Tuesday, March 27, 2007
York
I am in love with a little place called York, England. Not only is it cute and full of charm, it is also tauted as the most haunted city in all the world! Or so they say. And I believe.
London
Arrived into Gatwick. Saw: Big Ben; Westminster Abbey; House of Parliment; River Thames; The London Eye; The Strand; Soho; Liecester Square; The Tube; Tate Gallery; Wicked. . . Departed for York.It was a fabulous time.
Honeymoon Extravaganza 2K6
stop number one: snowbird
The view from the top of the world. Okay, it's really just the view from the top of the Tram. Hidden Peak to be more exact. This is where the adventure began; Pete proposed up here, so it was the perfect place to start our Honeymoon Extravaganza 2K6.
eternal happiness
it's been six months of wedded bliss,it's about time for the honeymoon
recap. enjoy the next few posts.
I love you, peter.
ey2K6!
Monday, March 26, 2007
Friday, March 23, 2007
one-hundred and one
one: I like to use people's full names when talking about them.
two: I was born on a magic minute ("3:33, good things always happen at 3:33!")
three: I'm a good eater. I practice a lot.
four: I'm hungry right now.
five: peter and I got haircuts last night and now I look sassy and he looks hot.
six: my friend lisa b. usually cuts my hair, but sometimes my little sister cuts it. I used to have my friend sarah cut it back in high school.
seven: I don't like to pay for haircuts.
eight: I have some pretty sweet grey hair.
nine: this list was inspired by my sister, who has a pretty rad list herself.
ten: I don't like to talk about myself, but I love to write about myself.
eleven: that's why I like to fill out those stupid email questionnaire forwards.
twelve: I also like looking at pictures of myself.
thirteen: I swear I'm not vain.
fourteen: I really really really love my family. old and new.
fifteen: I have a passion for running. but sometimes I don't like to run. (it can be a love-hate relationship at times)
sixteen: I also have a passion for being physically active.
seventeen: this is my psychic number.
eighteen: I think the great salt lake is a jewel in the desert and very under-rated and beautiful. plus you can float in it.
nineteen: my ten year high school reunion is this year.
twenty: I can't believe I'm that old already.
twenty one: I went to the dentist a couple weeks ago and he said I would have my teeth for the next hundred years. hurrah!
twenty two: I floss regularly.
twenty three: my motto is: pee clear!
twenty four: I'm a firm believer in hydration.
twenty five: I am only recently learning how to do my hair.
twenty six: I wear mascara sometimes now too.
twenty seven: I survived the floods of '83
twenty eight: I am slightly obsessed with the color pink.
twenty nine: my favorite color is really blue, though.
thirty: I realized I might be in love with my husband while I was puking at his sister's house.
thirty one: I now know that I was right.
thirty two: I get cold easily.
thirty three: I learned to wakeboard last summer and fell in love with it.
thirty four: I like to gamble with other people's money.
thirty five: I recently learned that I really like to cook.
thirty six: when I was young I took art classes. . .
thirty seven: cooking classes. . .
thirty eight: sewing classes. . .
thirty nine: I also had clarinet and saxaphone lessons. . .
forty: played soccer. . .
forty one: junior jazz. . .
forty two: and I ran track. (in junior high)
forty three: I was always ahead of my time, paving the way for women's sports. I was the only girl on my first soccer team (when I was five) and junior jazz teams (in junior high).
forty four: I really love that my mom put me in so many different kinds of lessons, even if she forgot to come pick me up sometimes.
forty five: I want to run a marathon in every state. you only have to run in ten of them to get into the club.
forty six: I've ran in three different states so far.
forty seven: my fourth state is coming in may.
forty eight: I really, really like spring.
forty nine: I try to pretend I'm hardcore, even if I'm not.
fifty: I wish I was more artistic.
fifty one: some of my hair never grows.
fifty two: thus the natural mullet.
fifty three: I keep my hair pretty short, so hopefully it doesn't look like I actually have a mullet.
fifty four: I like stories about ghosts.
fifty five: I only watch three shows on tv right now (regularly): the office, lost, and ellen.
fifty six: I haven't seen any episodes of 24 this season, so that's why it didn't make the list.
fifty seven: I love that pete and I walk to the grocery store with a big backpack.
fifty eight: I also love that we re-use ziplock baggies.
fifty nine: I love that we juice.
sixty: I love that peter makes frozen burritos.
sixty one: I'm the secretary in the YW presidency.
sixty two: Usually we have more leaders than YW come to church.
sixty three: I like fruity, slushy beverages.
sixty four: I used to be addicted to iceberg shakes.
sixty five: it's not a good addiction.
sixty six: me and my friends in high school started the trend of wearing pajama pants to school.
sixty seven: I am in love with the banjo.
sixty eight: I had the biggest crush on this guy in high school who had curly hair and wore vests all the time. we called him curly vest guy.
sixty nine: he ended up marrying stupid striped shirt girl.
seventy: I have a configuration of scars on my right leg that make an arrow.
seventy one: I am scared of soap bubbles.
seventy two: my body shuts down when it's hot.
seventy three: I wonder if my list will inspire other listies.
seventy four: I like making lists.
seventy five: I like writing numbers out.
sevent six: I like the word o'clock.
seventy seven: I am in love with ancient lake bonneville.
seventy eight: I doodle with words.
seventy nine: I love the smell of dead, muddy grass.
eighty: one-hundred and one is a big number.
eighty one: sometimes I miss the 90's. . . those were good days.
eighty two: sisters are the best things in the world.
eighty three: brothers are pretty cool too.
eighty four: sometimes when I look out of my eyes I feel like I'm my mom. that sounds weird. I think it's because we have a lot of the same facial features.
eighty five: I am a disease twinny jo jo.
eighty six: I'm a frisbee snob. (or frisbee fag, as reed would say)
eighty seven: I've met adam duritz and the other band members of counting crows on several occasions.
eighty eight: david bryson even laughed at a joke I made.
eighty nine: I've also met rivers cuomo and matt (they're old bass player) from weezer.
ninety: my first name is a palindrome.
ninety one: my maiden name is an adverb.
ninety two: when I get excited about things I start talking really loudly.
ninety three: I cry a lot. even if I feel it's not something to be crying over. I get it from my mother.
ninety four: I hate waking up in the morning.
ninety five: I can't stay awake in movies. (usually in the theater I can, don't worry)
ninety six: I am drawn to the ocean like waves to the shore.
[the next four are from my cutest husband, peter]
ninety seven: "I had a dream that my wife was a baby."
ninety eight: "my baby has really cute hair, curly or straight."
ninety nine: "she's an amazing cook."
one-hundred: "she works out every single day and makes fun of people who work out every single day."
one-hundred and one: I love my life.
two: I was born on a magic minute ("3:33, good things always happen at 3:33!")
three: I'm a good eater. I practice a lot.
four: I'm hungry right now.
five: peter and I got haircuts last night and now I look sassy and he looks hot.
six: my friend lisa b. usually cuts my hair, but sometimes my little sister cuts it. I used to have my friend sarah cut it back in high school.
seven: I don't like to pay for haircuts.
eight: I have some pretty sweet grey hair.
nine: this list was inspired by my sister, who has a pretty rad list herself.
ten: I don't like to talk about myself, but I love to write about myself.
eleven: that's why I like to fill out those stupid email questionnaire forwards.
twelve: I also like looking at pictures of myself.
thirteen: I swear I'm not vain.
fourteen: I really really really love my family. old and new.
fifteen: I have a passion for running. but sometimes I don't like to run. (it can be a love-hate relationship at times)
sixteen: I also have a passion for being physically active.
seventeen: this is my psychic number.
eighteen: I think the great salt lake is a jewel in the desert and very under-rated and beautiful. plus you can float in it.
nineteen: my ten year high school reunion is this year.
twenty: I can't believe I'm that old already.
twenty one: I went to the dentist a couple weeks ago and he said I would have my teeth for the next hundred years. hurrah!
twenty two: I floss regularly.
twenty three: my motto is: pee clear!
twenty four: I'm a firm believer in hydration.
twenty five: I am only recently learning how to do my hair.
twenty six: I wear mascara sometimes now too.
twenty seven: I survived the floods of '83
twenty eight: I am slightly obsessed with the color pink.
twenty nine: my favorite color is really blue, though.
thirty: I realized I might be in love with my husband while I was puking at his sister's house.
thirty one: I now know that I was right.
thirty two: I get cold easily.
thirty three: I learned to wakeboard last summer and fell in love with it.
thirty four: I like to gamble with other people's money.
thirty five: I recently learned that I really like to cook.
thirty six: when I was young I took art classes. . .
thirty seven: cooking classes. . .
thirty eight: sewing classes. . .
thirty nine: I also had clarinet and saxaphone lessons. . .
forty: played soccer. . .
forty one: junior jazz. . .
forty two: and I ran track. (in junior high)
forty three: I was always ahead of my time, paving the way for women's sports. I was the only girl on my first soccer team (when I was five) and junior jazz teams (in junior high).
forty four: I really love that my mom put me in so many different kinds of lessons, even if she forgot to come pick me up sometimes.
forty five: I want to run a marathon in every state. you only have to run in ten of them to get into the club.
forty six: I've ran in three different states so far.
forty seven: my fourth state is coming in may.
forty eight: I really, really like spring.
forty nine: I try to pretend I'm hardcore, even if I'm not.
fifty: I wish I was more artistic.
fifty one: some of my hair never grows.
fifty two: thus the natural mullet.
fifty three: I keep my hair pretty short, so hopefully it doesn't look like I actually have a mullet.
fifty four: I like stories about ghosts.
fifty five: I only watch three shows on tv right now (regularly): the office, lost, and ellen.
fifty six: I haven't seen any episodes of 24 this season, so that's why it didn't make the list.
fifty seven: I love that pete and I walk to the grocery store with a big backpack.
fifty eight: I also love that we re-use ziplock baggies.
fifty nine: I love that we juice.
sixty: I love that peter makes frozen burritos.
sixty one: I'm the secretary in the YW presidency.
sixty two: Usually we have more leaders than YW come to church.
sixty three: I like fruity, slushy beverages.
sixty four: I used to be addicted to iceberg shakes.
sixty five: it's not a good addiction.
sixty six: me and my friends in high school started the trend of wearing pajama pants to school.
sixty seven: I am in love with the banjo.
sixty eight: I had the biggest crush on this guy in high school who had curly hair and wore vests all the time. we called him curly vest guy.
sixty nine: he ended up marrying stupid striped shirt girl.
seventy: I have a configuration of scars on my right leg that make an arrow.
seventy one: I am scared of soap bubbles.
seventy two: my body shuts down when it's hot.
seventy three: I wonder if my list will inspire other listies.
seventy four: I like making lists.
seventy five: I like writing numbers out.
sevent six: I like the word o'clock.
seventy seven: I am in love with ancient lake bonneville.
seventy eight: I doodle with words.
seventy nine: I love the smell of dead, muddy grass.
eighty: one-hundred and one is a big number.
eighty one: sometimes I miss the 90's. . . those were good days.
eighty two: sisters are the best things in the world.
eighty three: brothers are pretty cool too.
eighty four: sometimes when I look out of my eyes I feel like I'm my mom. that sounds weird. I think it's because we have a lot of the same facial features.
eighty five: I am a disease twinny jo jo.
eighty six: I'm a frisbee snob. (or frisbee fag, as reed would say)
eighty seven: I've met adam duritz and the other band members of counting crows on several occasions.
eighty eight: david bryson even laughed at a joke I made.
eighty nine: I've also met rivers cuomo and matt (they're old bass player) from weezer.
ninety: my first name is a palindrome.
ninety one: my maiden name is an adverb.
ninety two: when I get excited about things I start talking really loudly.
ninety three: I cry a lot. even if I feel it's not something to be crying over. I get it from my mother.
ninety four: I hate waking up in the morning.
ninety five: I can't stay awake in movies. (usually in the theater I can, don't worry)
ninety six: I am drawn to the ocean like waves to the shore.
[the next four are from my cutest husband, peter]
ninety seven: "I had a dream that my wife was a baby."
ninety eight: "my baby has really cute hair, curly or straight."
ninety nine: "she's an amazing cook."
one-hundred: "she works out every single day and makes fun of people who work out every single day."
one-hundred and one: I love my life.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
champions for the earth
Edward Abbey.Writer, ‘desert anarchist’, 1927—1989
"The most common form of terrorism in the U.S.A. is that carried on by bulldozers and chainsaws. It is not enough to understand the natural world; the point is to defend and preserve it. Sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul."
Terry Tempest Williams."The eyes of the future are looking back at us and they are praying to see beyond our own time."
Rachel Carson.Biologist, Writer, Ecologist, 1907-1964
Henry David Thoreau.Naturalist, Writer, Social Critic, 1817-1862
"The law will never make men free; it is men who have go to make the law free."
John Muir.Conservationist, naturalist, explorer, 1838—1914
“The battle we have fought, and are still fighting for the forests is part of the eternal conflict between right and wrong, and we cannot expect to see the end of it . . . So we must count on watching and striving for these trees, and should always be glad to find anything so surely good and noble to strive for.”
Thursday, March 15, 2007
tower of burrito
my husband has a hobby:making frozen burritos.
we make them with only
the freshest ingredients:
chipotle pork, fresh from
the crockpot and seasoned;
black beans, soaked and
boiled, nothing canned;
and cheese. don't forget
the burrito size tortillas,
perfect for wrapping
this delicious delight.
take them on the go for
quick lunches or easy
snacks. they're only
three dollars a piece.
look for us at the farmers
market or peterburrito.com
ps: they're a hit at parties
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Monday, March 12, 2007
Phenomenal Woman
Phenomenal Woman Maya Angelou
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
one year anniversary.
before I really knew peter, I knew that I liked him. he had telemark skis and kayaks. (it wasn't until later that I found out he doesn't really tele, those were just the bindings that came with the skis he bought on ebay.)
I became his swim coach. the first night we really hung out--just me and him-- was after our first joint swimteam practice. we ate cafe rio salads in my pillow room and dished the whole time.
a few weeks later we went skiing. that was one year ago today. I feel that's when it all started. I was falling in love, and I didn't even know it.
thanks, peter, for the fun times. I knew you'd be good for my skiing. and for my life.
heart you.
I became his swim coach. the first night we really hung out--just me and him-- was after our first joint swimteam practice. we ate cafe rio salads in my pillow room and dished the whole time.
a few weeks later we went skiing. that was one year ago today. I feel that's when it all started. I was falling in love, and I didn't even know it.
thanks, peter, for the fun times. I knew you'd be good for my skiing. and for my life.
heart you.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Sunday, March 04, 2007
free the heal, free the mind
telemark or die!
I brought out the tele skis yesterday. it was pure love. I forget how much fun it is to free heal it down the mountain. and not to mention hardcore. I am in love.
Monday, February 19, 2007
snow: pure love.
it's a transitional season, it's true -- but is it really spring? technically not, I guess. so I welcome the snow and the wintery feeling it brings. I'll miss you, false spring. but come on, we need to build up that snow pack!I *heart* snow in branches.
I also *heart* snow on mountains.
I also *heart* snow on mountains.
Friday, February 16, 2007
waiting for spring
it seems these days that I'm antsy for warmer weather.
I dream of riding my cruiser bike to liberty park (and to the grocery store and to the fabric store down the road a ways).
having picnics.
slacklining.
I want to feel the warmth of the sun on my face.
today was a spring sort of day. peter and I threw the disc around our front yard (aka 'the park' aka hawthorne elementary) as the sun sank lower into the evening sky. it was warm and the mountains looked beautiful with the fresh snow.
I love spring in salt lake city.
I dream of riding my cruiser bike to liberty park (and to the grocery store and to the fabric store down the road a ways).
having picnics.
slacklining.
I want to feel the warmth of the sun on my face.
today was a spring sort of day. peter and I threw the disc around our front yard (aka 'the park' aka hawthorne elementary) as the sun sank lower into the evening sky. it was warm and the mountains looked beautiful with the fresh snow.
I love spring in salt lake city.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Friday, February 02, 2007
I don't believe in ground hogs.
it's ground hog's day, once again. . .
the day a little rodent tells us our future:will it be six more weeks of winter?
or six more weeks until spring?
IT'S A SCAM!!!
Friday, January 26, 2007
seven:
I notice if people are right or left handed. For some reason it just seems to matter.
I have to eat some things in two's: frozen burritos (but not peterburrito frozen burritos, those are so yummy and filling you really only need one!), bowls of cereal, hot pockets, donuts... Now I don't have to eat a second one because I'm hungry. I'm usually not, I just feel incomplete if I don't. I'm trying to be better, though.
I don't like to throw things away. You would think I grew up in the depression. Or maybe it's just my need to reduce, reuse and recycle. But you just never know when you're going to need to use something for something else.
Peter says I always defend the downtrodden, the underdog, the little guy. Which, I've come to realize I do. I've even found myself defending criminals! Hey, maybe they've just had a hard life--we can't judge!
I always want to make stuff. If I see something cute in a store, I don't buy it because I think to myself, "hey, I could make that." I don't, though. I think it's just pure laziness. Or the fear that it just won't turn out that cute and I'll be a total failure. (things I want to make: furniture, random cute crafty things, a long board, and clothes. Specifically technical running clothes. and skirts. and maybe cute capris and long shorts? should I just be a clothing designer or what?!) I always feel the need to make things completely from scratch too.
I have an intense fear of the phone. This is an extreme phobia that many people just don't understand. It's true, though. I have a severe aversion to talking to people on the phone. So if I don't answer, or just never call you back don't be offended. It's not because I don't like you. Maybe just text me and we can meet up somewhere and talk in person. I'm into emailing too.
Moths. They FREAK me out! Seriously. I think I'm more scared of them than spiders. And that's saying a lot! I think it all started when I was at girls camp and was lucky enough to get a top bunk. I was sitting in the dark with my flashlight focused on the book I was reading, when all of a sudden fifty moths came flying out of nowhere and attacked me. It was probably the scariest thing I have ever experienced in my life. If I even see a moth now, I get that scared feeling inside. And not to mention the fact that they always want to fly at your face. Freaky.
I have to eat some things in two's: frozen burritos (but not peterburrito frozen burritos, those are so yummy and filling you really only need one!), bowls of cereal, hot pockets, donuts... Now I don't have to eat a second one because I'm hungry. I'm usually not, I just feel incomplete if I don't. I'm trying to be better, though.
I don't like to throw things away. You would think I grew up in the depression. Or maybe it's just my need to reduce, reuse and recycle. But you just never know when you're going to need to use something for something else.
Peter says I always defend the downtrodden, the underdog, the little guy. Which, I've come to realize I do. I've even found myself defending criminals! Hey, maybe they've just had a hard life--we can't judge!
I always want to make stuff. If I see something cute in a store, I don't buy it because I think to myself, "hey, I could make that." I don't, though. I think it's just pure laziness. Or the fear that it just won't turn out that cute and I'll be a total failure. (things I want to make: furniture, random cute crafty things, a long board, and clothes. Specifically technical running clothes. and skirts. and maybe cute capris and long shorts? should I just be a clothing designer or what?!) I always feel the need to make things completely from scratch too.
I have an intense fear of the phone. This is an extreme phobia that many people just don't understand. It's true, though. I have a severe aversion to talking to people on the phone. So if I don't answer, or just never call you back don't be offended. It's not because I don't like you. Maybe just text me and we can meet up somewhere and talk in person. I'm into emailing too.
Moths. They FREAK me out! Seriously. I think I'm more scared of them than spiders. And that's saying a lot! I think it all started when I was at girls camp and was lucky enough to get a top bunk. I was sitting in the dark with my flashlight focused on the book I was reading, when all of a sudden fifty moths came flying out of nowhere and attacked me. It was probably the scariest thing I have ever experienced in my life. If I even see a moth now, I get that scared feeling inside. And not to mention the fact that they always want to fly at your face. Freaky.
This list was inspired by Stie's post entitled, 7 weird things about me.
sleeping with the stars (but not in that way)
I had a dream last night that I was best friends with Gwyneth Paltrow.She came out for Sundance and we all went to dinner together.
Peter, I think you were there.
We started dancing in the Restaurant, until someone tried to attack Gwyneth.
She was out after that.
I was left, trying to chase down my friend.
But she was gone.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
the top ten
some days are a little rough at first. . . but then you might find something positive about it. and then another thing. and soon you'll have a list of ten things that made you happy that day! here is my list, because today was just one of those days. . .
ten: pure hydration
nine: big yummy oranges
eight: the butterscotch pony box (from the makers of FurReal Friends - 'pony sounds, pony motion, pony friendship!')
seven: fondue parties in honor of my birth!
six: seat heat
five: assorted pastries
four: hand warmers in my pocket
three: new sharpies
two: secret notes and treats
one: my cutest husband, who rescues me daily
nine: big yummy oranges
eight: the butterscotch pony box (from the makers of FurReal Friends - 'pony sounds, pony motion, pony friendship!')
seven: fondue parties in honor of my birth!
six: seat heat
five: assorted pastries
four: hand warmers in my pocket
three: new sharpies
two: secret notes and treats
one: my cutest husband, who rescues me daily
Friday, January 19, 2007
books galore
A while back my brother stumbled across a list of 1,001 books to read before you die, of these I have read (those I've only started reading but never finished are in italics) the following:
49. Life of Pi – Yann Martel
86. The Poisonwood Bible – Barbara Kingsolver
223. Beloved – Toni Morrison
315. Song of Solomon – Toni Morrison
349. Sula – Toni Morrison
399. One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez
433. The Bell Jar – Sylvia Plath
451. Catch-22 – Joseph Heller
456. To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee
464. Henderson the Rain King – Saul Bellow
467. Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Truman Capote
508. Lord of the Flies – William Golding
522. Wise Blood – Flannery O’Connor
574. The Little Prince РAntoine de Saint-Exup̩ry
592. The Grapes of Wrath – John Steinbeck
608. Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck
610. The Hobbit – J.R.R. Tolkien
671. The Sound and the Fury – William Faulkner
699. The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
767. The Jungle – Upton Sinclair
780. Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad
825. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – Mark Twain
831. Treasure Island – Robert Louis Stevenson
837. The Brothers Karamazov – Fyodor Dostoevsky
857. War and Peace – Leo Tolstoy
863. Little Women – Louisa May Alcott
867. Crime and Punishment – Fyodor Dostoevsky
876. Great Expectations – Charles Dickens
883. A Tale of Two Cities – Charles Dickens
889. Walden – Henry David Thoreau
897. The Scarlet Letter – Nathaniel Hawthorne
904. Jane Eyre – Charlotte Brontë
931. Frankenstein – Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
938. Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
970. Candide – Voltaire
I guess I need to keep reading, or just never die.
49. Life of Pi – Yann Martel
86. The Poisonwood Bible – Barbara Kingsolver
223. Beloved – Toni Morrison
315. Song of Solomon – Toni Morrison
349. Sula – Toni Morrison
399. One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez
433. The Bell Jar – Sylvia Plath
451. Catch-22 – Joseph Heller
456. To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee
464. Henderson the Rain King – Saul Bellow
467. Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Truman Capote
508. Lord of the Flies – William Golding
522. Wise Blood – Flannery O’Connor
574. The Little Prince РAntoine de Saint-Exup̩ry
592. The Grapes of Wrath – John Steinbeck
608. Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck
610. The Hobbit – J.R.R. Tolkien
671. The Sound and the Fury – William Faulkner
699. The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
767. The Jungle – Upton Sinclair
780. Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad
825. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – Mark Twain
831. Treasure Island – Robert Louis Stevenson
837. The Brothers Karamazov – Fyodor Dostoevsky
857. War and Peace – Leo Tolstoy
863. Little Women – Louisa May Alcott
867. Crime and Punishment – Fyodor Dostoevsky
876. Great Expectations – Charles Dickens
883. A Tale of Two Cities – Charles Dickens
889. Walden – Henry David Thoreau
897. The Scarlet Letter – Nathaniel Hawthorne
904. Jane Eyre – Charlotte Brontë
931. Frankenstein – Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
938. Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
970. Candide – Voltaire
I guess I need to keep reading, or just never die.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
the big race rescheduled
Because of unforeseen circumstances (that mostly have to do with skiing), the First Annual All-County Swimmeet has been postponed.
I know that all of you have been practicing hard for this event and I'm sorry if this has inconvenienced you in any way. But this will just give you a little extra time to get your stroke down. I mean, you do want to win, don't you?
So, with that being said I would greatly appreciate a little feedback. If you're into the idea of having a fun swimmeet, where you can kick back in a pool with friends and family, and potentially win a trophy and other neat prizes, just let me know! It's as easy as that. Leave me a comment or shoot me a line.
And remember, it's for all ages and skill levels. No previous swim experience needed.
Thank you.
Anna C. Halverson
Race Director
I know that all of you have been practicing hard for this event and I'm sorry if this has inconvenienced you in any way. But this will just give you a little extra time to get your stroke down. I mean, you do want to win, don't you?
So, with that being said I would greatly appreciate a little feedback. If you're into the idea of having a fun swimmeet, where you can kick back in a pool with friends and family, and potentially win a trophy and other neat prizes, just let me know! It's as easy as that. Leave me a comment or shoot me a line.
And remember, it's for all ages and skill levels. No previous swim experience needed.
Thank you.
Anna C. Halverson
Race Director
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
your daily dose of cheap gear
I think I'm slowly sinking into the SAC addiction. I check it often -- mostly out of boredom, but also in hopes of finding that killer deal; the anticipation and excitement of the next random item is almost too much at times.
Now instead of one awesome deal a day, SteapandCheap has introduced the Bottomless SAC. Deals upon deals upon deals. You could waste your whole day on this thing. And believe me, people have. It's enough to make you download the RSS feed so you can have instant updates on the goings-on of SAC items.
This is impulse buying at its finest. See something you like? You better act now -- no deliberating over size, color, fit, need -- if you think too long, it's gone.
At least now you can see what you've missed. . . oh, the joys of SAC.
Now instead of one awesome deal a day, SteapandCheap has introduced the Bottomless SAC. Deals upon deals upon deals. You could waste your whole day on this thing. And believe me, people have. It's enough to make you download the RSS feed so you can have instant updates on the goings-on of SAC items.
This is impulse buying at its finest. See something you like? You better act now -- no deliberating over size, color, fit, need -- if you think too long, it's gone.
At least now you can see what you've missed. . . oh, the joys of SAC.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
. . .an epilogue of the food chain discussion
Old Bones
Out there walking around, looking out for food,
a rootstock, a bird call, a seed that you can crack
plucking, digging, snaring, shagging
barely getting by,
No food out there on dusty slopes of scree --
carry some -- look for some,
go for a hunger dream.
Deer bone, Gall Sheep,
bones hunger home.
Out there somewhere
a shrine for the old ones,
the dust of the old bones,
old songs and tales.
What we ate -- who ate what --
how we all prevailed.
Gary Snyder
in Mountains and Rivers Without End
Out there walking around, looking out for food,
a rootstock, a bird call, a seed that you can crack
plucking, digging, snaring, shagging
barely getting by,
No food out there on dusty slopes of scree --
carry some -- look for some,
go for a hunger dream.
Deer bone, Gall Sheep,
bones hunger home.
Out there somewhere
a shrine for the old ones,
the dust of the old bones,
old songs and tales.
What we ate -- who ate what --
how we all prevailed.
Gary Snyder
in Mountains and Rivers Without End
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Thursday, November 30, 2006
me
I've recently realized--well, I've secretly known this for a long time--that I only want to blog when I shouldn't be blogging.
okay, back to work. . .
okay, back to work. . .
Friday, November 24, 2006
death by kayak
It's true what they say. In a matter of seconds your life can change. My life changed today by way of kayak.
I knew it was there, subconsciously at least. I've almost tripped over it many times. But today I was just in a hurry. And I couldn't see my feet. And the kayak came out of nowhere and took me down.
It might not have been so bad had I not been carrying that large, awkward GearTrade order I was taking over to the shipping department. It was some sort of metal/plastic sled contraption, which looked more like a sure way to die than have fun on the hill.
I fell hard. I'm not sure exactly what happened; if the sled landed on my wrist or if my wrist just hit the cement floor, or if it was a little combination of both. But when Cheryl, Brandon, and Brenda came rushing over to see if I was alright, all I knew was my wrist was in pain.
It wasn't broken. I could move it. But to cover all my bases I was told to go fill out an incident report. Matt, the HR guy, had already left for the day. I found a manager who could help me. Together we found the forms we needed on Matt's (extremely messy) desk. I filled out the incident report and was then given a little slip of paper for the First Med Urgent Care facility and was told I could go get my wrist checked out if I wanted to.
I went and got it checked out. I didn't want to have a hairline fracture or chronic problems down the road because of this and not have them documented. I want bcdc to be responsible for this--worker's comp!
Nearly two hours later I walked out of that urgent care facility with a splint on my left wrist and on my left knee. I got to pee in a cup ("after accident drug testing"), get my bones x-rayed, and help a doctor and two nurses figure out how my wrist splint worked. It was an exciting time.
I guess I may have slightly damaged the cartilage in my knee. I have to wear the splint for one week before going back for a follow-up knee visit. Where I fell on my wrist a fracture won't show up for two weeks. Until then I have to wear the splint just in case it is fractured. I go back in two weeks for a check-up and more x-rays.
Oh, what a fun day it was at work. And to think, I only had about five minutes left of that place.
I knew it was there, subconsciously at least. I've almost tripped over it many times. But today I was just in a hurry. And I couldn't see my feet. And the kayak came out of nowhere and took me down.
It might not have been so bad had I not been carrying that large, awkward GearTrade order I was taking over to the shipping department. It was some sort of metal/plastic sled contraption, which looked more like a sure way to die than have fun on the hill.
I fell hard. I'm not sure exactly what happened; if the sled landed on my wrist or if my wrist just hit the cement floor, or if it was a little combination of both. But when Cheryl, Brandon, and Brenda came rushing over to see if I was alright, all I knew was my wrist was in pain.
It wasn't broken. I could move it. But to cover all my bases I was told to go fill out an incident report. Matt, the HR guy, had already left for the day. I found a manager who could help me. Together we found the forms we needed on Matt's (extremely messy) desk. I filled out the incident report and was then given a little slip of paper for the First Med Urgent Care facility and was told I could go get my wrist checked out if I wanted to.
I went and got it checked out. I didn't want to have a hairline fracture or chronic problems down the road because of this and not have them documented. I want bcdc to be responsible for this--worker's comp!
Nearly two hours later I walked out of that urgent care facility with a splint on my left wrist and on my left knee. I got to pee in a cup ("after accident drug testing"), get my bones x-rayed, and help a doctor and two nurses figure out how my wrist splint worked. It was an exciting time.
I guess I may have slightly damaged the cartilage in my knee. I have to wear the splint for one week before going back for a follow-up knee visit. Where I fell on my wrist a fracture won't show up for two weeks. Until then I have to wear the splint just in case it is fractured. I go back in two weeks for a check-up and more x-rays.
Oh, what a fun day it was at work. And to think, I only had about five minutes left of that place.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
fun for the whole family.
Peter and I want to host a swim meet. It will be at Steiner Aquatic (our home court, obviously we want the advantage) in January. So bring your swim team and join in the fun. It is for all ages and skill levels. Prizes and trophies will be involved. And hey, maybe even t-shirts. I know that's enough to get most of you right there. It's a family oriented event, so bring your little ones, old ones, not really related ones and come swim like you've never swam before.
Just remember: swim fast, win a prize!
Just remember: swim fast, win a prize!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
I will follow you into the dark
The other day, at our BBQ O' Love, Katy and Jim sang us a little love song in honor of our upcoming marriage: Death Cab For Cutie's I Will Follow You Into the Dark. I heard it on the radio yesterday and these lines got me a little choked up. . .
You and me have seen everything to see
From Bangkok to Calgary
And the soles of our shoes are all worn down
The time for sleep is now
It's nothing to cry about
'Cause we'll hold eachother soon
This is Pete and Me. Tomorrow we start the adventure.
From Bangkok to Calgary
And the soles of our shoes are all worn down
The time for sleep is now
It's nothing to cry about
'Cause we'll hold eachother soon
This is Pete and Me. Tomorrow we start the adventure.
The Waxing Extravaganza
I had a sparty yesterday afternoon at Spa Vitoria. It was the full treatment. Well, the full wax treatment anyway.
If you remember my last waxing experience at all, you'll remember the pain and disaster. Eliza loves to give me a hard time: "You can run a marathon and you're so tough, but you can't even wax your legs!" Okay, a home waxing treatment is just not worth the pain and horror. I'm sensitive.
But yesterday was different. Despite the fact that the lady was ripping my leg hairs out, it was actually quite relaxing. The table was warm, the music was relaxing, the warm wax going on felt like a dream! (not so much like a dream when it was being ripped off) I felt like I was being pampered! I urge anyone who hates shaving to go in for a treatment. You won't regret it. And I know that those around you will appreciate it too. Sometimes, girls, we just have to go through a little pain for the one's we care about; do it for love!
If you remember my last waxing experience at all, you'll remember the pain and disaster. Eliza loves to give me a hard time: "You can run a marathon and you're so tough, but you can't even wax your legs!" Okay, a home waxing treatment is just not worth the pain and horror. I'm sensitive.
But yesterday was different. Despite the fact that the lady was ripping my leg hairs out, it was actually quite relaxing. The table was warm, the music was relaxing, the warm wax going on felt like a dream! (not so much like a dream when it was being ripped off) I felt like I was being pampered! I urge anyone who hates shaving to go in for a treatment. You won't regret it. And I know that those around you will appreciate it too. Sometimes, girls, we just have to go through a little pain for the one's we care about; do it for love!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
gettin' hitched: an update.
4. marry the raddest guy, in the temple
so it turns out my cute foreign exchange student boyfriend, keith albertson, asked me to marry him a while back. and it also turns out that I said yes.
I'm gettin' hitched.
we're at t-minus six days now. the bbq o' love is tomorrow. all the plans are set and everything is pretty much ready to go. life is moving forward.
it's exciting to think about what life will hold. the future is always an uncertainty but at least I know I have my best friend and teammate to go through it with. one thing I do know, life will always be an adventure. and I'm excited.
I love you, peter!
post script: sorry for the complete lack of blogging lately. life's been busy. but I hope to make a come-back to the scene, so watch for the blogging extravaganza 2k6 in the future. maybe a trip log of the european honeymoon extravaganza??? perfect.
so it turns out my cute foreign exchange student boyfriend, keith albertson, asked me to marry him a while back. and it also turns out that I said yes.
I'm gettin' hitched.
we're at t-minus six days now. the bbq o' love is tomorrow. all the plans are set and everything is pretty much ready to go. life is moving forward.
it's exciting to think about what life will hold. the future is always an uncertainty but at least I know I have my best friend and teammate to go through it with. one thing I do know, life will always be an adventure. and I'm excited.
I love you, peter!
post script: sorry for the complete lack of blogging lately. life's been busy. but I hope to make a come-back to the scene, so watch for the blogging extravaganza 2k6 in the future. maybe a trip log of the european honeymoon extravaganza??? perfect.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
I'm a sell-out. . . Or just a sucker for blue.
I sold out. I bought the Cat's Meow even though I have a North Face boycott in place. How did my life get reduced to this? To buying North Face products???
I had debated in my heart for a long time regarding sleeping bags. Down? Or synthetic? Each have their strengths and weaknesses. I had finally decided on getting the Arroyo sleeping bag made my Marmot. A while ago I sat in on a gear clinic (back in the day when Meagan Scriven and I were allowed to go to gear clinics) by a Marmot rep. He preached the good word of Marmot down bags and I became a believer. So what changed my decision?
After the DTGR talk with Keith Albertson I decided I'd give the Cat's Meow a shot. We set up the tent in my wildnerness area (because it still needed to be aired out anyway from his Alaskan sabbatical) and I slept there for two nights. It's true, the bag was pretty nice. But I was still conflicted in my heart. What really made the decision for me were two factors: price and color.
Okay, okay. I'm a sucker for blue. I love all the shades of blue (it's my favorite color, lest you thought hot pink was. That's a close second.). And who doesn't love a cheaper price? Especially when you're poor! The Arroyo bag only came in grey--which although is a very nice color, just not my preference--and was practically a hundred dollars cheaper. Not to mention the fact that it only came in standard sizes (regular or long) and not a women's specific fit. I am also a sucker for women's specific products, because hey--I am a woman. So all those factors combined in making my choice for the boycotted brand of The North Face.
I've slept in it once already. I'm sleeping in it again this weekend. I really love the two-toned blue. It goes well with my hot pink therm-a-rest sleeping pad. Now I know camping isn't a fashion show, but what good is doing something if you don't look hot doing it?
I had debated in my heart for a long time regarding sleeping bags. Down? Or synthetic? Each have their strengths and weaknesses. I had finally decided on getting the Arroyo sleeping bag made my Marmot. A while ago I sat in on a gear clinic (back in the day when Meagan Scriven and I were allowed to go to gear clinics) by a Marmot rep. He preached the good word of Marmot down bags and I became a believer. So what changed my decision?
After the DTGR talk with Keith Albertson I decided I'd give the Cat's Meow a shot. We set up the tent in my wildnerness area (because it still needed to be aired out anyway from his Alaskan sabbatical) and I slept there for two nights. It's true, the bag was pretty nice. But I was still conflicted in my heart. What really made the decision for me were two factors: price and color.
Okay, okay. I'm a sucker for blue. I love all the shades of blue (it's my favorite color, lest you thought hot pink was. That's a close second.). And who doesn't love a cheaper price? Especially when you're poor! The Arroyo bag only came in grey--which although is a very nice color, just not my preference--and was practically a hundred dollars cheaper. Not to mention the fact that it only came in standard sizes (regular or long) and not a women's specific fit. I am also a sucker for women's specific products, because hey--I am a woman. So all those factors combined in making my choice for the boycotted brand of The North Face.
I've slept in it once already. I'm sleeping in it again this weekend. I really love the two-toned blue. It goes well with my hot pink therm-a-rest sleeping pad. Now I know camping isn't a fashion show, but what good is doing something if you don't look hot doing it?
Sunday, June 04, 2006
DTGR
today I had a small discussion with keith albertson about gear. it was a heated debate that was kindled by my hatred for north face. I have decided to boycott them for reasons I will not discuss here. something along the lines of poor products and lame reps.
our tif started when he tried to convince me that the cat's meow was in fact the 'cat's meow'. I scoffed at him and said it certainly would not be the 'cat's meow' because North Face makes the bag. keith on the other hand believes I will be converted and forgive North Face of all wrong doing after sleeping in the cat's meow. we'll see I guess . . .
our tif started when he tried to convince me that the cat's meow was in fact the 'cat's meow'. I scoffed at him and said it certainly would not be the 'cat's meow' because North Face makes the bag. keith on the other hand believes I will be converted and forgive North Face of all wrong doing after sleeping in the cat's meow. we'll see I guess . . .
Monday, May 15, 2006
The Eskiminian Within
I am the not so Eskiminese Eskiminian these days. In fact, people practically don't recognize me at work anymore. I have shed the layers of my Inuit heritage. But even though I may not look like the little Eskimo anymore, I am holding that Eskiminese spirit deep down within. She guides me like the great spirits of old. Whenever you have a hard decision to make, consult your Eskiminian within. Just ask yourself, "What would the Eskiminese do?" And you will always know in which direction to go.
WWTED!
WWTED!
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Spam Poetry?
Amazing Opportunity for the USA!
evil prettier gym.
leader cousin approach pronunciation central.
short discuss action burst word seize? rich taken sign if similar principle, ticket may different.
thought allowed cant need justice friends.
everyone however situation foot become. important oh luck.
--Concetta Meredith
I don't usually look at spam emails... but this one caught my attention. I think it's either abstract poetry or a code of some sort. I was too scared to open the attachment; hey, I'm no dummy. But it's fun nonetheless.
evil prettier gym.
leader cousin approach pronunciation central.
short discuss action burst word seize? rich taken sign if similar principle, ticket may different.
thought allowed cant need justice friends.
everyone however situation foot become. important oh luck.
--Concetta Meredith
I don't usually look at spam emails... but this one caught my attention. I think it's either abstract poetry or a code of some sort. I was too scared to open the attachment; hey, I'm no dummy. But it's fun nonetheless.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
The true meaning of home teacherness
My home teachers are leaving me and I'm really pretty upset about it. I can honestly say they've been favorite so far. You know how HT's always say, "If you ever need anything, let us know." And you're always like, "Yeah, sure. Bla bla bla..." Well, for the first time in my life we've really taken this to heart.
Need a vacuum? Call the home teachers. (and hope they don't get too mad when you bring it back broken. or just with a full bag.)
Need a table for a random holiday party? Call the home teachers.
Need a ride to the airport to drop off a rental car? Call the home teachers.
Need a gas can? Call the home teachers.
The list goes on and on. Even though they don't often come over and give us a lesson--we've had such lessons as hacking into a secured wireless internet connection (from Jonny), or keeping the sabbath day holy: "I know it's the sabbath, I respect that" (from Pete, as he justifies skiing on a powder sabbath day)--I really feel that they've captured the true meaning of home teaching: caring for the flock.
And now they're leaving. Jonny started moving out the non-essentials yesterday. He's moving back home to save money to go to grad school or some such nonesense. Pete, Jim, and Ty are all moving into their friend Scott's new house. How could they do this to me? Now I wont have anybody to hang out with who lives conveniently three houses up the street. This is all very sad indeed.
Our next home teachers will probably only come out of responsibility. But hey, maybe they'll have a vacuum too.
Need a vacuum? Call the home teachers. (and hope they don't get too mad when you bring it back broken. or just with a full bag.)
Need a table for a random holiday party? Call the home teachers.
Need a ride to the airport to drop off a rental car? Call the home teachers.
Need a gas can? Call the home teachers.
The list goes on and on. Even though they don't often come over and give us a lesson--we've had such lessons as hacking into a secured wireless internet connection (from Jonny), or keeping the sabbath day holy: "I know it's the sabbath, I respect that" (from Pete, as he justifies skiing on a powder sabbath day)--I really feel that they've captured the true meaning of home teaching: caring for the flock.
And now they're leaving. Jonny started moving out the non-essentials yesterday. He's moving back home to save money to go to grad school or some such nonesense. Pete, Jim, and Ty are all moving into their friend Scott's new house. How could they do this to me? Now I wont have anybody to hang out with who lives conveniently three houses up the street. This is all very sad indeed.
Our next home teachers will probably only come out of responsibility. But hey, maybe they'll have a vacuum too.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Do good on the hike, you get a bag of dope.
So I work with this guy named Jason. He's a pretty funny guy in a really weird and random way. Camilla goes to school with his wife.
He's going to start a Christian Youth Camp one day. Teaching life skills with a little sprinkling of the good word. Let's not forget that it's a three year commitment. They'll be like nomadic travelers. Roaming around in the remote, deep woods. Mostly because they'll be running from the law.
See, Jason's Christian Youth Camp is different. He believes you shouldn't deny the kids what they're going to do anyway. He will reinforce skills and good behavior with rewards they want and will relate to. Learn to build a fire... maybe you'll get a whistle. Show you can do some Leave No Trace... you'll get food at the end of the day. Do good on the hike... get a bag of dope. There will probably be canteens full of beer as well. Because we all know how healthy that stuff is, not to mention the fact that it's a performance enhancing drug.
He's just a Christian guy trying to instill Christian values... and get lit along the way.
He's going to start a Christian Youth Camp one day. Teaching life skills with a little sprinkling of the good word. Let's not forget that it's a three year commitment. They'll be like nomadic travelers. Roaming around in the remote, deep woods. Mostly because they'll be running from the law.
See, Jason's Christian Youth Camp is different. He believes you shouldn't deny the kids what they're going to do anyway. He will reinforce skills and good behavior with rewards they want and will relate to. Learn to build a fire... maybe you'll get a whistle. Show you can do some Leave No Trace... you'll get food at the end of the day. Do good on the hike... get a bag of dope. There will probably be canteens full of beer as well. Because we all know how healthy that stuff is, not to mention the fact that it's a performance enhancing drug.
He's just a Christian guy trying to instill Christian values... and get lit along the way.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Bike Tour extravaganza
I was just thinking today how it would be fun to ride in the Salt Lake Marathon Bike Tour. Who's in? I know that Paul and Robert are actually running the thing, so I guess they're out. And maybe those pregnant people are out too. So who does that leave??? Chris? Mary?? Come on, who wants to do it with me???
I suppose my grandpa might want to do it. I mean, come on. He did it last year. "...and then they gave me a medal!" said my grandpa, eyes wide with excitement. And I suppose my grandpa might want to do it on a tandem trike thing. Honestly, I'm a little scared of that. So Chris, it's all you.
Well, if you're in or thinking of being in just let me know! Yeah for bike tours!!!
I suppose my grandpa might want to do it. I mean, come on. He did it last year. "...and then they gave me a medal!" said my grandpa, eyes wide with excitement. And I suppose my grandpa might want to do it on a tandem trike thing. Honestly, I'm a little scared of that. So Chris, it's all you.
Well, if you're in or thinking of being in just let me know! Yeah for bike tours!!!
Thursday, March 02, 2006
all that road going
I went on a roadtrip with my roommate to Portland, Oregon:
Saturday: Wake up at 3:15 in the AM! Pick up all the right people and get on the road by 3:30'ish. Sleep. Wake up with half the trip behind us. (Best way to travel!) Continue roadtripping. Arrive in Portland. Heidi and Mary head off to Heidi's grandpa's 80th birthday party. Chelsea and I go to Burgerville in hopes of the best onion rings in the world, but the Walla Walla onions are seasonal and it was a no go. And then. . . taco and game night!!! I'm a new fan of the game 25 Words or Less. Good times, for sure. If the game fairy ever decided to drop it off on our doorstep, I wouldn't complain.
Sunday: Lazy day. Lounge around the house until 1:30 church. Go to church and meet no tree hugging EC's. Come home from church (a wee bit early) and make some dinner. Or have Chelsea make some dinner really. Eat. Lounge some more and then eat a fabulous desert.
Monday: Roadtrip to the coast. We went up through Washington to the northeast corner of Oregon and dropped down into Astoria. We would've climbed the great, big tower to overlook the town and the sea, but it was foggy and it wouldn't have been worth it. We kept driving south to Cannon Beach. Chelsea and I walked along the beach after going to Bruce's candy store. Apparently, the saltwater taffy is the best from Bruce's. We walked down to the famed Haystack Rock where we happened to meet up with Heidi and Mary. It was a fun little coincidence. It started to get a little rainy, so we headed back to the car.
Tuesday: Run in Tryon (amazing!). No wonder some of the best runners have come out of Oregon, it's too pretty not to run in this state! Hit up Powell's book store and got lost among the many books and various rooms -- Rachael, you would love this place! Went out to eat with one of Chelsea's friends and her boyfriend. It was some good Lebanese eatin'.
Wednesday: Hit the road. Made a stop at Multnomah Falls for a short little hike to the top of the falls. Hit the road some more. Made a stop in Pendleton for some gas and to satisfy Jason Latour's list of demands. Really hit the road. We were originally going to leave on Thursday and just drive our faces off. We decided to leave on Wednesday and split up the drive instead. Chelsea Woodbury is a rockstar, though, and powered through the drive. We pulled into the driveway around 12:30AM on Thursday morning. It was quite a trip.
Basically I fell in love with western Oregon. Don't be surprised if you see me packing up all my earthly possessions and heading west. Northwest, that is. I could live in a cute little town off the coast, like Seaside. Or I could see myself in the hills of Portland as well. Maybe in the area around Lewis and Clark College? Either way I would be so close to the beach where I could surf my face off without the SoCal crowds. It's a win-win situation. I am in love.
Yeah for roadtrips!
Saturday: Wake up at 3:15 in the AM! Pick up all the right people and get on the road by 3:30'ish. Sleep. Wake up with half the trip behind us. (Best way to travel!) Continue roadtripping. Arrive in Portland. Heidi and Mary head off to Heidi's grandpa's 80th birthday party. Chelsea and I go to Burgerville in hopes of the best onion rings in the world, but the Walla Walla onions are seasonal and it was a no go. And then. . . taco and game night!!! I'm a new fan of the game 25 Words or Less. Good times, for sure. If the game fairy ever decided to drop it off on our doorstep, I wouldn't complain.
Sunday: Lazy day. Lounge around the house until 1:30 church. Go to church and meet no tree hugging EC's. Come home from church (a wee bit early) and make some dinner. Or have Chelsea make some dinner really. Eat. Lounge some more and then eat a fabulous desert.
Monday: Roadtrip to the coast. We went up through Washington to the northeast corner of Oregon and dropped down into Astoria. We would've climbed the great, big tower to overlook the town and the sea, but it was foggy and it wouldn't have been worth it. We kept driving south to Cannon Beach. Chelsea and I walked along the beach after going to Bruce's candy store. Apparently, the saltwater taffy is the best from Bruce's. We walked down to the famed Haystack Rock where we happened to meet up with Heidi and Mary. It was a fun little coincidence. It started to get a little rainy, so we headed back to the car.
Tuesday: Run in Tryon (amazing!). No wonder some of the best runners have come out of Oregon, it's too pretty not to run in this state! Hit up Powell's book store and got lost among the many books and various rooms -- Rachael, you would love this place! Went out to eat with one of Chelsea's friends and her boyfriend. It was some good Lebanese eatin'.
Wednesday: Hit the road. Made a stop at Multnomah Falls for a short little hike to the top of the falls. Hit the road some more. Made a stop in Pendleton for some gas and to satisfy Jason Latour's list of demands. Really hit the road. We were originally going to leave on Thursday and just drive our faces off. We decided to leave on Wednesday and split up the drive instead. Chelsea Woodbury is a rockstar, though, and powered through the drive. We pulled into the driveway around 12:30AM on Thursday morning. It was quite a trip.
Basically I fell in love with western Oregon. Don't be surprised if you see me packing up all my earthly possessions and heading west. Northwest, that is. I could live in a cute little town off the coast, like Seaside. Or I could see myself in the hills of Portland as well. Maybe in the area around Lewis and Clark College? Either way I would be so close to the beach where I could surf my face off without the SoCal crowds. It's a win-win situation. I am in love.
Yeah for roadtrips!
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Thursday, January 12, 2006
chasing waves
So I'm going to SoCal tomorrow. Okay, technically Mesquite, but then SoCal on Saturday. Too bad I hear it's supposed to be overcast and rainny all weekend. How am I ever supposed to surf my face off all day and all night if it's raining?
Sunday, December 18, 2005
second annual MUD and SURF 2K6!!!!!
Well, kids, it's that time of year again. Time to start thinking about the upcoming Mud Run this June and of course the surfing extravaganza. So, who's in?
I am!
And Mary.
Who else?
We really do need to start thinking about it because we need to register ASAP aka the first part of January. Who wants to be on my team? There will definately be pink jerseys involved. So let me know... STAT!
I'm so excited!!!
Yeah for Mud! And yeah for surfing!!!
I am!
And Mary.
Who else?
We really do need to start thinking about it because we need to register ASAP aka the first part of January. Who wants to be on my team? There will definately be pink jerseys involved. So let me know... STAT!
I'm so excited!!!
Yeah for Mud! And yeah for surfing!!!
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Ambiguous post, but that's how I like it. . .
Don't you hate it when you're counting on someone and then she totally flakes out and it leaves you screwed?
I guess I need to pull together a Plan B, and quick!
I guess I need to pull together a Plan B, and quick!
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
rambly jo
Okay, so as I'm sure most of you have noticed that I haven't really been blogging much lately. Yeah. Who has time for that stuff anyway? I do, but I don't really feel comfortable doing it at work... Shopping online, yeah. But writing a whole bunch of "personal" stuff when anyone could be looking over my shoulder? Heck, no!
So I guess you all may be wondering what I've been up to in my absence. Here's some random tidbits.
I had a Super Cool Sweater party at my house and I took first place for the super coolest sweater (I have a blue ribbon to prove it). I only mention this because a few years ago I went to my friend's Super Cool Sweater party and tied for third place with the same sweater. I felt robbed and am still bitter about it to this day. That blasted Aaron Call and his tightly fitting little girls sweater... blast him! *shaking fist* Just so you know, it was my light blue, sparkly astro-turf sweater.
I've literally devoted my life to backcountry.com as most of you know. Who needs a day off anyway? BCDC for life! I was actually given fifty bucks today because I was one of the people that actually came in everyday--even both Saturday and Sunday-- like we were asked. I guess doing what your boss tells you to do has some perks sometimes. I hear if we stick it out and work all our ten's and the weekend through Christmas we'll get an incentive like this one... I hear it'll be 100 bucks this time. We'll see.
Katie Dickson told me this outrageous story about a man in India who doesn't eat food because he stares at the sun. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around it and will hopefully have more information soon. I will probably devote a whole blog entry to this so get excited. (Becca, I'm sure you'll appreciate it.) Maybe humans are more like plants than we think. Is that possible? Stay tuned to find out...
I started playing soccer again. I'm so happy to be back kicking a ball around with my friends. It's not quite the reunion team, but Jared, Beth, Kevin, James, and Nate are on it so it's a lot of people I have played with at one time or another. It's fun. We're currently the numero uno team. (But don't tell anyone, we're in the lower co-ed division for Thursday nights. It's still fun, though.) And I even score goals. I love running around with a ball at my feet!
I haven't gone skiing yet, but I did buy some telemark skis for under fifty bucks. (Just the skis, mind you.) I have a feeling I might be going a few more times this year than normal. Best day of my life! *subliminal ski nanny message* Because I really love skiing. And I think more people should love skiing too. Especially young people who have time to develop their talents. I love sharing my love of the outdoors and god's creations with others *ski nanny*. Learning to ski can help you in other areas of your life as well. *ski nanny* It is an enriching endevour to say the least. *SKI NANNY* Yeah, anyway. I might be going skiing a few more times this year because I work at BCDC and can get hooked up with comp passes or at least half price passes. Now all I need is a day off...
Oh! I want to take a community class from East High School since it's right up the street from me. I'm trying to choose between a pottery class or this travel writing class for women. Or woodworking. I just don't know! Any suggestions? I just always think to myself that I want to take these classes, so now is the time to do it. I love life-long learning!
My roommate Natalie Cornell is getting married to Michael Bird in a few weeks. She's moving out tomorrow. Tonight we're having a sleepover in the pillow room. Katie Dickson is moving in January to Kansas. I'm going to miss those girls. At least I will still have Rui and Tori. And the two new girls seem way cool. I mean come on, we're going to freaking knit and crochet our faces off! DOMESTIC PARTY!!! Rumor has it Chelsea knows how to make beannies. (Let's be honest, when Katie Dickson tried to teach me a few days ago it didn't go over very well. "I'm going to be honest, I've been kind of avoiding this because I don't really remember how to do it... You just do this and you keep adding rows whenever you want... and then you just make it up, that's what I did." Her beanie did turn out way cute, but come on! Just "make it up?!")
Oh my gosh! Barb and Neil came over on Monday night to talk to the new girls. They stayed way too long because we all know how they love to talk. But they did tell us the story of our house. I guess some lady built the house in like 1978 and she lived there with her sister because she never got married. So basically we live in this Old Maid house... not a good sign. But there's hope, the story get's better--When this lady was like in her seventies she got married... to her dead sisters husband! Can you believe that? Don't worry, though, I'm not planning to marry Cade, Robert, Paul, or Chris in the event of any of my sister's deaths. Sorry guys! But yeah, I love my house.
Um, I found out last night that this guy in my ward has a blog too. He has mono. And he blogs about it. Check it out at www.ihavemono.blogspot.com
Is anyone even still reading this?
To anyone who cares, Marcus Wright is on the outs. It's about time, though. I've been holding on to this idea for far too long. We just don't have that spark. And I need some spark in my life.
I met a boy online. It's the second guy from ldslinkup I've ever met. The first time it turned out really well (let's get a shout out for Mike Eastman!) and I think this guy seems pretty cool too. I'm still not sure how I feel about online dating. I don't want to tell my kids I met their father on the internet, but I guess it is more socially accepted now days. Besides, it really just widens your social circle. But this guy seems very interesting and I pretty much might be going to Nepal with him in the spring. *I hope!* Yeah, he just seems like a cool guy. We'll see.
Oh, but I do want to tell y'all about the place he took me to. It's called One World Cafe. It's on 300 East inbetween South Temple and 100 South. Go there. Basically there is no menu or prices for the food. They cook everything fresh that day and it is all organic and from local places (ie they have a donated plot where they grow a lot of the food). The goal of the people who own this place is to end hunger. If you don't have any money you can go work there for an hour and in exchange get a hot meal. If you do have money you pay whatever you feel the food is worth, or you pay what you can. It's such a cool idea and such a cool place. I had heard about it before and always wanted to go so I was excited when he suggested we go there. There's a really cool ambiance as well. I really do urge everyone to go support this place. It's a social experiment and a testament to the human spirit. It's a magical place.
Well, I'm here at the Marriot Library with Rui and Katie. Everyone else here is probably way stressed and freaking out about their last finals or that fifty page paper they've procrastinated to this, the very last minute. I guess sometimes it's a good thing to be all gradumatated. Though I do miss being in school... sometimes.
Okay, enough!
So I guess you all may be wondering what I've been up to in my absence. Here's some random tidbits.
I had a Super Cool Sweater party at my house and I took first place for the super coolest sweater (I have a blue ribbon to prove it). I only mention this because a few years ago I went to my friend's Super Cool Sweater party and tied for third place with the same sweater. I felt robbed and am still bitter about it to this day. That blasted Aaron Call and his tightly fitting little girls sweater... blast him! *shaking fist* Just so you know, it was my light blue, sparkly astro-turf sweater.
I've literally devoted my life to backcountry.com as most of you know. Who needs a day off anyway? BCDC for life! I was actually given fifty bucks today because I was one of the people that actually came in everyday--even both Saturday and Sunday-- like we were asked. I guess doing what your boss tells you to do has some perks sometimes. I hear if we stick it out and work all our ten's and the weekend through Christmas we'll get an incentive like this one... I hear it'll be 100 bucks this time. We'll see.
Katie Dickson told me this outrageous story about a man in India who doesn't eat food because he stares at the sun. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around it and will hopefully have more information soon. I will probably devote a whole blog entry to this so get excited. (Becca, I'm sure you'll appreciate it.) Maybe humans are more like plants than we think. Is that possible? Stay tuned to find out...
I started playing soccer again. I'm so happy to be back kicking a ball around with my friends. It's not quite the reunion team, but Jared, Beth, Kevin, James, and Nate are on it so it's a lot of people I have played with at one time or another. It's fun. We're currently the numero uno team. (But don't tell anyone, we're in the lower co-ed division for Thursday nights. It's still fun, though.) And I even score goals. I love running around with a ball at my feet!
I haven't gone skiing yet, but I did buy some telemark skis for under fifty bucks. (Just the skis, mind you.) I have a feeling I might be going a few more times this year than normal. Best day of my life! *subliminal ski nanny message* Because I really love skiing. And I think more people should love skiing too. Especially young people who have time to develop their talents. I love sharing my love of the outdoors and god's creations with others *ski nanny*. Learning to ski can help you in other areas of your life as well. *ski nanny* It is an enriching endevour to say the least. *SKI NANNY* Yeah, anyway. I might be going skiing a few more times this year because I work at BCDC and can get hooked up with comp passes or at least half price passes. Now all I need is a day off...
Oh! I want to take a community class from East High School since it's right up the street from me. I'm trying to choose between a pottery class or this travel writing class for women. Or woodworking. I just don't know! Any suggestions? I just always think to myself that I want to take these classes, so now is the time to do it. I love life-long learning!
My roommate Natalie Cornell is getting married to Michael Bird in a few weeks. She's moving out tomorrow. Tonight we're having a sleepover in the pillow room. Katie Dickson is moving in January to Kansas. I'm going to miss those girls. At least I will still have Rui and Tori. And the two new girls seem way cool. I mean come on, we're going to freaking knit and crochet our faces off! DOMESTIC PARTY!!! Rumor has it Chelsea knows how to make beannies. (Let's be honest, when Katie Dickson tried to teach me a few days ago it didn't go over very well. "I'm going to be honest, I've been kind of avoiding this because I don't really remember how to do it... You just do this and you keep adding rows whenever you want... and then you just make it up, that's what I did." Her beanie did turn out way cute, but come on! Just "make it up?!")
Oh my gosh! Barb and Neil came over on Monday night to talk to the new girls. They stayed way too long because we all know how they love to talk. But they did tell us the story of our house. I guess some lady built the house in like 1978 and she lived there with her sister because she never got married. So basically we live in this Old Maid house... not a good sign. But there's hope, the story get's better--When this lady was like in her seventies she got married... to her dead sisters husband! Can you believe that? Don't worry, though, I'm not planning to marry Cade, Robert, Paul, or Chris in the event of any of my sister's deaths. Sorry guys! But yeah, I love my house.
Um, I found out last night that this guy in my ward has a blog too. He has mono. And he blogs about it. Check it out at www.ihavemono.blogspot.com
Is anyone even still reading this?
To anyone who cares, Marcus Wright is on the outs. It's about time, though. I've been holding on to this idea for far too long. We just don't have that spark. And I need some spark in my life.
I met a boy online. It's the second guy from ldslinkup I've ever met. The first time it turned out really well (let's get a shout out for Mike Eastman!) and I think this guy seems pretty cool too. I'm still not sure how I feel about online dating. I don't want to tell my kids I met their father on the internet, but I guess it is more socially accepted now days. Besides, it really just widens your social circle. But this guy seems very interesting and I pretty much might be going to Nepal with him in the spring. *I hope!* Yeah, he just seems like a cool guy. We'll see.
Oh, but I do want to tell y'all about the place he took me to. It's called One World Cafe. It's on 300 East inbetween South Temple and 100 South. Go there. Basically there is no menu or prices for the food. They cook everything fresh that day and it is all organic and from local places (ie they have a donated plot where they grow a lot of the food). The goal of the people who own this place is to end hunger. If you don't have any money you can go work there for an hour and in exchange get a hot meal. If you do have money you pay whatever you feel the food is worth, or you pay what you can. It's such a cool idea and such a cool place. I had heard about it before and always wanted to go so I was excited when he suggested we go there. There's a really cool ambiance as well. I really do urge everyone to go support this place. It's a social experiment and a testament to the human spirit. It's a magical place.
Well, I'm here at the Marriot Library with Rui and Katie. Everyone else here is probably way stressed and freaking out about their last finals or that fifty page paper they've procrastinated to this, the very last minute. I guess sometimes it's a good thing to be all gradumatated. Though I do miss being in school... sometimes.
Okay, enough!
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
The choice for me is gossip free!
You can tell this place is run by a man. Trying to solve one problem by creating a new one...
I don't think they've really thought things through, either. But I have. What's going to happen when you pull everyone over from Returns (even Anna Jo, the GearTrade Specialist) to help with Shipping? A huge backup of returns sitting in carts just waiting for someone to do something with them. AKA people are going to be pissed because they sent that stupid North Face shirt that they just didn't like back a month ago and why hasn't their card been creditted, they wonder? So we get behind and have to work overtime just to get caught up (this is what happened last month... a lot of stress on us poor little employees). But what's even better about this is that once Christmas is over the returns are going to come pouring in! Multiply this little problem exponentially!
To top it all off they have us working nearly 70 hours a week. Yes, that's true. Literally everyday of my life is now going to be dedicated to this stupid place. I hope they're prepared to deal with high rates of employee burn-out. Why can't they just hire more seasonal employees you may be wondering? Well, that would just make too much sense.
But I'm not complaining (even though I am); the overtime pay will be really nice.
I don't think they've really thought things through, either. But I have. What's going to happen when you pull everyone over from Returns (even Anna Jo, the GearTrade Specialist) to help with Shipping? A huge backup of returns sitting in carts just waiting for someone to do something with them. AKA people are going to be pissed because they sent that stupid North Face shirt that they just didn't like back a month ago and why hasn't their card been creditted, they wonder? So we get behind and have to work overtime just to get caught up (this is what happened last month... a lot of stress on us poor little employees). But what's even better about this is that once Christmas is over the returns are going to come pouring in! Multiply this little problem exponentially!
To top it all off they have us working nearly 70 hours a week. Yes, that's true. Literally everyday of my life is now going to be dedicated to this stupid place. I hope they're prepared to deal with high rates of employee burn-out. Why can't they just hire more seasonal employees you may be wondering? Well, that would just make too much sense.
But I'm not complaining (even though I am); the overtime pay will be really nice.
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Irresponsible pet ownership
Lisa Bayley and Adam Buchanan want to get a dog. In fact, they're moving out of their apartment so they can. They're planning on getting a puppy from someone they know in three months. The only problem is that they want a dog now. So they're getting one. They asked Tori the other day if she thought I would want to take the dog in three months since they'd be getting the puppy. I just don't understand. Dogs aren't things you can disregard when something better comes along. They're a living, breathing animal. It all kind of saddened me.
Oh, and I would love to take the dog in three months if only Barb and Neil would let me!
Oh, and I would love to take the dog in three months if only Barb and Neil would let me!
Friday, October 28, 2005
Warehouse Therapy
As some of you may know, Katie Dickson and I have dedicated ourselves to Backcountry.com. Have you ever heard of Wilderness Therapy? Yeah, well we're doing Warehouse Therapy. It's much the same concept except you're not out in the wilderness for an extended amount of time trying to survive. There isn't even much time for journaling. (Unless you do it on one of your many breaks, I suppose.) I'm not even sure the benefits are the same. Instead of truly finding who you are and your sense of place in the world, you are making money. That's right, cold hard cash.
Yesterday was our first actual day of Warehouse Therapy. We got to work while it was still dark outside--6:30 in the AM--and left when it was dark--9:30 in the PM. Luckily the weather was nice enough during our first lunch break to eat outside. I don't think I can go a whole day without seeing the sun. Ever.
But the overtime pay will be nice. And basically that is why I have become such a hardcore, die-hard employee. Not to mention the sweet gear deals.
So the consensus is that Warehouse Therapy isn't even all that bad. What I do in the whole scheme of things is actually pretty chill and I even get to listen to the radio (yesterday and today 101.9 The End has been talking about Ghost Stories on their morning show... and we all know how I love ghost stories!) or CD's if I would remember to bring them. And time doesn't drag on how it sometimes might while you're at work.
The best part about this is that Katie Dickson and Anna Cleverly have become working women. We're the two in our house that have been unemployed for extended periods of time recently, just going wherever the wind has blown us. It's nice to be rooted. In a warehouse. Or something.
Yesterday was our first actual day of Warehouse Therapy. We got to work while it was still dark outside--6:30 in the AM--and left when it was dark--9:30 in the PM. Luckily the weather was nice enough during our first lunch break to eat outside. I don't think I can go a whole day without seeing the sun. Ever.
But the overtime pay will be nice. And basically that is why I have become such a hardcore, die-hard employee. Not to mention the sweet gear deals.
So the consensus is that Warehouse Therapy isn't even all that bad. What I do in the whole scheme of things is actually pretty chill and I even get to listen to the radio (yesterday and today 101.9 The End has been talking about Ghost Stories on their morning show... and we all know how I love ghost stories!) or CD's if I would remember to bring them. And time doesn't drag on how it sometimes might while you're at work.
The best part about this is that Katie Dickson and Anna Cleverly have become working women. We're the two in our house that have been unemployed for extended periods of time recently, just going wherever the wind has blown us. It's nice to be rooted. In a warehouse. Or something.
One funny story from work today: Some little old lady from who-knows-where sent Greg (the customer service guy) and the whole warehouse some sort of nut candy type something and some garlic/cashiew mix she had apparently made herself. They were packaged in the same box she was returning some
climbing shoes in. Everyone was scared to eat it because who knows if it was laced with arsenic. I guess she really appreciated the service. Or she is just bored and lonely. Anyway, it made for a good laugh. Thank you, Claire David, wherever you are.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
An update on Don, the guy with the cat (AKA Don, the guy to avoid)
I guess Robert was right. Do we all remember the guy who fell in love with me in Texas? Don? Well, I thought I had made him pretty aware that there was a guy back home in Salt Lake City that I was dating and really liked a lot. I thought he was aware that whatever was going on with us was purely a friendship. Besides, he lives in Texas and I live in Utah. What would be the point? So I was okay with keeping in contact with the guy. I believe he's in my life for a reason, just not a romantic one. My brother-in-law, on the other hand thought he was still trying to weasel in on me.
So Don calls me on the phone fairly regularly. I often don't answer when he calls, but sometimes I do. We email. And sometimes we chat on MSN Messenger. So we have kept in touch. I thought he was still aware of my feelings for a certain boy here in town. But I get an email the other day, and he flat out tells me that he likes me. He wants to know what I think about that.
What do I think about that? Hello, of course I know he likes me. I knew that from day one. Okay, maybe day two. But I seriously thought he was on board with the friendship thing. I like someone else. Isn't that obvious? It should be, because I've flat out told him about Marcus Wright.
So Don calls me on the phone fairly regularly. I often don't answer when he calls, but sometimes I do. We email. And sometimes we chat on MSN Messenger. So we have kept in touch. I thought he was still aware of my feelings for a certain boy here in town. But I get an email the other day, and he flat out tells me that he likes me. He wants to know what I think about that.
What do I think about that? Hello, of course I know he likes me. I knew that from day one. Okay, maybe day two. But I seriously thought he was on board with the friendship thing. I like someone else. Isn't that obvious? It should be, because I've flat out told him about Marcus Wright.
I got oats on my head but don't call me an oat-head
I woke up late this morning. I was tricked into going to FHE in a BYU ward last night and didn't get home until well past my new bedtime. I was tired.
I went to my cupboard to get out the oatmeal. The canister is too tall to stand upright on the shelf, so I have to lay it down on it's side. Apparently the lid doesn't stay on too well. As I grabbed the oatmeal, oats started spilling out everywhere. There were oats on the one and only chair, oats on the floor, even oats in my hair! I did not have time for it. I swept it up, made breakfast, threw a lunch together, and was out the door in a reasonable amount of time. Katie Dickson asked me when I got in the car what was in my hair. Was it leaves? No. Oats.
It's nice to go to work every morning with your roommate. Especially your roommate wtih a car. (Tomorrow I have to ride out there on the bus, which means leaving my house about an hour earlier. . . oy vei!) Today it was my turn to drive. After I had pulled out of the driveway Katie turned to me and said, "You can listen to whatever you want." So I took that as I can listen to whatever I want. So I turned it to my favorite radio program, X96's Radio From Hell. After a minute of listening she turns to me again and says, "Do you want to listen to this?" As if it was by accident that I purposely changed it to this station and didn't really want to listen to it at all. I told her that I did in fact want to listen to this station and that I don't even like it when they play music--I just like to listen to Kerry, Bill, and Gina talk! I told her to give it a try and maybe she'd like it. She informed me when we got to work that she didn't. I think there will be more listening to my favorite morning radio program in the future if I'm ever given control. I'm sure it will be more out of spite than anything else.
Oh what a morning it was. . .
I went to my cupboard to get out the oatmeal. The canister is too tall to stand upright on the shelf, so I have to lay it down on it's side. Apparently the lid doesn't stay on too well. As I grabbed the oatmeal, oats started spilling out everywhere. There were oats on the one and only chair, oats on the floor, even oats in my hair! I did not have time for it. I swept it up, made breakfast, threw a lunch together, and was out the door in a reasonable amount of time. Katie Dickson asked me when I got in the car what was in my hair. Was it leaves? No. Oats.
It's nice to go to work every morning with your roommate. Especially your roommate wtih a car. (Tomorrow I have to ride out there on the bus, which means leaving my house about an hour earlier. . . oy vei!) Today it was my turn to drive. After I had pulled out of the driveway Katie turned to me and said, "You can listen to whatever you want." So I took that as I can listen to whatever I want. So I turned it to my favorite radio program, X96's Radio From Hell. After a minute of listening she turns to me again and says, "Do you want to listen to this?" As if it was by accident that I purposely changed it to this station and didn't really want to listen to it at all. I told her that I did in fact want to listen to this station and that I don't even like it when they play music--I just like to listen to Kerry, Bill, and Gina talk! I told her to give it a try and maybe she'd like it. She informed me when we got to work that she didn't. I think there will be more listening to my favorite morning radio program in the future if I'm ever given control. I'm sure it will be more out of spite than anything else.
Oh what a morning it was. . .
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
What's the color of YOUR collar?
I would like to think my collar is a nice shade of light blue. Yes, it's true I do work in a building with no windows and things that could fall on your head, but I also get to sit at a computer. . . So maybe I'm somewhere inbetween blue and white, perhaps a lovely [insert fabulous shade of blue here]?
Monday, October 10, 2005
#47. Go to Havasupai. CHECK!
Virgil Ash would be so proud. After 22 years (okay, so only after about 5 years but the story gets bigger every time I tell it) I finally made it to the Grand Canyon. Havasupai to be more precise. Thank you, Virg, for sparking the dream!
It truly is a tropical paradise in the desert. I fell in love with the brilliant orange cliffs and the amazingly clear greenish-blue water. I know the pictures won't do it justice.
We started out on Thursday with a fun little road trip to Kingman, AZ. After driving up and down Route 66 looking for a cheap motel (But one with a hot tub. Hey, we have standards.) we settled on the Quality Inn. We woke up early the next morning to find that Cyndi had gotten sick. Food poisoning? Stomach Flu? Whatever it was, it was not good for a ten mile hike into the Grand Canyon.
From Kingman it was about another hour and a half to the trail head. Once we got there we discussed what we would do with Cyndi. Should she go in her state? Would she even be able to carry her pack? She would need electrolytes and fluids. So we decided to put her pack on the helicopter (for a $20 fee) and she would just hike down with a daypack full of water, gatorade, and toilet paper. She realized halfway down the trail that every time a helicopter flew over head she would need to high-tale it to a bush quick! I guess Pavlov and his dog were on to something with that whole operant conditioning thing. Pretty funny, in that sad-for-Cyndi sort of way.
The hike was long. It took us six hours. My feet were aching by the end and I don't think any of us were in a very happy mood. We rolled into camp around 6 o'clock and by then it was already dark. We were informed by some tourists in the village of Supai that it gets dark at 5:30pm. They were right it turns out. So we found our group, set up camp, made some Pad Thai, and pretty much went to bed.
The next morning we went on a little hike to Mooney falls. Cyndi stayed at camp for this one. Too bad, because she really missed out! The falls weren't too far from the campground, and we could've gone on a longer hike to some other falls (the rest of our bigger group did that) but I was more concerned with playing in the amazing water than hiking. The approach to this waterfall was cool. You had to climb down through this rock tunnel and down some old ladders that had been placed. Closer to the bottom it got really slippery and wet from the mist and spray of the waterfall. It was actually kind of scary, but well worth it.
The water was a little cold, but not too cold to keep us out of there. We jumped off little waterfalls into pools of water and splashed around in the larger pool. The waterfall was amazing.
After our hike back up through the rock we went back to camp. Cyndi was nowhere to be found. We just figured she was in the bathroom. It turns out she was at Havasu falls, bathing. A funny thing about our sick friend, Cyndi. She was famous among the bigger group in camp, but also mysterious. No one had seen her, only heard about her and how hardcore she was for hiking down there in her condition. Later that afternoon she was feeling better, though, and she was up and about and went with us to play in Havasu falls so everyone got a good look at her. We were hoping to sneak her in and out of camp undetected. Oh well.
Havasu falls was awesome! There were so many little pools to sit in and we were brave enough to swim out to the big waterfall and climb up on these rocks behind it. We actually got to jump into the waterfall from behind! Too much fun. Y'all should see my pictures sometime.
The last night we camped in Havasupai was spent in battle against raccoons.
"What's that noise?"
[Maggie or Tori proceed to bang on tent]
"Cyndi?"
"Yeah?"
Did you leave your backpack out?"
"Yeah..."
Somehow those rascally guys got into her pack and pulled out some trail mix. At least they didn't shove her pack into the river like they did to Maggie last year. I think she's still bitter about that one. But we had to wake up at 5 am anyway to get out on the trail, so the battle had to end. We took down camp and were on the go before the sun even came up.
Luckily Cyndi felt much better by this time. What took us 6 hours to hike down only took us 4.5 hours to hike up. I guess things move a lot quicker when you don't have to duck behind a bush every ten minutes. The hike wasn't bad until that last push straight up the mountain. But we buckled down and did it. Yeah for Havasupai!!!
The ride home was fun. . . I got to spend nine fun-filled hours with some of my favorite people. Mags played DJ and gave us our own little personal concert/DJ mix and Cyndi drove the whole way home. I got to sit in the back and eat food. Life is great sometimes.
In true girls camp fashion we gave each other "awards" of sorts. This is what we came up with:
CYNDI - Trip Trooper - I am amazed that anyone could hike that with food poisoning and still have such a good attitude!
ANNA - Trip Hippie - My "Do it for love!" motto was in full effect, and I ate anything that was offered to me, and I was all about the environment and LNT on the trail.
TORI - Trip Guru - She thought of everything and thought ahead to any possible situation. She's a smarty-pants!
MAGGIE - Trip Mom (or Trip Nazi) - Some might say trip nazi, but really she was the one to get things done and make a decision. She really helped out with Cyndi and was just totally there for her in her time of need.
So plans are in the works for a trip next spring, we couldn't wait a whole other year. I hear my eternal crush, Christian Sabey wants to come. . . If I had only known! So yeah, Havasupai. A tropical paradise in the desert. Pure love.
It truly is a tropical paradise in the desert. I fell in love with the brilliant orange cliffs and the amazingly clear greenish-blue water. I know the pictures won't do it justice.
We started out on Thursday with a fun little road trip to Kingman, AZ. After driving up and down Route 66 looking for a cheap motel (But one with a hot tub. Hey, we have standards.) we settled on the Quality Inn. We woke up early the next morning to find that Cyndi had gotten sick. Food poisoning? Stomach Flu? Whatever it was, it was not good for a ten mile hike into the Grand Canyon.
From Kingman it was about another hour and a half to the trail head. Once we got there we discussed what we would do with Cyndi. Should she go in her state? Would she even be able to carry her pack? She would need electrolytes and fluids. So we decided to put her pack on the helicopter (for a $20 fee) and she would just hike down with a daypack full of water, gatorade, and toilet paper. She realized halfway down the trail that every time a helicopter flew over head she would need to high-tale it to a bush quick! I guess Pavlov and his dog were on to something with that whole operant conditioning thing. Pretty funny, in that sad-for-Cyndi sort of way.
The hike was long. It took us six hours. My feet were aching by the end and I don't think any of us were in a very happy mood. We rolled into camp around 6 o'clock and by then it was already dark. We were informed by some tourists in the village of Supai that it gets dark at 5:30pm. They were right it turns out. So we found our group, set up camp, made some Pad Thai, and pretty much went to bed.
The next morning we went on a little hike to Mooney falls. Cyndi stayed at camp for this one. Too bad, because she really missed out! The falls weren't too far from the campground, and we could've gone on a longer hike to some other falls (the rest of our bigger group did that) but I was more concerned with playing in the amazing water than hiking. The approach to this waterfall was cool. You had to climb down through this rock tunnel and down some old ladders that had been placed. Closer to the bottom it got really slippery and wet from the mist and spray of the waterfall. It was actually kind of scary, but well worth it.
The water was a little cold, but not too cold to keep us out of there. We jumped off little waterfalls into pools of water and splashed around in the larger pool. The waterfall was amazing.
After our hike back up through the rock we went back to camp. Cyndi was nowhere to be found. We just figured she was in the bathroom. It turns out she was at Havasu falls, bathing. A funny thing about our sick friend, Cyndi. She was famous among the bigger group in camp, but also mysterious. No one had seen her, only heard about her and how hardcore she was for hiking down there in her condition. Later that afternoon she was feeling better, though, and she was up and about and went with us to play in Havasu falls so everyone got a good look at her. We were hoping to sneak her in and out of camp undetected. Oh well.
Havasu falls was awesome! There were so many little pools to sit in and we were brave enough to swim out to the big waterfall and climb up on these rocks behind it. We actually got to jump into the waterfall from behind! Too much fun. Y'all should see my pictures sometime.
The last night we camped in Havasupai was spent in battle against raccoons.
"What's that noise?"
[Maggie or Tori proceed to bang on tent]
"Cyndi?"
"Yeah?"
Did you leave your backpack out?"
"Yeah..."
Somehow those rascally guys got into her pack and pulled out some trail mix. At least they didn't shove her pack into the river like they did to Maggie last year. I think she's still bitter about that one. But we had to wake up at 5 am anyway to get out on the trail, so the battle had to end. We took down camp and were on the go before the sun even came up.
Luckily Cyndi felt much better by this time. What took us 6 hours to hike down only took us 4.5 hours to hike up. I guess things move a lot quicker when you don't have to duck behind a bush every ten minutes. The hike wasn't bad until that last push straight up the mountain. But we buckled down and did it. Yeah for Havasupai!!!
The ride home was fun. . . I got to spend nine fun-filled hours with some of my favorite people. Mags played DJ and gave us our own little personal concert/DJ mix and Cyndi drove the whole way home. I got to sit in the back and eat food. Life is great sometimes.
In true girls camp fashion we gave each other "awards" of sorts. This is what we came up with:
CYNDI - Trip Trooper - I am amazed that anyone could hike that with food poisoning and still have such a good attitude!
ANNA - Trip Hippie - My "Do it for love!" motto was in full effect, and I ate anything that was offered to me, and I was all about the environment and LNT on the trail.
TORI - Trip Guru - She thought of everything and thought ahead to any possible situation. She's a smarty-pants!
MAGGIE - Trip Mom (or Trip Nazi) - Some might say trip nazi, but really she was the one to get things done and make a decision. She really helped out with Cyndi and was just totally there for her in her time of need.
So plans are in the works for a trip next spring, we couldn't wait a whole other year. I hear my eternal crush, Christian Sabey wants to come. . . If I had only known! So yeah, Havasupai. A tropical paradise in the desert. Pure love.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
An update of sorts
I haven't posted in a while. I'm not around a computer that often and when I am it seems I can't find the words. But here I am, groping for the words anyway. . .
The day I got home from Sabbatical I went on the annual Ruth Lake hike with my dad and Eliza and Paul. I'm glad we started that tradition; it's a good excuse for a scenic fall drive and a photo on the fridge. Later that night I went on a hot date. Life back amongst the mountains is good.
I've settled into the new house. Once again there is a good dynamic between roommates. There's a good vibe to the place even if we don't have much furniture. Come sit in our hammock or watch a movie in our pillow room. We're simple people striving to live sustainable lives. I wish we had a garden.
I still haven't found a job. Well, I haven't been looking too hard yet. Last week I was busy unpacking and organizing and resting for "the big race." It turns out I got a little bit o' the stomach flu. I guess that's not too good the week of a marathon. But I resolve to do better. As soon as I stop procrastinating (Read: writing blogs and such) I am looking for that danged job!
Even though I fell short of my goal time, the weekend in St George was really fun. We stayed with my dear friend and ex-roommate, Maria Nelson and her family. Mary and I got to sleep in the magnet bed (I swear I could feel my blood circulating better!). Gloria Staci even made a brief appearance! What more could you ask for?
So now it's the start of another week. Yesterday I got my hair dyed by my friend and also ex-roommate Lisa Bayley Buchanan. (Or just Lisa Bayley for short) I'm looking quite sassy.
Last night we all went rock climbing up Big Cottonwood Canyon for FHE. And by "we" I mean me, Lisa Bayley and her husband Adam, Tori, and this Brett kid. I was a little worried as I was hiking down the trail and crossing the river--my legs still hurt from the run and it is hard to walk up and down stairs let alone a rock face! But, surprisingly, while I was on the rock the legs didn't hurt at all. I like this new FHE tradition complete with lesson (usually to do with something relating rock climbing to the gospel, but this week it was about marathon running), activity (rock climbing for now, snow shoeing in the near future) and treat!
I'm going to Havasupai in a few days. I'll get to cross yet another thing off of my list of things to do before I die. I'm excited. It's a tropical paradise in the desert. I get to share it with good friends. Life is so dang good!
Okay, I think I've probably rambled enough about the last week of my life. Now I need to focus. . .
The day I got home from Sabbatical I went on the annual Ruth Lake hike with my dad and Eliza and Paul. I'm glad we started that tradition; it's a good excuse for a scenic fall drive and a photo on the fridge. Later that night I went on a hot date. Life back amongst the mountains is good.
I've settled into the new house. Once again there is a good dynamic between roommates. There's a good vibe to the place even if we don't have much furniture. Come sit in our hammock or watch a movie in our pillow room. We're simple people striving to live sustainable lives. I wish we had a garden.
I still haven't found a job. Well, I haven't been looking too hard yet. Last week I was busy unpacking and organizing and resting for "the big race." It turns out I got a little bit o' the stomach flu. I guess that's not too good the week of a marathon. But I resolve to do better. As soon as I stop procrastinating (Read: writing blogs and such) I am looking for that danged job!
Even though I fell short of my goal time, the weekend in St George was really fun. We stayed with my dear friend and ex-roommate, Maria Nelson and her family. Mary and I got to sleep in the magnet bed (I swear I could feel my blood circulating better!). Gloria Staci even made a brief appearance! What more could you ask for?
So now it's the start of another week. Yesterday I got my hair dyed by my friend and also ex-roommate Lisa Bayley Buchanan. (Or just Lisa Bayley for short) I'm looking quite sassy.
Last night we all went rock climbing up Big Cottonwood Canyon for FHE. And by "we" I mean me, Lisa Bayley and her husband Adam, Tori, and this Brett kid. I was a little worried as I was hiking down the trail and crossing the river--my legs still hurt from the run and it is hard to walk up and down stairs let alone a rock face! But, surprisingly, while I was on the rock the legs didn't hurt at all. I like this new FHE tradition complete with lesson (usually to do with something relating rock climbing to the gospel, but this week it was about marathon running), activity (rock climbing for now, snow shoeing in the near future) and treat!
I'm going to Havasupai in a few days. I'll get to cross yet another thing off of my list of things to do before I die. I'm excited. It's a tropical paradise in the desert. I get to share it with good friends. Life is so dang good!
Okay, I think I've probably rambled enough about the last week of my life. Now I need to focus. . .
Friday, September 23, 2005
Sabbatical: At the end of it all
My sabbatical is over. I'm at the end of my journey. Tomorrow I'll be home.
It's weird to think that practically a month has gone by. Time moves too quickly. I just got here. But practically a month has gone by and now it is time for me to leave. I wish I could tuck the wee one in my carry-on luggage because I am going to miss her terribly. I'll miss the toddler as well but not the abuse. Dangit, I'm going to miss my sister and Hobear too! Can't they all just fly back home with me?
When I got here I didn't really know why I had come, other than I had an opportunity to. I felt I probably had something to learn here, but I didn't know what. Maybe these are some reasons why I came. . .
It's weird to think that practically a month has gone by. Time moves too quickly. I just got here. But practically a month has gone by and now it is time for me to leave. I wish I could tuck the wee one in my carry-on luggage because I am going to miss her terribly. I'll miss the toddler as well but not the abuse. Dangit, I'm going to miss my sister and Hobear too! Can't they all just fly back home with me?
When I got here I didn't really know why I had come, other than I had an opportunity to. I felt I probably had something to learn here, but I didn't know what. Maybe these are some reasons why I came. . .
- Volunteering with the American Red Cross in the Katrina Relief effort
- Playing ultimate with Hyzer Soze -- not only did I meet some awesome people, but they needed me to play in that Sectionals Tournament in Austin pretty badly!
- Babies
- Learning from other people's relationships -- before I say yes to any marriage proposal, I will make sure to ask such important questions as "what are your feelings on tepid water?" etc.
- Missionary opportunities -- maybe Don was placed in my path for a reason
- Reality TV! I think I'm all caught up now and won't have to watch tv for the rest of my life! (especially children's programming!)
- The appreciation of vast expanses of open sky and flat plains
- Many many more valuable lessons that will help me in the road of life. . .
So with that I encourage everyone to take a step back from their daily routine and go on their own sabbatical of sorts. Sometimes you don't even have to travel very far to realize that everything you love is close to home; but that the great big world has a lot of amazing things to offer as well.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Felines make for great traveling companions
The Austin Roadtrip 2K5 was a lot of fun. Thunder Jones and I sat comfortably in the back while Don drove and Colby played navigator. We played the Who-is-this-band-and/or-artist game, and a few missed turns later we eventually got to Austin.
We didn't get much sleep on Friday night. We rolled into town late and had to be at the fields early the next morning. I'm just glad we got to stay at Don's Dad's house. Though I hear that the people staying at Mike's parents had a hot breakfast in the morning and his mom made them dinner as well. But what can you do? He did buy us all Gatorade, which was pretty nice of him.
After a full day of ultimate, we went back to the house sweaty and stinky. We took showers and then went with Vijay and Lars out to eat. We went to Chuy's, a fun mexican restaurant with sanitized silverware and blessed food. Afterwards we went and rented Memento from Blockbuster and vegged out on the couch. That's pretty much all we had energy for. I had a lot of fun hanging out with Don, Vijay, and Lars, though. (Colby was at the UT football game with his cousin) They're pretty funny guys. Then by ten o'clock we were all in bed. It was a pretty wild night! I guess I didn't get to experience all that Austin has to offer. Like 6th Street with all the bars. Maybe next time... (or when I'm 76 and going on roadtrips with my sister in her motorhome!)
We had another full day of ultimate on Sunday. We were all planning on only two games, but we surprisingly won the first one so we got to play a third. I'm glad we lost that one, though, because I can tell you right now I didn't have a fourth game in me!
After the tournament we went back to the house and showered before we headed out of town. Since I was with a bunch of boys I had to sit there and watch football while everyone took turns showering. Not so much fun. But then we got to nap. So much fun!
Don and I were conspiring to either ditch Colby or just hijack him and head for the coast. I thought it was a really good idea until I found out it was just the Gulf and there aren't any big waves in the gulf which means no surfing. It just wasn't worth the extra three hour drive (one way) for no waves to play in.
So Austin is a pretty cool place. I really liked it. If it weren't so bloody hot and humid I would probably live there. Or I would just deal with the heat and humidity and hopefully get used to it. But I'm not looking to move to Texas anytime soon, so...
We didn't get much sleep on Friday night. We rolled into town late and had to be at the fields early the next morning. I'm just glad we got to stay at Don's Dad's house. Though I hear that the people staying at Mike's parents had a hot breakfast in the morning and his mom made them dinner as well. But what can you do? He did buy us all Gatorade, which was pretty nice of him.
After a full day of ultimate, we went back to the house sweaty and stinky. We took showers and then went with Vijay and Lars out to eat. We went to Chuy's, a fun mexican restaurant with sanitized silverware and blessed food. Afterwards we went and rented Memento from Blockbuster and vegged out on the couch. That's pretty much all we had energy for. I had a lot of fun hanging out with Don, Vijay, and Lars, though. (Colby was at the UT football game with his cousin) They're pretty funny guys. Then by ten o'clock we were all in bed. It was a pretty wild night! I guess I didn't get to experience all that Austin has to offer. Like 6th Street with all the bars. Maybe next time... (or when I'm 76 and going on roadtrips with my sister in her motorhome!)
We had another full day of ultimate on Sunday. We were all planning on only two games, but we surprisingly won the first one so we got to play a third. I'm glad we lost that one, though, because I can tell you right now I didn't have a fourth game in me!
After the tournament we went back to the house and showered before we headed out of town. Since I was with a bunch of boys I had to sit there and watch football while everyone took turns showering. Not so much fun. But then we got to nap. So much fun!
Don and I were conspiring to either ditch Colby or just hijack him and head for the coast. I thought it was a really good idea until I found out it was just the Gulf and there aren't any big waves in the gulf which means no surfing. It just wasn't worth the extra three hour drive (one way) for no waves to play in.
So Austin is a pretty cool place. I really liked it. If it weren't so bloody hot and humid I would probably live there. Or I would just deal with the heat and humidity and hopefully get used to it. But I'm not looking to move to Texas anytime soon, so...
Monday, September 12, 2005
Destination: Boston 2006
Last year I got a crazy idea. Why not try and qualify for Boston? I mean, my PR is only 15 minutes off the qualifying time and that's when I wasn't even really trying. (I swear it was the plyometrics!) So 2005 was going to be the year to do it. I would have two chances: Salt Lake in the spring, and if that didn't go well then I'd shoot for St George that fall.
Well, Salt lake didn't go well and now here we are three weeks from St George.
I started another blog earlier this year dedicated to my Boston efforts. I wanted to take my training seriously. But with chronic injuries Boston kept feeling out of reach. I wasn't getting those quality workouts in that I knew I would need to get me where I wanted to be. There were no speedworkouts. There were no hill repeats. There were no plyometric jumprope routines.
So I was left feeling discouraged. There would be no way I was capable of holding the pace I needed to qualify. It was such a big dream that it scared me to think about it. But was my fear of failure holding me back? Were my chronic injuries manifestations of that fear? I suspect the mind-body connection is a lot closer than we let on sometimes. But maybe I've been capable of doing this all along, and I just need to push past the negative energy. Besides, frisbee has been my speedwork, and carting kids around a pool all summer has been my plyometric exercise. I think I'm closer than I know.
A few weeks ago I ran my best race to date. It completely rekindled the dream! If I can race like that in St George, then I am Boston bound. I'm still scared but I've found that excitement and anticipation that had been lost for a while. Without that mix of feelings I'm not sure it would really be worth it.
So come October 1st we'll know if next year is my year for Boston. If not, I will refocus on my goal of the Fifty States Club, and there will always be other years and other races for qualifying.
You never really know how you're going to feel on race day. I'm just counting on adrenaline and gravity to pull me through.
Well, Salt lake didn't go well and now here we are three weeks from St George.
I started another blog earlier this year dedicated to my Boston efforts. I wanted to take my training seriously. But with chronic injuries Boston kept feeling out of reach. I wasn't getting those quality workouts in that I knew I would need to get me where I wanted to be. There were no speedworkouts. There were no hill repeats. There were no plyometric jumprope routines.
So I was left feeling discouraged. There would be no way I was capable of holding the pace I needed to qualify. It was such a big dream that it scared me to think about it. But was my fear of failure holding me back? Were my chronic injuries manifestations of that fear? I suspect the mind-body connection is a lot closer than we let on sometimes. But maybe I've been capable of doing this all along, and I just need to push past the negative energy. Besides, frisbee has been my speedwork, and carting kids around a pool all summer has been my plyometric exercise. I think I'm closer than I know.
A few weeks ago I ran my best race to date. It completely rekindled the dream! If I can race like that in St George, then I am Boston bound. I'm still scared but I've found that excitement and anticipation that had been lost for a while. Without that mix of feelings I'm not sure it would really be worth it.
So come October 1st we'll know if next year is my year for Boston. If not, I will refocus on my goal of the Fifty States Club, and there will always be other years and other races for qualifying.
You never really know how you're going to feel on race day. I'm just counting on adrenaline and gravity to pull me through.
Montana has nothing on Texas!
They say that everything is bigger and better in Texas. If by everything they mean the sky, they're right on.
When I came here to West Texas, I traded in my mountains for a great expanse of open sky. At first I missed my broken skyline. I missed the safety I felt as the Wasatch loomed over me. But now I'm starting to appreciate the flat. The big bowl of blue. The large sunsets that encompass every piece of sky.
When I came here to West Texas, I traded in my mountains for a great expanse of open sky. At first I missed my broken skyline. I missed the safety I felt as the Wasatch loomed over me. But now I'm starting to appreciate the flat. The big bowl of blue. The large sunsets that encompass every piece of sky.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Japanese Princess
I found out a few days ago that my roommate, Rui, was bucked off a horse and kicked in the face. No neurological damage but she did break her cheekbone and her jaw is completely off-line. Supposedly she's having reconstructive surgery sometime today. Natalie said when she went and saw her at Mckay Dee Hospital the other night she was sad and anxious and upset. Her family is in Japan, so that must be hard. I hope she is alright. I've come to the conclusion that horses are evil.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
throwing the plastic, as it were
I was supposed to toss a disc around with this guy from frisbee today. He called and we set it all up. We'd meet each other at Frank Higinbothum Park a little after 5 o'clock. So I go over to the park and wait. I try and look for him from my car and then realized if I couldn't see him he certainly wouldn't be able to see me. So I get out and find a nice shady piece of grass out in an open area of the park. I wait some more. No sign of the guy. I'm pretty sure he hasn't stood me up because he seemed pretty animate about throwing a disc around. I'm guessing he has some other interest in me other than frisbee, if you know what I mean. But that is only speculation.
Finally I give up waiting and go home. I ask my sister if he called while I was gone. Twice. So I called him back thinking I was clear of this whole thing. Well, I was except for the fact that now we're going to have dinner tomorrow after practice. I am too nice and agree to things even if it might be against my better judgment. And besides, I might be taking things out of context. Maybe he does just want to eat with me. It's not a date, is it?
I can't just assume this kid wants to kiss my face off. Hopefully he doesn't 'cause I don't want to go breaking any hearts while I'm here in Texas! And I wouldn't want things to be awkward as we drive to Austin together... with his cat.
Finally I give up waiting and go home. I ask my sister if he called while I was gone. Twice. So I called him back thinking I was clear of this whole thing. Well, I was except for the fact that now we're going to have dinner tomorrow after practice. I am too nice and agree to things even if it might be against my better judgment. And besides, I might be taking things out of context. Maybe he does just want to eat with me. It's not a date, is it?
I can't just assume this kid wants to kiss my face off. Hopefully he doesn't 'cause I don't want to go breaking any hearts while I'm here in Texas! And I wouldn't want things to be awkward as we drive to Austin together... with his cat.
Volunteering
Yesterday (was it just yesterday?) I volunteered again with the Red Cross. I went to Reese at 1:30 in the a.m. I was helping out with Mass Care which meant I got to stock a table full of food for the evacuees in case they wanted something to eat; there were other tables with supplies, clothing, etc. But when it is the wee hours of the morning nobody really wants food, supplies or clothing. So we sat. And slept. And pretty much did some more waiting.
Around 7:30 a.m. there was more for us to do. I started helping out at the volunteer check-in table and was a gopher for a bit. This other girl and I had to go over to the dining hall to get a contact number for the person in charge there. I got to see some evacuees. They all seem so nice and grateful. Well, the few I actually saw.
So that has been my experience with volunteering for the Katrina relief effort. I should probably call the Red Cross and see if they have any other shifts available.
Around 7:30 a.m. there was more for us to do. I started helping out at the volunteer check-in table and was a gopher for a bit. This other girl and I had to go over to the dining hall to get a contact number for the person in charge there. I got to see some evacuees. They all seem so nice and grateful. Well, the few I actually saw.
So that has been my experience with volunteering for the Katrina relief effort. I should probably call the Red Cross and see if they have any other shifts available.
Monday, September 05, 2005
and after all the waiting I just wanna come back home again
The day consisted of waiting... and eating food. Then waiting some more. Then eating more food. Then waiting.
There was a rumor circulating that the planes were arriving at 11 o'clock; they'd take them to Reese first and then the overflow would be brought to us at the Coliseum. We had everything set up and ready to go. As the time ticked by we heard that the planes had been re-routed and were headed to Chicago instead. It made no sense. We had the resources, we were willing, and we were able. Why re-route?
Our supervisors at the Red Cross didn't have any answers either. They barely had communication in regards to the planes. It was all a waiting game.
But when you think about it, we didn't have it too bad. Yeah, we waited all day with nothing to do, but we had our needs met. We had shelter. We had food. We had running water and bathrooms. We weren't climbing onto roofs just to survive.
I'm volunteering again, this time at Reese. I'll go back tonight from 1:30am-9:30am. At least I know I'll be put to some use instead of waiting.
There was a rumor circulating that the planes were arriving at 11 o'clock; they'd take them to Reese first and then the overflow would be brought to us at the Coliseum. We had everything set up and ready to go. As the time ticked by we heard that the planes had been re-routed and were headed to Chicago instead. It made no sense. We had the resources, we were willing, and we were able. Why re-route?
Our supervisors at the Red Cross didn't have any answers either. They barely had communication in regards to the planes. It was all a waiting game.
But when you think about it, we didn't have it too bad. Yeah, we waited all day with nothing to do, but we had our needs met. We had shelter. We had food. We had running water and bathrooms. We weren't climbing onto roofs just to survive.
I'm volunteering again, this time at Reese. I'll go back tonight from 1:30am-9:30am. At least I know I'll be put to some use instead of waiting.
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Evacuees
Three planes of evacuees flew into Lubbock today. Robert was at the airport doing triage, assessing them as they came in--sending the one's who really needed it to the hospital.
Ever since last night I've had the feeling that I needed to help out. Today in sacrament meeting they asked for volunteers for the Red Cross. We left church after the meeting and went over to the 58th Street chapel to watch the training video and get an assignment. I was scheduled for the 10:30pm-7am shift doing registration.
So when I got home from filling out my volunteer paperwork at the local Red Cross chapter, I ate some food and then went to my room to sleep so I could be up all night helping hurricane evacuees.
At around 7 o'clock I got a phone call saying my shift had been cancelled but I could volunteer tomorrow. So now I'm working from 6:30am-3pm. So much much for sleeping all afternoon to be up all night! Now I just have to wake up extremely early!
I'm going to be a Team Leader for my registration shift. What that means exactly, I'm not sure. Tomorrow should be an interesting day.
Please read my sister's posts for more insight on the situation:
Here come the 'Fugees
Correction and update
Update again
Ever since last night I've had the feeling that I needed to help out. Today in sacrament meeting they asked for volunteers for the Red Cross. We left church after the meeting and went over to the 58th Street chapel to watch the training video and get an assignment. I was scheduled for the 10:30pm-7am shift doing registration.
So when I got home from filling out my volunteer paperwork at the local Red Cross chapter, I ate some food and then went to my room to sleep so I could be up all night helping hurricane evacuees.
At around 7 o'clock I got a phone call saying my shift had been cancelled but I could volunteer tomorrow. So now I'm working from 6:30am-3pm. So much much for sleeping all afternoon to be up all night! Now I just have to wake up extremely early!
I'm going to be a Team Leader for my registration shift. What that means exactly, I'm not sure. Tomorrow should be an interesting day.
Please read my sister's posts for more insight on the situation:
Here come the 'Fugees
Correction and update
Update again
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
