Life is Good

2009-07-17T22:22:00.000-07:00

My Garden Rocks!

2009-05-31T19:44:00.000-07:00

I have been working really hard on my yard and garden this year. I spent the early spring putting in this garden and had the curbing done as a final touch. Thanks to my family for their help! The solar lights add a fun touch at night as the lights fade in and out of blue, green and red. Niko is learning that he's not welcome there, slowly but surely!

Vegas Baby!

2009-04-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to be able to meet my good friends Emma and Becca in Vegas for the weekend. We all worked together when I was living in Yuma, and it is quite possible that they saved my life and my sanity while I was there.

We had some great times together, so it was fun to 'reunite' and make more fun times! We went to the Blue Man Group- what a crazy bunch of freaks! That's the best way to put it! But it was entertaining. We ate well of course, and checked out some of the funner casinos on the strip. I love the Belagio and the Venetian. A little bit of beauty in a dirty city. And of course we got a game of Rummicub in by the pool. It was so great to soak up the sun! I was so happy I could have cried. I am in no way complaining about the sunburn! Oh- and poor Becca did all this while on crutches. What a tough chick! Can't wait to see them again next year in some other city.

A Pretty Great Aunt

2009-03-09T19:59:00.000-07:00

So my nephews are either really spoiled or really loved. But when my sis called me at 7:45 on Saturday morning in hysterics (not really, but the story sounds better) I couldn't turn her down. Actually it's Carter I couldn't turn down. It was winter camp day with the scouts and their leader had bailed on them at the last minute. TRAUMA!! Could I? Would I? Should I?... pretend to know anything about scouting and take Carter and his buddy up to Camp Tracy and try my hand at being a scout master? HA! Only because it's Carter, that's all I can say. (Well OK, I would have done it for any of my nieces or nephews just to maintain my title as the favorite aunt). Because of my great looks, lack of a beard, and lack of a root beer gut, I kinda stuck out. :)

I soon became known as

"favorite aunt" and even heard it chanted out as I went flying down a tubing hill at mock speed. LOL!

I must admit that I have been wanting to go snow shoeing all season. But did I want to do it in pure ice? Dragging a couple of 9 year olds by their mittened hands? No, not really. To add to it, Carter decided we were going to win the prize for collecting the most garbage. By the time we were done I looked like an ad for anti-littering. I couldn't have carried another shoe string, or gum wrapper. Did we win??? Naturally. We could have come back with just one frozen sock and won. Seems we were the only ones interested in preserving our mountains. But, Carter won a monster-size laffy taffy. That was loads of fun until it wasn't anymore. And again I found myself carrying the garbage. Only this time it was sticky, not frozen.

Carter learned to shoot a BB gun. I learned to pour hot chocolate with frozen hands. Carter shot and shot, but alas, I had to step in to help him hit the target just once. I lined it up yelled 'fire!' and *BING* we hit it! What a team.

Here's Carter with his friend Dallin. Good little Scouters!

It's Been A While!

2009-02-09T17:25:00.001-08:00

Well, I'm back in good ol' West Jordan. I have been for a couple months now actually. I just thought that everyone can see me all the time now, a blog might be kinda boring! And yes, my life is rather ordinary. But, Oh well! I'll show you all these pictures of my house. I am getting ready to sell it and these are my flier pics. The problem is, I think they look so good, I think that I would like to own a home like that. OOPS... I already do! Then I get all nervous about selling it.

You have to admit though, it is real pretty. Maybe I should hang onto it for awhile. Now I know you all are asking WHY I want to sell in the first place. I am just ready to move on. And move into something smaller and easier to take care of (especially the outside stuff). But I am finding that townhomes are so much money. (I'm a little picky of course).

I am open to anyone's opinion or advice on this! Obviously, the decision is ultimately mine to make, but I feel like this one is too big for me. As far as Yuma goes, I reached a lot of goals, I'm glad I went, and I'm glad to be home. Wherever home ends up being!

Dune Diving!

2008-11-13T17:34:00.000-08:00

Just a random picture I wanted to post of Emma and I

My good friend Becca.

It's a grueling climb to the top!

We're working on our yoga poses!

There are some really cool sand dunes just outside of Yuma. I drive by them on the way to San Diego and have always wanted to jump in them. But it's been too scorching hot. So now it's cooled some, I went out with Becca, Emma, Jason (Emma's husband) and their kids Brendan and Hannah. There is no better way to prove you are older than you thought than flying down a hill at break neck speed! I was nauseous for an hour afterwards!

2008-10-29T19:52:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

What I'm Up To

2008-10-13T20:14:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone. I don't want to brag but...the weather is beautiful here! So I have been taking advantage of the outdoors. My friend Becca and I went to Algodones, Mexico. She wanted to buy a sink. I know, how WEIRD! But then I got to looking at the sinks, and they are so pretty. I couldn't help but get one also. So here it is. Next time you see it, maybe it will be in my bathroom!

Then we decided to go hiking. We had heard about the hike to telegraph pass. A difficult hike, but only 3 miles. No problem we thought! It was actually pretty darn tough. Super steep. Like walking up the side of a skyscraper steep. OK, maybe I am dramatizing, but seriously my legs and lungs were screaming at me.

Here we are at the top! I'm surprised you can't see my thighs throbbing in the picture.

This is it. Notice the unrelenting little path leading straight up. And a bonus once you reach the top. A sign saying that there is a dangerous amount of radio waves in the area. So you work off a million calories, then get radiated for your efforts.

Theses two pictures are out of order, but I'm tired and just don't care right now. The numbers are my proof of the 5k I ran this weekend. I made it in a personal best time. I won't share it here, there's no reason to make you all laugh. It was a moonlight run, and quite fun. I did it with 2 co-workers.

A lame picture. But another thing I have enjoyed is riding my bike. The weather has cooled enough that I don't need to call the fire department to hose me down after a ride. I have REALLY enjoyed getting on the bike and just going. There are some nice rides here, and the roads are flat.

Well, back to the hike! Here's a pretty flowering cactus. The only flowering cactus along the whole path.

Becca and I tried this hike the week before. We took Niko with us, and it was quite a bit harder. Niko couldn't make it. He got a serious case of heat stroke. Poor dog was weaving back and forth all over the path crashing into us. If he could talk he would have said "Wake up you idiots! I'm black, it's stinking hot. Get me a slurpee now or I'm going to kill over." I finally clued in when he sat down, refused to move, and refused to drink. Come to find out he was attempting this hike with us while battling giardea. We saved him....barely! (notice his cute little shoes!)

I almost have to think someone set up this rock like this intentionally. Isn't it cute? Looks like the rock man on Never Ending Story. Or a transformer maybe.

How old do you think this cactus is? It's much taller than it looks here. Probably about 15 feet tall. It's the only one like it in the whole area. For some reason these kind just don't grow much here. It looked so brave and strong standing there!

Mom And Mel Come!

2008-09-26T20:23:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Julian California

2008-09-14T16:44:00.000-07:00

A friend from work told me about this place called Julian, tucked in the mountains between here and San Diego (kinda) and fun for a day visit. She didn't tell me that you have to drive through hell, literally, to get to it. I packed up Niko and set out innocently enough. I knew it was 2 1/2 hours. Too long really. But hey, what else do I have to do? Nothing!

This is the most desert of deserts I have ever driven through. I think Survivor Man should go and film a show there. Maybe though, it's too dangerous. No way out once you start. I even felt like I was in a Verizon Wireless commercial. You know, the dead zone ones, that are kinda creepy in their own way. The funny thing is, I really didn't have a cell phone signal, and began to wonder if I should switch to Verizon. Then I realized not even they would have service there. It's the dead zone of the planet. I'm certain of it. I was praying that the car would keep running, and pushing bad visions of Niko and I trying to walk out of the desert, me sometimes riding on his back, out of my mind. But look, here we are in the car both smiling! We are almost there and we feel as if we have conquered all bad things. But what about the drive home? We are in denial over that still!

Why the white dresses? This store was almost 100% imports from Peru. I love their beautiful hand knit items. I was in Chile and bought a sweater from a little ol' Peruvian lady. So I spent a lot of time in that store. It was just so much fun.

Of course, I also found a European bakery. How would I ever miss something so tempting. In a land full of apple pie (and I am not a fan of apple pie) I found eclairs!!! YES! And it was hard to choose between quiche, tiramisu, and other chocolate delights.

This picture of an old blind man does no justice to how awesome he really was. This guy had talent! And you could hear him up and down the street singing his patriotic songs. This pic is actually a video I took of him, but I couldn't figure out how to post it. I need to get my friend Jana to show me that one day!

Just Plain Yuma

2008-09-03T19:58:00.000-07:00

Laura tells me that my blog is lacking and I need to post something new. Guess what? There is nothing to post! But I am working on something coming up soon. I know, you all can't wait. Well, put your seat belts on because it will be quite a ride! In the meantime, I want all you friends and family to know that I am alive and kicking here. I have a gym membership here now and have really enjoyed going to the classes. Last night was Zumba. Anyone done it? I felt ridiculous but so did everyone else, so we all sweated and laughed and shook our hips together! It was fun. It is VERY humbling to dance in front of a full length mirror. So you think you can dance?! Umm,.... no sir, absolutely not.

Maryland Trip

2008-08-03T16:35:00.000-07:00

Mount Vernon

We went to see George Washington's estate, Mount Vernon. Here's Michelle, me, Shelby, Brett, Maddie, Dad and Mom in front of his mansion.

The grounds were beautiful. Acres of farms, fruit trees, animals, and the Potomac River in the background.

Bee Not Afraid

Steve and his bees. He geared mom and I up so we could get a close up view of the hives. Funny that every inch of my body is covered, and then I'm wearing flip flops! We managed without any stings. My mom and I are holding the queen bee which we marked so she would be easy to find in the future. I don't really get it, but I know that I love the honey!

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These are the lilly ponds where Steve keeps several bee hives. It's amazing to walk through the ponds and ponds filled cool flowers and lilly pads. Shelby found a turtle. Good thing it's little, it would have liked to get a chunk out of her!

We went to Ol' Mink Farm to go camping. Talk about luxury camping! We stayed in a huge cabin that made us forget we were even in the mountains. I'm not sure any of us will ever want to camp in a trailer or tent again! I liked getting filthy with my hiking, and smores and then going inside for a nice hot shower! We spent the days swimming, reading, hiking and eating, eating, eating. Yum! Look at Trevor! He is such a cute kid. I posted the one good picture I got of him, the one just before this was him giving me the Collings famous crusty. He is a natural at it. I can take no credit for teaching him, it's just in the genes!

The Potomac River is just across the street from Steve and Michelle's house. It's massively huge, slow moving, and shallow enough to walk across. All that makes for a fun place to play!

4th of July Weekend

2008-07-13T20:54:00.000-07:00

This is dog beach. Quite the experience! It was fun but one of those things you only need to experience once in life. Niko, of course, was in dog heaven. When let off the leash he went charging into the water and got hit with a big wave. I think he thought that was fun, and he went running in circles on the beach as if to celebrate. His first gulp of salt water seemed a shock to him though! I was reminded of 'Marley and Me' the book. Our experiences with our dogs on the beach were identical! And yes, Niko ended it with puking right in front of a poor unsuspecting woman. He was so sick after hours of playing that he just laid on the beach with this glazed over look. Ahh... a moment of peace for me! The other dog is a friend Niko made. His name is Bus. Very fitting!

We went to the San Diego zoo. I have always wanted to go, and it was fun. Really hot! We took the double decker bus tour and the ariel tram which allowed us to see a lot of the animals we wouldn't have had time for on foot. The gorilla foot is the best picture I could get of my little buddies. Oh well- I have pics of the real thing in Africa!

Nothing like being in Mexico on the 4th of July to make you proud to be an American! Here we are in Tiajuana. It was fun- we survived without any permanent damage. Unless you count the fact that I let the perfect purse slip through my fingers. I thought I would shop around and make sure I got the best purse at the best price. Naturally, it was gone when I went back. :(

One of the highlights of our trips was taking a small ferry boat to the island of Coronado. It was just so relaxing and beautiful. We had something to eat, shopped a little, and took the ferry back!

The San Diego Temple. Gorgeous!

Hell Hole of the West

2008-07-03T17:59:00.001-07:00

While Julia was here we also went to the Yuma Territorial Prison. I can't express in words how hot it was there! I thought if the prisoners didn't die from other causes, surley they would die of heat exhaustion. The prison was cool to see, but truly a miserable place.

This is inside the dark cell. It is a cell used for punishment. Prisoners were put in a five foot tall cage inside a cave. It was said to be cleaned only every 3 to 4 months. Imagine the stench! No where to pee but where you are standing. There were as many as 14 prisoners in the cell at a time.

Miserably hot, and tied down!

Julia and I. We think the prisoners must have sat around like this all day!

One of the nicer cell blocks. Others have several beds packed in, and lack much sunlight. The downfall of this one is the ring cemented in the floor. I guess these are the prisoners chained in their cells.

Let it be official: I am not the only one that thinks Yuma is a Hell Hole!

(Ok, Yuma isn't THAT bad!)

This picture makes the prison look like a paradise! This is the main watch tower.

A true ball and chain

A model replica of the Dark Cell. Can you imagine?

Emily is almost dead from heat stroke here. After she disappeared, we found her inside fanning herself and guzzling water! She thought she really had been to hell and back!

We Miss You

2008-07-02T19:52:00.001-07:00

I wanted to post Joni's cute nephews that she is missing so much.

Oh....and they are missing her too.

Julia Comes to Visit!

2008-07-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to have my good friend Julia come and visit last weekend. We were the most unholy of mission companions at one time, and still have tons of fun together. We are smiling in this picture, but actually on the verge of fainting from heat stroke!

Here's Julia, Emily, and I catching some rays and cooling off in the pool at my apartment. Who knew 3 women could fit on 2 noodles?

I am attempting to navigate the streets of Mexico here. We were all a little shook up to discover we were going the wrong way in a one-way. We entered in Mexicali, and drove around for way too long looking for the excitement. Although we had our hearts set on some good mexican food, a local assured us the Chinese food was where it's at. There were Chinese restaurants all over the place, so what could we do but go and eat there?

Ok, so I admit that my Spanish is failing me. Julia has done a great job of keeping up on hers. It was a running joke in Mexico that I was needing Julia to translate for me. So, in order to redeem myself I was determined to find out some directions from our waitress (yes, a Chinese waitress). As I am going off in my flawless Spanish, she stops me mid-sentence and says "Sorry, I speak very little English." Remember that I'm speaking Spanish? I stared at her a second, and then burst out laughing so hard I couldn't even get my composure. She just looked at me and walked off. I couldn't stop laughing for about an hour. Just the confirmation that I needed that my Spanish truly is leaving me! In this picture are Julia, Emily, me, Jen, and Diana. We didn't get directions, but at least the food was good!

Getting out of the country was a challenge. It took us about an hour. The temperature climbed to 125 degrees and we were roasting. Em bought a hat that covers both of us!

2008-06-26T16:43:00.000-07:00

I am so glad Emily is here with me! We are just really hoping that things work out for her to stay. It's been a stressful time as far as work goes, but we have fun on our off work times!

The wetlands park is close to us, and is so pretty. Niko isn't one for pictures, he's too excited about everything else going on around us.

Niko and I at the Colorado River. It's so warm, and not deep. It's a perfect spot for cooling off from the hot day. Niko needs to work on his swimming skills however, I had to go and rescue him once!

Pretty river scene as the sun is going down.

The sunsets here are beautiful. Here's me by the ponds- just before Niko went diving in head first behind me!

Sunny San Diego

2008-06-22T14:08:00.000-07:00

I have been just waiting for the right opportunity to go to San Diego. It was the perfect weather. Sunny skies, no wind. So beautiful. Emily and I spent all day on the beach. It was so relaxing and peaceful. I needed that in order to put my head on straight again after a very stressful week.

Luau

2008-06-08T16:58:00.000-07:00

We had a Luau on Saturday night. It was fun with lots of people. Swimming, hot tubbing, volleyball, pineapple bowling, and beautiful surroundings. Here I am in a self portrait trying to look Hawaiian. Some friends Ryan and Sam are sharing a bench that is much too small for them. I found this chair under the beach umbrella and parked myself there most of the night. It worked out good for me. People stopped by to chat, then left, and more came in! In this one I am with Erin, Miriam, and Ben. The hot tub limit was supposed to be four people. That didn't really hold out, and yes, they ended up blowing out the fuse. Whoops! At the table are a girl I don't know, Chloe, a girl who's name I forgot, Ryan, and Justin. You can see some of the pretty landscape behind them.

Yuma Sky

2008-06-08T16:25:00.001-07:00

I love the palm trees here. They draw your eyes away from the desert earth!

I was on this innocent bike ride, minding my own business when I came upon this pink flamingo the size of a house! I laughed so hard seeing this. I had to get a photo with it. I was just praying a mad dog wouldn't come out and attack me. That's quality Yuma-ville right there!

It's nice biking territory if you go early enough to beat the heat. Fields and fields of.... something.

Move in Day!

2008-06-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

Here's move in day! Niko is exhausted, leaving me to do all the work

My Oh so lovely kitchen

The living area. My computer now graces that empty corner

The bedroom. I dismantled all of this and made it more 'me'.

Alive in Yuma!

2008-05-29T18:24:00.000-07:00

Welcome To My Blog!

This is my first blogging experience so don't judge me! Hopefully my skills will get better- but this is a start! I'm in Yuma, Arizona now and thought this would be a good way to show family and friends what life is like in hell! OK- Just kidding, it's not that bad. Niko and I have been in a hotel for 2 weeks and we are TIRED of it! In two days we will be moving in to our new place. Can't wait! My mom drove down with me and helped me to survive the initial shock of moving here. She's got the good pictures of the area, and the ride down which I will post later. I was too self-involved at the time to really care about the views! So my pictures are pitiful, but I'll do better!

Niko and I have spent A LOT of time on this patch of green grass next to the hotel. He has been so good putting up with this move. I try and let him out as much as possible. The other picture is a flowering bush. I know, it's exciting. But they are all over, and I think they are so pretty. So this entry is basically a test. More to be posted later!