Iowa Style...

This weekend I was schooled on how to properly wear your jeans over your boots...Iowa Style.

There was bed head...

Julie took us to the casino in Burlington...

We found an El Camino...Iowa Style.

Aunt Judy took us out for tenderloins at Gator's...Iowa Style.

Saturday we had more tenderloins from Pork's...Iowa Style.

These two had a "moment" together.

This picture captures the full wedding...Iowa Style. Just to help you notice the silver mullet right in front of the bride and groom; beautiful. And then there's the groomsmen wearing the dew rag. Yes, this is a wedding...Iowa Style.

Gobble, gobble. This wedding goer sure do love him a good turkey shirt!

Me with cute cute cute little Emma after our best attempts to coax her into sharing the camera with me. You'll notice her purse in my hand, my best bribe for a pose.

The boy back in my arms, where I like him.

This is the baby shower cake, the baby shower that was held in a bar...Iowa Style.

Playing baby shower games. Good thing the bar was upstairs, that's how I made it through this whole ordeal.

Ballon boquets and knuckle tats...Iowa Style.

Car karaoke...Iowa Style. "You make me feel like dancing...."

Mmmmmm, Jerry's pizza!!! Can't leave Iowa without it.

Goin' Country

There are some things that you'll only see in Iowa, this Big Foot El Camino is one of them. We passed by this car in Mt. Union on our way to Burlington to meet up with Julie on Friday. While in Burlington we bought some new shirts for our photo op.

Jaymee scored this stellar Kenny Rogers shirt. $3.00, Wal-Mart.

And I am in love with my new Willie Nelson shirt.

Friday afternoon Aunt Judy arrived and we all went to dinner at Gator's in Burlington. Mmmmm, you can never have too many tenderloins in an Iowa visit.

On being in love:

Taking my first look at the little guy, it was love at first sight.

After the airport, this was all I saw of the little angel...sleeping prince.

I hope his life is good.

Sleepy ramblings.

It's 3:08 am as I type this entry. I'm sitting in a very quiet house enjoying the peace and pondering my future, the very near future and the not so very near future. I fly to Iowa in three hours to meet my brand new nephew for the first time. I'm very excited to see him, to hold him, to look into his sweet, innocent, pure eyes. I do love babies. I didn't go to sleep tonight. I've gotten into a routine of staying up very late recently but tonight I overdid it. I stayed up so late that now it's time for me to start getting ready to go to the airport...ooops. I'm cherishing the magnificent spring snow storm that we got today, actually the fluffies are still falling. I'm disappointed that I'll miss our company ski day tomorrow, Iowa is waiting. I am waiting to get to Iowa. This will be a great trip, different from any other trip I've taken there but then again no two are ever the same.

Those two are snoring over the television...tired kids.

Freedom is so close I can feel it, taste it. I'm nervous, anxious, almost apprehensive but giddy with anticipation at the same time. This is what I've labored for, to get here, and now here I am.

I'm off, off to shower, get ready for the trip, go to the airport. I'm off to meet my nephew, see old friends, and finish a book that's been opened for a long time. I'm off to have a good time, reminsce of the old days, and maybe drive a tractor or two. Oh and there's one last thing, I'm off to start a brand new book.

Saturday's hike...

was of superb awesomeness. There were awesome views, high spring temperatures and stellar company to be with.

Today...

Today I looked down at the dirt on the toes of my cycling shoes and remembered how it got there Tuesday night. I'm happy for today, happy for where I've been, happy for where I've come from, and most of all happy for where I am...today.

Today I felt the abrasion on the back of my leg sting and I remembered where I was when I got it Tuesday night. I'm happy for today, happy I'm not where I was then, happy I made it to the top and conquered, and most of all happy for where I am...today.

Under the Stars

Last night I wanted to give my newly purchased sleeping bag an opportunity to "do its thing" so I slept outside on the deck. There is something cleansing about sleeping outside (even if it is on your back porch). I woke up feeling warm (Marmot passed the test), refreshed, clear, happy, one could even say jubilant. I will sleep outside more often.


I also greeted the morning with a gigantic craving for a cola. On my commute in to work I stopped at Macey's for a soda, but I needed a can, cans only come in six packs...I purchased the six pack. At the checkstand I paid, loaded the Colas into my messenger bag and put my helmet back on. As soon as I walked out the door I could feel the weight of the sodas using the strap of my bag as a vehicle to cut off my air supply and stop the operation of my lungs....the things I'll do for a soda. Due to the "soda stop" I arrived at the office late and only had 10 minutes to shower; I did it, mission accomplished.

I feel good today.

Today's quote from Hugh Prather:

"It is enough that I am of value to somebody today."
-Hugh Prather

I got my pants back

and I'm wearing them today!!!

In case you were wondering...

-There is still approximately 4 feet of snow at the tippy top of Mt. Ogden Pass.

- The bathrooms are still buried

-The parking lot at the trailhead is inaccessable.

-Hard packed snow makes a great bike stand.

-Fences make a good bench if the snow is deep enough.

-If you are alone on a mountain pass in the dark someone is bound to stop and ask if you need help...even if you're looking cool as a cucumber while pondering the deep things in life.

-Downclimbs out of the canyon reach max speeds of 41.7 MPH.

-There is still sand on the road (not a stellar combination with aforementioned observation).

-Mt. Ogden Pass is a true canyon road and very much a steep uphill climb.

-I can accomplish difficult things.

A Quote for Today

"Very seldom will a person give up on himself. He continues to have hope because he knows he has the potential for change. He tries again - not just to exist, but to bring about those changes in himself that will make life worth living."
-Hugh Prather

Bitch took my jeans...

And no, they were not in "the box"

Edna is back! and happy St. Patrick's Day

I think spring may have arrived yesterday. I don't know what the high temperature was but it was WARM! This morning while preparing for the commute I realized that it was probably time to change up the morning riding attire...after all, it surely couldn't be 20 degrees out anymore. I checked the temp and it was already a balmy 43 degrees! I was able to ride in just my baselayer and windbreaker. How nice to not have extra heavy winter clothes to weigh me down on the ride home! As I type this at 9:44am it's already 54 degrees, I am totally in love with today.

Part of me doesn't want winter to end. After all, I love skiing but when the season changes so do lots of other things. Earth is reborn with the sounds and smells of spring, people are outside, my car hibernates in the driveway for months at a time, Edna gets the love she deserves, my cycling tan lines are accentuated (and they are oh so hot)...yeah, I guess I'm okay with spring.

In closing I'd like to wish everybody a Happy St. Patrick's Day! Have a beer, wear some green, and enjoy the day. This morning Cindy (a lady that I work with) brought me a homemade cinnamon roll with GREEN frosting! Of course it was delicious, as is everything that comes from her kitchen, thanks Cindy.

Thoughts on giving up and letting go...

Giving up and letting go, two very different things.

*Giving up, throwing in the towel, losing hope...I will not give up.

*Letting go, releasing unwanted and unneeded negativity, freeing yourself...I will let go.

Hands on Deck

By: Waking Ashland

All hands on deck

Don't abandon the ship

You'll never know what it could have been

All hands on deck my ship is sinking

Don't let me go, don't let me drown

A step to the right to your own rythm

And what comes next is up to you

And I need a miracle to save me from this

And I need the angels to all pray for me

I can't believe you

All hands on deck

Don't abandon the ship

You'll never know what it could have been

All hands on deck my ship is sinking

Don't let me go, don't let me drown

Another day, another worry breaks right through

And indecision bleeds me dry

She's painting pictures I'm not making for her

And she's got a vision without me in mind

I can't believe it

All hands on deck

Don't abandon the ship

You'll never know what it could have been

All hands on deck my ship is sinking

Don't let me go, don't let me drown

All hands on deck

Don't abandon the ship

You'll never know what it could have been

All hands on deck my ship is sinking

Don't let me go, don't let me drown

The long walks in the Moonlight Beach

The promises you could not keep

They're so contagious, you're so contagious

For all the world we did not see

And all the smiles you gave to me

They're so contagious, so very fake...

All hands on deck

Don't abandon the hsip

You'll never know what it could have been

All hands on deck my ship is sinking

Don't let me go, don't let me drown

And goodbye to you, goodbye to you, you

And goodbye to you, goodbye to you, you

Simplify

I know that I said in my previous post "Goals" that my following posts would be regarding my current goals. However the past few days I have had a word on my mind: SIMPLIFY. When a life is simplified and rid of clutter (be it material clutter or emotional, stressful clutter) room is made for vision, for joy, for dreams, and for love. The simple but vital needs to any soul. Aiming to simplify allows you to step out of your own cluttered world and see it from the outside looking in. It's mind-boggling how much potential is suddenly realized; in yourself, in life, in the world.

SIMPLIFY!!!

Soooo glad.....

that I found them:
OR

that they found me
*However you want to look at it.

Goals

I have thought much about goals recently as I have some very important and meaningful ones that I am working toward. Also, I have reflected on past goals, achievements, dreams and personal development. As a person I have come a long way but I am eager to continue learning more about myself and living my dreams. I believe goals, dreams and aspirations have a very large and important role in developing who we are. It is evident in all of my writing dating back to well before I graduated from high school, I always looked toward something...college, being a business woman, living on my own...there was always a vision and that motivated me to live, to grow, to achieve. As I have matured, seen more of the world, and gotten older my visions and goals have shifted and taken on a very different theme, one that is very energizing.






I remember the exact moment in time when I fell in love with Alaska. In Ms. Asby's 5th grade reading class we read a fictional novel about the Iditarod...I'm struggling for the title but can't remember a name. We read it in conjunction with the actual Iditarod and also studied Alaskan History that same month in Social Studies, I was hooked. Most years after that I followed the Iditarod independently and not as a homework assignment. 7 years later, I was 18 years old and found myself living in Utah amongst the great Rocky Mountains and 13 world class ski resorts. What else could I do but take up a snow sport? I began snowboarding. For two seasons I attempted to teach myself to snowboard every weekend, not much success. By the third season I was mediocre but also gained employement at Snowbasin, a ski resort. Throughout that winter my love of snow, mountains, and the outdoors swelled even more in turn making my craving for Alaska an insatiable desire.

Recently I've been lucky....honored....privileged...well, I can't come up with an adjective that seems adequate to describe just how fortunate I am, but by now you get the picture. I have always had opportunities to surround myself with really wonderful people. Matt and Lynn (a coworker/friend) are two of those people. While adventuring with Matt and Lynn I was introduced to their friends Dawn and John who are equally fantastic. Dawn is an Alaskan native and has had her own recent adventures there....sooooo jealous but also thankful for her willingness to share her truly awesome experiences there. I've got to go! One of my current goals.

There are several more big ones at the top of the list in my constant vision and thought. To give them each the attention they deserve I will write about them individually throughout the next few days. Until then keep dreaming and love life.

Missing her...

Best Monday...yes it's Monday and it's a good one.

Reasons why today is already great...and I've only been awake for an hour!

I woke up feeling GREAT (which is a bit of a surprise after my evening last night)

Those who love me left me breakfast treats and a note of love and care

I was greeted by a snow storm when I stepped outside this morning

I am listening to "Today Has Been OK" by Emiliana Torrini...latest iTunes purchase

Skiing was a lot of fun this weekend

*Notice the sticker on the helmet "HAIRDOO BY HELMET"

I get two ski days this week...more mountain, less office

Who couldn't be happy after sleeping in cozy heart pants?

*This picture is especially for Lynn, sorry I couldn't wear them to work I didn't think our international leaders would appreciate them the way they should be appreciated!

Random Ramblings

Today I have a million (and somewhat scattered) thoughts racing through my mind; goals both small and grand, recent challenges, even more recent victories, the boy, skiing, cycling, the smiling baby at the grocery store Monday, great friends, writing, good music....

I've forgotten how good this feels, how liberating to wake up in the morning and look forward to greeting the world. It's been a length of time since I've experienced this. At the risk of sounding cliche I must admit that challenges have given me a deeper appreciation for the sweeter times in life (like now for example).

I'm very much looking forward to skiing this weekend. I haven't been on my "A game" for several weeks now. Not since that blissful powder filled weekend when I hurt my legs. I feel like they are back to 100%. It will be good to have the mountain back under my feet and breathe the clean air up there. Also, I look forward to the good company that comes with skiing Snowbasin.

Then there's writing; my outlet, my talent, my love. I had neglected my beloved leather bound journal and favorite ball point pen for five long months. But I've wiped away the dust and gotten back into the groove. It energizes me to put beautiful words to paper, I love words. They can be powerful. I've rediscovered my old writing style (by old I mean dating back to high school and shortly thereafter). It's more artistic, more emotional, more fun, and beautiful.

Those are today's thoughts. Completely random, scattered, and probably unimportant to most. But they are mine and today I'm glad they are! Live life and love it.

Deep Thoughts...It's Happening Again

This seems to happen to me in the summer when I'm commuting on my bike and perhaps is one of the reasons I sincerely enjoy commuting.

What provokes these thoughts and feelings?
Is it the fresh air?
Warmer temperatures?
Physical activity stimulating the mind?
Fear of being hit by a car?

Most recently, I believe it was the weekend vacation that reset all of my sensors and centered me.


After spending the weekend surrounded by the spirit of the mountains and the outdoors I no longer feel like I'm hanging on for dear life:

I feel as though I am on top of the world and that I can conquer anything:

I have a deep appreciation for the little things in life. They inspire me. Yesterday while riding home from the store I passed a mother pushing a baby across the parking lot in a grocery cart. Mother was busy with life, checking off her overwhelming internal "to do" list and oblivious to me. The rosy cheeked infant, on the other hand, had his eyes locked in on me. When we made eye contact his puffy cheeks rose into a big smile, almost as if to say, "Hi." or "How are you doing?" or "I genuinely hope that you've had a good day today." If able, I wonder what he would have said......

Unplanned and 100% Success

I've had a goal and desire to get to southern Utah for over a year now and this weekend it was finally fulfilled and completely worth the wait. As a side note let me add that I don't intend to make this a trend...long drawn out goals that take years to acheive, except of course the ones that require years to acheive (Biking for Boobies).


Friday was naps from a very short Thursday night, two hours of work, talking to Bryce on the phone, and driving to St. George with Lynn and Matt. Friday ended with meeting John and Dawn, mexican food, and snuggling into a mummy sleeping bag.




Saturday began with baked apples and pottery talk, followed by sandals and socks (yes, at the same time), which lead to high elevations and dangerous cliffs. Then there was the gift shop with its t-shirts and post cards, the rock store with its shark teeth and dinosaur eggs. With dinner there was GPS confusion, sushi, and cold stone. At dinner there was loud laughter, pure enjoyment, and first time Calamari. Before bed there was bike talk, Captian Morgan, and milk.



Sunday came with sun and fruity "ball-shaped" cereal. There were missing husbands, pig tails, and decisions to be made (hiking or biking, biking or hiking??). Two departed by car, three departed by bicycle. Two drove to Kolob, three rode to Snow Canyon. On the ride there were 22 miles, speeds exceeding 37 miles per hour, trucks with black exhaust, and cyclists with middle fingers. Then there was the drive home which was napping, the Weakerthans, Waking Ashland, Straylight Run, Vadera, and junk food.


The weekend as a whole: there was zen, love, laughter, peace, happiness, contentment.

Over the weekend...

They:

went here:

and had a weekend that could be described with words like these:

stunning

striking

picturesque

scenic

delightful

charming

wonderful

exquisite

pleasing

magnificent

astonishing

astounding

remarkable

wonderful

incredible

marvelous

mind-blowing

...just to name a few.

*There is much more to follow on this post, this is just a teaser...please stay tuned.