet), and reminding them often that we would be in bear country and that they were to be extremely cautious at all times (we did see a weasel as far as wildlife goes). Really, yurting is a pretty simple activity. You backpack in, or you can bring your things in a sled pulled with a rope attached around your waste. There's a wood burning stove, so it generally remains warm, and often a little too warm for me. The first time we went we cooked tempura, though the cuisine has been a little less gourmet since those days. Still, you can cook whatever you so desire on the camp stoves that are there. We played a little guitar and chatted and had a great time. Here are some pics:

That excursion was followed by fondue night, another annual event, this one with Marinda & Mike, Dave & Jen, and Connie, me, and our dates. I have to diet for two weeks straight to make up for this night (or... I should anyway). We had swiss cheese fondue (Melting Pot recipe), and Marinda's Chocolate coconut fondue. What could be better than that?

Finally, it was Cherissa's birthday on the 13th of February, and the birthday of Pete and John-Paul were within a week each direction, so we had a little get together at our house.

Connie, JP (watch the hands, mr! :), me, and Scott

Christian and Justin

The birthday boys and girl: Pete, Cherissa, and John-Paul

Adam and me

Connie, Cherissa, me, Pete, and Jen

Christmas... All You Need Is Love

2010-01-02T23:55:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas...

Start with cookies and a note to Santa

Next comes Christmas morning: Gift giving and receiving.

Enjoy a little sing-along.

End with a gingerbread house... or without.

Here's to Happy Holidays and the best year yet in 2010...

Few pictures, many great times

2009-12-03T11:32:00.000-08:00

I just got back from visiting Val, Josh, and Alex (nephew) in Maryland. It was such a great getaway to be with them. Alex is almost 6 and is at a very entertaining age. We had great times: Went to a play, a movie, and my favorite restaurant there: Mandalay (Burmese food). We played the Wii, made a gingerbread house, and went on a trolley ride see Christmas lights.

One of my favorite things I did was visit Alex's kindergarten class a couple days to do observations for my own schooling. Alex got so excited when he saw me there that he let out an audible gasp and gave me the biggest, most excited smile I've seen. That made me happy. :) The rest of the day in his class I was trying to avoid being within eyesight so he wouldn't be distracted, but let's be honest... it never lasted too long. He knew I was there. While they were on the carpet for instruction, Alex would start out at one side. I'd go to the back side far behind him, and he would inch over and back until he eventually ended up right by me. I'd move and he would pull the same stunt again. I'd give him my VERY STERN looks and remind him to listen to his teacher as I motioned him her way. I felt a little bad about being a distraction for him at those moments, but of course inside I was loving that he wanted to be by me! :) We walked to the school library and though he's not usually very affectionate he insisted that I hold his hand the whole way there and back, which I didn't mind at all. I just love him!

Now that I'm home I realize I already miss them. Maybe I shouldn't visit... I don't realize what I'm missing that way. :) If only they lived closer so I could see them more than two or three times a year. Here are two of the very few pictures I remembered to take.

Apparently we were supposed to make "silly faces"... Val and I didn't get the memo until a disappointed Alex told us right after.

Symbolism

2009-11-14T13:10:00.000-08:00

...It's symbolic. You can come up with your own meaning for it... or just take my word for it.

Student = Study... makes sense

2009-10-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

I just don't do much these days besides that which relates to class. Whether it's going to class, observing classes, reading for class, teaching class, tutoring kids who aren't doing well in class, cross guarding for kids who just got out of class, couriering mail to schools in which the mail will eventually go to the teachers who teach class... That's pretty much my life. And that's why I haven't posted anything on here lately. But I'm going to brainstorm a list right now of things I've done in the past week that are NOT related to school. Here goes...

Cleaned out the garden

Yard work

Went to the gym -- yay!

Went to a bridal shower

Cleaned my room and office, and all the other normal household chores

Cleaned out my car

Watched Stranger than Fiction when I needed a break from studying

Watched No Reservations when I needed a break from studying again

Took a bath

Played Dominion (fun elaborate card game)

Went to Warren Miller just so I could get a free ski pass, and I saw my former roommate Lisa there!

Pulled out my dusty guitar and played a song or two

Went to lunch with my good friend, Steph, who was visiting from Denver

Played racquetball (does that count if it was just over a week ago?)

Went to a "yay, you passed the bar" surprise party for a friend

Went to church

Went to FHE - dinner and fireside

Avoided getting sick when two of my roommates were sick

Knocked on wood

Ate crab with my roommates (which I thoroughly enjoyed)

Took my blinds down in an attempt to put new ones up

Watched the news (hmmm... about balloon boy)

That's about it. About 98% of those things were done today while in burnout mode, or last weekend, but that's ok.. it still counts. I'm glad to see there are that many things on the list. For a while there I was literally thinking the only thing I did besides all this class stuff was eat. Unfortunately I haven't gotten too busy for that.

I love autumn!

2009-09-28T13:24:00.000-07:00

It's nice to take a little time to enjoy the great outdoors. But this first picture was actually taken from my bedroom window this morning. Our neighbors have a farm which attracts deer often enough for us to see them from our window one or two times a year (when we're paying attention). There were a couple there this morning. When we see them we usually exclaim "Oh, deer!" Yeah, clever.

So, it being ideal fall leaf enjoyment weather, Connie and I went for a ride up the canyon today. It was the epitome of the perfect day in the canyon. The slight breeze and not too cool, not too warm temperature, cloudless sky... all lended to an awesome time up Little Cottonwood canyon.

Pay Day

2009-09-11T14:44:00.001-07:00

I haven't had an official paycheck since March. That is, until today. I'm now in law enforcement... Ok, just as a substitute crossing guard for Draper City, but it's something. Today's payday and I got my first official check since March. Just wondering what to do with my fortune. ($38) Any ideas?

Weddings can be fun? Oh, yeah!

2009-09-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

Mike and Kari got married this past weekend, and they went all out for their wedding. Starting with the rehearsal barbecue (I was thinking hamburgers/hot dogs, they added bbq tri-tip and fancy chicken).

The next day was the ceremony. Alex (my nephew) wore a tie for the occasion by choice.

There was a singer and socializing for the first while, then a drum processional led us all from the social area to the ceremony, and that is what Mike and his groomsmen walked down the aisle to.

Kari walked to "diamonds on the souls of her shoes" played by my brother-in-law, Josh, who's a jazz musician (I'll add here that there was some rockin' rhythm 3-chord guitar accompaniment by me).

The ceremony was performed by Mike's best friend Zack. He got his reverand's license for the occasion (via internet... is there anything you can't do on the web?)

After Kari changed her status from Miss to Mrs, it was time for hors d'euvres and (more) drinking (not many LDS people there... pretty much me and my parents out of the 175). Mike brewed his own Nupti-ale for the big day.

At the wedding dinner I was seated at "his table". Others were at "this table" or "that table" "What table" "Another table", and the like (great for whose on first type jokes). Various singers and bands performed throughout the night. Kari and Mike made their own wedding cake, and they had also made "wedding jam" which they placed at each of our table settings to go along with their jam (music) wedding theme. The other theme was "love grows" as symbolized with planting seeds, which they also gave as wedding favors with the jam.

Later there was dancing, glow sticks for the kids, and a fire show for all. They invited Mike to try the fire spinning. Keep in mind, he has never done this. Actually, you'll figure that out pretty quickly. Here's the video:

Luckily, the groom didn't catch on fire himself, and the rest of the evening was a success. Congrats Mike and Kari! It was a perfect day.

Jumps, crashes, and the best water ever!

2009-08-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

Saturday. 100 degree weather. Very slight breeze. Perfect day to be on the water.

Best jumps: Mer & Mike

Best crashes, Dave, Me and Bell (why am I never in the best jumps section???)

Seriously, this was one of the best days ever, but I'm paying for it in soreness today. Still, I want to be wakeboarding right now! Mike? Mer? Where's the boat?

From twin to triplet

2009-08-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

My twin brother's getting married next month to an awesome woman--Kari--who shares our birthday. I don't know whether that means I'll be replaced or that I'll just become a triplet. I'll go for the second... it seems more friendly. Their wedding is on September 5th, but this past July 25th we had the Utah chapter engagement party (or pre-reception or whatever you want to call it). Here are a few pics:

Above is the quilt my mom made and gave them as a wedding present. Isn't she an amazing quilter?!

My Aunt Kaye and Uncle Donald are bakers/cake decorators. They made a fantastic cake for the occasion... The groom's cake was my favorite -- an orange-flavored cake that was quite the hit. In fact, I'm craving it right now.

Congrats, Mike and Kari!... I'm looking forward to the big day.

Just can't get enough...

2009-06-21T21:47:00.000-07:00

I jut found this... Someone uploaded the full song of True Companion from last night's show to youtube, so here it is.

True Companion and other favorites...

2009-06-21T00:21:00.000-07:00

When I was a junior in high school my sister introduced me to a musician/album that quickly became one of my all-time favorites: Marc Cohn (his self titled album). It didn't hurt that James Taylor sang background for one of the songs. For your reference, Marc Cohn is the one who sings Walking In Memphis, which is probably the only song of his that really made it big. Sad, because as good as that is, he also has so many other great ones.

Included among my particular favorites is a song that I vowed back in high school was going to one day be my wedding song: True Companion. That was 17 years ago, and I haven't yet used it but I still love it. Marc played it at the concert I went to last night (thanks for the tickets Jen!) so I thought I'd share. Here's a clip of the 2nd verse... I actually have another clip with the remainder of the song, but these segments just take way too long for me to download. So, this is all you get, but check it out on itunes (or on my playlist here... I believe it's on there). I also include here for your listening pleasure the entire song of Walking in Memphis which I uploaded to youtube because that was quicker. Enjoy!

Two weddings and a trip to Capital Reef

2009-06-17T08:33:00.000-07:00

Apparently last Friday was wedding day... both my cousin and my good friend were married on the same day, and luckily I was able to make it to celebrate both. Luckily also, it was the one nice, sunny day out of the week (as opposed to the uncharacteristic rainy June that we've had - and I've enjoyed it immensely). Here are pictures from my cousin's wedding since I didn't take any at Brian's.

This is my dad's sister (my Aunt Lynne), my dad's brother and his wife (Uncle Don and Aunt Kaye), and my dad and mom.

--------------------------------------------------

A few days later I went to Southern Utah, backpacking with my good friends Hed Rad and Shelly who were both in town for a short while. It was so good to get away from the normal routine of things and enjoy the amazing world we have around us with dear friends. It was an inspiring getaway. Sometimes when I'm wrapped up in my life in Sandy I forget what an amazing state I live in and how much there is to see and experience. I love Utah. Where else can you see red rock, slot canyons, amazing forests, and interesting desert landscape all in one state? Here are a few pics from our adventure to Upper Muley Twist Canyon in Capital Reef National Park.

We hiked in three miles and set up camp, then carried on with the next 9 miles of amazing terrain. The hike goes through a (dry) creek that's between red rock. A couple miles in you come to Saddle Arch, shown below.

At this point you hike up to the top of the canyon. As we rose up out of the red rock, this completely different yet awesome scenery appeared. The real life version, of course, was a bit more mesmerizing than this photo attempts to be.

So as we continued on our hike along the ridge, to the right was the above shot, and to the left was the below. Both pictures were taken standing in the same spot.

Eventually you make your way back down to the creek and go through (or around) the narrows portion.

Above are Hed Rad (Heather Raddatz who was visiting from Portland and is about to move to Africa for a year to start a school there) and Shells (Shelly Karren who was visiting from Boston after completing her Masters Degree). Needless to say, I was among inspiring friends.

Shells did her best to camoflauge her feet to match the wilderness around her.

This hike is amazing. Our only regret was not doing it a month or so earlier when there was a little flowing water to enjoy. As Shelly said, "The water would surely add the 5th star to this hike." But alas, it has dried up for the most part now. Still, no regrets. It was beautiful.

Loaves, fishes, and a Real game

2009-06-09T22:33:00.000-07:00

That describes my weekend. Our friend Adam took Connie and me fishing on free fishing day... We caught four fish, and they were big suckers... at least 6 inches each. The one jumping out of Adam's hand was my third catch of the day.

Then I met up with my great friend and former mission companion Amber and her husband and son at the Real soccer game. I love going to Real games and any live sporting events, and it was great to catch up with Amber... she lives in Reno so we don't get together too often.

And finally I made bread...the good and healthy, filling kind, made with freshly ground wheat. I didn't mean to make quite so much though.... so if anyone is in need, come on over. :)

Don't Stop

2009-06-04T18:02:00.000-07:00

I'm not a big concert goer anymore. I used to attend them as often as possible in my middle and high school days... now they're not as much of a priority. Part of that is because I listen to less mainstream music and those artists don't come as often. The other part is that the concerts I would have attended have gotten so blasted expensive. From $20 20 years ago to triple that these days. that's quite the inflation.

In the past year the concerts I've been to include the Telluride music festival (including Ryan Adams & Ani DiFranco), James Taylor, Neil Diamond (Diamond is forever), and last night... Fleetwood Mac. As I was writing this I realized that strangely, but not so much so if you know him at all, I attended every one with my omniscient music friend Christian. He probably goes to as many concerts in a week as I do in a year.

Last night's show was amazing. I'm glad I went. I wasn't going to... and in a moment of weakness and when it was reported that the tickets were going to be less than they actually ended up being I said yes. I wouldn't have if I knew the correct price before they were purchased, but because of it I had a great and memorable evening, and I have had many great songs running through my head ever since. I love Fleetwood Mac's music, and they put on an incredible show. The only element missing was Christine McVie. Sadly, without Christine there was no "You Make Loving Fun", "Everywhere", "Hold Me", or "Songbird".... all huge losses. Yet, we got "Go Your Own Way", "Second Hand News", "Rhiannon", "Gypsy", "Dreams", "Sara", "Silver Spring", "Say You Love Me", "Landslide", "Big Love"... and towards the end when they sang "Don't Stop" I was yelling afterwards for them to not stop, and they listened to me... we got an encore or two. Thanks Mick, Stevie and Lindsey.

I'm Back!

2009-05-27T13:09:00.001-07:00

The title of this has a dual meaning... I'm back to blogging reading/posting, and I'm back from the vacation to Belize that I booked 7 months ago. I was beginning to think this vacation was just something to look forward to but never to transpire. Yet, it finally did. I'm back and it was well worth the wait. There were 12 of us who went (all women! and we still get along...). I snorkeled, SCUBA'd, went to the Mayan ruins, went zip lining and cave tubing, petted a howler monkey, swam with sharks, saw crocodiles, and got a tan (that's a miracle in itself for me). Here are a few pictures:

Oh, one more thing... we saw these howler monkeys... small and cute little guys that make the craziest call like you're in the middle of a horror movie... check this out:

Europe on $76 per day

2009-04-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

We just calculated how much everything on our Europe trip cost. Not including airfare (about $500) and the train pass (about $600) we did in at about $76 per day--including hotels (and no hostels). If I took out the money I spent on chocolate and gelato it would probably have only been $16 per day. :) (That junk food is an expensive habit I have ;).

"We're coming to America today!" - yesterday

2009-04-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm home. 17 days of touring 7 countries in Europe was amazing and exhausting and it's good to be home, and I'm SO glad I did it. Mostly I'm thankful for how well everything worked out.

Honestly, I don't know why it went so smoothly. Why those days when we came into town at 8:30 p.m. and didn't have a place to stay and the town looked boarded up we suddenly found an ideal circumstance or place to be in (this happened multiple times). Why we talked to just the right people in the nick of time quite by accident that helped us to make the right stop or decision so we didn't waste hours of valuable time in one shot (also happened numerous times). Why the timing worked out so perfectly to get the tickets, go to Europe, have the money we'd been saving up for this trip for two years (it cost almost exactly what I had saved)... The list goes on. Things exceeded my expectations all along the way.

Here was the itinerary (and highlights) which was created along the way:

Day 1: Frankfurt Germany (went to the LDS temple and around the city)
Day 2: Munich and Fussen: Castles
Day 3: Paris: The Louvre, Eiffel Tower, crepes, etc. around town
Day 4: Halstatt, Austria: Connie's good Austrian birthday dinner and exploring
Day 5: Halstatt, Austria: Exploring the small town and relaxing
Day 6: Salzburg, Austria: Sound of music sites, Mozart's birthplace and residence
Day 7: Venice Italy to Florence: Gondola ride, got lost in the back streets (that's what the travel guide by Rick Steve's told us to do and we followed his advice quite by accident)
Day 8: Florence to Rome: Saw Michelangelo's David, St Peter's Basillica, Colloseum, and other major sites (actually were true tourists by taking an open top bus tour)
Day 9: Florence market and leaning tower of Pisa to Cinque Terre
Day 10: Cinque Terre (Italy): explored all 5 towns
Day 11: Cinque Terre to Switzerland (big travel day)
Day 12: Gimmelwald/Interlaken Switzerland... I LOVE Switzerland. It's beautiful, and the train station is very tourist friendly. In the Alps... toured a ski town (Murren), enjoyed hazelnut yogurt, and more.
Day 13: Interlaken/Bern Switzerland: Another travel and roaming day.
Day 14: Amsterdam/Haarlem Holland: Saw Anne Frank house and toured Corrie ten Boom house. Very sadly missed seeing the Van Gogh museum due to the long lines and lack of time. :( I will have to go back for that.
Day 15: Brugges, Belgium: Love this town too. Rented bikes, toured museums, streets, chocolate factories, ate chocolate... a lot of chocolate. i think chocolate is what I had for lunch.
Day 16: Brugges, Belgium: market, basic touring.
Day 17: Frankfurt to Utah

There's not much I would have changed even in hind site. A small detail here or there, but really, it was quite ideal with very few problems or rough moments. What a memory!

Cinque+ Terres

2009-04-05T12:35:00.001-07:00

From Halstatt on to Italy. We arrived in Venice ... amazing! a city built on water. It was beautiful. Then we spent two nights in Florence, but for the day in between it was Roma. With seeing Michelangelos David and the Colosseum in the same day, it was awe inspiring and completely exhausting. The next day we donned our packs, went to the market and bought a small item or two that would be packable as souvenirs, and were on our way to Cinque Terre. It is the main oceanside area of Italy and it has been a vacation in itself. I could spend a week just here relaxing and enjoying the beauties. Would that I had more time. Another day I guess (sigh). The colorful apartments, laundry drying on lines outside the balconies, boats tied to shore while not in use, and colorful hills filled with vineyards (it is an area famous for its wine)... I saw many artists sketching and water coloring and thought that the next time I come I am going to have learned a little of that talent so I can join them. Tomorrow we will find Switzerland. I am excited yet again (that feeling never dies when you are on a whirlwind tour of Europe). Take care.

"I'm In Love, I'm in love and I don't care who knows it!"

2009-04-01T09:32:00.001-07:00

I'm in love with the town of Hallstatt. It was a nice and relaxing couple days Monday and Tuesday in the laketown of Halstatt Austria... I was sad to leave this morning. We took a boat into the city when we arrived, slept in a zimmer (bed and breakfast) for those two nights, had a great birthday dinner for Connie's golden birthday, hiked, wandered, and enjoyed. And it has been a crazy day today trying to fit everything from Salzburg into 6 hours. But we did well... ate some good sausages from the local favorite shop, had ice cream (of course I talk about food first). We toured through the popular sites from the Sound of Music, saw where Mozart grew up and his later residence. I saw a man in liederhosen (how does one spell that?) that didn't appear to be in costume for anything from what I could tell, but who knows? We've had many awesome moments and are only a third of the way into our adventure. Good days. Tonight it's the night train to Venice.

Bonjour! Guten morgen!

2009-03-30T02:53:00.001-07:00

I made it to the land where the y's and z's are transversed on the kezboard, so don't mind the spelling errors. We arrived safelz, without problems and have had manz good blessings in our european adventure so far. I can't believe we've alreadz done so much. Our second night we didn't have a hotel in Munich where we were so we booked ourselves on the overnight sleeper train to Paris. Our mothers must be prazing for us because instead of sleeping in the assigned compartment with 4 strangers of varzing ages and genders, the conductor put us into our own compartment. We became friends with him and he gave us the same arrangements on last night's train back. Now we are in Austria readz to do the sound of music tour and visit other parts of Austria. What an adventure! It has been awesome!

Spontanaity

2009-03-22T20:51:00.000-07:00

Untrue to my normal, cautious character, on Thursday I made a spontaneous move: I bought airline tickets to Europe. Connie's joining me and we're leaving this Thursday. We're flying into Germany, then going to Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, and maybe Belgium. at least that's the plan for now. It may change as we go, because with this short of notice we're not exactly following a strict schedule... we haven't even had time to make as much of a sketch of a schedule. Finally I'll have something interesting to blog about. Retirement really is the life!

Kensington's growing up

2009-03-17T16:00:00.000-07:00

My car (named Kensington) probably lost a lot of resale value today. Kens hit the 100,000 mile mark -- not bad for a '99. I like my little Civic. I've had it since '01 when it was at the 21000 mile mark. We'll see how many more miles we travel together.

Photo courtesy of Connie Bell :)

Retirement

2009-03-15T15:03:00.000-07:00

It's official. My job is over. I'm now unemployed, though I prefer to call it "retired". Now I get to sit on the porch swing knitting, gossiping with the neighbors, waving to the young school children as they go by. I'll go to Bingo night and eat prunes. Then one day I'll wake up and realize that I never did quite have the funds to retire so early and it'll be back to the working world again. But till then I'm going to enjoy this time. Cheers!

JAZZ - Up close and personal

2009-03-04T21:21:00.000-08:00

My close friend and former roommate Melinda called me last weekend and invited me to go to the Jazz game with her. The owner of the company for which she works couldn't attend and passed his tickets on to her. I was pretty excited about it because really... I don't go to many of those, and I love watching the Jazz play! I met Melinda at the Delta Center (yes, I still call it that... call me old fashioned). We proceeded to the "W" section as directed on the tickets. I prepared to walk up the stairs as usual but to my delight I found that some fortunate people actually get to walk down the stairs to their seats. I was one of the fortunate ones on Saturday. Our seats ended up being on the 7th row and we were even lucky enough to sit on the cushioned chairs. The Jazz players appeared larger than life from that close... The description of "tall" changed for me that night. It was an awesome game. They played against the Kings and won. I could definitely get used to those seats, if only I had the opportunity.

This picture makes it look further away than it was.

I never mind seeing Korver up close and personal

And every once in a while it was just as much of a show to watch the Jazz bear do the tight rope walk up the banisters

So, yes... Melinda has covered Christmas and birthday gifts for me for life for her willingness to share her extra ticket with me. She's the best!

Out of things to say

2009-01-17T19:47:00.000-08:00

Due to a lack of exciting events, I'll just post an older picture of me or two... why not? By way of explanation, this first one is of me in a dress. That's why I'm crying... because I'm in a dress.

...And another picture of me not looking too happy:

And last, who here had some of these little guys? Yes, even my 16 year old sister (at the time) and my twin brother Mikey were the proud owners of cabbage patch kids. (I'd say I was the most justified, don't you think?).

Thai curry recipe

2009-01-06T10:44:00.001-08:00

I've had several people recently ask me for my recipe for red pineapple curry. I just figured I'd post the description of how I make it on here for all to see at once. It looks wordy, but it's one of the easiest things you can make once you have the ingredients. Also, all amounts can vary to taste... I just give amounts to give you a starting point option.

1 large or 1 1/2 to 2 small cans coconut milk (I like Arroy-D or Chakaoh... you can buy in asian stores for around .89 per can, or grocery stores for $2+)
2 T. red curry paste (I like Arroy-D or Mae Ploy... again - at an asian store for under $2 that supplies you with probably more than 10 recipes worth of curry paste. The Arroy-D version is a little milder than the other)
1 T. olive or canola oil
2 chicken breasts
1/2 onion, chopped to desired size
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped to desired size
brown sugar (or white works too) -- 2-3 T. depending on how sweet you like it
2 T. fish sauce (optional)
fresh basil... maybe a small handful (very inexpensive at an asian market)
1/2 or more can pineapple tidbits
cashews

Heat oil in sauce pan. add curry paste and stir fry for about a minute to release the flavor, then add the coconut milk. Mix in to blend the curry paste and coconut milk into a curry sauce. When it's boiling, cut the chicken into the sauce (I use scissors to cut in thin strips right into the sauce, but you can cut in pieces or however you like it). Add onions and bell pepper. Add sugar. Keep on soft boil until chicken is cooked. Add basil and cashews and cook 1 or 2 more minutes and remove from heat. Add pineapple (I hear you can add some of the juice too but I haven't done this). Serve over rice. (Throughout the process you can add more of the paste or milk or anything else until it gets to the flavor you like).

Blessings and Curses

2009-01-04T21:34:00.001-08:00

So, with my roommate Connie and I both working for the same company and thus being laid off soon, and our roommate Jen leaving church today to find someone had broken her window to steal her bag including money, phone, ID, etc., we are reminding our fourth and final roommate to be very careful. But along with the financial curses that have come our way I realize these experiences are also bringing with it many blessings. I'm already beginning to see how much my friends and family are looking out for me... and I already feel increased compassion for all who suffer in this and any other way. And somehow I'm finding myself looking at this position that I'm in (as scary as it can be at times) as a good thing. Maybe I've lost it. And I'm sure to have sketchy moments from time to time where I'll label this a great curse, but I know there are lessons to be learned in all that we go through in life, and that Heavenly Father blesses us and takes care of our needs as long as we are doing our best in life. I'm grateful for that faith.

Shocker

2009-01-02T17:40:00.000-08:00

So, yeah... I go to work on Tuesday... It's a busy day. I'm worried about how I'm going to get everything done before I have to leave at 3:30. I open an e-mail at 9:30 from our president in our New York office and proceed to read about how everyone in our SLC office (that's me) is losing their jobs sometime within the next 2 months because they're closing the office and moving our work to the Dallas, TX office. Shocker. It blind-sided all 40 of us in our office. No forewarning or anything. Just an e-mail to give us the keys to the street. It felt pretty surreal the first couple days, but reality is now setting in... for better or worse. :) All in all, I feel pretty confident that things will work out for the best in the end. I'm grateful for my faith that the people in our office will be taken care of... I have a feeling that most if not all will be glad it happened (in time anyway). I worry for those with families or other rough economic situations. For me, I just have a mortgage... It may take sacrifices in some regards, but all will be well in time. I'm hoping by January 1st of 2010 I'll look back and say... "Hmmm. I'm actually glad that happened". Till then though... strange times. If anyone knows of any great jobs out there, I'm in the market.

I Can Fly! ... (Tandem)... Kind of?

2008-12-06T14:18:00.000-08:00

I've lived in Salt Lake nearly all my life. The point of the mountain is right next door, and it is world renowned for great, consistent paragliding. ...And yet I've never taken the opportunity to go? Yeah, that's not right. Well, today I took that opportunity and flew with it. My friends/roommates Connie & Cherissa joined me in the adventure, and I checked off another item on my 150 list.

Check out the pics and videos (there are a lot... it was just so cool):

Me getting ready:

The action video of me taking off below:

Below: Cherissa on her flight

The next video is a great one of Connie... I don't think that's the traditional way of getting the tandem rider ready to go, but somehow it worked.

Ta dah!!! (the end)

SURPRISE!

2008-11-02T18:37:00.000-08:00

Imagine every spot on the street you can see from my house completely lined with cars.
Imagine my mom a week before her 70th birthday showing up to my house expecting a small "family dinner" and finding 90 unexpected friends and family members.
Imagine the planning and logistics of this party and more especially the gift given being a central part of my life for months, and I couldn't even mention anything about it on my blog in case my mom saw.

Last Sunday was the celebration of my mom's 70th birthday. I was more surprised than she when I realized that the secret of her party had been kept... no one gave it up (though we heard stories that night of a few who caught themselves just in time).

This is the day my sister and I had been waiting for-- not for the party itself, but to present my mom with this special gift we had been working on for months.

So, to begin: Here's the picture as the "SURPRISE" was yelled out

(my nephew Alex was a little traumatized by all the people in the house so he hid out in my room after this for much of the night... there were moments I wanted to do this as well. It was crazy. :)

And here's some of the food we enjoyed:

Since my mom's birthday gift was the central part of the evening, here's the story behind it:

Last July my sister called me with an idea for my mom's birthday: we (meaning she) would make a quilt put together of squares contributed by many of my mom's friends and family. The squares people submitted could contain a simple quilting block, pictures, memories, quotes, or messages to my mom. I handled the logistics -- the inviting, collecting, etc, while Val did the creative part--the piecing together and quilting. Sadly we couldn't include ALL of her friends in the quilt as my mom is a very social person and knows far too many to include everyone, and I didn't have all her friends e-mail addresses. But we got a good sampling. We did end up with 70 squares representing her 70 years to this point.

The following pictures show her reactions as she opens the gift

Above is the "I'm just overwhelmed at how many people are here" reaction.

I guess we were having a good time.

And the gift is: (drum roll)...

(above) Getting a little emotional (not unexpected from my mom) as she realizes how many people have participated and what was done for her.

Finally realizing... "Why am I crying? This is a good thing."

Everyone else wants to see, too... They helped make it, after all.

The quilt looked awesome. Val and the 69 others involved did an amazing job to create the gift of a lifetime... literally. Celebrating the central moments and many of the central people in my mom's life.

Alex loved the quilt too... but I don't think he quite understood the concept as we were folding it up. (No, Alex... it may look like one but it's not a Hammock)

And at the end of the evening we went bowling. (just can't get my mom away from those video games ;)

Happy Birthday, mom.

When Fall comes to New England...

2008-10-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

Goal #27: Visit Maine in the Autumn. Check.

Above: Nubble Lighthouse: Cape Neddick, ME

(This picture taken from the tower at Mount Auburn cemetary)

Several of my friends have moved to Boston over the past 5 years. Two remain, and I finally bought a ticket to visit them and the region of the United States that I have been most passionate about seeing. The result: A sudden understanding of why people are drawn to the area. It's beautiful! ...A city of history, education, sports, museums, beauty and good people. Though it's a big city it doesn't feel as crazy as New York or LA. There is an endless supply of places to visit and things to see, and it only leaves you wanting more. If my work allowed for a leave of absence (which it doesn't), I would probably move out for a few months next year. I guess I'll settle for a week-long visit again... hopefully next fall. It was the perfect time to go.

Dre (Andrea) and Shells (Shelly) took time out of their packed lives to spend the weekend with me. We went to Salem, Walden, Mount Auburn, saw some of the Head of the Charles rowing competition, and went to Trader Joe's (sure, it's a grocery store, but when I don't have one where I live it becomes my own idea of a good tourist trap). I saw all but one the main sites on the famous FreedomTrail in Boston (but didn't have my camera) and also went to Concord on my own.

Shelly, Andrea, and I in front of (though you can't tell) the Boston LDS temple

A slightly better picture of the temple

Dre and I in Salem with the customary Sox fan in the background

Me at the Head of the Charles rowing competition

Walden Pond. I voted this my favorite spot of the year.

I joined up with a couple new friends yesterday. Christie is Andrea's wedding photographer who was out here taking Dre's bridal pics, and I was reaquainted with Jen whom I had originally met when we both lived in Sugarhouse. We went to a beach town in Maine (Ogunquit) and another beachtown in Massachusetts (Rockport). The drive was amazing. The autumn colors were breathtaking, and we topped it off with a great lunch at a waterfront restaurant.

At the beach in Rockport, MA

Thanks to Dre and Shells for taking me around and giving me a place to stay on a very comfortable air mattress. It was a fantastic and refreshing vacation.

Good times and more good times

2008-10-05T16:32:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted anything here for a bit mostly because I haven't been online too much... so here are the key updates:

Last Saturday (September 27th) was a packed and fantastic day... I went to the farmer's market, then to the Bodyworlds exhibit downtown at the Leonardo. That was an amazing exhibit and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to gain a greater appreciation for just how miraculous the human body is. It was literally awesome. Then we went to eat at Settebello's, an authentic Italian pizza place downtown. It was excellent. Follow that with the General Relief Society broadcast including one of my favorite talks ever: the one on Happiness by President Uchtdorf. And last we had a combined birthday party for me, Christian, and Heidi and Loni (our birthdays are all within 5 days of each other). It was a great day. Here's the one picture I have from the day:

This weekend was general conference. I love conference weekend. I treat it as kind of an oasis. Sure, it's 8 hours of talks, but I don't have to get dressed up or go to church. I can hang out at home and listen to the talks. It was a very inspiring conference listening to the words of the prophets and apostles. I truly enjoyed it and was actually sad when it ended knowing it wouldn't happen again until next April. At least I can re-read and study these talks in the meantime.

A quarter, a nickel, and two pennies

2008-09-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

Back in 2000-2002 I lived in the white house. Not the one in D.C., the one in Provo, UT. It was so titled because it was white... outside and in. White siding, white carpet, white tile, white cupboards, white walls.... WHITE. My time in the white house was awesome largely due to the amazing roommates I had there. One was Stephanie, and she taught 2nd grade at the time. She would explain to her students how old they were monetarily, in coins. So, when they were 7 years old, they were a nickel and two pennies, on their 8th birthday they were a nickel and three pennies. I turned 25 when I was there and she excitedly exclaimed "You're a quarter!" The sad aftermath is that every birthday since I've pointed out to myself how old I am in coins. Today I turned a quarter, a nickel, and two pennies. Not worth much... but it's a good life just the same.

It has been a very fun birthday so far, beginning with my roommates making an awesome breakfast for me, and then going to Red Robin for lunch (I love those fries, the bleu burger, and that birthday mud pie!), and I've received many happy birthday wishes, largely due to what apparently must be a birthday reminder on facebook (I'm going to have to sign up for that one). So, thanks everyone, for helping me to have such a great day. I don't expect much out of birthdays at this stage in life, so it's been a pleasant surprise to have such a good one.

Spending habits

2008-09-07T00:33:00.000-07:00

I'm guessing that most people who know me and my spending habits consider me frugal and a bit of a saver (translation: cheap). I think they're right. Oh, but I do prefer the word frugal over cheap because really... I don't buy or like cheap stuff, I just save and don't buy anything until I can find something of the quality worth the money they're charging... AND it has to be a good deal.

Well, I just went through a few months of really being low on money and not purchasing much beyond the necessities because of 1) not receiving as much rent money because a roommate moved out, and 2) yardwork, high water bills, and other related summer expenses. So on August 1st I got a new roommate and a raise at work, and now that I'm starting to see that bit of additional money I've gone a little wild this week. I bought an eliptical machine (at below the retailer's cost though), ski boots (which, incidentally were only $9, regularly $385), and a Nintendo wii & wii fit (regular price... how did that happen? :( ), among other items.

Most people that know me are probably a little concerned right now. That's not typical behavior for me. But I assure you I'm doing all right, and I am well committed to going on a spending diet starting now! Really, I have nothing left to buy... I just got it all.

Jump!

2008-08-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

I have no pictures to document it, no testimonials to quote that confirm it, but I finally successfully landed my first jump on a wakeboard last Saturday. Now, let's not go into the details of how high it was (or wasn't)... Let's just glory in the fact that I jumped on the wakeboard. And now all I want to do is go wakeboarding again to get better at it, but alas': it's the end of the season and sadly isn't too likely to happen again this year. :(
Oh, but the other good news is I also went wake skating for the first time. All in all it was one of my favorite boat trips. The water was so smooth. Thanks Mer and Mike for being so generous with your boat.

Back to Sane

2008-08-24T17:10:00.001-07:00

My freshman year at Utah State University I was in a "career exploration" class. One of the class assignments was to take and be evaluated on a personality test. I remember taking the test and one of the results it specified was whether I was an introvert or an extrovert (meaning whether I get my energy from being alone or from being with other people). According to my answers I was smack in the middle. So, here's the deal: I definitely have to have time alone to collect my thoughts and simply do what I want at that moment. I enjoy this time. I derive good energy from it. And yet I also derive good energy from being with others... I absolutely love and need both (and either one in too much abundance can be draining at times).

So I've pondered today about how some people find enjoyment packing every minute of their lives full of things to do. Others prefer and do quite the opposite. It's always my intention to be somewhere in between the two extremes... Like, right in the middle wouldn't be so bad. Balance is what it's all about, right? Looking back at my Introvert/Extrovert test it makes sense.

My problem: Too often for my tastes I end up not making enough time for the simple moments of relaxed enjoyment, or the times when I can spontaneously do something because nothing is scheduled in its place, and I find myself doing a little more than I really have the energy for. It was interesting, though... This week felt completely packed. Between meetings, time with friends, service projects, errands, and boating trips, I didn't get home or done for the evening one day in the past week and a half before 10 pm. Yet I had the energy somehow to enjoy every bit of it. But now as I sit down today and realize that it's the first day in over a week that I've been able to take time to simply relax, I'm grateful. Glad for this time. So, I'm taking today to get back to feeling sane and finding the balance, and still reflect on a fantastic but busy week.

Below are the only two pictures I have from a fundraising event for the American Lung Association that some friends and I volunteered at on Thursday night. My roommate Cherissa was in charge of the major annual event. It's called "Night with the Stars" and is held at La Caille. It went quite well. I had a great time, and the food and location were fantastic. Oh, and at the silent auction I bought a gift certificate to go Tandem Paragliding. Hmmm. I guess I found my next adventure.

So, as a side note I just looked back at my career exploration test results for the first time in many years. According to this test my interests were most in line with those who were satisfied working in the following occupations : Banking (Yep, I think that would be fun), Credit manager (check), Medical records technician (I'm good with that), Accounting (almost went into this), Bookkeeper (sure), Farmer... What? Wait a minute. Where did that come from?

At long last...

2008-08-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

Connie made the big purchase of the card that allows her to upload photos from her phone (Thanks, Bell!), so now we have photo documentation of our monumental hot air balloon ride. So for your viewing pleasure, here they are.

We went with Morning Star Balloons in Park City.

They had me help as they filled our balloon with air.

Are you ready????

Up, Up and Away, as the story goes.

Good times!

And now it's time to start planning the next adventure. I'll let you know when I figure out what it is.

Board Time!

2008-07-19T23:33:00.001-07:00

Mike spent an exhausting day getting the boat ready for the (far later than usual) inaugural run of 2008. We were fortunate enough to be invited along for the ride when it was ready. And it was an absolute blast! It had been a year since I went wakeboarding last. It sure is fun to have friends with a boat when I know I'll never be rich enough to own one. :)

The only problem now: it's two days later and I can hardly move. Am I this out of shape that I have to feel like I'm 90 years old every time I get out of my chair simply because I went wakeboarding for a few minutes one day? Obviously I'm going to have to be invited on many more wakeboarding trips so that my muscles can get used to this. I'll let Mike and Mer know.

This was cool... while we were waiting at the dock we got front row seats to this show... the guy was amazing. The girl was hilarious... Can you say "Whoops!"

Two more items checked off the list, and saying goodbye to my grandma for now

2008-07-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

I think it was early 2005 when I created a list of 150 things I wanted to accomplish in the next 30 years... a sort of Bucket list, if you will, without having to insert the words "before I die". I've accomplished a small fraction at this point... I purchased a house, a scooter, ran a marathon, participated in a triathlon, and met a few smaller goals as well. I am in the process of/working on several others.

Last Saturday I was able to check off one of the 150: "Go on a hot air balloon ride". Connie and I headed up to Park City at 5:30 in the morning (I'd only do something that crazy to accomplish a goal like this). We dressed for the occasion in jeans and long sleeve shirts, sunglasses. We only forgot one item: a camera. I didn't even remember my phone that had the camera setting, but Connie had hers, so if we can figure out how to upload those to the computer I will add the pictures.

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On a more serious note, the other item checked off wasn't intentional... kind of an inadvertant deal. Or, Maybe it was that my grandma just wanted to help me reach one more goal. The goal: Ride in a limo. I hope this doesn't come across in any disrespectful way, and it certainly wasn't what I had in mind when adding it to the list, but I rode in a limo on my way to the cemetery where my grandmother's grave was dedicated. What I appreciated and why I'd mention it here in what I treat as a journal of sorts, is the symbolism. My grandma aided me in accomplishing so much of what I've done in life: Encouraging me through grade school, sports and activities all growing up, helping me out in college, study abroad, my mission, buying and learning to play musical instruments and so many smaller things as well. My grandma helped me in every way she was able, to accomplish all I could. And this limo ride was just one more of the simple things along the way.

The funeral was Wednesday and was exactly how she wanted it, especially since she planned it herself, except that it went 15 minutes longer than the 55 minutes my grandma had scheduled (she said we could go to an hour if necessary). The rest of us didn't mind the extension though. And I know my grandma was pleased with the service. My aunt Val gave a perfect, creative sketch of my grandma's life. A close friend of our family's, Al Emery, shared some thoughts on her work life and other aspects... I wouldn't have changed a word. Val (my sister) and Alex (cousin) shared a tribute from the grandchildren that kept us all laughing and remembering, and maybe shedding a tear or two. Maybe. The funeral director declared that particular talk the best tribute he had seen in 17 years. It really was all perfect.

Val's husband Josh and my nephew Alex and Mike's girlfriend Kari weren't able to fly out for the services, and we missed them. But it was crazy to have just the original family home for a few days. Here we all are, and all dressed up at that... Miracle?

Thanks, Grandma

2008-06-27T15:58:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I look around and realize how big this world really is, and then I notice how small I feel in comparison. Not that I mind being small, just that it's a bit overwhelming to realize how many individuals there are in this world. Am I not complicated enough as one person, even if I do consider myself simple at that?

And then I look at what a big difference a few people have made and continue to make in my small & simple life. Like my grandma Burton. She passed away this morning after almost 97 years of going strong in this world. What an amazing lady. She introduced me to so much of what I've loved and appreciated in life. Like bowling. And Whiffle ball. And the Spaghetti Factory. And Swedish hotcakes. And family. ...Mainly family.

When I was a kid, my dear grandma never gave me reason to believe there was anything to her life but being there for and loving her grandchildren. She seldom missed a softball or basketball game or drama performance or any other kind of event in which her grandchildren were involved (and that's saying quite a bit with how active some of us were). Whenever we performed we just looked out into the audience or crowd for "the lady with the big white hair," and there she was, cheering us on.

Well, If her main objectives with her grandchildren were to help us know we were loved and cared for, to support us, to enable us to know and develop a greater love for our cousins, and to provide us with countless happy memories, then Mission accomplished, grandma. But you did far more than this. You taught me to hold fast to what I believe in. You taught me to make family and friends the top priorities in my life. I learned from you the rich blessing people are in life, and a little bit of how to lead, and how to support, and I learned independence, as well as (by your bad example since you were no good at it) that it's ok to receive help as well. And I learned a little bit about the great quality of optimism. And there was more. And as Aunt Val pointed out to me today, the lessons don't end here. I'll continue to learn from the legacy you've left, and the close relationship we've been blessed to have.

In ways, saying goodbye to my grandma has been far more difficult than I imagined. I know it's not over, I'll just miss her for the time being. It's hard to realize I'll never hear her cheerful voice again in this life. But in other ways it has been easier than I expected. There is an abiding peace in knowing that both my grandma and I worked on our relationship with each other, and that it’s not over here. I'll always treasure the sleepovers at her place as a kid and the many outings she took us on. I 'll value the weekly dinners and calls to Val we made during the years I lived in Sugarhouse. I'll treasure the 70's gold and orange chairs and the table she gave me to thank me for those times. And I'll treasure every other memory I've had with her throughout my life.

Thanks, Grandma. In this vast world, I'm grateful that you have been such an integral part of my small and simple life. God be with you till we meet again.

Telluride Revisited... with a side trip to Moab

2008-06-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

Last year Christian and I loaded up the Vacura(so titled because the "A" for Acura on his trunk was turned upside down thus becoming a V) and headed to Telluride for the bluegrass festival. It was fantastic! We saw the Counting Crows, Emmylou Harris, Bela Fleck, Guster, Sam Bush, and others. When the concert trip was over I had fallen in love with that little town, and we decided we needed to make a return trip the next year but with more people. I thought those words were said in vain, but it actually happened.

The Vacura returned for trip 2 last week, and we brought along my dad's pick-up (in order to deliver some clothes for Kuhl to sell in their booth at the festival) as well as Brian, Connie, and Cherissa. The concerts we hit this year were Arlo Guthrie, Ani DeFranco, and Ryan Adams. All were excellent. Arlo kept us laughing with his left wing humor, Ani kept me mesmerized with her amazing guitar playing abilities, and Ryan had quite the variety of music in store for us.

We had a fantastic camp spot just outside of Moab at Ken's Lake. I highly recommend this campground... just don't miss it like we did. It was midnight and we couldn't find the entrance... It took us over an hour, but we did get to it quite by accident in the end and it was well worth the wait.

Below are pictures of the concert at Telluride, and of the best corn on earth.

Just outside Telluride at a lookout spot. This was the most beautiful drive and though the picture doesn't do it justice, I did get to use my new gorillapod. That thing rocks!

And our last moment in Colorado was also in Arizona, Utah, and for my first time: New Mexico. Yep, we paid the $3 each to stand on a stone that declared the only point where four states meet. Hey, It's good to do once.

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********Memorable moments from the whole 72 hour trip:*********

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* Not only do I get my first speeding ticket in 12 years simply from following someone and not paying attention, but it was in practically the same spot my bro Mike got a ticket 24 hours before. We really are twins.

* Girl at Telluide passes out right in front of us, foaming at the mouth... (not a pleasant memory)

* Free Kuhl clothes

* Arlo: If we lived in a world filled with peace and love it would be a heck of a lot more difficult to make a positive contribution in this world.

* We went to Moab to watch a movie (Get Smart) -- cuz there was nothing else to do

* Kicked out of a restaurant in Moab

* Hiking to Delicate Arch in the moonlight at midnight = Awesome!

* Sleeping in the back of the pick-up

* Genevieve and I having to be rescued in the river: both the most exciting and the most frightening moment of the trip all in one.

* Christian: "I just don't look that good in a Camelbak"

Fondue Time!

2008-06-02T18:08:00.000-07:00

Our annual fondue party strikes again. Well, I don't know if it's annual. But we do it every so often so we'll call it that because it makes it sound more official.

Marinda, Mike, Dave, Jen, I and a few other friends started this tradition several years back and we keep it going no matter how many times we end up saying we shouldn't eat so poorly. When the main items are cheese & chocolate (two of my favorite food choices), cream puffs, bread, berries, veggies, bananas... it's not exactly the four food groups nor the best diet plan, but Hey! It's tasty. We invite a few new people each time and try different recipes. And we always end up vowing not to eat so much the next time. Fortunately by the time "next time" comes around we've already forgotten, so all is well.

Tagged?

2008-05-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

Apparently I've been tagged. ...and these are the rules:
A ~ Each person has to list 6 facts/habits about them
B~ After part A, go to 6 people's blogs and leave a comment letting them know to read your blog, and that they have been tagged. List at the end of your posting who you have tagged.

So, Here goes...

A few facts/habits about me:

1) I am addicted to q-tips. I clean my ears on average I'd say twice per day. Now, I know doctors don't recommend this, and in fact recommend the opposite, but it's an obsession I've had for at least 10 years and I just can't let go of it. The good news is that I've learned some safe practice procedures and haven't given myself an ear infection from it in at least 5 years

2) My first two jobs where I was actually on a payroll were as a soccer referree for 6 year olds, and a snow cone maker at Rainbow Snow.

3) When I was 10 my parents realized I spent far too much time watching TV so they said they'd pay me $250 to not watch for a year. At the time that seemed close enough to what would make me a millionnaire so I went for it. I cheated a few times, but 3 hours worth of tv in a year isn't too bad. When I got my money at the end of the year I resisted the temptation to buy a TV , but I did buy a computer (commodore 64) that I could waste time equally well with by playing video games.

4) I am the disclaimer queen… I have to give a disclaimer before everything I do. It's the “Keep expectations low” philosophy… then there’s nowhere to go but up, right? Nobody’s disappointed.

5) Apparently I’ve recently become a text messager… I went $22 over on my phone bill this month just from receiving/sending more than my allotted 200 text messages. I’ve now upgraded to unlimited so all is well. Text away.

6) I have noticeable reactions to embarrassment that I really hate. For instance, if anyone asks me a personal question that I’m a little embarrassed about I tend to smile really big and I have no control over it. The most specific example: when people have asked me if I’m interested in a guy, even if I’m not I’ll get this uncontrollable grin on my face, so of course they think I like him no matter what I say, or whether it’s true. I hate it!

So since I'm new to this there aren't even six people that know about this so I'll just tag a few: Dave, hit it. And Mindy (here's my blog site by the way...), and Melinda (hey... colorado's coming right up), and... let's just go with that for now.

Today I accomplished a dream

2008-04-24T14:35:00.000-07:00

I don't always aim high in life. In fact, I've found that I can accomplish far more in life if I just make my goals simple enough. Like, goal 1) Wake up each morning. Or make it a little more hefty if I'm feeling especially bold 2) wake up when the alarm goes off. or for those especially good days... this doesn't happen too often: 3) get out of bed when the alarm goes off, without hitting the snooze button first. By aiming low I can feel productive and accomplished every day of my life.

So, three years ago I decided I wanted to own a new vehicle. For most this may be a BMW, or an Acura, or a hummer... Heck! I don't know. You fill in your own blank. For me, my dream was to own a scooter. Yes, I am speaking of the "I'm too weak to own a motorcycle so I'll let people laugh at me on this" scooter.

Well, today my dream came true. I bought a retro scooter. And to top if off, it's pink. Yes, pink. Just because Why go with a color that is fitting to me?

So, the picture of it doesn't show me on the scooter. Why? Because I am not nearly as entertaining to look at on a pink scooter as my friend Pete who actually found this scooter for me. He rode my pink scooter from the cycle shop to my house to deliver it to me. Yep, 12 miles of him being laughed at, honked at, and harrassed in all other manners for riding a very feminine scooter. He is a very secure man to be willing to do this.

Military Ball

2008-03-19T19:06:00.000-07:00

As much of a dancer as I am, I was surprised to find myself at the military ball... but it was a ton of fun! Our friend Pete is in the band so we went to see him perform. It was well worth the free tickets.

Cute Kimball (Marinda's son) on his birthday

2008-03-07T21:36:00.000-08:00

Kimball White turned 2 and "Aunt" Connie and "Aunt" Cheryl had to come celebrate with him.

Who ordered the snow?

2008-02-05T21:23:00.000-08:00

My roommates and I decided to escape the 8 degree weather in Utah by heading to Hawaii over the Martin Luther King Day holiday. What a vacation! I really liked Oahu, but it was the Big Island that I fell in love with. We only spent two days on that Island, but it was packed and well spent. We went snorkeling & scuba diving, went to the volcano, ate coconut/macadamia pancakes at Ken's (not much is better than that, really), went to some waterfalls, the black sand beach, and more. It was hard to leave... the only thing that allowed me to get on the plane was the assurance I gave myself that I'd be back. In Oahu we went to the beach, the market, more snorkeling, the Polynesian Cultural Center, ate Shaved Ice, Dole Whips, and Coconut shakes, and just enjoyed being in the sun.We came home on January 22nd to a foot of snow in the driveway... who ordered that? I about turned around to get back on the plane.