Flat Tired - but pedaling forward anyway!

Bummer....

2012-02-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

So in 1.8 these were going to be mine:

They are even on sale....but they don't have my size. I guess I shouldn't have waited so long to hit my goal. Oh well...maybe in 1.8 they will magically have my size....
I guess I need to look for some others.
Bummer.

Just a thought....

2012-02-03T11:59:00.002-07:00

Or maybe a question....
Since the groundhog saw his shadow and we will have 6 more weeks of winter......does that mean the 6 weeks will be added on as soon as winter starts?
I don't think we have had winter yet and I am a bit concerned that we will be adding 6 weeks to winter in July.
Anyone know the answer?

Kind of feels like Groundhog Day.....

2012-02-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

I was told that my promise to blog more...isn't happening....and that people aren't going to read my blog anymore. To that I say...I don't think anyone is reading it anyway.
So if you are...sorry I haven't posted. And if you aren't reading...you aren't missing much.
This quote sums up what I have been thinking about lately:

"For what it's worth: it's never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There's no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again." -- F. Scott Fitzgerald.

I will post more Jennifer.....
Stay tuned.

2012

2012-01-01T15:45:00.000-07:00

I can't believe we have made it to 2012. I am getting old. It seems like the older I get the faster time goes. Not gonna lie....don't really like the feeling. But not much I can do about that. I am looking forward to a new year. So many possibilities. I know...both good and bad. But we learn from them both right? I never have been one to make resolutions....they usually end up flopping within the first two weeks. But I do have a few things that I am going to work on. One being this blog. It works as somewhat of a journal for me. Hopefully it will be a whole lot more entertaining than it was the last half of 2011. So I say...out with the OLD and in with the NEW. This is going to be a great year. I can feel it!

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.” - Edith Pierce

November 10th....

2011-11-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

Today happens to be Doris' birthday. So I think it only fitting that I say I am thankful for her today. She is a great friend. She does provide quite a bit of entertainment. As evidenced in the photo below:

Have you ever seen a rootbeer fountain? Well....if you need to know how to create this major mess...just ask Doris...I mean the wicked witch! She has become a pro!
Happy Birthday Doris. I hope you have a great day! You deserve it.

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ~Albert Schweitzer

November 9th....

2011-11-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

Today I have been freezing all day....This is something new for me. Usually I am never cold. Not sure what is going on!! So today I am very thankful for:

The water heater! My shower was nice and warm and loooooonnnng! But it has been an hour now and I am back to being a little cold!..Oh well....it was nice while it lasted!

There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.-- Author Unknown

Interruption...

2011-11-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

We interrupt our regularly scheduled post to bring this Breaking News:

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

By Warren & Shari McKellar

Friday, Nov 11^th

And

Saturday, Nov 12^th

11:00 AM-5:00 PM

4967 W. Weatherwood Lane

(14300 So.)

Gifts, Aprons, Bags

Wreaths, Arrangements

Etc. Etc.

Bring a Friend!!

November 5th.....

2011-11-05T08:00:00.000-06:00

The hardest part of this whole thing so far...coming up with a catchy title. I have given up catchy and decided to go with the date....I know....Pretty clever.
So today I happen to be thankful for:

The additional hour I will receive. The only problem with this thing is...staying awake until 2:00 am to turn my clock back. But it is necessary....don't want to be early for church!!

He enjoys much who is thankful for little. - Thomas Secker

Today.....

2011-11-04T12:45:00.000-06:00

Well this is going quite nicely wouldn't you say...all except for the part where you are supposed to leave your comments on what you are thankful for....Oh well.
So today I am thankful for:

Impromptu roadtrips. Even if it is supposed to rain!
Oh and it's Friday!!

Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough. - Oprah

Today....

2011-11-03T14:41:00.000-06:00

So I'm feeling a little old today...ok..alot old. Today I am really thankful for:

Yep...good ol Ibuprofen. Makes me not feel quite as old.

It is impossible to feel grateful and depressed in the same moment.-- Naomi Williams

Starting off with......

2011-11-02T12:24:00.000-06:00

Clean Laundry. I know...you all thought I was going to get all deep and philosophical huh! Well today I am thankful for clean laundry. I don't have a picture to post...because I don't have any clean laundry. I have to do laundry....I hate to do laundry. But I love it when I have clean socks to wear to the gym.

"Even though we can't have all we want, we ought to be thankful we don't get what we deserve." - Unknown

November...Month of Thanks.....

2011-11-01T11:34:00.000-06:00

I thought for the month of November I would post 1 thing everyday that I am thankful for. As it says above...I really do have so much to be Thankful for. So what better way than to think of something everyday for a month. Really you should be doing this everyday....but I am issuing a challenge to anyone that still reads this blog. Think of something everyday this month you are thankful for and write it down. Hey...even post it as a comment. Boy that would make me THANKFUL. And really it is all about me!

To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kind that will stand behind the action. Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude.-- Albert Schweitzer

Projects....

2011-10-26T15:20:00.000-06:00

Ok..Ok...I know it isn't Monday...but I wanted to take some good pictures. But since you can't wait...here they are:

Our first class was make your own rubber stamps. I personally think I will continue to buy mine. Not my favorite class. But glad to know I can do this if I have to....

Next up...reverse applique. Have to say....liked this class. It was kind of fun and the possibilities are endless. Really glad Doris was with me in this class....I kind of didn't know how to knot my thread and get started. I know...my mother has failed me on this one!!! But this my friends is a great gift idea!

This class was major overload for me. Learning new things...with items I have not used before. I really liked this class. We used Pan Pastels....dry paint pigment.....tissue paper and gel medium. The actual project was a bunch of hearts on the canvas. We all know my heart aversion...Doris chose something else as well. This one was a stretch of my brain power...almost sucked it dry.
I have blog stalked the teacher of this class for a long time. She was fabulous!
Those were the classes on the first day......
Day #2:

Totally loved this class. Learned a bunch of new techniques and have a lot of ideas to do some things for me!!! The girl who taught this class was really great. I have a new blog to stalk! Paint, paper, rub-ons, stamps......you use everything for this. Loved it!

Ok...the 2nd class of the day...Felting. We wrapped a bar of soap in wool and turned it into felt. Doris actually finished hers....the lovely smiley one. Me on the other hand...not a project I will be doing in the near or far future. Can't really understand why you would want to wrap your soap in wool? Anyway...learned something new!

The next class was a junk journal class. You can't really tell from these pictures...but this was really a fun class. Didn't have enough time to come close to finishing this...but that's ok...because I have a few ideas for this. Doris thinks this would be great for her young women. I agree.
The next class was a jewelry class...but they ran out of supplies. Which actually was ok. By the end of day 2...I was brain dead. Total creative overload. I never thought that could happen to me. It did. And I am happy! I really loved this weekend. And I think Doris did too!
There you have it.....better pictures to come in the next little while...and probably a few new projects!

Spark re-cap

2011-10-23T12:02:00.000-06:00

So..It's over. It was a great time. I learned some things about me....Some things I knew and some were a little surprising. Here is a little re-cap. First off...what a great surprise...my friend Doris decided to go! What a great thing for me. I really was so excited to have her go.

And even better....Thursday night at 8:00 PM she said...let's go on a little vacay and stay at the HIE in Lindon. Sure made traveling back and forth a whole lot easier. Here we are Friday morning ready to go get our creative on!. Notice anything funny? Yep...blue shirts and tan pants. One of us had to change!!! Funny thing about it...we had the same color combination for the next day!

Some pictures of the main hall. Everything was handmade. The decorations we over the top...literally! A whole lot of love went into this event. You could tell.

Here we are before there were too many people......notice...Doris has now changed!

Mindy Gledhill kicked the event off...some good words of advice...and a couple of songs. If you don't know who she is...or haven't heard her music....look her up. Her new Christmas album is great!
We then spent 2 days full or creativeness. I didn't take any other pictures. I was too involved in just being there. Tomorrow I will re-cap the classes and show a couple of photos of the finished/somewhat finished product.
My mind is still on creative overload. I know...who thought that would ever happen to me!

Move.....

2011-10-12T17:10:00.000-06:00

Something so cool about this video.....
Kind of makes you want to go somewhere.....
Like Ireland maybe???

Spark....

2011-10-10T08:00:00.026-06:00

Yep. I'm going. Gonna get my creative on! So can anyone tell me why I am nervous? Intimidated? Holy cow. This is supposed to be fun!! And really I know it will be. I decided it is time to push the old comfort zone. Challenge myself. Oh who am I kidding...I just want to play. I think I am somewhat creative. Have some kind of talent. So what will it hurt to gain more? Just my pride...ego...self esteem. I really needed to hear Pres. Uctdorf when he spoke at the general RS meeting: "people often spend time and energy comparing themselves to others — usually comparing their weaknesses to others' strengths." How true is that? Well really true since it's coming from an Apostle...duh.
So the way I figure it...I'm just going to go....have a great time...learn a few things...create a few things...eat...just do something a little different. And who knows...if I have a good time what I might do next?

"What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside." - D. Uchtdorf

I know....It's about time....

2011-10-07T12:38:00.001-06:00

Is there still anyone who reads this blog? I believe I may officially be out of my....what seems to be....year long funk! I don't know what my problem has been. Lack of motivation for sure. I think it was lack of Vitamin D as well. Let's be honest....sunshine in your soul....the best medicine of all. So how fitting it is that I came out of my funk...just in time to go back in! Really yesterday and the snow....just a bit to early for me! I was loving the fall weather. It would have been perfect if it would have stayed until Thanksgiving. That would have been something we could have all added to our "What I am Thankful For" list. We all should have one you know? A list....

This just happens to be a To Do list....so I think I will start mine now:
1 - Take down the Spring decor and put up Fall. (Or maybe just jump right to Christmas!)
2 - Find someone new to cut your hair. (I know she says she will come back once a month from San Diego...but that will get old real quick.)
3 - Start to pack for Ireland!
4 - Get back to the gym 6 days a week....
5 - Get my stuff ready for Spark.
6 - Buy a furnace filter.
7 - Laundry
8 - Buy some long pants! (Either that or turn the heat on.)
9 - ~~Make my Halloween costume.~~ (Oh yeah..I hate Halloween!)
10 - Make your official Friday decree.

Man that is a lot of stuff to do. But I would like to make my official Friday decree. Never made one before...but there is a first for everything.

FRIDAY IS OFFICIALLY FRENCH TOAST DAY!

Seriously...what better way to start the weekend than with French Toast. Of course you can only do this with homemade syrup. Just like my mommy used to make. So you will need to go buy yourselves some Maple flavoring (not that Mapeline crap either). I started my day with French Toast today and I am expecting good things the rest of the day!
And now for a lovely picture to end this post with....

Christmas Meadow...I'm pretty sure it doesn't look like this today.
Have a great weekend and see you back here on Monday!!!

"Our code of conduct is definitve. It is not negotiable". - Thomas S. Monson

102....

2011-09-19T08:07:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Grandmother.
Sure miss you.

It's time again.....

2011-08-02T16:17:00.000-06:00

I figure I just need to have a great big brain dump and move on. I keep thinking I need to catch up on everything that has happened before I can post again....not going to happen. To be totally honest...not much has been happening. My children did come for a couple of weeks....but that seems like a long time ago:

Rylee sure is growing up....She is still my favorite niece!

Tate loves to play baseball....especially with Grandma! He is still my favorite oldest nephew.

Alex is seriously one of a kind. The things he comes up with make me laugh. He is still my favorite youngest nephew.
I wish they didn't live so far away. But it was great to see them.

And there we all are.
These pictures are of course for my blog stalking relatives who don't seem to comment anymore! I believe you all know who you are!
Let's see...what else has been happening in the land of Mel.....

Oh...my summer color.
Umm...we did go to St. George. I do realize it is probably not the best time to visit. But it was exactly what was needed. Go somewhere and do nothing kind of thing. We did take the bikes...and they stayed in the garage. But at least they went somewhere too!
I am thinking of going to this....

But I really need someone to come with me. Anyone looking for a service project? I'm available in Oct!!
I'm still on a quest to find my motivation. It really seems to have left the building. I'm thinking it might be with Elvis.
And I am also looking for my energy....it seems to have up and left also. I went to the Dr. yesterday to see if maybe it was hiding out there...all she did was take a boatload of my blood. Odd.....I thought I needed that for something. Oh well...the mystery will be solved on Friday....and then maybe we can get back to having some fun around here. I hope I haven't forgotten how!

Oh and I still need to post about LRRH. But this one deserves of post of it's own. Being the last one I'm heading up and all...I think we went out with a bang!! If I say so myself.
I think this post was full of enought stuff to at least warrant a comment or two????

Rockwell Relay...Part 2....The Finish....

2011-07-12T15:00:00.000-06:00

Marianne is off and riding on Leg 5

Nice scenery

Jan ready for Leg 6

Here comes Mar!! Happy to be finished....

And there goes Doris. A non-supported leg.

Exchange # 7

Good job Doris!

Go Shawnie go...

The final exchange....Leg 8. See you at the bottom!

Riding in in our "Blaze of Glory"!

Finisher's!

What a great time we had. Thanks ladies for the fun and memories. Thanks Sue for driving for us! You were a lifesaver. Next year I know you will want to ride!!

We Did It...Rockwell Relay Recap...Part 1

2011-07-11T12:14:00.002-06:00

We finished! 12 hours 24 mins. 170 miles. 8 legs. 63rd out of 69 teams.
Not too bad for the over 200 year olds!

Ready to roll at the o'dark 5:30 hour!

Marianne getting us rolling with Leg 1

Jan ready to tackle Trappers....so why is she smiling?

First exchange

Here she comes...

Almost there....

Not really.....but looking good.

Shawnie ready to roll...

Second exchange

And off she goes...

Climbing and climbing and...

Climbing some more.....

Exchange 3

And I'm off...

See you in awhile...

Mar you just chill until I get there...

Exchange 4

And tomorrow you will get part 2!!

What was I thinking?

2011-07-02T11:29:00.000-06:00

This is what some friends and I will be doing this Saturday:

It was a good idea at the time......
We are registered in the 200+ category. In case you are wondering...that is not the weight of each of the riders.....It is our combined age!! We are gonna rock it.
Here is the course:

So if you happen to be in the neighborhood next Saturday and want to come by and cheer....feel free. But whatever you do....don't hit me as I am cruising down Provo Canyon at 50 miles an hour!
This is gonna be fun!!!

Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel...the picture of free, untrammeled womanhood." ~Susan B. Anthony

What I did last week...

2011-06-27T09:59:00.000-06:00

This is what I did most of last week and on Saturday....

This was once my bedroom. Now it isn't. It is the office/craft room. I had to post pictures because Jennifer thinks it sounds like I was on an acid trip in the 70's.
I don't think it looks so bad! It isn't quite finished but close......
And now on to my bedroom!

Testing 1...2...3....

2011-06-17T22:06:00.000-06:00

I'm not really sure I remember how to do this. Although I do know that at least 4 of you read this...because you have all told me....Mom, Dad, Jennifer and my favorite aunt Pam!
So what has happened since I came home from Scotland...well....pneumonia. I had pnuemonia for a little over 2 months. Can I just say...not fun. I wouldn't recommend it. And I think along with that I hit some sort of funk......I'm thinking things are looking up!!! This doesn't mean I have been sitting on the couch the whole time....
First up:

The jersey reveal party....I'm having a hard time believing I didn't take any pictures. I think they are probably on Doris' camera and she is not here.....but a good time was had by most!
Next up:

"Spokes for Hope" ride in St. George. There is nothing better than riding in St. George...so good for the soul. Finally there was some sun. This spring has not been very condusive to biking. this was a great day...great course...great friends....great fun!

I'm only through April.....so comeback and check out May!

There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy. - Robert Louis Stevenson

Days 7 and 8.....

2011-03-24T16:59:00.000-06:00

This is pretty much what we did our second day in Inverness....

We had a down day....we read...we ate...we shopped a little....it was a nice recharge kind of day.
So Day 8 was our last day in the beautiful land of Scot. And we were head to Pitlochry and our night in the Palace.

But before we got to the Palace...we had to stop at another castle!
And while we were there...we saw this total Scottish couple....I tried to sneak a photo

Don't look at Doris...check out how they are dressed. Really....this is what you see. Well and the kilts!

I had to stop and take a picture of this cottage....we saw these all along the way.

Just outside of Pitlochry are some salmon ladders....we stopped to take a look. Of course it isn't salmon season. And it decided to rain...for about the 15 minutes we were there! But a trip wouldn't be complete without the windbreaker photo.

Here are some shots of the town of Pitlochry. This was my second favorite spot. We had a great time seeing the sites!

And here is the Palace. It was a nice way to end a great trip. We felt very princessish. Ok not really...but I had to throw that in. So there you have it....our Scotland trip. What a great time we had. And yes...I could truly see myself living there. I'm not going to make any rash decisions....at least not until the jet-lag is gone. Stay tuned for the random thoughts on Scotland post!

These last two pictures are for my dad. These were some of the pieces in the Palace. You would have loved to look through this place dad!

Day 6.....Coming to the end....

2011-03-22T11:03:00.000-06:00

We made it to Inverness.....

And this is where we get to stay for 2 days! This was a really lovely place. (See...I have become Scottish and I talk like them now!). There was no problem with us staying for 2 days...and we had the vouchers from the other place...so the one night didn't cost any extra!!

There is a great path along the river "Ness". It takes a couple of hours to walk. You go over a couple of bridges and on a small island. It was a great way to see some sights. And it was Sunday......

Not sure you can tell...but this is the church building in Inverness. Who knew this was a worldwide church?!?! We were a little late .... but we counted it as going to church.

These are just a few of the sights around Inverness. And the best part....

I'm not missing these while we are gone. I was a little bummed I was going to miss the first sign of spring...but no...these are worldwide too! Who knew?

Day 5....or so.....

2011-03-21T15:55:00.000-06:00

This is why I can't figure out what time it is...

My clock at home stops at 12:59.....do you see my dilemma?
Ok so on to the next day.....We were traveling to the Isle of Skye...Kyle of Lochalsh to be exact. We had booked 2 nights at a B&B. When we arrived....it was the total OPPOSITE of the place we had in Callendar. These people were smokers and had many pets. So many it smelled of pet urine. We both went in and met the woman...Linda I think....and she showed us around and to our rooms. She told us where we could go get some dinner and told us to make ourselves at home. We went to go find dinner....as luck would have it...they were serving dinner at the only Hotel for miles. And they had a room.

This is where we ended up.

Somewhere over there....was where we were supposed to be. Nevermind it was going to cost a little extra...we decided it was money well spent. So since we certainly weren't going to spend 2 days here we left the next morning to find "Nessie". Doris had watched a documentary on the Loch Ness monster before we left...so she knew it was real. And we were on a search.

First we had to stop by Portree. If only for the photo op. It was a little rainy.

And then a short trip back to the hotel. Doris forgot to give the key back. We really didn't want to be known as the crazy American key thieves!

And then we stopped by a few castles. They really need to start a "Save the Castle" Foundation over here. These things are really old...they could use a few repairs!

Here is Loch Ness. It was absolutely gorgeous. And huge!

Doris is pointing to "Nessie". Can you see it?

Maybe this will help. Now you know what you are looking for....oh but wait....I think Doris found it......

She was so brave. But she really wanted her picture taken with "Nessie". I am so glad she didn't end up disappointed! Now we are headed to Inverness. A day early for our reservation....but here's hoping they will let us stay!
Stay tuned!!

Day 4.....and more....

2011-03-20T12:39:00.001-06:00

So I have good access and a totally charged laptop...so watch out...I have a lot to say. I am so mixed up on what day it is and what time it is. I refuse to change my watch...so I have to keep trying to figure out 6 hours behind. I have found it is easier to just ask Doris.
I left off in Callendar...to date...my favorite place in all of Scotland.

This is the B&B we stayed. All the way up to the top floor. So many stairs....but so worth it.

This is the view from our window looking into their back yard. The people who own this were so hospitable. We had such a nice time are were so spoiled. It would come back to haunt us at our next stop. But that post will happen next time.

Here I am eating my traditional Scottish breakfast in the parlor. Quite tasty.

A cemetary in town.....
Now we are on our way to Kyle of Lochlash.....for our 2nd and 3rd night. We are totally looking forward to this. We have heard this is beautiful country and our first B&B experience was so great.

Some sights along the way....

Here we are entering the Isle of Skye and getting closer to Kyle of Lochalsh....we are laughing because we almost lost Doris down a small cliff...more importantly...we could have lost the gnome!

Notice anything in this photo? I know you probably think I took this before I left SLC. But no...let me introduce you to the Highlands of Scotland.

And the most random event so far to this point....a piper in the Highlands....in the cold...blowing his pipes! We of course couldn't miss the photo opportunity.
Stay tuned for more....

Day 3.....No access

2011-03-19T13:58:00.001-06:00

So we are still here...just haven't had access for a day or so.

We toured the royal mile before heading out of Edinburgh...
And then....we had to drive.....

Lucky for me...I had two fabulous navigators....and a Mercedes to boot! If you have to drive on the wrong side of the road you might as well do it in style!

Me and the navigator...stopping by Monty Python's castle. We weren't allowed in!

And we made it to Callendar. What a great place. Here we had carrot and lentil soup...that was delicious! And also millionaire shortbread. Seriously the best thing yet!
More about Callendar and the next day from hell...tomorrow.
So don't worry mom's ... we are fine! And loving every minute of this adventure!

Day 2....I think....

2011-03-18T00:52:00.000-06:00

We have arrived in Scotland. Trying to upload photos is taking forever. But I will try and include a few every day. Lets just say....Day 2 was very tiring. We tried to stay up as late as possible..and made it until 7 pm here. These are some sights from our walk around Edinburgh.
More to come...the adventure is just beginning. Oh and driving on the wrong side of the road....pretty exciting!

Day 1.....The Beginning...

2011-03-16T14:53:00.000-06:00

This is what we have been doing a lot of today..Doris in the SLC airport at 6:30 this morning

Both of us happy to be in New York. Sad to say...this is what we will be doing Day 1. We leave in in 2.5 hours for Amsterdam. This means....we won't even be starting our Scottish frolics until Day 2!
Stay tuned.

Hello

2011-03-14T15:38:00.001-06:00

Just wondering if you remember me? Can't blame you if you don't!
Just wanted to stop by and say that on Wednesday I am boarding a plane with

My best friend Doris and

This little man!
I am going to see what there is in Scotland and Doris is on a search for

Nessie. Because it is real you know! I hope she isn't disappointed!
I will be posting daily...or that's the plan anyway....so you can pretend you are right there with us!
Now I really have to go pack!!

One month from today.....

2011-02-16T16:16:00.010-07:00

Do you know what flag this is?

Hopefully this helps.

I think we are staying here one night.

Going to row on this lake.

And pretty much going to stay here.

And at a few of these. We are staying someplace different every night. I sure hope I like the B & B thing. Could be a very long vacation if not.

I am totally excited. Although...have you heard about the bed bug epidemic? Whatever I say!!

This sums it up.....

2011-02-11T17:43:00.001-07:00

This totally sums up what I have been thinking about lately. (ok all but the hearts)
More to come on this....

Mullet...

2011-01-26T12:01:00.002-07:00

First let me thank my 5 very good friends...who by the way have now been added to the will...for sticking through my entire last post and commenting. You guys rock.
In my last post I forgot to mention the fact also that I had not even had time to get my hair cut! As we were driving home last night Doris says to me "You really need to get your hair cut. The mullet look isn't good." Pretty sure that comment got her dropped from the will.
But I am getting my haircut today at 2!
Thought you would want to know.

Brain Dump....

2011-01-23T21:17:00.000-07:00

So let's check the date today....January 20, 2011. And I just took this picture of the living room. Does anyone see a problem here. My life is totally out of my control. It is so not my own. All the plans I had for the New Year.....haven't even had a chance to think about them.

This is going to be a long.....picture less post...so you may just want to skip it. It is more of a journaling for me. So one day when I think things are tough...I can come back and read this and remember. I have had such good intentions of blogging about so many things. But then I just can't get started. So I have decided to just do a major brain dump....and then move on.

I closed on the house on Dec. 9th. And pretty much started in the next day. So needless to say Dec and Christmas kind of just came and went. Yes, we did not work on the house Christmas Eve or Christmas Day....or even the day after. We did even open gifts and have the usual shrimp salad and of course Peggy Duncan salad. So I do know that Christmas did in fact come last year!

Oh and I haven't mentioned that work is a little interesting right now....the person that was helping me decided she couldn't handle it and the person over across the pond that was covering the midnight to 7 am shift decided to screw up with the client and no longer works with us. This means that I get the awesome opportunity to work 24/7. Waking up every 2 hours to check email is getting a little OLD. We have hired someone to work the 3-11 shift and she is fabulous. So things are hopefully looking up there. (I can't be Debbie Downer this whole post...or are your even still following me?).

January 8th was moving the parents day. I'm not really sure I can put into words what a fabulous day that was. The 2 or 3 days before they brought a few loads....which filled the garage....before moving day. To say my parents have many of treasures would be an understatement. They have plenty of time to clean out the garage.....and then the yard work will begin! You all need to stop by and see the place. They have made it a really great place.

Today is now the 23rd. See my life is not my own. I can't even finish a post. Just to finish this brain dump...I got the dreaded jury duty letter. Went a couple of weeks ago and filled out the questionnaire and was told to come back the next week. Also told the trial would last 6 weeks!! Went to St. George for the long holiday weekend and had a delightful time....when I wasn't working....came home. Showed up for jury duty Tuesday and was told I needed to come back tomorrow. Meanwhile I got the stomach flu Tuesday night. I really can't remember the last time I was that sick. So I couldn't go to court. So now on top of everything else...I probably have a warrant out for being in contempt of court and will have to spend 30 days in the slammer and pay $1000 fine.

I did get to ride my bike in St. George. It was great. I have decided something......I like to ride my bike. I have also decided something else.....I need to start going back to the gym. I hate going to the gym....but I like to ride my bike. In order to keep liking to ride my bike...I need to keep going to gym. There is some sort of correlation there....I am still trying to figure out.

During all this time I had to cancel 2 dinners and a biking meeting. And I didn't get all the things done I wanted to at Christmas. I haven't yet had the opportunity to start my New Year's resolutions. I have made an executive decision....New Year's for me this year....starts tomorrow! I hope the neighbors don't mind when the fireworks go off tonight at midnight!

And I am finally feeling better today. Things are looking up! Also Chinese New Year starts on Feb 3rd...I think...and it is the year of the Rabbit. I just happen to be a rabitt. Oh....this is going to be fabulous.

We are supposed to be going to Scotland in March. We haven't booked the places we are going to stay. We have to do this by Feb. 12th or we may be sleeping in the car. I guess that will be ok. We will be in Scotland for heaven's sake!

Now that my brain has been drained....maybe I can move on from here.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

And if you read this whole thing...please leave a comment. I will now consider you one of my very good friends!

Finally....

2011-01-18T15:15:00.002-07:00

So the painting is completed. Ok...not all of it. There are still 2 and 1/2 bathrooms and some doors. Oh and the ceiling that was patched. But other than that...finished. This was not a small task. 20 gallons of paint were used. And actually I think I need to buy one more. 21 gallons of paint is alot of paint. I am really happy with the way it turned out.
I just looked through my pictures...and the after ones aren't so great. So I will take some and post them soon.
And...the parents are moved. And my bed is there.
See you thought I was just off playing!

2011.....

2011-01-01T23:47:00.002-07:00

So I want to start the New Year off right by blogging. I am going to be better. But I have paint all over my hands and can't really think of anything other than getting the damn thing finished. But I want to start off with this quote:

“We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives...not looking for flaws, but for potential." - Ellen Goodman

I liked this...something for you to think about. I really am going to be a better blogger.
Watch for before and after photos of the house...coming soon.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY.......

2010-12-30T08:10:00.003-07:00

M - Mother
O - Organizer
M - Multi-Talented

Happy Birthday to my mom. She is seventy today. (I know she is going to be mad about that.) I'm so glad she is my mom. What a great example she is. I know she is sometimes leary of trying new things or changes that happen but she doesn't let that stop her. She is always willing to give to others. Thanks mom for being who you are. I'm looking forward to some fun adventures with you this year! Have a great day today.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T13:03:00.001-07:00

It's For Real.....

2010-12-10T23:08:00.003-07:00

Remember this picture from a post or two ago? Well today I received the keys...ok the key. I would have thought I would get more than 1 key. I signed my life away yesterday and took possession this afternoon. So let the painting begin. I am nervous, excited, overwhelmed, and kind of still in a little bit of shock.
Merry Christmas to me!
I'm pretty sure you will be hearing alot more about this!

Maybe....

2010-12-08T13:46:00.001-07:00

This is kind of funny...I mean ... if you know anything about this:

I am totally going to plan one of these.....

2010-12-01T13:41:00.002-07:00

A Question...

2010-11-29T16:26:00.002-07:00

Just wondering...because sometimes it's nice to hear from you....
Just sayin...

Happy Thanksgiving...

2010-11-25T09:34:00.013-07:00

I have so much to be grateful for today. I thought I would write about a few of them: My Dad. I'm grateful for the talents he has and how selflessly he shares them whenever he can. I am grateful for the love he has for his family and for the example he sets for all of us. I'm am grateful for his love for the Savior. I'm grateful he is my dad! My Mom. I'm grateful for my mom and willingness to do whatever is asked of her. Take for example the week long bike ride we are going to do in Sept. She is a great example of going the extra mile and always giving more than she has. I am also grateful for her love of the Savior. I am grateful she is my mom! My sisters. I am grateful for the people they have become. They are both very different and yet similar in many ways. Jennifer is a great example of enduring trials you are given and never losing faith that everything will be okay. Heather is such a great mom and loves her children so much. They are both great examples to me. I think it is supposed to be the other way around...but not in this family! I am grateful they are my sisters!My favorite niece Rylee. I am so grateful for this girl. I can't call her little anymore. She is 10. And she is becoming a swimming star. She sets such a good example for her brothers and her friends. She is one of my three favorite people! I am grateful she is my niece! My favorite oldest nephew Tate. I'm so grateful for this kid. He was baptised last weekend. He sure is growing up. He is a good boy and sure loves to watch his Cougars play! What a good example he set last weekend. I am so proud of him. I am grateful he is my nephew! My favorite youngest nephew Alex. What can I say about this little boy. He is growing up so fast. Not sure any of us really like that. He pretty much has everyone wrapped around his little finger.....not really...wrapped around our hearts! I am so grateful he is my nephew! My best friend and traveling buddy. I am so grateful for someone who helps to make me a better person. She is a great person, friend and daughter. We sure do have a good time and even when the hard times come...she is a calming influence. I am looking forward to many more adventures! I am grateful for my friend.

I'm grateful for a second family. And after the last three months I am so grateful to say that the "mean old man" is making a pretty good recovery. Spending Thanksgiving in Delta today and I am grateful for so much.

This has gone on and I could go on and on. I am very blessed.

And more about this later!

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. ~Meister Eckhart

Friday...

2010-11-19T12:20:00.003-07:00

I know this is the moment you have all been waiting for...oh that's right...nobody reads this anymore!! Or if you do..you certainly don't comment.
Well anyway..here is the deal on this Fabulous Friday...I am hopping back on the blogging trail.
I know I know...exciting as all get out.
So stay tuned.....I've got a lot to say. And so much to tell you about!

Happy Day of Birth...

2010-11-17T08:49:00.003-07:00

K - Keen
A - Army General
R - Right-wing
I - Integral

Happy Birthday to my cousin Kari. I don't have a current picture of her....I need to see you more often Kari! Anyway she is the "older" sister! I hope you have a great day today and a fabulous year.

They say that age is all in your mind. The trick is keeping it from creeping down into your body. ~Author Unknown

Let Us Remember and Say Thanks....

2010-11-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY....

2010-11-10T10:36:00.002-07:00

J - JOYFUL
A - ABSOLUTE
N - NAPOLEANESQUE (as in Dynamite)

Happy Birthday to my best friend. I couldn't ask for a better person to show me how to live! I hope you have the best day today and an even better year! You are the best!

The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age. - Lucille Ball

November 1st....

2010-11-01T16:28:00.003-06:00

I hope you all know what today is. The start of the holiday season. And we kick it off how??

Yes my friends....let the music begin!!! And there is plenty more where those came from..
Yipee.....

2 Months......

2010-10-25T10:10:00.002-06:00

Wow....

2010-10-14T13:16:00.008-06:00

So many things have been going on since the last time I blogged. I really don't know where to start. Let me see where I left off...
Since California..it has been just so much fun. All I do is work. Really. I know it's hard for some of you to believe..but it is so true.
And in my true "groupie" fashion..I once again followed Doris to St. George: So she could run again! Good job Doris. And yes...I pretty much worked the whole time I was there. I had to miss the running buddies dinner the night before...kind of a bummer. And I didn't get over to see my favorite aunt Pam. I am sorry. We really didn't go anywhere..the expo to pick up Doris' packet, Lins market for some staples and that was the extent of seeing St. George. I promise next time I am there...I will come and see you Pam and Paul.
On the way down and home...we stopped in Delta town. The "Mean Old Man" is hanging in there. He is keeping his "meaness" locked up. He has been a pretty good sport about this whole ordeal. Keep him in your prayers...they seem to be working...for now!
As you can see...there are no pictures of me riding my bike. This does not really make me happy. I have gone for a few weekday rides the last couple of weeks...but that just doesn't seem to cut it. We had to cancel the Big Rick Candy Mountain ride...due to the fact there's a fire blazing down there.
We were both actually here this weekend...that has been a rare occurrence lately...so we went on a ride. I have lived here all but about 6 years of my 40+ years and I have always heard of Butterfield Canyon...but never knew where it was...well now I know:

You can drive up to the top and look right down into the copper mine. And if you look the other way...you can see Tooele. Who knew...? Now we all do.
So you are all caught up on my exciting life. Really I need to get a new one!
Stay tuned. I'm back to having a lot to say!!

I know...I know...

2010-10-11T13:03:00.002-06:00

I am one. And I promise to be back to blogging shortly...like tomorrow.
You all know I have so much to say!
Hang in there with me.

Happy Birthday.....

2010-09-23T07:00:00.002-06:00

L - Loyal
A - Adjutor
N - Nudist
C - Cousin
E - Egocentric

Happy Birthday Lance. I know you worry about this post all year! I really toned it down! I hope you have a great day. After today...you can worry for a whole nother year!!!

Last week the candle factory burned down. Everyone just stood around and sang Happy Birthday. - Stephen Wright

2010-09-13T13:21:00.010-06:00

You are all invited....and Pam...here are some of the pictures my mom promised you....
And there is a whole lot more! Come one come all....I'm sure you will have a great time...and be able to get some great gifts or better...something for yourself!

Coast to Coast....

2010-09-05T21:36:00.011-06:00

So back in January this quest for bling started. Doris decided to run the Goofy....which was...a half marathon on Saturday and a full marathon on Sunday. Many medals were given that weekend....Donald and Mickey and Goofy. What a great marketing gig....run two races put on by Disney on 2 coasts and get your regular medal and the coveted coast to coast. Well....it happened today...

Way to go Doris....good job. But now may I tell you about the most important part of this trip....oh I think it will be better to just show you...

Yes my friends...we found "Sprinkles". Now if you are anybody...you know what that is...and so far...we have been there 2 days in a row!

By the look of things...I think it's going to be 3 in a row!!!

The Mean Old Man....

2010-08-30T08:38:00.002-06:00

So I realize it has been awhile since I have posted. And really it wasn't because I was happy about the fact that Kato is a year older than me now. On Thursday the 19th the "mean old man" had a stroke. It's kind of been a rough go around here. For those that don't know the "mean old man"....he is Doris' dad. And really if the truth be known....almost a dad to me. I've known Doris for going on 22 years now...and pretty much her dad has been around that long too! It was pretty scary that first night at the hospital. When they pulled him from the ambulance down at Utah Valley..he had the same mumbling that my grandma had after her stroke. Boy did that bring back memories of about 35 years ago. And not very good ones at that. He also didn't have use of his left side. But by the next morning he was able to move his left leg and squeeze his left hand. Good signs. You could even almost understand more than you couldn't. He then had a couple more problems creep in.....A Fib and then pneumonia. It seemed like every morning there was something else. They were able to shock his heart back into rhythm and they caught the pneumonia pretty early. The heart shock lasted 2 days....but they have him on medication and will watch that pretty carefully. He was then released last Thursday to go to Joyce's....Not really sure they were very nice to him there...I've heard a couple of stories about him ending up on the floor....so he was actually admitted back into the hospital yesterday. And not really because they were mean! So....anyway...this has been a hard couple of weeks for a lot of people. This is a great man who is well loved by many. Hard to believe you can love someone "mean and old"...huh! So if you happen to be the praying kind...which I think many of you are...please remember the "mean old man" and his family....they could really use them right now.

Happy Birthday....

2010-08-17T07:00:00.003-06:00

K - Kickie-wikie
A - Athletic
T - Tonish
O - Older than me!!

Happy Birthday to my cousin Kato. I hope you have a really great day! You deserve it. You should do something fun.....and you should come around more often....I have no pictures of you.

Age is not important unless you're a cheese. - Helen Hayes

Midway.....

2010-08-15T07:56:00.008-06:00

Yesterday was the perfect day to pack up the bikes and head to Midway. The temperature was perfect and the scenery was the same. We haven't been up there for a little while...at least on a Saturday. What a busy little place it has become. Main Street was hopping.
This Fillerup Coffee shop was so inviting....we almost stopped for a cup o joe! I couldn't get a full on shot...too many people. But I'm going back! After some miles of riding....we were hungry...of course...because really riding your bike is all about the people and the food....so we headed to Kamas and the Crossroads Grille. This place never disappoints. The food was delicious.
What a great day. Thanks Doris for the fun!

It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. -Ernest Hemingway

Sun Valley....

2010-08-10T18:01:00.007-06:00

These are some of the sights along the trails in Sun Valley. What a great place to go and ride. The trails they have there rival those of St. George. We went up to Sun Valley instead of doing the covered bridge ride in Oregon. Not as long a drive....The trails were really fun....and nicely paved. We really didn't do much else....I have pictures of the town I will post tomorrow. So all my riding buddies...plan on a little trip up North next year....around the first part of August. The Flat Tireds will be hitting Sun Valley!!

A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in. ~Robert Orben

Happy Birthday...

2010-08-09T07:00:00.003-06:00

P - Polished
A - Aunt
M - Matriarch

Happy Birthday to my aunt Pam. I hope you have a really great day! Thank you for being the person that you are and for the example you set. I am so proud to be your niece.

The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age. - Lucille Ball

HAPPY BIRTHDAY....

2010-08-01T07:00:00.002-06:00

L - Likeable
Y - Young-ish
N - Nitid
E - Eudaemonic
L - Loyal
L - Limber

Happy Birthday to my cousin Lynell. I hope you have a great day! And I know...but you have a lot of "L's" in you name!!

When I was younger, I could remember anything, whether it happened or not. - Mark Twain

Boatload of Randomness....

2010-07-29T10:10:00.007-06:00

...I don't really know where to start. So much as been going on and yet...it seems kind of mundane. Let me hit on some things that have happened and some random thoughts running through my head...I know..you are scared now!

We went to the Mo Tab concert a couple weeks ago...celebrating their 100 years...it was educational....no real bosom burning stuff for me though...okay maybe the "Battle Hymn of The Republic". It was good...don't get me wrong.. (I don't want Mack Wilberg sending me hate mail....) But the greatest testimony builder of the night was....we stopped in the Nauvoo Cafe for a bite to eat, us and the 22,000 other people going to the concert....anyway...the Nauvoo Cafe serves Diet Coke. The leaded kind. Now you all know what this means...(okay not quite as much since I don't drink it anymore)...but I had to have one....and I must say....Brothers and Sisters...the church really is true!!!!!! Hallelujah.....
It must be the start of summer....(okay I'm a little slow)...but I've now had my beginning of the season pedicure....a great color might I add!

And also the annual "stick your feet in Millcreek Canyon" trip to kick off summer. So let the games begin! We have actually gone up about a couple times now and cooked tin foil dinners. The first time we forgot the charcoal...so Jan made a trek to Dan's at the mouth of the canyon. The second time...being last night...we forgot plates. Lucky for us there were some really nice people down the way that had a couple extra! By the end of the season..we may have this thing down!

Now for a little randomness...

Last night as we were sitting out front, in our lovely green chairs, a lady stopped and asked if we had seen a white dog with orange spots. My mind immediately went to the color of my toes. (Please see above picture for visual).
Also last night whole we were driving down the road....the man next to us stopped at the light was playing his harmonica as he was driving along. If there a law against that? Kind of like testing if you ask me.
I would not recommend weed whacking your leg. It might hurt.
I'm headed to the Gem State this weekend.
I will be adding another blog...to keep everyone posted on our training progress for our ride next year down the Oregon Coast. I know my mom will be happy about that!
Her ankle is healing...I think...and so she will be riding again soon!

I think that's all I have for now...but you have to admit...that was a lot for one post! And I'm sure I will have lots to talk about from our little adventure!

“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there” - Will Rogers

Wynonna!!!....

2010-07-21T13:59:00.006-06:00

There really is no better place to go and listen to some music. Even if you are a little far away...
What a great night. I love to go to Deer Valley and their outdoor concerts. The night was great...especially after the sun went down! Kind of like being in your backyward with a bunch of friends listening to one of your friends sing. She chatted alot with the audience and even took pictures with a couple of kids. I think she forgot she was doing a show! Got to love her voice!

And in case you are wondering...she and her mom are going on tour..and will be in SLC on 12/9 and in Vegas on 12/18. Just in case anyone was wondering what I would like for Christmas! Just sayin....

“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent” - Victor Hugo

Called to Serve....

2010-07-18T19:44:00.005-06:00

For those of you in the family...or in blogland....that don't already know....Brock received his call last Wednesday. To the relief of his mother he is staying mainland. Seattle Washington will be his place of service for the next 2 years! Good Luck Brock....

Young men, look forward to full-time missionary service. Show your love and commitment to the Lord by responding to His call to serve. Know that the real purpose in going into the mission field is to bring souls unto Christ, to teach and baptize our Heavenly Father’s children so that you may rejoice with them in the kingdom of our Father. -Ezra T. Benson

Wow....

2010-07-07T11:59:00.006-06:00

So I can't believe it is already July 7th....time flies huh? I wish I could blame my lack of blogging on the fact that I have been having too much fun...but tis no the case. I just haven't been feeling it. What exactly "it" is I don't really know. When I figure it out...you will be the second to know!

There have been a few things happening around here....
Yes..this is my momma on a bike! She has agreed to do a week long bike ride with me next year to raise money for rheumatoid arthritis (yes...in case you didn't know...my sister was diagnosed with this really mean disease). Anyway..more on that later...so my mom figured she needed to start riding. It has only been 60 years since the last time she was on a bike...and it wasn't a good experience. As the story is told she shared a bike with her sisters..it was blue...and she rode it down to her friends house and was there until after dark. When she got home..her parents were not happy......well this bike riding experience ended kind of the same way.....
At least she got her fall out of the way right off the bat.....

I had a feeling I should not have let go....actually I think I need to search for a new bike for her. The bar, or boys bike as she refers to it, seems to scare her a little. I am going to start a "help me buy my mom a new bike fund". If you would like to donate just let me know!!!
I am quite proud of my mom. I thought for sure after she fell...she would be done. But no...she is not going to let that stop her. I think I'm the one now that is kind of thinking maybe this isn't such a great plan.....I am really looking forward to riding the Oregon Coast with her next year. I think it will be a major bonding experience. I guess you are never too old for that!!

Learn to ride a bicycle. You will not regret it if you live. - Mark Twain

Good Things...

2010-06-25T15:31:00.001-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY....

2010-06-20T09:19:00.006-06:00

J - Judicious

E - Ethical

N - Natalitial

N - Nuturing

I - Intelligent

F - Finicky

E - Equitable

R - Right Wing

Today is my sister's Birthday! Happy Birthday to you. I hope you have a great one!
See you in a few days!

Last week the candle factory burned down. Everyone just stood around and sang "Happy Birthday." - Stephen Wright

More Random Family Photos......

2010-06-18T12:11:00.021-06:00

I think this was guy talk..... I can't decide if I was going for Emilee and LeeAnn or the sky????
Kato and Larry....Sharla and Lee....I even think he might be smiling! Lynell...trying to pretend I'm not there! And now....I thought I would end on a miracle........Need I say more?

Okay...I think I do have to say..Lee and Daren...both smiling...I am a miracle worker.

I do have more photos...but I think that is plenty. For my family...if you want me to send you any of these...just let me know. A small fee...of a comment...is all it will take! And Lori if yours turned out better than mine....please send them my way!

Looking forward to tomorrow when my children get here for 3 weeks or so. Let the fun begin!

Have a great weekend!

There aren't enough days in the weekend. ~Rod Schmidt

Tuesday Trivia.....

2010-06-15T11:59:00.008-06:00

So I think the yard is looking pretty good right now...the poppies are really pretty....
The pot still needs a little orange .... I think...
The delphinium is looking pretty good right now as well...time for a good stiff wind. Usually happens...
This rose is really pretty...the picture really doesn't do it justice.
So the yard is standing tall.....but.... Not sure these are supposed to be growing in there!!
Oh well....can't do everything!

Gardening is a matter of your enthusiasm holding up until your back gets used to it. ~Author Unknown

Monday Monday....

2010-06-14T11:19:00.003-06:00

I realize there are a whole lot of things worse than this...but the noise is really starting to get to me!
I hope it doesn't go on all day. I was planning on moving my office outside today!

Happy 48th...

2010-06-13T09:23:00.005-06:00

48 years ago today...my mom and dad were married. Don't they look happy?
And they still look happy today!
Thanks mom and dad for taking the plunge! You've made it look easy.
Here's to another 48!

Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction. ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Random family photos.....

2010-06-12T11:51:00.012-06:00

My uncle Logan, my momma, my aunt Sheila, my aunt Pam
With their spouses.... Believe me....I have many more...so if you didn't show up today....maybe tomorrow.
If anyone in the fam wants a copy or two....let me know!

Family faces are magic mirrors. Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present, and future. ~Gail Lumet Buckley

HAPPY BIRTHDAY.....

2010-06-11T08:10:00.004-06:00

H - Habitue

E - Eater

A - Atlanta

T - Third

H - Hilarious

E - Exaggerater

R - Runner

Happy Birthday to my baby sister. I hope you have a great day!
It will be fun to see you next week.

To me, old age is always ten years older than I am. - John Burroughs

Thankful Thursday....

2010-06-10T11:43:00.008-06:00

I've had a bad couple of days..nothing major going on ....but I've decided I need to concentrate on the things that are good right now. So here is my attempt at that:

I am very grateful for these 2 people. We had our "Bagley" family reunion this last weekend. We actually were celebrating my grandfather's 100th birthday. He only was around for 54 of them. I learned a little more about him. I think the biggest thing I learned was the love he had for his family. As each one of his children got up to tell a few memories..."I knew he loved me" was a consistent statement. Somehow that makes me happy. I sure wish he had stayed around a little longer!

I am grateful for these 2 also. They are such great examples of how to live a good life. One thing that was brought up this weekend also was how my grandfather always gave away the best to others instead of keeping it for himself. Both my parents do this. Even though they are both a little OC with the Wii...they are truly great people. How lucky for them they get to be my parents!

I'm also grateful for these 2. (There seems to be a 2 theme!) Both my sisters have decided to follow my parents example and have turned out to be really good people. I am proud to know them. It is kind of amazing that we all came from the same parents and yet we are all different. In a good way of course!

And in keeping with the 2 theme....I am grateful for these 2. They seem to know how to have a good time and how to make each other a better person. That's something to be grateful for!

This about sums it up!

I think I've discovered the secret of life - you just hang around until you get used to it. ~Charles Schulz

Little Red....

2010-06-06T14:15:00.011-06:00

So here is the first wave of peeps...ready for fun. We loaded up and headed out by 12:30. Kind of amazing actually! We had to stop at Cafe Rio to eat..and Shiver's for a Rickey. Headed up to Logan....checked in...and then of course...Aggie Ice Cream. I have decided it really is all about the food!! Then we headed to the expo for dinner. Well..not so great. Dinner was really late and it started to rain. So we headed to the Bluebird Cafe for dinner. I have been there for breakfast on the way to Bear lake...but never for dinner...it was pretty delicious. Went back to the room for the party after the party! Played a little Flat Tired "Jeopardy"..ate a few treats...and chatted. What a great way to spend the night before a ride. And of course the "official" Flat Tireds photo: I'm kind of bummed they have switched to the staggered start. We don't all get to go over at the same time and wish each other good luck...and take the offical "spandex" photo. But what a beautiful day for a ride. Have to admit I was a little worried when it was raining Friday night. But the weather was perfect! And there is no place better to ride than Cache Valley in June.

And still smiling! What a great time. Thanks ladies for the fun. I hope you have a great time next year!

"Friendship is always a sweet responsibilty, never an opportunity." - Kahil Gibran

HAPPY BIRTHDAY....

2010-06-02T12:18:00.003-06:00

L - Luna

O - Original

R - Risible

I - Itinerarian

Happy Birthday Cousin. Hope it's a good one.

And because they have all had their birthday's in the last few weeks....here is a picture with them all together:

Bonus!

They say that age is all in your mind. The trick is keeping it from creeping down into your body. ~Unknown

HAPPY BIRTHDAY.....

2010-05-28T09:39:00.003-06:00

J - Just
E - Eclectic
S - Salutary
S - Silent
I - Independent
C - Calm
A - Amiable

I hope you have a great day Jess!!!

We turn not older with years, but newer every day. - Emily Dickinson

Wrandom Wednesday....

2010-05-26T16:22:00.007-06:00

This is the view from my office today.....It's actually good enough weather that I have moved outside! I have no complaints! Okay maybe 1. There are some kids and their dad working down at the neighbors...I'm not sure exactly what they are doing...but the one kid seems to be the boss. He keeps barking orders to the others...his younger brother and his dad. He is driving me crazy. I have decided the reason he is bugging me is that...I think I probably sounded alot like that when I was younger! I know I hate to admit this...but I think it's true. So now I have decided I won't be sounding like that anymore. I think my family will probably be happy. I'm not saying I'm not still going to be the boss mind you......
I guess there is one more thing I can complain about...the neighbor that is mowing his lawn. It seems to be taking him an eternity. It's suppose to be nice, quiet and peaceful out here!
These are pictures from our ride today. Ummmm...lunch time ride! It was a lovely day for a bike ride. If you haven't had the opportunity to see the "Bridge of Holladay County" you should all take ride along the lovely bike path. I heard it cost something like 5 million dollars? It's really not long enough.....I'm not sure where all the $$$ went. But it is a nice trail.
I think it's going to take a little while for people to get used to the fact that I am working outside....I am getting a lot of stares.
Oh and now a honk!!!
This could make for some great blog posts!
Have a great Wednesday!

****Edited****I am feeling so much better about myself now....it is actually the mother that is barking the orders!!!!

Tonight....

2010-05-25T17:00:00.001-06:00

I'll be watching....and so should you!

Instant Bad Mood......

2010-05-24T12:08:00.004-06:00

May 24th....or Dec 24th? Need I say more?

Doris thought she should save the plants we put out on Saturday.....way to go Doris.

Me...I'm in a bad mood. Just don't care!

A lot of people like snow. I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water. ~Carl Reiner

Holy Cow.....Not Again!

2010-05-20T07:40:00.008-06:00

This time it didn't take months of talking about. It all happened quite fast. One email...One phone call to Doris saying "Do you want to go to _______?" She said "YES". Booked. Wow. Those same feelings of Holy Cow! I can't believe we are going.....Holy Cow! Another really long plane flight......over water!
Figured it out yet? One last clue...other than the fact I have put the flag on the top right corner of the blog....
Now I just need to find my passport! I have a little while to look.....Yes, once again...I am totally excited and have something to look forward to! Just what I needed!

Scotland, there is no such thing as bad weather - only the wrong clothes. - Billy Connelly

Lunch...

2010-05-19T11:56:00.002-06:00

I'm pretty sure you are all wishing you were here eating this with me now.....
It really is delicious! I know my mom would agree.

HAM AND EGGS - A day's work for a chicken; A lifetime commitment for a pig. - Anonymous

Weekend Recap...

2010-05-17T13:00:00.003-06:00

Fairly uneventful weekend....I drove to Ogden Saturday morning to clap for Doris as she finished the marathon. Still totally amazes me even after 27, that she can do that. Way to go Doris. Had my camera all ready...she even posed this time...dead batteries. Totally chipped my beef...so this will have to do:

This is what she looks like after ....

We also saw Avatar. Over at Margaret's. If you haven't seen it...and you like blue people flying around...you might like it. The best part of the whole thing...parmesan popcorn. Boy I love that stuff....too bad she introduced me to that....

Sunday was Stake Conference. I am so glad for the rule....If you aren't married and don't have children...you don't need to go. So lucky for us...day off. We took a little drive up to East Canyon and then down Emigration. I'm pretty sure the thing to do on a beautiful Sunday afternoon is ride your bike up/down Emigration. There were so many bikes......And I am happy to say...Russell didn't win Survivor!

Don't you all wish your weekends could be as exciting as mine!

Run like hell and get the agony over with. --Clarence DeMar

Fabulous Friday.....

2010-05-14T14:00:00.001-06:00

I guess I really should have said in yesterday's post....I am very Thankful for my mom. After all...it was Mother's Day. So now with that out of the way...here are some of my favorite pictures from Sunday:

I hope you all have a great weekend.

And good luck tomorrow Doris!

I haven't got the slightest idea how to change people, but still I keep a long list of prospective candidates just in case I should ever figure it out.” - David Sedaris

Thankful Thursday.....

2010-05-13T16:18:00.011-06:00

So I haven't done one of these for a long time...why start up again now you say! Well I'm not really going to....anyway...Sunday was the day of the mother. I, of course, being the first and the favorite....(that works out so well)....had my parents to dinner. And may I say it was delicious. Even my mom liked it!! And then we went to Temple Square. Or if you are my mother .. you call it a Wonderland. It was very pretty...and here is proof:

My dad was very obedient when I would say "Dad...turn around"

Mom on the other hand...was kind of a production...

The flowers really were pretty. I must say..."It was a Wonderland"!

I think I will post more of my favorites tomorrow. Yes..I took alot of picutres!

“What if I should fall right through the center of the earth... oh, and come out the other side, where people walk upside down.” - Alice in Wonderland

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

2010-05-11T09:58:00.005-06:00

E - Excellent

M - Mabsoot

I - Indigenous

L - Likeable

E - Edgy

E - Easy Going

D - Dad

A - Animated

R - Roborean

E - Extreme

N - Nit Wit

I hope that both my cousins have a really great day! Happy Birthday!!

We are always the same age inside. - Gertrude Stein

Goldilocks....

2010-05-10T12:32:00.005-06:00

Saturday was the first organized ride of the year....I think? Pretty sure. It was a great day for a bike ride...but then when isn't it? I need to be a little better with the camera....oh well it's the first one...expectations can't be too high. Anyway here are some of the group...missing are Marianne, Julie and our Millard County connection. All in total there were 15 of us. Some did the 30...some the 60...and others made up their own version...48. I thought it was a great ride. Quite a few hills...but it made the down that much more fun! I understand there were a few flats....a couple of spills....but a whole lot more thrills. I imagine most were home and moving on with their days by noon. We...Doris and I...on the other hand...really got our money's worth. Thanks to the Millard County connection for sticking around...they too got their money's worth!

For those who want to know...Jan lost the key to her car. That would be the car that was supposed to take us home. But we couldn't get in the car to get the keys to the house......so here are the steps we had to take:

1 - Freak out

2 - Call AAA to come open the car...to get the house keys.

3 - Expired in March. Okay let us renew. Need credit card. Can we give it to you when you open the car?

4 - We need the credit card # first.

5 - Melt down.

6 - Hard to do when it's in the car.....

7 - Give them sister's credit card.

8 - Wait for 40 minutes.

9 - Ask MC connection to go look for key....at Thanksgiving Point....somewhere.

10 - Postpone plans for 3:30.

11 - AAA man unlocks car!!!

12 - Try and talk the AAA man to tow us home.

13 - No luck.

14 - MC connection takes us home to get extra car key.

15 - MC connection takes us back to the edge of the earth to get car.

16 - Cancel plans that were changed to 6:00.

17 - Stop at Chik-Fil-A for diiner.

18 - Drive home.

19 - Total time away from home for a 60 mile bike ride.....11 hours 30 minutes. Total amount time actually riding the bike...4 hours. hmmmmmmmm

Sounds like we got our money's worth! And yes...2 things that will happen from now on:

1 - A key to the house will be made available somewhere outside on the premises.

2 - I will take care of the car keys from now on.

But it's things like these that make the best memories....not to mention...great material for a blog post!

I hope everyone had a great time. Makes me excited for Litte Red. 26 days!

I thought of that while riding my bike. - Albert Einstein ....On the Theory of Relativity.

Meatloaf.....

2010-04-29T12:54:00.005-06:00

As I sit here...starring out the window at the freaking snow!...trying not to let it ruin my mood...(too late!)....
I was eating my leftover meatloaf for lunch..and I had a thought. Doesn't this....

Uncooked meatloaf...Kind of look like this?....

Spam? I'm wondering if it really is the same thing....I don't know if I can eat meatloaf anymore.

Just thought you would want to know.

“I never fit in. I am a true alternative. And I love being the outcast. That's my role in life, to be an outcast.” - Meatloaf

Wrandom Wednesday....

2010-04-28T13:13:00.005-06:00

Look who came to live at our house! Don't quite understand my fascination for this guy...but I seriously have wanted one for sometime....don't ever know what you are going to find at Harmon's. It will now forever be my favorite grocery store!!! This doesn't live at our house anymore! Boy was it delicious. I'm glad my dad had a birthday so I could make this pie. For those of you who have never had my mom's strawberry pie.....missing out...one of my favorites! But I'm glad it's gone! Not safe with that around.

That's all the photo's I have...so now just some other floaters:
1 - My little sister started a blog...I would post a link...but then you all probably would go over and comment. She had like 11 comments the first day. I obviously need more friends!
2 - I have a sore on the roof of my mouth.
3 - Surprise...it's raining today and tomorrow and on and on and on.
4 - At least the wind isn't blowing....right now anyway.
5 - I'm a little nervous to ride 60 miles in 2 weeks.....
6 - Please pray for no wind!
7 - My bras seem to be getting to big for me.
8 - Not complaining...well kind of..
9 - If you know me..you know I get the hives in the lingerie section.
10 - The gnome is starring at me....
11 - I think he wants me to plan a vacation!!
12 - It's almost time to post about gym people again.
13 - The fertilizer man came yesterday..
14 - And it rained today. So I guess I'm okay with it...
15 - For today only.
16 - Wish I was going to be in St. George for the Ironman this weekend.
17 - I'm hungry
I guess that means I need to make some lunch.
I'm pretty sure you got bored around #5....

Have a great day!

Fun I love, but too much fun is of all things the most loathsome. Mirth is better than fun, and happiness is better than mirth. ~Thomas Carlyle
(I have no idea what this means)

Happy Birthday....

2010-04-25T08:01:00.003-06:00

D - Designer
A - Alert Alert!
D - Deserving of good things

Happy Birthday Dad. I hope you have a great day....I know you will have a great dinner! I love you.

Today, be aware of how you are spending your 1,440 beautiful moments, and spend them wisely. - Unknown

Motivation.....or lack thereof

2010-04-23T14:14:00.003-06:00

Does anyone else feel this way? I'm hoping to be back to "normal" next week!

Happy Friday!

“People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.” - Zig Ziglar

St. George....

2010-04-20T11:18:00.002-06:00

I guess if you have to get older...you might as well do it some where warm. It was a perfect weekend!

The desert was all in bloom. And the trees had green...leaves and blossoms.

We went searching for our friends...Bob and Jillian...luckily there were nowhere to be found!

We rode...alot....100 miles in the 2.5 days we were there. It was fantastic!

And of course we had to ride the actual amount of miles....on the actual day.

Doris was a great navigator....we didn't get lost on any of the trails.....

and if we got lost on the road....we pretended we didn't know!

And only one small flat.....no problem. We had a great time.....okay I can't speak for Doris.....yes I can.....a good time was had by all. I am looking forward to the next road trip!

It might be fun to go watch this! Anyone...anyone?

Growing old is like being increasingly penalizedfor a crime you have not committed. - Anthony Powell

Heaven....

2010-04-14T14:27:00.003-06:00

I am so looking forward to this weekend!
And if any of the people who claim to be related to me and live down there......and want to go to dinner with me.....Friday or Saturday night is open. We are planning on the Electric Cafe.
Happy Day!!!!

Riding Recap.....

2010-04-12T11:50:00.009-06:00

" Pumping up"...
Ready to go. We started on North Temple and rode through the maze of the airport to the marina. It was a perfect day to ride....and the wind was pretty non existent!
Following the leader..... We all made it to the marina....now we just had to go back to where we came from! Not a problem. It was a great 32 mile ride....and everyone had a good time. Just ask me...I wouldn't lie! And we have a new mascot...."Roamie".....he is going to join me on all my adventures! And he is soo excited....oh the places we will go!
Thanks for a great time riding ladies. I'm looking forward to the next one....2 weeks!!!

You're on your own, and you know what you know. And you will be the guy who'll decide where you'll go. Oh the places you'll go. - Dr. Seuss

Riding....

2010-04-09T16:05:00.003-06:00

First group ride of the season tomorrow! And it isn't going to snow!
Doesn't get any better than that!!
Have a great weekend.
See you out on the roads!!

If I can bicycle, I bicycle. - David Attenborough

Shopping....

2010-04-08T14:08:00.003-06:00

I bought me some of these last night! I can hardly wait for them to start working!

I keep trying to lose weight... but it keeps finding me! ~Author Unknown

Wednesday again...WOW....

2010-04-07T11:23:00.003-06:00

Okay....you knew I would have to start off with this....

I hope she doesn't find a way to weasel her way back on the ranch. Really don't like her. And I think I have figured it out...and I'm sure you want to know why:

I am as competitive as the next person...probably more so...but I don't think you have to be a total jerk to win. You can still "play the game" and not treat others as pawns in your game. I think she is probably better suited for "Survivor". I think it would actually kill 2 birds with one stone....She would lose weight.....and she could be herself and fit right in on the island! I hope that if I were on the ranch...I would remember the real reason to be there and that I could still be friends with people as I singlehandedly picked them off! :)

So other random things that are filling my head right now:

1 - SUN is actually shining today.....what to do!

2 - We have received more snow since the first day of spring than the whole winter.

3 - I still want to go somewhere where it's warm.

4 - The Easter Bunny did come..with cookies!

5 - I had 5!

6 - Happy about it too.

7 - I have been told I need to post more consistently.

8 - I'll try.

9 - Sometimes it just isn't all that easy to be profound all the time!

10 - Tulips make me smile.

11 - There are some sitting on the table!

12 - I love forsythia.

13 - Probably because of this photo: 14 - I was his favorite!

15 - Sorry to my other cousins.

16 - I'm sure that will get me in trouble with someone!

17 - Whatever.

18 - I'm still looking for people for the bike relay.

19 - Come on people...it's going to be fun!

20 - That's all I got today.

You can pretend to be serious; you can't pretend to be witty. - Sacha Guitry

April Fools!!!

2010-04-01T12:26:00.003-06:00

So not funny!

Don't give cherries to pigs or advice to fools. ~Irish Proverb

Wednesday Wrandomness....

2010-03-31T14:40:00.002-06:00

1 - This wall kind of makes me happy right now...although it seems to need a little something.

2 - This on the other hand...does not make me happy. 3 - Because it snows on this......every year.
4 - Have you noticed my next dream destination? Where do you think it is?
5 - Jennifer you were incorrect!
6 - I am ready for a vacation....somewhere warm I think would be nice.
7 - Seriously...if she lasts more than a week....I won't be able to continue watching.
8 - I really don't like her at all!
9 - I am forming a team to ride in a relay from here to Las Vegas.
10 - Anyone interested please let me know!
11 - I promise it will be a great time!
12 - I am Vitamin D deficit. I need sun.
13 - Goldilocks is now full...I hope you all registered.
14 - I hope the Easter Bunny comes this weekend.
15 - And brings my sugar cookies! I put my order in early.

That's all for now.....

"A word to the wise ain't necessary -- it's the stupid ones that need the advice." - Bill Cosby