Sucking It Up

One of the most endearing attributes any of my friends could have is the ability to suck it up. Let me explain - no there is too much, let me sum up. (name the movie)

Emily is a friend who used to live in SLC, but since moved to NC. I loved her ability to always suck it up and give anything a try at least once. A couple of summers ago she came and stayed with me, I had two tickets to the Warped Tour and asked her to come along. Em is no fan of punk music, but she figured it would be an interesting thing to experience and agreed to go. It was mid-summer in SLC, really hot and dusty and the show was all day outside. They actually had fire hoses they would spray on the crowds to keep people from heat stroke. I have to thank dear Sean for getting us the VIP passes so we could go in one of AC buildings. Emily not only went and didn't complain, but half way through the day she said, "You know, when we first got here all the bands sounded the same, but now I'm hearing a difference and can tell I like some styles better than others." I love that about Emily. She didn't just go, but made an effort to enjoy something completely different than what she would normally enjoy. I'm guessing she'll never leave her country roots and get into punk, and she may turn down the opportunity to see another show, but I totally appreciate that she went with the attitude of just experiencing it for what it was and not complaining. This is a quality I strive for. Em is a good example.

Today, the suck it up award goes to Ali. My plans for today (Memorial Day) changed a bunch of times. Originally, we were going to spend the night at Michael's cabin then do the Tour de Coalville on our bikes today. Micheal had some unexpected things come up last minute so we had to postpone. Plan B: Ali and some of her friends were going hiking in the early afternoon. At hike time, it was raining pretty hard so they canceled and opted to go to Chili's for lunch instead. That just wasn't a good trade off for me so I stayed home determed to get some kind of physical activity in today.

I was too late for any of the morning Bikram classes. I was feeling my only option was the treadmill. I changed my clothes but just couldn't bring myself to exercise in my house. So I called Ali at the restaurant and told her if she still wanted to hike, I'd be up for getting muddy and wet to do it. Good ol' Al ditched her friends to go with me. I chose one of the upper trails in Millcreek which turned out to have a good deal of snow to hike through. Al was a sport. Let me just say here that Alison is probably the happiest and kindest person I know, which probably contributes to her suck-it-up ability. We had a great time. It was muddy, wet and chilly. The weather wasn't too bad for most of the hike, but while we were coming down, it started rain/hail/sleeting. Toward the end, I was cold and wet and had just about reached the end of my suck it up threshold. Al just started laughing at how ridiculous it was we were out hiking in the weather. Then we took a moment to just stand there and watch the rain pelting down with the clouds moving across the mountains. It was beautiful. I was glad I was there and with someone who could help me enjoy it even in slightly miserable circumstances. Thanks Al- you're the best!

The Not-So-Newly-Remodeled Kitchen

I redid my kitchen a year and a half ago. I really needed new appliances but kept spending my money on other things (trips and such). This month I finally got it in my budget to get the appliances and finish the job. Here's a photo.

It really made a difference. I have a new black fridge too, much more energy effecient than that old beast that had been around for decades. I like the final look. Maybe it will make me want to cook more... then again, maybe not.

Something to think about

Well maybe the fountain worked. I totally got hit on by this cute young kid last night. Too bad my cougar days are behind me. Tempting (I mean flattering) though. :)

Feng Shui and Other Silly Stuff

When I was redectorating my condo, a friend gave me a book about Feng Shui. A lot of it I really like, for example, putting all five elements in a room to make it feel balanced. There is also the more "woo woo" side of it. As many of you know, I'm open to the "woo woo", with some reservations.

In Feng Shui each part of your house/room holds a different energy representing different parts of your life. Putting specific things in those areas will, theorically, increase that aspect of your life. After I was done redecorating my condo, I realized there was a dying plant in my Love and Marriage Corner (it was alive right after the redecortaing but, with my brown thumb, it didn't look healthy for too long). I wasn't really buying into that creating dead energy in my love life and I didn't move it. But the idea was always in the back of my head.

One Friday I was shopping and decided to buy a new plant for the corner. It was lush and beautiful. Coincidentally, by the end of the weekend, I had three dates for the next week. I was sold on the whole Love and Marriage corner thing. About six months later, I was in an unhealthy relationship and, wouldn't you know it, the plant wasn't looking so good either. I ended the relationship and found great satisfaction in cutting up the dead plant to symbollicly get rid of his energy.

As a girl with a seriously brown thumb, I decided maybe a plant in the Love and Marriage corner (or really anywhere) was a bad idea. So I went with candles. A little romance, a little heat-- not bad things for a relationship. It hasn't served me too well. Back to the balance part of Feng Shui, the room is red and the fireplace is in that corner, so candles really put the fire element over the top. Plus someone told me unless they are beeswax or soy, they are toxic- nice. I've thought about putting a water element there to balance the room. I was told that I need some flowing energy for my love life. So I bought a little fountain for the corner and have spent months trying to find a stand for it. This weekend I finally got it all together. Here's what it looks like. (The colors aren't really true to life in this photo.)

It's not really what I was wanting. The motor on the fountain is louder than that water flowing. Also, the stand isn't really what I want. I decided I'm going to let it be for a while and see if it grows on me (which is really funny because that has been my attitude toward a lot of guys I've dated.) We'll see what it does for 1) the love life; and 2) the balance in the room.

Happiness

Wow, I L-O-V-E my road bike. I've been waiting all week for Saturday to get here so I'd have time for a ride. I'd actually been fantasizing about that little click when my shoe connects to the pedal. Although this morning I just wasn't feeling it. I had all that girly stuff going on that just made me want to sit in front of the TV all day watching B movies. But I couldn't look forward to it all week and then wimp out because of stupid cramps. (Is that TMI?)

That little click of my shoe was all I needed to change my mood. Funny how satisfying it is. I rode from my house to the top of City Creek, which on my mountain bike (now referred to as The Tank) would be end of summer fitness level. I've been a little awkward thus far with the transition from my old bike, but the whole road bike thing made sense today and seemed much more natural. For the first time I wasn't getting passed by everyone, which really made me happy.

The weather was perfect and when I started coming down I had a hard time not singing some Boingo at the top of my lungs with my ipod. I was tired at the top of the canyon but by the time I got back to my house, I wanted to keep riding. Yes, I think I'm going to like the road biking. Honestly, I can't imaging feeling any happier than that. (Is that weird? I feel kind of selfish that a couple of hours on my bike by myself is so satisfying.) It's going to be a good summer.

Scarf Shower for Cynthia

Well, it was the last of my party hosting spree tonight. We had a great time. I'm so mad I forgot my camera. (I just stole some photos off of Cynthia's blog- thanks Cyn.)

Cyn started chemotherapy a couple of weeks ago. I figured since she's going to be wearing a scarf or hat every day for the next few months, we needed to have a hat and scarf shower for her. So about 15 of us got together tonight to celebrate our Cynthia.

My place isn't very big, so I asked Liz Hale if we could do it in her condo commons room. Liz makes everything so incredible. It looked beautiful. She bought Mrs. Baker's cupcakes with those big pink frosting flowers, and had the table and room totally decked out in the most tasteful and elegant way. We bought pink ribbon pins for everyone which we will all wear on the days Cyn has her treatments to show our support and connect with her while she's having the chemo. I have a few extras so anyone who couldn't make it and would like one, please let me know.


People brought such thoughtful gifts. Lots of fun scarves and hats. Natalie gave her a few packs of darling thank you cards and postage stamps she had made with a picture of Cyn and her dog, Addicus (see photo). Kiera gave her really nice fake eyelashes. Alex (all the way from Seattle) sent a cute hat she knit. Don contributed a tie dye hat he made. We threw in a couple of gag gifts/silly wigs. Just a really fun evening with some amazing women.






Here are the "girls in pink"
Laura, Betsey, Becca, Liz, and Kiera

Me and Cyn. Is it just me or does my head look extremely large in this photo???

Here's the whole gang all decked out in Cyn's new wardrobe.
Thanks everyone for coming and thank you Liz and Laura for your help in putting it together. And thanks Cynthia for being an amazing friend and good example to all of us. I love you all!

Something Different

I feel like all I've blogged lately is reports of events I've hosted. There's more to come of those this week, but I thought I'd break it up a little with a more traditional post. Mostly because I want to post about my new bike and how anxious I am to ride. I've only been on it a few times. My life's been so crazy lately that I haven't had much time. I took it into the shop yesterday and had a few alterations, and now I'm really ready to go. Can't wait until the weekend!

I was with my sister the other day and going on and on about how excited I was to finally have a road bike. She asked if I was going to ride to work (I often walk). I said, very adamantly, "No, I really don't like riding on the road." She looking at me puzzled and asked why I was so excited to have a road bike. We both laughed really hard.

What I mean is, I don't like commuting/riding downtown. I think SLC is not a bike-friendly city. Maybe it's just because I came from Boulder which is the ultimate pedestrian friendly town, but I'm nervous biking around the city. Most of my pavement biking has been up City Creek (easily accessible and I can ride from my house) or Immigration Canyon or something similar. I was thinking I may enjoy doing some distance stuff that isn't straight up a canyon and then back down (however I really like the speed of coming down canyons). I need to get over my road fear and try some different routes, I'm just not sure where. I have plenty of biking friends, but I feel like the new, inexperienced kid and hate holding people back. The guy at the bike shop last night invited me to ride with him and offered his number, and then disappeared without giving it to me. I guess I'll call the shop and follow up.

Ward Trip to Arches

Here are a few pictures from my ward Moab/Arches trip. This has stressed me out a bit since I was called to Activities in January. It ended up being pretty fun. The weather was OK- a little cool, but nice for hiking today. We did have a stormy, tent rattling night. There was also ample "topless" time (in the convertible), although we turned on the heater for a while because it was a bit chilly driving to the hiking trail. I managed to get a sunburn AGAIN. What a bonehead, did I not learn from diving in Sipidan two months ago, or all those other times I think I'm not out that long so I don't need sunscreen-duh!

Milo and friend in the ward- they were cute running around together all evening

Roasting marshmellows and apples over the fire.

Shortly after it started to rain and blow pretty hard. We had a fun "talent" show around the fire, but it broke up early as it was getting cold and wet.

This morning Jerry and Joe decided to go for a swim. It was NOT a warm morning, nor was it warm water. Silly boys!


Cute Brook and Linwood. They are on the Activities Committe and rode down with us.

Me, my tent. I think I have a lot in the front pocket of my sweatshirt and look sort of pregnant, which, if you were wondering, I am not. :)

You can't really see them, but that is Melinda, Brook and Linwood under the Arch.

.

All in all a good weekend. I would have liked to hike a little more, but it was good to get to know my ward better, and I think it was a fun weekend for everyone. ( Well except maybe the people whose tent blew down and broke in the middle of the night. )

Boyd's 40th

We had Boyd's 40th birthday party last night. Not the blow-out like Don's half-century party, but a respectable celebration all the same.

About 20 of us met at Stoneground for dinner.

Then back to my place for cake, ice cream......


That's a Cylon and Battlestar Galactica quote for you non-sci-fi nerds out there

Couldn't skip this shot

...friends...

.....and guitar hero.

Happy Birthday Boyd!

Papa Don Slim's Birthday Bash

Just wanted to post a few pictures from Don's party. Michael, Sandra and I had a crash course in tie dying in order to appropriately throw a theme party for Don. We dyed shirts, hats, banners and tableclothes. It was much more fun that I thought. Everyone came in their favorite tie dye or put something we made on when they got there. It turned out to be a fun evening. Here are a few pictures.



Don, his mom, and friend Rick- gotta love those pants- you can't really see but his shoes are tie dyed too. Michael made Don's shirt for him so he could be surprised with the birthday theme.

Some of "Don's girls"

Michael, Don, Kip and Sandra

Don's sister and friends

We'd expect nothing less from Suzie-
tie dye galore including her dog!

Every birthday party has to include this photo.

Sandra, Michael and me. I think, in this photo, Michael's shirt sort of looks like one of those shirts that has all the human body organs and systems.

The Banners. I should have gone for simple solution first- but eventually I learned a bleach pen at the end of the project is much easier and more effective than trying to tie letters in the material before hand. :)

Shout Out to Katharine on Her Birthday

Today is my dear friend Katharine's birthday. I wish I was there to wish her well in person. Since I'm not, and since I was tardy getting something in the mail (Kat it will be there next week), I'm going for public snaps.

Some of my favorite things about Kat:

1- She has an amazing recipe for ANYTHING you want- quick and easy or elaborate.

2- Home improvements are cake for this girl- she wouldn't dream of hiring anybody regardless of the project, she will figure it out.

3- Super smart, but doesn't make you feel stupid. Once I said to her, "Nobody would ever know how smart you are just by talking to you." Which is actually a compliment. This girl is MENSA material but relates well to any crowd.

4- She's a good sport about letting us tease her about not-so-smart lapses (i.e. almost getting hit by the train, that guy in Europe, Big Ben)

5- Would do ANYTHING for her friends. Once when my apartment flooded while I was out of town, she not only took everything out while the carpet was ripped up and drying, she also moved everything back so I didn't have to come home to a mess. One more- she and Erica flew out for my birthday a couple of years ago and made an amazing dinner for all my friends; Kat brought the most amazing cake with her on the plane.

6- Always up for a good adventure. (i.e. spontaneous road trips, biking Poor Man then flying down Sunshine canyon, jumping in Boulder Creek, hiking, shopping, trying a new restaurant)

7- She helped me discover my love (need) for a convertible. Plus, she likes to be in charge which means I rarely have to drive (yes, I love this in a person)

8- Amazing gift for teaching. Wanna know how science fits in with the gospel? Kat will tell you many ways AND make it interesting.

9- I have great memories of day-long hikes in Rocky Mtn Natl Park. We'd climb some amazing peak- often exploring beyond the trail's end- and talk the whole way solving all the problems in the world (or at least our worlds). I always came away feeling tough (from the hike) and smart (from the conversation).

10- Really, everything is more fun with Kat. Museums are more interesting because of her interest in art history, road trips hilarious because she does things like assign points for how many strangers photos you can get in, food is more tasty because she insists on homemade, conversations more colorful because of her strategic use of hyperbole. She's just great!

Some photo memories:


Hey Katharine, what's under your skirt? I think Kat had wet shorts due to a dare (another great thing about Kat is she ALWAYS takes a dare) at the beach that day.


This is from a weekend we spent at her family's condo in Winter Park, CO. I think we were trying to do ballet and ski at the same time.



Hiking in Arches National Park- Kat's wounds from biking Slickrock the previous day.



Kat in the tiger stripes. I must say Sam Jones' hair looks amazing in this photo.

Science nerd at her finest

In SLC. The best part of the photo, for me, is the memory it brings up of that evening which we will refer to as "The Seduction of Dwayne"

My all time favorite picture of Kat. Mid-air jumping down the sand hill. She was even a good sport when I blew this up and hung it on the institute bulletin board.

Love you Katharine! Happy Birthday!

Meet Milo

This is my downstairs neighbor Milo. We've become friends over the past few months. He's a little shy and it took a little work to win him over. We started with sideways glaces at church, but now we're getting along great. (If only I could win over guys my age with the same tactics- the 600 superballs don't seem to impress the 40 years olds like they do the 4 year olds!)

Yesterday I came home from work and there was an envelope on my door with my name in crayon. Cute Milo had drawn me a card. It made my day. It's always fun to get surprise mail or packages, and this one was really great. Milo also gave me the only valentine I received this year. It always makes me smile to see him at church or in the condo building. Thanks Milo! You're the best!

I just added his family's blog to my link list. Sad they are moving to Texas this summer.