I'm good... Yes you are!

I am in San Fran, living it up with my grandparents. I have been to the ballet, symphony, etc...

Tonight we are going to a huge party in one of the victorian mansions downtown. This morning grandpa took us to a huge, delicious, extravagant buffet for brunch.

The food was fabulous, the building was exquisite and the servers were incredibly friendly.

I visited the 28 table buffet a few times... the first time I walked by the roast beef the server said, "good morning." I politely replied.

The second time I filled my plate the server again greeted me with a smile and a wink, I smiled politely back.

The third time through I approached the roast beef and the server said, "would you like some of my beef?" I replied, "yes I would. Thank you." He then offered some potatos, I said no thank you. He offered some horseradish. I replied, "no thanks, I'm good."

His reply.... "Yes. You. Are."

I looked up and realized he was looking me straight in the eye, slightly leaning in my direction with a huge smile on his face. I politely smiled and went back to my seat.

When I eventually went back for a little dessert he saw me again and said, "Well isnt that delicious." I am not sure if he was talking about my fruit tart or me.

If only he wasnt a 40-yr-old prime rib server in San Francisco......

Either way, I am pretty sure I let my hips swing a little extra as I walked past. :)

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Another hobby??

So, I'm thinking I might want to get into this....

www.Ana-White.com

It looks so easy! Besides, I'm good with my hands....

And we all know I LOVE being creative and getting my hands a bit dirty.

Holidays --- Uggghh

I'm currently on day 3 of a 4 1/2 day vacation and honestly... I'm sick of it.

I'm bored out of my mind.

I will be honest, I'm struggling a lot lately. This time last year was everything I have always dreamed I wanted it to be, and I'm missing that right now....

Today I only have two projects left and those will probably be done within an hour or two. What the hell am I going to do all day?

Sometimes I wish I was able just to lounge on the couch and enjoy myself... why I do always have to be so busy? It has done a lot for me in this life, but in such a boring time of year it seems like a curse...

Gotta do whatcha gotta do

Straight from my counseling appointment to the liquor store.

Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

Besides, ORANGE JUICE (with some kick) still counts as vitamin C, right?

I'm soooo sick of this sinus cold.

HUNKER DOWN!

Apparently the blizzard of all blizzards will be hitting Utah this afternoon.

Unfortunately I have to work tonight, so that means a 100 mile round trip during the storm. :(

I'm mentally putting together a list of things I need to add to my car for my "winter survival kit."

I'm a Colorado Girl by nature, so I do ok in this stuff... but just in case, I need to be prepared.

By the way, have I mentioned my new car SUCKS in the rain and snow?!?! Yeah... I think I might be getting NEW new car here soon...

Anyways, I'm going to have to throw all that together this afternoon and toss it in the trunk I need to be prepared.

Oh, and also fill up the gas tank! That's one of the best ways to be prepared!

MIA no longer

Alright, it's time I start functioning with the outside world again...

And to begin with, I have a few ideas to bounce off of you.

1st idea:
I read an article about a girl that decided in 2009 that she would participate in a charitable active event every month of the year and her experiance was AWESOME! So, AIDS 5k in January, Polar Bear Plunge for the Homeless in February, Africa run in March, etc, etc...

I'm thinking of trying to take on the same thing, but I'm going to shoot for 6 events in 2011. This girl traveled all over the world; I'm willing to travel, but let's be honest... I don't have an unlimited budget here.

I do think it would be a great experiance, it would get me moving, it would be fulfilling and I could get my friends and family involved.....

HINT HINT --- You guys in it with me? I figure if I do 6 activities next year that gives a few of my friends and family an opportunity to pick one to do with me and then we can have a great experiance TOGETHER.

What do you guys think? Over achiever? Too much? Sound great? Let's scale back? What are we thinking here?????

2ND IDEA:
I'm thinking of starting a running total of all the money I save from coupons/discounts for 2011.... more for a gee whiz sake. Maybe? or does that make me coupon obsessed?? (as if I'm not already)... I'm just thinking it might be fun to see the amount go up and up and up.... I'm thinking $$$$$$$$$$$$.

So, input?

Love you all, sorry it's been so long.

Gettin' it done!!

Lots going on today... I'm up early and ready to make things happen.

First on the to-do list.... FILE FOR COURT. I need to get some of my money back and I'm not going to get a dime of it without some help... so, court it is.

I have some pumpkin to cook and get in the freezer...

A return to make at the store, need heavier weights. :)

Some stuff put away around the house...

etc, etc, etc...

Wish me luck! :)

......

Have you ever had it happen where you find something out, you're not really suprised but it still makes you nauseous??

Yeah, I'm going to go puke.

YARD SALE!! EVERYTHING GOES!!

Last night I finished up my first ever yard sale... and it was a HUGE SUCCESS.

I'm not going to lie, it was TONS of work, my feet are STILL sore... but I had a great time when all was said and done.

It took a ton of work to get everything pulled into the front yard, arranged well and priced individually; but I got it done and everything went suprisingly smooth.

I really enjoyed being outside for two whole days straight. I had tons of fun chatting with people, meeting people in the neighborhood, watching social dynamics of families, etc. Is it crazy to say that I enjoyed the social aspect of it?? Well, I did. :)

I also really enjoyed getting rid of a lot of stuff! I was open for a day and a half. Friday morning was all prep, Friday afternoon we were open for business!! I tarped all my stuff Friday night and left it out... then dark and early Saturday morning I was open for business again! It started off a bit chilly (alright, FREEZING outside) but it warmed up and the weather was great.

I sold all day Saturday, after about 1pm I started making everything half off. At four we sent out an email on free-cycle (a email group that can post things for free) and told them everything left at the garage sale was free, first come first serve. I grabbed a few things I would rather reclaim than give away for free and the rest of it was gone by 8:00 pm!!! I don't even have to load anything up for a trip to DI, AWESOME!

By the end of last night I had the garage sale cleaned up, all the stuff GONE!! I also had the garage reorganized with everything that was taken out and the few things put back. I had the house whipped into the same shape... including a load of laundry and dishes!! I picked tomatos and prepped those for the freezer. I did the same thing with the 2 dozen DELICIOUS tamales I bought Saturday from the lovely lady at the post office (see earlier post) and one of my customers at the garage sale.

Last night I was even able to spend some time with my sister... what a great day!!

I feel INCREDIBLY accomplished and am VERY pleased with my weekend.

When I was setting up for the garage sale I was paranoid that I had "junk" and that I was overpricing; but Pops and Abby both stopped by and assured me otherwise. Poppa said, "Sweetheart, this stuff is definately priced to sell." and apparently so!! On Saturday I had multiple people come back twice (or more) and bring people with them. One couple told me, "We have been to every garage sale in Provo this morning and yours is definately the best."

WAHOO!! SUCCESS!!

So, needless to say, I'm pleased.

I need to give a shoutout and a HUGE THANKS to Owen, who took his only morning he could have slept in with his girlfriend and instead came to help me lug all the heavy stuff to the front yard. And also to Poppa, who hung all my signs around town and got me change when I was running around like a mad woman trying to get everything priced. Ohh, and Abby and Winter for keeping me company and being such fun "customers." Thanks everyone!!

Today I'm doing a bit more laundy, a bit more ebay, need to run to the post office to mail some ebay/amazon packages I have already sold and then wrapping a present for Hope and Trey's first anniversary. Can you believe that!! Geez, it feels like it's been longer than a year...

TAMALES!!

Today I was coming out of the post office and an old, tiny, adorable hispanic woman approached me. She uncurled a crumpled paper that said, "Tamales, $1 each", and listed the kinds she offered (chicken, chicken w/ mole, pork or cheese) and that they would be delivered on Saturday.

She looked at me with those gorgeous eyes and wrinkled face and shrugged her shoulders to ask, "Would you like some of these delicious tamales?"

I thought for a minute and remembered that I was once advised to never pass up a lady like this.... no doubt they will be INCREDIBLY DELICIOUS, but she is probably just trying to get by.

I smiled and said, "Yes!" and nodded. She handed me her notebook and I added my name, address, phone number and order to the list.

Saturday I am getting 8 chicken tamales and 4 pork tamales.

I CAN'T WAIT!!!

I want it to be over

I am very ready for the day when i dont have to do any of this anymore. Im sick of getting phone calls that make me instantly nauseous when I see who is calling. Im tired of the violent shakes that come during or after we talk.
Im sooo sick of him accusing me of being unreasonable or dragging things out so they wont end.
Like i told him today, I want nothing more than for all of this to be over. I want him to quit dragging his feet and let me get all of this settled. I dont want anything else to mandate we communicate, which is why im trying to finish all of this.
Im sick of being put through it. Im sick of the insults. Im sick of the demeaning comments. Honestly, the day I know I will never again have to see or talk to this man will be a day to celebrate.....

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Ohhh, so true!

I saw this status on a friend's facebook this morning.

"I may have forgiven you for everything you've done to hurt me...but my best friends are still waiting with a shovel and a body bag."

I couldn't agree more... although I really HAVEN'T forgiven, and I would I have to add my family into the group with the shovels and body bag.

Honestly, I wouldn't be able to do all this without my amazing group of family and friends.

I feel like when all of this is said and done we need to have a big party. Not only to celebrate that it's OVER, but also to say a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone that put up with me through all of this....

A day of dirt and fashion

Last week I was asked to work a BMX/Motocross event, these things are always tons of fun.

We had a lot going on and were out in the dirt all day. These athletes are easily some of the most down-to-earth and friendly athletes out there. The whole day is filled with smiles and laughs, families and friends.

It is always an incredibly fun day to people watch. The tattoos these guys sport are always amazing. Some gorgeous, some hideous -- but ALWAYS entertaining.

Then there are the girls.... the wives/girlfriends are the ones that show up in flipflops, jeans and a shirt. Sure, they are usually really cute and gorgeous, but they get this drill. They know what it is like to spend all day in the sun and dirt.

Then there are girls like this..... honestly, how does one even come up with the idea to take scissors to a normal man's t-shirt and create this lovely frock?


Seriously, these were event t-shirts. Normal t-shirts... but apparently the new fashion is to transform them to your liking... which always seems to involve amazing amounts of skin and cleavage. These girls weren't the only t-shirt artists there that day, but they were probably my favorites.

All in all we had a great day. The weather was GORGEOUS and the tricks were awesome. I think a good time was had by all.

I usually don't drink energy drinks... but since Red Bull was sponsoring the stuff was EVERYWHERE. I had one and seriously felt like I was going explode. That stuff is crazy!!

The thing about working motocross is that you are usually REALLY close to things. It's actually a bit of a dangerous situation if things go awry. I was up on a jump for most of the day... these guys were whizzing past and putting some serious wind in my hair. I was a huge dust ball by the end.

Seriously, it's after days like these that I realize how much I love being an athletic trainer... if only all days at work were this much fun.

Hi, my name is Sara and I'm a workaholic

All I've done lately is work. In the past two days I haven't been home and have been told 9 times that I look "exhausted."

The past three weeks ago at my PART TIME job I've billed 40.5 hours, 41.5 hours and 38 hours. Hardly sounds like a part-time job to me.

In the last three weeks I've pulled two weeks that include overtime at my full-time job.

I've picked up a third job (covering little league football)... sounds fun, and good money to boot.

In the last three weeks I have slept at home approx five (count them - 5) times.

In the last three weeks I have cooked ONE meal at home.

I'm beginning to feel like a mortgage payment is a REALLY expensive way to store my belongings.

In all honesty, I'M NOT COMPLAINING. It's been good for me lately. I need the money and it helps to keep me busy. Not being busy leads to thinking, and thinking leads to .... well, not good things lately.

So, I'm not complaining, I'm just working my ass off. And I'm REALLY not complaining because tomorrow is payday!

Oktoberfest

Yesterday I went to Oktoberfest up at Snowbird. Some of my family went and we had a great time.

It was funny, I wasn't really in the mood to drink.... so I only had a few sips of other people's, but I was excited to try all the food. We pretty much got one of everything and everyone sampled the tray. It was the perfect way to learn about German cuisine.

I LOVED LOVED LOVED the chicken-apple sausage. The German Chocolate cake was TO DIE FOR (even tho I'm usually not a big sweet fan) and the Beef Roulade is a new favorite, I am going to have to learn how to make that one.

The setting was gorgeous and mountains were breathtaking. It felt so good to be outside all day in the crisp, clean air.

I had a good time, but like most things lately it was a bit hard. It made me miss my exploring partner. He is the one that introduced me to the "get one of everything" trick. We loved exploring, trying new things, finding all sorts of adventures. We always enjoyed festivals like this, especially if they had something a bit different - like Oktoberfest.

I've missed him a lot lately. I know people don't understand that... they only remember the bad. But I miss the good. I miss my exploring partner, my snuggle partner, my eater who was always willing to try my concoctions, my hot tub partner, my comic relief, my useless-fact encyclopedia, my muscles, my experimenter, etc, etc, etc.

Now I'm exploring on my own.... and for right now it's a bit of a struggle.

Dating Update

Ok, I HATE dating. It's official.

Last night I went on a date that felt more like going out to dinner with a distant cousin.

You know how that is, right? You meet up, you know you are supposed to get along and be friends and everything, but you just don't really click, don't really have a whole lot of fun. Instead you spend the time trying to find something to talk about...

Yeah, I wouldn't consider that a super fun relationship, and DEFINITELY not dating material.

I was a bit disappointed, but it's OK. It was pretty apparent that we were just on two TOTALLY separate levels.... living with your mom? You are 30 for goodness sakes....

He was an incredible gentleman.... paid for dinner, walked me to my car, etc, etc.... but I can tell you, that awkward hug at the end will be the last communication for the two of us.

I couldn't help but reminisce on my way home. I remember the first date where three hours seemed like three seconds, where we NEVER lacked for conversation, where we were already texting and chatting again within hours of it ending.... It made me sentimental. It made me wonder how long it will take to find that again.

I waited a hell of a long time for it before, I don't want to have to wait like that again.

Fortunes

I've been dabbling with the dating scene lately. Honestly, I'm not ready to start dating; but it helps to take my mind off things, realize I'm still attractive to guys out there and also show me that there are other options... that he wasn't the only one that can get my engine running.

So.... I have been chit chatting with a few gentleman, one quite a bit. He's a slow mover (which is good for me right now). We have been emailing and messaging, recently switched to texts and finally set up a date for next week.

He checks in with me quite a bit via text, which is fun. It always makes me smile.

Yesterday I sent him a message and the conversation took a fun turn....

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ME: I just got a fortune cookie that you might find interesting.

HIM: Yeah? what's it say?

ME: And I quote, "you will meet a new person in this next week for your benefit."

HIM: Oh wow, that is interesting!

ME: I thought so. :)

HIM: Mine said, and I quote, "the heart that loves is always young."

ME: You had a fortune cookie today?

HIM: Yeah, we [him and his kids] had chinese for dinner.

ME: Great minds think alike... and I personally think that keeping the heart young is a good thing. :)

HIM: Yes they do and yes it is.

-----

Ahhh, so fun to flirt sometimes!! haha. We will see how this date goes. :-)

I should have wrung out my panties....

Yesterday we had a soccer game. It was supposed to be a quick trip up the road to Weber State Univeristy and then back home. Quick. Simple. Uneventful.

Instead, all hell broke loose.

The football players were practicing on our game field...and we all know football players, they weren't leaving for anything. They own that damn place, just ask them.

Our 5:00pm game time quickly turned into a 7:30pm game time.

That's when the rain came. Started out as sprinkles. Then downpour. Then lightning. Then all mayhem broke loose.

We ran to the bus (after realizing that standing in an easyup tent next to a 40 foot steel filming tower wasn't the best idea). The bus was hot and muggy and we all looked like this....

Finally the rain quit, the lightning went away and it was 7:15, game time!

Scratch that, the football players came back. Apparently their practice was cut short by the lightning and they had every intention of finishing it.

Soooooo.... after 3 hours of sitting around the coach of the other team tells us we will be playing at a city park.... we drive there. The field isn't marked, part of it is covered by a low hanging tree, the goals don't have nets, the host team forgot the water, the grass is about 8 inches tall and it starts raining again....

But we made the most of it. Our guys pooper-scooped the field with our plastic cones they use for conditioning and we played a game, until it was called due to darkness.

Our quick game turned into a 8 hour ordeal. But we finally made it home. Tired, hungry and soaked down to the core.

Ahhh, the joys of being an athletic trainer. haha.

The List

Alright, some things are REALLY hard to do with this cast... and since it is on my right hand it has made a few things particularly difficult.

Please remember that I am not allowed to pinch, bring my thumb and fingers togther, squeeze, move my thumb side to side, put pressure on my thumb or put any tension in my hand.

So, I'm compiling a list of things that have become increasingly difficult. Here it is.

1. PUTTING ON (and taking off) MY BRA
2. squeezing shampoo and conditioner out of the bottles
3. writing anything (that goes without saying, right?)
4. holding eating utensils
5. opening waterbottles
6. breaking ice cubes out of the trays
7. turning the keys to start the car
8. remembering to hit the space bar with my LEFT hand while typing
9. bathroom activities. (haha, TMI?)
10. buckling my sandals on my right foot

Thats all I can think of in this moment... I will update as needed.

For now, just picture this... most of it is quite comical. LOL

Taking Responsibility

My life has been highly effected lately by someone who refuses to take responsibility. It's heartbreaking, frustrating and infuriating.

The other morning I was laying in bed and casually checking facebook and email on my phone (that's my idea of relaxing now days...)

I got an email from my Grandma and it started out hitting wayyyy too close to home.... someone again not taking responsibility and I could feel my blood pressure starting to rise.

Then as I scrolled down I literally laughed out loud. It was sooo nice to have a good hearted belly laugh!! (Thanks Grandma, I needed that).

So, to share the love.....

Enjoy! :)

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NO I HAVE NOT SEEN YOUR LIPSTICK!!

Why would you even ask me that? I'm insulted!! Every time something goes missing around here everybody looks at me! For your information I don't even wear that shade. It doesn't flatter my complexion and it tastes terrible. oops.

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What is in a name?

Lucky for me my MRI on my thumb came back negative for the lesion the doctor thought I had...but did confirm the ligament tear.... while it's still a bummer, I DON'T HAVE TO HAVE SURGERY!!! Which is AWESOME.

I'm finally feeling like something is going my way and am SO GRATEFUL for it. Horray for small wins!!

I'm still trying to figure out what I want to tell people when they asked what happened. Honestly, it's embarrassing. I still tear up having to tell the doctors what happened. This whole thing is so embarrassing.....

The splint draws a lot of attention, and questions. For now I just tell people, "I have a torn ligament in my thumb." When they ask how I did it I don't know what to say. I told one person the truth, the look they gave me made me feel an inch tall. I told the next person that I "got in a little scuffle." Then I realized I sounded like a mischievous scoundrel.

Soooooo, needless to say, the story needs work, as does the name. If I'm wearing this bad boy for six weeks, IT NEEDS A NAME!!!

SUGGESTIONS???

I will tell you this much, it's hard to do things.... I'm right handed and this thing is getting in the way! I'm not allowed to touch my thumb and finger together in a pinching motion. I'm not allowed to put any pressure to either side and I'm not allowed to put any firm pressure straight down.

I tried to eat a salad with my left hand today and wound up with dressing close to my ear. I'm trying to remember to hit the space bar with my left hand while I'm typing (annoying!!). I can't tape, massage, grab things, hold things at work. I'm not allowed to grip or squeeze anything, including holding cups or water bottles. I can't hold a pen and write. I can't hold a fork. I can't twist the keys to turn on the car. I can't pick up my purse and put it on my shoulder. I can't get my fingers close enough together to pick up a piece of paper.... these next six weeks will be interesting. But when I'm done I'm pretty sure I will be ambidextrous!!! :) haha

So, any suggestions on names?? I'm thinking a small prize for the winner.

You have a lot of esplainin' to do

I don't remember what movie it's from... but remember that line? The one that says, "You have a lot of esplainin' to do!" In that wierd lisp of an accent??

Well, I have a lot of explaining to do... I'm trying my darndest to explain why Sam dosen't live here anymore. I'm trying to explain why Olivia dosen't live here anymore, and neither do any of her really cool toys that used to be in her room.

My niece and nephew are here visiting for an hour or two and they just don't understand why all the toys arent here. They don't understand why Sam and Olivia aren't here... or the dog Max.

They have a lot of questions and I'm trying to have the right answers. Answers that make it understandable, make it make sense.

They are trying to understand that Sam and Olivia won't ever live here again and they are trying to understand why I'm not "the second wife" anymore. (We weren't ever married... but in their little heads we were married, and Sam and I were husband and wife.... how else could we live together if we weren't married??!?!? haha).

So yes, I'm sorry darlings, but I'm not the second wife anymore. One of your best friends dosen't live here anymore, and neither do any of her really cool toys. My "husband" dosen't live here anymore, and neither does his really funny dog, or his GI Joe toys... the ones that used to be on the headboard.

I'm sorry that I keep crying when you ask for them, for their toys, for the dog, for Sam's toys, for their movies. I don't mean to make you feel bad, really. I'm trying to stop crying, I know you don't understand.

Let's just all lay here and watch a movie, ok? Even though the last time I laid in bed and watched this movie it was with two very different people... the ones you have been asking for, the ones that you are so used to being here. I'll try not to cry, especially when the fairies fly out... because that was her favorite part.

Cake Wars!!

One of my "nephews" is a senior with Wasatch High School football this year. Every year they have a fundraiser BBQ and the seniors are required to bring a cake for the cake auction.

This is all about bragging rights!

It's a must that your cake be the BEST AND MOST ORIGINAL.

I think we nailed it... our cake auctioned for for $200.

Girl's Night

There are a few things that I love doing.

1. cooking

2. entertaining


Girl's night gives the prefect opportunity to do both!!!

We had a "Sex in the City" girls night.... decadent food, splendid drinks and the movie to boot....

I was told the food was delicious and we had a great time together.

Girl's night rocks!!

We will be having a sequel party.... so all stay tuned!! This time we are making sure to have everyone dress up in their best "SITC" inspired outfit...

Hope's outfit was priceless for this party.... all to top it off with her standing at the food table saying, "If I would have known it was this type of party I would have worn pants!!"

hahahaha. That's right, that's how we roll!

Nap time

Today I took a three hour nap, at 6:30 am.

Why is it a nap you ask? Well... because I took it between my two jobs. LOL.

So, for me it's a nap! And let me tell you..... it felt absolutely marvelous.

So now I'm sitting at work, again.... and thinking I'm going to go take a shower so I feel somewhat human.

Then I'm off to lunch with my wonderful confidant, cheerleader, counselor and friend....

Then off to see my real, actually certified, counselor so she can tell me I'm not insane for wanting to wring some one's neck. :) Sometimes it's just nice to know that a professional thinks you are justified and normal.

Then.... I don't know what then.... spend some time at home! (gasp!) I can't wait! :)

Punching Bag

Have you ever felt like every day brings you a new punch in the face?

Seriously, something new every single day....

Here's the big question? Why am I still mourning the loss?

Some moments I am BEYOND mad, some moments I'm sad and reminiscing. Seriously, what is all that about?

Ugh, emotions. They are crazy!!

And you know what's crazier? Having to deal with all this *$%&, every single damn day.

Control - It's all about Control

You know, it's funny... control seems to be the key word lately.

He has blamed me for being too controlling (which, if you know anything about our relationship you probably just laughed out loud), now I see that it's all because he didn't have control.

The minute I started making decisions and putting up boundaries he started grasping at it more and more.... It's annoying, to say the least.

His ways of trying to control me now are downright humorous, yet still very annoying. I want to cut all ties, but he won't let it happen... he seems insistent on dragging me down with him.

News for ya.... NOT GONNA HAPPEN.

On the flip side, the best thing for me to do right now is to start making decisions that REtake control of my life.

I'm fixing finances, redecorating the house, making changes in my career, etc.

I'm working through a pile of self-help books, reassessing and recommitting all over the place.

I'm making decisions for me, big decisions, ones that help me feel like I'm actually moving forward and dealing with this big pile of *%&$ that has been left for me to deal with.

So yes, why is it that it all seems to come back to control??

The good thing is that I'm efficient and smart. I just need to remember that and use it to fix all this.... it's happening. One day at a time.

Lies, Lies, All Lies

I think that one of the things I hate the MOST is being made a fool of. The easiest way for that to happen is for me to trust and then be proven wrong.

I am realizing more and more every day that I am a sucker. I've trusted and believed things that I should have never taken for what they seemed.

I'm not going to say that none of it was real, I hope it was real. I have to tell my heart that at least SOME of it was real; but honestly, the more I find out, the more I look at in retrospect, the more things pan out day to day.... the more I realize that I turned a blind eye, and incredibly trusting heart, to wayyyy too much.

I'm scared that this will taint me forever. I'm scared that I won't open my heart up again. I'm worried that I will never trust or believe again.

Yet, I know myself. I know that I wear my heart on my sleeve. I know that I jump in with both feet. I know that I am an open book. I'm hoping that even though this is what got me into trouble in the first place, it will be my saving grace in the end. I'm hoping that since I've been so far on one end of the spectrum that even if I do become more timid than before, more guarded, less trusting.... that it still won't send me off the deep end in the other direction.

One can only hope.

As for now, I'm mad at myself for allowing myself to be so taken advantage of. I'm mad at myself for being so trusting, after many red flags.

Oh, and I'm also mad at him.... mad and incredibly disappointed. What makes a person not care about someone after being with them for so long, sharing their life with them. What kind of person can allow themself to screw someone over so badly? Lie to someone that they once claimed to care so deeply about? I'm stumped. It makes me sick to my stomach.

Its amazing what a sticker can do

On Monday Owen, Emily and I started the P90X program. I have done workouts from it in the past... but this time it's for real, six days a week for 13 weeks.

We made attendance charts and everything. It's amazing how motivated I am by being able to put a sticker down for the day! I get one sticker for my workout and one for meeting my caloric goal for the day.... So far I haven't missed one!

I will admit, it's nice to have the challenge and being accountable to Owen and Em as well. I don't want my row of stickers to fall behind!!!

Today we finished our third day; honestly, I'm having trouble walking. I already feel great tho. I swear to you that I already feel slimmer and sleeker. hahaha

I should have started this workout thing awhile ago. I took a big break while Sam and I were together and I seemed to have forgotten the impact the endorphins have. These things rock!

When life got hard I should have started working out immediately.... but I'm glad at least I started now! I've been struggling with staying up beat, but the last couple days have been a lot easier. I have a better outlook on things and feel like it will all be ok, even if the mud drags on forever.

In a nut shell.... I'm loving it! Even if I can't walk or get out of bed without grunting and groaning!

I'm afraid it's becoming a habit

It happened again last night.

I couldn't sleep, no matter what I did... I finally fell asleep about 2:30 am

AND WOKE UP AROUND 2:45 AM and couldn't get back to sleep for the life of me.

It honestly felt like a panic attack was coming on. I've never had one before, but I would imagine that's what it felt like. My chest was getting heavy, I was sweating, I couldn't get comfortable. I was starting to freak out... and all because I couldn't sleep?? Come on, Sara.... pull yourself together.

So I did it again. I grabbed my pillow and quilt and headed outside, straight to my hammock.

I slept like a ROCK. Didn't wake up until the neighbor went to work this morning at 7:30 am.

I'm afraid this is becoming a habit.

Am I going to be one of those crazy ladies you see in the movies? Her husband wakes up in the middle of the night to find her missing... searches the house and finds her asleep in the back yard in her hammock?? Oh geez... just the thought of it....

Quote of the night....

I'm reading a book, nice and superficial, an enjoyable read....

It just happens to be about a woman finding herself again after finding her life imploading, sound familiar??? ;)

I just read this paragraph and honestly, I think she stole it from my journal.

"I have a history of making decisions very quickly about men. I have always fallen in love fast and without measuring risks. I have a tendency not only to see the best in everyone, but to assume that everyone is emotionally capable of reaching his highest potential. I have fallen in love more times than I care to count with the highest potential of a man, rather than with the man himself, and then I have hung on to the relationship for a long time (sometimes far too long) waiting for the man to ascent to his own greatness. Many times in romance I have been victim of my own optimism."

So there ya have it, I couldn't agree more..... I have been victim of my own optimism.

Sleeping under the stars

Last night I woke up in the middle of the night. I had only been asleep about two hours and I woke up, wide awake, almost jolted awake.

I'm grateful that I can't remember why I woke up so rapidly. Lately the dreams have been awful, my sleeping abilities even worse.

I tried everything I could to ease my body back to relaxation. I ran a cold washrag over my body, I got a drink, I rearranged my pillows. Still, none of it worked.

Then I instinctually did something I've never done before.

I grabbed my favorite quilt, a pillow, marched out the back door and crawled into my hammock.

It was there that I slept soundly ALL night long, except for the few times I woke up to a cold dog nose on my arm. haha.

I was suprised that I was so comfortable sleeping outside the house, exposed to the elements and anything else that decided to present itself in the back yard. But honestly, it was splendid.

Somehow my body knew just what I needed. As a side note, I was able to wake myself up and make it back inside before the sprinklers came on. :)

Alone

Last night I found myself freshly showered, the sharp tingle on my skin from a day in the sun. Sitting on my back deck with the cool summer-night breeze blowing in the dark shadows of the yard. The dogs were playing, my bowl of soup and glass of chocolate milk were more than fulfilling my hunger as I enjoyed a book page by page by page.

I had plans, I had offers for night activities ... but I passed them up and enjoyed my time at home. Alone.

Being alone has been plentiful lately. It's something that came back into my life one horrific night, completely against my will. My life that I loved was ripped from my hands. My home was emptied and now here I am, alone... figuring out what life holds for me and where my next steps should take me.

Last night for the first time I embraced it. It's been difficult to accept that life has changed so dramatically. I've spent my days trying to focus on me, spending time with people that love ME, support ME and care about ME.

I've laughed, cried, flirted and cleaned.

Last night I slept upside down in my bed, simply because the fan caressed my skin more effectively from that angle.

It's a different life. A month can change a lot.

Here I am. Working on me, loving me and surrounding myself with things that fulfill me.

Today.... I've already finished half of my book. BBQ with family and friends tonight. Hopefully buying concert tickets for tomorrow.

Life is good, it has to be. I refuse to progress through it any other way.

Summer heat

It must be summer, because the dogs have claimed their new home on the cold tile in the bathroom.

Belly down. Sprawled out.

The smell of exhaust on a warm summer morning....

This year I wasn't able to go here....


But yesterday we went Here!!

World Superbike Championships out at Miller Motor sports Park! These guys are crazy! We went out for half of the day and had a great time. We had AWESOME tickets inside the clubhouse, but we quickly found that our crazy family was more comfortable lounging on the grass outside. They have a great banked grassy area right by the turns of the track, it was great!

The girls were able to run and play, have races rolling down the hill, etc. The bikes were great entertainment and smelling the exhaust and hearing the engines tear by gave me the taste of racing that I've been missing on this Memorial Day weekend.

This is race weekend... Indy 500 folks. I love being able to go out to the race, but I wasn't able to make it to Indy this year. I get to watch it on TV tho! Wahoo!! Now I get to hear all the commentators and get the scoop on what's going on! Much different than sitting in the stands.

Flower time!!

One of my prides and joys will always be my Columbines in my flowerbeds. They are growing like CRAZY and this is the time of year when they are blooming. I have about five different colors of them and love them all.


I have always loved them. They are the official flower of Colorado and I guess I will always be a Colorado girl at heart....

But come on, they are just GORGEOUS, right?

Runnin' With the Pack

Yesterday we went out exploring. Sam headed to the desert a bit south of us and started trying to find a place where we could shoot the guns and explore a bit.

We came upon a small town of Genola, Utah (I'm guessing population:200). As we approached the town, marked by the small green sign that says "GENOLA" and the first house on the side of the road I could see a pack of about 3-4 dogs running toward the road. I warned Sam, "Babe, there are dogs running toward the road, keep an eye out."

Well, they emerged from behind the tree and it was two teenage dogs and a GOAT. Just exploring. Just hanging out. Just doin' what "dogs" do. We had a good laugh and kept exploring.

After we explored up a little canyon, shot the guns (by the way, I'm a horrible aim.... haha) and took the truck off road a bit (YES, we tried our HARDEST to be complete rednecks) we were headed back out of town.

We approach the edge of town and once again, in front of us on the road runs a cat... followed by two dogs... and a goat.

I couldn't help but laugh. Two dogs and a goat that run as a pack. It reminds me of my childhood days when we had a piglet who ran with the dogs. Ohhhh, the joys of country life. :)

It kinda makes me miss it.

WARNING: RECIPE HOARDER

I have a confession. I hoard recipes.

I like to collect them. I tear them out, print them off, copy them down, whatever... if I think they look or sound good, naturally.

Well, here is the problem. I collect WAYYY more than I use.

I have books full of recipes that I've never tried.

So, I'm now making a conscious effort to use more of them. To test them out. If we like them then I am going to try to bring them into the rotation of yummy food that I'm trying to keep in the house. If they aren't AWESOME then I'm going to get rid of them. I've decided there is no use in keeping OK recipes when there are FANTASTIC ones out there.

So, I'm starting on my new goal. To try out recipes. I need to try more than I collect, which is no small task!!!

Today I made TWO new recipes. I made a blackberry lemon coffee cake with lemon glaze icing that apparently Sam LOVED because he asked for seconds and thirds.

Then for dinner I made pork with a white wine and apricot sauce. It was super yummy, I think! Sam was still sleeping before work so I don't know how he liked it, I left him some in the fridge... I hope he found it!

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE to cook, so it's fun for me to try new things and use new recipes. The best thing will be that the more I try new things the more I will be able to "experiment" more effectively. THAT is an exciting thought! I love being able to whip up a yummy meal from random things in the fridge and pantry.....

Ahh, I love it. I'm already getting excited to cook something new tomorrow. I'll have to look through my recipes when I get home.

HIKING - Mt. Nebo

On Saturday Sam helped me with some stuff at the house and then escaped to go hunting. He knew I was a bit bummed that we wouldn't have some time together after a long week of work.... but he came home with these, picked from high on the mountainside. He told me that I would love it up there and then asked if I was ready for an adventure.


He told me that it was like "Snow White's Forest" up there.... deer, flowers, squirrels, birds, EVERYWHERE. He was right. It was absolutely gorgeous.

We saw a lot of gorgeous flowers (some which I recognized from my bouquet). Sam said these remind him of me....

See what I get to spend all day with? AWESOME.

I LOVE spending all day outside. I feel really balanced and calm when we come home from being in the mountains all day. I love it. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of turkeys.... which was the goal.

FAUCET FAIL

Last night before Sam left for work I realized our bathtub faucet was about to blow. This has happened in the past and Poppa has always helped me fix it (before Sam and I were together) so I felt I knew what it needed. I asked Sam to help me get under the house so I could turn off the water and I got to work right after he left.

Well, I got the water turned off ok, after braving all the cobwebs (EEWWWWW!!!) and then started to dismantle the faucet. I got two screws into it and for some reason the screw with the allen wrench was WAYYY too tight to get off! I almost broke the allen wrench, so I quit. Pops couldn't get it either. :(

I let Sam know I failed.... I should have listened when he said he would work on it tomorrow. Sometime's I try to be too independent.

I turned the water back on and hoped that the leak would hold at least until Sam could get home and help.

This morning I stumbled into the bathroom to take a shower before work, while Sam is still at work. This is one of those mornings that we pass in the dark.

I turned on the water and pulled the knob to send it to the shower.... AND THE TUB FAUCET SHOT OUT INTO THE TUB!! I had only a pipe spouting water into the tub! I turned off the water and put the faucet back on, it shot off again! Finally I had to sit down and take a bath, it worked, but the thing is still broken.... :(

I don't know if I broke it... I don't know how I would have broken it, I didn't even touch that part of the faucet!!! But still, it's broken.... and now Sam has a mess on his hands. Sorry, Babe. :(

Mother's Day hunting

Yesterday was much different than it was for me a year ago.... for the first time ever I was included in the whole Mother's Day celebration.

In the morning we dropped the girls back off at their mom's house and I got hugs and kisses with a few "Happy Step-Mom Day!" giggles in there as well. They were awfully sweet and got me some great presents that were included in with my birthday loot.

It's the start of the turkey hunt.... which means that Sam took me turkey hunting on Mother's Day. I don't hunt, but I got to go for a big long hike while following Sam as he hunts. Going hunting and fishing with Sam gives me the opportunity to be outside ALL DAY and see him in his element, which is pretty fun. (hubba hubba! haha)

This was my view from the blind, which honestly I wasn't in long... prob only an hour or so, but enough to make my bum fall asleep!! Those hunting chairs aren't incredibly comfy.


A close up of that picture reveals Sam out in the trees.... checking to see if those turkeys we were calling to (and who were responding!!!) all day were really out there or not.

I'm sad to report that we didn't get a turkey, but Sam got really good at using his call and we had a great time. It was gorgeous up there and I really enjoyed spending the day together.

On the way back we saw this stump, a heart shaped stump! A perfect ending to a great day together....

p.s. Pics from the birthday BBQ to come!!!

Feliz!

It's Cinco de Mayo!! Which means me and my coworkers are celebrating with.... chinese food!! haha

This kind of negates my run last night.... first night of 5K training.

I'm feeling suprisingly accomplished this morning, even tho now my belly is full of chow mein. :)

Stingin'

On Saturday I got my first sunburn of the year.....

Summer is here. It's officially started.

I realized that with my new "step-mom" status I need to add sunscreen to the purse. I've already made the addition of fruitsnacks, wipes, hand sanitizer, crackers and some random small toy at any given time -- and now I have added sunscreen.

We spent the entire weekend outside - which was AWESOME - and we all got some good color. Thank goodness the girls take after their Dad and just get "more tan" as long as we aren't in the sun for some rediculously long time. I'm the one that pinks up first, but it's a good warning to get sunscreen on the girls.

I'll admit, we all look pretty cute with pink on our cheeks and Sam and I have some great sunglasses tans going on....

This weekend we also talked about season passes to the waterpark... It's official, SUMMER IS HERE!!

Graveyard Shifts

A lot of people think that working the graveyard shift ruins your life.

I worked it for five years, Sam works it now, and let me tell you - it has it's benefits.

I loved working it during the summer when I got to sleep by the side of the pool and wake up with a great tan every day (or sometimes a slight burn depending on how hard I slept. haha)

I love the fact that yesterday I left to run errands, Sam got up and ran a few while I was still out, we met for lunch, ran a few more together, took the dogs out for a walk, got in the hottub, and still had about another hour together before he left for work. That kind of stuff just dosen't happen when you work the day shift.

I will admit, I miss sleeping next to him; weekends alone isn't enough. I do get a bit scared sometimes when Sam instinctually says, "Don't forget to lock the door" when he leaves and then Max keeps barking ALL night long. It is a bummer when every other Sunday night Sam takes the girls to their mom's and he goes to work... and I go from an incredibly full house to an empty and quiet one in a matter of minutes.

Yet, overall, graveyards seem to work for us.

After days like yesterday they don't seem so bad.... in fact, they kind of seem like a blessing. There are few things that I enjoy more than galavanting around town on a sunny afternoon, feeling cute and being with my Babe.

PB & J

I usually make Sam's lunch/dinner for him when he goes to work. I like packing his lunch box and sending him with goodies that I think he will enjoy through the night. It makes me feel like I'm a part of his night, it's something I enjoy.

The other night I was making a PB&J for the baby girl when I thought, "I'll make one for Sam. It's something a little different. Besides, PB&J on white bread is YUMMY. He'll love it."

So, I made up his yummy yummy looking PB&J, added chips, fruit and the rest of his usual yumminess. I zipped it up and sent him off.

The next morning he told me, "Last night I opened my lunch and told the guys, 'geez, I must be in big trouble.' They asked why, I held up my sandwich and said, 'I'm eating peanut butter and jelly tonight." Apparently they all started laughing and nodding in understanding.

I told him that I thought it would be a yummy treat, that I didn't do it to punish him!! (although he might have deserved it, haha) Quite the opposite!! We both laughed and I gave him a quick kiss....

But now I know, PB&J may be yummy when you ask for it, when you are craving it; but when it shows up in your lunch box when you are used to meat/cheese/lettuce/etc sandwiches.... YOU ARE IN TROUBLE!!!

Now I know, meat and cheese sandwiches it is.... from here on out. :)

Slight Misunderstanding

COUPON DOWNFALL

I have noticed one downfall to using coupons.... we eat more processed food.

I used to be that girl that barely bought anything in boxes, now with all the really cheap food/sometimes free food that I can get with coupons I have a hard time justifying NOT to buy it.... even if it's poptarts. :)

The thing is, Sam loves this crap. The hard part is that I'm not used to using it and honestly, I'm feeling it.

I need to get back on my produce filled diet that I'm used to.

I love coupons, but I need to start being more judicious.

DIRT IS GOOD

It's spring and I'm missing getting my hands dirty. It's the time of year to be putting seeds or seedlings in the ground and starting the process of watching the fruits of your labor come alive, literally.

Last year I found a way to put vegi plants in with my flowerbeds and I LOVED it. I LOVED being able to get fresh vegis from the yard and I really enjoyed watching them grow.

This year we are going to be moving shortly and it just isn't worth it to plant vegis for whoever comes along next. I'm missing the whole process though. I'm feeling the itch to get my hands dirty.

I need to clean out my flowerbeds and spruce things up a little bit so the house shows well; but I'll be honest, I'm having a hard time getting motivated to work on something that I won't be able to enjoy throughout the summer.

Uggh... maybe I just need to plant containers that I can take with me.... that's probably the solution.

Ok, that's probably it. Maybe I'll get started on that soon.

I'm White

I was just told that I look like I have a tan. SWEET!! What a great compliment at the beginning of April!

I'm white. I'm feeling incredibly white. I have fat chicken skin legs that are incredibly WHITE.

It's usually about this time of year that I go spend a dozen days in the cancer beds (aka. tanning beds)... it helps take the glaring white away. I don't stay in there to get DARK per se, I leave that for lounging by the pool.... but it helps me feel not so chicken skin'ish.

Of course it dosen't help that everyone in my house is BEAUTIFULLY BROWN. Sam's skin is gorgeous and he only gets darker in the sun, and quick. The girls follow suit.

So here's the dilemia.... take some precious cash and go attempt to give myself cancer??? (although boost self-esteem a bit) or tough it out and probably fry the first time I throw myself under the sun poolside.

Ugh, decisions decisions.

Breakfast in Bed

Sam and I both worked a graveyard shift last night and both of us collapsed into bed when we got home this morning. Within a couple hours Sam was up and kicking. He was being pretty goofy and for a bit I thought he was sleep walking. Then I heard him singing and moving around. He was humming to himself, sometimes singing outloud, I heard the backdoor open and close a few minutes later... he obviously went to the garage and got in the chest freezer.

He walked by the bedroom a couple times and I asked him what in the world he was doing out there! About the third time I asked he stopped, looked at me and said, "Can't you just be quiet and let yourself be taken care of every now and then?? Stop with the millions of questions, Sweetie. Just relax."

I then realized that I was intruding on his special suprise.... so I waited patiently (and quietly) while he hustled and bustled in the kitchen. I knew I was in for a treat.... Sam is a FANTASTIC cook.

There you have it Ladies and Gentleman, the first time EVER that I have been served breakfast in bed..... and yes, it was DELICIOUS. I am STILL full.

He's a sweetheart.... and SUPER HOT!! MMMMM :)

Who IS that girl?

Today I'm a new girl....

New Bangs.


New phone.

I hardly recognize myself.

Apparently my bangs are pretty cute, because when I got home Sam immediately interrupted whatever conversation he was having on the phone about hunting/fishing and said, "Hey man, I gotta go." He then said something along the lines of, "Sweetie, you look adorable." He also made a few comments throughout the day, such as, "It's so cute when your bangs blow in the wind."

Sam also got paid today... which means he took me to go get a phone upgrade. We both got new Motorola Cliq phones, with the droid software (gotta love buy-one-get-one-free promotions). It's been difficult getting used to (and transferring the TONS AND TONS of info from my last phone), but when I finally get it all done I think I'm going to love it.

When I sync my calendar I can invite Sam's phone to access the calendars as well... he'll know our schedule, in his phone!! How cool is that?!?! I think that I probably think it's wayyyy cooler than Sam does. haha.

Oh, the second best part?? I downloaded all these free applications of math/numbers/alphabet flash cards, tic-tac-toe, animal sounds, etc..... The girls will love it!! I'm picturing car rides being a lot smoother.... even if we are listening to the alphabet and squawking monkeys the whole time. :)

A Little Appreciation

Last night I got home from work and 30 minutes later Sam left for work. This morning I left the house two hours before Sam got home. We have been passing in the night, so to speak.

I missed him last night. It's weird sleeping by myself, but it did give me the chance to do some long needed cleaning around the house. It kept me busy and made me feel better, I've been neglecting some things around there....

This morning I sit at work and my phone alerts with a text message. Who in the world is texting me at 7:30 am???

It's Sam.

"Sweetie, the house looks great. All of us miss you [him and the dogs]. Have a good day at work. Hurry home, safely. Tonight will be fun."

Honestly? How sweet is that?!?

Sometimes just a simple acknowledgment means SOOO MUCH.

NO FACEBOOK

So, I'm struggling with this whole graveyard thing. I used to be able to hack it, but apparently I've changed.

I'm going to try to give it a couple weeks, see if I can re-adjust.... but honestly, I don't know if this will last.

You know what I forgot about graveyards? When you go to facebook for a "break", a "pick me up", a "distraction".... THERE ISN'T ONE.

During the day people are always posting on facebook, there is always something new. Apparently people stop posting at... um.... let's say 1:30 am.

IT'S BORING.

Having the bed all to myself

I've never been on the RECIEVING END of someone working graveyard shifts, until now....

But let me tell ya, sleeping by myself STINKS.

BRAGGING

Ok, after my last post I thought I would take it a step further (AKA, probably too far). I'll admit, I'm proud.

Yesterday the baby girl and I got up, made breakfast, then hit the stores with coupons in hand!

We had some decent savings... and now I'm going to brag.

Fresh Market Grocery Store (the store formerly known as Albertsons):
Subtotal = $63.42
Paid = $32.03
total savings of $31.39.... or 50% of total bill!!!

Macey's Grocery Store (my favorite!!)
Subtotal = $171.07
Paid = $148.22
total savings of $22.85... 14% savings. Not a ton, but we got a few things we needed (and didn't have coupons for, gasp!!) and tons of produce and other things on sale.... I'm pleased.
p.s. This includes a $12 Dora the Explorer Waterbottle that apparently we just COULDN'T part with. :)

Smiths Grocer Store (quickly becoming one of my favorites)
Subtotal = $172.19
Paid = $98.73
total savings of $73.46... 43% savings. Wahoo!
p.s. This includes two movies bought for the Baby Girls' birthday this summer.

TOTAL SAVINGS OF THE DAY = $127.70

I'm feeling good about that!!

Now our pantry is overflowing. Sam had to completely reorganize the freezer to even get it to shut, the fridge is stuffed and both of us have AMPLE snacks/goodies/necessitites to pack dinners for work.

I LOVE COUPONS!!!

Coupon Freak

I'm singing that song...

"She's a coupon freak, coupon freak... she's super freaky, yeah...."

One of my coworkers just came in and mentioned coupons. For the following 30 minutes I talked coupons, more coupons, how to find coupons, how to use coupons, which coupons I like best, etc, etc, etc.

I wouldn't shut up.

I couldn't shut up.

Maybe I'm a bit too excited about coupons, but hey! Who wouldn't like doing something so organized, so productive, so challenging? Ok, maybe most people... but I like it! Obviously. :)

The days memories are made of....

I've been home a couple days now and I'm SOOO grateful I made sure I had a couple days off before jumping back into work.

Monday was a great day... slept in, went to SLC for a job thing for Sam, explored Cabella's, took the dogs for a long walk at the river and cooked the fresh lobster and scallops I brought home from Maine. It was a GREAT day.

Yesterday we dedicated ourselves to get on the slopes. We boarded a half-day at Park City and it was great!!

It took a couple runs to get our feet back under us, but I would like to announce that we were 100% off the lift!! 6 for 6!! Success!!

We are a little sore today, does that mean we are getting old?? haha. But we are already look forward to getting up there again.

We have had a great two days off, today we are back to work. I'll admit, it's kind of fun to have those early mornings together while getting ready to head out the door. Sure, it's stinks when the alarm goes off at 5:00 AM; but it's fun to be together before leaving for work... hopefully this becomes a regular thing for Sam, I like having him up with me.

So, here I sit; playing catch up at work. It's not bad... I'm enjoying crossing things off the to-do list. Speaking of... I better get back to it.

Have a great day!

I'm DONE!!

Last night was our final night in Maine. The previous day I had bought three lobsters. LIVE lobsters and brought them back for our enjoyment. One of the kids on the team is a great cook and was really eager to put these things down in the pots. We cooked these puppies up before our final banquet and they were yummy!!!

There were only three of them for all 11 of us... but we each got a good taste. It was a fun experiance to cook them and eat them; definately more entertaining than just getting one at the resturant!


We didn't know that the final banquet was supposed to be formal dress.... so after we got done on the mountain that day the kids went to a thrift store. In the middle of nowhere Maine, this is the best they could find....

I personally think they look like a bunch of polygamists. haha.

Lucky for us the kids had fun with it and made a good joke out of it.

This is everyone dressed up in their Polygamist finest enjoying a bit of lobster. What a great way to end the week....

Today we left at 6am EST. We drove four hours to Boston, dropped of our rental vans and got the airport to leave in a few hours... we are all on different flights, so I had a few hours to spare.

For lunch I went and got myself a lobster roll and Blueberry Pale Ale. I saw it at a resturant on my way out of the airport when I got here... I've been thinking about it ever since. Today I induldged and BOY, was it worth it!!! It didn't have as strong of a blueberry taste as I expected, but it was yummy!

I'm now headed home and I'm excited. I can't wait to get there. These flights are going to seem to take ages.... I'm hoping I can fall asleep and make the best of it.

Here's to happy flying! (which is always easier with some Blueberry Pale Ale in your tummy!)

Mini Maine Road trip

Today I had to drive to Portland, Maine and back (to Bethel). I took one of our girls to meet up with her parents for the weekend. It was about two hours one way, but was a great opportunity to see a little of Maine!

This was a great church right in downtown Portland, ME. There are churches everywhere out here... many with gorgeous towers like this one.


We stopped by this old port. I thought all these pylons in the water was really cool. When a big wave came in a lot of them would sway.

It was at this port that we spotted the PIRATE SHIP!! So cool!

Not too far away we found a fish market. These guys were incredibly helpful with my desire to take home fresh seafood.

They let me hold this guy, almost a five pounder!! I didn't buy him... but he was fun to pose with!

They said that unfortunately live lobsters wouldn't be able to last longer than 48 hours. If I would have been able to pick them up tomorrow (which I can't) I would have been able to take home live creatures.... instead they helped me with some delicious looking crab meat (even a better bargain since I'm not paying for the shell!!). I stayed within my budget and now have a great cooler bag to put in my suitcase.

I didn't bring home any of these guys.... mean looking!!!

But I got some of these......

This place rocks. Harbor Fish Company. I got their number so we can call and have them ship us live lobsters!! They were great to work with and gave me some great memories as well.

This is the dock they were by. The red shed on the left is the back of their market.

One of my favorite things around here is the little ancient cemeteries that are randomly placed among the trees. Some are in towns, some are in the middle of nowhere.... like this one that I found while driving back to Bethel today. The headstones are ANCIENT. Great history.

This tower of white signs is very typical around here. There is one at mostly every intersection and a lot of little signs like this along the road. Some signs point to towns, some point to businesses and schools, some point to points of interest and historical landmarks.... You name it, there's probably a sign for it.

Another interesting thing I've noticed is that they post miles in fractions. The sign will read, "COVERED BRIDGE - 1 6/10", instead of "COVERED BRIDGE - 1.6 mi" like is typical in the West.

There is A LOT of ice fishing going on....

They have their huts all over the place. This one was pulled up on the shore by the launch point. The guys' name and phone number is painted on the door.

Here is another beautiful cemetery I came across. The building looking thing right up front is actually a set of doors that goes underground. Not sure what they keep in there!! Kind of spooky!! :) I LOVE LOVE LOVE the tall headstones, especially the ones that are almost like a big pillar that comes up to a point. Absolutely gorgeous.

It's been interesting out here. I've never been to Maine before. I've been intrigued by the history and oldness of it all. Everything just FEELS old. The moss on the trees and rocks helps it seem old.

Today was sunny, by far the most sun we have had since we've been here. It's humid. You can feel the dampness in your bones. It makes things colder. It isn't muggy tho, thank goodness it's only March.

The roads have huge pot-holes and "frost heaves" (the huge humps and cracks). The roads are awful compared to what I'm used to. Most of the time I have a hard time even driving the speed limit because the roads are so rough.... I guess that would keep me from getting speeding tickets!! LOL.

It's been fun. I had a good time exploring today; but honestly, I'm ready to go home.

Tomorrow is our last day of competition, tomorrow night the awards banquet, and then we leave dark and early the next morning to start our huge day of travel.... that will all be worth the reward of finally being home.

I'm excited for tomorrow. I get to spend all day packing, cleaning and preparing to leave. Hopefully it will feel like the wait is finally over.

I'm coming home, Babe!!! (51 hours and counting)