BUT I KNOW IT, Happenings of a Girl on the Move

Bucket List

2012-02-10T09:01:00.003-07:00

Just to share with all of you... (from my email this morning)

Bucket list - Please play along...

You would be surprised at the responses.
Whether you've done this before or not, be a good sport. Do it again

(And take a brain break from your job for a minute)!!
Bucket List...Hit forward and place an x by all the things you've done, remove the x from the ones you have not, and send it to at least six of your friends

(Including me).
This is your life:
(X) Shot a gun

(X) Gone on a blind date

(X) Skipped school

(X) Watched someone die

(X) Visited Canada

( ) Visited Hawaii

( ) Visited Cuba

(X) Visited Europe

( ) Visited South America

(X) Visited Africa

(X) Visited Las Vegas

( ) Visited Central America

( ) Visited Asia

(X) Visited Florida

( ) visited Mexico

(X) Seen the Grand Canyon

(X) Flown on a plane

( ) served on a jury

(X) Been lost

(X) Traveled to the opposite side of the country

(X) Visited Washington, DC

(X) Swam in the Ocean

(X) Cried yourself to sleep

(X) Played cops and robbers

(X) Played cowboys and Indians

(X) Recently colored with crayons

(X) Sang karaoke

(X) Sang a solo or duet in church

(X) Paid for a meal with coins only

(X) Made prank phone calls

(X) Laughed until some beverage came out of your nose

(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue

( ) Had children

(X) Had a pet

(X) Been skinny-dipping outdoors

(X) Been fishing

(X) Been boating

(X) Been downhill skiing

(X) Been water skiing

(X) Been camping in a trailer/RV

(X) Been camping in a tent

(X ) Driven a motorcycle/been a passenger

( ) Been bungee-jumping (ripcord jumping)

( ) skydived

(X) Gone to a drive-in movie

(X) Done something that could have killed you

(X) Done something that you will regret for the rest of your life

( )Rode an elephant

(X) Rode a horse

(X) Eaten just cookies or cake for dinner

(X) Been on TV

( ) Stolen any traffic signs

(X) Been in a car accident

( ) Been in Hospital in past 24 months

(X) Donated blood

(X) Gotten a speeding ticket in the past 12 months

(X) Gotten a piercing (ears only)

(X) Gotten a Tattoo

( ) Shaved your head

( ) Met a president

(X) Drive a four door vehicle

(X) Ever owned your dream car

( ) Been Married

( ) Been divorced

(X) Fell in love

(X) Fell out of love

Stumped, Frustrated and Seriously P.O.'d

2012-02-05T14:02:00.000-07:00

Well, we don't know what is going on. Three doctors, four rounds of blood tests, three other tests and over four months of treatment and NOTHING.

Here's the big question:

Sara works out like an animal, counts every single calorie, has major calorie deficits and hasn't lost a pound in over 12 weeks. I lost some initially when I RADICALLY changed my diet... but nothing now.

I AM BEYOND FRUSTRATED AND PISSED OFF.

A few years ago I lost over 50 pounds in six months... I am doing the exact same thing this time except working HARDER and yet ... nothing.

I know something isn't right, but I can't figure out what. I'm frustrated that I have years and years and years of education in this area, I have worked with multiple doctors and medical professionals and ALL OF US ARE STUMPED.

Last Thursday I went and gave six more vials of blood for another blood test.

Today I am spitting in vials every couple hours to collect saliva for testing.

Every day I am counting calories, calculating BMRs and calories burned.... resulting in an average of almost 1000 calorie deficit every day.

Mondays I swim for 1.5 hours and dance for 1.5 hours.
Tuesdays I lift weights for 30 minutes and run for 45 minutes.
Wednesdays I do kick boxing for an hour.
Thursdays I lift for 30 minutes and do 75 minutes of spin class.
Friday-Sunday I run (or something else) at least twice.

It's insane. A person my size should not be training for and completing sprint triathlons and not be losing weight.

So, for now I am waiting and trying to have faith in my doctors and all these tests that we can figure out what is wrong. I hate to say it, but I'm getting really frustrated and honestly losing some drive.... which isn't fun at all.

Dreaming about goals and passions...

2012-01-20T11:07:00.001-07:00

I woke up the other morning and instantly remembered what I had been so fervently dreaming about all night!! TRIATHLONS!

I remembered feeling the warmth of the water in the swim, the wind on my face during the bike, the pounding in my ears during the run.

I remembered that my triathlon friends were in my dream too, just like they always are in reality.... same with my family. They were there too, screaming their guts out as always.

It made me long for these days....

I am training my ass off right now preparing for my first sprint triathlon this year -- MAY 12TH.

I am taking a spinning class with the reputation for being the hardest spin class in the Salt Lake Valley and I am hoping it prepares me for those three-mile hills that are looming in the bike course in May.

I have upped my swim workouts to 500 meters before I teach water-aerobics for an hour every Monday. I feel like that should give me a good base to kill a 400 meter swim!

I am working on my running and have set HUGE goals to cut down my run time.... this is where I really need to get to work.

It was fun to dream, to realize that I am excited for it and looking forward to it. It's nice to know it is in the forefront of my mind and that my goals and desires are all lining up.

Because, let me tell ya -- that smile you see below? It's one awesome feeling!

You can't make this #$%& up!

2012-01-16T13:00:00.000-07:00

Last week I had a First Date.

It went something like this.....

We meet up at a little bar downtown, we sit and talk and drink for a couple hours. Things are going well. We are having fun.

All the sudden this girl shows up at the back of my bar stool. She says hi while she slurs and sways back and forth. I say hello. She introduces herself and I introduce myself. I introduce the guy I'm with.... She looks at him, looks at me, looks at him, looks at me, then looks at him and cries, "SHE'S STRAIGHT!!!" She proceeds to tell me that I'm beautiful and that she has been watching me all night (apparently I was facing her and she was somewhere in the expanses of the bar behind my date). She thought we, "had something." I told her that I was straight, but she seemed like a nice girl (while trying to hold down my giggles). My date tried to feed me to the bears (so to speak), but I kicked him nicely in the shins and turned her down once again. She invited me out for a smoke, I gently told her I don't smoke. She stuck her lower lip out and went outside....

About five minutes pass and she's back! She tries again, tells me she missed me. Tell's my date that he's one hell of a lucky guy (I agreed with that part...) LOL. I'm not quite sure how it happened but all the sudden her hand is cupping my breast and her other hand is cupping my date's. I looked at my date and said, "How do you feel about the fact that we are both getting groped on our first date and we aren't even touching each other?!?!" She proceeds to tell us that I have him beat in the size department, but he has better nipples! (note: she wasn't even close to my nipple, but I wasn't going to point that out...). She asked again if I wanted to join her for a drink, I politely declined, again.... She then points out that she has never been shot down six times in one night before -- apparently I was the first to turn her down repeatedly. Sorry to disappoint sweetheart!! She told us not to laugh too hard when she walked away, and then with about 70 bazillion hugs goodbye she left.

Well, we laughed, and stayed and talked a bit more, then after last call we decided to call it a night.

We walked outside and were talking on the sidewalk (there may or may not have been slight canoodling).

We were approached by a very tall, dark haired man who asked if he could ask us a "rather random question". We both giggled and almost simultaneously said, "It's been a night for that sort of thing! Whatcha got?"

He then said something along the lines of, "I'm visiting and don't know the area. Do you know where I could smoke a bowl??"

Holy crap, really?? I threw my hands in the air and said, "I have nooo clue! Dustin?" My date then agrees that he doesn't know either... he's fairly new to the area as well....

Well, this tall stranger wasn't done there. He then asks if we are married, I say "no". He asks if we are almost married, my date says, "no." I then mention... "It's our first date." He raises an eyebrow and says, "Well.... I'm a facilitator of love...." and opens his wallet and hands my date a card. I thought it was a business card, until he follows up with, "I'm staying at the Radisson down the street and won't be headed back there tonight. Why don't you two take advantage of the opportunity and go, um... take care of things."

I bust up laughing, is this guy for real? My date says, "Do we look like we need a room?" I realize an important fact and ask, "Isn't your stuff in there?" He says, "Oh, yeah.... well, just don't touch anything, OK?" at which point he leans over to my date and loudly whispers, "Except, there is a Viagra on the counter, you can have it if you want, Dude."

Well, luckily some guy behind us starts yelling, a small melee breaks out and we leave the room key on the fire hydrant and escape....

We make it across the street to my car, talk some more, say our good byes (no details here, sorry. lol)

I leave for home while looking at the clock and realizing how early work is going to come in the morning. Before I know it there are red and blue lights behind me and I get pulled over for speeding.

I text my date saying, "You know that lead foot I told you about? Yeah, I'm pulled over."

I text my parents (and my other safety-net friend) saying, "Sorry, my phone died. I'm good, headed home... except I'm pulled over."

I get a text back from my date saying, "Just act cool. You ok? I'm sitting in my car trying to sober up a bit."

I get a text back from my parents saying, "Are you ok? For speeding? Have you been drinking? Is he giving you a ticket? OMG, are you ok?"

I get about a million more from my parents making sure I'm not getting arrested for a DUI.

I get a text back from my safety-net friend saying, "For speeding... I hope. Are you ok?"

I text them all back, "Totally ok, yes for speeding. I'm COMPLETELY sober, only had half a beer in four hours."

I text my date back, "Need me to come get you?"

I get a ticket, the ass-hole officer says, "I hope you had a good date. Here's your ticket. Have a better night."

Thanks.

I get back on the road, I'm three minutes from home and get a text message from my date, "A ride would be awesome."

I flip a U-turn and head back down to the bar. Pick him up and once again head for home. (we ironically live in the same neighborhood).

I drop him off, again say our goodbye's (again, no details... perv. LOL).

I finally make it home at 2:45 am. I collect my dog and crawl in my freezing cold bed. I set my alarm for 3 hours later and fall asleep.

5:45am -- alarm goes off. Even my puppy Porter let out an audible groan. Yes, Buddy. This morning came early... I know..........

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

Update: Fun date, nice guy... not relationship material. Sorry to disappoint.

Working with friends means you get paid of have fun...

2012-01-15T12:22:00.003-07:00

I have great friends, and I have two great jobs. Lucky for me most of my amazing friends work with me... which makes things LOTS of fun.

This weekend highlighted this perfectly. We started out with a suprise party for on Friday night. It got crazy and dirty quick. The fire burned hot and fast, by 10:30pm we were done... but that wasn't before there was already lots of embarrassing pictures, chants, great stories told, great food eaten and lots of beverages consumed. I realized that night that I have great people who surround me every day and I am incredibly lucky to be able to call them friends. I was talking with the wife of a co-worker and telling her how unique our situation at LifeFlight is, how close we get through working shifts together and how much fun it can really be. I realized it's a unique thing. I also realized how much damn fun we can have when all of us get together on a Friday night.... whew whee!!

Then the next day I got up dark and early to go to Pocatello with my track team from the college. We all crammed in my little car as we waited for the van and then had a surprisingly enjoyable ride up there. The athletes are fun and the coach I would categorize in my awesome friend category. I realized again how truly lucky I am to be able to go to "work" and feel like I'm playing with friends all day. We encouraged and supported each other all day, then stopped for a yummy Cafe Rio dinner, stopped again before leaving Idaho to play some scratch-lotto tickets, the guys won a little and re-tried their luck... and lost. We stopped AGAIN for gas. We giggled and sang all the way home, and screamed with joy when the 49ers won the game with seconds left.

Overall....We laugh, we joke, we discuss, we play, we dream, we sometimes cry. We plan parties and vacations, we give and ask for opinions. We counsel and laugh. We share and we love.

It's an incredible thing and something that I have realized how truly blessed I am because of it. Not many people are this lucky... but I'm grateful I am!

Goal Setting - 2012 style

2011-12-31T11:53:00.001-07:00

I have high hopes for 2012.

I had high hopes for 2011 - it was more than high hopes, I was determined to make 2011 MY YEAR after being kicked in the teeth in 2010.

Now after looking back I realize that I worked hard and it definitely paid off. There were some sad, horrible things that happened during 2011 - but it was still supposed to be MY YEAR and I kept things headed in the right direction. I came a long way in 2011. I overcame a lot, I changed a lot and I learned a lot.

This next year, 2012, my MAIN GOAL is to:

GET RID OF WEIGHT -- COLLECT LIGHT AND LOVE.

I chose the words very carefully. I plan to "get rid" of weight - not "lose it", that implies that I will find it again. This part of my resolution is specific to physical weight, yet I want it to relate to emotional and social weight as well. I don't need things dragging me down and holding me back.

The collect light and love portion refers to how I feel about me personally, what type of people I am welcoming into my life and what type of knowledge and energy I want to seek out. I feel it is a good motto and mantra for the coming year and I am ready to be "out with the old and in with the new".

I am setting some really specific goals for the physical weight loss this year. Some of it is very specific to my sprint triathlon training and eating clean.

My first spring tri will be on May 12th -- less than 4.5 months away.

Here is my goal sheet in my journal -- two pages that finished my last journal and I have recopied into the first two pages of my new journal for 2012.

I am big into goals - I think it is why New Years is my favorite holiday.

I have written these goals in my new journal for 2012 and I am going to make reminders of the new motto -- GET RID OF WEIGHT, COLLECT LIGHT AND LOVE.

I am sharing this here on my blog, on facebook and face to face... You are more likely to succeed in your goals if you share them with others.... and I will SUCCEED!!

Here's to 2012! Bring it on!!

I found them

2011-12-13T11:20:00.002-07:00

I just wanted to let you all know.... I have collar bones.

Unless you have been a person that has lost them you won't quite know the joy of finding them.

But sure enough, they are there. They poke out a bit and I enjoy showing them off.

Slowly, but surely, this weight is coming off. I'm doing it the healthy way and working my tail off. Sometimes it is hard to stay focused day after day.... which makes it nice to get little nods of reassurance that I'm doing something right.

Today that little nod was collar bones.

I'm going to run around the world

2011-11-15T20:36:00.001-07:00

OK, so here's the thing. I've been needing a reason to get motivated to run lately. Honestly, I haven't run since I finished my last sprint triathlon a month ago. I have fallen in love with swimming and biking and do that often, along with other cross training... but I haven't been running! I LOVED running when I was doing it regularly, but I've lost my motivation and fallen away.

Today I got a brilliant idea, one that combines my love of running with a HUGE love of mine.

TRAVEL

So, here's the idea. I am going to map out a course that takes me throughout the world seeing all the things that I have always wanted to see and explore. I'm going to design a course that takes the path of least resistance (aka: miles) and then get to running.

Here is the motivation part.... When I run I will bank miles towards a specific destination, when I get enough miles I'm going on a trip!!

So, example.... The Narrows in Zion National Park (one place I've always wanted to go) is 304.4 miles away. So, when I run 304.4 miles from now I get to go to the Narrows! From there I will head off to a different place and have a new goal. Eventually I want this to take me throughout the world!

Now, to get this done I realize this is going to be thousands and thousands and thousands of miles and to run that much is going to take years (probably a lifetime), but I don't see the harm in making a long term commitment to running... and I SURE don't see anything wrong with a long term commitment to traveling!!

I am thinking it would be good to have my destinations about 400 miles apart, this will give me approx a trip a year at the beginning and then approx two trips a year as I eventually up my mileage.

So, here's my question for you.... WHAT DESTINATIONS SHOULD BE ON MY LIST?!?!?

I'm making a master list of everywhere I would like to go, possibly, ever, thinking broad here.... then I will map it out and narrow things down if I must. I need places around the world, anything I should see!!

SO, PLEASE SEND ME YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS!! TELL ME WHERE AND WHY I SHOULD GO THERE!

Thanks in advance for your input. The support I receive from my family and friends is absolutely amazing and therefore I know you will have some great ideas! Please share!

Oh, and here's your warning.... Thailand is just over 8,000 miles away.... You have now officially received 8,000 miles notice if you are wanting to accompany me on the Thailand trip. :)

I love saving Moolah!!

2011-10-18T19:08:00.002-06:00

Today I went to the store for those little things we needed and also all the great things on sale that I had coupons for!!

I haven't been couponing a lot lately. Since we are so focused on plant based foods that limits the couponing quite a bit. (coupons for produce are RARE!!)

But, Tuffy still exists in the house and he isn't quite as switched over to plant based as we are.... so he cleaned up today!

Lots of frozen pizza, cracker snack packs for him to take to school, canned soup... all for GREAT deals.

Also... razors, hair products, shampoo and conditioner.

All in all I saved over $100 tonight. That's a 43% savings. (not bad since it also included a lot of produce)

When compared to other couponing trips the savings weren't incredible, but I felt pretty good about it.... especially when Tuff let out a yelp of joy when he saw the goods!!

Saving money and putting smiles on faces.... always a good thing.

Another good thing? A 4-pack of amazing razors for $0.28. (I got eight). :)

My Battle with The Beast (aka Fall Finale Sprint Tri)

2011-10-09T17:29:00.000-06:00

It was an early one. Early and dark and cold.

It had been raining all night. Check in was at 7am. The temperature was 41 degrees.

I was in the pool by 8:30am. The swim was inside and the water was nice and warm... :)

(p.s. I can't get the pictures to turn, sorry)

Winter was taking pictures and Pops was right there yelling for me after every lap, swinging my shirt and making a very supportive ruckus.

Here I am, almost done with the swim!

Now for the 1/4 mile barefoot run to the transition area. That was the cold part!

I got all bundled up and ready for the bike... I was really grateful for that wind/rain proof jacket after 12 miles! My toes were numb and my shoes were dripping by the end of it, but at least it wasn't pouring rain!

And we are off... I seriously have the most supportive Poppa. He is always right there beside me or behind me, always inspiring and motivational.

This was at the top of the three mile hill that started the bike course. That thing was a doozy!! I just kept thinking to myself, "Winter is right up there and I do NOT want her to get pictures of me walking my bike..." As soon as I would pass her she would drive ahead again for more pictures... I think that is what got me up that damn hill!!

When things get hard on my bike I tend to yell and scream. I think this is the part where I screamed, "This shit is fucking hard!!!" I think I heard Pops giggle.

The view was absolutely gorgeous. I tried to remind myself to look up and enjoy it from time to time.

Here I am coming back into transition where Tuffy (here in the blue hat), Winter, Hope and Trey were waiting for us. I loved all the support!!

This is transition 2. I had to walk a hill on my bike and got a nasty blister from walking in my bike shoes. Here I was screaming while having to rake my shoe off.... ouch!! I remember looking down and seeing a huge chunk of skin in my shoe. Yummy.

The medic there put a pad on my heel (can you believe I didn't have anything with me?? Geesh! Live and learn...) And I was off....

Pops was right there with me as always.

This was a big 3 mile loop, we went out away from the oval and then back to finish with a lap inside... I was jello by then, struggling and honestly pretty emotional. Pops was very supportive and we had some good chats out there on that course.

Almost there!

Done! Finally!

This guy came up afterwards and said, "You are my hero. I was behind you the whole time and you were really inspirational." Maybe he was inspired by me yelling cuss words out on the bike course... who knows!! LOL

Done! Have the medal to prove it! That thing was a BEAST!!

My fantastically supportive fam, fondly referred to as "TEAM BEAUDRY".

I think this funny face pic says it all. :)

Prepping for TAKE TWO

2011-10-07T09:56:00.001-06:00

Take Two is tomorrow morning. My 2nd sprint triathlon. Just saying that makes a smile cross my face.

This will be a tough one. Weather projections are 41 degrees with wind and rain. Not exactly ideal weather to be jumping into a pool, then on a bike, then running.... but, all the better to make memories, right? Well, that's what I'm trying to tell myself. :)

I'm making my packing list for tomorrow. I'm trying to be prepared for the weather, yet not over prepare. My triathlon coaches keep telling me that I won't need as many clothes as I think I will, that I will heat up faster than I expect to.

I am going to change my transition strategies though. I am going to strip off as much as possible after my swim, I think I will be best served by getting off as many wet clothes as possible.

Last night Poppa and I went out for a bike ride in the rain. I was able to try out an outfit that I thought would work and use my new cold weather biking gloves that I got - LOVE THEM! Definitely worth the investment....

The weather was gorgeous last night, a little sprinkle, cold autumn air, gorgeous sunset on the snow covered mountains.... BEAUTIFUL! It was the perfect last ride of the week. Today is a rest day. Tomorrow I'm going to KILL IT. :)

Updates to come.

Family Pictures - We survived! (barely)

2011-10-02T08:46:00.002-06:00

Yesterday we tackled this project of "Family Pictures."

Abby found a willing (and awesome) photographer, everyone fought over a color scheme, we miraculously found a time when everyone could make it and we all ventured down to Utah County, some of us more willing than others.

Hope went into a fury of getting hair and makeup done on her sisters, kids were squealing, dogs chasing each other, some were late and luckily Trey went off to get a few libations to hold us through.

We climbed in cars and started our caravan out to the south side of Utah Lake. Forty minutes later we pulled up at the beach that was supposed to be the "perfect spot" and were promptly lamblasted with gale-force winds and pelting rain. The dogs loved it and ran around crazy before we finally got them back in the cars and set off down the road in hopes of getting out of the storm. I'm sure we looked like some ridiculous version of storm chasers.

We finally found another place on the other side of the mountain that would do just fine. I knew this place well... my ex liked this spot for all sorts of hunting expeditions and I would often go with him. We had camped out there with my step-girls and spent many days (and nights) hiking those hills for deer and sitting in the marshes by the swamp for ducks. It was interesting for me to remember these good times. So many of my memories from that relationship (mostly how it ended) are traumatic and horrible memories, it was nice to be able to remember the good, remember the joy we had and (gasp) the love that we shared. I do miss those times, but unfortunately powers out of my control ruined it for all of us....

ANYWAYS, back to the story.

So we got out and quickly realized we were being ACCOSTED by bird sized mosquitoes!! It was awful!! The next two hours were full of slapping and scratching and swatting and squealing.

We got some family shots done and then Abby's family jumped in there before the kids turned into balls of mud. Then all the couples got their stuff done. By this time a lot of people had escaped to the cars to try to avoid the mosquitoes, as well as some of the dogs. I had put Porter in the parents car and was over at Trey's car getting a swig of something to help keep the nerves at bay....

Tuffy comes walking back to me and says, "Something is wrong with Porter." When asked what was wrong he shrugged his shoulders and walked away... so I go to check it out and when I open the door to the car Mom is FREAKING OUT, and for good reason. When I look at Porter his eyes are swelling shut, his lips are fat, he has big swollen bumps all over him and he looks like he's about ready to keel over, but on top of that he's scratching and nibbling all over his little 9-lb body. I look closer and realize that the mosquitoes have eaten him alive and he is having a pretty significant allergic reaction.

I ask around for benadryl, no one has any... except for this topical gel that we keep for Tuff's skin. I grab Porter and wrap him in an extra shirt we had and hold him close, he snuggles right in -- I felt AWFUL, I could almost hear him crying for his Momma. I asked Poppa to help me smear him down with Benadryl gel and he let us get some on his head, but after a few minutes he had had enough and was squirming and fighting us the whole way.

The sun was almost down by now and the mosquitoes were really coming out in full force. We realize that I'm the only one who hasn't gotten individual shots taken so they grab me and throw me in front of the camera for a few minutes.... (enter furious shutter clicks here)...... and then I go grab Porter and run to Trey and Hope's car to escape the mosquitoes and get the hell out of there!!

As we are driving away in our little caravan, headed back to civilization, Trey tells me that our family succeeded in finishing off two six-packs and a fifth of Crown Royal during our excursion. Wow.... that's probably why there were no fights, screaming or tantrums. We need to remember this trick. :) Props to the family for pulling straight from the bottle in times like this!! LOL :)

After about 30 minutes we made it to a gas station, I removed the wheezing puppy from my lap and ran in to buy benadryl. There was a Subway attached so I bought two pieces of ham for 0.54 cents. Winter looked up "benadryl dose for small dogs" on Google (seriously, what would we ever do without google and smart phones?!?!) and we promptly wrapped 25mg of benadryl in ham and Porter took it like a champ.

Within an hour or so most of the swelling had gone down and he was feeling lots better, but TIRED. He slept on my lap the whole way home to Salt Lake and crashed in bed with me all night. This morning he is back to his normal self and all in all I will say that none of us are any worse for the wear.

Today we are off to our annual Family Fall Conference Oktoberfest Outing. I can't remember the last time I've drank three days in a row.... but ya know, sometimes drastic times call for drastic measures. :)

Dancing under a Red light (trust me, It's not what you think)

2011-09-23T08:18:00.000-06:00

See this guy? Yeah, his twin was on the street corner in Provo yesterday.

As I approached the red light I see this guy all dressed up, fedora and everything, holding a cardboard sign that read,

"THIS IS 4 U. I JUST LOVE TO DANCE. Tips Appreciated."

Sure enough, the light hit red, traffic stopped, he tossed his sign back over his shoulder and ROCKED OUT to his head phones! I'm talking the worm, kicks, splits, jazz squares....

IT WAS AWESOME!

The light turned green. He bowed. I gave a couple honks and handed him a dollar bill out the window.

What great entertainment at a red light!! I could get used to this! It DEFINITELY brightened my day.

Here's a hint to all those panhandlers out there (especially in SLC)... show us what you got!!

Take Two

2011-09-16T14:51:00.001-06:00

We are going to try this all again, that's right... another sprint triathlon!!

I just registered for this puppy.

http://www.ustrisports.com/FallFinale.html

It's run in typical order this time -- swim first, then bike, then run.

This will provide some interesting challenges, like what to wear in the pool (I'm thinking of necessary bra support for the run, but do I really want all of that to get wet during the swim??). How about hopping on a bike wet? Running after being on a bike for 12 miles? All these normal transition questions that happen in triathlons that have the swim first (unlike my last triathlon that mercifully had the swim last).

I'm excited. I get to push a bit harder and work on a few things that I knew I wanted to improve on from last time. I know now that I can finish this, so now I know I can push harder.

I don't think the hills will be as intense this time as they were last time. Although, I know now that I can rock hills. I found out last week that my gears were set up opposite of how I thought they were and I have nine more "easy" gears that I didn't know I had. Can you believe I did those hills last time without my nine easiest gears?!?! Ughh, well, at least I know I have them now!

I thought I would only get one go at a sprint tri this year, so to get a second try before the summer quits on us will be awesome.

I met a new friend last time and she is the one that told me about this triathlon... so here is to new friends and conquering new challenges!! Like we keep telling each other, WE CAN ROCK THIS!!

Now, back to that hard training schedule that I thought I could put away for a bit. :)

My Sprint Triathlon!!

2011-09-14T00:10:00.000-06:00

It started with a 5k (3.1 mile) run. I did fairly well considering there were a few hills and I wasn't really pushing it too hard because I knew I had this.... The 12 mile bike!!

Pops was an awesome coach on the bike course. He talked me through some really hard hills and was encouraging and supportive when I needed it the most.

Transition to the swim!

Running to the finish line!

My Pops was awesome. He has always been a great supporter of mine and today was no different!

Mom came to cheer for me through the swim. At the end of every lap they would give me encouraging words, it was so motivating!

Here is the pic I've been dreaming of! I DID IT!

This lady actually turned around on the bike course to come coach me on a hill. This is what I love about these races, everyone is so encouraging and motivating!!

Thanks for all the support you guys!! (including you Abby, thanks for being behind the camera and taking all these awesome pics!)

And it's over. Time for a huge salad lunch and an awesome post-event massage!

Now THIS is the face of a proud girl. I trained my butt off and I DID IT!!

Official times: 2 hours 15 minutes 45 seconds

3.1 km run: 49:27 minutes

run/bike transition: 3:54 minutes

12 mile bike: 1:05:48 hours

bike/swim transition: 1:56 minutes

400 meter swim: 14:43 minutes

I felt suprisingly awesome. I was tired, sure... but I finished everything strong! There are a few things that I want to improve on, but isn't that part of these things!?!?! Someone asked me afterwards if I was going to do another one, I promptly replied, "OF COURSE!"

Whenever someone asks me about my sprint tri, I smile from ear to ear. I think that's a great sign. This was such an incredible experiance for me. To realize that in 6 months I went from not being able to run 2 minutes to finishing a sprint triathlon. I AM DAMN PROUD OF MYSELF.

This has been an incredible year, one that I dedicated to me, promising myself that this year I would take care of me. Well, I have, and it feels wonderful. I've done things that I didn't know I could do... and the awesome part is that I'm going to keep doing them.

Burning the candle at both ends

2011-09-11T08:57:00.000-06:00

I've been busy lately, REALLY busy. I knew getting into this fall that I would be working 7 days a week consistently. I knew that I would be at both of my jobs most days. I knew that it would be hard.

But let me tell you, falling asleep last night at 9:18pm was heavenly. Yes, I'm aware it was a Saturday night, but sometimes that is what the perfect Saturday night is made of.... especially when your Friday night included staying out till 2:35 am and then waking up at 7:00 am to work all day.

I slept like a rock and now I have the sleep hangover to prove it. But ya know, it was soooo worth it.

TICK, TOCK, TICK, TOCK, TICK....

2011-08-30T19:21:00.003-06:00

3 days and 11 hours until my triathlon...

Don't believe me? Check here....

http://www.aquatriathlon.com/

Seeing the countdown clock kind of makes my stomach drop.

BMX PROS at Powder Mountain

2011-08-23T21:27:00.001-06:00

I had the awesome opportunity to work with 50/50 BMX this past weekend. They had a great event up at Powder Mountain Ski Resort that included a large motocross race as well.

These Pro BMXers went out BIG! They pulled some truly amazing tricks, the kind that make you "woot" reflexively.

Unfortunately with those big tricks also come big crashes.... they sure did keep us busy!!

Closed up well, don't you think??

My family was able to come and enjoy the event as well. Thank goodness they were there! We were so busy we needed some help babysitting a bad head injury that occurred that day. Winter babysat Ben for us and was sooo helpful!! Now they are BFFs.

You know it's a good day when you have little guys like this running around.... where else do you see dogs in sunglasses??? Why BMX of course!!

I always love getting to work with extreme sports guys and this was no exception. See ya all next time!!

You may call me Professor

2011-08-17T00:02:00.000-06:00

Classes start at Westminster College next week and I'm almost ready for them, all three of them.

All three syllabus are done and added to the class forums. Schedules are made. Quizzes are written (except for one). Class plans are done.

I have a few more things to iron out, one quiz to write and a key code to figure out....

But other than that I'm ready to go! I'm feeling MUCH better than I was earlier today when I realized how much I had to do to get ready for these classes. With another marathon planning/prep session I should be ready for this semester.

On another positive note, I just found out one of my most favorite students ever is enrolled in one of my classes. Happy happy joy joy!

My first commute

2011-08-09T21:27:00.000-06:00

It's here!! And put together!! And everything is working great!!

I took it on my first commute to work tonight - 6 miles in 25 minutes... not bad!!

My awesome friend DJ put it together for me. His wife, Becky, helped me get it to fit in the car (I need a bike rack... = $$$$). The customer service guy talked me through shifting and I even put on my chain after I managed to knock it off.... I would say that's an overall success!!

I got a late start headed to work tonight, but I made fantastic time!! And here's the kicker.... I'm not even sore, my fancy padded bike shorts are working!!

My shoes are tight, but my feet will get used to being locked in. My outfit is super cute. My shoes actually match my bike (style points!). My helmet fits. And here's the kicker.... I'm learning how to pack light since I have to carry it all in my backpack for 6 miles one way - I left the huge luggage-purse at home!

My shoes that I bought off e-bay (screaming deal!!) already came with the cleats I needed to fit my pedals.... another lucky break!

I think me and this road bike were meant to be.

I mean seriously, it's been too easy! I even learned how to clip into my pedals (and get out) in less than three minutes! I'm a pro! (I will take that back after my first crash, I'm sure.)

I'm pretty stoked about riding to work tonight..... although, I'm betting I'm not going to be that stoked when I have to ride home at 6:30 in the morning. :)

Juggling

2011-08-06T09:18:00.000-06:00

You know the analogy of "keeping many balls in the air" when it comes to multitasking?? Well, sometimes I feel like I'm rather guiding them to the ground in a place where they should be as they fall at varying speeds past my face.

Thank goodness I have my awesome family who supports me. They are always willing to look at houses, run races, etc etc.... and they are always willing to crash on the couch with the puppies and catch up on DVR shows.

Today (and the past couple days and the many days to follow) I have A LOT of balls I'm trying to guide around here.

They are as follows, in no particular order of importance:

Work at LIFEFLIGHT -- busy!! Four shifts a week (yes, that is overtime) and I was just added to a committee that is working on a big policy change... which means, ANOTHER MEETING EVERY WEEK!!
ATHLETIC TRAINING at the College -- I have three sports this fall alone, not to mention two more in the winter. We are in the middle of physicals and pre-season stuff. I am making sure I'm available for games and practices 5-6 times a week.
TEACHING at the College - This year I am incredibly blessed to start teaching, it's something I've wanted to do for years now. I have two courses that I am teaching fall semester and another group exercise class - water aerobics!! I'm writing syllabus, course outlines, composing playlists for workouts, class rosters, etc. I'm learning as I'm going!! Stressful, but exciting!
Random athletic events.... I always work random events throughout the year and coming up in the next month is an exciting Professional MOTOCROSS AND BMX competition at Powder Mountain Ski Resort. Come on up, it's going to be FUN!! We also have the Dew Tour coming soon. Lots of extreme action sports! Bring on the crashes!! Not to mention these are always an awesome awesome atmosphere.
TRAINING FOR THIS SPRINT TRIATHLON!! My bike just showed up yesterday and my awesome friend is putting it together today. I'm excited to get on and give it a spin. I'm trying to fit in the bike/run/swim training schedule, at least one of those every single day. It's hard to get my butt out there, but once I do if feels wonderful. The fear of getting absolutely murdered on this triathlon course is keeping me semi-motivated.
FOOD AND EATING. We have switched to a 100% plant based diet; and while I admit that I stray off plan a few times a week, the rest of it takes a lot of time!! Shopping and prepping all this food takes a lot of time and effort. I am loving it, but it's work!
DANCE!!! I am taking a modern class every week that I LOVE, I know you have heard be talking about it. I also found an adult tap class that starts in September! The miracle is that it actually works with my weekly schedule!! The fact that I will soon be dancing two times a week just makes me shreek with joy!
Why do all the annual checkups/dentist appointments/etc all come at the same time of year?? I need to shift those by a few months... remind me of that. Also, my hip is giving me issues when I run and it's starting to worry me. I'm going in for a bit of extra help with it this coming week, but it's really putting a kink in my stride, literally!! It's a stress, but more something nagging... I'll quit complaining now. :)
HOUSE SHOPPING/REMODELING -- Ok, I started browsing for houses and completely accidentally stumbled upon one that I really like. Well, I've signed an offer for it and now it's a waiting game to see if we can pull this off. The thing is, this house needs A LOT of work. It's all cosmetic, but it's still going to make life INSANE if I am blessed with getting this house. There is no doubt that this home could be my DREAM HOME, but it's going to be a steep uphill battle to get there. Either way, I'm proud of the fact that I will own two homes shortly, I'm starting my real estate empire, just like I've always wanted.
I've taken on the challenge of planning a family reunion next summer. COMPLICATED!! Trying to find dates, get hotels, etc... Hopefully we can figure out dates soon, then the rest of the planning can start! I'm excited to see everyone. We've never had a Reed family reunion, so this will be great.
Business stuff - That's the best way to put it. Still chasing paperwork to deal with someone else's lack of ability to be an upstanding adult. It's taking a lot of time, effort and money, but hopefully it will pay off soon (literally).
HAVING A SOCIAL LIFE-- This shouldn't be at the bottom of the list. Honestly, I'm doing a lot of fun things lately. My friends are awesome and we are having fun!! Running 5Ks, a new road/trail combo 8k run a week from today! Bonfires, backyard BBQs, hikes, concerts, camping, movies, etc, etc. I love my friends!
AND THEN THERE IS THAT FUN THING CALLED DATING. :)

New Project??

2011-08-04T09:05:00.000-06:00

I've been house hunting, again. I enjoy it, but it also makes my mind go crazy.... so many houses with so much potential!!

I went and walked around one last night and it pulled at my heart (and mind) a bit. It has good bones!!! There is so much that could be done with it. I sent a text to my realtor and told her I wanted to walk through ASAP.

Now all morning I have been looking at ridiculously expensive homes to get ideas on remodels/transformations.

So, the question lies....

CAN I TURN THIS

AND THIS

INTO THIS???

HOW ABOUT THIS

INTO THIS

AND THIS??

My "Wish List" just expanded my "Needs List"

2011-07-27T10:46:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I bought this.

Which means that now I need this.

And these.

And especially these.

(padded bike shorts)

You are who you associate with

2011-07-26T09:14:00.000-06:00

WHAT WINNERS KNOW: If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room.

I'm working on this and it has made a lot of sense to me lately.

I have tried lately to focus on building a friend base with people that are a benefit in my life. I need to surround myself with smart, motivated people.

I need it in my friends, I need it in the people I date, I need it with people I meet and network with.

So far I've met some great people, people that can teach me and help me grow, people that support and influence my growth and ambition.

I'm talking big here. I'm talking graduating from the top universities in the nation, people starting their own businesses, people getting an idea and running with it, multiple academic degree people, people who are always looking to push the boundaries, people who are constantly moving forward.

I find that I'm also becoming more intolerant of negativity and complacency. If you are a glass-half-empty type of person then you don't have a spot around here.

Ambition and forward thinking -- that's where it's at... and that's where I'm going.

My "Ride"

2011-07-12T12:39:00.000-06:00

My modern dance class every Monday night does wonders for my soul. I used the phrase last night that it "allows my soul to uninhibitedly sing", and that's no exaggeration.

I have had to defend it quite often lately. I have fought tooth and nail to keep that block of time on Monday nights free from my work schedule (at both jobs) and yesterday it was hard to actually run from work and make it on time.

Once I'm there my body settles and my spirit seems to expand into the space just outside my physical being. I know without any doubt that this is where I'm supposed to be and that dancing is meant to be a huge part of re-finding my true self.

Twice now I have had the experience of tears coming during class. My soul is moved and tears emerge. It always reminds me of when Mia Michaels made Blake cry in the SYTYCD rehearsal....

Last night we learned combinations all through class and pieced them together at the end. We got it all mapped out and then our instructor put on the music. To my pleasure I realized that he was playing what is probably my most favorite song ever.

This is the song that fixes any bad day, this is the song that I blast as I drive through the windy canyon because it makes it just that much more fun, this is the song that would definitely be in the highlight film of my life... I LOVE THIS SONG.

So, here it is, just so you can enjoy it too. Ladies and Gentleman, "Ride" by Cary Brothers.

Dancing to this song last night was just another confirmation that this class is where I'm supposed to be, it's worth the fight to be there and it's something I need to keep fighting for. Lucky for me, we are doing the same piece next week as well!! Wahoo!!

Prep, Cook, Shop, Prep, Cook... and repeat

2011-07-10T19:52:00.000-06:00

I want to get one thing clear right off the bat, I AM NOT COMPLAINING... because I absolutely LOVE eating this way.

100% plant based is an incredible way of life. I feel absolutely FANTASTIC!

However, it takes a lot of time!! I'm at the grocery store about every other day. Every single day I'm prepping food and cooking for at least 2-4 hours.

A lot of this cook time is prepping breakfast and lunch for when we will be gone from the house. Tomorrow night I will have to cook the next day's dinner as well so that the parents can take it with them since they won't be home for dinner.

Today I slept in and then spend all afternoon at the store and cooking before I had to leave for work. I did get a lot done tho... check out all this food ready to go for the next two days!!!

It's a good thing I love to cook, because MAN, this is A LOT OF COOKING!!

It's been really interesting to try new recipes and be pleasantly surprised by how good they are. Tonight we tried bean burgers. I actually mashed red beans, added onions and spices and baked them in the oven. We were all a little worried, but they were surprisingly good!! Not only were they tasty, but FILLING... I had a hard time finishing mine.

Eating this way has never left me hungry. It also is having a great impact on my energy and clarity of mind. I also am finding that I'm not craving food like I used to. I see food commercials on TV and surprisingly, they aren't torturing me.

All in all, I'm feeling great. I'm still looking for ways to make prep time more efficient and find cheaper ways to produce the same health benefits.... like using frozen broccoli in certain recipes instead of fresh broccoli.

I WILL learn and become more efficient at all this... but even if it continues to be demanding, it's worth it.

A new way of life

2011-07-09T10:27:00.000-06:00

I have been contemplating an eating change for awhile now. About six months ago a friend of mine had recommended the "Eat to Live" book by Dr. Fuhrman and I devoured it in two days. I have been intrigued ever since. I reread it about a month ago and started really thinking about the feasibility of eating this way.

The "Eat to Live" plan is a 100% plant based diet. This eliminates meat, dairy, breads, pastas, etc. It allows vegis, fruits, beans and seeds. You are required to eat a pound of leafy greens and other raw vegis every day, along with a pound of cooked vegis (excluding potatoes or squash). You also must eat one cup of beans and four pieces of fruit.

Let me tell you, that is A LOT of food.

I convinced my family that we should do this together. I wanted to do it and I knew that I would not be able to do it alone. I knew that if I came home and they were all eating Panda Express that I would not be able to walk past them and eat my bean chili without some major tears and feelings of deprevation.... if I was even able to stay away from a delicious morsel of Orange Chicken.

So, we all started last Wednesday and have completed three days. We are feeling FABULOUS.

This is breakfast from yesterday.... a bowl of fruit with sunflower seeds on top.

Lunch from yesterday was a broccoli, onion and mushroom pizza on a whole wheat gluten free tortilla with non-dairy cheese. YUMMY!!

With meeting our quotas for raw vegis, fresh vegis, beans and fruit every day I have not been hungry at all! In fact, I've been stuffed every single meal, sometimes not even eating everything I was supposed to. The recipes are delicious and I have been satisfied and happy with every meal.

So far I am loving things. I might start detoxing here soon and then I would expect headaches and a bit of nausea if things get really bad.

Mom is blogging about her adventures here. Winter will probably talk about her adventures here.

Poppa is LOVING it and can't talk enough about it. Mom is doing really well and seeing her changes mentally and physically has been wonderful. Winter has struggled a bit. I will never forget the look on her face when she tried the Cauliflower Soup for the first time. The rest of us really enjoyed it, apparently Winter didn't. LOL

So far I have had a TON of energy. My brain feels bright and my body feels good. My feet haven't been swelling, which I have struggled with since I started running longer distances.

I worked out yesterday and was eager to see how my body would do without animal protein. I did a 5 mile bike AND a 30 minute lap swim. I felt AWESOME.

By the way.... (here is a clip from the book). Did you know that broccoli has twice the amount of protein of steak when compared ounce for ounce?!?!? Amazing... and yes, we are eating a lot of broccoli. :)

All of those effects are awesome... but here is another great one. I weighted in this morning and after three days I have lost four pounds. I know a lot of it is water weight, but still.... that's exciting!!

A feast for the eyes

2011-07-09T09:58:00.000-06:00

My dear sister Abby sent me a link to a blog awhile back and I LOVE it. It's all dance photography and sometimes it takes my breath away.

Today there was a new post and it included this....

Breathtaking, isn't it?

If you want to feast, go here.

Taking a risk

2011-07-02T11:09:00.000-06:00

About a month ago I took a risk, a big one. I decided that a small part of my business that I have had for many years needed to be focused on.

I own and operate a business that provides sports medicine coverage for athletic events, part of that business is custom mouthguards. I have been making custom mouthguards for about 12 years now and have always done it for my athletes and those I'm close with. About a month ago I decided to take this service and promote it to others.

It took me a couple tries, but I have figured out how to market them and where ideal audiences are. I have set up the business for easy travel to events, tournaments and camps. I have made signs and brochures.

Well, I took a risk and invested some money into it and I'm pleased to announce that in the past three weeks I have recouped all that investment money and even seen some profit return.

I couldn't be more excited.

Yesterday I spent almost all day (with a quick break for a sushi lunch with my awesome family) making mouthguards. Winter and Tuff even got in on the action and we pumped out 82 mouthguards in one day!! That's amazing!!

Today I'm packaging them and addressing them all to mail out on Tuesday (after this three-day holiday weekend).

I have learned that it takes a risk to see a reward.

I have also learned that success is often bolstered tremendously by others. This support from others is based on how much they respect you and want you to achieve what you have set out to do. I'm blessed to have people around me that want me to succeed.

Thanks to everyone that has helped along the way!! I have gotten so much help with promotion, product placement at their events, and even manufacturing from my awesome siblings. I couldn't have done it without you!!

Now, who else needs a mouthguard?!?! The phone seems to be ringing of the hook!!!

p.s. I'm looking for some help covering a box LAX tourney and possibly a motocross/BMX event, who's interested??

I went in for a foot rub and came out with a black eye...

2011-06-29T10:24:00.000-06:00

My friend and I are down in Vegas, today is the last day of work for me and tomorrow we head home after being down here for 12 days. We have tried to be adventurous and get out from time to time, which often seems difficult with me working 12 hours days every day.

Last night we decided that after I was done at the rink we would go out to eat and then go to one of these Foot Reflexology places that are everywhere down here. We asked a few locals and they said that they should be pretty legit. We decided we would go in, get a feel for the place, and if it didn't seem sketchy we would stay and get a 30 minute foot rub for only $19 bucks.

We saw a place not far from where we ate dinner and stopped in. As we entered we were greeted by a young pimply-faced Asian kid who I questioned about reflexology and we decided to give it a try. The place was open, no closed rooms, we weren't asked to remove our clothes.... it felt pretty legit.

About five minutes later we found ourselves sitting side by side with our feet in ginger and lavender foot baths and chatting about how good it felt.

They told us about a special they were running. Either $19 for 30 minutes of a foot massage, or $30 for a full hour that also included our arms, shoulders and backs. We decided to splurge for the full hour for only $30, we deserved it.

Then our crazy little Asian man came in. He told us about how it was his lucky day because all his patients had been female, he danced around barefoot with his pleated jeans rolled up to his mid-calf. He was quite comical..... then he grabbed my foot.

He had hands of steel!!! He dug his thumbs into my feet and legs and ankles and toes..... youch!! He kept asking me if it hurt and when I said no he would dig deeper, when I said yes he would say, "A little pain is good sometimes, be tough."

There were times I was arched off the little chair, my toes curled, my hands clenching the padded blankets I was sitting on. I had to consciously remind myself to relax, it hurt worse when all my muscles were clenched. I tried to breathe deeply. At times my friend would start laughing and ask if I was ok, it was then that I realized I probably sounded like I was giving birth. Just breathe, in and out, deep breaths.....

He did point out a few interesting sore points on my legs and feet. Apparently I'm really sensitive to sugars, I am thinking I will check into that when I get home. And possibly my adrenal gland is struggling?? Again, look into it later.

He was finally done with my feet and legs and I was grateful. I thought, the back and arms can't be that bad.... phew!!

Oh boy was I wrong. I turned over in my little chair and that is when the true torture began. His elbow worked down my spine and into my traps. He bent my arm behind my back to get my rhomboids. He would ask if something hurt and when I said yes he would lean down and whisper in my ear (in his Asian accent), "Pain is good, be tough."

I looked over and caught a glimpse of my friend. At this point she was reclined, covered in a blanket and her little Asian lady was giving her a scalp massage. It looked so serene.... how did I get stuck with the torture-inducing reflexologist?!?! (I later found out hers was pretty painful as well, apparently she is just better at hiding it.)

At the end of my session he covered me in a blanket (which I was completely grateful for.... by this point my body was shaking and different muscles were contracting randomly... looking back I realize my body was probably in a state of shock). After I was covered and tucked in he started a tapping/slapping technique known as tapotment. I usually really like it and after what I had just been through it felt pretty good. He started at my shoulders, worked down my back, my glutes, my legs and then back up.

I thought we were done, but apparently he felt my glutes needed a bit more attention. As he slapped my ass from side to side for about 20 seconds (which felt like forever) I heard him start to giggle. Apparently he was enjoying this.

Yes, the little Asian man spanked me for almost half a minute straight.

Then it was over. Just like that. He gave me a drink of water and left me to pay at the front door.

I got in the car, barely, my entire body a combination of relaxation, pain and convulsions. I looked over at my friend and we both started to giggle. What the hell was that?!?! What the hell did we just experience?!?!?

Wow, what an adventure. I'm sure it did some good, but man.... I feel like I got into a bar fight last night! I feel bruised over my ankles and in my left armpit. My right upper back feels strangely tight and my neck feels like it needs to pop. My toes feel kind of swollen and it's a bit hard to get the energy to go anywhere quickly.

Detoxification to blame?? Getting beaten up by a little Asian man and actually paying for it??? Probably the later.

Two weeks I look forward to every year....

2011-06-18T21:46:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow I leave for Vegas, I'm going to be there for two weeks. It's an annual trip I look forward to every year. I get to work with hockey and see my friends that I only get to see during these two weeks every year.

I look forward to being back in the rink. Hockey was such a huge part of my life for eight years, now this is my only chance to satiate my hockey palate.

I'm excited to stand ice side as the pucks hit the boards and the blades carve through the ice. I'm anxious to deal with bratty, conceited hockey players and testosterone that you have to use a knife to cut through.

There is something magical about hockey, that you can't deny. There is something special about working with hockey players, I can't explain it.... I often try, but it never seems to come out just right.

I'm never a fan of fighting, but it usually leads to blood.... which means it's go time for me. I love closing cuts and stopping blood. Call me crazy, but it's one of my favorite things. This means I love it when the big boys come to camp.

Big boys = more ego + more speed+ more to prove + more strength + no facemasks = BLOOD ..... which equals more fun for me!!

Pool time

2011-06-15T21:16:00.000-06:00

Tuffy and I went to the neighborhood pool today. I sprayed him down with 50 SPF sunscreen and then made the brilliant decision that since we wouldn't be there long I didn't need any.... I wanted to get SOME color.

So we played, Tuffy made some friends and saw some friends from school. I listened to the ridiculous women next to me talk about all kinds of ghetto ridiculousness. I watched a few younger girls lay out and take kissy face pictures on their phone.

Well, three hours later we decided to go home. Time to get ready for baseball and work.

I checked myself out in the mirror and decided that I got some decent color.

Well, that decent color has now turned into a lovely shade of LOBSTER.

Why do I always think I can get away with no sunscreen my first real time in the sun? You think I would have learned by now. On a better note, it usually just takes me one burn at the beginning of the summer and then I'm good for the rest of the year.

I'm headed to Vegas on Sunday for two weeks. Hopefully I don't peel because I hate feeling like a leaper when I'm laying pool side. But on the flip side I probably could have a decent base layer if things die down to a nice tan.

Time will tell!! Now where is the aloe?

Poppa's birthday 5k

2011-06-08T11:07:00.001-06:00

It all started when I ran my first 5k on my birthday. Owen ran with me and Poppa was out of town for work. So when we found out there was a 5k on Poppa's birthday too we knew we had to run. (The exciting news is that Owen found out there is a SPRINT TRIATHLON on HIS birthday this year, eek!!! I think we are going to do it...)

Owen decided he wanted to actually run this 5k for a great time for himself.... so he took off ahead of Poppa and I and finished in 23 minutes and some change, great time Owen!! Then he waited for us at the finish line with the rest of the family.

They made a sign for Poppa that said, "51 and still runnin'"... they sang happy birthday as he crossed the finish line too! So fun!

We started to kick it in.... we did pretty well. I was mostly pleased with how I did. Tuffy came and kicked it in with us. I think we are going to get him out there with us next time.

The time clock that is running is actually the time clock for the half-marathon that was going on as well. Our time was actually 46 minutes and 26 seconds. I had a new PR by a little over 5 minutes!! Wahoo!!!

Thanks for the support everyone!! Love you!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, POPS!

Last weekend's 5k

2011-06-07T07:27:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday was Poppa's birthday... so in this years new tradition of running 5ks on our birthdays we ran the Fight for Air 5k in Sugarhouse.

Owen took off ahead of us and ran great! He finished in 23 minutes and some change.

Poppa stuck back with me and we did pretty good.

We finished in 45 minutes and 26.5 seconds.

Not fantastic... but it's still a new PR for me by over 5 minutes!! I'll take it!

Sub 15 minute miles? That's awesome for me!

At the very end a girl kicked it in and passed me, that started the fire within. I'm ready to run again, my competitive side is starting to kick in. haha

I'll get pictures up soon. Maybe tomorrow.

FRIDAY FUN

2011-06-03T15:48:00.002-06:00

What have you done?

Everything I have done is bolded.

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyworld

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm

14. Taught yourself an art form from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an over night train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Participated in a 5K

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo's David

41. Sung Karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in movie

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Time Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guard in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year's Eve

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved some one's life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous-ish

92. Joined a book club

93. Got a tattoo

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

What have you done? :)

Winter's Photo Shoot

2011-06-03T09:31:00.013-06:00

Winter's new hair cut + me needing to practice photography skills = PHOTO SHOOT!!!

Keeping Book

2011-06-03T08:23:00.003-06:00

When I was in high school I worked with the baseball team doing athletic training for three years. It was one of my favorite sports and I have a lot of fond memories from then. I remember when they surprised me with a birthday cake and team bag on my 16th birthday. I remember freezing to death during snowy games in the early season and my parents showing up at the dug out with armfuls of blankets for us. I remember our trips to Seattle. I definitely remember keeping book.

I really enjoyed keeping book. Maybe it was my OCD kicking in, but I was meticulous with that thing. Every pitch was marked. Every hit appropriately categorized. I did it in pencil and not a mark was missed or out of place.

A couple days ago I went to Tuffy's baseball game and the coach ran up to our little family sitting on the first base line. He asked if any of us knew how to keep book. I said I did and took the job.

It wasn't until the first batter struck out that I realized I had forgotten a few things!! But what are smart phones for other than to save you in situations like this?!?! So I googled a baseball score book and it all came rushing back to me.

I had a fun time keeping book, but that meant I didn't get to play with my camera..... but Winter took over photo duties and got some great shots.

Because I'm a runner... and this is what I do.

2011-05-31T13:29:00.002-06:00

I'm scheduled for another 5k this weekend. This time it's on Poppa's birthday and all three of us (me, Poppa and Owen) are going to rock it.

I was out for a run last night and listening to one of my favorite tracks by my running coach. In it he gives us a little motivational chat, talking about how we have conquered our bodies, how we have pushed through our previous limits and reached levels of strength and determination we never have before. At the end he says, "because you are a runner, and this is what you do."

Every time he says that I either tear up a bit or want to pump my fist in the air and exclaim, "Damn right! I AM a runner!!"

I had just started my run last night when Pops called me to see where I was at, which is unusual. Apparently my little bro wanted to come with me on my run and and even ran out on the sidewalk looking for me and yelling my name when he realized I had left without him. Well, him and Poppa grabbed a bike and Rollerblades and came out to find me and finish my run with me.

About 3/4 of the way through my run my brother asks me, "Did you run this WHOLE way?!?" Then he says that he doesn't think he would be able to run that far.

I started to explain to him that three months ago I couldn't have run that far either, but I've been training and I've gotten a lot better. As I was talking between heavy breaths I was grateful when Poppa took over and explained to him that with practice anyone can get better. It was then that Tuffy asked if he could Rollerblade the 5k with us on Saturday. I smiled.

I'm happy that I'm a good example for him. I'm excited that he is seeing that with some effort and determination you can accomplish great things. I love that he likes to get outside on the trail with me and get his heart pumping a bit and breathe the fresh air. And I love love love it when he tells me that I'm getting faster with my running.

When Mom came and cheered me on during my very first 5k (three weeks ago) she called my style of running the "Bootie Shuffle". It was a quick little short step with a jogging gate to it. It wasn't fast at all, but it did the trick!

I was very proud yesterday when I was able to say to Poppa... "I think I've moved past the Bootie Shuffle".... and he didn't hesitate one second when he said, "I think you definitely have!" Then about five minutes later he told Tuffy, "We have to pick up the pace, Sara is leaving us in her dust!" hahahaha

That's right!! Because I'm a runner, and that's what I do!

RACE WEEKEND!

2011-05-29T19:51:00.002-06:00

This girl has racing in her blood... which has made this weekend incredibly fun.

Yesterday we went out to the Miller Motorsports Park for the Superbikes. Talk about crazy stuff! These guys were incredible. While we were there we were able to see their qualifying heats and also catch the BMW stunt riders -- talk about insane!

Superbikes and motorcycles is a new world of racing to our family and we are enjoying the opportunity to broaden our knowledge and racing experiences. It was a gorgeous day out at the track and we even escaped right before the rain came down hard. What a great day!!!

Today was the 100th anniversary of the Indy 500 -- which translates into PARTY AT THE BEAUDRY HOUSE!! We woke up to pre-race festivities with the famous "Spud Diner Breakfast" happening (that means Poppa is cooking, haha) and it only got better from there!!

This year the race was phenomenal! Some crashes, but everyone was safe. Lots of green flag racing, a little mechanical craziness, lots of race leaders and an absolutely mind-blowing finish!

We were jumping and screaming the entire time!!

Now I'm at work and my partner and I have on some Nascar. When I got here we were talking racing (a rare treat to talk to a race fan out here) and I mentioned that I usually don't watch Nascar. He laughed and said, "Well, you are about to." So here we sit, with more racing.

What a great weekend!!!

Time for new shoes....

2011-05-26T10:00:00.003-06:00

I've literally worn through my running shoes.... time for some new ones.

Yesterday was my first day in my new shoes. So far my feet didn't take too kindly to them, but that should change.

Photography Camp

2011-05-25T08:35:00.007-06:00

Yesterday I spent the entire day at a photography class. I learned a TON and by the end of the day my head was spinning with all the new stuff I learned.

We spent the morning in classroom and then in the afternoon we went out to a local park and practiced everything we had learned.

We shot in manual mode the entire time (I was quite proud of myself) and I was able to wrap my head around some things!

Now I just need to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

Here is a shot I took right off the bat, practicing on metering and exposure.

Our instructor helped us experiment with shutter speeds, panning and background blur by running and jumping thru the middle of us. What a sport. :)

This is what our group looked like all day.... paparazzi in the park!! LOL

I think I might be most proud of this shot. I was working on light metering and this is what I produced. I love it.

Working on depth and aperture.

Again, working on depth and aperture. Bluring the foreground and background.

Metering and light again. Trying not to underexpose or overexpose certain parts.

Working on manual settings -- ISO, aperture, shutter speed, etc in different lights and depths.

I liked this little smiley face I found...

Depth of field in landscape.... having everything in perfect focus, not just one depth.

Again just working with manual settings, learning how to choose settings and piece them together.

I have always wanted to get more into photography and this was a great jumping off point. It has been a goal for years to get into a class and I finally did it. Now I just need to practice and practice. So... let's go do some photo shoots!!

How I found my heart...

2011-05-17T08:26:00.003-06:00

I danced all growing up. I remember Poppa picking me up from the dance studio when I was little and stopping by the grocery store on the way home. I would follow him down the aisle tap dancing, spinning, twirling, leaping and shuffle-ball-changing the whole way.

I danced through college and then fell away from it due to knee surgeries, lack of avaliable adult classes, getting busy, etc....

I've known for sometime that I've wanted to get back into dancing and once told myself that when I got down to a certain weight I would start dancing again....

Well, I got to within 5 pounds of that weight and then life got in the way and I never got dancing again.

So, now two-years and an abusive relationship later I realized that my heart couldn't wait any longer. I NEEDED TO DANCE.

I searched high and low for an adult modern class. I didn't want to dance with kids, but that seemed to be all that was avaliable... until I found that the local professional dance company has open classes a few nights a week.

Yes, they are expensive. Yes, they are a bit intimidating. Yes, they take up a night out of the week.....

But that is a small price to pay to have this guy help me find my heart again.

Last night I went to my first modern class with Aaron, and I had to hold back the tears several times throughout class because it just felt that good.

It felt incredible to be dancing again. It felt so instictual to move and let my body find it's natural flow again.

This was all about me. About me finding what I've been missing, what I've needed.

Although, I will admit that when Aaron told me I did something well and when one of the ladies in class said, "you move so beautifully. You can tell you have training." I was flattered. Sometimes it's nice to hear that you still got it.

So, my love affair has been brought to life once again.... and now every Monday night I will go see Aaron and lay my heart in the middle of the dance studio and then take it with me again when I leave. It's time to have this part of me back, and it feels.... so damn good.

My birthday 5k = SUCCESS!!

2011-05-15T19:27:00.005-06:00

The morning of my 5k came and I was EXCITED, not only was it my 30th birthday... but today I was going to run my very first 5k! I'd been training for this for eight weeks and I was ready to get the "show on the road."

I got to the start line and my fantastic brother met up with me. As we waited for it to start it was hard not to bounce in place! The music was pumping, people were everywhere and the energy was strong!

Before I knew it, we were off!!! My family was just a few hundred yards down from the start line and where already cheering me on.

I was pretty stoked and feeling good. My awesome running coach (from my training podcasts) was talking me through things in my headphones and I was settling into my pace. I kept my pace slow and conservative, but that was all part of my plan.... My only goal for this race was to finish by RUNNING THE ENTIRE THING. To do that I knew I had to keep my pace conservative. So I settled in and things felt great.

Every mile or so I had another cheering section. My family and friends are SERIOUSLY SO WONDERFUL. They would see me coming and the cheering would start.... signs, yelling, clapping, cowbells.... Then as soon as I was past they would jump into their car and race to meet me at the finish line. As they passed they yelled and honked.

I told Owen (my brother and running partner) on multiple occasions that I felt like a celebrity. It was so fun!

As I approached the finish line I saw this rowdy crowd! They were so LOUD! As I got closer they started singing happy birthday and a lot of people at the finish line joined in. I had to choke back the tears as Owen was encouraging me to "kick it in" and I realized that not only was I about to finish my first 5k, but I had done it on my 30th birthday!

My baby brother jumped in the race with me and I crossed the finish line with both of my brothers... Are they not the best?!?!

As I got closer to the finish line I "kicked it in" with Owen cheering me on.

With my legs tingling and my lungs burning from the "final push" I crossed the finish line.

I looked at the clock...... 51 minutes.

I felt GREAT!

I crossed the finish line absolutely exhuberant. I was on cloud 9. I had done it!! Everything I had worked for, everything I had dreamed about as I pushed through those training runs, I had done it!! And I'll let you in on a little secret, it felt better than I had imagined.

I took a quick cool-down walk afterwards and Owen came with me. We were about a block down the road when I started to choke up. Owen must have heard me choke back a tear and put his arm around me and said, "you ok?"

I was more than ok.... I told him, "Oh yeah, I've just come a long way in a year, I'm really proud of myself."

He just smiled. He understood.

Afterwards the kids played, we hung out and relaxed while I stretched and downed about three bottles of cold water. Of course we took lots of pictures!!!

Here I am with my brother Owen, my running partner, pace coach and constant cheerleader.

Here is the whole group. These guys are absolutely awesome. They were so supportive the entire day and it made it really fun!!!

Thanks, Everyone! Love you bunches and bunches!!

6 days and counting...

2011-05-01T22:53:00.003-06:00

I'm 6 days out from my first 5k. Today I started my final week of my 5k training and ran for an 30 minutes straight. The great part??? It didn't kill me!!

I'm feeling pretty confident that I can run this entire 5k on Saturday. It will be difficult, sure... but I'm feeling confident!

I'm so proud of my body for adapting the way it has. Honestly, this is one of the most empowering things I have ever done. Being able to see my progress in 8 short weeks is nothing short of staggering.

My pops came and ran with me today and it was a lot of fun. It's really fun to run with someone sometimes!! My awesome bro is going to run my 5k with me and I'm grateful for that. He will be able to help distract me and push me through the times when it gets hard.

Today my running coach (in my ipod) said, "You are a real runner now!!" It was really cool to hear.

In other news, my brother, Mom and Dad all graduated from Utah Valley University this week!!!
I'm so incredibly proud of them!! We have partied our guts out and had a blast!!!

Now we can start planning all those fun things to do since they won't be stuck with a nose in their book all the time!!!

Friendship

2011-04-06T20:39:00.005-06:00

I'm reading a book where a group of men get to discussing friendship. One of them says, "Being friends is like being soldiers in the army. You live together; you fight together; you die together." I couldn't agree more. One of the things I regret in this life is that I have dear, dear, dear friends in this world that probably don't know how special they are to me. I don't call or write nearly as often as I should. I let things slip between the cracks. But I hope they know this..... when shit hits the fan, I'm here. I would hope and expect nothing less out of a true friendship. I've walked away from friendships for this very reason. I've had close friends fail to stand up for me (or my family) and to me that was a deal breaker. End of story. End of friendship. If you don't have my back, that isn't friendship. The friends I cherish are the ones that I always call to debrief with on dates. The ones that I always share work trips with (free vacay!!). The ones that are always up for last minute sushi runs. The ones that remember the inside jokes and we can seriously laugh until we can't breathe. The ones that I can always turn to for advice, or just to tell me that I'm actually sane. The ones that wait silently in the wings, but when I need them, they are there. I have some incredible friends. I have friends that picked me up by my belt loops when the world kicked me in the teeth last year. I owe a lot to them. It's friends like that for whom this quote is written. "Being friends is like being soldiers in the army. You live together; you fight together; you die together."

My Promise

2011-03-28T21:18:00.003-06:00

When I seperated from my ex almost a year ago I was really struggling. I was struggling with losing everything involved with that relationship that I loved so dearly, and a lot of that struggle came from missing my step-girls.

I have always wanted to have a child of my own, my own flesh and blood and this seperation brought a certain life and a certain death to that dream. When I was in that relationship I thought he would be the father of my child (and he almost was), then when we seperated I realized that I wanted something entirely different.

I was having a hard time and I was really wanting to crochet (even with my injured thumb). So I dug through my yarn and found some that I had tucked away for a few years. I bought it because I thought it was gorgeous, but never knew what I would make with it.... until that day.

I started a baby blanket. With it I made a promise to my future little one(s). I promised them that they would get this blanket one day. I promised them that when they were born into this great world they would be safe. They would be loved. They would be cherished. I promised them that both of their parents would be equally devoted and equally completely in love with them. I promised them that both parents would forever protect them and nourish them physically, emotionally and mentally. I promised them that they would never have to fear their father, and with every stitch of this blanket I made a promise to them that I would pick a man worthy of them.

It is hard to realize that everything you ever wanted is now the same thing you vow to do differently.

I finally finished this blanket. My bumm hand made it a long project, but I finished it about a month ago and honestly, I'm in love with it. I love the basketweave pattern, I love the tight stitches, I love the promise that it holds.

You my dear, are promised here and now, that I will pick for you a home that is full of love, never fear. A home that is full of learning and growth, never abuse and shame.

So here it is, my present to you.

I'm a Runner?

2011-03-21T22:25:00.002-06:00

Last week I started a 5k training program. I've been a little reluctant to start, thinking maybe I should lose some weight before putting my knees through this, but here I am at the start of week 2 and I'm feeling surprisingly awesome.

Now, I'll admit, at times I think that I might die... like today in the hurricane force winds. To keep myself motivated I try to visualize myself fit and performing well. I try to picture my body the way I want it to be, doing the things I want to do.

The problem is, sometimes I feel like this picture... not matter how hard I try to visualize otherwise.

The thing is, this will change. Today my podcast for my 5k training referred to me as a "runner." It actually spoke to me, calling me a "runner!!" It took a minute for me to realize it was talking to me, qualifying me in this group. I've always wanted to fall in love with running. I've always wanted to be that girl that "had to get her run in today to help clear her mind."

Well, my visualization is this girl below. This is who I want to be eventually. This is the "runner" I picture existing at the end of my training, the runner I strive to be.

So for now I will run, try not to die and fight the winds 3 times a week. I will keep focused on the prize.... and that being a 5k that is scheduled for my birthday, May 7th. I promised myself that this year would be MINE, and how better to prove that than conquering a 5k on my birthday?!?!?

Ballet Technique?!?!?

2011-03-14T21:37:00.004-06:00

I've promised myself that I will start dancing again.

I'm not talking about going to the club, I'm talking about DANCING. In a studio. With a teacher. With them walking around and pinching you on your thighs and smacking on your bumm that is sticking out.

I'm talking about an honest to goodness dance class. The kind that starts with a proper warm-up and ends with you peeling sweaty leotards from your skin.

I'm searcing for adult dance classes in the Salt Lake City area and they are NO WHERE!!! Everyone will let you come "take any of the advanced classes you would like", but they don't offer seperate adult classes (except for ballroom). Well, thanks but no thanks -- I'm not going to crash your advanced classes with all the kids in there. When I was 9-10 I was in advanced classes. At 29 years-old if I have to do at-barre work with a 9 year-old in front of me I will never go back.... and that isn't what I want.

Well, I have found a tap class that runs this summer (WAHOOO!!!) and now I have found that Reperatory Dance Theater (rdtutah.org) also offers classes!!

The only problem is that the only class I can make (until my work schedule changes) is BALLET TECHNIQUE.

Umm, that's intimidating right now. I was more thinking a modern class - barefoot - normal clothes - playful - able to get away with less technique.

But BALLET TECHNIQUE?!?!? Now I'm having nightmeres of hair pulled tightly into buns, pink tights, black leotards and teachers with accents swinging around yard sticks. I'm picturing the classical pianist banging out beautiful classical music on the piano as the teachers screams in Russian.

LOL

Ok, probably not that bad.... but now the question is. Am I ready?

I was ready to get back into the studio, but that is when I thought I could use a laid-back Modern class as my jumping off point.

I don't know if I'm enough of a bad-ass to jump right back into BALLET TECHNIQUE.

Ugh, I shudder.

Leader of the pack

2011-03-07T21:20:00.001-07:00

I just arrived in Sun Valley with my snow board team and we got logged into our condo. As the only female staff member I have been blessed with the master suite.
This place is gorgeous!!
I have a balcony, huge memory foam king bed, my own cable tv with on demand, own bathroom with jetted tub, etc, etc, etc.
I'm so glad I found these gorgeous condos for us! I had no idea they were this nice... And I had no idea I would get this fantastic suite all week!
I can definitely handle this!
The town looks really fun and I'm excited to go window shop and explore while getting some good long walks in.
I really do have a great job. This is going to be a fun week...
I will keep you updated on the happenings!

Chef Sara

2011-03-03T21:53:00.002-07:00

One of the things I love-love-love to do is cook.

So, the fact that I'm getting ready to leave on a 7-day trip with my Snowboarding team and the fact that I'm preparing a menu plan and getting ready to cook every meal for them has me excited.

I know that sounds like hell for some of you.... but I'm stoked, hopefully they will be too.

Hopefully their little tummies are full and their bodies are nutritiously fueled the entire time.

Now, if I could only convince them to do the dishes. LOL

I'm leaving on a jet plane... oh wait, in a van

2011-02-28T21:33:00.002-07:00

I feel like I've been on the road a lot lately!!

I've been kind of spoiled and haven't traveled much with my athletics teams lately -- until this past month!!!

Recently I've made a road trip through Montana with Men and Women's basketball. Been to Las Vegas with Men's Lacrosse and I'm gearing up to go to Sun Valley, Idaho with the snowboarding team for Nationals.

I love getting good use out of my cute suitcases!!

Good thing I have my house all settled with wonderful renters, my pup Porter has a warm GG and Spud to curl up with and I can leave for awhile without worrying about things at home.

It's one of the perks of this job. It was hard to leave with a family at home, but now being single again it's fun to be able to get out and explore. We all know how I love exploring!! I just didn't realize my next expedition was coming up so quick!!

I better get going, I have some laundry to do!!

Keep Swimming

2011-02-21T13:06:00.003-07:00

This has been my mantra lately...

KEEP SWIMMING.

Tomorrow is a big day, the day it should all be over. The day that I should hopefully be able to answer some questions and be done with all this.

It isn't going to fun. Everyone is going to be there. They will probably try to be rude and intimidating, but I can survive. I have to stay strong and just get through this.

If all goes according to plans this should be the last of it. But, if I've learned one thing from all of this it is that nothing goes according to plan.

Today another punch. Tomorrow many more.

I'm just praying to survive the punches and be able to lick my wounds tomorrow night surrounded by people that love me.

36 hours from freedom. That's the hope.

I've been under the thumb long enough. I'm served my sentence for loving too quickly and trusting too much.

So, here's the final push. Swim through the fire, swim through the waves.

Because hopefully tomorrow evening will be the long awaited moment when my feet hit on solid ground and I can stop swimming against this storm.

Thanks for all your support thus far, and if I can ask one more time for your love and good energy to be sent my way I would ask for that starting now and continuing through tomorrow evening.

Love you all, here's to hoping this is almost over.

A New Day

2011-02-17T09:40:00.003-07:00

Every morning I wake up and see the bright sun coming over these gorgeous Utah mountains. I realize how grateful I am for each new day.

Every day brings new adventures and another step up for me right now. I'm moving..... I'm grooving.... and things are good.

Someone very important in my life recently got to the point that they thought life wasn't worth holding onto. It breaks my heart. I can't imagine being at a point where the intense morning sun didn't make me feel like anything is possible, anything is within my reach.

I'm grateful for where I am. I'm excited for the future.

Sure, I'm living with my folks for a short span; but it is bringing great things. It's allowing me to the find the house of my dreams. It's allowing me to pay off more debt while I'm looking. It's giving me grateful mouths for the the food that I'm really enjoying cooking. It's letting me bond with my baby brother who I have never had the opportunity to live with, until now.

Things are good. Things are moving. Things are shaking. Things are happening each and every day.

I can't imagine not feeling invigorated and motivated with that powerful sun hitting my face every morning.....

How could I not?

I wish I could help everyone feel this way, yet the best I can do is try to send that energy out in to the universe and hope that somehow it lands on their heart and helps them to reach up and move forward.

This world is full of opportunity, but it's up to us to take it by the horns.

Buckle down

2011-02-10T23:52:00.004-07:00

I like metaphors.... and here is the one that I keep picturing a lot lately.

I'm climbing a ladder, a tall one. I've been climbing for awhile now... slow and steady.

It hasn't been easy. In fact, the hardest part was getting on it to begin with.

I've continued climbing, the longer I've been climbing the easier it has been and the faster I have been able to climb.

A few times I have been hit with a strong gust of wind, all I can do is hold on and wait for it to pass.

Sometimes the weather is nice, climbing is easy, almost as if the gentle breeze encourages me along.

Other times, like today, the wind is harsh and mean. It stings my face and makes my knuckles feel like shattering glass as they tightly grip the rungs of the ladder. White-knuckled. Wind ripping at every part of my body.

The fear now is that I have climbed so high. If I fall now I probably won't make it.

I MUST hold on. I MUST beat this.

So I try to tuck my head, protect myself as much as I can. The problem is I keep looking around, I can't help myself. I want to know what this storm is all about, how long it will last, what I'm up against.

The irony is, the more I look for answers, the less I know.

So I hold on. I beg my hands to hold on. I feel the ladder shaking and swaying underneath me. I do my best to cling tight.

Just. Hold. On.

This too shall pass. It always does.

Until next time.

Don't Judge

2011-01-24T22:35:00.002-07:00

I got a nook for Christmas. Its the Barnes and Noble version of the Kindle.

At first I was sceptical, but honestly... it's a lot of fun. I'm enjoying it.

On the Barnes and Noble website they have 100 free books for the Nook. You can get on and select which you would like and they will download to your Nook automatically.

Tonight at work I finished my book and went in search of a new one... I remembered the free books and logged in....

I click on the new books and find that easily 90% of them are harlequin romance novels.

Not. My. Usual. Cup. Of. Tea.

However, I decided to "branch out" and wheewww wheee!!

I'm having to monitor myself at work, make sure I'm not breathing hard or making weird noises.... I'm not sure my coworker would enjoy that.

We are locked in a room with each other all night. That might get a bit.... awkward....

However, the last one I read was only 30 pages long. Short and sweet. Well, I'm not sure "sweet" is the word..... but I am enjoying the short story format.

Maybe they will have more "short stories". For some reason those make me feel like I haven't completely fallen off the "respectable literature" cart.

I was honest....

Don't judge.

Meat and potatoes

2011-01-18T20:37:00.002-07:00

I'm back at counting calories and working out and all that good stuff. Things are going fairly well and I'm feeling great.

When I count calories I try not to deprive myself of anything, I just keep an eye on what I eat and make sure I have a deficit of calories. Sure, I can't eat the whole cow, but if I want a side of cow I can sure have it!!

Well, right now I want THIS.

I don't have it in my calorie budget to have it TONIGHT.... but you can bet your bottom dollar I'm going to have it TOMORROW!! I'm going to workout extra hard (to get even more deficit) and budget my calories during this day.

TOMORROW NIGHT THIS SIDE OF COW IS MINE!!

Wow, that actually sounds kind of scary.

Ok, I'm not really psycho. I am just craving red meat! LOL

Fine fine!!

2011-01-17T21:30:00.001-07:00

So, Abby called me out on facebook for not posting...
So here ya go!! Geesh!! LOL j/k

So, the big news lately?? I have renters for my house. The very first people to walk through it came, loved it, returned with a deposit check within 3 minutes of leaving... and want to move in in THREE WEEKS.

I'm basically freaking out. I have all the repairs done on the house now.
I haven't started packing yet.

First on the list?!?! FIND A NEW HOUSE!!!

I have appointments to go walk through a couple on Wednesday.

I know exactly what I'm looking for. I just need to find it. AND QUICK!!

I'm good... Yes you are!

2010-12-12T14:53:00.001-07:00

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??

2010-12-02T06:17:00.002-07:00

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

2010-11-28T11:23:00.002-07:00

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

2010-11-24T19:46:00.003-07:00

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!

2010-11-23T09:19:00.001-07:00

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

2010-11-22T13:10:00.002-07:00

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!!

2010-11-01T08:58:00.002-06:00

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! :)

......

2010-10-26T19:01:00.001-06:00

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!!

2010-10-17T11:07:00.002-06:00

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!!

2010-10-13T19:40:00.002-06:00

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

2010-10-11T15:49:00.001-06:00

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!

2010-10-04T09:38:00.000-06:00

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

2010-09-21T21:17:00.003-06:00

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

2010-09-09T21:42:00.002-06:00

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

2010-09-07T07:31:00.002-06:00

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

2010-09-03T07:28:00.002-06:00

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

2010-08-30T08:34:00.002-06:00

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....

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

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....

2010-08-28T11:14:00.003-06:00

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

2010-08-25T21:15:00.002-06:00

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

2010-08-23T20:28:00.003-06:00

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! :)

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

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.

What is in a name?

2010-08-17T19:47:00.002-06:00

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

2010-08-15T20:44:00.002-06:00

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!!

2010-08-15T11:43:00.002-06:00

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

2010-08-13T17:13:00.002-06:00

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

2010-08-12T10:05:00.002-06:00

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

2010-08-10T21:05:00.002-06:00

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

2010-08-07T09:44:00.003-06:00

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

2010-07-31T14:17:00.002-06:00

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

2010-07-28T23:12:00.002-06:00

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

2010-07-26T23:44:00.001-06:00

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....

2010-07-22T23:48:00.002-06:00

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

2010-07-19T10:48:00.002-06:00

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

2010-07-18T09:31:00.002-06:00

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

2010-06-08T10:25:00.002-06:00

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....

2010-05-30T08:23:00.003-06:00

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!!

2010-05-27T19:58:00.003-06:00

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

2010-05-23T08:27:00.003-06:00

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

2010-05-19T22:47:00.002-06:00

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

2010-05-17T09:26:00.004-06:00

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

2010-05-14T06:54:00.002-06:00

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

2010-05-10T10:20:00.003-06:00

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!

2010-05-05T12:58:00.001-06:00

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'

2010-04-26T09:30:00.002-06:00

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!!